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SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

Thousands in HK mark Tiananmen crackdown

Yoga guru’s political foray has India in a roil

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Li Na wins French Open, first major for Chinese

Mystery deepens over E. coli poisoning

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Injured Saleh accepts Saudi treatment offer King Abdullah brokers new truce • Tense lull in Sanaa

US hit kills top Qaeda commander ISLAMABAD: A US drone strike killed a senior AlQaeda figure in Pakistan after a tipoff from local intelligence, a Pakistani intelligence official said yesterday. The elimination of Ilyas Kashmiri, regarded as one of the most dangerous militants in the world, appeared to be another coup for the United States after American special forces killed Osama bin Laden in a garrison town close to Islamabad on May 2. Islamabad’s cooperation in the killing could help repair ties with Washington, badly damaged when it was Ilyas Kashmiri discovered that bin Laden had apparently been living in Pakistan for years.

“We are sure that he (Kashmiri) has been killed.

Now we are trying to retrieve the bodies. We want to get photographs of the bodies,” said the Pakistani intelligence official. Kashmiri was wrongly reported to have been killed in a Sept 2009 strike by a US drone.

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Yemeni anti-government protesters, holding a defaced poster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, shout slogans during a demonstration calling for his ouster in Sanaa yesterday. (Inset) In this March 27, 2007 file photo, Saudi King Abdullah meets Saleh before an Arab summit in Riyadh. — AFP/AP

Max 44º Min 31º Low Tide 07:59 & 20:50 High Tide 03:10 & 13:03

SANAA: Yemen’s injured president accepted an offer from the Saudi king to travel there for medical treatment for burns and wounds from a splintered pulpit blown apart in a rebel rocket attack, but had not yet left Sanaa by yesterday night. “Saleh is expected to come to Saudi Arabia tonight for treatment for neck and chest wounds,” a source in Riyadh, who asked not to be named, told Reuters. A flurry of conflicting reports about President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s whereabouts and condition spread through the Middle East late yesterday after Yemeni government officials and opposition tribal leaders reported that Saudi King Abdullah had mediated a ceasefire in the raging conflict in Yemen, intervening to tamp down what has become an all-out military conflict on his southern border. The capital and other areas of Yemen grew quiet for the first time in days after dawn yesterday.

It is not clear who would govern Yemen if, indeed, Saleh left a country Western governments view with concern as a major base for operations by Al-Qaeda. The prime minister, two deputy prime ministers and the speakers of both parliamentary chambers are being treated in Riyadh for injuries. Leaving Yemen at a time of such instability, even for medical care, could make it hard for Saleh to retain power and be seen as the first step in a transfer of leadership.

“The rocket was devastating. It was a clear assassination attempt against the president,” said Abdulla Ali AlRadhi, Yemen’s ambassador to the United Kingdom. The BBC reported that the attack left Saleh with shrapnel near his heart and second-degree burns to his chest and face. It said sources close to the president had told the broadcaster that Saleh had a piece of shrapnel almost 7.6 cm long under his heart.

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Syrian tanks reach Hama as burials draw 100,000 BEIRUT: Syrian tanks rolled toward a tense central city mourning the deaths of dozens of protesters, reaching the outskirts late yesterday, hours after a funeral procession through streets lined with shuttered shops and uniformed security forces drew more than 100,000, witnesses said. The government lifted its stranglehold on the Internet, which has been key to motivating people to join the 11-week uprising, but the crackdown that has left over 1,200 dead since March did not relent: Troops killed at least six protesters in the northern town of Jisr AlShughour, according to the Local Coordination Committees, which helps organize and document the protests calling for an end to the regime of President Bashar Assad.

Syria’s state-run news agency, SANA, said “armed criminal groups” attacked several police stations in Jisr Al-Shughour, killing two

policeman. It said the attackers captured weapons from the stations. The Syrian government blames armed gangs and religious extremists for the violence. More than 70 protesters were killed across Syria on Friday, in what appeared to be among the largest demonstrations yet in the country. At least 65 of those were in Hama, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The tanks at the entrance to Hama caused new alarm. The city rose up against Assad’s father in 1982, only to be crushed by a threeweek bombing campaign that killed thousands, memories of those days are still raw.

“Dozens of tanks are reaching the southern outskirts of the city,” said an activist who lives in a nearby town. “They will probably lay a siege then storm Hama.” A Hama resident confirmed tanks reached the outskirts of the city. He said

NATO attack choppers target Gaddafi forces TRIPOLI: British and French attack helicopters were used to strike inside Libya for the first time overnight yesterday, hitting targets in the oil port of Brega as NATO forces stepped up their air war against Muammar Gaddafi. A NATO-led military alliance extended its mission to protect civilians in Libya for a further 90 days this week, and France said it was stepping up military pressure as well as working with those close to Gaddafi to try to persuade him to quit. “This was the first operational mission flown by British Army Apaches at sea,” British Secretary of State for Defence Liam Fox said. “The additional capabilities now being employed by NATO further reinforces the UK’s enduring commitment and NATO’s determination to... ensure that the people of Libya are free to determine their own future.”

Military analysts say attack helicopters will allow more precise strikes against pro-Gaddafi forces hiding in built-up areas than the high-flying jets used so far, while reducing the risk of civilian casualties. But given the vulnerability of helicopters to ground fire, their deployment also increases the risk of Western forces suffering their first casualties of the campaign.

Speaking in the rebel-held eastern city of Benghazi, the head of the rebel council

Mustafa Abdel Jalil welcomed NATO’s deployment of attack helicopters. “We welcome any measures that would expedite the departure of Gaddafi and his regime,” he told reporters in the eastern rebel stronghold of Benghazi, where British Foreign Secretary William Hague later arrived for talks with council members. Critics of the war have warned of “mission creep” but NATO has said the use of helicopters would not presage the deployment of ground troops, which Western nations have ruled out.

Now in its fourth month, the Libyan conflict is deadlocked, with rebels unable to break out of their strongholds and advance towards Tripoli, where Gaddafi appears to be entrenched. Rebels control the east of Libya around Benghazi and the Western Mountains stretching from the town of Zintan, 150 km south of Tripoli, towards the border with Tunisia.

Rebel fighters repelled an attack by Gaddafi’s forces against one of their checkpoints on the eastern edges of the rebel-held city of Misrata yesterday, a Reuters journalist there said. One rebel was killed and another was wounded in the clashes, medical workers said.

Gaddafi’s forces also shelled Nalut, injuring at least ten people, a rebel Continued on Page 13

he had not yet seen them, but others had. “May God protect us,” the man said, his voice shaking. The Local Coordination Committees says at least 1,270 people have been killed and more than 10,000 arrested since the uprising began in March.

The move toward Hama could mean that the army is preparing for a major operation there, similar to offensives in other areas in the past weeks such as the southern city of Daraa, the coastal city of Banias and the central town of Rastan where operations are still under way.

After noon prayers - and before the arrival of the tanks - tens of thousands of people streamed out of mosques carrying coffins of the dead and headed toward the two main cemeteries, said Rami Abdul-Rahman, the rights group’s director.

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New drug reduces breast cancer risk CHICAGO: Millions of women at higher-than-usual risk of breast cancer have a new option for preventing the disease. Pfizer Inc’s Aromasin cut the risk of developing breast cancer by more than half, without the side effects that have curbed enthusiasm for other prevention drugs, a major study found. It was the first test in healthy women of newer hormone-blocking pills called aromatase inhibitors, sold as Arimidex, Femara and Aromasin, and in generic form.

They’re used now to prevent recurrences in breast cancer patients who are past menopause, and doctors have long suspected they may help prevent initial cases, too.

Prevention drugs aren’t advised for women at average risk of breast cancer. Those at higher risk because of gene mutations or other reasons already have two choices for prevention - tamoxifen and raloxifene. But these drugs are unpopular because they carry small risks of uterine cancer, blood clots and other problems. “Here’s a third breast cancer prevention drug that may in fact be safer,” said Dr Allen Lichter, chief executive of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The study was discussed yesterday at the society’s annual meeting in Chicago, along with another one that could change care for thousands of women each year with breast cancer that has spread to lymph nodes. It found that giving radiation to the armpit - not just the breast - after surgery significantly lowered the chances the cancer would come back.

The prevention study involved 4,560 women from the US, Canada, Spain and France.

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HOLLYWOOD, California: People attend a demonstration to ask for freedom in Syria in front of the CNN building Friday. — AFP

Maradona slams FIFA ‘dinosaurs’ DUBAI: Corruption and match-fixing scandals that have undermined FIFA will continue as long as the sport’s governing body is run by “dinosaurs”, football great Diego Maradona claimed yesterday. The Argentine, in Dubai to sign a two-year contract to coach local Al Wasl club, said the sport’s governing body had been badly run over the years. He attacked Wednesday’s re-election of President Sepp Blatter “who has never kicked a football” and what he called the “arrogance” of all its executives. “When you have so much power, you can do so many stupid things as is happening in FIFA,” Maradona said. “Every day, there is corruption, match fixing scandals. This is not football. We are not talking about football here. This is not something that people who watch football deserve.”

Maradona said it was “no surprise” that Blatter was re-elected to a fourth four-year term, saying the 75-year-old Swiss and other executives will remain in office for as long as they can.

“Unfortunately in FIFA, we have a museum, a big museum,” he said. “They are dinosaurs who don’t want to give up power,” Maradona said. “ This Blatter being re-elected, that is not something unique. People like us know what is

going on.” He did not elaborate.

Maradona is the latest big name player or football executive to take aim at FIFA, which has seen its credibility Continued on Page 13

DUBAI: Former Argentina player and national team coach Diego Maradona waves during a press conference to present him as the head coach of Al Wasl Football Club yesterday. — AP

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Ministry reinstates ‘troublemaking’ student KUWAIT: An elementary student who was dismissed from his public school over allegations that he made statements demeaning to Kuwait and calling for public revolutions to take place locally, has been reinstated less than 24 hours after the story made its way to the press and gained nation-wide attention.

Ten-year-old Bassem Mohammad Fathi had reportedly been sacked and banned from studying at any public school in Kuwait following a controversy after he asked his teacher about revolutions in Kuwait, which reports suggested was misunderstood. The Egyptian student’s father, a Kuwait University academic, was notified on Friday by the Ministry of Education’s legal department where he appealed the decision, that his son has been reinstated at his school and can resume taking exams as normal.

The subject has garnered public attention as well as reactions from activists and lawmakers, with MP Marzouq Al-Ghanim urging Minister of Education and Higher

Education Ahmad Al-Mulaifi in a statement to reinstate the student immediately, while MP Hassan Jowhar describing the decision to deprive the student of education as “an unforgivable mistake”.

Meanwhile, a source within the education ministry has given a more detailed story regarding the subject to the local press, saying that the decision to dismiss the student came following several problems created by the same student. “The decision wasn’t taken simply because the kid asked his teacher about revolutions in Kuwait... the ministry understands the way children are likely to react regarding what they see in TV and it can’t dismiss a student for talking about revolutions in the Arab World... the decision was taken following several incidents in which the student talked badly about Kuwait and inflicted minor injuries to a classmate who previously confronted him over the subject”, the source said, adding that the student’s father is aware of his child’s record.

Reconciliation between premier, deputy doubtful NA to discuss country’s financial state KUWAIT: Five lawmakers have reportedly requested to meet His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad AlSabah in an attempt to mend the rift between him and Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.

Officials believe that the road to reconciliation between the premier and his deputy ‘has reached a dead end,’ adding that an intervention from the state’s leadership is the only remaining option after all other attempts have failed to achieve any positive signs that could lead to the relationship’s restoration.

Meanwhile, officials believe that the premier reportedly told his deputy that the problem he faces is with the lawmakers themselves. To which, Al-Fahad replied that he had persuaded MPs to change their stance.

Moreover, officials who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that Al-Fahad had asked Sheikh Nasser to tell him if he has a

problem with him. The premier rejected that notion. Officials believe that Al-Fahad probably has no other choice but to resign if the situation remains unchanged.

This is especially the case since the Parliament’s legislative committee made a decision on the constitutionality of his grilling motion, reported Al-Qabas.

Meanwhile, MP Dr Faisal Al-Mislem stated in a recent press statement that the memorandum filed by Al-Fahad on his request to send the grilling motion to the legislative committee, contains additional remarks that were not mentioned during the session, AlJarida reported. This proves “the government’s approach in finding ways out to escape from questioning.”

On a separate issue, the Cabinet is expected to request for a confidential parliamentary session to discuss the country’s financial state, an official with knowledge of the situa-

tion said. The discussions will focus on the country’s general financial situation, which the source describes as ‘good.’ At the same time, it indicates that Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shamali is expected to talk about oil revenues’ exhaustion owing to increasing government expenses.

Separately, a joint committee from the Parliament’s financial and educational panels is expected to discuss the proposed amendments on the teachers’ allowances law, reported Al-Watan.

In a recent statement, the Kuwait Teachers Society(KTS) has condemned the events that took place during last Wednesday’s session of the Parliament. It was supposed to enforce the proposed allowances for teachers, reported Al-Rai. The KTS Chairman Meteb Al-Otaibi said that the lack of quorum caused the session to be called off. It ‘sends a negative message’ to teachers.

Local Spotlight

The threat of E coli

By Muna Al-Fuzai

muna@kuwaittimes.net

K

KUWAIT: The Italian ambassador to Kuwait Enrico Granara held a reception at the embassy building recently to mark the 150th anniversary of the Italian unification. The event was attended by undersecretary of Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry Khalid Al-Jarallah and other dignitaries. — Photos by Jospegh Shagra

6,090 traffic citations issued over the weekend KUWAIT: The Traffic Department raided at least six governorates over the weekend that resulted in the issuance of 6,090 traffic citations.

At least 457 vehicles were impounded. In the Capital governorate, at least 968 citations were issued and 24 vehicles were seized. In the Farwaniya governorate, at least 819 citations were issued and 42 vehicles were impounded.

Meanwhile, in the Hawally governorate, 1,900 citations were issued and 57 vehicles were seized. In the Ahmadi governorate, at least 726 citations were issued and 70 vehicles were detained. In the Mubarak Al-Kabeer governorate, 88 citations were issued and 12 vehicles were seized.

In the Jahra governorate, 364 citations were issued. The Control Room and the Traffic Department recorded that at least 1,225 traffic citations were issued and 252 vehicles were detained. The Traffic department urges all citizens and expats to abide by traffic laws and avoid penalties.

Bromide content high in tap water KUWAIT: The Ministry of Electricity and Water(MEW ) has reportedly enlisted the services of an internationally renowned expert to carry out a battery of tests on the purity of tap water in Kuwait. A local activist reiterated that the desalinated water supplied to local homes are unsuitable for human consumption, worsening growing fears among consumers.

‘The MEW has never denied that levels of the carcinogenic substance, bromide, has increased in tap water, but has only attempted to undermine its seriousness,’ Ghadeer Al-Saqabi Secretary General of the Renewable Energy Development Organization (REDO) said.

He noted that test results on 350 random samples taken by the

Kuwait Municipality has proved that the bromide levels in them exceed permissible rates, reported AlWatan. Meanwhile, environmental expert Dr Shukri Al-Hashem said that the bromide content is normal in sea water, and that itís level could have elevated in tap water due to an abrupt increase in the use of bromine chloride instead of chlorine in desalination process.

Are gatherings of citizens democratic?

Minister suggests street renaming standards

KUWAIT: The citizens gathering in determination at Safat Square during what they called ìWeek of Angerî has been reflected on the streets and created a question, whether those gatherings are favored by the majority of citizens and whether naming special places for those gatherings provoke democracy and free speech.

The constitution court had ruled two years ago that gathering law is not constitutional, since it was made in the absence of the N.A. Council. Article 44 of the constitutional gave full right of gathering as explained by constitution experts.

Musharies Thamer, a citizen said that the state has reached a dangerous curve due to what is happening in those protests.

This escalation which is being done by some MPs who failed to do what they wanted through the constitutional tools resorted to ask people for weekly protests.

Thamer added that growth in the state has stopped due to escalations and grillings. He charged some MPs are using the street for protest to support their interests indirectly, reported Al-Shahed.

KUWAIT: Names selected for streets in Kuwait should belong to personalities who left a great impression on Kuwait’s history or Arab and Muslim nations. His Highness the Amir’s approval should also be sought before the new names are officially enforced.

This was mentioned as part of ten-point street renaming standard proposed by Dr Fadhel Safar, Minister of Public Works and State Minister of Municipality Affairs in a letter sent to the Minister of Cabinet Affairs Ali Al-Rashid. The Cabinet should react to street-naming proposals from the Municipal Council.

A Cabinet decision made in April 2010 has suspended the guidelines through which the Municipal Council renames public streets, it was made, much to the chagrin of the Council members. When the decision was made, numbers were preferred instead of names in order to refer to public streets. Dr Safar has since suggested that the street’s number be mentioned between parenthesis in addition to names on street signs, reported, Al-Qabas.

The standards suggested also include avoiding names that cause disrepute, as well as avoid duplicity while naming streets.

Kuwaiti charity projects in Darfur KHARTOUM: A Kuwait Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs delegation departed Sudan’s capital Khartoum yesterday after inspecting several Kuwaiti charity projects in Darfur.

The delegation had also met with a number of Sudanese officials including the Sudanese Awqaf Minister Azhari Al-Tijani, a presiden-

tial advisor and Hajj and Umra pilgrimage tour companies, according to the acting Charge d’Affaires at the Kuwaiti Embassy in Khartoum, Khaled Al-Harbi.

The delegation carried out a field visit of an area in South Sudan, to inspect a number of educational establishments and Quran recital

centers set up by the Kuwaiti charity organizations. The ministry officials visited other regions in the province to determine other areas requiring assistance, he added.

Al-Harbi expected the time to come to usher in many more forms of cooperation between the two countries. — KUNA

uwait, like many other countries in the world, imports most of its commodities. Everything from needles to cars as well as clothes to food is imported. Food is man’s most basic need. Whatever goes into the stomach, if toxic, can cause death. If one stops wearing a certain brand of clothing, it does not affect much. When one eats poisoned food, there might be no way out. This is especially the case, if you do not know the source of the threat. A new, toxic strain of E coli now poses a threat to us. E coli is short for the medical term Escherichia coli - a type of bacteria that can be found in food items like beef and vegetables. I advise everyone to read up more about this. This is the latest addition, as if we do not have enough troubles already!

Now , it is obvious we have to think more about this bacteria and the possible damage it can inflict on us.

Experts say heat can destroy E coli. They recommend that beef be cooked thoroughly.

Washing vegetables properly before consumption is one way to ensure that you will not end up in hospital with vomiting and diarrhea. No one wants to land up in hospital at this time of the year. I believe E. coli poisoning is dangerous if it is not dealt with quickly in the hospital. Doctors should be aware of it. I believe the Ministry of Health should study the situation more carefully. Those who exhibit symptoms commonly have diarrhea and should not be sent home until some blood tests are taken to prove that he is clear of any infection.

This could pose a threat to his/her life and others. The UAE and Russia banned the import of all produce from the European Union and the Kuwaiti government should follow suit. Should we wait for people to fall ill and die?

I agree with all the MPs who have called for implementing more stringent methods to stop the import of all food stuff from countries where the outbreak was first detected. I think that people do not know much about this bacteria. They are entitled to know what it is and what action should be taken.

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Pressure mounts on govt to ban vegetable imports E Coli outbreak in Europe

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: The local media has been reporting extensively on a purported ban placed on the import of cucumbers and tomatoes from Germany and Spain owing to a toxic strain of E Coli outbreak. At the time of writing, Kuwait has not officially banned any vegetables imported from these countries or other European Union countries. To approve a ban on the import of any product, confirmed information must be received from a trustworthy source.

The Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) is the authority in charge that looks into such matters. According to Shakir Awadh, Director of Public Relations at PAAAFR, no official confirmation has been received.

“We are observing the situation with the World Health Organization ( WHO). They are providing us with the news on the issue of E Coli in infected European countries, and we are waiting for a repor t that includes the names of the countries where the outbreak has occurred, and a classification of contaminated vegetables. Based on this report we will issue a list of the countries that have been banned to export vegetables to Kuwait,” he told the Kuwait

KUWAIT: The Jordanian Ambassador Jumma Al-Abbady held a reception last Wednesday night at the JW Marriott in honor of the visiting Jordanian Minister of Tourism Dr Haifa Abu Ghazaleh. It was attended by Sheikha Fariha Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and a large number of dignitaries.

—Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

MPs sign petition for Gitmo detainees’ release KUWAIT: At least 35 members from the Parliament have signed a petition urging the United States government to release Kuwaiti detainees incarcerated at the Guantanamo Bay prison, reported Al-Watan.

The petition, prepared by attorney Duwaim Al-Muwaizri who represents detainees, was signed by Parliament Speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi and deputy Abdullah Al-Roumi. The attorney condemned in a recent statement, remarks

made by the American Ambassador to Kuwait, in which he says that she described the Kuwaiti detainees as “dangerous to Kuwait and the United States.”

Al-Muwaizri fur ther urged the Cabinet and Parliament to resume discussion on Kuwaiti Gitmo detainees’ subject at the National Assembly, “in order to come up with recommendations that protect the rights of [imprisoned citizens].”

Times yesterday.

“Basically, the ban will include cucumbers and tomatoes. We have heard about seven European countries being infected with the dangerous bacteria, thereby the WHO’s report will assure the exact and correct information.

We cannot announce any country’s name unless definite facts from WHO are received,” concluded Awadh.

Reacting to this issue, several lawmakers demand that the government take measures to prevent an E Coli bacteria outbreak in Kuwait, calling for a ban to be placed on importing food items from European countries.

“The government is required to take the responsibility of protecting the safety of citizens and residents, by making a decision

MoH to open cancer diagnosis centers KUWAIT: Dr Qais Al-Duwairi, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health announced the start of several specialized medical centers for diagnosis and early detection for cancer diseases. He said that there are six medical centers, one in each governorate, the first of which in the capital governorate.

He said that those centers will be fully equipped with the latest technical equipments for diagnosis, like different kinds of X-Ray and lab tests equipments. AlDuwairi further pointed that Minister of Health Dr Hilal Al-Sayer has ordered special follow up for all cancer related diseases.

He added that he had a meeting with a Toronto University team at Hussain Makki Al-Jumae Hospital and such meetings will be held on monthly basis to follow up what has been achieved and discuss obstacles and find means to facilitate work while the hospital team is in Kuwait, reported Al-Anba.

to stop food imports from the European Union,” said MP Mubarak Al-Khurainej.

He called for a similar decision to be made by Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the outbreak killed at least 20 people in some European countries. Fur thermore, AlKhurainej demanded that the M inistr y of Commerce and Industry inspects fruit and vegetable stocks in local markets periodically. The M inistr y of Health also performs a medical checkup on passengers arriving from Europe.

Meanwhile, MP Dr Ali AlOmair asserted that the government take necessary measures to avert a possible occurrence of outbreak here following confirmed news received on the

seriousness of E coli outbreak.

MP Askar Al-Enizy demanded that a prompt decision be made to stop fruit and vegetable imports from Europe.

In the meantime, MP Ali AlDeqbasi said that he is ‘surprised’ that the government still has not banned food imports from countries where the infection was detected.

Commenting on the report, Fadi Al-Ahmad Economic and Commercial O fficer of the Embassy of the K ingdom of Netherlands told the Kuwait Times that that vegetables do not cause E Coli problems in Germany. “The Dutch produce are not infected. So I see no justification in imposing any import ban on Dutch vegetables,” he stated.

Most MPs ‘propitiate’ while voting KUWAIT: Husain Al-Huraiti, Parliament’s Legislative Committee Chairman will make his decision on the constitutionality of Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad’s grilling motion. It will be based on the results of the panel’s investigations report, as per his constitutional beliefs.

Al-Huraiti, the lone parliament member who abstained from voting on referring the development and housing’s minister’s grilling motion to the legislative committee during last Tuesday’s session, further indicated that the reason why he took that stance was to ensure neutrality given his position as chairman of the committee. Al-Fahad

made his request verbally and not in written form.

During a recent interview with Al-Rai TV, Al-Huraiti said that the majority of MPs ‘propitiate’ while voting or make other decisions inside the Parliament, reported Al-Rai. He further reasserted that the legislative committee’s report regarding the constitutionality of AlFahad’s grilling is not binding, that is, it is only effective if it is passed by a majority in the Parliament during the voting process after it is finished.

Meanwhile, Al-Huraiti announced that he supports Kuwaiti youth in their quest to hold demonstrations to demand the Cabinet’s dissolution.

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Illegal residents urged to avail of Amiri amnesty Grace period expires on June 30

KUWAIT: A file photo from last year’s pearl diving trip.

Pearl diving trip next month KUWAIT: The pearl diving trip, an annual event held by the Kuwait Sea Sports Club (KSSC) to reminisce the most pivotal business expeditions in the pre-oil era of Kuwait’s his-

Maj Gen Fahd Al-Fahd

tory, returns in its 23rd year during the period between July 14 and 23 featuring participation of two fleets of historical ships gifted by the late Amir His Highness Sheikh Jaber AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

In a statement made recently to the press, KSSC Chairman Maj Gen Fahd Al-Fahd noted that the event’s period was selected to take place during the period between the end of the final exams of all high school stages, and before the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan which starts late July. “The KSSC is honored to receive the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for the event which immortalizes the memory of our forefathers and connects the young generations with their nation’s history”, Al-Fahd said.

Kuwaiti youth aged between 15 and 20 who wish to participate in the 23rd Pearl Diving Trip can start registering today at the sea heritage committee of the KSSC.

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior(MoI) has urged illegal residents to avail of the Amiri amnesty that will expire on June 30. They have been asked to make early reservations in order to avoid running out of time. This is because the period coincides with the travel season in which both border checkpoints and airports are usually crowded.

The Amiri amnesty, which was enforced in March, allows expatriate residents who violate residence permits laws to leave the country without paying fines to avoid being blacklisted. This will allow them to return to Kuwait in future.

Residents can still legalize their residence status, but are required to pay fines before residence permits are renewed. In a statement made to the press, Maj Gen Abdullah Al-Rashid Assistant Undersecretary for Citizenship and Passports Affairs clarified that waiting until the deadline nears before making use of the amnesty

able success that attracted thousands of visitors.

Al-Duhaim said that this year’s exhibition will meet with unprecedented success, due to the large number and quality of participating companies. This is in addition to the timing, holding the event just before the start of Ramadan.

Participants will exhibit all kinds of food items: locally-made and imported canned food, dairy products, meat, fish and basic goods like vegetable oil, rice and necessary special goods for the holy month of Ramadan. This includes all kinds of kitchen ware, glassware and aluminum ware. AlDuhaim said that exhibition is still open to more participants to join this great event.

Moroccan intellectuals commend Kuwait’s cultural role AL-MOHAMMEDIA, Morocco: Several Moroccan intellectuals and writers lauded here yesterday Kuwait’s pioneering role in supporting Arab writing, encouraging intellectuals and disseminating Arab and world culture.

Speaking on the sidelines of KuwaitiMoroccan Cultural Days, held here on June 17, Morocco’s chief writer Abdel-Rahim AlAllam lauded Kuwait’s cultural openness, buoyed by democracy and freedom in the country.

Kuwait and Morocco share the same cultural and historical values, he said, hailing Kuwait’s relentless support for freedom of expression and publishing houses, he extolled.

He pointed to several joint initiatives for bolstering and consolidating cultural and intellectual cooperation between Kuwait and Morocco.

Other intellectuals highlighted Kuwait’s key role in the revitalization of cultural, intellectual, literary, artistic, media and creative activities in the Arab world.

In this respect, they highly appreciated the great role played by Kuwait’s Al-Arabi magazine in the spreading of culture.

Al-Arabi is a monthly Arabic magazine that focuses mainly on culture, literature, art, politics, society, and economics of the Arab world. The first edition was published in December 1958, seeking to propound the ideology of Pan-Arabism. — KUNA

Maj Gen Abdullah Al-Rashid

KTS urges minister to defend teachers’ rights

Stage set for foodstuff, kitchenware exhibition KUWAIT: More than 100 companies and specialized commercial organizations will participate in Ramadan Exhibition for foodstuff and kitchenware. It is being organized

by Kuwait International Fair Company at Mishref Fair grounds during July 17 to 29 July, 2011.

Basima Al-Dhuhaim, Marketing and Sales Director at Kuwait International Fair Company said that the organizers have almost completed the preparations necessary for the grand exhibition, which is being held before the start of Ramadan for the past 15 years. The exhibition is considered one of the most successful ones, specialized in food and kitchen ware. It includes major companies and has achieved remark-

can create an offender to lose the chance to make reservations since the start of the school summer break at the end of June. It usually signals the start of the busy traveling season.

Moreover, Maj Gen Al-Rashid warned that missing the chance to make use of the amnesty period before the deadline expires is subject to a series of legal procedures that includes pursuit and arrest, followed by fine payment, deportation and blacklisting.

The senior ministry official further urged employers to cooperate by enabling workers to obtain their passports and other rights. He indicated that domestic workers who cannot access their travel documents can head to the Identification Department of the Capital governorate in Sharq.

This is in order to obtain a fingerprint identification that can be used to receive new passports from their respective embassies.

Ahmad Al-Mulaifi

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Teachers’ Society is demanding that Minister of Education and Higher Education Ahmad Al-Mulaifi comes clear with his intentions regarding the allowances that they are proposing, which are yet to be passed by the parliament while the government already has plans to approve an allowance which creates less financial burden to the government.

“Al-Mulaifi must put in mind the fact that there is a huge difference between criminal or misdemeanor cases in which an attorney defends a defendant in court, and an educational case in which a minister defends the rights of teachers in whose hands lies the future of the nation”, read a

statement from the KTS made available recently to the press.

The KTS further expressed “perplexity” from the minister’s recent stances in regards to connecting between eligibility to allowance and a teacher’s performance, which they say contradict with his initial commitment made through the media and press in which he promised to give the KTS serious consideration. The society also said that the minister’s decisions must be influenced by the Cabinet’s collective policies, as well as the “complicated situation” in the educational scene which is filled with various issues that need to be addressed.

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Two traffic dept officials in custody for license forgery KD 16,000 collected through illegal operations KUWAIT: Investigators recently arrested two staff members from the Capital Traffic Department, accused of forging official documents by conniving with two Egyptian ‘mandoubs’ (company representatives) to issue nearly 100 driving licenses. It was revealed that the suspects collected KD 16,000 through illegal operations. They reportedly charged KD 600 for every license issued. Meanwhile, an official revealed that investigations are ongoing to locate expatriate residents who obtained forged licenses.

They will be deported for engaging in forgery crimes.

Body found An investigation was launched into the incident where an infant’s corpse was found near the beach in Al-Balajat. Officials accompanied by Crime Scene Investigators headed to a scene where a man reported to finding the infant’s corpse wrapped in a pillow case while searching for a spot to fish, reported Al-Rai. The body was removed for an autopsy. Investigators failed to identify the victim because the body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

Car accident A senior citizen died in a car accident that took place along Al-Fahaheel highway. It also left another driver seriously injured. Paramedical staff members who arrived after the accident

was reported, pronounced the 70-year-old man dead. The body was removed for an autopsy, reported Al-Watan. The driver at the helm of the vehicle was rushed to Adan hospital in a critical condition. A case was filed at Al-Fahaheel police station.

Swindler dupes man Police are trying to identify a swindler who fled the country after luring a citizen into buying him mobile phone credit worth KD 280 in total.

The 39-year-old National Guard official explained to officers at the Ali Sabah Al-Salem police station that a caller had informed him that he could claim a KD 20,000 grand prize if phone credit is sent to the number, reported AlWatan. The caller could not be reached again when the transaction was completed.

Stolen cables A case was filed at the Sabah Al-Nasser police station after a Ministry of Electricity and Water(MEW) employee reported that 55 underground electric cables were stolen, reported Watan. It was estimated at a total value of KD 84,000.

Fugitive nabbed Police arrested a citizen in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh who was charged in connection with opening fire at his brother’s home in Jahra. The suspect

has also been accused in two other cases, the first of which is an attempted murder case filed by a Jleeb resident, reported Anba. The same suspect targeted his car. The second is a theft case filed by a bedoon (stateless) resident.

Suspects caught Salmiya police arrested 20 Chinese women who ran unlicensed massage parlors. They were interrogated and now face prostitution charges. The arrest was made as part of a campaign in which police apprehended 100 women believed to have been trafficked into the country by owners of fraudulent companies, reported Al-Anba.

Drug abuse Mubarak Al-Kabeer police arrested a citizen in Sabah Al-Salem in possession of heroin. An American citizen driving under the influence of alcohol was arrested at Al-Fahaheel highway with possession of marijuana, reported Anba. A Lebanese man who accepted an envelope containing heroin from a drug dealer was arrested.

Policeman mugged Three assailants mugged an officer from the Taima police station in Sulaibiya after he stepped out of an ATM kiosk after withdrawing KD 190, reported Al-Rai. The policeman reported the incident to the area’s police station.

Warning against exposure to high heat KUWAIT: A health official has warned against long-time exposure to high temperature warning that dehydration and physical exhaustion can be fatal.

Dr Ahmad Al-Shatti, a consultant of vocational medicine and environment and the head of the department of the vocational health of the Ministry of Health, said in a statement that people should take precautions, especially when the heat soars, alluding to record hike of the temperature to the level

of 52 degrees, two days ago.

In such conditions, people should drink a lot of water, abstain from walking for a long distance and use umbrellas, he said.

Dr Al-Shatti stressed that such precautions must be taken by persons suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac diseases, as well as the young and pregnant women.

He urged employers to cut the time of workers’ exposure to the sun light and extend the work time at night. — KUNA

KRCS offers donation to Palestinians in Gaza GAZA: Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) offered Friday a generous donation of $250,000 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) with money to be donated to the poor in the Gaza Strip.

According to a UNRWA’s Website, the donation would cover the needs of 4, 700 abjectly poor Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip. The contribution will be used to purchase basic food items such as flour, sugar, rice, milk, and cooking oil under UNRWA’s social safety-net program.

Welcoming the news, UNRWA CommissionerGeneral Filippo Grandi said: “This donation comes at an important time and will feed thousands of refugees, many of whom are still suffering the effects of continuing restrictions on imports and exports. Despite the recent and very welcome Egyptian relaxation of border controls, ordinary economic life in the Gaza Strip continues to be impeded due to years of closure and blockade and as a result many Gazan families must turn to UNRWA for food aid just to survive.”

“This contribution from the Kuwait Red Crescent Society will help alleviate the suffering of these families, who are among the most vulnerable that UNRWA serves, and we are grateful to the Kuwait Red Crescent for its regular and generous support.”

The Kuwait Red Crescent is one of UNRWA’s most important regional partners, primarily funding interventions in food and cash assistance. In 2010, the Kuwait Red Crescent contributed almost USD 350,000 towards UNRWA projects and emergency programs. — KUNA

MP inquires about KUCCS monitoring KUWAIT: A lawmaker referred a few questions sent to the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor about the level of monitoring that the ministry adopts on the elected board of the Kuwait Union of Consumer Co-operative Societies (KUCCS), and whether it had removed violations mentioned previously in State Audit Bureau reports.

In a set of inquiries made available recently in the press, MP Dr Salwa Al-Jassar said that some KUCCS employees work at the same time at other governmental directorates, and are thus entitled to two monthly payments. She asked the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Mohammad Al-Afasi about whether investigation committees have formed to probe the matter, and what kind of action was taken.

Furthermore, Al-Jassar inquired about rumors which suggest that the KUCCS has signed contracts with companies to act as middle brokers for deals of mass importing of food items; a stipulation that goes in violation to regulations governing the process of importing co-ops brand goods, reported Al-Qabas.

Diving Team cleans Qarouh coral reefs KUWAIT: The Kuwait Diving Team recently finished an operation at the coral reefs east of the Qarouh Island, which saw the removal of disposed fishing nets which are harmful to both naval activity and marine life.

Team member Ahmad Al-Damkhi noted that the mission featured participation of international expert Kennedy Warne, who is currently visiting Kuwait as part of his work in studying marine environment in the Arabian peninsula which is likely to be included in a new publication of the National Geographic Magazine.

Warne is a writer, editor and photographer who co-founded the New Zealand Geographic and has made several notable contributions to the National Geographic Magazine.

Chinese delegation to visit Kuwait for refinery project GUANGZHOU, China: A high-level delegation from the southern Chinese city of Zhanjiang will visit Kuwait next week to discuss final details of a planned $9 billion refinery and petrochemical project, Kuwaiti Consul General in Guangzhou Abdulwahab Al-Sager said yesterday.

The delegation, led by Zhanjiang Municipal Party Committee Secretary Liu Xiaohua, will include local government officials and businessmen, Al-Sager said in a statement stressing that their visit, at the invitation of Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI), will be of considerable importance.

KPI, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s (KPC) international refining and market unit, has been representing Kuwait in marathon negotiations with the Chinese side over the joint mega project to be located in Zhanjiang.

“Their talks are expected to focus on some details of the joint venture’s final draft and to set a timetable for key actions and technical issues before the project will be launched at the end of this year or early 2012 when KPC DeputyChairman of the Board of Directors and CEO Farouk Al-Zanki comes to China,” AlSager said.

The Chinese delegation will also engage in discussions on the establish-

ment of a sister city relationship between Zhanjiang and Ahmadi.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China’s top economic planner, granted final approval in March for Kuwait to construct a longawaited refinery and petrochemical complex on Donghai Island of Zhanjiang in Guangdong Province.

The Sino-Kuwaiti venture between KPC and Sinopec entails a 15 million-ton-ayear (300,000 barrels per day) refinery, a 1 million-ton-a-year ethylene plant and related utilities, as well as a retail network.

“In my recent talks with Zhanjiang Mayor Ruan Risheng, the mayor showed appreciation to officials in the Kuwait oil sector for their attentions towards project success and their unremitting efforts and multiple visits to the project site to find out the latest developments on it,” said Al-Sager, who visited the coastal city late May to meet Ruan and local officials in charge of the joint venture.

Ruan also expressed pleasure with the cooperation, understanding and excellence in the friendly bilateral relations that combine the two countries, which he described as “a good example to be followed,” and offered willingness to forge a sister-city agreement with Ahmadi city, according to Al-Sager. — KUNA

NBK honors its innovative staff

Al-Sager in a group photo with the honored staff.

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), held a special Elite Award ceremony to honor its employees in the “SuperIdea” program. NBK’s “SuperIdea” aims at encouraging the staff to improve and develop NBK’s performance, and provide outstanding and creative ideas that can bring forward a new added value to NBK. To commemorate the occasion, NBK Deputy Group CEO Isam Al-Sager met the winners, applauded their creative contributions, and urged all employees to participate in the “NBK Superidea” program.

Al-Sager stated, “We have achieved a great deal but these new ideas show very clearly that the best is still to come.” He indicated that such brilliant ideas constitute more evidence of the talent and energy that exist within NBK and make it the organization it is today. Al-Sager warmly extended his congratulations to all those who were crowned as winners and, thanked them for sharing their stories with all NBK employees.

KASA exhibition at the Avenues KUWAIT: For the second consecutive year, The Avenues hosted the 8th Annual Exhibition of the Kuwait Architecture Students Association (KASA) of Kuwait University. The exhibition was held under the slogan ‘Do It Yourself!’ and coincides with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of KASA, which aims to raise awareness about architecture as a profession.

The exhibition included a number of distinguished projects designed by talented students of the Department of Architecture at Kuwait University’s College of Engineering and Petroleum which reflected the creative talent of these students and showcase the materials they used in executing these projects.

The concept of the exhibition was to display these structural designs that have

been put together without the use of adhesive or using environmentally-friendly materials. Cardboard constitutes 70% of the material used and wood accounts for the remaining 30%.

Commenting on this occasion, the management of The Avenues said that it welcomed all activities and events that raised awareness about different social issues, in line with the standards and principles of The Avenues.

The management noted that the KASA exhibition was being held at The Avenues for the second consecutive year, adding that the projects were displayed in an attractive manner that highlighted the creativity of the students. This would no doubt serve as an encouragement for these students and others at the university, while boosting environmental awareness.

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UN warns Sudan of ‘ethnic cleansing’ Council calls on Sudan to withdraw from Abyei KHARTOUM: Sudanese security forces hold up a huge billboard bearing portraits of Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir and Arabic writing that reads “God is our aim, his messenger is our ideal and Jihad or holy war is our path.. God is the Greatest” on their way to a rally organized by the government at the Defense Ministry in support of the northern army’s intervention in the disputed region of Abyei. — AFP

JUBA: A confidential United Nations report warns that the invasion by Sudan’s military of the contested northsouth region of Abyei could lead to “ethnic cleansing” if the tens of thousands of residents who fled are not able to return. The UN human rights report dated May 29 and marked “Not For Public Citation or Distribution” - said the north’s Khartoum government may have carried out a premeditated military plan to invade Abyei when Sudanese Armed Forces, or SAF, troops moved in May 21.

“The SAF attack and occupation of Abyei and the resultant displacement of over 30,000 Ngok Dinkas from Abyei could lead to ethnic cleansing, if conditions for the return of the displaced Ngok Dinka residents are not created,” according to the report, which was obtained by The Associated Press on Friday. Expressing its “grave concern” about the escalating violence, the UN Security Council later Friday condemned Khartoum for seizing control of Abyei, “and the resulting displacement of tens of thousands of residents.”

It also called on the Sudanese Armed Forces to “ensure an immediate halt to all looting, burning, and illegal resettlement” in Abyei and asked the north to withdraw its military forces from the area. The Ngok Dinka is a black tribe that associates itself with Sudan’s south.

The Ngok Dinka fled Abyei when northern troops and ethnic Misseriya - Arab cattle herders aligned with the north moved in and looted homes. The UN report estimated that between 15 percent and 20 percent of the homes in Abyei were burned in what it called “deliberate destruction” and a violation of international humanitarian law.

“By destroying their homes, looting their properties and inspiring fear and terror, over 30,000 Ngok Dinkas have been forcefully displaced from their ancestral homes, leaving the Abyei area now more or less homogeneously occupied by the Misseriya,” it said. Ethnic cleansing, the report said, is a purposeful policy designed by one ethnic or religious group to remove by violent and terror-inspiring means the civilian population of another ethnic or religious

group from certain geographic areas.

The report said that the likelihood that all the Ngok Dinka residents can return to Abyei “is limited,” given the massive destruction of civilian property and the occupation of Abyei by northern forces. President Barack Obama’s Homeland Security and Counterterrorism adviser, John Brennan, held meetings in Sudan’s capital of Khartoum this week to discuss deteriorating security conditions around Abyei.

Princeton Lyman, the US Special Envoy to Sudan, was in the southern capital of Juba on Friday and told AP it was not realistic to have the Ngok Dinka move back into Abyei while it is occupied.

“People who fled out of fear will not be comfortable coming back,” Lyman said. “The key is for the SAF to withdraw with appropriate security arrangements from the UN. Then we know people will be able to safely go back.” North and south Sudan fought a more than twodecade civil war that ended with a 2005 peace agreement that also gave the south the right to vote for independence. — Agencies

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Palestinians storm Egypt crossing GAZA: Egypt shut its border crossing with Gaza yesterday for the first time since opening it on a routine basis last month, and angry Palestinians stormed the gates in protest, Hamas officials and witnesses said. Palestinian border officials said three buses filled with 180 passengers had waited several hours to cross the border at Rafah, the Hamas Islamist-ruled territory’s gateway to Egypt, and some of those waiting responded by forcing the gate open. “We have not been notified of any reason for the closure, passengers are angry,” one of the officials said. Hamas police escorted the protesters back across the border a short time later, after Egyptian soldiers ordered them to leave. There were no reports of any violence or arrests.

The incident came as Palestinians were said to be planning marches to the Israeli borders from neighboring Arab countries to mark a June 5 anniversary of Israel’s capture of the West Bank and Gaza in a 1967 war. An Egyptian security source said the terminal at Rafah, Gaza’s only gateway not controlled by Israel,

h a d b e e n s h u t fo r m a i n te n a n ce a n d m ay reopen by Sunday. Officials in Gaza said they had not been notified beforehand. Egypt had reopened the crossing on a routine basis on May 28, a step that eased conditions for the coastal territory blockaded on its other borders

by Israel, which says it needs to ensure Hamas doesn’t smuggle in weapons.

But tensions over conditions at the Rafah terminal have been building since Hamas accused Egypt this week of placing limits on the number of people allowed through. Border officials of Hamas, the Islamist group that runs the Gaza Strip, said Egypt had set a maximum of 350 Gaza residents to be granted entry each day, though a senior Egyptian security official denied any quota had been imposed. Egypt, whose interim military rulers had seemed keen to improve ties with the Palestinians, was the first Arab country to make peace with Israel, in a treaty signed in 1979. Israel has tightened a blockade of Gaza since Hamas, a group that refuses to recognize the Jewish state, seized control there in 2007.— Reuters

RAFAH: Palestinians wanting to cross into Egypt through the Rafah border crossing are stopped yesterday, as Egyptian officials at the border with Gaza barred Palestinians from crossing. — AFP

Iran wants ‘undivided country of Palestine’ Tehran backs only ‘Islamic, anti-US uprisings’

MOGADISHU: A Somali government soldier points at the dead body of an alleged Al-Shabab fighter near a frontline at southern Mogadishu’s ShirkoleOfishale Area. — AFP

AMISOM captures key Somali district MOGADISHU: African Union troops with Somali government soldiers captured a strategic district in the capital Mogadishu from Al Shabaab rebels after heavy fighting and casualties on both sides, the AU force said yesterday. The AU and government forces are attempting to stabilize the Horn of Africa nation which has without an effective central government for two decades. Al Shabaab, which professes loyalty to AlQaeda, rejected the report by the AU force, which is known as AMISOM, though local residents confirmed the seizure of the district.

“After fierce fighting, the whole of

Bondheere district is in the hands of AU and government forces now,” said Prosper Hakizimana, deputy spokesman for AMISOM. Located in north Mogadishu, the district is considered strategic because insurgents use positions there to fire shells at the presidential palace. Hakizimana said AMISOM tanks and soldiers from the government side were in control of the centre of the district as well as the sites of the former embassies of Syria and Italy. “We have killed many al Shabaab including foreign fighters,” he said, adding they also took casualties, including the death of one Ugandan soldier. — Reuters

West pushes for resolution against Syria at IAEA meet VIENNA: Western countries are looking to pass a resolution against Syria over its alleged illicit nuclear activity at a meeting of the UN atomic watchdog next week. The week-long session of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s 35-member board of governors, starting tomorrow, has a heavy agenda, ranging from the upcoming two-year budget to the nuclear disaster in Japan. But it will once again be the longrunning investigations into illicit nuclear programs in both Iran and Syria that will be the main focus of attention.

Last week, IAEA chief Yukiya Amano issued two new reports detailing the agency’s progress in its investigations, which he said both Tehran and Damascus were actively blocking. Iran was continuing to stockpile low-enriched uranium, in defiance of multiple UN sanctions, and refusing to answer allegations of possible military dimensions to its contested nuclear program. Syria, accused of building an undeclared atomic reactor at a remote desert site, has not allowed UN inspectors access to locations, data or individuals who could help clear up the allegations.

While Iran has tended to be the dominant issue at board meetings in the past, Syria looks set to take the hot seat this time round after IAEA chief Amano stated unequivocally for the first time his conviction that the desert site-which was flattened by Israeli bombs in September 2007 — was indeed “very likely” to have been a covert nuclear reactor as alleged. The move was unprecedented and clearly aimed at turning up the heat on Syria which is increasingly frustrating the IAEA with its point-blank refusal to cooperate.

The United States, in particular, has seized on Amano’s report-the toughest ever on the matter-as an opportunity to find Syria in “non-compliance” with its international obligations and refer it to the UN Security Council in New York. A corresponding resolution, Washington believes, is “critical for preserving the credibility of the IAEA and the safeguards system,” according to a letter sent to fellow IAEA member states last week. Britain, too,

believes the IAEA board of governors has no other option.

“What the director general has told us about is a case of Syria’s non-compliance with its comprehensive safeguards agreement,” the British envoy to the IAEA, Simon Smith, said. “And we, and quite a number of other countries equally convinced as we are, will be arguing that-as we are obliged to do by the statutes of the IAEA-this noncompliance needs to be reported to the UN Security Council,” Smith said. Damascus has always insisted that the site, known as Dair Alzour, was a non-nuclear military installation but it has provided no evidence so far to back this up. Aside from a one-off visit in June 2008, Syria has refused to allow IAEA inspectors access.

Western diplomats believe there is sufficient support on the 35-member board for the resolution to be passed, although it would be “naive” to expect it to be carried unanimously, a number of them said. “I’m pretty confident from what we’re hearing that we’re in good shape for the board to make that decision,” said another, speaking on condition of anonymity. The big question is whether Russia and China will come on board, especially after Syria has since written to the IAEA pledging “full cooperation”-a move seen by many in the West as nothing but a stalling tactic. Officials from Syria and the IAEA met this week and Damascus has said it is ready to talk further after next week’s board meeting.

But western diplomats said that would be insufficient to avert a resolution. On Iran, the IAEA’s latest report revealed that Amano has written to the head of the Islamic republic’s atomic energy organization, Fereydoun Abbasi, underlining concerns about possible military dimensions to Iran’s atomic program and calling for an urgent response to the allegations. Iran responded at the end of last month, but diplomats who said they have seen the sixpage reply said it contained nothing substantively new and, in the view of one diplomat, only confirmed that Tehran is “unwilling to change course from its policy of non-cooperation.”— AFP

TEHRAN: Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said yesterday that Iran backs “the undivided country of Palestine which belongs to the Palestinians,” in speech broadcast live on state television. “We believe that the country of Palestine belongs in its entirety to the Palestinians,” he said at the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini on the 22nd anniversary of the revolutionary leader’s death.

“Palestine is inseparable and it belongs to the Palestinians undivided,” Khamenei, who has the final say in Iran’s politics, said, adding “Palestine will return to the arms of Islam, without any doubt.”

Iran has not recognized Israel since the 1979 Islamic revolution and backs Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups fighting against the Jewish state. It also does not support the creation of a Palestinian nation alongside the Jewish state. US President Barack Obama said in a speech in mid-May that the borders of Israel and Palestine “should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states.”

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has threatened to seek UN recognition as a full member country for the territories under his jurisdiction in September if peace talks do not resume. “The American solution will not succeed,” Khamenei told hundreds of thousands of people gathered in and around the mausoleum.

“The solution is that the people of Palestine should take part in a referendum and whatever regime they vote for, should govern. “It is this regime which has came to power through the Palestinian people’s vote will decide how to deal with the Zionist who came from abroad,” Khamenei said. On Friday Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said: “as long as the Zionist regime exists, if only on a small piece of land in Palestine, the region will not see tranquility.” Ahmadinejad’s vitriolic attacks on the Jewish state and his dismissal of the Holocaust as a “myth” has drawn international condemnation.

Iran backs all Muslim uprisings except those stirred up by Washington, Khamenei said yesterday, a stance that explains Tehran’s lack of support for anti-government protesters in ally Syria. Addressing a crowd commemorating the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei said the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution had predicted events in the Middle East over the last few months where Arabs have risen up against oppressive regimes.

Non-Arab, predominantly Shiite Muslim Iran relished the fall in Februar y of Egyptian

TEHRAN: An Iranian man wears an image of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini on his head as people attend a ceremony marking the 22th anniversary of the death of Iran’s revolutionary leader, in front of Khomeini’s mausoleum in Tehran yesterday. — AFP President Hosni Mubarak, a US-backed secularist who made peace with Israel. Tehran has also voiced support for pro-democracy movements elsewhere in the region, especially Bahrain where the Sunni monarchy was aided by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to put down democracy protests led by majority Shiite Muslims.

But the Islamic Republic, which crushed its own mass protests after the disputed re-election of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in June 2009, has not expressed backing for demonstrators in Syria where President Bashar Al-Assad is a key regional ally.

“Our stance is clear: wherever a movement is Islamic, popular and anti-American, we support it,” Khamenei told the crowd which punctuated his speech at Khomeini’s mausoleum on the outskirts of Tehran with chants of “Death to America”. Without mentioning Syria by name, he continued: “If somewhere a movement is provoked by America and Zionists, we will not support it. Wherever America and the Zionists (Israel) enter the scene to topple a regime and occupy a country, we are on the opposite side.”

Washington has accused Tehran of helping Syria crush protests, an accusation both countries deny. A Syrian human rights group said 63 civilians were killed in the latest clashes on Friday. Iran’s adversaries fear its influence in the Middle East could increase due to the shake-up in the region where Syria has been one of its

few allies. The United States and Israel say they suspect Iran uses Syria as a conduit for weapons to militant groups in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, a charge Iran and Syria deny.

Khamenei’s speech made no mention of Iran’s internal political squabbles, most recently Ahmadinejad’s decision to sack the oil minister, a move declared illegal by parliament and Iran’s constitutional watchdog. The president attended the commemoration but, unlike last year, did not speak himself. One week before the second anniversary of Ahmadinejad’s re-election which the opposition movement wants to mark by a “silent rally” in Tehran, Khamenei said there was room for dissenting voices as long as they did not seek to topple the Islamic system.

“We cannot deprive people of justice and security just because they have different political opinions but they don’t want to ove r t h row t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t ,” h e s a i d.

O p p o s i t i o n l e a d e r s M e h d i K a ro u b i a n d Mirhossein Mousavi have been held under house arrest since February when they called their supporters to the streets in solidarity with the Arab uprisings. Two people were shot dead at the march in Tehran on Feb 14, the first “Green Movement” demonstration fo r m o re t h a n a ye a r a f te r o p p o s i t i o n protests were crushed by security forces at the end of 2009. Members of parliament have called for the Green leaders to be hanged for sedition. — Agencies

Ex-minister sentenced to 30 years CAIRO: An Egyptian court convicted former finance minister Youssef Boutros-Ghali in absentia yesterday and sentenced him to 30 years in prison for profiteering and abusing state and private assets, a court source said. BoutrosGhali, widely viewed in Egypt as a public face of a government that enriched the wealthy at the expense of the poor, quit his post in late January then fled abroad, only days after the eruption of the mass uprising that later ousted Hosni Mubarak. Boutros-Ghali also resigned in early February as head of the International Monetary Fund’s main policy steering panel.

Egyptian media reports have said Boutros-Ghali is in the Lebanese capital Beirut. Many investors and businessmen highly regarded BoutrosGhali for spearheading free-market reforms that helped boost Egypt’s economic growth to around an annual 7 percent in the three years before the 2008 global economic crisis.

Soon after his appointment as finance minister in June 2004 Boutros-Ghali slashed import tariffs, reduced income taxes to a flat 20 percent and helped overhaul the banking system.

The Cairo court ruled that Boutros-Ghali took private vehicles held at the customs authority and allowed others to use them without the permission of their owners. He took six of the vehicles, including three Mercedes and a BMW, for his private use and delivered another 96 to other parties, the court said. The vehicles had a total value of 35.8 million pounds ($6 million).

The court also ruled that he used a Finance Ministry printing centre to produce a large

amount of materials for his personal election campaign for a seat in parliament in 2010, the court source said. He transferred ministry computers and printers for use at his campaign headquarters for more than six months.

The court sentenced Boutros-Ghali to 15 years in jail with hard labor in the vehicles case and another 15 years in the printers case. It also ordered him to return the 35.8 million pounds as the value of the vehicles and to pay a similar amount as a fine, the court source said. In 2008, he took over the chair of the IMF’s International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), comprised of finance ministers and central bankers from 24 countries and the main advisory body to the fund’s member countries.

Egypt’s public prosecutor yesterday referred 48 people to trial for their involvement in deadly Muslim-Christian clashes earlier this month.

The 48 accused were referred to Cairo’s supreme state security court for “premeditated murder, harming public security, inciting sectarian tension, burning a church and possessing weapons with the purpose of carrying out terror (acts),” the prosecutor’s office said. Fierce clashes broke out on May 7 between Christians and Muslims in northwest Cairo’s working-class district of Imbaba where 12 people were killed, scores injured and a church set ablaze, according to court figures. The National Council for Human Rights had put the death toll at 15. Of the 48 accused, 22 are in preventative detention and the search continues for the remaining 26, the prosecutor said. — Agencies

WASHINGTON: Egyptian former Minister of Finance Yousef Boutros Ghali attends a meeting at the World Bank headquarters in this file photo. — AP

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Abbas nods at French bid to revive peace talks RAMALLAH: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas yesterday cautiously welcomed a French proposal to convene Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in Paris to try to renew collapsed peace talks. French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe this week offered to host talks to discuss ideas for a Palestinian state raised last month by US President Barack Obama, aiming to avert a showdown at the United Nations in September. “We said that in principle that this initiative is acceptable,” Abbas said, two days after his talks with Juppe in the West Bank city of

Ramallah. Abbas said the French plan “talks about President Obama’s vision ...in which he spoke about a (Palestinian) state with the ‘67 borders with borders with Israel, Egypt and Jordan.”

Under the plan discussed with Juppe, “neither side would carry out unilateral actions,” Abbas added. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has yet to respond publicly to the French proposal, has rejected any withdrawal to the borders existing before Israel captured the West Bank in a 1967 war, insisting such a frontier

would be “indefensible.” In a statement after Netanyahu met with Juppe yesterday the Israeli leader said he asked France to continue efforts to secure the release of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, held since his capture in a cross-border raid in June 2006.

FRANCE ‘SLIGHTLY OPTIMISTIC’ “I would be lying if I said I was very optimistic. I am slightly optimistic,” Juppe said after his talks with Netanyahu. The French proposal calls for Israeli and Palestinian negotiators to meet this month or by early

July with an eye to reviving talks which broke off last year in a dispute on Jewish settlement building in land Palestinians seek for a state. The Palestinians plan to unilaterally seek UN recognition of statehood in September-a step Israel strongly opposes fearing it could end up isolated internationally.

The United States has already said it opposes the plan, which could kill off the initiative in the Security Council before it can reach the General Assembly. France, which is also one of the five permanent

members of the Security Council, has not yet decided whether to back the Palestinians, Juppe said.

“We are convinced that if nothing happens here between now and September the situation will be very difficult for everyone at the time of the United Nations General Assembly,” Juppe said during his visit this week.

“We have to avoid such a situation and the only way to avoid it is to do what we are proposing, that’s to say return to the (negotiating) table,” Juppe said. — Reuters

Pontiff urges Europe to respect Christian values EU nations threatened by individualism

LISBON: Portugal’s interim Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Jose Socrates reacts during a political rally in Lisbon on the last day of election campaigning. — AP

Portugal vote winner to face daunting job LISBON: Portugal’s Social Democrats are favorites to win a general election today, but celebrations could be short as they face the urgent task of forming a coalition government to enact a demanding bailout plan. Polls suggest the centre-right Social Democrats (PSD) will win the vote but not a full majority. They will have to team up with the rightist CDS-PP to form a coalition and implement the measures set by a 78-billion-euro ($112.5 billion) bailout agreed with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund last month.

Socialist Prime Minister Jose Socrates, who has been in power since 2005, appears headed for a humbling defeat following his resignation in March and subsequent request for a bailout which he had resisted for several months. A tough fighter, Socrates blamed the opposition for triggering the bailout request by blocking his party’s austerity package, but voters seem to have tired of his excuses for the dire state of the economy and his handling of the debt crisis. “Socrates has to take most of the blame for the situation we are in. He simply did not react quickly enough,” Nuno Almeida, 34, an office worker in Lisbon, said. With the three-year bailout imposing additional steep spending cuts, tax rises and cutbacks on workers’ rights, PSD leader Pedro Passos Coelho is expected to have very little time to settle into the job of prime minister. — Reuters

ZAGREB: Pope Benedict XVI warned yesterday of challenges to Europe’s Christian values and said staunchly Catholic Croatia’s could serve as an example to other EU nations threatened by individualism. “In the face of the challenges posed by today’s culture there is need for... active dynamism aimed at promoting the fundamental moral values that underpin social living and the identity of the old Continent,” Benedict XVI said at the start of a two-day visit to Croatia. He added that the cultural heritage of Europe was threatened by “an individualism that gives rise to a vision of life without obligations and a constant search for ‘private space’.

The pope told President Ivo Josipovic that Croatia, which marks its 20 years of independence this year and stands on the threshold of European Union membership, has formed part of Europe “from its earliest days”. “So may this beloved Nation, in the strength of its rich tradition, help to steer the European Union towards a fuller appreciation of those spiritual and cultural treasures”. Croatian officials highlighted the political aspect of the pope’s trip. “Your arrival comes at a happy moment when Croatia celebrates its 20th anniversary” of independence from the former Yugoslavia and “coincides with the conclusion of our EU accession talks,” President Ivo Josipovic said as he greeted the pontiff at the Zagreb airport.

The 90 percent Catholic country of 4.4 million people aspires to wrap up EU

ZAGREB: Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor meets with Pope Benedict XVI in Zagreb, Croatia yesterday. Pope Benedict XVI arrived for a two-day visit in the Croatian capital. — AP accession talks within the coming weeks and join the 27-nation bloc in 2013.

While en route to Zagreb the pope gave strong backing to Zagreb’s EU bid, telling journalists on his plane that membership for Croatia was “logical, just and needed.”

According to a recent opinion poll, about 45 percent of Croatians are in favor of EU membership, while 42 percent are opposed, with nationalists warning that the countr y could lose its identity.

Josipovic yesterday recalled the Vatican’s “key historical role” when it was among

Australia assures UN on the Malaysia plan SYDNEY: Australia vowed yesterday to work closely with the United Nations to ensure unaccompanied asylum seeker children sent to Malaysia were protected after the world body withdrew support for the scheme. The UN’s refugee agency UNHCR criticized Canberra’s plan to send 800 boatpeople to Malaysia after it emerged that the group would include lone children, saying it breached safeguards required for vulnerable groups.

The plan, under which Australia will accept 4,000 registered refugees from the Southeast Asian nation, has drawn heavy criticism from human rights advocates including Amnesty International and the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF. Activists argue that Malaysia is not a signatory to the UN refugee convention and say asylum seekers could be mistreated there.

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said the government would work closely with the UN to ensure

processes were in place to protect the children, some of whom were girls as young as 12, but vowed to push ahead with the controversial plan. “(The UNHCR) indicate that they want to see protections in place for vulnerable unaccompanied minors, and I agree with them,” Bowen told reporters. “ They also say that it shouldn’t be difficult and would not be difficult to incorporate those, and I agree with them.” “We’ve been in close consultation and discussions with them and we’ll continue to do that. We’re all on the same page,” he added. Bowen said the “operational detail” about how to best protect individuals to be decided on a “case by case basis”-was yet to be ironed out, but anyone considered vulnerable would be afforded “particular care” under the plan.

“We will consider, in those cases, if it is appropriate to transfer those people to Malaysia or to make other arrangements, and if they are trans-

KUALA LUMPUR: Children detainees are seen locked in a detention center on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in this file photo. — AP

ferred to Malaysia, what care and support needs to be put in place,” he said. “We’re in discussions with other countries around the region as well, and there would be options as to how to deal with these issues.”

Bowen urged against a blanket rule excluding unaccompanied minors from the swap. “It sends a message to people smugglers and asylum seekers that the way to get re-settlement to Australia is to send children who would then be accepted and then allow those children to sponsor the rest of the family,” Bowen said.

The 18,000 refugee children currently living in Malaysia would be “heavily represented” in the 4,000 accepted by Australia, he added.

UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards said in Geneva Friday that the agency was “not able to lend our support to the text as it currently stands because of the absence of the operating protection safeguards we have been calling for”. “UNHCR has always stipulated that one of our specific requirements with regard to the transfers is that protection safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable groups, especially unaccompanied children,” he added.

Refugees are a sensitive issue in Australia, where a record 6,900 illegal immigrants arrived by boat in 2010, mostly on rickety vessels from Indonesia and usually hailing from strife-torn Iraq, Afghanistan or Sri Lank a. Canberra’s plan to ship ar r ivals to M alaysia h as been likened by some commentators to the previous government’s “Pacific Solution”-under which boatpeople were held on remote Nauru and Papua New Guinea’s Manus island. Branded “inhumane” by human rights groups, the harsh polic y was repealed by Pr ime Minister Julia Gillard’s centre-left Labor Party in 2007. — AFP

Nigeria president to visit White House WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama will welcome newly sworn in Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan to the White House on June 8, officials said yesterday.

Obama “looks forward to consulting with President Jonathan on the latest regional and global developments, and deepening our strong bilateral partnership,” his spokesman said in a statement. Jonathan visits amid renewed tension in his country, after a series of blasts rocked Nigeria following his swearing-in last

weekend, killing 18 people. A southern Christian, Jonathan defeated exmilitary ruler Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim from the north, in a April 16 poll that led to an explosion of rioting in Nigeria which killed more than 800 people.

In early May Obama commended Nigeria’s elections, where he said the majority of ballots were cast free from intimidation, signaling a strong future for democracy, but he slammed the post-poll unrest as “deplorable.” Violence, he said, “has

no place in a democratic society, and it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to reject it.” Jonathan’s visit this week comes a day before Obama welcomes another west African leader, Gabon’s Ali Bongo, to the White House to discuss strategic regional and bilateral topics. The administration meanwhile this week announced another initiative to engage Africa with a visit by First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha to South Africa and Botswana later in the month. — AFP

the first states to recognize Croatia in early 1992.

Oppressed and marginalized during the decades of communist rule after World War II, the Church regained its lost prominence in the 1990s when it was promoted by the then nationalist regime.

The Church was further strengthened during the 1991-95 war with rebel Serbs, mainly Orthodox Christians, who opposed Croatia’s independence. “I expect that the pope will encourage us, youngsters, to preserve traditional val-

ues,” Iva Bonic, a 20-year-old student said.

She was heading with a group of friends towards the capital’s main square where the pope was to address young people later yesterday after meeting with country’s public figures.

He was to address a “Feast for the Family” in the capital’s hippodrome during which he will defend family values.

The pope will also pray at the tomb of controversial Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, whose “real humanism” he praised on the plane to Croaita. “In view of the challenges confronting the Church and the civil society today, I invoke upon this land and all its inhabitants the intercession and assistance of blessed Alojzije Stepinac,” he said on his arrival at the Zagreb airport. Stepinac, who headed Croatia’s Catholic Church during World War II, was put on the road to sainthood

by John Paul II in 1998.

The move caused controversy as critics claimed the cardinal did not stand up against the persecution of Serbs and Jews by the then pro-Nazi Ustasha regime. After the war, communist Yugoslav authorities accused Stepinac of collaboration with the Ustaha government, which he denied, and sentenced him to 16 years in jail. Benedict XVI, 84, was drafted into a German anti-aircraft corps at the end of the war and was briefly held as a prisoner of war in 1945.

He has not been abroad since travelling to Spain in November, and his visit to Croatia is his 19th foreign trip since becoming pope in 2005. — AFP

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SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

Years

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

Mexico finds remains of US soldiers in 1846 battle MONTERREY: Archeologists have uncovered the remains of US soldiers probably killed in an 1846 Mexican-American War battle, some with bullet wounds and with many of their bones intact. Found at a construction site and encrusted in the desert soil in Monterrey near the Texan border, the 10 sets of skeletal remains were discovered with buttons from uniforms, Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology said. The institute’s archeologist leading the excavation, Araceli Rivera, said the height of the

Archeologists find skeletons, silver US coins skeletons, ranging from 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches, meant they were US soldiers, who were taller than Mexicans then.

“They don’t coincide with the average height of Mexicans from that period,” the institute said. The archeologists discovered the remains between January and mid-May. In other excavations since 1995 they have found another 10 skeletons, as well as half-

dollar silver coins and bullets. In the most recent discovery, photos show an entire skeleton with its arms partially folded emerging from the dirt, while its mouth has an almost complete set of teeth. Some bones have light green stains after long contact with metal, probably the bullets that killed the servicemen. “All the soldiers died in combat,” Rivera said.

US forces under the command of General Zachary Taylor took Monterrey on Sept 23, 1846 after several days of fighting, an important victory in the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848.

The conflict was sparked by the United States’ annexation of Texas in 1845, which Mexico considered its own. Mexico eventually lost the war and ceded almost half of its

territory to the United States-including claims on Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and parts of Colorado- in a humiliation that still stings some Mexicans today.

Some 367 Mexican soldiers and 120 US troops were killed in the Battle of Monterrey, according to US Army historians.

The Mexican anthropology institute believes bodies of Mexican soldiers were quickly claimed by families and buried in cemeteries across the city. — Reuters

US House scolds Obama on Libya Bipartisan frustration over Libyan war

MEXICO CITY: Soldiers stand guard during a media presentation of a weapons cache that includes 154 rifles and shotguns and over 92,000 rounds of ammunition, in Mexico City. — AP

Mexico troops seize cache of weapons MEXICO CITY: Mexican soldiers found a buried cache of weapons apparently stockpiled by a drug cartel, including 154 rifles and shotguns and more than 92,000 rounds of ammunition, the Defense Department said Friday. The cache included four mortar shells, two rocket-propelled grenades, dozens of assault rifles, sniper rifles and two bows.

It was found in an underground chamber at a ranch near the industrial city of Monclova in the northern state of Coahuila earlier this week and included more than 4,600 rifle magazines, army Gen Edgar Luis Villegas said. He did not specify what day. Villegas said the weapons apparently belonged to the Zetas cartel, which has been fighting the Sinaloa cartel and other drug gangs for control of the border state. The seizure suggests that despite efforts to crack down on weapons trafficking in Mexico, drug cartels are still able to obtain enough weapons to keep stockpiles in reserve.

It was not the first such mass seizure in recent months. In May, soldiers seized

83 assault rifles and shotguns, five grenade launchers and more than 18,000 bullets as well as hand grenades and 18 pistols following a confrontation with a 17-vehicle convoy of suspected cartel gunmen in the northern border state of Tamaulipas. In December, soldiers in the northern state of Durango seized a cache of 84 rifles and 46 pistols, including one assault rifle with gold-colored inlays and another that had a grenade-launcher attachment.

Also on Friday, the federal Attorney General’s Office said authorities in the Pacific port of Manzanillo seized 69 tons of two chemicals used to make synthetic drugs. The chemicals arrived on two ships from Shanghai, China. The Mexican navy said 34 tons of monomethylamine arrived May 6 and the other ship carrying 35 tons of ethyl phenyl acetate arrived April 10. Mexico has banned imports of several chemicals to thwart methamphetamine production. The US government says Mexican traffickers are the main suppliers of synthetic drugs to the United States. — AP

US: Flaws in death toll report on Haiti quake PORT-AU-PRINCE: Flaws have been found in a controversial US report estimating the death toll from Haiti’s earthquake last year was far lower than previously thought, a US official said yesterday. It was the strongest statement yet

by US government officials since a leaked draft report commissioned by the US Agency for International Development raised questions over just how many people died and were displaced in the January 2010 quake, an unparalleled natural disaster that unleashed an outpouring of foreign aid. Mark Feierstein of the US Agency for International Development said the report is problematic because the authors used a statistical sampling that was not representative.

The study didn’t include data from heavily damaged areas in Haiti’s countryside or from the number of houses that collapsed and killed people, he said.

“Those are all serious flaws,” Feierstein, USAID’s assistant administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean said in a telephone inter view. The report’s lead author, Timothy T. Schwartz, couldn’t be reached for comment Friday. Based on a statistical sampling from a hard-hit, densely populated section of downtown Port-au-Prince, the study estimates the quake’s death toll was between 46,000 and 85,000, much lower than the figure of 316,000 cited by Haitian authorities.

The report, obtained by AP early in

the week, has not been officially released and is under review. It arose after USAID hired a Washington consulting firm, LTL Strategies, to look at the impact of rubble removal programs so people could move back into their homes. To figure out how many people left their homes, the authors wanted to know how many people died and wouldn’t return. The report also estimates that up to 895,000 people moved into temporary settlements around the capital after the quake and that no more than 375,000 people are still living in them. The UN International Organization for Migration puts those numbers higher: as many as 1.5 million people moved into the camps and 680,000 remain.

Schwartz, an anthropologist long critical of the aid process, posted on his blog Friday that he was eliminated as a candidate for a consulting job for a USAID food program in Haiti. “The reason has nothing to do with the death count report on which I was lead researcher and that has garnered a lot of media attention,” he wrote. “I’ve been disqualified, it is rumored, because of my critique of food aid.” The office of outgoing Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive, who was in office at the time of the quake, stands by its figures. The administration of newly elected President Michel Martelly declined to comment because the report hasn’t been officially released. —AP

TABARRE: A nurse tends to cholera patients at the medical facility Medecins Sans Frontieres in Tabarre, a suburb of Port-au-Prince. — AFP

WASHINGTON: The House of Representatives harshly scolded President Barack Obama on Friday for launching US military forces against Libya without congressional approval, fiercely disputing constitutional powers and flashing bipartisan frustration over a nearly threemonth-old conflict with no end in sight.

However, lawmakers stopped short of a more draconian resolution to order an outright end to US involvement in Libya. They rejected that measure, 265-148, with anti-war Democrat Dennis Kucinich, its sponsor, winning the votes of 87 Republicans and 61 Democrats.

Over White House objections, the House adopted a resolution chastising Obama for failing to provide a “compelling rationale” for the Libyan mission and demanding answers in the next 14 days on the operation’s objective, its costs and its impact on the nation’s two other wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The resolution, though nonbinding, says US ground forces must not be used in the conflict except to rescue an American service member. The vote was 268-145 for the measure by Speaker John Boehner, senior member of the House’s Republican majority, with 45 Democrats joining 223 Republicans in a challenge to the Democratic president.

The resolution will not affect current military operations to aid the rebels who are battling Muammar Gaddafi’s forces. NATO commands the operation, but the United States still plays a significant support role that includes aerial refueling of warplanes and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance work. The hours of debate reflected the anger among House members over Obama’s treatment of Congress, over objections by ultraconservative tea party members about constitutional authority and expensive military operations in difficult financial times and the nation’s growing weariness over war - in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.

Obama ordered air strikes in March after a UN resolution and limited consultation with Congress. The US Constitution specifies that the president is commander in chief but says only Congress has the power to declare war.

The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires the president to obtain congressional authorization within 60 days of the start of military operations, a deadline that passed last month. “ This is a defining moment for the Constitution,” said Republican Rep Jason Chaffetz.

“For the president to suggest he got approval from the United Nations is offensive and is wrong. We must stand tall and true to the Constitution.” Democrats as well as Republicans criticized the commander in chief. “Shall the president, like the king of England, be a dictator on foreign policy?” asked Democratic Rep Jerrold Nadler. “The authors of the Constitution said we don’t trust kings.” First-year Rep Tim Scott, also a Republican, revived candidate Obama’s words from December 2007 when he said the president does not have the constitutional power to unilaterally authorize a military attack unless there is an imminent threat to the nation. “The current president got it right in 2007,” Scott said.

OHIO: President Barack Obama takes a bite out of a chili dog during an unannounced visit to Rudy’s Hot Dog in Toledo, Ohio. — AP The White House pushed back against ing NATO allies who have come to America’s both resolutions, with spokesman Josh aid in Afghanistan. “ The news that the US House of Earnest calling them “unnecessary and unhelpful.” “It is the view of this administration Representatives had mandated a withdrawal that we’ve acted in accordance with the war of US forces would send a ray of sunshine into powers act because of these regular consulta- the hole in which Gaddafi is currently hiding,” tions,” Earnest said aboard Air Force One en warned Rep Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Republican route to Toledo, Ohio. Not so, scoffed chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Republican Rep Phil Gingrey. “What did he “It would ensure his hold on power. It would do, send a tweet to the chairman of the be seen, not only in Libya but throughout the Armed Services and Intelligence commit- Middle East and North Africa, as open season tees?” Gingrey asked mockingly during the to threaten US interests and destabilize our debate. In Libya on Friday, rebels contended allies.” The president has argued that he acted they had forced Gaddafi’s troops from three to prevent a massacre in the rebel stronghold western towns and had broken the siege on of Benghazi, and he had the backing of severanother as NATO jets bombed 10 targets al lawmakers, including Sen John McCain, ranking Republican on the Senate Armed across the country.

The military action, in addition to the first Services Committee. McCain and Senate publicized diplomatic contact between China Foreign Relations Committee’s Democratic and the rebel leaders, appeared to reflect con- chairman, John Kerry, have introduced a resotinued erosion of Gaddafi’s power since the lution in the Senate backing the mission.

Obama said when he ordered US forces to uprisings challenging his 41-year rule began in February. In Congress, Boehner had hastily support the mission that there would be no pulled together his resolution after both par- American ground troops. Although no US ties realized the Kucinich measure was gain- military forces are present, The Associated ing ground this week. A vote on Kucinich slat- Press and other news organizations have ed for Wednesday was abruptly postponed. reported that the CIA has paramilitary officers Boehner assailed the administration for failing operating alongside rebel forces in the North to answer several questions about the opera- African nation. The cost of the mission tion, and lawmakers made clear that if the remains unclear. The Pentagon provided an president does not cooperate they have con- estimate of $608 million in early April, but more recently some NATO countries were runtrol of taxpayer dollars for the military.

“Today’s debate on Libya is the first step, ning low on supplies and the United States and clearly there’s information that we want has provided munitions and some spare parts.

More than $24 million in supplies have from the administration that we asked for in this resolution and it’s information that we been provided in the last couple of months expect to get,” Boehner told reporters. “But under the US Foreign Military Sales program. there isn’t any question in my mind that NATO and its partners said this week they Congress is going to take further action in the have decided to extend for another 90 days weeks to come.” Several Democrats suggested their military campaign to protect Libyan civilthe Boehner resolution was toothless, with no ians. “Make no mistake that this issue of Libya force of law and merely an opportunity to crit- is not going to go away,” Kucinich said in a icize the president. “It’s a nonbinding resolu- statement. “ With the spending soon tion that takes pot shots at the president,” said approaching $1 billion, with NATO openly Rep. Howard Berman, ranking Democrat on talking about committing ground troops, the Foreign Affairs Committee. The House we’ll be back here another day to consider stopped short of abandoning the mission further what our appropriate constitutional against the widely reviled Gaddafi and anger- role is.” — AP

Belgrade seeks to question Mladic BELGRADE: Serbia’s war crimes prosecutor will seek permission from a UN tribunal to question former Bosnian Serb army commander Ratko Mladic as part of its own investigation into wartime atrocities against Serbs. The prosecutors’ office said in a statement yesterday it wants to speak to Mladic about his knowledge of crimes allegedly committed against Serbs in eastern Bosnia by Muslims troops led by Naser Oric, the wartime commander of Srebrenica, during Bosnia’s 1992-1995 war.

There was no immediate reaction from the tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands, where Mladic will face a genocide trial over the crimes committed by troops under his command against Bosnia’s Muslims. The court has accused Mladic of orchestrating the massacre of 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica in 1995 - Europe’s worst crime since World War II. Serbia handed Mladic over to the Hague court just days after capturing him after 16 years on the run. Before the extradition, Mladic’s lawyer rejected a request by Serb prosecutors to question Mladic while in Serbia, arguing that he was too sick.

Serbs say thousands of their own were killed by Oric’s troops in and around Srebrenica before Mladic’s fighters overran the town in July 1995.

Bosnian Serb soldiers separated men and older boys from women and younger children and executed the former in just several days, burying the bodies in mass graves around Srebrenica. — AP

Canada to expand its military reach Ottawa negotiating with Kuwait OTTAWA: Canada is looking to expand its military reach by setting up staging points in Germany, Jamaica and elsewhere to support humanitarian and combat missions abroad, officials and media said Friday. Jay Paxton, spokesman for Defense Minister Peter MacKay said: “Military planners are pursuing logistical agreements to ensure Canada is ready to respond quickly to future humanitarian disasters and international crises.” The warehouses of military equipment and other facilities would support “high-tempo expeditionary operations in places such as Afghanistan, the Middle East, Haiti, Africa and most recently in protecting civilian life in Libya.”

However, he added, “this government and the Canadian Forces have no intention of creating permanent large bases in overseas locations.” According to Canadian media, Ottawa has reached agreements to open new bases in Germany and Jamaica, and is negotiating with Kuwait for another in that country.

As well, the Canadian Forces are reportedly eyeing a presence in Senegal, South Korea, Kenya and Singapore.

Canada currently uses several of its allies’ bases around the world to support its military deployments, including a US base in Germany and a British base in Cyprus as a place to decompress after serving on the front line in Afghanistan and before returning home. In October, Canada was forced to close a top-secret military base in Dubai that was part of a key supply route to Afghanistan after refusing to grant the UAE’s two national carriers, Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways, more landing rights.

During the Cold War, Canada also maintained two bases in Germany but closed them in the early 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Canada currently has troops supporting UN missions in Haiti, Sierra Leone, Darfur and southern Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Sinai peninsula, Cyprus and Kosovo. Canadian fighter jets are also taking part in the NATO mission in Libya, and Ottawa plans to send 950 military trainers to Afghanistan to coach Afghans after its 2,800 combat troops withdraw from the war-torn country in July. — AFP

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

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

Thousands in Hong Kong mark Tiananmen crackdown HONG KONG: Tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong yesterday marked the bloody 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, as China defies international condemnation with an ongoing roundup of political dissidents. A sea of people, mostly clad in black as a sign of mourning, held up candles and sang solemn songs-some with teary eyes-as they filled an area the size of six football fields at the Victoria Park, the only commemoration on Chinese soil.

Organizers said 150,000 people had converged on park, with many others still struggling to make their way through the crowds to the site. “I am here with a heavy heart, it is very emotional for me,” Gladys Liu, a 48-year-old mother-of-two said. “I still remember the scenes-how the army tanks were sent in to break up the student-led protests. I was following the news closely, I never thought it would turn so violent,” said Liu, who turned up with her son, 14, and nine-year-old daughter. “I want my children to know what happened. This is not something that can be learned in school,” she added.

Hundreds, perhaps thousands, are believed to have died when the government sent in tanks and soldiers to clear Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on the night of June 3-4, 1989, bringing a violent end

to six weeks of pro-democracy protests. through a pre-recorded video message from answering questions on the inciAn official verdict after the protests from Taiwan and China respectively. dent.

China attempts to block any public called them a “counter-revolutionary Hong Kong, a former British colony, rebellion” although the wording has returned to Chinese rule in 1997 but discussion or remembrance of the since been softened. “I want to know the retains a semi-autonomous status with events by hiding away key dissidents in truth of June 4,” said 17-year-old student civil liberties-including the right to the run-up to June 4 each year, taking Melissa Tang, who was among many protest-not enjoyed in mainland China. them into custody or placing them under house youngsters arrest, friends at the vigil, and activists as she say. Rights raised cang r o u p s dle in the including air. “Maybe New Yorkwe don’t based Human have the full Rights Watch picture of have repeatwhat haped calls for pened but China to be the students held accountat the 1989 able for its protests past and presdeserve our ent actions, r e s p e c t ,” said Tang, HONG KONG: Tens of thousands of people attend a candlelight vigil at Hong Kong’s Victoria but Beijing who was Park yesterday to mark the 22nd anniversary of the June 4th Chinese military crackdown on reiterated its position that with a the pro-democracy movement in Beijing. — AP the matter group of was closed. classmates.

Wang Dan, a key leader of the 1989 In Beijing, where the Tiananmen protests “As for the political turbulence that took protests, and Ding Zilin, spokeswoman remain a taboo topic, thousands of place in the last century in the late of the Tiananmen Mothers, a group rep- Chinese and foreign tourists flocked to 1980s, the Communist Party and governresenting families of the victims, the giant square yesterday amid a heavy ment have already made a conclusion,” addressed the crowd in Hong Kong police presence, but many shied away foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei

said Thursday.

Since mid-Februar y, as protests spread across the Arab world leading to the toppling of leaders in Tunisia and Egypt, Chinese authorities have detained dozens of lawyers, activists and dissidents in an ongoing clampdown. The vigil comes after Chinese police for the first time raised the possibility of compensation for those killed, according to Tiananmen Mothers. The group said in an annual open letter this week that police have twice met relatives of one victim beginning in February, in a possible sign that Beijing is changing its view on the June 4 crackdown.

The letter said, however, that police did not discuss a formal apology for the killings or a public account of who ordered the shootings-two of the group’s long-standing demands. The Hong Kong vigil was preceded by an annual Tiananmen march last Sunday joined by some 1,000 people, and a series of events including a 64-hour hunger strike on the eve of the anniversar y to honor those who died. Prodemocracy supporters also took out a full-page advertisement in the popular Chinese-language Apple Daily yesterday to call for justice for the Tiananmen victims and the immediate release of Chinese political dissidents. — AFP

Gates pledges wider US military presence in Asia US fears clashes in South China Sea

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian King Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin (center) stands in an army jeep during the inspection of the honor guard in conjunction with his birthday celebration at Merdeka Square yesterday. The king, who is 49 years old, was born on January 22, but his birthday is officially celebrated as a national holiday on the first Saturday of June. — AP

Club urges wives to be ‘whores in bed’ KUALA LUMPUR: A group of Malaysian women launched an “Obedient Wife Club” yesterday, urging members to be “whores in bed” and obey their husbands to curb social ills like divorce and domestic violence. Islamic group Global Ikhwan held the club’s inaugural meeting in Kuala Lumpur, giving women tips on how to keep their men satisfied and prevent them straying. “A good wife is perceived to be prim and proper-you just take care of the children-but not much is emphasized on fulfilling sexual needs of the husband. If he needs sex, obey him,” Rohaya Mohamad, the club’s vice-president said.

Rohaya said 30 percent of the club members were in polygamous marriages while the rest were in monogamous relationships and that the club was open to non-Muslims.

“You must satisfy your husband. A good wife should be a whore in bed,” said 46year-old doctor, whose husband has three other wives. She said the club boasted 800 Malaysian members so far with another 200 from across the Middle East. Over 1,000 guests and supporters turned up for the launch in a leafy suburb, held in conjunction with a mass wedding of ten couples, with the brides all members of the new club.

“If the wife is obedient, then the husband feels good and is entertained and this builds a closer relationship and greater love and no one strays,” said groom Mohamad Shurahbil Amran, 23. His bride Umuhani Lokman Hakim, 19, dressed in a golden white Arabic wedding gown, was unforthcoming when asked why she joined the club and would only say: “It is the right thing to do to keep the family together.”

The club has come under criticism from Malaysian women’s groups who say the onus on keeping a family together is being unfairly placed on women. “With obedience comes submission, which may lead to domestic violence and marital rape,”

Women’s Aid Organization head Ivy Josiah said. “We should really be forming equality in marriage clubs,” she added.

Women’s rights group EMPOWER said the club was a step back for the progress of the equality movement. “We cannot go back to caveman days where the man pulls the woman by the hair and takes her to the cave to have his way. We must recognize that women contribute a lot more than just being a sex toy,” the group’s executive director Maria Chin Abdullah said.

Polygamy is legal for Muslims, who make up more than 60 percent of Malaysia’s population, allowing Muslim men to take up to four wives. In 2010, a study by a Muslim activist group found men in polygamous relationships find it difficult to meet the needs of all their wives and children, and that the result is often unhappy and cashstrapped families.

Malaysian lawyers, politicians and activists lambasted the police yesterday, accusing them of abusing their power in chaining up and marking the bodies of 30 foreign women detained for alleged prostitution. Police raided a high-end nightclub in northern Penang state late Thursday and arrested 29 women from China and one from Vietnam, along with eight Malaysian men. Local media reported police officers went undercover at the club for a week before the raid.

It triggered an outcry after local newspapers carried photos of the women bound up with a long chain and marked with either a tick or an X on their chest and forehead. “ The police branded the detained women as though they are cattle,” opposition lawmaker Teresa Kok said in a statement. “It is sickening that the police would employ such dehumanizing tactics as a show of power and moral superiority over their detainees.” Women’s rights group Tenaganita said the detainees had been victimized and called for an investigation into the police conduct.— Agencies

China busts drug smuggling ring BEIJING: Police in nor theast China detained 10 people and seized a haul of methamphetamines smuggled in to the country from North Korea, Chinese state media said yesterday. South Korea and the United States accuse Nor th Korea of involvement in a wide range of illicit activities, including drug smuggling, to raise funds for a government under wide-ranging sanctions due to its nuclear program.

The 10 suspects were caught in Dandong, which faces North Korea on the Yalu River, carrying 450 grams of methamphetamine, a stimulant known as “ice”, the official Xinhua news agency said in an English-

language report.

The suspects are all Chinese citizens and were also carr ying 150,000 yuan ($23,150) with them, Xinhua said. Police are looking for two other people in connection with the haul. While Xinhua did not say where the drugs came from, it pointed out that Dandong is on the North Korean border and that this was a “crossborder drug trafficking case”. It provided no other details. North Korea was subjected to more US and South Korean sanctions last year for the sink ing of the South’s Cheonan warship. The Nor th denies it sank the vessel.—Reuters

SINGAPORE: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned yesterday that clashes may erupt in the South China Sea unless nations with conflicting territorial claims adopt a mechanism to settle disputes peacefully. “There are increasing concerns. I think we should not lose any time in trying to strengthen these mechanisms that I’ve been talking about for dealing with competing claims in the South China Sea,” he said.

“I fear that without rules of the road, without agreed approaches to deal with these problems, that there will be clashes. I think that serves nobody’s interests,” Gates told a security conference in Singapore, before flying to Kabul. The islands at the centre of the long-running dispute are the Paracel archipelago and the more southerly Spratlys, both potentially resource-rich outcrops that straddle strategic shipping lanes. China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam have laid claim to overlapping sections of the territories.

Gates called on the countries involved to build on a 2002 agreement between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China setting a “code of conduct” aimed at resolving disputes peacefully.

Diplomatic tensions have risen in recent weeks following allegations of increased Chinese activity in the area.

On Friday, Philippines President Benigno Aquino said the country had documented up to seven incidents in less than four months in which China trespassed into what Manila considers its territorial waters.

In a parting pitch to Asian allies, retiring Gates said the Pentagon is considering steps to widen its military presence across the Pacific Rim. He said budget woes won’t interfere.

“America is, as the expression goes, putting ‘our money where our mouth is’ with respect to this part of the world - and will continue to do so,” he told Asia’s premier security conference, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue yesterday.

On his final overseas trip before stepping down June 30 and his seventh to Asia in the last 18 months Gates insisted that Americans’ war weariness and debt worries should not be seen as setting the stage for a shrinking of US commitments in Asia.

On the leading sources of US security concerns in Asia -North Korea and China - he made only brief mention.

But he did highlight a Pentagon commitment to developing ways of countering “anti-access” technologies of

SINGAPORE: US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (second left) meets with China’s Defense Minister Liang Guanglie (right) during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the IISS Shangri-La Security Summit in Singapore. — AP the kind that the US says China is working on - advanced anti-ship missiles, for example, that could make it harder for US aircraft carriers and other warships to operate in Asia seas.

On Friday evening, Gates met with his Chinese counterpart, Gen Liang Guanglie. Gates told Liang that he believes the military-to-military relationship is “on a positive trajectory,” after a series of setbacks in recent years. Liang said he agreed that defense ties are getting better and that they deserve still more attention.

The main elements of friction remain, however. China still claims control of waters the US considers international.

Chinese ambition for influence in Southeast Asia and elsewhere still makes smaller nations uneasy, while Beijing dislikes the heavy US naval presence in Asian waters and builds up its military with weaponry only logically intended for use against the US. A new irritant was introduced this week, with allegations that computer hackers in China had compromised the personal Gmail accounts of several hundred people, including US government officials, military personnel and political activists. The Chinese military tried to direct the spotlight off those allegations Friday, with accusations that the US is launching a global “Internet war” to bring down

Arab and other governments. The FBI said it was investigating Google’s allegations, but no official government email accounts have been compromised. Google said all the hacking victims have been notified and their accounts have been secured.

US officials said the Google matter did not arise in Gates’ meeting with Liang Friday. In his speech yesterday, Gates said friends and foes gauging US intentions should monitor more than the number of US troops on the ground in Asia. “In the coming years, the United States military is also going to be increasing its port calls, naval engagements and multilateral training efforts with multiple countries throughout the region,” he said.

“These types of activities not only broaden and deepen our relationship with friends and allies, but help build partner capacity to address regional challenges.” Gates offered two examples. He said the US is considering a range of actions to strengthen military ties to Australia and the city-state of Singapore. These include increasing the combined US-Australian naval presence in the region to be able to respond more quickly to humanitarian disasters and expanding joint training with Singapore’s forces to help prepare for the “challenges both militaries face operating in the

Pacific,” he said. Gates also said the US would deploy to Singapore a newly developed warship known as the littoral combat ship, which is a smaller combat vessel designed to operate close to shorelines rather than in the open ocean. They will not be home ported in Singapore but will operate there on occasion, according to a senior US defense official who discussed the matter on condition of anonymity in advance of Gates’ speech.

“These programs are on track to grow and evolve further in the future, even in the face of new threats abroad and fiscal challenges at home, ensuring that that we will continue to meet our commitments as a 21st century Asia-Pacific nation - with appropriate forces, posture, and presence,” Gates said. President Barack Obama on April 13 announced a plan to reduce defense spending by $400 billion over the next 12 years, and some in Congress - as well as some independent analysts - are calling for far deeper reductions. With an end in sight for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, defense savings are central to a broader effort to shrink government deficits. Gates acknowledged a perception that the US could turn more inward-looking as it grapples with budget deficits and other domestic problems.— Agencies

South Korea vows strong response to North attack SINGAPORE: South Korea warned yesterday that any future attacks by North Korea would be met by a very strong response, saying that Pyongyang is becoming increasingly bold in its provocations. South Korea must react to any future attacks by the North with stiffer responses than in the past, Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin said at a regional security conference in Singapore. “Proactive deterrence means that if there is a provocation, we will respond very strongly,” Kim said. “I don’t think we can be reserved because they are being bolder and bolder.”

Tensions between the two countries that share the Korean

peninsula have jumped since two deadly attacks blamed on North Korea last year. The Nor th has denied involvement in the sinking of a warship in March 2010 that killed 46 South Korean sailors and argued that a November artillery barrage that killed four was provoked by South Korean firing drills.

In remarks earlier yesterday at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue security forum, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said North Korea’s development of long-range missiles and nuclear weapons put the country “in the process of becoming a direct threat to the United States.” Gates said the US is seeking to persuade North Korea to follow

international norms through negotiations with the participants in stalled six-nation nuclear disarmament talks that involve the two Koreas, Japan, China, Russia and the US. “The United States has no interest in regime change,” Gates said.

“We have no interest in destabilizing North Korea.” North Korea vowed Friday to launch “retaliatory military actions” against South Korea, a threat that came days after Seoul said its military had used photos of Pyongyang’s ruling family for target practice. “From now on,” the North “will launch practical and overall retaliatory military actions to wipe out the group of traitors at

a stroke,” said a statement from an unidentified spokesman for the general staff of the North’s Korean People’s Army.

South Korean marines and some army units had used pictures of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, his son and heir-apparent Kim Jong Un, and his father, the North’s revered founder Kim Il Sung, as firing targets since the North’s deadly shelling of a South Korean border island in November. The South said Tuesday that it would tell units to use only standard targets. Kim Kwan-jin said North Korea has been insincere in previous talks and must change its attitude for South Korea to return to formal discussions. —AP

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Gates makes farewell visit to Afghanistan KABUL: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates was in Afghanistan yesterday for a farewell visit after more than four and a half years at the Pentagon, flying in as a bomb attack killed four more NATO troops. Gates was expected to visit some of the roughly 90,000 US troops serving in Afghanistan as part of a 130,000-strong US-led international force trying to stabilize the country and reverse a bloody Taleban insurgency. The visit, his 12th as Pentagon chief, comes with the United States expected to start troop withdrawals in July and as the White House debates the scale and pace of the drawdown, a decade into the increasingly unpopular war. US President Barack Obama says some American forces will go home in July but has yet to reveal how many. All foreign combat troops are due to leave by 2014.

Gates told reporters en route to the Afghan capital, however, that the amount of money the United States spends on the war-roughly $120 billion a year-should not shape the decision on the speed of the withdrawals. Some US officials and lawmakers say this should be a key factor amid a fragile domestic economy. Pressure for a swifter drawdown has also grown since US Navy SEALs killed Al-Qaeda founder Osama

bin Laden in Pakistan last month. “I think that once you’ve committed, that success of the mission should override everything else. Because the most costly thing of all would be to fail,” Gates said.

“Now that does not preclude adjustments in the mission or in the strategy. But ultimately the objective has to be success in the mission that’s been set forth by the president.” The killing of the Al-Qaeda leader last month has fuelled calls for a reassessment of the war effort. US troops led the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan after the then Taleban regime refused to hand over bin Laden in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks blamed on AlQaeda. Yesterday, a bomb attack killed four more international troops in eastern Afghanistan, the military said, without disclosing their nationalities, bringing to at least 224 the foreign military death toll so far this year.

There are now signs that US officials are increasingly hoping for a negotiated settlement to the conflict. NATO commanders have said this year’s fighting season will be a key test of gains made by a US-led troop surge, but more foreign troops have already been killed in April and May than in the same months of any previous year. In

Pakistani forces kill 26 militants PESHAWAR: Pakistani security forces killed 26 Islamist militants believed to have crossed over from Afghanistan yesterday in the fourth day of fighting close to the border, police said, highlighting the region’s instability along the frontier 10 years after the US-led invasion of Afghanistan. Police officer Bahadur Khan said the insurgents crossed over into Upper Dir from Afghanistan’s Kunar province and opened fire on troops. They returned fire, killing 26 of the attackers, he said, adding troops suffered no casualties.

It was not possible to independently verify his accounts, and a militant spokesman Friday denied early claims by police of significant casualties.

Upper Dir has seen fighting since Wednesday, when dozens, possibly hundreds, of insurgents attacked a security post and killed 25 personnel and five civilians. The clashes forced many residents to flee. Although militants often target security forces, they have rarely launched such attacks from Afghanistan. Pakistan shares a long, porous border with Afghanistan and it has asked Kabul to take steps to stop any such future attacks from there.

Pakistani intelligence officials said

Friday night’s drone attack in South Waziristan killed nine people, up from the figure of five reported soon after the strike. They said they were trying to identify the victims in the attack on a large compound. The BBC quoted local people as saying Kashmiri was among the dead. Kashmiri is one of Pakistan’s most wanted militants and has been linked to several of the country ’s largest attacks. Some reports have linked him to last month’s attack on a naval base in Karachi. He is considered so close to Al-Qaeda that there has been some speculation he could replace Osama bin Laden, who was killed in a US raid here last month.

Asked about the report, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said “he had no information.” Verifying who has been killed in the drone strikes is difficult, and often initial reports turn out to be wrong, or are never formally denied or confirmed by authorities here or in the United States.

Sometimes militants release statements confirming the deaths, though often weeks or months after the attack. The United States does not acknowledge firing the missiles, much less say who they are targeting. — AP

4 NATO troops killed May the deadliest month of the year KABUL: Four service members from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) were killed by a roadside bomb in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, the force said, continuing a trend of rising violence in recent weeks.

ISAF gave no other details about the latest incident. Most of the ISAF troops serving in the hotly contested east, where a fragmented insurgency is being fought near the border with Pakistan, are Americans.

At least 220 foreign troops have been killed in Afghanistan in 2011, 57 in May when the Taleban began a spring offensive, making it the deadliest month of the year for foreign troops. The Taleban vowed to attack foreign military targets, as well as the Afghan government and security forces, when they launched their offensive at the beginning of the traditional warm-weather fighting season in Afghanistan. US commanders had warned of a spike in violence, saying that insurgents could be expected to hit back after significant gains were made by mainly US NATO troops in the southern Taleban heartland of Helmand and Kandahar over the past year.

Despite record violence, Washington has pledged to begin a gradual drawdown of its forces from next month as part of a process that will see all foreign combat troops leave Afghanistan by the

end of 2014. Analysts and some US lawmakers have questioned the wisdom of starting to withdraw troops so soon after those gains were made and with violence rising steadily across Afghanistan.

Violence across Afghanistan hit its worst levels in 2010 since the Taleban were ousted by US-backed Afghan forces in late 2001, with record military and civilian casualties. Also yesterday, a government official in the normally peaceful Panjshir province in the northeast said a foreign civilian, said to be an Italian man, had been killed in a dispute with villagers.

Abdul Rahman Kabiri, the deputy governor of Panjshir, said the Italian man, his wife and a translator were walking along a goat track in a district known for its emerald mining when the dispute broke out on Friday. “The foreigner’s wife was about to fall down when a villager with a donkey grabbed her hand,” Kabiri said by telephone from Panjshir.

“The man thought his wife was being attacked and shot and seriously wounded the villager,” he said. “Other angry villagers came and killed the Italian,” he said. Kabiri said the man’s wife and translator had been taken back to Kabul. While violence and anti-Western sentiment have been rising across Afghanistan, the incident did not appear to be directly related to the insurgency. — Reuters

KABUL: An Afghan disabled man carries used tea pots to sell in Kabul, Afghanistan. — AP Singapore yesterday, Gates said military pressure on the Taleban could lead to “real opportunities” for peace talks with Afghan

insurgent leaders. On the plane to Kabul, he said the decision on the drawdown would have to include a longer-term blue-

print on force levels. Obama has “made a commitment that we will begin this process next month”, Gates said. “But obviously as we look ahead, we’re going to have to think about sort of the next year or two in terms of where we are.” “We have to weigh the impact potentially on our allies of what we decide. “We certainly don’t want to precipitate a rush for the exits by our partners,” he said. “By the same token, you can’t be oblivious to the growing war weariness at home and the diminishing suppor t in the Congress.” Gates also admitted to a certain amount of trepidation at the prospect of bidding farewell to US troops after so long in the job.

“This is principally an opportunity for me to thank the troops. And bid them farewell,” he said, his voice breaking as he paused to hold back tears. “So I don’t expect it to be very easy.” Elsewhere in Afghanistan, it emerged that an Italian who worked at the country’s embassy in Kabul was shot dead Friday following an altercation in one of the country’s most peaceful provinces, Panjshir.

Two Afghan students, one of whom was secretary to the provincial police chief, were killed by a bomb blast at a university in Kandahar, the troubled city which was the Taleban’s birthplace. — AFP

Anti-graft yoga guru begins fast to death Ramdev’s political foray has India in a roil NEW DELHI: India’s most famous yoga guru began a mass fast to the death yesterday to demand reforms including the death penalty for corrupt officials in an anti-graft campaign that has undermined an embattled and scandal-tainted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The saffronrobed and bearded Swami Ramdev, who rose from an illiterate family to host a television show with 30 million viewers and owns a “peace” island in Scotland, sat with thousands of followers in a tent the size of four football pitches in Delhi.

Tapping into spiraling voter anger at corruption as Asia’s third largest economy booms, the guru has called on the government to pursue billions of dollars in illegal funds abroad and the withdrawal of high denomination bank notes. One newspaper called it “Yogitation” , others called it a publicity stunt. “We are not deviating ... Our issues are black money, corruption,” Ramdev told a thunderous crowd as he started his hunger strike in a tent where hundreds of ceiling fans whirred in the summer heat. “And we have to stay firm.” “Nothing is impossible, everything is possible and we are not going to be defeated.”

His campaign is the latest embarrassment for a Congress party-led coalition hit by graft scandals including allegations of kickbacks at the Commonwealth Games and a telecoms scam that may have cost the government up to $39 billion. Graft has long been a part of daily life from getting an electricity connection to signing business deals, but the latest scandals - that have seen a minister jailed and business billionaires questioned - are unprecedented.

Such is Ramdev’s popularity in the electorally important states of north India that four government ministers, including Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, met him in Delhi after he descended from his private plane to persuade him to stop. Negotiations have so far been fruitless.

Investors worry the latest troubles will again force the government to pay less attention to reform bills, such as making it easier for industry to acquire land, postponed due to opposition protests over graft causing parliamentary deadlock.

Thousands of Indians also fast-

NEW DELHI: Renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev (right) performs Yoga exercises before going on a hunger strike with his followers yesterday. — AP ed in the tent while the guru’s followers as far away as the state of Orissa and the city of Mumbai also began hunger strikes. While many followers are poor, others in the tent were well dressed professionals, mingling with foreign tourists and villagers who had travelled hundreds of miles to see him. Mayuri, 32, came with her husband from western state of Rajasthan to be part of the protest, and had to sell her husband’s bicycle to pay for the trip.

“We believe this is an investment,” she said, adding she hoped illegal funds stashed abroad could be used for welfare measures.

Ramdev’s fast comes after a similar one by social activist Anna Hazare, whose April campaign

rang a chord with millions of Indians and forced the government to make legislative concessions on an anti-corruption bill that effectively gives India an independent ombudsman to battle graft. Both campaigns have underscored how India’s traditional national parties are struggling to deal with the growing anger at middle class Indians increasingly fed up with graft, leaving a political vacuum that figures like Ramdev can fill. India ranked 78th on Transparency International’s latest corruption index, a worse ranking than China.

POLITICAL AMBITIONS? Ramdev’s yoga demonstrations, filled with crowd-pleasing

stunts such as headstands or making his belly dance inside his ribcage, are often punctuated by rambling lectures on corruption, black money or the government’s failure to tackle Maoist rebels. But few expect Ramdev will die for his cause. Like Hazare, most commentators expect some deal will be forged that will give the yoga guru enough for him to claim moral victory and possibly help the launch of his political party for 2014 elections.

Critics say he is also linked to a radical Hindu nationalist group.

His outspoken positions on homosexuality, which he says is a curable mental illness, and sex education to prevent HIV and AIDS, which he says should be withdrawn from schools and replaced by yoga, have also been criticized. The campaign looked well planned with giant television screens broadcasting Ramdev’s meditation sessions and speech.

There was abundant water laid on in the harsh summer heat.

Paying for it is no problem. His global business has a turnover of $40 million a year.

Politicians fear that outrage over corruption scandals, made all the harder to stomach by rising food and fuel prices, may turn into a national popular movement against the establishment.

India has largely remained unaffected by the violent protests that have rocked emerging economies in the Middle East and North Africa, fuelled in part by high prices and corruption. But one government ally, the DMK party in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, was thrown out of power in a state election because of links with the telecoms scandal.

The protest has also divided the ruling Congress party, with some officials angry that the prime minister sent ministers to meet Ramdev, seemingly playing in to the guru’s hands. Others have pointed to the irony of a hunger strike in a country where more than 40 percent of children under five are malnourished.

Some have questioned Ramdev’s luxurious lifestyle. “The Baba travels in a private jet, stays in a fivestar luxury hotel, and has the money for such arrangements before going on a fast. This is surely a five -star satyagraha (protest),” Congress leader Digvijay Singh was quoted as saying on NDTV. — Reuters

US renews pressure on Lanka over war crimes

HELMAND PROVINCE: US Army flight medic Sgt Jose Rivera attends to two badly wounded Afghan national police officers in medevac helicopter, after they came under fire on the outskirts of Sangin. — AP

COLOMBO: The United States said yesterday it remained “deeply concerned” about alleged Sri Lankan war crimes as it distanced itself from a junior US military officer who questioned the credibility of the accusations against the island.

The US government, along with other Western nations, rejected an invitation to attend a seminar hosted by Sri Lanka earlier in the week to showcase its success in crushing Tamil separatists by May 2009.

However, the US defense attache in Colombo, Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Smith, attended the seminar as an “observer” and his remarks there were his own “opinion”, the US state department said in a statement received in Colombo. Sri Lanka hosted the seminar, cosponsored by its main arms supplier China, to highlight its win over the rebels after decades

of ethnic conflict which according to the UN claimed up to 100,000 lives between 1972 and 2009.

Smith told the seminar that the credibility of rebel surrender claims was in doubt and he appeared to contradict a Western allegation that Sri Lankan troops killed surrendering rebels. A key charge in a recent UN report accuses Sri Lanka of executing Tiger political leaders who are said to have worked out a surrender deal through Western diplomats, including those of the United States in Colombo. Smith told the seminar offers of surrender came from “mouthpieces” of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), whose words had not demonstrated any control over the leadership. “Their offers were suspect,” Smith said, taking the floor after a retired

Indian army general Ashok Metha sought clarification from Sri Lankan authorities about allegations of executing surrendering rebels. “I think we need to examine the credibility of those offers,” Smith said, in remarks which received wide coverage in pro-government media in Colombo to buttress Sri Lanka’s claims that there was no surrender by rebels.

“Remarks earlier this week by the US embassy’s Defense Attache... reflected his personal opinions,” the US State Department statement said.

“They do not reflect the policy of the United States government.” It said the Washington “remains deeply concerned by the findings of the (UN) Secretary-General’s Panel of Experts on Sri Lanka” which said there were “credible allegations” that Sri Lankan troops killed thousands of civilians. — AFP

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ne ws Maradona slams FIFA ‘dinosaurs’ Continued from Page 1 damaged in recent months by an unprecedented string of match-fixing cases and corruption allegations swirling around the 2018 and ‘22 World Cup bids. It culminated last week when Blatter’s only challenger for the presidency, Mohamed bin Hammam, withdrew from the race amid bribery allegations which he denies. Just as Maradona’s press conference was ending, FIFA announced it was investigating Argentina’s 41 loss in Nigeria on Wednesday after betting patterns suggested it was targeted by match fixers.

Maradona said it would be best for football if Blatter and other FIFA executives - like his longtime opponent Julio Grondona, president of the Argentine Football Association - resigned but doubted it would ever happen. “They are going to look after themselves, look after their backs,” he said. “They will stay until they are 105 and 110 and football unfortunately will be the same.”

Maradona, 50, agreed last month to coach the littleknown Al Wasl club in the Gulf. He hasn’t coached since leading Argentina to the World Cup quarterfinals last year. Dressed in a black shirt and smiling at the crowd of nearly 100 reporters, Maradona insisted he had come to Dubai to work with the goal of bringing the

LUEBECK-TRAVEMUENDE, Germany: The luxury cruise liner “Queen Elizabeth” arrives at its first port in Germany yesterday. The ship operated by the British-American Cunard Line shipping company is capable to carry 2,092 passengers. — AFP

NATO attack choppers target Gaddafi forces Continued from Page 1

New drug reduces breast cancer risk Continued from Page 1 They had at least one risk factor being 60 or older, a prior breast abnormality or pre-invasive cancer, or a high score on a scale that takes into account family history and other things. They were given daily doses of exemestane, sold as Aromasin, or dummy pills. After about three years, there were 11 cases of invasive breast cancer among those on the drug versus 32 among the others. That worked out to a 65 percent reduction in risk for those on the drug - enough of a benefit that independent monitors decided all participants should be offered it.

Serious side effects, such as broken bones, high cholesterol and heart problems, were similar in both groups. Slightly more women on the drug reported hot flashes, fatigue, sweating, insomnia and joint pain, but quality-of-life scores were similar. Earlier studies of aromatase inhibitors found they can cause bone loss, vaginal dryness, problems having sex, joint pain and muscle aches, so it will take longer study to see if these occur, Lichter said.

The study’s leader, Dr Paul Goss of Massachusetts General Hospital,

figured that 26 women would need to take exemestane for five years to prevent a single case of breast cancer. Even though this study did not compare the drug to tamoxifen, previous studies suggested 96 women would need to take it for five years for each breast cancer prevented. “This is a new option for prevention of invasive breast cancer for a wide pool of women,” without the serious side effects of tamoxifen or raloxifene, Goss said.

Results were published online by the New England Journal of Medicine. The Canadian Cancer Society, Pfizer and the Avon Foundation helped pay for the study. Goss and some other researchers have been paid speakers for Pfizer and other cancer drug makers. Brand-name aromatase inhibitors cost $340 to $420 a month, although some are available as generics. Aromasin’s US patent expired in April and will expire in Europe and Japan in July.

A second study at the conference focused on treating breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.

Standard treatment is surgery followed by chemotherapy or hormone therapy and several weeks of radiation to the breast. Women with large tumors or many cancerous

nodes also get radiation to the armpit and lower neck, but doctors don’t know if this helps women with smaller tumors or only one to three cancerous nodes - a common situation. Dr Timothy Whelan of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, led a study of 1,832 such women. All received standard treatment with radiation to the breast, and half also had radiation in the armpit and lower neck area.

After about five years, 90 percent of those given wider radiation were cancer-free versus 84 percent of the others, and there was a trend toward better survival with more radiation. Lung inflammation and lymphedema - painful arm swelling caused by poor drainage were more common with wider radiation, but doctors said these side effects were worth the benefit of fewer cancer recurrences. The results are “potentially practicechanging” and will encourage doctors to offer wider radiation, Whelan said. Worldwide, about 1.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and nearly 500,000 women die of the disease.

Last year in the United States, there were about 207,000 new cases and 40,000 deaths from breast cancer. — AP

Injured Saleh accepts Saudi treatment offer Continued from Page 1 But the extent of Saleh’s injuries have been a matter of intense speculation. When the rocket struck the mosque in his presidential compound, he was surrounded by top government officials and his bodyguards. Eleven guards died and five of the officials who were standing next to the president were seriously wounded and taken to Saudi Arabia. The president delivered an audio address, his voice labored, but the images shown on Yemeni television Friday after the attack were old.

Abdullah waded into the conflict after nearly four months of largely peaceful protests seeking to depose Saleh spun out of control into an increasingly bloody civil war. Past ceasefires have not held and international diplomacy has so far failed to oust Yemen’s leader of 33 years. Rebel tribesmen directly attacked Saleh for the first time when they landed the rockets on the mosque.

A secretary in Saleh’s office and a ruling party official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters, said Saleh spoke to the Saudi monarch afterward. While Saleh accepted the offer of treatment, the officials said, the president’s plane had not left Sanaa airport yesterday night.

Sheik Mohammed Nagi Al-Shayef, a leader of the Saleh-allied Bakeel tribe, said he met with the president yesterday evening at the Defense Ministry compound in the capital. “He suffered burns but they were not serious. He was burned on both hands, his face and head,” Al-Shayef told AP. He said Saleh also was hit by jagged pieces of wood that splintered from the mosque pulpit.

There were about 200 people in the mosque when the rocket landed.

Deputy Information Minister Abdu Al-Janadi also said: “The president is still in Sanaa. He is in a good condition. There is no reason to transfer him outside the country.” He told Al-Jazeera television that bandages on Saleh’s head for burns and scrapes prevented him from appearing on television as government officials had promised Friday night after the attack. “He was targeted but God gave him a new life,” Al-Janadi said.

A growing number of people in Saleh’s inner circle feel the attack may have carried out by General Ali Mohsen who has broken from Saleh, sided with the protesters and called the president a “madman who is thirsty for more bloodshed”. An expert on Yemen with close ties to Sanaa’s leadership said: “Nobody could have done this with such military precision other than a military man.”

Through the predawn hours yesterday, government and rebel forces exchanged rocket fire, damaging a contested police station. The rockets rained down on streets housing government buildings that had been taken over by tribesmen. Since violence erupted in the city on May 23, residents have been hiding in basements as the two sides fight for control of government ministries and hammer one another in artillery duels and gun battles, rattling neighborhoods and sending

smoke billowing into the air above Sanaa. An early signal that ceasefire might be in the works, arose yesterday afternoon when, in the southern city of Taiz when the Republican Guard brigade that had occupied the streets of the southern city quietly left town and returned to base.

Taiz had been a focal point of anti-Saleh activism since the uprising began. The Republican Guard left yesterday without giving a reason after having violently cleared protest camps there last week. An official from the Republican Guard’s 33rd brigade said gunmen clashed with the brigade overnight, destroying three of their vehicles. Meanwhile, officers and prominent city residents pressured Brig Gen Jibrah Al-Hashidi to stop opposing the protesters, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity under military rules. The brigade issued no official statement as other military groups have done when defecting to the opposition.

But its returning to base is significant because it lead a fierce crackdown on protesters earlier this week that killed at least 25 people, sparking international condemnation.

In Washington, the White House called on all sides to stop the fighting, which has killed more than 160 people. “Violence cannot resolve the issues that confront Yemen, and today’s events cannot be a justification for a new round of fighting,” White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said in a statement. US President Barack Obama’s Homeland Security and Counterterrorism adviser, John Brennan, discussed the crisis in Yemen with officials in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates during a three-day visit to the Gulf that ended Friday. He vowed to work with Yemen’s powerful neighbors to stop the violence.

Washington fears the chaos will undermine the Yemen government’s U.S.-backed campaign against AlQaeda’s branch in the country, which has attempted a number of attacks against the United States. Saleh has been a crucial US ally in the anti-terror fight, but Washington is now trying to negotiate a stable exit for him. Germany said Saturday it had ordered the immediate closure of its embassy in Yemen “because of current developments”. “The embassy team that is still on the ground will leave the country as soon as it is possible and safe,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Inspired by uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, protesters have been trying unsuccessfully since February to oust Saleh with a wave of peaceful protests that have brought out hundreds of thousands daily in Sanaa and other cities. Now the crisis has transformed into a power struggle between two of Yemen’s most powerful families Saleh’s, which dominates the security forces, and the AlAhmar clan, which leads Yemen’s strongest tribal confederation, known as the Hashid. The confederation is grouped around 10 tribes across the north. Al-Ahmar announced the Hashid’s support for the protest movement in March, and his fighters adhered to the movement’s nonviolence policy. But last week, Saleh’s forces moved against Al-Ahmar’s fortress-like residence in Sanaa, and the tribe’s fighters rose up in fury. — Agencies

club a championship next year. Al Wasl currently is tied for fourth place which means it can still qualify for a spot in next year’s Asian Champions League. The Dubai club has not provided any details of the contract and Maradona denied reports he is being paid $10 million.

Maradona declined to name players he hopes to sign for the club, only promising to focus on acquiring young talent with a desire to win. He said he would not follow the lead of other Gulf clubs in acquiring big name veterans because he didn’t want Al Wasl to become “a grave full of white elephants”. Last year, another UAE club Al Ahli signed former Juventus captain Fabio Cannavaro but he incurred several injuries and the club has struggled.

“Today, I feel the same challenge, the same way as I felt when I was coaching the national team,” said Maradona, who leads his first match in September. “If we work hard with a good team, we can make history.

This is something my players have to understand. If someone doesn’t understand that, surely he will not play.” Maradona was captain when Argentina won the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, before retiring in 1997.

Before taking over as coach of Argentina in 2008, he had coached only Deportivo Mandiyu in 1994 and Racing Club in 1995. In both cases, he left before his contract was up. — AP

spokesman said by phone from the rebel-held Western Mountains town.

NATO’s helicopter attacks struck military targets around the eastern town of Brega, location of an oil export terminal. Rebel forces swept west through Brega early in the uprising before retreating from near Gaddafi’s home town of Sirte in late March. Gaddafi’s forces have since dug in around the oil town. “The Apaches were tasked with precision strikes against a regime radar installation and a military checkpoint, both located around Brega,” said Major General Nick Pope, the Chief of the Defence Staff ’s Strategic Communications Officer. “In the same area, Royal Air Force ground attack aircraft destroyed another military installation, whilst a separate

RAF mission successfully attacked two ammunition bunkers at the large Waddan depot in central Libya.”

In the latest diplomatic setback for Gaddafi, China made its first confirmed contact with Libyan rebels this week following a spate of defections by high profile figures including senior oil official and former prime minister Shokri Ghanem.

Libyan rebels and NATO have made Gaddafi’s departure a condition for agreeing a ceasefire in the conflict, but he emphatically told visiting South African President Jacob Zuma this week he would not leave Libya. “He is more and more isolated,” French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe told Europe 1 radio. “There have been more defections around him and we have received messages from his close entourage which has understood that he must leave power.”

In Beijing, a terse Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said Beijing’s ambassador to Qatar, Zhang Zhiliang, had met and “exchanged views on developments in Libya” with Mustafa Abdel Jalil, the chairman of the rebel council that is trying to offer itself as a credible temporary alterative to Gaddafi. The ministry gave no details but the meeting itself was an indication that Beijing wants to keep open lines of communication with the rebel forces.

The United Nations has said government-held parts of Libya were running out of food and the capital Tripoli this week saw the first big protest in months against Gaddafi’s 41-year rule. Gaddafi says the rebels are armed criminals and Al-Qaeda militants, and has called the NATO intervention an act of colonial aggression designed to grab Libya’s plentiful oil. — Reuters

Syrian tanks reach Hama as burials draw...

Continued from Page 1 As they marched in the streets carrying the coffins, the protesters chanted “our souls, our blood we sacrifice to you martyr”. They later passed by hundreds of uniformed security members guarding a statue of the late President Hafez Assad, the father and predecessor of the current president, at the southern entrance of the city, witnesses said. Some of the dead were from nearby villages and were taken for burial in their hometowns, they said.

The witnesses said that in addition to the tight security near the statue, hundreds of security agents guarded the local office of the ruling Baath party and the nearby police headquarters.

But there was no overt friction between protesters and the troops.

Residents said most shops in

Hama were closed since the morning to protest the shootings. “People are in a state of shock,” a resident, who like many in Syria spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of government reprisal. The Syrian government has severely restricted the media and expelled foreign reporters, making it nearly impossible to independently verify what is happening there. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said authorities released a leading opposition figure yesterday. Ali Abdullah of the Damascus Declaration Group had been jailed since 2007 and was among hundreds of political prisoners freed this week after Assad issued a general amnesty.

Assad also created a committee that he said would pave the way for a national dialogue, hoping the concessions would satisfy the revolt,

which is posing the most serious challenge to the Assad family’s 40year rule. What began as a disparate movement demanding reforms has grown into a resilient uprising seeking Assad’s ouster. Assad has invited officials from 12 outlawed Kurdish parties to meet him, said Mohammed Moussa of the Kurdish Leftist Party, whose group was invited. He said the meeting is expected in the coming days.

Such a move would have been unthinkable only a few months ago.

Assad granted citizenship two months ago to stateless Kurds in eastern Syria - aimed at addressing protesters’ grievances. About 1.5 million of Syria’s 22 million people are Kurds. Syria’s Kurdish minority has long complained of discrimination. — AP

US hit kills top Qaeda commander Continued from Page 1 A Pakistani television station quoted the group Kashmiri headed, Harkat-ul Jihad Islami (HUJI) which is allied to Al-Qaeda, as saying the latest report was true.

“We confirm that our Amir (leader) and commander in chief, Mohammad Ilyas Kashmiri, along with other companions, was martyred in an American drone strike on June 3, 2011, at 11:15 pm,” Abu Hanzla Kashir, who identified himself as a HUJI spokesman, said in a statement faxed to the station. “God willing ... America will very soon see our full revenge. Our only target is America.”

The authenticity of the statement could not be verified.

Kashmiri’s death is good news for Pakistan, which has failed to subdue militants seeking to topple its unpopular government despite a series of army offensives against their strongholds. “It will be a very big blow to militants and Pakistan will be a major beneficiary because he was behind attacks on Pakistani defence and military installations,” said retired Brigadier Asad Munir, a former Pakistani intelligence officer.

Kashmiri, said to be a former Pakistani military officer, and other militants were with an Afghan Taleban member involved in liaison with the Pakistani Taleban when the drone missile struck, said the intelligence official. He said they were in a house in South Waziristan, close to the Afghan border in northwest Pakistan, that was believed to be the headquarters of Kashmiri’s group, which has been described as an operational wing of Al-Qaeda. “We were closing in on him and he switched off his satellite phone and cell phone and he wanted to cross the border to Afghanistan to find a hiding place,” the official added. “It was a tipoff by us since we were closely monitoring his movements.” Five of his close allies were also killed in the attack by a pilotless drone aircraft, along with two other militants, intelligence officials said. Another security official said two close associates who usually travel with Kashmiri, Amir Hamza and Mohammad Usman, were killed.

A US embassy spokesman said he could not confirm the killing of Kashmiri or whether Pakistan provided support for an operation. The killing of bin Laden aroused international suspicions that Pakistani authorities had been complicit in hiding him, and led to domestic criticism of them for failing to detect or stop the US team that killed him. Kashmiri was on a list which the United States gave Pakistan of senior militants it wanted killed or captured, said a Pakistani offi-

cial.

Kashmiri’s family in the village of Thathi in Bhimber district, more than nine hours’ drive from Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir, said Saturday they had not been in contact with him for six years. “We came to know through TV. We don’t know whether he is dead or alive,” his elder brother Mohammad Asghar told AFP by telephone. A spokesman for Pakistan’s umbrella Taleban faction said Kashmiri was “alive and safe”, and had not been present at the time of the strike.

Listed on US and UN terror blacklists, Kashmiri was born in 1964 in Azad Kashmir. He is about six feet tall and weighs about 91 kg. He has black hair and been seen with a thick beard dyed white, black, or red at various times. He has lost sight in one eye, and often wears aviator-style sunglasses. He is missing an index finger, according to the State Department.

Drone strikes have increased under the Obama administration, sometimes killing civilians and fuelling anti-American sentiment in Pakistan. While Pakistani leaders publicly criticise the attacks, analysts say killing high-value targets like Kashmiri would not be possible without Pakistani intelligence. Washington reiterated its call on Pakistan, a major recipient of US aid, to crack down harder on militancy after it was discovered that bin Laden had been living about a two-hour drive from intelligence headquarters.

The US Department of State has labelled Kashmiri a “specially designated global terrorist”. Last year, the US attorney’s office quoted a Chicago taxi driver charged with sending money to Kashmiri as saying the Pakistani militant had told him he “wanted to train operatives to conduct attacks in the United States”. Kashmiri battled Soviet occupation troops in the 1980s in Afghanistan, where he lost an eye. His group also fought Indian rule in the disputed Kashmir region. He has been linked to attacks including the 2008 rampage through the Indian city of Mumbai which killed 166 people.

“This will be a huge loss for Al-Qaeda,” said Kamran Bokhari of global intelligence firm STRATFOR. “Everyone will benefit, the United States, Pakistan and India.” The Pakistani media has speculated that Kashmiri was the mastermind of an attack on the PNS Mehran naval base in Karachi last month which humiliated the Pakistani military. In that operation, six militants held off 100 security forces, including commandos, for 16 hours. — Agencies

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OPINION

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issues

Palestinian deal going nowhere fast

By Tom Perry

I

n the West Bank, men suspected of belonging to Hamas are still in jail for opposing President Mahmoud Abbas’s Western-backed Palestinian Authority. In Gaza, where Hamas rules, Abbas’ supporters continue to face harassment by the Islamist group’s security forces. In the month since it was announced, a deal aimed at ending the feud between Hamas and Abbas’s Fatah has made little headway towards repairing the damage of four years of civil strife.

The lack of progress on the ground, where security is in the hands of the rival administrations, has already raised questions about whether elections can be held within a year, as promised in the agreement brokered by Egypt. “So far, the reconciliation is no more than pen on paper,” said Mona Mansour, a pro-Hamas member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, the defunct Palestinian parliament. “It’s impossible for elections to be held in this atmosphere,” she said at her office in the West Bank city of Nablus, detailing ongoing PA measures against Hamas suspects, who are being routinely summoned for questioning. “We have not felt any change on the ground.”

Concluded in Cairo on May 4, Palestinian reconciliation was the result of the regional upheaval that toppled one president in Egypt and is challenging another in Syria - both countries with heavy influence over the Palestinians. Under the agreement, the Palestinians have committed to form a new cabinet to govern the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

That is seen as the easy part of the deal, though the rivals have yet to agree on a prime minister.

More difficult will be restoring political freedoms which have been one of the main casualties of the Palestinian crisis and without which, observers say, elections cannot happen. While Fatah and Hamas flags have reappeared in the streets of Gaza and Ramallah for the first time in years, members of both groups say any changes are so far cosmetic.

Distrust means both are nervous about reorganising in areas where security remains firmly in the control of their rivals. “People are scared,” said one Hamas activist, explaining the low turnout at a rally held by the group in Ramallah last month, one of the first Hamas showings in the Palestinian’s administrative capital in several years.

In both Gaza and the West Bank, security arrangements will stay as they are for the foreseeable future, meaning Hamas will continue to control Gaza and the PA will still police major towns in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. “There is an atmosphere of reconciliation but there is no actual reconciliation,” said a senior Fatah figure in Gaza, who did not want to be named because of sensitivity of the topic. Hamas says that in the four years since it seized control of Gaza, the PA has tried to weaken the group in the West Bank by shutting down its charities, jailing and torturing its members and sacking suspected sympathisers from government jobs.

Fatah has its own narrative of oppression at the hands of Hamas in Gaza. In the agreement, Hamas and Fatah agreed to release political detainees, though both have denied holding any. Hamas says the Palestinian Authority has 200 political detainees in its jails. One of them is Amjad Awwad. He is serving a three-year sentence for “opposing the policies of the PA”, according to an official document held by his family. “We were very optimistic that the prisoners would be released but unfortunately our hopes have been dashed,” said May Hammad, Awwad’s wife. “I feel it’s all for nothing. It seems like something theoretical that is just happening for the cameras,” she said.

In Gaza last week, Hamas police broke up a youth event sponsored by the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), the movement dominated by Fatah and to which Hamas does not belong. “Such measures poison the reconciliatory atmosphere and they do not indicate that division on ground has ended,” PLO official Ahmed Majdalani said in a statement. Palestinian political commentator Hany AlMasri described the reconciliation deal as fragile because the sides were forced into it by regional events rather than their own conviction. —Reuters

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.

Riyadh aids allies against Iran, revolts

By Ulf Laessing and Jason Benham

T

op oil exporter Saudi Arabia is using its political clout and financial power to draw regional allies into a united front against perceived threats from Iran and popular discontent with Arab autocrats. Saudi rulers, alar med by sh if ts in US polic y in response to the toppling of long-time ally Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and protests roiling Bahrain, Oman and Yemen in the kingdom’s own Gulf backyard, are vigorously pushing back.

“Saudi Arabia is using its excess budget wealth to silence the revolutions or shape their outcomes,” said Londonbased Saudi researcher and author Madawi Al-Rasheed.

Riyadh has pledged $4 billion in aid to Egypt, throwing a lifeline to new rulers struggling with the economic impact of the anti-Mubarak unrest. It was also instrumental in a $20 billion handout to Bahrain and Oman for jobcreating projects. Saudi Arabia shares US fears that Iran wants nuclear arms and has struggled to adjust to rising Iranian regional influence since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq produced a Shiite-led government in Baghdad. It

also worries about popular unrest.

“The kingdom is very concerned about the revolutionary wave. They don’t want the waves to reach the shores of the Gulf,” said Saudi political analyst Khalid Al-Dakhil.

The Saudi-led Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), grouping six Sunniruled oil producers, is considering letting Jordan and Morocco join, adding two more monarchies to a bloc that includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The invitation to the two non-oil countries was motivated by defence needs, not economic logic, analysts say. The GCC, which sent troops to Bahrain in March to help quell protests by majorit y Shiites there, wants extra muscle to counter perceived military and security threats from Iran. “It doesn’t make any sense from an economic perspective. Morocco has nothing to do with the Gulf and is far away. The Saudis want to support two allies,” said an analyst in Riyadh.

Despite their often tense ties with Syria, a friend of Iran, Saudi rulers are worried about the fallout of protests against President Bashar Al-Assad, w h i c h t h e y fe a r c o u l d d e s t a b i l i s e

neighbours such as Jordan, also the scene of some protests. “They want to support Jordan. I think they could use Jordan as a buffer against Syria which is unstable,” said Rasheed. Riyadh has tried to wean Syria from Iran, offering economic cooperation after King Abdullah visited Damascus in 2009.

But no Saudi firm made big investments in Syria, which kept its alliance with Iran. US officials have even accused Iran of helping Syria quash p ro te s t s, a c h a rg e b o t h co u n t r i e s deny.

Saudi financial aid to Egypt aimed to p re ve nt i ns t a b il i t y i n t he A r a b world’s most populous nation, and to discourage Cairo’s new rulers from mending fences with Tehran. “ Their biggest worry is that Egypt restores ties with Iran,” said Rasheed. The kingdom, home to the holiest Muslim sites, sees itself as bastion of Sunni Islam and had relied on Mubarak to contain Shi’ite Iran. King Abdullah initially backed Mubarak when Egyptians rose up against their leader. Saudi Arabia also gave refuge to ousted Tunisian leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. Days after the Saudi aid package, Egypt briefly detained and questioned

an Iranian diplomat for spying. “It’s interesting how immediately af ter Saudi Arabia announced the financial package, Egypt arrested the diplomat,” said Mohammed Al-Qahtani, a prominent pro-democracy activist. Iran’s President M ahmoud Ahmadinejad urged Egypt on Wednesday to rebuild diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic, saying the resulting emergence of a new “great power” would force “Zionists” to leave the region.

Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy, is also looking inward. After returning from a prolonged medical absence in February, King Abdullah pledged $130 billion in handouts to create jobs and provide housing for a rapidly-growing population. Dakhil said the quest for security in the kingdom, which forbids public assembly and enforces strict Islamic rules, would be advanced by allowing more freedom and pursuing reform at home, rather than by seeking friends abroad. “The best way to protect the monarchy is to protect from within not from outside - whether military capabilities, political or economic reforms. Jordan and Morocco can’t p rov i d e a ny p rote c t i on for S a ud i Arabia,” he said. —Reuters

Japan drama leaves basic ills unresolved

By Linda Sieg

A

lame duck leader, a combative opposition that can block legislation, and a ruling party divided by private feuds and differences over how best to solve the country’s longterm ills. It ’s back to square one in Japan. When the dusts settles, that may be the takeaway from the political drama that concluded on Thursday with a promise by Prime Minister Naoto Kan to resign once he has brought the crisis at the Fukushima nuclear power plant under control. The unpopular leader’s pledge was a last-minute deal to keep rivals in his Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ ) from backing a no-confidence motion in parliament that would have forced him to resign or call a snap election.

The bargain Kan struck has averted the worst-case scenario of a political vacuum as the government struggles to rebuild a vast area devastated by March 11’s earthquake and tsunami, and contain radiation leaks at Tokyo Electric Power Co’s Fukushima plant, which was torn apart by the natural disaster. But beneath the surface, what has lately looked like a dysfunctional political system remains in dire straits.

“Nothing is made any easier by this decision and the focus of attention will be on politics in the Beltway,” said Columbia University professor Gerry Curtis. “They will spend all their time manoeuvring ... and who is going to think about foreign polic y, about Tohoku (the tsunami-devastated northeast) or about anything of significance?”

Indeed, no sooner had Kan survived the no-confidence vote on Thursday, signs of friction resurfaced, with a former prime minister who had helped broker the deal calling the party’s No.2 a “liar”. One reason for the lingering

tension is that Kan did not give a target date for his departure, which could come in a matter of months but without a timetable his pledge is vague.

Optimists said the deal might persuade the opposition, who control parliament’s upper house and can block bills, to agree to enac t a law enabling the government to borrow more to fund nearly half of a $1 trillion budget for the current fiscal year.

But the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Thursday repeated its stance that the DPJ must first drop key campaign promises to leave more money in consumers’ pockets. The No. 2 in the party also threatened to take the fight to the upper house which the opposition controls and present a non-binding censure motion against Kan there.

Some predict that enacting an extra budget to pay for what will be Japan’s biggest reconstruction project since the days after World War Two might be easier now that the opposition has failed to pass the no-confidence motion. But divisions persist even within the DPJ over how to fund such spend-

ing, with some lawmakers opposed to raising taxes to repay the fresh debt that is certain to be needed.

Former foreign minister Seiji Maehara, sometimes cited as a possible successor to Kan, said the passage of the funding bill was not assured given the divided legislature.

“If the funding bill is not passed, it will be a big drag on the Japanese economy and reconstruction, and it is also directly linked to the extra budget,” Maehara said. “So even though the no-confidence motion has been rejected, things have not settled down and the problems have not changed.”

Equally troubling, Japan’s next leader may fare no better in efforts to cap the rising social security costs of a fast-ageing population and a ballooning pub-

lic debt that is twice the size of the $5 trillion economy. Ratings agencies have already warned that Japan’s political stalemate and bickering could lead to a downgrade of its sovereign debt rating on the world’s third-largest economy.

Some analysts said the chances of a “grand coalition” between K an’s Democrats and the LDP would probably be higher under Kan’s successor - since the opposition party has insisted his grip on power was the major obstacle.

Among the names that have been floated are: Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku; National Strategy Minister Koichiro Gemba, who has good ties with some in the LDP; Agriculture Minister Michihiko Kano; Maehara, a security hawk; and Shinji Tarutoko, who lost a party leadership race to Kan last year. “Once Kan resigns, the chances of a coalition are higher,” said Kyohei Morita, chief economist at Barclays Capital Ltd. “Political decision-making capability would be greater, but that doesn’t mean they would adopt the right policies.”

Forging policy pacts among a giant coalition’s diverse members would not be be easy. While many in both parties agree that Japan must raise its sales tax from 5 percent to fund rising social security costs, others in both camps are opposed. “It’s another disaster. K an will step down, but the question is, who will succeed him?” said Masaaki Kanno, chief economist at JP Morgan Securities Japan. “ The basic problem will never be solved (by a coalition) because in the LDP a number of people object strongly to a consumption tax hike and it ’s the same in the DPJ,” he said, adding that only a fundamental realignment of the political parties along policy lines could solve the dilemma. “Until we have political reorganisation, we will have this problem.” —Reuters

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ANALYSIS

Rousseff weakened by scandal, Lula return

By Raymond Colitt and Stuart Grudgings

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s Dilma Rousseff coasted to Brazil’s presidency last year, one doubt kept cropping up -would the career bureaucrat be savvy enough to handle Brazil’s dogeat-dog political world? After a turbulent few weeks that have shaken her young administration, the evidence is mounting she is not a failing that could have serious policy consequences as the government manages a slowing economy and high inflation. Rousseff has emerged weaker from a scandal that has embroiled her influential chief of staff Antonio Palocci and revealed cracks in the coalition that exacerbated a defeat in Congress last week.

At the heart of the crisis are doubts over the leadership style of Rousseff, a former leftist militant who lacks the easy charm of her popular predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Her advisors acknowledge she paid too little attention to political matters in her first five months in office, focusing more on technical and administrative issues. That left the government vulnerable when revelations emerged last month that Palocci, whose position now appears at risk, had enjoyed a surge in his personal wealth that could result in a federal investigation.

In his first public statement since the scandal broke, Palocci said on Friday he made his money as a corporate consultant between 2006 and 2010 when he was a federal legislator but that he never broke the law. Rousseff’s problems have been compounded by lingering health issues after her successful cancer treatment in 2009. Aides say she has learned from her mistakes and is devoting her attention to defending Palocci - a Wall Street favorite whose departure would likely rattle markets - and patching up ties with her main coalition partner, the PMDB party.

But the risk is Rousseff’s agenda will get bogged down further as she is forced to give more concessions to lawmakers and her approval ratings likely fade along with Brazil’s economic growth. “The political cost for Dilma to govern could rise sharply,” said Cristiano Noronha, an analyst for political consultancy ARKO. One senior government official acknowledged Palocci had been weakened by the scandal but said Rousseff would not seek to replace him unless damaging new evidence emerges over his earnings as a consultant while he was a lawmaker.

In an interview with TV Globo on Friday, Palocci said he did not use his consulting firm to peddle influence and that he would fully cooperate with investigators.

“It was perfectly clear to me what the law permits and what it doesn’t,” Palocci said. He did not say how much he earned or who his clients were. Palocci’s chances of survival may depend on whether the federal prosecutor’s office decides in coming days to open an investigation into the 20fold rise in his wealth when he was a federal deputy from 2007 to 2010. “It’s difficult to say whether the worst is over,” the official said.

Nothing illustrated Rousseff’s problems more starkly than the sight last week of Lula striding

back on to the political stage in Brasilia five months after he bowed out with stratospheric approval ratings. He was there to scratch backs and soothe the concerns of disgruntled members of the ruling Workers’ Party and the PMDB, which turned rebellious in a vote on a new forestry code over what it perceives as a lack of favors from Rousseff.

Lula helped broker a truce between the coalition allies but the return of the former union boss, who has not ruled out running for president again in 2014, was a clear blow to Rousseff’s efforts to shape her own presidency.

Rousseff did not request his help and was dismayed by his high-profile act, another senior government aide told Reuters. “Dilma has been gravely affected

by Lula’s interference in the crisis,” said Amaury de Souza, a senior partner at consultancy MCM Associados. “It essentially showed that he is the power behind the throne, that he will come and sort things out whenever necessary.”

Rousseff could well bounce back from the first major crisis of her

administration. Lula himself was almost felled by a far bigger corruption scandal in his first term that led him to pay more attention to political coordination with Congress. But the lower house defeat on the forestry bill last week was an ominous sign for a government that has yet to advance an agenda that includes bills to reform Brazil’s sclerotic tax system and tap huge new oil reserves.

Rousseff’s low profile - reinforced by health problems that caused her to take frequent breaks - has made her appear aloof in a political culture that thrives on personal contact.

Backed by a resounding election win and improved majorities in Congress, Rousseff made a conscious effort in the first weeks of her presidency to emerge from the shadow of Lula. She projected an image of quiet diligence and efficiency, and insisted on filling prized political posts on “merit” rather than as political favors to coalition allies. Lawmakers from the Workers’ Party and the PMDB have complained of a lack of access to the president, whose minister responsible for relations with Congress is regarded as a political lightweight with little influence.

While the PMDB has not joined opposition calls for Palocci to face a congressional investigation, it is widely seen as using the case as leverage to wring concessions from Rousseff. One government source said that Palocci’s strong influence had slowed down decision-making in the first months of the administration and that his lower profile as a result of the scandal had helped to speed things up. But most analysts believe the loss of Palocci, who is a talented communicator and a strong proponent of tough anti-inflation policies, would be a major blow to Rousseff. “Palocci is seen as a guarantor for market-friendly economic policies. Doubts over him spell doubts over the economy,” Noronha said. —Reuters

Moroccan protests draw tougher response

By Zakia Abdennebi

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n increasingly tough police response to street protests in Morocco may hand the “Arab Spring” demonstrations a political asset they have conspicuously lacked so far - widespread sympathy among the population.

Squads of police and pro-government thugs charged thousands of protesters in the commercial capital Casablanca on May 29 and shoved, punched and kicked them until they dispersed. Many of those who resisted were thumped with batons. In Tangiers, a similar clash degenerated into stone-throwing, with injuries on both sides.

The scenes were a far cry from the lethal violence of Syria, Yemen or Bahrain, and Moroccan police to date have not used rubber bullets or tear gas, let alone firearms.

But the muscular response contrasted to an earlier hands off approach to the demonstrations for major constitutional change in the kingdom, where the political landscape is dominated by a powerful dynasty that has ruled for 350 years. A man wounded by security forces at a May 29 prodemocracy demonstration died of his injuries on Thursday, opposi-

tion groups said, in what activists said was the first such death in the current wave of protests. The government said the death of the man, Kamal Amari, was unrelated to the street protests.

The government’s chief spokesman said the May 29 demonstrations were banned and that police had acted in response to what he described as provocative behaviour by the protesters.

To some, however, the police response seems an overreaction.

“The authorities made a mistake,” said Toufik Bouachrine, editor of the independent daily Akhbar Alyoum. “But the state is afraid of change that comes from the street. It wants any change to come from the summit of power.”

He said the authorities appeared to have used violence because the February 20 youth movement spearheading the protests had sought to stir unrest in low-income neighbourhoods with a history of labour militancy.

“A few people getting beaten up is not going to create a huge problem (for the government),” said Michael Willis, a lecturer in North African politics at Oxford University. “If people get killed, then yes.”

Mohamed Tarek Sebai, who

leads the Organisation for the Protection of Public Goods, an anti-corruption group, said: “If the repression continues ... all the Moroccans will sympathise with the February 20 movement. The message the violence would send would be that the lobby of corruption did not want reform.” The European Union, a big trade partner and source of aid, said the May 29 violence was “worrying” and urged restraint and respect for fundamental liberties. Earlier in May the EU announced that Ä2.23 billion in aid for Morocco and other Arab states on condition that they favoured “durable democracy” and inclusive economic policies. Amnesty International called the police action a draconian response to people merely exercising freedom of assembly.

These were rare reprimands for a country that cherishes a reputation as stable and moderate, and where for years police in the capital Rabat have usually allowed regular protests outside parliament by the unemployed demanding government jobs. The next test for the government comes on Sunday when the February 20 movement stages the latest in its weekly series of

demonstrations in major towns.

To date, the movement, a loose coalition of secularists, leftists, Islamists and independents, has yet to show that its demands have struck a chord with the majority of Moroccans.

The movement wants King Mohammed to reign, rather than rule, and curb his economic influence and that of the secretive and influential court elite known as the Makhzen. Experts say periodic parliamentary elections seem to change little in a system where the royal palace controls key ministries and has the last word on policy. The king reacted quickly, on March 9 promising reforms that would bolster parliamentary powers under constitutional changes to go to a referendum later this year.

In a cafe in Casablanca’s lowincome Sbata district, February 20 activist Mounaim Ouihi said the movement wanted liberty and modernity and the reforms needed to go further. “We want a representative government that is truly held to account by the people,” he said. Referring to a traditional Moroccan gown, he added: “We are not against cultural traditions, but we are against the djellabah of the mind.”

While many agree with protesters’ complaints about corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, some fear instability or worse if demonstrators push harder for deep changes. “ We are not Yemen, Syria or Tunisia. Our country is a model of democracy in the region,” said Ahmed Amerani, 39, placing elegant outfits in the display window of his Rabat clothes shop. “ The king unifies us. What we lack is a little reform, above all the elimination of pover ty and social inequality.”

A 56-year-old taxi driver who gave his name as Abdallah M said the protests risked plunging Morocco into a “bloodbath”.

Reforms to limit social inequality were needed, so “the young must be patient and not exploit the regional situation”. Bouachrine, the newspaper editor, said the king enjoyed legitimacy in part because of his record of social and human rights reform and a large project to build homes for the poor. “It’s true there’s been a bit of a retreat on the liberty front, above all in press freedom, but the era of King Mohammed remains flexible, and that’s what allows the street to be flexible in its demands.” —Reuters

White House prepares initial Afghan drawdown

By Missy Ryan and Caren Bohan

U

S President Barack Obama, with Osama bin Laden dead and a fiscal crisis on his hands at home, looks set to announce an initial US troop withdrawal from the costly Afghan war that could be larger than previously expected. Some current and former officials say Obama could easily announce a pullout of at least 10,000 troops over the next year as the administration seeks to capitalize on gains against the Taliban in the south and the Navy SEAL raid last month that killed the AlQaeda leader in Pakistan.

At the start of this year, with violence raging after nearly a decade of war, a minimal pullout of less than 5,000 troops had been anticipated. Obama has made no final decision and, as far as is known, has received no formal recommendations from the Pentagon about how many soldiers should be pulled starting in July from the 100,000-strong US force in Afghanistan. General David Petraeus, the commander of US and NATO troops in Afghanistan, is expected to present his recommendations in the next week or so to Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Obama, who sent 30,000 extra troops to Afghanistan after a reassessment of the US war strategy in late 2009, will confer with his inner circle and inform Americans in mid- to late June of how he plans to begin withdrawing US forces. As the West looks to leave, Afghan forces are slated to slowly take over from foreign

forces by the end of 2014. Senior US officials declined to speculate about the size of the drawdown.

Petraeus, the politically savvy general who Obama has tapped to be his next CIA boss, is holding his cards close to his chest as he seeks to avoid leaks that could damage his standing with the White House. “The president has said he wants the withdrawal to start in July and to be meaningful,” one senior defense official said. “Those are the discussions that have to happen.”

Anthony Cordesman, a former defense official and military expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said a drawdown of some 15,000 soldiers over the next year would balance political and military concerns without endangering the overall counterinsurgency campaign. “It shows you’re serious about reductions.

It’s the first step in this transition process to 2014,” he said.

White House discussions on the Afghan war, a potential drag for Obama as he eyes his 2012 reelection bid, are tilting subtly toward the so-called counter-terrorism model favored by Vice President Joe Biden, which relies on targeted raids rather than a heavy footprint of regular combat troops. The perceived success of special forces raids in Afghanistan over the past year, together with the strike on bin Laden, will strengthen those arguing for a faster drawdown, officials say.

The White House may also be more likely to favor a faster withdrawal as Obama grapples with pressure to cut spending and

battles Republicans to raise the limit on US borrowing. Hostility is mounting in both parties toward the war, which now costs over $110 billion a year. Last week, the House of Representatives narrowly defeated an amendment that would have required Obama to intensify planning for a withdrawal.

The Pentagon, which under Petraeus has advocated a more troop-heavy counter-insurgency

said Andrew Exum, a former advisor to U.S. Central Command who is a fellow at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington think tank seen as close to the Obama administration.

Some parts of southern Afghanistan are far more secure than they were before Obama’s surge, but militants have spread out across the country and fighting has been heavy along the eastern border with Pakistan. The

Food supplies for US Marines hanging off small parachutes are dropped from a plane as a sandstorm approaches outside Forward Operating Base Edi in the Helmand Province of southern Afghanistan yesterday. —AP approach similar to what commanders say turned around the war in Iraq, and some NATO partners will likely warn the White House against any moves that might jeopardize hard-won gains against the Taleban. “I suspect the NATO command in Afghanistan will want to proceed much more cautiously than the White House,”

Afghan state remains weak and corrupt and many Afghans have seen few changes from a decade of foreign assistance. If Obama settles on a faster drawdown, he would likely send home a larger number of combat troops, perhaps including a full brigade combat team of up to 5,000 soldiers and other combat forces in addi-

tion to support troops.

Ronald Neumann, a former US ambassador to Afghanistan, and others say that more important than the size of the initial American drawdown is the performance of local forces that are left behind. Afghanistan’s army and police have grown rapidly but local forces struggle with desertion, paltry equipment, illiteracy and even insurgent infiltration.

“You want to thin out in a measured way, where the price of failure for the Afghan forces is a bloody nose and not a broken head,” he said. “The real question is, can you hand over some of the hard areas?”

Some security experts warn the Taleban could regain the upper hand against an inexperienced local military by simply sitting out the drawdown, even a slow one.

“The Taliban are not losing and we are not winning,” said Kamran Bokhari, a South Asia expert at global intelligence firm Stratfor.

“The Taleban doesn’t have to win battles; they just have to stay there, and they do that by walking away from certain battlefields.” The success of the phased US drawdown may ultimately hinge on the West’s ability to broker a peace deal between the Afghan government and the insurgent groups it is battling. The State Department is leading US efforts to move the peace initiative forward, but there are few signs that substantive talks with Taleban leaders, most of whom are believed to live in Pakistan, will soon get underway.

Even optimists think a deal could be years in the making. —Reuters

Washington Watch

Speeches revisited

By Dr James J Zogby

I

am writing from the Middle East where I am catching an earful about last month’s dueling speeches between President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. To say that majorities here express deep disappointment in American leadership would not be accurate. They were already disappointed, now most have given up.

We had seen warning signs of this distressed mood in our earlier polling. After the post-Oslo let down in the ‘90’s and the deep damage done by the neglectful and/or reckless policies of George W. Bush during the past decade, even the hoped for change promised by President Obama was tempered by a degree of cynicism. So while Obama was receiving mildly favorable ratings in a few Arab countries following his early postelection actions and his Cairo speech, a majority of Arabs in most of the countries covered in our surveys expressed the belief that “no American President can make change” either in improving US-Arab ties or in solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This negative attitude was reinforced in the fall of 2009 when the Administration appeared to back away from what Arabs had felt was a White House insistence on an Israeli settlement freeze before direct peace talks could start and when the US pressed the Palestinian Authority to call for shelving the U.N. Human Rights Commission’s report on the abuses that had occurred during the Gaza War. Despite a few ups and downs, little has changed and attitudes haven’t improved since then.

Our past polling shows that Arabs in each country have their own priority concerns - almost always including some mix of economic issues, education, and health care - with the rank order of these varying from place to place. In some countries issues like nepotism, corruption, human rights, and political reform, will also make it into the top tier. But when asked which of these concerns the US can be helpful in addressing, some Arabs might suggest capacity issues (economic development, and improving health care and education), but in no country do domestic political matters get mentioned. Most Arabs simply have not wanted the US to be involved in their internal political affairs.

It is interesting to note, however, that in every country polled, very high up on the list of issues on which Arabs feel the US can be helpful is in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Because successive American Administrations have invested so much time and energy in diplomacy focused on this issue; because we have made such a point of asserting our “special relationship with Israel” and have been seen defending and, therefore, enabling Israeli behavior; and because we too often have failed to understand the deep historical and even emotional place “Palestine” holds in the Arab psyche - America’s standing in the Arab World is largely shaped by our performance on that issue. It was, therefore, in this context that Arabs judged the dueling speeches.

I felt that the seven-eighths of the President’s State Department speech focusing on the challenges that the Arab Spring posed to the region and to US policy were thoughtful and well considered, especially for an American audience. After being criticized for being slow to respond to the Middle East upheavals and for rejecting a simplistic “one size fits all” approach to democratic transformation, it appeared that the President was determined to respond by laying out a comprehensive, but still flexible, democracy agenda. It was a humble speech. The US, he noted, didn’t create the Arab Spring, nor could we determine its outcome. What the US could do was assist emerging democracies with job creating investment and capacity building. In this, the President posed a significant challenge to a Congress bent on slashing critical foreign aid programs.

This much of the speech was direct and, in part, bold.

It was when his attention shifted to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict that I became concerned the message might fall flat in the Arab World. Having had their fill of Bush’s “vision” and words without performance, Arabs were listening for a sign that two years after Cairo the President was ready to advance a plan of action to move peace forward. This they did not get.

While I could quibble with aspects of this speech and the President’s follow-up remarks before AIPAC, I was, nevertheless, struck by some things he said that didn’t register in the US press or in the Arab World’s media. Two points were especially intriguing. The line about “‘67 borders with land swaps” drew so much attention that it drowned out the President’s more direct and frontal assault on Netanyahu’s hard-line positions. When Obama noted in both speeches the fact the Palestinian state should be contiguous and have borders with Egypt, Jordan and Israel, he was directly challenging the Israeli leader’s insistence on controlling the Jordan Valley and separating Gaza from the West Bank.

And while there were some who commented on the President’s remark that Palestinian demographics posed a challenge to Israel (a racial/ethnic argument that makes me more than a little uncomfortable), little notice was given to his more profound observation that transformations in the Arab World must also be considered. In the past, he observed, Israel could make peace with a few Arab leaders. Now, however, in the context of the Arab Spring, the President cautioned, any peace deal must take into account and meet the expectations of Arab public opinion - a fact that neither Israel nor much of the West has ever considered in their past dealings with this region. But even with these observations, it was the absence of a plan to advance peace that left Arabs cold. If President Obama’s speeches fell flat, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s performances both angered opinion here, while serving as disturbing reminders of why Arabs no longer see the US as capable of leading the search for peace. Arabs were stunned by what they saw as Netanyahu’s rude and arrogant “schooling” of Obama at the White House and his shocking display of “mastery” over the US Congress and that body’s embarrassing display of subservience to a foreign leader.

After hearing the President’s and Prime Minister’s speeches, one important Arab thought leader compared US commitments on Palestine to “receiving bounced checks” and told me that “we’ve decided to stop accepting them because we know you can’t make good on the payment”.

NOTE: Dr James J Zogby is the President of the Arab American Institute.

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Farah shatters European record EUGENE: European champion Mo Farah shocked a world-class 10,000 metres field with a continental record 26 minutes, 46.57 seconds for a dramatic win at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting on Friday. The Briton clipped nearly six seconds off Belgian Mohammed Mourhit’s 1999 European mark of 26:52.30. “I want a world medal and it shown here ithat f I keep working hard I will be in the mix,” said Farah, who now trains in Oregon with Alberto Salazar. His previous best was 27:28.86. “I just set back and worked my way through,” said the 28year-old who took the lead with three laps to go and pushed home hard for the surprising win.

“I knew I had a chance for the record.” He beat top-ranked Eithiopian Imane Merga by more than 10 metres Merga clocked 26:48.35 with Josphat Bett third in 26:48.99. Kenyan world champion Vivian Cheruiyot won the women’s 5,000 metres in 14:33.96, the fastest time ever in America. — Reuters

MLB results/standings Major League Baseball results and standings on Friday. Toronto 8, Baltimore 4; Texas 11, Cleveland 2; Pittsburgh 2, Philadelphia 1 (12 innings); Boston 8, Oakland 6; Milwaukee 6, Florida 5; Atlanta 6, NY Mets 3; Cincinnati 2, LA Dodgers 1; Chicago White Sox 6, Detroit 4; Minnesota 5, Kansas City 2; St. Louis 6, Chicago Cubs 1; Arizona 4, Washington 0; San Diego 3, Houston 1; LA Angels 3, NY Yankees 2; Seattle 7, Tampa Bay 0; San Francisco 3, Colorado 1.

American League Eastern Division W L PCT NY Yankees 31 24 .564 Boston 31 26 .544 Tampa Bay 29 28 .509 Toronto 29 28 .509 Baltimore 25 30 .455 Central Division Cleveland 33 22 .600 Detroit 29 27 .518 C’ White Sox 28 31 .475 Kansas City 25 32 .439 Minnesota 19 37 .339 Western Division Texas 32 26 .552 Seattle 30 27 .526 LA Angels 30 29 .508 Oakland 27 31 .466 National League Eastern Division Philadelphia 34 23 .596 Florida 31 24 .564 Atlanta 32 26 .552 NY Mets 26 31 .456 Washington 25 32 .439 Central Division St. Louis 34 25 .576 Milwaukee 31 26 .544 Cincinnati 30 28 .517 Pittsburgh 27 29 .482 Chicago Cubs 23 32 .418 Houston 23 35 .397 Western Division San Francisco 32 25 .561 Arizona 32 26 .552 Colorado 26 30 .464 LA Dodgers 26 32 .448 San Diego 25 33 .431

GB 1 3 3 6 4.5 7 9 14.5 1.5 2.5 5 2 2.5 8 9 2 3.5 5.5 9 10.5 0.5 5.5 6.5 7.5

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

Nigeria win over Argentina under FIFA microscope BERNE: Argentina’s 4-1 friendly defeat to Nigeria is being investigated for possible match-fixing, by far the highest-profile game to come under the microscope so far, soccer’s governing body FIFA said yesterday.

“FIFA can confirm that this match between Nigeria and Argentina was one that we had an active interest in, and forms part of a wider ongoing FIFA investigation,” said FIFA in a statement. “In particular, FIFA will be working closely with colleagues at the FIFA early warning system.”

Referee Ibrahim Chaibou of Niger awarded two controversial penalties in the match, Victor Obinna converting for Nigeria in

the 27th minute and Mauro Boselli scoring for Argentina deep into stoppage time with the last kick of the match.

Manipulation of matches by gambling rings has become a major concern for world soccer’s governing body FIFA and its European counterpart UEFA and both monitor thousands of matches for unusual betting patterns. Last month, FIFA set up a partnership with Interpol and announced it would donate 20 million euros over the next 10 years to fight the problem.

FIFA is currently investigating two international friendlies played in Turkey in which seven penalties were awarded, one of them taken twice. — Reuters

Montgomerie on a mission NEWPORT: After posting his worst halfway score in Europe in 20 years, Colin Montgomerie’s major mission now is to protect a proud qualifying record for the British Open that stretches a little longer.

Montgomerie has played in the British Open for 21 straight years since making his debut in 1990, but that streak will be broken unless he can navigate through a qualifying event at Sunningdale tomorrow for the tournament at Royal St. George’s in July.

His first top-10 finish in almost three years after coming joint seventh at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth last week raised hopes of a sustained return to form.

However, he slumped to 15 over and last place in the Wales Open on Friday, missing the cut on the Celtic Manor course where he captained Europe to Ryder Cup victor y in October. That is his worst score on the European Tour since compiling 17 over at the 1991 Benson and Hedges International in St. Meillon, England. After opening with a 7-over 78, Montgomerie double-bogeyed Nos. 12 and 16 and added four more bogeys in a 79. — AP

Braun lifts Brewers over Marlins MIAMI: Pinch-hitter Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to a 6-5 victory over the Florida Marlins on Friday. Braun was held out of the starting lineup due to an ailing left shoulder, but was needed in the ninth with the Brewers down a run.

Yuniesky Betancourt led off the inning with a single to right off Leo Nunez (0-2). Braun then hit for Mike McClendon (3-0) and sent Nunez’s 1-1 offering deep to left field for his 13th homer.

It was Nunez’s second blown save of the season in 21 chances. Prince Fielder homered and Corey Hart had three hits for the Brewers. Gaby Sanchez and Mike Stanton homered for the Marlins, who have lost four of five.

Danys Baez (1-3) that went into right field. Paul reached on a two-out single and swiped second base.

Tabata also had a tying sacrifice fly in the sixth inning for Pittsburgh, which has won three of four. Chase Utley had an RBI single for Philly.

Braves 6, Mets 3 At New York, Eric Hinske came into the game after a scary injury to rookie Jordan Schafer and later hit a tiebreaking home run in the ninth inning that sent Atlanta to the victory.

Schafer was hurt when he fouled a bunt off his face in the fifth. He was struck squarely around his upper lip and nose, wobbled off the field with a towel pressed tight to his face and went to a hospital for X-rays.

Old Mets nemesis Chipper Jones began the Braves’ comeback from a 3-1 deficit with a leadoff home run in the eighth. Later in the inning, a two-out error by shortstop Jose Reyes let the tying run score.

D’backs 4, Nationals 0 At Phoenix, Stephen Drew hit a three-run triple and Josh Collmenter pitched seven sharp innings as Arizona blanked Washington.

Collmenter (4-1), allowed three hits, struck out five and walked one, improving to 3-1 with a 1.23 ERA in five starts since he entered the rotation last month. David Hernandez and Joe Paterson each got three outs to complete the three-hitter, Arizona’s 17th victory in 21 games.

The Diamondbacks (32-26) are a half-game back of San Francisco for first in the National League West.

Drew’s third triple of the season cleared the bases in the fifth inning.

Cardinals 6, Cubs 1 At St. Louis, Lance Berkman hit a three-run homer, Albert Pujols had a two-run shot and Jaime Garcia bounced back from the worst outing of his career to power St. Louis past Chicago.

Garcia (6-1) allowed a run and four hits over eight innings, improving to 4-0 with a sparkling 0.46 ERA in five home starts this season.

Berkman snapped an 0-for-13 skid with his 12th homer, a drive to center on a 1-1 pitch from Ryan Dempster (4-5) in the first inning. Pujols pushed the lead to 6-1 in the fifth, connecting for his 10th homer of the season and No. 100 in new Busch Stadium.

Giants 3, Rockies 1 At San Francisco, Cody Ross hit a go-ahead two-run double in the fourth inning as San Francisco’s Matt Cain pitched seven innings for his first win in more than three weeks. Rookie Brandon Crawford added an RBI

MIAMI: Milwaukee Brewers’ Randy Wolf pitches against the Florida Marlins in the third inning of a baseball game. The Brewers won 6-5. —AP double and Emmanuel Burris had three hits for the Giants, who beat the Rockies for the sixth time in nine games this season between the NL West rivals.

Cain (4-4) allowed four hits, struck out seven and issued a season-high four walks. The right-hander pitched with runners in scoring position for four straight innings but allowed just one run.

Pirates 2, Phillies 1 At Pittsburgh, Jose Tabata hit a game-ending single with two outs in the 12th inning to give Pittsburgh the win over Philadelphia.

Tabata drove in Xavier Paul with a grounder off

Reds 2, Dodgers 1 At Cincinnati, Scott Rolen hit a two-run single with two out in the fifth inning to lift Bronson Arroyo and Cincinnati over Los Angeles.

Arroyo (4-5) allowed one run and five hits in six innings, enough for his first victory in seven starts since a 9-5 win at Milwaukee on April 25. The right-hander, still dealing with the aftereffects of mononucleosis he contracted during spring training, was 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA in his previous three outings.

Francisco Cordero turned in a perfect ninth to earn his 11th save in 13 opportunities this season and No. 301 for his career, snapping a tie with Bruce Sutter for 21st place on the saves list.

Padres 3, Astros 1 At San Diego, Chris Denorfia homered as San Diego beat Houston for its 10th win in 31 home games. It was a matchup of the two worst teams in the NL. The Astros had their season-long four-game winning streak snapped. Dustin Moseley (2-6) earned his first win at Petco Park by holding Houston to one run and six hits in seven innings. Heath Bell pitched the ninth for his 15th save. Denorfia hit a 2-1 pitch from JA Happ to center field with two outs in the fifth.

The solo drive, his fourth of the season, gave the Padres a 3-1 lead. Happ (3-7) equaled Pittsburgh’s Paul Maholm for the most losses in the NL. He went six innings, allowing three runs and six hits. —AP

Red Sox defeat Athletics

MONTMELO: MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli, from Italy, steers his San Carlo Honda Gresini during the qualifying session for today’s Spain Motorcycling MotoGP Grand Prix. —AP

Simoncelli grabs pole position BARCELONA: Honda’s Marco Simoncelli grabbed his first MotoGP pole position at the Catalunya Grand Prix yesterday to front the grid ahead of Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo.

The frizzy-haired Italian set the fastest lap at the end of the qualifying session with a time of 1:42.413, just 0.016 of a second ahead of Stoner on another Honda.

The Australian had been quickest in the three practice sessions and was aiming for his fourth pole in five races.

Simoncelli was whistled by a hostile home crowd for his part in the incident which saw local favourite Dani Pedrosa crash and break his collarbone at Le Mans three weeks ago.

The Spaniard has had to miss today’s race at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

Stoner, who is second in the championship, came in ahead of Spanish world champion and overall leader Lorenzo on a Yamaha. The second row comprised American Ben Spies, Italian Andrea Dovizioso and Britain’s Cal Crutchlow.

Meanwhile, leading Moto GP riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo do not want to race the Japanese Grand Prix because of radiation concerns following the earthquake and tsunami earlier this

year. Rossi would prefer to avoid the Oct. 2 race but will go unless a majority decision not to race is reached by riders and their teams.

“People are very scared,” Rossi, the seven-time champion, told reporters Saturday. “The problem is, for example, that I don’t really know what the real danger is. “Everyone that I know in the paddock thinks the same, that they would prefer not to go to Japan. Let’s hope we can reach a consensus and not go.”

Lorenzo intends to persuade his fellow riders to boycott the race in Motegi, which lies north of Tokyo but several hundred kilometers south of the worstaffected radiation zones in northeastern Japan.

“To be asking yourself (for) your entire life if (the radiation) will affect you doesn’t sit well with me,” the defending world champion said from the Catalunya GP. “I’m going to try to convince as many riders as possible not to run in Japan.”

He added in El Pais newspaper: “I don’t want to go. I’m very young and I don’t want to be asking myself if in 20 years I’ll have some kind of reaction or if my children will be born with some kind of deformity.” — AP

BOSTON: Carl Crawford hit a go-ahead, tworun single to center field in the seventh inning as the Boston Red Sox ended a four-game losing streak with an 8-6 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Friday.

Boston rallied from a 4-0 deficit in the first inning and were trailing 6-5 when lefty Brian Fuentes came in to face lefty Crawford, who came through with a broken-bat hit just beyond second base.

Joey Devine (0-1) loaded the bases in the seventh on a double by Adrian Gonzalez and then he hit Kevin Youkilis and walked David Ortiz.

Bobby Jenks (2-2) got the win and Jonathan Papelbon pitched a perfect ninth for his 11th save. Jarrod Saltalamacchia added a solo homer, his fifth of the year, for the Red Sox in the eighth.

Blue Jays 8, Orioles 4 At Baltimore, JP Arencibia hit his first career grand slam and Rajai Davis had three hits as Toronto beat Baltimore to end a two-game losing streak. Carlos Villanueva (3-0) allowed two runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings, walking one.

He is 2-0 in three starts since moving into the Toronto rotation from the bullpen.

Arencibia’s fifth-inning slam was his ninth homer of the season and gave the Blue Jays a 7-0 lead against Orioles rookie Zach Britton, who has lost three straight decisions after starting the season 5-1.

J.J. Hardy homered for Baltimore, which has dropped six of seven games to fall five games below .500, matching a season high.

Rangers 11, Indians 2 At Cleveland, Alexi Ogando won his sixth game without a loss, and Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz homered in a five-run seventh inning as Texas trounced Cleveland. Ogando (6-0) held the Indians to one run and four hits in eight innings. He has allowed two runs or fewer in nine of his 11 starts while pitching at least six innings in each outing.

Texas has beaten Cleveland 14 times in the last 17 games between the teams and has won nine of 10 games at Progressive Field.

The Rangers have won nine of 12 overall and are 14-8 since May 10. Elvis Andrus, who had four hits, added a three-run double off Chad Durbin in the eighth. The Rangers had 19 hits, one short of their season high.

BOSTON: Red Sox pitcher Tommy Hottovy makes his major league debut against the Oakland Athletics during the sixth inning. —AP White Sox 6, Tigers 4 At Chicago, Carlos Quentin hit a three-run homer and Brent Lillibridge added a solo shot to help Chicago beat Detroit. The White Sox ended a nine-game losing steak against the Tigers and won four straight games for the first time this season. Chicago, which trailed Cleveland by 11 games in the AL Central on May 7, is within seven games.

With one out in the eighth, White Sox reliever Matt Thornton gave up three consecutive singles. He was helped by left fielder Juan Pierre, who made a running catch into the left-field fence to take away an extra base hit from Alex Avila. Victor Martinez tagged from third to cut the Chicago lead to 5-4.

After the spectacular catch, Pierre hit a leadoff homer in the eighth to put Chicago up 6-4. It was his first home run since Aug. 3, 2010, against Detroit.

Twins 5, Royals 2 At Kansas City, Missouri, Carl Pavano earned his 100th career victory and Michael Cuddyer homered as Minnesota downed

Kansas City.

Pavano (3-5), who was 0-3 with a 5.28 ERA in six May starts, won for the first time since April 24. He held the Royals to two runs and eight hits in his first complete game since Sept. 10, 2010, after throwing seven complete games last year. He threw 83 strikes in 112 pitches. Cuddyer homered off Royals rookie left-hander Danny Duffy in the third. It was Cuddyer’s 18th career home run against the Royals.

Denard Span drove in Ben Revere and Drew Butera with a two-out double in the second inning. Duffy walked Butera, who was hitting .133, before Span hit a liner over center fielder Melky Cabrera’s head.

Mariners 7, Rays 0 At Seattle, Jason Vargas tossed a four-hitter for the first shutout of his career, and Adam Kennedy and Miguel Olivo hit back-toback homers as Seattle blanked Tampa Bay. Vargas (4-3) bounced back from two straight poor starts where he failed to get beyond the fifth inning in either.

It was the second complete game of his career and first since Aug. 21, 2005, when he was a prospect with Florida. Andy Sonnanstine (0-2) was already trailing 4-0 when Kennedy and Olivo both hit their fifth homer of the season two pitches apart in the fifth inning. It was the second time this year Seattle has hit consecutive blasts. Justin Smoak homered in the first inning for Seattle, his 10th of the season.

Angels 3, Yankees 2 At Anaheim, California, Jered Weaver claimed a share of the American League lead with his seventh victory — 39 days after getting his sixth — and No. 9 hitter Peter Bourjos singled home the go-ahead run for Los Angeles. Weaver (7-4) allowed two runs, three hits and four walks over seven innings and struck out eight to help end the Yankees’ four-game winning streak.

Weaver won his first six starts of the season with a 0.99 ERA, and was 0-4 with a 3.38 ERA over his next six outings after beating Oakland 5-0 for his fifth career shutout. In the right-hander ’s previous star t last Saturday, he threw a career-high 128 pitches at Minnesota and allowed just two hits — ending up with a no-decision in the Angels’ 1-0 loss. —AP

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SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

S P ORT S

Hansen a Danish delight as Canucks chase Cup VANCOUVER: There are thousands of names engraved on the Stanley Cup but Jannik Hansen’s would represent a first if the Vancouver Canucks can beat the Boston Bruins and be crowned NHL champions.

No Dane has ever sipped champagne from hockey’s famous mug and as part of a long Stanley Cup tradition that allows each player of the winning team to spend a day with the trophy, Hansen would have the opportunity take the silver chalice somewhere it has never been - Denmark.

But before a parade through Hansen’s hometown of Herlev can be planned, the Canucks must record three more wins to clinch the best-of-seven final with game two set for late yesterday in Vancouver.

The Canucks have jokingly labeled Hansen as the team’s best practice player but the 25-year-old winger showed on Wednesday he can perform on the big stage as well, setting up a charging Raffi Torres for

game one’s only goal that gave Vancouver a 1-0 series lead.

“Obviously if you want to play on a team that’s going to be competitive and compete for the Cup, you need to fill whatever role is given to you,” Hansen told reporters.

“You look at our lineup, there’s only so many players that can play on the first and second line. “If you don’t have the skills that they do, you have to find a different way to contribute.”

The 287th player taken in the 2004 NHL draft from a country better known for developing soccer players than its hockey exports, Hansen has worked hard to earn his place on a deeply talented Canucks squad that was the best in the NHL this season.

“He’s very underrated,” said Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa said of Hansen. “The guys that see him day in and day out appreciate how good he is. “We joke that he’s our best practice player and he usually is but he’s gotten better over the last few years.

“He’s been here for a long time now and he just keeps getting better and better.” A strong skater with a bit of grit, Hansen learned to play the game in his native Denmark before making the jump to North America as a teenager joining the junior A Portland Winter Hawks.

Hansen’s apprenticeship included two seasons in the minor leagues with the Manitoba Moose and eventually more-and-more ice time with the Canucks, eventually appearing in all 82 Vancouver games this season scoring nine goals and 29 points.

“Jannik, our first year, five years back, we had some injury situations in the playoffs and he’s one of the young men that we called up,” recalled Canucks coach Alain Vigneault. “After that, he went back to Manitoba, needed some more time there as far as playing time.

“I think he had a great role model in Mike Keane, who really helped him with positional play, penalty killing. “It’s paid off. He’s been with us now for a cou-

ple years. He’s logging important minutes.”

Hansen said he was not even aware of the Stanley Cup until he made the move to North America but his countryman know plenty about it now because of the increasing number of Danes in the NHL. Including Hansen, six players from Denmark saw NHL action this season; Phoenix Coyotes Mikkel Boedker, Montreal Canadiens Lars Eller, Dallas Stars Philip Larsen, New York Islanders Frans Nielsen and Ottawa Senators Peter Regin and more are expected to follow.

“I think it started about 10 years ago, my age group were the first players that they started a new development program,” said Hansen. “They brought in a couple Swedish coaches who brought the Swedish style to Denmark.

“You’re seeing the fruit of that now. I think we’ve just seen the start of it because younger and younger players are leaving Denmark earlier than we did to test themselves.”— Reuters

Brumbies ambush Reds

Bahrain welcomes FIA Grand Prix decision BAHRAIN: The head of the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) today welcomed the decision of the FIA (Federation Internationale de L’Automobile) World Motor Sport Council to reintroduce the Bahrain Grand Prix to the 2011 calendar.

The decision, announced by the FIA after the Council’s meeting in Barcelona, follows a FIA delegation visit to Bahrain to assess the situation in the country this week.

Zayed R. Alzayani, Chairman of the BIC, said: “ This is welcome news for all of Bahrain. As a country we have faced a difficult time, but stability has returned; with businesses operating close to normal, the State of National Safety lifted and countries removing travel restrictions.

“Collectively, we are in the process of addressing issues of national and international concern, and learning lessons from the recent past. By the time the Grand Prix arrives we will be able to remind the world about Bahrain at its best.

“The Bahrain Grand Prix has always been a source of national pride and it is an event than transcends politics. Not only does it receive strong support from the Government, but also from all major parties in Bahrain, including our largest opposition group, Al Wefaq, who yesterday endorsed both the BIC and motor-racing in Bahrain.

“Importantly, it will also offer a significant boost to the economy. The Grand Prix

attracts 100,000 visitors, supports 3,000 jobs and generates around $500m of economic benefit. Its positive effect will be felt throughout the country.

“On behalf of Bahrain, I would like to thank Bernie Ecclestone, Jean Todt and the FIA and the rest of the motorsport community for the support and understanding they have extended to us this year.”

Bahrain is a pioneer of motorsport in the region and the rescheduled Grand Prix will be the 8th hosted by the Kingdom since its inaugural race in 2004.

Zayed Rashid Alzayani

SYDNEY: ACT Brumbies ambushed the Super rugby title-chasing Queensland Reds with a 2214 victory in Brisbane yesterday, rubbing salt into the wound with a last-second penalty that denied their hosts a bonus point.

The Reds, clearly jaded after their draining last-gasp victory over the Canterbury Crusaders last weekend, remained top of the overall standings ahead of South Africa’s Stormers with two games to go but with their lead cut to one point. The Brumbies, twice former champions, were inspired by flyhalf Matt Giteau as they grabbed just a third win of a miserable season by taking a 19-11 first half lead and then defending fiercely to protect it.

Hooker Stephen Moore scored their only try in the first half and the rest of the points came from Giteau, who kicked a conversion and five penalties, including the one with the last kick that moved the deficit beyond seven points.

“It’s been a tough season for us, the Reds are into the finals and good luck to them for the rest of the season but for us it was a huge test of character,” said Giteau. “We backed our defence and backed each other and that got us a win.” The Reds got a try through fullback Ben Lucas just before halftime but despite plenty of possession were unable to add more than Quade Cooper’s third penalty in the second half. “Our game thrives on enthusiasm and we were very flat,” said Reds scrumhalf Will Genia.

“We put a lot of effort into last week’s game and we let ourselves down with energy and enthusiasm and they were good enough to put in a performance and win.”

A disappointing night was made worse when livewire Reds winger Digby Ioane was knocked out cold in a tackle by Brumbies number eight Ita Vaea and taken off the pitch on a stretcher after 48 minutes. The first 17 minutes was a kicking contest between the former and current Wallabies number 10s with Giteau edging his successor Cooper three penalties to two to give the Brumbies an early 9-6 lead.

For all the world class backline talent on display, it was forward Moore who scored the opening try, trundling over under the posts after linking well with Vaea after 20 minutes.

Giteau added the extras and kicked a fourth penalty just past the half hour mark to extend the lead to 19-6 before the Reds finally got a try of their own when Lucas took a flat pass from Cooper and scurried over with his second effort. The Brumbies continued to have great success with counter-rucking in the second half and the Reds, having cleared their replacements bench, lacked the spark to breach the wall of white shirts. — Reuters

Chiefs win at Eden Park WELLINGTON: Waikato Chiefs dealt another blow to the Auckland Blue’s title ambitions with a deserved 16-11 victory in a typically hard-fought all-New Zealand Super rugby clash at Eden Park, Auckland yesterday.

A third successive defeat for the Blues drops them from second to third in the overall standings and left them just two points ahead of the Canterbury Crusaders in the race for the top spot in the New Zealand conference.

The seven-times champion Crusaders, who had a bye this week, host the Blues, who have won three Super rugby titles, in Timaru in the

penultimate round of the regular season next week.

The Chiefs, already well out of the playoff race, scored their only try through evergreen centre Tana Umaga in the first half and had marginally the better kicker in Stephen Donald, who made four of seven kicks for 11 points.

The Blues hit back in the second period with a try from Jared Payne but never had nearly enough possession to get their backs going as the Chiefs turned the screw at the set piece and ran back every loose kick.

The KFH captain receives the KBC Cup trophy.

Blues flyhalf Luke McAlister kicked two penalties in the first 10 minutes, the second a booming effort from five metres inside his own half, but then missed five successive kicks before being replaced 10 minutes from time.

“Really disappointing, the Chiefs really came out to play and pressured us tonight and deserved the win,” Blues skipper Jerome Kaino said in a televised pitch side interview.

“You can’t really play the territory game without the ball. We couldn’t really get anything going.”—Reuters

WELLINGTON: Lions’ Franco van der Merwe (left) leaps in the air as the ball goes through the hands of Hurricanes’ Piri Weepu in the Super Rugby match at Westpac Stadium. — AP

Hurricanes blow away Lions WELLINGTON: Centre Ma’a Nonu scored one try and made two for his fellow All Black Hosea Gear as the Wellington Hurricanes came from behind to beat South Africa’s Lions 3827 in their Super rugby clash yesterday.

Trailing the perennial strugglers 20-8 after 35 minutes, the Hurricanes hit back with a 30point purple patch in the Wellington rain to avoid what would have been an embarrassing defeat despite their playoff hopes having long disappeared.

All Black Nonu, who has had a quiet season by his standards as Crusaders centres Sonny Bill Williams and Robbie Fruean have hogged the limelight, was at his line-busting best as the Hurricanes took the game to the entertaining Lions.

Aaron Cruden did his bid to secure the back-up position to New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter no harm with the

Post match celebration.

Hurricanes’ first try and 18 points from the boot, while test scrumhalf Piri Weepu played 77 minutes as he continued his return from injury.

“We took a leaf out of the Lions book and what they did to us in the first half and just held onto the ball and built pressure,” Hurricanes skipper Andrew Hore said in a pitch side television interview. “We want to make sure we get something out of this year so we can get a good start to next year. You’ve also got that World Cup that you can’t hide from and a lot of boys are putting their hands up for that as well.”

The Lions, looking to build on last week’s upset victory over the Highlanders, were well worth their 20-15 halftime lead after tries from fullback Jaco Taute and skipper Doppies la Grange as well as 10 points from the boot of Elton Jantjies.

“I think we knocked off a bit

just after halftime and let in three easy tries and that was the difference,” said La Grange. “(Nonu)’s a quality player and he did well tonight.”

It was a characteristic midfield burst from the All Black that set Gear on his way to his first try after 36 minutes and, four minutes after Cruden had given the home side the lead with his third penalty, the 29year-old burst through on an inside pass to claim one of his own in the 53rd minute. Seven minutes later, Nonu’s clever flick up in the tackle allowed Gear to go over for his second, which Cruden converted before adding a 62nd minute penalty to give the home side a 38-20 lead.

The Lions kept at their task and the impressive Taute got his second try eight minutes from time, raising hopes of two bonus points that they were ultimately denied by solid Hurricanes defence. — Reuters

KFH team members in a group photo.

KFH clinch KBC Cup, ends Gulf Bank double hopes KUWAIT: The Kuwait Finance House were crowned KBC Football Cup champions following a shootout victory over the Gulf Bank in the final match which took place recently at the Sabah Al-Salem Stadium in Al-Arabi Sports Club.

The Gulf Bank entered the match eyeing victory which would have secured them the double championship this season after they clinched the KBC Football League tournament late April.

Following a goalless first half, the Gulf Bank went ahead with a goal scored by Ali Al-Fadhel early into the

second half, before Abdurrahman Al-Zeer scored the equalizer minutes later.

Gulf Bank seemed to be on their way to victory after Ahmad Al-Enizy rebounded a blocked penalty kick back into the net, but KFH’s Fawaz Hassan leveled the score with a goal a few minutes before the final whistle.

After two goalless extra time periods, the two teams headed to penalty shootouts which ended with a four to three score for the KFH. Following the match, the coronation ceremony kicked off under the patronage of Kuwait Banks Club acting secretary general Nabil Al-

Saq’abi on behalf of chairman Hamad Al-Marzouq, as well as CEO Ahmad Al-Bu’aijan and deputy vice president Mahmoud Bastaki, while KFH assistant general manager Emad Al-Thaqib and Gulf Bank assistant general manager for the board of directors affairs Fawzi AlThunaiyan were present.

The coronation ceremony also saw awarding the tournament’s scorer, the National Bank of Kuwait’s Badr Bu’abas, as well as the best goalkeeper, KFH’s Ahmad AlNabrais, while Fawaz Hassan from the KFH was awarded as the tournament’s best player.

Al-Bu’aijan awards Al-Saq’abi during the coronation ceremony.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

S P ORT S

Nadal and Federer set for new classic PARIS: Reports of Roger Federer’s demise were as wide of the mark as Rafa Nadal’s own prediction he was not playing well enough to win a sixth Roland Garros title.

The two greats of the modern era meet in today’s French Open final in yet another grand slam showdown after crushing the new wave which Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray represented.

Paris is a place of traditions, from the pavement artists and street cafes to the age-old architecture and classic menus. The Roland Garros fans were not going to give up on the chance of dining on another Nadal v Federer final and the way they roared Swiss Federer on in Friday’s semi-final as Djokovic lost for the first time in 42 matches this year was testament to that.

“Obviously I’ve got my hands full with (Nadal) now,” Federer, beaten in three Paris finals by the Spaniard, told reporters.

“Whoever thinks it’s going to be a walk in the park is so wrong. Everybody knows how many times he’s gotten me here in Paris.”

Federer, who owns a record 16 grand slam titles including his solitary French triumph in 2009, has never much cared for clay and has easily succumbed to the world number one in all their clashes by the Bois de Boulogne.

But this is a different Federer, who has looked happier than ever on the red stuff over the last fortnight having not been in a grand slam final for over a year as Nadal took over the number one ranking and Djokovic threatened.

Despite Federer’s upsurge in form, he faces a huge task in the final given Nadal has only ever lost one match in the men’s singles at the French Open, losing to Robin Soderling in 2009.

The 25-year-old, who celebrated his birthday by beating Murray in the last four, endured his first five-set match at Roland Garros in the first round and laboured in his following matches before rediscovering his spark.

He reckoned halfway through the tournament that he was not playing well enough to win a sixth crown and equal Bjorn Borg’s record in Paris.

Now his confidence has flowed back in droves and he is the same single-minded Nadal he has ever been. “A lot of respect for the great Bjorn, but I am focusing on trying to play well,” he said as he looks to cling to his top ranking. “For me, it is much more important to win Roland Garros than equal Bjorn.” — Reuters

PARIS: Li Na of China celebrates defeating Francesca Schiavone of Italy in two sets 6-4, 7-6, in the women’s final of the French Open tennis tournament in Roland Garros stadium. (Inset) China’s Li Na holds the cup after defeating Italy’s Francesca Schiavone. — AP

Li wins French Open for China PARIS: Li Na made sporting history at the French Open yesterday when she became the first player from China and from Asia to win a Grand Slam singles title.

The 29-year-old from Wuhan defeated defending champion Francesca Schiavone of Italy 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) to take her place in the pantheon of Chinese sports stars.

Li clinched the watershed win with a superb 7-0 tie-break performance in the second set, falling onto her back in the red dirt when Schiavone hit long on match point.

It was a thrilling display of shot-making from the Chinese player who has said she hopes that by winning a Grand Slam title she will act as a catalyst for the growth of tennis in her giant homeland.

For 30-year-old Schiavone it was a bitter pill to swallow one year after she upset the odds to become Italy’s first and so far only Grand Slam women’s champion.

“I was 4-2 up and she tried to come back, but I just had to stand up again and I

made it. I think everyone in China will be so excited,” said Li, who has been a pioneer for the sport in her country throughout her career.

“I was nervous but I didn’t want to show my opponent.” Schiavone said: “She played well. I couldn’t push her from the baseline.

Then we were closer. One has to lose, one has to win. She deserved to win.”

In what was the the oldest Grand Slam singles final in 21 years, the combined ages of the two players was 60 years and 79 days.

Schiavone was looking to her claycourt expertise and experience of winning here last year to make the difference, while Li said that having played and lost a Grand Slam final already this year in Australia would help her confidence.

With the final broadcast live on television in China, where interest in her exploits has spiralled, Li had the first break point of the match on a sultry, still afternoon on the Philippe Chatrier centre court but she clat-

tered a forehand long.

A tense, closely-fought start to the final pitted the wiry Schiavone’s vicious top spin and tactical guile against the more powerful flat-hitting of the athletic Li and it was the Chinese seventh seed who drew first blood in the fifth game.

A poorly executed drop shot from Schiavone gave Li two break points and she took the second of these when an under-pressure Schiavone hit a forehand wide.

Li then held serve three consecutive times to take the first set 6-4 in 39 minutes and she looked in total charge of the final going into the second set.

She earned three more break points as Schiavone struggled to contain her weight of shot and the Chinese player let out a shout of triumph as she converted the final one of those.

Schiavone badly needed to find an answer to her opponent’s domination and by throwing in some more variety in the

Stricker dominates Memorial DUBLIN: American Steve Stricker took control of the Memorial tournament in sensational style on Friday, making an ace on his penultimate hole that put him two strokes clear before he signed off with a birdie.

That gave the world number eight a five-underpar 67 in the second round at Muirfield Village Golf Club and a three-shot lead in the event hosted by Jack Nicklaus.

Stricker struck a six-iron from 186 yards at the par-three eighth, his 17th hole, and watched as his ball bounced a couple of times on the green before rolling straight into the cup.

He immediately raised both arms skywards in delight before being congratulated by his caddie Jimmy Johnson. “It really looked good the whole way,” Stricker told reporters. “It wasn’t one of those that swooped in from one side or the other, it just was going right down the flag the whole way.

“That shot is always a bonus. You don’t expect to make a one, but it was a good number (yardage) for me there today.”

Stricker, who had been two shots off the pace overnight, then rolled in a 15-foot birdie putt at the ninth to complete a sizzling back nine of sixunder 30 for a nine-under total of 135.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy (72), Australian Rod Pampling (66) and Americans Ricky Barnes (70) and Jonathan Byrd (67) were tied for second at six under.

British world number one Luke Donald (69) and Australian Aaron Baddeley (68) were among a group of six players bunched at five under.

For much of a sweltering afternoon at Muirfield Village where thick rough, tough pin positions and shifting winds made scoring tricky, it seemed that six under would be the leading total by the end of the day.

However Stricker’s scintillating finish changed all that as the American burst into contention for his 10th PGA Tour title. “I made the turn one over for the round and shot 30 on the second nine, so got things going in the right direction,” the 44year-old said.

“There’s a lot of trouble out there, there’s a lot of water. If you start firing at some flags and missing them on the short side, it’s very difficult to get them up and down.

“You’ve got to be cautious. There are times where hitting it in the middle of the green 30 or 35 feet away and taking your par and moving on is a good thing.”

McIlroy, co-leader overnight with American Chris Riley after opening with a 66, was disappointed not to take greater advantage of ideal morning conditions at Muirfield Village.

“I played good enough to shoot something in the 60s but I just made too many mistakes out there,” the 22-year-old said after carding six birdies, four bogeys and a double-bogey.

“I made two bogeys on the front nine from the middle of the fairway with a nine iron and a sand wedge in my hand. You just can’t do that sort of stuff.

“I was happy with how I handled everything because I did make mistakes but it seemed like every time I made a mistake I came back with a birdie ... to just sort of rectify it.”

American world number four Phil Mickelson carded a 70 to end the day seven strokes off the pace, one shot better than Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa (71).

The cut fell at one-over 145 with defending champion Justin Rose of Britain and former major winners Jim Fur yk, Lucas Glover and Trevor Immelman among those missing out. — Reuters

World’s best set for Olympic ‘warm-up’ WEYMOUTH: The world’s leading yachtsmen will get a taste of the kind of conditions expected at the 2012 Olympic Games when they compete in the Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta here next week.

Although Weymouth, on England’s south coast, is more than 100 miles from London, where the majority of Games events will take place, it will stage next year’s Olympic Regatta.

The British pair of Andrew Simpson and Iain Percy, who won Star class gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, will be among those looking to familiarise themselves with the Weymouth water during next week’s competition.

Soon after their triumph in China, the pair promptly set about a 2013 America’s Cup campaign with Team Origin, only for principal Sir Keith Mills to pull the plug after a drastic change to that event’s rules and regulations. As a result, Simpson and Percy were forced to switch their attentions back to Star sailing earlier than expected-but they showed few signs of rustiness when they won the first World Cup outing of the season in Palma in April.

The duo now return to ‘home’ water but Simpson insisted they would take nothing for granted with Brazil’s Olympic silver medallists Robert Scheidt and Bruno Prada also in action.

“We’ve only just done the one World Cup event this year but fortunately we won and it was a great start to the season and we’re looking to getting out there again at Sail for Gold,” said Simpson. —AFP

OHIO: Steve Stricker is all smiles as he waves to the gallery after getting a hole-in-one on the eighth hole during the second round for the Memorial golf tournament. —AP

Schwartzel looks for Els insight at Congressional DUBLIN: Expert local knowledge helped Charl Schwartzel win his first major title at the Masters in April and he again plans to follow that recipe for success in this month’s US Open at Congressional.

Two months ago, the South African made the most of lessons learned from six-times winner Jack Nicklaus on how to attack Augusta National as he went on to triumph at the Masters by two shots.

With the year’s second major set to take place at Congressional from June 16-19, Schwartzel intends to rely on help from compatriot Ernie Els, who won the last U.S. Open staged there in 1997.

“I am planning to play Congressional next week,” Schwartzel told Reuters after carding a one-underpar 71 in Friday’s second round at the Memorial tournament.

“I still need to speak to Ernie about it. I will definitely play with (British Open champion) Louis (Oosthuizen) but we are going to see if we can corner Ernie,” Schwartzel said with a broad grin.

“Ernie has helped me a lot. With him winning the US Open in ‘94 and ‘97 when I was a youngster, he became such a big hero for me and I have watched every step of what he did.” Schwartzel, a seven-times winner on the European Tour, made the most of Masters advice unexpectedly given to him by Nicklaus over lunch last year during a charity pro-am competition organised by three-times major champion Els. “I’d never met Jack and I was really excited,” he

recalled. “I knew he liked hunting a little bit and that’s the way I got the conversation going, just by talking about hunting.

“He actually took the time to take me through all 18 holes the way he used to think around Augusta National and the way he used to play it, which flags he used to attack.”

Primed by that conversation and further Masters advice from Els and Zimbabwe’s Nick Price, Schwartzel went on to clinch the coveted green jacket with a grandstand finish featuring birdies on the last four holes.

Despite claiming his first major title at Augusta National, Schwartzel had always felt his greatest chance of major success would come after the mental grind of a US Open where pars are at a premium.

“I like a tough golf course where the guys don’t shot very low,” he said after ending the second round of the Memorial tournament eight shots behind pacesetting American Steve Stricker.

“I find if I play well, my consistency will eventually get me to the top through 72 holes. That’s what I like. That’s my sort of game. I like to plod along, I am a conservative player.

“And that’s what you need at a US Open. You need a lot of patience but that’s also a good thing because that’s something that a lot of guys struggle with. If you can persevere, you’re going to come out at the top.” — Reuters

next game she crafted her first break point of the final in the next game. Li though swatted that aside with a big first serve and then confidently moved out into a 2-0 lead.

Another netted drop shot gave Li a further break point in the fifth game, but with the court wide open the sixth seed blasted a shoulder-high forehand into the net with a 4-1 lead on offer.

Li was proving steady as a rock on her own serve as she comfortably held for 4-2 and she saw another break point against Schiavone go astray in the next game.

The missed opportunities immediately came back to haunt her as she flung in three unforced errors when serving for a 53 lead and Schiavone pounced to secure her first service break of the match.

Both players then held serve twice to force the tie-break. Li dominated that from the start, sweeping it 7-0, to gleefully write her name into the record books and open what could be a new era for the sport of tennis in China. —AFP

Froch, bold and boastful, takes on Glen Johnson NEW YORK: His promoter calls him one of the best fighters to emerge from Britain. If Carl Froch wants to live up to such a billing, he’ll have to beat 42-year-old Glen Johnson in the semifinals of the Super Six World Boxing Classic late yesterday in Atlantic City, NJ. The boastful Froch holds the WBC version of the super middleweight title, which he earned by dominating Arthur Abraham last November. The victory pushed him forward in the modified round-robin tournament that consists of the best 168-pound boxers in the world. The winner Saturday night gets a shot at Andre Ward in the finals. “A lot of you don’t know, but in the UK, Carl is, in my opinion, the greatest fighter to come out of that country,” said Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport, who recently signed a five-fight promotional deal with the 33-year-old titleholder.

“For what he’s achieved, the platform this Super Six has given him to fight the very best fighters in the world, he’s done it all,” Hearn said. “I don’t think there’s ever been a British fighter who’s been in so many big fights consecutively and come out the green belt holder.” That’s high praise considering modern boxing was born in Britain. The Marquess of Queensberry rules, published in the 1860s, brought such novel concepts to the game as three-minute rounds, the 10-second count and a standard size for the ring.

So it makes sense that the United Kingdom has crowned its share of champions. Lennox Lewis ruled the heavyweights at the turn of the most recent century, Ricky Hatton and Naseem Hamed were stars of the lighter weights, and Wales’ Joe Calzaghe not long ago retired undefeated in 44 fights. Froch is on the precipice of joining them. “I haven’t come this far in this tournament, and my career, to let it slip at this point,” Froch said earlier this week, before launching into one of his rambling oratories.

“I’ve gotten a lot of credit to the fights I’ve been involved in,” he said. “I’m actually getting tired of hearing how I fight the best — that’s what I’m in boxing for. I want to fight the best. I don’t want to fight a bum-of-the-month.” His resume certainly backs up his claims. Froch won a close decision over recent light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal before the start of the Super Six tournament.

He then knocked out Jermain Taylor and won a close decision over previously unbeaten Andre Dirrell in the opening stages.

His only career loss came against Mikkel Kessler, a former champion in his own right and one of the tournament’s heavy favorites, who has since been forced to drop out because of injury.

“Everyone talks about the loss to Mikkel Kessler, and 80 percent of the people I talk to don’t acknowledge it was a loss,” Froch said.

“The fight could have gone either way.” Froch (27-1, 20 KOs) responded to the bitter disappointment of a narrow unanimous decision defeat by taking out his frustrations on Abraham, sweeping every round in their fight.

“He’s focused now,” said Froch’s trainer, Rob McCracken. “Just a little bump in the road against Kessler, he was maybe 95 percent.

But he’s re-motivated again. He’s on it.” He will certainly have to be against Johnson, who earned the nickname “The Road Warrior” over his sterling career for his propensity for fighting anywhere.

The good-natured native of Jamaica and longtime light heavyweight was a late substitute in the Super Six tournament, but he looked phenomenal dropping down in weight during his eighthround knockout of a younger, quicker Allan Green last November.

The victory proved that Johnson (51-14-2, 35 KOs) is only getting better with age. “We all know Glen Johnson because he’s fought in the UK a few times and we’ve watched him a few times, and he’s a tremendous fighter,” McCracken said.

“He deserves the moniker ‘Road Warrior,’ he’s a great road warrior, but his time is over.” Indeed, there appears to be no lack of confidence coming across the Atlantic, whether it’s from Froch’s promoter, his trainer or the fighter himself. “Glen Johnson’s trainer is delusional — he’s delusional — if he thinks Glen’s going to win,” Froch said, bristling. “He’s not only not going to win the fight, he’s not going to win a round, just watch. He’s not going to win a round, let me tell you. I’m too fit, too strong, too young, too great, I punch too hard and I’m too skillful. “I will dominate,” Froch said. “It will be another dominating performance.” —AP

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SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

S P ORT S

Pour Moi wins Epsom Derby

TRINIDAD: India’s stand-in captain Suresh Raina poses with the trophy after beating the West Indies by 16 runs in the Twenty20 international cricket match in Port of Spain. —AP

India show class in first T20 win over Windies PORT OF SPAIN: India withstood a late charge from rook ie Christopher Barnwell to collec t their maiden Twenty20 International victory over West Indies by 16 runs at Queen’s Park Oval here yesterday.

The Indians successfully defended a target of 160, but Barnwell gave them some late jitters with two fours and three sixes in 34 not out from 16 balls in a last-ditch bid for a West Indies victory.

The visitors’ spinners — like Pakistan’s before them — squeezed the West Indies top-order batting, despite an attractive, run-a-ball 41 from Darren Bravo.

Harbhajan Singh was the most successful Indian bowler with two for 25 from his allotted four overs, conceding just 77 along with fellow off-spinners R avichandran Ashwin and Yusuf Pathan.

As a result of India’s stingy bowling, the home team - like the visitors without a number of leading players - could not overcome the rising scoring rate before a near capacit y crowd that included embattled West Indies opener Chris Gayle, the leading scorer in the recent Indian Premier League.

“We played really well, especially our bowlers, they executed well,” said India captain Suresh Raina. “We have a lot of young players, who have done well in domestic cricket, and we have a new coach, who has been speaking positive things, so we are looking forward to doing well. “This was an important victory for us, and we are looking forward to the one-day matches now.”

Subramaniam Badrinath stroked 43 to revive the visitors, and lead them to 159 for six, after Darren Sammy undermined their top-order.

Badrinath struck five fours from 37 deliveries to breathe life into the Indians’ innings, after they stumbled to 63 for four at the halfway stage.

The visitors’ top order was reduced to rubble, after they were sent in to bat, when Sammy snagged four for 16 from his allotted four overs.

But Badrinath turned things around for India, with a stand of 61 for the fifth wicket with Rohit Sharma, and inspired controlled late-order hitting to beef-up the visitors’ total, as they added 72 from the final five overs.

Praveen Kumar gave a hint of things to come, when he started with a maiden over, and West Indies struggled through the opening overs.

Ashwin made the breakthrough in the fourth over, having Lendl Simmons dubiously caught at slip off Ashwin for nine in the fourth over — TV replays suggesting he never touched the ball.

Munaf Patel then bowled fellow opener Andre Fletcher for 11 in the next over, leaving West Indies 22 for t wo. The I ndians met a roadblock , when Marlon Samuels joined Bravo and made 27, putting on 66 for the third wicket before Harbhajan removed both of them in the space of three balls in the 16th over.

Harbhajan had Samuels caught behind off a top-edge, and bowled Bravo before Kumar had Sammy caught at long-on for a duck in the following over to leave West Indies 93 for five.

In the closing overs, the visitors kept their cool, as Barnwell brought the crowd to their feet with some lusty blows, but it was all too little, too late.

“We allowed India to make 20 runs too many, when we bowled,” said Sammy. “We need to go back to the drawing board and work out our ‘death bowling’. It did not go very well for us.

“When I went out for the toss, my spikes went right through the surface, so I knew there was a little moisture there, so it was a good toss to win, and we decided to field, but we did not restrict them to the total we wanted.

“When we batted, we left ourselves too much to do in the end, but it was good to see T20 players like Barnwell showing that if we are in a good position, we can challenge totals.” The two sides play the first One - day I nternational in a series of five on Monday at the same venue. —AFP

Scoreboard PORT OF SPAIN: Complete scoreboard from the Twenty20 International between West Indies and India at Queen’s Park Oval here yesterday: India (maximum 20 overs) P. Patel c Samuels b Sammy 26 S. Dhawan c Fletcher b Sammy 5 V. Kohli c Hyatt b Sammy 14 S. Badrinath c Fletcher b Bishoo 43 S. Raina c Barnwell b Sammy 2 R. Sharma b Barnwell 26 Y. Pathan not out 15 Harbhajan Singh not out 15 Extras (lb1, w10, nb2) 13 Total (6 wkts) 159 P. Kumar, R. Ashwin, M. Patel did not bat Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Dhawan, 2.6 overs); 2-48 (Kohli, 6.5); 3-48 (Patel, 6.6); 4-56 (*Raina, 8.4); 5-127 (Barnwell, 17.4); 6-134 (Sharma, 18.1) Bowling: Rampaul 4-0-38-0 (nb1, w3); Russell 20-26-0 (nb1); *Sammy 4-0-16-4; Nurse 4-0-23-0 (w1); Bishoo 4-0-31-1; Barnwell 2-0-24-1 (w6) Overs: 20

West Indies (target: 160 off 20 overs) A. Fletcher b Patel 11 L. Simmons c Kohli b Ashwin 9 D.M. Bravo b Harbhajan Singh 41 M. Samuels c wkpr Patel b Harbhajan Singh27 D. Hyatt not out 14 D. Sammy c Kohli b Kumar 0 C. Barnwell not out 34 Extras (lb4, w3) 7 Total (5 wkts, 20 overs) 143 A. Russell, A. Nurse, D. Bishoo, R. Rampaul did not bat Fall of wickets: *1-22 (Simmons, 3.5 overs); 2-22 (Fletcher, 4.2); 3-88 (Samuels, 15.3); 4-92 (Bravo, 15.5); 5-93 (*Sammy, 16.2) Bowling: Kumar 4-1-27-1; Harbhajan Singh 4-025-2 (w2); Ashwin 4-0-30-1 (w1); Patel 4-0-35-1; Pathan 4-0-22-0.

Overs: 20 Result: India won by 16 runs Series: India win the one-off match

EPSOM: Pour Moi won the Epsom Derby here yesterday to give trainer Andre Fabre his first winner in the blue riband of the tur f on his 10th attempt and France’s first since Empery in 1976.

The winner, ridden by 19-yearold Mikael Barzalona, came late to win at 4/1 and beat 25/1 shot Treasure Beach by a head while there was disappointment for Queen Elizabeth II as her 5/2 race favourite Carlton House was three quarters of a length away in third.

Barzalona, the youngest jockey since Walter Swinburn also 19 rode the legendary Shergar to victory in 1981, rode a sublime race bringing the winner from way off the pace but nearly blotted his copybook by raising himself in the stirrups and waving his whip in tha air before the line.

Fabre, seven-times an Arc de Triomphe winner and 22 times French champion trainer, is a renowned a hard taskmaster but he refused to criticise his teenaged rider. “He won!” said Fabre.

“What surprised me about the winner was that he had two accelerations, first to catch up and then to go on and win.

“It is a pleasure to win this race with my young jockey - I couldn’t be happier - it has not been a good track for me,” added an unusually loquacious Fabre, who refuses to speak to his domestic press.

On his plans for Pour Moi Fabre said: “The plan now is for a summer break and to aim him at the Arc, subject to the owners agreeing.

“I wouldn’t think he would run in the King George as that is a hard race for inexperienced

three-year-olds.” Michael Tabor, one of the winner’s part-owners and also of the second, was delighted though sad for the Queen, who was bidding to become the first reigning

Another of the co - owners John Magnier, the mastermind behind the breeding industry’s powerhouse Coolmore Stud, was also gracious in victory.

“I wish somebody else owned

EPSOM: Jockey Mickael Barzalona poses for photographers after the ceremony after winning the Derby riding French horse Pour Moi on Derby Day at Epsom Downs Racecourse. —AP monarch to win the Derby since Edward VII in 1909 with Minoru.

“Obviously we wanted to win but if we hadn’t I would have loved the Queen to have done so,” said the former bookmaker. “It’s one of those things. It was Utopian one could say this victory.”

the third horse but that’s racing,” said Magnier, who welcomed the Queen on the final day of her visit to Ireland last month for a private viewing of Coolmore.

“Andre was confident over the last few weeks - said how he was going to run him - telling all

the youngsters up in our box to back him - he was confident so thank you.”

Barzalona was unapologetic about his theatrics at the end. “I don’t know, it just happened.

“It’s fantastic - it took Frankie Dettori 15 years to win his first Derby, and I’ve done it on my first ride, fabulous!” said Barzalona, who added holding the winner up had always been the strategy.

Carlton House - who had suffered a slight setback earlier in the week - had also been held back in the early stages by last year’s Derby winning rider Ryan Moore, but encountered slight inter ference coming down Tattenham Corner.

However, he looked to have ever y chance as he and the Conor O’Donoghue -ridden Treasure Beach, trained by Aidan O’Brien, gathered in long-time leader Memphis Tennessee, ridden by 18-year- old Joseph O’Brien.

Pour Moi, though, was reeling them in and Carlton House’s chances weren’t helped when he lost a shoe in the final furlong, but such was the momentum of Barzalona and the winner that little would have stopped them.

The day had started dramatically as controversial Irish jockey Kieren Fallon lost a court case to ride Recital in the Derby. The British appeal court granted an order sought by Ibrahim Araci, the Turkish owner of another runner Native Khan, to prevent Fallon riding because he had pledged himself to ride his horse and then switched.

As it was the two horses could hardly be separated in the race as Native Khan finished fifth and Recital sixth. —AFP

Sri Lanka skipper defies England LONDON: Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan led from the front with an unbeaten century as the tourists fought back against England on the second day of the second Test at Lord’s here yesterday.

At stumps, Sri Lanka were 231 for one, 255 runs behind England’s first innings 486. Dilshan was 127 not out after sharing a recordbreaking first-wicket partnership of 207 with left-hander Tharanga Paranavitana (65).

This was Sri Lanka’s first century opening stand in a Test in England and the best for any first wicket in England-Sri Lanka Tests, surpassing the 168 shared by England’s Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan in 2002 on another typically good Lord’s pitch.

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara was unbeaten on 13 at the close. It was all a far cry from Monday’s collapse in Cardiff where Sri Lanka were dismissed for just 82 as England won the first Test by an innings and 14 runs to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

England missed a chance to separate the openers on 37 when left-hander Paranavitana, who’d then made 13, edged fast bowler Steven Finn, recalled in place of the injured James Anderson, to Alastair Cook at third slip.

But Cook, fielding in the spot vacated by the retired Paul Collingwood, dropped the chance despite getting both hands to the ball.

Dilshan played his natural freescoring game, hooking Chris Tremlett, one of England’s trio of 6ft 5in plus seamers, for six and lofting off-spinner Graeme Swann into the Lord’s Pavilion where the ball hit a spectator. Dilshan then cut Finn for his 11th four to complete a 12th Test hundred in 129 balls.

Finn eventually had the wicket he was denied previously when Paranavitana’s near four-hour knock ended when he edged a booming drive to England captain Andrew Strauss at first slip.

Earlier, England were bowled out for 486 on the stroke of lunch, with wicketkeeper Matt Prior making 126 — his fourth Test hundred.

Prior, together with Stuart Broad, who made an elegant 54, scored briskly during a a seventhwicket stand of 108 in 91 balls.

England, who had slumped to 22 for three after losing the toss Friday, resumed on 342 for six.

Prior was 73 not out overnight and Broad, offering good support, 17 not out. However, Prior went from 86 to 94 with two fortunate fours, edging seamer Suranga Lakmal just short of wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene and next ball nicking him through the slips.

Prior, on 94, then saw an edged drive off left-arm seamer Chanaka Welegedara dropped by normally reliable second slip Mahela Jayawardene.

His luck held again when Prior

LONDON: Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan hits a ball from England’s Stuart Broad during the second day of the second Test match at Lord’s cricket ground. —AP went to 99 by edging a cut off Lakmal between keeper and first slip fbefore a single saw him to a century off 107 balls with 17 fours.

It was Prior’s second Test century at Lord’s, following his 126 not out against the West Indies on his Test debut in 2007.

Broad, primarily a fast-medium bowler but also a left-handed bats-

man, like his father Chris, the exEngland opener, was eventually lbw to Welegedara.

The persevering bowler finished with four for 122 in 28 overs having been recalled after missing the first Test. Prior then fell to left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, bowled on the slog-sweep after his latest valuable innings. —AFP

Scoreboard LONDON, United Kingdom: Scoreboard at stumps on the second day of the second Test between England and Sri Lanka at Lord’s here on yesterday: England 1st Innings (overnight: 342-6) A. Strauss lbw b Welegedara 4 A. Cook c Maharoof b Fernando 96 J. Trott lbw b Lakmal 2 K. Pietersen c Dilshan b Lakmal 2 I. Bell c Paranavitana b Welegedara 52 E. Morgan lbw b Lakmal 79 M. Prior b Herath 126 S. Broad lbw b Welegedara 54 G. Swann c Paranavitana b Welegedara 4 C. Tremlett not out 24 S. Finn b Herath 19 Extras (b3, lb7, w4, nb10) 24 Total (all out, 112.5 overs, 514 mins) 486 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Strauss), 2-18 (Trott), 3-22 (Pietersen), 4130 (Bell), 5-201 (Cook), 6-302 (Morgan), 7-410 (Broad), 8414 (Swann), 9-452 (Prior), 10-486 (Finn)

Bowling: Welegedara 28-4-122-4 (5nb, 2w); Lakmal 25-2126-3 (1w); Maharoof 17-5-57-0 (5nb, 1w); Fernando 17-277-1; Herath 18.5-1-64-2; Dilshan 7-1-30-0.

Sri Lanka 1st Innings T. Paranavitana c Strauss b Finn 65 T. Dilshan not out 127 K. Sangakkara not out 13 Extras (b10, lb13, w2, nb1) 26 Total (1 wkt, 63 overs, 273 mins) 231 To bat: M Jayawardene, T Samaraweera, P Jayawardene, F Maharoof, C Welegedara, R Herath, D Fernando, S Lakmal Fall of wickets: 1-207 (Paranavitana) Bowling: Broad 17-2-55-0; Tremlett 13-3-44-0 (1nb); Finn 122-48-1 (2w); Swann 18-3-50-0; Pietersen 3-0-11-0; Match position: Sri Lanka are 255 runs behind England with nine first innings wickets standing.

Gomez edged in hometown triathlon by Brownlee bros MADRID: Alistair Brownlee of Britain won the Madrid world series triathlon for a third straight year, and was joined on a podium by his runner-up brother Jonathan for the first time yesterday.

The Brownlees worked together on the run to hold off third-placed Javier Gomez, the hometown favorite who has yet to win in Madrid since the race joined the world series in 2009.

Alistair Brownlee broke ahead of his brother over the last kilometer, but waited on the finish line to cross arm in arm.

Jonathan Brownlee said “it’s a bit of a

strange feeling but really nice that he waited for me — it was really a special moment.” The Brownlees and Gomez, the reigning series champion, were among the leaders after the swim and in an 11man pack out front in the cycling leg. The trio then broke away but Gomez couldn’t stay with the brothers. He finished about 40 seconds behind.

Gomez still led the overall standings from Alistair Brownlee by five points after two races. The series heads to Kitzbuehel, Austria on June 18. The elite women race today. —AP

MADRID: Athletes swim at the beginning of the competition during the ITU Triathlon World Championships. —AP

Li wins French Open for China

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England snatch Swiss draw

LONDON: England’s Jack Wilshere (center) is fouled by Switzerland’s Johan Djourou resulting in a penalty during their Euro 2012 Group G qualifying soccer match at Wembley Stadium.—AP

LONDON: England fought back to snatch a 22 draw in their Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland here yesterday after two goalkeeping errors from Joe Hart threatened to send Fabio Capello’s side spinning to defeat.

A Frank Lampard penalty and a secondhalf strike from substitute Ashley Young saved England’s blushes after two first-half goals in three minutes from Swiss midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta gave Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side a 2-0 lead.

But while England may take a crumb of satisfaction at having gained a draw which leaves them one point clear of rivals Montenegro at the top of Group G, who play Bulgaria later yesterday, Capello will be dismayed by a poor display.

Two bad mistakes by England gifted Switzerland their goals, and in the second half when the home side dominated, Capello’s men were unable to find the winner having clawed the game back to 2-2 after 51 minutes. Striker Darren Bent prompted howls of disbelief when he missed an open goal from eight yards on 71 minutes out that would almost certainly have sealed a vital three points for England.

Capello had encouraged his players to take holidays following the end of the Premier League season two weeks ago, and in a disastrous three-minute spell midway through the half England looked as if they were still on the beach.

However, Capello evidently believed that they hadn’t taken his advice to go on a break.

“The difference between the two sides was that we lacked energy, always the same problem,” he said. “ The Swiss were fresher.

However, we ended up with a good result, I got a good reaction from the players in the second-half but as always at this stage of the season we were without energy.”

Capello swatted away a question that if they were tired now what would they be like in terms of energy levels were they to qualify for the Euro finals which will take place next June. “Lets qualify first and then we will see,” he said. Hart was at fault for both of Barnetta’s goals on 32 and 35 minutes, which both came from free-kicks out on the left.

The first came when Barnetta swung in a hopeful setpiece that eluded everyone in the box and bounced past Hart to make it 1-0. It got worse three minutes later. This time the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder drilled his setpiece towards the near post, and when England’s two-man wall of Theo Walcott and James Milner parted, Barnetta’s shot squeezed past Hart.

Capello refused to blame Hart for either goal. “The first should have been cleared by a defender heading it away and the second those two players should never have parted.

That was a really big mistake,” said Capello.

The disgust of England captain John Terry was evident but crucially the home side were able to conjure an immediate response, Jack Wilshere surging into the penalty area only to be brought down by Arsenal team-mate Johan Djourou. Lampard stepped up to blast in the spot-kick and England had been given a vital lifeline. With Young replacing Lampard at half-time, Capello had clearly decided England needed more pace in attack and the home side threatened within seconds of the restart, when Walcott burst forward only to be brought down by Djourou.

England appealed for a penalty but referee Damir Skomina was unimpressed. Yet England did not have long to wait before they were level. Milner clipped a cross to Leighton Baines, on for the injured Ashley Cole, who chested into the path of Young for the Aston Villa striker to drive home.

The momentum clearly with England, it looked only a matter of time before Capello’s men took the lead. A lovely run and pass from Wilshere released Bent on 65 minutes but the striker took too long to get his shot away and Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio cleared.

Then on 69 minutes Walcott sliced open the Swiss defence and squared for Young, who scooped his shot over the bar.

But the most glaring miss came two minutes later, and Bent was again the culprit.

Young went on a mazy solo run and shot to test Benaglio, whose save fell invitingly into Bent’s path. Yet with an open goal awaiting Bent somehow managed to shoot over the bar.—AFP

Pavlyuchenko’s treble sink Armenia SAINT PETERSBURG: Russia battled back from a goal down to record a 3-1 win over Armenia in their Euro 2012 Group B qualifier here yesterday. English Premier League side Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko was the hero of the match producing a classic hat-trick after midfielder Marcos Pizelli put Armenia into the lead before the break.

The win lifted Russia top of Group B with 13 points from six matches. Later yesterday Slovakia take on minnows Andorra, while Ireland face the hosts Macedonia in the other Group B matches. Russia started in a lively style, but failed to create any serious threat in the opening 20 minutes. In the 25th minute Armenia clinched the lead through Denizen Pizelli, who sent the ball into the net past helpless Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev after a mix-up in the Russian defence. Russia replied positively and pulled level a minute later through Pavlyuchenko, who fired the ball home from 12 metres on Alexander Anyukov’s right-handed cross.

After the interval the hosts added power and precision to their attack and clinched the lead in the 59th minute, when Pavlyuchenko netted his second, firing in from the edge of the six-yard box on Igor Semshov’s feeder.

Armenia had a clear chance to level again in the 65th minute but their forward Yura Movsisyan failed to redirect his teammate’s left-handed cross into the net with an unopposed seven-yard header. In the 73rd minute Pavlyuchenko completed his hattrick beating Armenia’s veteran keeper Roman Berezovsky with a precise spotkick to secure Russia’s well-deserved win after the guests’ skipper Sargis Hovsepyan fouled Chelsea winger Yury Zhirkov in the area.

In the 85th minute Armenia forward Henrik Mkhitaryan, who plays for Ukraine’s newly-crowned champions Shakhtar Donetsk, sent the ball into the net but his goal was ruled offside by French referee Stephane Lannoy.—AFP

Germany, Italy surge on as France are frustrated LONDON: Germany broke Austrian hearts with a last-gasp win in Vienna on Friday, extending their perfect start to Euro 2012 qualifying on a night of far more serene progress for Italy and frustration for France.

Germany returned to the scene of their reverse in the Euro 2008 final to dole out their customary defeat to Austria but only just, Mario Gomez scoring his second goal in the dying seconds to make it 2-1 and secure a sixth win from six Group A games.

Italy produced less drama in a fluent 3-0 win over Estonia, goals from Giuseppe Rossi, Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini keeping the Group C leaders five points clear of Slovenia, who were similarly untroubled in a 20 triumph over Faroe Islands. The heavyweights from those two sections are well on their way to securing qualification as group winners, as are France despite being held 1-1

by Belarus in Minsk. France went into the game seeking revenge for a 1-0 defeat in their opening qualifier in Belarus but Eric Abidal, who lifted the Champions League trophy for Barcelona on Saturday, came back to earth by scoring an own goal. Despite an equaliser that came almost immediately through Florent Malouda, the twice former champions could not complete a comeback victory.

As it is, France remain four points clear of Belarus at the top of Group D. Romania are up to third on eight points thanks to a 3-0 win over Bosnia, Ciprian Marica getting two of the goals. If any side can be relied upon to rouse themselves for an heroic effort after the

domestic season is over it is Germany who made it six successive wins over neighbours Austria on their return to the Ernst Happel Stadium. The German goals came at the end of each half, with Gomez scrambling the ball in from a corner in the 44th minute and sending in a bullet header for the second after an Arne Friedrich own-goal had looked like giving the Austrians a point.

Germany are almost certain to win the group but second spot, and a chance of reaching the finals in Poland and Ukraine via the playoffs, is wide open. Belgium held on to second position as they ground out a 1-1 draw with Turkey who are a point behind them in third. The hosts opened the scoring after four minutes, Marvin Ogunjimi grabbing his fourth goal in six matches, before a Turkey side managed by Guus Hiddink hit back midway through the first half through a Burak Yilmaz tap-in. Sweden gave their chances of taking second place in Group E a huge boost as they won 4-1 in Moldova, with two goals from Johan Elmander helping them on their way.

The Dutch lead that group with a perfect 18 points from six matches, with Sweden second on a healthy 12 points from five games.

Lower down the table Finland won 1-0 at San Marino to move up to six points from five games, still in with an outside chance of joining the battle for second. Croatia went top of Group F with 13 points from six matches, a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Georgia in Split ending a 16-year wait for a victory at the Poljud stadium. —Reuters

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ATHENS: Union members chant slogans behind a banner reading “No to the new memorandum,” during a protest march yesterday. — AFP

Greek workers in new protest against cuts Anger grows over spending cuts, tax hikes ATHENS: Hundreds of people from Greece’s two main private and public sector unions protested in central Athens yesterday to condemn the government’s new bailout deal from international lenders. Around 1,500 people marched to the capital’s main Syntagma Square, in front of the Greek parliament, with banners proclaiming: “No to the new memorandum” and “Resist!”. It was the latest in a series of protests as anger grows over waves of spending cuts and tax hikes amid a deep recession and job layoffs, as the government battles to steer the debt-ridden country out of crisis.

The European Union, the International Monetar y Fund and the European Central Bank-known as “the troika”agreed Friday to extend the next tranche of funds under Greece’s rescue accord package, most likely in July. Trade unions

say that the new payout will see more misery for the population in the shape of additional and tougher austerity measures. “We demand a different economic policy with developmental and social measures ... that will safeguard jobs and will expand our economic and social rights,” the GSEE and ADEDY unions said in a statement at yesterday’s march. “We are resisting the government and the memorandum (new deal) for these barbaric and antisocial measures,” ADEDY official Grigoris Kalomiris said.

“For one year now, the government is training us to feel guilty... we will face the ‘troika’ and the government on the streets,” Nikos Fotopoulos, president of the GENOP-DEI union for the Public Power Corporation, told AFP. More than a year has passed since Greece’s dire economic situation was unveiled, and the

impact of the crisis is starting to bite.

Twenty-six-year-old Stratos, who would not give his last name, said his salary from his job at a call centre dropped by 30-40 percent in the past year.

“I’m still living with my parents and my life is less secure. I have never seen my father so depressed and that’s what worries me the most,” Stratos, holding a banner, told AFP. Journalist Katerina Thoivou said she also “feels” the crisis, even though her pay had not fallen. “It was low to start off. Everything else has become more expensive,” the 37-year-old said. Most Greeks no longer have confidence in the country’s political system, according to an opinion poll published in the daily To Vima last week.

Three-quarters of those surveyed said they disapproved of Socialist Prime Minister George Papandreou’s handling

of the crisis and also the reaction of his right-wing rival, Antonis Samaras.

Members of the Communist-affiliated PAME union on Friday occupied the Greek finance ministry, calling for action against fresh austerity measures. The protesters replaced the European Union flag on the ministry roof with a PAME banner and set up loudspeakers blaring slogans and songs.

On Thursday government spokesman George Petalotis was heckled and pelted with fruit and pots of yoghurt by protesters as he arrived to give a speech at a home for the elderly in an Athens suburb. GSEE and ADEDY have called a general strike on June 15, the third this year against the government’s economic policies, and protests on June 9 at state companies under threat of privatization.—AFP

Auto bailout ‘saved thousands of jobs’ Obama defends record, cites auto success in Ohio TOLEDO: Under pressure from high unemployment, President Barack Obama reminded voters that his 2009 auto bailout saved thousands of jobs during a visit on Friday to Ohio, a state vital to his re-election hopes. Obama greeted workers and toured a Chrysler plant in Toledo in a campaign-style event several hours after the release of a monthly employment report delivered Americans a stark reminder that the labor market remains weak and joblessness persistently high.

The report follows a rash of data signaling the US economy may be losing steam. Obama, a Democrat, must coax the jobless rate down convincingly in order to be confident of securing a second White House term. Polls show he is still favored over all potential Republican opponents, but the troubled economy remains his biggest weakness. That vulnerability was underscored by data showing unemployment edged up to 9.1 percent in May from 9.0 percent in April.

No US president has been re-elected with an unemployment rate higher than 7.2 percent since Franklin Delano Roosevelt

more than 70 years ago.

Speaking at the Ohio plant, Obama did not address the jobs report directly.

But he cited high gasoline prices and the economic disruptions from the March earthquake in Japan as “bumps on the road” to economic recovery. “We know what’s possible when we invest in what works,” he said, highlighting his support for a US auto industry which has now returned to profitability from the brink of collapse. “Just as we succeeded in retooling this industry for a new age, we’ve got to rebuild this whole economy for a new age.”

Republicans are using the weak economy to attack Obama and Mitt Romney kicked off his second bid for the White House this week by accusing Obama of spending too much and hurting jobs.

“Today’s unemployment numbers show that we are going backwards, and that is the wrong direction for America.

President Obama’s policies made the recession worse and as a result more people are out of work,” Romney said on Friday. Obama won Ohio by a 4-point

margin over challenger John McCain in 2008. But the state went narrowly to Republican President George W. Bush in 2004, and is expected to be highly competitive in 2012.

AUTO INDUSTRY REBOUND The White House claims credit for the rescue of the auto industry and hopes this success for US manufacturing will warm Obama to blue - collar voters, whose support he needs to win next year. Obama watched the Chrysler production line as a dashboard unit was fitted into the body of a Jeep, and was thanked by workers for bailing out their company. “Thank you for paying it back,” he told one woman as he greeted her at the end of her shift.

Chrysler repaid the US government $5.9 billion last month, deepening ties with Italian automaker Fiat SpA and highlighting the extent of the US auto industry’s recovery since 2009. The auto industry bailout was initially expected to cost taxpayers $80 billion, but estimates have since shrunk to a small fraction of that.

“Chrysler has repaid every dime and

more of what it owes the American taxpayer from the investment we made during my watch,” Obama said. “And by the way, you guys repaid it six years ahead of schedule.” The US Treasury Department said on Thursday it reached an agreement to sell its remaining 6 percent equity stake in Chrysler to Fiat in a deal that will net Washington $560 million.

General Motors Co filed for bankruptcy in 2009 but soon emerged from under court protection thanks to Washington’s rescue. Its profits are now beating expectations. Ford Motor Co did not take a US government bailout but did receive direct and indirect financial assistance through loans, capital, tax credits and other programs that have aided its strong turnaround. The administration expects the rescue will end up costing taxpayers around $14 billion, and argues it saved far more money because it safeguarded hundreds of thousands of jobs.

This spared authorities from having to pay billions of dollars in unemployment benefits, as well as forgoing tax revenue.— Reuters

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EU eyes quicker banking reforms from Wall Street ‘Incoherence will have negative consequences’ WASHINGTON: A top European official laid bare transatlantic tensions over banking rules Friday, urging quicker reform and warning Europe’s patience was “running out” on at least one niggling issue. During a visit to Washington, EU internal market commissioner Michel Barnier pressed the United States to fully implement laws aimed at mending the banking system-after shoddy practices plunged the world economy into crisis.

Warning of a “race to the bottom” if com-

Supertech presents North Eye KUWAIT: Supertech one of the leading real estate developers in India launched a one of its kind residential property at the India Homes Fair at the Ramada Hotel on May 27 and 28.

Located in Noida at Sector 74, North Eye will be the tallest residential tower in North India; with 66 levels of fully furnished studio apartments, 2/3/4 BHK luxury apartments and 3 BHK duplex condominiums, North Eye is also destined to

peting rule sets emerged, Barnier called on US lawmakers not to heed calls to water down or stall Wall Street regulation.

“Delay is not the answer,” he said during a speech at the Brookings Institution. The former French foreign minister also warned that “incoherence and inconsistency between our rules will have negative consequences for our markets.”

While much of the EU representative’s focus fell on the implementation of a “Dodd-

Frank” package of Wall Street reforms, his sternest criticism was reserved for the US alleged failure to implement international accounting rules. “Frankly speaking, the patience of Europe is reaching its limits (on this issue),” he said.

Responding to Barnier’s remarks, US officials said they “share the EU’s desire for timely reform and look forward to seeing more progress on derivatives and a bankruptcy regime for banks.” — AFP

be the prestigious address for the discerning home owner. North Eye is designed so that every activity, whether it is high-end shopping, fine dining, entertainment or recreation is available within the towering complex.

A helipad, an observatory, open-air restaurant and an infinity pool on the top level of the tower add to the grandeur of this architectural marvel.

Burgan Bank offers benefits for VISA platinum cardholders KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announces its offering to VISA platinum cardholders the opportunity to take advantage on a range of benefits at the most luxurious hotels from around the world. This promotion offers exciting holiday features when they book their holidays using their Burgan Bank VISA Platinum credit card this summer.

Burgan Bank Chief Retail Banking Officer- GM Muneera Al-Mukhaizeem said, “With the onset of summer, the holiday and travel season begins in Kuwait.

This exciting luxurious holiday package benefits our Burgan Bank VISA Platinum card holders, and reiterates our continuous efforts to provide our customers with value added services. We understand the dynamic needs of our account holders and hence have tie ups that reflect and cater to their needs. Traveling with Burgan Bank VISA Platinum credit card

will ensure that our customers have the most distinctive experience, something that has always been synonymous with Burgan Bank.”

Burgan Bank VISA Platinum Credit Card holder are offering seven distinctive benefits while booking their holiday, which ranges from the availability of best room rates to VIP guest status. Visa Platinum cardholders may also get automatic room upgrade on arrival, free beverage and food voucher worth of $25, a complimentary continental breakfast, either free internet access or Valet parking, last but not least late checkout.

The campaign is valid till the end December 2011. The details on the hotels can be accessed through www.visamiddleeast.com, while the offer benefits can be obtained by either visiting www.burgan.com or calling Burgan Bank on 1804080.

Market closes on negative note MARKAZ WEEKLY UPDATE KUWAIT: The KSE weighted index open lower at 440 and moved between 444 and 436 levels before closing at 439 level, a loss of 0.7 percent or 3 points. While the KSE price index declined 0.6 percent or 35 points at 6,338 level compared to last week. The food and the real estate sectors were major losers by 2.2 percent and 1.5 percent. whereas the investment, the services and the banking sectors decreased in the range of 0.9 percent to 0.3 percent on weekly basis. While the industrial and the non-Kuwaiti sectors closed up marginally, the market sentiment was negative as 64 stocks declined

against 35 stocks gained and 29 stocks closed at same level as the previous week.

Among the large caps stocks the major gainers were Agility +5.5 percent, Burgan +2 percent, Mabanee +1.2 percent while the stocks of Zain, KFH, BPCC and GBK remained unchanged on weekly basis. The KSE weighted index has downside support at 435 levels and if trades lower then it may find support at 432 to 430 levels. It faces upside resistances at 442 to 445 level. While the KSE price index has upside resistance at 6,425 level and downside support remains at 6,300 level.

Some of the countries to which flydubai flies to are Syria, Jordan, Russia, Egypt, India, Lebanon and Azerbaijan, as well as its base, Dubai.

flydubai turns two years old KUWAIT: Flydubai began flights on June 1 two years ago. With a fleet of 16 brand new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft and a network of 36 operational destinations flydubai is one of the fastest growing start-up airlines in the world.

Bayt.com offers tips to boost creativity at the workplace KUWAIT: Dr Robert Sternberg defines creativity as “the process of producing something that is both original and worthwhile” in his book “Creativity: from Potential to Realization (2004)”. Against popular belief, creativity is not restricted to artists, musicians, writers and directors; it actually is a universal and fundamental human “skill” that should be nurtured on a daily basis at both the personal and professional level.

It is refreshing to know and perhaps surprising to many that creativity simply happens of its own accord! One does not necessarily need to attend professional trainings or undergo extensive tutorials on how to become creative: it simply occurs at a certain moment in time, provided it is allowed the right environment to flourish. It is a skill that defies all boundaries related to age, gender, social status, education or experience. Every working individual has the right and the ability to be creative once he/she commits

Lama Ataya him/herself to develop their individual creative abilities. Setting goals, seeking assistance where needed, maintaining a conducive environment and allotting a certain amount of time daily to develop individual creativity are all good measures to take to nurture this key trait.

Creativity lies in the right hemisphere of the brain along with feelings, emotions and senses, while logic, reason and numbers lie in the

left hemisphere (which is the analytic side employees more typically tend to use at the workplace).

Employees often seem to overlook the fact that the two hemispheres of the brain can be totally in sync and creativity can be boosted with just a bit of the right kind of stimulation, the kind that can make them superstars at their jobs. Here are Bayt.com, The Middle East’s #1 Job site’s 4 essential steps to develop solid creative skills: Allocate time for being creative: Decide when you want to sit down and dedicate yourself to doodling your ideas (any ideas that come to mind) and just do it. Chase away all negative vibes: Also delete any pessimistic self-defeating thoughts you may be harboring. Bear in mind there is no such thing as a bad idea.

Believe in yourself. You can always develop solid, creative ideas then polish and refine them once you are in a positive laid-back and open frame of mind. Brainstorm: Brainstorming helps you generate

as many ideas as you can. Once that is done, you can then focus on refining and embellishing those ideas to come out with the best possible outcomes. Share your ideas: Share them with your upper management, peers, friends or coworkers and do ask for constructive feedback. Still can’t seem to get creative at work? The right hemisphere of your brain is probably still taking a nap. Here are some tips from Bayt.com that you could use to stimulate it and get it up to speed in no time: Remove all grids, charts and calendars from the wall facing you and put them aside (within reach of course). Replace those with comforting happy pictures (of loved ones, nature, etc) that will put your mind and heart at ease and soothe the pressure your brain is unconsciously struggling with everyday.

Surround yourself with colors. It is a well recognized fact that the color orange for example stimulates creativity! Use it all around you!

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

.2726730 .4464330 .3930710 .3230520 .2788910 .2903010 .0060930 .0024930 .0742670 .7234610 .3856750 .0727330 .7084240 .0063410 .0462160 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2741000 .4487700 .3951290 .3247440 .2803520 .0529970 .0440440 .2918210 .0352340 .2215840 .0033870 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0746560 .7272490 .0000000 .0731130 .7121330 .0000000

US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian dollars Danish Kroner Swedish Kroner Australian dlr Hong Kong dlr Singapore dlr Japanese yen Indian Rs/KD Sri Lanka rupee Pakistan rupee Bangladesh taka UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi Riyal/KD Omani riyals Philippine Peso

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co.

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar

ASIAN COUNTRIES 3.498 6.135 3.203 2.506 3.849 224.530 35.432

.2779290 .4550400 .4006490 .3292800 .2842680 .2958970 .0062100 .0025410 .0756990 .7374090 .3931100 .0741350 .7220820 .0064630 .0471070 .2762000 .4522080 .3981560 .3272320 .2825000 .0534030 .0443820 .2940560 .0355040 .2232820 .0034130 .0061720 .0025250 .0032270 .0037840 .0752280 .7328200 .3906650 .0736730 .7175890 .0064230

Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

3.716 6.366 9.086 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES 73.496 75.728 715.860 731.840 75.032

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 49.000 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 46.333 Yemen Riyal 1.261 Tunisian Dinar 199.640 Jordanian Dinar 389.210 Lebanese Lira 182.800 Syrian Lier 5.950 Morocco Dirham 36.298 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 275.500 Euro 407.460 Sterling Pound 456.920 Canadian dollar 286.090 Turkish lire 175.180 Swiss Franc 336.710 Australian dollar 295.200 US Dollar Buying 274.300 GOLD 283.000 143.000 73.500

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

SELL CASH 298.900 732.320 3.980 285.300 540.900 14.100 53.500 167.800 48.700 407.000 36.120 6.310

0.033 0.239 0.241 3.530 390.520 0.186 93.600 47.500 4.320 228.000 1.867 52.400 715.220 3.310 6.570 76.180 73.520 224.730 43.820 2.648 456.500 45.400 334.200 5.800 9.480 198.263 75.080 275.700 1.230

10 Tola

GOLD 1,595.020

Sterling Pound US Dollar

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees

Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

SELL DRAFT 297.400 732.320 3.715 283.800

224.700 46.400 405.500 35.970 6.145

0.033

389.180 0.185 93.600 3.860 226.500

332.700 5.800 9.300 74.980 275.300

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 454.500 275.300

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

3.236 3.758 6.368 678.726 3.479 9.216 6.036 3.920 91.000

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. 715.040 3.220 6.365 75.750 73.520 224.730 43.820 2.505 454.500

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

Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

Currency US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Nepali rupee Yemeni Riyal Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Canadian Dollars

Rate per 1000 (Tran) 275.300 3.215 6.145 2.520 3.730 6.405 75.060 73.615 731.900 46.355 457.500 0.00003280 3.910 1.550 391.100 5.750 400.900 287.800

Al Mulla Exchange Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) US Dollar 274.950 Euro 405.000 Pound Sterling 454.000 Canadian Dollar 283.500 Japanese Yen 3.440 Indian Rupee 6.135 Egyptian Pound 46.330 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.503 Bangladesh Taka 3.699 Philippines Peso 6.365 Pakistan Rupee 3.205 Bahraini Dinar 732.300 UAE Dirham 74.900 Saudi Riyal 73.450 *Rates are subject to change

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SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

BUSINESS

BMW makes the essential connect BMW ConnectedDrive - Intelligent networking of driver and vehicle KUWAIT: Driver, car and environment; by interconnecting these three elements, the BMW Group is creating something truly unique. Under the umbrella of BMW ConnectedDrive, the BMW Group has developed a range of completely new technology features that give the driver and passengers information and services to help make their driving experience safer and more comfortable. The outcome? Sheer driving pleasure that takes on a whole new dimension.

Available across the entire BMW range of new models as optional features, the BMW ConnectedDrive elements fall into three categories Safety, Comfort and Infotainment under which there are a growing range of innovative and inspiring technologies.

Safety - The vehicle’s primary focus The central area of safety symbolizes the interaction between the driver and the environment with active safety measures such as driver assistance systems. These features enable the vehicle to pass information relevant to safety on to the driver.

BMW head-up display: Derived from the information technology for fighter jet pilots, it helps makes driving safer by projecting information about the current speed, route navigation on to the windscreen as a virtual image to ensure the driver ’s attention stays on the road.

Advanced emergency call: In the event of an accident, crash sensors automatically activate the Advance Emergency Call and at the same time precise positioning data for your vehicle’s location is automatically transmitted through your BMW. It not only identifies emergencies, it also reports service requirements, to the BMW Service Partner of your choice and in due time. This feature is currently available in Dubai and Kuwait only.

Park assist: Allows the vehicle to

parallel-park itself, where the driver only needs to operate the accelerator and brake. A sensor automatically scans parked cars for an available space. Once a suitable parking spot is found, the driver is prompted via the Control Display to stop the vehicle in order to start the parking manoeuvre. Park Assist then turns the wheels automatically, with the driver controlling the accelerator and brake.

Using the Park Distance Control to assess the distance to other parked cars, the driver is in control at all times and can abort the manoeuvre by turning the wheel. The Control Display indicates once parking is complete.

Collision warning with brake activation: This system uses radar technology to monitor distance to the car ahead and provide warnings wherever necessary. If the driver fails to respond, the system automatically brakes. This feature is currently available in the GCC and Lebanon only.

Comfort - Communication between the vehicle and the environment The comfort level focuses on the communications level of the passen-

gers and the outside world, something central to BMW ConnectedDrive.

Surround view: With Surround View, the control display offers a 2 7 0 d e g r e e b i r d ’s e y e v i e w o f everything around the car providing suppor t when manoeuvring and parking in tight spaces.

Infotainment - Connection instead of isolation The Infotainment encompasses information and entertainment at the same level as in the office or at h o m e. T h e I n fo t a i n m e n t z o n e defines a communication level between the driver and the passenger and also promotes active social exchange between the two.

Internet access: BMW is the first automobile manufacturer to offer unlimited on-board Internet access.

Once the car has safely stopped, you can surf the Web on the control display and use the iDrive Controller as a computer mouse.

But that is only the beginning. You can now even set up your office in a B M W u s i n g yo u r s m a r t p h o n e ; importing your contacts, set up as a n e x t e r n a l m a i l b ox v i a B M W

Al-Andalus Cooperative announces new campaign KUWAIT: Al-Andalus Cooperative as per their commitment towards supporting their in habitants and their franchisees, to give always the best quality product with competitive prices launched a campaign on June 1.

The promotion has been launched in the presence of Talal Sardah Khalaf Al-Mutairy, Chairman Al-Andalus Cooperative and several high ranking personnel from AlAndalus Cooperative and Husam Reda Al-Otaibi, Deputy General Manager, Gulf Express Co (an AlBabtain group of Co) and Al- Babtain sales and technical managers.

To sponsor this campaign they have selected Gulf Express Co (an Al Babtain Group of Co) due to their best professional expertise in lubricants, tires and batteries and mutual strong relationship. Gulf Express Co has a very strong service network of sales and service outlets spread all around the Kuwait market, there are 8 such well-equipped outlets backed up by qualified trained staffs, which are best in Middle East.

Gulf Express is one of the few companies in Kuwait which deals in a product mix of car accessories like lubricants, tires, batteries and car

KUWAIT: Al-Andalus Cooperative launched a new campaign on June 1.

care products etc. They are the exclusive distributor for Total Lubricants, which is one of the major market players in the lube market in Kuwait with 10 percent market share.

Dunlop Tires: It is the market leader in Kuwait with highest market share. Dunlop is known for its quality and safety and comes as original fitment in all the Japanese, American and European cars such as BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Audi, etc. It also has one year warranty.

Maxxis Tires: It is known as a ‘Fit and forget’ tire because of its quality. Its market share is growing and it is supported by a very strong sales and service Federal Tire: Very good technology with 20 years technical collaboration with Dunlop and 20 years technical collaboration with Bridgestone. It has PCR, cars, 4X4 and LCV tires. It also has one year warranty.

GS Batteries: It is present in Kuwait market since last 60 years and enjoys a very good reputation.

Mother company is more than 120 years old. All the sizes are available for Japanese, American, European and Korean cars. It covers one year warranty, and also Gulf Star, MAK and TAB Batteries.

Saudi oil production, govt spending hikes boost growth revised up, from 4.0 percent to 6.0 percent. Key to this are the huge supplementary government spending measures announced by King Abdullah in February and March. These measures which include new jobs, pay increases and money for housing programs and the health sector - could be worth $125bn, or 29 percent of 2010 GDP. Of course, the impact on the economy in 2011 will be much smaller than this.

Only spending worth 10 percent of 2010 GDP is likely to take place this year, and much of this will not directly affect demand. Moreover, some of the money will leak out through higher imports, or higher prices. Nevertheless, it is readily possible to imagine the measures boosting 2011 GDP by 2-3 percent. This will more than offset any potential drop in sentiment, trade or investment stemming from regional unrest.

Inflation dropped from a peak of 6.1 percent in August 2010 to 4.7 percent

by March 2011, thanks largely to a sharp - and unexpected - deceleration in food price inflation. This drop could continue in the short-term. We do,

A brief history of BMW ConnectedDrive At the beginning of the 1970s BMW began work on networking the vehicle with the outside world and networking the vehicle’s own systems with each other in order to realise innovative information, communication and assistance systems.

Since those early days, enormous progress in networking has been made primarily driven forward by the creative, innovative strength of the BMW development engineers. Many of these innovations have set standards for the entire automotive industry.

BMW ConnectedDrive of tomorrow The potential advantages of networked driving became clear in March at the World Premiere of BMW Vision ConnectedDrive at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show to reveal a myriad of additional driver assist functions.

The leading position in the automobile world held by the BMW Group in the development of innovative driver assistance systems and mobility ser vices will be fur ther

Jazeera Airways issues performance report KUWAIT: Award-winning airline Jazeera Airways, the largest airline serving the Middle East out of Kuwait, yesterday issued its monthly operational performance report for April 2011 which showed that the airline had continued to lead in market share on most of the routes it operates for the 22nd month in-arow.

The company has secured a month-on-month lead in market share since July 2009 thanks to its expanding value offering to customers, great schedules, and operating at high on-time performance of 95 percent during the month, which makes the airline one of the most punctual airlines in the Middle East.

The monthly report showed that the airline carried 86,420 passengers in April 2011, with 26,375 passengers between Kuwait and the Levant region, 18,601 passengers between Kuwait and Egypt, 37,416 passengers between Kuwait and other Gulf countries, and 4,028 passengers between Kuwait and other destinations.

The report is based on data from Kuwait’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA). The report does not include the Kuwait-Jeddah and Kuwait-Riyadh routes, where the airline has lower seat-allocation restrictions compared to other Kuwaiti airlines.

Jazeera Airways captured the largest market share on routes oper-

ated between Kuwait and the Levant region with a 38 percent market share on the Kuwait-Beirut route, a 36% market share on the Kuwait-Amman route, a 50 percent market share on the KuwaitDamascus route, and a 100% market share on both the KuwaitAleppo and Kuwait-Deir Ezzor routes. Jazeera Airways is the only airline operating between Kuwait and Aleppo, and Kuwait and Deir Ezzor.

The repor t also showed that Jazeera Air ways captured the largest market share on routes operated between Kuwait and Egypt, grabbing a 44 percent market share on the Kuwait-Alexandria

route, a 67 percent market share on the Kuwait-Assiut route, an 88 percent on the Kuwait-Luxor route, and a 43 percent market share on the Kuwait-Sohag route.

Statistics for the airline’s KuwaitCairo route, which was launched on May 18, will be included in the upcoming May 2011 Operational Per formance Repor t. Jazeera Airways launched the route with ten flights per week, and plans to increase the frequency to 21 flights per week starting from June 16.

The airline was also the largest Kuwaiti operator to Bahrain during the month of April with a 21 percent market share, and to Dubai with an 18 percent market share.

Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Company launches iPhone application

NBK GCC BRIEF KUWAIT: NBK has heavily revised its forecast for Saudi Arabia’s real GDP growth this year from 4.2 percent to 6.9 percent, which would leave Saudi Arabia as the region’s second fastest growing economy. Around half of this revision comes from the hydrocarbon sector, which is now forecast to grow by 10 percent compared to the 5 percent expected before. The oil sector accounts for 23 percent of GDP at 1999 prices.

After stagnating for most of last year, actual crude oil production jumped 7 percent in the three months to February 2011. This partly reflects increases in broader OPEC production in response to surging oil prices. But the increase in February also reflects a move to partially compensate for the 11.5 million barrels per day (mbpd) drop in Libyan oil output. We assume that further, but more measured, increases in OPEC production are seen throughout the year, with Saudi Arabia - which may account for as much as 80 percent of OPEC’s effective spare capacity- bearing the brunt of those increases.

Non-oil GDP growth in 2011 is also

Online and check and read emails.

Bluetooth office: The main smartphone functions can now be transmitted to the car via Bluetooth O ffice, so the vehicle acts as a mobile workspace with the ability to call up ever ything from notes and contacts to emails.

Bluetooth audio streaming: This system allows the driver to play music from an MP3 player or smartphone via the car’s own sound system with the ability to control the e n d d e v i ce v i a t h e i D r i ve. B M W Co n n e c t e d D r i ve a n d B l u e t o o t h Streaming provide the wireless way to play music in your car with the Control Display showing you all the details of the music that’s making your drive so much more enjoyable.

Passenger information display: This is mounted in the instrument panel in front of the passenger and is the gateway to the passenger’s world of entertainment. When it is inactive, it is invisibly integrated into the instrument panel. However touching the area below, will bring it to life allowing the vehicle and the passenger to interact.

strengthened by this extraordinary concept vehicle, the idea of which has been around for over 30 years.

Just imagine...it’s rush hour in the city and you’re lost. The road system is confusing and there are one-way streets everywhere. And now the traffic lights are out of order as well!

These are the things that drive us crazy today. But not so in the future, when a 3D head up display will warn drivers about the defective traffic lights and mark them in for the rest of the route. And to make sure there are no collisions, this driver’s car will ‘talk’ to other vehicles in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, the front seat passenger will be on the Emotional Browser, finding out what’s on offer in the area - restaurants, museums, attractions and whatever else you need. At the moment though, you just need information about a particular restaurant because you want to meet a friend there. Because the car is linked into the driver’s schedule, it already knows about the meeting; it has recorded the address of the restaurant as its destination and is now working out how best to get there. All while the traffic updates are being integrated in the route calculation. The system also knows where there is space to park and points out the alternatives available with public transport as well.

The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive, a spectacular two-seater BMW roadster study, shows just what intelligent connectivity will be able to offer in road traffic. The exterior of the car is currently nothing more than a sculpted shell, with a few similarities to the future series model, individual design elements will be integrated into upcoming vehicles. The BMW ConnectedDrive technology for enhanced comfor t, safety and Infotainment, are optional features available across all new BMW models at BMW Group importers across the region.

however, see inflation accelerating towards the end of the year as the impact of the new government spending measures kicks-in. On average, we expect the CPI to rise by 4-5 percent both this year and next.

Despite the massive increase in government spending due this year perhaps as much as 35 percent - our forecast for the fiscal balance is more or less unchanged from before at 13 percent of GDP thanks to higher oil prices. Oil revenues could reach a record of more than SAR 1 trillion. On unchanged oil prices, 2012 could see a similar-sized surplus. Some of the government’s recent spending measures were one-offs, so expenditure may not grow much - if at all - next year. Strong oil revenues could push the current account surplus to 15 percent of GDP this year from 6 percent in 2010. On unchanged oil prices, the surplus could fall to 10 percent of GDP next year, with a strong domestic economy keeping import growth high. This could still allow the central bank to add to its near $450 billion stock of reserve assets.

KUWAIT: Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co the authorized Mercedes-Benz General Distributor in Kuwait has launched an iPhone app called “MB Kuwait” for the convenience of all iPhone users in Kuwait. The app ‘MB Kuwait’ is available for free on the iTunes Store and can be downloaded by iPhone users worldwide. The app is a gateway to all things Mercedes-Benz, available in Kuwait.

The ‘MB Kuwait’ iPhone app has a host of features which helps the user not only to find out more about the latest Mercedes-Benz passenger cars but is also a great tool to interact with Albisher & Alkazemi Company and the multitude of services the company provides Mercedes-Benz owners in Kuwait. Features of the app: Using the “Passenger Cars” Button: Check out the latest new Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and their details; browse through the latest Albisher & Alkazemi Co campaigns and ads; book a test drive of

your favorite Mercedes-Benz car; go through in detail the available approved pre-owned cars; and access the location, working hours and contact data of the Albisher & Alkazemi Co showroom along with map information.

Via the “After Sales” button users can access the location, working hours and contact data of all Albisher & Alkazemi Service, ExpressService and Oil Change Centers in Kuwait along with map information; contact the service 24 hours hotline for passenger cars and commercial vehicles; make a service-appointment via the app at any of our service centers; check the status of their car once the car has been given for service; access the location, working hours and contact data of all Albisher & Alkazemi Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts Centers in Kuwait along with map information; access the location, working hours and contact data of the Mercedes-Benz Accessories and Life Style Boutique Center, along

with map information.

Through the “Commercial Vehicles” button, users can access the location, working hours and contact data of the Albisher & Alkazemi Commercial Vehicles division along with map information. “We are pleased to offer this iPhone app to our customers and friends of the brand Mercedes-Benz in Kuwait. The “MB-Kuwait” app is just the beginning of our foray into providing technology based solutions for the convenience of our customers. The iPad and Android versions of the app are going to be developed next. We hope that people will enjoy using this app and give us feedback about their experience” said Michael Ruehle, General Manager, Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Company Kuwait. People interested in downloading this app can either search for “MB Kuwait” on the iPhone app store. Become a friend: www.facebook.com/MercedesBenzK uwait.

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Banks sector boosts market indices BAYAN INVESTMENT WEEKLY KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended last week in the red zone, as both its main indices recorded losses. The price index ended last week with a decrease amounted to 0.56 percent, while the weighted index raised 0.71 percent compared to the closings of the week before. Furthermore, last week’s average daily turnover decreased by 1.35 percent, compared to the preceding week, reaching KD22.59 million, whereas trading volume average was 186.44 million shares, recording an increase of 23.65 percent.

KSE weekly loss was the fifth one in a row, despite that its indices recorded green closings in most of the trading sessions. The market started the week with heavy losses, due to high selling trends, especially for some leading stocks on one hand, and the hesitant buying actions from some traders on the other hand. Nevertheless, KSE managed to record gains for the next three sessions thereafter, with the help of last second orders.

By Thursday, the market moved away from its stream, as KSE suffered from heavy profit taking operations, as a reaction to the previous rise in many stocks prices, especially banks sector which had most of the market cash flow, and thus was strong enough to storm the market indices gains, causing to push both of them to the red zone.

By the end of the week, the price index closed at 6,338.7 points, down by 0.56 percent from the week before closing, whereas the weighted index registered a 0.71 percent weekly loss after closing at 439.10 points.

Sectors’ indices Six of KSE’s sectors ended last week in the red zone, while the other two recorded increases. The food sector headed the losers list as its index declined by 2.21 percent to end the week’s activity at 4,289.8 points. The real estate sector was second on the losers’ list, which index declined by 1.50 percent,

closing at 2,165.7 points, followed by the Investment sector, as its index closed at 4,111.1 points at a loss of 0.89 percent. The bank sector was the least declining as its index closed at 12,034.3 points with a 0.32 percent decrease. On the other hand, last week’s highest gainer was the non-Kuwaiti sector, achieving 0.49 percent growth rate as its index closed at 6,453.1 points.

Whereas, in the second place, the industry sector’s index closed at 4,511.0 points recording 0.34 percent increase.

Sectors’ activity The services sector dominated total trade volume during last week with 224.91 million shares changing hands, representing 37.35 percent of the total market trading volume. The investment sector was second in terms trading volume as the sector’s traded shares were

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

24.71 percent of last week’s total trading volume, with a total of 148.78 million shares. On the other hand, the banks sector’s stocks where the highest traded in terms of value; with a turnover of KD40.28 million or 35.66 percent of last week’s total market trading value.

The Services sector took the second place as the sector ’s last week turnover of KD37.98 million represented 33.63 percent of the total market trading value.

Market capitalization KSE total market capitalization declined by 0.73 percent during last week to reach KD31.08 billion, as six of KSE’s sectors recorded a decrease in their respective market capitalization, whereas the other two recorded increases. The food sector headed the decliners list as its total market capitalization reached KD719.74 million, decreas-

ing by 2.58 percent. The investment sector was the second in terms of recorded decline with 1.42 percent decrease after the total value of its listed companies reached KD2.51 billion. The third place was for the bank sector, which total market capitalization reached KD13.70 billion by the end of the week, recording a decline of 1.13 percent. The non-Kuwaiti sector was the least declining with 0.64 percent recorded decrease after its market capitalization amounted to KD1.96 billion.

On the other hand, the Industry sector headed the growing sectors as its total market capitalization reached KD2.40 billion, increasing by 0.18 percent. The services sector was the second in terms of recorded growth with 0.07 percent increase after the total value of its listed companies reached KD7.70 billion.

US stocks post fifth straight week of loss NEW YORK: Evidence is piling up that the US economic recovery has lost some of its vigor. That has deflated a stock market rally and pushed indexes down for five straight weeks, the longest losing streak since mid2008. So, what’s next? Don’t hold out hope for more help from the government, analysts say. Another round of stimulus spending isn’t in the cards, the Fed has already slashed interest rates near zero and has said it will end its bond-buying program on schedule at the end of this month. With high gas prices crimping consumer spending and companies still reluctant to hire, investors may have to settle for a stock market and an economic recovery that plod slowly along.

“The market is clearly getting used to uneven economic data,” says Jeff Kleintop, chief market strategist at LPL Financial.

“We’ve moved from a recovery phase to a more modest pace of economic growth.” A weak employment report spurred another stock sell-off Friday, two days after the Dow Jones industrial average had its worst drop in nearly a year. The Dow lost 97.29 points, or 0.8 percent, to close at 12,151.26. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index fell 12.78, or 1 percent, to 1,300.16. The Nasdaq composite fell 40.53, or 1.5 percent, to 2,732.78.

Each index lost 2.3 percent for the week.

The last time there was a longer decline in the S&P 500, the market’s most widely used benchmark, occurred during the six weeks ending July 11, 2008, before the worst days of the financial crisis. Despite the market’s recent slump, analysts say there are still plenty of bright spots in the economy including business spending and bank lending. The market could still manage to struggle higher this year, Kleintop says, but the climb from here will likely be a long and slow. Picture a jagged valley of dips and steps, not a straight shot up or down.

Investors will probably have to scale back their expectations for profits, much as economists from JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and other banks recently lowered their estimates for economic growth.

Kleintop expects to see corporations cut their earnings estimates in the coming weeks. The news is sure to push their stocks lower. “There will be more days like (Friday),” Kleintop says. Stocks had a strong start to the year, hitting their highest levels in nearly three years in late April. But the market has

been sputtering since then as troubling signs emerged about the economy.

Investors probably overreacted to strong corporate earnings at the start of the year, said Andrew Wilkinson, senior market analyst with Interactive Brokers.

“I think what investors need to do is get accustomed to a more sluggish pace of growth,” Wilkinson says. Employers added only 54,000 new workers in May, the fewest in eight months and well below what analysts were expecting, the Labor Department reported. Private companies hired the fewest new workers in nearly a year. The unemployment rate inched up to 9.1 percent from 9 percent. Stocks fell sharply after the opening of trading but recovered some ground after a report from the Institute for Supply Management came out at midmorning. The group of purchasing executives said the economy’s service sector grew in May for an 18th straight month. The pace of growth picked up slightly from the ISM report April, which was the worst in eight months. Later in the morning European officials said Greece would receive the next installment of its emergency loan package, lifting some uncertainty about Greece’s fiscal crisis. European stocks and the euro rose after the European Union, European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund gave Greece more breathing room as it tries to service its debts.

The Labor Department’s closely-watched monthly jobs report reinforced earlier signals that the US economy is slowing. High gas and food prices have cut into consumer spending and the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan have hurt US manufacturers by slowing down supplies of industrial parts. The Dow plunged 280 points Wednesday, its worst drop in nearly a year, on a weak payrolls report from ADP and the biggest decline in a key manufacturing index since 1984. That combined with other weak readings on the economy prompted analysts to lower their projections for growth in 2011. “We are clearly seeing a significant slowdown in economic activity, and a lot of that has to do with the effect of higher energy prices and the disruption from Japan,” says David Kelly, chief market strategist with JP Morgan Funds. Rising pessimism about the economy’s health have some investors hoping the Federal Reserve will drum up another rescue package. — AP

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Tire company sends workers to school WILSON: Ashley Batts recalls that he needed little experience or education when he worked at the Bridgestone Firestone tire plant in Wilson in 1990. He did as he was told and then went home. Now, almost 20 years later, to get rehired at the same plant, he must be skilled in problem solving, team-building, math, safety techniques and basic computer skills. Batts, who recently moved back to Wilson from Durham, NC, where he assembled IBM computers, said he is not surprised, because the manufacturing industry is more competitive.

“They are looking for specific qualities,” he said. “In order to be competitive, they want to choose the best people.” Global competition has caused many US plants to close or move production overseas and is forcing manufacturers to work harder to find and train workers. Having highly skilled employees is critical to staying in business.

“You have to continually prove that you are worth keeping open,” said David Byerly, human resource manager at the Bridgestone Firestone plant. “We are competing against plants in China that pay less

than a dollar an hour.”

On average, the plant’s workers make $37 an hour. The plant produces more than 90 types of tires, Byerly said. To maintain its competitive edge, it makes specialty or high-end tires. One for BMW will keep going for 75 miles after it loses all of its air, he said.

For 32 years, the Bridgestone Firestone operations have been a fixture and major economic engine in Wilson. The campus covers 500 acres and houses 2,150 workers.

Japanese parent company Bridgestone has agreed to make a hefty investment in the plant - Byerly wouldn’t divulge an exact amount but said it is roughly equal to the cost of building new - over the next 10 years, as long as certain milestones are met.

Six years ago, some in the area worried about the plant’s future after a major tire recall spawned lawsuits. Many of the recalled tires were made in Wilson.

Byerly said the investment is not linked to that incident. “We fixed those issues a long time ago,” he said. And indeed, the cash infusion can be seen as another vote of confidence in the plant. But there is a catch:

WILSON: Mary Oxley teaches her “Introduction to Tire Manufacturing” class at Wilson Technical Community College. — MCT Plant supervisors must find people qualified to operate and manage the new equipment. That mandate sent Firestone executives to Wilson Technical Community College for help. The college agreed to start

a class, “Introduction to Tire Manufacturing,” to train potential employees.

Firestone worked with the college for nearly a year to develop the curriculum, said Rob Holsten, dean of continuing education

and sustainability. That process cost about $25,000 and was funded by a state program, Focus Industrial Training Funds. As an employer in the county, Firestone qualified for the money, Holsten said. Students pay $117 for the class and workbook; Firestone reimburses the $67 tuition of those it hires.

It offers similar internal training for employees. Most applicants must complete the course before the company will even interview them.

Batts enrolled last month. Twice a week for six weeks, Batts and 14 other students take a three-hour class in a spacious, old woodworking classroom.

To Batts’ surprise, the class has so far focused mostly on team-building and problem solving. “I was expecting the teacher to talk more about Firestone,” he said. About 30 percent of the curriculum focuses on tire -mak ing, said Theresa Peaden, director of continuing education for Wilson Tech. The rest of the time is spent teaching skills that will help the students with measurements, math, safety and communication. — MCT

18 Greenpeace activists climb Greenland oil rig Activists claim another Gulf of Mexico accident possible

KUWAIT: Kuwait International Bank (Al-Dawli) celebrated its 38th anniversary after being officially introduced to the market in 1973 as one of Kuwait’s leading banking institutions. Al-Dawli officials pose for a picture on the podium.

— Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Kuwait International Bank celebrates 38th anniversary KUWAIT: Kuwait International Bank (AlDawli) celebrated its 38th anniversary today, after being officially introduced to the market in 1973 as one of Kuwait’s leading banking institutions. Al-Dawli celebrated this occasion during an event held for its staff at The Regency Hotel where a number of the bank’s spokespersons gave short speeches and presented a competition and raffle draw with a dinner buffet.

Dr Mahmoud Abul Eyoun, Kuwait International Bank’s CEO said: “ The bank’s operations has come across many challenges, developments and transitions, indicating that, throughout the past 34 years of operation as Kuwait Real Estate Bank, the bank has carved its niche as one of the leading institutions in real estate sector.” “ We saw a turning point in 2007 where it obtained a license to convert to Islamic banking. Since then we have successfully been able to position ourselves

among pioneer banking institutions in the Islamic world in terms of conversion from a specialized real estate bank into a full-fledged Islamic bank” added Dr Abul Eyoun.

“We would like to seize this opportunity to convey our gratitude to all those who contributed to the establishment of this entity. I am confident that we will continue this journey together, the bank is really proud of having a working group at this level of performance and professionalism. We must take this opportunity to renew our commitment together to move forward in our journey as an effective institution in the Islamic banking industry.”

“I believe that giving attention to small details is the key behind success and great businesses. Ever yone is responsible and involved in the success of the bank including board of directors, executive management, staff and workers.” concluded Dr Abul Eyoun.

Amid growth of renewables, coal fights to keep share PHILADELPHIA: Nearly six miles into a southwestern Pennsylvania coal mine, about 900 feet underground, two massive steel wheels ringed with carbide teeth chew chunks from a pitch-black wall. A monstrous crusher smashes excavated rock - some pieces half the size of a car - under the white light of 12-volt halogen lights strung along the mine roof.

More than 200 steel shields, each able to bear 975 tons, prop up that roof as the walls below it crumble.

High along some of the state’s forested ridges, meanwhile, wind turbines churn, their sleek, 150-foot-long fiberglass blades slicing through air in a mesmerizing rhythm. And between earth and sky, atop rooftops or planted in rows on farmland, framed panels of silicon angle upward like sunning butterflies.

In the battle for energy supremacy in Pennsylvania and around the country, these forces of nature - coal, wind, and solar power - are key combatants.

In January, the coal lobby gained what it considers a friend in the governor’s mansion: Tom Corbett, a native of Western Pennsylvania, where coal still pays the bills in thousands of households and underwrites community projects, and where a coal queen is crowned every year.

What that means for the state’s fledgling alternative-energy industries is not yet clear. But the stakes are high: energy-market share in a new era of electric deregulation and consumer choice and, as former Gov Edward G Rendell argued for years, Pennsylvania’s ability to re-engineer its economy to one more dominant in clean technology. Significant strides were made early in Rendell’s eightyear administration, with legislation mandating renewable alternative-

energy use. But more recent efforts to build on that failed, largely because of resistance from the coal industry, the reigning source of power in Pennsylvania for more than 100 years.

Even today, the US Energy Information Administration says, coal feeds 53 percent of the state’s electricity-generation needs, followed by nuclear power (35 percent), natural gas (nearly 9 percent), “other renewables” (1.3 percent), and hydroelectric power (1.1 percent).

On one side of the debate: the state’s still-thriving coal towns, largely in the southwest. On the other: former industrial regions, such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Allentown, that after decades of job loss see fresh economic opportunity.

At a former US Steel site in Bucks County, Pa, for example, a wind-turbine manufacturer employs 265.

But deregulation of the electricity market makes the battle relevant to all Pennsylvanians. It has given them more choice over who supplies their electricity, and how much of it - if any they want to come from alternative sources such as solar and wind power.

According to the Energy Information Administration, 15 states and the District of Columbia have deregulated electricity markets.

Already, the coal industry considers itself threatened by federal regulations aimed at reducing pollution and global warming - measures that could force utilities to shutter coal-fired power plants rather than invest in upgrades to meet stricter standards for carbondioxide emissions. Yet coal’s might is still formidable, according to an April report prepared by the Pennsylvania Economy League of Southwestern Pennsylvania LLC for Families Organized to Represent the Coal Economy Inc. — MCT

STOCKHOLM: Eighteen Greenpeace activists have climbed a 53,000-ton oil rig in the Arctic waters off Greenland to protest deepwater drilling by a Scottish oil company, the environmental group said yesterday. The activists claim that Cairn Energy, which runs the Leiv Eiriksson rig, is not taking enough precautions to avoid accidents like the Gulf of Mexico blowout in 2010, and demand the group release a plan for how to manage a potential oil spill. Cairn insists it has developed “an extensive emergency response and oil spill response plan,” but that it is not publicly available after a decision by Greenland authorities.

The activists launched five inflatable speed boats from the Greenpeace ship Esperanza early yesterday morning, bypassing the Danish navy and scaling the giant rig to make their way to the drill manager’s office. “Cairn Energy is hiding its oil spill response plan so we’re going to the one place where there must be a copy of it,” Greenpeace campaigner Ben Ayliffe said. “It’s obvious why Cairn won’t tell the world how it would clean up a BP-style oil spill here in the Arctic, and that’s because it can’t be done,” he said. The group claims the remoteness and freezing temperatures in the area would make a cleanup extremely

This undated photo made available by environmental organization Greenpeace yesterday shows activists climbing ladders to reach the platform of the 53,000 ton oil rig, the Leiv Eiriksson in the Arctic waters off Greenland. — AP

difficult.

Cairn, which last month won permission to drill up to seven oil exploration wells off the Arctic island’s west coast, confirmed protesters had climbed onto the semisubmersible drilling vessel, breaching the safety exclusion zone and causing it to suspend drilling. It insisted that it “seeks to operate in a safe and prudent manner” and that Greenland authorities have established stringent operating regulations, similar to those applied in the Norwegian North Sea. Cairn added that authorities on the island have been alerted.

Greenland’s government has called the Greenpeace action a publicity stunt at the expense of Greenland’s “legitimate right” to develop its economy. Earlier this week, two Greenpeace activists were arrested by Danish authorities after they had attached themselves under the rig in a pod, hanging just a few meters from the drill-bit that would be used to strike oil, and preventing Cairn from starting its drilling for four days.

Greenpeace said it has received a legal summons from Cairn’s lawyers after the action for having cost it up to $4 million for every day it could not drill. It said the case will be heard in a court in the Netherlands tomorrow. — AP

Citybus, City Centre offer exciting service KUWAIT: City Group, Kuwait’s leading listed public transport company and operators of Citybus, announced its new promotion in collaboration with City Centre, giving everyone a chance to win exiting prizes. Citybus has sought to provide its customers with the best services that enhance their customer satisfaction experience and has therefore teamed up with City Centre. City Centre will be offering every passenger a chance to enjoy a 25 percent discount on garments shopping and 10 percent discount on all household items purchased at City Centre, from today till June 19 and also other exciting offers in the month of

June 2011. In addition to this, anyone purchasing a Citybus pass from the Citybus outlet located in City Centre Shuwaikh, will receive one days free extra travel on Citybus routes.

Commenting on this promotion, Richard Wood City Group CEO said: “As a leading provider of public transport in Kuwait, we always seek new ways to further enhance our customer experiences, whether through promotions or discounts, our offers are tailored to satisfy our customers’ needs”. The excitement doesn’t end here.

All Citybus travelers purchasing their passes during the month of June are automatically

submitted into a draw, getting a chance to win ultimate prizes including First prize winners will benefit from a return flight and KD100 cash, second prize is a KD150 City Centre voucher and third prize is KD100 City Centre voucher.

Fourth place prize winners will receive KD50 City Centre vouchers, with an additional 5 people winning one month free travel with Citybus! City Group COO Muayyad Qubbaj added “Presenting these promotions is our way of ensuring we reward our loyal passengers whilst fulfilling our customers’ needs in providing value and affordable local travel.”

Chrysler IPO won’t come before next year: CEO

VENICE: Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne talks to journalists on the occasion of the 22nd meeting of The Council for the United States and Italy yesterday. — AP

TOLEDO: Fiat’s purchase of the US government’s ownership stake in Chrysler Group LLC resolves one thorny political issue.

Another lies ahead: Where to base the combined company. Work already is under way to merge the two into one automaker. Fiat SpA is Italy’s largest employer and a source of national pride, but it would be problematic for Chrysler to relocate to a foreign country after being saved by US taxpayers. “It’s a difficult call,” said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of both companies. “Access to financing is probably the most impor tant criteria.”

Marchionne addressed the company’s future Friday after President Barack Obama toured a Chrysler’s assembly plant that makes the Jeep Wrangler. Obama came to the plant in the politically important state of Ohio to celebrate the resurgence of the US auto industry and Chrysler’s announcement that it’s repaying its government loans ahead of schedule.

“What you’ve done vindicated my faith,” Obama told a group of auto workers. “Today all three automakers are turning a profit.”

Marchionne also said he’s not planning to take the automaker public until at least next year. He thinks Chrysler needs more time to prove itself. The automaker earned $116 million from January through March, its first quarterly profit since 2006. “My gut suggests no earlier than 2012,” he said. He earlier had hinted that an IPO could happen by the end of this year.

Chrysler said last week it will cut ties with the US government within the next three months when Fiat buys the U.S. Treasury’s 6

percent interest in Chrysler for $500 million.

The deal will give Fiat a majority 52 percent stake in the automaker, just two years after it agreed to manage Chrysler after its bankruptcy. He’s currently talking with Canadian officials about buying that country’s 1.7 percent ownership in Chrysler. He said they aren’t “going to get a better deal than I offered treasury.” Marchionne said he was pleased the automaker kept its word to pay off the US money it borrowed two years ago.

“It shows we respect our commitments,” he said. Removing the government hand in ownership should help end the hard feelings generated by the bailout, he said. Some consumers vowed to stop buying Chrysler and GM models because of the government’s involvement. “My hope it does, but I’m not counting on it moving market share,” Marchionne said.

He wouldn’t say when a decision would be made on the new company’s location.

“It’s really going to be driven by where we get the means to realize capital,” he said.

“We’ve had a very good experience here in the US... (while) Europe has gone a long way in creating an efficient capital market.” He does expect to announce by the end of the year how he’ll merge Fiat and Chrysler. But he wouldn’t hint at possible names.

Marchionne said he was irked Friday while seeing signs around the plant with the DaimlerChr ysler name, the German automaker that owned the company for a decade. “Before we start talking about combining names, let’s get rid of the old one,” he said. — AP

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Disney aims to pique kids’ interest with new stores SEATTLE: It’s no wonder that stores postrecession are working harder to keep themselves at the forefront of shoppers’ minds.

Gone are the days of easy credit and soaring home values. Today’s price-minded shoppers aim to spend within their means, and they scour the Web for deals. So if you’re Disney,

and you want to increase the amount of time and money spent inside your stores, you sell the same popular merchandise as before but try to make it an experience.

Take, for example, Disney’s new store in Seattle. It lets children design and build a toy car at a table with hanging drills or wave an

BELLEVUE: Angie Oberg, Disney general manager, shows the new Disney Store Theatre at Disney’s new store at Bellevue Square. — MCT

artificial bouquet in front of a magic mirror to see a video clip of their favorite princess.

There’s also a pixie-dust trail that leads to a small theater where they can watch movie trailers and learn to draw cartoons. “ We’re co m p e t i n g fo r t i m e. Fa m i l i e s around the world are time -star ved, and shopping as recreation is not as prevalent as it was five years ago,” said Jim Fielding, president of Disney Store, the retail merchandising arm of Disney Consumer Products. “We felt we had to create a memory and true Disney experience.”

Disney came up with the interactive concepts after taking back the chain’s 200-plus l o c a t i o n s i n N o r t h A m e r i c a f ro m t h e Children’s Place Retail Stores in 2008. It introduced the new format at 19 Disney stores worldwide last year and plans 40 openings this year. All told, Disney has 340-plus locations in Europe, Japan and North America.

Eventually, it plans to make all of its stores interactive.

“Disney lives in the discretionary-spend part of the market. It’s much more about creating experiential, engaging, interesting places, and if you’re not doing that, shoppers ce a s e to s p e n d w i t h yo u,” s a i d A l a n Treadgold, head of retail strategy for the Leo Burnett ad agency based in Chicago. “They migrate online to lower-cost retailers.”

The store’s recent opening marks Disney’s return to Seattle’s Bellevue Square mall after the chain’s departure in 2004. Fielding said Disney set its sights anew on Bellevue Square after identifying Washington state as

a place where it had room to grow, then waited for the “right amount of space” - 5,100 square feet - to open up. “ To be in the best malls, it’s still a very competitive real-estate market,” Fielding said. “Bellevue Square is a highly coveted mall. So is Southcenter. A lot of retailers want to be there.” Indeed, Bellevue Square has a waiting list of wannabe tenants that crave its large, well-heeled crowds, said Susie Detmer, a commercial real-estate broker fo c u s e d o n t h e S e a t t l e re t a i l s e c to r fo r Cushman & Wakefield-Commerce.

“The recession is not over. But as retailers see the light at the end of the tunnel, the first place they want to go is the primary markets,” Detmer said. “ When you see a vacancy at Bellevue Square, chances are, it’s not a surprise, and someone already has leased the space.”

Besides Disney, several other stores plan to open at Bellevue Square in the next few months: moderately priced clothing chain Forever 21, upscale apparel brand Splendid, children’s clothier Hanna Andersson, and yogurt shop BlissBerri.

The 1.3-million-square -foot mall has a half-dozen vacancies, most of which are in final lease negotiations, said marketing Vice President Jennifer Leavitt. “We don’t have much space available, to be honest,” Leavitt said. “We always try to keep a slight vacancy, because it allows for movement.” As for Disney, she said, “we think they’ll do fabulously. They’re bringing their new game to town.” — MCT

Cheap Canadian crude hurts US oil production efforts US energy policy lacks focus: Experts KANSAS CITY: An unfolding tale in the Great Plains is raising questions of just how serious the United States is about boosting domestic production and breaking its “addiction” to foreign oil. At a time when soaring energy prices and mounting international instability would seem to put a premium on every barrel of US oil, some domestic wells have been shut down and others are in danger of closing. The culprit is a flood of cheaper Canadian crude which, instead of replacing supply from members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, is replacing oil production in states close to the Canadian border.

Producers in several Great Plains states say refinery customers are replacing their product with Canadian crude, which is increasingly being cooked and squeezed out of petroleumrich “tar sands.” Moreover, they say it is becoming more difficult to ship their oil to other markets because the cheaper Canadian product is crowding them out of pipelines. Domestic oil is being discounted as much as 40 percent in such states as Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota - giving small producers there less than what Big Oil companies and members of OPEC are getting.

As a result, some projects to drill new wells

are being postponed or reconsidered, and in a few cases, producing wells are actually being closed. Some owners of oil wells, who have farmed out the production to the oil companies, have even received letters saying their wells may have to be shut down. The situation also is an indication of a US energy policy that lacks focus, some American producers say.

“This oil isn’t displacing unfriendly foreign oil but domestic producers,” said Robert Harms, president of The Northern Alliance of Independent Producers in Bismarck, ND. Many Great Plains producers say they are stunned by recent market changes. They find it especially galling that they are confronting the situation amid the talk about easing the US addiction to foreign oil. Instead, producers now fear that production gains in the last few years will unravel.

“Here we are destroying it,” said Harold Hamm, chairman of Continental Resources Inc, one of the largest producers of oil in the Rocky Mountain region. In theory, at least, more and cheaper crude from Canada offers at least the prospect of lower prices for consumers. But Stephen Brown, an economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, said such a narrow, market-based, supply-and-demand view may

KANSAS CITY: On the west side of Edgerton, Kansas, an oil rig pumps away in a field of sod. — MCT

be too narrow when our domestic energy security is involved.

“I would say from a national perspective it is not a good thing,” Brown said. The issue, which has been brewing in recent months, is getting more attention of late. The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, made up of oil-producing states, has formed a task force to recommend steps that can be taken to help the producers. Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal, who leads the task force, is expected to have a final report at the group’s annual meeting in October. Two US senators and a representative from North Dakota have also weighed in with a recent letter to the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, saying the Canadian crude could curtail energy investments to produce more oil in their state. They also asked for federal help to expand pipeline capacity in the region.

Commission Chairman Joseph Kelliher will reply to the letter soon, a spokeswoman said.

The states thought to be most affected are Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming, which are served by pipelines from Canada. Toss in Kansas, whose refineries have been getting Canadian crude since March, and the states are responsible for about 10 percent of US oil production and supply roughly 3 percent of the country’s total demand for crude.

Even though they are on declining oil fields, the Great Plains states have seen a recent resurgence in their oil industries. Higher oil prices have financed more drilling rigs and new techniques to recover hard-to-get oil.

North Dakota, for instance, is now producing oil at the rate of more than 100,000 barrels per day for the first time in years. The state hopes to see further expansion in an area known as the Williston Basin. But the wells cost up to $6 million each to establish, and the uncertainty and lower prices could affect those plans.

In Kansas, after years of dropping, production has stabilized at about 34 million barrels per year. In the past year, the number of drilling rigs rose from 76 to 109, and experienced crews and other supporting services are now returning to the oil fields. An independent driller in central Kansas, Tim Scheck, who put in his first well in 1980, said the new flow of cheap Canadian oil was “spooky.” But he is going ahead with building four new rigs, two of which he has already sold to other producers. —MCT

KANSAS CITY: Steve Crosby, director of special projects for Treat America Food Services, demonstrates how Cantaloupe Systems would alert him by text message on his cell phone when a vending machine’s door was opened after hours. — MCT

Vending systems get smart with Web-based machines KANSAS CITY: Vending machines are getting a lot smarter - and tougher to shake down. Machines equipped with wireless, Web-based monitoring systems are not only helping the $20 billion American vending industry sell more products, they’re also helping to stop thieves. “It’s an old industry with more of a new start, so to say,” said Mark Brenner, a Kansas Cityarea franchisee for Fresh Healthy Vending.

The technology couldn’t come at a better time. The recession and the huge unemployment numbers in 2009 resulted in the biggest one-year drop in vending sales to just under $20 billion from $22 billion in 2008, according to Automatic Merchandiser’s 2010 State of the Vending Industry Report.

Some operators have responded by increasing prices. But many have resorted to technology to keep a tighter control on inventory, saving unnecessary trips to stock machines and stopping theft from inside or outside sources. One company that’s turned to technology is Treat America Food Services, a Merriam, Kanbased vending and dining service management company with $52 million in annual vending sales. It is using a system designed by Cantaloupe Systems Inc. in many of its snack and beverage vending machines in businesses, colleges and hospitals. Cantaloupe Systems was founded in California in 2002 by two engineers,

one a second-generation vending professional. Its “Seed” technology lets off-site vending machine owners know exactly how much product and how much money - to the number of dimes, nickels, quarters and dollar bills - are in one of their machines, minute by minute. As a result, owners know when to make a trip back to a machine to restock the Sprite or snack mix, when they should devote another row to Snickers, and when a ham sandwich is past its shelf life. The system also can text or email owners to alert them when a machine door is opened up after hours.

The tiny Seed device can be installed on top of a vending machine, sending signals back to the vending company via a cellular network. The average cost per machine is $150 annually. “We got it for operational efficiencies,” said Jim Mitchell, president-vending division for Treat America. “But it’s as if we have security in front of the machine 24 hours a day.” The systems seem to be working. For example, a customer in Phoenix was alerted when one of its school vending machine doors was opened after hours. It notified police, who caught the two culprits in the act.

The owner even told police how much money was in the machine right before the break-in. Another New Orleans client saw several employees quit once the security system was installed. —MCT

Humala’s rise shakes Peru’s markets LIMA: Investors were on tenterhooks on the eve of Peru’s presidential elections today, after the rise of leftist presidential candidate Ollanta Humala sent turbulence through financial markets. Peru’s business community fears the ex-military man has radical tendencies along the lines of Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez and has firmly backed his populist but conser vative rival, Keiko Fujimori, daughter of jailed ex-president Alberto Fujimori. The two candidates were neck-and-neck ahead of today’s vote, with one or the other slightly ahead according to different polling companies.

Lima’s stock index fell more than five percent twice this week and its currency, the new sol, saw its largest drop in two months against the dollar a day after polls showed Humala on the rise again. “The fall in the stock exchange is linked to opinion polls,” said Roberto Hoyle, president of Lima’s stock exchange, who saw similar dives when

the nationalist candidate led the April 10 first round.

“What’s the stock market like? Low? That means I’ve risen in polls,” 48-yearold Humala joked to reporters at Lima’s foreign press club Friday. “They obey dark interests,” he added. “Humala’s sin is that his first economic program, which he later moderated, did not respect free markets and followed recipes applied in Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Argentina,” said independent analyst Jacinta Hamann. Humala, who is supported by many of the poorest sectors, particularly in the south, promises a major redistribution of riches after a decade of unprecedented growth on the back of mineral exports.

The country is still marked by wide inequalities, with 34 percent poverty and up to 60% in rural areas of the Andes, according to the World Bank.

Humala, like Fujimori, proposes a windfall tax on mining profits but also says the state must show more control over

natural resources. The mining sector is the economic lung of Peru, which is the world’s top producer of silver, second for copper and zinc and fifth for gold.

The Andean nation is breaking export records and has around $40 billion in investment lined up in the next 10 years.

Since Humala’s first round victory, foreign investors have suspended new projects over $3 billion, according the Apoyo institute of economic studies. In a bid to banish their fears, the leftist candidate recruited the economic team of former centrist president Alejandro Toledo and sought to distance himself from Chavez, whose support cost him the presidency in 2006.But with most of the media behind Fujimori and repeated accusations of his ties with Chavezincluding the latest, from a former US diplomat, that Humala received almost 12 million dollars from Venezuela in the past six months Humala has struggled to shake the image off.

Fujimori, a 36-year-old with a US business degree, reassured investors by repeating her attachment to the status quo of free-market policies, while promising to increase populist social programs for the poor.

“With Keiko Fujimori, there wouldn’t be instability on the financial level, but there would be on the political level,” said Elmer Cuba, an analyst at the Macroconsult agenc y. Lima’s stock exchange shot up 7.16 percent Thursday and the currency strengthened after a poll showed Fujimori leading by 2.2 percentage points. Fujimori has campaigned in the shadow of her authoritarian ex-president father, Alberto Fujimori, who beat hyperinflation but is also serving a 25-year jail term for corruption and human rights violations under a clampdown on leftist guerrillas during his 1990-2000 leadership. Peru stocks were down 2.52 percent Friday, as the polls failed to give a clear outcome of today’s vote. — AFP

LIMA: Electoral propaganda of Peru’s presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori, of the political party Fuerza 2011, and Peru’s presidential candidate Ollanta Humala of Gana Peru party are seen. — AP

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TECHNOLOGY

US, Britain urge international cooperation on cyber threats China denies being source of attacks

BEIJING: A woman checks her cell phone while walking past advertising for the ipad 2 in Beijing on Friday.—AFP

Apple secures licensing deals ahead of iCloud unveiling NEW YORK : Just days ahead of its planned unveiling of its iCloud service, Apple has succeeded in securing licensing deals from all four major labels and music publishers. In fact, it’s probably done more: By agreeing to pay major publishers a 12 percent cut of iCloud revenue, it may have set a new, higher digital payment standard for publishers, whose share of revenue from a digital service is typically about 10 percent or less.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs and other senior executives will provide details about the iCloud service during a June 6 keynote presentation at the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. Universal Music Group was the final major label to come to terms for the iCloud service, according to sources familiar with the situation. Apple has agreed to pay major labels approximately 58 percent of revenue, leaving Apple with about 30 percent.

While sources say Universal and Sony Music Entertainment were asking for 60 percent of revenue, they now suggest that a last-minute compromise was reached to accommodate the 12 percent royalty rate being paid to publishers.

Apple has yet to reach deals with independent publishers and labels. Sources say that it will offer indie publishers the same 12 percent rate it is paying major publishers. However, Apple began negotiations with independent labels by offering them only a 53 percent revenue cut.

Some indie-label executives say they’re pushing back on Apple to get a higher cut.

Meanwhile, Google is still negotiating with the major labels and publishers for its Music Beta cloud service, which it unveiled May 11 at the Google I/O conference in San Francisco. One

of the obstacles to those talks was the fact that Universal and Sony Music Entertainment were seeking a 60 percent revenue cut, while Google agreed to pay major publishers a 12 percent revenue share and retain 30 percent for itself, according to sources. Universal and Sony, those sources say, wanted publishers to receive a smaller share.

Not all industry observers agree that the majors are making a play to cut the publishers’ share. “Nowadays, the majors are trying to get 80 percent of the revenue in the new digital deals coming their way, so I am guessing that the majors are trying to cut Google’s and Apple’s share,” a source familiar with the situation says. Although Google has offered major labels and publishers similar revenue cuts as Apple, it doesn’t wield nearly the same leverage with them. Apple’s iTunes store accounted for about 33 percent of US recorded-music revenue in 2010 (Billboard, May 14).

Disagreement over revenue splits hasn’t been the only hurdle in the Google talks, with some sources noting that differences also remain over advances and demands that the search giant be more active in fighting music piracy. Apple, Google and Amazon, which like Google has launched a basic cloud music service without label and publisher deals, want to offer scan-and-match-style locker services, under which they would scan users’ digital music libraries and match the songs the services have licenses for in a centralized server, rather than require every user to upload their music to a cloud-based storage locker. The amount each service pays music rights-holders for individual tracks would depend on usage, with payment splits pro-rated by actual plays.— Reuters

SINGAPORE: The United States and Britain called yesterday for international cooperation against threats to cyber security following a fresh spate of attacks on government and corporate targets. US Defense Secretary Robert Gates and British Defence Secretary Liam Fox underscored the urgency of the problem at an Asia-Pacific security forum in Singapore also attended by their Chinese counterpart Liang Guanglie.

China denies being the source of attacks on US security systems and the two western officials deliberately avoided singling out Beijing. Liang is scheduled to address the Singapore conference today. Gates said “we take the cyber threat very seriously and we see it from a variety of sources, not just one or another country.” Fox said London will host an international conference on the “war of the invisible enemy” later this year.

“The effect on the economies of this region of a well-planned and well-resourced cyber attack on transnational commercial networks and institutions would be catastrophic, and would impact on us all,” he said. “Cyber attacks are already happening in large numbers and on a regular basis ... which is why we want to convene a proper international conference to see how we can deal with it.” The London talks will include discussions on a potential legal framework, Fox said.

Just days before the Singapore forum, Internet giant Google said a cyber spying campaign originating in China had targeted Gmail accounts of senior US officials, military personnel, journalists and Chinese political activists. China said Thursday it was “unacceptable”

SINGAPORE: China’s Defence Minister Liang Guanglie (seated) participates at the 10th IISS Asia Securities Summit/Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore yesterday.—AFP

to blame it for the incidents. Gates said “serious international tensions” could be avoided if there were rules “that let people know what kinds of acts are acceptable, what kinds of acts are not, and what kinds of acts may in fact be an act of war.”

“There is no question that our defence systems are under attack all the time, fairly routinely in fact, and we’ve taken a number of steps to try and protect ourselves,” he

Sony Pictures apologizes over latest cyberattack TOKYO: Sony Pictures Entertainment apologized yesterday over a personal data breach that hackers said involved more than one million passwords, email addresses and other information being stolen.

“We deeply regret and apologize for any inconvenience caused to consumers by this cybercrime,” the company said in a statement after the latest online attack targeting the Japanese electronics giant. “The cybercrime wave that has affected Sony companies and a number of government agencies, businesses and individuals in recent months has hit Sony

Pictures as well,” it added.

A group of hackers calling themselves “Lulz Security” claimed on Thursday to have compromised more than one million passwords, email addresses and other data from SonyPictures.com. SonyPictures.com features movie trailers and information about films and television shows and also allows users who sign up to receive email updates. Lulz Security said the data theft exploited one of the most “primitive and common vulnerabilities”.

But a spokesman for Sony, whose online services have been targeted by a series of

cyberattacks over the past few weeks, said in Tokyo that the company had yet to confirm if the data had been stolen. Sony’s PlayStation Network, its Qriocity music streaming service and Sony Online Entertainment are among the services targeted by hackers.

The company has also suffered attacks on websites in Greece, Thailand and Indonesia and on the Canadian site of mobile phone company Sony Ericsson. According to Sony, more than 100 million accounts have been affected, making it one of the largest data breaches ever. — AFP

Rivalry emerges between Vevo and YouTube DENVER: Competition over the increasingly lucrative rights to stream concer ts live over the Internet is pitting close partners Vevo and YouTube against one another. Take, for instance, Bonnaroo. The June 9-12 festival in Manchester, Tenn., will be streamed exclusively on Vevo. Last year, YouTube had the rights. What happened? “They decided it was really important to them to get that on an exclusive basis and were willing to pay for it,” YouTube VP of business development Chris Maxcy says. “We competed with them, and they won.”

Not that YouTube hasn’t scored its own big events this year. In April, it live-streamed the Coachella festival in Indio, Calif. And bidding is under way for the rights to upcoming festivals like Lollapalooza and Outside Lands, among others. The competition for live -streaming rights has “definitely increased,” says Jonathan Mayers, president of Bonnaroo co-producer Super fly Presents. “These different platforms are looking for association with premium brands and the artists and the events,” Mayers says. “ That space is more active than it’s ever been.”

That’s because there’s big money to be made. Vevo only began airing

live concerts on its site last year, but already CEO Rio Caraeff says such deals are driving revenue into the mid- to high seven figures, and attracting between 5 million and 10 million unique viewers for each event. “We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t think it was a critical thing to do,” Caraeff says. “It’s a pain ... But if you’re to build a premium video experience and distribution company, you can’t rest on other people’s music videos.”

Vevo was created to corner the market, largely, on those music videos. Any Web outlet that wants to stream music videos from Vevo stakeholders Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment and that of content partner EMI Music Group, has no choice but to syndicate through Vevo. The only music videos YouTube doesn’t need to syndicate from Vevo are user-created clips and live events. In addition to last year ’s Bonnaroo and this year’s Coachella, YouTube has hosted live streams of performances by U2, Paul McCartney and Bon Jovi.

Maxcy says the company hopes to add “substantially more.”

“Users like it and the advertisers like it as well,” he says. “The growth curve online in terms of the revenue generated is phenomenal, and I expect it to be a meaningful pro-

portion of our overall revenue as we push for ward into the nex t 12 months.” YouTube’s advantage is its massive user base and global presence. In May, the company disclosed that it streams 3 billion videos per day. It’s also available worldwide and has a massive advertising sales force.

By contrast, Vevo is available in only three countries, with a fraction of YouTube’s audience and a far smaller sales team. So it is competing on features and relationships.

Vevo’s mobile and iPad apps let livestream viewers choose from multiple camera angles, for instance. The mobile app can also aler t users when a live event is about to start, and Caraeff says half of Vevo’s six million mobile users opt in for that feature. In all, he says, 15 percent of Vevo’s live-streaming traffic comes from mobile or iPad devices.

But Vevo’s ace in the hole is its label relationships. While the labels hold no rights over ar tists’ live events, they do wield influence with the managers and artists who may be considering adding a live-stream component to their concerts. They also have relationships with YouTube and, as Vevo stakeholders, try to persuade YouTube to involve Vevo in any live-streaming initiatives.

“There are times when the labels will say they really want us to partner with Vevo on something because they’re an owner in that company,” Maxcy says. “But there’s also an equal number of cases where artists, managers or labels come to us saying it’s just easier to work directly with YouTube.” Despite their burgeoning rivalry over livestreaming rights, Vevo and YouTube are equal partners in a live series called “Unstaged,” sponsored by American Express, that has aired live concer ts by Arcade Fire, Duran Duran and most recently My Morning Jacket. And Caraeff insists that Vevo only plans to exclusively host around four exclusive “tentpole” events per year.

But there are only so many bigticket events-like Bonnaroo, Coachella or a tour stop by a superstar artist-that can serve as cornerstones for a live -music strategy.

These are the kinds of events that YouTube and Vevo are vying for. “We can bump up against them in the marketplace, but I think it ’s a healthy competition,” Caraeff says.

“I t ’s healthy because it creates choices and options for artists and event producers and for consumers.

It causes everybody to do a better job, work a little bit harder and create a better experience.” — Reuters

added. On the sidelines of the conference, US aerospace giant Boeing said it was also under “continuous” cyber attack but there had been no breach of its databases. The admission by Dennis Muilenburg, chief executive of Boeing Defense, Space and Security, comes as Japanese electronics giant Sony reels from a series of attacks on its networks.

“I think all countries should see the cyber threat as a potential problem for them,” Gates said. “I

think that one of the things that would be beneficial would be for there to be a more open dialogue among countries about c yber (threats) and establishing some rules of the road,” he said. Gates said this would help achieve a “clearer understanding of the left and right lanes, if you will, so that somebody doesn’t inadvertently or intentionally begin something that escalates and gets out of control.”— AFP

Writer urges Internet junkies to switch off and think SEOUL: Like tens of millions of others, US technology writer Nicholas Carr found the lure of the worldwide web hard to resist — until he noticed it was getting harder and harder to concentrate. He set out his concerns in a celebrated essay headlined “Is Google making us stupid?”

And his latest book “ The Shallows” explores in depth what he fears the Internet is doing to our brains.

“The seductions of technology are hard to resist,” Carr acknowledges in that book, which has sold an estimated 50,000 hardback copies in the United States alone. But he thinks it’s time to start trying.

In a speech at last week’s Seoul Digital Forum and an interview with AFP, Carr restated his concerns that IT is affecting the way people think and feel and even the physical make-up of their brains.

Every new technology in history-like the map and the clock-changed the way people think but Carr sees special dangers in the Internet. He got his first PC back in the 1980s and was an avid net user until “a few years ago, I noticed some disturbing changes in the way my mind worked. I was losing the ability to concentrate.” While the Internet has enormous benefits in delivering incredible amounts of information at incredible speed, it’s also a distracting and interruption-rich environment.

Carr said it encourages quick shifts in focus-and discourages sustained attention and the ability to think deeply and creatively about one topic and to challenge conventional wisdom. Popularity-driven search engines, in one of the ironies of an information-rich Internet, worsen the problem by leading everyone to the same sources, he said. Social networks, while pleasurable and fun, increase distractedness by bombarding users with brief bits of information.

“We take in so much information so quickly that we are in a constant state of cognitive overload,” Carr argued.

“Multitasking erodes cognitive control. We lose our ability to say that this is important, this

is unimportant. All we want is new information.” In contrast, when readers open a printed book, “there’s nothing else going on except words on a page, no distractions. It helps train us to be deep thinkers.”

Carr, 52, told AFP he’s not optimistic society will switch off en masse but it’s important to look clearly at what it might be losing.

And he doesn’t feel quite so lonely now that some other authors and TV program-makers have tackled the same subject. “There are signs, still sporadic and small, that people are beginning to question the effects of technology.” Since the book came out, he said, he had heard from several companies struggling with otherwise intelligent employees who were unable to focus and concentrate on problem-solving.

Carr admitted he himself has not had great success in limiting the time he spends online. But the biggest change he made as a writer and researcher was to use the web only to track down source material. “Then I’d make an effort to actually read those things in print. I did find that made a big difference in my ability to be attentive and a thorough reader and hopefully a deeper thinker.”

But Carr said it was not just a matter of individual choice. If friends, colleagues and employers were constantly on line, “then you feel in many ways compelled to do so even if you don’t want to, because you don’t want to damage your career or your social life”.

The author said he had no simple formula for change. But companies could “start sending a signal that’s it’s OK to be disconnected sometimes, it’s OK if you don’t respond to every email within 45 seconds or whatever”. Employers, governments and schools could also start rewarding and encouraging people to switch off. But Carr said there is little evidence so far of pressure for change. “I think as a society we’re choosing information overload: we’re choosing to sacrifice the more meditative and contemplative aspects of our minds.” — AFP

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health & science

Mystery deepens over E. coli poisoning FRANKFURT: An outbreak of killer E. coli that has spread to 12 countries and killed 19 people may be linked to a Hamburg festival in May and could have claimed a 20th victim, reports said yesterday. German weekly newspaper Focus said authorities were looking closely at a harbor festival that took place in Hamburg on May 6-8 and that drew 1.5 million visitors from Germany and abroad. The newspaper noted that the first reported case of E. coli infection followed just a week later in the city’s university hospital.

Local media also said yesterday a man in his 50s who died in Brandenberg may be the 20th victim in Europe but the cause of death was uncertain because he had several other infections as well as E. coli. The latest confirmed death was of an 80-year-old woman in the northern German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on Friday. The European Commission yesterday said it was preparing to send a team of experts to Germany to help speed up efforts to locate the source of the outbreak, a statement said. So far, scientific tests have failed to support a link to the epidemic, the European Union’s Reference Laboratory for E. coli in Rome has said.

Death toll mounts to 20 Faced with the myster y, German reports said police were investigating a possible deliberate act and were also checking two restaurants in the northern town of Lubeck, one in which 17 diners fell ill and another in which eight women were affected, one of whom died. Christian Seyfert, a spokesman for the regional consumer protection ministry told AFP speculation over the eateries’ link to the outbreak was unfounded.

But he added: “There are different elements in different regional states.”

Germany is facing its biggest epidemic caused by bacteria in recent decades.

All but one of the fatalities since the outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) poisoning began last month have occurred in Germany. A patient who died in Sweden had recently returned from Germany.

Cases of E. coli poisoning have also been reported in Austria, Britain, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. Each is related to German travel. Regional German health authorities have reported more than 2,000 cases of people falling ill, with symptoms including

stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever and vomiting. A large majority are female, suggesting the source is “probably something that women prefer more than men,” Andrea Ellis, an epidemiologist at the World Health Organization’s (WHO) department of food safety, said in Geneva.

In some cases the infection can lead to the potentially life-threatening condition haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a kidney disease. At least 552 people, 520 of them in Germany, have HUS, according to the WHO, with 10 other European countries plus the United States reporting HUS or EHEC infections.

The WHO has identified the bacteria as a rare E. coli strain never before connected to an outbreak of food poisoning. But researchers in Hamburg said earlier they and Chinese colleagues had found the strain was a “new type” which is extremely aggressive and resistant to antibiotics.

The health crisis has also triggered trade tensions in Europe. Berlin pointed the blame for the outbreak at cucumbers imported from Spain, provoking a backlash from Madrid which said it plans to demand damages from Europe for

GENEVA: Epidemiologist Andrea Ellis, Department of Food Safety and Zoonoses of the World Health Organization, WHO, briefs journalists on the latest situation on the E coli (EHEC) situation in Germany and across Europe during a press conference at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.— AP slander. Tens of thousands of tons of Spanish produce have been unsold, costing Spanish growers an estimated 200 million euros ($290 million) a week.

And some countries such as Russia and Lebanon banned vegetables from the

EU, in moves criticized by the 27-member bloc. To ease tension over the heavy losses, European agriculture ministers are scheduled to meet in Luxembourg for talks after June 17, according to diplomats.— AFP

Estrogen blocker cuts breast cancer risk by 65%

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS: In this file photo released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, one of six Hawaiian monk seal pups makes its first steps back into the wild in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is proposing expanding critical habitat for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal to include parts of the main Hawaiian Islands. — AP

Scientists weigh the pull of ocean SAN FRANCISCO: A legendary big-wave surfer was so drawn to the ocean, even as a toddler, that his worried parents sent him to college in Idaho. “They were trying to break me from the ocean,” said Jeff Clark, who grew up in Half Moon Bay, Calif, and now owns Mavericks Surf Shop. “It was brutal,” said Clark, who came home to the sea in six months. Entering the ocean, he said, “is like recharging. It’s what drives my life.”

The lure of breaking waves, shimmering blue waters and an endless horizon universally attracts people seeking the calm and renewal.

That inexplicable connection of brain and ocean was the focus of a first-of-its kind scientific conference this week in San Francisco, at which Clark and 30 others spoke. The connection between the ocean and the brain “is poorly studied and (a) tricky territory of discussion among scientists,” said Wallace J Nichols, a noted sea turtle biologist and research associate at the California Academy of Sciences who organized the “Bluemind Summit.” Among the connections conferees considered were the similarity in chemical composition of the brain and seawater, and seawater and body water, the physical similarity of the flat expansive sea and the flat grasslands.

Considering the worldwide appeal of the ocean throughout the ages, it confounds Nichols that it’s taken so long to embark on serious scientific look at its neurological effects. “ The neuroscientists haven’t thought about the ocean, remarkably,” Nichols said during an interview at the Cliff House overlooking the Pacific in San Francisco. “Considering the ocean is three-quarters of the planet, it’s kind of a big miss.” The sea and the brain have common chemical compositions, the conferees gathered at the academy learned. And all life arose from the ocean, said Philippe Goldin, a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist from Stanford University who spoke at the event.

“There’s no lack of clarity that we came from the ocean,” he said. “Seventy percent of my body is saltwater. My brain is bathed in saltwater.” Even neurons fire because of salt level changes in the brain. This evolutionary connection to the ocean explains some of its draw, said Dr. Michael Merzenich, an emeritus professor of neuroscience from the University of California, San Francisco. But he and other scientists described how the ocean instills a sense of safety with its flat horizon that allows humans to spot any oncoming threats like lions or warriors, and unlimited supply of water that’s so essential to life. “To the evolving mind, it’s the cleanest savanna ever experienced,” said Nichols.

Cultures worldwide pick photos of the savanna as the most appealing, even if they’ve never seen one, pointed out one scientist at the event. And Nichols said even though we rationally know salt water

isn’t drinkable, the abundance is nonetheless comforting. And the smooth surface of the ocean rarely surprises, which is also soothing, Merzenich said. “When it’s landmark-free, it’s naturally calming to us, much like closing your eyes is calming.” The enthusiastic group spent the day brainstorming how emerging knowledge in neuroscience could give credence to the role of the ocean in promoting health through stress relief, and to develop ocean conservation messages that resonate with audiences better than disaster- and factbased pitches.

“This sort of conference is the first step to integrating what we know we feel and what we can prove,” said Shelley Batts, a Stanford University neuroscientist specializing in the effects of sound. What’s known in her field is that humans react to sound, with pleasant or unpleasant sounds altering heart and breathing rates, and the release of hormones such as the stress activator cortisol. The ocean’s sound is especially appealing. “The sound of the sea is one of the most evocative to people,” Batts said because of its regular wave patterns, while noxious noise is random.

The “whoosh” sound at the ocean “brings up feelings of relaxation and tranquility.” Goldin, the Stanford neuroscientist with expertise in the effect of meditation on the body, said the ocean induced a mild meditative state. And rather than simply relaxing people, the meditative state heightens awareness of the surroundings and one’s own emotions. Harnessing the power of neuroscience can also hone advocacy for the ocean, Nichols said. “People get really tired and bummed out from relentless bad news. This effort has to do with reminding people how good the ocean can make them feel.”

Suja Lowenthal, vice mayor of Long Beach, Calif., showed slides of a river estuary in her city clogged with garbage after a storm, fed from litter in Long Beach and 51 other cities upstream. Lowenthal stressed that many children in her city had never even been to the beach, and without that experience there’s less motivation to protect it.

Fifth-graders in Long Beach are required to attend the symphony, Lowenthal added.

She plans a similar push for all Long Beach children to visit the beach. Sotheby’s real estate agent Eric Johnson said he has long pondered why his wealthy clients are willing to pay up to 40 percent more for a high-rise unit in San Francisco facing the water rather than facing land. Johnson said he believes water views inspire a sense of infinite possibilities, as opposed to the finite sense of looking at land. “If I’m standing on the 50th floor of penthouse in Maui or Florida or California, I’ve achieved, I’ve accomplished and the world is filled with endless opportunities as far as the eye can see,” he said.— MCT

CHICAGO: An anti-estrogen drug has shown a “promising” 65-percent reduction of breast cancer risk among post-menopausal women, according to the findings of a study released yesterday. The research could lead to a breakthrough for women who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer, which strikes some 1.3 million women worldwide each year and leads to the death of 500,000 women annually, said lead study author Paul Goss of Harvard Medical School.

“The potential public health impact of these findings is important,” Goss said in a statement coinciding with the release of the study at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the world’s largest oncology conference, gathering in Chicago. A random phase III trial

led by Canadian trial group NCIC CTG showed that risk of breast cancer in menopausal women dropped by 65 percent compared to a placebo when patients used exemestane, an oral drug that decreases the body’s production of estrogen, the hormone that has been implicated in causing the disease. “Results from the MAP.3 (mammary prevention - 3) trial indicate that exemestane is a promising new way to prevent breast cancer in menopausal women most commonly affected with breast cancer,” said Goss. “Our study not only showed an impressive reduction in breast cancers, but also an excellent side effect profile, although my cautionary note is that average follow-up to date has been only three years.”

The study says aromastate inhibitors (AIs) like exemestane-

sold under the brand name Aromasin-are distinct from other anti-estrogen therapies such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, which have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as preventative therapies for women at high breast cancer risk.

Exemestane too has been approved by the FDA, for use in early breast cancer patients.

Serious side effects have been recorded with drugs like tamoxifen, including rare but serious uterine cancer and potentially fatal blood clots, and Goss’s study says AIs counteract estrogen “without the serious toxicities seen with tamoxifen,” the statement said. The clinical study was conducted from 2004 to 2010 and enrolled 4,560 women from the United States, Canada, Spain and France, who had at least one major risk factor

such as being age 60 or older, or having prior breast cancer tumors, including breast cancer with mastectomy. Half the participants received Aromasin, produced by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, and half were given a placebo.

After a period of three years, the Aromasin group had about one third as many invasive cancers as those in the placebo group-a result corresponding to what researchers expected at the beginning of the trial, Goss said. In addition, for those with breast cancer, “there also appeared to be fewer of the more aggressive tumors on exemestane,” he added. The most common side effects reported by Aromasin users include fatigue, hot flashes, insomnia and joint pain. Results of the study are being published in the New England Journal of Medicine.—AFP

Vegetable scare hits Europe BERLIN: Schools have pulled raw vegetables from menus, piles of cucumbers sit untouched on shop shelves, and farmers say they’re losing millions. As scientists scramble to find the source of an E. coli outbreak linked to raw vegetables that has killed 18 in Europe and sickened nearly 2,000, consumers are swearing off lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes just in case. “Cook it or don’t eat it,” Hamburg kidney specialist Rolf Stahl told reporters at a news conference about the epidemic Friday. “That’s my personal recommendation.”

Consumers from the northern German city of Hamburg - the epicenter of the outbreak - to Bulgaria, Spain, France and Sweden were worried about which vegetables and fruit they could still eat and what they should avoid. “We no longer offer cucumbers. People just won’t buy them anymore,” said Mehmet Tanis, a vegetable vendor at Berlin’s busy weekly market in the city’s Kreuzberg neighborhood, who says his weekly profit is down $1,450.

“They’re completely scared to get sick - even though we always get our cucumbers from Jordan.

We’re also selling 80 percent less lettuce, and only half the tomatoes.”

Most of those sickened say they ate vegetables beforehand. But without being able to pinpoint the source, German health authorities have issued a broad warning to stay away from all tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce. Hamburg officials initially suspected cucumbers from Spain after three samples tested positive for E. coli, but later tests showed they were infected with a different strain of the bacteria than the one behind the outbreak. Nevertheless, the jitters have devastated the Spanish produce industry.

In Almeria, one of Spain’s main agricultural regions and probably the hardest hit, the head of a farmer’s association said the market for exports to the rest of Europe is still virtually dead. Before the crisis, Almeria exported 20,000 tons of produce a day. Now many farmers are simply destroying their crops often right in the fields where they grow - because of lack of demand and to avoid the cost of shipping them to special centers that grind unwanted crops for compost or animal feed, said Francisco Vargas, head of the Almeria chapter of the Spanish farm association Asaja.

In Madrid, defiant businessman Javier Zaccagnini said he has made a special point of eating cucumbers even though he’s not a big fan, out

BERLIN: Tomatoes and cucumbers from Holland are displayed for sale at a market in Berlin, Germany. — AP of solidarity with the local farmers.

“My girlfriend bought some cucumbers and I was delighted to enjoy a fresh salad with her, to make a special effort,” said the 56-year-old.

“There isn’t a problem with Spanish produce. I realized that very early on. I have no intention of changing any of my eating habits.” Italian Maurizio Duchi also brushed aside concerns as he went into a Rome supermarket on his lunch break to pick up chicken and a salad. “ The situation seems to be under control and in any case I really don’t like cucumbers,” he said.

But elsewhere others were being more cautious. “I ask where the vegetables come from when I make my procurements now,” said Jessica Eng, a vegetable vendor at the Saluhall market in Stockholm. “And I would not buy anything from Germany right now.” In salad-loving Paris, Julie Cutelli, a 31-year-old teacher, said the outbreak had affected her grocery shopping, though it hadn’t pushed her to give up fresh greens altogether.

“I’m laying off the cucumbers and the tzaziki and started buying other crunchy vegetables instead, like radishes,” said Cutelli. “But I’m not going to stop eating salads, that’s for sure.” With farmers across Europe complaining of millions in losses, Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in a telephone conversation late Thursday to push for EU help for those affected. The current outbreak is considered the third-

largest involving E. coli in recent world history, and it is already the deadliest with at least 17 dead in Germany and one in Sweden.

Twelve people died in a 1996 Japanese outbreak that reportedly sickened more than 9,000, and seven died in a Canadian outbreak in 2000.

Among the 1,733 people sickened in Germany, 520 suffer from a life-threatening complication that can cause kidney failure. Nine other European nations have reported a total of 80 people sick from the bacteria, most of whom had recently visited northern Germany, the World Health Organization said.

Russia on Thursday extended a ban on vegetables from Spain and Germany to the entire European Union to try to stop the outbreak spreading east, a move the EU quickly called disproportionate and Italy ’s farmers denounced as “absurd.” No deaths or infections have been reported in Russia.

To calm worried customers, some bistros and restaurants in Berlin started putting up posters explaining to customers they are only offering “safe produce.” Across the country, schools, kindergartens and nursing homes took all raw vegetables off menus until further notice and in the western German city of Hagen, an elementar y school was closed Friday after a student fell ill with E. coli. In Austria, medical experts even went so far as to warn local football fans attending Friday’s European football qualifier against Germany in Vienna to

take extra precautions to avoid infection.

Michael Kunze, a doctor of social medicine in Vienna told the Austria News Agency that Austrian fans should wash their hands well and consider using disinfectant to avoid any possible transmission of the E. coli bacteria from the Germans saying “it can’t be ruled out.” The news about tainted cucumbers in Germany even scared people as far away as Bulgaria where locals hesitated to buy the popular vegetable even when vendors offered proof the produce was from local farmers.

Market prices dropped five- to tenfold and on Friday cucumbers on some open markets in Sofia were traded as cheaply as 10 euro cents per pound. In Ireland, where government officials dismissed suggestions of a threat from imported vegetables, shoppers remained suspicious.

At one Dublin branch of the German-owned Lidl chain, trays of Spanish iceberg lettuce were discounted two-thirds but attracting few takers. “I don’t feel confident buying anything green and fresh today,” said Ann O’Lear y, 32, a Dublin homemaker. “We’re going to be eating a lot of overcooked meats, a lot of canned food, and a lot of pasta until we’re given the all clear.” She skipped the vegetable row of the supermarket entirely, stopping only for two bunches of bananas and a net of oranges. “I figure anything with a strong peel on it is safe to eat. I won’t get scurvy at least!”— AP

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UN urges more funds for HIV treatment 30th anniversary of the discovery of HIV UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations AIDS agency has urged increased funding for early treatment of people with HIV following a new international study showing it could dramatically reduce the number of new infections through sexual transmission.

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe said pushing for early treatment “is at the top of the agenda” following the striking results of an international study overseen by the US National Institutes of Health.

The nine-nation study offered convincing evidence of what scientists have long believed - that HIV medicines don’t just benefit the patient, but may act as a preventive by making those people less infectious.

Earlier treatment in the study meant patients were 96 percent less likely to spread the virus to their uninfected partners, according to preliminary results announced last month. Sidibe told a news conference launching a new report by UNAIDS that early treatment and prevention efforts must also be accompanied by better skills for health workers and sex edu-

cation for young people.

“Access to treatment will transform the AIDS response in the next decade,” Sidibe said. “Anti-retroviral therapy is a bigger game-changer than ever before - it not only stops people from dying, but also prevents transmission of HIV to women, men and children.” Sidibe stressed that billions of dollars will be needed to meet the agency’s vision for the future - “zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDSrelated deaths.” The report said “universal access” to drug treatment for those with HIV is achievable.

UNAIDS released the 139-page document ahead of today’s 30th anniversary of the first official report of what would become the HIV epidemic by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The General Assembly is holding a high-level meeting on AIDS at UN headquarters from June 8-10, where 20 world leaders and over 100 ministers are expected. UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro said at Friday’s launch that the world is “at a turning

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point in the AIDS response” and the meeting is an opportunity to “expand HIV services ... (and) chart a new path.” “The goal towards achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support must become a reality by 2015,” she said.

The last decade has seen a nearly 25 percent decline in new HIV infections, a reduction in AIDS-related deaths, and “unprecedented advances” in access to treatment, prevention services and care, the report said. In India, which has the largest number of people living with HIV in Asia, the rate of new infections fell by more than 50 percent, while in South Africa, which has the largest number of HIV cases in Africa, the rate fell by more than 35 percent, the report said.

But UNAIDS said these achievements are unevenly distributed, exceedingly fragile, and fall short of global targets.

“People in rich countries don’t die from AIDS any more,” former US President Bill Clinton wrote in the report, “but those in poor countries still do - and that’s just not acceptable.” The report said more than 34

million people were living with HIV at the end of 2010 - including 2.6 million who became newly infected with the virus that causes AIDS in 2009.

It said the proportion of countries conducting systematic surveillance of HIV among high-risk populations increased between 2008 and 2010: from 44 percent to 50 percent for sex workers, and from 30 percent to 36 percent for gay men. An estimated 20 percent of the 15.9 million people who inject drugs worldwide are living with HIV, the report said. An estimated 6.6 million people in low- and middle-income countries were receiving antiretroviral drug treatment at the end of last year, but about 9 million eligible people in those countries were not, the report said.

According to the report, investment in the response to HIV in low-and middleincome countries rose from $1.6 billion in 2001 to $15.9 billion in 2009. UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon wrote in the preface that “the number of people becoming infected and dying is decreasing, but the

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international resources needed to sustain this progress have declined for the first time in 10 years, despite tremendous unmet needs.” Sidibe said financial challenges are putting “unprecedented downward pressure on funding sources, internally and internationally.” But he said the right approach can spur all countries “to do things better, with maximum value for money.”

The Lancet, a British medical journal, published a proposal Friday developed by a study group set up by UNAIDS which outlines what the group called “a more targeted and strategic approach to investment.”

Implementing the new investment framework “would avert 12.2 million new HIV infections and 7.4 million deaths from AIDS between 2011 and 2020 compared with continuation of present approaches,” it said, “The yearly cost of achievement of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support by 2015 is estimated at no less than $22 billion,” the Lancet report said, but in the long term the cost of responding to AIDS would be reduced. — AP

Make your teeth a piece of art

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BSK opens Q Garden

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n another ground breaking move, The British School of Kuwait has recently established Q Garden, a delightful outdoor classroom space designed expressly to meet the requirements of the English National Curriculum. Opened by Maria Baker, wife of HE the British Ambassador, the garden features carefully constructed habitats designed to encourage local and migratory wildlife such as butterflies, stag and scarab beetles, dragonflies, geckos and dhubs. One such habitat has been built from a frame of salvaged packing pallets, wood cut from a dead tree with holes drilled in the pieces for wildlife homes, with seed pods, matting and wood from cleaned palm trees adding a further variety of materials and textures. Pipes stuffed with sticks, discarded tiles and wicker from old furniture rounds off what is art as much as science!

Children in Kuwait have few opportunities to experience natural environments of this nature and Q garden’s habitats will go some way to providing those missing experiences for children at The British School of Kuwait. The garden will also provide opportunities for

A fond farewell at Movenpick Hotel

G leadership and responsibility as the Green Team Eco Warriors club will maintain the space and all classes will play a role in the establishment of the vegetable plot. At times, part of the garden will become an archaeological dig or a natural science laboratory and at other times an outdoor still life drawing studio. By constructing this habitat from recycled materials the school also intends to raise awareness amongst children regarding conservation of flora and fauna, as well as complementing our creative curriculum and encouraging active learning. Already teachers and students are flocking to the space and BSK looks forward to many years of enjoyment in its newest and sunniest classroom.

ary Moran is moving on to assume his next General Manager role, taking on the challenge of opening Movenpick’s first hotel in India, Movenpick Hotel & Spa Bangalore. Gary moved to Kuwait in May 2008 to join Movenpick Hotels & Resorts having previously worked with Marriott Hotels for over 16 years, primarily in the UK but also in Amman, Jordan.

Throughout his hotel career Gary has become fully involved in the local community and has held many positions in various local organizations.

Amongst other positions here in Kuwait Gary was on the Board of the British Business Forum. During his time here in Kuwait Gary has established a reputation for serving the community with active involvement in many local charities and organisations. He also organised a unique series of cultural, sporting and social events, including operas and a

month-long FIFA World Cup Festival, all of which were instrumental in putting the hotel firmly on the map here in Kuwait.

The farewell party took place at the British Embassy on May 21st under the patronage of the British Ambassador to Kuwait, HE Frank Baker and in the presence of over 200 guests from the Kuwait community including the management team of Movenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida’a Kuwait.

In an elaborate cocktail reception, guests and dignitaries were given a taste of true Swiss hospitality combined with a British flair. “I can not adequately express just how much I have enjoyed working in Kuwait” said Moran. “I have wonderful memories to take with me and I am extremely proud of the hotel’s success and the great results achieved together with my team over the past 3 years.” Gary added. ‘I leave on a real high’.

onvention Center & Royal Suite has announced the appointment of new General Manager Halim Ghobar. Ghobar brings over 20 years of valuable experience and hospitality in the hotel industr y as he had worked with different hotels in Saudi Arabia, England and UAE. We wish him good luck on his future endeavor.

Announcements BAIA Summer Camp now open for registrations 2011 ON STAGE summer camp from 19 June to 06 July. Last year High School Musical, this year Camp Rock, Tangled, Cars...many more! From Page to Stage in just 3 weeks, through costume design, technicals, acting, singing, dance, music, make-up, film and lighting. Create a fabulous performance ON STAGE. Discounts available if registered before 01 June. Call 60052087 or mail administrator@baia.com.kw. Full details of all events and courses are available on www.baia.com.kw AWARE Arabic course The AWARE management is glad to inform you that Summer 2 Arabic language courses will begin on June 12 until July 21, 2011. AWARE Arabic language courses are designed with the expat in mind. The environment is relaxed & courses are designed for those wanting to learn Arabic for travel, cultural understanding, and conducting business or simply to become more involved in the community. We cater to teachers, travelers and those working in the private business sector.

AWARE Arabic courses highlights: Introductory to Level 4 Arabic language basics; Ccmbine language learning with cultural insights; taught in multi-nationality group settings ; and provides opportunities to interact with Western expatriates and native Kuwaitis/Arabs. For more information and/or registration, call 25335260/80 ext 105 or 0 or log onto: www.aware.com.kw International Women’s Group As is customary, our final meeting for the season will be our I nternational brunch and national costume competition today, 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.

Infunity presents summer ‘Blank Camp’

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IIS excels in class X CBSE exams

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t was a proud moment for all the members of IIS to look at the cheerful faces of Class X students who have come out with flying colours in the board exams for the year 2010-11 with wonderful grades and centum result. Their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is very impressive and most of the students secured AI and A2 Grades.

Munazza Sharafuddin (10/10), Prabhjot Kaur (9.8/10) Adeeba Abdul Aziz (9.6/10), Shema Ashraf (9.4/10), Swathi Muralidharan (9.4/10), Aysha Fida (9.2/10), Farheen Sabah (9.2)and Syed Tauseef Ahmed (9.2/10) secured A1 Grade(91-100).

Fathima Mariyam (9/10), Sandhya

Suresh (9/10), Sashank (9/10), Zakaria (9/10), Arya Devi (8.8/10), Amatulla (8.8/10), Reshma (8.6/10), Abdul Razak (8.6/10), Swaswathi (8.4/10), Mohammad Asad (8.2/10), .Syeda Fathima (8.2/10) and secured A2 Grade (81-90) and rest of the students secured B1 and B2 Grades.

On the whole the whole class has done very well and proved that they can also follow their seniors on the road of excellence majestically. Director Moosa Koya, Principal FM Basheer Ahmed, VicePrincipal Narinder Kaur and all the staff members congratulated all the achievers of the year and appreciated all the teachers who were behind the success of all these achievers.

he students of Class X achieved yet another feat in the examination conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education(CBSE) New Delhi. This year the students were given a choice between a Board conducted and a School conducted exam. Majority of the Carmelites however opted for the Board exam. The students were assessed in both the scholastic and co-scholastic areas - a system aimed at holistic development of learners; called the Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation. This being the first year of the new system both parents and children were apprehensive about its outcome.

The Carmelites have excelled in their overall performance. Nine students secured an outstanding cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 10; nine secured a (CGPA) of 9.8 and another nine obtained a (CGPA) of 9.6.Fifty two students secured a (CGPA )of 9 and above. Kudos to our Carmelights and may they shine on....

Grade point 10:-Jonita Lobo; Amy George;

Mrigank Kanchan; Sueallen D’souza; Divya Sankhe; Donna John; Zainab Lokhandwala; Arjun Krishnamoorthy; DanTeddy.

Grade point 9.8:- Abel John; Jade Pais; Meligen Fernandes; Alina Lasrado; Kevin Chacko; Shanece D’mello; Divyansh Chandel; Faiza Jafar; Chetna Bhasin.

Grade point 9.6:- Mohammed Saif; Devi Nair; Bakhtiaar Wangde; Avneet Anand; Akil John; Mahwaash Ashraff; Nova Jacob; Afreena Kalam; Sera Jacob.

re you looking to keep your kids busy this summer? The family entertainment center “Infunity” presents its first summer “Blank Camp”, which offers a great experience, fun and adventures for young campers ages 5 to 12 years old. The “Blank Camp” which is managed by Blank Hunts, offers a variety of activities including arts, crafts, reading, theater, sports and treasure hunt.

The camp will be running from June 19 to July 14 at “Infunity”, 360 Mall, Level 3 and will be conducted from 9 am to 1:30 pm.

In this camp, kids will have the opportunity to learn new skills, gain knowledge, enhance selfconfidence and build character and self-esteem. In addition, build up new friendships and unforgettable experiences that last a lifetime.

“Infunity” aims through this camp to offer kids the opportunity to express their capabilities, try new things, stimulate challenge, work in teams and improve their skills. Moreover, all activities are chosen and designed carefully to entrain young campers in a healthy and safe environment.

It is worthy to mention that the family entertainment center “Infunity” is one of the latest entertainment centers in Kuwait and it is the right place for the families who are seeking to spend enjoyable and pleasant times since its games are the most recent in Kuwait and combines education and entertainment. Invest your kid’s time and call on 99091277 to register.

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

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Embassy 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 ended 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. nnnnnnn

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. nnnnnnn

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

KES kids present ‘Jungle Book’

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he Infant Green Theatre (comprising of Year 1 and Year 2 students from the main school and Green Unit) performed “The Jungle Book” and “The Jungle Book 2”, on Sunday 22nd May. The Green Theatre is an organisation established by KES Green Unit as an inclusive drama performance group allowing some of the school’s children who have special needs to integrate

with their mainstream counterparts.

The cast instantly threw themselves into the play with verve and vigour. The performance was thoroughly enjoyed by all attending, encapsulated by Zain Walter’s excellent portrayal of Mowgli.

Zain was ably supported by Omar, Khalid, Imogen and Emiliano who were Baloo, Bagheera, Shanti and Ranjan respectively.

The supporting cast acted with enthusiasm and panache; all of this however would not have been possible without the able guidance of Tracey Walters who steered and formed the play into the excellent production that it was. The audience appeared to love the show which in itself was a just reward for the cast and crew’s effort.

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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.

Effective January 15, 2011, the only Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application form that will be accepted by CIC is the Application for Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257] form. All previous Temporary Resident Visa application forms will no longer be accepted by CIC and instead will be returned to applicants. nnnnnnn

Kuwait Marriott Hotels launch exciting family summer packages

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rtist Johnarts Kalabhavan presenting his caricatures of Indian politician Najma Heptulla (above) and filmmaker Shaji N Karun (top) at two recent functions held in Kuwait.

Kuwait Banks Club board member and treasurer Mohammad Al-Sayegh was recently awarded by producer Raed Al-Shemmary from Al-Watan TV for his efforts in boosting the cooperation between the KBC and the TV station over coverage of KBC activities throughout the year.

Voice Kuwait Youth wing sent off

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oice Kuwait youth wing gave sent off to its Vice President Ajimon.M.G, who is going back to India. Youth wing president Byju Vijayan presided the function. PG Binu K.Chandramohanan, Raghunathan Achari, Balasubramanyan, Rejimon, Pradeepan, Mini Krishna, Suja Rejimon, Arun Anand etc gave felicitations. Baju Vijayan gave momentum of youth wing to Aji Mon. V.Shanil made the welcome speech and treasurer Gireesh Wayanad gave the vote of thanks.

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uwait Marriott Hotels are offering exciting packages for the upcoming summer travel season to locals, expatriates, as well as other families who will be visiting Kuwait from GCC countries. The new offer is valid from 16 June- 9 September.

Room rates range from KD 39 per room/per night to KD 45 per room/per night subject to 15 percent service charge. Guests residing at the hotels with children can enjoy daily free breakfast for up to 2 children. Hotel guests are also entitled to 20 percent discount at the restaurants.

Inclusive of the summer stay package, guests with children in the age of group of 6-12 will enjoy a 50 percent discount on all their meals at the restaurants with very attractive packages for suites in both hotels.

Hotel guests can enjoy delicious buffet and a la Carte menu at the Courtyard by Marriott’s Atrium restaurant. The hotel recently launched the Indian restaurant Soul and Spice, offering the perfect blend of Indian spices in a contemporary presentation. The restaurant offers an extensive a la carte menu featuring authentic Indian dishes. Meanwhile, guests staying at the JW Marriott Kuwait Hotel can enjoy an exciting buffet at the hotel’s very popular La Brasserie restaurant which features delicious international buffets. For diners who want to enjoy the experience of fine dining at the hotel, must visit the Terrace Grill restaurant that offers one of the finest Angus beef in town.

George Aoun General Manager of Kuwait Marriott Hotels said, “The sum-

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 nnnnnnn

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. nnnnnnn

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. nnnnnnn

mer season in the region is associated with a lot of traveling, either back home or visiting different. We continue to offer the finest dining experience along with an unforgettable stay. Our offers and promotions are designed to cater for our client’s demands. We look forward to welcoming families to the JW Marriott as well as the Courtyard by Marriott hotels, and hope they enjoy their stay and the dining and shopping experience with us this summer beside the two options of indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The Courtyard by Marriott will be offering outdoor swimming lessons for children, while the JW Marriott will be hosting indoor swimming lessons.”

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 nnnnnnn

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

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22:10 The Naked Chef 22:40 Rhodes Across The Caribbean 23:25 Rhodes Across The Caribbean 00:45 Untamed And Uncut 01:40 Dogs 101 02:35 Shark Bait Beach 03:30 Shark Attack File 2 04:25 The Animals’ Guide To Survival 05:20 Animal Cops South Africa 06:10 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 07:00 Meerkat Manor 07:25 Growing Up...

08:15 The Really Wild Show 08:40 Natural Born Hunters 09:10 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip 10:05 Must Love Cats 11:00 Animal Precinct 11:55 Wildlife SOS 12:20 Vet On The Loose 12:50 Planet Earth 13:45 Planet Earth 14:40 Extraordinary Dogs 15:05 Project Puppy 15:35 Natural Born Hunters 16:00 Natural Born Hunters 16:30 Karina: Wild On Safari 17:25 Cheetah Kingdom 17:50 Cheetah Kingdom 18:20 Saba And The Rhino’s Secret 19:15 Speed Of Life 20:10 Dogs 101 21:05 Queens Of The Savannah 22:00 Life Of Mammals 22:55 Into The Pride 23:50 Elephants: The Twilight Of The Giants

00:15 Robin Hood 01:00 Strictly Come Dancing 03:00 One Foot In The Grave 03:30 Beautiful People 04:00 Green Green Grass 04:35 Me Too 04:55 Tweenies 05:15 Teletubbies 05:40 Bobinogs 05:55 Me Too 06:15 Tweenies 06:35 Teletubbies 07:00 Fimbles 07:20 Tweenies 07:40 Teletubbies 08:05 Bobinogs 08:20 Fimbles 08:40 Tweenies 09:00 Teletubbies 09:25 Bobinogs 09:40 One Foot In The Grave 10:10 Green Green Grass 10:40 Robin Hood 11:25 Doctor Who Confidential 11:40 The Weakest Link 12:25 Casualty 13:10 Casualty 14:05 The Weakest Link 15:35 Doctors 18:05 Robin Hood 18:50 Doctor Who Confidential 19:00 One Foot In The Grave 19:30 Green Green Grass 20:00 Ray Mears’ Northern Wilderness 20:50 Monarch Of The Glen 21:40 New Tricks 22:35 Unforgiven 23:20 Desperate Romantics

00:00 Saturday Kitchen 01:00 Holmes On Homes 02:30 Come Dine With Me 12:10 New Scandinavian Cooking 16:00 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 18:35 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 19:00 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 19:25 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 19:50 Come Dine With Me 20:40 Perfect Day 21:10 Perfect Day 21:40 The Naked Chef

00:00 00:10 01:00 01:30 02:00 02:10 02:30 03:00 03:10 03:30 04:00 04:30 05:00 05:10 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:10 10:30 11:00 11:10 11:30 12:00 12:10 12:30 13:00 13:10 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:10 15:30 16:00 16:15 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:10 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:15 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00 23:10 23:30

00:05 00:30 00:55 01:20 01:45 02:10 02:35 03:00 03:25 03:50 04:15 04:40 05:05 05:30 05:55 06:20 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:15 09:05 09:30 09:55 10:20 10:45 11:10 11:35 12:00 12:25 12:50 13:15

BBC World News The Doha Debates BBC World News Middle East Business Report BBC World News World Features Newsnight BBC World News World Features Spirit Of Wimbledon BBC World News Dateline London BBC World News The Doha Debates BBC World News Click BBC World News Newsnight BBC World News India Business Report BBC World News Fast Track BBC World News World Features Spirit Of Wimbledon BBC World News World Features Dateline London BBC World News World Features Horizons BBC World News World Features Develop Or Die BBC World News Newsnight BBC World News World Features The Bottom Line BBC World News Sport Today Click BBC World News Earth Reporters BBC World News The Doha Debates BBC World News India Business Report BBC World News Develop Or Die BBC World News Sport Today Click BBC World News Spirit Of Wimbledon BBC World News World Features Earth Reporters

Jim Zumbo Outdoors Jim Zumbo Outdoors Jim Zumbo Outdoors Western Extreme The Wingshooter The Wingshooter The Wingshooter Wingshooting The World Wingshooting The World Jim Zumbo Outdoors Jim Zumbo Outdoors Jim Zumbo Outdoors Western Extreme The Wingshooter The Wingshooter The Wingshooter Speargun Hunter Speargun Hunter Speargun Hunter Salmon, Trout & Steelheader Trev Gowdy’s Monster Fish Legends of Rod & Reel Legends of Rod & Reel Legends of Rod & Reel Cowboys Cowboys Cowboys Cowboys Familiar Waters Familiar Waters Ultimate Match Fishing -

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

TV PROGRAMS College 13:40 Salmon, Trout & Steelheader 14:05 Legends of Rod & Reel 14:30 Cowboys 14:55 Cowboys 15:20 Cowboys 15:45 Cowboys 16:10 Familiar Waters 16:35 Familiar Waters 17:00 Ultimate Match Fishing College 17:25 Salmon, Trout & Steelheader 17:50 Legends of Rod & Reel 18:15 Cowboys 18:40 Cowboys 19:05 Cowboys 19:30 Cowboys 19:55 Familiar Waters 20:20 Familiar Waters 20:45 Ultimate Match Fishing College 21:10 Salmon, Trout & Steelheader 21:35 Legends of Rod & Reel 22:00 Wingshooting The World 22:25 Ducks Unlimited 22:50 Ducks Unlimited 23:15 Ducks Unlimited 23:40 Western Extreme

00:05 Cow And Chicken 00:30 Cramp Twins 00:55 George Of The Jungle 01:20 Adventure Time 01:45 Eliot Kid 02:10 Ed, Edd N Eddy 02:35 Ben 10: Alien Force 03:00 The Powerpuff Girls 03:15 Chowder 03:40 The Secret Saturdays 04:05 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 04:30 Ben 10: Alien Force 04:55 Best Ed 05:20 Skunk Fu! 05:45 Cramp Twins 06:10 Eliot Kid 06:35 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 07:00 Ed, Edd N Eddy 07:25 Chop Socky Chooks 07:50 Chowder 08:15 Ben 10: Alien Force 08:40 Bakugan: Gundalian Invaders 09:05 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 09:30 The Secret Saturdays 09:55 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 10:20 George Of The Jungle 10:30 Angelo Rules 10:55 Best Ed 11:20 Eliot Kid 11:45 Skunk Fu! 12:10 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 12:35 Bakugan: New Vestroia 13:00 Ben 10 13:25 Codename: Kids Next Door 13:50 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 14:15 The Life And Times Of Juniper Lee 14:40 George Of The Jungle 15:05 Cartoon Network Dance Club 15:15 Ed, Edd N Eddy 15:35 Chop Socky Chooks 16:00 Robotboy 16:25 Squirrel Boy 16:50 Chowder 17:15 The Secret Saturdays 17:40 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 18:05 Bakugan: New Vestroia 18:30 Angelo Rules 18:55 Best Ed 19:20 Adventure Time 19:45 Cow And Chicken 20:10 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 20:35 Courage The Cowardly Dog 21:00 The Powerpuff Girls 21:25 Ed, Edd N Eddy 21:50 Robotboy 22:00 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 22:25 Skunk Fu! 22:50 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 23:15 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 23:40 Chowder

AGAINST THE ROPES ON OSN ACTION HD

00:40 01:35 02:30 03:00 03:25 03:55 04:20 04:50 05:15 05:40 06:05 06:35 07:00 07:50 08:45 09:40 11:25 12:20 13:15 14:10 15:05 17:20 18:15 19:10 20:05 21:00 21:55 22:50 23:45

I’m Alive Behind Bars How Stuff’s Made How Do They Do It? How Stuff’s Made How Do They Do It? How Machines Work How Do They Do It? How Machines Work How Do They Do It? How Machines Work How Do They Do It? Extreme Engineering Mighty Ships Huge Moves I’m Alive Gold Rush: Alaska Sarah Palin’s Alaska LA Ink The Next Great Baker Cake Boss Mythbusters Gold Rush: Alaska Airplane Repo Swords: Life On The Line Mythbusters Science Of The Movies The Future Of...

Worst-Case Scenario

00:30 Nextworld 01:20 The Gadget Show 01:45 The Gadget Show 02:10 What’s That About?

03:00 Sci-Fi Science 03:25 Sci-Fi Science 03:50 How Stuff Works 04:45 Engineered 05:40 How Stuff’s Made 06:10 Superships 07:00 Mission Critical: Hubble 07:55 Brainiac 08:45 Head Rush 08:48 Sci-Fi Science 09:15 Weird Connections 09:45 Catch It Keep It 14:45 The Gadget Show 15:10 The Gadget Show 15:35 Patent Bending 16:00 Head Rush 16:03 Cool Stuff And How It Works 16:30 How Does That Work?

17:00 Bang Goes The Theory 17:50 Sci-Trek 18:40 The Future Of...

19:30 Mighty Ships 20:20 The Gadget Show 21:10 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 22:00 The Future Of...

22:50 Bang Goes The Theory 23:40 Mega World

00:05 Unwrapped 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 01:45 Food Network Challenge 02:35 Chopped 03:25 Ultimate Recipe Showdown 04:15 Good Eats - Special 04:40 Unwrapped 05:05 Ten Dollar Dinners 05:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 05:50 Paula’s Party 06:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 07:00 Chopped 07:50 Guy’s Big Bite 08:15 Boy Meets Grill 08:40 Good Deal With Dave Lieberman 09:05 Ten Dollar Dinners 09:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 09:55 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 10:20 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 10:45 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 11:10 Unwrapped 11:35 Paula’s Party 12:25 Good Eats - Special 12:50 Paula’s Best Dishes 13:15 Good Deal With Dave Lieberman 13:40 Ultimate Recipe Showdown 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 14:55 Unwrapped 15:20 Boy Meets Grill 15:45 Chopped 16:35 Guy’s Big Bite 17:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 17:25 Good Deal With Dave Lieberman 17:50 Ten Dollar Dinners 18:15 Paula’s Party 19:05 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 19:30 Food Network Challenge 20:20 Unwrapped 21:10 Cooking Clubs 22:00 Barefoot Contessa 22:50 Guy’s Big Bite 23:15 Guy’s Big Bite 23:40 Good Eats - Special

00:20 00:45 01:10 01:30 01:55 02:20 02:45 03:10 03:30 03:55 04:20 04:45 05:10 05:35 06:00 06:25 06:50 07:15 07:40 08:00 08:20 08:45 08:55 09:20 09:30 09:55 10:15 10:25 10:50 11:10 11:35 12:00 12:10

Jungle Junction Special Agent Oso Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Jungle Junction Special Agent Oso Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Jungle Junction Special Agent Oso Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Jungle Junction Special Agent Oso Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Special Agent Oso Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Timmy Time Little Einsteins The Hive Jake & The Neverland Pirates Jungle Junction Special Agent Oso Mickey Mouse Clubhouse The Little Mermaid Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Hive Handy Manny

12:25 12:35 13:00 13:25 13:35 13:45 14:20 14:30 14:50 15:15 16:05 16:25 16:40 17:00 17:25 17:45 18:10 18:35 18:45 19:05 19:30 19:50 20:15

Jake & The Neverland Pirates Imagination Movers Lazytown Jungle Junction Handy Manny Jake & The Neverland Pirates Timmy Time Special Agent Oso The Little Mermaid Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Jake & The Neverland Pirates Little Einsteins Lazytown Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Imagination Movers Handy Manny Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Little Einsteins Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Little Mermaid Handy Manny

06:00 Kid vs Kat 06:20 Kick Buttowski 06:40 Iron Man: Armoured Adventures 07:05 Pokemon 07:30 Phineas And Ferb 08:20 Suite Life On Deck S3 08:45 Pair Of Kings 09:10 Kick Buttowski 09:30 Rekkit Rabbit 09:50 Zeke And Luther 10:40 I’m In The Band 11:05 The Super Hero Squad Show 11:30 The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody 11:55 Kick Buttowski 12:15 Kid vs Kat 12:35 American Dragon 13:00 Wendy Wu 14:30 Kick Buttowski 14:55 Pair Of Kings 15:20 Cars Toons 15:30 Phineas And Ferb 15:50 I’m In The Band 16:15 Rekkit Rabbit 16:40 Zeke And Luther 17:05 The Super Hero Squad Show 17:30 Pokemon 17:55 Suite Life On Deck S3 18:45 Phineas And Ferb 19:10 The Avengers: Earths Mightiest Heroes 20:00 X Men 20:25 Zeke And Luther 20:50 I’m In The Band 21:15 Aaron Stone

00:25 00:55 01:25 03:15 04:10 05:05 05:30 06:00 Tales 07:50 08:20 09:15 10:15 11:10 12:05 13:05 York 16:55 17:25 York 17:55 18:55 York 21:25 21:55 York 22:25 23:25 23:55

00:30 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 03:30 Bondi Rescue 04:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 04:30 Bondi Rescue 05:30 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 09:30 Bondi Rescue 10:00 Market Values 10:30 Bondi Rescue Fashion Police 13:30 Banged Up Abroad Chelsea Lately 15:30 Bondi Rescue E!es 16:00 Market Values E! Investigates 16:30 Bondi Rescue Sexiest 19:30 Banged Up Abroad Reality Hell 21:30 Bondi Rescue Wildest TV Show Moments 22:00 Market Values 25 Hottest Hollywood Cougar 22:30 Bondi Rescue 23:30 The Frankincense Trail Behind The Scenes E! News Kendra Extreme Close-Up Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 00:10 The Hardy Boys E! News Kourtney And Kim Take New 00:30 Inspector Gadget 01:00 Dennis The Menace Marathon 06:00 New Adventures Of Madeline Behind The Scenes Kourtney And Kim Take New 06:25 Rupert 06:45 Jass Time 07:00 Rescue Heroes E! News Kourtney And Kim Take New 08:00 Programmes Start At 8:00pm KSA 20:00 Escape From Wildcat Canyon Khloe And Lamar Kourtney And Kim Take New 20:45 Sabrina The Animated Series 21:10 S Club 7 In Miami 21:35 Beverly Hills Teen Club E! News 22:00 Escape From Wildcat Canyon Fashion Police 23:45 Nancy Drew Chelsea Lately

00:15 Gumball 3000: 2008 00:40 The Millionaire’s Club 01:30 M1 Selection 2010 02:20 FIA European Drag Racing 2008 04:00 Carpocalypse 04:50 Lucas Oil Ama Motocross...

06:30 FIA European Drag Racing 2008 08:00 Quattro Events 2009 09:40 FIM World Motocross MX1/MX2...

11:20 Lucas Oil Ama Motocross...

12:10 Lucas Oil Ama Motocross Championships...

13:00 LG Action Sports World...

13:50 Sports Jobs 14:40 Eds Up 17:10 Fight Girls 18:00 Sports Jobs 18:50 Lucas Oil Ama Motocross...

19:40 Lucas Oil Ama Motocross Championships...

20:30 LG Action Sports World...

21:20 Fantasy Factory 22:10 Sports Jobs 23:00 Fight Girls

00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 04:45 05:15 Jones 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 Cases

THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW ON OSN MOVIES ACTION

A Haunting The Haunted Ghost Lab A Haunting Ghosthunters True Crime With Aphrodite Mystery Diagnosis Forensic Detectives CSU Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Fugitive Strike Force FBI Files On The Case With Paula Zahn Solved Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Fugitive Strike Force Forensic Detectives CSU FBI Files Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Ripped From The Headlines Deadly Women Autopsy: Most Shocking

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:15 12:15 14:30 16:45 19:00 22:00

Rage: Carrie 2-PG15 The General’s Daughter-18 I, Robot-PG15 Panic Room-PG15 The Core-PG15 Against The Ropes-PG15 Vertical Limit-PG15 Star Trek 10: Nemesis-PG15 Vertical Limit-PG15 The Thin Red Line-18 The Grudge 3-18

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 South Park 02:00 Saturday Night Live 03:00 Til Death 03:30 8 Simple Rules ...

04:00 South Park 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Will And Grace 06:00 Yes Dear 06:30 Family Biz 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Melissa And Joey 08:30 Dharma And Greg 09:00 Til Death 09:30 Will And Grace 10:00 Yes Dear 10:30 Melissa And Joey 11:00 Family Biz 11:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:30 Dharma And Greg 13:00 8 Simple Rules ...

13:30 Will And Grace 14:00 Yes Dear 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Melissa And Joey 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 Family Biz 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Rita Rocks 18:30 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 19:00 Seinfeld 19:30 Sons Of Tucson 20:00 Two And A Half Men 20:30 Cougar Town 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 Neighbors From Hell 22:30 That Mitchell And Webb Look 23:00 South Park 23:30 Two And A Half Men

01:00 Raising Cain-PG15 03:00 I, Robot-PG15 05:00 Juice-18 06:45 The Day After Tomorrow-PG 09:00 Heaven’s Fall-PG15 11:00 Bad Girls-PG15 13:00 The Italian Job (1969)-PG 15:00 Heaven’s Fall-PG15 17:00 The Blackout-PG15 19:00 The Haunting Of Molly Hartley-PG15 21:00 Talento De Barrio-PG15 23:00 Watchmen-18

00:00 02:15 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:15 PG15 20:00 22:00

Keeping The Faith-PG15 Fierce Creatures-PG15 Imagine That-PG Brassed Off-PG15 My One And Only-PG15 For Love Or Money-PG The Elder Son-PG15 Dirty Work-PG15 Keeping The Faith-PG15 Return To Sleepaway CampYear One-18 Just Buried-18

01:15 The Cable Guy-PG15 03:00 Last Chance Harvey-PG15 05:00 Surrogates-PG15 07:00 Elle: A Modern Day Cinderella Tale-PG15 09:00 Furry Vengeance-PG15 11:00 Phoebe In Wonderland-PG 13:00 12 Men Of Christmas-PG15 15:00 Michael Jackson’s This Is It-PG 17:00 Furry Vengeance-PG15 19:00 Couples Retreat-PG15 21:00 Nine-PG15 23:00 Brothers-18

00:00 Astro Boy-FAM 02:00 Tom And Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes-FAM 03:30 My Fair Madeline-FAM 05:30 Astro Boy-FAM 07:45 Groove Squad-FAM 10:00 Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins-FAM 12:00 Scooby-Doo! AbracadabraDoo-FAM 14:00 Dr. Dolittle-PG 16:00 Fly Me To The Moon-PG 18:00 G-Force-PG 20:00 Shorts-PG 22:00 Scooby-Doo! AbracadabraDoo-FAM

00:00 Taking Woodstock-18 02:00 Iron Man 2-PG15 04:15 Free Willy: Escape From Pirate’s Cove-FAM 06:00 Adventures Of A Teenage Dragonslayer-PG 08:00 Gasland-PG15 10:00 One Hot Summer-PG15 12:00 Iron Man 2-PG15 14:15 Post Grad-PG15 16:00 Post Grad-PG15 18:00 Easy Virtue-PG15 20:00 The Kid-18 22:00 The Joneses-PG15

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 13:00 20:00 20:30 21:00

Super League Super 15 Super 15 Live NRL Premiership Darts Live Test Cricket ICC Cricket World Futbol Mundial Live Darts UK Open

01:00 International Rugby 03:00 NRL Premiership 05:00 NRL Premiership

07:00 07:30 08:00 10:00 12:00 12:30 14:30 15:00 19:00 19:30 20:30

Mobil 1 The Grid ICC Cricket World Live NRL Premiership NRL Premiership Total Rugby International Rugby European Tour Weekly Live European PGA Tour Spirit of Yachting Trans World Sport European PGA Tour

00:00 04:00 07:00 09:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 19:00 22:00 23:00

UFC The Ultimate Fighter Live UFC The Ultimate Fighter WWE Vintage Collection WWE NXT WWE SmackDown V8 Supercars Championship V8 Supercars Extra Le Mans Series Live Darts UK Open UFC The Ultimate Fighter WWE Bottom Line WWE SmackDown

00:00 01:00 01:55 02:25 03:20 04:15 05:10 05:35 06:05 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 09:25 09:55 10:20 10:50 11:50 12:50 13:45 14:45 15:10 15:40 16:05 16:35 17:30 18:25 19:25 20:20 20:45 21:15 22:10 23:05

Homes With Style Fashion Avenue Big Boutique How Do I Look?

Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

Married Away Homes With Style Area Clean House Big Boutique Big Boutique Clean House Top 10 Top 10 Homes With Style Homes With Style Bridalplasty Bridalplasty How Do I Look?

Home Wars Clean House Comes Clean Clean House Comes Clean Top 10 Top 10 Giuliana & Bill Giuliana & Bill Jerseylicious How Do I Look?

Fashion Police Clean House Comes Clean Giuliana & Bill Ruby Bridalplasty

00:25 03:30 05:20 07:00 08:25 09:55 12:45 14:25 16:55 18:45 20:20 22:00

Doctor Zhivago Brotherly Love The Tunnel Of Love A Yank At Eton Crazy In Love Grand Prix On The Town Home From The Hill The Glass Bottom Boat Escape From Fort Bravo California Suite Wild Rovers

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

Inside The World Of Henry VIII America: The Story Of The Us Clash Of The Gods The French Revolution Cutty Sark: Out Of The Ashes Inside The World Of Henry VIII America: The Story Of The Us Clash Of The Gods The French Revolution Cutty Sark: Out Of The Ashes Inside The World Of Henry VIII America: The Story Of The Us Clash Of The Gods The French Revolution Cutty Sark: Out Of The Ashes Inside The World Of Henry VIII America: The Story Of The Us Clash Of The Gods Ancient Wonders The True Story Of Troy

Classifieds SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation available in Abbasiya near German Clinic for couples or bachelors, South Indians or Sri Lankans preferred, can stay from July 1st. Contact: 66529575.

(C 3416) 5-6-2011 Sharing or rent a fully furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, CA/C flat for 2 months July & August, specially for families on visit, nice location on main road in Khaitan.

Contact: 67797042 / 66674242.

(C 3411) Sharing accommodation available for families/two working ladies in a new building with two rooms and two toilets, behind United Indian School, Abbasiya from June 1st onwards. Please contact: 66772421 / 66552412.

(C 3412) Separate room available in Jleeb near Al-Baik Hotel, family or working ladies, with furnished, AC, fridge, landline, washing machine, satellite TFC and all facilities available.

Rent KD 50. Please contact: 97267254. (C 3413)

FOR SALE

Room available in CA/C flat with separate bathroom in Sharq near Mughal Mahal Restaurant for working ladies or small family from July 1st.

Contact: 99567689 / 55197093.

(C 3414)

For sale full house furniture, bedroom, children’s bedroom, sofa bed, living room, fridge, washing machine, dining table, curtains, TV. For more information call: 99495795.

(C 3406)

Room available in CA/C flat Farwaniya behind big Jamiya from June.

Contact: 66047295/65187883.

(C 3415) 4-6-2011 Sharing accommodation available for decent couples/ executive bachelors separate room/ toilet/ balcony, near UIS Abbasiya. Contact: 97208351.

(C 3405)

Brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab for sale, call for good price, made in Korea, 16 GB, BlackBerry Curve 3G. Contact: 94427488.

(C 3408) Laptop Acer Aspire, RAM 1GB, HD 160GB, DVDWriter, Bluetooth, wireless, Price KD 75 and PC Compaq Pentium4 with 15” LCD Neovo, Price KD 40. All in excellent condition. Call: 99322585. (C 3410) 2-6-2011

SITUATION VACANT Wanted house boy/ handy man for chalet, must speak English, preferably Filipino or Indian.

Contact: 55220650. (C 3409) 2-6-2011 SITUATION WANTED Indian male, B.Com, 25 years Gulf experience (Kuwait & UAE) in management, procurement, sales, seeks senior position, experience in oil filed materials, hard wares, power and hand tools, timber, steel, building materials etc.

Contact: 66889375.

(C 3417) 5-6-2011

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Airlines JA JZR THY ETH UAE DHX ETD FDB GFA QTR KAC FCX JZR KAC BAW KAC KAC IRA KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC UAE QTR ABY IRA ETD GFA IRC FCX MEA JZR JZR JZR RBG KAC MSR UAL RJA KAC FDB KAC SVA

Arrival Flights on Sunday 5/6/2011 Flt Route 642 AMMAN 267 BEIRUT 772 ISTANBUL 620 ADDIS ABABA 853 DUBAI 370 BAHRAIN 305 ABU DHABI 67 DUBAI 211 BAHRAIN 138 DOHA 544 CAIRO 201 DUBAI 555 ALEXANDRIA 412 MANILA / BANGKOK 157 LONDON 206 ISLAMABAD 382 DELHI 615 SHAHRE KORD 302 MUMBAI 332 TRIVANDRUM 53 DUBAI 678 MUSCAT / DUBAI 352 COCHIN 284 DHAKA 855 DUBAI 132 DOHA 125 SHARJAH 603 SHIRAZ 301 ABU DHABI 213 BAHRAIN 6801 AHWAZ 203 DUBAI 404 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 121 BAHRAIN 561 SOHAG 3553 ALEXANDRIA / SOHAG 672 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 640 AMMAN 774 RIYADH 57 DUBAI 562 AMMAN 500 JEDDAH

Time 0:05 0:35 1:15 1:45 2:25 2:55 2:55 3:10 3:15 3:20 4:40 5:25 6:10 6:15 6:30 7:15 7:20 7:35 7:50 7:55 7:55 8:00 8:05 8:10 8:25 9:00 9:10 9:25 9:30 9:35 10:15 10:30 10:55 11:10 11:15 12:30 12:55 13:15 13:20 13:30 13:35 13:40 13:50 14:20 14:30

KAC KAC JZR QTR ETD UAE GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY JZR JZR ALK KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC JAI SYR FDB OMA VOS MEA DHX KAC UAE KAC GFA QTR AFG UAL AIC JZR JZR JZR MSR DLH AXB JZR KLM BBC JZR PIA

788 746 257 134 303 857 215 510 777 239 127 213 177 227 166 542 618 786 614 674 102 572 341 61 647 81 402 372 512 859 172 217 136 405 981 981 135 787 185 612 636 389 539 447 45 481 205

JEDDAH ABU DHABI / DAMMAM BEIRUT DOHA ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH JEDDAH AMMAN SHARJAH DEIREZZOR / ALEPPO DUBAI COLOMBO / DUBAI PARIS / ROME CAIRO DOHA JEDDAH BAHRAIN DUBAI NEW YORK / LONDON MUMBAI DAMASCUS / ALEPPO DUBAI MUSCAT BAGHDAD BEIRUT BAHRAIN TEHRAN DUBAI FRANKFURT BAHRAIN DOHA KABUL / DUBAI BAHRAIN CHENNAI / AHMEDABAD BAHRAIN RIYADH DUBAI CAIRO FRANKFURT KOZHIKODE / MANGALORE CAIRO AMSTERDAM / BAHRAIN DHAKA / BAHRAIN SABIHA LAHORE

15:00 15:05 15:10 15:15 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:25 17:35 17:40 17:50 18:00 18:00 18:40 18:50 18:55 19:00 19:20 19:25 19:25 19:35 19:55 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:15 21:00 21:00 21:15 21:20 21:25 21:35 22:00 22:00 22:05 22:10 22:20 22:35 22:50 23:00 23:10 23:30 23:35 23:45 23:50 23:55

Departur AXB DLH AIC THY ETH UAE FDB DHX ETD QTR JZR JZR RJA GFA VOS JZR BAW IRA FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC JZR KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR ETD GFA KAC IRA JZR IRC FCX MEA KAC JZR JZR KAC KAC RBG JZR

Depurture Flights on Sunday 5/6/2011 Flt Route 394 COCHIN / KOZHIKODE 637 FRANKFURT 976 GOA / CHENNAI 773 ISTANBUL 620 BAHRAIN / ADDIS ABABA 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 371 BAHRAIN 306 ABU DHABI 139 DOHA 560 SOHAG 164 DUBAI 643 AMMAN 212 BAHRAIN 94 DUBAI / KANDAHAR 120 BAHRAIN 156 LONDON 614 SHAHRE KORD 54 DUBAI 171 FRANKFURT 671 DUBAI 745 DAMMAM / ABU DHABI 117 NEW YORK 256 BEIRUT 561 AMMAN 787 JEDDAH 856 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 133 DOHA 302 ABU DHABI 214 BAHRAIN 773 RIYADH 602 SHIRAZ 212 DEIREZZOR / ALEPPO 6802 AHWAZ 204 DUBAI 405 BEIRUT 541 CAIRO 776 JEDDAH 238 AMMAN 103 LONDON 785 JEDDAH 3554 ALEXANDRIA 176 DUBAI

Time 0:15 0:40 0:50 2:15 2:30 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 5:00 5:55 6:55 7:00 7:10 8:00 8:20 8:25 8:35 8:40 8:55 9:00 9:05 9:05 9:10 9:15 9:25 9:40 9:50 10:00 10:15 10:20 10:20 10:25 10:50 11:15 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:00 12:10 12:30 13:30 13:35 13:40

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

MSR RJA FDB UAL KAC KAC SVA JZR QTR KAC KAC JZR ETD UAE GFA ABY JZR SVA JZR JZR JZR ALK KAC KAC JAI FDB SYR KAC KAC OMA MEA KAC DHX UAE GFA FCX QTR KAC KAC JZR JZR JZR KAC UAL KAC MSR

611 641 58 982 673 617 503 480 135 613 511 538 304 858 216 128 184 511 786 204 134 228 283 361 571 62 342 343 351 648 403 543 373 860 218 102 137 301 205 502 554 530 411 981 415 613

CAIRO AMMAN DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI DOHA MEDINAH / JEDDAH SABIHA DOHA BAHRAIN TEHRAN CAIRO ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH DUBAI RIYADH RIYADH DAMASCUS BAHRAIN COLOMBO DHAKA COLOMBO MUMBAI DUBAI ALEPPO / DAMASCUS CHENNAI COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT CAIRO BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD LUXOR ALEXANDRIA ASSIUT BANGKOK / MANILA WASHINGTON DC DULLES KUALA LUMPUR / JAKARTA CAIRO

14:20 14:30 14:35 14:45 15:10 15:35 15:45 16:00 16:15 16:20 16:30 16:40 17:35 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:25 18:35 18:40 18:55 19:10 19:10 20:00 20:20 20:35 20:40 20:55 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:55 22:00 22:25 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:05 23:10 23:35 23:40 23:40 23:50 23:50

34

s ta rs CROSSWORD 339

CALVIN & HOBBES

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) Progressive people and idealistic groups or concepts play a more important role in your life now—a new cycle begins. There is a concern for something bigger than any one person—perhaps an interest in civic affairs or even some new recycling technique. You are very communicative, flexible, mental and other-oriented today. You will find many, particularly young people, listen to your ideas and advice. Your laser-like mind makes conversations fast-paced and illuminating. A ready wit and a great sense of humor create a rewarding day. You may have joined a self-help group or find yourself talking about a self-help book to a close friend this evening. Whatever the case, you have insight into your own emotions and drive. You can be a good mentor.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. A diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it).

4. A member of the Iroquoian people formerly living along the Mohawk River in New York state.

10. Of southern Europe.

13. (Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology.

14. A downhill race over a winding course defined by upright poles.

15. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar.

16. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle where driver sits.

17. (used to introduce a logical conclusion) From that fact or reason or as a result.

19. A wad of something chewable as tobacco.

21. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice.

22. An informal term for a father.

23. The branch of computer science that deal with writing computer programs that can solve problems creatively.

24. A public promotion of some product or service.

26. An indehiscent fruit derived from a single ovary having one or many seeds within a fleshy wall or pericarp.

30. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of the Old World.

34. A bag filled with sand.

37. The capital and largest city of Yemen.

39. Thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of the lateral columns and anterior horns of the spinal cord.

40. A period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event.

46. A coffee cake flavored with orange rind and raisins and almonds.

50. Small low-growing annual or perennial herbs of temperate and cool regions.

54. A steep rugged rock or cliff.

55. Tropical starchy tuberous root.

58. A small cake leavened with yeast.

59. Fast-growing herbaceous evergreen tree of South America having a broad trunk with high water content and dark green oval leaves.

60. An artistic form of nonverbal communication.

62. A conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures.

63. A male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917).

64. Not in a state of sleep.

65. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

DOWN 1. Joint capital (with Riyadh) of Saudi Arabia.

2. A genus of Indriidae.

3. Having nine hinged bands of bony plates.

4. A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that controls the degree of pigmentation in melanocytes.

5. Evergreen trees and shrubs having oily one-seeded fruits.

6. A bag used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women).

7. Genus of erect herbs of the Middle East having showy flowers.

8. Misery resulting from affliction.

9. A metric unit of length equal to 1000 meters (or 0.621371 miles).

10. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

11. Any of a number of fishes of the family Carangidae.

12. A metabolic acid found in yeast and liver cells.

18. A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people.

20. Polish filmmaker (born in 1929).

25. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

27. Alternatively, a member of the family Nymphaeaceae.

28. A former copper coin of Pakistan.

29. A state in midwestern United States.

31. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism.

32. A unit of length equal to one thousandth of an inch.

33. An associate degree in applied science.

35. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

36. American prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942).

38. A kind of person.

41. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

42. An aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect.

43. A member of a Turkic people of Chinese Turkestan and neighboring areas (formerly of Mongolia and eastern Turkestan).

44. A bluish-white lustrous metallic element.

45. English monk and scholar (672-735).

47. An ancient city in northern Portugal.

48. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

49. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man.

51. Weapons considered collectively.

52. An amino acid that is found in the central nervous system.

53. Related to or located at the back.

56. Common black-and-gray Eurasian bird noted for thievery.

57. A nucleic acid consisting of large molecules shaped like a double helix.

61. The branch of engineering science that studies the uses of electricity and the equipment for power generation and distribution and the control of machines and communication.

Yesterday’s Solution

Easy does it—this is one of those busy days. If you need to concentrate on a particular chore, it would be a good idea to suggest that others either help you or leave you alone to do your work. This way, you will not get as many interruptions—and who knows—someone might help you with your special chore or project. A family gathering may be planned for later this day, perhaps a picnic. Tonight could complete your little gathering with a nearby outdoor concert. A music festival or some other type of fun activity with lots of children and unique exhibits just gives everyone the perfect opportunity to get to know each other better. There are opportunities to teach young people a sense of sharing and support of each other.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Having and appreciating things of beauty and value plays a big role in your life at this time. Making the most of what you have, striving for security and stability: that’s the impulse that stirs in you now. You find yourself talking about investing and may even have a personal plan. Provided you do not spend all the budget on the fancy things that catch your eye, a shopping expedition can be a financially favorable one for you now. Circumstances may expand your appreciation and enjoyment of your life situation. Your system of values may deepen, providing you with a better sense of discrimination and good taste. A desire to purchase items or select colors is at a high now. Tonight you are inspired to write poetry.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

You are not bound by relationships and are thus not much of a domestic. You find it easy to work with other people and tend to pour a lot of energy into those around you. Foreign affairs may catch your attention.

Perhaps an investment you are thinking about is beginning to show quite an upswing in potential. You will find support from others when you turn your attention to health, food, nutrition and areas where service or attention to detail is in high focus. You may enjoy working with a group of people that have similar thinking or politics. With your powerful spirit, you enjoy your strong emotions and have an active social life. There are opportunities to show off your charming side this evening at an upscale social affair.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

ZITS

You are very much the creature of habit. The encircling network of friends and relationships are crucial to your success or lack thereof from time to time. You are nourished in great measure by the atmosphere and conditions you are able to set up. You may, however, tend to fluctuate between uninspired routine and crazy binges. For the next few days you may want to spend some time in organizing your thoughts and goals—making lists. Do not forget to walk around your home and make any necessary notes about updates. This is a good time to change the air filters, set out a soaker hose, clean vents, etc. Enjoy a bit of time away from work and responsibilities, perhaps by short trips to fun places this weekend.

Consider creating a butterfly garden.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) It is easy for you to express yourself to others—you always manage to make a good appearance. You have an easy manner and find it easy to communicate with just about anyone. You like beautiful surroundings, everything that is calm, tasteful and harmonious. You may be planning a water garden for those hot summer days—maybe a few goldfish. This afternoon you will find yourself involved in several fun conversations with those you love. You are very giving, conciliatory and even flattering in relationships, able to adjust to any situation. Budget restraints are definitely needed so that some item you want in the future will become more attainable. Suggestions by young members in the family will give you new ideas.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

You like to keep your conversations and thinking to stay somewhere near the surface today. This is a day of rest and deep problem-solving conversations are certainly not on your to-do list. You can create new subjects easily with all the interests that you enjoy. You will enjoy your friends today—you love to interact with them. There may be an occasion to teach someone how to write music or to put one of your poems to music. You appreciate change, variety and making local connections—there may be an open house or opening day for some business. You have many avenues to explore this weekend and many positive things to accomplish. You are more attractive than usual. Your intimacy with a person you love will go beyond the usual.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Circumstances may press you and tend to bring out the rebel in you. A little bicycle ride or just a change of scenery for a short while will help to bring your emotions back in balance. Self-control is the accepted and admired behavior. Circumstances should work together today to bring out your ideals—making it easier to make your dreams real. You are very original when it comes to home and surroundings—the environment you build around you. This could also manifest today in new ideas for unusual ways of supporting yourself in the future. Get outside and be with friends this afternoon—enjoy a breath of fresh air!

This evening, literature is on your mind. That book you want to write or read may hold your attention.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) There are changes around your household that may not be the most pleasant for you. Change would be easier if you could have more control. However, if you are paying for these changes, you have the power! This doesn’t mean you could be bossy, but it does mean you could become more involved with the price, color, style, etc. If you do not care about any of these, the changes will probably stay. Progressive people and idealistic groups or concepts play an important role in your life. This may be a special day when you have been looking forward to a trip to a museum, art show or the opening night of a play where a family member is performing. You enjoy a bit of culture from time to time and this experience is special.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Everything points to your taking the lead in today’s activities. You could feel great support from those around you. You feel healthy and natural. You will find that today is packed full of communication with friends, especially those you may not have seen in some time. Perhaps it is time for a reunion.

Practical and effective ideas are the ones that make the most sense—putting them to good use is a focus for you. Material things are foremost on your mind in many respects: an emphasis on the real rather than the ideal. This is the time you may decide to install a porch instead of a deck. Now when company comes, there will be a place to put them. If it is a porch with wide windows, you will enjoy sitting out there for meditations.

Yesterday’s Solution Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You may find yourself awake at an early hour this morning. You could be helping someone move or driving someone to the airport. Whatever the case, you are available to help. Sympathy and understanding are emotional qualities that take on a greater importance now. Even though it is the top of the morning when you help this friend, you are reflective and may be a mirror for their focus. You are equality-minded and easy to talk with—a good mediator as well.

As a sociable and slightly frivolous orientation sets in this afternoon, you may find yourself planning a neighborhood get-together. There is time to relax with a friend— perhaps a massage or leisure time in a pool. You are driven to excel in any form of physical or creative expression today.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

You are good at relations regarding politics, diplomacy and sales— not to mention considerate and helpful. This is a good day for you to deal in sales or presentations. You have an inner urge to be all things to all people and would rather bend than argue. You will be helping a friend today because you are willing to listen and not criticize. You are a natural diplomat, always concerned with the comfort and welfare of others. You stay in the background, but are able to manipulate and bring out cooperation in others every time. A real estate profession is something you might seriously consider. This is a day you should enjoy—relax.

With your strong drive to do and accomplish, every bit of relaxation you get will be beneficial.

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FIRE BRIGADE

STATE ST TATE T OF KUW K KUWAIT WA AIT

Tel.: T el.: 161 e

DIRECTORA DIRECTORATE AT TE GENE GENERAL ERAL OF CIVIL A AVIATION V VIA AT TION METEOROLOGICAL DEP D DEPARTMENT PA ARTMENT

112

DA AY: Y Saturday DAY:

WWW .MET.GOV V..KW W WWW.MET.GOV.KW

Issue T ime Time

Hot wi with ith moderate to fresh north westerly w wind, with speed off 20 - 45 km/h causing raising g dust

BY Y DA DAY: AY:

Relatively moderate Relativ vely hot with light to modera ate north westerly wind, with h speed of 15 - 38 km/h

NIGHT:: BY Y NIGHT

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128

No Current Warnings Warnin a gs

WARNING W A ARNING STATION ST TATION T

MAX. EXP EXP. P.

MIN.. REC.

KUW WA AIT CITY KUWAIT

42 °C

31 °C

24812000

KUW WA AIT AIRPORT AIRPOR RT KUWAIT

43 °C

31 °C

Amiri Hospital

22450005

NUW WA AISEEB NUWAISEEB

42 °C C

30 °C C

Maternity Hospital

24843100

WAFRA A WAFRA

44 °C

30 °C

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

SALMI

43 °C

27 °C

Chest Hospital

24849400

ABDAL LY ABDALY

45 °C

28 °C

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

ALIY YA AH JAL ALIYAH

43 °C

28 °C

Adan Hospital

23940620

FAILAKA A FAILAKA

41 °C

29 °C

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

POR RT AHMADI PORT

39 °C

33 °C

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

M UMM AL-MARADEM

24874330/9

37 °C

31 °C

Physiotherapy Hospital

WARBA A A - BUBYAN BUBY YA AN WARBA

43 °C

29 °C

Hospitals

Clinics 4732263

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

07:00

Expected Weather Weather for the Next 24 4 Hours

website: www.moi.gov.kw

Rabiya

Ext.: 2627 262 27 - 2630

Fax: 24348714

04/06/2011 04/06/201 1

Ministry of Interior

Sabah Hospital

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

SFC. CHAR CHART T

04/06/201 1 0000 UTC 04/06/2011

Temperatures Temperratures DATE DA AT TE

WEA WEATHER AT THER

Sunday

05/06

du ust hot + raising dust

44 °C

31 °C

NW

20 - 45 km/h

Monday

06/06

hot

44 °C

32 °C

NE-SE

10 - 32 km/h

24849807

Tuesday Tuesday

07/06

very hot

46 °C

33 °C

VRB-SE

12 - 32 km/h

Shamiya

24848913

Weednesday Wednesday

08/06

very hot

47 °C

33 °C

N-NE

12 - 32 km/h

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Fajr

03:14

MAX. MA AX. Temp.

Temp.

42 °C

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Sunrise S i

04 48 04:48

MIN. Temp.

MI IN T IN. emp.

32 °C

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Zuhr

11:46 11:46

MAX. RH M

24 %

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Asr

15:21

MIN. RH M

07 %

Dasmah

22532265

Sunset

18:44

MAX. Wind MA AX. W ind

N 57 km/h

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Isha

20:15

TOTAL RAINFALL T OT TA AL L RAI INF 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

22418714

Al-Shohada’a

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Fayhaa

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Al-Jahra

25610011

Al-Salmiya

25616368

POLICE STATION

4 DA DAYS AY YS FORECAST DAY DA AY

Al-Madena

MAX.

PRAYER PR RA AY YER TIMES

Wind Wind Speed

Wind Wind Direction Direction

MIN.

RECORDED D YESTERDAY YESTERDA AY AT AT KUW KUWAIT WA AIT T AIRPORT AIRPORT

un nless otherwise stated.

All times are local time unless

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

04/06/1 1 02:55 UTC 04/06/11

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

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

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)

25655535

Dentists Dr Anil Thomas

3729596/3729581 22641071/2

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

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

General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

Neurologists

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil

22639939

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Mousa Khadada

22666300

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

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. Naif Al-Mutawa, Ph.D. 2290-1677 Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg, M.A. 2290-1677

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

Endocrinologist Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22666288

Rheumatologists: 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

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SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

lifestyle

Britney Spears G O S S I P

being sued

for $10 million counsel in an attempt to cooperate and find a mutually agreeable date for the deposition.” Though Britney’s lawyers state the star cannot appear in a deposition because someone else has control of her affairs, Brand Sense insist they want her to do so as she signed the original paperwork. Their documents state: “Ms. Spears is competent to testify, and she is the key witness in this case. She has direct knowledge of the operative agreement at the heart of this dispute and has signed each of them.”

The company argue that the ongoing attempts for a deposition are causing their legal bills to increase and are seeking “sanctions in the amount of $4,500 which represents their reasonable attorney’s fees.” A hearing is set for July 11, when a judge will decide if Britney has to appear for the deposition.

Eva Mendes

thinks turning down roles made her successful

Diaz believes marriage means missing out on ‘possibilities’

T

he 38-year-old actress - who is rumored to have split from her boyfriend, baseball star Alex ‘ARod’ Rodriguez - insists the institution has never been important to her because she thinks settling down can lead to too many restrictions in the future. She said: “Marriage hasn’t been important to me. I believe we are with who we’re supposed to be when we’re supposed to be with them. If I try and lock something down, I miss out on all the possibilities of what it could be.” The blonde beauty also insisted she never plans ahead, except to strive to make progress in her life in some way. Asked about her future, she told Britain’s Cosmopolitan magazine: “There’s no

destination. All I can say is that I’m in a constant forward motion. “You get better as you age. You know what you want, and you become stronger, mentally and physically. Things have happened recently that have pushed me to grow. My father died, and going through that made me think about how I want to live my life.” One area of her future in which Cameron is uncertain is the prospect of having a family, admitting she is unsure whether having children is the right thing for her. She admitted: “You can’t have a child just because you think it’s something you’re supposed to do. It doesn’t make sense for everyone. It’s not an absolute for me .”

T

he 37-year-old actress has learned that it is important not to say yes to every script that comes her away and only work on projects that she “falls in love” with. She said: “I think that what can make a career is the stuff you say no to. A couple of years ago, I made a decision to only do things I was really in love with, whereas before I just did things that seemed right for my career - a big part, a good move. “I’ve been in the industry for 10 years now, so I’m at a nice place where people know me and I don’t have to make financially-motivated decisions anymore. It’s empowering to be able to choose.” Eva isn’t happy with all of the choices she has made in her career, but tries not to worry too much about them. She said: “There have been films I’ve done that I’m not proud of, but who knows what’s held me back or not. I don’t sit and dissect that.” The brunette beauty - who has a supporting role opposite Sam Worthington and Keira Knightley in new movie ‘Last Night’ - also insisted she is not overly concerned about playing the lead in her movies. She said: “I think those days have gone where you play the lead and only the lead.

“For me, it’s about the people I’m working with. It would bother me to pass something up for such an empty reason.”

T

he ‘Machete’ actress - who is under house arrest until June 29 in Venice Beach, California, while she serves a sentence for violating her probation and theft of a necklace - is confined to her home and monitored by electronic tag on her ankle, but is still allowed visitors. Last night, to mark a week having passed since the sentence began, a group of friends came over carrying their overnight bags and were greeted by Lindsay’s sister, Ali, who showed them in. Aside from her low-key party, the ‘Mean Girls’ star has been spending plenty of time reflecting on her position while she is confined to her home.

Her publicist, Steve Honig tells RadarOnline.com: “Lindsay is spending some much needed time by herself, reading, cooking and watching movies, as well as talking with her representatives about future projects.

“She is also receiving occasional visits from family and close friends.”

However, there has been one disturbance since she has been fitted with the electronic tag, with it going off on Monday due to a malfunction. Lindsay’s lawyer explained: “The electronic monitoring system went off on Monday. When a representative from the monitoring company went to her home, the representative found Lindsay there. The equipment was replaced the following day.” Lindsay was sentenced to three years probation, serve 120 days in jail and complete 480 hours of community service after taking a necklace from an upmarket Los Angeles boutique and breaching the terms of her 2007 probation. She is next scheduled to appear in gangster film ‘Gotti’, which will start shooting in a few months.

Jolie isn’t discussing having more children

T

he brunette beauty - who raises adopted kids Maddox, nine, Pax, seven, and Zahara, six, and biological children Shiloh, five, and two-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne with the actor - insists she has no plans to expand her family further, but knows this could change if she gets a sudden urge in the future. She said: “We’re always open if it feels right, but we have a full house and at the moment, nothing has come clear to us. “It’s the same, I suppose, as when somebody decides to get pregnant, there’s just a moment where something becomes clear to you and, at the moment, that’s not what we’re discussing.” The ‘Kung Fu Panda 2’ star also admitted she has learned not to worry about her life so long as her children are happy and healthy. She added: “I don’t know if I have found peace. But, especially when you have children, you wake up every morning and, if they are happy and they are healthy, then you have peace. ”You know that’s all you should be worried about. “Then from there you work on all these other things that bother you and you try to fix injustices and the bigger issues in the world. But you kind of start from one simple thing to be grateful for.”

Rihanna once helped to the toilet by Chipmunk

T

he ‘Chip Diddy Chip’ hitmaker - whose real name is Jahmaal Noel Fyffe - met the “real hottie” singer in a club and helped her avoid a crowd because he is a “gentleman” - and was thrilled when she knew who he was. He said: “Rihanna is a real hottie. I bumped into her in a club when she was having difficulty getting to the toilet because of all the people there. “So I was a gentleman and helped her get past, not because it was Rihanna, but because I like to have good manners. “As she went by, she looked up and said, ‘Chipmunk!’ It was pretty cool that she knew me and she was proper nice. I like the long, red hair, though she’s even better with it short.” Earlier this year, the 20-year-old rapper praised Rihanna’s exboyfriend Chris Brown - who was convicted of assaulting the singer in 2009 - for his work on their ‘Champion’. He said: “It’s from the heart, it’s a true story. I felt every single word and Chris meant every single word. I didn’t want it to feel like I was just moaning about life. I wanted to uplift the people so I knew it needed something. It needed belting out. “ That’s when I thought of Chris Brown.

Nobody else is going to sing this better than him.”

Lohan held a slumber party at her house

T

he ‘Toxic’ hitmaker and her father Jamie Spears - who is co-conservator of the star’s estate - is the subject of legal action by licensing firm Brand Sense Partners, who allege breach of contract and are claiming they have stopped receiving the 35 per cent commission that was agreed as part of their deal to launch Britney’s fragrance line. The company have filed a request with Los Angeles Superior Court asking for the singer to be ordered to appear for a deposition in relation to the suit, as they say repeated attempts have been blocked because of her conservatorship. According to documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Britney was given notice to appear for a deposition on April 29 but couldn’t make it, which sparked lawyers on both sides exchanging “over a dozen emails and phone calls

Heidi Klum will

strip off for ‘Project Runway’ T

he 38-year-old beauty has agreed to bare all in the promotional campaign for the upcoming ninth series of the TV competition, which she has hosted since 2004. Lifetime T V president and general manager Nancu Dubic - who stepped in a year ago to revamp the channel’s reputation - said she chose the naked image of Heidi

realising that she didn’t need to look any further for a “brazen, strong, confident and sexy” model who embodied the channel’s new values. She said: “It’s Heidi Klum!”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Heidi posed for the pictures last week but has not yet signed off on the final images to be used.

This is not the first time Heidi - who raises

four children with husband Seal - will have stripped in public. She appeared on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres’ show in 2009 whilst pregnant with her fourth child to charity auction the Temperley dress she was wearing - and removed it whilst she was still on the set.

Heidi said: “I’ll give you it anytime. You want it right now? OK.”

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

lifestyle Fa s h i o n

Models wear creations

by Giulia Borges during the Fashion Rio Summer 2012 collection in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday.—AP

A model wears a creation by New Order.—AP

S

A creation by Giulia Borges.—AP

For all your summer essentials step into Max this summer!

ummer is finally here and Max has everything you need for the sunny days and warm nights. Our palette for the season is bright colors mixed with soft earthy tones and lots of shades of denim.

This line is fresh & bright and is full of great holiday essentials. From linen trousers to denim shorts that can be worn with summer tee s to halter tops.

Our most exciting look is our Boho-festival look, influenced by the 70 ‘s. The look is all about mixing lots of denim with paisley & floral prints. Another great look is the Tropical floral story. We have bright floral prints on Maxi dresses, skirts & tops. The key to this look is bright colors, yellows, hot pinks, coral & turquoise, mixed with lots of white.

We have lovely summer tops in bright colors which are great worn with white skirts & pants.

This summer at MAX, find the coolest menswear styles at the most unbeatable prices. Our line of holiday essentials includes all the must haves for that perfect holiday wardrobe. Choose from our wide array of graphic surf tees, summer polos, bright plaids and surf shorts.

It’s all about color this season!

Classic white, beige, khaki, olive, grey melange and brown are contrasted against bright yellow, blue

and coral. T-shirts are a key summer staple and Max is the place to go to find that perfect tee! Check out our graphic print tees in surf, rock and varsity themes. Our Polo tee range has never been more extensive, and you can choose from solid polos in bright colors, to yarn dyed polos in interesting stripes and color combinations!

Plaid shirts are a mainstay this summer and we offer you a range of washed shirts that spell instant summer cool! Our washed solid shirts in classic and fashion colors feature several styling details, prints and badges. Team these with our plaid shorts or denims for a relaxed yet fashionable look. Max is also your one stop destination for linen blended shirts and trousers this summer! Also, check out our wide range of summer shorts in different colors and washes! Denims come in a variety of washes this season, ranging from icy blues, to mid blues through to classic indigos. Grey and charcoal tints are also seen. revival.

Get your boys summer wardrobe at Max today with our extensive range of collections to suit any age.

We have the perfect shorts and tshirts combo s to see your boy through the season. It’s also easy to grab all your must-buy holiday essentials that are perfect for the

beach as well as your brilliant basics. Style and great value on our surf, nautical and racing inspired collections, make it so convenient to put together coordinating looks.

For this summer; check out our Girls collection, that is packed with perfect fashion items for the summer months. We have a variety of pretty beach styles that include lovely tunics that can be perfectly teamed up with leggings and denims in a variety of washes. We also have a large selection of denims with great value additions like on trend belts and charms. Color blocking is also key to these season and we have a vast selection of sundresses to give that cool summer feel, that are also available in an array of gorgeous prints.

There’s a wide variety of apparel to choose from to beat the heat; so do visit any of the stores located at Al Ral, Salmiya, Hawally, Fahaheel, Khaitan, Jahra and The Avenues to discover more!

Model wears a creation by Giulia Borges.—AP

A

fter decades of occupying one of the most stable corners of the music business, performance rights organizations (PRO) are starting to face uncertainty and competitive challenges. EMI Music Publishing announced in May that it plans to issue bundled mechanical and performances licenses directly to online services for its EMI April Music catalog, assuming responsibility for functions previously handled by ASCAP. It’s a move that other leading music publishers are expected to make.

Greater interest in direct digital licensing among publishers, efforts to establish Pan-European licensing and the creation of a global repertoire database are reshaping the landscape being navigated by ASCAP and its fellow US performing rights organizations BMI and SESAC. ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento says that decisions by clients to take charge of some digital licensing won’t threaten the PRO’s business. He points out that EMI’s move only affects online music users who aren’t currently licensed or do not have licenses in effect with ASCAP and excludes broadcast or broadcast digital rights, cable, satellite and all other offline media. Moreover, he notes that the online dollars represented by EMI’s decision could amount to less than one percent of ASCAP’s total annual revenue.

“We see the efficiency of licensing in bundles,” LoFrumento says. “We feel very strongly that is something that will

be the next step in this business environment. This will result in a new business model over the next few years.” US PROs continue to enjoy relative financial stability. For instance, ASCAP’s annual revenue fell 6% in 2010 to $935 million, but that was down from a record-high $995 million in the prior year. Still, moves toward direct licensing could potentially erode PRO revenue.

But Richard Conlon, BMI senior VP of corporate strategy, communications and new media, says the PROs will weather these challenges, though he acknowledges that the business is in flux.

“The core construct of BMI will be very different in five or 10 years as we start to virtualize and as the dynamics of the global footprints start to change the global nature of copyright,” Conlon says. In a statement, SESAC president/COO Pat Collins says that PROs have already contended with technological changes for years.

“More music is being consumed today than ever before,” Collins says, adding that the Internet has “brought efficiencies to the tracking, identifying and payment processes that were unthinkable 10 years ago. These developing technological advances will allow SESAC to achieve even more robust licensing on behalf of the copyright owner, thus increasing royalty distributions.”

In a trend that’s bound to be discussed again at the World Copyright

Summit in Brussels June 6-8, publishers and collection societies across the Atlantic are contending with a shift to Pan-European licensing.

To meet a mandate by the European Commission to provide one-stop licensing for digital music providers that want to do business in multiple European countries, Universal Music Publishing Group and Sony/ATV Music Publishing have each formed a joint venture vehicle with a European collection society to handle all of their Anglo-American repertoire, while EMI has formed a JV with two societies.

Warner/Chappell Music’s PanEuropean Digital Licensing initiative is working with seven European societies so far to provide digital music users a choice of which society they want to work with. Each time one of these vehicles handles licensing for a digital music service, it eliminates opportunities previously handled by each country’s own collection society.

Moreover, some industry observers suggest that the Pan-European licensing vehicles concept could soon evolve into global licensing mechanisms for the digital marketplace.

As they establish bundled, all-in digital licensing for both mechanical and performance rights, publishers must be careful not to undermine standard royalty rates, Conlon says. “When bundling you are doing so to make it easier to license, but you have to make sure not to squeeze out some value.” —Reuters

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

lifestyle

Piaf biography invites new look at French icon A

A visitor looks at an art installation by Bangladeshi artist Tayeba Begum Lipi inside the Bangladesh’s pavilion during the 54th International Art Exhibition in Venice on Friday. —AFP

A feast for the senses on the Venice lagoon A

n array of sometimes disconcerting sights and sounds went on public display yesterday on the shores of the Venice lagoon for the Biennale contemporary art festival. “ This is completely amazing!” exclaimed Edouard Duval-Carrie, an artist from Haiti, the earthquake-struck Caribbean island, which is taking part in the famous Biennale for the first time with its own national pavilion. “In Haiti, misery predominates. Sometimes we have to break that because our country is more complex than any other country.

There is also art, culture. It’s important for our pride,” the artist told AFP. His painting-a skeleton in a silver suit against the backdrop of a luxuriant forest-sits alongside equally macabre works by 14 Haitian artists for an exhibit entitled “Haiti: Kingdom of this World.”

Nearby is the Italian pavilion where artists appear to have gone out of their way to provoke the visitor-like Felipe Cardena, who is exhibiting flowery portraits of Barack Obama, Osama bin Laden and Muammar Gaddafi.

In the garden, two artists-a man and a

Visitors look at an art installation by US artists Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla inside the US pavilion during the 54th International Art Exhibition in Venice on Friday. —AFP

Visitors look at art installation by Iraqi artist Azad Nanakeli inside the Iraqi pavillion during the 54th International Art Exhibition in Venice on Friday.—AFP

woman-sit naked on plastic thrones and invite visitors to touch them. “Art has become a hospital to which only the doctors and patients’ relatives have access,” said Vittorio Sgarbi, an Italian art critic and the curator of the pavilion, referring to the isolation of art critics and artists.

The art world is like “a giant sanatorium cut off from the world,” he said. “ That’s why I asked some people I admire to pick out the artist, the painter, the photographer, the ceramic artist, the designer, the videographer that they considered most interesting at this start of a millennium,” he added. French artist

Singer

Adele

cancels US tour to heal throat

G

rammy-winning British singer Adele said Friday she has canceled the rest of a north American tour to recover from laryngitis. She had already postponed five shows under doctor’s orders, but while resting in Los Angeles she saw a specialist “who determined it was imperative that she take the next few weeks to recover with absolute voice rest.”

The 23-year-old, known for powerful love songs including “Someone Like You,” had been due to resume the soldout tour in San Francisco, but has now canceled the remaining nine dates. “I’m really frustrated. I was hoping with a weeks rest I’d be better to sing again straight away.

However, there is absolutely nothing I can do but take the doctors advice and rest some more,” she said in a statement on her website.

“I’m so sorry. See you soon, love Adele.” Adele said plans to reschedule the canceled dates were being considered, and more information would be given when available. —AFP

Christian Boltanski is the star over at the French pavilion with an installation that includes a long ribbon with hundreds of photos of babies turning round amid a mechanical forest similar to a printing press. Every now and then a bell rings out and the ribbon stops on one of the babies, whose image is then projected onto a screen. Boltanski defines his work as “a sort of giant tombola for the manufacturing of babies.” “We are all the fruit of chance. If your parents had made love three seconds earlier, you wouldn’t be here,” smiled Boltanski in an interview, as he sat in the shade of a pine tree in the Giardini della Biennale. —AFP

International film festival opens in Transylvania

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he Transylvania International Film Festival (TIFF), plans to screen 220 movies including 3D productions

by German Wim Wenders and Werner Herzog and a whole section for horror movie buffs, organizers said. The city of Cluj in the heart of Transylvania will present out of competition sections, including “No limit”, dedicated to films that present “true challenges for audience and actors alike” and “Shadows”, for horror and fantasy movies, they said.

The 10th edition of the festival which opened Friday will also screen “Diversity day”, presenting films about the Roma minority and the Jewish and Roma deportations in the World War II. For the first time, TIFF also opens its door to the 3D, with the films “Pina”, by Wenders, a tribute to choreographer Pina Bausch and the “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” by Herzog. TIFF also honours British actors Jacqueline Bisset for her contribution to the world cinematography and Michael York for his entire career.

Workshops and open-air screenings are also on the festival’s agenda, organizers expecting over 60,000 spectators, many from abroad. —AFP

new book about legendary French singer Edith Piaf reveals much about her life before stardom, including her yearnings for poetry and philosophy as a young girl working to overcome her tough upbringing. Writer Carolyn Burke said her biography “No Regrets-The Life of Edith Piaf ” delves deeply into the early Australian-born writer life of the “Little Carolyn Burke displays Sparrow”, and invites her new book ‘No a reassessment of one Regrets: Edith Piaf’ at the of the most famous Sydney Writers’ Festival singers of the 20th on May 20, 2011. A new book about legendary century.

“We get the young French singer Edith Piaf Piaf that we didn’t reveals much about her necessarily k now life before stardom.—AFP about even if we heard her sing,” Australian-born Burke told AFP at the Sydney Writers’ Festival this month. Burke’s book is among the first to draw on more than 100 letters written by a young Piaf to one of her mentors, the scholarly Jacques Bourgeat, held in the Bibliotheque Nationale de France and only recently released to scrutiny.

“Those letters reveal aspects of Edith Piaf that we couldn’t have known about,” Burke explained. “You see her desire for an education, to better herself. We learn about her emotional and spiritual development even, because she had a strong wish... to not only study poetry but philosophy.” Burke said the letters reveal a tenderness between Piaf and the middle-aged, poetry-writing Bourgeat who instructed the young woman with scant education after a hand-to-mouth existence on what to read and how to improve her French.

“So the next thing she’s reading Baudelaire, she’s reading Rimbaud, she’s reading Plato. It’s so moving to find out about this,” she explained.”I was sitting there reading Edith Piaf’s handwriting, seeing her mistakes in spelling and grammar and she says things to him like, ‘I’m making progress aren’t I? Is this a better letter?’ He’s trying to help her learn proper French. It’s so important to know that.”The unlikely pair, who were not lovers, corresponded for the next 25 years and Burke believes the letters provide “the very best source for a deeper look at who she was and how she developed.”

Piaf began writing lyrics shortly after meeting Bourgeat at a Paris nightclub, and Burke believes it was in part with his help that she acquired enough confidence and experience with the language to become a lyricist. “As a woman who had no education, no background, nothing ... her family wasn’t even working class, they were the lowest of the low... how she managed to do what she did with such generosity to others... it’s fascinating to me.”

Almost 50 years after her death, aged 47, Piaf remains a formidable cultural influence-inspiring singers as diverse as Martha Wainwright and Lady Gaga-and has a devoted fan following around the world. Burke’s research led her to some of these fans, the collectors of Piaf items such as one of her signature black dresses, old recorded versions of her songs and home movies taken by members of her entourage.

She understands their passion, having been struck by the beauty of the language and power of Piaf ’s voice when she first heard her sing on the radio as a student in Paris. The result is a biography which has been criticised as too kind to Piaf-known for her many lovers, her associations with the gangster class, and her reliance on painkillers in later years. Burke said her book was no “whitewash” but it was time for a kinder judgement on the woman who held listeners spellbound with the haunting voice she carried within her diminutive frame.

“The problem is people have lots of stereotypes in their minds about who entertainers are and in particular Piaf. People think, ‘Oh, we know who that was-poor self-destructive waif’,” she said. “And my book goes completely in another direction which shows how creative she was and how much she shaped her own repertoire and legend. So I am offering a different look at her life.”

Burke draws on Piaf’s experiences in World War II, how she helped shelter Jewish friends, assisted in a daring prisoner escape plan and sang songs written

by Jewish writers contrary to German orders. At times her life reads as invention-her father was a travelling contortionist, her mother a singer who left her as a toddler and became a drug addict, and her early childhood included time living in her father’s family’s brothel.

Burke said that much written about Piaf is exaggerated or even malicious.”For instance the business with the drugs, those were all prescription drugs that she took to manage her horrible chronic pain,” she said. “The pain that resulted from several car accidents. What she took was prescribed by doctors so that she could go on singing.” Burke wants to remind the world, and France, that Piaf was an entertainer who displayed enormous creativity, courage and resilience despite her difficulties and personal sorrows.

“I mention that she was tyrannical and that she made her entourage do things exactly the way she wanted. They had to eat the same meal every night for a week if that’s what she wanted. And they had to get up at 4.00 am if she rang.

“But it’s true that I wanted to take a different perspective to show her rather admirable traits I think because they have been underplayed. “There may be time for a new look at Piaf in France. And wouldn’t that be good if an Australian could do it?”— AFP

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

lifestyle

Rock radio continues to thrive despite shrinking ratings D

20 years later, ‘Lambada’ still inspiring hits

espite shrinking ratings and a loss of stations, rock and alternative stations continue to thrive in about one-third of the top 35 markets, including Los Angeles, Houston and Philadelphia.

Most have decades in the format, deeply entrenched market positions and a full staff of live and local personalities, including a market-leading morning show with a larger audience than the rest of the station’s programs.

Case in point: Greater Media’s WMMR Philadelphia. No. 1 among listeners aged 18-34 and No. 3 in 25-54 in Arbitron’s latest

monthly ratings, the 43-year-old active rocker has the city’s top-rated personality morning show (“Preston & Steve”), an iconic midday personality (Pierre Robert), an afternoon host connected with the local music scene (Jaxon) and a night jock who serves as the voice of the NBA’s 76ers and is wired into Philly’s other major sports franchises (Matt Cord).

“Personalities are the difference maker between us and Pandora or Spotify,” WMMR PD Bill Weston says. “Having voices that help the audience identify with the community where they live and try to make

“L

ambada” by French group Kaoma became a worldwide smash in 1990, reaching No. 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Hot Latin Songs chart for seven straight weeks. The song’s ascent was aided by the lambada dance craze that preceded the song’s release, as well as two cheesy 1990 movies — “Lambada” and “The Forbidden Dance”-that sought to capitalize on the popularity of the Brazilian dance style.

Fast-forward 20 years and the sounds of “Lambada” are back with not one but three charting songs featuring the melody of the 1990 hit. First up was Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina’s soulful dance track “Stereo Love,” which entered the Hot 100 last October at No 92 and peaked in January at No. 16, spending 28 weeks on the chart. Then there’s Don Omar’s “Taboo,” a Portuguese/Spanish version of the original that peaked at No. 9 on Hot Latin Songs in May. Finally, there is Jennifer Lopez’s hit “On the Floor,” featuring Pitbull, which sports the melodic hook of “Lambada,” with Lopez singing new English lyrics to the original melody. The track peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100 in May and has generated US digital track sales of 2 million, according to Nielsen SoundScan. “Good music revives every so often,” says Rogelio Alfonso, PD for Miami’s Clear Channel-owned WMGE (Mega 94.9), which plays all three tracks, as do several other Miami stations, including top 40 WHYI (Y-100). “Plus, danceable Brazilian music is super catchy.”

And as it turns out, Kaoma’s “Lambada” wasn’t the first recording of the song. The original version is “Llorando se Fue,” written and performed by Bolivian folk group Kjarkas, which used an Andean flute instead of an accordion. Kaoma took credit for the composition and gave it Portuguese lyrics and the beat and instrumentation of the lambada, an urban Brazilian rhythm known for its sensual, hip-to-hip grinding dance. When the song became a smash, the original writers, brothers Gonzalo and Ulises Hermosa, successfully sued for a share of the royalties.

Today, all versions of the song, including Omar’s and Lopez’s, cite the brothers as the writers of the song, although the roster of co-writers of “On the Floor” includes Pitbull and RedOne, while “Taboo” includes Omar. As for Maya’s “Stereo Love,” it doesn’t quote the trademark lambada accordion hook; writers changed the note sequence just enough so that it would evoke the melody rather than replicate it.

The success of “Stereo Love” was surprising, says Patrick Moxey, president of Ultra Records, which released the track in North America. “Working a record with an accordion hook into all these different formats and sell [20,000] copies? That doesn’t happen very often.” The danceable yet melancholic accordion hook of “Lambada” has proved to be timeless. In the original Kaoma video, the protagonists were two children-a blond girl and a black boy, both around 10 — who escape their parents’ watchful eyes to dance. Twenty years later, Omar’s video for “Taboo” continues the story, borrowing images from the original clip and hinting that he’s the boy, all grown up. For those who ever danced to this track, it’s a powerful image. —AP

them care about music as they get older is vitally important.”

While Metallica, Pearl Jam and AC/DC remain core acts, WMMR and other successful rock stations are also cherry-picking songs from Billboard’s Alternative chart, such as the Black Keys and Cage the Elephant, while playing more mainstream, classic and pop rock.

Like top 40, rock programmers have found that a broader musical palette plays better in the top 48 markets measured by Arbitron’s Portable People Meter electronic ratings system. —AP

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II arrives on Derby Day at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Epsom, England yesterday.

(Below) Racegoers enjoy a spot of lunch ahead of the day’s horse racing during the second day of the Epsom Derby Festival, in Surrey, southern England yesterday.—AFP

MTV reinvents itself again, with new generation

O

ver the years, one of the last things a viewer would on the youth-obsessed MTV was a parent. Now moms and dads are not unusual sights, even on the twin totems to wild behavior and its consequences “Jersey Shore” and “Teen Mom,” which are key to the network’s latest resurgence. Many young viewers targeted by MTV have no problem with parents being an active part of their lives, even during rebellious years, and expect their presence on television.

Understanding such generational nuances is crucial to MTV, which has the brutal imperative of reinventing itself every five or six years to appeal to a new group of 12- to 24-year-olds.

Their viewers eventually grow up. MTV never can.

The latest reinvention has MTV with its best ratings in five years. The third season of “Jersey Shore” was the network’s top-rated show ever, and the second season of “Teen Mom” similarly zoomed up the charts. The challenge now is figuring out how to build on that success and know when to be ready for the next reinvention.

So far this year MTV has steered in a surprisingly traditional direction.

MTV debuts a remake of the “Teen Wolf ” series on June 5, brings back “Beavis and Butthead” later this year, has its own weight-loss series for teens and two “Jersey Shore” spinoffs in the works. Among recycled ideas, spinoffs and a new focus on establishing scripted series, MTV’s approach feels more like a typical broadcast network than ever before.

MTV viewers “want more from us,” said Van Toffler, president of MT V Networks Music/Films/Logo Group. “They expect more from us.” Toffler, who has been with MTV since 1986, and newly appointed network president Stephen Friedman, at MTV since 1998, have survived its ups and downs over the years. The latest cycle began with the expiration of “Laguna Beach” and “The Hills.” After a reasonably successful first season of the reality competition series “Paris Hilton’s Best Friend,” the second season proved disastrous.

“The audience checked out,” Friedman said.

“You saw them not believing it. We found out they wanted something more honest. The manufactured reality felt phony to them.” After all,

how many BFFs can you really have, even if you’re Paris?

A couple of years ago MT V Networks acquired rights to a short reality series, “World’s Strictest Parents,” and it was put on the CMT network. MTV decided to run a few episodes, too, and was surprised at how many people watched. At the same time, MTV’s head of reality programming had seen statistics about a rise in teen pregnancies and the series “16 and Pregnant” was born in spring 2009.

“Jersey Shore” began in a completely different form, as a pilot of a competition series for VH1. It was retooled into what now exists and MTV knew just by the way people were talking about promotions for the new series that it had a potential hit.

“When you get a little bit scared,” Toffler said, “you know something might work.” “Real World,” a series that has been on MTV for two decades and had grown a little tired, suddenly found its feet again commercially and creatively. A Washington-based season proved stale, and

moving to Las Vegas for another edition increased the personal drama and fun. (Season 12 of the series, in 2002, also took place in Las Vegas and was one of the show’s highest-rated seasons.) MTV viewers are interested in the rites of passage, such as young people moving into their first apartments and getting jobs in “Real World,” that are relatable yet more entertaining than their own lives, Friedman said. “We’re looking for the lives of our audience amplified,” he said. “They did a really good job of doing a lot of research on their consumers and figuring out what is resonating with them,” said Maureen Bosetti, an executive vice president at Optimedia, a unit of ZenithOptimedia, an adbuying and research firm.

“I think it shows in the programming, and that’s why they have hits like ‘Jersey Shore.”‘ Another key moment for MTV was the Video Music Awards incident in 2009 when Kanye West questioned Taylor Swift‘s award-worthiness onstage, an episode that exploded through social media. —AP

Guitarist Dave Grohl, left, and bassist Nate Mendel of the Foo Fighters perform during rehearsals for the MTV Movie Awards 2011 at the Gibson Amphitheatre on Friday in Universal City, Calif. The Movie Awards air live on MTV today. —AP

Britney Spears being sued for $10 million

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SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011

Aliza Morand, press officer at Christie’s auction house, poses with an untitled sculpture by Indian artist Ravinder Reddy at the auction house in west London, on Friday. The item has an estimate of GBP 35,000 - 50,000 (39,367 - 56,221 euros/57,163 - 81,662 USD) and forms a part of an auction entitled ‘An Indian Summer: South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art’ that will be sold on June 9, 2011. —AFP

London tourist alert

‘Gunsmoke’ actor

James Arness dies at 88

Prince William on horseback J S harp-eyed tourists outside Buckingham Palace had a rare opportunity yesterday to see Prince William on horseback. But even those in the vicinity might well have missed him, since his well-known face was obscured by a traditional tall bearskin hat. The prince was taking part in a rehearsal for next week’s “ Trooping the Colour,” a major event to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s official birthday.

The queen turned 85 in April, but the public party for the monarch’s birthday is held on a Saturday in June when the weather is better. The custom dates from 1748 and will be June 11 this year. William, riding a mottled gray horse called Wellesley, was wearing the red Irish Guards tunic with a blue sash that he wore at his April 29 wedding to Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey.

William, 28, was made Colonel of the Irish Guards in February. He is expected to wear the same outfit at the actual “Trooping the Colour” ceremony, which usually draws thousands of wellwishers to the ceremonial heart of London. The event yesterday, officially known as the Colonel’s Review, is the second of two rehearsals for the queen’s birthday festivities.

William and his new wife, formally known as the Duchess of Cambridge, plan to visit Canada and California in late June and early July. They will visit several cities in Canada from June 30 to July 8, traveling throughout much of Canada on their first official overseas trip as a married couple.

They also plan a stop in Los Angeles and the surrounding area from July 8-10.— AP

ames Arness, the towering actor who played rugged lawman Matt Dillon in long-running US television series “Gunsmoke,” died Friday at the age of 88, his family said. One of US television’s most enduring stars during the show’s 20-year run from 1955-75, he returned in a number of “Gunsmoke” TV movies in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Like John Wayne on the silver screen, the two meter (6 foot 7 inch) tall actor was an imposing presence on the small screen, and was nominated for Emmy awards three times during the series’ early years.

The show won praise for bringing psychologically complex characters into the TV format. “Matt is very human and has all the failings and drives common to anyone who is trying to do a difficult job the best he knows how,” Arness said.

Born in Minnesota, Arness was chosen

when producers were looking for an actor to play Dodge City Marshal Dillon on television, after “Gunsmoke” had been a hit radio show for years.

He was already a well-known film actor, including in the sci-fi classics “The Thing From Another World” in 1951 and “Them!” in 1954, and was initially reluctant to give up his fledgling movie career. But Wayne urged him to take the role, and provided an on-camera introduction in which he praised the new TV Western series for being honest, adult and realistic.

“I knew there was only one man to play in it, James Arness,” Wayne told viewers. “He’s a young fella and may be new to some of you. But I’ve worked with him, and I predict he’ll be a big star.”

Arness died on natural causes in his home in Los Angeles, said family spokesperson Ginny Fazer. — AFP

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge salutes as he takes part in the Colonel’s Review, on Horse Guards Parade, central London in London yesterday.—AP

Chaka Khan collaborating with Steven Tyler, Akon C

haka Khan may be a legacy artist in the industry, but that isn’t to say the legendary songstress isn’t as busy as ever. At the top of her list? A duets album, including a Led Zeppelin cover alongside “American Idol” judge and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler.

“We literally just clicked,” Khan tells Billboard.com of Tyler. “We were at Elton John’s party and we got to talk and we both wanted to sing together. We said, ‘Let’s do a mutual song, by you know, a neutral band-a band that we both love,’ and we both love Zeppelin.”

The “I’m Every Woman” singer will record the duet of a yet-to-be-decided Zeppelin tune with

Tyler soon, which she has plans to release on a forthcoming double album of duets. And as if that superstar meeting of the musical minds wasn’t enough, Khan’s got some other tricks up her sleeve-a potential collaboration with Akon and a jazz-tinged tribute concert dedicated to another superstar, the incomparable Joni Mitchell. The tribute concert finds Khan working alongside jazz icon Herbie Hancock and the Swell Season’s Glen Hansard, with the Los Angeles show set for August 17 at the Hollywood Bowl. With the duets album, the Joni tribute concert and a slew of tour dates on the horizon (including a performance as part of

this month’s first annual Blue Note Jazz Festival in NYC), you may ask how the Chicago-born beauty continues to do it all. “I pretty much just live in the moment, and I always have,” says the singer. “Whatever happens, you gotta go with it, and I’ve been really blessed with this life choice that I made, which makes me happy.

Keeps me sane. It’s an all-around good thing that I turned out to be a singer.”

Khan will be honored for her achievements at the annualSongwriters Hall of Fame induction and awards dinner in NYC onJune 16, where she will receive receive the Howie RichmondHitmaker Award. — Reuters

In this late Friday photo, Miss World 2010 Alexandra Mills of the US, left, and Miss Indonesia 2010 Asyifa Latief, right, put the tiara on the winner of Miss Indonesia Pageant 2011 Astrid Indriana Yunadi during the pageant in Jakarta, Indonesia. —AP