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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

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Israeli forces kill 20 protesters in Golan Demonstrators storm border to mark 1967 war conspiracy theories

The concubine and the kafeel

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

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former female candidate for the National Assembly came up with a revolutionary suggestion. Call it racy, stormy or imaginative.

Dear candidate Salwa Al-Mutairi is going back 1,000 years ago in history and the way life was then. Then dukes, duchesses and kings used to have chaperones, concubines and mistresses. They truly had one wife and hundreds of concubines surrounding them.

The candidate wants to revive the concubine system which vanished thousands of years ago for the sake, she claims, to protect the family and our young men from straying and committing adultery etc, etc. She also says that rape cases will be on the decline and women will no longer be abused at work. Just imagine!

The best solution she compares to is hiring maids. You hire maids and in the same way you hire a concubine. May I ask her, if a man spends the night with a concubine, isn’t he committing adultery? Isn’t he straying? Isn’t the woman something like a mistress? In this way, he is putting the concubine in his house with his family.

Can we ask Al-Mutairi how many concubines a man is allowed to have? Maybe the Social Affairs Ministry should introduce a new system and regulations that will handle the new foreign help. We have Article 18 and Article 20 visas and now Afasi will have to invent an Article 30 one for concubines. Would there be a minimum cap and rules and regulations? Would anybody be eligible to “import” them in the country? Would there be certain criteria, like household he has - be it a big villa - for the number of concubines? Would the concubines get their own room and have annual leave and a ticket home? How many hours would the concubine work a night? Would it be an 8-hour workday? Would a concubine be able to change kafeels (sponsors)? What would happen if she runs away? Who will take care of the runaway concubines?

You know guys, I am going to open a file in the Shuoon. It looks like a lucrative business. I would like to remind the dear candidate to wake up from her dream. We do not live in the times when the Islamic Empire was invading countries and there were thousands of women prisoners. Actually, if it was the case, what about the situation of Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan? How many could have taken advantage of this proposal?

On a serious note, there couldn’t be a worse degradation of the status of women in modern history than this.

MAJDAL SHAMS: Pro-Palestinians protesters carry a dead man after he was shot by Israeli troops along the border between Israel and Syria near this village in the Golan Heights yesterday. (Inset) A Druze resident of Majdal Shams hurls a stone at the Israeli army yesterday. — AP/AFP

Max 46º Min 33º Low Tide 08:40 & 21:27 High Tide 03:46 & 13:48

MAJDAL SHAMS, Golan Heights: Israeli troops opened fire yesterday as protesters from Syria stormed a ceasefire line in the occupied Golan Heights, with Damascus saying 20 demonstrators were killed. Hundreds of protesters rushed the ceasefire line, cutting through barbed wire as they tried to enter the Golan Heights in a repeat of demonstrations last month that saw thousands mass along Israel’s north. Similar protests were held in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip. The marchers, who had organized on Facebook, passed by Syrian and UN outposts on their way to the frontlines.

In Majdal Shams, on the occupied Golan, Israeli troops opened fire as demonstrators sought to push through the mined ceasefire line, which had been reinforced with several rows of barbed wire blocking access to a fence. “Despite numerous warnings, both verbal and later warning shots in the air, dozens of Syrians continue to approach the border and IDF (Israel Defence Forces) were left with no choice but to open fire towards the feet of protesters in efforts to deter further actions,” an army spokesman told AFP. Updating an earlier toll, Syrian state media reported that 20 people were killed, including a woman and child, and more than 325 wounded. The Israeli military said it was aware of 12 casualties. The United States called for calm. “We are deeply troubled by events that took place earlier today in the Golan Heights resulting in injuries and the loss of life,” the State Department said in a statement. “We call for all sides to exercise restraint.

Provocative actions like this should be avoided.” The Israeli military also said that one person was wounded Continued on Page 13

35 dead in crackdown in north Syria towns BEIRUT: The death toll in a government security crackdown in two northern Syrian towns rose to 35 yesterday, human rights groups said. Exiled opposition figures said any dialogue now with President Bashar Assad’s regime would be a joke. Rami Abdul-Rahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the deaths in the town of Jisr alShughour and nearby Khan Sheikhoun included six policemen. The operation is part of a crackdown that began Saturday.

Human rights groups say more than 1,200 people have died in the brutal crackdown against anti-government protesters since March. Assad has coupled military operations with symbolic overtures toward the opposition, including an amnesty for many prisoners and a call for national dialogue.

The activists’ reports could not be independently confirmed. The Syrian government has severely restricted the media and expelled foreign reporters, making it nearly impossible to independently verify events there. Details of the operations in Jisr Al-Shughour were also sketchy and attempts to reach residents of the town were unsuccessful, indicating that communications have been cut.

State-run news agency SANA said yesterday four policemen were killed and more than 20 wounded in the area when “armed terrorist” groups attacked government buildings and police stations. It

said the groups have been launching attacks against government buildings since Saturday, setting fire to a number of public and private buildings, cutting off roads and intimidating residents.

At a meeting of Syria’s mostly expatriate opposition in Brussels yesterday, leaders said talks with the regime would be “a joke” as long as the violent crackdown continues. Obeda Nahas, one of the representatives chosen at a two-day Conference of the National Coalition to Support the Syrian Revolution, said any opposition figures who talked to the regime now would not be taken seriously by the Syrian people.

“We can’t sit at the table and have some killers with us at the table,” he said at a news conference. Nahas and other representatives renewed calls on foreign governments and the United Nations to increase political and legal steps against Assad’s government. “We want more pressure on this regime, because it doesn’t seem to be listening to its own people,” he told reporters. Ausama Monajed, another participant, said opposition figures were working to put together legal cases against the Assad regime in federal courts in the US, several European courts and the International Criminal Court in The Hague. In Syria, activist AbdulRahman and other activists said the Syrian military pulled back tanks from Continued on Page 13

SANAA: Yemeni anti-government protesters gather to celebrate what they said was the fall of Yemen’s regime after embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh left the country for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. — AFP

Saleh has surgery, crowds cheer exit Gunfights in Sanaa and Taiz SANAA/RIYADH: Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, wounded in an attack on his palace, underwent surgery in Saudi Arabia and Yemenis seeking his overthrow celebrated what they hoped was the end of his 33-year rule.

A Yemeni ruling party official said Saleh would return to the country within days, but with a power struggle already underway and gunfights rag-

Kuwait inks gas deals in Iraq

BAGHDAD: Delegates including Sarah Akbar of Kuwait Energy (second left) sit side-by-side as Iraq signs deals yesterday with Turkish, Kuwaiti and South Korean energy firms to develop two gas fields. —AFP

BAGHDAD: Iraq yesterday signed deals with Kuwaiti, Turkish and South Korean energy firms to develop two gas fields to boost production in a bid to help rebuild its energy-dependent economy. The 20year deals offer Kuwait its first foothold in Iraq since Saddam invaded the state in 1990, sparking the first Gulf War. Since then the two neighbors have argued over border and debt issues.

The final contract agreements came just days after Baghdad initialled a preliminary accord with Seoul’s Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) to exploit Akkaz field in the western province of Anbar.

Yesterday ’s deals were for Mansuriyah field in Diyala province, northeast of Baghdad, and Siba field in Basra, Iraq’s southernmost province.

Continued on Page 13

ing in parts of the country, the threat of further turmoil remained high. A medical source in Saudi Arabia told Reuters Saleh was awake and in good condition after undergoing surgery yesterday to remove shrapnel from his chest. “People are worried about what will happen after Saleh’s departure.

They’re most worried about a military Continued on Page 13

Girl’s Facebook party spins out of control

HAMBURG: Partygoers gather on June 3, 2011 after a teenage girl, identified only as Thessa, forgot to mark her birthday invitation as private on Facebook. — AP

BERLIN: Better check your Facebook settings before posting a party invitation online. A teenage girl in Germany who forgot to mark her birthday invitation as private on Facebook fled her own party when more than 1,500 guests showed up and around 100 police officers, some on horses, were needed to keep the crowd under control. Eleven people were temporarily detained, one police officer was injured, dozens of girls wearing flip-flops cut their feet on broken glass and firefighters had to extinguish two small fires at the 16th birthday party in Hamburg, police spokesman Mirko Streiber said yesterday.

The birthday girl, identified only as Thessa, went into hiding, Streiber said, but “nonetheless the party was a hit.” Thessa had initially only wanted to ask some friends over to her home in Hamburg-Bramfeld when she posted her invitation on Facebook, but mistakenly she published it so that everyone on Facebook could see it. The invitation quickly went viral, and some 15,000 people confirmed online they would come to the party - without even knowing the girl, weekly paper Bild am Sonntag reported.

When Thessa’s parents found out, they made their daughter cancel the party, informed police and hired a private security service to protect their home on Friday night. Despite public announcements in Hamburg that the party had been canceled, Continued on Page 13

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Years

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

LOCAL

in my view

Government 2.0

By Fouad Al-Obaid

fouad@kuwaittimes.net Twitter: @Fouadalobaid n light of the recent turmoil taking place in our country and more broadly in our neighboring region, it comes as no surprise that something seems to be oddly wrong! If we look at the slogans being raised in our land and elsewhere in the region, it is rather peculiar that people no longer appreciate the ruling party/president/regent.

During some instances, the clashes appear to be personalized in that they do not like the man leading them at the top. The latter is made understandable by our current star-like system where the ruler is made into an actor playing out his role to the crowd. However, fundamentally, it is not the question of the ruler that should be at stake rather the system of government and governance.

All countries are not the same when it comes to their histories. This also includes the manner in which their current system of government is materialized. What makes them similar is their responsibility towards people and the wider international community to lead their countries well, and be part of the community of nations, which generally means being a good neighbor!

In analyzing for the sake of this article, one could and should commend the fact that despite several shortcomings when placed in perspective, we in Kuwait really have nothing to complain about. That point is further made clear when we look at the vindications made at ‘Determination Square’ where protesters are calling for the ouster of HH the Prime Minister.

Although they seem to have the courage to ask him to quit, it seems derogatory and contrary to the desire of many citizens. They have clearly stated what is dysfunctional in our country - I know that on this regard, many agree that there are issues to be resolved. I as a citizen would like to know what solution they provide.

When we look at our current form of government one is surprised to analyze our socio-economic system, for we are, as I would describe a capitalist country that has adopted socialism as a general fishnet. What the government throughout the past decades has managed to do is to ensure a decent minimum salary scheme with many advantages spread out to the entire citizen populace.

What it has not managed to do is create a relevant system of government and governance whereby job creation in the various ministries is akin to wealth re-distribution more than anything else.

Though the system in place has pushed and transformed society, it is no longer a model that should be maintained let alone a model that can be sustained in the decades to come.

Alas, the solution that needs to be undertaken during the upcoming years is one of major reform which many of the local populace might not understand yet, but will learn to adapt to. The government in the past decade has pushed and encouraged citizens to join the labor force in the private sector. In the future, the private sector should be the source of job creation and the government should return to its primary function of regulating and administrating.

What I propose would be the creation of a special policy board that would be attached to the Office of the Prime Minister that would work on developing and reforming the entire governmental apparatus, pushing for the gradual break down of inefficient ministries to different regulatory or service authorities that are independent of one another.

They ensure that they focus on the core field of activity.

Furthermore, the office would work as a government incubator - an idea lab - where new ways of governance should be devised and new policies adopted to help ensure a decentralization of competence and responsibilities, leaving the government in charge of state planning and responsibilities whereas petty matters would be left to mayorships or local government councils.

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KUWAIT: Dr. Abdullah Sahar (middle) during the press conference held yesterday.

KUWAIT: Some of the officials working on census.

—Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Kuwait Census 2011 registration deadline extended to June 15 ‘Failure to register will result in legal penalties’

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: Residents that have not registered with the Kuwait Census 2011 now have the chance to do so until June 15, 2011. Failure to register will be met with legal penalties. The announcement was made yesterday by the Central Statistic Office during a press conference held at the Higher Council for Planning and Development. According to Dr Abdullah Sahar, Director of the Central Statistic Bureau, at least 92 percent have registered as of May 31. “This number isn’t exact, as there are some factors affecting it. For instance, around 18 to 19,000 families have only provided partial information.

They registered online and did not receive a password. We do not want to cancel them and cannot count them definitely.

When we call them, they do not reply. Also, there are some individuals who have registered both online and with the statisticians. So, they have submitted duplicated information and they have to be deducted to arrive at the correct number,” he said.

Those who have not register can still fill in the application form online at: www.kuwaitcensus.com or by calling the hotline number 106. Applicants can also visit the eight main centers

located in schools at six governorates working from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm from Saturday to Thursday. Also, 17 other service centers in different areas are open from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm from Sunday to Thursday.

Failure to register, providing incorrect information, refusal to co-operate with statisticians will result in punitive measures like six months imprisonment or payment of a KD 100 fine. Law no. 27/1963, decree 134/2008 and ministry decrees 11 and 12/2011 and Article 11 of law27/1963 will be put into effect.

“Unregistered persons will

Kuwait free of deadly E. coli infection KUWAIT: The Health Ministry here yesterday reaffirmed that the country is free of the deadly E. coli infection.

The ministry, in a statement, said that local food monitoring bodies have confirmed that all fruit and vegetables in Kuwaiti markets are free of the bacteria; scientifically known as Escherichia coli, a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warmblooded organisms. Outbreak of the infections first emerged in Germany and other European countries and recently in the United States, and so far resulted in the killing of at least 18 people since May 2.

The statement added that the ministry is running its epidemic research in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and in coordination with healthcare bodies in GCC countries. It also pointed out that health monitoring procedures will be applied on arrivals to Kuwait, especially the ones coming from members of the European Union. WHO, according to the statement, did not recommend forcing any restrictions on traveling to European countries, yet it cautioned from eating vegetables and fruit originated from there. —KUNA

nine budgets approved KUWAIT: The parliamentary budgets and final accounts committee approved yesterday all budgets listed on the agenda except budgets of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and the state budget.

Chairman of the Committee MP Adnan Sayed Abdul Samad told reporters after the meeting that the committee has completed and adopted 10 budgets in a single law except the budget of the Public Authority for Youth and Sports (PAYS), noting that non-approval of PAYS’ budget has led to disagreement with the unified law, which includes all attached budgets.

He explained that this case is a precedent for the National Assembly where nine budgets get an approval and one budget is refused. —KUNA

face more difficulties in completing their paperwork with different institutions. For instance, they will not be able to complete transactions at the Public Authority for Civil Information, the Public Authority for Housing Care, and the Credit and Savings Bank,” Dr Abdullah Sahar warned.

“We have proposed to both the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor to connect residence permit renewal with census registration,” he added.

People, especially non-Arabic speakers have complained about not being able to read up

on advertisements, “We have advertised in media and on buses and other places in six languages, before the census began. On the last day, we sent SMS messages to all major network providers Zain, Wataniya, and Viva. Some people have complained about being unable to register through the hotline or website, owing to an overload of more than 20,000 applicants using the services on the last day May 31. So now we have decided to extend the period to give them another chance,” highlighted Sahar.

The data collection process has been faced with some diffi-

culties, “We only prepared for a year. In other countries, it takes them about three years to prepare. The difficulties that we faced were mainly caused by failure to cooperate, technical problems, finding proper addresses, lack of experience in such project. We have overcome it,” he added.

The companies and institutions’ census will be held from June 7 to July 7, 2011, “This requires high qualifications and skill to manage different age groups, nationalities, languages, and backgrounds. The census will be held after 10 years again,” concluded Sahar.

Torn between two worlds

By Lisa Conrad Part 3: Media f you learn how to speak and use English, you get sucked into the Western world whether you like it or not,” says 24-year- old teacher, Maryam. “You start to understand the movies, the music, the shows, everything. That’s how you realize that you’re living in a bubble when you get a glimpse of the outside.” Despite having been born and raised in Kuwait, leading a lifestyle many would envy, Maryam is unhappy. She openly remarks that she feels American, thinks American, is an American, just minus the passport.

The impact of the influence of media is undeniable. Even proud patriot to Kuwait, Abdul, 21, says, “Media and entertainment were ver y influential. We watched a lot of Holly wood movies, so that alters your perception of many things, especially since they are so different to what I assumed to be normal.”

Fur thermore, the more open nature of Western entertainment resonated with him more as a teenager, “I preferred Western shows because they dealt with issues that teenagers ever ywhere deal with. In the Middle East, those issues are sometimes censored. I resonated with the more realistic nature of Western shows, not necessarily the culture.”

However, the extent of the influence depends on each case.

Unlike Mar yam, Abdul didn’t feel compelled to absorb the lifestyle he saw on TV, adding that, “As I grew up, I grew out of that desire to live that lifestyle.

It star ted to seem so flawed, especially when I actually saw how things were in the US in reality. Things here are flawed as well of course, but I’d definitely choose Kuwaiti flaws over American flaws any day. I understand the Western mentality but I am much closer to the Arab mentality.”

The wrench in the works here is that half-Kuwaiti halfAmerican Moh totally goes against the grain. Given Maryam’s adoration of everything American, and even Abdul’s lapse into American culture, surely Moh would be the most Americanized. Given that he’s half-American and lived in

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America for the majority of his youth, it would be expected that he would be the most Americanized.

However, crushing our assumptions, Moh says, “Because I’ve been between countries, I realized that I don’t stick to cultural norms. I wouldn’t do something just because it happened in a movie. I take those things for face value: Entertainment.

But I don’t let it change my views on life.”

Not only is Moh part of a rare group able to resist the lure of the lights, camera and action, he also feels that Western media involves too much propaganda, “I connect more with MiddleEastern entertainment. Maybe I’m wrong. There seems to be way too much propaganda in Western media these days. We have it here too, but nowhere near as much. Things are more upfront here. They’re more forthcoming, which I appreciate.”

Mar yam, however, doesn’t believe that it’s actually possible to resist the allure of the West, “The movies and media made me question many of our traditions. Some others end up in two lives - in denial. They hide that they ’ve been influenced and show that they’re traditional, when really they’re not.”

But is Maryam’s ‘modern’ outlook and embracement of American values really as broad as she claims? When it came to the topic of marriage, the American National Anthem suddenly ceases to be her theme tune of choice, “Men have to impress their wives and her family. They should also provide a generous dowry. I wouldn’t want this to change about Kuwait. I like that men take care of everything, I don’t like that women in the West usually have to work.

When I get married, I’m not going to spend ONE dinar!

Women are much more pampered here.”

Maryam’s sudden change of tone regarding pick ing and choosing certain elements of Kuwaiti society is common, according to GUST assistant Professor of Sociology, Mark Olson, “Sometimes, I ask myself if they want the facade of modernization, but without having to make any of the attitudinal and other changes that may be required.”

While Maryam criticizes what she considers the overly tradi-

tional nature of Kuwaiti culture, she also defends certain, more convenient, elements of it. I haven’t travelled to the US in a year or so, but last time I checked, American women weren’t getting dowries. Is it, therefore, picking and choosing between the best of both sides?

Is Maryam craving some sort of societal utopia? Have my freedom, and my dowry too?

Abdul shares some of Maryam’s views, “I think it’s right that the man is the pillar of the house, the financial provider and the one to provide stability to the family. A woman’s role is more a matter of moral suppor t, but financial support is more focused on the man.” Despite being more traditional in many aspects, Abdul’s opinion on women working is actually more liberal than Maryam’s, “I wouldn’t mind her working though, in fact I’d prefer it if she was educated and had professional aspirations.”

Once again, mixed Moh is comfortably in between either side, and acknowledges when he has been influenced by either side, “Kuwait has a strange way of making you want to marry earlier; it is frowned upon to date, and dating openly is nearly impossible. So you’re more encourage to marry early. Even if we see the TV shows and movies where dating openly is fine, it’s not OK here, and very few dare to make their relationships obvious.”

Keeping in line with the previous parts of our series on being torn between two worlds, our Kuwaiti interviewees are widening the ambiguous ‘grey’ area where pin-pointing actual answers is nearly impossible.

Does media encourage Kuwaiti youths to embrace Western culture? Possibly. Does it override embedded social norms?

According to our three interviewees, even in the most Westernized of Kuwaiti youths, it doesn’t.

Olson provides some insight into what is really bringing about so much change in Kuwait, “It’s a confluence of factors that is changing the face of Kuwait. It’s not just a matter of Westernization; we have to keep in mind how the influx of income has transformed Kuwaiti society into a rentier state. This, in turn, has often unexamined impacts on the society and its social structures.”

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

Years

LOCAL

Top priority to bolstering national unity KUWAIT: The priorities of state media at present are topped by bolstering national unity and checking sectarianism and tribalism when addressing issues, said Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Information and Minister of Communications Ali AlRashed.

During a meeting yesterday with ministry’s top officials, who presented their views on media policy for the current and coming stage, he said “It is essential to stay mindful of the sensitive state of affairs at present.”

The minister touched on ministry affairs including staff attendance, financial arrangements and spending, and charging Assistant Undersecretary for Administrative and Financial Affairs Nasser Al-Saffar to carry out duties of Acting Undersecretary.

The meeting was attended by Al-Saffar, Assistant Undersecretary for Television Affairs Ali Al-Rayyis, Assistant Undersecretary for the News Department Yusef Mustafa, Assistant Undersecretary for Press and Publications Munira Al-Hwaidi and Director of t h e Fi n a n c i a l A f f a i r s D e p a r t m e n t N a y i f A l Owayhan. — KUNA

Ruling family mulls over establishing body KUWAIT: Deputy PM and Minister of State for Housing Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah’s grilling motion was the main topic of discussion of a parliamentary session that was discussed on Tuesday. Ruling family members believed that political speech should not have deteriorated so much without placing parliamentary and governmental restrictions.

Officials said that a number of dominant ruling family members have prepared a draft law to establish an apex council to work toward bridging gaps among family members and restrain them from making public announcements.

Officials added that discussion was still in progress about how to select members of the organization and whether it can be done by appointment or election.

Officials also said that the ruling family might follow the Saudi example of the royal family’s allegiance. it is entrusted with selecting the crown prince from a number of nominees, reported Annahar. Furthermore, officials highlighted that members who approve such a motion are anticipating the arrival of HH the Amir to submit a full review of the project.

Kuwait Digest

10-year-old troublemaker

By Waleed Al-Rujaib

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Seif Palace yesterday the Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs, Minister of Justice, and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Dr. Mohammad Al-Afasi. Al-Afasi was accompanied by Chancellor Fahad Abdulaziz AlMarshad where he took the oath for being appointed as the deputy head of cassation court, as well as Chancellor Rashed Yaqoub Al-Sharah who took the oath for being appointed as head of court of appeals, and Chancellor Mohammad Ibrahim Abu Hindi who was appointed as the deputy head for court of appeals.

Govt equates Kuwaitis, bedoons on subsidized foods

By Hussain Al-Qatari KUWAIT: In what is seen as a positive move, the newly appointed Minister of Commerce Amani Bouresli issued new regulations to distribute subsidized food. The new regulations issued earlier this week also includes GCC nationals residing in Kuwait, as well as bedoons registered in the Central System for Remedying the Status of Illegal Residents in the subsidized food program. The new law also equates bedoons with Kuwaiti nationals, granting them food free of charge for one year.

An official at the Kuwait Cooperative Societies Union (KCSU) said that the new regulations will be

IM-PERSONAL SERVICE

By Elizabeth Pickworth

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ou expect me to get my own hand towels?! The woman barked in her thick accent.

“Sorry, ma’am, sorry.”

You’re lucky I’m not reporting you to management for not doing your job properly.” The woman repented her declared negligence in an endless dialogue of apologies. “Yes ma’am, I’m so sorry” she said bowing her head, pleading for forgiveness before scurrying to the closet to cry.

There she sat, crying in the broom closet, amongst the cleaning chemicals of one of Kuwait’s most exclusive malls a mall this poor woman will never afford to shop in. Only disinfect and polish the marble surrounds of the public bathroom for women draped in Dior, Gucci clothes and Cartier jewelry to park their behinds in. Luxuries, this woman can only dream of - instead, she is draped in a plain uniform, armed with a bucket of cloths and a timid smile to flash eagerly when she hands out tissues for women to dry their hands. Yet too scared to utter a word, just nod and run back to the closet where she belongs; for she fears to communicate with the very women she serves.

This story is not new, low paid workers across the region are treated as less than human, slaves and servants employed to cater to those more fortunate than them. This tale isn’t targeted to one specific group, even Western expats are guilty of treating attendants as robots, empty vessels without feelings.

From women who cry behind unhinged doors eagerly dishing out hand towels, to men who work as elevator attendants, the personal driver, local hairdresser and manicurist, all these people are within inches of their customer, yet feel so alienated.

This happens all around the country in plain sight, just look at food courts where nannies are seated on the opposite side, alone from their employed family who eat their lunch together between jokes and cheerful conversation. The same scene is replayed time after time, the nanny sits quietly, arms close to her body, head down looking at the table as she eats her food, silently, alone not wanting to bother anyone.

When did personal service become so impersonal? These people have been reduced to furnishings, ‘fake plastic trees’ like the Radiohead song, to be moved from one corner to another by their employers, customers or an unassuming bystander.

Even in tight spaces like an elevator, people would prefer to stand in silence than talk to the attendant who spends most of his day on rotational shifts in the confined space. Instead, he’s reduced to nothing more than a fixture.

As Ahmad a 26-year-old elevator attendant from Egypt at one of Kuwait’s four star hotels recalls “I rarely talk to anyone. I’m not sure if it is because I’m Egyptian, or because I am male and

women would then think I am sexually harassing them, I do feel quite lonely in my job. I feel sad because I can’t even talk to anyone when I work” he said.

However, it’s not only men that feel the isolation, loneliness and alienation of working as an attendant. Miram, a 36year-old beauty therapist from the Philippines says she feels more alone working in such a close contact job than she has ever felt in her life. “Just do your job and don’t talk to me; I’ve been told on many occasions. I speak English, Arabic and Tagalog so there isn’t a language barrier between me and my clients. They simply choose not to talk to me.” she said.

Miram moved to Kuwait 10 years ago, is a divorcee and has an eight year old son who she sent back to the Philippines to live with his grandparents. Miram hasn’t seen her son for over four years and talks to him once a week at most because of the high cost of international phone calls.

“I wanted to give my son a better life so I sent him back to be raised in his culture - where people are happy even though they live in poverty. At least my son can have friends.” Miram said as she held back her tears. Before she couldn’t contain it any longer “I feel so alone here, all the time” she said in between sobbing, tears streaming down her kind yet weathered face.

Most personal service employees count the hours till they can be at home and communicate to their loved ones on long distance phone calls, or skype if they can afford the internet. Some haven’t even been home for years.

“I just want to be treated like a normal human being. People like me have feelings; we all do. I just wish somebody would talk to me. My job is so boring and I spend my whole day with people I do not know and I cannot talk to them unless they choose to start a conversation with me, which they don’t” said Raja, a 42 year old taxi driver from Pakistan.

Undertaking some of Kuwait’s most menial jobs, workers at times feel shame or embarrassment for the work they undertake, yet this kind of employment are their only options. As Mena a 42year-old Malaysian woman said “I clean toilets for a living, I disinfect the seat after each woman uses the cubicle. I am looked down at like I don’t even exist.”

The story is all too familiar, personal services reduced to a very impersonal experience. Tales of heartache, loneliness and alienation are part of the job but disrespect and abuse should never take place regardless of the price paid or tip given. Most of these attendants can recall their dignity being stripped away from them at one time or another. “We work long hours, we receive minimal wage, most of us don’t live with our families - it’s a very depressing life we lead. All we ask is to be talked to and treated like we are human and to be treated with respect and dignity just to make our days a little bit more bearable” Miram said.

implemented as soon as a memorandum is received from the Ministr y of Commerce on the method for distribution, “We were informed of the new decision, but exact regulations on how this procedure will be held has not been received yet,” he said.

Reactions of citizens, namely bedoons, have been positive towards this move. Tariq, a 39-year old bedoon believes this to be good news, “Prices are continuously on the rise, and the government’s solution doesn’t usually include us,” he said.

Tariq is responsible for a family of nine, and spends roughly KD 100 on groceries every month. With the new regulations, he expects to cut

the costs by at least a third.

Another bedoon citizen, Abdulkareem, noted that issuing the new regulations is a bold move on behalf of the new minister, adding that it is a step forward. He is hopeful to see more action taken on that regard.

The bedoons’ strife has intensified over the years and has been intense over the past few years, with demonstrations and riots held around Kuwait demanding equal rights.

The issue of the bedoons garnered international attention as several international humanitarian organizations have urged the Kuwaiti government to take action and solve the bedoon issue.

10-year-old student is dismissed from a public school and barred from attending any other public school as he was accused of instigation for a public revolution. Don’t be surprised if he was even sent to the State Security Service for interrogation - all this happened under the new education minister’s watch.

What is also weird about this case is the fact that the teacher who sacked the student, in addition to both the manager of the school’s educational directorate and the Ministry of Education’s assistant undersecretary all have decided that the kid forms a threat to the national security, despite the pleading of his father - who is a Kuwait University academic.

Instead of immediately kicking the schoolboy out of his class and making serious accusations against him, couldn’t the educator take him aside and try to explain to him that what he did was wrong?

Like many others, I was baffled by the news when I read them in newspapers recently. At that point, I immediately wondered ‘has the educational process stooped to this low level after once being known as a noble mission that aims to create a highly educated and healthy generation?

I still remember back in elementary school when my math teacher once warned me against playing with a group of classmates who were troublemakers, so that I wouldn’t eventually become like them. Back in the day, a teacher’s job wasn’t only to give students the teaching material in classes, but they were also educators. What’s even disturbing about the kid’s story is that he was dismissed by a female teacher; who is supposed to be more understanding to the children’s behavior than their male counterparts.

Kuwait’s education was once known as a pioneer in the region, as we obtained our basic knowledge and skills from our teachers, while the curriculums we studied were used by other countries. Education is not the only thing that has deteriorated in the country, however; It is part of a general trend in which professionalism, management, dialogue and social behavior have also deteriorated. To the education minister: I hope that you would protect the integrity of education in Kuwait by improving the quality of teachers and make sure that they respect the ethics of their sacred job. — Al-Rai

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Years

LOCAL Kuwait Digest

Unconstitutional situation

Five-member gang held for brawl in Salmiya

By Abdullatif Al-Duaij

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have to admit at first that I am uninformed when it comes to details about the grilling motion that was filed by MPs Adel Al-Saraawi and Marzouq AlGhanim against Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad, although I am among those who are eager for questioning that would set the record straight regarding corruption allegations in which Al-Fahad is accused of using ‘puppets’ in the political scene for his own benefit.

I have however, read the constitutional memorandum made by Sheikh Ahmad in response to the grilling. In the meantime, I don’t have plans to read the articles of this grilling, or any other grilling for that matter.

The reason for that is, because honestly we’ve grown tired of the redundancy of grilling motions that makes it difficult to tell which are good from bad, similar to the successive interpellation to the prime minister.

The constitution gave lawmakers the right to monitor and audit the governmental performance, and places the interpellation as a tool to be used by an MP for that cause. At the time, the constitution makers probably thought that exercising that right would be made on rare occasions, as the nature of the Kuwaiti society and politics at the time gave the impression that this tool will not be abused or activated irresponsibly, and its use will remain exclusive to times of necessity. The interpretive memorandum of the constitution further explains while talking about guarantees for stability of the country’s political system and the government, that the rare use of interpellations is necessary to help reinforce this stability, while its irresponsible use would damage it.

We can speculate here that the country’s constitutional system considers the grilling motions as a right that is exercised on rare occasions and whenever necessary; not in the successive form such as the one seen today. This leads us to speculate that the current interpellations are, I wouldn’t say unconstitutional, but aren’t made within constitutional frames.

The real question that we struggle to find here is, who is responsible for this situation? - Al-Qabas

Hunt on for woman thief KUWAIT: Five youngsters were arrested in Sulaibikhat a few hours after they attacked security guards in a Salmiya mall, leaving two of them seriously injured. Police officers headed to the scene where a vicious brawl was reported between five youngsters and four security guards who stopped them while they harassed female shoppers. Upon reaching the scene, officers learned that the young men had already fled the scene, reported Al-Rai. While paramedical staff rushed two of the security guards to the Mubarak Hospital where they were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with serious stab wounds, police tracked down the five thugs - who were discovered to be three bedoons (stateless) and two citizens. They were apprehended in Sulaibikhat before being referred to relevant authorities.

Mystery woman Police are currently searching for a veiled woman who is responsible for committing several thefts across different parts of the country. Investigations are under way following numerous reports that were filed by citizens.

According to an official, the suspect in question would knock on doors and introduce herself as ‘Um Mohammad,’ a

GCC national who recently arrived to the country and sought friendships with neighbors. The suspect would return to the house after making sure that its residents left, reported Al-Rai. She would be allowed inside by the domestic worker and make away with valuables.

of death. Police officers accompanied by Crime Scene Investigators headed to a scene where an Asian man reportedly found his 48-year-old Bangladeshi roommate dead, reported Al-Qabas. The body was removed for an autopsy after investigations were carried out on the scene.

Physical assault A citizen filed a case with a local police station against his ex-wife’s four brothers, accusing them of physically assaulting him over a dispute that arose between him and their sister. In his account, the citizen explained that he had spat with his ex-wife after she prevented him from meeting their children, over whom she has custody. He added that the woman’s brothers arrived shortly after she informed them, and immediately clashed, prompting him to escape, reported Al-Rai. After they were summoned to the police station for questioning, the brothers filed a lawsuit against their sister’s ex-husband, accusing him of physically assaulting the woman as well as one of them.

Fugitive held An Arab fugitive was recently caught in Salmiya. The suspect was pulled over for over speeding and was immediately arrested after police performed a background check and learnt that he is wanted in connection with a case over nonpayment of an amount that totals to KD 60,000, reported Al-Qabas.

Body found An Asian man’s corpse was found in his apartment in Al-Rai. Investigations are currently ongoing to verify the cause

Man stabbed Police are trying to reveal the mystery behind a case in which a man was found in a critical condition in Al-Sulaibiya. The victim, identified as a 28-year-old Egyptian national who works for a local advertising firm, is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Al-Farwaniya hospital in a comatose stage. Several stab wounds were found across his body - one of which left him with a severed ear, reported Al-Anba. One of the stories speculated by police is that the man might have been a victim of theft.

Bootlegger in custody Police arrested bootleggers who used prostitutes’ assistance to solicit customers for imported liquor brands. He traveled in rented cars that were frequently changed during the course of his operations to avoid suspicion. The 25year-old bedoon (stateless) was apprehended in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh after an unsuccessful escape attempt. Eight liquor bottles were found in his vehicle.

The man confessed that he originally had fifteen bottles that were sold to customers whom he met through prostitutes, reported Anba. It was also revealed that the suspect’s car is registered in the name of an Asian resident who rents it for a year. The suspect confessed to obtaining the car from its owner after paying him a sum of money.

Family dispute A senior citizen filed a complaint against his young wife who took his cash without informing him. According to an official, the 70-year-old told police that his 25-year-old wife stole KD 170 and gave it to her mother, reported Al-Rai. The woman denied the charges during interrogation, while claiming that she was trapped by her stepsons from her husband’s first marriage.

News

in brief

‘Closing Qurain markets a shame’ KUWAIT: A member of the Municipal Council, Mehalhel Al-Khaled condemned Municipality’s decision to shut down all stores that violated licensing terms, “ The Municipality has enemies who are young, ambitious entrepreneurs who started their own small projects. This would be a shame on minister Safar,” he stressed, reported Aljarida.

Al-Khaled added that the Municipality approved of such projects earlier, “Now since owners finished setting up their projects, Municipality officials changed their minds,” he added. He noted that both minister Safar and other Cabinet members feared interpellation motions.

ACK to re-register expelled student KUWAIT: Two weeks after the Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) expelled a student, Salem Al-Oumi for organizing a student sit in with over 100 students, the Court of Appeals issued a verdict last Thursday compelling ACK to re-register Al-Oumi for this semester and to compensate for all the tests he missed as of May 22, 2011, reported Aljarida.

MEW collection campaign KUWAIT: Assistant Undersecretary Ministry of Electricity and Water Engineering Jassem AlLinqawi said that the ministry is ready to start a campaign on large scale to collect its dues from electricity and water consumers, specifically those who have accumulated amounts.

Al-Linqawi urged all citizens and expats to settle their bills through websites to avoid cutting the service. He added that ministry emphasizes on the importance of cooperation to conserve the use of electricity, specifically during peak time and use power only as needed without extravagance pointing the cooperation of power users will be beneficial for all.

Teachers abroad KUWAIT: Sources at Ministry of Education said that the Minister Ahmad Al-Mulaifi gave instructions to officials in the ministry to accept employment applications from teachers who are not residing in Kuwait. Sources added, based on those instructions applications from teachers will be accepted and those who meet the conditions will be called for interview through the person who applied for them and those who pass the interview, will be accepted immediately.

Preparations for travel season KUWAIT: Preparations for the travel season is set to go under way at the Kuwait International Airport on June 20th, which will focus on containing pressure from an expected increase in travelers who will try to finish their vacations before the holy month of Ramadan. In a statement made recently to the press, operations manager at the Directorate General for Civil Aviation Essam Al-Zamel indicated that this year’s plans have taken into consideration the closure of the Saad AlAbdullah airpor t which is owned by the Wataniya Airways which filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. Furthermore, the DGCA has also put in mind the diversification of destinations which is expected due to the security situation featured in some Arab countries.

KUWAIT: The Climate Awareness Campaign (a group concerned with environmental issues) recently organized a special ceremony to celebrate the UN’s World Environment Day. It was held under the patronage of outgoing US Ambassador to Kuwait, Deborah Jones. The ambassador and volunteers were honored for the efforts made to promote recycling and afforestation.

Praise for new commercial company law KUWAIT: The assistant undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for commercial companies and general assembly affairs, Dawod Al-Sabej confirmed the significance of the amendments the ministry made to the commercial companies law currently reviewed by the parliamentary economic affairs committee, particularly the article pertaining to toughening the penalties on violating companies.

Al-Sabej added that tougher penal

measures would make companies more adherent to laws and regulations concerning submitting their final balance sheets to the ministry within deadlines and inviting general assembly meetings in due times. “The current maximum penalty is KD 200 for the abovementioned conditions”, he reminded.

Further, Al-Sabej said that the commercial companies sector had been weakened by the current law’s leniency with over 185000 registered com-

Minister praises youth gathering KUWAIT: Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad Al-Humoud AlJaber Al-Sabah expressed appreciation to the organization of the national youth gathering and their respect to the security of the nation. Al-Humoud praised in a statement released yesterday the youth’s comprehension and determination to reform and approach dialogue and freedom of expression as a message to unify the visions, to keep Kuwait an arena for all.

He also praised the youth’s coordination with the security forces regardless of their positions.Although the issues were brought by youth in the streets, and he does not agree with everything, yet they were put forward reflecting the speakers’ opinion, Al-Humoud said.

Al-Humoud wished that the ideas, visions and dialogue were brought in the parliament instead. —KUNA

panies operating in Kuwait. He added that such amendments would have positive impacts on enabling the ministry restructure that vital sector.

He also urged the parliament to quickly pass the law so that it could contribute in turning Kuwait into a regional financial and commercial hub. “This law was first referred to the parliament in 1990 and it has been subject to recommended amendments and under study ever since,” he reminded.

Blocs’ rift shown during rally KUWAIT: Among the analysis that tried to look into the public gathering which took place last Friday at the Iradah Square, one speculation sees that the National Action Bloc was targeted with several accusations including a claim of working for a political agenda in favor of a cabinet member against the other.

Intentions of MPs and activists who spoke during the rally were clear to be demanding that the NAB members support the grilling motion filed against His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser AlMohammad Al-Sabah, so that they would support the NAB grilling against Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah in return. Spectators who include speculations regarding a bargaining bid in their attempt to analyze the gathering ignore the fact however that the 22 number of MPs who voted with the no-cooperation motion filed against HH the PM in his previous grilling, would’ve dropped to as much as 15 if it wasn’t for the support provided by the NAB. Meanwhile, other spectators believe that the reason while Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad’s name was mentioned in a petition prepared by MP Musallam Al-Barrak during the rally to demand for his and the prime minister’s ouster, was to put pressure on the NAB by giving the impression that they support the PM while clashing with his deputy, should they fail to sign the petition. — Al-Rai

Three injured in Salmiya accident

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: A 40-year-old Syrian woman and a 33-year-old citizen suffered multiple injuries, while a 33-year-old Egyptian sustained a broken left arm and nose injury in a car accident that took place in Salmiya. They were referred to Mubarak Hospital for treatment.

Near fatal fall A 23-year-old Nepalese woman sustained lacerations on her scalp and bodily fractures when she fell from a height in Mahboula. She was rushed to Adan Hospital.

Hit and run case A 36-year-old Egyptian fractured his leg after being run over by a car in Khaitan. He was admitted to Farwaniya Hospital.

Occupational hazard A 30-year-old Bangladeshiís right hand fingers was amputated in an occupational hazard that occurred at a Salmiya Hotel parking lot. He was rushed to Mubarak Hospital.

Stolen cash An import company accused an American female representative of stealing $700,000. A company official filed a case with Asima police stating that the representative signed a contract with the American Army to supply them with equipment and had the cheque written in her name before fleeing. The woman has been placed on the wanted list.

Public indecency An Iranian man and a Filipina were detained in Sharq police station after they were charged with lewd conduct in a public place.

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LOCAL KUWAIT DIGEST

Be grateful

Gender-based violence must be addressed, says UNCHR Kuwait hosts three-day workshop

By Dr Wael Al-Hasawi

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citizen woke up one morning to find out that temperature outside has reached 40 degrees C already. After struggling to take a shower with very hot water, he sat down to read the newspaper with headlines talking about an environmental crisis in Kuwait as a result of air pollution which led to cancer rates in the country to increase. Other news in the same newspaper also talked about contamination of tap waters, while another report is quoting a specialist warning from a potential electricity shortage that can lead to massive blackouts.

On that note, he left his house and went to work. There, conversations with his workmates focused on tensions in the political scene and problems between the prime minister and MPs who want him out. After a nearly unproductive day, he embarked in his trip home at two in the afternoon while temperature had already soared to 51 degrees C by then and the dusty weather made matters worse. As he was stuck in traffic on the way home, he passed from a number of signs placed near a project site saying that the project will end in 2015, only to remember that he’s been reading the same signs since the seventies and construction at the same roads never really finished.

The man took his family for a trip to the sea after work, but had to change plans soon after reaching the beach due to the scorching winds. They went to a shopping mall for a brief period after which he had to take his family home since the place was too crowded and he couldn’t keep harassers away from his family.

Back home, the family sat down to discuss plans for the summer. They found out that they can’t go to Arab countries due to the security situation as a result of the public revolutions, while high costs made traveling to other countries not a viable option.

At night, the man went to visit his mother and told her about what he had been going through all day. After he finished complaining, his mother told him this: “Be grateful, son. Had you witnessed what we had to go through before you would be more grateful for what you have today for sure. Take a look at what’s happening around the world today; at least we don’t have natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, or other problems such as poverty or insecurity. So, be grateful for what you have”. —Al-Rai

Sheikha Fareeha Al-Sabah

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Kuwait-based United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in cooperation with the Kuwait Society for Ideal Family (KSIF) organized a three-day workshop to tackle issues on gender-based violence in the country.

The seminar held at the Sheraton Hotel yesterday was attended by Sheikha Fareeha Al-Sabah and Sheikha Abdullah Al-Khalifa AlSabah, who are vocal supporters of gender equality.

Dr Hanan Hamdan Office Director UNCHR spoke about Kuwait’s desire to address issues of gender based violence and eradicate them from Kuwait’s society.

“We are hoping that with this seminar, we will be able to come up with better recommendations and finally lead the country to a better and safer place for both males and females. We urge our media partners and other stakeholders to help

mendation has been made to stop importing tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, lettuce and eggplants from these two countries after the deadly strain of bacteria was detected in these items, reported Al-Qabas. “Reports indicate that the [E Coli] contamination has reached ten European countries,” Al-Azmi said. Strict precautionary measures taken in Kuwait prevents the import of contaminated items. She noted that Kuwait’s vegetable import from European countries is limited due to rising costs.

‘Pay electricity bills’ KUWAIT: The committee formed to take follow up action and study the technical and financial needs of the Smart Consumption Meters tender project has been dissolved.

Ahmed Al-Jassar Undersecretary from the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) made the decision. Al-Jassar justified the action by the controversy raised about the committee.

In a bid to revoke all suspicions, he said that

us in this issue so as to achieve our goals,” she said.

Dr Hamdan acknowledge support of the Ministry of Interior especially in the first workshop which took place in Jan 2011 entitled ‘Gender Based Violence and Violence Against Women.

According to Dr Hamdan, the UNHCR participation was part of their commitment aiming to protect refugee women and children who are already prone to exploitation from different forms of violence.

“Kuwait Society for Ideal Family has a pivotal role in addressing issues pertaining to the women and children in both local and international levels.

This is the reason why we have worked and partnered with them this time,” she noted. Dr Hamdan mentioned that during the workshop she hoped to address issues pertaining to gender- based violence so as to improve the already existing mechanism to counter gen-

KUWAIT: Sheikha Fareeha Al-Sabah, fourth right, poses here with some distinguished visitors.

Vegetables from Spain, Germany may be banned KUWAIT: The Kuwait Municipality’s Food Safety Department has put forward a series of recommendations to ban vegetable imports from two European countries, amid fear of an E Coli bacteria outbreak and its possible after effects on Kuwait.

In a recent press statement, Istiqlal AlAzmi, Director of the Municipality’s Imported Food Department and Deputy director warned against consuming fruits and vegetables imported from Spain or Germany. Al-Azmi said that a recom-

Dr Hanan Hamdan

it would be re-formed under his direct chairmanship, reported Aljarida.

Meanwhile, Jassim Allengawi MEW’s Assistant Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs, said that the ministry would launch a special campaign to collect overdue bills. He also urged consumers to pay their bills at various consumers’ offices or online to avoid accumulating them.

der violence in the society.

The seminar also saw the attendance of several ambassadors in Kuwait including the outgoing US Ambassador Deborah Jones. In her speech, Sheikha Fareeha Al-Sabah, who is the current chairman of KSIF said that the seminar will tackle issues and come up with proper recommendations for legislation. She thanked the support of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah and the country ’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah.

Joint training workshops on refugee law and gender based violence have been implemented in Kuwait with regional participation of government officials from the GCC countries.

The UNCHR continues to work closely with the Kuwaiti government on various activities aiming at enhancing strategic partnership, resource mobilization and fundraising.

KUWAIT: Officials listen to the workshopfs welcoming remarks at the Sheraton Hotel yesterday —- Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

Teacher fired for correcting behavior of students KUWAIT: In a similar case to the 10-yearold Egyptian student who was barred from all Kuwaiti schools, for asking about revolution in Kuwait, Ministry of Education has fired a female expat teacher in Abdullah AlNouri Elementary School in Sulaibia area, for correcting the behavior of a student who insulted an Asian female laborer.

The case in brief, a student in the 5th elementary class insulted a laborer in the school, which made the teacher intervene and tell him it is necessary to respect others, even if he or she was a weak person and works in a low-ranking job. She told the student, that laborers “can be much better than us in front of Allah.” She told him and the rest of the class, that the country of the Asian laborer is deeply rooted in civilization, in addition that country is advanced scientifically and technologically and industrially. The result, was a questionnaire from the principal to the teacher about the incident. Few days after that, the

teacher again was in a position, when she saw two students fighting, she separated them and urged them to be nice to each other and follow the Islamic ethics of loving each other. She told them among other things that Jews respect each other, so why we Muslims do not follow the instruction of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Again she was surprised with another memo from the principal, which includes a statement, claiming that she said that Jews are better than Muslims.

She refused to sign the questionnaire, but she was told that signature is for acknowledgement only. Thereafter, she was terminated from the school.

The teacher called upon Minister of Education and Undersecretary to consider her case, as no complaint was ever filed against her, and what she did in those two cases was based on her role as teacher to teach students good manners and respect for one another. —Al-Anba

Mubarak Al-Kabeer port sovereign right of Kuwait KUWAIT: Kuwait’s ambassador to Iraq denied giving stocks to a number of Iraqi investments in order to buy their silence on the Mubarak Al-Kabeer project, amid ongoing concerns from some Iraqi areas about its navigation traffic being affected by the major project that Kuwait is building at the Boubyan Island nearby. “I don’t personally own investment stocks, nor does Kuwait have investments in Iraq that can be distributed to investors of its neighboring country”, said ambassador Ali Al-Momen in response to

rumors which appeared recently in the media suggesting otherwise. “Stock ownership in Kuwait is exclusive to Kuwaiti citizens by the law”. Furthermore, Al-Momen reiterated that the Mubarak Al-Kabeer port is a “sovereign right” of Kuwait, reasserting at the same time that the Iraqi navigation requirements were taken into consideration in the project’s plans.

He also denied rumors which hinted that Kuwait plans to build 60 docks at the Boubyan Island’s port, indicating that the plans call for only 13 docks to be built. —Al-Qabas

AMMAN: FANA Deputy Chairman, Board Chairman and Director General of the Kuwait News Agency Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah yesterday paid a visit to KUNA’s bureau here. Sheikh Mubarak, during the visit, was briefed on different media-related activities of the office, commending at the same time the “institutional” approach adopted by the Amman bureau, which was established three decades ago.

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LOCAL Arab officials mull arrangements for nuclear-free Mideast conference CAIRO: Senior officials of Arab foreign ministries met at the Arab League headquarters here yesterday to thrash out preparations and arrangements for a UN-sponsored nuclear-free Middle East conference due in 2012.

Kuwait is partaking in the two-day conference with a delegation led by chief of the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry’s Arab department Ambassador Jamal Al-Ghanim.

The preparatory meeting comes upon an earlier decree made by Arab foreign ministers on May 15 in an effort to come up with joint Arab positions ahead of the scheduled UN conference, a league official said in news remarks.

Arab countries are surprised at UN Secretary General Bank Ki-moon’s reluctance to appoint a coordinator for the gathering, the Arab League Secretary General’s scientific advisor Mahmoud Nasreddin said.

During their two-day meeting, senior Arab officials are to discuss how to exert more pressure on the UN chief to appoint a coordinator for the conference, and to launch preparations for the gathering, he added.

A suggestion to hold a UN-sponsored conference on a nuclear-free Middle East region was adopted during the 2010 Review Conference. —- KUNA

MOE to convert textbooks into CDs, flash memories Move to eliminate administrative burdens KUWAIT: Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Ahmed Al-Mulaifi stressed yesterday the need to complete the conversion of textbooks into CDs and flash memory starting from the next academic year.

The minister told repor ters after chairing a meeting of the Undersecretaries Council of the Ministry of Education that this summer will see the implementation of this

step within the framework of the ministr y ’s effor t to ease the burden of heavy school bags on students in parallel with the use of computers in all areas.

He added that the ministry was considering the development of the administrative system in schools through the elimination of administrative burdens that may be assigned to teachers so that their role could be

KUWAIT: Nicole Sakr and Zeyad Al-Jaidah launching the Build-A-Bear store at the Avenues Mall.

confined to giving their shares of study and education only, without any costs or other burdens.

He also stressed the importance of the Ministry’s commitment to instructions and observations of the Audit Bureau and the Civil S er vice Commission, whether previously or currently recorded, indicating that any violations recorded on the ministry is the subject of attention and scrutiny to

find out the reasons and motives behind the registration of such irregularities or observations.

He said that the meeting of the Undersecretaries discussed the needs of the general education of new teachers in various academic disciplines in order to fill the gap of needs with the review of alternative plans in case of non-arrival of new teachers from some Arab countries. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Children and even adults can now enjoy creating teddy bears by giving it a heart, sound, costumes, and accessories at the newly launched Build-A-Bear Workshop store. They can also press the pedal of the filling machine to fill their chosen pet with

personalization and interactivity to provide a unique shopping experience. The official opening ceremony took place in the presence of Mall management, media and senior representatives from Build-A-Bear Workshop Gulf states and other VIP guests. The Kuwait store launch comes after the successful opening of Build-

KUWAIT: Stuffing the bear for the kids. cotton.

The Avenues Mall welcomed its first Build-A-Bear Workshop store on Wednesday. Build-A-Bear Workshop, global leaders in interactive retail offers a unique concept of make-yourown teddy bears and other plush animals. Build-A-Bear Workshop mixes

A-Bear Workshop as the mall is the largest retail and leisure destination in Kuwait. It houses the world’s best known brands and is becoming one of the region’s most sought after entertainment destinations. As such, we are sure to add to what already attracts families. They will find our store to be of great interest.”

Build-A-Bear Workshop is based on the premise that nearly everyone, regardless of age, has a special fondness for stuffed animals. Guests enter a distinctive teddy bear themed environment consisting of eight make your own stuffed animal stations:

Campaign to combat smoking KUWAIT: On the occasion of the World No Tobacco Day, Mohamed Naser Al-Sayer & Sons Est. Co. has conducted a stop smoking day with the coordination of Kuwait Smoking combat committee in Ahmadi.

The ceremony was attended by Al-Sayer Group employees and repre s e n t a t i ve s f ro m C h a m p i x a n d Johnson & Johnson companies.

The campaign included a presentation given by Dr Hamdiya Al-Fadly from Kuwait Smoking combat committee in Ahmadi.

Also free test for blood pressure,

Choose Me, Hear Me, Stuff Me, Stitch Me, Fluff Me, Dress Me, Name Me and Take Me Home. They choose from a wide variety of furry friends to make, stuff their new friend, give it a soft satin heart filled with wishes - a BuildA-Bear Workshop trademark - and make a personalized birth certificate.

Guests can further personalize their

KUWAIT: Different animal toys and accessories available at the store.

A-Bear Workshop stores at Dubai Festival City in September 2009, Dubai Marina Mall in November 2009 and Bahrain City Centre in April 2010.

Zeyad Al-Jaidah, Managing Director and CEO, Build-A-Bear Workshop Gulf States said, “The Avenues is an ideal location for Build-

diabetes, length and weight measurements were done as well as the distribution of related brochures and booklets.

On this event, medical products that help smokers to quit smoking and many gifts were given to the attendees.

On May 31, the whole world celebrated the World No Tobacco Day. The importance of this event comes f ro m t h e gre a t d a n g e r o f s m o k e addiction on the health of individuals and the development of societies.

Angry messages

By Feras Khorshed hey were out on a ‘Day of Rage Friday’ and attended previous rallies. They will also attend rallies and seminars to be organized in the future where means are resorted to express opinions. The country is flooded with corruption and have urged the PM to ‘leave.’ They shouted, quarreled and went back home!

What I failed to understand is whether their call to leave was directed at the PM, HH the Amir, the Judiciary or the Parliament.

We are in a state where the prime minister can only be appointed by HH the Amir. Opposing the nomination is the sole discretion of the Parliament and all ‘unconstitutional’ practices must be referred to the Constitutional Court. In a democratic country, people are the source of all power.

‘You’ do not constitute all ‘the people’ and comprise only a segment of it. It should not suppress people’s opinion or generalize your views as facts that should be adapted by everybody. One cannot be forced to adopt others’ political views. We all have our own views that may have an effect on the state’s decisions.

I can never blame those who describe people as ‘trouble makers’. Everyone knows the right path for change but opt for other routes. Changes cannot be introduced in a democratic country. Your freedom of expression is not enough to effect change.

What if your demands are met and a similar number believe in opposite ones? Will that nullify your demands? Will we, then, enter a devastating state of endless chaotic demands?

Change, gentlemen, is only achievable by checking with people, conversing with them to change their views on how to handle political issues. Once that is done, new MPs will stem from people on expressing ideas.

And since you are calling for ‘change’ and ‘departure,’ you ought to have a comprehensive realistic political view of all events, situations and the future of the countr y prior to addressing those who oppose your opinions. They will never give up their stability and freedom, though somehow limited, and call for freedoms that are custom-tailored to match similar ideologies.

On the other hand, clinging to your sectarian and tribal demands will have the worst consequences in terms of fighting corruption. I would say it will even nurture it and give it a patriotic feature. How, do you intend, then, to reform the whole country while you cannot reform your own supporters in your own constituencies? —Aljarida

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KUWAIT: People in front of the store on the launching ceremony.

—Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Build-A-Bear Workshop comes to Kuwait

By Nawara Fattahova

kuwait digest

new friend by recording their own message, add a heartbeat to place inside their furry friend and choose from a wide selection of unique fashions and accessories. Store associates, or master Bear Builder associates, share the experience with Guests at

each phase of the bear-making process. Regardless of age, Guests enjoy the highly visual environment and the fantasy of this special place while they create a memory with their friends and family.

Each bear goes home in one of Build-A-Bear Workshop famous and unique Cub Condo carrying cases, and will also gain exclusive access to, Bearville.com, a virtual world and online entertainment destination.

Build-A-Bear Workshop also hosts parties for special occasions, called Build-A-Party celebrations. It is ‘beary’ fun and easy! Guests set the price of the party for six or more friends, starting at only KD 4.800 per child. It is the perfect outing for class field trips, scout troops, team-building exercises, and of course, birthday parties and best of all, each guest gets to take home a furry friend of their own.

The Build-A-Bear Workshop was attended since the very first day, “We are pleased to expand the rapid growth of the brand and to be experiencing this milestone of our fourth store’s opening in a short span of time. This is a proven and successful concept in Dubai and Bahrain and in 400 other locations around the world.

We are certain it will be a success in Kuwait as well. We now look forward to securing more great locations in other premier malls in Kuwait and the region,” Zeyad Al-Jaidah pointed out.

CBK receives drawing competition winners KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) received winners of a drawing competition that was sponsored and organized by the Radisson Blu hotel.

The competition featured participation of children aged between 12 and 18, including children with special needs as well as ‘My First Account’ customers. Amani Al-Waraa, Director of CBK Public Relations and Advertisement awarded both Ahmad Al-Rasheed and Manal Fadhi with special gifts after winning the drawing competition.

The children expressed gratitude towards this gesture and hoped to take part in future competitions that were sponsored by the CBK. Meanwhile, Al-Waraa said that the competition’s sponsorship as well as special reception event is part of the bank’s strategy to lend support to all sections of society.

Kuwait forms panel to verify paternity claims KUWAIT: A joint committee was recently formed by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MSAL) to verify claims made by individuals residing outside Kuwait that they are children of Kuwaiti citizens.

According to officials, Kuwaiti embassies located in several Arab and non-Arab countries were approached by individuals claiming that their parents originally hail from Kuwait, even requesting a visit to Kuwait in order to conduct paternity tests, ‘The joint committee will gather information from people making these claims as well as perform DNA tests to match them with the DNA of citizens who they allegedly descended from.

The committee has questioned a number of people present in Kuwait and was able to reunite some with their fathers who admitted to fathering them, while others denied the claims.

Naturalization procedures that will be carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Interiorís Citizenship and Passpor ts Depar tment, will mostly rely on DNA results. Citizenship will not be granted unless a positive DNA test result is obtained. Officials who spoke on condition of anonymity further revealed that joint committee members will embark on verification missions to Egypt and Thailand before going to other countries. —Al-Qabas

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

Clashes break out in Sudan flashpoint state

NATO jets target Libyan military barracks Page 8

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Indian police storm yoga guru’s protest Ramdev vows to continue anti-graft demonstrations Iraq activist criticizes PM on live TV BAGHDAD: A leading human rights activist confronted Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki on live television yesterday over what she said was the insinuation that rights groups were fronts for terrorism. Maliki delivered a speech at the opening of a conference on Iraq’s national rights action plan and referred to last month’s arrest of a man security forces said had taken part in the massacre of a wedding party in 2006, but

NEW DELHI: Indian supporters of yoga guru Baba Ramdev react from tear gas after clashing with police at the site where they were staging a hunger strike yesterday. — AP

NEW DELHI: Indian police firing tear gas stormed a New Delhi camp yesterday to evict a mass protest against corruption by a famous yoga guru and thousands of his followers, sparking a melee that left 53 injured. Opposition parties and anti-graft campaigners accused the government of resorting to heavyhanded tactics to crush the demonstration, which comes after a damaging series of corruption revelations at high levels of power. Police also used batons in their early-hours raid on a vast tent in the centre of the capital where Swami Baba Ramdev, a television yoga star, had begun a hunger strike on Saturday.

“We had given permission for only 5,000 people to attend his yoga camp but 50,000 turned up. We had not given any permission for a public agitation,” Delhi police spokesman Rajan Bhagat told AFP. Ramdev later described his terror as police swooped on his camp and vowed to intensify his campaign, which has the backing of the main opposition party and several farright Hindu nationalist groups.

“My fast is not over yet and I will continue with my satyagraha (civil resistance),” he told reporters from his residence in the town of Haridwar in northern India where he flew yesterday morning. “We will observe a ‘black day’ to protest the conspiracy and we will intensify our anti-corruption campaign across the country,” the socially conservative and eccentric activist added.

Delhi police officer Aslam Khan told AFP that 53 people including 23 policeman had been injured in the early morning raid, but none of them was hospitalized. “ The policemen received injuries from stones, flower pots and fire extinguishers thrown at them by the people there,” she told AFP from the now empty site of the protest, where personal possessions littered the floor. The saffron-robed guru had piled pressure on the scandal-tainted government over corruption after beginning a fast to protest so-called “black money”, cash from bribes or other illegal transactions in overseas accounts. He had demanded the government accept all of his demands to tackle the problem, including introducing the death penalty for corrupt officials and withdrawing large-denomination bank notes used in illicit cash deals. Prime Minister

Manmohan Singh’s administration had attempted to talk him out of the “fast unto death”, nervous that his campaign could spiral into a mass challenge to the government’s authority.

Anger over corruption is high across the country after a string of high-profile scandals, including a telecoms license scam that might have cost the country up to $39 billion and has seen a minister arrested.

Singh sent a succession of ministers to negotiate with Ramdev, leading to criticism from some commentators that the government was appeasing a man with views far outside the political mainstream. The sudden police raid yesterday morning in full view of India’s media, which have been covering every twist in the protest, left some questioning the sudden change in tactics.

“It was badly mishandled and it will have a negative impact on the government,” MJ Akbar, a columnist and political commentator as well as a former Congress party MP, told AFP. “This smacks of incompetent governance and a complete absence of understanding of the political consequences,” he added. A senior leader from the ruling Congress party, Digvijay Singh, was unrepentant, telling reporters that “the kind of treatment needed to be meted out to a fraud has been meted out to him.”

Ramdev is popular among millions of Indians who watch his daily televised yoga sessions and he has strong backing from the main opposition party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “The BJP strongly condemns the police action initiated at the PM’s behest to break up a peaceful and non-violent campaign against corruption,” BJP president Nitin Gadkari said in a hastily convened press conference.”BJP activists will hold a 24-hour protest across the nation in towns and villages to protest what has happened,” Gadkari added, accusing the government of “fascist tendencies”. Anupama Jha, the India director for anti-corruption lobby group Transparency International, said the police raid “shows how rattled the government was by the campaign”. “It will only strengthen civil society’s resolve to take up the campaign in a more determined manner,” Jha said. — AFP

had been posing as an activist since.

“Unfortunately, as you see on TV, there are some human rights organizations work ing under this name, but are unfortunately practicing killing,” Maliki said in his speech. “As you all saw, the head of a human rights organization killed innocent people with his hands at a wedding, and he filmed the crime,” he added. —AFP

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NATO jets target Libyan military barracks TRIPOLI: British jets hit a military barracks in the Libyan capital early yesterday, intensifying NATO pressure on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi nearly four months into an uprising to end his erratic 42-year rule.

The airstrikes on the barracks - repeated targets of NATO strikes - followed the Western alliance’s first use of attack helicopters Saturday.

By intensifying attacks from the air and using helicopters to target government forces who melt into the civilian population for cover, NATO is providing a major boost to Libyan rebel forces who have seized much of the country’s east and toeholds in the west. Emboldened rebels in recent days have forced government troops from three

western towns and broke the siege of a fourth.

A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters, said the strikes caused no casualties because the barracks were abandoned after having come under repeated NATO attack.

A NATO official, however, said Royal Air Force Tornados fired eight missiles into a surface-to-air missile depot in Tripoli. The early attacks also hit military sites in the town of Tajoura, west of Tripoli. Saturday’s strikes by French and British helicopters targeted Libyan troops hiding in populated areas, as well as military vehicles and equipment - targets often unavailable to higher-

flying jet fighters. Lt Gen Charles Bouchard, commander of the Libya operation, said the engagement “demonstrates the unique capabilities brought to bear by attack helicopters.” Until Saturday, NATO had relied aircraft that typically fly above 15,000 feet (4,500 meters) - nearly three miles (five kilometers). The jets primarily strike government targets but there have been cases when they missed and hit opposition forces by mistake.

The helicopters give the alliance a key advantage in close combat, flying at much lower altitudes. At a regional security conference yesterday in Singapore, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ivanov said NATO is “one step” from the start of ground

operations in Libya. Russia abstained from a United Nations Security Council resolution vote in March to impose a no-fly zone over Libya. Ivanov said there has been disagreement over how to interpret the scope of the resolution. In the Saturday attacks, British Apaches hit two targets near the eastern oil town of Brega, according British Maj Gen Nick Pope, and separate Royal Air Force planes destroyed another military installation near Brega and two ammunition bunkers at the large Waddan depot in central Libya.

French Gazelle and Tiger helicopters struck 15 military vehicles and five military command buildings, said Col Thierry Burkhard. All the helicopters returned safely,

the French and British said. Brega is of strategic importance to Libya’s oil industry and lies on the Mediterranean coastal road to the capital. In the early days of the uprising against Gaddafi, Brega shifted between rebel and loyalist hands, but later the front line settled to the east of the town and under government control. Gaddafi’s regime has been slowly crumbling from within. A significant number of officers and several Cabinet ministers have defected, and most have expressed support for the opposition. But Gaddafi shows no signs of leaving power. Gaddafi has been seen in public rarely and heard even less frequently since a NATO airstrike on his compound killed one of his sons on April 30. — AP

Clashes break out in Sudan flashpoint state North threatens to clear out southern-allied forces

SFAX: African migrants sit aboard a boat after being rescued after fleeing Libya

by Tunisian coastguard and sailors off the Tunisian coast yesterday. —AFP

Tunisia seeks way between unrest and uncertainty Instability affects tourism, investors badly TUNIS: Nearly five months after a popular uprising swept president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali from power in the first days of the ‘Arab Spring,’ Tunisia looks to rebuild an economy mired in political uncertainty. Tunisia, used to posting at least five percent annual growth, faces stagnation this year as the authorities try to meet rising aspirations, hold elections and limit the fallout from unrest in neighbor Libya. Unemployment, which ultimately drove the unrest against the old regime, could reach 20 percent of the workforce this year, up from 13 percent in 2010, the government admits.

“The revolution is making existing problems even worse in dramatic fashion at a difficult time,” said Tunisian economist Mohamed Ben Ramdhane.

“Instability is hurting tourism and investors don’t like unstable conditions.”

Since Tunisia’s popular revolt sparked the region-wide Arab Spring, the country has regained relative calm but tensions remain-there are strikes, fear of Al-Qaeda and of the Libyan crisis on its borders bringing thousands of refugees.

On the political front, a transitional government is still in place but is in pains to meet electoral deadlines and hand over power. The longer the uncertainty remains, the slower the return of tourists, who supported some 400,000 jobs in a sector accounting for nearly seven percent of gross domestic product. With official numbers forecasting a 41 percent drop in tourists and a 48 percent drop in revenues, the 2011 tourist season will be sluggish, despite advertising campaigns celebrating a “new Tunisia”.

Foreign investors are skittish. Direct

foreign investment, a key driver for job growth, crashed 25 percent over the first four months of the year compared to the same period in 2010, according to the Tunisian foreign investment agency. “The political classes are involved in Byzantine discussions on election dates while ignoring the fundamental problems,” said labor expert Abdeljalil Bedoui, deploring the lack of a clear political and economic message.

Widespread opinion agrees that the real priorities are the same ones as the Ben Ali era-reducing regional inequality and kick-starting job creation, especially for the 80,000 university graduates who hit the job market every year. Some analysts say there are positive signs despite the problems. Exports-electrical goods, agriculture, textiles-increased 11 percent in the first quarter of 2011 and the harvest outlook seems promising. “Inflation is under control and public debt isn’t going beyond 45 percent (of GDP),” said expert Bedoui.

The international community meanwhile has promised $40 billion (27.6 billion euros) to support democratic change in the Arab world. “But aid risks putting our country deeper into debt,” cautioned Bedoui. “Our partners have to sustain the revolution by foregoing repayment on some of that debt.” For economist Mohamed Ben Ramdhane, a massive investment program sustained by international loans is key.

An economic rebound he says can only occur by financing infrastructure, helping small businesses and by giving direct aid to regions too often forgotten in the past. — AFP

Majority of Egyptians oppose theocracy: Poll CAIRO: A poll released yesterday indicates that at this point, only a small minority of Egyptians support the powerful Muslim Brotherhood, and less than 1 percent favor an Iran-style Islamic theocracy. The Gallup poll conducted after the fall of President Hosni Mubarak found that while 69 percent of Egyptians want religious leaders to have an “advisory role” in new legislation, most do not want a government based in religion.

Only 15 percent said that they support the Muslim Brotherhood, while more than 60 percent showed no political preference.

The results appeared to counter a widely held view that the Muslim Brotherhood will be the main winner in September’s parliamentary elections.

The Brotherhood favors a regime guided

by Islamic Sharia law. The Muslim Brotherhood, outlawed under Mubarak, said in April that it would contest half the seats in Egypt’s parliamentary elections in September, sparking fears among secular political forces of a parliament dominated by Islamists.

The group has become more vocal about its plans for a state drawing on Islamic law, drawing on its large network of social groups and followers, which were allowed to operate under strict security oversight from the Mubarak regime. The poll results are heavily influenced by undecided voters among the 60 percent with no stated preference, but they indicate that if the election were held now, the Brotherhood would not be the controlling factor. Indicating religious tolerance in Egypt, the poll showed that Egypt and Lebanon are the most

CAIRO: An Egyptian Muslim woman holds a cross with a Holy Quran, as she joins Coptic Christians for Sunday mass at the Virgin Mary church yesterday. —AFP likely in the Middle East to “welcome a neighbor of another faith.” Christians comprise 10 percent of Egypt’s population. The Egyptians position toward the United States was not affected by the popular revolution. A majority of Egyptians expressed disapproval of US policy, based on its perceived support of Israel, said Dalia Mogahed, director of Abu Dhabi Gallup Center. She said Gallup recommends that the US “work tirelessly to end the Palestinian-Israel conflict.” In local issues, the poll showed half of Egyptians believe that the economic conditions are worsening. Even so, the majority of people appear optimistic about a better political and economic future. The poll, conducted in April, surveyed 1,000 Egyptians aged 15 and older between late March and early April, and quoted a margin of error of 3 percentage points. — AP

JUBA/KHARTOUM: Clashes have broken out in a flashpoint region of Sudan controlled by the northern government, exacerbating tensions as the southern portion of the vast country prepares to secede following a referendum.

Two southern party officials and the United Nations reported fighting at the weekend in the Nuba region of South Kordofan, an area in northern territory that the Khartoum authorities have threatened to clear of southern-allied armed groups. Tensions have been mounting between north and south Sudan ahead of the scheduled July 9 division of the country.

The Khartoum government seized the disputed Abyei region on May 21, causing tens of thousands of people to flee and drawing sharp international criticism. In the latest violence, the United Nations said it had received reports of shooting in the village of Umm Dorain in South Kordofan yesterday and was sending military observers to gather details. “There were reports of shooting in Umm Dorain, which took place late morning,” spokeswoman Hua Jiang said.

Unknown armed groups also attacked a police station in the town of Kadugli late on Saturday, taking some weapons before leaving, a spokesman for the U.N. mission in Sudan said. Two officials with the southern ruling party in South Kordofan confirmed the clashes in

Kadugli and Umm Dorain, and accused Khartoum of launching the attacks. “NCP (National Congress Party) attacked this morning in Umm Dorain and yesterday night in Kadugli, but it is quiet now,” an official with the southern ruling party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), told Reuters.

The National Congress Party is the ruling party of the Khartoum government. In statement carried by the state news agency SUNA, a spokesman for the northern army said “the incident” in Umm Dorain was an individual case resulting from one soldier firing at random. “The situation was contained,” the statement said, adding Kadugli was calm and that relations between Sudan’s armed forces and “the other party” in the Nuba region were stable.

Analysts have said fighting could erupt in parts of South Kordofan and the north-run Blue Nile states, which are home to southernallied armed groups that fought Khartoum during the civil war. Southern officials say the South Kordofan militia are northerners and so Juba cannot tell them to withdraw south.

Southerners voted overwhelmingly to secede in a January referendum promised by a 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended decades of civil war.

“The SPLM is still respecting the CPA and

the international community, but if they attack again, no one will accept that, and we will be defending ourselves,” the southern party official said. He added that tanks were used, but did not give details. A second official said the northern army had shelled Umm Dorain. The reports could not be independently verified.

Both officials said they did not know if there had been any casualties yet.

The division of Sudan has been complicated by unresolved disputes including the exact position of the common border and the fate of Abyei, which is used all year round by the south-linked Dinka Ngok people and for part of the year by northern Arab Misseriya nomads. Abyei is prized for its fertile grazing land, but also produces some oil, which Khartoum may be eager to hold on to as the south breaks away, taking with it some threequarters of the country’s oil revenues.

About 45 percent of Khartoum’s budget comes from oil. The occupation of Abyei followed an attack on a convoy of northern soldiers and UN peacekeepers that was blamed on southern forces. Khartoum has refused calls from the United States, United Nations and southern officials to withdraw from Abyei, saying the land belongs to the north and its troops will remain until the dispute is resolved. — Reuters

Lebanon’s Palestinian migrants mourn 6-Day War

KHARTOUM: Rescue workers load the aircraft of Kosovar pilot James Barisha onto a truck after he was forced to crash-land in the desert between Port Sudan and Khartoum on June 4, 2011. — AFP

Kosovo-crazy pilot crash lands in Sudan desert KHARTOUM: When James Berisha took off in his Cessna 172 four-seater from Texas two years ago, he vowed to visit every nation on earth to raise awareness of his beloved homeland, Kosovo, proclaimed independent in 2008. His dream came close to ending in tragedy, when an engine cylinder blew at 8,500 feet, forcing him to crash-land in the Sudanese desert when he was just two countries short of conquering the African continent.

But the 39-year-old pilot is undeterred, despite the logistical challenge of getting a new engine shipped to Sudan, funding constraints and the possible dangers ahead.

“If I die from what I’m doing, it’s just me. Who is benefiting is two million people. That’s what is important for me,” he told AFP. “I love my country, I love my people and I want the world to know about it.” Berisha admits, however, that he got “a big wakeup call” about one hour 20 minutes into his journey from Port Sudan to Khartoum last Sunday, when his engine stopped, probably because of the heat and the age of the aircraft.

He managed to glide the 1967 plane to the ground, and after surviving the 10-minute descent then found himself in the middle of the desert, in “40 something degrees” Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) with nothing to drink. “It’s kind of terrifying when you find yourself out in the big wide world, worrying that you’re going to starve or die of thirst,” he said.

Somewhat miraculously, a truck passed by two hours later and the family on board gave him water and took him to a gold mine, 43 kilometers (27 miles) away, where he was welcomed and looked after. After being interrogated by at least 10 suspicious Sudanese police officers for most of the following day, Berisha returned to

the mine, whose manager helped him to load the plane on a truck and have it towed to safety. With “Please recognize the independence of Kosovo” emblazoned in blue on the side and the national flag painted on its tail, the single-engine aircraft now sits at the mine awaiting repair before setting off for the next country.

Berisha has powerful personal reasons for taking his message to the world. He left Kosovo in 1988 at the age of 16, in search of opportunity, moving to Switzerland and Australia first, before settling in the United States. During that time, the conflict between Serbia and the Kosovan rebels escalated, and Berisha was just finishing his pilot training in Florida when his father, a farmer, was shot dead by Serbian militiamen on March 1, 1999. He returned a month later to try to find his family, who had abandoned their village, Brestovc, and fled to the border along with thousands like them. “There were 200 houses in Brestovc. Sixty-eight people were killed in that one small village,” he said. “Seeing hundreds of thousands of people on the border, in makeshift camps, bleeding and living like animals, that image was engraved on my heart,” Berisha recalls of an experience that prompted him to do something for his country. He now has a multinational team working for him, and a letter from Kosovo’s foreign ministry to deliver by hand to each country he visits, with a formal request for recognition or to say thank you to those that have already done so.

“Out of 193 countries around the globe, 75 have recognized our independence, just 12 of them from Africa,” he said. NATO’s no-fly zone means he will have to steer clear of Libya for now, but otherwise he has just Eritrea and Egypt to go. — AFP

AIN EL-HILWEH: Lebanon’s Palestinian refugees yesterday staged a day of mourning for the 44th anniversary of Israel’s sweeping defeat of Arab armies in the 1967 Six-Day War. Lebanese and Palestinian activists had planned to protest at the border with Israel but Lebanon’s army banned any gatherings at the frontier, fearing a repeat of last month’s violence on the anniversary of Israel’s 1948 creation. On May 15, clashes between protesters and Israeli soldiers left six dead on the Lebanese border and four more in the Golan Heights at the ceasefire line between Syria and the Jewish state.

Israeli army gunfire killed six people yesterday as demonstrators on the Syrian side tried to cross the ceasefire line on the annexed Golan, Syria’s state news agency SANA said. In Lebanon, 20 protesters in the keffiyeh Arab headdress tried to stage a rally in Adaisseh, facing the Israeli kibbutz of Misgav Am, but were quickly dispersed by Lebanese police and soldiers, an AFP photographer said. The army on both sides of the fence were on alert, as was the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Shops were closed in Lebanon’s 12 Palestinian refugee camps, where black flags of mourning were hoisted, as the army reinforced its presence, particularly in the south. Lebanese soldiers manned roadblocks on roads to the border.

An official Iranian delegation later yesterday toured the border, led by Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, who heads the cultural commission in Iran’s parliament. Adel waved a Palestinian flag in the direction of Israeli soldiers watching from the other side of the fence at the border town of Kfar Kila. “Iran supports the Palestinian resistance in Lebanon in any way it can,” Adel said, in reference to the Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah. During the Six-Day War, Israel seized the Sinai peninsula, which it returned to Egypt in 1982, Syria’s Golan Heights, the West Bank including east Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, from which Israeli troops and settlers withdrew in 2005. — AFP

KFARKILA: Former Iranian parliament speaker Gholam Ali Haddad Adel (center) waves a Palestinian flag as he stands with Iranian cleric Gholamreza Mesbahi Moghaddam (right) and Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Ghadanfar Abbadi (left) near Lebanon’s border with Israel in the southern village of Kfarkila yesterday as they mark the 44th anniversary of the “Naksa”, or Israel’s defeat of Arab armies in the 1967 Six-Day War. — AFP

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Spain oppn extends lead amid regional squabbles MADRID: Spain’s centre -right opposition Popular Party (PP) extended its lead over the ruling Socialists in two opinion polls yesterday, as a squabble over regional financing broke out between the two parties. Polls in newspapers El Mundo and El Pais showed the PP extended its lead by less than one percentage point after local elections put the opposition in power in most of the country’s town halls and regional governments on May 22. That boosted expectations that the conservatives will easily win a March 2012 general election, and sparked a squabble over finances

in the Castilla La Mancha region, where the Socialists are due to hand over power to the PP after ruling for almost 30 years. The dispute is likely to be the first of many.

PP representatives said regional finances were near bankruptcy, but admitted that they had yet to see the accounts. The Socialists responded by suspending their handover to the PP, accusing the party of trying to alarm the public in preparation for major spending cuts. The electorate blames the Socialists, under Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, for mishandling an economy in which

unemployment affects more than one in five. Recurrent worries that Spain could be the next in line for a euro zone bailout have also dogged bond markets.

A Sigma Dos poll in El Mundo estimated the PP would win 45.9 percent of the vote versus 32.1 percent for the Socialists in a general election. A Metroscopia poll in El Pais saw the PP taking 44.8 percent against the Socialists’ 31.0 percent.

But the PP’s political strategy, playing on the Socialists’ financial weaknesses, could send more jitters through financial markets, one political analyst said. “The risk is

that from abroad, people ... believe that things are worse than they seem,” said Carlos Barrera, who teaches politics at Navarre University.

“The PP’s strategy is to force early elections, but they are playing with fire in some ways. In any case, they should at least wait to see the accounts before raising suspicions they can’t justify.”

Spain’s regions make up less than a quarter of the overall budget deficit target of 6 percent of gross domestic product. Although it is clear there are several regions, such as Castilla La Mancha, that will

overshoot their target, economists say is it unlikely that any hidden debts are big enough to derail efforts to curb the overall deficit.

Zapatero has said he would not run again and the Socialists have named Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, the interior minister and deputy prime minister, as their candidate.

But even a candidate like Rubalcaba, credited with winning the battle against the violent Basque separatists ETA, may not be enough to turn the situation around for the Socialists. In the Sigma Dos poll, Rubalcaba got the highest rating out of any individual

politician at 4.61 out of 10. PP leader Mariano Rajoy got a rating of 4.18. But none of Spain’s politicians rate at more than 5, which marks approval.

Discontent with the political class was also reflected in the Metroscopia poll, which showed most Spaniards agree with the reasons behind a protest staged by outraged youths.

They have set up a platform to protest against a political system they say propagates corruption and has failed to provide real solutions to Spain’s problems. — Reuters

Macedonia votes in tense election Parties trade accusations of planned fraud, violence

NEW YORK: Anne Sinclair, the wife of former IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn, returns to their Tribeca house. Strauss-Kahn is under house arrest awaiting trial on sex-assault charges. —AFP

Strauss-Kahn victim keeps to the shadows NEW YORK: Being accused of rape turned Dominique Strauss-Kahn-already one of the world’s most famous men-into one of the most notorious. But to this day his accuser remains barely known. The media profiles of the two protagonists in the sensational case could not contrast more starkly: one of them daily tabloid fodder, while the other is a cipher, a woman without a name or recognizable face, or even an address. Today, a frenzied barrage of cameras will greet the former head of the International Monetary Fund when he appears in a New York court to answer charges that he tried to rape his room maid in a luxury hotel May 14.

The alleged victim, though, will keep to the shadows, hidden from the press pack as she waits possibly for months to testify in the trial. A full three weeks after StraussKahn’s arrest, all officials will say about the alleged victim is that she is 32, immigrated from west Africa and worked for three years at a Sofitel in Times Square. Prosecutors are barred by law from saying who she is.

Journalists have uncovered her name, but most big media outlets, including AFP, prohibit publication, limiting exposure to French media, which have different rules.

And although reporters have visited her former Harlem apartment building-and even her extended family’s house in a remote part of Guinea-almost nothing about the maid’s personal life is known. Her current whereabouts remain secret. Legal experts say the maid’s furtiveness is understandable. “It’s very common that women who are claiming they were sexually abused don’t come forward,” said Jay K Goldberg, a criminal defense attorney with experience in rape cases. “There’s no reason for her to make an appearance and she’s not required to be in court until the trial.”

Attorneys say that prosecutors from the

District Attorney’s Office might even be helping to hide the maid. A spokesperson for the DA’s office declined to confirm or deny this. According to Toni Messina, another defense attorney, the maid’s two lawyers could also be shielding her, both from the media and from attempts by Strauss-Kahn’s team to interview her ahead of the trial. “It’s either a combination of them cooperating and figuring out where they can put her, put her up for a certain amount of time. It’s almost like witness protection but not at that level since she’s not in danger,” Messina said.

For now, the maid’s biggest ally is the US media, which under a self-enforced code, protects the identity of alleged rape victims. Some foreign publications do not have such restrictions, but paparazzi photographers say the maid has made the assignment too hard to be worthwhile. “It’s too difficult and too expensive to find her, (while) we can have hundreds of photos of celebrities in New York that we sell all around the world, making lots of money,” said the senior manager of a US photo agency, who asked not to be named.

These dynamics are likely to change once the case heats up, especially once a trial starts. At that point, interest could become as intense in the accuser as the accused. “I think her days of anonymity are largely ending. It will not be long before somebody or a group of people do some sort of news story about her, whether they name her or not,” said Ron Kuby, a highprofile defense lawyer. Strauss-Kahn “is the most accessible and, so far in this production, the most odious-he’s very much the type of person that in America we love to hate,” Kuby said. “But that news cycle will end and soon we will turn to the complainant and the anonymity will be shattered.” —AFP

SKOPJE: Macedonians voted yesterday in snap general elections that many hope will move the country closer to European Union membership and NATO entr y, stalled by a name row with Greece.

Six hours before more than 2,000 polling stations close at 7:00 pm (1700 GMT), the turnout was 35.08 percent of some 1.8 million eligible voters, according to Boris Kondarko, the chairman of the state electoral commission. He said that only minor irregularities had been reported and were dealt with immediately.

The turnout figure were seven percent higher compared to previous elections in 2008, won by incumbent Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and his 24-party rightist coalition VMRO-DPMNE. Its main rival in the race to fill the 123-seat parliament is the leftist-led SDSM of Branko Cr venkovsk i, which walked out of the parliament in January after the authorities froze the bank accounts of the proopposition A1 television station during a tax probe of their owner.

Crvenkovski said he hoped the elections, called in April, would be “without incidents, violence or any kind of irregularities.”

A victory for his party would bring “changes and new perspectives for all citizens of Macedonia,” he vowed after casting his ballot in Skopje. The latest surveys gave the VMRO-DPMNE the lead, but many believe it will fall short of winning a majority. Gruevski has pledged to continue reforms necessary to prepare the landlocked Balkan state for EU and NATO membership. The opposition has accused him of corruption, rigid control of the media, and inadequate investment in the country.

Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov said the vote will determine “who is going to make future decisions that are important for

the country and its strategic goals,” the membership in EU and NATO. Although Skopje officially became a candidate for EU membership in 2005, hopes of joining the union have been blocked by a 19-yearold name dispute with Greece.

Greece has a northern province called Macedonia and says the use of the same name by its neighbor implies a claim on Greek territory.

Macedonia filed an application with the International Court of Justice in November 2008, claiming Greece was violating its rights by blocking its membership of NATO pending the resolution of the name dispute. Hearings before the ICJ were held in March, and the judges are expected to present their ruling later this year. Both the government and the opposition largely avoided the issue during the campaign, pledging only that any proposed name change would be tested in a referendum.

Student Tine Jakupovski said he was angered by the politicians’ “empty words on Europe and integration, while everyone knows there will be no EU until the agreement with Greece is reached.” His friend Kosta Malinov said he was “more concerned that we’ve lost the (Euro 2012 qualifier) football match against Ireland last night.”

“Qualifying for Euro 2012 would have brought us more world attention than all politicians together,” said this 19-year old. Many Macedonians are disappointed with the slow pace of economic reforms and disillusioned by continuous political bickering. Anita Petrusevska, a 33-year-old unemployed engineer, said that “neither the government nor the opposition offers anything new, no one thinks about how to provide jobs for young people.”

Macedonians have an average salary of about 350 euros (500 dollars) a month and almost one-third

SKOPJE: Radmila Sekerinska, candidate for prime minister of the opposition Social Democrats, casts her ballot at a polling station yesterday.—AP of the potential workforce is often backs the leading Macedonian party, becoming a unemployed.

The country’s ethnic Albanians, key partner in the governing coaliwho make up one quarter of the tion. Voting was monitored by two-million-strong population, will some 3,500 local and 330 internalikely play a crucial role in deter- tional observers. For the first time, mining the makeup of the next some 7,000 Macedonians living government. They have also abroad will have a chance to cast stressed that joining the 27-mem- their ballot. In a bid to avoid inciber EU bloc will help ensure there dents during the vote, the is no repeat of the inter-ethnic Macedonian Interior Ministry said conflict that shook the country a some 6,500 policemen were deployed to secure the peace on decade ago.

The party that wins the most election day. Preliminary results seats among the Albanian bloc are expected early today. —AFP

Slovenia holds crucial pension age vote

Pope champions marriage, family on Croatian visit ZAGREB: Pope Benedict XVI yesterday called on Catholics to “be courageous” in defense of the traditional family as he celebrated mass before hundreds of thousands of faithful at a Zagreb hippodrome. “Dear families be courageous! Do not give in to that secularized mentality which proposes living together as a preparation, or even a substitute for marriage!” he said on his second day of a visit to Croatia. Secularization threatens the family, the 84-year-old pontiff warned. “We are called to oppose such a mentality!” he said.

“Unfortunately we are forced to acknowledge the spread of a secularization which leads to the exclusion of God from life and the increasing disintegration of the family, especially in Europe,” the pope said.

The head of the world’s 1.1 billion Catholics called for legislation that “supports families in the task of giving birth to children and educating them.” “Alongside what the Church says, the testimony and commitment of the Christian family ... is very important,” he said. The German pope also asked believers to “affirm the inviolability of human life from conception until natural death, the singular and irreplaceable value of the family founded upon matrimony” After kicking his off his visit on Saturday

by highlighting Europe’s Christian roots and Croatia’s place in Europe, the German pope firmly focused yesterday on family values.

The Vatican said 400,000 pilgrims attended the mass celebrated in the same hippodrome used by his predecessor Pope John Paul II in 1994 while the Balkan wars were still raging. The conservative Croatian Catholic Church exerts heavy influence over the staunchly Catholic country sometimes called “the little Poland of the south”.

Still even here, as in other parts of Europe, the Church laments that young people ignore its teachings on family and sex.

“Freedom without commitment to the truth is made into an absolute. ... Love is reduced to sentimental emotion and to the gratification of instinctive impulses without a commitment to build lasting bonds of reciprocal belonging and without openness to life,” the pope warned. The homily was heard by pilgrims of all ages and from across Croatia, neighboring Bosnia and other countries.

They carried flags and wore scarves in the Vatican’s white and yellow colors. Some had already arrived at 3:00 for the mass, which started at around 10:00 am. Marijan Kirin, 86, from the eastern town of Slavonski Brod, arrived Saturday night on a bus and braved heavy rains to see the pontiff. — AFP

NAIROBI: People injured in a blast receive medical attention at the Kenyatta National Hospital yesterday. — AP

Explosion in downtown Nairobi injures 29 people NAIROBI: An explosion in a highly populated area of downtown Nairobi yesterday injured at least 29 people, and officials said an investigation is under way to determine if the blast was caused by terrorism. Prime Minister Raila Odinga said it was too early to tell if the blast was terror related.

Director of police operations, Julius Ndegwa, said it appeared no one was killed in the explosion in Kenya’s capital. Omar Alwiya, a bus conductor, said he was sleeping at around 11 am when he heard an explosion that shook the room he was in

and filled it with dust. He rushed to the scene and found two shipping containers overturned, several cars destroyed and a fire at a gas station.

Dr Peter Kamau Wanyoike said 29 people were admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital. Nine had burns on 60 percent of their body. Others were injured by falling glass or minor burns. Kenya has been on high alert since the killing of Osama bin Laden because of threats from Al-Shabab militants who operate in neighboring Somalia. — AP

LJUBLJANA: Slovenians vote on Sunday on whether to approve a gradual rise in the national retirement age, a move seen as vital for long-term budget stability. Opinion polls suggest voters will reject the change, an outcome which analysts say would lead to cuts in Slovenia’s credit ratings and possibly to early elections or at least a major reshuffle of the centre-left government. “I know there is only a very small chance that the reform WASHINGTON: A file photo will be endorsed at the shows Slovenian Prime referendum,” Prime Minister Borut Pahor makMinister Borut Pahor told ing an address titled ‘From citizens earlier this week. 20 Years Ago to 2020: EU“But I ask you to trust US Relations Through the of 20-Year-Old me that enforcement of Eyes the pension reform is Slovenia’ at the Paul H good for all of us... The Nitze School of Advanced Studies reform will not solve all International our problems but a possi- (SAIS). — AFP ble rejection would enlarge all and every problem we have,” he added. The pension law, which was passed by parliament in December, would gradually raise the retirement age to 65 from the current minimum ages of 57 for women and 58 for men.

Trade unions demanded a referendum, claiming the increase was too steep. The European Union and the International Monetary Fund have been urging Slovenia, which joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2007, to raise the retirement age to ease the budget burden of a rapidly ageing population.

“If the pension reform is not enforced the probability of a fall of Slovenia’s credit rating is high,” Labor Minister Ivan Svetlik said earlier this week. Slovenia has credit ratings of AA from S&P and Fitch and Aa2 from Moody’s. —Reuters

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

Former Tijuana mayor held over gun cache TIJUANA: Former Tijuana Mayor Jorge Hank Rhon, one of Mexico’s most flamboyant businessmen and politicians, has been detained on suspicion of illegal weapons possession, the federal Attorney General’s Office announced Saturday. Mexican troops raided the gambling impresario’s house and found 88 guns, officials said. The Attorney General’s Office said Hank Rhon and 10 other people were detained. Mexican law limits ownership of large firearms to the military and requires licensing of most other guns.

Violations can be punished by as long as 15 years in prison in some cases.

Hank Rhon’s office did not respond to messages seeking comment. His lawyer, Adela Ruvalcaba, said she was filing a court appeal seeking to prevent Hank Rhon from being held without charges. She said Hank Rhon’s wife, Elvia de Hank, was hospitalized after the army raid. Federal officials said

Hank Rhon was first taken to the local office of the Attorney General’s Office, then was driven to the airport to be flown to Mexico City. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case.

Hank Rhon was mayor of Tijuana from 2004 to 2007, but lost in a run for Baja California state governor that year. He is a self-proclaimed billionaire who owns a dog track, a nationwide chain of off-track betting parlors and the Tijuana soccer team that last month won advancement into Mexico’s top soccer league. His private zoo at one point had 20,000 animals, five times more than the famous San Diego Zoo across the border.

The announcement from the Attorney General’s Office said soldiers responding to a citizen complaint caught three armed people near a hotel and they acknowledged that weapons were hidden in a house in the

Colonia Hipodromo neighborhood, leading troops to search it. In addition to 40 rifles and 48 handguns, the Attorney General’s Office said troops found 9,298 cartridges, 70 ammunition clips and a gas grenade.

Heriberto Garcia, the top human rights official of Baja California, said Hank Rhon told him that armed men in hoods, some in civilian garb and others in military uniform, broke into the house and disarmed his security guards. As rumors of the detention spread, about four dozen of Hank Rhon’s supporters gathered outside the prosecutor’s office to demand his release. Hank Rhon is the son of a legendary figure in the long-ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, Carlos Hank Gonzalez. He served in Mexico’s Cabinet, was governor of Mexico State and later was mayor of Mexico City. Hank Gonzalez died in 2001. He started his career as a school teacher and died a billionaire

Hank Rhon out as an associate of drug smugglers, but then Attorney General Janet Reno called the report incomplete and said its conclusions were “never adopted as official view.” In 1988, two of Hank Rhon’s employees were convicted of killing a Tijuana journalist who reported on corruption for the crusading weekly Zeta.

And in 1995, he was detained at Mexico City’s airport when customs agents found he failed to declare such items as ocelot furs, ivory carvings, sculptures covered in precious stones and pearl-encrusted vests, the Attorney General’s office said in a statement.

Hank Rhon, the father of 19 children with several different women, said several years ago he was too rich to be corrupt. “I don’t put anything in my pockets. I take it out,” he said. “I have a really big business ... and with that money I support myself, my wife, my kids and grandkids.” — AP

after a life in public service.

Hank Rhon’s Tijuana-based gambling operations, which include a giant casino in the center of the city, have long drawn suspicion from US regulators. Law enforcement agencies often see gambling as an easy way to launder illegal money, and Tijuana is a major corridor for drug traffic to the United States. Eric Olson, senior associate of the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute, said the arrest is surprising because Hank Rhon and his family have survived decades of suspicion. “One begins to think they are untouchable,” he said. The arrest poses a serious test for Mexico’s judicial system, Olson said.

“Can they hold someone accountable from a very powerful political family?” Olson said. “He and his father have been surrounded by suspicion for decades but nothing has ever quite stuck.” A 1999 report by the US National Drug Intelligence Center singled

Portugal votes for new govt, fears more cuts Early election triggered by Socrates’ resignation

WASHINGTON: In this file photo, US President George H Bush with Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger (left) announces his weekend Black Sea summit with Russian President Boris Yeltsin to sign a treaty requiring the destruction of long-range nuclear weapons in the Rose Garden of the White House. — AP

US hails top diplomat Eagleburger dead at 80 WASHINGTON: Tributes poured in Saturday for Lawrence Eagleburger, who died at age 80, hailing his diplomatic career and service as US secretary of state under president George H W Bush at the end of the Cold War. “Our nation has lost a distinguished diplomat and public servant,” President Barack Obama said in a statement. Eagleburger, the first career foreign ser vice officer to be named secretary of state, “devoted his life to the security of our nation and to strengthening our ties with allies and partners,” Obama added, noting his lengthy service to US diplomacy spanning over four decades. At the State Department, he “helped our nation navigate the pivotal days during the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War,” the president said.

Eagleburger died from a pneumonia at the University of Virginia Medical Center in the city of Charlottesville, following a heart attack earlier this week, reports said. Current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hailed Eagleburger as a strong voice and stalwart champion for America’s values,” calling his passing “America’s loss.” And Vice President Joe Biden, who worked with Eagleburger for three decades, honored “one of the finest foreign service officers of his generation,” commending his “candor and straightforward manner.”

“The post-Cold War world, particularly Europe and Eurasia, is more stable and secure because of (his) dedicated service,” Biden added. Eagleburger, who ran the State Department for five months at the end of Bush’s term in 1992, was “one of the most capable and respected diplomats our foreign service ever produced,” the former president said in a statement quoted by US media. “During one of the tensest moments of the Gulf War, when Saddam Hussein began attacking Israel with scud missiles trying cynically and cruelly to bait them into the conflict, we

sent Larry to Israel to preserve our coalition,” Bush recalled.

“It was an inordinately complex and sensitive task, and his performance was nothing short of heroic.” Eagleburger, who served under secretaries from both parties, replaced James Baker at the post in August 1992, first as acting secretary before his official appointment later that year. He brought with him decades of experience as a career diplomat and a solid knowledge of Middle East issues.

He had departed public service in 1984 to launch a consulting firm with former secretary of state Henry Kissinger, but returned to become deputy secretary of state in 1989 at Bush’s insistence.

Born in 1930 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Eagleburger joined the diplomatic service at age 27, starting his career as a lowlevel officer in the US embassy in Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital, before moving to Europe in the early 1960s.

Working as an economic adviser to the US mission in Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia-where he would later serve as ambassador between 1977 and 1981 — Eagleburger’s diplomatic prowess made him a top US player in Europe during the Cold War, also serving as a political adviser to the US delegation to NATO in Brussels. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates praised his “close colleague and very dear friend.” Eagleburger, Gates said, “was a supremely talented diplomat and public servant. And very funny. I will miss him very much.”

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell described his late friend as an “incredibly gifted public servant.” Clinton noted that even in retirement, “Larry remained a staunch advocate for the causes he believed in. He never stopped caring, contributing and speaking out.”

“He believed in the strength of America’s values, and he fought for them around the world. — AFP

LISBON: Portugal voted yesterday in an early election to decide who implements a 78 billion euro bailout deal, with the opposition favorites to win after six years of Socialist rule and near financial collapse. Opinion polls give the Social Democrats (PSD), who last ruled between 2002 and 2005, around 36 percent of the vote against 31 percent for Prime Minister Jose Socrates’ Socialists. If confirmed the PSD would fall short of an absolute majority in the 230-seat parliament but they could govern in coalition with the third-place conservative CDS-PP party as they have in the past.

The PSD campaigned on a promise to “go beyond” the demanding bailout conditions set by the International Monetary Fund and the European Union in terms of privatizations and economic reforms. During the final week of the campaign, PSD leader Pedro Passos Coelho warned that if Socrates is re-elected Portugal would find itself in the same “tragic” situation as Socialist-run Greece, which is seeking more money just a year after it received a bailout. “We have to re-establish confidence in Portugal,” he said during his final campaign rally late Friday in a packed square in central Lisbon.

“We will fulfill the agreement reached with the European Union and International Monetary Fund until the last paragraph, until the last deadline, and we will pay what was asked for in our name until the last euro.” The outgoing prime minister accuses Passos Coelho of seeking to use the bailout package as an excuse to implement “the most rightwing program ever proposed in Portugal.”

Many voters are disillusioned with politicians and accept the economic sacrifices to come with resignation. “I like our prime minister very much but my patience has run out.

There has to be a change. I think we have to go through a rough patch now. It’s like that, there is no choice,” said 65-year-old Custodio Colaco as he voted at a high school in Almada, a mainly working-class suburb of Lisbon. The bailout is conditional on measures

AMADORA: Pedro Passos Coelho (center) leader of the center-right Social Democratic Party, PSD, drinks an espresso with local residents at a cafe after voting in Portugal’s general elections yesterday. — AP that include tax hikes, a freeze on state pensions and salaries and a reduction in unemployment benefits as well as their duration.

“I am frightened, I get a small pension and have the rent to pay, and this situation frightens me. Everyone makes mistakes, but if things were bad before now they are worse,” said 65-year-old Maria da Conceica Miguel as she voted.

Investors have kept Portugal’s borrowing costs close to record levels even after the bailout agreement was reached in May on fears that the new government that emerges after the election may lack a strong enough mandate to get parliament to pass the austerity and reforms called for in the deal. The early election was triggered by Socrates’ resignation at the end of March after the parliamen-

Republican race speeds WASHINGTON: An impossible -to-predict race is unfolding for the Republican nod to take on President Barack Obama in 2012, confounding the buttoneddown party’s trend of favoring anointed heirs.

After months of slumber, which saw several top hopefuls search their souls before nixing a run, the Republican field has burst into life, 17 months before Democrat Obama will ask voters for a second term.

One top contender, Mitt Romney, launched his second White House bid this week by accusing Obama of Europe-style socialism, while Sarah Palin teased reporters on a cat-and-mouse chase around American landmarks.

Romney’s top establishment rival Tim Pawlenty courted evangelical Christians and trekked through Iowa in the kind of campaign the exacting voters in February’s first-in-the nation contest demand.

Two big questions dominated commentary running into the Republican race. First, could Republicans, pulled right by the ultra-conservative Tea Party, pick a candidate compatible with the center ground where US presidential elections are normally won? — AP

Polarized Peru to vote for president

LIMA: Peru’s presidential candidate Ollanta Humala, of the political party Gana Peru, goes for a morning run before voting in the presidential runoff election yesterday. — AP

LIMA: Peru votes Sunday in a tight presidency contest between Keiko Fujimori, daughter of a jailed ex-strongman, and Ollanta Humala, a nationalist exmilitary man, with many opting for the “lesser of two evils.”

Humala, a 48-year-old leftist whom opponents link to Venezuelan anti-liberal leader Hugo Chavez and Fujimori, a 36year-old right-wing lawmaker, were neck-and-neck, but the last two opinion polls showed Humala had inched ahead.

Many voters said they would choose the person they disliked the least faced with the two most extreme candidates who won through an April first round in the Andean nation stretching down the Pacific and across the Amazon. Both Fujimori and Humala drew support with

tary opposition, led by the PSD, rejected his minority government’s fourth austerity package in just under a year.

Two weeks later Portugal became the third eurozone nation after Greece and Ireland last year to request an international bailout because of its inability to meet its refinancing obligations. Socrates argues he did everything to avoid a bailout. He blames the PSD, which had backed previous fiscal tightening, for provoking a political crisis that worsened the debt crisis just to topple the government “out of a greed for power.” The new government will have to fight joblessness-which stood at a record 12.6 percent in April, the fourth-highest level in the eurozone-with the economy expected to contract by two percent this year and the next. — AFP

promises to help around one third of the population of some 29 million still living in poverty despite a decade of record growth on the back of mineral exports. Security and corruption were also key issues as the campaign polarized in the second round. Fujimori campaigned in the shadow of her notorious father Alberto Fujimori who is serving a 25-year jail sentence for corruption and rights abuses under a clampdown on leftist Shining Path guerrillas during his 1990-2000 rule. He is also remembered for reining in hyperinflation.

Surrounded by many of his allies, she failed to convince detractors that she would not follow in his footsteps and possibly seek to free him, after serving as a 19-year-old first lady fol-

lowing her parents’ separation.

But she wooed investors, most of the media and conservative ex-presidential candidates with promises of sticking to the model of free-market economics which has accompanied an unprecedented decade of growth. Humala, who is of Indian origin like 80 percent of Peruvians, promised a fairer distribution of the country’s riches, particularly in southern Andean provinces where poverty reaches 60 percent. His rise sent shockwaves through Lima’s stock exchange.

Humala first came to prominence in 2000 when he led a short-lived military rebellion against former president Fujimori, and he has also been accused of rights abuses which have never been proved. —AFP

SANTIAGO: A soldier helps a girl during a preventive evacuation at the surroundings of the Puyehue volcano in Entrelagos some 1,100 kilometers south of Santiago, Saturday, June 4, 2011. — AP

3,500 evacuated as volcano erupts in southern Chile SANTIAGO: One of the volcanos in the Caulle Cordon of southern Chile erupted violently Saturday, billowing smoke and ash high into the sky and prompting more than 3,500 people living nearby to evacuate. There were no reports of injuries. Authorities initially said the Puyehue volcano was involved, but later said the eruption was occurring about 21/2 miles (four kilometers) from that peak. A rift more than six miles (10 kilometers) long and three miles (five kilometers) across was torn in the earth’s crust, officials said Saturday night.

Authorities had put the area on alert Saturday morning after a flurry of earthquakes, and the eruption began in the afternoon. The National Emergency Office said it recorded an average of 230

tremors an hour. About 600 people were evacuated when the first alert went up and hundreds more left their homes after the eruption began.

Rodrigo Ubilla, Chile’s undersecretary of labor, said some people near the volcano had decided not to leave their homes because they didn’t want to abandon their animals. Wind carried ash across the Andes to the Argentine tourist town of San Carlos de Bariloche, which had to close its airport. Officials warned residents of the Bariloche area to take precautions against a possible prolonged ashfall. They urged people to stock up on food and water and to stay home. The eruption is nearly 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) south of Chile’s national capital, Santiago. — AP

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

Pakistan bomb blast kills 6 Blast is response to Al-Qaeda commander’s death

KANDAHAR: In this photo, US Secretary of Defense Robert M Gates meets with service members at Forward Operating Base Walton yesterday. —AFP

Gates bids goodbye to troops on Afghan tour KANDAHAR: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates visited southern Afghanistan yesterday to say goodbye to American troops fighting to defeat Taleban insurgents in their strongholds.

Gates, who is due to finish his stint as Pentagon chief at the end of the month, arrived for a farewell Afghan tour Saturday, as President Barack Obama considers the scale and pace of troop withdrawals due to start in July. He says a key focus of his trip will be saying farewell to some of the roughly 90,000 US troops stationed in the war-torn country as part of a 130,000-strong foreign force battling a Taleban-led insurgency.

“It will be my last chance as defense secretary to look them each in the eye and thank them for their service and sacrifice -on behalf of the future of Afghanistan, the stability of this key region, and the security of the United States,” Gates told a news conference on Saturday after arriving in Kabul.

Yesterday, he travelled to the giant Kandahar airfield en route to military bases in the south.

The region contains some of the country’s most dangerous battlefields and was the focus of the surge of 30,000 extra troops announced in 2009 in a bid to turn around the war. He visited a base on the outskirts of Kandahar city which serves as a logistics hub for supplying troops operating in the area and was due to visit other outposts later. The Pentagon boss’s last visit after four-anda-half years in the job coincides with a crucial moment for strategy in the war as Obama’s administration weighs the scale of a planned troop drawdown starting in July.

On Saturday, Gates signaled that the

US administration planned no dramatic shift in the near decade-long war, predicting a “modest” troop withdrawal from next month and saying it was “premature” to change course. Gates’s meetings with soldiers have become increasingly emotional amid a burden of rising casualties in an increasingly unpopular war.

Yesterday, three foreign troops were killed in Afghanistan including two in a helicopter crash in the east, while four died in a bomb attack in the same region as he arrived in Kabul Saturday. Their nationalities have not been revealed. The casualties brought the foreign military death toll to at least 228 so far this year, according to independent website iCasualties.org.

Gates has touted tentative progress in the war effort, especially in Taleban heartlands in the south, but the outcome of the NATO-led mission and the Kabul government’s ability to take the lead on security remains in question. He told President Hamid Karzai’s government and Afghan security forces at a press conference Saturday that they needed to “step up” in order to make the transition process starting in July a success.

Gates also raised the possibility of peace talks by the end of the year with the Islamist insurgency but said more time was needed to gauge the effects of military pressure and the killing of AlQaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Calls for a swifter drawdown have mounted since US Navy SEAL commandos gunned down bin Laden in his Pakistan hideout last month. The US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 was triggered by the Taleban’s failure to hand over bin Laden after the September 11, 2001 attacks. — AFP

NATO copter crashes in Afghanistan, 2 killed KABUL: A coalition helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, killing two on board. The helicopter crashed in the Sabari district of the eastern province of Khost, according to eyewitnesses. Khost, which borders Pakistan, is a Taleban stronghold and sits along important insurgent supply routes. The crash’s cause is being investigated, NATO said, adding that there were no reports of insurgent activity in the area at the time.

The coalition declined to release other details about the crash, including the nationalities of those killed. In southern Afghanistan, an insurgent attack killed a NATO service member yesterday morning, the coalition said.

The coalition declined to release other information about the attack until relatives could be notified. More than 200 NATO troops have died so far this year in Afghanistan, many of them in the southern provinces where Taleban

fighters are trying to regain territory lost over the winter.

In other violence yesterday, a bomb killed two Afghan security guards near the entrance of a Kabul Bank branch in the Maidan Shahr district of Wardak province in central Afghanistan, according to the Interior Ministry. The explosion occurred as government employees queued up to receive their monthly salaries, said Shahidullah Shahid, a spokesman for the provincial governor. In the eastern province of Nangahar, at least two Taleban gunmen shot to death a local counterterrorism official in the Khogyani district Saturday night, said provincial spokesman Ahmadzai Abdulzai. The Taleban has been waging an assassination campaign against Afghan government and security officials in an effort to undermine the government and to intimidate perceived collaborators. — AP

PESHAWAR: A bomb ripped through a passenger vehicle parked at a bus terminal near the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar yesterday, killing six people and wounding 11 others, police said. The bomb was planted at the terminal near a market in Matani, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Peshawar, which lies near Pakistan’s lawless tribal region on the Afghan border, senior police officer Kalam Khan said.

“We have reports that six people were killed and 11 wounded,” Khan told AFP. He said the injured had been rushed to the hospital in Peshawar where the condition of one woman was critical.

“It appears to be a remote controlled bomb placed in a passenger vehicle waiting to leave for a rural area,” Peshawar police chief Mohammad Ijaz said, adding that three other vehicles were also damaged. He quoted witnesses as saying a man boarded the vehicle and left after leaving a package inside, telling people that he would be back soon. Shortly afterwards a huge blast ripped through the vehicle. The casualties were mostly among the passengers, he added.

The dead included three women and one child, he said, adding that the wounded also included two women. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but Pakistan’s Taleban have carried out several bloody attacks to avenge the killing of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by US commandos north of Islamabad on May 2. The blast came after local officials had claimed a US drone strike likely killed Pakistan’s

PESHAWAR: A Pakistani boy, who was injured in a bomb blast, is treated at a local hospital yesterday. — AP Al-Qaeda commander Ilyas border on Friday, in which nine the border in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has always mainmembers of his banned group Kashmiri on Friday.

The 47-year-old is one of the died. The rugged tribal region is tained that any such operation most feared operational com- known as Pakistan’s premier would be of its own time and manders of the network that bin stronghold of Taleban and Al- choosing, arguing that its 140,000 troops committed to the northLaden founded and has been Qaeda linked militants.

Ijaz said five kilograms (11 west are already too overblamed for a string of high-profile attacks on Western targets, as well pounds) of explosives were used stretched fighting militants posyesterday’s bombing. ing a domestic threat. More than as in India and Pakistan. A senior in Pakistani security official said Insurgents have in the past target- 4,400 people have been killed there were “strong indications” ed members of anti-militant tribal across Pakistan in attacks blamed that Kashmiri had been killed but militia known as lashkar. But Ijaz on Taleban and other Islamist that it was impossible to provide said no tribal elder was there at extremist networks based in the 100 percent confirmation so soon the time of blast and the identity tribal belt since government after the attack without access to of the target was not immediately troops stormed a radical mosque known. The United States has in Islamabad in 2007. the bodies.

The US has branded the He has a maximum US bounty long put pressure on Pakistan to of $5 million on his head and mount a major air and ground rugged area, which lies outside Pakistani officials said he was the offensive in North Waziristan, government control, a headquartarget of a US drone strike in from where Taleban and Al-Qaeda ters of Al-Qaeda and the most South Waziristan on the Afghan insurgents launch attacks across dangerous place on Earth. — AFP

Indian surrogate business raises issues AHMADABAD: It should have been Myleen and Jan Sjodin’s greatest happiness. Their newborn was healthy, they were in exotic India and, following Myleen’s uterine cancer, their surrogacy was successful. Instead, the Toronto couple claim, it all turned into a nightmare as the doctor hiked her fees just before the baby was born, hitting them at their psychologically weakest point. She also didn’t pay outside hospital bills and tried to use India’s infamous bureaucracy to delay their homecoming, the couple say. “We were robbed of our joy as first-time parents,” Jan Sjodin said.

Surrogacy, along with other parts of India’s medical tourism trade, has grown dramatically in recent years with physicians here overseeing an estimated 1,500 surrogacy births for domestic and overseas couples in 2010, a 50 percent jump in two years. The specialty is a tiny part of a fertility treatment business, including in vitro fertilization, hormone treatment, and egg and sperm donation, that’s on target to reach $2.3 billion next year.

The very flexibility, relative affordability and minimal regulation that have made India attractive to many also leave ample room for abuse, critics say, with medical boards rarely sanctioning their own members and lawsuits dragging on for years, or even decades.

Surrogacy - sometimes dubbed “rent-awomb” - is a procedure by which a woman carries another’s fertilized egg to term, usually in cases where the biological mother’s uterus is damaged. Concerned about abuses, legal loopholes and the nation’s reputation, the Health Ministry in late January drafted India’s first surrogacy law, setting out age limits, how often surrogates can give birth and guidelines aimed at preventing “stateless” babies.

Although critics say the proposed rules don’t go far enough, all sides agree that legislative infighting makes passage unlikely anytime soon.

Meanwhile, financial irregularities and ethical shenanigans have increased, fertility experts said, because profits are huge and any doctor here can in theory become a fertility specialist overnight. “Today, unfortunately, even the smallest clinics are doing surrogacy because it’s a simple procedure and four times as profitable” as other fertility treatments, said Dr Aniruddha Malpani, a fertility specialist in Mumbai. “Some aren’t up to the mark, and foreigners get fleeced.”

Some of the biggest problems involve citizenship. In 2008, “baby Manji” was left stateless after a Japanese couple divorced in the middle of the surrogate pregnancy, and Tokyo refused to recognize the infant after the mother gave her up. And last year, a Canadian couple were shocked when a required DNA test found surrogate twins weren’t biologically theirs. The industry has also been accused of taking advantage of impoverished Indian women. “Are babies commodities to be planted and harvested?” said Kama-yani Bali Mahabal, a Mumbai-based women’s advocate and attorney, who says poverty and illiteracy engender exploitation.

Just the opposite, counters Dr Nayna H Patel, who runs the Akanksha Infertility Clinic in Anand, a gritty city that’s turned surrogacy into a growth industry.

Patel undertakes about 100 surrogacies annually. She drives to her “surrogate house” where local women stay during pregnancy in a late-model Audi. “Women were, are and always will be exploited - just look at the job market,” said Patel, who appeared on “Oprah” in 2007. “But how can you call this exploitation? They’re helping couples have babies and helping their families.” Diksha Gurung, 28, sits nearby in an embroidered black sari, her stomach bulging with the twins she’s carrying for a Japanese couple, her second surrogacy.

She’ll earn $7,500 for nine months’ work, allowing her to buy a house, motorbike and English-language education for her sons.

“When I first considered this, my husband was furious and the neighbors appalled, thinking you sleep with the foreigners,” she said. “But I explained the process, and now several in my neighborhood are surrogates.”

Indian medical procedures carry risks, but so does US health care, said Jason Schwartz and Jennifer Flam from Walnut Creek, California, who had surrogate twins through Patel’s clinic in February. “Are you really protected anywhere?” Flam added.

Myleen Sjodin, a technical-manual writer from Texas, and husband Jan, a Swedish software engineer, decided on Indian surrogacy partly because, at about $15,000, it was much cheaper than in the US, where the procedure can exceed $60,000. To save more, Myleen Sjodin also started a referral business. In late 2009, she underwent the procedure with New Delhi’s Dr Shivani Sachdev-Gour after agreeing, the couple said, on a “special deal”

$12,500 package, offset by credit she’d received for referring others. As with many Indian surrogacy clinics, the doctor’s office arranges for a surrogate and handles hormone treatments but the birth takes place in a larger hospital.

Myleen Sjodin referred six clients to the clinic. But three weeks before the due date, she said, the doctor’s office said the earlier agreement was only the “base price,” and that the final fee would be $7,000 higher. “They jacked it up, knowing intended parents are quite desperate,” Myleen Sjodin said. “I was extremely nervous, scared and angry.” After their daughter, Amari, was born in September, more problems ensued, the Sjodins said. The doctor, they said, presented a hospital bill three times the going rate without paying the hospital where the caesarean section had taken place.

Worried that the surrogacy doctor might hold the baby as leverage, the couple said, they paid the hospital directly and got their daughter out. But when they tried to leave India, Myleen Sjodin said, the doctor’s team frustrated their bid to obtain an exit visa, adding delays and significant expense to their daughter’s homecoming. — MCT

TORONTO: Myleen and Jan Sjodin of Toronto, Canada, hold their daughter Amari who was born to a surrogate in India. — MCT

Bangladesh paralyzed by strike

DHAKA: Bangladeshi Riot Police officers detain an opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party activist during a dawn-to-dusk general strike yesterday. — AP

DHAKA: Three small bombs exploded in Bangladesh’s capital yesterday while police clashed with protesters outside Dhaka as a nationwide strike called by opposition parties brought the country to a halt. Police said two blasts occurred near the headquarters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which called the strike in protest at a government move to change the country’s election system.

“These are small bombs. One police subinspector has been injured in the blasts,” said Dhaka’s deputy police commissioner Anwar Hossain. In Mirpur a rickshaw-puller was injured in another small blast, police said. At least 8,000 police and 1,500 paramilitary forces were deployed in the city to prevent violence, local police officials said, while thousands more were on duty across the country. Security has been tightened across the city after violence overnight saw

a dozen buses torched and 40 people arrested, police said.

“We have tight security arrangement throughout the city. So far the situation is peaceful. There is no incidence of violence anywhere in the capital,” Dhaka police commissioner Benazir Ahmed told AFP. Shops, businesses and schools were shut throughout the country and major roads and highways were deserted.

At least 2,000 policemen were deployed in the port city of Chittagong, city special branch police chief Meshbahuddin Ahmed said. Cargo operations at the port, which handles 90 percent of Bangladesh’s $40 billion of foreign trade, ground to a halt as it was cut off from the rest of the country by the strike. Police beat protesters in two towns just outside of Dhaka, after they were attacked with bricks and stones.

The incidents have left at least 30 people

injured, according to the online edition of the English Daily Star. The strike was called after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the ruling Awami League party announced plans last week to scrap the country’s tradition of appointing a caretaker government during election time.

The system is designed to cover three months over an election period in Bangladesh-a nation which has a long history of political violence since its independence in 1971.

Opposition leader Khaleda Zia told reporters Saturday her party would not contest future polls if the government scrapped the caretaker system, which has covered four successive elections. The strike is the fourth the BNP has called since it suffered a crushing defeat in December 2008 elections. Its main Islamist allies have lent support to the strike. — AFP

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Our military poses no threat to Asia: China SINGAPORE: China yesterday sought to ease fears about its military ambitions and demanded respect from the international community as smaller neighbors accused it of behaving like a bully in the South China Sea. Defense Minister Liang Guanglie told an annual security forum in Singapore that “democracy in international relations” and respect for “each other’s core interests” were necessary to ensure “lasting peace, harmony and stability”. “I know many people tend to believe that with the growth of China’s economy, China will become a military threat,” said Liang, the first Chinese defense minister to attend the annual conference called the Shangri-La Dialogue.

“I would like to say that it is not our option,” he said, adding that China would never “seek hegemony” or threaten any country. Despite Liang’s focus on respect and equality, his counterparts from the

China demands respect from neighbors Philippines and Vietnam accused China of intimidating acts in the disputed Spratly and Paracel island groups in the South China Sea. In a 45-minute speech followed by a question-and-answer session, Liang warned that countries “should not engage in any alliance targeting a third party” but did not go into detail.

He denied that Beijing was behind a spate of Internet attacks on foreign targets, and echoed calls made at the Singapore conference by the United States and Britain for international talks on promoting cybersecurity. “It is hard to attribute the real source of attacks and we need to work together to make sure that this security problem won’t be a problem,” Liang said, adding China itself suffered from wide-

spread and frequent cyber-attacks. On the sidelines of the forum, Liang held talks with outgoing US Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Friday, a meeting both sides described as positive.

Gates left Saturday for Afghanistan after delivering a speech warning of the danger of armed conflict in the South China Sea unless nations with conflicting claims adopt a mechanism to settle disputes peacefully.

After long-running tensions sparked by issues such as US arm sales to Taiwan, Liang said yesterday that “the picture of the bilateral relations between China and the United States is a good one”. “I believe all of us are very optimistic about the future of bilateral and military-to-military relations,” he added.

Addressing the territorial disputes, Liang

said China was committed to “peace and stability” in the South China Sea and insisted the situation “remains stable”. China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam have all laid claim to overlapping sections of the territories, which are believed to hold major oil and gas deposits.

The Philippines accused China on Saturday of undermining peace and stability by sending naval vessels to intimidate Filipino fishermen and the crew of an oil exploration ship, as well as putting up posts and a buoy in Philippines-claimed areas in the Spratlys.

In May, Chinese surveillance ships confronted a Vietnamese oil exploration vessel between the Paracels and Spratlys.

Yesterday, several hundred Vietnamese

gathered for a rare protest in front of China’s embassy in Hanoi.

In Singapore, Vietnam’s Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh urged China “to honor the policies that they announced” regarding the territorial disputes. “I fully propose that we must exercise restraint and patience and commitment to solve these issues, these differences, by peaceful means,” Thanh said.

Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told the meeting that “actions by other states ... unnecessarily make other states like the Philippines worried and concerned”.

Forum participants stressed the need to adhere to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, a pact signed in 2002 by China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations to prevent conflict until territorial disputes are resolved. — AFP

Hundreds protest in Vietnam against China over sea row China’s ‘disrespectful, invasive, bullying attitude’ intolerable

MANILA: Filipino children play around a fishing boat at an area where houses are built on stilts at suburban Navotas yesterday. — AP

Ban Ki-moon reelection campaign gathers pace UNITED NATIONS: Ban Ki-moon’s campaign for a second term as United Nations leader gathers pace todaywhen he is to formally announce that he wants to stay on as secretary general, diplomats said. With no declared rival for the post and none of the five permanent members of the Security Council opposing Ban, the 66-year-old former South Korean foreign minister is certain to get a new five year term, envoys said. His current mandate ends on December 31 but the Security Council powers-Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States-want to see the selection process handled quickly, diplomats said.

Ban will hold a press conference today, following a meeting with the Asian group of nations at the UN, at which he is expected to announce his formal candidacy. Approval by the 15-member Security Council approval and then a vote at the 192 country UN General Assembly should then be pushed through by the end of June, according to UN envoys. “It is 100 percent certain that he will get the post again,” said one envoy from a Security Council member.

Ban made a quiet start to his term as the successor to Kofi Annan in 2007.

Some envoys say his awkward English has not helped his image. He championed the battle against global warming but the collapse of the 2009 Copenhagen climate summit was a blow. He also insists that quiet diplomacy is sometimes necessary but has been criticized by rights groups for not speaking out more forcefully against rights abuses in major countries like China. Ban suffered particular criticism from rights groups for not speaking publicly about China’s detention of Nobel

Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo last year.

But he has been praised by western nations for his strong stance on the Ivory Coast crisis and defending protesters taking part in the uprisings that erupted this year across the Middle East and North Africa. He has repeatedly tangled by telephone in recent months with Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, Bashar Al-Assad of Syria and Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen, chiding them as diplomatically as possible for not giving their people more freedom.

The action annoyed China and Russia which oppose what they consider unjustified interference in a country’s domestic affairs. “But he is skilled at acting and speaking in a way so that none of the permanent five (Security Council powers) can really complain,” said a UN diplomat.

And Ban has been to the capitals of all of the permanent members, who could in theory veto his reappointment, in recent months to shore up his support.

The UN leader has a strict work discipline getting into the office at 7:30am and often staying to make calls around the world until past 8:00pm. He is also one of the best-travelled world leaders, clocking up hundreds of thousands of air miles each year.

On top of his defense of Arab protesters, Ban has also earned praise for his aggressive championing of women’s rights. He set up a special UN super agency for women which is now run by former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet. Ban has also made nuclear disarmament a special cause. A career diplomat, Ban attended Seoul National University in the 1960s when he took part in pro-democracy protests in South Korea. — AFP

HANOI: About 300 people marched on the Chinese embassy yesterday in a rare public protest to condemn what they called China’s violation of Vietnamese sovereignty in the disputed South China Sea. Tension between two has been on the rise since last month when Vietnam accused Chinese patrol boats of harassing an oil-exploration ship conducting a seismic sur vey 120 km (80 miles) off Vietnam’s south-central coast. The two countries, which fought a brief but intense war on their land border in 1979, have exchanged accusations and re-staked long-standing claims of sovereignty over maritime territory which covers important shipping routes and may hold large, untapped oil and gas reserves.

Public protests are rare in Vietnam. As well as the procession of banner-waving people in the capital, images posted online showed about 1,000 people marching in what appeared to be a similar protest in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s commercial hub. The demonstrators in Hanoi sang patriotic songs and chanted slogans including “The Paracels and Spratlys belong to Vietnam”, referring to two largely uninhabited archipelagos claimed by both countries.

“China’s actions are immoral and not something such a powerful nation should do.

Vietnam wants a friendly relationship with China but does not tolerate China’s disrespectful, invasive and bullying attitude,” said one protester, Dao Minh Chau. Two people carried a Chinese flag emblazoned with a pirate’s skull and crossbones. The protests were the first of their kind since December 2007 when widespread anger about China’s

HANOI: Vietnamese people hold a protest against China in front of the Chinese Embassy yesterday. — AP growing assertiveness over its claims to the Paracels and Spratlys drew hundreds of people out in Hanoi.

Maritime disputes are a sensitive topic for the Vietnamese government which tries to strike a balance between appeasing a populace that is deeply suspicious of China and keeping relations its giant neighbor from souring. Hanoi police watched the peaceful protest and after a while led the demonstrators away from a park in front of the Chinese embassy.

The Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and

Japan nuke plant moves radioactive water TOKYO: Hundreds of water tanks are to be sent to Japan’s crippled Fukushima nuclear plant to hold thousands of tons of water contaminated in the effort to keep its reactors cool, the operator said yesterday.

Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) has sourced 370 tanks with a total capacity for more than 40,000 tons of radioactive water, a company spokeswoman said.

“Two of the tanks got on the way to the plant late Saturday,” said TEPCO spokeswoman Ai Tanaka, adding that they would reach the site in two days or so.

“It will be in mid-August that all the 370 tanks will get to the plant.” Those tanks are kept in open space storage in Tochigi prefecture, south of Fukushima, will all be transported to the plant by road, she said. A massive 9.0-magnitude earthquake and monster tsunami knocked

out cooling systems at the plant on the Pacific coast on March 11. In a stop-gap measure to contain the emergency at the plant, workers have been pouring massive amounts of water onto reactors where fuel rods are reported to have melted, and topped up pools for spent fuel rods.

A huge floating structure to hold radioactive water was berthed at the quay by the plant in May to contain part of nearly 90,000 tons of contaminated water stored at the facility. TEPCO said Saturday workers had spotted video footage of steam rising from a crevice between a pipe and the floor of a reactor building. Radiation levels as high as 4,000 millisievert per hour were detected from the nearby atmosphere, way above the safe level for workers to enter the area, it said.

No hero’s burial for ex-Philippine dictator MANILA: The Philippine vice president has recommended that former dictator Ferdinand Marcos should not be buried at Manila’s heroes’ cemetery but that full military honors could be accorded if he is laid to rest in his northern political stronghold instead, officials said yesterday. Marcos was ousted in a 1986 “people power” revolt led by current President Benigno Aquino III’s late mother, Corazon Aquino. Marcos died three years later in exile in Hawaii and his body was returned in 1993 to his northern Philippine hometown of Batac in Ilocos Norte province, where it has been displayed in a glass coffin and has become a tourist attraction.

His flamboyant widow, Imelda, has long pushed for the burial of her husband in the National Heroes’ cemetery in the Philippine capital, but has been opposed by pro-democracy and left-wing groups, which have accused the late dictator of plundering the nation’s coffers and of massive human rights violations during his two-decade rule. President Aquino asked Vice President Jejomar Binay four months ago to study Marcos’ burial and recommend how the long-divisive issue could finally be settled. Aquino has refused to decide alone on the issue, saying he would naturally be biased.

In a report to Aquino, Binay recommended that Marcos be given full military honors if his family decides to have him laid to rest in Ilocos Norte instead of in the heroes’ cemetery, three officials told The Associated Press. The officials, who have seen the report, spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss the issue before Aquino announces his decision on Binay’s recommendation. — AP

Taiwan also claim territories in the South China Sea, but China’s claim is by far the largest, forming a vast U-shape over most of the sea’s 648,000 sq miles (1.7 million sq km).

The latest tension comes as defense ministers from around the region met in Singapore for an annual security dialogue. Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie told his Vietnamese counterpart Phung Quang Thanh at the conference on Saturday that their countries should resolve their disputes peacefully.

Vietnam had said it would use its navy to enforce its territorial integrity. — Reuters

Workers at the plant are now focusing on setting up a water reprocessing facility in order to start cleaning contaminated water from mid-June, Tanaka said. The facility, provided by French nuclear group Areva and other companies, is expected to lower the radiation levels of the contaminated water to about one ten-thousandth. But as summer approaches, the environment is becoming more severe for workers who have to wear heavy protective suits.

Yesterday, two workers, both men in their 40s, were taken to hospital with heatstroke, a second company spokeswoman said, while another worker had fallen ill on Saturday with chest pains and heatstroke. TEPCO has said it hopes to bring the plant to a stable state of “cold shutdown” between October and January. — AFP

TAMURA: Evacuees from Okuma town, adjust mask and protective clothing before returning for brief visit to their houses which are located near the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. — AP

Indonesia implicates terror gang

SEOUL: South Korean Lee Kyung-ja, 72, reacts in front of the gravestone of her relative Im Young-uk who died during the 1950-1953 Korean War, on the eve of South Korea’s Memorial Day at the National Cemetery yesterday. South Korea warned Saturday 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. — AP

JAKARTA: Indonesian police said yesterday the gunmen who shot dead two police officers in Central Sulawesi were from an extremist group founded by radical cleric Abu Bakar Bashir. “All of them were indicated to be Jemaah Ansharut Tauhid (JAT ) members who had been training or preparing themselves to commit terror acts planned in that region,” national police spokesman Anton Bachrul Alam told reporters. “ Their future plans include stealing firearms from Brimob special police force in Central Sulawesi, robbing a bank and carrying out robberies in the villages,” he added.

Two men have been arrested over the attack, in which four gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on police guarding a bank in Palu district last month and two other gang members were killed in a raid in Poso district on Saturday, Alam said.

Three others are still at large, he added. The shooting is the latest

in a series of recent terror-related incidents including a Good Friday plot to blow up a Jakarta church and a book bomb campaign targeting Muslim moderates and counter-terrorism officials.

Bashir, 72, has been accused of providing funding of more than $62,000 to a terrorist group dubbed Al-Qaeda in Aceh that was plotting attacks in Indonesia, and prosecutors have sought a maximum life sentence. Police say the JAT he founded in 2008 was a front for a new campaign of terrorism in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority state.

Indonesia is struggling to deal with the threat of homegrown Islamist militants who oppose the country’s secular, democratic system and want to create a caliphate across much of Southeast Asia. Vicious communal clashes between Muslims and Christians in 2000 and 2001 claimed around 1,000 lives in Poso, and sporadic unrest continued for several years. — AFP

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An aerial picture shows a cloud of ash billowing from Puyehue volcano near Osorno in southern Chile yesterday. Puyehue volcano erupted for the first time in half a century on Saturday, prompting evacuations of 3,500 people as it sent a cloud of ash that reached Argentina. The National Service of Geology and Mining said the explosion that sparked the eruption also produced a column of gas 10 km high, hours after warning of strong seismic activity in the area. — AFP

Kuwait inks gas deals in Iraq Continued from Page 1 “We need to develop these two fields to support the ministry of electricity, so its stations can work better,” Oil Minister Abdulkarim Al-Luaybi said at the contract signing attended by reporters. “This is a very important day, and it represents a new beginning for the oil industry.”

The Mansuriyah contract was with a consortium made up of Turkey’s TPAO, Kuwait Energy and KOGAS, while Siba is to be developed by Kuwait Energy and KOGAS. Mansuriyah has estimated reserves of 127 billion cu m of gas, while Siba has 34 billion cu m.

An oil ministry official said the Mansuriyah deal, a 20year contract, calls for production to be boosted to 320 million cu ft of gas per day in six years, with the consortium receiving $7 per oil barrel equivalent produced. The venture will be divided between Kuwait Energy, which has a 45 percent stake, TPAO with a 30 percent stake, and

Iraq’s state-owned South Oil Company with the remaining 25 percent. The Siba agreement also extends 20 years and will boost production at the field to 100 million cubic feet per day in six years, with the companies involved receiving $7.50 per oil barrel equivalent.

The consortium is split between TPAO, which holds 37.5 percent, Kuwait Energy with 22.5 percent, 25 percent for Iraq’s state-owned Oil Exploration Company, and 15 percent for KOGAS. As with a dozen oilfield development contracts awarded to foreign firms over the past two years, Iraq prefers per-barrel service fees rather than production-sharing contracts. Baghdad needs the energy revenues from the increased production to rebuild a warbattered economy and fill chronic electricity shortfalls.

Iraq’s current gas production - all of it associated gas from oil wells - is 1.5 million cu m a day, but half is burned off in flares from oil wells, according to Baghdad-based analyst Ruba Husari. — Agencies

Saleh has surgery, crowds cheer exit Continued from Page 1 coup or struggles for power within the army,” said Farouq Abdel Salam, a resident of the southern port city of Aden. Concerns are mounting that Yemen, already on the brink of financial ruin and home to Al-Qaeda militants, could become a failed state posing a threat to the world’s top oil-exporting region and global security.

Saleh has exasperated former US and Saudi allies, who once saw him as a key partner in combating Yemen-based Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, by repeatedly reneging on a Gulf-brokered deal under which he would quit in return for immunity. Leaving Yemen could make it hard for him to retain power. “I think this is the end of Saleh’s reign,” said Ghanem Nuseibeh, founder of Cornerstone Global Associates and senior analyst at Political Capital. “There is a short window of opportunity for Saudi, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the West to salvage whatever they can in Yemen, and they need to act fast. We are entering a post-Saleh Yemen, which Saudi Arabia and the West may not be necessarily prepared for.”

Tens of thousands gathered for songs and dances in a Sanaa square and cattle were roasted in a massive street party to celebrate what many saw as Saleh’s permanent departure from Yemen, the Arab world’s poorest country. Protesters held signs reading: “Yemen is more beautiful without you,” and “Name: A free Yemeni.

Date of Birth: June 4, 2011. Place of birth: Change Square.” Demonstrators have dubbed the protest zone outside Sanaa University “Change Square”. “Our happiness will be complete once we’re sure that Saleh won’t come back,” one resident said.

But gunfire rang out in another part of the capital, serving as a reminder of the past two weeks of fighting between Saleh’s forces and the Hashed tribe led by Sadeq Al-Ahmar. That fighting, which killed more 200 people, was the bloodiest since protests broke out in

January, inspired by revolts in Tunisia and Egypt. In the southern city of Taiz, thousands of people celebrated Saleh’s departure with a fireworks display, but Al Jazeera reported several people were wounded in heavy gunfire.

The world’s largest oil exporter, Saudi Arabia, which shares a 1,500-km border with Yemen, has led efforts to negotiate a peaceful handover to fractious opposition groups. But the true seat of power, following Saleh’s departure, has yet to be decided. Saleh’s eldest son Ahmed commands the elite Republican Guard and three of his nephews control the country’s security and intelligence units. Saleh has, however, lost the support of powerful general Ali Mohsen, who has sided with protesters and called the president a “madman”.

Washington has called on Saleh to quit and the White House said Barack Obama’s top counter-terrorism aide spoke on Saturday to the Yemeni vice president, who is the acting leader. Acting President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, seen by analysts as having little power, met military commanders, including Saleh’s sons and nephews and the US ambassador. He extended an olive branch to the powerful Hashed tribal federation and called for a ceasefire which was accepted by tribal leader Sadeq Al-Ahmar, opposition leaders said. The attack on Saleh’s palace killed seven and shook the whole government. The prime minister, two deputy prime ministers and the speakers of both parliamentary chambers are also being treated for injuries in Saudi Arabia.

Yemen’s military blamed Al-Qaeda for the attack, but diplomats and analysts have accused the Saleh government of exaggerating the Al-Qaeda threat in Yemen to win global support. “Saleh leaving the country at this time carries heavy political symbolism,” said Eurasia Group analyst James Fallon. “This will be read by many circles in Yemen as the end of Saleh’s presidency.” — Reuters

Girl’s Facebook party spins out of control Continued from Page 1 some 1,500 teenagers and young adults showed up on the street in front of Thessa’s home, Streiber told AP. “We had cordoned off the house, some 100 police were on the ground, four of them on horses - but that did not keep the kids from celebrating,” Streiber said. Some revelers held up signs asking “Where is Thessa?” others brought birthday presents and homemade cake, there was lots of alcohol and the crowd chanted again and

again, “Thessa, celebrating a birthday is not a crime,” - in obvious relation to the massive police presence, Bild reported. The police officer was injured when he tried to keep a party reveler from breaking off the MercedesBenz logo of his patrol car. “It was sheer insanity but mostly peaceful,” Streiber summed up the night with a laugh. As for Thessa - she was nowhere to be seen.

Police confirmed she “was not at home that night” and Bild reported that she celebrated quietly with her grandparents at an undisclosed location. — AP

35 dead in crackdown in north Syria Continued from Page 1 the outskirts of the tense central city of Hama and in southern villages. A resident of the city, where least 65 anti-government protesters were killed Friday, said the tanks retreated from the outskirts of Hama overnight.

He said the situation in Hama remained “very tense”.

Residents were conducting a general strike in memory of those previously killed when security forces opened fire on anti-government protesters Friday. “Most of the shops here are closed, people are grieving and worried,” he said by telephone on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

The deaths in Hama and reports of tanks headed

there had caused new alarm. The city rose up against Assad’s father in 1982, only to be crushed in a threeweek bombing campaign that killed thousands.

Memories of those days are still raw.

Activists yesterday also said the army withdrew from the villages of Dael and Hirak near the city of Daraa where the uprising against President Bashar Assad’s regime began in mid-March.

The military had been conducting military operations in the area for days. The Local Coordination Committees, which helps organize and document the protests calling for an end to the Assad regime, said a total of 18 people died in Hirak and 12 in Dael since the start of the operations. — AP

Israeli forces kill 20 protesters in Golan Continued from Page 1 when at least one landmine exploded on Syria’s side of the border. “A Syrian mine exploded, seemingly because molotov cocktails thrown at (Israeli) forces started a bush fire which caused the explosion of the mine, a number of mines even,” an army spokeswoman told AFP. “Apparently there is one person wounded on the Syrian side.” Israeli public radio said “many” people were hurt in the explosion near Quneitra, which lies in no-man’s land. There was no immediate confirmation from Syria.

In Majdal Shams, locals pleaded with soldiers to stop firing as troops used loudspeakers to warn demonstrators in Arabic that “anyone who comes close to the fence will be responsible for their own blood”.

Israeli forces were on high alert after activists in the West Bank and Gaza, and in Arab nations bordering the Jewish state, called for protesters to march on Israeli checkpoints and border areas.

Military spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Avital Leibovitz accused Syria of orchestrating the Golan protest to deflect attention from deadly domestic antiregime demonstrations. “We believe that the Syrian regime is focusing the world’s attention on the border with Israel instead of what is happening there,” she said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the Golan demonstrators “extremist elements” who “are trying to break through our borders and threaten our communities and our citizens.”

After nightfall yesterday, Syria’s state TV said there would be an open-ended sit-in at the border, and thousands more protesters were on their way. The protests began around 11 am with what appeared to be several dozen youths, brought in on buses. It gained strength through the day. By evening, the crowd had swelled to more than 1,000 people, who milled about, prayed and chanted slogans in an uneasy standoff with Israeli troops in the distance. The army bolstered its positions, posting a dozen armored vehicles and jeeps along the border road.

A small group of youths managed to cut through a recently fortified coil of barbed-wire and took up positions in a trench inside a buffer zone about 20 m from a final border fence. Israeli troops periodically opened fire at young activists jumping into the ditch, sending puffs of soil flying into the air.

As the standoff stretched into the evening, Israeli forces fired heavy barrages of tear gas to break up the crowds. Hundreds of people fled the area in panic, while some 20 people laying on the ground received treatment. It was not immediately clear whether the crowd would return to the front lines. At nightfall, crowds of people fell to the ground in prayer, and several small groups lit bonfires, indicating the standoff would continue.

Residents of Majdal Shams, ethnic Druse who

remain Syrian citizens while living on the Israeli side of the frontier, watched the protest from rooftops, booing each time the military tried to speak and cheering on the protesters. When troops fired teargas, a crowd of residents - some holding Syrian or Palestinian flags began to scream and hurl stones from rooftops at the nearby forces. Israeli anti-riot police fired teargas and moved into the town. Village elders with thick mustaches argued with the forces, but there were no signs of violence.

“We want on this occasion to remind America and the whole world that we have a right to return to our country,” said Mohammed Hasan, a 16-year-old student who was wounded in both feet. As a Palestinian living in Syria, he is likely the descendant of people who left or fled the area that became Israel during the 1948-49 Middle East war. Israel opposes the return of these people, saying it would spell the end of the country as a Jewish state. The plight of the refugees and their descendants is one of the most difficult issues in any future Israeli-Palestinian peace accord.

Around half a million Palestinian refugees live across 13 camps in Syria, a country with a population of 23 million. Palestinians are allowed to work and study in government and private schools, but they do not have citizenship and cannot vote. In neighboring Lebanon, Palestinian refugees are largely discriminated against and banned from all but the most menial professions.

Protests were also staged in Gaza and the West Bank, where 16 demonstrators were taken to hospital with light wounds from rubber bullets, and another 20 were treated for tear gas inhalation.

Around 100 people demonstrated in central Hebron in the southern West Bank, while dozens of protesters tried to march from the northern West Bank village of Deir al-Hatab to the nearby Elon Moreh settlement. In Gaza, Hamas police arrested around a dozen protesters who broke away from a rally at the northern town of Beit Hanun, and tried to march to the Erez border crossing with Israel.

Yesterday’s protests, timed to coincide with the 44th anniversary of the Six-Day War when Israel captured the Golan from Syria as well as the West Bank and Gaza Strip, were planned as a repeat of massive demonstrations last month. On May 15, thousands of protesters massed on Israel’s borders with Syria, Lebanon and Gaza, trying to force their way across on the anniversary of Israel’s creation. Israeli fire left six demonstrators dead on the Lebanese side of the border and four dead on Syria’s side.

In Lebanon, Palestinian refugees yesterday staged a day of mourning but the Lebanese army banned any gatherings at the border to avoid a repeat of the violence. But an Iranian delegation toured the border area and a parliamentar y official from Iran waved a Palestinian flag at Israeli soldiers watching from the other side. — Agencies

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OPINION

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issues

Austerity could derail Britain defence plans

By Adrian Croft ritain’s defence chiefs are already studying how to reshape the country’s armed forces once the war in Afghanistan is over but tough economic times could derail their plans. Commanders and defence officials who spoke at a major defence conference in London this week set out plans to train and equip the army for different types of warfare after 2015 when British combat troops are due to have ended counter-insurgency operations in Afghanistan.

But they stressed that fulfilling the government’s vision of a smaller, but still highly capable, British military in 2020 will depend on real-terms increases in defence spending after 2015 to help make up for cuts in the short term. With the economy struggling to recover from recession and government finances still deep in the red, it is far from certain there will be more money for defence after 2015, potentially calling into question the government’s vision for the armed forces, known as “Future Force 2020”.

“We will need further investment in order to achieve the stated goal of Future Force 2020 and it remains to be decided whether that funding is there,” Bernard Gray, the official in charge of defence procurement, told the conference. Army chief General Peter Wall told the conference, organised by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a defence think-tank, that the defence budget “will certainly require real-terms growth in the latter part of the decade if we are to resource Future Force 2020.”

Britain’s armed forces are among the most capable in Western Europe. The country has around 10,000 troops fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan and has planes and ships taking part in NATO-led operations against Muammar Gaddafi’s forces in Libya. But they face a radical overhaul over the next decade at the same time as Britain struggles with austerity. After a review, the yearold coalition government last October announced an eight-percent real terms cut in the £34 billion ($55.60 billion) defence budget over four years to curb a huge budget deficit. It ordered cuts in personnel and scrapped Britain’s only aircraft carrier equipped with fast jets.

But it pushed ahead with expensive equipment programmes, including replacing its fleet of nuclear-armed submarines, building two new aircraft carriers and buying both Eurofighter Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) combat jets. Lockheed Martin builds the JSF while the Eurofighter is made by a consortium of Italy’s Finmeccanica, Britain’s BAE Systems and EADS. Prime Minister David Cameron said last year it was his “strong view” that defence spending should rise after 2015 but offered no guarantees, and with the next national election due in 2015, the decision could be out of his control.

Major-General Bill Moore, in charge of army equipment, told the conference there was a “clear gap” between the army’s equipment requirements after 2015 and what it had funding for. The army needed to upgrade its Warrior armoured vehicles and buy more Boeingmade Chinook helicopters, he said. “If we don’t get this right and if we don’t get the Warrior funded and we don’t maintain the other things in our program, the army will be walking to war from 2015,” he said.

Britain’s involvement in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars has led the army to spend heavily on armoured vehicles to protect troops from roadside bombs. But the National Audit Office, a financial watchdog, said last month that some of these armoured vehicles may be ill-suited to carry out a wider range of military tasks once operations in Afghanistan end. It said Britain’s ability to respond to future military conflicts would be hit by a shortage of the right kind of armoured vehicles lasting till at least 2025 unless defence spending increased.

Training too has been skewed in recent years towards counter-insurgency techniques at the expense of training in other types of warfare, such as war against another country. That is something military chiefs now want to put right. “We do, over this decade, in the army, have to transform ourselves from our current campaign focus, which is very much Afghan-centric ... to something that gives us more broad-based military capability,” Wall said. Professor Malcolm Chalmers, a RUSI expert, said he believed the defence budget would need annual real-terms increases of 1.5 to 2 percent from 2015 to meet the goals set for 2020. Britain would not be able to afford a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines as well as two new aircraft carriers and two types of combat aircraft if the defence budget was frozen after 2015, he said. —Reuters

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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.

Obama’s job security about job creation

By Ben Feller President Barack Obama cannot escape one giant vulnerability as he bids to keep his job: There are millions of voters who still don’t have one. Suddenly, the snapshot of the American economy is depressing again. Job creation is down. So is consumer confidence. And homes sales, auto sales, construction spending, manufacturing expansion.

The brutal month of May was a reminder of the economy’s fragility and the risks for an incumbent president.

Nothing that Obama oversees, not even a success as dramatic as finding and killing Osama bin Laden, will matter as much as his handling of the economy. It is the dominant driver of voter behavior. People hold their president accountable if they can’t find work in the richest country in the world.

The weakening recovery is testing the entire foundation of Obama’s optimistic economic message, that the nation is getting stronger all the time.

As much as the White House says it never dwells on any single jobs report, and Obama never even mentioned the troubling one released Friday, the stakes get higher by the month.

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A finally forming field of Republican presidential competitors is maneuvering into the space for the public’s attention with this message: Obama has failed. Election Day 2012 is 17 months away, and Obama’s campaign knows incremental job growth won’t do. The unemployment rate is 9.1 percent. If it stays anywhere near there, Obama will face re-election with a higher jobless rate than any other post-war president.

In his favor, Obama still has the loudest voice to sell his message that the longer term trends, including job growth every month, are good. Nearly halfway through a year dominated by foreign events mostly outside his control, he plans to build his next few months around economic events. So what comes next will be a summer when both sides select the economic facts that best suit their case. It will play against a backdrop of trying to cut a massive deficit while letting the nation borrow more so it doesn’t default.

As Obama pushes his economic agenda, his re-election chances bank on more than job growth. They also depend on how well he can remind people that he inherited a recession and that compared with the early days of 2009, the country is in a better place.

“This economy took a big hit,” Obama said Friday in Ohio, a pivotal state in the 2012 election. “You know, it’s just like if you had a bad illness, if you got hit by a truck, it’s going to take a while for you to mend. And that’s what’s happened to our economy. It ’s taking a while to mend.”

Is progress enough to convince people that he deserves a second term? If so, he can’t afford many setbacks like the new jobs report. Employers in May added just 54,000 jobs, the fewest in eight months. Almost 14 million people are jobless. Analysts suggested the economy could improve this year, but the recovery could be weak for months.

“There are always going to be bumps on the road to recovery,” Obama said.

The Republicans hoping to unseat him pounced. ● Former Massachusetts Gov Mitt Romney: “President Obama has failed to pull us out of this economic downturn.” ● Fo r m e r M i n n e s o t a G ov Ti m Pawlenty: “Obama’s failure to address the tough challenges” is clear. ● Fo r m e r H o u s e S p e a k e r N e w t Gingrich: “ The administration’s policies are failing.”

Obama’s political tendenc y is to take the longer view. An AP-GfK poll

less than a month ago, for example, showed rising public optimism about the economy and his stewardship. The election won’t be just a referendum on Obama and the unemployment rate. It also will offer a choice between h i s e co n o m i c i d e a s a n d h i s o p p o nent’s. Still, just as change worked for him last time, it can be used against him in 2012. Even 8 percent unemployment, a goal once promoted by the administration, is hard to see now.

Pre s i d e n t s J i m my Ca r te r, R o n a l d Reagan and George H W Bush all faced unemployment rates higher than 7.5 percent in the final months of their reelection campaigns. Reagan won, and an important factor for him was that the jobless rate was declining at the time. Carter and Bush lost.

Obama, for now, has no reason to engage the politicians trying to win his job. He instead presents himself as the workers’ champion who risked his own capital and their money in a succe s s f u l b i d to h e l p C h r ys l e r a n d General Motors survive and return to profitability. “I’ll tell you what. I’m going to keep betting on you,” Obama told workers at a Chr ysler plant in Toledo, Ohio. And hope they’ll do the same for him. —AP

Saleh facing last chapter in Saudi Arabia?

By Reed Stevenson very minute Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh spends away from his country is one step closer to the end of his three-decade rule. Wounded in a rocket attack on his palace in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa on Friday, Saleh is in Saudi Arabia seeking medical treatment at a pivotal moment in the five month-long public uprising in impoverished Yemen, a near-failed state on the tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Amid conflicting reports, several things remained unclear: the degree of Saleh’s injuries, whether he left behind any sons or nephews to try and keep a grip on power, and whether he would return at all.

“All we know is we are at a very, very dangerous moment,” said Sanaa-based political analyst Ali Seif Hassan. There are two scenarios to consider, he said. One is that Saleh, 69, left a vacuum that his relatives will rush to fill, leading to clashes against Saleh’s tribal foes and civil war. Two, that Saudi Arabia may have brokered a face-saving agreement that allows Saleh to leave the country and transfer power. Much depends on how Saudi Arabia, the Arab world’s most influential state, positions itself in the coming hours and days. It is Yemen’s biggest financial donor, bankrolling Saleh’s government, supplying the military and supporting hospitals.

The world’s top oil exporter shares a 1,500 km border with Yemen, and until recently with the United States had backed Saleh as an ally against a Yemenbased arm of Al-Qaeda. As it became clear in April and May that anti-government protesters on Yemen’s streets had no intention of ending their call for Saleh’s departure, the Saudi government and Gulf Arab states stepped in three times to broker a deal between Saleh and the opposition. All fell through at the

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last minute.

But Saudi Arabia, which also funds tribes to fight against Al Qaeda, had not yet taken the decisive step of pulling the plug on its financial support, most likely because of the uncer-

tainty of how a power vacuum would be filled. If Saleh stays, he would become the second Arab leader to find refuge in Saudi Arabia after Tunisia’s President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali fled to the kingdom on Jan 14 after protests forced him out.

He would also be third to fall in the “Arab Spring” that has also seen the downfall of Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak.

Saudi political analyst Khalid Al-Dakhil said Saleh would not have travelled to Saudi Arabia unless he had intended to seek an exit. “ The Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister and President are here so effectively the government is here,” Dak hil said. “ This is going to facilitate the arrangement for Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down.” Rival clans and political elites took their battle to the streets of Sanaa two weeks ago.

About 200 people were killed in the fighting and thousands have streamed out of the city.

The rocket attack on Saleh two days ago, which killed seven people and also wounded the prime minister, two deputy prime ministers and the speakers of both parliamentary chambers, was marked by its precision, skill and inside knowledge. Saleh and the others were in a mosque inside his palace and only a betrayal by an insider could have pinpointed his location, Stratfor analysts said. In other words, it was an assassination attempt. Saleh, speaking only via audio after the attack, blamed it on an “outlaw gang” but it most likely a coup attempt, although no one has stepped forward to claim responsibility.

“This was not the job of tribesmen, but of militar y men, suppor ted by members of the regime thought to be close to Saleh,” Stratfor said. “For that reason, Stratfor suspects that Saleh’s most formidable opponent within the military, Maj Gen Ali Mohsen Al-Ahmar, who has been conspicuously quiet over the past few days and who commands a great deal of respect among Yemen’s old guard, was involved in the apparent coup plot.”

Ali Mohsen, along with other generals, threw their support behind protesters on March 21 after snipers shot dead 52 protesters in a Sanaa square. In another sign that Saleh may be preparing to exit, he also took 35 relatives with him to Saudi Arabia, although it was not clear how many sons and nephews went with him. Many were installed in the Yemeni government apparatus.

Saleh has said all along that he was seeking an “honourable exit” and, in negotiations with Gulf Arab states over a power transfer deal, had insisted on and received - guarantees that he would be immune from prosecution. A signal may also come from how Yemenis, from renegade generals to the tribes and anti-government protesters, react to Saleh’s departure. A calming of the violence that has pushed Yemen to the brink of civil war could persuade Saudi Arabia that Saleh’s permanent departure offers the best chance for Yemen to claw back some peace and stability. “( The demonstrators) wanted the president to leave the country. This (Saleh’s departure) will, maybe, respond to one of the requests of the demonstrators,” said Mahjoob Zweiri, history professor at Qatar University. “I think we have to look at what has happened in the last few days, it has changed the whole dynamic within the Yemeni political scene.” —Reuters

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ANALYSIS

Pakistan in turmoil after Laden raid

By Nahal Toosi akistan’s powerful security establishment, reeling from the US raid that killed Osama bin Laden and a series of other humiliating setbacks, is facing threats to its authority not felt in years. Some are comparing it to other low points in the country ’s history, including the loss of its eastern flank, what is now Bangladesh, in a 1971 war with India. Squeezed between international pressure and strong anti-US sentiment inside the country, it remains unclear, however, if the leadership in the nuclear-armed nation can or will take the “decisive steps” to fight terrorism that US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called for in a recent, tense visit to Islamabad.

Some commentators say Pakistan should seize the moment to make tough decisions, including ending its policy of nurturing militant groups for use as proxies against India and reducing the role of the military in governance. Most, however, doubt the current leadership will do much beyond squabble and appeal to nationalist sentiments. “We need a change of guard, both political and military, the coming of some rebels to the fore,” wrote Ayaz Amir, a columnist and lawmaker, in an oped that called Pakistan an “ostrich” state for its unwillingness to tackle its many problems.

While nominally under civilian rule, the country’s military is still the main force in defense and foreign policy. Operating largely outside the law, it is feared and loathed, and yet respected by Pakistanis who view it as the only public institution that truly functions in the country. But even pro-military commentators have raged against the army for its inability to detect the May 2 US raid against the AlQaeda chief, not to mention its apparent

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blindness to bin Laden’s presence in the garrison city of Abbottabad. Many army officers and soldiers have also been angered by the raid.

A 17-hour siege of a naval base in the southern city of Karachi that began on May 22 by militants further tarnished the

knew of bin Laden’s whereabouts. But they have stressed they are stilling examining material seized in the May 2 raid. The knowledge that some evidence might yet surface and the proven willingness to act unilaterally has given Washington the upper hand in what has always been a dif-

In this photo taken on May 3, 2011, local residents gather outside a house where Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was caught and killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan. —AP military’s image, raising questions about how the insurgents managed to evade the facility’s security and whether they had inside help. Most recently, suspicions have surfaced that the military-run spy network killed a Pakistani journalist who told friends he’d been threatened by intelligence agents. Pakistan’s top spy agency took the rare step of publicly denying the charge, an indication of the pressure it is under.

Clinton and other US leaders have said they have no evidence that anyone in Pakistan’s top military or civil leadership

ficult partnership. American leaders have made it clear they expect Pakistan to take more action against Al-Qaeda and Afghan Taleban targets inside the country. The army has accepted US demands for further access to bin Laden’s compound and agreed to keep sharing intelligence. But it has also shown its anger at the bin Laden raid by demanding US military trainers leave the country.

Army commanders stated this week they had no imminent plans to carry out an operation in North Waziristan, pushing back at a key US demand. The tribal

region is home to several militant groups who focus on attacking Western forces in Afghanistan. The sustained Pakistani criticism of the military suggests it is unable to control the message as it did in decades past when there were fewer media outlets and much of the reporting was under state control. Even opposition parties seen as close to the military have demanded rare accountability from the generals.

“I think there has been significant permanent loss as far as the army’s prestige is concerned,” said Najam Sethi, the editor of prominent weekly magazine. But Pakistani civilian leaders also have appeared unable to present a united front. Any faint hopes that the civilians would exploit the military’s present vulnerability to take some power away from the generals have been largely dashed.

The reality is that even if the army is weaker than before, it is still far stronger than President Asif Ali Zardari’s ruling party, which is unpopular and whose primary goal appears to be surviving in office till elections in 2013. Even the party’s agreement to an independent commission to investigate the US raid has run into obstacles as opposition leaders say they were not properly consulted.

Political analyst Mosharraf Zaidi said Pakistan’s domestic politics were witnessing a “perfect storm” - with widespread demands for more limits on the military’s power in governance. But he warned that pushing back too hard, too fast against the security establishment could backfire, noting that all it takes to get Pakistanis united behind their soldiers is a convenient conflict somewhere. “It’s a unique moment,” he said. “It’s probably good for Pakistan in the long run if this generic and amorphous demand for change that we’re seeing articulate itself can be coherently converted into sharp public policy.” —AP

More Hispanics go to US federal prisons

By Garance Burke and Amanda Lee Myers hey shuffle into the courtroom in shackles, still wearing the dust-covered clothes and shoes from when they crossed the desert into the US from Mexico. The 70 illegal immigrants, mostly men and mostly in their 20s and 30s, fill the 16-seat jury box and seven rows of wooden benches normally reserved for the public in Tucson’s gleaming federal courthouse. The courtroom is expansive, with a regally high ceiling, and is filled with the pungent smell of dried sweat.

In only an hour or so, the dozens of immigrants will agree to plead guilty and be sentenced in a process that could play out for months for most federal defendants. The scene offers a window into a federal immigration enforcement effort that is pushing the limits of the US justice system, overwhelming federal judges and escalating the ranks of Latinos sent to prison.

Expedited court hearings along the border are a major force driving a seismic demographic shift in who is being sent to federal prison.

Statistics released this week revealed that Hispanics now comprise nearly half of all people sentenced for federal felony crimes, a number swollen by immigration offenses. In comparison, Hispanics last year made up 16 percent of the total US population. Sentences for felony immigration crimes, which include illegal crossing as well as other crimes such as alien smuggling, accounted for about 87 percent of the increase in the number of Hispanics sent to prison over the past decade, according to an analysis of US Sentencing Commission data.

The trend has divided lawmakers and officials in the courts and along the border. Some politicians believe the en masse hearings should be expanded to deter illegal immigration. Others question whether the system actually affects people seeking to cross the border, while some contend the programs distract prosecutors from pursuing more serious crimes.

“There is a use of criminal justice resources that doesn’t make sense ... Are we just running numbers so it appears we’re doing more on immigration and drug offenses or are we doing anything worthwhile?” said Chicago federal Judge Ruben Castillo, who retired from the US Sentencing Commission after serving for 11 years last December. “My question would be are we spending the money the right way, and there I would have a lot of concerns.” Some of the expedited border court hear-

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ings are part of a program called Operation Streamline that began in 2005 in Del Rio, Texas, and soon spread to other Border Patrol sectors.

It is a departure from the old “catch and release” policy and aims to stem the flow of illegal immigrants from Mexico. Before 2005, illegal crossers were sporadically charged with federal misdemeanors, but many Mexican immigrants were often simply driven back across the border. Operation Streamline and other fast-track programs speed illegal immigrants through accelerated legal proceedings, where most guilty pleas come in Spanish and thousands of Mexican citizens end up locked up each year for entering the

authorities from prosecuting major crimes. The debate surfaced tragically on Jan. 8, the day of the Tucson shooting rampage that wounded US Rep Gabrielle Giffords. Arizona’s Chief Judge John Roll, who died in the gunfire at the Safeway supermarket parking lot, had been pleading with Congress to hire more federal judges in Arizona, the busiest corridor for illegal immigration and drug smuggling.

That winter morning, the federal judge went to the “Congress on Your Corner” meeting to thank Giffords for her efforts to secure more funding for the courts.

Minutes after Roll lined up among her constituents, police say Jared Loughner began firing, and Roll died while trying to pro-

oversees federal courts in the West seeking relief from “a tsunami” of federal felony immigration cases. Five months after his death, Roll’s successor has declared a judicial emergency, but the procedures inside the federal courthouse remain much the same.

Just before 8 am, buses roll into the parking lot, ferrying dozens of illegal immigrants from a nearby prison and border detention facility, where they’ve been held since they were caught crossing.

On a recent day, 70 defendants crowded into a second-floor courtroom, their ankle and wrist shackles clanging. Lawyers whispered to their clients, who wore black headsets to facilitate Spanish translation. Federal Magistrate Judge Jacqueline

This May 25, 2011 photo shows the Evo A DeConcini federal courthouse in Tucson, Arizona.

Statistics released last week revealed that Hispanics now comprise nearly half of all people sentenced for major felony crimes. —AP country without papers.

The first time someone is caught entering the country illegally usually results in a misdemeanor that leads to deportation or a maximum of six months in federal custody. If they are caught again - as often happens they are charged with a felony count called illegal re-entry that carries at most a two-year prison sentence or more if they have a criminal history. Some felony charges ultimately are reduced to misdemeanors through plea bargains. US attorneys in numerous states, including the four flanking the southern border, have authorized accompanying fasttrack programs for felony offenders that allow cases to be resolved at warp speed.

The programs have raised concerns about defendants’ constitutional rights and the sheer volume of work flooding the courts.

Critics say the programs overburden the court system and distract

tect Giffords’ district director Ron Barber. “John just wanted to make sure people had proper due process,” said Barber, a college friend of the Republican judge. “ Though they were illegal entrants he wanted to make sure that their rights were fully protected.”

Roll was already overseeing a fast-track program for felony crossers in the Tucson courts. But he felt the daily, systematic mass sentencing of first-time offenders could create new burdens, so he asked the key players to meet to talk about how to best run Operation Streamline. “His position was we have to react because we don’t get any choice in what prosecutors file in the court, but let’s organize it in a way that is effective,” said Heather Williams, Arizona’s first assistant federal public defender.

Just six weeks before his death, Roll wrote an impassioned letter to the judicial body that

Marshall called up the men in groups of five to read them their rights and accept their guilty pleas to illegally entering the country. Most were sentenced to time served and likely would be taken to Mexico for deportation the same day. The shackled men said only “No” or “Si” almost simultaneously when Marshall asked them questions. When she asked them how they plead, they said, “Culpable”, Spanish for guilty.

And in a few hours, they had been counseled, arraigned, convicted and sentenced for misdemeanor illegal entry. In another courtroom in the same building, at almost the same time, another group of immigrants still clothed in their dusty jeans was being prosecuted for felony immigration charges and other federal violations through a separate fasttrack program that would allow them to begin serving time more quickly.

The US Sentencing Commission

tracks the number of people who repeatedly enter the country illegally in a broad sentencing category called immigration crimes. The number of people sent to prison for the primary crime of unlawfully entering or remaining in the US jumped from 6,513 in fiscal year 2000 to 19,910 in fiscal year 2010.

Many people also were sentenced for that crime plus other, more serious offenses.

Many federal prosecutors in border states say those penalties are making illegal immigrants think twice about trying to cross again. “We’ve made tremendous progress and are moving in a direction where there are consequences of continuous efforts to cross the border illegally. The message has gotten back,” said Arizona US Attorney Dennis Burke, whose office has hired 17 new prosecutors since he assumed his position in late 2009. “If that has resulted in a higher number of individuals in the overall aggregate system being of Latino descent, I would say that is a separate issue.”

In the meantime, Tucson federal defenders Jason Hannan and Saul Huer ta have challenged Operation Streamline’s legality, and call it a separate and unequal criminal justice system.

Those cases are currently going through the appeals process.

Arizona Sens Jon Kyl and John McCain recently introduced a bill to expand Operation Streamline in the Arizona courts and potentially elsewhere along the Southwest border. Kyl has often cited border patrol figures showing that immigrant apprehensions dropped 93 percent since the program began in Yuma in fiscal year 2006. “Ever ybody knows where the bulk of the illegal immigrants are coming from, and if you’re going to deal with the deterrent effect of putting some of those people who cross in prison for a while ... then naturally you’re going to have a majority of those people be Hispanic,” Kyl said. “Let’s just stop illegal immigration and we won’t have that problem.”

Critics argue the downturn in the US economy, a flat job market, more high-tech fencing and more border agents have been greater deterrents to illegal crossings. Either way, the prison system has many more Hispanics than it did a decade ago, a demographic change experts said has already prompted debate among commissioners. “I think anytime you have such a large proportion of one minority group sentenced to prison that means the country needs to look closely at what it’s doing here,” said Fordham University Law School professor Deborah Denno, an expert on racial disparities in the criminal justice system. —AP

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Can naming, shaming curb cyber attacks from China?

By Paul Eckert argets of pervasive Chinese cyber attacks hope the latest breach of Google email will spark a robust US response but Washington may find it hard to pin precise blame on China and cannot go too far against a key economic and diplomatic partner. An aggressive stance is the only thing that forced China to budge on problems like counterfeiting or trade barriers, proponents say. Skeptics worry about adding another contentious issue to fraught ties with a major US creditor and say a smoking gun is hard to put in Beijing’s hand.

Google Inc said on Wednesday it disrupted a “phishing” campaign aimed at stealing passwords of hundreds of Google email account holders, including senior US government officials, Chinese activists and journalists. Without saying the Chinese government was behind the breaches, Google said the attack appeared to originate in Jinan, a city linked to previous cyber attacks, drawing an angry denial from China’s foreign ministry.

State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Friday the United States has asked Beijing to investigate Google’s latest allegations.

He declined to say whether Washington believes Beijing may have had a hand in the alleged hacking attack. US agencies and organizations who work on China said the Google attack is just one example of a pervasive challenge. The working assumption at one US government economic agency was that “the Chinese can pretty much hack anyone they want any time they want,” said a government aide, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the issue.

A business lobby official, who said his group’s email accounts were under “constant attack” by Chinese phishing schemes of growing sophistication, applauded Google’s move. “China needs to be held accountable and naming and shaming might be the most effective option to curb Chinese behavior,” said the official.

Chinese entities are not the only cyber warriors or spies lurking on the Internet, where Russian and Eastern European criminals prowl for bank and credit cards details and mostly Western “hactivists” spread political messages or flaunt their skills. But malicious attacks originating from China are often obvious: No other state pays much attention to Chinese dissidents, Falun Gong activists or Tibetan exiles. They are also relentless, said Nick Levay, associate director of information security and operations at the Center for American Progress, a Washington thinktank. “Those who have been targeted by China have dealt with a certain level of persistence and seen these attacks take place over long periods of time, where all signs point back to China and it really feels like they’re not even trying to hide that it’s them any more,” he said.

A decade ago, most cyber attacks originating in China targeted the Pentagon and US arms makers. US experts generally suspect but have not formally alleged that what Lockheed Martin Corp described as a “tenacious” attack on its networks on May 21 originated in China. Evolving US defense policy is moving toward treating cyber attacks as acts of war to be met with military retaliation but analysts said this is aimed at devastating blows to infrastructure - not the hacking of email accounts. Levay said Chinese cyber attacks noticeably escalated after the 2008 Beijing Olympics and “expanded pretty much across all sectors: the financial sector, the tech sector, the non-profits involved in government policy.”

The recent Google email attacks appear to be the work of the People’s Liberation Army’s Jinanbased technical reconnaissance bureau or the Ministry of State Security, said former military intelligence officer Larry Wortzel. “The question you have to ask is: Who or what entity in China has an interest in former US government officials and journalists?’ That’s the security apparatus,” said Wortzel, a member of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission that advises lawmakers on policy.

Wortzel and other experts say going public will help. “So far when breaches occur, like the ones with Google, the people who were breached condemn the attacks and say they were attributable to China and China turns around and denies that anything happened at all,” said Levay. “So far there hasn’t been a downside for them (China),” he said, suggesting that cyberspace be made a formal part of military dialogue between the United States and China.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates met Chinese Defense Minister General Liang Guanglie at the annual Shangri-La Security Dialogue in Singapore on Friday but did not discuss the recent cyber attacks on Lockheed Martin and Google email accounts, US officials aid. “What you want to weigh is, in the larger context of the relationship, is this particular incident worth raising and where do you raise it,” said James Lewis, director of the Technology and Public Policy Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “Given how parlous and how fragile the (military-to-military) talks are, is it better for (Gates) to bring it up or is it better for the State Department, which has consistently been hitting China on their restrictions on Internet freedom, to bring it up?” China is likely to wave off the complaints for now, said legal and technology experts, because it remains hard to identify and prosecute specific culprits in cyber attacks, even if their home country is clear. —Reuters

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The German, under fire in Azeri media following his team’s disappointing run, told German reporters in Baku that he had filed a report with police and would “discuss his next steps with my lawyers”.

He said three men, who were not journalists, attacked him before being stopped by security guards in the room. Vogts said he was unhurt. Vogts, who coached Germany to the 1996 European title, said he would still coach the team on Tuesday despite the incident. “I would have long ago left if it were not for my friendship with the federation president,” he told Germany’s SID agency. “I have experienced many things but nothing like that. I do not have the words to describe this.” Pressure on Vogts, who won the 1974 World Cup as a player, has been mounting since his team’s 2-1 defeat to bottom-placed Kazakhstan on Friday that left them with three points from five matches in qualifying Group A. — Reuters

MLB results/standings Major League Baseball results and standings on Saturday. Boston 9, Oakland 8 (14 innings); Colorado 2, San Francisco 1; Tampa Bay 3, Seattle 2; St. Louis 5, Chicago Cubs 4 (12 innings); LA Dodgers 11, Cincinnati 8 (11 innings); Baltimore 5, Toronto 3; Texas 4, Cleveland 0; Pittsburgh 6, Philadelphia 3; Detroit 4, Chicago White Sox 2; Minnesota 7, Kansas City 2; Milwaukee 3, Florida 2; NY Mets 5, Atlanta 0; Arizona 2, Washington 0; San Diego 6, Houston 3; NY Yankees 3, LA Angels 2.

American League Eastern Division W L PCT NY Yankees 32 24 .571 Boston 32 26 .552 Tampa Bay 30 28 .517 Toronto 29 29 .500 Baltimore 26 30 .464 Central Division Cleveland 33 23 .589 Detroit 30 27 .526 C’ White Sox 28 32 .467 Kansas City 25 33 .431 Minnesota 20 37 .351 Western Division Texas 33 26 .559 Seattle 30 28 .517 LA Angels 30 30 .500 Oakland 27 32 .458 National League Eastern Division Philadelphia 34 24 .586 Florida 31 25 .554 Atlanta 32 27 .542 NY Mets 27 31 .466 Washington 25 33 .431 Central Division St. Louis 35 25 .583 Milwaukee 32 26 .552 Cincinnati 30 29 .508 Pittsburgh 28 29 .491 Chicago Cubs 23 33 .411 Houston 23 36 .390 Western Division Arizona 33 26 .559 San Francisco 32 26 .552 Colorado 27 30 .474 LA Dodgers 27 32 .458 San Diego 26 33 .441

GB 1 3 4 6 3.5 7 9 13.5 2.5 3.5 6 2 2.5 7 9 2 4.5 5.5 10 11.5 0.5 5 6 7

Iran to complain to FIFA over women’s ban TEHRAN: Iran will complain to world soccer’s governing body FIFA after its women’s team were banned from a qualifying game for next year’s Olympics due to their Islamic dress, the ISNA news agency reported yesterday.

The Iranian team were banned from a match against Jordan shortly before the game was due to start in Amman on Friday, Iran’s state -run Press T V reported.

Jordan were awarded a 3-0 win in the second-round qualifying match.

“We will file a complaint to FIFA against the official in charge of the matches,” Ali Kafashian, head of Iran’s football federation, was quoted as saying by the student

news agency ISNA. The row over what Iran’s women players are allowed to wear has been brewing for more than a year. FIFA banned the team last April due to their plan to wear headscarves, in accordance with the Islamic dress code which requires all women in Iran to cover their hair in public. The Iranian federation made changes to the kit and believed it had reached an acceptable compromise. A photograph on Press T V ’s website (www.presstv.ir) showed players at Friday’s match in white tracksuits and head coverings that concealed their hair and ears, kneeling around the Iranian flag on the pitch. — Reuters

Gay runs year’s fastest 100 MIAMI: American record holder Tyson Gay ran the year’s fastest 100 metres when he clocked 9.79 seconds in a tune-up meeting at Clermont, Florida on Saturday. The performance came hours before Jamaican training mate Steve Mullings sprinted 9.80 at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting in Eugene, Oregon. Mullings held the yearly lead of 9.89 before Saturday’s performances.

Gay’s time came in a preliminary race at the NTC Sprint Series. He did not compete in the final, according to official results. Both his and Mullings’ performances were with allowable winds.

Jamaican Usain Bolt holds the world record of 9.58 seconds. Gay’s US record is 9.69. The American is scheduled to make his Diamond League debut with another 100 metres at the New York Grand Prix next Saturday. Meanwhile, American hurdler David Oliver got his revenge and sprinters Steve Mullings and Carmelita Jeter delivered sparkling 100 metres times at a sold-out Prefontaine Classic meeting on Saturday. —Reuters

Rangers shut down Indians Austin Jackson opened the ninth with a triple against Jesse Crain (2-2), who nearly wriggled out of the jam.

After a pop up and a strikeout, Cabrera hit a pitch over the right-field fence to put the Tigers ahead 4-2. Jose Valverde retired the White Sox in the bottom half of the ninth for his 15th save in 15 chances. After a lead-off walk, Valverde set down the next three batters to end the game.

Jackson had three hits and scored twice for the Tigers, while Justin Verlander (6-3) allowed two runs in eight innings to improve to 7-0 with a 2.06 ERA in his past seven starts against Chicago, who lost their first game in five.

CLEVELAND: Derek Holland pitched his second career shutout as the inform Texas Rangers beat the Cleveland Indians 4-0 in Saturday ’s clash of American League divisional leaders.

Holland (5-1) struck out five in his first shutout since 2009 and Texas recorded its seventh win in eight games. Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz each hit two-run homers, with both going long on consecutive nights for the Rangers, who have won 15 of the past 18 meetings against the Indians and 10 of 11 at Progressive Field.

Cleveland has lost a season-worst five straight at home. Both homers came off Fausto Carmona (3-7), who hasn’t won in a month and is 0-4 in his past six starts.

Yankees 3, Angels 2 In Anaheim, CC Sabathia came within one out of his second complete game in three starts, pitching New York to victory over Los Angeles.

Sabathia (7-3) allowed two runs and one walk while striking out three. He has won his past four starts, tying his longest career winning streak.

Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run homer and Robinson Cano also went deep for New York. The two RBIs increased ARod’s total to 1,864, tying Mel Ott for ninth place on the all-time list. Derek Jeter was 1 for 3 with a walk, tying Sam Rice for 28th on the career hit list.

Mariano Rivera recorded his 15th save in 18 chances. It was Rivera’s 1,003rd career appearance, overtaking former Yankees Hall of Fame closer Goose Gossage for 14th place all-time.

Angels starter Ervin Santana (3-5) allowed three runs in seven innings.

Rays 3, Mariners 2 In Seattle, Jeremy Hellickson pitched neatly into the eighth inning to lead Tampa Bay to victory over Seattle.

Hellickson (7-3) allowed one run over 7

CLEVELAND: Texas Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland is congratulated by teammates Josh Hamilton (left) and David Murphy after pitching a complete game shutout and beating the Cleveland Indians 4-0 in a baseball game. —AP 1-3 innings, improving to 6-1 with a 1.74 ERA in his past seven starts. He continued on with the form that saw him recognized as AL pitcher of the month for May. Joel Peralta replaced Hellickson in the eighth and yielded a two-run homer, cutting Tampa Bay’s lead to 3-2. But Peralta induced a fly out to end the inning and Kyle Farnsworth finished for his 11th save in 12 chances.

Tampa Bay scored three times in the second inning against Doug Fister (3-6).

Red Sox 9, Athletics 8 In Boston, JD Drew singled in Carl Crawford with two outs in the 14th inning, giving Boston a tight win over Oakland. Crawford had four hits and drove in three runs and Adrian

Gonzalez had a solo homer and three hits for the Red Sox. Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon gave up a four-run lead in the ninth to blow his save and Oakland went ahead in the top of the 11th but Andrew Bailey couldn’t hold it and the Athletics lost their fifth straight.

Alfredo Aceves (3-1) pitched four innings for the win.

Guillermo Moscoso (2-1) got the loss.

Red Sox catcher Catcher Jason Varitek and Papelbon were ejected in the ninth.

Tigers 4, White Sox 2 In Chicago, Miguel Cabrera hit a tiebreaking two-run homer with two out in the ninth inning, lifting Detroit over Chicago.

Orioles 5, Blue Jays 3 In Baltimore, Mark Reynolds hit a grand slam to power Baltimore past Toronto. With the Orioles trailing 3-1 in the sixth, Reynolds hit the first pitch from Ricky Romero (5-5) into the leftcenter stands for his eighth homer of the season and the first slam of his career in 2,166 at-bats. Baltimore starter Jake Arrieta (7-3) allowed five hits in six innings, retiring his last seven batters. Kevin Gregg allowed two hits in the ninth, but retired the final two batters for his 10th save in 13 chances.

Twins 7, Royals 2 In Kansas City, Alexi Casilla matched a career best with four hits and drove in two runs, helping Minnesota beat Kansas City and record a third straight win, equaling a season high.

Casilla stroked RBI singles in the third and seventh innings. Twins starter Nick Blackburn (5-4) allowed two runs but departed after five innings and 80 pitches with back tightness.

Kansas City starter Luke Hochevar (36) gave up six runs in six-plus innings.

The Royals dropped to a season-low eight games below .500. —AP

Fielder homer helps Brewers over Marlins

PARIS: Toulouse’s Thierry Dusautoir (left) and Clement Poitrenaud hold the “Bouclier de Brenus” as they celebrate their teamís victory at the end of the French rugby union final. —AP

Toulouse bag French crown PARIS: Toulouse scrapped their way to an 18th French league crown on Saturday, justifying by a whisker their favorites’ tag to edge underdogs Montpellier 15-10 at the Stade de France in the Top 14 final.

Eschewing the flair both sides had shown in making the trophy match, Saturday’s showdown was a cagey affair as Toulouse, despite dominating, had to battle back from a seven-point deficit and survive some wayward kicking from veteran David Skrela before emerging with a deserved victory.

To get so far Montpellier, who only finished sixth in the regular season, had nipped Castres 18-17 in the play-off, then edged much-vaunted Racing-Metro 2625 in the semi-finals, while Toulouse breezed past outgoing champions Clermont in their last-four game.

On paper Toulouse should have walked it, having finished the regular campaign top of the heap while coach Guy Noves was experiencing his 11th final.

That record made them overwhelming favourites to land another crown against a side whose only previous silverware comprised a second division crown in 2003 and a European Shield a year later.

But it was only in the final quarter when Toulouse finally made their overall superiority count as Nicolas Bezy swept over a pair of late penalties as Montpellier buckled under the pressure of defending a wafer-thin lead.

“You have to make your superiority count,” said Noves, who admitted he thought it might not prove to be his day.

“When David was missing his kicks I said to myself ‘it’s just not possible’ it was complicated. I thought at one stage it might slip away,” a relieved Noves told French television.

“Finally we made our domination count,” he added. The win marks the end of an era for Toulouse with Clermontbound Skrela only one of a raft of aging players in the out-tray.

But despite his less than stellar finale he saluted a “magnificent season.” “We dominated almost the whole match. This is a special feeling — I’ve experienced some great moments with this club,” he acknowledged.

Seven others will leave the red and black this summer - including Byron Kelleher and Frederic Michalak - as Toulouse, whose incoming reinforcements include New Zealand centre Luke McAlister and Australia scrum-half Luke Burgess, turn a page. — AFP

MIAMI: Prince Fielder hit his 13th homer of the season to help the Milwaukee Brewers to a 3-2 win over the Florida Marlins in the National League on Saturday. Yuniesky Betancourt hit a tiebreaking RBI double in Milwaukee’s two-run seventh inning.

Milwaukee’s Yovani Gallardo (8-2) pitched six effective innings to win his sixth consecutive start. John Axford pitched the ninth for his 15th save in 17 opportunities. Marlins starter Chris Volstad (2-5) gave up six hits in seven innings. He is 0-4 with a 5.87 ERA in his past seven starts.

Pirates 6, Phillies 3 In Pittsburgh, the hosts sent Philadelphia to its fourth consecutive loss.

Andrew McCutchen and Lyle Overbay each had three hits and Brandon Wood homered for Pittsburgh, which could complete a sweep of first-place Philadelphia on Sunday to reach .500. Pirates starter Charlie Morton (6-) pitched seven solid innings, giving up two runs with five strikeouts, as his trademark sinker induced 11 groundball outs to only two outfield putouts.

Kyle Kendrick (3-4) made his third start of the season for Philadelphia and was charged with four runs with no strikeouts in five innings.

Rockies 2, Giants 1 In San Francisco, Troy Tulowitzki had three hits and drove in a run to help Colorado defeat San Francisco. Rockies starter Jhoulys Chacin (6-4) pitched six effective innings, ceding only one run.

The Giants lost their first game in four, with starter Madison Bumgarner (2-7) yield-

ing seven hits over seven innings.

Mets 5, Braves 0 In New York, Dillon Gee outpitched Jair Jurrjens to remain unbeaten this season and steer New York past Atlanta. Gee (6-0) won his fourth straight start, needing only 85 pitches to get through seven innings before he was lifted for a pinch-hitter.

Jose Reyes hit a bases-loaded triple for the Mets while Jason Pridie snapped a scoreless tie with an RBI single in the seventh as the Mets took advantage of an error to score five times in the inning. Jurrjens (7-2) allowed four runs in 6 1-3 innings. His major league-best ERA rose from 1.51 to 1.75.

Cardinals 5, Cubs 4 In St. Louis, Albert Pujols hit his second homer of the game with two outs in the 12th inning to give St. Louis victory over Chicago.

Pujols went long off Jeff Samardzija (3-2) for his ninth game -ending homer of his career and first since 2009. St. Louis relievers retired 17 in a row to end it, with Eduardo Sanchez (2-1) striking out two in two perfect innings. The Cubs didn’t get a hit after the seventh.

D’backs 2, Nationals 0 In Phoenix, Joe Saunders escaped two early jams to go seven innings and help Arizona shut out Washington for the second straight game.

Stephen Drew and Xavier Nady drove in runs with extrabase hits off Livan Hernandez (37), which was more than enough for Saunders (3-5) to get the win. He retired his final 14 batters. Hernandez allowed only two runs but got one run or less

MIAMI: Florida Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez (15) follows through on an RBI-single in the first inning to score Chris Coghlan during a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers. —AP in support for the seventh time in 13 starts to remain winless in seven outings.

Dodgers 11, Reds 8, 11 innings In Cincinnati, Matt Kemp hit a tying grand slam in the eighth inning for his second homer of the game and Los Angeles went on to beat Cincinnati in 11 innings. Jamey Carroll singled in the go-ahead run in the 11th with his fourth hit. It started a four-run rally off Carlos Fisher (0-3). Aaron Miles also singled home a run, and Fisher’s throwing error helped the Dodgers pull away.

Kemp finished it with a run-scoring forceout for his career-high sixth RBI.The Dodgers pulled off their biggest comeback of the season and improved to 5-0 in extra innings. Los Angeles rookie Javy Guerra (1-0) pitched out of a threat in the 10th for his first big league win.

Padres 6, Astros 3 In San Diego, Aaron Harang pitched into the seventh inning to lead San Diego past Houston, giving the Padres back-to-back home wins for the first time all season.

Harang (6-2), who joined his hometown Padres in the offseason, matched his win total from each of his last three seasons with Cincinnati, when he struggled due to back spasms. He held the Astros to two runs in 6 2-3 innings.

Brad Hawpe had a two-run double for San Diego, which has reached at least six runs at home for only the third time this season.

Ryan Ludwick scored three runs and rookie Logan Forsythe put the Padres ahead with his first big league RBI. Houston starter Aneury Rodriguez (0-3) allowed three runs in six innings.—AP

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LOS ANGELES: Sebastian Zbik of Germany connects with Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. of Mexico during their WBC World Middleweight title boxing match.—AP

Chavez stops Zbik LOS ANGELES: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. defeated Germany’s Sebastian Zbik by majority decision on Saturday to win the WBC middleweight title, taking a major step toward establishing his own legacy while his famous father looked on.

Two judges scored the fight for the Mexican, 115-113 and 116-112, while the third had it a draw. “My father came to the Wild Card and told me, ‘This is where you win the fight, not down the street at Staples Center,”‘ Chavez said of the gym of his trainer, Freddie Roach, who also works with Manny Pacquiao.

“Work hard, listen to Freddie Roach. This is how you win titles.” Chavez’s father won his first title in the same town in 1984, when he stopped Mario Martinez to win the WBC junior lightweight title at the Olympic Auditorium. His 25-year-old son was behind early against Zbik (30-1), who

was the quicker fighter and landed more punches early.

But Chavez kept coming forward, countering with hard body shots that seemed to slow his German opponent down. The fighters, apparently believing the fight could go either way, came out firing in the final round. Chavez seemed to outwork his foe to punctuate a solid performance.

“Zbik had a lot of heart,” Roach said. “He came to win, he fought hard. But Junior was in the best condition ever. He simply outlasted Zbik.”

Zbik believed he was ahead on the cards going into the final round. “I won the first five or six rounds,” he said. “I thought I was far ahead. But I got hit with those body shots and began to get tired. ... My corner told me I had to win the final round and I thought I did. The judges gave Chavez all the close rounds.”—AP

VANCOUVER: Alex Burrows scored the second-earliest overtime goal in NHL playoff history to give the Vancouver Canucks a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins on Saturday, and a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup series.

Burrows circled the net and scored a stunning goal just 11 seconds into overtime.

Right after the opening faceoff of overtime, Burrows received a pass from Daniel Sedin and streaked down the side, eluding Boston captain Zdeno Chara behind the net. He extended his stick for a wraparound shot, beating out-of-position Boston goalie Tim Thomas for his second goal of the game.

“As soon as I got the puck, I knew I was going to fake a shot and then try to beat him,” Burrows said.

“I lost the puck in front of Tim Thomas, but I got it back, and I got it in.” Game 3 is today in Boston.

Only four teams have rallied from an 0-2 series deficit to win the Stanley Cup finals in 46 tries, although the Pittsburgh Penguins did it only two years ago, against Detroit.

Mark Recchi and Milan Lucic scored for the Bruins, who trailed 02 in the first round against Montreal — losing both games at home — before rallying to win the series in seven games.

“It was better today than in Game 1, and we’re going to have to keep that up if we want to score some more goals,” Lucic said.

Burrows’ goal nearly was the fastest OT goal in finals history, taking just a bit longer than Brian Skrudland’s goal for Montreal 9 seconds into Game 2 against Calgary on May 18, 1986.

“Burr comes in to make a sick play,” said NHL scoring champion Sedin, who had tied it with 10:23 left in the third period. “It was crazy.

Outreach a 6-(foot)-9 player? I didn’t think he was going to be able to score from where he was. I don’t know what happened, but it was really nice to see it go in.”

Roberto Luongo made 28 saves for the Canucks, but the night belonged to Burrows, who avoided

VANCOUVER: Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo (1) makes a save in the second period against the Boston Bruins during Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals.—AP suspension for this game after being accused of biting Boston’s Patrice Bergeron in Game 1. He scored on a power play in the first period, and he even set up Sedin’s tying goal with a sharp pass from the slot.

Thomas stopped 30 shots for the Bruins, but his trademark aggressiveness put him too far away from his net during the brief overtime. Burrows used his speed to elude the 2.03-meter (6-foot-9) Chara before slipping the puck into Thomas’ unguarded net.

“We knew our scouting report on Thomas,” Burrows said. “We know he likes to come out and challenge and freeze you, so if I shoot there, I think he stops it and covers all the angles, so I wanted to walk around.” Vancouver had been struggling against a tough Boston defense but found a way to put Vancouver halfway toward its first NHL crown.

“We lost the game ourselves,” Boston forward David Krejci said.

“They played well, but we had the game in our hands and we just gave it away.” The Canucks got a

pregame boost from the inspirational return of center Manny Malhotra, who hadn’t played since incurring a career-threatening eye injury on March 16.

The Canucks also played without top defenseman Dan Hamhuis, who missed his first game of the playoffs after getting hurt midway through Game 1 while delivering a check.

Andrew Alberts filled in, playing his first game in four weeks.

But until Sedin’s late goal, Boston played a second straight game of impressive shutdown defense against Vancouver’s vaunted top line featuring the NHL’s last two scoring champions — Daniel and twin brother Henrik Sedin.

“We’re not a team that panics,” Vancouver center Ryan Kesler said.

“We’re a team that bears down. If we’re going to lose, we’re going to lose giving it our all. Every shift counts in the playoffs, and we battle right to the end.” Burrows scored his first goal while skating on Vancouver’s second-team, powerplay unit with just 12 seconds left in the man advantage, taking a

short pass from Chris Higgins and flicking a shot under Thomas’ arm.

The Bruins had scored just one goal in their previous seven periods of playoff hockey before Milan Lucic finally ended the drought in the second period. The Vancouver native bulled into the slot and batted the rebound of Johnny Boychuk’s shot under Luongo’s extended pad.

Mark Recchi put the Bruins ahead 2:35 later, scoring just their second road power-play goal of the entire postseason. The 43-year-old artfully deflected a heavy shot by Chara. The Bruins had just one goal on the power play in six games before Recchi scored. Recchi, who plans to retire if the Bruins win the Cup, hadn’t scored in their previous 11 playoff games since April 30.

The Sedins’ line finally connected midway through the third period after Daniel took the puck away from Chara in Boston’s end.

Burrows eventually found Daniel Sedin on the other side of Thomas’ net, and the Hart Trophy finalist fired home his ninth goal of the postseason. —AP

Kerr leads LPGA ShopRite Classic

ATLANTIC CITY: Glen Johnson (left) lands a glancing punch off the top of Carl Froch’s head in the 11th round of the boxing WBC super middleweight title fight.—AP

Froch beats Johnson to reach Super Six finals ATLANTIC CITY: Britain’s Carl Froch beat Jamaica’s Glen Johnson on Saturday to retain his WBC super middleweight title and advance to the finals of the Super Six World Boxing Classic.

Judges John Stewart (117-111) and Mark Green (116-112) favored Froch, as did The Associated Press (117-111). Judge Nobuaki Yuratani had it even at 114-114. “He was very tough, very strong,” said Froch, who earlier in the week predicted that he would win every single round during a chat with the media in New York City.

“He was like an oak tree,” Froch said following the fight. “I started off slow, but towards the end I was throwing more punches. I thought I won the fight easily. I don’t know what that other judge was thinking.”

Nottingham native Froch (28-1, 20 KOs) has been on a roll in the modified roundrobin tournament, which was designed to pit the best of the division against each other.

Best, that is, except for Romanian-Canadian Lucian Bute, who is not taking part.

After an impressive victory over the 42year-old Johnson, a former light-heavyweight champion, Froch will meet Andre Ward in the tournament finals later this year. Ward advanced with a semifinal victory earlier this year against Arthur Abraham.

Froch had to work hard to get to the final.

Johnson (51-15-2) controlled the first few rounds and never stopped pressing. Buoyed

by the support of the crowd, Johnson brought the fans to their feet several times with overhand rights that thudded against Froch’s temple. “I feel like that was the kind of fight that fans want to see,” Johnson said.

“It was a close fight, but I can’t argue with the decision. I got a little bit greedy and started to take myself out of fight. I just wanted to land bigger punches instead of boxing.” Froch was never fazed by Johnson’s punches. In most cases, he answered them with strong body shots and crisp combinations.

The 33-year-old was making the first defense of the WBC title he regained with a unanimous decision over Abraham in the round-robin portion of the tournament last November. On the undercard, Hungarian light-heavyweight Zsolt Erdei (33-0, 18 KOs) got a sixth-round knockout of Byron Mitchell (28-8-1). Erdei, a former WBO light-heavyweight and WBC cruiserweight champion, wore down Mitchell with a steady onslaught of punches before dropping him twice in the sixth. Mitchell got up from both knockdowns, but referee Eddie Cotton wisely stopped the bout at 1:58 of the round. “I’m looking for a title shot now,” Erdei said through an interpreter. “I have great respect for Bernard Hopkins as the best boxer in this division, so that would be a great challenge.” Hopkins recently became the oldest fighter to win a major title by defeating Jean Pascal for the WBC and IBO light-heavyweight belts.—AP

NEW JERSEY: Cristie Kerr birdied the final hole for a 6-under 65 and a one -shot lead over Catriona Matthew after Saturday’s second round of the ShopRite LPGA Classic.

The 33-year-old Kerr rolled in three of her eight birdies after making a double bogey on the 12th hole on the Bay Course at Seaview. Kerr capped the round with an 8-footer at the par-5 18th to put herself in position to win for the first time this year and for the 15th time in her LPGA career.

Kerr, who won this event in 2004, had an 8-under 134 total after a round that was played in a slight breeze in stark contrast to the strong wind that blew Friday.

There were 53 sub-par rounds in the second round compared to 13 the day before and, if the conditions don’t change, a low score will probably be needed Sunday

to collect the top prize of $225,000.

“You just have to feel out the conditions and see what the optimum score will be in those kinds of those conditions,” Kerr said.

“Shooting even par, I know, is not going to get it done.” Matthew is looking to become the first player in her 40s to win on the LPGA Tour since Helen Alfredsson won in China in 2008 at 43.

The 41-year-old mother of two who has won only three times in 17 years on tour, had a 67 on Saturday. Her last win was the 2009 British Women’s Open, 11 weeks after she gave birth to her second child. “I’ve learned from those situations before and I’ll be nervous tomorrow,” said Matthew, who had six birdies and two bogeys.

“So I just need to hopefully learn from being there in the past

and cope with it.” Brittany Lincicome, looking for her first win since 2009, was alone at 6 under after shooting a tournament-best 64 that featured seven birdies and no bogeys. “I drove it well, I hit it to most of the greens well and I just seemed to make everything,” said Lincicome.

“Nothing really went in yesterday so I must have been saving them for today.” Lincicome has not won since capturing the Kraft Nabisco Championship for her first and only major. “I am just looking to win and get back in the winner ’s area, even the same zip code,” she said.

“It’s been a while so it’s nice to be near the top of the leaderboard. It’s nice to be back in the media room and getting asked questions about my round.

Everything is going in the right direction. I am working hard and

MONTMELO: MotoGP rider Casey Stoner from Australia (left) leads the race as MotoGP Jorge Lorenzo, from Spain, follows during the Spanish Motorcycling MotoGP Grand Prix.—AP

Stricker stays ahead at Memorial DUBLIN: American Steve Stricker faded after making a scorching start to the Memorial tournament third round on Saturday yet still preserved his three-shot overnight lead. The world number eight spectacularly eagled two of his first five holes on a sweltering afternoon at Muirfield Village Golf Club but dropped two shots after the turn on the way to a three-under-par 69.

That left Stricker at 12-under 204 in the event hosted by Jack Nicklaus, with compatriot Jonathan Byrd in second spot after tapping in a two-foot birdie putt at the last for a matching 69. Americans Matt Kuchar (68) and Brandt Jobe (69) were tied for third at eight under, one stroke better than compatriots Mark Wilson (66) and Shaun Micheel (67) and Britain’s Rory McIlroy (71). “It was a perfect start,” Stricker told reporters after

staying on track to claim his 10th PGA Tour title. “A little disappointing that I kind of let it slip away on the back nine and didn’t really finish the round like I had hoped.

“But all in all, a good day. A 69 around here is a good score and I’ve still got a three-shot lead, so I’m in good position heading into Sunday.”

Byrd, who won his fifth PGA Tour title at the season-opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions in January, liked his own prospects in the final round. “I’m playing great golf right now, and you never know what’s going to happen,” said Byrd, who will play with Stricker in the final pairing late yesterday.

“This is a tough golf course. You can make bogeys at any stage of the game, and you’ve just got to keep playing and give yourself a chance.” —Reuters

playing well.”

First-round leader Jiyai Shin (71), fellow South Korean Amy Yang (67) and American Mindy Kim (65) were tied for fourth place, three shots behind Kerr. Brittany Lang (66) and Shi Hyun Ahn (67) were four shots behind the leader.

Anna Nordqvist (68), Katie Futcher (68), I.K. Kim (70), Karen Stupples (70) and Haeji Kang were all at 139, five back.

There were some amazing second round turnarounds. Birdie Kim followed an opening-round 85 with a 70, but still missed the cut at 4 over. Beatriz Recari of Spain shot a second-round 65 to move from a tie for 89th to a tie for 20th at 1 under. Sandra Gal, who was a shot behind Shin after the opening round, had a 74 and also was at 1 under. Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer were at 1 over after rounds of 71.—AP

Stoner races away to win Catalan MotoGP BARCELONA: Australia’s Casey Stoner pulled away from championship leader Jorge Lorenzo to win the Catalunya Grand Prix yesterday, notching up his third win of the season.

The Honda rider hit the front at the end of the first lap and steadily extended his lead, the only apparent threat to his position coming from the gathering rain clouds which came close to forcing the riders to change to their wet-weather bikes. Spaniard Lorenzo came in second ahead of Yamaha team mate Ben Spies of the United States. Italian Marco Simoncelli, who had started on pole, was sixth behind compatriots Andrea

Dovizioso (fourth) and Valentino Rossi (fifth). World champion Lorenzo tops the riders’ standings with 98 points from five races, seven ahead of Stoner who also won in Qatar and France. Dovizioso climbed up to third with 63 points, two ahead of Dani Pedrosa who missed the race with a broken collarbone.

“Jorge got a very good start and I had to wait until the end of the first lap to attack him,” 2007 world champion Stoner told Spanish television. “Once in front, I had to be patient and see if he could keep up with me.

“It made it difficult when it started to rain. On the last curve it was

getting a bit slippery but we managed to bring it home. It’s an important victory.” Simoncelli’s poor start left Stoner and Lorenzo battling it out between them but the Honda was clearly quicker, as it had been during practice over the last two days.

When rain drops began to fall near the end teams rushed to ready the wet-weather bikes, but the feared downpour never arrived.

“We knew Stoner was going to push hard. I tried to keep up with him but when it started to rain it would have been easy to make a mistake,” Lorenzo said.

“It was a delicate situation and we had to be intelligent especially

on the last few laps. We still lead the championship and we’ll have to see in the coming races if we can get closer to Casey.”

In Moto2, championship leader Stefan Bradl of Germany pulled 43 points clear at the top of the standings, the Kalex rider coming in ahead of Spaniards Marc Marquez and Aleix Espargaro.

Spaniard Nicolas Terol won the 125cc race after judges ruled Frenchman Johann Zarco had illegally pushed him off the track on the final bend. The championship leader, on an Aprilia, was followed across the line by another Spaniard, Maverick Vinales, and Germany’s Jonas Folger.—Reuters

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Postiga puts Portugal top with 1-0 win over Norway LISBON: Portugal striker Helder Postiga struck early in the second half to secure a 1-0 home win against a cautious Norway side on Saturday to leave his team top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group H on goal difference.

Postiga sidefooted home in the 53rd minute from a Nani cross to put Portugal ahead of Denmark, who won 2-0 in Iceland, and Norway with all three teams on 10 points from five games.

“It was a good game, though not a great

one. Our win cannot be questioned,” Portugal coach Paulo Bento told reporters. Norway had two shots in the first five minutes but Portugal soon took control with Raul Meireles sending a drive wide after seven minutes and Cristiano Ronaldo forcing Rune Jarstein to tip away a trademark dipping freekick moments later. The Scandinavians were struggling but managed to give Portugal another scare after 16 minutes when Bjorn Riise led a counter attack and fed Erik Huseklepp, who fired a

LISBON: Portugal’s Fabio Coentrao (right) is challenged by Norway’s Bjorn Helge Riise during their Euro 2012 Group H qualifying soccer match. —AP

low shot that Eduardo had to stretch to palm away.

“From the beginning, we wanted to control them and we did this even though we could not always check our opponents’ counter attacks,” Bento said.

With the lively Ronaldo combining with Fabio Coentrao on the left, Portugal had plenty of possession to show off their trickery but the final pass often failed to reach striker Postiga, who struggled to find room in the box.

Norway were quick to break with a direct approach whenever they found some breathing space and midfielder Morten Pedersen missed a golden chance to give them the lead by blasting over the bar after a poor clearance by Meireles in the 24th minute.

Ronaldo and Coentrao combined five minutes before halftime to create a smooth move with the busy left back crossing for his captain to leap above the tall Norwegian defence but the forward’s header went straight to the keeper.

Postiga finally made space on the edge of the box and got his shot in, forcing Jarstein to touch the ball away for a corner three minutes after the break, and a Nani drive was just wide moments later as Portugal tried to break the deadlock.

The pair ensured Portugal did just that soon afterwards when the winger weaved in a cross from the right for the pacy Postiga who stretched to sidefoot the ball into the net. “It’s a move we frequently practice in training, a low cross for a shot from the front post. It allowed us to achieve our objective, which was to go top,” Postiga told reporters.

Portugal could not maintain their momentum after scoring and the game petered out in the latter stages with the cautious Norwegians failing to produce the threat of an equaliser.

The Portuguese had a disappointing start to the qualifying campaign but have recovered under Bento, who took over after Carlos Queiroz was sacked in September.

The side have won the three qualifiers they have played under Bento, and have played well in friendlies, especially the 4-0 thumping of world champions Spain in November. “We have built an identity for this team, and that comes from stability,” the coach said. —Reuters

BRATISLAVA: Slovakia’s Juraj Kucka (left) and Tomas Hubocan (right) fight for a ball with Andorra’s Manuel Jimenez (center) during their Euro 2012 Group B qualifying soccer match. —AP

Slovakia squeeze past Andorra B R AT I S L AVA : M i r o s l a v K a r h a n grabbed the only goal as Slovak ia joined Russia at the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group B with a 1-0 win over Andorra on Saturday.

Slovakia had the vast majority of the possession but it took until the 63rd minute for them to open the scoring through Karhan.

“Bad performance in the offensive phase. We just couldn’t get through,” S l o v a k c o a c h V l a d i m i r We i s s t o l d reporters. “Against a team like this, you have to score as soon as possible and not wait.”

Russia and Slovakia have 13 points from six games. Later on Saturday they could be joined at the top of the group by Ireland who were playing Macedonia in Skopje.

Andorra are bottom with zero points. Slovakia needed to play better to reach the finals, Weiss said.

“They must step up, all of them. The group’s favourites are Russia, Ireland and us.

“But it is hard, look around in what kind of conditions we play,” he added, referring to the poor soccer infrastructure in the country. —Reuters

Denmark blank Iceland STOCKHOLM: Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Christian Eriksen notched his first international goal to guide Denmark to a 2-0 win over Iceland in their Euro 2012 qualifier in Reykjavik on Saturday.

Portugal are top of Group H with 10 points from five games, ahead of Denmark and Norway on goal difference.

The Danes wasted two early chances to score against Iceland who were bidding for a first victory over their Nordic rivals.

Striker Nicklas Bendtner shot wide and defender Simon Poulsen broke into the penalty box only to fire his effort

straight at keeper Stefan Magnusson.

Iceland started pressing either side of halftime but they were rocked when substitute Lasse Schone put the visitors in front against the run of play in the 60th minute.

Eriksen then made it 2-0 when he took a pass from Dennis Rommedahl in the 75th minute and fired the ball home from the edge of the box.

Eidur Gudjohnsen and Heidar Helguson went close several times for Iceland but could not find a way past Thomas Sorensen in goal. —Reuters

Montenegro held by Bulgaria PODGORICA: Montenegro missed the chance to overtake England at the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group G when they were held 1-1 at home by Bulgaria on Saturday.

Radomir Djalovic put the home side in front eight minutes after the

break with a fine left-footed volley from a pinpoint left-wing cross from Vladimir Bozovic.

They were denied victory when Bulgaria striker Ivelin Popov scored from close range midway through the second half-the first goal have

PODGORICA: Bulgaria’s Ivan Bandalovski (front) challenges for the ball with Vladimir Bozovic of Montenegro, during their UEFA 2012 Qualifying round, Group G soccer match. —AP

conceded in the campaign.

Bulgaria survived a few nervous as Savo Pavicevic hit the post with a 20-metre shot and Marko Basa headed against the bar from Nikola Drncic’s corner.

“I was very angry with our first half performance and I let the lads know about that in the dressing room at the break,” Bulgaria coach Lothar Matthaeus told Bulgarian state television.

“But we played well in the second half and I was pleased with it.

We still have a slim chance (to reach the finals) and we’ll fight until the very end but we know we have to work and prepare the team for the World Cup’s qualifiers.”

Despite the setback Montenegro, who failed to win a single game during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, are still in a good position to qualify for next year’s tournament.

England, who salvaged a 2-2 draw with Switzerland after trailing 2-0 at Wembley, top the group from Montenegro on goal difference with 11 points from five games. Montenegro host England on October 7. —Reuters

Fetfatzidis double sinks Malta ATHENS: Greece regained control of Euro 2012 qualifying Group F thanks to a 3-1 home win over Malta after Giannis Fetfatzidis scored twice on Saturday.

First-half goals by the diminutive forward and 19-year-

ATHENS: Sotiris Ninis of Greece (left) fights for the ball with Shaun Bajada of Malta during their Euro 2012 Group F qualifying soccer match at the Karaiskaki stadium. —AP

old debutant Kyriakos Papadopoulos put Fernando Santos’s team firmly in charge at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium.

Michael Mifsud pulled one back for Malta just after halftime but Fetfatzidis calmed the home side’s nerves with his second of the night just after the hour to seal the three points.

Greece regained top spot after Croatia briefly led the group with a 2-1 home win over Georgia on Friday. Greece have 14 points with Croatia a point behind also after six matches while Israel are third on 10 from seven following a 2-1 win in Latvia.

The hosts began brightly in Piraeus and were ahead after just eight minutes, Fetfatzidis tapping home after a precise low centre from his Olympiakos team mate Vassilis Torossidis.

Malta struggled to get hold of the ball as Greece continued to press forward, and the home side were 2-0 up in the 26th minute when Kyriakos Papadopoulos surged into the area and headed home captain Giorgos Karagounis’ freekick.

John Buttigieg’s Malta team got back into the game nine minutes after the break when Mifsud slotted home after some sloppy defending and their substitute Andrew Cohen was unlucky when his long-range drive cannoned back off the left post.

But the game was put to bed by Fetfatzidis after 64 minutes, the talented winger slotting into an empty net after goalkeeper Andrew Hogg had parried Dimitris Salpingidis’s cross.

The result means Santos is undefeated in 10 matches as Greece coach since taking the helm after the 2010 World Cup. Greece visit Israel in their next qualifier on Sept. 2 when Croatia travel to Malta. —Reuters

SKOPJE: Republic of Ireland’s Aiden McGeady (top) is challenged by Velice Sumulikoski of Macedonia (bottom) during UEFA Euro 2012 Group B qualifying soccer match. —AP

Keane reaches milestone, Ireland defeat Macedonia SKOPJE: Robbie Keane scored his 50th and 51st international goals to give Ireland a 2-0 win at Macedonia in their Euro 2012 qualifier on Saturday.

The victory put the Irish top of Group B with 13 points from six matches, ahead of Russia and Slovakia on goal difference.

Playing their first match in the Filip Makedonski stadium since the venue was overhauled a n d t h e c a p a c i t y t r i p l e d to 3 6 , 0 0 0 e a r l i e r t h i s ye a r, Macedonia were roared on by their passionate fans who gave I re l a n d a h o s t i l e re ce p t i o n .

Keane silenced the crowd in the eighth minute when his shot

from 25 metres deflected off Nikolce Noveski and sailed over keeper Martin Bogatinov’s head.

Keeper Shay Given saved the visitors five minutes later when he denied Goran Pandev who should have done better when he was put through after clever team work. Pandev also had a s t ro n g p e n a l t y s h o u t w ave d away when John O’Shea hauled him down before Keane doubled Ireland’s lead with a typical opportunist finish.

The striker pounced on Boban Grncarov ’s misplaced back pass and steered the ball past Bogatinov into the far corner of the net in the

37th minute.

I v a n Tr i c k ovs k i m i s s e d a n excellent chance to pull a goal back for Macedonia before halftime by slamming his penalty a g a i n s t t h e c ro s s b a r a f te r Pandev was fouled by O’Shea.

Given did well to keep out a fierce shot by Mario Gjurovski m i d w ay t h ro u g h t h e s e co n d half and Ireland held on comfortably in the closing stages as the home side ran out of steam.

M a ce d o n i a s t aye d s e co n d from bottom in the six-team group with four points from six games, ahead of Andorra who have failed to collect a single point. —Reuters

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Cameroon hopes fading after draw with Senegal JOHANNESBURG: A last-minute penalty miss by Samuel Eto’o left Cameroon with little hope of playing in the 2012 African Cup of Nations following a 00 home draw with Senegal on Saturday.

The Cameroon captain’s injury-time spot-kick hit the crossbar, denying the four-time African champion a precious victory in its fading campaign.

Elsewhere, Uganda and Burkina Faso closed in on next year’s African championship after both teams secured solid victories.

Uganda beat Guinea-Bissau 2-0 to edge closer to its first Cup of Nations since 1978, when it lost in the final. Burkina Faso stayed on course for Gabon and Equatorial Guinea with a 4-1 hammering of Namibia.

Morocco routed north African rival Algeria 4-0 in the most one-sided of the continent’s six qualifiers on Saturday. Goals from Mehdi Benatia and Marouane Chamakh in the first half and Yousouff Hadji and Oussama Assaidi after the break broke open Group D for the Moroccans. All four teams had been locked on four points before the match.

Also, Zambia beat Mozambique 3-0 and Sierra Leone edged Niger 1-0 to give it an outside chance of qualifying in a group containing heavyweights South Africa and Egypt. On Friday, midfielder Michael Essien made his first international appearance since January 2010 as Ghana stayed unbeaten in four games with a 3-1 win over Republic of Congo. A desperate Cameroon is five points behind Group E leader Senegal and automatic passage to the Cup of Nations with just two games to play after another disappointing result for the Indomitable Lions, who have won just one of four qualifiers. Fans protested against the team after the match and had to be dispersed by police.

Cameroon dominated in Yaounde but couldn’t beat Senegal goalkeeper Bouna Coulibaly and Eto’o’s late miss put one of African football’s powerhouses on the brink of missing the continent’s top tournament for just the second time in 30 years.

“We are in a very unfortunate position,” said midfielder Stephane Mbia, with Cameroon now needing

to win both of its final qualifiers — against Mauritius and Congo — and hope other results go its way to claim an unlikely automatic place.

It is also well off the pace in the race for one of the two best second-place spots in the 11-group qualifying competition.

Police used water cannons outside Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium to disperse over a thousand disgruntled supporters after they prevented the Cameroon team bus from leaving the ground, blaming captain Eto’o for the team’s struggles.

Uganda opened a six-point lead in Group J with goals from Godfrey Walusimbi in the 36th minute and Geoffrey Massa in the 56th at Mandela Stadium in Kampala. The Cranes are still to concede a goal in qualifying to control the group ahead of Kenya, which plays away at Angola on Sunday. “It was a difficult match but the boys kept their composure and scored at the right time,” Uganda’s Scottish coach Bobby Williamson said.

After its hammering of the home team in

Namibia, Burkina Faso needs just a point from its final match against Gambia to qualify from the three-team Group F. It’s place could be sealed before that, if Gambia fails to beat the Namibians in September.

Zambia moved to the top of Group C ahead of Libya’s meeting with Comoros after a brace from Chris Katongo and a goal from Collins Mbesuma capped a rampant second-half display at home to Mozambique. Top-ranked African team Ghana was 2-0 up through second-half goals by Isaac Vorsah and Prince Tagoe by the time Essien was substituted in his first international in 16 months on Friday.

Matt Moussilou pulled one back for the 10-men Congolese before Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu’s long-range shot made it 3-1 to the 2010 African Cup finalist and World Cup quarterfinalist.

“It was a great second half performance,” Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic said. “I am satisfied.” Ghana is three points clear of Sudan in Group I, having played a game more. — AP

Germany aims to close in on ticket to Euro 2012

FOXBOROUGH: United States’ Eric Lichaj tries to hold Spain’s Fernando Torres off the ball during the second half of an international friendly soccer match.— AP

Spain destroy US FOXBOROUGH: Two goals by Santi Cazorla and one apiece from Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Torres led world champions Spain to a 4-0 rout of United States in a friendly on Saturday.

Spain were 3-0 up at halftime in front of a 64,121 crowd and it could have been even more after David Villa had a goal harshly disallowed for offside and Negredo clipped the crossbar.

Cazorla put them ahead in the 28th minute after David Silva was given acres of space inside the area and picked out the Villarreal midfielder.

US coach Bob Bradley opted to leave a number of regular starters on the bench and was perhaps regretting that decision when Negredo was allowed to run unchallenged through the middle and

finished coolly to make it 2-0 in the 32nd minute.

Cazorla added a third goal after more good work from Negredo and Silva.

Bradley brought on Clint Dempsey, the coach’s son Michael and experienced defender Steve Cherundolo at the break and that helped tighten things up.

But Spain continued to play with their characteristic precision passing and added a fourth goal in the 73rd minute through Torres, who latched on to a defence-splitting pass from Borja Valero to beat keeper Tim Howard.

The defeat was a blow to the US who start their Concacaf Gold Cup campaign against Canada tomorrow, the same day as Spain play another friendly in Venezuela. —Reuters

LONDON: Germany will move within touching distance of a place at next year’s European Championship finals with a win at Azerbaijan, while world champion Spain is one of three major international powers in friendly action in south America next week.

A seventh straight win in Group A would lift Germany 10 points clear of second-place Belgium, leaving only Turkey capable of stopping Joachim Loew’s side qualifying as pool winners.

With tomorrow’s five other Euro 2012 qualifiers not involving any of the continent’s heavyweight teams, the focus will turn on a selection of high-profile friendly internationals.

Top-ranked Spain — fresh from a 4-0 thrashing of the United States on Saturday — plays Venezuela away, Netherlands visits Uruguay in a repeat of last year’s World Cup semifinal and Brazil hosts Romania. In a match between teams that top their Euro 2012 qualification groups, Italy plays Ireland in a friendly in Liege, Belgium.

Azerbaijan prop up its group but the three points it has picked up so far came from a 1-0 home win over Turkey in October, ensuring Loew will not be complacent as he heads to Baku after a 2-1 win over Austria on Friday. “I believe the players can do their job in Azerbaijan. We have to mobilize all our forces while we are at the end of the season,” said Loew, whose side is one of three — alongside Spain and the Netherlands — to have perfect records in qualifying.

“Turkey lost there and they (Azerbaijan) don’t usually concede too many goals.” With midfielders Sami Khedira and Simon Rolfes withdrawing because of injury, under-21 players Lewis Holtby of Mainz and Sebastian Rudy of Hoffenheim were called up by Loew. Rudy was summoned from his holiday in Italy. Striker Lukas Podolski is nursing an ankle injury but is expected to recover in time.

Azerbaijan, which lost to Kazakhstan on Friday, is managed by former Germany coach Berti Vogts. Second-place Belarus can trim the gap to Group D leader France to a point with a win at home to Luxembourg on Tuesday, while Sweden hosts Scandinavian rival Finland in Group E knowing a victory will reduce the deficit to leader Netherlands to three points.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque can set a record for wins at the helm of the national team with a victory over Venezuela.

The former Real Madrid coach joined predecessor Luis Aragones on 38 victories with the win over the U.S. “I have benefited from the excellence and the style of play of this team and its victories,” Del Bosque said. “Spain has continued a trajectory in recent years in all different scenarios and against all its rivals.” Chelsea striker Fernando Torres scored the fourth goal against the U.S. after coming on as a substitute and could be given a start by Del Bosque.

After drawing 0-0 with the Netherlands in

in South Africa, ending the nation’s hopes of making the final for the first time since 1950.

Like Brazil, Uruguay will be fine-tuning its preparations for the Copa America, which starts later this month in Argentina, when it plays in Montevideo on Wednesday. France takes on the co-hosts of Euro 2012 in friendlies in the space of three days, playing Ukraine on Monday and Poland on Thursday. — AP

GOIANIA: Brazil’s Fred reacts after failing a chance to score during a friendly soccer match against Netherlands in Goiania. —AP

Brazil held by Netherlands GOIANIA: Brazil were held to a 0-0 draw by the Netherlands in a friendly on Saturday, with both goalkeepers responsible for the deadlock.

Playing with a three-pronged attack of Neymar and Robinho either side of centre-forward Fred, Brazil had a strong second half performance but could not get past inspired Dutch keeper Tim K rul despite creating a number of good chances.

The Dutch, without injured Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder who scored both goals when the Netherlands eliminated Brazil in their World Cup quarterfinal last year, had two good clear opportunities in the first half with Ibrahim Affelay forcing two good saves out of Brazilian keeper Julio Cesar.

The game became bad-tempered, however, and ended with seven yellow cards and one red after Brazil had midfielder Ramires sent off in the 79th for a second bookable offence following a foul on Arjen Robben.

Since Mano Menezes replaced Dunga as Brazil coach after the World Cup, Brazil have beaten the United States, I ran, Ukraine and Scotland but lost to major opponents Argentine and France. The draw against the Dutch at Serra Dourada stadium was Menezes’ home debut.

Brazil are warming up for the Copa America in Argentina in July. They will host Romania on Tuesday in Sao Paulo in a match that also will be the official farewell game for the former World Player of the Year Ronaldo. — Reuters

English media tire of Capello’s fatigue tale

Cameroon fans riot after draw YAOUNDE: Cameroon security forces used water cannons to disperse rioting soccer fans angered by Cameroon’s draw with Senegal that dimmed its chances of qualifying for the 2012 African Nations Cup. Cameroon captain Samuel Eto’o missed an 87th minute penalty that would have closed the gap on group leaders Senegal, sparking off violence around the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium and leading to a public apology from Eto’o.

Witnesses said several people were injured in the fracas on Saturday night as fans smashed car windscreens and tore T-shirts bearing Eto’o’s name from the backs of people wearing them.

Security officials were not available to comment.

In an interview with state television late on Saturday night, the Inter Milan striker asked fans to forgive him.

“When I score goals often, you hoist me to the top, but today I missed the penalty which would have given us victory and I take full responsibility for this underperformance,” he said.

“I know that the Cameroonian public wants us to win to make them happy. But I missed the penalty and I ask forgiveness.”

Saturday’s draw raised the possibility that the fourtime African champions could fail to qualify for the 2012 African Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon after eight successive appearances in the finals.

Cameroon have five points from four qualifying matches, leaving them five points behind group E leaders Senegal. Rioting also broke out in a suburb of Senegal’s capital Dakar on Saturday after a power outage switched off televisions and radios in midgame. Police used tear gas to break up crowds of rock-throwing fans. —Reuters

Goiania on Saturday — and in doing so failing to avenge last year’s World Cup quarterfinal defeat

by Bert van Marwijk’s men — third-ranked Brazil hosts Romania in Sao Paulo. The match will mark the farewell of former Brazil striker Ronaldo, who retired from football earlier this year. He is expected to play only a few minutes as a tribute before being honored at halftime.

Uruguay lost 3-2 to the Dutch in the last four

England national soccer team manager Fabio Capello

MANCHESTER:The headlines of “flop” and “clueless” were as familiar to England players yesterday as manager Fabio Capello’s reasoning that fatigue was to blame for another below par showing.

England had been trailing by two goals before recovering to draw 2-2 at home to Switzerland on Saturday in a Euro 2012 qualifier with Capello saying his side lacked energy, echoing his explanation for last year’s miserable World Cup showing.

This time, the Italian had given his players time to go on holiday and said they had returned “happy” and as excited as “children” to be playing again but the end result was the same as British media derided another England lacklustre performance.

“The problem is always the energy. The Swiss players were fresher than ours,” Capello told reporters. “In the last 10 minutes we had some players without energy.

It is a difficult time of the year to play a match like this.” The Wembley match came two weeks after the end of the Premier League season and a week af ter the Champions League final where M anchester United defender R io Ferdinand was the only Saturday starter to feature in the 3-1 defeat by Barcelona.

England were without first-choice striker Wayne Rooney, who was suspended and who tweeted that he had used the time off

to have a hair transplant, and injured Jermain Defoe but Capello’s concern was over tiredness rather than missing players.

A year ago when England’s poor World Cup displays ended in a second-round thumping by Germany, the manager had also said his players were tired.

This week he said he had learnt lessons from the experiences in South Africa and that was why he had given his players time off now and also planned to give them up to t wo weeks off before nex t year ’s European Championship if they qualified.

Qualification is far from certain, with England lucky still to be top of Group G af ter their cause was helped by Montenegro being held 1-1 by Bulgaria on Saturday. England are level on 11 points with the Montenegrins.

While captain John Terry said tiredness could be no excuse for the way his team played against Switzerland, the manager’s words were the ones grabbing the media spotlight.

“Clueless Fabio is flaking it,” wrote the News of the World, while The People said Capello had “wheeled out a tired old World Cup excuse” and The Observer wrote “manager’s selections and motivational skills continue to baffle”.

England’s next qualifier for Euro 2012, being co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine, is against Bulgaria on Sept. 2. — Reuters

Froch beats Johnson to reach Super Six finals

Fielder homer helps Brewers over Marlins

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Germany aims to close in on ticket to Euro 2012 Page 19

PARIS: Spain’s Rafael Nadal (right) and Switzerland’s Roger Federer pose with their trophies after the men’s final match for the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium.—AP

Nadal equals Borg’s record PARIS: Rafael Nadal won a 10th Grand Slam crown and equalled Bjorn Borg’s record of six French Open titles when he defeated Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6 (7/3), 57, 6-1 yesterday in the rivals’ latest epic duel. Top seed Nadal, who was also champion in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010, took his overall Paris record to 45 wins against just one defeat and victory also meant he hangs on to his world number one spot.

It was the 25-year-old Spaniard’s 17th win over Federer in 25 meetings and fourth in a Roland Garros final. But unlike the pair’s 2008 clash, when Federer managed to win just four games in the most one-sided final in 30 years, Nadal was made to work harder for his sixth Paris title.

He had to come from 2-5 in the

opener, saving a set point, and then squandered a 4-2 lead in the third as 29year-old Federer, the 2009 champion and bidding for a 17th Grand Slam title, threatened to launch a stunning comeback. In the end, he was undone by a combination of Nadal’s claycourt prowess and his own 56 unforced errors.

“This tournament is really something very special and exceptional for me.

One of my biggest dreams has come true. I’m very moved right now,” said Nadal after his sixth win in eight Grand Slam finals against Federer.

“Thanks to all the fans. Thanks to all the ones who make this tournament the best in the world and thanks to my family who travel with me and make it all possible.

“We played a good match today.

Roger played fantastic.” Federer, playing in his first Grand Slam final since winning the 2010 Australian Open, praised the Spaniard. “It was an exceptional performance by Rafa. He’s beaten me again.

I’m sad but I am happy to play him,” said Federer. “He is the best player on clay but I am proud of the way I have played over the last two weeks but I couldn’t do enough against him. It was important to get into another Grand Slam final.”

In a final played in heavy, muggy conditions at Roland Garros, Federer raced to a 3-0 lead courtesy of two confident service games and a break in the second game when Nadal netted a simple running forehand.

The Swiss, playing in his 23rd Grand Slam final, was soon 5-2 ahead wth Nadal’s problems compounded by hav-

ing to call for treatment on a blister on his left heel at the changeover.

But Nadal regrouped and saved a set point in the seventh game, albeit by the smallest of margins when a Federer drop shot just missed the target.

The Spaniard went to 3-5 with a thumping backhand crosscourt winner before he retrieved the break in the ninth game with a sweeping, low forehand which the approaching Federer could only volley into the net.

Nadal held for 5-5 and broke to lead for 6-5 by winning a thrilling eye-to-eye duel at the net with a reflex volley before a rattled Federer netted a simple forehand. The Spaniard clinched the set after 62 minutes when he swept a killer forehand crosscourt with Federer hopelessly out of position. It was Nadal’s fifth

game in a row and that soon became seven with a break and hold to lead 2-0 in the second set.

Federer had to serve two aces on his way to saving three break points in the fifth game, but then broke to level at 44, for once breaching Nadal’s impeccable defences. But he handed the advantage straight back in the next game, skewering a backhand wide having saved two break points.

Nadal missed a set point at 5-4 before rain brought a 10-minute halt. He squandered another on the resumption before Federer made him pay to hit back for 5-5.

However, the top seed dominated the tie break. A weak approach from Federer allowed Nadal to fire back a backhand pass to carve out four set

points and he was two sets to the good thanks to a another searing, forehand winner.

Federer was broken to love to slip 42 down in the third set but bravely clung on to nip straight back to trail 3-4.

He successfully served to stay in the match in the 10th game, broke for 6-5 before having the crowd on their feet by snatching the third set 7-5.

In a rollercoaster of an occasion, Nadal fought off two break points in the opening game of the fourth set, then broke to love for a 3-1 lead and held for 4-1. Suddenly, the fight was suddenly gone from Federer as Nadal clinched a double break for 5-1. A netted service return gave Nadal three match points and a sixth title was his when Federer went long with a forehand.—AFP

Dilshan’s best boosts Sri Lanka LONDON: Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan posted his Test-best score of 193 but suffered in the process against England at Lord’s here yesterday. At the close of a rainmarred third day of the second Test, Sri Lanka were 372 for three in reply to England’s first innings 486, a deficit of 114 runs. Dilshan, 187 not out at lunch, got the four runs he needed for the highest Test score by a Sri Lankan at Lord’s, topping the 190 made by Sidath Wettimuny during the islanders’ Test debut at ‘the home of cricket’ in 1984. But on 192 he was, for the second time in his innings, struck a painful blow on the right hand by fast bowler Chris Tremlett.

A visibly hurt Dilshan carried on but there was no maiden Test double century for the dashing opener. Instead, Dilshan added just one more run before being bowled by a fulllength delivery from Steven Finn, one of England’s trio of tall seamers, that nipped back sharply and clipped his leg before hitting the stumps.

In all, his innings spanned more than seven hours and featured two sixes and 20 fours.

Dilshan, encouragingly for Sri Lanka, said he’d avoided a serious injury.

“It’s a little bruised and some internal bleeding but in a couple of days’ time I will be totally recovered,” Dilshan told reporters after stumps.

“That’s three times I have been hit in the same spot by the same bowler.

“I’m very disappointed (not to get a double hundred) but I am also very happy with the way I’ve been batting. “Everyone wants to play at Lord’s and I am very happy my name is on the (honours) board.”

Sri Lanka are 1-0 down in this three-match series after a collapsing to 82 all out inside two hours in Cardiff as England won by an innings and 14 runs. That match was repeatedly interrupted by rain and Dilshan insisted there was enough time left for Sri Lanka to force a victory at Lord’s. “We forgot Cardiff. If we can get a 100-

150 lead, maybe we can put England under pressure.” Dilshan’s dismissal was a reward for a much-improved England bowling display after lunch but by then the damage had been done.

“In the last 12 months we’ve set some extremely high standards and the last two days were nothing like those standards,” said David Saker, England’s bowling coach.

“I’ve never seen this team bowl so many balls down the leg side,” the Australian added.

“But the last hour was really impressive. We were buoyant at the end of the day and most

SCOREBOARD LONDON, United Kingdom: Scoreboard at stumps on the third day of the second Test between England and Sri Lanka at Lord’s here on yesterday: England 1st Innings 486 (M Prior 126, A Cook 96, E Morgan 79, S Broad 54, I Bell 52; C Welegedara 4-122, S Lakmal 3-126) Sri Lanka 1st Innings (overnight: 231-1) T. Paranavitana c Strauss b Finn 65 T. Dilshan b Finn 193 K. Sangakkara c Prior b Tremlett 26 M. Jayawardene not out 40 T. Samaraweera not out 1 Extras (b19, lb20, w7, nb1) 47 Total (3 wkts, 102.2 overs, 456 mins) 372 To bat: P Jayawardene, F Maharoof, C Welegedara, R Herath, D Fernando, S Lakmal Fall of wickets: 1-207 (Paranavitana), 2-288 (Sangakkara), 3-370 (Dilshan) Bowling: Broad 26-4-98-0; Tremlett 24-5-74-1 (1nb); Finn 24.2-6-84-2 (7w); Swann 24-4-65-0; Pietersen 4-0-12-0

bowlers like bowling after rain.

“Some credit has to go to the Sri Lankans.

Dilshan’s a difficult man to get out and he’s hurt some really good attacks.” The opener’s exit left Sri Lanka 370 for three after an entertaining third-wicket stand of 82 with Mahela Jayawardene. Former captain Jayawardene, whose two previous Tests at Lord’s had both yielded hundreds, was 40 not out when rain, which forced an early tea, returned five minutes into the final session and ultimately caused play to be abandoned for the day with 51 overs still remaining yesterday.

Thilan Samaraweera was one not out. Sri Lanka resumed yesterday on 231 for one.

Dilshan was 127 not out and former captain Kumar Sangakkara 13 not out as they set about an England total where Matt Prior made 126.

Before England took the new ball, Dilshan cut and drove Graeme Swann’s off-spin for two fours in as many deliveries. A single off Swann then saw Dilshan to 150 in 192 balls with two sixes and 15 fours.

England took the new ball as soon as it was available, after 80 overs, with Sri Lanka 285 for one and four balls later Tremlett struck when he had Sangakkara caught behind for a struggling 26 made in nearly two hours. But the runrate climbed quickly after Sangakkara’s dismissal, with Dilshan pulling Stuart Broad for four to surpass his previous Test-best of 168 against Bangladesh in Colombo in 2005.—AFP

LONDON: Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan is bowled out by a ball from England’s Steven Finn during the 3rd day of the second Test match at Lord’s cricket ground.—AP

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‘Adel Alghanim’ introduces MG Cars in Kuwait Page 23 MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

Investors flee Russia despite oil revenue boom

Yemen unlikely to disrupt oil supplies, price Page 23

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WALES: A general view of the Chevron Oil Refinery near Pembroke in west Wales is pictured. An explosion at one of the largest oil refineries in western Europe killed four contractors and sent a massive fireball shooting into the sky, British police said. — AFP

High crude prices could dent growth OPEC oil cartel to meet in Vienna LONDON: The OPEC oil cartel meets in Vienna this week, widely expected to hold production levels unchanged as it balances a weak economic outlook and popular unrest in the Middle East which has slashed Libyan output.

The 12-nation group, which pumps 40 percent of the world’s oil, meets on Wednesday amid growing fears that high crude prices could further dent faltering world economic growth and energy demand. The International Energy Agency has already called on OPEC to increase output and prevent another damaging spike in prices, with seasonal demand set to strengthen in the coming summer

months in the northern hemisphere.

So far this year, Brent oil prices have soared by about 21 percent, largely as a result of spreading unrest in the crude -producing Middle East and North Africa region-and particularly in OPEC member Libya. At the same time, recent downbeat global economic data has suggested that the economic recovery is struggling and this complicates the outlook. “I would expect OPEC to leave quotas unchanged, rather than raise them, given the growing evidence that global demand is slowing,” said Capital Economics analyst Julian Jessop. “There is speculation in the

market that they will be doing something to acknowledge the supply problems in Libya. “Regardless of what OPEC happens to do ... prices have further to fall,” he added, citing recent weak economic data in top oil consumer the United States.

Standard Chartered analyst Helen Henton said “comments from OPEC members to date suggest that OPEC will ... pledge to keep the market well supplied, rather than proposing any formal change in output targets.” OPEC has left its production target at 24.84 million barrels per day (mbpd) since early 2009. The IEA estimates that output stood at 26.15 mbpd in April. IHS Global Insight oil analyst Simon Wardell

agreed that OPEC members were already pumping above the official ceiling to compensate for the Libyan shortfall. “ We expect no change in OPEC quotas once again.

Certainly, oil consuming nations would welcome an increase but increasingly, OPEC is responding to market signals outside of the formal quota system,” he said.

“We saw that with Libya-as production there fell sharply through February and March, Saudi Arabia moved to compensate through increased output. All of this occurred outside of the formal OPEC production target system.” He added: “OPEC could take the opportunity to formalize existing output

Egypt seeking to ‘front load’ funds CAIRO: Finance Minister Samir Radwan said yesterday Egypt is on the verge of concluding a $3 billion standby financing arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) but was still working out some of the terms. Egypt’s Finance Ministry and the IMF have scheduled a news conference at 2:30 pm.

Egypt has been seeking funds to plug an estimated $10-12 billion balance of payments gap in the wake of a political upheaval that toppled the government in February. Radwan said the IMF funds would be disbursed quarterly under a 12month agreement, but that Egypt was asking that a large portion of the funds be delivered early. “We are asking that an important part of it be loaded up front,” Radwan said by telephone. Egypt was also discussing interest rates and the repayment period of the borrowed funds, he added.

IMF standby arrangements typically stipulate repayment within 3-1/4 to 5 years. “We are about to conclude the agreement. We are having a big meeting this afternoon” to work out final terms, Radwan said. An IMF delegation that has been in Egypt for two weeks to negotiate the agreement had been due to leave the country yesterday, and Radwan said last week he hoped to conclude a deal by then. Cairo has been asking international donors and lenders for funding help after protests that ended President Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule scared away tourists and investors, two of its main sources of foreign exchange.

The crisis has cut into the government’s revenue from taxes at a time of increasing demands on expenditure, which include calls for higher wages from state employees and pressure to raise subsidies on basic commodities. Any agreement would have to be submitted to the IMF board and to Egypt’s cabinet and its ruling military council before it came into effect, Radwan said. The yield on a 10-year US dollar-denominated Egyptian government bond that matures in April 2020 was at its lowest since mid-January , reflecting improved investor confidence in Egypt’s state finances.— Reuters

as the new quota but with the possible issues that may arise from thishow is Libya treated? Who gets extra volumes? — OPEC will find it easier to roll targets over yet again.”

In the run-up to the meeting, Libyan Oil Minister Shukri Ghanem announced that he had resigned and left Libya to join the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi’s regime “to fight for a democratic country.”

Ghanem, the head of the state-run National Oil Corporation (NOC), has been Libya’s representative at the cartel for years. The gathering also takes place amid fast-moving events in Iran, which is the cartel’s second-biggest member after kingpin Saudi Arabia, and currently

holds the presidency for the first time since its Islamic revolution in 1979.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad last month briefly took control of the nation’s powerful oil ministry, sparking a political row with parliament and speculation he could attend the Vienna meeting in person.

But Ahmadinejad has now appointed close ally Mohammad Aliabadi as caretaker oil minister. OPEC comprises 12 members-Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. Iraq does not have a production quota.— AFP

Bahrain king approves $16.4 billion spending MANAMA: Bahrain’s king approved a budget of $16.44 billion over the next two years, a finance ministry spokesman said yesterday-a 44 percent rise in expenditures in the kingdom, hit by political unrest earlier this year. “ The king passed the law for the budget for 2011 and 2012... it will approve expenditures for 6.198 billion Bahraini dinars,” a ministry spokesman said. Facing a rising subsidies bill and dragged down by its struggling banking

sector, the small non-OPEC energy producer has the weakest fiscal position among Gulf Arab nations.

The tiny Gulf island kingdom was dealt a further blow after weeks of antigovernment protests in February and March that lead to an imposition of emergency law, which it revoked last week. Analysts polled by Reuters expected Bahrain to post deficits of 1.4 percent of gross domestic product in 2011 and 1.7 percent for 12.—Reuters

Qatar’s Al Khaliji Bank, IBQ end merger talks

ATHENS: A woman uses a metal bowl as a makeshift drum while protesting at Syntagma square in front of the Parliament in Athens. Greece’s two main private and public-sector unions, GSEE and ADEDY, held a protest rally on Saturday in Athens after the government won a new bailout deal from international lenders. — AFP

DOHA: A proposed merger between Qatar’s Al Khaliji Commercial Bank and the International Bank of Qatar (IBQ) will not proceed after both parties failed to agree on terms for the deal, Al Khaliji said in a statement.

“The parties have together decided to end negotiations for the proposed combination of businesses after final terms could not be agreed,” the statement issued late on Saturday said. “As a result, the existing governing, operational and financial structures in place at the Banks will remain unchanged.”

Al Khaliji, Qatar’s sixth-largest bank by

market value, is active in retail and corporate banking, as well as Islamic finance. It said the decision to end merger talks will not affect its performance going forward.

The bank also said its existing governing, operational and financial structures will remain unchanged after the move to end talks. Both the parties have been in talks for a potential combination for over a year. IBQ is unlisted and has around 14 branches in Qatar, according to its website. National Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait’s largest bank by market value, owns a 30 percent stake in IBQ. —Reuters

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Inmarsat wins Achievement Award ‘10th Arab Telecom and Internet Forum’ on the most reliable KUWAIT: Inmarsat, the satellite communicaleading provider of tions network in the global mobile satellite world.” communications servicNow in its 10th year, es, was awarded with ATIF 2011, under the the Al-Iktissad Waltheme ‘Towards new Aamal Achievement business models’, disAward at the 10th Arab cusses the new busiTelecommunications ness models in the and Internet Forum Telecom sector and the (ATIF), in recognition of main challenges facing exceptional contribumajor players in the tion to the developsector in following-up ment of the satellite changes in these busicommunications sector ness models, to launch in the Middle East Helene Bazzi new services and to region. Inmarsat was the only mobile satellite services opera- execute successful expansion in developing markets. tor to be awarded this achievement.

Inmarsat has been at the forefront of The ceremony was held at the Habtoor Grand Hotel - Beirut, Lebanon, mobile satellite services for over 31 and attended by Arab years. Inmarsat are recognized leaders Telecommunications and Information in the field and continue to introduce ministers, members of the International new technologies that redefine the Telecommunication Union, and the standard for the industry. Inmarsat’s region’s leading professionals in the current fleet of 11-satellites already protelecommunications industry from the vides seamless mobile voice and data Middle East and Africa. “We are grateful communications around the world, to receive such an outstanding recogni- enabling users to make phone calls or tion,” said Helene Bazzi, Senior Area connect to the internet - whenever and Manager, Middle East, Africa, Central wherever they need - on land, at sea or Asia, and Russia, Inmarsat. “Inmarsat in the air. Media organizations all over remains committed to further develop the world already use Inmarsat mobile and lead the mobile satellite communi- satellite services to file their reports cations industry in the region, by offer- from disaster-hit areas, war zones, ing premium IP-based services running sports events and remote regions.

Job creation fastest since 2009, input inflation up JEDDAH: Business activity in Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector grew at its slowest pace in five months in May, but job creation was fastest since November 2009 and input inflation climbed to a series high, a survey showed yesterday. The SABB HSBC Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which measures activity in the OPEC member’s manufacturing and services sectors, fell to 62.6 in May from 62.7 in April. The seasonally adjusted index for the world’s top crude exporter is holding well above the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction.

The survey of more than 400 private com-

panies, which started in August 2009, also showed new export orders rising to 58.3 in May, their highest level in a year. Overall input cost inflation picked up to an unprecedented rate, the survey showed, as employers increased salaries and wages to reward employees for good company performance and compensate them for rising living costs.

The employment index rose to a one-and-half year high of 57.4 in May with companies citing good current business conditions and expectations of higher demand in the near future.

The desert kingdom is undergoing multi-

billion dollar projects to upgrade its infrastructure and has rolled out three consecutive record budgets, including for 2011. Worried by unrest in the region, Saudi Arabia also plans to spend an estimated $130 billion, or nearly 30 percent of its economic output, to ease social tensions, building new homes and hospitals. Inflation in the biggest Arab economy inched up to 4.8 percent in April and analysts expect price pressures to continue growing in the coming months. Detailed PMI data is only available under license from Markit and customers need to apply to Markit for a license. — Reuters

EQUATE organizes customer event in Guangzhou, China KUWAIT: EQUATE Petrochemical Company hosted a luncheon with the attendance of over 90 of its major Asian customers. During the event on the sidelines of Chinaplas 2011, EQUATE’s Senior Vice President Pieter Platteeuw said, “EQUATE remains committed to Asia and contributes to its customers success by continually providing excellent quality products and services. We have established a good and strong network of clients in Asia over the years and continue to strengthen our relationships in the fast paced region”.

Platteeuw expressed utmost appreciation for the overall cooperation and business growth with customers across the fast growing region. Platteeuw highlighted issues relevant to rising oil prices and the inevitable impact on petrochemical prices, noting that there may be some challenges ahead; “We understand some of the challenges that customers across the region may be facing and we work closely with them to overcome these challenges.”

On his part, EQUATE Business Director Muayad Al-Faresi said, “At EQUATE we continually strive to provide our customers with best in class service and valuable products.

We understand the importance of client-business relationships and the power of building

Special Promotions Festival kicks off KUWAIT: The Special Promotions Festival kicked off on June 1, 2011 at the Salmiya Co-op Society.

Jointly organized with the Kuwait Agriculture Company WLL (KAC), the festival offers special promotions, fun, entertainment and tasting booths.

KAC has organized special displays and booths offering long-standing consumer favorite brands, such as India Gate Rice, Haymarket Frozen vegetables, Perdix Chicken, Butler Fries, Pittas Cheese, 3 Horses Beverages, Royal Umbrella Rice, Heart Disposables, Panzani Pasta, Ultra Fresh Juice etc.

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

strong partnerships.” Al-Faresi noted the customers’ commitment and loyalty, expressing EQUATE’s ongoing dedication to serving their needs and contributing to their growth. As part of the lunch event, EQUATE presented a short video on the history of EQUATE and its performance over the last 14 years since inception. Tokens of appreciation were extended to all customers in gratitude of their support.

Established in 1995, EQUATE is an interna-

tional joint venture between Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), The Dow Chemical Company (Dow), Boubyan Petrochemical Company (BPC) and Qurain Petrochemical Industries Company (QPIC). Commencing production in 1997, EQUATE is the single operator of a fully integrated world-scale manufacturing facility producing over 5 million tons annually of high-quality petrochemical products which are marketed throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.

GCC markets down on weak global cues KUWAIT: GCC markets reversed April gains, as a wave of selling swept markets in addition to weak global cues. The S&P GCC Index was down 1.72% with Saudi Arabia being the only market to show a gain, closing up just 0.40%, while all other markets lost between 2%5%. Losses were led by Oman and Kuwait; the former was down almost 5.2% while the latter (Weighted Index) shed 5%. GCC markets reacted to global cues for the month, which point to a weaker Q2 performance across the board.

News in the region included: Bahrain Moody’s cut Bahrain’s sovereign credit rating to Baa1 (from A3) with

Through the festival, KAC offers customers an opportunity to purchase these premium products at special rates and get a taste and feel of the products at the same time. Kuwait Agriculture Company believes in providing customers with premium products at reasonable prices. KAC prides itself on its professional and highly qualified team, staying miles ahead of the others. KAC was established in 1968 as a privately owned company. With over four decades of experience, KAC is today one of the largest leading importers and distributors of quality consumer products (food and non- food) in Kuwait.

a Negative outlook due to continued political unrest. According to the rating agency, these events are likely to have damaged economic growth significantly, especially in service sectors such as tourism, trade and financial services.

Saudi The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) reiterated its commitment to Dollar peg, stressing that it was here “to stay”, despite rumors that all GCC countries (Ex Kuwait) might de-peg from the greenback within 3 years.

Dubai Dubai, which has a significant debt overhang in the coming years (to the tune of $30bn in two years),

is planning to cut government spending by 20%-25% until 2013 in an effort to save almost USD 1 bn and narrow its deficit. Fitch and S&P both assigned a ‘AA’ credit rating with a Stable outlook to Abu Dhabi in spite of regional political unrest. The oil-rich emirate accounts for roughly 60% of UAE GDP. Qatar Qatar is moving ahead with efforts at creating a formalized debt market; the State will first introduce sovereign bonds and Sukuks as part of its plans to soon introduce bond trading, to be followed by Corporate bonds. Batelco and Kingdom Holding denied

claims that their $950 mn bid for Zain Saudi Arabia had hit roadblocks and insisted that all parties were committed to the deal.

Kuwait Volume traded was up 2% in May while value traded was up 5% to $39 billion. Liquidity was driven by increasing volume in Saudi and Kuwait, where volume traded was up 24% and 32%, respectively, while volume across all other markets were down MoM. Kuwait valuations remain in the 15x-20x range and are trending lower as earnings have grown while Oman is trading at about 10x and Qatar’s valuations have increased slightly closing in on the 15x range.

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Philippine peso Egyptian pounds

.2700000 .4460000 .3970000 .3270000 .2770000 .2900000 .0040000 .0020000 .0741170 .7221010 .3810000 .0700000 .7078880 .0040000 .0430000 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2730000 .4485250 .3995900 .3275340 .2791270 .0535980 .0445040 .2925330 .0351010 .2220410 .0034010 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0743570 .7243300 .0000000 .0728190 .7092750 .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

.2760000 .4560000 .4070000 .3360000 .2870000 .2990000 .0072500 .0035000 .0748620 .7293580 .4010000 .0770000 .7150020 .0072000 .0530000 .2751000 .4519760 .4026640 .3300540 .2812740 .0540100 .0448460 .2947830 .0353710 .2237490 .0034270 .0061680 .0025150 .0032140 .0037610 .0749290 .7299020 .3891090 .0733800 .7147310 .0063980

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

Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

GOLD 283.000 143.000 73.500

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

SELL CASH 297.700 729.400 3.970 284.200 538.700 14.100 54.200 167.800 48.510 405.500 35.980 6.280

SELL DRAFT 296.200 729.400 3.705 282.700

223.800 46.214 404.000 35.830 6.120

0.033

387.630 0.185 93.230 3.840 225.600

331.400 5.800 9.260 74.680 274.200

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 452.500 274.200

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Rate for Transfer US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees

Selling Rate 274.150 284.930 451.655 404.585 329.240 725.581 74.617 75.280 73.076 387.259 46.167 2.497 6.122

Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

3.199 3.703 6.343 672.461 3.511 9.134 5.980 3.911 90.161

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. 712.190 3.210 6.360 75.440 73.230 223.840 43.660 2.495 452.500

GOLD 1,583.530

10 Tola 20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

0.033 0.238 0.240 3.510 388.960 0.186 93.230 47.300 4.300 227.100 1.860 52.200 712.370 3.300 6.540 75.870 73.230 223.840 43.660 2.638 454.500 45.200 332.900 5.800 9.440 198.263 74.780 274.600 1.230

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) 274.200 3.205 6.130 2.515 3.715 6.380 74.760 73.320 729.000 46.150 456.800 0.00003280 3.910 1.550 389.600 5.750 407.000 287.100

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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BUSINESS

Adel Alghanim introduces MG Cars KUWAIT: Adel Alghanim Automotive Company, one of the Alghanim Sons Group enterprises and the exclusive dealer for MG Cars in Kuwait, opened a car showroom in Al-Shuwaikh featuring five different models of the famous British cars, in an event attended by car enthusiasts and media personnel.

“The MG Cars provide quality and design in addition to sustainability and power, which combined with the Adel Alghanim Company s long experience in luxury cars dealership give us high hopes that the brand will have much success in the Kuwaiti market”, said deputy CEO if Alghanim Sons Group Marzouq Adel Alghanim, who added in a recent press release that the showroom currently contains the MG 750, MG 550 and MG 350 models, while the MG 6 and MG 3 are expected to arrive soon.

MG cars are characterized with top quality specifications combined with reasonable price.

The MG 750 comes with a V6 2.5 cc engine and 186 horsepower, and has a standard and a special ‘E’ model which arrives additional specification. The standard model is sold at KD6900, while

CBK tells banks to set up divisions for complaints KUWAIT: Out of its keenness on best service possible to Kuwaiti banks clients, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) has asked banks to launch independent divisions to receive and look into clients’ complaints and to inform them of their rights and reasonable expectations. This applies most specifically to consumer loans, installments, and fees on bank and investment companies’ clients.

CBK Governor Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah told reporters this demand was communicated to the banks on January 19, 2011, and typical mode of action for the new divisions had also been formulated and communicated to the banks and companies. The divisions are supposed to be launched and be operational by July 1. The governor stressed it is vital for the client to reach a solution and understanding with the service provider directly, and he can file a com-

plaint with the new division after attempts to that end all fail. Clients are entitled to present their complaints in any format, personally, via regular mail, or via electronic communication, Sheikh Salem noted.

The client can expect a response from the unit within a maximum of 30 days from filing a complaint. The CBK is not to receive any complaints from clients of banks or investment companies that had not been filed with the concerned complaints division first, the governor pointed out. In case of failure to reach a settlement even through the division, however, a client can approach the bank with a copy of his complaint and the response of the unit, and point out the reasons for his dissatisfaction with the response.

Propriety and sufficiency of procedures are then to be assessed and an opinion given to the client. —KUNA

Qatar to hit full LNG export capacity year end KUALA LUMPUR: Top LNG exporter Qatar will reach full export capacity of 77 million tons per year (tpy) by the end of 2011, the head of the state oil marketing company said yesterday. Qatar already has the world’s largest capacity to ship super-chilled gas, and exported its first cargo from the latest plant to come into operation in February. That plant, Qatargas train seven, was the last in its expansion plan to reach capacity of 77 million tons per year (tpy) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

Qatargas train seven is still ramping up, Saad Abdullah al-Kuwari, chief executive of Qatar International Petroleum Marketing Co (Tasweeq) said in an interview ahead of an industry event in Malaysia. “Train seven is almost stabilized and now it is ramping up. By end of this year we will be producing 77 million (tons),” he said. Royal Dutch Shell’s and Qatar Petroleum’s joint venture 140,000 barrels per day (bpd) Pearl gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant should come on line by the end of the year and reach full capacity in the first quarter of 2012, he said. The Pearl plant will be the world’s largest GTL facility and is expected to cost $18 billion to $19 billion. Plant operator Shell said in March it had started output from natural gas wells offshore, allowing the first

sour gas to flow through a subsea pipeline into the giant GTL plant onshore.

Japan had bought more LNG and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Qatar after the massive March earthquake and tsunami, and had also bought more of the oil product naphtha, Kuwari said. Tasweeq currently markets 10 million tpy of LPG. Qatargas said in April it would supply 60 extra cargoes of LNG per year to Japan. Japan’s demand would return to more typical levels by August, he said, adding that the crisis would continue to boost demand for LPG and LNG in 2012.

Qatar sells around half of its crude to Japan and nearly 90 percent of its oil products go to Asia as it is the closest market with the best economics, Kuwari said. Qatar saw strong demand for crude from China, India and also in smaller consumers such as Vietnam, he said.

“There’s still strong demand,” he said. “Any crude will find a home in Asia.” That demand meant US crude prices were unlikely to fall below $85 a barrel, Kuwari said. Qatar is a member of OPEC, due to meet to discuss oil supply on Wednesday. The group is considering boosting supply to meet expected demand growth in the second half of the year, compensate for lost Libyan production and to ease high prices. —Reuters

the E model is priced at KD7500.

Meanwhile, the MG 550 is a sporty car which comes with a V4 1.8 cc engine and 160 horsepower, and is sold at KD5500. The MG 350 which is sold at KD3950 is

the best car in its class that offer specifications such as rear censors, XBM subwoofers, AUX & iPod slots in this low price. Adel Alghanim Company offers a 10 year warranty for any of its car

with an open mileage, which remains active regardless of how many times the car is resold.

Bright outlook fuels corporate earnings KAMCO RESEARCH KUWAIT: Corporate earnings continued to witness an uptrend during the past five years growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17 per cent during the period 2005-2010 to record QAR 29.9 billion ($8.22 billion) in 2010 compared with QAR 13.66 billion ($3.75 billion) in 2005. The robust economic growth along with government support to the financial system helped Qatar in weathering the financial crisis. The country enjoys a favorable business environment relative to its neighboring countries in the GCC region that was reflected in attracting more foreign investments.

In 2010, earnings for the 43 listed companies on Qatar Exchange fell 10 per cent to QAR 29.93 billion ($8.22 bn) down from QAR 33.25 billion ($9.13 billion). This drop was mainly due to a non-recurring fair value gain of QAR 8.3 bn booked by Ezdan Real Estate Company in 2009 as a result of the revaluation of investment properties and projects under development owned by the company and by International Housing Group which was carried out for the purpose of acquiring the latter.

Adjusting for this non-recurring revaluation gain, aggregate profits for the market would have surged 20 per cent from an adjusted net profit of QAR 24.96 billion ($6.85 billion) in 2009; this growth was mainly fuelled by the profitability of the Banking and Services sectors which remain the key drivers for the market profitability. Fuelled by the robust economic growth, aggregate net profits for the banking and services sectors advanced 20.5 per cent and 26.3 per cent to QAR 12.34 billion ($3.39 billion) and QAR 9.73 billion ($2.67 billion), respectively. The Banking sector contributed to 41 per cent of market profits in 2010 and remained the key sector that drives market performance.

Growth prospects in Qatar remain strong in the medium and long-term fuelled mainly by the large government spending program and the strong performance of the hydrocarbon sector. Following a growth of 8.6 per cent in 2009, real GDP is expected to grow by 16 per cent in 2010 and 20 per cent in 2011, representing the fastest growing economy in the GCC region, owing to an expected growth of 29.5 per cent in the hydrocarbon sector and an 9.5 per cent growth in the non-hydrocarbon sector, underpinned by the government’s continuous massive capital investment which exceeded the QAR 110 billion ($30 billion) mark over the period 2004-2009. The country’s high growth rate will be supported by the new 5-year QAR 100 billion ($27.5 billion) government fiscal stimulus program which will maintain high levels of capital spending on education, healthcare and transport.

QE Q1-2011 Profitability In Q1-11, corporate earnings continued their uptrend as QE combined net profits increased 12.7 per cent to QAR 8.98 billion ($2.47 billion) from QAR 7.97 billion ($2.19 billion) in Q110. The market was heavily supported by the banking and finance sector which witnessed its net profit jump 24 per cent to QAR 3.56 billion ($978 million) from QAR 2.87 billion ($788 million) and the industrial sector which surged by 60.2 per cent to QAR 2.46 billion ($675 million) in Q111 up from QAR 1.53 billion ($420 million). The strong performance witnessed in the banking and industrial sectors offset the 17.1 percent fall in market heavyweight services sector.

On a company wide basis, earnings found the support from Qatar National Bank (QNB), posting a 34.8 per cent rise to QAR 1.71 billion ($470 million) from QAR 1.27 billion ($349 billion); and Industries Qatar

with Q1-11 profits rising 72 per cent to QAR 2.1 billion ($577 million) in Q1-11 from QAR 1.22 billion ($335 million). In the services sector, earnings were weighed down heavily by Qatar Telecom after reporting a 37.2 per cent drop to QAR 762 million ($209 million) from QAR 1.21 billion ($332 million); and Qatar Navigation with profits slumping 66 per cent to QAR 261.6 million ($72 million) down from QAR 771 million ($212 million) in Q1-10.

Banking Sector The banking sector witnessed robust growth in its FY-2010 net profit surging 20 per cent to QAR 12.34 billion ($3.39 billion) up from QAR 10.27 billion ($2.82 billion) supported by booking lower loan loss provisions. In 2010, aggregate impairments and provisions for the sector fell 56 per cent to QAR 691 million ($190 million) down from QAR 1.56 billion ($429 million) booked in 2009. Sector heavyweight Qatar National Bank (QNB) was the main supporter after posting a 36 per cent increase in its bottom line to QAR 5.7 billion ($1.57 billion) in 2010 from QAR 4.2 billion ($1.15 billion).

Net profit generated by QNB represented around 46 per cent of the banking sector aggregate profits in 2010.

Loans extended by listed conventional banks rose 12.2 per cent during 2010 to QAR 210.4 billion ($57.77 billion) up from QAR 187.6 bn ($51.51 billion) in 2009 supporting the overall credit market that has increased by 19 per cent in 2010. The government’s new spending program to develop the country’s infrastructure and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects fuelled growth in credit. The high quality loan portfolio, low loan-loss provisions booked and the regulatory authorities’ prudent policies and commitment to provide banks with liquidity to con-

tain potential financial risks and maintain the stability of the financial system proved positive for banks’ financial standing. Moreover, financing provided by Islamic Banks surged 28 per cent in 2010 to QAR 64.8 billion ($17.8 billion) up from QAR 49.7 billion ($13.6 billion) in 2009, indicating the rising demand for Islamic finance products.

Qatari Banking Sector Outlook 2011 Looking forward, the outlook for the banking sector remains positive driven by Qatar’s expected double digit economic growth in real terms in 2011 and 2012. The banking sector is highly profitable and well capitalized with a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 16.1 per cent as of Dec-2010. Moreover, the sector enjoys a high quality loan portfolio with non-performing loans representing 2 per cent of banks’ gross loan portfolios, while NPL coverage ratio remains healthy at 85 per cent indicating that low level of provisioning will likely persist over the current year.

Hence, Qatari banks are well positioned to benefit from the economic boom in Qatar and will be able to weather any potential financial turbulence that might happen in the medium term supported by prudent macro-economic policy and strict regulations implemented by the Central Bank of Qatar. In addition, Qatar hosting the World Cup in 2022 will also have its positive effect on the financial sector, specifically banking. This event will create long-term opportunities and boost banks’ revenue stream through higher credit. The new infrastructure projects and upgrading of transport systems will push demand for credit higher and hence new lending activity will be needed from all local banks. The larger banks, which have higher capital levels, are likely to benefit the most, as they would be able to participate in large financing deals.

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Kuwaiti Stocks tumble amid regional selloff GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) continued losing points and closed sharply lower on the first trading session of the week following the wide spread drop seen on the Americas and Asian-Pacific markets. Kuwaiti Stocks tumbled yesterday continuing a regional selloff that started last Thursday. Most of GCC markets moved only south yesterday following the big drop in the Saudi market in Saturday. It is hard to get investors inspired to come back off the sidelines to buy stocks and to get a broad market move so far in the current situation.

Market Indices Reflecting the trend, Global General Index (GGI), market weighted, ended the day down by 0.85 percent, at 192.93 point. Market Capitalization was down for the day at KD31.63 billion. On the other hand, KSE Price Index closed at 6,290.4 point, shedding 48.30 points (0.76 percent) to its previous close. The major indices were hit hard in June so far and for most of May. Market Breadth During the session, 96 companies were traded. Market breadth was skewed towards decliners as 70 equities retreated versus 7 that advanced.

Daily Trading Activity Trading activity was down this session. The trades conducted in the services sector. Total volume traded was down by 24.31 percent with 100.22 million shares changing hands at a total value of KD15.94 million (19.86 percent lower compared to the day before). The services sector was the volume leader yesterday, accounting for 37.75 percent of total shares. The same sector was the value leader, with 41.90 percent of total traded value. Combined Group Contracting Co was the most active in terms of values of shares traded during yesterday session, with 1.16mn shares exchanged at an aggregate value of KD2.08 million.

Top Gainers and Biggest Decliners In terms of top gainers, Al Dar National Real Estate Co. took the top spot for the day, adding 12.82 percent and closed at KD0.022. On the other hand, Inovest Company shed 7.58 percent and closed at KD0.061, making it the biggest decliner in the market.

X-Cite bags three Awards at Middle East Retail Academy Sectors - Wise The market’s blue chips barometer, Global Large Cap. Index recoiled by 0.77 percent during the day. Among component stocks in the index, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) slipped 1.69 percent. National Mobile Telecommunications Company ( Wataniya), the second largest provider of mobile phone services in Kuwait, dipped 3.06 percent. By sector, all sectors lost ground except the Insurance sector which closed unchanged. The Non-Kuwaiti sector lead the decliners, shedding 1.46 percent. UAE cement companies and Bahrain-based banks witnessed huge drop during yesterday’s session.

Gulf Cement Company and Ahli United Bank closed down by 5.32 percent and 2 percent, respectively. Industrial sector followed, declining by 0.97 percent. Heavy Engineering Industries and Shipbuilding Company was the sector’s major decliner, as the scrip ended the session at KD0.305, down by 6.15 percent.

Global Real Estate Index was down by 0.69 percent. Within the sector, Manazel Holding Company witnessed intense trading yesterday, with 7.36mn shares traded via 71 deals. The scrip was the second biggest percentage advancer in the market, clocking a 12.20 percent in gains, and closing at KWD0.023, its highest level since February 13, 2011. But a 1.15 percent slide in the

equity price of Mabanee Company drove the Global Real Estate Index down. In real estate news, Remal held its ordinary and extraordinary shareholder meetings yesterday. Shareholders gave the go-ahead to the board to distributing bonus shares and a capital increase of 10 percent and 50 percent, respectively, of paid-up capital instead of the previously suggested 30 percent and 70 percent, respectively, for the fiscal year that ended on December 31, 2010.

Shareholders of record till the close of trading on the meeting date are entitled to this distribution.

In economy front, Out of keenness on best service possible to clients of Kuwaiti banks, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) is demanding banks launch independent divisions to receive and look into clients’ complaints and to inform them of their rights and reasonable expectations. This applies most specifically to consumer loans, installments, and fees on bank and investment companies’ clients. CBK Governor Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah told reporters this demand was communicated to the banks on January 19, 2011, and typical mode of action for the new divisions had also been formulated and communicated to the banks and companies. The divisions are supposed to be launched and be operational by July 1, 2011.

KUWAIT: X-cite is once again in the spotlight - winning 3 awards at the 2011 Middle East Retail Academy (MERA) event held on 18th May at Fujairah, UAE. The top award of the evening for “Best Marketing Initiative of the Year- Middle East” was won by X-cite for investing in running high-profile events in Kuwait to raise consumer awareness and build customer loyalty. X-cite positioned itself as organiser of two special events: an exclusive concert by Nancy Ajram for X-cite customers; plus a performance by Cirque du Soleil and Moscow Circus for X-cite customers.

X-cite was the only sponsor for both events and tickets were given free to customers who shopped at X-cite. “The quality of this year’s entries was higher than ever as retailers across the region look to use ever more sophisticated marketing tactics to increase sales and attract customers,” said Farouk Hemraj, CEO at DISTREE Events, the organizers of the ‘MERA: 2011 Awards’.

X-cite won its second award of the evening for the “Best Retailer” for the 3rd

consecutive year in a row. The live electronic voting for company awards took place at the MERA 2011 Awards’ Gala Dinner. More than 100 senior retail executives voted live to determine the winner of each award. X-cite competed with Carrefour, Sharaf DG, Jacky’s and Khoury Home to win this award again. “Winning this award for the 3rd time in a row is a reflection of how X-cite is viewed in the region.

It has reinforced our presence as market leaders in the Middle East. We are indeed thrilled to win this award once again after our successful win in 2009 and 2010.” stated Shahid Khan, Vice President - Alghanim Electronics. The third award for Best Retail IT Executive of the Year was given to Mohammed Bazzy, Senior Product Manager; This award is given for excellence in process including channel strategy, pricing and stock management. In addition to winning the MERA Best Retailer award for 3 years, Xcite has won numerous awards from various international organizations including being the Superbrand for Kuwait in 2010.

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Investors flee Russia despite oil revenue boom MOSCOW: The billions of investor dollars fleeing Russia each week offer a stark counterpoint to Moscow’s aspirations of soon becoming a global financial centre linking London with Hong Kong. The world’s leading oil exporter finds itself in the odd position of being flooded with petrodollars and seeing remarkable ruble strength-two prime conditions for local investment-while also bleeding capital at record rates.

The outflow of investor money abroad reached $30 billion by the end of April to nearly match the 2010 total. The May figure is expected to approach $8 billion and a slowdown is not anticipated for some months. “It is difficult to give a simple and clear explanation as to why this is happening,” Russian Central Bank chairman Sergei Ignatyev acknowledged. “But the main reason is a rather unfavorable Russian investment climate.”

Investors may argue that Ignatyev was gilding over a graft problem so blatant it saw Russia rank 154 out of 178 countries on last year ’s Transparency International Corruption Index. The World Bank says Russia is the world’s second-most difficult country in which to get a construction permit while local entrepreneurs often treat law enforcement authorities and the courts as a part of the same system. “When you talk to investors, that really is one of their biggest points,” said chief UralSib strategist

Chris Weafer.

“They say look, the Russians are taking their money out of the country. Why should I come to Russia when the Russians are coming out?” The real mystery is why this scramble to get out of Russia is getting more frantic at precisely the moment when the government is pursuing one of its most market-friendly programs in years. President Dmitry Medvedev is now courting Westerners with a $10 billion joint investment fund and hoping to put meat on the bones of his modernization effort by dislodging state appointees from their seats on company boards.

Both measures fold into a broader $60 billion privatization program aimed at giving Moscow its coveted status of being a centre of global finance. Uncertainty over whether Medvedev or his mentor and predecessor, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will head the Kremlin next year, may be one of the factors behind investors’ latest spell of jitters. But analysts note that Putin’s return has been rumored since the final day of his second term in 2008 and can hardly explain why the outflow of currency has nearly tripled in recent months. There are other more technical factors also at play.

Russia’s inflation expectations are rising and squeezing holders of local currency bonds. But the help these investors have been getting from a stronger ruble will

Al Tijari announces biggest daily draw

KUWAIT: The draw was held under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry represented by Abdulaziz Ashkanani.

Commercial Bank of Kuwait announces the biggest daily draw in Kuwait with the launch of the new Najma account. Customers of the bank can now enjoy a KD 7,000 daily prize which is the highest in the country and another 4 mega prizes during the year worth KD 100,000 each on different occasions: The National Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and on the 19th of June which is the date of the bank’s establishment.

With a minimum balance of KD 500, customers will be eligible for the daily draw provided that the money is

in the account one week prior to the daily draw or 2 months prior to the mega draw.

In addition, for each KD 25 a customer can get one chance for winning instead of KD 50. All existing customers will be given a grace period till June 27 to increase their balances and until that date they will be eligible to enter the weekly draw even with amounts less than KD 500.

Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes this opportunity to congratulate all lucky winners and also extends appreciation to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for their effective supervision of the draws which were conducted in an orderly and organized manner.

PERTH: Mining magnate Clive Palmer, chairman of Resourcehouse, speaks during a press conference in Perth regarding his multi-billion dollar coal deal with China in this file photo. — AFP

Resourcehouse cancels HK IPO HONG KONG: Australian miner Resourcehouse has cancelled its plan to list in Hong Kong for the fourth time, citing unfavorable global market conditions, in an offering originally aimed to raise up to $3.6 billion. The unprofitable firm, controlled by billionaire Clive Palmer, had put off three previous attempts to list on the Hong Kong stock exchange since 2009 before the latest cancellation announced late Saturday.

“The board of the company has decided not to proceed with the proposed global offering at this time given global market conditions and the fact that they continued to decline during and after the company’s international roadshow,” the Brisbane-based firm said in a statement on its website. The miner had planned to sell 5.716 billion shares for between HK$4.48 and HK$4.93 each (5863 US cents), with a listing on the Hong Kong exchange planned for June 10.

Dow Jones Newswires reported on Friday that the company was considering shrinking the size of the initial public offering to $2.54 billion, amid growing concern over the eurozone’s debt woes and slower growth in China. Palmer however remained confident on the company’s prospects and emerging markets

like China, which has been scouring the globe in search of commodities to power its economy, despite the cancellation of the Hong Kong share sale. “Emerging economies like China and India will continue to be the key engine of global growth, with positive implications for the demand of thermal coal, iron ore and other natural resources,” the billionaire said in the statement.

A listing in Hong Kong would have allowed the firm to boost its profile in China, while the company had planned to use a large part of the proceeds from the IPO to fund a thermal-coal project and iron-ore project in Australia.

Resourcehouse shelved its IPO plan for the third time in March after markets were roiled by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

It originally planned to list in November 2009, but postponed a roadshow as it prepared for an investment by Metallurgical Corp of China.

Metallurgical, which bought a five percent stake in Resourcehouse for $200 million, said in February that it would start an investor roadshow for the Hong Kong IPO, but the miner pulled back again as stock markets were hammered

by Greece’s debt woes. — AFP

MOSCOW: Photo shows the contemporary “Moscow City” construction project next to typical Soviet-era buildings in Moscow. The billions of investor dollars fleeing Russia each week offer a stark counterpoint to Moscow’s aspirations of soon becoming a global financial centre linking London with Hong Kong. — AFP expire once oil prices climb off their recent highs. “I think most of the capital flight is associated with this,” said Renaissance Capital economist Ovanes Oganisyan in reference to ruble bond sales. Other factors may be the record dividends-sometimes as much as 90 percent of profits-paid by such

local giants as the British joint venture TNKBP. But analysts say that behind all these immediate variables is buried a more fundamental investor doubt about Russia as a future growth market.

The government is gradually raising tax rates on energy producers to cover the tens

of billions of dollars in outlays it has promised ahead of the approaching elections.

Manufacturing growth slowed to just above stagnation level last month while Gross Domestic Product growth has barely reached half the rate seen before the global slump in 2008. “People are starting to realize that the levels of growth we have seen in the past decade are not sustainable without major reforms and major investment,” UralSib’s Weafer said. An Oliver Wyman financial service partner who recently compared Moscow to other financial centers, showed the Russian capital ranking behind cities such as Manila and Jakarta.

The survey recommended “strengthening regulatory requirements and oversight, improving disclosure ... and modernizing corporate governance standards,” the agency’s Robert Maciejko wrote in the Wall Street Journal. “In the absence of efforts on the part of the Russian government to reduce the risks of investments in Russia, one can hardly expect private capital inflows into the country,” the Gaidar Institute said in an annual report. Analysts said the only silver lining was that capital flight was putting the breaks on runaway ruble appreciation.

“This is a comfortable situation for the government-they like the fact that something is keeping the ruble from gaining too much,” said Oganisyan. — AFP

Australia flood costs hit $7bn Economy suffers heaviest contraction for 20 years SYDNEY: The damage bill from massive floods which hit northeastern Australia this year will likely be Aus$6.8 billion dollars (US$7.3 billion) $1 billion more than previously thought-an official said yesterday. Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser revised the cost of the natural disaster which affected an area the size of France and Germany combined and was followed within days by the destructive Cyclone Yasi after getting further estimates. “As well as the tragic human cost, there has also been enormous damage to infrastructure and significant costs incurred in managing the response and recovery process,” Fraser said in a statement. “Such a big damage bill underlines the

enormity of the task ahead.”

Australia suffered historic floods in December and January which swamped coal mines, ruined roads and other infrastructure and destroyed crops and farmland in Queensland. The first estimate was that Aus$5.8 billion of damage had been caused by the floods which swamped thousands of homes and paralyzed the state capital Brisbane. Fraser said the revised figure was due to local councils increasing their estimate for repairs by $900 million to more than $2.7 billion. The floods, which claimed more than 30 lives, also helped Australia’s economy to its heaviest contraction for 20 years in the first three months of 2011,

according to data released last week.

“It wasn’t surprising the economy contracted by 1.2 percent in the quarter, with the floods and cyclones estimated to have sliced 1.7 percentage points from growth,” national Treasurer Wayne Swan said in his weekly note. Swan said the floods and cyclones in both northern and western Australia had cost $12 billion in lost production, some $6.7 billion of which was in the March quarter, chiefly in the key coal mining industry. Australia is home to the world’s largest coal export port and sends millions of tons of the fuel annually to Asian steelmakers and power companies, with total 2010 shipments worth Aus$43 billion. — AFP

Soaring prices mean leaner diets in China BEIJING: Li Ping and her husband, both retirees, pick over the offerings at a Beijing market to prepare traditional dumplings for the Dragon Boat festival. Rocketing food prices are limiting their options. “We can hardly afford meat now, it’s too expensive,” Li, 67, said, explaining that they now only enjoy that privilege two or three times a month. Apples are also too dear.

Chinese authorities say reining in inflation is their top priority for the year, and have taken a raft of policy measures to cool prices. But those moves are not yet trickling down to help low-income households like Li’s. Li’s pension provides her with 1,100 yuan ($170) a month-far from enough to deal with spiraling prices. “My kids have to subsidize us,” she said.

“We will have to depend on them in the future. I feel guilty.” The couple bought some vegetables, sticky rice and wrapping leaves to make the dumplings 10 days before Monday’s Dragon Boat festival-a pre-emptive move to avoid expected price rises as the holiday draws nearer.

China’s consumer price index, a key gauge of inflation, rose 5.3 percent on year in April driven by increasing food prices-a slight easing from the previous month but still well above Beijing’s four percent target for 2011.

May inflation data is due next week. The central bank has responded to growing price pressures by raising interest rates four times since October and repeatedly increasing the amount of money banks must keep in reserve-effectively cutting their lending power. Authorities have also intervened directly in the market, warning a number of companies not to raise prices as they crack down on hoarding and pledge subsidies to the poor.

However, analysts warn that current price hikes are much more serious than those seen in previous years, with the cost of everything from land to labor to raw materials all climbing. “Inflation pressures are far more stubborn this time because structural inflation is a much bigger problem than it was at any time

in the last decade,” said Ben Simpfendorfer, managing director of economic consultancy firm China Insider. Analysts are expecting the May inflation rate to exceed the 5.4 percent in March-a 32-month high-as domestic demand, bolstered by low interest rate levels and massive government spending, remains strong.

In addition, a prolonged drought along China’s Yangtze river-which has left millions of people and livestock without water and devastated a major grain-producing belt-may further complicate the battle against inflation.

The average price of 17 out of the 29 staple foods monitored by the National Bureau of Statistics soared month-on-month in the May 11-20 period, with the price of one type of fish surging by 22.5 percent. “ The ongoing drought in central-southern China and a rise in pork prices may delay the peak of food price inflation and keep it elevated for a couple of months longer,” said Wang Tao, a Beijing-based economist with UBS. The drought has also reduced the output of hydroelectric power, China’s secondbiggest energy source after coal, contributing

to a government decision to raise the cost of electricity for industrial use in 15 areas from June 1. Although authorities have so far kept residential power prices unchanged, concerns are growing that the hikes may eventually be passed on to consumers. Following Beijing’s measures to cool the economy and contain price rises, growth in the world’s secondlargest economy has already shown signs of a moderation with expansion in manufacturing activities slowing in recent months.

But the tightening is expected to continue as Chinese policymakers are ever wary of inflation’s history of triggering social unrest, experts said. “Inflation is still a bigger risk, at least to a large part, because of the social impact,” said Cui Li, a Hong Kong-based economist with Royal Bank of Scotland. At the Beijing market, 71-year-old Xie Zhong threw a batch of spinach, which was priced at 1.50 yuan, back onto a stall. “I will not buy it, it’s ridiculous,” he said, grunting that it cost one yuan just a week before. “No-one can contain the price rises. Only the government can do something.” — AFP

Russia enters world of Islamic finance KAZAN: Hoping to attract Arab capital, Russia will take its first step into the world of Islamic finance this month by issuing sukuk, Islamic bonds which comply with Muslim religious rules.

The bonds are to be issued by the majority Muslim Russian republic of Tatarstan in the Volga region, which has embarked on an ambitious drive to attract foreign investment. “Russia will show that it can be interesting for Muslim countries,” one of the project’s backers, Linar Yakupov said.

“Right now Islamic banks cannot work in Russia, because our legislation does not take into account the Koran’s restrictions.”

Islam forbids borrowing or paying with interest, and sukuk (the plural of the Arabic word for a financial deed) are not based on debt like traditional bonds.

Instead, buying the bonds secures partial ownership in a

concrete asset like land or a building, and investors are guaranteed a part of the profits generated by this asset. The first sukuk to be issued in Tatarstan’s capital Kazan on June 20 will be going toward financing a major business centre in the city whose construction will cost $200 million.

“Sukuk are guaranteed by the Tatarstan government, the operator will be based in Luxembourg, and we know that the international market is ready to buy,” Yakupov said.

Among the interested investors are the Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank, and various banks in the Middle East, Malaysia, and Russia, he said.

Russia’s finance ministry said that it “supports Russia’s first emission of Islamic bonds in Tatarstan” but pointed out that “Arab capital is already present in Russia.” Elnour Gurbanov, an analyst at Deloitte,

said the initiative “can contribute to attracting Arab capital in Russia, but only in the long-term” since incorporating Islamic finance into Russia’s legislation will take time.

Tatarstan has maintained privileged relations with countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It prides itself on maintaining a distinct identity within Russia although talk of secession that followed the collapse of the USSR has now died down. For years it has urged Russia to adopt a legal framework to permit the work of Islamic banks in the manner of Britain, France, or Luxembourg. Bringing Islamic banks to Russia is “possible and even necessary”, Tatarstan’s leader Rustam Minnikhanov told investors in Dubai in early May, according to the RIA Novosti agency.

In Moscow, however, federal

authorities are showing greater caution. “There is no existing law nor a draft law regulating Islamic finance. Given the lack of eagerness from the federal authorities to study this issue, we should not expect it for another two or three years,” said Oleg Ivanov, vice-president of the Regional Banks Association of Russia. Ivanov’s association has tried without success to include Islamic finance into Russia’s strategy for developing its banking system to 2015, which was adopted by the government two months ago. “The government and the Central Bank did not support us,” Ivanov said.

Ivanov added however that the emergence of Islamic finance in the country “will definitely be positive for the development of the financial sector in Russia”, noting that the assets of Islamic banks are estimated at a trillion dollars. — AFP

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Azerbaijan douses discontent with rising oil funds More than $4bn extra cash from higher oil prices BAKU: President Ilham Aliyev is opening the tap from Azerbaijan’s oil revenues, boosting salaries and building schools, aiming to ensure bubbling discontent does not boil over into the kind of unrest that has swept the Arab world. Sitting astride large oil and natural gas reserves which it pumps to Europe and Russia, Azerbaijan has come a long way since the collapse of the Soviet Union. It has refurbished its capital Baku, attracted massive foreign investment and funded its brightest to study at Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge.

But in a country with gaping disparities in wealth, small scale protests for economic and democratic reforms sprang up in March and April and nearly 100 people were arrested. Threats of more unrest have forced Aliyev to increase spending to try to relieve pressure on a leadership which is facing accusations of human rights abuses and a frozen conflict with Armenian-backed rebels that has displaced nearly one million people.

“The government is trying now to decrease tensions by increasing salaries and making life a little bit better. They want to undercut support for the opposition,” said commentator and former

presidential adviser Vafa Guluzade. “All this happened only after the revolutions in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, so let’s see what happens in Azerbaijan.” Oil prices have risen by a third since the beginning of the year buoyed by unrest in North Africa and the Middle East which unseated the Egyptian and Tunisian leaders and threatened to topple others in the oil-producing region. For the government of Azerbaijan, which pumps about a million barrels of oil a day, the price increase means more than $4 billion in extra oil money for the state budget.

“Our state budget has grown and all expenditures will be fully oriented toward improving the social conditions of our people,” said Deputy Communications Minister Elmir Velizadeh. Oil major BP, which leads production at the country’s largest oil fields, Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli, alone gives the Azeri government $5 billion every year.

Azerbaijan’s oil fund, which collects and invests oil and gas revenues, expects to grow to $30 billion by the end of the year, said its Harvard-educated executive director, Shakhmar Movsumov. This year transfers from the fund, which yields an average of 4 percent a year, accounted for 60 percent of the state

Sexual politics: IMF trial forces France to rethink PARIS: As former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn returns to court on sex assault charges, France is gripped by a passionate debate over its tolerance of the sexual adventures of the political elite. In the three weeks since New York police shattered the wall of silence that protects senior French figures by arresting the presidential frontrunner, there has been talk of little else around the dinner tables of Paris.

Amid the outrage-real and feignedthere is much disagreement as to what the trial will mean for French political life and private relationships, but experts agree on one thing: nothing will ever be the same again. “Without a doubt, a dam has been breached in France by this unprecedented shock in our political life, the arrest of a favorite to take the presidency,” said political scientist Frederic Dabi of the polling institute IFOP. Many commentators-using the initials by which Strauss-Kahn is well known in France-speak in terms of modern political history now being divided into two periods: “The pre-DSK, and the postDSK.” “The DSK scandal has had a first effect: A kind of omerta is being lifted, in particular among female politicians, who have been freed to denounce certain attitudes,” said expert commentator Stephane Rozes.

Strauss-Kahn is due in court in New York on Monday to face allegations that he emerged naked from a hotel bathroom and launched a brutal and sustained attack on a maid, forcing himself on her orally and attempting rape. He denies these charges, but the shock of the arrest triggered a flurry of claims of previous aggressive behavior-which had been well-known among politicians and journalists but hidden from the public.

This in turn forced France to reconsider its tradition of cloaking the sex lives of its leaders behind a veil of indulgent secrecy, and of ignoring or tacitly approving the predatory attitudes of some male politicians. In the brief window since StraussKahn was paraded in handcuffs on television screens and his latest hearing, several more scandals have surfaced and at least two more criminal investigations launched.

Public service minister Georges Tron, whose penchant for giving impromptu foot massages to women was notorious in political circles, resigned to fight allegations of more serious sexual assault on two employees. And former education minister Luc Ferry has been questioned by police

after blurting out on television that another former minister had been arrested in Morocco for molesting young boys and that the scandal had been hushed up.

Meanwhile, a string of female politicians have spoken out to journalists, to complain of a macho attitude in elite circles, where senior male figures regularly make inappropriate approaches to female colleagues.

Sports Minister Chantal Jouanno, for example, has said that she wears a trouser suit rather than a dress to address the National Assembly to deflect the roving eyes and coarse remarks of her male colleagues.

Other countries have had sex scandals and even rape allegations, but the “post-DSK” malaise has struck at the heart of France’s image of itself as a haven for flirtatious gallantry rather than “Anglo-Saxon puritanism.” Instead, summarizes Green Party leader Cecile Duflot, the DSK case has “revealed that there can be a kind of continuum between heavy-handed chat-up techniques and violence against women.”

And it is not just in the political world that the shockwaves have been felt. Rape support groups have welcomed what they say is an opportunity to draw back the veil on the many unreported crimes against women.

But they have also warned that the constant discussion of the topic in the media has stirred deep-seated traumas in many victims. One French group that deals with 6,000 cases per year, the Feminist Collective Against Rape said that the number of women seeking its assistance had gone up by 20 percent since the DSK scandal broke. But both politicians and the public feel there is a middle way between covering up sexual attacks and throwing open private lives to public scrutiny, as they seem to imagine is the case in Britain or the United States. “The risk is of a great wind of Puritanism, a search for absolute purity, the idea that morality, which the Republic needs, be replaced by moralism, which would be the worst of things,” said Henri Guaino, an advisor to President Nicolas Sarkozy. Opinion polls show most voters agree with him. “ The French have not changed their republican fundamentals and remain attached, contrary to what we see in Anglo-Saxon Protestant countries, to a division between private and public life,” Rozes said. Fellow pollster Gael Sliman of the BVA agency agreed that he could find no sign “of any great desire by the French to see everything come out.”—AFP

budget, equivalent to roughly $12 billion, he said.

CONSTRUCTION BOOM Aliyev, who was steered into power in 2003 when his father and predecessor Heydar Aliyev died, has spread the wealth from his country’s oil boom more generously than leaders of other oil-producing countries around the energy-rich Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan’s economic growth averaged more than 21 percent between 2003 and 2007, roughly in line with rising production at its offshore oil and gas deposits.

The government says it has cut unemployment to 6 percent and reduced the number of people living in poverty to 9 percent from 43 percent in 2003. Even so, the rate of growth has hit Azerbaijan hard. Pervasive construction in Baku has already uprooted 20,000 people and fed popular discontent, building on anger over accusations of other human rights abuses. Overlooking the Caspian Sea in the centre of the city, the oil fund’s skyscraper office building is fully visible from Dr Ayda Aliyeva’s living room. The south wall of her house has been torn down by excavators, still growling outside and ready to raze the rest of the building to put up a shopping

centre.

Next to the broad hole left by the demolition Aliyeva, 49, has set up a small white plastic table with two chairs, where she sits and talks with neighbors, also living in the building. “How do they have the right to do this? Where are my rights as a citizen of Azerbaijan?” said Sevinch Veynalova, 43, a construction coordinator who lives in the same building. “I stay awake all night just waiting for my house to get torn down and don’t even get just compensation?” she said.

Residents say they were offered 1,500 manat ($1,875) per square meter, approximately a quarter of its market value, and had been promised apartments in outlying parts of the city.

Outside the apartment, lights from Baku’s numerous other construction projects brighten the night sky. Human rights workers accuse the government of abuses including police torture of detainees as well as vote rigging and the failure of the courts to carry out the rule of law. “The situation with human rights is getting worse in every way possible,” said Leyla Yunus, director of the Institute for Peace and Democracy. “Regarding torture, the court system, and now problems with property rights which is com-

China-Latin American trade hits $180 billion Chinese VP in Cuba amid economic ties HAVANA: Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived in Cuba on Saturday for a three-day visit expected to accelerate fast-growing economic relations between the two communist-run countries. One of Cuba’s six vice presidents, Esteban Lazo, was at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport to greet Xi, who is tipped to succeed Chinese President Hu Jintao in 2013.

Xi came to Cuba from Italy, where $3.2 billion in business deals were unveiled during his visit, and he was to go on to Uruguay and Chile. China is in the midst of a massive expansion of economic activity in Latin America, where its trade last year totaled $180 billion, up 50 percent from 2009, official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported. In a written statement to the press, Xi said he was in Cuba to “increase friendship (and) deepen cooperation” in pursuit of development.

Xi and President Raul Castro were scheduled to hold talks and preside over the signing of so far undisclosed accords. A Chinese official told Xinhua this week the two countries would begin negotiations on a five-year plan for bilateral economic cooperation. China is Cuba’s second largest trading partner, trailing only Venezuela, with trade between the two increasing to $1.83 billion last year from $440 million in 2001, according to Xinhua. The 2010 figure fell from $2.2 billion in 2008. China has become the lender of last resort for debt-ridden Cuba, which is carrying out reforms to modernize and strengthen its Sovietstyle economy.

HAVANA: China’s Vice-President Xi Jinping (left) is welcomed by Cuba’s Vice President Esteban Lazo Hernandez upon his arrival in Havana. — AP

Last year, China restructured debt believed to be as high as $4 billion and agreed to extend new credit in what Havana-based diplomats said was a show of support for Cuba’s reforms. In his statement, Xi praised a recent Cuban Communist Party congress affirming the economic changes, which are timid compared with the market economy China has embraced. Castro, who succeeded ailing older brother Fidel Castro in 2008 and turned 80 on Friday, is slashing government

mals may stumble and injure themselves.

“The vegetation will take some time to recover,” said Perugorria, who has filed a lawsuit against the company.

So far Uruguay, unlike the rest of South America, has been largely untouched by the ravenous appetites of the mining companies, favoring instead its agricultural sector. Its vast, lush meadows are treated like gold.

Julio Gomez, the spokesman for the cattle ranchers, believes the project is “excessive” for Uruguay, a country of just 176,215 square kilometers sandwiched between Brazil and Argentina, and where the 11 million cattle outnumber the population by three times.

Aratiri, which expects to extract some 18 million tons of iron ore per year, would “seriously change the environmental equilibrium which has existed for more than 200 years,” said one cattle rancher.

“The extraction of a finite resource, iron, which will last for just 30 years, is going to replace a far more productive, and longerlasting activity. “What’s more, 95 percent of the benefits of the mine will disappear down the tube to support the Chinese and Indian industries,” the rancher added. “We’re not creating a steel industry here, and later we’ll be buying iron bolts from China,” he added regretfully. Under its existing mining laws, the country would keep five percent of all minerals extracted from the open pit mine, although the regulations are currently under revision and could change. — AFP

payrolls, expanding the private sector, putting more agriculture in private hands and giving state companies greater autonomy. He has said the goal is to make sure Cuban socialism survives once the current generation of aging leaders is gone.

China’s involvement in Cuba’s economy is increasingly evident, with Chinese-made goods filling the stores and Chinese buses and cars a common sight on Cuban roads. A unit of China National Petroleum Corp is expected to

begin work later this year on a $6 billion project to expand and upgrade an oil refiner y in Cienfuegos on Cuba’s southern coast, with plans including construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal. China buys nickel, sugar and other products from Cuba and jointly produces pharmaceuticals in China. After meeting with Castro, Xi will visit a Havana medical clinic today, then leave for Uruguay from the beach resor t of Varadero on Tuesday.— Reuters

Struggling Belarus to get $3bn loan

Open-pit mine raises questions in Uruguay CERRO CHATO: A plan to build a giant open pit mine has created a sharp rift between those who think Uruguay’s rich agricultural land should be protected, and those wanting to exploit its wealth. The Aratiri project, owned by Zamin Ferrous, a London-based minerals company, will cost an estimated $2.5 billion (1.7 million Euros), the largest mining project ever in South America, and equivalent to more than six percent of Uruguay’s gross domestic product. For the past two years, the company has been permitted to prospect for iron on 120,000 hectares of land around the village of Cerro Chato in the center-east of the country.

Bolstered by continuing demand from Asia and the Middle East, iron prices have been on a steady rise. The Uruguayan government must still approve the actual mine, which will cover some 12,000 hectares, and has insisted on a new environmental impact statement. But farmers and ecologists have opposed the project, which they say will force 2,500 people to leave their land and cause irreversible environmental damage. In Uruguay the sub-soil belongs to the state, and it has asked farmers to let the company use their land to hunt for iron ore.

For relatively meager compensation, Claudia Perugorria allowed the mining company’s digging machines onto her 47 hectares, where she raises about 30 cows and sheep. Today, her pastures are scarred with traces of tires, craters and holes where ani-

pletely new kind of violation, it’s worse than it was under the Soviet system.”

The government denies such abuses are systematic, and says it is trying to boost democratization and awareness of human rights. Critics say Azerbaijan’s status as a major oil producer, shields it from uncomfortable criticism from the West. Azerbaijan, which borders Iran, arch-enemy Armenia and Russia’s volatile North Caucasus region, will carry out a joint military exercise with the United States later this year called “Regional Response”. Azerbaijan is also an important transit country for NATO military gear from Afghanistan.

Some of Azerbaijan’s domestic troubles were created in the chaos that followed the break-up of the Soviet Union.

Nearly 1 million refugees came to Baku in the early 1990s, fleeing a war between ethnic Armenian and Azeri forces over the mainly Armenian-populated enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. Almost two decades after a ceasefire, Muslim Azerbaijan is still seething over the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic Armenian forces backed by Christian Armenia who also snatched vast tracts of Azeri territory outside the mountainous enclave.— Reuters

VALENTINES: Drillers extract samples of stone as part of the exploitation project of the Aratiri iron strip mine, property of Anglo Swiss group Zamin Ferrous in Valentines, center-west of Uruguay.— AFP

MOSCOW: The financially struggling former Soviet republic of Belarus is to receive a $3 billion loan from a Russia-dominated group in exchange for privatizing a large chunk of its state-controlled economy. The loan, which is to be distributed over three years, was approved Saturday at a meeting of the finance ministers of the Eurasian Economic Community, MINSK: People buy second-hand cars at a car market in which comprises six Minsk. Belarus has asked the International Monetary Fund former Soviet for a loan of up to $8 billion to stabilize its plummeting republics. Analysts economy.—AP have said Belarus may need as much as $9 billion in aid to get the mated $7.5 billion during the same period. economy on track. Belarus this month said The enterprises to be privatized were not it was asking the International Monetary specified, but Russia has had its sights on Fund for a loan of up to $8 billion. Belarus’ Belarus’ energy assets such as oil refineries national bank last month cut the value of and Beltransgas, the state-owned gas its ruble by almost half against the dollar, pipeline network that supplies domestic and store shelves have emptied as resi- homes and forwards the gas to Europe.

Russia’s state energy giant Gazprom dents rushed to buy up goods.

Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin already owns 50 percent of Beltransgas and said the terms for the $3 billion loan to be is currently negotiating to buy the remainprovided over three years require Belarus ing 50 percent, a step Belarus has long to privatize state enterprises worth an esti- resisted. — AP

A

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27

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

TECHNOLOGY

iPads replacing note pads as Asian schools go high-tech Schools have WiFi for students to connect to Internet

TAIPEI: Foreign visitors inspect Chinese products on display at Computex in Taipei on June 3, 2011. —AFP photos

TAIPEI: A Chinese-made, but Taiwan-designed tablet is displayed at Computex.

China’s growth and weakness, on show at IT fair TAIPEI: More Chinese companies than ever took part in Asia’s largest IT fair, which ended this weekend in Taipei, but their growing numbers could not disguise their lingering weaknesses, observers said. China has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to innovation, not least when compared with the host of the five-day Computex fair, the small but savvy island of Taiwan, which punches above its weight in technology.

“There’s no denying the Chinese have carved out niches in some items, like computer casing and power systems,” said Chang Li, deputy secretary general of the Taipei Computer Association, the co-organizer of Computex.”But generally speaking, Taiwan companies are still ahead in all the PC-related fields.” With more than 1,800 exhibitors present at Computex, it was easy to lose sight of the roughly 220 Chinese companies at the sprawling event. And while the mainland presence was up from just 100 enterprises last year, most occupied small booths, squeezed in between much larger and better-known multinational brands.

Sandget Digital Technology Co., from Shenzhen in southern China, did attract attention with a new seven-inch touchscreen tablet that operates on Google’s Android open-source platform. “Even Samsung and Acer sent people to our booth to have a look at our tablets,” said Lily Lee, a sales manager with the company. But the product would never have made it this far without the close cooperation of more experienced companies from other countries, she said. Sandget’s tablet, known as Joydroid in China, featured a screen supplied by South Korea’s LG Corp., and the design of the entire device was carried out in Taiwan. “ Taiwanese companies are more tuned in and better at gathering information on new trends,” Lee said. China is fully aware of the need to upgrade its technological capabilities, and has made it official policy to become a “world power” in science and technology by the middle of this century. However, it has a

long way to go from its current situation where about half its technological knowhow is imported.

This is according to China’s State Council, the nation’s cabinet, which derived the measure by taking technological know-how as a percentage of the sum of technology imports and domestic spending on research and development.

Part of the problem is that China still does not provide an environment that makes it profitable to spend time and resources on lengthy research as opposed to copying the inventions of others. “An effective patent policy system to encourage and protect innovation has not been fully established,” the Chinese government admitted in a recent document.

China also still battles with its historical legacy as a largely agrarian economy that only recently made the leap into the modern age.”China’s PC sector was off to a late start, getting going about 20 years after Taiwan’s. I believe it’ll be hard to catch up,” said David Lee, chief of the Shanghai unit of Topology Research Institute, a Taiwan think-tank. However, China will not stay weak forever, and in some areas, notably telecommunications, it has emerged as a mighty player, he said. China stands to benefit from a trend that renders hardware a commodity that can be produced anywhere, while software and content are areas where individual companies can still shine.

For example, to develop an online game that appeals to Chinese adolescents, game developers must know what kind of heroes have a resonance and what kind of monsters are scary. They must know the culture from the inside.

No one is better positioned to create content suited for China-the world’s biggest online market with nearly half a billion users-than the Chinese themselves.”Content and service have become ever more important, and more crucial than hardware. Localization of content is playing a key role now,” said Topology’s Lee. —AFP

SINGAPORE: Apple’s iPad and other tablet computers are replacing traditional note pads in some Asian schools and making the lives of thousands of students a lot easier. Soon pupils could be reading on their tablets about a quaint old communication device called “paper”, especially in Asia’s advanced economies where many schools are racing towards a paperless classroom. The slim glass slabs slip easily into a bag and can store thousands of textbooks, making a fat school bag full of heavy books, pens and notepads a thing of the past. “I like the iPad because it is portable and we do not have to carry so many bags and files around,” said 13-yearold Nicole Ong, who now makes notes on her iPad during class at Nanyang Girls’ High School in Singapore.

A sample group of more than 120 students and 16 teachers at the school have been given iPads, at a cost of over $100,000.

By 2013, every student in the school will have one. The number of software applications-or appsthat can be used for educational purposes on tablet computers is set to explode. It’s a brand new business that even media mogul Rupert Murdoch has identified as an area of huge potential growth.

Murdoch said his News Corp group is to push into the education technology market in a speech to the e-G8 conference of Internet entrepreneurs and European policymakers in Paris last month.

He described education as the “last holdout from the digital revolution” and outlined a vision for personalized learning with lessons delivered by the world’s best teachers to thousands of students via the Internet.

“Today’s classroom looks almost exactly the same as it did in the Victorian age,” Murdoch added.

But many Asian schools are already way ahead of the game.”No longer is language learning solely based on the teacher commenting on stu-

SINGAPORE: File photo shows Singapore students using the iPad in a language arts class in Nanyang Girls’ High School. —AFP dents’ works-classmates can feedback on one another,” said Seah Hui Yong, curriculum dean of Nanyang.

Rene Yeo, head of the information technology department at Tampines Secondary School, also in Singapore, teaches science with his iPad. His students learn factorization by simply moving the numbers around on the screen. They also read about animal cells and the human brain structure by clicking on the various parts. And tablet computers make the double helix structure of a human DNA practically come to life before a student’s eyes.

There are apps to learn English and maths, pupils can do cause and effect analysis on iBrainstorm, prepare for oral exams and speeches with AudioNote and even strum the guitar for a music lesson on GarageBand.

The rise of classroom technology will mirror its rise throughout society, says Sam Han, a USbased expert on the role of tech-

education ministry provides a grant for schools to buy this kind of equipment, as well as software and services.

Many schools already have WiFi, making it easy for students to connect to the Internet. But some teachers acknowledged there are students who get distracted by playing games or surfing Facebook and other social media sites like Twitter. Education psychologist Qiu Lin cautioned against schools getting carried away and promoting the blind use of technological devices, and neglecting the real goals of education.”The trend of integrating technology into education will definitely increase,” said the assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University, which is separate from the high school.”

But after one month when the novelty of iPads wears down, a good curriculum and teaching m a te r i a l s t ha t c a n i nc re a s e d e e p t hi nk i ng a nd p rob l e m solving in students need to be in place.” —AFP

New technology products for the home and car New Yamaha network receivers BERLIN: Network-capable home cinema base stations: Yamaha has unveiled two new internet radio-capable surround receivers that support Full HD and 3D images. The RX-V771 features a rated power of seven times 160 watts, while the smaller RX-V671 outputs ten watts less on each channel. Both receivers are equipped with six HDMI inputs. The small model has one HDMI output; the larger model has two. The devices comply with the DLNA standard and can thus stream music from computers or hard drives in a home network. They also support the Napster music service and offer connectors for MP3 players such as the iPod and iPhone. The RXV771 is now available for 650 dollars while the RX-V671 will sell as from July for 550 dollars.

Seagate WLAN hard drive MUNICH: External wireless storage device: The battery-driven WLAN Goflex Satellite hard drive from Seagate, announced to hit the shelves this summer, operates without a USB or power cable.

It can store 500 gigabytes of music, videos, pictures and other files. Depending on the application, one battery charge lasts from 5 to 25 hours.

The built-in WLAN access point complies with the n standard. In the United States the device sells for 199 dollars (140 euros).

3D desk TV from Samsung BERLIN: The new Samsung T23A750 serves as a computer monitor and, thanks to integrated tuners, is also able to display digital terrestrial and cable TV (DVB-T and DVB-C). The 3D-capable all-rounder comes with a CI+ slot for encrypted channels and provides USB ports for hard disks or memory sticks. The built-in media tool plays photos, videos or music without the need to connect to a PC. The 23-inch model priced at 599 dollars will be complemented this month by the larger T27A750 offering a 27-inch display for 750 dollars. Both models ship with free 3D goggles.

HTC tablet from 499 dollars FRANKFURT: Taiwanese manufacturer HTC’s first tablet computer ‘Flyer’ is now available. The basic variant costs 499 dollars and a UMTS model sells for an additional 200 dollars. The tablet offers a 7-inch display with a maximum resolution of 1024 times 600 pixels and a five megapixel rear camera. The device houses a 1.5gigahertz processor and 32 GB RAM that is expandable via an SD card slot. HTC currently ships the Flyer with Android 2.3.3, but an update to Version 3.0 (Honeycomb) is soon to be released.

TAIPEI: Foreign visitors inspect Chinese products on display at Computex.

nology in education. Han, instructional technology fellow at the Macaulay Honors College, City University of New York, said he expects some Asian countries to leapfrog the West.”While the Internet was birthed in the US, Singapore and South Korea (for example) boast far greater broadband Internet access penetration and infrastructure than the US,” he said. Japan’s communications ministr y has given tablets to more than 3,000 under-12 pupils at 10 elementary schools and even fitted classrooms with interactive electronic blackboards under the so-called “future school” pilot project.

In South Korea, where schools have WiFi zones, the education ministry has been testing ‘digital textbooks’ in some schools since 2007. In 2012, the ministry says it will decide whether to supply tablets to schools nationwide.

Singapore has a hugely competitive education system known for its high level of science and mathematics instruction. The

SINGAPORE: Singapore students using the iPad in a language arts class.

Kaspersky Lab exposes risky windows systems Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions, announces the detection of multi-purpose rootkits capable of posing a threat to both 32 and 64-bit Windows systems. The key feature of the 64-bit rootkit is that it does not try to bypass the PatchGuard kernel protection system, but uses a special digital signature for software developers instead. The rootkit is distributed via a downloader, which also tries to install other malicious software.

Kaspersky Lab’s experts found one variant which attempts to download and install socalled Rogue or Fake antivirus software for the Mac OS X operating system, along with other malware.

Although this malware would obviously not work in a Windows environment, it indicates the cybercriminals’ growing interest in alternative software platforms.

Rootkits are malicious programs that usually exist in the form of drivers and can run at the kernel level of an operating system and load when the system boots. This makes rootkits difficult to detect using standard protection tools. The rootkits in question are propagated via a downloader, which uses a pack of exploits called “BlackHole Exploit Kit”.

Typically, users’ computers are infected by visiting websites containing the downloader.

A number of vulnerabilities in common software such as the Java Runtime Environment and Adobe Reader are used to attack the target machine. The downloader is used to infect both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows systems with one of the two corresponding rootkits.

“The 64-bit driver is signed with something called a ‘testing digital signature’. If

Windows - Vista and higher - were to be booted in ‘TESTSIGNING’ mode, the applications can launch the drivers signed with such a signature. This is a special trap-door which Microsoft has left for driver developers so they can test their creations.

Cybercriminals have also made use of this loophole which allows them to launch their drivers without a legitimate signature;” explains Alexander Gostev, Chief Security Expert at Kaspersky Lab. “This is another example of a rootkit which does not need to bypass the PatchGuard protection system included in the latest Windows x64 systems”. Both rootkits have similar functionality. They block users’ attempts to install or run popular antimalware programs and effectively protect themselves by intercepting and monitoring system activity. While the rootkit leaves the PC vulnerable to attacks, the downloader tries to obtain and execute malicious code, including the abovementioned Rogue AV for Mac OS X. This fake antivirus is known as Hoax.OSX.Defma.f and is one of the emerging threats for Mac OS X, which is increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals.

This example shows that malicious software is growing more sophisticated and is starting to include various components that serve individual purposes. These threats may target various versions of operating systems or even different software platforms. Kaspersky Lab’s products are capable of successfully detecting and remediating the Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Necurs.a downloader and its corresponding rootkits Rootkit.Win32.Necurs.a/ Rootkit.

Win64.Necurs.a.

28

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

health & science

Shark fin: A soup with bite

LAHORE: A Pakistani scavenger searches for items to recycle from a garbage dump on the outskirt of Lahore yesterday on World Environment Day. In a message on World Environment Day, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has urged upon the environmentalists and civil society to make concerted efforts to protect existing forests and turn the country green by planting more trees to arrest the negative impact of environmental degradation for a prosperous future. —

Cancer blood cell level linked to survival: Study CHICAGO: The number of cancer cells that have broken off from the tumor and reached the blood stream affects the survival rate of patients suffering from advanced stages of prostate cancer, according to a study unveiled here. One of the problems preventing progress in the fight against cancer is identification of reliable early indicators that may signal whether a treatment can prolong the life of a patient, explained Dr. Howard Scher, a leading cancer researcher from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the lead author of the study.

He presented this work at the 47th annual conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) that is held this weekend in Chicago.

More than 30,000 researchers and representatives of pharmaceutical companies are taking par t in the forum. A Phase III trial known as COUAA that involved 1,195 patients showed that the drug Zytiga devel-

oped by US laboratory Johnson and Johnson significantly improved overall survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

The drug helped reduce the number of circulating tumor cells from “unfavorable” to “favorable” counts, the researchers said.

The findings could affect development of future treatment procedures because these markers could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of a new therapy in prolonging the patient’s life, replacing clinical trials that are longer and more expensive. In another study released Saturday at the conference, a panel of lung cancer experts known as the “Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium” analyzed tumor samples from 830 patients and found that half of them had undergone at least one of 10 genetic mutations known to cause cancer. Identification of these mutations should help a doctor decide which treatment is best suited for the patient. — AFP

HONG KONG: First a golden ladle is laid on its own gleaming stand. The steaming dish is brought out from the kitchen and a dedicated waitress decants it into individual bowls, without spilling so much as a drop of the precious liquid. For the Chinese diners in a specialist Hong Kong restaurant, smiling with anticipation, it is the highlight and centrepiece of the meal, but for environmentalist critics it is one of the worst foods in the world-shark’s fin soup.

“It’s full of nutrition,” said Lisa Lau, a housewife, who was marking her birthday with friends. “In Chinese culture, when a family go out to eat together or when we treat friends we will eat something good. If we want to order something good, most times we will order shark fin.” To a Western palate, it is nothing special, a slightly chewy morsel devoid of a flavor of its own, and benefiting from the vinegary dressing served alongside. But for the Cantonese who consume it, shark’s fin has an appeal that is all its own-a culinary experience in which taste is among the less important factors.

Being seen to be eating it, said Lau, gives “face”, the all-important Chinese concept of status and social standing, while hosts offering it to guests demonstrate their wealth.

“Because shark fin is expensive, when you serve shark’s fin at a party, the party will be better.” It is the look of the fins that matters, and their size. Bigger is better, so that dorsal fins are preferred to ventral or pectoralalthough retailers say the tail also commands a premium.

Fibre width varies by species, with thicker ones, such as from tiger sharks, denoting higher-and more costly-quality. Tam Kwok King, the manager of the Fung Shing restaurant in Kowloon, has worked in the trade for more than 50 years. The establishment is renowned as one where diners can order shark’s fin soup on the spot rather than in advance, and gets through around 200 kilograms of fins a week.

An individual serving of soup includes about 30 grams of fin, and a 12-person bowl sells for HK$1,080 (about USD140). “When holding a party, it is not respectful if you don’t treat the guests to shark’s fin soup. You will feel you lose face,” he said. “From the view of traditional Chinese medical science, drinking shark fin soup can strengthen the body and improve health. It is good for the bones.

“The most important thing is that the soup must be cooked well. It takes time to stew the shark fin. If you do not cook it for long enough, the shark fin is not delicious and it does not look very good.” In the kitchen, the

JOLO: Fishermen transport a load of harvested shark fins 30 June 2000 aboard a small outrigger from the port of Jolo town in the southern Philippine island of Sulu. —AFP dry fins are first soaked for hours, developing a rubbery appearance, before being flashfried with assorted spices and condiments on one of five giant burners.

The soup-which includes other ingredients such as chicken for flavor- is then assembled and cooked in an oven for four hours, by which time the fins are soft, translucent, and reduced to a fraction of their original size.

Environmentalists object to shark fining as cruel and wasteful on the grounds that the fins are often cut from live sharks which are then dumped back into the sea to die. They also say it is leading to a rapid decline in shark populations, pointing out that as apex predators they have a vital role in the marine ecosystem.

Silvy Pun, of the conservation group WWF in Hong Kong, said: “Most of my friends think that it is just once-in-a-while that we have shark fin soup, there shouldn’t be a big problem.

“However, our occasional consumption fuels a lot of boats to hunt shark all over the world. We are consuming 2-5 percent of a shark which takes an average 10 years to reach maturity. “Sharks do not have enough time to grow and replenish themselves.” But Veronica Mak, an anthropologist at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said that shark’s fin soup has a vital cultural role, pointing out that as well as the ingredient being

Scientists close in on antimatter PARIS: Scientists said yesterday they had trapped and stored anti-hydrogen atoms for a record 16 minutes, a stunning technical feat that promises deeper insights into the mysteries of antimatter. Particles and anti-particles annihilate each other in a small flash of energy when they collide. At the moment of the big bang, nearly 14 billion years ago, matter and antimatter are thought to have existed in equal quantities. If that balance had persisted, the observable Universe we inhabit would never have come into being. For unknown reasons-and fortunately for us-Nature seemed to have a slight preference for matter, and today antimatter is rare.

This asymmetry remains one of the greatest riddles in particle physics.

Ongoing low-energy experiments with hydrogen atoms could be a key step toward solving it. “We can keep the anti-hydrogen atoms trapped for 1,000 seconds. This is long enough to begin to study them-even with the small number that we can catch so far,” said Jeffrey Hangst, spokesman for the ALPHA team conducting the tests at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva.

In the study, published in the journal Nature Physics, researchers report trapping some 300 anti-atoms.

Scientists used CERN’s high-energy accelerator to create the anti-hydrogen atoms, and then chilled them to nearzero temperatures. The aim is to use laser and microwave spectroscopy to compare the immobilized particles to their hydrogen counterparts.

The same team succeeded last fall in trapping dozens of antimatter atoms and holding them in place for a fraction of a second, a world first at the time. But that was not long enough for the excitable particles to settle into the stable “ground” state needed for pre-

GENEVA: In this March 22, 2007 file photo, the magnet core of the world’s largest superconducting solenoid magnet (CMS, Compact Muon Solenoid) is seen at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) particule accelerator, in Geneva, Switzerland. —AP

cise measurements. The new benchmark extended this storage time 5,000 fold, making it possible to carry out crucial experiments. Scientists will now look for “violations” or discrepancies in something called the charge-paritytime reversal (CPT) symmetry.

CPT says that a particle moving forward through time in our universe should be indistinguishable from an antiparticle moving backwards through time in a mirror universe.

According to this rule, hydrogen and antihydrogen, in other words, should have exactly the same spectral profile.

“Any hint of CPT symmetry breaking would require a serious rethink of our understanding of nature,” Hangst in a statement.

“But half the universe has gone missing, so some kind of rethink is apparently on the agenda.” The absence of any solid theoretical prediction of how CPT-violation will occur-or, indeed, if it will happen at all-suggests to what extent the experiments will be breaking new ground. The “C” of CPT involves swapping the electric charges of the particles. “P” for parity “is like looking in the mirror,” CERN explained in a press release. And “ T ” means reversing the trajectory of time.

Measurements of trapped antihydrogen are due to get underway shortly, and could yield results before the end of the year. “If you hit the trapped antihydrogen atoms with just the right microwave frequency, they will escape from the trap and we can detect the annihilation,” Hangst said.

“It will be the first time anybody has interacted with antiatoms to probe their structure.” The ability to store bits of antimatter for a quarter of an hourfar longer that researchers expectedcould also provide a new way to measure how they are influenced by gravity, Hangst added. — AFP

Extra radiation lowers breast cancer recurrence, study finds CHICAGO: Extra radiation treatment lowers the rate of breast cancer recurring in women who have had tumors surgically removed, according to preliminary results of a study published Saturday.

“These results are potentially practice-changing,” said Timothy Whelan, an oncology professor at McMaster University of Canada and lead author of the clinical study.

Whelan presented the findings at the 47th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, being held in Chicago. More than 1,800 women who had breast-conserving surgery partici-

pated in the study, receiving whole breast radiation (WBI) alone or WBI along with radiation to the surrounding lymph nodes. Five years later, “there were statistically significant benefits for the group receiving the added (lymph node radiation) therapy,” the study said.

Women who received radiation treatment to the breast and lymph nodes had a “41 percent lower rate of recurrences near the tumor site” compared to the women who received breast radiation alone.

They also had “a 36 percent lower rate of cancer recurrences in other parts of the body” after five

years, the study said.

All of the women also had been treated with adjuvant chemotherapy or endocrine therapy.

Whelan said the findings “will encourage physicians to offer all women with node-positive disease the option of receiving regional nodal irradiation.”

Adding the lymph node radiation, he added, “improved disease-free survival, lowered the risk of recurrences, and there was a positive trend toward improved overall sur vival, while not greatly increasing toxicities.” — AFP

expensive, the preparation is highly skilled.

“We have a popular saying in Cantonese that ‘a banquet is legitimated by a dish of shark’s fin’,” she said. “Important banquets, like weddings, which people hopefully have only once in their life, usually include shark’s fin.

This is especially important for the middle or even lower class, to show ‘face’ to the relatives.

“There is a big difference in price for a banquet with and without shark’s fin, so serving shark’s fins to your business partners or relatives or friends shows off your economic and cultural capital at the same time.”

The demand is such that Hong Kong is the global focus of the shark fin trade, with the WWF estimating that between 44 and 59 percent of the world’s fin catch passes through the territory. According to Hong Kong government figures for 2009, the most recent available, that came to more than 9,000 tons with a value of HK$1.9 billion at wholesale pricesaround HK$200 per kilogram.

Retail is another story. The centre of the shark fin business on the island is Des Voeux Road West, where shops are packed with assorted dried foods from sea and land. The largest is Wing Yue Marine Food, where large presentation shark fins for gifts, with the skin still attached, sell for HK$12,800 (US$1,600) per catty, a local measure of weight equivalent to 604 grams, and basic cooking fins can cost more than HK$6,000 per catty. — AFP

Rising forest density offsets climate change OSLO: Rising forest density in many countries is helping to offset climate change caused by deforestation from the Amazon basin to Indonesia, a study showed yesterday.

The report indicated that the size of trees in a forestrather than just the area covered-needed to be taken into account more in UN -led efforts to put a price on forests as part of a nascent market to slow global warming.

“Higher density means world forests are capturing more carbon,” experts in Finland and the United States said of the study in the online journal PLoS One, issued on June 5 which is World Environment Day in the UN calendar. Trees soak up carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, as they grow and release it when they burn or rot.

Deforestation in places from the Congo basin to Papua New Guinea is blamed for perhaps 12 to 20 percent of all emissions by human activities.

The report, based on a survey of 68 nations, found that the amount of carbon stored in forests increased in Europe and North America from 2000-10 despite little change in forest area. And in Africa and South America, the total amount of carbon stored in forests fell at a slower rate than the loss of area, indicating that they had grown denser. Forests in Asia became less dense over the same period.

And some countries still had big losses of carbon, including Indonesia and Argentina. The study did not try to estimate the overall trend, saying there was not yet enough data.

Greater density in some countries, including China, was probably linked to past forest plantings, lead author Aapo Rautiainen of the University of Helsinki told Reuters.

“Forests that were established in China a few decades ago are now starting to reach their fast-growing phase. That is a reason for rising density now,” he said.

Global warming, blamed by the UN panel of climate experts mainly on human use of fossil fuels, might itself be improving growth conditions for trees in some regions.

Warming is projected to cause heatwaves, droughts and rising sea levels.

The United States has had among the most striking shifts- timberland area expanded by just one percent between 1953 and 2007 but the volume of growing stock surged by 51 percent.

A shift towards farming in the Midwestern United States meant that forests in the east had been left to grow, and get denser. The report also suggested that forest managers might rotate fellings less frequently since trees kept thickening. But it could complicate efforts to design market mechanisms to encourage developing nations to safeguard tropical forests. Under the UN -led effort, people would get tradeable credits for slowing the rate of deforestation.

Measuring the density of a forest requires more complex monitoring than just measuring the extent of a forest by photographing it from a plane or by satellite.

“There does need to be a greater sampling to be able to come to a legitimate and credible number for the carbon,” said Iddo Wernick, a co-author at the Rockefeller University in New York. Negotiators from about 180 nations will meet in Bonn, Germany, from June 6-17 to discuss measures to slow global wraming, including the protection of tropical forests. — Reuters

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E. coli probe fixes on restaurant Death toll rises to 22 HAMBURG: Investigators searching for the source of a killer bacteria were attempting to track supplies made to a north German restaurant, the German media reported yesterday, as the death toll climbed to 22. The latest figures from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recorded a further three victims to the previously confirmed 19. All but one of the deaths occurred in Germany, the source of the enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) outbreak which has affected 12 countries.

The other victim died in Sweden.

Joachim Berger, the owner of the ‘Kartoffelkeller’ restaurant in the Baltic seaport of Luebeck, told ZDF public television that health inspectors had carried out tests at the premises after three separate groups fell ill after eating there.

Health officials, cited by Berger, said a family, a group of Danish tourists, and some women tax-inspectors were

among the 17 who ate at his restaurant on May 13 and who contracted EHEC. Guests who became ill appeared to have eaten steak and salad. The Bild am Sonntag newspaper said a 48-year-old woman tax-inspector later died, while eight remain ill, two of them critically.

Inspectors had thoroughly examined his kitchens and taken stool samples from all his employees, Berger said.

None of the staff, who ate the same food as the guests, had been ill, he added. Christian Seyfert, a spokesman for the consumer protection ministry in the region, told AFP that speculation about the restaurant’s link to the outbreak was unfounded. “I have nothing to hide, I’m sure everything is in order” with the restaurant, the 67-year-old Berger told Bild am Sonntag.

Berger said his food supplies came from a wholesaler in Moelln who obtained them from the central food

market in Hamburg, the northern port where numerous cases of EHEC have also been reported. German Health Minister Daniel Bahr, who was visiting yesterday Hamburg’s Eppendorf University clinic where many of the region’s EHEC patients are being treated, has warned that the source of infection could still be active.

“Food health officials are working around the clock to identify the source of the infection,” Bahr told the Ruhr Nachrichten newspaper on Saturday.

“But from earlier outbreaks we know that we can’t always identify the source.

“It can’t be ruled out that the source of infection is still active,” he added, pointing to the need for continued vigilance as authorities still counsel against eating raw tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers. Speaking to Bild am Sonntag, Bahr said also the situation in a number of north German hospitals, especially

Hamburg and Bremen, was “difficult” because of the high number of admissions, adding that other hospitals would be called upon to help.

Cases of E. coli poisoning have also been reported in more than 12 other countries, including Austria, Britain, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. Each was related to German travel.

Meanwhile, several German scientists yesterday suggested the outbreak could be linked to bacteria found in biogas plants. Biogas, or methane, is produced by the anaerobic digestion or fermentation of biodegradable materials such as manure, sewage and green waste. “There are all sorts of bacteria which didn’t exist before which are now produced in biogas fermentation tanks,” Bernt Schottdorf, a medical analyst, told Welt am Sonntag newspaper. — AFP

HAMBURG: German Health Minister Daniel Bahr (L) puts on protective clothes during his visit at the UKE university clinic in Hamburg Eppendorf, northern Germany yesterday, where he wanted to get an idea of the treatment of EHEC patients and the work of doctors and nurses. —AFP

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W H AT ’ S O N 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

The Red Bull Art of Can kicks off

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he Red Bull Art of Can is a nationwide hunt for creativity and is open to everyone, from full-time artists to anyone with a creative flair. Build, sculpt, weld, glue, hammer, bend, fold, print, tape and paint, whatever you like! The Red Bull Art of Can offers a platform for anyone, regardless of age, who wants to explore his or her creative talent. Artists, students, grandparents and all those in between are invited to submit their works of art. The Red Bull Art of Can is a true expression of one’s imagination, with little or no restrictions placed on the budding artist. Your primary material/inspiration must be a silver and blue Red Bull can (Regular or Sugar free), but you will need to add plenty of imagination and creativity. Make a sculpture, a picture, a 3D model, a mobile, or a piece of modern art, but make it

Al-Baqsami participates in ‘Gesha view’ Forum

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rtist Thuraya Al-Baqsami took part in the first Gesha view art forum that took place in Bulgaria, featuring participation of eighteen artists from Russia, Holland, Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, Romania, Azerbaijan, Turkey as well as the host country. The event was held at the Gesha view resort in the Dryanova province, which was newly formed to host several cultural activities. Al-Baqsami participated in the gallery

(how well did the piece translate the concept idea)- Construction (how well is the piece constructed/special technique or unusual process).

Potential applicants can register their entries starting June 2011 until end of August, the deadline to receive all applications forms.

Applications can be done online by registering at www.redbullartofcan-kw.com or through calling the hotline: +965 66406020. The closing date for receipt of the finalized works of art is October 15th, 2011. The organizers will afterwards shortlist the entrants qualified to participate in “The Art of Can” exhibition which will be held in Kuwait at the 360 MALL this upcoming December.

beautiful, colorful, clever, amusing or outrageous.

The project will culminate in a premium art exhibition, where the selected pieces will be displayed and the top three pieces awarded prizes. The judges will select the winners which will be announced on the opening night of the exhibition. The art of creating masterpieces out of Red Bull cans started back in 1999. Exhibitions have been held all around the globe from Europe to New Zealand.

Countries like Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, UAE and the USA have all inspired artists to create their own aluminum artworks.

Judging Criteria:- Creative Concept (the idea behind the piece)- Conceptual Execution

that took part as part of the forum with two paintings, and also received invitations to attend other forums to be held during the summer. This is the fifth artistic activity that Al-Baqsami participated in Bulgaria, including other forums in Plovldiv, Varna and Dryadova itself, while she hosted her special gallery in Sofia back in 2002.

AWARE Arabic courses highlights: Introductory to Level 4 Arabic language basics; Ccmbine language learning with cultural insights; taught in multinationality 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

Movenpick Hotel organizes Children’s painting contest

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he Sustainability Team of the Movenpick Hotel Kuwait (free Zone) launched a Children’s painting contest on April 29, 2011. The contest was part of the Earth Day 2011 celebrations held from April 22 - April 29, 2011. The painting competition was part of the launching of the Summer Promotion Extravaganza program of activities and was held at the hotel’s Kids Tent. The

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.

theme of the painting contest was ‘I Love Mother Earth’. Children from the ages of 5 to 13 participated in the activity, with 23 drawings in all. Jason Massouh, Sandra Yowakim, Abdel Rahman Mohamed Hamoud, Sebin Thomas and Marc Gerald Maghirang were declared winners of the painting contest.

Mahakte Lamhe Indian Cultural Society (ICS) presents “Mahakte Lamhe” with Udit Narayan (a renowned playback singer from Indian cinema)) with Deepa Narayan (female singer).

Another attraction of the evening will be reality show fame Neha Chouhan & Nayan Rathod on 10th June 2011 Friday at 7.30 pm. The Chief Guest for the event will be Vidhu P Nair Charge d” Affaires Embassy of India, Kuwait and the guest of honor will be prominent personalities from Kuwait.

After hosting memorable events such as “Dil Ki Awaaz “ with Kavita Krishnamurti & Bharti Singh, Jashn e Bahara’n” with Talat Aziz & famous poets, “Nazar Ke Samne” with Kumar Sanu, “Taal se Taal” with Alka Yagnik, “Shaam e Ghalib” with Kader Khan, Shaam e Sangeet, Shaam e Shibani, Suroon- Ki-Shaam, Shaam- e-Ghazal, Geet & Ghazal Nite, Shab- e-Meraj, Jhoomte Sitare & many more.

“Mahakte Lamhe” will be witness of new era & evergreen songs by Udit Narayan a reigning king of male playback singers. Nayan Rathod will entertain with his versatile singing style as he is famous in many reality shows. Nayan became famous in his marvelous performance in “K for Kishor”. Simultaneously Lucknow born Neha Chouhan established herself as superb performer in maximum reality shows especially in Chak De & Comedy Circus.

Udit has sung in more than 2600 Hindi films and in 15 Indian language films like Hindi, Bengali, Assamess, Oriya, Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannad, Telegu, Garwali, Manipuri, Haryanvi and Maithili. Udit Narayan also acted in two Nepali films: Kusumey Rumal and Peerati. Some of his private albums are Bhajan Sangam ,Bhajan Vatika ,I love You ,Dil Deewana , Yeh Dosti ,Love is Life,Jhumka de Jhumka, ,Sona No Ghadulo , Dhuli Ganga , Ma Tarini, and many more... Udit Narayan has performed appreciatively 1100 stage shows in India and abroad like US, Canada, West Indies, and Far East, UK South Africa and many European countries. These include Screen Videocon Award, MTV Best Video Award and Pride of India Gold Award.

He was in the panel of judges of Indian Idol 3 & Waar Pariwaron Sony TV. In 2009, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India, India’s 4th highest civilian honor.

Infunity presents summer ‘Blank Camp’

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KES organizes colorful concerts

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me Naela, Kuwait English School Vice Chairman; Mme Rula, Financial Controller; Rhoda Elizabeth Muhmood, KES Director and her secretary Mme Maha joined delighted parents, teachers and children to watch a series of colorful KG concerts, which took place every day this week in the Preparatory Department hall. “We are celebrating this very special year in Kuwait’s history”, Muhmood said. Mme Naela and Mme Rula

made some special presentations and assisted Searle and Kismet with the ceremonious cutting of a special celebration cake to mark the 50th year of Independence, 20th year of Liberation and 5th year of rule of HH the Amir.

“This has been a glorious week”, Muhmood said praising the wonderful KG staff Muhmood thanked Nara, Music Teacher, for her efforts in teaching the children the songs for the 8 concerts, and the audi-

ence for their enthusiastic support of the young performers.

“Well done all of you. That was absolutely fabulous. Fantastic, particularly the dancing” said Helen Searle, Preparatory Department Head Teacher.

Searle presented all of the children with a certificate of participation, made by Meneka “I enjoyed every minute of it and thanks for coming,” Searle said to the parents. “A team is as

good as its leader and you can never work with a better leader or colleague”, Muhmood said of Searle.

All of the concerts began with the national Anthem. This was followed by a lively selection of songs and dance to tunes like “Three Jellyfish, Litter Bug, and “Somewhere over the rainbow”. The children portrayed Little Rabbit Foo Foo and Zippi dee doo dah. They

entertained with Thumbs Up and “School is Cool”, which was printed on their t-shirts.

“Where in the world would you get a more wonderful program” Muhmoud said, praising Kismet for her elaborate efforts and the joy she brings to her work.

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 self-confidence and build character and selfesteem. 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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AUK students visit Florida on Study Abroad Trip

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orty AUK students conducted a Study Abroad Trip to the United States in International Marketing, and visited four major Universities in Florida. For the second year in a row, approximately 40 AUK students conducted a successful Study Abroad trip in the US to learn about American marketing practices. Last year’s visit was to the Washington, DC Metro Area and New York City.

This year, the study trip was to Florida. Both trips were planned and coordinated by AUK Professors Dr Mohsen Bagnied and Marcia Denny.

The study trip this year included visits to four major Universities in Southern Florida - the University of Miami, NOVA Southeastern University, Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University. The students visited class rooms in action and interacted with

American students, professors and administrators at all four of these institutions; particular concentration was placed on the graduate business programs at UM, NOVA, and FAU, and the hospitality manage-

ment program at FIU. At NOVA, AUK’s students participated and received certificates of completion in a two-day intensive seminar on Managing Marketing and Sales Strategy. While in Fort

Lauderdale, the students also received lectures in entrepreneurship and small business practices in the US from an experienced American marketing consultant.

Cities visited included

Miami, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Key Largo, Boca Raton, and Orlando. As part of the international marketing experience, the students immersed themselves as shoppers at a large number of shopping malls and outlets in these cities, observing, firsthand, the latest American advertising and promotional techniques. The trip itinerary also included excursions to the Florida Everglades, Sea World, and Disney World. For most of the participating students, this was their first opportunity to observe, the American educational system. Many students called the experience “the trip of a life time” and determined to pursue their graduate studies in the United States. It was a great opportunity for AUK students to learn about American marketing, observing American culture and visiting tourist sites.

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.

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EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Embassy encourages all Australians to register their presence in Kuwait through Smartraveller Online (see link below).

Australians who are registered are asked to update their details. The information provided will assist us in contacting you in an emergency. www.smartraveller.gov.au Kuwait citizens can apply for and receive visit visas to Australia online at www.immi.gov.au. This usually takes two working days. All others visa applications are handled by the Australian Visa Application Centre Tel. 22971110.

Witnessing and certifying documents are by appointment only, please contact the Embassy on 2232 2422.

The Australian Embassy is open from 8.00am to 4.00pm, Sunday to Thursday.

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EMBASSY OF BRITAIN The Visa Application Centre (VAC) will be closed on the same dates above. The opening hours of the Visa Application Centre are 0930 - 1630 Application forms remain available online from the UKBAs’ website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk or from the Visa Application Centre’s website: www.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.

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BSK students excel at LAMDA Examination

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ixth Form students from The British School of Kuwait who were candidates of the LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) external examinations, Surya Butterworth, Hiba Arshad and Khalid Alwagfi, received Distinctions in their chosen interests of study. The three participants were awarded their Gold Awards (Grade 8) with the highest in each of their categories. Surya Butterworth (Acting) whose exam required him to choose three spoken monologues from well known dramatists such as Bertolt Brecht and William Shakespeare.

Hiba Arshad (Public Speaking) whose exam asked her to write and perfect speeches to be given on a specific topic and for a select audience.

One of her speeches focused on the ever growing youth program the ‘I AM’ challenge of which Heba is a founder and major advocate in Kuwait. Khalid Alwagfi (Musical Theatre), whose exam required him to perform three sung pieces from any well known musical on Broadway or West-end, some of these included songs from Wicked and the Lion King. All the candidates being the high achievers that there are, will receive their awards and medals at the annual British Academy Of International Arts Awards Ceremony from HE the British Ambassador, Mr Frank Baker. The results will form part of their university applications.

Kala language learning program inaugurated

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ndian Embassy Charge d’Affaires Vidhu P Nair inaugurated Swaralayam -2011 - the mega event conducted by Kala, Kuwait on June 3 attended by a blend of guests from cinema and musical fields along with a variety of unique cultural programs. The event was held at Indian Central School, Abbasiya. Kala president Sam Pynummood presided the inaugural meeting in which the free Malayalam education program was inaugurated by the chief Guest Padmasree Shaji N Karun. He said that the launch of the website pravasimalayalam.com is the best example to prove the love and dedication of a cultural organization like Kala towards Malayalam language and our nation.

The second session included a variety of cultural programs and the enchanting Hindustani -Ghazal fusion by playback singer Gayathri Ashokan made the event much more awesome. The trophies were distributed to the winners of Balakalamela by the chief guest and other dignitaries. Kala general Secretary R Naganathan welcomed the gathering whereas General Convenor V Anilkumar rendered the vote of thanks.

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.

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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 ■■■■■■■

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.

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EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to request all Kenyans resident in or training through Kuwait to register with the Embassy. We are updating our database. This information is necessary in order to facilitate quick assistance and advise in times of emergency. Kindly visit in person or register through our website www.kenyaembkuwait.com. The Embassy is located in: Surra Area - Block 6 - Street 9 Villa 3 Tel: 25353362 - 25353314; Fax: 25353316.

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EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has moved its office to Mishref. Block 3, Street 7, House 4. For enquires please call 25379541. Fax25387719. Email- nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or nigeriankuwait@yahoo.co.uk ■■■■■■■

Crowne Plaza visits the Ahliya Kuwaiti School

I

n line with its corporate social responsibility, Crowne Plaza Kuwait visited the Ahliya Kuwaiti School for special needs. The Marketing and Public Relations Team along with other staff of the hotel took with them goodie bags and snack boxes for the children, spreading cheer and joy from

the moment of their entry into the place.

The visit began on an enthusiastic note with some simple rhymes for the children, followed by simple magic tricks that were performed by a happy clown who accompanied the team. There were also games and fun activities that were conducted by the

team, lighting up the faces of the children with smiles, in an ambience of sunshine and excitement. Childrenís music continuously played in the background, and the short visit wound up with the distribution of delicious snack boxes, prepared with love and care, to all the children present. All the little ones left carrying

precious goodie bags that were loaded with treasures for them to enjoy and cherish.

This visit was carried out in association with the end of Exams in Kuwait to encourage students to achieve a high marks, creating a consciousness and understanding of the important role that we play in our community and society to

the welfare and well ñ being of our fellow human beings.

The Crowne Plaza team displayed the significance of knowing the needs of children such as these and creating an awareness of the importance of their integration in the society and giving them an opportunity to express their abilities.

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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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

Years

TV PROGRAMS

00:45 Untamed And Uncut 01:40 Dogs 101 02:35 Queens Of The Savannah 03:30 Life Of Mammals 04:25 Into The Pride 05:20 Last Chance Highway 06:10 Must Love Cats 07:00 Meerkat Manor 07:25 The Really Wild Show 07:50 Growing Up...

08:40 Breed All About It 09:10 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 10:05 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip 11:00 Animal Cops Houston 11:55 Vet On The Loose 12:20 Wildlife SOS 12:50 Animal Park: Wild On The West Coast 13:45 Animal Cops Phoenix 14:40 Natural World 15:30 Animal Battlegrounds 16:00 The Really Wild Show 16:30 Jeff Corwin Unleashed 17:00 Natural Born Hunters 17:25 Dogs vs. Cats 18:20 Karina: Wild On Safari 18:45 Karina: Wild On Safari 19:15 Chimp Family Fortunes 20:10 Dogs 101 21:05 Into The Pride 22:00 Mutant Planet 22:55 Your Worst Animal Nightmares 23:50 Chimp Family Fortunes

00:15 One Foot In The Grave 00:45 The Weakest Link 01:30 Ray Mears’ Northern Wilderness 02:20 The Weakest Link 03:10 New Tricks 04:00 Last Of The Summer Wine 04:35 Fimbles 04:55 Tweenies 05:15 Teletubbies 05:40 Bobinogs 05:55 Fimbles 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 Last Of The Summer Wine 10:40 The Weakest Link 11:25 Monarch Of The Glen 12:20 Doctors 12:50 One Foot In The Grave 13:20 Ray Mears’ Northern Wilderness 14:10 Last Of The Summer Wine 15:40 Monarch Of The Glen 16:30 The Weakest Link 17:15 Doctors 17:45 One Foot In The Grave 18:15 Ray Mears’ Northern Wilderness 19:10 Monarch Of The Glen 20:00 The Weakest Link 20:45 Doctors 21:15 Eastenders 21:45 Holby City

00:10 01:10 01:35 02:25 04:05 04:55 06:15 07:30 09:30 10:20 11:10 12:40 13:05 13:55 14:40 15:25

Perfect Day New Scandinavian Cooking The Naked Chef Come Dine With Me The Naked Chef New Scandinavian Cooking Rhodes Across The Caribbean Daily Cooks Challenge New Scandinavian Cooking Antiques Roadshow Masterchef: The Professionals Saturday Kitchen Antiques Roadshow Cash In The Attic Bargain Hunt Come Dine With Me

16:15 17:45 18:10 19:00 19:50 20:35 21:20 22:10 23:00

Masterchef: The Professionals Sweet Baby James New Scandinavian Cooking Antiques Roadshow Cash In The Attic Bargain Hunt Come Dine With Me Home For Life Come Dine With Me

00:00 BBC World News 00:10 World Features 00:30 Horizons 01:00 BBC World News 01:30 Asia Business Report 01:45 Asia Today 02:00 BBC World News 02:10 World Features 02:30 Our World 03:00 BBC World News 03:10 World Features 03:30 India Business Report 04:00 BBC World News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Asia Today 05:00 BBC World News 05:30 Asia Business Report 05:45 Asia Today 06:00 BBC World News 06:30 Hardtalk 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 World Business Report 07:45 BBC World News 08:30 World Business Report 08:45 BBC World News 09:30 World Business Report 09:45 Sport Today 10:00 BBC World News 10:30 World Business Report 10:45 Sport Today 11:00 BBC World News 11:30 Hardtalk 12:00 BBC World News 12:30 World Business Report 12:45 Sport Today 13:00 BBC World News 13:30 World Business Report 13:45 Sport Today 14:00 GMT With George Alagiah 15:00 BBC World News 15:30 World Business Report 15:45 Sport Today 16:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 17:30 World Business Report 17:45 Sport Today 18:00 BBC World News 18:30 Hardtalk 19:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 20:30 World Business Report 20:45 Sport Today 21:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 22:30 World Business Report 22:45 Sport Today 23:00 BBC World News America

00:00 00:30 01:00 03:00 03:45 04:00 05:00 05:30 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00

African Voices World Sport World Report World Business Today CNN Marketplace Middle East Piers Morgan Tonight Talk Asia Eco Solutions World Sport Inside The Middle East World Report The Best Of Backstory World Report World Report World Sport World View World Business Today World One World Sport African Voices Fareed Zakaria Gps News Stream World Business Today International Desk The Brief World Sport Prism International Desk African Voices Quest Means Business Piers Morgan Tonight Connect The World

00:00 Angry Planet 00:30 Glutton For Punishment 01:00 Essential Specials 02:00 Distant Shores 02:30 Glutton For Punishment 03:00 World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides 04:00 Globe Trekker 05:00 Angry Planet 05:30 Glutton For Punishment 06:00 Globe Trekker Special 07:00 Globe Trekker 08:00 Travel 360 09:00 Cruising the Spirit of Adventure 10:00 Four Men and a Lady 10:30 Tall Ship Explorers 11:30 Riding Eastern Europe 12:00 Globe Trekker 13:00 Distant Shores 13:30 Sophie Grigson In The Home Counties 14:00 Destination Art 14:30 Travel 360 15:30 Essential

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 Codename: Kids Next Door 07:25 Cow And Chicken 07:50 Angelo Rules 08:05 Cartoon Network Dance Club 08:15 Adventure Time 08:40 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 09:05 The Secret Saturdays 09:30 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 09:55 The Powerpuff Girls 10:20 Robotboy 10:30 Hero 108 10:55 Ben 10 11:20 Chowder 11:45 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 12:10 Camp Lazlo 12:35 George Of The Jungle 13:00 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 13:25 Codename: Kids Next Door 13:50 Ben 10 14:15 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 14:40 Squirrel Boy 15:05 Eliot Kid 15:35 Ed, Edd N Eddy 16:00 Cow And Chicken 16:25 Chop Socky Chooks 16:50 Skunk Fu! 17:15 Chowder 17:40 Best Ed 18:05 Hero 108 18:30 Cartoon Network Dance Club 18:45 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 18:55 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 19:20 Ben 10: Alien Force 19:45 The Secret Saturdays 20:10 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 20:35 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 21:00 The Powerpuff Girls 21:25 Ed, Edd N Eddy 21:50 Robotboy 22:00 Adventure Time 22:25 Hero 108 22:50 Ben 10 23:15 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 23:40 Chowder

TEARS OF THE SUN ON OSN ACTION HD

00:15 Worst-Case Scenario 00:40 Sole Survivor 01:35 Surviving Disaster 02:30 American Chopper 03:25 Motor City Motors 05:15 Huge Moves 06:05 Mighty Ships 07:00 Motor City Motors 07:50 American Chopper: Senior vs Junior 08:45 How Do They Do It? 09:10 Mythbusters 10:05 Cake Boss 10:30 Border Security 10:55 Time Warp 11:25 Huge Moves 12:20 Mighty Ships 13:15 Ultimate Survival 14:10 LA Ink 15:05 Dirty Jobs 16:00 Motor City Motors 16:55 Mythbusters 17:50 Extreme Fishing With Robson Green 18:45 Cake Boss 19:40 Time Warp 20:05 How Machines Work 20:35 How It’s Made 21:00 Gold Rush: Alaska 21:55 Danger Coast

00:30 Sci-Trek 01:20 The Gadget Show 02:10 What’s That About?

03:00 Colony 04:45 Weird Or What?

05:40 How Stuff’s Made 06:10 The Future Of...

07:00 Scrapheap Challenge 07:55 Head Rush 07:58 Sci-Fi Science 08:25 Weird Connections 08:55 Bad Universe 09:45 The Gadget Show 10:35 How Stuff Works 11:25 Green Wheels 11:50 Scrapheap Challenge 12:40 One Step Beyond 13:05 Engineered 13:55 Nextworld 14:45 Engineering Thrills 15:35 The Gadget Show 16:00 Head Rush 16:03 Sci-Fi Science 16:30 Weird Connections 17:00 Brainiac 17:50 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 18:40 Mighty Ships 19:30 Ultimate Power Builders 20:20 Weird Connections 20:45 How Stuff’s Made 21:10 The Gadget Show 22:00 Mighty Ships 22:50 Ultimate Power Builders

00:05 Unwrapped 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 00:55 Unwrapped 01:45 Cooking Clubs 02:35 Barefoot Contessa 03:25 Guy’s Big Bite 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 Paula’s Party 21:10 Good Eats - Special 22:00 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 22:50 Grill Girls 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 09:10 09:20 09:30 09:55 10:05 10:25 11:15 11:35 12:00 12:10 12:35

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 Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Timmy Time Handy Manny Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Hive Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse The Little Mermaid Little Einsteins Jungle Junction Lazytown Imagination Movers

13:00 13:25 13:40 14:05 14:15 14:25 14:50 15:15 16:05 16:30 16:40 16:55 17:20 17:45 17:55 18:05 18:15 18:35 19:00 19:20 19:45 19:55 20:05

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Jungle Junction Timmy Time The Hive Little Einsteins The Little Mermaid Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny The Hive Jake & The Neverland Pirates Imagination Movers Lazytown Jungle Junction Special Agent Oso The Hive Little Einsteins Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Little Mermaid Handy Manny Timmy Time Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

06:00 Kid vs Kat 06:20 Kick Buttowski 06:40 Pokemon Dp: Sinnoh League Victors 07:05 Phineas And Ferb 08:05 American Dragon 08:30 Kick Buttowski 08:50 Cars Toons 09:00 Zeke And Luther 09:50 I’m In The Band 10:15 The Super Hero Squad Show 10:40 Suite Life On Deck 11:30 Pair Of Kings 11:55 Phineas And Ferb 12:45 Kid vs Kat 13:50 The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody 14:40 Zeke And Luther 15:05 Kick Buttowski 15:25 Cars Toons 15:35 Pokemon Dp: Sinnoh League Victors 16:00 I’m In The Band 16:25 Suite Life On Deck 16:50 Zeke And Luther 17:40 Phineas And Ferb 18:30 Escape From Scorpion Island 18:55 Kick Buttowski 19:20 American Dragon 19:45 Aaron Stone 20:10 Phineas And Ferb 20:15 Kid vs Kat 20:40 Phineas And Ferb 21:05 I’m In The Band 21:30 Zeke And Luther 21:50 Cars Toons

SHANGHAI KNIGHTS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION

00:30 03:30 04:00 04:30 07:30 09:30 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:30 00:25 Style Star 13:30 01:25 20 Most Shocking Unsolved 14:30 Crimes 15:30 03:15 E! Investigates 16:00 04:10 Sexiest 16:30 05:05 Reality Hell 17:00 05:30 Wildest TV Show Moments 17:30 06:00 15 Most Infamous Child Star 18:30 Mugshots 19:30 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Holly’s World 10:15 THS 12:05 Extreme Close-Up 00:10 12:35 Fashion Police 13:05 Kourtney And Kim Take New 00:30 01:00 York 06:00 13:35 Khloe And Lamar 14:05 Kourtney And Kim Take New 06:20 06:45 York 07:10 14:35 THS 07:30 16:25 Behind The Scenes 07:35 16:55 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 08:00 17:55 Holly’s World KSA 18:55 Kendra 20:00 19:55 THS 20:25 20:55 Chelsea Lately 21:25 Kourtney And Kim Take New 20:45 21:10 York

00:15 The Millionaire’s Club 01:30 Fantasy Factory 01:55 Fantasy Factory 02:20 Eds Up 04:50 Lucas Oil Ama Motocross...

05:40 Lucas Oil Ama Motocross Championships...

06:30 FIA European Drag Racing 2008 08:00 Quattro Events 2009 08:25 Winter Dew Tour 09/10 10:55 X Games Heroes 11:45 Fantasy Factory 12:35 Untracked 13:25 Mantracker 14:15 World Combat League 15:05 X Games Heroes 15:55 Fantasy Factory 16:45 Quattro Events 2009 17:10 Winter Dew Tour 09/10 19:40 Mantracker 20:30 Untracked 21:20 Final Fu 22:10 World Combat League 23:00 Man’s Work 23:50 Untracked

00:30 The Will: Family Secrets Revealed 01:20 Ripped From The Headlines 02:10 Deadly Women 03:00 Autopsy: Most Shocking Cases 03:50 The Will: Family Secrets Revealed 04:45 Ghosthunters 05:15 On The Case With Paula Zahn 06:10 Mystery Diagnosis 07:00 Forensic Detectives 07:50 Murder Shift 08:40 Diagnosis: Unknown 09:30 Real Emergency Calls 10:20 The Will: Family Secrets Revealed 11:10 FBI Files 12:00 True Crime With Aphrodite Jones 12:50 Disappeared 13:40 Diagnosis: Unknown 14:30 Real Emergency Calls 15:20 The Will: Family Secrets Revealed 16:10 Forensic Detectives 17:00 Murder Shift 17:50 FBI Files 18:40 Diagnosis: Unknown 19:30 Real Emergency Calls 20:20 True Crime With Aphrodite Jones

00:00 01:45 04:00 06:00 08:15 10:00 12:00 14:00 15:45 18:00 20:00 22:00

Banged Up Abroad Bondi Rescue Market Values Bondi Rescue Banged Up Abroad Bondi Rescue David Rocco’s Dolce Vita Exploring The Vine Meet The Natives The Frankincense Trail 62 Days At Sea Banged Up Abroad Treks In A Wild World Bondi Rescue David Rocco’s Dolce Vita Exploring The Vine Meet The Natives The Frankincense Trail 62 Days At Sea

The Hardy Boys Inspector Gadget Rescue Heroes Marathon Rescue Heroes Dino Squad Sonic Underground Inspector Gadget Boo And Me Fat Dog Mendoza Programmes Start At 8:00pm Sonic Underground Rescue Heroes Dino Squad The Future Is Wild

The Wizard Of Gore-R The Core-PG15 The Grudge 3-18 Vertical Limit-PG15 Jesse Stone: No Remorse-PG15 Star Trek 10: Nemesis-PG15 Kiss The Girls-18 Jesse Stone: No Remorse-PG15 A Knight’s Tale-PG15 Kiss The Girls-18 Don’t Look Up-18 Tears Of The Sun-18

00:00 Cougar Town 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 South Park 02:00 Neighbors From Hell 02:30 That Mitchell And Webb Look 03:00 Neighbors From Hell 03:00 Rita Rocks 03:30 That Mitchell And Webb Look 03:30 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 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 Seinfeld 08:30 Dharma And Greg 09:00 Rita Rocks 09:30 Will And Grace 10:00 Yes Dear 10:30 Seinfeld 11:00 Family Biz 11:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:30 Dharma And Greg 13:00 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 13:30 Will And Grace 14:00 According To Jim 14:30 Sons Of Tucson 15:00 Two And A Half Men 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 The League 20:30 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 21:00 The Daily Show Global Edition

01:45 The Haunting Of Molly Hartley-PG15 03:15 Talento De Barrio-PG15 05:15 Heaven’s Fall-PG15 07:15 The Italian Job (1969)-PG 09:00 Shanghai Knights-PG15 11:00 The Blackout-PG15 13:00 Nightfall-PG15 15:00 Shanghai Knights-PG15 17:00 Phone Booth-PG15 19:00 No Time To Fear-PG15 21:00 Angels And Demons-PG15 23:30 The Evil Dead-R

06:00 06:30 07:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 14:00 14:30 22:30

Futbol Mundial FEI Equestrain World Darts UK Open Futbol Mundial NRL Full Time Live NRL Premiership Futbol Mundial Live ATP Tennis Darts UK Open

01:00 Finale 04:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 15:00 15:30 16:30 17:00 18:00 Finale 21:00 22:00

UFC The Ultimate Fighter WWE NXT UFC Unleashed WWE Bottom Line V8 Supercars Championship UAE National Race Day Series City Centre Races WWE Vintage Collection WWE SmackDown Aquabike World City Centre Races Le Mans Series UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC The Ultimate Fighter

00:00 Bitter Suite-PG15 02:00 Return To Sleepaway CampPG15 04:00 For Love Or Money-PG 06:00 The Elder Son-PG15 08:00 Dirty Work-PG15 10:00 Chasing Papi-PG UFC 131 Countdown 12:00 Management-PG15 UFC Wired 14:00 The First $20 Million Is Always The Hardest-PG15 16:00 Bitter Suite-PG15 18:00 The Proposal-PG15 20:00 Assassination Of A High School President-18 00:00 Top 10 22:00 Magicians-18 01:00 Fashion Avenue 01:55 Big Boutique 02:25 How Do I Look?

03:20 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

05:10 Homes With Style 01:00 Stan Helsing-PG15 05:35 Area 03:00 Phoebe In Wonderland-PG 06:05 Clean House 05:00 12 Men Of Christmas-PG15 07:00 Big Boutique 07:00 Michael Jackson’s This Is It-PG 08:00 Homes With Style 09:00 Harry Potter And The Half09:00 Fashion Avenue Blood Prince-PG15 09:55 How Do I Look?

11:30 Drumline-PG15 10:50 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

13:30 StreetDance-PG15 11:50 Clean House 15:30 Aliens In The Attic-FAM 12:50 Clean House 17:00 Harry Potter And The Half13:45 Top 10 Blood Prince-PG15 14:15 Mel B: It’s A Scary World 19:30 She’s Out Of My League-18 21:15 Stomp The Yard 2: 14:45 Jerseylicious 15:40 Ruby Homecoming-PG15 16:35 Giuliana & Bill 23:00 Broken Embraces-18 18:25 Ruby 19:25 Big Boutique 19:50 Fashion Avenue 20:20 Clean House 21:15 Top 10 00:00 Fly Me To The Moon-PG 21:40 Top 10 02:00 Groove Squad-FAM 22:10 Clean House Comes Clean 04:00 Shorts-PG 06:00 G-Force-PG 23:05 Bridalplasty 08:00 Sing To The Dawn-FAM 10:00 Fly Me To The Moon-PG 12:00 Kung Fu Magoo-FAM 14:00 G-Force-PG 16:00 Inspector Gadget’s Last Case: Claw’s...-FAM 00:10 Hearts Of The West 18:00 Cars-PG 01:50 Show Boat 20:00 Tooth Fairy-PG 22:00 Kung Fu Magoo-FAM 03:35 The Swan 05:20 The Angel Wore Red 07:00 A Day At The Races 08:45 Easter Parade 10:30 The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight 00:00 Greenberg-18 12:05 The Wonderful World Of The 02:00 American Teen-PG15 Brothers Grimm 04:00 Easy Virtue-PG15 06:00 One Hot Summer-PG15 14:10 Boys’ Night Out 08:00 Hey Hey Its Esther 16:00 Ziegfeld Girl Blueburger-PG15 18:10 The Dresser 10:00 Passing Strange-PG 20:10 Come Fly With Me 12:15 Easy Virtue-PG15 22:00 Mrs. Soffel 14:00 The Building-PG15 16:00 Hey Hey Its Esther Blueburger-PG15 18:00 Stomp The Yard 2: Homecoming-PG15 20:00 All About Steve-PG15 00:00 Mummy Forensics 22:00 Lower Learning-PG15 01:00 Dead Men’s Secrets 02:00 IRT: Deadliest Roads 03:00 Ancient Wonders 04:00 The True Story Of Troy 06:00 Mummy Forensics 01:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 07:00 Dead Men’s Secrets 01:30 AFL Premiership 08:00 IRT: Deadliest Roads 04:00 Trans World Sport 09:00 Ancient Wonders 05:00 International Rugby 10:00 The True Story Of Troy 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 European PGA Tour 12:00 Mummy Forensics 12:30 ICC Cricket World 13:00 Dead Men’s Secrets 13:00 Live Test Cricket 14:00 IRT: Deadliest Roads 20:00 Super Rugby Highlights 15:00 Ancient Wonders 21:00 AFL Highlights 16:00 The True Story Of Troy 18:00 Mummy Forensics 19:00 Dead Men’s Secrets 20:00 IRT: Deadliest Roads 01:00 NRL Premiership 22:00 Warriors 05:00 ICC Cricket World 23:00 102 Minutes That Changed 05:30 Mobil 1 The Grid America

Classifieds MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

ACCOMMODATION Accommodation available in Salmiya near Ceaser’s for a working lady in a 2 bedroom C-A/C flat. Call after 3 pm. Tel: 25643718. (C 3419) Sharing accommodation available in New Reggai with fully furnished flat up to 4 months June September.

Contact: 99729608. (C 3422) 6-6-2011 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)

MATRIMONIAL Pakistani, Punjabi male 49, working in Civil Engineering department, needs life partner. E-mail: veridical90@yahoo.com (C 3418) Nair girl Ph.D, Kollam (08.07.79), Moolam, MSc Biotechnology, currently working as Post Doctoral Fellow, Trivandrum, seeks alliance from professionally qualified, well placed boys below 38 years. KMID E 1424888. Email: pillaisurendran56@yahoo.c om or bio-sumi@yahoo.co.in (C 3420)

SITUATION VACANT

FOR SALE 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) 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

A Kuwaiti family is looking to hire a part time cook (all kinds of cooking). Contact: 99070066. (C 3421) 6-6-2011

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 JZR THY ETH UAE DHX ETD FDB GFA QTR KAC JZR FCX JZR KAC JZR BAW KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE QTR ABY ETD GFA MEA JZR IRC MSR RBG KAC KAC MSR UAL RJA FDB OMA SVA KAC

Arrival Flights on Monday 6/6/2011 Flt Route 205 DAMASCUS 772 ISTANBUL 620 ADDIS ABABA 853 DUBAI 370 BAHRAIN 305 ABU DHABI 67 DUBAI 211 BAHRAIN 138 DOHA 544 CAIRO 503 LUXOR 201 DUBAI 555 ALEXANDRIA 412 MANILA / BANGKOK 531 ASSIUT 157 LONDON 206 ISLAMABAD 302 MUMBAI 53 DUBAI 352 COCHIN 284 DHAKA 362 COLOMBO 344 CHENNAI 855 DUBAI 132 DOHA 125 SHARJAH 301 ABU DHABI 213 BAHRAIN 404 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 6521 LAMERD 623 SOHAG 3557 ALEXANDRIA 618 DOHA 672 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 640 AMMAN 57 DUBAI 645 MUSCAT 500 JEDDAH 788 JEDDAH

Time 0:25 1:15 1:45 2:25 2:55 2:55 3:10 3:15 3:20 4:40 5:15 5:25 6:10 6:15 6:20 6:30 7:15 7:50 7:55 8:05 8:10 8:20 8:20 8:25 9:00 9:10 9:30 9:35 10:55 11:10 11:20 12:10 12:55 12:55 13:15 13:20 13:30 13:35 13:50 14:00 14:30 15:00

JZR QTR KAC KAC KNE KAC MLR ETD UAE GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY JZR ALK KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC AIC JAI FDB OMA JZR VOS MEA KAC DHX KLM UAE GFA QTR UAL JZR TAR JZR MSR DLH JZR BBC PIA

257 134 546 550 745 118 403 303 857 215 510 777 239 127 213 227 104 542 786 744 774 674 575 572 61 647 179 81 402 552 372 445 859 217 136 981 135 327 185 612 636 539 43 239

BEIRUT DOHA ALEXANDRIA SOHAG JEDDAH NEW YORK COLOMBO / DUBAI ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH JEDDAH AMMAN SHARJAH DEIREZZOR COLOMBO / DUBAI LONDON CAIRO JEDDAH DAMMAM RIYADH DUBAI CHENNAI / GOA MUMBAI DUBAI MUSCAT DUBAI BAGHDAD BEIRUT DAMASCUS BAHRAIN AMSTERDAM DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA BAHRAIN BAHRAIN TUNIS DUBAI CAIRO FRANKFURT CAIRO DHAKA SIALKOT

15:10 15:15 15:30 15:35 15:35 16:15 16:40 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:25 17:35 17:40 17:50 18:00 18:35 18:50 19:00 19:15 19:25 19:25 19:30 19:35 20:00 20:10 20:10 20:15 20:15 20:45 21:00 21:05 21:15 21:25 21:35 22:00 22:10 22:15 22:35 22:50 23:00 23:30 23:45 23:55

Departur AXB DLH KLM BBC AIC PIA AFG THY ETH UAE FDB DHX ETD QTR JZR GFA BAW KAC FDB KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR ETD GFA KAC MEA KAC JZR JZR JZR IRC KAC MSR KAC RBG MSR RJA FDB UAL

Depurture Flights on Monday 6/6/2011 Flt Route 390 KOZHIKODE 637 FRANKFURT 447 AMSTERDAM 46 DHAKA 982 AHMEDABAD / CHENNAI 206 PESHAWER / LAHORE 406 KABUL 773 ISTANBUL 620 BAHRAIN / ADDIS ABABA 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 371 BAHRAIN 306 ABU DHABI 139 DOHA 164 DUBAI 212 BAHRAIN 156 LONDON 545 ALEXANDRIA 54 DUBAI 671 DUBAI 256 BEIRUT 787 JEDDAH 549 SOHAG 617 DOHA 856 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 133 DOHA 302 ABU DHABI 214 BAHRAIN 165 ROME / PARIS 405 BEIRUT 541 CAIRO 776 JEDDAH 212 DEIREZZOR 238 AMMAN 6522 LAMERD 103 LONDON 624 SOHAG 785 JEDDAH 3558 SOHAG / ALEXANDRIA 611 CAIRO 641 AMMAN 58 DUBAI 982 BAHRAIN

Time 0:25 0:40 0:55 1:00 1:05 1:10 2:00 2:15 2:30 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 5:00 6:55 7:10 8:25 8:35 8:40 9:00 9:10 9:15 9:20 9:35 9:40 9:50 10:00 10:15 10:20 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:00 12:05 12:10 12:20 12:30 13:10 13:30 13:35 14:20 14:30 14:35 14:45

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

OMA KAC KAC SVA JZR KAC QTR KNE KAC JZR VOS ETD MLR UAE GFA ABY JZR JZR SVA ALK JZR KAC JAI FDB JZR KAC KAC OMA MEA KAC DHX KLM UAE GFA FCX QTR KAC KAC TAR JZR JZR UAL KAC MSR

646 673 551 501 178 773 135 746 743 538 82 304 404 858 216 128 184 266 511 228 134 283 571 62 528 331 351 648 403 543 373 445 860 218 102 137 301 205 327 554 504 981 411 613

MUSCAT DUBAI DAMASCUS JEDDAH DUBAI RIYADH DOHA JEDDAH DAMMAM CAIRO BAGHDAD ABU DHABI DUBAI / COLOMBO DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH DUBAI BEIRUT RIYADH DUBAI / COLOMBO BAHRAIN DHAKA MUMBAI DUBAI ASSIUT TRIVANDRUM COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT CAIRO BAHRAIN BAHRAIN / AMSTERDAM DUBAI BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD DUBAI / TUNIS ALEXANDRIA LUXOR WASHINGTON DC DULLES BANGKOK / MANILA CAIRO

15:00 15:10 15:25 15:45 16:00 16:05 16:15 16:20 16:25 16:40 17:00 17:35 17:40 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:25 18:30 18:35 19:10 19:10 20:00 20:35 20:40 20:50 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:55 22:00 22:05 22:25 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:05 23:10 23:35 23:40 23:40 23:50

34

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

s ta rs CROSSWORD 340

CALVIN & HOBBES

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) You have a positive curiosity about people. Your instinctive orientation at this time is toward getting down to a new understanding and starting over—healing comes from destroying the roots of a disturbance. You may seek to understand and improve situations that involve relationships.

Inventions, computers and electronics may be the reason you seek to shuffle the budget around this afternoon. You may have to draw up a time sheet so that the whole family can learn to use this equipment. You enjoy the fact that others want to learn. It may be your turn to teach a class this evening and that could include a class in CPR or swimming or some other technique to make life safe. You appreciate your particular situation and enjoy support from those around you.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. 10 grams.

4. The social science of municipal affairs.

10. Imperial dynasty that ruled China (most of the time) from 206 BC to 221 and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy.

13. The sense organ for hearing and equilibrium.

14. A plumbing fixture (usually attached to the wall) used by men to urinate.

15. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

16. An edilbe seaweed with a mild flavor.

18. Capital and largest city of Iraq.

20. A Russian river.

23. Indras's thunderbolt.

24. An informal term for a father.

26. (astronomy) The angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing.

28. A drug (trade names Atarax and Vistaril) used as a tranquilizer to treat anxiety and motion sickness.

30. Something (especially a game) that is played again.

35. An informal term for a father.

36. (computer science) A coding system that incorporates extra parity bits in order to detect errors.

37. Fish eggs or egg-filled ovary.

38. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

41. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group.

43. Evergreen trees or shrubs of mountains of Australia and Tasmania.

46. A federal agency established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products.

47. An antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of serotonin so that more serotonin is available to act on receptors in the brain.

49. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism.

52. The bureau of the Treasury Department responsible for tax collections.

54. Swelling from excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue.

58. Ratio of the hypotenuse to the opposite side.

59. Consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity.

61. The syllable naming the sixth (submediant) note of a major or minor scale in solmization.

62. A federal agency that supervises carriers that transport goods and people between states.

63. Absence of the pupil in an eye.

65. A city in the European part of Russia.

66. The syllable naming the first (tonic) note of any major scale in solmization.

67. African tree having an exceedingly thick trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and has an edible pulp called monkey bread.

68. A workplace for the conduct of scientific research.

DOWN 1. Made of fir or pine.

2. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

3. The father of your father or mother.

4. An actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech.

5. A heavy brittle metallic element of the platinum group.

6. Capital of Vanuatu.

7. Not out.

8. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle where driver sits.

9. Speaking a Slavic language.

10. A pilgrimage to Mecca.

11. Any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent.

12. A quantity of no importance.

17. A flat-bottomed volcanic crater that was formed by an explosion.

19. Mentally or physically infirm with age.

21. A car driven by a person whose job is to take passengers where they want to go in exchange for money.

22. Informal terms for clothing.

25. An official prosecutor for a judicial district.

27. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was responsible for research into atomic energy and its peacetime uses in the United States.

29. A sock with a separation for the big toe.

31. One million periods per second.

32. A device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned.

33. A state of deep and often prolonged unconsciousness.

34. Heal or recover.

39. 300 to 3000 megahertz.

40. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling).

41. A heavy brittle metallic element of the platinum group.

42. Set down according to a plan.

44. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

45. Manufactured in standard sizes to be shipped and assembled elsewhere.

48. Type genus of the Soleidae.

49. The eleventh month of the civil year.

50. Informal or slang terms for mentally irregular.

51. United States writer (born in Poland) who wrote in Yiddish (1880-1957).

53. Drive away by crying "shoo!".

55. The twelfth month of the civil year.

56. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

57. According to the Old Testament he was a pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel (9th century BC).

60. Someone who engages in arbitrage (who purchases securities in one market for immediate resale in another in the hope of profiting from the price differential).

64. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

Yesterday’s Solution

Your ideas and images about the traditional and the environment around you make it easy for you to work with and teach others. You will understand and perform well with young people today. You seem to know what it takes to create a supportive environment. You handle words and tell stories with consummate skill and others love to hear you speak or entertain. You have a touch of magic about you. You may find yourself settling a dispute that, by any other means, could get way out of hand this afternoon. You are fair-minded and aboveboard, always direct and honest in thought. Even though you are normally more interested in eternal thoughts and broad landscapes, you always manage to get the picture, or idea, right away.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) You have more than just the gift of gab this weekend. Your words and ideas can transport and enchant listeners. Your imagination and sense of what connects all of life are felt in your speech and in the way you communicate. You love a good story and a sense of the mystical pervades every one you tell. You are at home in the world of myths and dreams. Your mind soars on wings of the imagination. You methodically go about putting your own dreams into practice this day. A little research may be fun, check out a travel destination and use your imagination. Close relationships take on more emotional importance. Feeling cared for and needed is comfortable and it is fun to care and serve your loved one. New ideas of entertainment meet your approval.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

Marriage and other close relationships give rise to great expectations, as a new cycle gets underway in your life. This is a time to enjoy and appreciate your ties to others. You are happy in most settings these days and can do without the extras in life that others seem to think are necessities. You enjoy making do with the basics of life. Your love of simplicity is good for politics too.

It brings out the truth and a sense of honesty in a group. Religion, truth and the world of philosophy and ideas are calling you. You may find yourself involved in some intriguing subjects while conversing with friends this afternoon. You exhibit your freedom-loving and independent nature and may discover new places to visit this summer.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

ZITS

You are understanding and sensitive to the needs of others and may be asked to speak for a group. This could be at an awards dinner or wedding or simply to guide a party or group in a positive direction. You communicate in most positive ways, concerning groups and society matters. This is a time during which you may discover new and different reasons or ways to enjoy and appreciate life. A kind of mini-revolution may find you altering your value system, allowing you to like new things. There is a new approach available to love and express compassion. A natural transformation of your values and the way you appreciate and love yourself and others is taking place. You will probably develop an eye for the good quality products now.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Friends, family and young people occupy most of your day. Being appreciated and admired for your gifts and talents are powerful needs. Taking chances can bring rewards. You could receive some help or advice in the form of a real drive towards realizing your inner self and your life ambitions. You are able to cut through much of what is unessential and continue on with some real plans for the future. Also, a special relationship may develop with an authority figure or teacher. You are in a mood of self-enjoyment and can appreciate your own creative projects. A sociable, congenial, slightly frivolous orientation sets in this evening.

Visitors in your home enjoy hearing your ideas, stories, etc. You show your love of life!

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

Finally, you have time for family and friends today. You may enjoy getting away from routine and doing something completely different with your loved ones. Lovers, children and other people or things dear to your heart are emphasized. You are charming and always manage to enchant others with your words and manner. You bring a sense of the beyond and mystical to any conversation. It is important for you to feel safe and you are very domestic—family, home and kids. Supportive, nurturing, you use your intuition and gut instinct over thought and deliberation. Fiercely loyal and dependable, young people trust you and your peers confide in you. A trip to the zoo or some tourist attraction may be the glue that brings everyone together.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You are a real guide or pathfinder for others and your sense of truth and direction is very clear. You already know the way to accomplish things and solve problems and you need no education to success. Your analytical powers are superb and you enjoy finding new avenues of inner growth. You could find some deep discussions with your loved ones concerning career choices. It may be time to review and update your resume or to help someone with his or her resume. Relationships whether they are partnerships, personal ones or the social scene, are very important now and can have a very decided influence on other areas of your life. You may find that a more impersonal attitude is the key for today.

Emotional challenges are short-lived.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You cherish whatever is different and out of the ordinary. Your friends and surroundings—everything around you—must be unconventional to the point of being controversial. You are not interested in what others think—this independence is your passion. The way you show affection may also be unusual and your partners are certainly nonconformist. You set a high value on being different. You may have a tendency to avoid sensitive subjects and to take refuge in duties and responsibilities rather than face issues that might be disturb you.

This could be bad or good, depending on your problem-solving abilities. Later today you have an opportunity to interact with open-minded people. Enjoy an evening walk with your loved one.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) This is a lucky day for making plans or decisions and finding your way through just about any situation that may occur. Good advice from a guide or older person may be inevitable. You communicate with consummate skill and it is stimulating just being with you. You may be attending a lecture or educational demonstration. Your high degree of mental concentration makes you an excellent student, able to excel in speaking, writing and all types of communication skills. Obtaining and exchanging information is important to you. This evening you are more involved with neighbors. You are very painstaking when it comes to partnerships, lovers—relationships of all kinds. You tend toward long-lasting friendships and your loyalty shows.

Yesterday’s Solution Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You like other people and they can tell. Others value you for your sense of discrimination and kindness. You will find yourself working with groups of people today—maybe a neighborhood watch program. Perhaps you will enlist other volunteers through your special way of how you appreciate others’ time. Penetrating psychological insight is your gift. You will find it easy to listen to the ideas and thoughts of others. You are considerate, helpful and courteous. You enjoy communication in all its forms—spoken, written, via computers, etc. Put any reservations you may have today aside; you will be successful in whatever you set out to do.

New beginnings and understandings are possible with old relationships. Positive end results happen!

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

This is a productive day, especially with group-related projects. You will receive a little boost through your friends today. Some sort of extra support or recognition is available. You may feel that the lines of communication are open. There is a fierce sense of loyalty for loved ones. You are protective and security-minded. You are very skilled at implementing change and improving existing circumstances. You will seek to understand and improve a difficult situation today by finding new but secure ways to better managing certain conditions. Inventions and discoveries, in particular in communications, computers and electronics, may be possible. Stop playing with your hobby or some other personal activity early enough to enjoy your loved one(s) this evening.

A

y

e niv rsar n

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

Years

i n f o r m at i o n FIRE BRIGADE STATE ST TAT TE OF KUW K KUWAIT WA AIT

112

Tel.: T e el.: 161

DIRECTORA DIRECTORATE AT TE GEN GENERAL NERAL OF CIVIL A AVIATION V VIA AT TION METEOROLOGICAL L DEP DEPARTMENT PA ARTMENT DA AY: Y Sunday DAY:

WWW .MET.GOV V..KW W WWW.MET.GOV.KW

05/06/2011 05/06/201 1

Ministry of Interior

Ext.: 26 2627 627 - 2630

Fax: 24348714

19:00

Time Issue Time

Expected Weather Weeather for the Next 24 2 Hours

website: www.moi.gov.kw For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128

Al-Madena

22418714

Al-Shohada’a

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

BY Y NIGHT NIGHT::

Relattively hot with light to mode Relatively moderate erate variable wind changing g to light to moderate north westerly w wind, with speed of 06 - 28 km/h and so ome scattered clouds will ap ppear some appear

Al-Fayhaa

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

BY Y DA AY: DAY:

Very V eery hot with light to moderate variable v wind changing to lig light ght to moderate southerly wi wind, nd, with speed off 08 8 - 28 km/h k /h

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

WARNING W A ARNING

No Current W Warnings aarnin ngs

STATION ST TAT TION

MAX. REC.

MIN MIN. N. EXP EXP. P.

Al-Mangaf

23711183

KUWAIT KUW WA AIT CITY

42 °C

3 °C 32

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

24812000

KUWAIT KUW WA AIT AIRPORT AIRPOR RT

44 °C

3 °C 33

Al-Jahra

25610011

Amiri Hospital

22450005

NUWAISEEB NUW WAISEEB A

41 °C

3 °C 30

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Maternity Hospital

24843100

W A AFRA WAFRA

45 °C

3 °C 30

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

SALMI

44 °C

2 °C 28

Chest Hospital

24849400

ABDALY ABDAL LY

46 °C

2 °C 29

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

JAL ALIYAH ALIY YAH A

44 °C

2 °C 28

Adan Hospital

23940620

F A AILAKA FAILAKA

44 °C

3 °C 30

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

PORT AHMADI POR RT

41 °C

3 °C 33

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

UMM AL-MARADEM AL-MARAD DEM

36 °C

3 °C 31

W A ARBA A - BUBYAN BUBY YAN A WARBA

42 °C

29 2 °C

Hospitals Sabah Hospital

Clinics Rabiya

4732263

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

SFC. CHAR CHART RT

05/06/201 05/06/2011 1 120 1200 00 UTC

POLICE STATION

4 DA DAYS AY YS FORECAST Temperatures Temperatures DAY DA AY

DATE DA AT TE

Monday

06/06

Tuesday Tuesday

07/06

Wednesday Weednesday

08/06

Thursday

09/06

WEA WEATHER AT THER R

Wind Wind Speed

Wind Wind Direction Direction

MAX.

MIN.

very hot

46 °C

33 °C

VRB-S

08 - 28 km/h

very hot

47 °C

35 °C

N-NW

12 - 35 km/h

very hot

48 °C

34 °C

NW-N NW-N

15 - 40 km/h

very hot + raisin raising ng dust

48 °C

33 °C

N-NW

15 - 40 km/h

PRAYER P PRA AY YER TIMES

RECORDED RECORDE ED YESTERDAY YESTERDA AY AT AT KUW KUWAIT WA AIT AIRPORT AIRPOR RT

Fajr

03:14

MAX. Temp.

M Temp.

43 °C

Sunrise

04:48

Temp.

MIN. T M emp.

31 °C

Zuhr

11:47 11:47

MAX. RH M

19 %

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Asr

15:21

MIN. RH

06 %

Dasmah

22532265

Sunset

18:45

Wind MAX. W M ind

N 60 km/h

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Isha

20:16

TOTAL RAINFALL T OT TA AL L RA AINF FA ALL L IN 24 HR.

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

Al-Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W.Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Al-Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Al-Omariya

24719048

N.Kheitan

24710044

Fintas

3900322

All times are local time unless otherwise stated.

Al-Madena Police Station Al-Murqab Police Station Al-Daiya Police Station Al-Fayha’a Police Station Al-Qadissiya Police Station Al-Nugra Police Station Al-Salmiya Police Station Al-Dasma Police Station

22434064 22435865 22544200 22547133 22515277 22616662 25714406 22530801

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

00 mm

05/06/11 14:13 UTC 05/06/11

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

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist 25340300

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

Dr Anil Thomas

3729596/3729581 22641071/2

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

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Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291 22666288

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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

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Years

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

lifestyle G O S S I P

Vanessa Paradis not worried about age he 38-year-old singer-and-actress - who has children Lily-Rose, 12, and nine-yearold Jack with long-term partner Johnny Depp - has accepted her appearance will alter as she gets older, and isn’t concerned about doing anything to change it because she considers her achievements more important than her looks. She said: “What do you wanna do?

You can pull what you’re gonna pull... But it’s always going to be there - the age and the lack of limberness. “It’s not about that. It depends what you’ve achieved in your life and where

Allen

upset Example

T

ily Allen is “hot and cold” with her tour support. The ‘Smile’ hitmaker was joined on the road in 2009 by Example whose real name is Elliot Gleave and the ‘Changed The Way You Kiss Me’ singer was bemused by her unpredictable treatment of him. Example said: “I like Lily and I love her songs but she’s hot and cold with me. We toured together and one minute she was my best mate, then the next we’d be standing in the catering queue and she’d pretend she didn’t know me.” Example was particularly infuriated by his treatment because of Lily ’s contrasting behavior to his chart rival Professor Green. He added to more! magazine “I’m sure Professor Green is going to her wedding. They’re quite matey. “She bought him a Rolex! All I got was a bacon sandwich. I got a bacon sandwich on my last day of touring with Lily. That’s going in my autobiography.”

you are at in your life. And it’s not like I’m that old that I can’t look at myself in the mirror. I’m not there yet.” Vanessa admits she feels more comfortable with herself now than she did in her twenties. She added to Britain’s Vogue magazine: “I do, for sure, feel much better in my shoes than I did when I was 20. “Just because you’re more at ease - at peace with yourself. Not that you’ve given up anything.

But you’re more accepting of the way you are, and who you are. But I know so many women who feel like that.”

L

Cruz happy to look bad

enelope Cruz asks to be made ugly in her movie roles. The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ actress - who has a fivemonth-old son, Leo, with husband Javier Bardem - insists she isn’t vain about her appearance and is happy to change her looks to suit her characters. She said: “I’m not scared to be ugly when I work - so I often ask for more moustache or black bags under my eyes.” The Spanish beauty also revealed she prefers to be asked to change her accent for her movie roles because she becomes less critical of herself and more open to experimenting with her characters. She explained to Closer magazine: “I love to spend hours with the dialogue coach because it creates a distance from myself. That way I don’t hear Penelope talking - I don’t criticize myself so much and have more freedom to try things.

“My grandmother was very gypsy in her spirit and she taught me to love words, especially poetry and flamenco and music and drama.”

Fassbender recalls weight loss horror ichael Fassbender looked like he “had cancer” when he had to lose weight for his role in ‘Hunger’. The 34year-old actor - who lost more than two stone on a diet of just 600 calories a day over a 10week period for the role - was shocked when a doctor informed him his assistant had thought he was dying from a fatal disease. He said: “I had my cut-off point and if I went below it I was told things would get a little tricky. I remember looking at myself and thinking, ‘God, there are bones sticking out here’. “I went for my final check-up after filming and my doctor said, ‘Last time you came in here you looked pretty bad. My assistant was outside and she saw you and said, ‘My God, that guy’s really ill, isn’t he?’ She thought you had cancer’. People don’t actually say anything directly to you.” However, the ‘X-Men: First Class’ star admitted while the process made him lose his sex drive for six weeks, the experience was “liberating”. Michael added: “My libido disappeared for about six weeks.

“It felt very liberating. You don’t realise how distracting all that stuff can be. Your body streamlines and focuses on what’s important.

I suppose that’s why monks and religious people do it.”

P

Morgan’s

Huntington-Whiteley is ‘scared’ about transformers

wife pregnant iers Morgan and wife Celia Walden are expecting their first child. The couple - who tied the knot in Oxfordshire, South East England, last June - will welcome a baby into the world this winter, with journalist Celia being four months pregnant, according to the Mail on Sunday newspaper. Chat show host Piers - who already has three sons from his 20-year marriage to Marion Shalloe, whom he divorced in 2008 - first met Celia on a photoshoot, claiming she was “way out” of his league. He then proposed to the 34-year-old beauty while on a romantic trip to Paris by presenting her with a book by her most-loved writer John Updike, entitled ‘Marry Me’. The pair then tied the knot in a quiet ceremony, where he neglected to even invite fellow ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ judge Simon Cowell to the nuptials. He said: “I couldn’t trust him to turn up on time.” Simon later retorted: “I hate to admit it but I’m absolutely thrilled for the two of them. Having met Celia, I have no idea how he managed to pull this one off.”

P

osie Huntington-Whiteley is “scared” about the release of ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’. The 24-year-old model has landed the female lead opposite Shia LaBeouf in the forthcoming blockbuster sequel and she is worried about the impact the film will have on her life. She said: “Am I scared? Er yeah. “I just want to come across like a decent person. I had to think about whether I wanted to take the role because I knew it would be life-changing. “It was a big decision. I’m quite private and I’d never sought to be famous so I didn’t want my life to get out of control. Then I started to understand that’s something you allow to happen.” Rosie admits taking on the role was particularly daunting when she learned no one else had passed the first audition. She explained to Elle magazine: “I was invited to a casting. I believe in taking opportunities, so turned up, didn’t think it went well, then a few days later was told I was being cast for the female lead. “I met Shia for dinner that night and asked how many other girls had got this far through the audition process. “He said, ‘None. It’s you or no-one.’ He didn’t paint a pretty picture. It was going to be a challenge for me and he made sure I knew that.”

R

Humes has home dressing room arvin Humes has his own dressing room in his house. The JLS star is a huge fan of clothes and admits his wardrobe is so extensive, it takes up a whole room in the house he shares with his girlfriend, The Saturdays singer Rochelle Wiseman. Marvin said: “I have my Marvin doll at home, line dup in my dressing room with the three other JLS dolls. I’ve got a lot of clothes. “I also have my own Jacuzzi, but no spa yet.

M

The house isn’t that big!” Marvin, 26, loves spending time at his London home, and says one of his favorite things to do is watch DVD with Rochelle - and he even lets her choose the movies. He said: “I watch chick flicks.

Rochelle ropes me into it! “She loves them and, to be hones, I don’t mind them either. We have a romantic night in with popcorn and ‘Pretty Woman’. “Things are great. We are happy and very much in love.”

Cole makes return to US ‘X Factor’

M

heryl Cole is set to make a return to the US ‘X Factor’. The 27-year-old singer - who was sensationally sacked from the talent series last month - has seen Fox TV bosses make a Uturn in their decision to axe her from the judging panel after show chief Simon Cowell persuaded network executives to give her another chance.

While the reason Cheryl was axed from the panel is believed to be down to worries over her strong North-East England accent and lack of chemistry with fellow judge Paula Abdul, bosses are reportedly concerned they’ve made a “big mistake” after watching footage of the brunette beauty at the auditions. With the ‘Promise This’ hitmaker expected to return to the show when the auditions start again in New Jersey on Wednesday, Nicole Scherzinger - who was believed to have taken over from Cheryl on the panel alongside Paula, Simon and L.A. Reid - will return to her role as co-host. An insider told the News of the World newspaper: “This is the biggest surprise of the lot - Cheryl is back. Who could possibly have predicted this - it appeared that Simon had dumped Cheryl for good? “But behind the scenes Simon has been wooing Cheryl. And key executives at Fox all realized they had made a big mistake.

They have been watching the tapes of her at the American auditions and realized that she could be a huge star over there.” Cheryl’s previous contract with Fox will reportedly be upheld, with the star continuing with the auditions and returning for the twice weekly live shows in the autumn. —Bang showbiz

C

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

lifestyle Music & Movies

Hollywood stars at Georgia-Russia war film premiere

US

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi arrives on the red carpet for the gala premiere of film ‘The Devil Inside Me’ at the Screen Singapore film festival in Singapore, yesterday.—AP

Son, mom reenact fatal wire walk T

wo members of a famed acrobatic family commemorated patriarch Karl Wallenda on Saturday by completing the stunt that killed him, walking between two towers of a seaside hotel on a wire 31 m above the ground, without a net. Nik Wallenda said he had planned to walk by himself across a 91-m-long wire, but his mother convinced him to let her join him on the reconstruction of the fatal 1978 stunt. “I’ve been mentally prepared my entire life for this,” he said. “I’ve seen the video of my greatgrandfather falling hundreds of times. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for all of us, for our family.”

He said he initially rejected a request by his mother, Delilah Wallenda, to join him. “Just because of safety,” he said.

“We’ve obviously lost several family members doing this.” But Delilah Wallenda, who is in her late 50s, eventually won him over, he said. The mother-andson team walked slowly toward each other on a damp morning,

balancing on a wire as wide as a nickle. Nik Wallenda was wearing moccasin-style shoes that his mother had made. He carried a 20-kg balancing pole, while Delilah Wallenda carried a 11-kg pole.

They met at the middle.

Delilah Wallenda sat on the wire while her son stepped over her in slow motion. She then struggled slightly to get up before both continued toward the towers of the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel. “Normally, I’m in a zone,” he said. “At this

point, I was in no zone. I was still focused on my great-grandfather.” Dozens of onlookers on balconies and the street below gasped as he knelt and steadied himself just meters before he completed the walk.

The Wallendas obtained per-

mission to do the stunt about two months ago so they could commemorate German-born Karl Wallenda, who was 73 when he fell to his death after a lifetime of spectacular acrobatics. He was the founder of the “The Flying Wallendas” highwire act. In 2001, another relative, Tino Wallenda, crossed a 91-m cable at a prison in Puerto Rico and did a headstand in honor of Karl Wallenda. Nik Wallenda said Saturday’s walk was an emotional experience. “It was to show the world that the Wallendas are still here, we’re still going strong,” he said. “My great-grandfather always said, ‘Never give up,’ and that’s something we’ll never do.” — AP

High-wire acrobat Delilah Wallenda lowers her head as her son Nik Wallenda crosses over her during their high-wire act where the two simultaneously walked across a 300-ft-long wire suspended 100 ft in the air between two towers of the Conrad Condado Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Saturday. — AP

stars Andy Garcia and Sharon Stone visited the capital of ex-Soviet Georgia yesterday to attend the local premiere of a Hollywood drama about the country’s war with Russia in August 2008. The all-action film, “Five Days of August”, focuses on a fictional American reporter and his cameraman trying to establish the truth out about atrocities committed during the five-day conflict.

“It’s an anti-war movie,” Garcia, who plays the role of Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, told a news conference in Tbilisi.” We see the tragedies that arose so hopefully they won’t happen again,” said Garcia, who was nominated for an Oscar in 1991 for his role in “The Godfather: Part III”. Director Renny Harlin, best known for high-budget action films like “Die Hard 2” and “Cliffhanger”, said the film was about “a small country fighting for independence and freedom”.

“It was the most powerful experience of my life and my career,” he said of making the film in Georgia. The brief war saw Russian forces pour into Georgia to repel Tbilisi’s military attempt to retake the Kremlin-backed rebel region of South Ossetia.

The Georgian authorities allowed the director to use their soldiers, tanks and helicopters for the film, which had an estimated budget of $20 million, making it one of the most expensive ever shot in the impoverished country. One of its producers is a minister in the Saakashvili government, although he rejected suggestions that it was a biased portrayal of the conflict.

“Of course it is not propaganda,” Minister for Diaspora Issues Mirza Davitaia told AFP.” They based this movie on international reports from Human Rights Watch and the European Union.” Sharon Stone does not appear in the film but is due to attend a charity event after the premiere to raise money for the families of Georgian soldiers killed in the war.—AFP

The film director Renny Harlin gestures as actor Andy Garcia looks on during a news conference in Tbilisi yesterday.—AFP

MTV film award winners take back seat to new clips A

ward show junkies forced to go cold turkey since the Oscars three months ago will get a mild fix on courtesy of MTV. The lifestyle cable channel hosts the 20th annual MTV Movie Awards near Hollywood, promising a light-hearted homage to recent crowd-pleasers such as the latest “Twilight” and “Harry Potter” films. With such categories as best kiss, including a nod this year for the lesbian scene in “Black Swan,” nobody could ever confuse the MTV event with the self-congratulatory Academy Awards.

Perhaps the real point of the showapart from the presentation of a lifetime achievement award to Reese Witherspoon, star of the recent costly flop “How Do You Know” — is to promote upcoming buzzworthy movies.

MTV will offer exclusive peaks of the supernatural thriller “Super 8” (due in theaters on Friday), “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” (July 15) and “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1” (Nov 18). Stars of the various films will be on hand to introduce the footage for the excitable crowd and viewers at home.

“Saturday Night Live” comic Jason Sudeikis hosts the two-hour event at the Gibson Amphitheatre, beginning at 6 pm PDT . Most of the presenters, not surprisingly, have new movies coming out imminently, including Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Shia LaBeouf and Blake Lively. Lively has not wanted for publicity in recent days thanks to the online leak of nude photos she swears are not of her. MTV will be hoping the A-list contingent boosts

ratings. Viewership for last year’s show slid 13 percent to 4.6 million in the United States, according to Nielsen Media Research.

For those keeping count, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” leads the contenders with eight nominations.

“Inception” picked up seven, followed by “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1” with six, “The Social Network” with five and “Black Swan” with four. All five films will vie for best picture.

If the last two years are anything to go by, it should be a “three-peat” for “Twilight.” The first two films in the vampire romance series each won five awards, including best picture. —Reuters

‘Dallas’ star Hagman auctions memorabilia

J

R wasn’t selling oil this time. He was selling himself.

He still made a pretty penny. Larry Hagman, who played the cold, conniving oil baron JR Ewing on the beloved 1980s series “Dallas,” auctioned off many of his personal valuables Saturday in Beverly Hills. Caroline Galloway of Julien’s Auctions said a silver saddle was the priciest item sold, fetching $80,000.

Other big items included a portrait of Hagman’s costar Jim Davis that went for more than $38,000, a replica bottle from Hagman’s earlier series “I Dream of Jeannie” that brought in more than $10,000, and a pair of pistols that fetched more than $4,000. The 79-year-old Hagman put in an appearance, describing items to the crowd then sitting in the audience during bidding. The collection brought in more than $500,000.—AP

File: Larry Hagman responds to a question regarding his experience on the television show, ‘Dallas’, at the Southfork Ranch in Parker, Texas.—AP

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

lifestyle A W A R D S

Aniston Hotness, at the

rewarded for Decade of

Guys Choice

Awards

Cameron Diaz is seen on stage at the Spike TV Guys Choice Awards on Saturday in Culver City. —AP photos

N

ewly single Scarlett Johansson led the charge at the Spike TV 2011 Guys Choice Award in LA yesterday night but keenly avoided any mention of her rumoured ex Sean Penn. Hollywood is abuzz with speculation about why the 26year-old split from Penn, 50 , after just two months, but the stunning redhead stuck to industry chatter on the red carpet. Her erstwhile boyfriend even avoided the press pack - and Scarlett - at arrivals, to arrive.

The actress looked sensational in a black and white Valentino gown as she arrived at the Sony Studios in Culver City alongside Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz. Scarlett was keen to impart an insight from the set of The Avengers, a canny move considering the moribund status of her movie career versus her fervid love life of late. She told Just Jared: ‘I just flew in from New Mexico, where I’ve been shooting The Avengers. A bunch of the cast is here tonight but I’m here to support the troops. Chris Evans and I are presenting ‘We’re right in the middle of scenes and

Robert De Niro presents the brass balls award.

Keith Richards accepts the brass balls award.

figuring a lot of stuff out. I’ve been training a lot and doing all sorts of exercises.’ Her new fitness regime is just another thing she now has in common with one of the beauties at the event, another newly minted singleton Cameron Diaz, 38. The blonde is reported to have split from her baseball pro lover Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez, 35 , but betrayed no sign of sadness at the highspirited event, despite opting for a funereal black suit.

With such an array of beauties, including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 24 , who was flying the flag for the UK in an arresting white gown, it was quite a scramble for the Holy Grail of Hotness Award. The honor went to Black Swan temptress Mila Kunis, 28, who accepted the award from her Friends with Benefits co-star Justin Timberlake, 30.Jennifer Aniston, 42, meanwhile, was honored with the Decade of Hotness Award and earned a whoop from friend Jim Carrey, who scooped the Funniest MF gong, which was presented by Diaz. The army of beauties was bolstered by Eva Mendes in a delightful lavender dress

Danny McBride accepts the comedy mvp award.

Chris Paul presents the award for most dangerous man.

Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans present the award for troops choice: entertainer of the year.

David Spade presents the comedy mvp award.

Cameron Diaz is seen onstage.

Amy Heckerling accepts the guy movie hall of fame award.

and Minka Kelly in blue, to add to the rainbow spectrum of attire.

Timberlake, again a member of the newly single brigade after splitting from Jessica Biel, had taken care not to let his female counterparts upstage him in the style stakes. Justin looked sharp in a John Varvatos leather jacket, Dolce and Gabbana shirt, Nice collective khakis, All Saints boots set off with a Cartier watch.

The cheeky star also had fun with the show’s choice of award, a pair of stag’s antlers. Timberlake has been linked to a string of beauties including Olivia Wilde and most recently Ashley Olsen, since splitting with Biel. So it’s clear he’s not afraid of mining his reputation as a ladies man for a laugh. And Mark Wahlberg, who turns 40 tomorrow, started his celebrations by picking up the award for Best Guy Movie of the Year for The Fighter. Rolling Stone Keith Richards bagged the most humorous trophy of the evening - the Brass Balls Award, and the 67-year-old rocker appeared to appreciate more than his many gold discs.

— Daily Mail Reporter

(From left) Tom Lennon and Ben Garant present the award for manvention of the year to Christopher Sun.

Joel McHale presets the award for our new girlfriend.

Jon Jones accepts the award for most dangerous man.

(From left) Charlie Day, Jason Bateman, and Jason Sudeikis present the award for decade of hotness to Jennifer Aniston.

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

lifestyle A W A R D S

Ben Affleck accepts the troops choice: entertainer of the year award.

Eva Mendes presents the guy of the year award.

Jim Carrey accepts the award for funniest MF gong.

Samuel L Jackson presents the award for guy movie of the year.

Ben Affleck accepts the troops choice: entertainer of the year award.

Rosie Huntington-Whitely accepts the awards for our new girlfriend.

Triumph the insult comic dog is seen on screen.

Minka Kelly and Annie Ilonzeh present the award for rookie of the year.

Harrison Ford accepts the most anticipated movie award for “Cowboy & Aliens”.

(From right) Sean Penn accepts the award for guy movie hall of fame for ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ as, from left, Taylor Negron, Forest Whitaker, Amy Heckerling, Brian Backer, Judge Reinhold, and Robert Romanus look on.

Blake Griffin accepts the award for rookie of the year.

Mila Kunis accepts the holy grail of hot award.

Justin Timberlake presents the holy grail of hot award.

Dwayne Johnson accepts the biggest ass-kicker award from presenter Danny McBride.

Erin Heatherton arrives at the Spike TV Guys Choice Awards.

Aniston rewarded for Decade of Hotness, at the Guys Choice Awards

38

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

Chinese men participate in a race dressed as shoes during a music festival held in Beijing yesterday.—AP

Malawi’s ‘witches’ challenge century-old sorcery law W

hen Kanthukako Supaunyolo’s grandson woke up in the night with a nosebleed, his parents were enraged by what they saw as a bad omen and a certain product of sorcery. They accused the 82-year-old grandmother of casting a spell on him, and filed a criminal complaint of witchcraft, landing her in jail under a century-old law now under fire by both non-believers and self-proclaimed witches.

“How could I bewitch my own grandchild. For what?” said the softspoken woman. She and two elderly friends were convicted and sentenced to 33-dollar fines each, a steep sum for women who-like 62 percent of Malawians-live on less than two dollars a day. When they could not pay, they were jailed. “We suffered this injustice because we are poor and old.

I blame the police who are overzealous in arresting innocent people and charging them with witchcraft, which cannot be proved in a court of law,” Supaunyolo told AFP. She was released along with her friends-Liness Nkhukuyalira, 72, and Nurse Nthala, 62 — after a local rights group paid the fine and secured their

freedom from the notorious Maula prison in the administrative capital Lilongwe. “In Malawi, people hate old people,” Nkhukuyalira said. “They think everybody who is old must be a witch.” About 50 alleged witches remain in Malawi prisons serving sentences of up to six years, says the Association for Secular Humanism (ASH), founded last year to fight abuses against alleged witches.

Belief in witchcraft runs deep in this conservative former British colony, where curses and spells are blamed for everything from unexplained deaths to the spread of AIDS to irregular rainfall. “Of late there have been increasing cases of people being arrested and convicted based on accusations that they are practicing witchcraft,” ASH executive director George Thindwa told AFP. “We want to secure their release of those labeled as witches because they are 100 percent innocent,” said Thindwa, an economist-turned rights activist. His group, which doesn’t believe in witchcraft, wants to see the release of other elderly “witches”.

Last week they helped 83-year-old Namakhalepo Kamphata with food

and cash donations after her threeyear prison sentence, the longest anyone has spent behind bars for witchcraft in Malawi. She was convicted with her nephew, 62-year-old Chigayo Tchale, of bewitching a child who died suddenly. Tchale died in prison last year. They are “sick, old and need medical attention very urgently. The convicts are in a desperate situation as society has rejected them,” Thindwa said. Cases of witchcraft often land in a legal black hole. A 1911 law from the British colonial era makes it illegal to accuse anyone of being a witch or to claim that one practices witchcraft.

In practice, the alleged witchesrather than their accusers-end up in jail. Since the law doesn’t recognize witchcraft, belief in witches is both widespread and impassioned.

Suspects are often charged with conduct likely to breach the peace, landing them in jail but also protecting them from mob justice, police spokesman Davie Chingwalu said.

Witchcraft accusations have “reached a crisis point in Malawi, with many people taking the law into their own hands,” he said. The state-funded Law Commission is now reviewing the

law, which it said should “safeguard the rights of victims, especially women and children who are often the victims of witchcraft allegations, regardless of whether witchcraft exists or not”.

Thindwa also blames the courts, where children are often used to give damning testimony in cases like Supaunyolo’s.

While many suspects deny practicing witchcraft, Medson Gibson Kachilika stunned Malawi by last year declaring before a court that he is a wizard, saying he should be free to practice his beliefs. “I am a wizard and I teach others the practice. I am free to hold the belief that I practice and

have powers to practice witchcraft,” Kachilika said in court. Kachilika argues that it would be against the “liberty of an individual to compel them not to believe what they believe to be what they are.” His case has yet

Malawian Ezereti Kampota, 73, served three years after being accused of withcraft.—AFP

Ancient world dictionary finished after 90 years I

t was a monumental project with modest beginnings: a small group of scholars and some index cards. The plan was to explore a long-dead language that would reveal an ancient world of chariots and concubines, royal decrees and diaries and omens that came from the heavens and sheep livers. The year: 1921. The place: The University of Chicago. The project: Assembling an Assyrian dictionary based on words recorded on clay or stone tablets unearthed from ruins in Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey, written in a language that had not been uttered for more than 2,000 years. The scholars knew the project would take a long time.

No one quite expected how very long.

Decades passed. The team grew. Scholars arrived from Vienna, Paris, Copenhagen, Jerusalem, Berlin, Helsinki, Baghdad and London, joining others from the United States and Canada. One generation gave way to the next, one century faded into the next. Some signed on early in their careers; they were still toiling away at retirement. The work was slow, sometimes frustrating and decidedly lowtech: Typewriters. Mimeograph machines.

And index cards. Eventually, nearly 2 million of them. And now, 90 years later, a finale.

The Chicago Assyrian Dictionary is now officially complete — 21 volumes of Akkadian, a Semitic language (with several dialects, including Assyrian) that endured for 2,500 years. The project is more encyclopedia than glossary, offering a window into the ancient society of Mesopotamia, now modern-day Iraq, through every conceivable form of writing: love letters, recipes, tax records, medical prescriptions, astronomical observations, religious texts, contracts, epics, poems and more.

boastful leaders.

Why is there a need for a dictionary of a “A lot of what you see is absolutely recoglanguage last written around AD 100 that nizable: people expressing fear and anger, only a small number of scholars worldwide expressing love, asking for love,” says know of? Gil Stein, director of the university’s Matthew Stolper, a University of Chicago proOriental Institute (the dictionary’s home), has fessor who worked on the project on and off a ready answer: “The Assyrian Dictionary over three decades. gives us the key “There are inscripinto the world’s tions from kings that first urban civilizatell you how great tion,” he says. they are, and inscrip“Virtually everytions from others thing that we take who tell you those for granted ... has guys weren’t so great. its origins in ... There’s also lot of Mesopotamia, ancient versions of whether it’s the ‘your check is in the origins of cities, of mail.’ And there’s a state societies, common phrase in the invention of old Babylonian letthe wheel, the ters that literally way we measure means ‘don’t worry time, and most about a thing.”‘ There important the were omens, too, invention of writways of divining the ing. future by reading “If we ever smoke patterns, the want to understars, the moon and stand our roots,” sheep livers.

Stein adds, “we “Like all people at have to underall times, they wantstand this first ed to try to find great civilization.”

Robert Biggs holds an Old Babylonian gramsome way of controlThe translated matical text stone tablet that was used in the ling their world,” says cuneiform texts, research.

Martha Roth, the dicoriginally written tionary’s editor-inwith wedgedcharge and dean of humanities. “It’s very difshaped characters, reveal a culture where people expressed joy, anxiety and disappoint- ficult to draw the line between actually believing and being superstitious.” Robert ment about the same events they do today: a Biggs, professor emeritus at the university, child’s birth, bad harvests, money troubles,

to be heard in the constitutional court.—AFP

devoted nearly a half-century to the dictionary, sometimes uncovering tablets on digs in the Iraq desert, sometimes poring over texts in museums in London and Baghdad. His specialty is Babylonian medicine. For almost an entire year, he studied thousands of references to sheep livers. For example: If a sheep’s gallbladder-part of the liver-was long and pointed, it meant the defeat of the enemy king. If there was a certain kind of crease on the liver, it could mean the king was going on a journey. A lunar eclipse could mean danger for a king.

The tablets reached far beyond royalty.

Biggs says they included everything from a disputed paternity case to agricultural loans to famine, where desperate people sold their children for cash. “Life was very fragile ... it was much more risky that it is now,” he says.

Making sense of it all was painstaking work.

Some of the wedge-shaped characters changed over the thousands of years, and the tablets excavated from ancient temples, palaces and cities frequently were crumbling.

Often there was no punctuation, so it was hard to know where one word ended and the other began.

“You’d sit in a room with a good light and turn the tablet in various directions to see as much as possible,” Biggs explains. “Quite often the tablets were broken, so you might see part of a sign. And different people looking at the same thing would see something different because of the way you’d hold it.”

“Sometimes it got to be very tedious,” he adds. “Other times, there was a sense of exhilaration if you could solve some problem or figure out what a rare word means.”

Regardless, the work continued.—AP

Exhibit marks 67th anniversary of D-Day landings

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rench artist Rachid Khimoune has installed 1,000 sculptures shaped like sea turtles on Omaha Beach to mark the 67th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. The turtles’ “shells” are molded from American, Russian and German combat helmets, sprouting flippers and long-necked heads. The sculptures were arranged yesterday along the sandy expanses of Omaha Beach-where the Allies won a pivotal victory against the Nazis.

Some 215,000 Allied soldiers, and roughly as many Germans, were killed or wounded during DDay and the ensuing nearly three months it took to secure the capture of Normandy. A French artist of Berber origin, Khimoune is a sculptor, painter and video artist whose work often features everyday objects.—AP

An installation of 1,000 casts of Russian, German and American combat helmets of WWII which also represent turtles, to denounce global violence.—AP