15 Jun

ON IP TI SC R SU B

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

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‘Partying’ Gullit fired as Terek Grozny coach

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MPs file motion to oust PM over Iran Move follows 7-hour grilling in secret session

Max 43º Min 28º Low Tide 03:48 & 17:16 High Tide 09:38 & 23:48

By B Izzak

UAE tries five regime critics Bahrain tries 22 more ABU DHABI/MANAMA: A pro-democracy blogger, a university lecturer and three others denied charges yesterday of insulting the United Arab Emirates’ rulers, in a case gauging the Gulf state’s fears of citizen revolts sweeping the region. The UAE, a key US ally and leading world oil producer with a per capita income of $47,000, has not seen the kind of mass anti-government protests that have reached as close as neighbouring Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

Yet with the economy dented by the 2008 global slowdown and Dubai’s 2009 debt crisis, and moves afoot to increase the number of those eligible for the parliament-style Federal National Council (FNC), the UAE’s political sands may be shifting. The five men appearing at an Abu Dhabi court are accused of “acts that threaten state security and public order”, and “insulting the president, vice president and the crown prince of Abu Dhabi”, the state news agency said in April.

One defendant is blogger and rights activist Ahmed Mansoor, from Ras al-Khaimah, among of the UAE’s poorer emirates. He had joined a petition demanding wider political representation and legislative powers for the FNC. Another is Nasser bin Ghaith, a lecturer at the Abu Dhabi branch of France’s Sorbonne University. He published an online article on Mansoor’s forum, “UAE Hewar”, criticising what he called Gulf states’ attempt to avoid political reform by buying off their populaces with increased social spending.

They and the three other alleged regime critics - Fahad Salim Al-Shehhi, a friend of Mansoor also involved with the forum, and Hassan Ali AlKhamis and Ahmed Abdul-Khaleq - entered notguilty pleas, their lawyers said outside the court.

The trial will resume on July 18 to begin hearing witnesses, the lawyers said. A crowd of some 100 men rallied to denounce the defendants. “We are all Khalifa,” they chanted, referring to UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, head of the Nahyan family that also rules Abu Dhabi.

KUWAIT: Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah waves at the end of a parliamentary session as he leaves the National Assembly yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat (See Page 2)

Qaeda-style raid on Iraq govt HQ kills 9 BAQOUBA: Gunmen blasted their way into government offices in central Iraq yesterday with two car bombs and suicide blasts that killed nine people and mirrored a similar March raid claimed by Al-Qaeda.

Militants involved in the attack in Diyala’s provincial capital of Baqouba exchanged gunfire with Iraqi security forces, holding them at bay, and took hostages in the siege that lasted nearly three hours.

The gun battle ended when Iraqi security forces took control of the building with US military assistance.

Large numbers of Iraqi police and soldiers were deployed to the scene, while military helicopters

hovered overhead and periodically fired on the building during the siege, an AFP reporter said. The attack, in which dozens of people were wounded, raises concerns over the capabilities of Iraq’s forces to maintain stability in the country on their own, just months before US soldiers must leave under a bilateral security pact.

Major Angela Funaro, a US military spokeswoman, said the army helped with the initial search of the government building, aided in forming a security perimeter, and used American helicopters to provide Continued on Page 13

KUWAIT: Ten opposition lawmakers yesterday submitted a non-cooperation motion against the prime minister over allegedly harming national security by improving ties with Iran at the expense of Gulf Arab states, Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi said following a seven-hour marathon grilling held in a secret session. Voting on the motion will take place on June 23, Khorafi said. To pass, the motion requires the support of 25 of the 49 elected MPs. It was the third time that the opposition filed a non-cooperation motion against Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who in January survived a similar motion by just three votes. The MPs who filed the motion are: Faisal Al-Mislem, Mohammad Al-Mutair, Dhaifallah Buramia, Ali Al-Deqbasi, Salem AlNamlan, Shuaib Al-Muwaizri, Khaled Al-Tahous, Jamaan Al-Harbash, Naji Al-Abdulhadi and Abdulrahman AlAnjari.

The grilling was filed by MPs Waleed Al-Tabtabaei, Mohammad Hayef and Mubarak Al-Waalan. Tabtabaei said that they have already secured the support of 18 MPs and the number will likely increase. The success of the motion greatly depends on the position of six MPs of the liberal National Action Bloc. One of them, Anjari, has already signed the motion while the other five are not expected to support it and observers expect them to abstain or support the prime minister. Parliamentary observers revealed that the prime minister is expected to comfortably defeat the new motion and survive with a better majority than in January with more than 25 MPs expected to vote for him.

The three MPs who grilled the prime minister based their grilling on claims that the prime minister boosted Kuwait’s ties with Iran at the expense of Arab states in the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). They accused the premier of harming national security by improving the ties with Iran at a time that Kuwait uncovered a spy ring operating for the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. A Kuwaiti court in March sentenced two Iranians and a Kuwaiti, all soldiers in the Kuwaiti army, to death after convicting them of being members of the spy cell. Two others were handed a life term. Iran has denied the charges.

During the grilling, MP Hayef charged that the law firm that represented the prime minister defended a number of defendants in the spy ring, saying the prime minister should have avoided suspicion in the clash of interests. They also alleged that the Iranian national anthem was sung at a Kuwaiti school function and that an Iranian flag was raised at a Kuwaiti army camp.

Tabtabaei spoke about the Kuwaiti response to Continued on Page 13

Men challenged by high cost of Oman weddings

THUAN THANH, Vietnam: In this April 11, 2011 photo, Vo Thi Quan, her husband Hanh, and their two daughters, Tuyen (right), and Trieu have dinner with rice, leafy green spinach fries, tofu and an omelet, which cost about 27,000 dong ($1.32), at their home in Long An province. — AP

Skyrocketing food prices leave poor moms hungry THUAN THANH, Vietnam: Vo Thi Quan’s chopsticks needle deftly between two simple Vietnamese dishes sizzling on a hot plate. In her crude brick kitchen, she’s working magic to create a dinner out of next to nothing. Her table has gone two years without meat, so shredded pieces of hardened tofu fill the protein void.

Cheap stalks of fried water spinach and a vegetable omelet complete the small meal that must be shared by four. It cost about half the money Quan earned scavenging scrap all day. She eats last from the smallest bowl, nibbling slowly, to keep the rest of the family from going hungry. She even manages to save some of the meal for breakfast.

As world food prices surge to the highest levels ever recorded due to a combination of production constraints

and rising demand from expanding middle classes, many poor families teeter on the edge, and it is the mothers who often quietly bear the brunt. It’s difficult to measure the impact of the food crisis on mothers, but even before it began, the UN World Food Program said women made up about 60 percent of those going to bed hungry every night worldwide. With cultural practices in some countries dictating that women and girls eat last, many are now making do with even less. “They are more likely to skip meals and eat less to ensure their children and husbands get most of their meals,” said Hassan Zaman, a World Bank economist on poverty reduction and equality. The Asian Development Bank estimates some 64 million people Continued on Page 13

MUSCAT: Office receptionist Sheikha’s 2005 wedding was an extravagant 700-guest affair at one of Oman’s top luxury hotels. Besides spending 38,000 rials ($99,068) on the celebration, her groom also paid a 9,000-rial dowry, bought a new apartment for the couple and spent several thousand on their honeymoon. “I was married like a princess and within three years abandoned like a beggar,” said Sheikha, who asked that her last name not be used. “Our arguments began with my husband blaming me for his debts.”

Sheikha’s husband, like many Omani men, had taken out a bank loan to finance wedding expenses, which are traditionally the domain of the groom. The financial strain weighed on the couple and, against Sheikha’s wishes, the pair were divorced in 2008. She kept her dowry, which brides usually spend on jewellery, clothing and property, and little else. Her husband was left saddled with the accumulated debts that began at that wedding.

“More than half of Omani men earn, monthly, under 700 rials. It’s impossible for them to finance their wedding. Eventually they get themselves into a debt quagmire within the early years of a marriage,” legal advocate Mohammed AlShahri. “The majority of divorces occur due to underlying financial issues and although dowry may not be the direct cause of a divorce, it acts as a catalyst for fuelling financial tension and personal disputes.”

The steep costs of financing weddings, which forces many young men to remain unmarried, cropped up during violent protests that rocked Oman this year as political turmoil spread across the Arab world. In addition to protests calling for better pay, jobs and an end to graft in the Gulf Arab state, demonstrators also wanted Continued on Page 13

GUVECCI, Turkey: Syrian colonel Hussein Harmush posing with his army ID card during an interview with AFP at a makeshift camp in this Turkish village in Hatay yesterday. — AFP

6 dead, tanks near Iraq as Syria faces backlash Defecting soldiers ‘helped people flee’ DAMASCUS: Six civilians were killed yesterday and tanks were deployed near Syria’s border with Iraq, activists said as President Bashar Al-Assad came under sharp pressure to halt a crackdown on democracy protests. “Six civilians perished in the past few hours in Ariha,” east of Jisr Al-Shughour, an activist told AFP in Nicosia, without providing further details. The latest deaths came after fresh protests erupted in the eastern town of Deir Ezzor, a rights activist said, and troops pursued a scorched earth campaign in northern mountains, sending thousands fleeing into Turkey.

Activists said security forces were continuing their operations and the sweep of the villages near Jisr Al-Shughour, the

flashpoint northeastern town which the army took by force yesterday. Forces stationed in Jisr Al-Shughour shot dead a family of four on Monday, London-based rights activist Rami Abdel Rahman said.

Violence has claimed the lives of 1,297 civilians and 340 security force members in Syria since the unrest erupted midMarch, according to the latest toll by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights released Tuesday.

The United States meanwhile accused Iran of backing Syria’s assaults on prodemocracy protesters, and again called on Assad to cease the violence and allow for a political transition or step aside.

“Iran is supporting the Assad regime’s Continued on Page 13

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

LOCAL

kuwait digest

This is how you fight fundamentalism

By Abdullatif Al-Duaij P Musallam Al-Barrak made significant progress towards defending freedom of expression, as well as legal and constitutional rights, when he condemned the arrest of Kuwaiti man Nasser Abul for expressing an opinion that Al-Barrak himself disagrees with.

The significance of Al-Barrak’s stance lies in its atypical nature given his approach to previous incidents. This stance would have been regarded as perfectly unremarkable, after all, if it were adopted by, for example, MP Saleh Al-Mulla who, as a member of the Kuwait Democratic Forum (KDF), reacts similarly to every case of this kind.

So, what’s so significant about Al-Barrak recognizing that while he doesn’t approve of what a citizen has said, he should still defend his right to state his opinion? The difference in Al-Barrak’s case concerns his tribal background and that of his voters, which has routinely dominated his political approach. I have criticized Al-Barrak and his Popular Action Bloc on numerous occasions previously for their exaggerated focus on public fundsrelated cases at the expense of personal freedoms.

When Al-Barrak strongly supported the rights of citizen Mohammad Al-Maimouni who died from police’s torture, many people couldn’t ignore the fact that Al-Barrak belongs to the same Mutairi tribe as the victim.

In this most recent incident, however, Al-Barrak put his political career, as well as tribal and religious affiliations, aside and defended a citizen who not only follows different doctrinal beliefs to his own, but also has wholly different opinions.

The significance of Al-Barrak’s stance and the reason I believe it’s historically important is that it is consistent with the democratic principles that, if properly applied, can effectively help to fight sectarianism and strengthen national unity.

Shunning sectarianism and fundamentalism or, in other words, reinforcing national unity, can’t be achieved through shiny slogans or inapplicable laws, but only through responsible and righteous actions such as Al-Barrak’s recent one, and through giving top priority to the law and constitution and putting them before emotions and political affiliations.

The positions adopted by our MPs, including AlBarrak, have always been influenced by their voters’ demands, and thus reflect the social and political realities in those voters’ constituencies. In reality, it is a lawmaker’s job to convey their constituents’ concerns as the representatives of those people, as is understood in developed countries where citizens truly lead improvements and control their fate.

M

KUWAIT: Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah and MPs are seen during a parliamentary session at the National Assembly yesterday.

— Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Kuwait’s drinking water safe, insists minister Ministry boosts electricity production KUWAIT: Minister of Electricity and Water Salem Al-Uthayna said on Monday that recent laboratory tests prove that Kuwait’s drinking water is safe and clean. “I’d like to reassure the Kuwaiti people that [Kuwait’s] water is safe and free of impurities,” the minister told a National Assembly (parliament) session. The lab tests - conducted by specialists at the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) — proved that water is safe and clean, the minister said.

The MoH is using the help of a World Health Organization (WHO) expert to verify its tests on the country’s drinking water, the minister revealed, adding that the expert would report their findings to the

ministry on July 1st.

On a separate issue, meanwhile, the parliament was yesterday holding a closed session to discuss the latest grilling motion against His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah.

The MPs who filed the grilling motion to grill HH the Prime Minister allege in this latest interpellation motion against him that he committed “some acts that are detrimental to the national security of Kuwait and its ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] member states by adopting a policy in favor of the Iranian regime.”

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s electricity distribution network will receive a boost of 150 megawatts and begin

to operate from today. It will activate unit number five at the Subbiya Power Plant.

“The new unit joins four turbines that have been previously activated at a total production rate of 600 megawatts,” said Ali Al-Wazzan Assistant Undersecretary for Control Centers at the Ministry of Electricity and Water.

He added in a press statement that the manufacturing company is currently working toward increasing the turbines’ production capacity to 220 megawatts per unit, reported Al-Rai. Al-Wazzan further confirmed that this step was essential to help the ministry meet consumption demands.

PRETORIA: Kuwait’s ambassador to South Africa, Hassan Bader Al-Oqab, pictured with guests at a reception he hosted in honor of King Mswati III of Swaziland during his visit to South Africa yesterday.

Mortgage project unaffected by minister’s resignation KUWAIT: A project to establish real estate and mor tgage companies in Kuwait won’t be affected by the resignation of former housing minister Sheik h Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, despite the fact that he was personally supervising it.

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Al-Fahad, who was also Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development, was the first to put forward a proposal to establish firms specifically to provide mortgages to Kuwaiti citizens, and was in charge of the project from the start in keeping with his position as CEO of the Savings and Credit Bank, a post which he

resigned at the same time as the others.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an SCB insider said that the bank’s management board has already been assigned to go ahead with its implementation of the project, with the blueprint calling for at least two mortgage firms to be established this year.

“Under its new administration, the [bank’s] management board will ensure that the project is successful due to its importance in reinforcing citizens’ real property investment capabilities,” said the insider, whilst giving no details of how the companies are to be established. —Al-Rai

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

LOCAL

Ruling family angry at MPs’ provocative behavior No discussion of NA dissolution

By A. Saleh

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yesterday at Sief Palace, the Head of Hope (Al-Amal) Journey Barjas Humoud AlBarjas and members of the board of trustees. Al-Barjas explained to HH the role of ’Amal Journey’ project, which would deliver a humanitarian message. The journey symbolizes a humanitarian message in support of people with special needs. HH the Amir praised the efforts of the people behind the project, affirming the political leadership was eager to support such cause.

Ramadan preparations underway KUWAIT: Local mosques have already begun their preparations for Ramadan, which this year begins in early August, with Mohammad Al-Numas, the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs issuing instructions to complete the arrangements as soon as possible whilst avoiding the mistakes which occurred last year.

“Plans are underway to organize religious and cultural activities which will be hosted by mosques across Kuwait during the holy month,” said a senior Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs

(MAIA) official.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official also revealed that restoration work is currently under way at 50 mosques in locations across Kuwait to prepare them for the upcoming annual holy month, whilst nearly 80 ‘Ramadan marquees’ are all ready to be set up near those mosques with the highest number of worshippers.

Meanwhile, 20 religious scholars are to be brought to the country to deliver lectures especially for Ramadan at selected mosques.

Municipality slams donkey meat restaurant rumors KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality has flatly rejected rumors suggesting that a wellknown local restaurant on Gulf Road was recently discovered to be using donkey meat in its dishes under the pretence that the meat came from other creatures.

In a press release issued on Monday, Municipality Managing Director Ahmad Al-Subaih rejected the rumors, adding, “no official press statements have been issued in the past few days about a restaurant being found to be cooking donkey meat for customers.”

Al-Subaih added that the same restaurant had also been the subject of scurrilous false allegations previously with the sole purpose of damaging its reputation.

Al-Subaih stressed that he would be willing to testify in court that the municipality has never accused any Gulf Road restaurant of being involved in fraud. He added that any restaurant found by inspectors to be committing violations that could damage customers’ health would be immediately shut down. — Al-Rai

KUWAIT: A recent meeting of senior members of Kuwaitís ruling Al-Sabah family apparently witnessed angry scenes as family members expressed their displeasure at what they feel are parliamentariansí deliberately provocative behavior and personalized grilling motions. An insider said that there was no discussion of any possible dissolution of parliament during the meeting as the ruling family is keen to support the democratic process and wishes parliamentary life to continue as normal, feeling that another early election is not the solution to the current problems.

The meeting also reportedly saw some ruling family members being critical of other elements within the family, who the insider said are accused of working against the government, who were warned not to involve themselves in the current situation and instructed to work for the good of Kuwait.

During their discussion of the weekly protests seen every Friday for the past few weeks, senior family members also instructed the Ministry of Interior to implement recent security-related directives as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, National Assembly (parliament)

Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi yesterday ordered the removal of a Kuwaiti citizen from the National Assembly (parliament) building, further instructing that the man be banned from attending future parliamentary sessions.

The move came after the man, named as Abbas Al-Shaabi, refused to comply with the speakerís instructions to vacate the public gallery at the governmentís request in order to hold the closed session set to discuss the premierís upcoming grilling.

MP Musallam Al-Barrak protested against the speakerís actions in having Al-Shaabi removed, asking Al-Khorafi, ìWhy are you stopping him from entering? Are you a policeman? This is not right,î although the speaker did not respond.

MP Mohammad Hayef will reportedly initiate a new grilling motion against the Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Nasser AlMohammad Al-Sabah on the release of a convicted terrorist under mysterious circumstances.

Saad Yassine Al-Theiyabi had been serving a life sentence at the Central Jail for his involvement in bombings that targeted public cafes, as well as American and French embassies and the control tower of Kuwait International Airport in the eighties. His reported release raised many eyebrows in view of the lack of information. The

Premier visits torture victim’s family KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister assured family members of a citizen who died in police custody last year that higher authorities will not rest until justice is obtained, and will ensure that no other citizen is ever subjected to torture. Sheikh Nasser AlMohammad Al-Sabah made these comments during a recent personal visit to the family’s home.

“I met HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah a few days ago [at a local diwaniya] and he insisted on personally visiting my mother after I sent her greetings,” said Shunaibar Al-Maimouni, whose brother’s case attracted nationwide attention and led to the resignation of former Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, reported Al-Rai. Denying rumors that his family was pressured into dropping charges, Al-Maimouni acknowledged the premier’s gesture “which reflects the true level of commitment that the government accords to Mohammad’s case.”

Media laws flawed, says minister KUWAIT: Information Minister Sami Al-Nisf said yesterday that flaws and ambiguities in Kuwait’s current audiovisual and press media laws had led the government to request that a parliamentary session be allocated to discuss amendments to them.

In a press release issued following his visit to the Kuwait Journalists’ Association (KJA) headquarters, Al-Nisf said that the failings in the current legislation had been detected by the cabinet’s legal committee. —Al-Qabas

BAHRAIN: The Speaker of the Bahraini Parliament, Khalifa Al-Thahrani, is pictured receiving the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain, Sheikh Azzam Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.

Kuwaitis’ excessive consumerism out of hand KUWAIT: More than half of Kuwaitis are addicted to excessive consumerism, spending lavishly on unnecessary items, according to a new report by a Kuwaiti researcher, who warned against the pattern of profligate spending that has become the norm.

In his new study, researcher Abbas AlSabti said that Kuwaitis of varying financial status find themselves spending far more than they once did on extravagant and often unnecessary items, indicating that

technological advances and slick contemporary marketing and advertising techniques mean that people are often easily tempted into wasteful excessive consumption.

Al-Sabti also stated that research carried out in another Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) state indicated that 45 percent of the waste produced in the GCC region consists of wastefully discarded food that is simply seen as surplus to requirements. — Al-Qabas

Municipal Council defends Abu Ftaira shops KUWAIT: In its weekly session, members of the Municipality Council voted yes to forming an inquiry committee. It will look into an ongoing dispute between the Municipality and shop owners at Abu Ftaira’s Al-Qurain Markets zone.

The seven-member committee will probe allegations that the Municipality carried out arbitrary decisions demand-

ing that shops be evacuated citing licensing problems. Owners, on the other hand, claim to have been created by the Municipality, reported Al-Rai. Several owners who attended the session gave a round of applause to council member Faraz Al-Mutairi, when he criticized the Municipality ’s Managing Director Ahmad Al-Subaih for failing to attend the session.

Restructuring for info ministry’s news, political programs dept KUWAIT: A senior Ministr y of Information official is currently putting the finishing touches to a blueprint for the restructuring of the ministry’s news and current affairs division.

An information ministry insider said that the report by Yousef Mustafa, the Assistant Undersecretary for News and Current Affairs Programs, would be completed by the end of this month after being delayed for over ten years.

The insider added that, according to Mustafa’s restruc turing plan, the department’s editing and news coverage sections would be merged in a bid to end the daily technical and administrative conflicts, whilst a number of managers will be reappointed to new positions to exclude those previously involved in financial violations from being involved in the restructured department. — Al-Jarida

subject will become the center of a new interpellation motion to be initiated against the premier.

MP Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabae confirmed that the subject has been under consideration, and that legal advisers were asked to verify whether any obstacles would prevent it from being discussed as a topic in a grilling motion, reported Al-Rai. MP Hayef, the lawmaker widely expected to present the grilling if given a green light by advisers, never announced that the interpellation was being prepared. However, he did not deny in a recent statement the fact that there are plans for it to be presented ìfollowing coordination with other blocs and independent MPsî.

On this subject, sources close to the Popular Action Bloc(PAB) say that MP Hayef plans to meet recently with the bloc in order to discuss the grilling, as well as the possibility of merging it with another grilling that PAB member Musallam Al-Barrak previously announced.

On a separate issue, a doctor giving evidence in the court case concerning the death of Kuwaiti man Mohammad Al-Maimouni in police custody after extensive torture testified in her witness statement that one of the detectives accused of involvement in his murder had been a patient at the Psychiatric Hospital, where he had an appointment prior to Al-Maimouniís death.

KD 3,000 fine levied on Scope TV owners

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: The Criminal Court yesterday pronounced a verdict levying a fine of KD 3,000 each on Talal Al-Saed, Director of Scope television channel, his son and the program coordinator. Political activist Mohammed Al-Juweihil was fined KD 150 for participating in a television program and leveling untrue accusations against MP Musalam Al-Barrak. Judge Abdulrahman Al-Darmi also ordered defendants to pay a sum of KD 5,000 as final compensation to the plaintiff.

Separately, the Criminal Court adjourned hearing on the case of Mohammed Al-Maymouni, who was tortured to death on September 6, 2011.

Charges have been pressed against 20 people, mostly officers from the Criminal Investigation Department(CID). The case was deferred to a later date, allowing the investigating committee enough time to collect sufficient evidence.

The committee is headed by Dr Abdullah Al-Hamadi, Senior Forensic Doctor at the Criminal Evidence Department, and the Head of the Psychiatric Department of the Faculty of Medicine at Kuwait University. He is required to sign the psychiatric evaluation report of the 17th suspect Hamad Al-Meri. This is to verify his involvement

in the case that is registered as No 18/2011.

The judge listened to the testimony of three doctors from the Psychiatric Hospital. It began with a statement provided by Dr Haya Al-Mutairi, Head of the Psychiatric Department, who answered the questions posed to her.

Al-Mutairi noted that she transferred Al-Meri to the forensic department, and checked the patient’s condition, “I wrote down my findings on his behavior. He mentioned all the facts about the nature of the torture involved and provided information about individuals. I then went on vacation. Both Dr Abdullah AlHamadi and Dr Abdullah Ghloum signed the report in my absence. The report was referred on April 20, 2011. He is responsible for his acts in this case and was proven to be very capable,” she said.

The Court also investigated with Dr Abdullah Ghloum who also performed a check up on accused Hamad Al-Meri and recorded his finding. He stated that AlMeri was born with a mental disability and did not exercise full control over his emotions. He suggested that Al-Meri undergo another medical evaluation.

The Court also listened to the testimony of Dr Abdullah Al-Hamadi, whose views concurred with that of Dr Haya AlMutairi.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

LOCAL

Gulf national dies of drug overdose in Salmiya hotel Indian woman tries to commit suicide KUWAIT: A coroner’s report has confirmed that the 27-year-old man found dead in a Salmiya hotel room died of a drug overdose. The man, a citizen of another GCC state, was found by hotel staff, who immediately called the emergency hotline.

Paramedics were too late to save him, however, pronouncing him dead at the scene, where he was surrounded by drug paraphernalia.

Kuwait Digest

Rooting out social violence

By Dr Wael Al-Hasawi

A

speeding driver exits a by-lane and barely avoids contact with a car that was driving along the main street. The startled driver blasts the horn, to which the speeding driver responds with an obscene gesture before driving away.

These scenes are regularly seen on Kuwait’s streets, and is an example of the ‘social violence’ phenomenon that has spread to unprecedented levels in our society. Breaking rules is perceived as being a normal activity on streets. Government employees are berated regularly, while reports of violence in hospitals and schools can be read about occasionally.

Animosity is also on full flare at other places. For example, traders experience struggle while negotiating deals (they usually publish details about their conflicts in daily papers), while senior officials at the public sector fight for power. There are labor unions fighting with each other and with state officials, and lawmakers who clash on a regular basis if they cannot find anyone else to clash with.

The media, meanwhile, went astray to the point that it has became a source of concern for top state officials. They have the power to drive people’s attention by praising or criticizing whoever they desire without placing controls. The lack of control has also made it difficult for people to voice their opinion against personalities who are regularly praised in the media.

This is so as to not become a public enemy and have their motives questioned. Some Kuwaiti media firms are being ‘used’ to promote un-parliamentary dialogue and attack others’ opinions through by using verbal abuse, mockery.

One of the most serious repercussions to this form of violence in Kuwait, is that it makes people hesitant to address matters of national concern to avoid being accused. This has prompted many qualified state officials to leave their posts so that they can avoid public defamation.

To tackle the spread of social violence in Kuwait, we need more than just the enforcement of rules and regulations. It should be combined with reorganization of duties and tasks. The solution starts with ethics. There are individuals who benefit when morals of society are destroyed.. Therefore, we should accord more priority to restore moral values in society, and provide proper education and guidance to the young generation. — Al-Rai

Six hurt in accidents

By A. Saleh KUWAIT: A 43-year-old Pakistani man sustained multiple injuries whilst a 29-year-old Kuwaiti man suffered lacerations to the scalp in a car cash on Fahaheel Road just before the Shuaiba turnoff. Both were taken to Adan Hospital.

In a separate incident, a 20-year-old Kuwaiti man was rushed to Jahra Hospital after suffering a suspected broken spine and pelvis in an accident on Salmi Road.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old bedoon man sustained a suspected broken left leg in a crash on Salmi Road near Jahra Cemetery. He was taken to Jahra Hospital.

In another accident, a 26-year-old Bangladeshi man was taken to Sabah Hospital after suffering a broken right arm in a collision in Doha.

In a fifth incident, an 18-year-old man suffered extensive bruising and complained of severe back pain when he was hit by a car near the Kuwait Scientific Centre on Gulf Road. He was taken to Mubarak Hospital.

KUWAIT: Narcotic detectives recently arrested a Filipina housemaid for possessing a kilo of heroin, said security sources noting that the drugs were found in her room at her sponsor’s house in Adailiya. Detectives had been tipped off concerning the suspect’s activity in selling drugs on behalf of a Kuwaiti who is already doing time at Kuwait central prison for drug trafficking.

after the latest incident when he beat her brutally, leaving her with multiple injuries, whilst demanding that she cook his dinner.

Fatal nosebleed A young girl was pronounced dead at Adan hospital shortly after being admitted there with a heavy nosebleed. An ambulance rushed her from her home in the Mubarak Al-Kabeer governorate after her parents repor ted finding her unconscious and bleeding heavily from her nose. They later told detectives that the girl, who suffered from epilepsy and diabetes, may have hit her face after fainting.

The body was removed for autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Brotherly hate Police are on the hunt for a citizen who stabbed his brother in one hand, leaving a gash three centimeters deep, during a family row. The victim, the editor of a local daily paper, was rushed to Jahra Hospital.

On being interviewed following his treatment, the victim told police officers that he and his brother had got into a row over a longstanding family dispute, which culminated in his brother pulling out the knife and attacking him.

Although neither brother wished to take the case any further, police have pressed a charge of attempted murder against the assailant.

Meanwhile, two men were arrested in Mubarak Al-Kabeer shortly after brutally attacking their brother over a financial dispute.

Bad dad A Kuwaiti man is facing multiple charges brought by his wife and daughter who grew tired of his excessive drinking and constant physical and verbal abuse. The man’s daughter told officers at Abdullah Al-Mubarak police station that her father, who had been drinking heavily on a daily basis for some time, regularly assaulted all the family members both verbally and physically, whether drunk or sober. She explained that she had finally decided to go to the police

Suicide bid A 25-year-old Indian woman was rushed to the Farwaniya Hospital in a critical condition after consuming a highly toxic substance in a bid to end her life. The victim was found unconscious at the Ishbiliya home where she worked as a housemaid by her employer, who immediately called for an ambulance. The woman’s condition was described as stable on Monday night by hospital medical staff. Police are waiting to interview her to discover what prompted her drastic action.

US official to visit Kuwait, explore commercial relations WASHINGTON: US Assistant Secretary of State Jose Fernandez is traveling to Kuwait this week to explore opportunities for expanding economic and commercial relations between the two countries.

The State Department said in a statement yesterday that Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs Fernandez will travel to Kuwait on June 14-15 where he will meet with Kuwaiti government officials and private sector representatives “to explore opportunities for expanding economic and commercial relations between the United States and Kuwait”.

This trip to Kuwait will be followed by a stop in Tunisia on June 15-17 and Morocco on June 17-18.

In Tunisia, Fernandez will lead a government delegation to the Tunisia Investment Forum, where he will deliver opening remarks, and also meet with Tunisian government representatives “to discuss a wide range of bilateral economic and investment issues, including trade promotion, economic development and aviation cooperation”.

“While in Tunisia, the Assistant Secretary will also engage leaders from the Tunisian business community and young entrepreneurs on the US-North Africa Partnership for Economic Opportunity (NAPEO), which aims to better link young entrepreneurs and business leaders in the United States and the Maghreb”, added the State Department.

Fernandez will deliver a speech at the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) conference in Rabat, Morocco, where he will “also engage with his counterparts from the Moroccan government as well as with the business representatives to build support for further commercial cooperation”. — KUNA

‘Govt obliged to pay KD 50 raise’ KUWAIT: The Deputy PM, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah tendered his resignation to the Cabinet, which was extended to HH the Amir. Ali Al-Rashid, the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs said.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the world’s second largest firefighting boat, ‘Mejaweb’ at Shuwaikh port. The ceremony was attended by the Capital governor Sheikh Ali Al-Jaber, Hawalli Governor, Abdullah Al-Fares, the Korean ambassador, Maj General Faisal AlSenain, Marine Border Director, and a number of firefighting and national guard commanders. Al-Rashid stressed that the government was obliged to pay the suggested KD 50 pay hike since the law was passed in 2008.

Al-Rashid also congratulated fire men who obtained their degree from Bahrain and have now joined the firefighting staff.

Furthermore, Al-Rashid congratulated Kuwait Fire Services Directorate (KSFD) on including the new boat in the fleet, “This boat is a welcome addition that makes us feel more secure in case of any oil tanker fires, Allah forbid,” he added underlining that it was the state’s duty to be fully prepared and ready to handle any emergency to help save lives and property.

Notably, the Korean-made boat is 39feet long and can travel at a speed of 12 knots with 2500 horse power engines. It is equipped with four powerful giant Norwegian-made water pumps capable of pumping 8,400 cubic meter. The boat is equipped with tanks capable of holding 252 tons of fuel and 29 tons of foam. The engines are monitored through the internet, it includes a field first aid room with four beds and the capacity to treat up to 14 people at a time.

KUWAIT: Under the chairmanship of the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Chairman of the board of the Zakat House, Mohammed Al-Nomas, the board yesterday discussed the Zakat House budget for the first quarter of 2011.

Teacher accused of failing pupils KUWAIT: An education insider has suggested that pupils at a local middle school fell victim to an ongoing dispute between the headmaster and the head of the school’s mathematics department, with the latter accused of deliberately failing the pupils in tests as an act of revenge against the principal. According to an insider at the school, the animosity between the two officials at the Abdurrahman Al-Duaij middle school for boys goes back several years ago and eventually led to the mathematics department head requesting a relocation to another school, which was approved by the Ministry of Education.

“Before leaving to his new school [this] September, the senior educator abruptly failed a large number of the students so

that he would put the school’s administration in a bad position with ministry officials,” the insider alleged. The insider suggested that the department head was able to get away with this behavior since school administrators lack the authority to intervene in the student evaluation process, with all test papers marked by the relevant department heads. The insider also accused the teacher in question of having behaved similarly on previous occasions, with another staff member at the school, also speaking anonymously, suggesting that the excellent marks achieved in other subjects by some of the pupils failed in the recent math tests further support the argument that they were unfairly treated by the teacher in this instance. — Al-Rai

Soldier held Saudi authorities arrested a Kuwaiti ser viceman who drove across the border at high speed without stopping for customs officials. After a brief car chase, the man, a soldier serving with the Kuwaiti Army, was apprehended. It is believed that he was drunk at the time of the incident.

KD5,000 stolen Police have launched an investigation to trace the thief who stole a total of KD5,000 from a Kuwaiti man’s bank account over a one-year period by using his stolen ATM card. The man’s daughter told officers at Mubarak Al-Kabeer police station that staff at her father’s bank branch had confirmed that the money had been withdrawn at a number of ATM locations on numerous occasions using the stolen card. Police are sifting through the surveillance tapes from the locations used by the thief in order to attempt to identify and apprehend him or her.

Driver drug bust A chauffeur employed by a family in Andalus was arrested in a drug squad sting operation following a tip-off about his drug-dealing activities. The man, who was caught redhanded with 50 grams of heroin in his possession, told officers that he was selling drugs on behalf of a number of drug dealers currently incarcerated in Central Prison.

— Al-Rai, Al-Watan

News

in brief

Missing documents blamed KUWAIT: The head of Kuwait’s State Audit Bureau (SAB) has submitted a formal letter of apology to the parliamentary speaker, Jassem Al-Khorafi, expressing regret over the bureau’s failure to report on alleged misuse of public funds during the ‘Manakh’ (Kuwait Stock Exchange) crisis of 1983. In the letter, SAB chairman Abdulaziz AlAdsani explained that he had earlier contacted finance minister Mustafa Al-Shamali to request a number of documents and lists of those affected by the stock market crash of the time. He further explained that the minister had been unable to provide the information requested due to the loss of and damage to large numbers of official documents during the 1990-91 Iraqi invasion and occupation of Kuwait.

Municipality set to sign six contracts KUWAIT: Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Dr. Fadhil Safar announced on Monday that the municipality is set to sign six new contracts concerned with conducting major renovation work in the Capital area. Speaking on the sidelines of a special ceremony held by the Bahar family at the family’s business premises in Kuwait City to celebrate the return of His Highness the Amir following a trip abroad, Dr. Safar, who is also the Minister of Public Works, said that the public sector would be a primary partner in implementing the six projects, as recommended in the government’s development plan.

Chickenpox vaccinations at MoH facilities KUWAIT: The ministry is mulling over incorporating chickenpox vaccinations to the government’s vaccination program, announced Dr Yousif Al-Nisf Assistant Undersecretary of Health Ministry for Public Health Affairs. It is currently available only in private health facilities. Commenting on the availability of Hepatitis B vaccination, Al-Nisf said that it was accessible at all preventive health centers for citizens, reported Aljarida. The aim is to boost immunity against the disease, “This is only for protection and does not mean that the disease is spreading in Kuwait,” he stressed.

28 pupils caught cheating KUWAIT: A total of 28 school pupils have been barred so far from sitting any further exams at Kuwait’s schools during this year’s finals after being discovered cheating. Fourteen of the disgraced pupils were found to be cheating in science subject exams, a further eight in Philosophy exams, and another six in Islamic Religion exams, said an education ministry insider. The insider added that most of the pupils appeared to be happy with the level of the questions posed in the Physics exams, although in the Arts subjects a number had complained that the Philosophy questions were difficult as a way of attempting to justify the cheating in the subject.

Kuwait radio programs to turn totally digital

KUWAIT: Kuwait University’s vice rector office yesterday organized a workshop to discuss the best views for establishing a ‘Research Oasis (center)’ at the Sabah Al-Salem Hostel Complex project. The workshop was headed by KU vice rector for research affairs, Dr Hassan Al-Sanad.

KUWAIT: Kuwait Radio declared yesterday that its digital library would be open in 2014, after conclusion of the recording of all its programs since 1951.

Adnan Al-Khalifah, in charge of the follow-up and coordination department, said in a statement that the project was launched in 2010, and indicated that the recording and classification process would last till 2014 due to the required enormous efforts, high accuracy and professionalism.

Teams of trained young personnel are involved in the marathon process, with aid by veteran figures at the radio, namely Ibrahim Al-Sola and Ahmad Al-Amer, some of the founders of the radio station. — KUNA

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Years

local Kuwait Digest

Crying over spilt milk

By Ahmad Al-Sarraf

A

man was sitting with his friends and he made a funny joke, to which they responded by laughing out hysterically. Shortly afterwards, he cracked the same joke, and a few laughed again. When no one laughed when he repeated the same joke, the man smiled and said, “I understand why you do not want to laugh at a joke you hear repeatedly, but I don’t understand why everyone weeps over a tragedy that took place months, years, decades or even centuries ago. Why don’t we have the ability to put the past behind us, after learning from it and move forward with our lives?”

If we deeply study the situation of our societies in the Arab World, we will find that quite some people appear as if they find comfort in reminiscing the tragedies of the past year. They probably find this a form of faithfulness, or maybe they can feel true to themselves that way. It could be that keeping memories of old setbacks in mind is perceived as a motivator to sacrifice for a higher cause.

However, what good will all this faithfulness and sacrifice bring if it fails to elevate the level of our thinking and our living conditions? What is the point in believing in stories if these cannot make us better people?

Have all these decades of sadness, ‘bought’ solutions to our psychological or financial problems, or even made it easier for us to overcome them? Have they improved our living conditions or made us more willing to sacrifice?

None of these have happened. While our condition has deteriorated throughout the past two millennia, other nations have achieved steady improvement in living conditions, continuously growing education, in addition to maintaining faithfulness and sacrifice that is not less than ours.

In the meantime, we believe that crying over spilt milk can still help us restore some of what has already been wasted. — Al-Qabas

Iraq trying to resolve border issues KUWAIT: Iraqi foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari said on Monday that Iraq is attempting to resolve the outstanding issues over its borders with Kuwait, Syria, Turkey and Iran through reaching mutually satisfactory understandings with the authorities in each state.

He also referred to the Kuwaiti-Iraqi joint oil field, explaining that the leaders in both nations are working to reach an understanding over the issue through referring the matter to an international commission.

Zebari added that committees of Kuwaiti and Iraqi experts are working together to study the subject of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, the planned major Kuwaiti port on which construction is currently underway, and its possible effects on Iraq’s main Al-Fao Port. — Al-Anba

KU student registration begins June 26 KUWAIT: Registration at Kuwait University for the 2011-12 academic year will open on Sunday June 26 and end on July 27, a senior university official announced on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference held to announce the upcoming registration period, Dr Muthanna Al-Refaie, the Dean of KU’s Registration and Admission division, said that high school graduates wishing to enroll for courses would need to have obtained a minimum level in their school diplomas of 70 percent overall in science subjects and 78 percent in Arts subjects to be eligible for places at the university. He added that these criteria are applicable to both Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti students with Kuwaiti mothers, although bedoon (stateless) applicants are not eligible.

Dr Al-Refaie indicated that school-leavers can register for undergraduate places online for the first semester, although all other applications must be submitted in person.

Meanwhile, MP Dr Faisal Al-Mislem has become the latest figure to condemn the Ministry of Higher Education’s recent decision to limit the annual number of new students accepted by Kuwait University to 6,850, a reduction on the maximum number of new students accepted in previous years, which was regularly over 7,000.

Calling the ministry’s decision “unjust,” Dr AlMislem said in a press release issued on Monday that his Reform and Development Bloc (RDB) would hold education minister Ahmad Al-Mulaifi wholly responsible for “depriving citizens of their right to higher education.”

NGO demands probe into worker’s death KUWAIT: A local non-government organization (NGO) has demanded an immediate probe into an incident where a construction worker died after falling from a height. He reportedly suffered heatstroke.

It argued that the incident is a flagrant violation of the law banning labor during noon. The accident took place this week when a worker fainted and fell from a transmission tower in Ahmadi, reported Al-Qabas. The Chairman of the Kuwait Society for the Basic Principles of Human Rights (KSBPHR), Dr Adel Al-Damkhi, urged the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor(MSAL) to place stringent measures in place to implement regulations that will not coerce workers to work outdoors. He said that extreme weather conditions such as high temperature and dusty weather are mainly responsible for such accidents.

KUWAIT: Some of the Al-Mulla and Legrand officials being introduced at the seminar on Monday. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Talal Al-Mulla touring the exhibition venue

Legrand introduces ‘vertical concept’ to Kuwaiti market Two-day seminar at Missone

Sebastein Guillemot during the presentation

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Legrand, a global specialist in electrical and digital building, hosted a two-day seminar to introduce the new ‘vertical concept’ [products and services] available in Kuwaiti market.

The event was held at Missone Hotel, and organized by its Kuwaiti-based partner Al-Mulla Group and Legrand-Dubai.

Speaking with the Kuwait Times on Monday, Mohammed Ahmed Yahya, General Manager Middle East said, “Kuwait deserves to know about the latest ‘vertical concept’ being introduced by Legrand as it is one of the important partners in the region.”

Mohammed Ahmed Yahya

He added that Legrand is the only company that offers a complete solution to electrical problems from transformers (low and high voltage), busbar system, distribution panels, cable management, switches and circuits, lighting control, “We want to show the latest and the strength of our products once again,” he said.

A vertical concept is an engineering term which represents office buildings, hospitals, malls and schools, “These are structures to which we want to offer complete electrical solutions. By complete solutions, I mean in terms of electrical problems that match with market requirements, meaning to say it is a

The attendees technologically advanced concept,” he said. Vertical concept products were displayed at the venue during the seminar.

Yahya emphasized that Legrand enjoys 20 percent of worldwide market share and is the number one company that offers solutions in the Middle East, “In Kuwait and greater Middle East, Legrand enjoys 18 percent of the market share. We have been in Kuwait for the last 30 years now. We have partnered with Al-Mulla for five years and they are our biggest distributors.”

On the prevailing unrest in the Middle East region and its direct effect on business, Yahya noted, “There is no company

that is immune to political conditions. Everyone is affected since our business caters to almost every country in the world.

For example in Yemen and Libya, business has been put on hold. Syria also experiences problems. It is connected to security provided to all companies, not just Legrand.”

According to Yahya, despite turbulence experienced in some countries in the Arab world, the company continues to enjoy a positive outlook and a growing trend.

The seminar is attended by several customers, suppliers and other partners including government personnel/officers con-

NA panel recommends trial of two former ministers KUWAIT: A parliamentary investigative committee has recommended that two former electricity and water ministers be tried over the political scandal known locally as ‘E mergen c y 2 0 0 7 ,’ although no similar recommendations were made for the former fin an ce min ister wh ose n ame cropped up frequently in the case.

The investigative committee was scheduled to submit its final report yesterday (Tuesday), with

committee insiders suggesting that the report will recommend that former ministers Sheikh Ali Al-Jar r ah Al-S ab a h a nd Mohammad Al-Olaim be referred to the Court of Ministers, whilst acquitting former finance minister Badr Al-Humaidhi.

The report is also reportedly to recommend that the Ce ntral Tenders Committee and MEW personnel involved in the case be referred to the Public Prosecution

for questioning. The Emergency 2007 scandal concerns a major deal in which the MEW acquired power generators that were later discovered to be substandard, not meeting the necessary criteria for the contracts to be approved.

It gained its name because the project was fulfilled as an emergency measure to help allow the ministr y cope with that year ’s high power demand levels.

— Al-Rai

nected with the electrical engineering section. Talal Al-Mulla, Director for Trading and Manufacturing and Rakesh Khullar, Group Manager of Engineering Products, graced the occasion.

The visitors were welcomed

by Legrand Kuwait Sales Manager Mustafa Swify.

Legrand has a complete offer that is tailored to commercial, industrial and residential markets, making it a reference in more than 180 countries, with a workforce of 31,000 people.

Legrand garnered a sales of 3.89 billion euros in 2010. Its product offering is particularly extensive, with more than 178,000 products added to its catalogue.

MoI security reshuffle KUWAIT: A reshuffle of senior Ministry of Interior (MoI) security officials will see Lt Gen Abdul Fattah Al-Ali, Lt Gen Dulaihi Al-Hajri, Brig Abdullatif AlWahaib, Brig Mohammad Tana and Brig Ghloom Habib appointed as Directors of Security in Farwaniya, Jahra, Ahmadi, Mubarak Al-Kabeer and Hawally respectively. Meanwhile, Lt Gen Ibrahim AlTarrah and Brig Mohammad Khalifa are to be promoted to the Assistant Security Directors’ posts in Jahra and Mubarak Al-Kabeer, whilst Lt Gen Taraq Hamadal has been reappointed to his current post as Director of Security for the Capital area. The reshuffle, announced in a ministerial directive issued

by Interior Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Humoud AlSabah, took effect as of June 13. — Al-Anba

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Years

LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah praised the efforts made by Boy Scouts team of the Public Authority for Youth and Sports, especially in terms of preparations made and organizing athletes’ honoring ceremony — 2010/2011 season. It took place under his patronage at the Hyatt Regency Hotel this week.

Ministry seeks to expand Internet service providers

Kuwait Digest

Tweeting responsibly

New move to break monopoly KUWAIT: The Ministry of Commerce plans to award licenses to the three telecommunication companies (Zain, Wataniya, VIVA) shortly. They will be granted the status of official Internet service providers (ISP) in the country. This step is being taken as part of the ministry’s plans to expand Internet services provided by facilitating the entry of more companies into the market.

“The ministry’s goals are to provide customers with improved Internet services. That can be achieved by expanding the local Internet market, and slashing tariff rates,” an official said, while speaking on condition of anonymity. He added that some major firms have been lobbying to convince the ministry against implementing plans, “However the ministry is committed to break the monopoly that current companies enjoy in the local mar-

ket.” The official also explained that renewing contracts between the ministry and ISPs are on hold. The ministry wishes to sign new contracts as well as establish a Communications Authority, reported Al-Jarida.

Veteran lawmaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun urged the Minister of Communication and Information Dr Sami AlNisf to stop what he called “actions of unlicensed ISPs that drain people’s money.”

“Unlicensed ISPs act on their own as if there was no ministry or government to watch their actions,” Al-Saadoun said during a press conference. It was held at the Parliament on Monday, “They imposed capacity and speed limits on internet users regardless of the ministry’s regulations.” The lawmaker demanded that the minister will either suspend violations or make a decision to cancel all

Bosnia opens industrial sector to Kuwaiti investors SARAEJVO: Bosnian Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry Erdal Trhulj said here yesterday his ministry would open up fresh horizons for cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kuwait, especially in the “promising” industrial sector.

At a meeting with Kuwaiti Ambassador in Sarajevo Mohammad Khalaf, the Bosnian minister said the industrial sector in his country, which used to be the backbone of the national economy, was now recovering. The industrial sector, which was dented by war, needs to be opened before foreign investors, he said.

There are a lot of available attractive investment opportunities in the Bosnian local industrial sector, from which Kuwaiti investors can benefit thanks to the fact

that Kuwait is highly esteemed in the country, the Bosnian industry minister added.

Strong cooperation between Bosnian and Herzegovina and Kuwait has created a congenial atmosphere for Bosnian and Kuwaiti businessmen and investors, he pointed out.

For his part, the Kuwaiti ambassador in Sarajevo said he would launch a program to continue communication between Kuwaiti and Bosnian businessmen with a view to seizing available investment opportunities. He hailed efforts by the Bosnian government for providing Kuwaiti investors with necessary facilities that could ensure the success of their investments in the country. — KUNA

illegal practices by placing a cap on speed limits.

Furthermore, Al-Saadoun argued that former communication minister, current oil and parliament affairs minister Dr Mohammad Al-Busairi signed a contract through a government-owned Kuwaiti company, headquartered at British Virgin Islands, reported Al-Qabas.

Separately, MP Dr Jamaan Al-Harbash placed a list of inquiries with minister Al-Nisf pertinent with the ministry’s rejection of the second phase of its major fiber optics network project. The lawmaker asked about the motives behind a decision that was made by the new assistant undersecretary for administrative and financial affairs. He canceled a decision made by his predecessor who suspended the process of granting the project’s tender to the winning company.

KDI, NATO symposium kicks off KUWAIT: The National Security Apparatus organized in cooperation with Kuwait Diplomatic Institute (KDI) and NonProliferation on Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) a twoday symposium on the enhancement of practical cooperation between NATO and the countries of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative.

Deputy Chief of National Security Apparatus Sheikh Thamer Ali Al-Sabah headed the opening ceremony along with Abdulaziz Al-Sharekh, the Director of KDI. Al-Sabah said the symposium deals with ways to prevent non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and defense against biological threats aimed at promoting cooperation and security in the region.

The aim of the symposium is to increase awareness in the community about the threats of weapons of mass destruction

through strategic communications and capacity building to meet the radiation through the strengthening of preparedness and training as well as planning of civil and military cooperation and partnerships to face biological threats, Al-Thamer added.

Those benefiting from the seminar are specialists from the civil defense, army, police and fire departments as well as ambulance medics in Kuwait, those involved in the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the General Secretariat of the GCC through accessing the latest developments in this field.

Speakers of the KDI, NATO Secretariat, National Security Apparatus, and Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences will take part in the symposium. The US, Turkey will both share the chairmanship of the Non-Proliferation of the NATO. — KUNA

By Meshal Al-Thufairi

S

ocial networking websites were created for many good reasons, but I do not think one of its purposes is to engage in immoral activities and heap insults on others under the guise of freedom of expression. For example, can anyone blame the Ministry of Communication if it blocks access to Facebook, if an account holder uploads pornographic material? Similarly, we cannot blame authorities for taking action against a relatively unknown individual who offends the political system in Gulf nations.

To those who accused the Ministry of Interior’s double standards in connection with the arrest of a citizen for making offensive remarks through his Twitter account: Please leave politics out of security services.

Any citizen, regardless of his or her background or beliefs, must be held accountable for any error committed. This is because national security is top priority. The brotherly relations that Kuwait shares with other GCC countries is essential.

Limitless freedom and abuse of democratic practices create chaos in society. As everyone exercises democratic rights as per own beliefs without having anyone to stop them. This is why we suffer from a serious cultural problem — when everyone weighs in on political topics as per personal beliefs, creating disputes between individuals unwilling to accept different opinions.

While the majority are unfortunately acting with private motives in mind, they do not realize that they are creating a ‘dark’ future for next generations filled with political and sectarian issues, where law and order are things of the past.

There is still hope that citizens can pledge their commitment to the country’s regulations, and the dignity of the country and its neighbors.

Constitutional amendments are necessary to save the country from careless individuals who do not care about its well-being. - Al-Rai

Program to save migratory birds’ habitats in Kuwait KUWAIT: en.v launched Kuwait’s “Migratory Birds” program yesterday to remove humancaused waste in known habitats for migratory marine birds through a series of targeted shoreline cleanups of hazardous and recyclable materials. The program is funded by ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Kuwait Limited.

Kuwait’s coastline is host to over 25 species of migrating birds who have come to rely on Kuwait’s shorelines as a necessary stop during their seasonal movement across the globe for the past several decades. The shoreline also serves as natural nesting grounds for marine birds, however high levels of human-caused waste on the coastline threatens to endanger the fragile ecosystem.

The program was kicked-off with two cleanups on the Shuwaikh shoreline strip, a well-documented habitat for migrating birds.

The cleanups were conducted by the program’s lead operations partner: Kuwait Society for Protection of Animals and Their Habitat (K’S PATH) and volunteers from other nonprofits organizations including the Green Target Company (GTC), the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), and the Spread The Passion organization. Together, all participating parties and volunteers have collectively removed over 260 kilograms of hazardous plastics, metals, and paper waste from a short shoreline strip of 800 square meters.

This is Kuwait’s first environmental program targeted to preserve the habitats of marine birds and is led by ‘Al Yaal’, an initiative created by ‘en.v’, a leading Kuwait-based organization dedicated to social responsibility in the Arab world.

ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Kuwait Limited President Faycel Bensaid said, “ExxonMobil Kuwait has a long-standing commitment to serving our community by creating and supporting initiatives that yield real, tangible benefits for our community. The Migratory Birds program is another ambitious initiative that aims to preserve habitats for migratory birds. We thank all those who have supported these activities, and we look-forward to even more participants for cleanup efforts in the future.” en.v will organize and execute monthly cleanup activities on targeted marine habitats over the course of the year. Volunteering oppor tunities are open to ever yone.

Interested individuals, corporations, or schools should please visit the Al Yaal website www.alyaal.com to participate. The next two scheduled cleanup activities will take place on Friday, 01 July 2011 at Shuwaikh Beach, next to the Medical City area, and on Friday, 05 August 2011 at Shuwaikh Beach, next to the KISR. “It is a lesser-known fact that Kuwait has a rich marine ecosystem and is home to com-

mon and rare species of migratory birds at different periods throughout the year. Protecting their habitat is paramount to preserve marine life for future generations, and we are very thankful for ExxonMobil’s leading role in this regard,” said en.v Managing Partner and CEO Zahed Sultan.

“The success of this program largely rests in the hands of responsible citizens who take pride in their natural heritage. We are very keen to see greater participation from all members of society, including government agencies, environmental groups, educational institutions, and families. Community participation is key to sustaining the success of this initiative and to the growth of the consciousness of conservation in our society,” Sultan added.

The ‘Migratory Birds’ year-long program will include several other on-the-ground initiatives to protect Kuwait’s coastlines as well as educational roadshows across schools and universities to educate the community about the importance of providing a safe resting place for migratory birds. The roadshow program will include bird specialists who will share the progress and impact of the conservation efforts in these habitats.

ExxonMobil’s Public and Government Affairs Manager Aseel Al-Turkait said, “This is a major community drive to clean up these habitats, and education and awareness are

both key to the sustainability of our conservation efforts.”

As recent as May 2011, over 25 migratory bird species were spotted along the stretch protected by the ‘Migratory Birds’ program.

These species include the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterusroseus) and the Blackwinged Stilt (Himantopushimantopus). Both species flock at nesting colonies at the seafront while other species such as Yellow

Wagtails, Black-headed Wagtails, and the Common Tern are passage migrants. The Greater Flamingos in particular, have been repeatedly visiting Kuwait’s shoreline for decades, although in recent years their numbers have dwindled primarily due to a decline in their source of food endangered by marine waste.

ExxonMobil is a global supporter of social and environmental initiatives.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

Tehran accuses West of meddling in Syria

UK Juror faces jail for Facebook chat Page 9

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DAFNIYA: A rebel fighter is seen on the front line as they repel government troops yesterday in Dafniya, Libya. — AP

Libya rebels on diplomatic upswing Gaddafi troops fire rockets into Tunisia BENGHAZI: Libyan rebels were on a diplomatic upswing yesterday, gaining Canada’s recognition one day after Germany’s, but suffered a setback on the battle front against Muammar Gaddafi’s troops. Tripoli slammed as “irresponsible” a visit to the rebel bastion of Benghazi by Germany’s foreign minister, as the United States pressed Africa to take tougher action against the Gaddafi regime.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said Canada recognized the rebel National Transitional Council as “the legitimate representative of the Libyan people going forward,” as part of a new “enhanced engagement strategy”. In so doing, Canada became the 14th nation to recognize the NTC after Australia, Britain, France, Gambia, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Malta, Qatar, Senegal, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Ottawa’s decision came as parliamentari-

ans debated an extension of Canada’s participation in NATO’s efforts to protect Libyan civilians from forces loyal to Gaddafi.

A popular uprising against the strongman that began in mid-February has left the oil-rich North African state split between the largely Gaddafi-controlled west and the rebel east. Libya’s foreign ministry meanwhile said Monday’s visit

by German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle to Benghazi, the rebels’ de facto capital, was a “flagrant violation” of Tripoli’s sovereignty. It condemned the trip as “irresponsible” and said it “does not help efforts by regional and international organizations to find a peaceful solution to what is happening in Libya.” During his visit to Benghazi, Westerwelle said Gaddafi “had lost all legitimacy” and announced Berlin’s recognition of the NTC as the “legitimate representative” of the Libyan people. Rebels meanwhile said they suffered heavy losses in eastern Libya after being “tricked”

by Gaddafi’s forces, amid a resurgence of fighting in the country after weeks of stalemate. On the eastern front line between the rebel-held transport hub Ajdabiya and the oil town of Brega, which is in the hands of Gaddafi’s soldiers, a firefight on Monday left 21 rebel combatants dead, their commander said.

“Our men were tricked.

Kadhafi’s soldiers pretended to surrender, coming with a white flag, and then they fired on us,” Mussa alMograbi said. About 20 rebels were wounded and transferred to hospital in Ajdabiya, 160 kilometers south of Benghazi, the de facto capital of rebels who have been fighting to overthrow Gaddafi since midFebruary, he said. Mograbi said four of his men were killed and 30 wounded in a skirmish the previous day.

Battles were also being fought in the western town of Zintan, the Berber mountains southwest of Tripoli, in nearby Yefren, and at Dafnia near Misrata, Libya’s third city, rebel sources said.

An AFP correspondent said Gaddafi’s forces pounded the outskirts of Zintan on Sunday, killing at least seven rebels and wounding 49. In Addis Ababa, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday pressed all African states to demand Gaddafi step down and take tougher action against his regime. “I urge all African states to call for a genuine ceasefire and to call for Gaddafi to step aside,” the first US chief diplomat to speak to the African Union said during a visit to the body ’s headquarters in Addis Ababa. —Agencies

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Egypt’s Sufis see Islamist threat after Mubarak CAIRO: Down the narrow alleyways of Cairo’s Sayidda Zeinab neighborhood, 100 men sway their heads and clap in rhythm as they invoke God’s name. “O how you have spread benevolence,” chant the men, some dressed in ankle-length galabeya robes, to celebrate the birth of Fatima al-Zahraa, the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed. The men are followers of the centuries-old Azaimiya Sufi order who seek to come closer to God through mystical rites. Some say their traditions are now threatened by Islamists elbowing for influence after the overthrow of Egypt’s veteran leader Hosni Mubarak.

Tensions have long rumbled between the country’s estimated 15 million Sufis, attached to some 80 different orders, and ultra-conservative Salafists who see Sufi practices such as the veneration of shrines as heresy. The ousting of Mubarak in February has loosened state control over Islamist groups that he suppressed using an emergency law in place since 1980. As Sufis seek to defend traditions dating back centuries, what began as a loose religious identity could be gelling, gradually, into a political movement.

“If the Sufis stood side by side, they could be an important voting bloc ... but their political and organizational power is less than their numerical power,” said political analyst Nabil Abdel Fattah. Alaa Abul Azaim, sheikh of the Azaimiya Sufi order, says moves by Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood and Salafi groups to enter formal politics endanger religious tolerance and oblige Sufis to do the

same. “If the Salafists or Muslim Brotherhood rise to power, they could well cancel the Sufi sheikhdom, so there has to be a party for Sufis,” Abul Azaim said.

SLEDGEHAMMERS Shrines dedicated to saints are central to Sufi practice and can be found in towns and villages across Egypt, but they are frowned upon by Salafists. Many are built inside mosques and contain the tombs of saints.

They are often highly decorated, using wood and mother-of-pearl. Some religious conservatives also dislike Sufi moulids- festivals celebrating the birthdays of saints that have become carnival-like events popular even among non-Sufis in Egypt.

Moulid music has found its way into pop culture, such as the well-known puppet operetta “El Leila El Kebira” (The Big Night).

Fears for the future of Sufi traditions were underlined in April, when two dozen Islamists wielding crowbars and sledgehammers tried to smash a shrine used by Sufis in the town of Qalyoub north of Cairo. Their plan failed when residents rallied to defend the site revered for generations.

Salafist leaders denied their followers were behind the shrine attack and condemned it, while making it clear that they oppose the shrines. “The Salafi call does not reject Sufism,” said Sheikh Abdel Moneim elShahat, official spokesperson for the Salafi movement in Alexandria. “We reject (the practice of ) receiving blessings from tombs and shrines because it is against Sharia law.”

UN Hariri tribunal key test for Lebanon govt BEIRUT: The first test for Lebanon’s new prime minister will be how to handle a UN court likely to indict members of Syrian- and Iranian-backed Hezbollah, which along with its allies now dominates the government, analysts say. “The prime minister’s first challenge will be not to get locked in a confrontation with the international community over the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL),” said Paul Salem, head of the Beirut-based Carnegie Middle East Centre. Salem said Najib Mikati, who was appointed premier in January with the blessing of Hezbollah but has since sought to emerge as a political independent, would have to manage pressure by the militant group to cut all ties with the court.

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon, a UN-backed investigation into the 2005 murder of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, has long been a point of contention between feuding parties in Lebanon.

The STL is widely expected to indict Hezbollah operatives in the Hariri murder, a move the Shiite militant group has outright rejected. On January 12, Hezbollah and its allies toppled the Western-backed government of Saad Hariri-son of Rafiq-over his refusal to disavow the tribunal. Almost five months later, Mikati announced the formation of a 30-member government that Hariri’s pro-Western bloc refused to join, sparking fears in the international community that the new cabinet would cease cooperation with the STL. “Even if the new Lebanese government includes moderates, pragmatically it is a cabinet that was formed under extreme pressure by Hezbollah,” said Imad Salamey, political science professor at the Lebanese American University. “It is a government that will have to face the STL.” The United Nations, Lebanon’s former colonial ruler France and the United States-which blacklists Hezbollah as a terrorist organizationhave urged Lebanon to uphold its international obligations. “This will be the first test of the new cabinet,” said Khattar Abou Diab, international relations professor at the Universite Paris-

Sud. “ This is how we will find out whether Lebanon is headed for a confrontation with the international community or not,” Diab said.

The Mikati government marks the first time a bloc led by Hezbollah, which fought a devastating war with Israel in 2006, has led a government in Lebanon. The opposition, led by Saad Hariri, has slammed the new government as a front for the militant group and its backer, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, to seize control of Lebanon.

“We denounce the formation of this government and state that Lebanon is a country now being held hostage by the Syrian regime and Hezbollah,” said Fares Soueid, a former MP and secretary general of the March 14 opposition alliance.

What now hangs in the balance is how Mikati will manage the delicate task of drafting government policy as Hezbollah pressures him to cut off all ties with the STL and as the international community watches closely. “The real battle will be over the wording of the ministerial declaration, which is when we will truly see how Hezbollah and its allies intend on dealing with the tribunal,” said Nadim Shehadeh, Lebanon expert at the London-based Chatham House think-tank. There have been fears in Lebanon of sectarian violence, should members of Shiite Hezbollah be accused in the murder of Sunni Hariri-a risk experts today do not rule out. “We will likely face a serious crisis when the tribunal issues its indictments,” said Shehadeh.

“A tribunal indictment that implicates Hezbollah in the murder could prove very dangerous.” Hezbollah, which has dismissed the STL as part of an Israeli conspiracy, has not yet commented on the new government.

Analysts say the militant group is left uneasy by the uprising against Assad, a longtime ally of Hezbollah. “As the Syrian regime grows weaker, Hezbollah has had to consolidate its standing in Lebanon as they could be left on their own,” Salem said. “Being at the forefront of domestic politics is not something they like,” he added. “They would rather keep a low profile.” — AFP

Lebanon ‘hostage’ to Syria, Hezbollah BEIRUT: Lebanon is now “hostage” to Syria and Hezbollah following the formation of a cabinet dominated by the Iranian- and Syrian-backed militant group and its allies, an opposition leader said yesterday.

“We denounce the formation of this government and state that Lebanon is a country now being held hostage by the Syrian regime and Hezbollah,” said Fares Soueid, a former MP and secretary general of the pro-Western March 14 opposition bloc. Soueid said the Saudi- and US-backed opposition, headed by former premier Saad Hariri, would formally announce this week its position on the new cabinet headed by billionaire Sunni businessman Najib Mikati.

After nearly five months of wrangling, Mikati announced the formation on Monday of a government in which the Shiite Hezbollah and its allies control 18 out of 30 portfolios. All eyes are now focused on how Mikati will address the controversial Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), a UN-backed investigation that led to the downfall of the previous government headed by Hariri.

Washington, which blacklists Hezbollah

as a terrorist organization, said it would adopt a wait-and-see approach to Mik ati’s government, while UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged the new cabinet to respect all its international obligations. “We’ll judge it by its actions,” US State Depar tment spokesman Mark Toner said.

France for its part said it was essential that the new government continue to uphold Lebanon’s international commitments, especially as regards the STL. Hezbollah, arguably the most powerful militant group in the Middle East, first entered government in 2005 and has steadily imposed itself as a key player in domestic politics. The Mikati cabinet marks the first time a coalition led by Hezbollah, which fought a devastating war with Israel in 2006, has led a government in Lebanon. Soueid said the new cabinet was a tool of Hezbollah and its backer Syria, which has long held sway in Lebanese politics.

“This government is a trump card that the Syrian regime pulled in a moment of crisis and that Hezbollah will use to stand against UN resolutions,” he said. — AFP

CAIRO: Egyptians walk at Talat Harb square in downtown Cairo, Egypt. A five-month old curfew, established in three Egyptian cities by fallen President Hosni Mubarak to quell protesters attempting to overthrow his government was lifted yesterday, marking a symbolic return to post-revolution normalcy. — AP He said Salafis believe religious blessings can only be sought from the Black Stone of the Kaaba in the Saudi city of Mecca. Millions of Muslims circle the stone during the Hajj pilgrimage.

NO SUFI PARTY YET Egypt’s constitution forbids political parties formed on overtly religious lines. That

has not stopped Salafist groups such as alGama’a al-Islamiya and the once-banned Muslim Brotherhood moving to create parties to compete in September elections. No overtly Sufi party has emerged-adepts of Sufism, with their emphasis on personal development and inner purification, have till now seen little sense in forming a political

movement. But one nascent party, al-Tahrir (Liberation), has pledged to defend their interests and, by doing so, has built most of its membership from among the Sufi community. “There is no doubt that the (Islamist) flood that’s coming ... scares them,” said the party’s founder Ibrahim Zahran.

Affirmative political action would mark a departure for Egypt’s Sufis, who have tended to submit to the will of Egypt’s political leaders since the 12th century. “From Sultan Saladin Al-Ayubi until Mubarak, Sufism was used by the state to reinforce its legitimacy,” said sociologist Ammar Aly Hassan. In a sign they are more ready to challenge authority, sheikhs of 13 Sufi orders have staged a sit-in since May 1 calling for the removal of Sheikh Abdel Hadi el-Qasabi, the head of the Sufi Sheikhdom who was appointed by Mubarak in 2009.

They say Qasabi broke a tradition of ordaining the eldest sheikh to the position and they refuse to have him as their leader as he was a member of Mubarak’s disbanded National Democratic Party. Many Sufis oppose the idea of an Islamic state promoted

by Islamists who take the Iran’s theocracy or the Wahhabi ideology of staunchly conservative Saudi Arabia as a model. Sufi Sheikh Gaber Kassem of Alexandria criticized the political ambitions of the Muslim Brotherhood and its slogan ‘Islam is the Solution’. “This is a devotional matter, a religious call ... so how are they entering politics? Is this hypocrisy?” he said. — Reuters

Tehran accuses West of meddling in Syria West encouraging ‘terrorism’ in Syria TEHRAN: Iran accused Israel’s allies yesterday of interfering in Syria after Western countries said Tehran may be helping crush dissent there. “Some regimes, especially America and the Zionist regime, with particular aims, are provoking terrorist groups in Syria and in the region to carry out terrorist and sabotage operations,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told a news conference. Iran, which crushed its own anti-government protests after the contested re - election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009, has voiced support for uprisings in most of the Arab world, but not Syria with which it has what it sees as a “line of resistance” against Israel as both support militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

Mehmanparast backed the Syrian government’s assertions that the three -month- old protests are part of a conspiracy backed by foreign powers. “ The Zionist regime and its advocates are seriously threatened, that is why they are doing all they can to crush this

JISR AL-SHUGHOUR: A Syrian cameraman films a dead body, after the Syrian troops showed reporters several dead bodies, some still in uniform, near the city’s Military Police building, in the town of Jisr al-Shughour, north of Damascus, Syria. — AP

US worries about Yemen and Somalia terror links WASHINGTON: The US is worried that the continuing unrest in Yemen could fuel connections between Al-Qaedalinked militants there and al-Shabab insurgents in Somalia, the State Department’s counterterror coordinator said yesterday. Daniel Benjamin said insurgents in Yemen are trying to take advantage of the turmoil in their country, are operating more in the open and have been able to acquire and hold more territory. And, he said there are growing concerns that AQAP will be able to acquire more weapons, particularly in areas where there is chaos. But Benjamin says he is hopeful that counterterrorism efforts will continue as the political transition moves along and a new government takes hold in Yemen. “Counterterrorism cooperation is not about one man,” Benjamin told reporters.

And while he said the US doesn’t know what the next government in Yemen will look like, and “there has been some distraction because of the political turmoil,” he added that the US believe that cooperation will grow under the new leaders. He said the US has been in talks with the acting president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. US strikes against the Yemen-based AlQaeda in the Arabian Peninsula have intensified, but the group is considered the most immediate terror threat to America. Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh was badly injured in a recent attack and is in Saudi Arabia. He and opposition party rulers are moving slowly. toward a transition of the government.

There have been consistent reports of connections between AQAP in Yemen and Al-Shabab across the Gulf

of Aden in Somalia. And those could deepen if the Yemeni government loses more control of its coastal regions.

The waters are already thriving regions for pirates, who take over commercial ships and hold them for ransom. That money, said Benjamin, is making its way into terrorists’ hands, although the relationship between the pirates and the insurgents is murky.

“We know that militants have shaken pirates down,” he said. “And if that results in money being in terrorist pockets, that’s bad news ... If you ask most of the pirates right now, they would consider the terrorists to be parasites who are not helping them in a constructive way.” — AP

SANAA: An armed tribesman, loyal to Sheik Sadeq Al-Ahmar, the head of the powerful Hashid tribe, stands guard around Al-Ahmar’s house, in Sanaa. — AP

resistance line standing against the aggression of the Zionist regime.” Britain has said there is “credible information suggesting Iran is helping Syria with the suppression of protests there, including through the provision of exper tise and equipment,” a charge Tehran denied.

Syrian rights groups say 1,300 civilians have been killed since the start of the uprising.

One group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, says more than 300 soldiers and police have also been killed.

“What is happening inside Syria is an internal issue.

The government and the people of Syria are politically mature enough to resolve their own issues,” Mehmanparast said. The spokesman warned against any over t militar y action by the West. “We think that the Americans in no way have the right to have any military interference in any country within the region, namely Syria.

We ack nowledge this as a wrong act ... which can have consequences for the region,” he said. — Reuters

Germany warns against unilateral Mideast moves RAMALLAH: Germany believes unilateral moves would be “very counterproductive” to the Middle East peace process, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle warned yesterday. Westerwelle, who spoke at a joint news conference in the West Bank town of Ramallah with Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad, did not specifically refer to Palestinian plans to seek UN recognition and membership in September. But he stressed talks between Israel and the Palestinians were the only way to achieve a peace deal, even though there has been no direct dialogue since late September last year.

“The German government thinks that unilateral steps would be very counterproductive-negotiations should be the way,” he told reporters.”Germany supports a twostate solution. We support the Palestinian people in having an independent state.” Berlin has repeatedly said it would not back a Palestinian plan to seek UN recognition in September this year should there be no movement in peace talks. Later yesterday, Westerwelle held talks in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, before meeting with his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman. Westerwelle said both sides needed to make concessions to get peace talks back on track. “We are calling on all sides to be flexible and not be hesitant but to start negotiations,” he said after meeting Lieberman. Earlier, Westerwelle had expressed doubts about the viability of a French proposal for a peace conference next month aimed at bringing Israeli and Palestinian negotiators together and heading off a confrontation before September.” A conference should only be organized if it is clear from the start it has a chance to get results,” he told the travelling press.

“If the conference failed, it would only complicate the situation.” Last week, Niebel told Der Spiegel magazine he would underline Berlin’s reservations about the Palestinians’ UN ambitions and would instead advise them to present a draft resolution calling for a peace deal based on the borders that existed before the 1967 Six Day War with mutually agreed land swaps. France and other European countries have indicated they would recognize a Palestinian state, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said she will not until a broader peace deal with Israel is agreed. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

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

Eastern Europe new battleground in Mideast rift WARSAW: Warsaw and Prague might seem like unlikely battlegrounds in the Middle East conflict. Yet it suddenly matters - a lot - whether Poles, Czechs and others in the region align themselves with the Israelis or Palestinians. Their votes will be crucial if the Palestinian leadership carries out a plan to bring a resolution on Palestinian statehood to the United Nations in September, and that has sparked intense diplomatic efforts in recent weeks by both Israelis and Palestinians to win them over to their side. The Palestinians aim to win two-thirds support in the 192member General Assembly at the United Nations or 129 countries and are now about 13 countries short of their target.

The vote will be largely symbolic, at least in the short run. The assembly’s decisions aren’t legally binding. That would require approval by the powerful Security Council, where the United States has indicated it will veto any Palestinian move in the absence of a negotiated peace deal. Still, the Palestinians hope a resounding vote in their favor will isolate Israel and put heavy pressure on the Israelis to withdraw from captured territories claimed by the Palestinians. The prospect of an international embarrassment, coupled with fears that mass unrest could break out in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, has the Israelis deeply unnerved.

With the stakes so high, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans visits soon to Poland, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, while envoys are also working hard in the Czech Republic and Slovakia to make their case for opposing the Palestinian initiative in the expected U.N. vote. Meanwhile, Palestinian

President Mahmoud Abbas has recently been to Hungary and Bulgaria, while one of his top advisers, Nabil Shaath, has visits planned to Armenia, Georgia and Moldova, countries that have never recognized Palestine.

Most of the world is already firmly in one camp or the other. The US will support Israel, and most of the developing world, including Arab and Muslim countries, can be counted on to back the Palestinians leaving very few countries that might still go either way at the UN. But countries like Hungary and Slovakia remain undecided, a reflection of complex historical ties they have to the Israelis and Palestinians.

Many of their citizens fled anti-Semitism before and during World War II, becoming some of the key founders of the state of Israel. And while Germany carried out the Holocaust, guilt lingers in much of Europe - including the East - over prewar anti-Semitism and cases of local collaboration with Nazi occupiers.

More critically, though, ties today remain shaped by the legacy of the communist era, when members of the Soviet Bloc strongly suppor ted the Palestinians, arming them and recognizing a 1988 declaration of Palestinian statehood. Yet Hana Amereh, a member of the PLO’s powerful executive committee, said the Palestinians realize they cannot automatically count on their support today. “Frankly speaking, we don’t know how these countries will vote,” Amereh said. “Of course some of them may backtrack if they come under pressure.” So the race is on for their support.

Among the most crucial is Poland, according to Israel’s ambassador in Warsaw, Zvi Rav-Ner. It is the

largest of the new EU members and will hold the rotating EU presidency for six months starting July 1, a period when the bloc’s policy on the Palestinian statehood initiative will take shape and when the UN vote is expected to take place. Rav-Ner said Israel is focusing its efforts on Poland, which it sees as “one of the most senior countries in Europe,” and other countries in the region that have chartered a pro-Israeli course since throwing off communism. Israel believes these countries are open to Israel’s arguments that a unilateral Palestinian move at the UN will set back the peace process.

“This is what the Prime Minister Netanyahu will ask when he comes here - to oppose it (the resolution),” Rav-Ner said in an inter view with The Associated Press in Warsaw. “He is going to places where we can talk sense.” It’s all part of an Israeli attempt to build a “moral opposition” to the Palestinian resolution by winning over countries with political weight and moral standing, Rav-Ner said.

None of the eastern European countries have yet indicated how they will vote, an indication of the discomfort they feel at being asked to choose between two parties they consider friends.

Yet it’s clear that some look askance at the Palestinian initiative, fearing it could derail the peace process. That raises the possibility that some could seek to avoid the question altogether by abstaining from a UN vote - an option that would not satisfy Israel. Palestinian leaders says they are being forced to turn to the United Nations because of deadlock in the peace efforts. A Polish government official said that Warsaw opposes the

Palestinian UN gambit, fearing it will derail the peace talks, and still hopes the Palestinian leadership will rethink the wisdom of the move.

“Poland wants the peace talks to be continued and we think that any unilateral move would be counterproductive for that,” said the official, who is familiar with discussions on the issue but spoke on condition of anonymity because Poland’s government has not yet publicly stated its view on the issue. The official said Poland has also not yet decided how it would vote at the United Nations, in part because it doesn’t know how a Palestinian declaration would be worded.

Separately, the Foreign Ministry told the AP that Poland wants a common EU position on the matter and will seek to forge a compromise when it takes over the EU’s rotating presidency. The EU is believed to be deeply divided, with countries like France and Britain more sympathetic to the Palestinians and Germany siding with the Israelis.

In one example of European opposition to the Palestinian initiative, the president of the EU parliament, Jerzy Buzek, a former Polish prime minister, said during a visit to the West Bank on Tuesday that it could be “dangerous” because it could complicate peace efforts. The Palestinians appear to have a better chance of winning the support of Serbia, which will face huge pressure to support the Palestinian declaration due to its own diplomatic efforts over Kosovo, the former province that declared its independence in 2008. Serbia is trying to keep as many countries as possible from recognizing Kosovo’s independence in a similar vote at the UN and that includes a sizable group of Arab nations.— AP

UK juror faces jail for Facebook chat LONDON: A view of the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Television Centre in White City in London. The BBC has put its landmark Television Centre up for sale and said it is looking for a deal which will “maximize the value” for the corporation and license fee-payers. — AP

UK faces widespread strikes Teachers back industrial action LONDON: Britain looks set to face widespread coordinated strikes by more than a million public sector staff working in schools, councils, and the health service over the government’s plans for pension reform. Members of two teaching unions yesterday became the first to back industrial action over the Conservative-led coalition government’s plans, which they say will cut their pensions, setting the scene for what could be a long period of strife. Talks between union chiefs and ministers continue but the issue seems certain to become the catalyst for mass action by unions, angry at the government’s massive spending cuts to address a budget deficit of around 10 percent of GDP. The government says it has already developed emergency plans to cope with the impact of any strikes. Britain has not experienced lengthy, large-scale labor stoppages for decades. “It won’t be a day of industrial action,” said Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, which has more than a million members on public pension schemes, warning of a sustained program of action. “This will be serious industrial action in order to get this government to change its mind,” he told BBC radio. The government argues public sector pensions have become financially unsustainable because people are living longer, and says they are also unfair to private sector workers, who retire later and receive lower benefits.

In March, a review led by a former minister in the previous Labor government recommended existing final salary schemes should be replaced by pensions based on career average earnings-a move that industry experts have said could save some 2 bil-

lion pounds a year. The review said the move would favor those on low salaries, but unions argued it would see many poorly-paid workers paying more and working longer for worse pensions at a time when the government has brought in a pay freeze. Prentis told The Times newspaper that the reforms would also make it cheaper for private firms to tender for public sector contracts.

WARNING SHOT The National Union of Teachers and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, a moderate union which has never held a national strike in its 127-year history, announced yesterday its members had voted for industrial action. “This is a warning shot across the bows to the government,” said Mary Bousted, ATL’s general secretary.

“When even the least militant education union and teachers working in private schools vote to strike the government would be wrong to ignore it.”

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union will announce results of a strike ballot today and other unions, representing the likes of nurses, firefighters and even doctors, could follow suit. “We continue to hope that industrial action will not take place,” Francis Maude, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, said in a statement. “In the unfortunate event that it does I can assure the public now that all services have highly-developed and tested contingency plans to ensure that their essential services are maintained.” Business Secretary Vince Cable, a member of coalition’s junior Liberal Democrats, also warned earlier this month that unions faced tougher laws if they held strikes over the government austerity measures. — Reuters

LONDON: A British juror will be sent to jail for discussing a drug and corruption trial with a defendant on Facebook, a judge said yesterday. Justice Igor Judge told Joanne Fraill - the first juror in Britain to be convicted for using the Internet during a trial - that she would get a prison term when she is sentenced later in the week. The maximum sentence for contempt is two years in jail Prosecutors say Fraill and defendant Jamie Sewart communicated on the social networking site during the trial last year, with Sewart asking Fraill for details of the jury’s deliberations. Sewart, 34, was acquitted at that trial but later charged with contempt. Fraill pleaded guilty to contempt, acknowledging that she communicated with Sewart and also researched the case online while serving on the jury.

According to The Guardian newspaper, in one exchange Sewart asked Fraill how deliberations were going and Fraill replied: “Cant get anyone to go either no one budging pleeeeeese don’t say anything cause jamie they could all miss trial.” Defense lawyer Peter Wright said 40-year-old Fraill was “distraught at what she had done, wholly contrite and remorseful.” He said she contacted Sewart because she felt the two had a lot in common. “Her conduct, though reprehensible, was not calculated or designed by her to subvert the trial process, although it is conceded that that was an inevitable consequence of it,” Wright said. Sewart had denied contempt but was found guilty yesterday by judges at London’s High Court.

While Fraill is going to prison, Sewart was

LONDON: Jamie Sewart arrives at the High Court in London yesterday. A British female juror and a defendant both faced jail for chatting on Facebook, causing the collapse of a major in a major drugs trial, in the country’s first case of its kind.— AFP

told she would receive a suspended prison sentence because she has a young child, from whom she was separated during her original trial The panel of three judges also will hear an appeal by one of the convicted defendants, who wants his sentence overturned on the grounds

Battle lines drawn in bid to lead South Africa ANC Youth leader Malema wants Zuma replaced

President Jacob Zuma

Center-left veteran eyes Merkel’s seat BERLIN: Blunt-talking former finance minister Peer Steinbrueck has emerged almost overnight as the strongest candidate in Germany’s centre-left Social Democrats to challenge Chancellor Angel Merkel in the 2013 election. Steinbrueck, whose no-nonsense handling of the global financial crisis in 2008 helped Germany weather the shocks in remarkably good shape, has suddenly shot to the top of opinion polls even though he has not declared a candidacy. As a gruff centrist in the left-leaning SPD, Steinbrueck may have trouble winning his party’s nomination. But if he does, he will be a formidable threat to Merkel. The last SPD chancellors were both centrists-Helmut Schmidt and Gerhard Schroeder.

Even though he once threatened to send the “cavalry” to Switzerland to catch German tax evaders, and was infamously wrong in saying in 2008 the financial crisis was mainly an “American problem”, Steinbrueck’s popularity has soared at home. The 64-year-old, who once operated army tanks, has mostly kept a low profile on the back benches of the Reichstag since his party was voted out of power in 2009. But when he talks, people still tend to listen. The mere acknowledgement in a radio interview that he was willing to

of jury misconduct. Jurors in British trials are warned not to talk to anyone about their case, or to research it on the Internet. The attorney general’s office said the case was Britain’s first contempt prosecution involving use of the Internet by a juror. — AP

consider carrying the SPD’s banner in 2013 sparked a buzz that catapulted him to the top of a leading ZDF TV poll as Germany’s most popular politician-even though he had not even made the top 10 since 2009.

Steinbrueck’s withering attacks on Merkel in parliament for her dithering on euro zone crisis, which he said needlessly upset financial markets, won widespread praise and media attention five days before an election in Baden-Wuerttemberg state-where Merkel’s Christian Democrats were then ousted. “Steinbrueck is so popular because he has cultivated a reputation as an independent spirit and he’s not afraid to stand up for what he thinks is right, even if it upsets his own party,” said Frank Decker, political scientist at Bonn University. “That doesn’t necessarily help his popularity in the SPD,” added Decker. “What also makes him popular outside the SPD is the respect he commands on economic and financial policy. It’s a hugely important issue for German voters.”

CALLS OWN PARTY ‘CRY-BABIES’ A Bild newspaper online poll found that 50 percent of respondents wanted to see Steinbrueck run against Merkel, compared with 27 percent for

the SPD’s former foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, whom Merkel beat in 2009. Only 6 percent voted for SPD chairman Sigmar Gabriel.

“Steinbrueck is fabulous as a person, but problematic as a candidate for the SPD,” said Gero Neugebauer, political scientist at Berlin’s Free University. “I enjoy him because he’s so cynical and so bright and his analyses are often spot on.

“But he can only get away with stuff like that now because he doesn’t hold any political office at the moment,” he added. “I can well imagine Merkel would be nervous if he is nominated. But it’s hard to imagine the SPD nominating him.”

Steinbrueck has often clashed with the powerful left wing of his own party, once famously calling them “cry-babies” for resisting painful economic reforms. His cautiously worded interest in running drew harsh criticism from the SPD’s left.

Steinbrueck also raised eyebrows in the government by openly saying recently that Greece would have to restructure its debts. The SPD is not expected to formally pick a candidate until 2012.

But party insiders say preliminary decision-making has to take place soon. The SPD lost four straight elections between 1982 and 1998 by picking left-leaning candidates. — Reuters

JOHANNESBURG: Julius Malema and the ANC Youth League he heads appears to have embarked on a campaign to limit President Jacob Zuma to one term as leader of South Africa’s ruling party, union leaders say. The anti-Zuma group is supported by wealthy members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and fronted by Malema, whose calls for farm seizures without compensation and the nationalization of mines in the world’s biggest platinum producer have worried investors.

Malema, who will be re-elected youth leader later this week, helped Zuma rise to power in 2007 but his demands for sweeping policy shifts and racist remarks towards the white minority have put him at odds with the president. “If they succeed in this campaign, the ANC as we have known it will be history,” The Sunday Times quoted COSATU’s Secretary-General Zwelinzima Vavi as writing in a union document.

“Our country we love so much will go straight down the direction of a banana republic. The current challenge of corruption will be institutionalized with a risk that the very country will be sold to the highest bidder.” The youth league is considered kingmakers in the ANC and has been used in the past by senior members to drive policy changes and launch leadership races.

While alliance members COSATU and the communists appear to back Zuma, his supporters fear the split may jeopardize his chances when the party holds its leadership election next year — and by implication another term as president of Africa’s most powerful economy, which holds elections in 2014.

POWERFUL SUPPORT Analysts say Malema has presidential ambitions, and replacing Zuma is a step towards ensuring his policy demands materialize. A change in leadership would allow his supporters to exploit lucrative

government deals. “Malema is not getting what he expects from Zuma. Some very powerful and rich people in the ANC and the country support him,” an ANC member who did not want to be named said. “If Zuma is out of the way, they can benefit more from government deals.” Investors are concerned by what appears to be rising levels of corruption and opportunism by senior ANC officials. “I think this rent-seeking and patronage culture is of a level of concern that we haven’t seen before,” said Anne Fruhauf, southern Africa analyst at Eurasia Group in London.

She said there were some reservations about Zuma’s government with many investors taking different views. Bond and stock market investors consider South Africa a lucrative investment opportunity and mostly shrug off nationalization calls as “noise”. “But on the private equity side, investors have begun to complain that South Africa, especially the mining sector, is becoming uninvestable,” Fruhauf said.

Zuma’s supporters blame Malema’s antagonistic comments towards minorities-including repeated singing of an apartheid-era song that advocates shooting white farmers, and calling the white leader of the opposition party a “monkey”- for a drop in support in May’s local government elections.

Support for the ANC fell five percentage points in the elections from 67 percent in 2006, with a surge in support for the main opposition DA who promised better basic services. Blade Nzimande, SecretaryGeneral of the South African Communist Party and Higher Education Minister in Zuma’s cabinet said Malema’s populist rhetoric divided the nation and was becoming a threat to the democracy won in 1994 after decades of white minority rule. “This demagogy constitutes the greatest threat not just to our electoral performance but also to our hard-won democratic achievements,” he said. — Reuters

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

Republicans assail Obama in major opening debate MANCHESTER: Republican presidential hopefuls assailed President Barack Obama’s handling of the economy in their first major debate of the campaign season, seizing on an issue they hope will open a path to the White House.

The New Hampshire debate Monday night unfolded more than six months before the state hosts the first primary of the 2012 campaign. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney appears to be the party’s early frontrunner, but the Republicans who shared a stage were plainly more interested in criticizing Obama than one another. The seven Republican candidates ganged up on Obama, who remains popular but could be vulnerable in the 2012 race due to the staggering economy, high unemployment and steep gasoline prices.

Romney had a surprisingly easy two hours Monday night. He looked calm and steady, criticizing Obama on the economy and health care while rarely being forced on the defensive. Recent polls show Romney to be the Republican in the best position to defeat Obama in November 2012, but it’s not clear that he can win over the party’s right wing and secure the nomination. Rivals have criticized him for a Massachusetts health care law that requires people to obtain health insurance because it served as a model for Obama’s 2010 health care overhaul that many conservatives detest.

“It was a very friendly debate to say the least, which helps Romney,” Republican adviser Greg Mueller said. “No one took center stage and emerged as the main challenger to Romney.” On Sunday, former

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty had derided the Massachusetts health law as “Obamneycare,” a play on critics’ term “Obamacare” for the president’s health reform. But Pawlenty seemed loath to revisit the issue Monday. Pressed by the moderator three times to explain his use of “Obamneycare,” Pawlenty replied somewhat weakly that it was “a reflection of the president’s comments that he designed Obamacare on the Massachusetts health care plan.”

If any candidate had nearly as good an evening as Romney, it was Rep. Michele Bachmann. She made maximum use of CNN’s live telecast to announce she was formally entering the race. She drew one of the loudest rounds of applause Monday night from a partisan debate audience when she

predicted that Obama would be “a one-term president.” She is popular with social conservatives which makes her a credible threat to other candidates courting core Republican voters.

The seven Republican candidates found little if anything to like in what the president has done since taking office in the midst of the worst economic recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s. “When 14 million Americans are out of work we need a new president to end the Obama Depression,” said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Gingrich was trying to revive his campaign after suffering the mass exodus of the entire top echelon of his staff last week, an unprecedented event that left his chances of winning the nomination in tatters. Other candidates who participated

were former Sen. Rick Santorum, businessman and political novice Herman Cain and US Rep. Ron Paul.

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, who recently stepped down as Obama’s ambassador to China, did not participate in the event. He is expected to announce his candidacy shortly. Already, this race has had its share of surprises as the Republican field has been slow to settle. Several likely candidates decided not to run _ Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee among them _ and at least one who ruled out a race is reconsidering. Texas Gov. Rick Perry has said he will decide after the state Legislature completes its current session, and the party’s 2008 vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, has not yet said if she will run. — AP

Rep Bachmann pursuing republican nomination Bachmann infamous for biting commentary, high-profile gaffes

CIUDAD JUAREZ: Forensic experts and federal police investigate the scene where two men were found shot dead. Both men had multiple bullet impacts in the chest, abdomen and head. — AP

US arms fuelling Mexican deadly drug war: Report MEXICO CITY: About 70 percent of the guns seized in Mexico and submitted to a US gun-tracing program came from the United States, according to a report released by three US senators Monday.

Of the 29,284 firearms recovered by authorities in Mexico in 2009 and 2010, 20,504 came from the United States, according to figures provided to the senators by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Most of those weapons - 15,131 - were US made, while another 5,373 were of foreign manufacture but had moved through the United States into Mexico. The ATF said the remainder of the weapons total - 8,780 arms - were of “undetermined origin due to insufficient information provided.” The figure of the number of guns arriving in Mexico from north of the border has been polemical ever since a June 2009 US report covering earlier years said that 87 percent of guns seized in Mexico came from the United States.

While the report did not specify why the percentage had changed, the most recent figures appear to included more gun-trace reports, as the reporting program in Mexico became easier to use.

Evidence that US weapons trafficking has been fueling a bloody drug war that has cost more than 35,000 lives in Mexico since late 2006 has angered many Mexicans. On Saturday, in a speech to the Mexican-American community in San Jose, California, President Felipe Calderon lashed out at the US weapons industry.

“I accuse the US weapons industry of (responsibility for) the deaths of thousands of people that are occurring in Mexico,” Calderon said. “It is for profit, for the profits that it makes for the weapons industry.” The report, issued by Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California and two other senators, recommended background checks for sales at gun shows, a ban on the import of nonsporting weapons and the reinstatement of the assault weapons ban in force in the United States until 2004. Calderon endorsed calls for reinstating the ban on domestic sales of assault rifles, saying its expiration in 2004 may have played a role in the increase of drug violence in Mexico. “You can clearly see how the violence began to grow in 2005, and of course it has gone on an upward spiral in the last six years,” Calderon said. — AP

Obama pressures Weiner to resign WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama ramped up pressure on Monday on Democratic congressman Anthony Weiner to step down, calling his Internet sex scandal a distraction from the work that Washington needs to get done.

“I can tell you that if it was me, I would resign,” Obama told NBC News shortly before the US House of Representatives, without opposition, granted Weiner a two-week leave of absence while the New York congressman gets professional treatment.

Weiner, 46, has defied mounting calls from other leaders of his own party to step down after his belated admission last week that he sent online messages and lewd photos of himself to at least a half dozen women and lied about it.

Weiner ’s refusal to resign has angered Democrats, who say his inappropriate online exchanges with women have hurt the party as it looks ahead toward next year’s elections when it will seek to win back the House from Republicans. The congressman said through an aide over the weekend that rather than immediately step down he would seek a leave of absence from the House and treatment at an undisclosed facility.

“We think this is a distraction obviously from the important business that this president needs to conduct and Congress needs to conduct,” White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters aboard Air Force One as Obama headed to North Carolina to talk to business leaders about invigorating the US economy. Later Monday, Obama told NBC, when asked about Weiner, “Public service is exactly that, it’s a service to the public.”

“When you get to the point where-

because of various personal distractions, you can’t serve as effectively as you need to at the time when people are worrying about jobs, and their mortgages, and paying the bills-then you should probably step back,” the president said in his first comments on the matter. Obama’s trip on Monday to North Carolina was part of a steppedup effort by the White House to show voters that he remains focused on job creation.

WEINER’S DAYS NUMBERED? With the White House accusing Weiner of being an unwarranted distraction for the president, the fiery liberal may find it difficult to stay on.

Weiner, who was re -elected last November with 61 percent of the vote in his congressional district, has said his behavior was wrong but that he violated no laws. It is unclear what, if anything, Congress can do to force Weiner to step down. A poll last week showed that most of his constituents think he should remain in his job.

The full House could vote to expel Weiner. But such punishment would be highly unusual unless it is found that he violated criminal law, not just the chamber ’s rules. The House returned on Monday from a week-long recess, and the chamber’s Democrats were to meet yesterday, with Weiner likely a chief topic. A Democratic aide said they could pass a resolution urging Weiner to resign. While it would not be binding, it would show that Weiner faces a solid wall of opposition in his own party.

The Democratic caucus could also strip Weiner of his committee assignments and even tell him that he is no longer welcome at their meetings, the aide said. — Reuters

ST PAUL: US Rep Michele Bachmann, an outspoken Republican with close ties to the conservative tea party movement, announced Monday that she is running for president, a candidacy that could further shake up a volatile fight for the party’s nomination. The first female contender to enter the 2012 race, Bachmann announced her bid during a Republican presidential debate in New Hampshire. The third-term Minnesota congresswoman has been leaning heavily toward a run over the past few months, visiting early primary states, raising money and railing against President Barack Obama. “We cannot risk giving President Obama four more years to dismantle our nation. We must act now,” Bachmann said in a fundraising letter sent within an hour of her entrance. “That’s why I’ve made the decision to get in this race.” She brings high energy, charisma and proven fundraising ability to the race to nominate a Republican challenger to Obama. She also is known for unyielding stances, biting commentary and high-profile gaffes.

Bachmann is attempting the rare leap from the US House of Representatives to the presidency. Despite having low seniority and few policy accomplishments, she has risen to prominence in Washington in part by her frequent television appearances and willingness to attack Obama in sharp terms. Her popularity with tea party activists and her credentials as a social conservative make her a credible threat to other candidates courting conservatives who make up the core of the Republican Party.

Her impact may be felt most in Iowa, the first stop in the nomination battle and where Christian evangelicals dominate. While she hasn’t built the broad campaign infrastructure of some Republican rivals, she has gradually patched together a blend of tested and freshbut-determined advisers. She’s also shown an ability to raise money from a network of smalldollar donors, including $13.5 million she put toward the her 2010 House race, the nation’s most expensive.

Bachmann spent the bulk of her political career in Minnesota and Washington as a minority party member, reveling in her role as a fierce voice of the opposition. She didn’t let up when Republicans gained control of the US House last fall, enhancing her standing through public breaks with party leaders after she was denied a place in caucus leadership.

The camera-friendly congresswoman has irked some party leaders by grabbing at the spot-

ST PAUL: This 2005 photo provided by Michele Bachmann shows her posing with her state permit to carry a concealed weapon nestled in a folded US flag at her office. — AP light, such as the alternate televised response she delivered to Obama’s State of the Union speech this winter.

Her willingness to speak her mind - she once accused Obama of running a “gangster government” - has brought her both loyal fans and plenty of critics. In 2009, she called it an “interesting coincidence” that the last swine flu outbreak in the US occurred under a Democratic president, though it actually happened when Republican Gerald Ford was in office. Since first hinting at a presidential campaign ahead of an Iowa speech in January, she has made sustained trips there and to New Hampshire and South Carolina, all places with an outsized voice in the nominating process.

She previously told reporters she would announce her intentions this month in her birthplace of Waterloo, Iowa. Veteran Republican campaign consultant Ed Rollins confirmed to The Associated Press that he would be Bachmann’s campaign manager. He said a formal rollout hasn’t been set.

“We are now a campaign committee and we will come out to Iowa sometime in the next couple of weeks,” Rollins said. Other fullfledged candidates include former Govs. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts and Tim Pawlenty of

Minnesota, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and businessman Herman Cain. Still a possibility is Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee. Palin assisted Bachmann in her 2010 race. And while the two deny any inherent rivalry, the possibility they may both run in 2012 has already stirred up such talk. Bachmann, 55, enters as a definite factor in Iowa’s caucuses, not just because it is her native state and now neighbor. Despite her status as an elected official, she is attractive to Republican activists looking for a candidate with outsider appeal. She particularly resonates with the conservative coalition that led former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to a 2008 caucus win in Iowa. Before politics, Bachmann was an attorney who at one point chased tax cheats for the federal government. A mother of five and foster parent over the years to more than 20 girls, Bachmann dove into public life during a fight over Minnesota school standards. She spent six years in the Minnesota Senate before winning an open seat Congress, where she’s been since 2007. Bachmann’s husband, Marcus, runs a Christian-based counseling clinic. — AP

Tijuana ex-mayor freed from prison TIJUANA: A federal judge ordered the release of former Tijuana Mayor Jorge Hank Rhon early yesterday, saying officials lacked evidence to charge him with illegal weapons possession after a military raid on his house. But as soon as he left the federal prison in Tecate, the 55-year-old gambling magnate was taken to the state prosecutor’s office for questioning, according to Heriberto Garcia, Human Rights Ombudsman for the state of Baja California.

Garcia didn’t know what Hank Rhon was being questioned about, but the state prosecutor over the weekend said two of the weapons found in a June 4 raid on Hank Rhon’s compound have been linked to the Tijuana killings of a security guard in December 2009 and an alleged car thief in June 2010. The Baja California state attorney general’s office has given no timetable for completing its investigation into the two deaths. Hank Rhon, who served as mayor from 2004 to 2007, had been held on federal illegal weapons charges since the raid on his Tijuana house, beside a racetrack and casino. He is part of a prominent clan in the Institutional Revolutionary Party that is trying to regain Mexico’s presidency next year’s election.

Federal Judge Blanca Evelia Parra Meza also ordered the release yesterday of eight people arrested with Hank Rhon and the dismissal of charges against all 11 who were picked up in raid. Two

had been released last week.

According to a court statement, the judge said there was not enough evidence presented before time ran out on the constitutional limit for holding Hank Rhon and the others on charges of illegal possession of weapons, ammunition and possession of weapons for use only by the military. The federal attorney general said in a statement yesterday that it will appeal the decision.

With the raid on Hank Rhon’s home, prosecutors had gone after a man with deep roots in Mexico’s elite who had long been considered untouchable. US officials have long been suspicious of the Hank clan, and the flamboyant Hank Rhon in particular.

Gambling can be a prime way to launder money, and Hank Rhon runs a gaming empire based in one of the world’s busiest drugtrafficking corridors. However they have never indicted him on any corruption-related charge.

But the unusual circumstances of the raid, coming in the run-up to an election season, left federal officials scrambling to deny political motivations. Prosecutors said the soldiers, based on a citizen’s tip, saw armed going into the complex and detained them, along with Hank Rhon and others inside at 3 am. Mexico’s military said it also found 88 weapons and nearly 10,000 rounds of ammunition. Federal prosecutors said only 10 of the weapons were licensed.

TIJUANA: Supporters of former mayor of Tijuana Jorge Hank Rhon wave flags and hand out stickers. — AP

The prosecutor of Mexico’s Baja California state later said that ballistic tests showed that two of the guns found had been used in the homicides.

Hank Rhon denied any knowledge of the guns and his lawyer has said none of the guns seized were Hank Rhon’s. Hank Rhon’s attorneys argued that soldiers needed a search warrant to enter the sprawling compound in central Tijuana and that failure to get one merited dismissal of the charges without even considering the 40 rifles, 48 handguns, 9,298 bullets, 70 ammunition clips and a gas grenade that were seized.

The federal judge’s order came at about 3.20 am yesterday and hundreds of supporters of the flamboyant politician had gathered in anticipation of a celebration. Despite what happens with state charges, the federal judge’s ruling alone will likely be viewed as a stinging setback for the administration of President Felipe Calderon as it tries to prosecute organized crime. It echoes another major blow: the federal attorney general’s office arrested 12 mayors and 23 other officials in 2009 for supposedly aiding the Michoacan-based La Familia drug cartel, only to see judges set them all free, the last one in April.

“It’s going to be a huge embarrassment to the Calderon administration,” said David Shirk, director of the University of San Diego’s Trans-Border Institute and an expert on the Mexican judicial system. — AP

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Taleban and US clash in Afghan flashpoint US, Taleban, play cat and mouse in deadly area SANGIN: They went to open a new foothold to win hearts and minds in one of the deadliest parts of Afghanistan, but within minutes US Marines were trapped in an ambush with bullets flying. “We are the real mujahideen, we want to kill the infidel,” was the Taleban marksman’s rallying call as he eyed the group of Americans in Sangin district, today the bloodiest battlefield in the nearly 10-year war in Afghanistan.

KASHMIR: Kashmiri Muslims walk past as Indian paramilitary troopers stand guard during a strike in Srinagar. —AFP

Indian foreign secretary plans to visit Pakistan ISLAMABAD: India’s Foreign Secretary is due to visit Pakistan this month to discuss Kashmir, a Pakistani official said yesterday, the first formal talks between the two rivals on their core dispute since 2008, but analysts expect no breakthroughs. India broke off peace negotiations with Pakistan after the Mumbai attacks in 2008 by Pakistanbased militants that killed 166 people, but the two sides agreed earlier this year to resume talks.

Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama R ao and her Pak istani counterpar t Salman Bashir were assigned to tackle the territorial argument over Kashmir, which lies at the hear t of tension between the two nuclear-armed states.

“She (Nirupama Rao) is expected here later this month to discuss peace and security, Jammu and Kashmir as well as friendly exchanges,” the Pakistani foreign ministry official told Reuters. Rao is due to retire on July 31.

The talks are expected to improve ties between the two neighbors, which have fought two of their three wars since independence in 1947 over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, but analysts say any breakthrough is unlikely. “It is a revival of the peace

process. Definitely Kashmir will be discussed,” said Mutahir Ahmed, a professor at the Department of International Relations at the University of Karachi.

“It’s a positive development but one should not expect any big and immediate results out of these talks.”

“Kashmir is an old and complicated issue and it cannot be resolved so easily.” India accuses its neighbor of arming, abetting and sending Islamist militants into its part of divided Kashmir, which both sides claim in full. India has also tried to use the killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan by US forces last month to ratchet up pressure on Islamabad to do more to tackle militancy. Pakistan denies India’s charges.

The rivalry between Pakistan and India complicates Western efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and the South Asian region. The two countries have been under pressure from the United States to tr y to ease tensions that spill over into Afghanistan. They have held talks on a range of issues including a border dispute over a river estuar y, a row over Siachen glacier-the highest battlefield in the Himalayan region-as well as ways to build commercial ties. —Reuters

Pops and snaps of an incoming barrage of machine-gun fire pinned the troops down in canals and trees as insurgents attacked from a maze of mud buildings.

“Those dudes see you lying down so they can’t be that far away,” Lieutenant Travis Topolski told the squad as his marines shot back, aiming at tiny holes cut into houses-Taleban firing positions.

As US President Barack Obama mulls how many of the 100,000 American troops in Afghanistan to withdraw and how quickly this summer, Sangin, in the southern province of Helmand, shows how sophisticated and organized the Taleban are.

The district has been a byword for danger for years. First under the British, who withdrew in 2010, and again since US Marines swept in to clear the fertile area, which is bordered by a key Taleban supply route, last year.

Third Battalion, 5th Marines, lost 29 men and saw 187 others wounded. Since the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines arrived three months ago, they have lost three men, all to mine explosions. Three other men have lost both legs. “I don’t like hearing them talk of victory,” said battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Savage of Taleban messages of self-congratulation intercepted by radio.

“We will stay at the patrol base and we will saturate that area,” he says. The fight highlights a disconnect between growing political pressure in Washington for US troops to come home after Osama bin Laden was killed and what military commanders want to achieve on the ground.

Topolski’s men walked 15 minutes nor th from Patrol Base Transformer to the hostile village of Kotozai, hoping to establish a permanent presence that would allow them to build relationships with local residents.

But as soon as they arrived,

SANGIN: Marines from 1st Battalion 5th Marines carry their comrade Lance Corporal Victor Salgado, 21, with a gunshot wound to the foot for medical treatment. —AFP the Taleban opened fire.

Intercepted radio chatter suggested a larger ambush was planned, stopping the marines from moving forwards or back to their base. Marine snipers readied prone while helicopters and Harrier jets were sent overhead, preparing to bomb insurgent positions. But the Taleban fighters scuttled within a maze of compounds that also house families, making it too risky to fire in case civilians were injured. “ These guys (the militants) have been at war their whole lives,” said Topolski. “They know their tactics. Hearts and minds is the way to win the war but when I’m being shot at I would like to shoot back and we can’t get positive identification on these guys.”

So the marines were forced back to base, wading through canals and trying to avoid open fields.

But there was one field they had to cross, and as they ran for it, Lance Corporal Victor Salgado, 23, was shot in the foot.

Armored vehicles sent to cover the marines’ return met an ambulance convoy heading towards the plumes of red and purple smoke marking Salgado’s position in a field of threshed wheat.

“Rounds firing this way! That was close!” shouted the machine-gunner dodging bullets flying overhead as he ducked into the turret.

The injured marine pulled himself up into the armored vehicle. One marine tried to cheer Salgado up as he sat sweating in pain in the back of the vehicle with the hot metal burning in his foot. “Hey, you got a Purple Heart! Your kids are going to college for free!” he joked, referring to the medal and benefits awarded to injured soldiers in the US.

In one week alone at Patrol Base Transformer, gun battles on the unit’s northern frontline sent three marines home with gunshot wounds as insurgents pick up their weapons again for the traditional annual summer fight. Back at base, their faces marked with dirt and shock, the marines dissec ted what had happened. “Today was just a big day of cat and mouse. We stopped, they’d shoot at us and we’d shoot back, they ’d stop and maneuver somewhere else and shoot at us again,” said Sergeant Matthew Nelson. The next day the US Marines, not to be beaten, beefed up troops and returned to Kotozai to establish their new patrol base as planned. But the patrol drew more gunfire and this time, Lance Corporal Blas Trevino was shot in the stomach. —AFP

Execution for bank massacre criminals

COLOMBO: Passengers carry their belongings after disembarking from vessel Scotia Prince which made the maiden voyage from India to Sri Lanka yesterday. —AP

Sri Lanka, India resuming ferry service after 30-yrs COLOMBO: India and Sri Lank a resumed sea ferry services yesterday for the first time in 30 years, aiming to boost tourism and economic cooperation after the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war.

An Indian ferry with a capacity for 1,044 passengers docked at Colombo’s port this morning after leaving Tuticorin port. Officials said a Sri Lankan ferry would also make the journey within two weeks, and the service could be boosted to three round trips a week, depending on passenger traffic. “(This) will be beneficial to the economic, social and cultural advancement of the two countries,” Sri Lanka’s Ports Ministry said in a statement. “With the end of the three - decade war in Sri Lanka, the tourism industry has gained impetus and is expec ted to have a boost from this ferry service.” Ferry services between India and Sri Lank a

stopped in 1982 due to civil war, which ended in 2009. According to the agreement, ferry services between Sri Lanka’s northwestern town of Talaimannar and India’s R ameshwaram would also resume, but Ports Ministry officials did not give a date as infrastructure in warhit Talaimannar is still being rebuilt.

Sri Lanka’s $50 billion economy is on an economic revival path after the end of the fight against Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009. Sri Lanka has been trying to establish economic ties with India af ter having turned down demands by South Indian Tamils to halt the war in its final phase. India and China are increasingly competing for lucrative and strategic investments in Sri Lanka since the end the war after both of them provided military assistance, including ammunition, in the final phase of the war. —Reuters

Indian yoga star vows to continue anti-graft fight NEW DELHI: An Indian yoga guru vowed yesterday to continue his fight against government corruption, as he left hospital following an eight-day hunger strike against top-level graft. Swami Ramdev, also known as Baba Ramdev, insisted that his eight-day fast, which ended on Sunday “awakened the nation and today the people of this country have woken up”.

The bearded, saffron-robed guru, who has a huge following in India, was attempting to force the government to repatriate so-called “black money”, cash stored in foreign accounts suspected of being used for illegal transactions. “We

will keep working to repatriate black money, taking all the people of this country with us,” he told reporters in the northern town of Dehradun, where he was admitted to hospital on Friday after his condition worsened.

Ramdev’s high-profile campaign has piled pressure on the embattled Indian government amid rising public anger over a series of scandals, including a telecom license scam thought to have cost the country up to $39 billion. Another activist, Anna Hazare, in April successfully forced the government to draft a new anti-corruption law after holding a 98hour hunger strike in New Delhi. —AFP

KABUL: Afghanistan’s top court has sentenced to death a Pakistani and an Afghan for an attack on a bank that left 38 people dead in one of the deadliest insurgent raids in the country, a spokesman said yesterday. On February 19, five suicide bombers dressed in police and army uniforms and armed with machine guns stormed a branch of Kabul Bank in Jalalabad city. The attackers initiated a standoff with security forces that lasts several hours before they set off explosives. Only one gunman was captured alive.

“Zar Ajam, a Pakistani, who carried out the attack and his Afghan accomplice Matiullah, who provided accommodation for him, have been both sentenced to death,” Abdul Wakil Omari, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s top court, told AFP. A third person was sentenced to 20 years in jail, he added. The Taliban, who claimed responsibility for the attack, declined to comment on the verdict. When contacted by AFP, spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the militia might issue an “official statement” at later date.

Ajam was detained by Afghan forces. Surveillance footage showed a man dressed in police uniform repeatedly shooting unarmed civilians in the bank.

In an apparent confessional video, Ajam says he “enjoyed” killling people in the bank, believing they were all foreigners. The brazen attack and cold-blooded massacre outraged the Afghan public, which has repeatedly demanded his public execution. —AFP

BANGALORE: Elderly woman Laxmamma, 64, right, rests as another woman cuts waste newspaper to make paper bags at a daycare center for the elderly on the eve of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Growing numbers of elderly people in India are being abandoned by children who aspire to the lifestyle of a middle class nuclear family. There are about 77 million elderly people in India and this number is expected to rise to 178 million by 2030, according to the Rural Development and Science Committee. —AP

Pakistan pushes tribal militias in militant hub ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is trying to persuade tribesmen in a key militant sanctuary near the Afghan border to take up arms against AlQaeda and Taliban fighters in their midst, a top political official said yesterday. The US has repeatedly demanded that Pakistan launch a military offensive in North Waziristan to try and sap the strength of militants who regularly attack foreign forces in Afghanistan, jeopardizing Washington’s hopes of drawing down troops.

The latest effort to bring tribesmen on board appeared to be a new attempt to replicate the successes of the US military in Iraq to turn the tribes there against Al-Qaeda. So far, it has been less promising in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and at least two prominent North Waziristan locals said it would never work in their area. It is also unclear whether the government and the US have the same militants in mind for targeting.

The Pakistani government has promoted the creation of tribal

militias elsewhere in the northwest, but many of their members have been killed in militant attacks. Others have complained that the government has not given them enough support. Tariq Hayat, the top political official for Pakistan’s entire semiautonomous tribal region, said talks with the North Waziristan tribesmen began in recent days and the government has promised “moral and material support,” but not weapons.

“If they feel now that they are strong enough and they are getting signals from the authorities about all our support, yes they would love to throw the terrorists out from their homes,” said Hayat.

Kamran Khan, a lawmaker from North Waziristan, said he was not aware of the recent negotiations, but said people are too angry over US airstrikes in the region to back the effort. “As long as the American drones are hitting us every day, no such idea can get public support,” said Khan. The Pakistani government is also extremely unpopular in North

Waziristan, a poor region that is effectively controlled by militants despite the presence of thousands of Pakistani troops.

A leading member of one of the two main tribes in North Waziristan ruled out local militias _ known locally as lashkars _ because of the danger of retaliation by the militants. “Only an insane person would think about an anti-Taliban lashkar here,” he told the AP, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of being targeted by either the militants or the army. It’s unclear whether Pakistan’s attempt to establish tribal militias is a precursor to an operation in North Waziristan or an attempt to deflect US pressure, which has increased following the American raid last month that killed Osama bin Laden in an army town not far from Islamabad.

Also unknown is whether the government has been pushing the tribesmen to target the same militants the US wants taken out.

Washington is most focused on the Haqqani network, which it considers the most dangerous

militant group fighting in Afghanistan. But many analysts believe Pakistan is reluctant to target the group because of historical ties and the belief that it could be a useful ally in Afghanistan after foreign forces withdraw. Instead, the more likely target could be groups like alQaida and the Pakistani Taliban, which have declared war on the government and have carried out scores of bombings throughout the country.

Hayat, the political official, said the government wanted the tribesmen to target foreign militants and members of the Taliban, but did not indicate whether that group includes the Haqqani network and other Afghan fighters battling foreign forces. The Pakistani army did not respond to requests for comment on the recent talks or on whether a North Waziristan operation was imminent. Army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani recently called on the people of North Waziristan “to evict all foreigners from their soil.” —AP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

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

More flights delayed in Australia as Chilean ash cloud plays havoc SYDNEY: Thousands of airline passengers endured a third day of delays in Australia yesterday as the ash cloud from Chile’s volcanic eruptions kept planes grounded.

Qantas and Jetstar lifted a ban on flights to and from Melbourne but services by the two airlines in and out of the southern island of Tasmania, to and from Adelaide and New Zealand were cancelled for the day.

“Qantas will continue to monitor the movement of the ash cloud and assess its impact on flight operations as the situation develops,” the airline said in a statement.

“The Qantas Group’s approach to flying is based on the highest standards of safety

and risk assessment. Safety is always put before schedule.” Tiger Airways cancelled services between Adelaide and Melbourne and Perth and Melbourne.

While Qantas and Jetstar continue to take a conser vative approach, Virgin resumed normal flights to Melbourne, Tasmania and New Zealand with its planes flying around or under the ash plume. They are also flying in and out of Adelaide, as are international services by Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines. “We have got our own volcanic ash management team which is a team of experts in everything from engineering to navigation and a Bureau of Meteorology person in-house,” Virgin

spokesman Colin Lippiatt said. “We would not be operating if we did not believe it was completely safe.” Air New Zealand’s domestic and trans-Tasman flights also continue to operate to schedule. “By adjusting cruising altitudes of our aircraft we are able to continue to safely deliver customers to their destinations,” Air New Zealand said. It added that almost all other carriers with services to New Zealand were operating, including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific and Korean Air. The eruption of the Puyehue volcano, high in the Andes, has spewed ash that has disrupted air travel on a scale not seen since the volcanic cloud over Iceland paralyzed

Europe in 2010.Flights across South America have been hit, with strong winds carrying the ash more than half way around the world, over the southern Atlantic and southern Indian Oceans to Australia and as far as New Zealand.

Andrew Tupper, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre head, warned the crisis was not yet over. “I think it’s fair to say there will be more disruption, so that’s the bit of bad news,” he told ABC radio, adding that while the ash was heading back to South America, it could return to Australia. “It has been known to do a double lap in the past,” he said. Peter Marosszeky, an aircraft mainte-

nance expert and senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales’ Department of Aviation, said there could be dire consequences for aircraft flying through the ash. “ The dry nature of ash, mainly pumice stone, acts as an abrasive on all exterior parts of the aircraft, ablating the finished surfaces like sandpaper,” he said.”In addition it will choke up the sensitive ports within the engines and block them. “Volcanic ash in the air has disastrous consequences on aircraft that fly through the cloud.”

Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority says it has no issue with airlines flying provided they avoid areas of forecast volcanic ash and any actual areas of ash. — AFP

China slams US over calls for involvement in dispute China eyes bilateral solution in island row

CHRISTCHURCH: Lyttelton Timeball Station is damaged following strong aftershocks. —AP

Christchurch quake kills one, condemns countless homes CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand said yesterday that the latest Christchurch earthquake had killed one man and also confirmed fears that thousands of homes in the city would have to be abandoned. As Christchurch began the all-too familiar routine of cleaning up after its third major quake in nine months, Prime Minister John Key said the repeated seismic pounding had made the land in some areas too unstable to rebuild on.

“There are certainly in the order of thousands of homes that are affected,” Key told reporters in Christchurch after assessing the damage from Monday’s 6.0-magnitude tremor. As aftershocks of up to 4.2 continued to rock the city yesterday, Key said the quake exacerbated land damage caused after a devastating 6.3 jolt in February that killed 181 people and another 7.0 tremor in September.

“We now have a reasonably clear picture about what land won’t be able to be rebuilt on,” he said, adding residents would be informed whether they had to abandon their properties after payout options had been finalized with insurers.

Monday’s quake opened up sink holes in roads, burst water mains and toppled already weakened buildings in the city centre. In what mayor Bob Parker described as “a very rough night in the city”, 20,000 homes were without power in the bitter cold and nerves were frayed when a 4.7 aftershock jolted residents awake at 2:48am. Parker initially said the city could take comfort in the fact that there were no fatalities, but even that consolation was stripped away when the Canterbury health board confirmed the tremors killed a nursing home resident.

The board said the elderly man died as a direct result of Monday’s quakes but further details were not available. The number of people injured was also revised up from 10 to 45, two of whom remained in Christchurch Hospital.

Businessman Joe Arts said the latest tremors were a major setback for New

Zealand’s second largest city. “It’s like we’ve gone backwards,” he told AFP as he surveyed his city centre printing shop, which was damaged but remained open after September’s quake but has been closed since the February disaster.

“It’s over now, I’ll just wait for the insurance payout.” At the beachside suburb of Sumner, the wreckage of a house that tumbled down a cliff was cordoned off as work began to stabilize other homes teetering precariously on the edge. Schools remained closed, elective surgery was cancelled in hospitals and a welfare centre was set up in the suburb of Aranui for people unable to return to their homes. But emergency crews, now well-drilled in earthquake repairs, began work at first light and had restored water and electricity to most of the city by late last night.

Key did not expect the latest shake to have a major impact on the $12.3 billion Christchurch rebuilding program, saying the worst-hit areas had already suffered major damage in the previous quakes. “It hasn’t had a big impact on the rebuild here in Christchurch because it was a mirror footprint really,” he said. “It’s for the most part damaged buildings that were already damaged.” The worst-hit area was the already devastated downtown area known as the red zone, which remains off-limits to the public following the earlier earthquakes.

Key said 75 buildings in the area previously believed safe had been condemned following Monday ’s quake, bringing the total earmarked for demolition in the central business district after the three quakes to about 900. A predicted exodus from Christchurch after the February quake failed to happen but Leanne Curtis from community group CanCERN said Monday’s scare would be the final straw for some. “People just can’t do it anymore,” she told Fairfax Media. “We’re back to square one.” — AFP

Amnesty urges Malaysia to arrest Sudan’s Bashir KUALA LUMPUR: Rights group Amnesty International urged Malaysia yesterday to withdraw its invitation to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and arrest him if he travels to the Southeast Asian country. Bashir and Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe are among several African leaders expected to take part in the Langkawi International Dialogue from June 19 to 21. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Bashir for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in the wartorn western Sudanese region of Darfur.

“Malaysia should not turn itself into a port of call for fugitives from international justice,” said Donna Guest, Amnesty’s deputy director for Asia Pacific. “The Malaysian government should bar Bashir from its territory and arrest him if he turns up,” she added.

Nazri Aziz, the Malaysian minister in charge of parliamentary affairs, said his country should respect the ICC’s jurisdiction, and he would bring the issue up when the Cabinet meets this Friday, according to news portal Malaysiakini.

“This is a serious matter. I will take it to the Cabinet,” Nazri was quoted as saying. Bashir is the first sitting head of

state to be targeted by an ICC warrant, and ICC statutes dictate that any member country should arrest him if he visits. Malaysia is not a party to the ICC but Nazri said earlier this year that Kuala Lumpur plans to recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction to declare that it rejects crimes against humanity.

“Malaysia’s invitation to Omar al-Bashir flies in the face of its decision to join the ICC,” Guest said in the statement.

“Instead of hosting people wanted by the ICC, Malaysia should reaffirm its commitment to justice,” she said.

The annual Langkawi International Dialogue is hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. The leaders will discuss how to boost economic and political ties to fight poverty. About 300,000 people have died since conflict broke out in Darfur in 2003, when non-Arab rebels took up arms against the Arab-dominated government in Khar toum for a greater share of resources and power, according to UN figures. Sudan’s government says 10,000 have been killed. Chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo accuses Bashir of personally instructing his forces to annihilate the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic groups. — AFP

BEIJING: China criticized the US yesterday over a senator’s call for multilateral negotiations to resolve festering territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said only those countries with territorial claims in the vast resource-rich waters should get involved in such discussions. “We hope countries not related to the disputes over the South China Sea will respect the efforts of directly related countries to resolve the issue through direct negotiations,” Hong told a regularly scheduled news conference.

China, which claims the entire sea and its island groups, will assert its rights and interests but won’t use force to resolve disputes or impede navigation, Hong said. Hong’s comments were in response to a call by US Senator Jim Webb on Monday for Washington to condemn China’s use of force and facilitate talks on the dispute. That followed accusations by Vietnam that Chinese boats cut a cable attached to a vessel conducting a seismic survey off its coast on May 26 and hindered operations of another vessel on June 9.

The claims prompted rare anti-Chinese street protests in Vietnamese cities. Meanwhile, the president of the Philippines, another claimant which has also accused China of harassment at sea, said the American military presence deters aggression in the area.

“Perhaps the presence of our treaty partner, which is the United States of America, ensures that all of us will have freedom of navigation, will conform to international law,” Benigno Aquino III told a news conference yesterday. Washington irked China last year by asserting that the US had a national security interest in the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea, where several nations and territories have competing claims. China rejects outside interference and

PHAN VINH ISLAND: Vietnam put on a show of military strength in the tense South China Sea on June 13, risking the ire of Beijing in the face of a deepening maritime rift with its powerful neighbor. —AFP maintains that the disputes should be handled bilaterally. Webb said Vietnam and other countries are watching whether “we are going to back up those words with substantive action.” “That does not mean military confrontation, per se, but we have to make a clear signal,” said Webb, a Democrat who chairs the Senate subcommittee overseeing American policy toward East Asia.

Vietnam fired live artillery rounds Monday off its central coast in naval drills staged in response to recent incidents at sea. Hong sidestepped a question about the exercises.

Myanmar army, militia fight in strategic region BANGKOK: Clashes have broken out between the Myanmar army and northern ethnic rebels in a strategic region near the Chinese border, with at least seven people killed, a militia spokesman said yesterday.

Myanmar troops pushed Kachin Independence Army (KIA) fighters from a key mountain position during fighting which has left three rebels and four state soldiers dead, according to KIA spokesman James Lum Dau in Thailand.

“This will spread to many areas,” he said, accusing the government of moving into regions held by the armed ethnic group. He said the casualties included one KIA soldier allegedly tortured to death. It was not possible to verify the claims and there was no confirmation from the Myanmar authorities about the unrest, which appears to be centered around a large hydropower project being built to provide energy for China.

China indicated that Chinese workers were caught up in the clashes in northern Myanmar, also known as Burma. “China has reached an understanding of relevant information and is trying its best to rescue them,” foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters yesterday. The KIA, thought to have at least several thousand fighters, used to be one of the most powerful rebel groups and holds large areas of northern Kachin state despite signing a ceasefire with the junta in 1994.

The dams appear to have raised the stakes in the struggle for control in the area, according to Aung Din of the US Campaign for Burma, which works to promote democracy and human rights in the country. He said the KIA refused to remove fighters from the Taping river, where the dams are being built by China Datang Corporation, prompting an attack by government troops. Hundreds of government soldiers opened fire on a KIA outpost last Thursday, sparking several hours of fighting.

The US Campaign for Burma said 28 Chinese engineers working at the hydropower plants had been caught up in the fighting and were unable to return to China. The rebel group has now “issued an order to all of its forces to launch full-scale resistance war against the attack made by the Burmese military regime’s troops” after a deadline for negotiations passed, Aung Din said, quoting another senior KIA figure.

The fighting comes after a marked deterioration in relations between the government and KIA. Aung Naing Oo of the Vahu

Development Institute, a Thai-based independent advocacy and policy research organization, said the rebel group was normally open to dialogue, but relations have soured. “This issue has just been waiting around the corner, all that was needed was a spark to ignite the war. But of course I am not sure that this is a large scale war or just an attempt by the government to secure the dams,” he said.

The predominantly Baptist and Catholic Kachin account for about seven percent of the country’s population and are one of many ethnic minorities that have conducted armed insurgencies.

After Myanmar gained independence in 1948, civil war broke out between the regime and ethnic rebels seeking more autonomy and rights, including an uprising in Kachin that gathered momentum from the early 1960s. — AFP

KACHIN: Soldiers of the KIA (Kachin Independence Army) provide security during the cerebration of Manaw Festival. Government troops in Myanmar have attacked Kachin forces, one of the country’s powerful northern militias. — AP

But he appeared to be referring to Vietnam when he said “some country took unilateral actions to impair China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, released groundless and irresponsible remarks with the attempt to expand and complicate the dispute over the South China Sea.” China accuses Vietnam of illegally entering its waters and putting fishermen’s lives at risk.

Taiwan, another claimant, said yesterday that it would go ahead with a regular patrol and supply mission involving three ships in the South China Sea in late June. —AP

China: Extradited refugee faces harsh terror charge BEIJING: China confirmed yesterday that an ethnic Uighur schoolteacher faces terror charges after being extradited from Kazakhstan where he had won refugee status. Human rights advocates criticized Kazakhstan’s decision to deport Ershidin Israil, saying he could suffer harsh treatment and even torture in China, which says its far west Xinjiang region faces threats from militants seeking independence for the heavily Muslim Uighur minority.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei confirmed that Israil was now in Chinese custody. “The person in question has been wanted by Chinese police as major terror suspect, and was also a target of a red-alert wanted notice from Interpol,” Hong told a news conference. “I understanding that this person has been extradited back to China, and now the case is being tried according to the law.”Hong did not say what specific accusations Israil faces.

Chinese President Hu Jintao has been visiting Kazakhstan and Beijing has sealed a currency swap deal worth $1 billion with its Central Asian neighbour and agreed to a $1.5 billion loan to a copper miner, highlighting China’s growing economic pull in the region. Israil, who holds a Chinese passport, was arrested in Kazakhstan’s financial capital Almaty on June 24 last year on terrorism charges, following a request from Interpol, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry said last week.

The exiled World Uighur Congress said Israil fled Xinjiang in 2009 after providing information to Radio Free Asia about the death of another Uighur man. The Turkicspeaking Muslim Uighur people are native to Xinjiang, strategically located on the borders of Central Asia. Many of Xinjiang’s 8 million Uighurs resent the growing presence and economic grip of the majority Han Chinese.

In 2009, Uighurs rioted against Han Chinese residents in Xinjiang’s regional capital, Urumqi, killing at least 197 people, mostly Han. Israil had applied for refugee status in Kazakhstan in June 2010. At the time, he held a refugee mandate issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). But after studying Israil’s case, the UNHCR annulled on May 3 its refugee mandate issued to Israil, a Kazakh official said. — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

ne ws MPs file motion to oust PM over Iran Continued from Page 1 Bahrain’s requests for GCC troops and how Kuwait did not act promptly. The MPs also highlighted how the prime minister has allegedly spoiled Kuwait’s relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.

But State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Ali Al-Rashed said the prime minister strongly refuted all the allegations with clear answers. He said that the prime minister accepted to debate the grilling although it was in breach of the constitution. Pro-government Shiite MP Hussein Al-Qallaf said the prime minister produced strong evidence in refuting the allegations and appealed for consolidating national unity to secure a better future for the country. The premier was apparently referring to rising sectarian tension in the country between minority Shiites and majority Sunnis triggered by regional issues, especially Bahrain and Iran.

Pro-government MP Yussef Al-Zalzalah told reporters the answers of the prime minister were “excellent backed by numbers and figures”, while opposition MP

Saifi Al-Saifi said he was not convinced with the premier replies. Other opposition MPs also said after the grilling that they were not convinced by the replies of the prime minister and accordingly decided to support the non-cooperation motion. If the non-cooperation motion is passed, the controversy will be referred to HH the Amir who will either dissolve the Assembly and call for fresh elections or sack the prime minister and appoint a new head of government.

The grilling comes just a day after the Amir accepted the resignation of deputy premier and minister of housing and development Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahd Al-Sabah who quit over a dispute with the prime minister. The grilling was the ninth against the prime minister of which three have been debated and in all of them, noncooperation motions were filed. Outspoken opposition MP and spokesman of the Popular Action Bloc Musallam Al-Barrak said yesterday that a new grilling against the prime minister will be filed soon. He described it as a “quality grilling” that will be supported by reports from the Audit Bureau and court verdicts.

Skyrocketing food prices leave poor...

Continued from Page 1 worldwide have already nose-dived below the poverty line over the past few months due to the food-price crisis. Quan’s simple dinner cost about 27,000 dong ($1.32). That’s up about 20 percent from a year ago after inflation spiked to double-digit levels in Vietnam, which has one of Asia’s fastest growing economies but also an average monthly income that still hovers around $100 a month. Since the beginning of the year, electricity has also shot up 15 percent in the communist country of 87 million, while gasoline prices hit a record high following a 17.5 percent to 24 percent increase at the pumps.

Quan and her husband were struggling even when the cost of living was lower: They have one daughter who is mentally disabled and another who has battled cancer. And with their tiny budget squeezed tighter than ever, she sees only one solution. It’s a choice made each day by desperate mothers everywhere. “My income is not stable, so we have to eat less,” the 44-year-old says. “Mostly we have vegetable soup and sometimes we use cooking oil to make stirfried vegetables.”

Seven days a week, Quan wakes at 5 am and takes four buses three hours roundtrip to reach Vietnam’s sprawling financial hub, Ho Chi Minh City, in the country’s south. She pushes a metal cart along a river running black with raw sewage and polluted sludge near the slum where she earns her living going door-todoor in search of scrap. She walks miles every day in the oven-like heat, wearing a tattered conical hat and blackened gloves to keep her skin from baking. She collects plastic soda bottles, broken electric fans, cardboard, anything that can be resold for a few pennies.

On a good day, she’ll bring in the equivalent of $5, but most of the time it’s just $2 or $3. Her husband, Nguyen Ngoc Hanh, spends half the year farming rice and the other half working with Quan, but he also stays home at times to care for their 11-year-old mentally disabled daughter. Quan has been hunting for scrap nearly half her life, but she doesn’t complain.

Vietnamese women have always served as the country’s workhorses, digging ditches, carrying bricks and shoveling hot asphalt on roads. She’s happy to labor 13 or 14 hours a day, only to come home to do the laundry, cooking and cleaning. But she is consumed by a nagging fear she cannot control, no matter how hard she works.

Two years ago her middle daughter, Nguyen Thanh Tuyen, then 14, was stricken with a life-threatening bone cancer and the family’s meager savings were quickly devoured. Even though they qualified for some free medical care, it did not cover chemotherapy, X-rays, visits to specialists and expensive medicines. The family took out a 30 million dong ($1,470) bank loan, and relatives pulled together another 30 million that can be repaid slowly without interest.

Tuyen, now 16, survived only by having her right leg amputated at the hip, leaving her hobbling on worn crutches because the family cannot afford a proper prosthetic. “If she gets sick again, I’m not sure where the money would come from,” the mother says softly.

“She might die.”

With so much debt, Quan started buying discounted day-old produce and was forced to stop buying meat, except for small portions just for Tuyen to help rebuild her strength. Beef prices skyrocketed during the 2008 food crisis, and they have only gone higher during the latest round of hikes. The UN Food and

Agriculture Organization said global food prices hit an all-time high in February and dropped off only slightly in March and April. Quan’s family has continued to go without meat, except once a year during the Lunar New Year holiday, known as Tet. To help keep them from going hungry, last year Quan’s in-laws gave the family a small plot of land to farm enough rice for their table - a smart move since the cost of rice in Vietnam is now among the most expensive in Asia, having jumped nearly 40 percent between June 2010 and February. The savings from the rice crop should have helped the family slowly recover, but rising food prices have dashed their hopes of putting any money aside. Instead, they live meal to meal. Quan says they have no means to repay the family loan, and she constantly fears they will miss bank payments. But none of that matters when balanced against her biggest worry - the cancer returning.

Experts say a catastrophic family illness, accident or financial shock like a jump in food costs often breaks those who are just squeaking by. Escalating food prices are forcing some to eat seeds reserved for next year’s crop. Others have to cut back intake altogether, skipping meals and rationing what little can be bought. “Children who are deprived of enough nutrition, of enough food, at a crucial stage in their life suffer permanent reductions in their height and their weight,” said Mahesh Patel at UNICEF’s regional office in Bangkok. “We are especially concerned about the situation of children when malnutrition is rising in general in the population as a result of food prices rising.” Pregnant women also are at risk by eating less and resorting to cheaper, poor-quality foods that can result in low birth weights.

For Quan, the well-being of her three daughters is paramount. The oldest is in college, studying to be a teacher, and the whole family is pinning their hopes on her success. “I’m willing to sacrifice to do whatever I can to give my kids an education,” Quan says proudly. “I don’t want to see my children have the same fate as me.” After cooking the evening meal, she places the dishes on the table. The mismatched plates, glasses and bowls, along with every other fixture in the concrete, tin-roofed house, have been scavenged from the streets. Her 47-year-old husband arrives with their youngest daughter, Trieu. She runs smiling and leaps onto her mother, wrapping both arms and legs around her in a huge hug.

Trieu is much smaller than other girls her age. She learned to walk at age 4 and talk at age 6, and now attends a special class for mentally disabled children.

Those school fees, along with the amount paid for the eldest daughter’s college expenses, eat up half of the $200 Quan and her husband earn every month. Food accounts for nearly the rest of their income. As a cool breeze blows and the sun fades, the family washes up for dinner.

Quan’s husband makes a sucking sound as he quickly shovels in mouthfuls of tofu, rice and omelet before reaching for seconds. Quan digs through the choice pieces of tofu with her chopsticks, hand-feeding them to little Trieu. She then fills her tiny bowl and chews slowly, picking at the rice and twigs of spinach while leaving the protein-rich egg and bean curd for the others. When everyone is finished, Quan scurries to wrap up what’s left for a breakfast only her husband and daughters will eat. She will rise early and leave the house on an empty stomach, hoping to earn enough to make a little more magic in the kitchen tomorrow. — AP

UAE tries five regime critics Continued from Page 1 “It was a shock. We did not expect that there are people in the country who will betray the state,” said Khalifa Al-Qubaisi, a member of the UAE national Judo team, who joined the protest. “We were insulted when (Mansour) said the people who live in the country are getting paid by the government to remain silent,” said fellow demonstrator Al-Fandi Al-Mazrouei, an economics student.

The UAE - where Emiratis make up only some 20 percent of an over 5 million population - this year increased the number of citizens eligible for nomination by local rulers to vote or participate in FNC elections. State media said last month the UAE would invest $1.6 billion on infrastructure in its north, whose citizens have benefited least from the vast oil wealth in the capital Abu Dhabi and from Dubai’s trade- and property-fuelled development.

Abu Dhabi’s government said on Monday it would spend 7 billion dirhams ($1.9 billion) in housing loans.

Some 160 people signed a petition submitted to Khalifa in March calling for free, democratic elections for all Emiratis. The UAE sacked the board of the Teachers Association and Jurist Association for joining an April 6 petition for a greater voice in government and legislative powers for the FNC. Separately, Bahrain began trials for 22 more people yesterday over their role in protests earlier this year, part of a growing number of trials and dismissals the opposition called a provocation ahead of a planned national dialogue. Opposition groups have said hundreds of people are on trial, in what they call a revenge move by Bahrain’s Sunni rulers after they quashed anti-government protests in March led mostly by the country’s majority Shi’ite population. “This is revenge,

pure and simple,” said one opposition figure, who declined to be named.

The government says the numbers on trial are far fewer than the opposition estimates, and that the number of those facing charges compared to the thousands who protested proves it only pursues those it suspects of a crime. Bahrain’s state news agency BNA said the Gulf state’s military was holding trials for 52 people, most of them in their second hearing. Of these, the 22 new defendants faced charges ranging from calling for regime change, spreading photos to hurt the country’s reputation, and carrying swords, it said.

The government last week lifted the state of emergency it imposed in March after protests and is calling for a national dialogue to plan reforms next month, but tensions are simmering as small protests erupt daily in some Shiite neighbourhoods. Separately, activists said Bahrain’s Polytechnic university dismissed around 47 students over political statements they had posted on Twitter and Facebook. The university’s vice president told the local daily Al-Ayam several students were dismissed due to unconstitutional acts after an indepth questioning of the students, but did not say how many were expelled.

Bahrain’s leading Shiite opposition group, Wefaq, said the trials and new student dismissals conflicted with dialogue. “The Wefaq Society feels these practices and abuses ... by Bahraini authorities conflict with its official call for dialogue, and considers them provocative,” it said in a statement. The tiny Gulf island kingdom quashed weeks of democracy protests in March, calling in military help from nearby Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait for support. It said the protests had a sectarian agenda and were backed

by Shiite Iran. The opposition denies this.— Reuters

ISLAMABAD: A horse with a local Pakistani mobile number painted on it is left for rent on the roadside on the outskirts of Islamabad yesterday. — AP

6 dead, tanks near Iraq as Syria...

Continued from Page 1 vicious assaults on peaceful protesters and military actions against its own cities,” Clinton said, comparing its response to Iran’s crackdown on pro-reform protests in 2009. White House spokesman Jay Carney said earlier: “President Assad needs to engage in political dialogue.

A transition needs to take place. If President Assad does not lead that transition then he should step aside.”

European powers meanwhile kept campaigning for a draft resolution condemning the crackdown, with one top envoy saying the delay in Security Council action has cost hundreds of lives. Russia and China strongly oppose UN action against Assad and could veto any resolution. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan telephoned Syria’s President Assad yesterday, urging him to stop the crackdown and launch reforms, Anatolia news agency reported. Erdogan told him to “refrain from violence and end the unrest” and stressed “it would be useful to draw up a timetable of reforms as soon as possible and urgently implement them,” said the agency.

The two leaders have enjoyed close personal ties amid flourishing Turkish-Syrian ties in recent years, but Ankara’s insistent calls on Damascus to initiate reforms have gone unheeded so far. Last week, Erdogan toughened his tone, accusing the Syrian regime of perpetrating an “atrocity” against the demonstrators, as thousands of fleeing Syrians crossed into Turkey to seek refuge from bloodshed.

The prominent Syrian poet Adonis, in an open letter published yesterday in a Lebanese daily, called on Assad to let Syrians decide their own future. “It seems your destiny is to sacrifice yourself for the mistakes and to give back voice to the people and let them decide,” he wrote in the letter. The United Nations said more than 10,000 Syrians have fled into neighbouring countries to escape the crackdown. There are 5,000 people in Lebanon, said UN humanitarian affairs spokeswoman Stephanie Bunker. A Turkish official said yesterday there are now more than 8,500 Syrians who have crossed into Turkey.UN emergency relief coordinator Valerie Amos made a new appeal to the Syrian government to let a UN humanitarian team make a proper assessment. Syria has refused to let UN aid experts visit stricken towns and blocked rights investigators from entering the country. Refugees arriving in Turkey said fighting had also broken out among Syrian troops on Sunday as soldiers bent on destroying the area were confronted by others trying to defend the townsfolk.

Elements from one tank division had even taken up

positions by bridges leading into the town in a bid to defend it, they said. “The troops are divided,” said 35year-old Abdullah, who fled Jisr Al-Shughour on Sunday and sneaked over the border into Turkey to find food.

“Four tanks defected and they began to fire on one another,” he said, adding troops had now reached Ziayni, a town just six kilometres from the Turkish border. “They torched all the crops, they slaughtered the goats, the cows,” he said.

Those claims could not be confirmed, as Syria has prevented journalists from entering the area. Syria blames what it says are foreign-backed “armed terrorist gangs” for the unrest, and says troops launched operations in Jisr Al-Shughur at the request of residents and after 120 policemen were massacred there. Rights activists say those being killed are unarmed protesters and deny a massacre in Jisr Al-Shughour, saying bloodshed erupted during a mutiny by soldiers who refused to fire on the town’s residents.

A defecting colonel said meanwhile that deserting Syrian soldiers did what they could to help people flee the crackdown on Jisr Al-Shughour. “We had only light weapons and landmines,” Colonel Hussein Harmush told AFP, describing how he and several other deserters “set traps for the Syrian army to slow it down and allow civilians to flee”.

Harmush, who fled to the Turkish village of Guvecci near the border, added: “At Jisr Al-Shughour, the Syrian army was advancing with infantry units in front and tanks behind. I tried to protect the civilians.” Harmush denied another witness account that bridges were destroyed to prevent the troops’ advance, saying government tanks entered the city over the bridges, which remained intact. Now wearing civilian clothes but displaying his military ID card, the colonel said he took advantage of a furlough to flee Damascus on Thursday towards the Turkish border, where his family is sheltering. He said he defected because of “attacks on innocent civilians, carrying nothing in their hands except an olive branch” - rejecting any notion of an armed uprising. Harmush said he had no doubt that in all the places he was sent the protesters were totally unarmed. “The army received the order to prevent demonstrations at all costs and to silence the people. They ordered us to open fire on people if the protests continued,” he said. “I did not accept the orders. But I saw what some soldiers did. I saw tanks fire on cities, I saw artillery being fired, helicopters firing with automatic weapons. The Syrian army is killing civilians, chasing people out of their homes. ... Villages are emptied, the inhabitants chased to the border and to other countries,” he said. —AFP

Men challenged by high cost of Oman...

Continued from Page 1 government action to set up a marriage fund to help young couples meet spiraling marriage costs. Oman’s Shura Council, the quasi-parliamentary advisory body, has proposed the creation of a Marriage Support Fund which would provide interest-free loans to those in need as well as counseling and advisory services - mainly advising Omanis to have cheaper weddings and lower dowries. “We have reached a stage where we cannot get married,” said demonstrator Abdullah Alabri, 27. “We kept competing with our peers and now we are begging the government for help.”

People who earn less than 500 rials per month are eligible to apply for the 4,000 rial loans. But the proposal may not help make a significant dent in current costs.

The trend of lavish weddings began during the 1980s and has created a demographic imbalance by encour-

aging Omani men to marry foreign women, perceived as less likely to demand high dowries or weddings.

Omani weddings can cost 30,000 rials while dowries reach up to 15,000 rials. In the country’s interior, that figure can be as high as 30,000 rials. The bride’s family sets the dowry price and the bride typically has little say in the matter.

“High dowries are demanded in the interior cities such as Buraimi and Ibri due to existing tribal ideas and social pressure,” said Abdul Jalil, an Omani who works at a petroleum firm.

A low dowry arouses suspicion that something is ‘wrong’ with the girl, making higher dowries a matter of pride, he added. “I was a lucky man,” he said. “I worked for five years before I got married and used my entire savings in financing my marriage. Each member of my family contributed either in the form of fridges, cooks, or wedding halls.” — Reuters

Qaeda-style raid on Iraq govt HQ kills 9 Continued from Page 1 aerial information. She added that several “tactical US vehicles” were in the area as part of a routine convoy, and noted that American helicopters “did not fire upon individuals or targets on the ground”.

Yesterday’s attack saw insurgents set off two car bombs against the perimeter wall of the provincial government compound at about 9:30 am (0630 GMT ), before the militants stormed it, and set off twin suicide blasts inside the building itself. Iraqi security forces then surrounded the compound and imposed a city-wide curfew, with security officials only reporting the mayhem over at around 12:20 pm (0920 GMT). Among the dead were four policemen, according to Ahmed Alwan, a doctor at Baquba’s main hospital. “Special forces from police and army managed to end the raid,” Iraqi Army spokesman Major General Mohammed Al-Askari told AFP. Another security official had initially said dozens of gunmen took part in the raid, but Baqouba police later said as few as five may have been involved. The city’s security forces said after the incident was over that six insurgents were involved, and all were killed. A witness said he had seen seven gunmen. “I saw seven armed men inside the building myself, but I could also hear gunfire in other places as well,” said Saleh Al-Umawi, a journalist who saw the attack. “Some of them were dressed in normal civilian clothes, and others were dressed in black and had their faces covered,” he said.

An Iraqi employee, Ibrahim Al-Sahmkhani, said he was in his room with some guests drinking tea when he heard explosions and gunshots. He ran to the window in time to see two rifle-wielding assailants running toward a building while a guard opened fire on them.

One of the men fell to the ground while the other blew himself up, Sahmkhani said. The explosion shattered his windows and Sahmkhani hid inside the room along with the guests and employees already there.

About 15 minutes later, a policeman entered the room and told employees to flee. Then a gunmen outside opened fire on them. As the policeman fired back and bullets flew overhead, Sahmkhani and the group fled the room. He spoke from a nearby hospital where doctors were removing shrapnel from his thigh. He said he would return to work. “The terrorists tried several times to frighten us, but they failed in the past and they will fail in the future,” he said.

Yesterday’s violence closely mirrored a similar March 29 attack, claimed by Al-Qaeda, on Salaheddin governorate offices in Tikrit that left 58 people dead. That saw gunmen swarm the provincial government building after a suicide bomber cleared the way. Security reinforcements that arrived 20 minutes later were met by a car bomb, and for more than five hours, the gunmen had held off security forces. Diyala province, which is majority Sunni but with a substantial Shiite population, lies north of Baghdad and was a stronghold of Al-Qaeda during the peak of sectarian violence in Iraq in 2006 and 2007.— Agencies

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

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Economy, public key to climate deal

By Alister Doyle ider public unease about climate change and stronger economic growth are likely to be needed to revive sluggish UN talks after hopes for quick agreement on a treaty have fizzled, experts say.

Many nations at UN talks in Bonn from June 6-17 seem resigned to a long haul - more like arms reduction talks or UN trade negotiations - after failure to agree a binding U.N. climate deal by an end-2009 deadline at a summit in Copenhagen. “Public awareness is really going to be the key,” to spur a deal to avert heatwaves, droughts, floods and rising seas, said Rajendra Pachauri, head of the UN panel of climate scientists.

He told the Reuters Global Energy and Climate Summit that he believed many people, including in the United States, were “gradually getting more concerned about the realities of climate change”, partly because of extreme weather. In 2010, about 42 million people were displaced from their homes by natural disasters led by floods in China and Pakistan. Parts of the United States have been hit by the worst drought since the 1930s Dust Bowl. Pachauri declined to predict when a deal could be reached. Some experts say it could be years away, or out of reach.

Robert Stavins, director of the Harvard Environmental Economics Programme, said it was wrong to expect a breakthrough treaty to solve climate change. He said a stronger economy was among important factors to allow slow, step-by-step action. “With climate change we are in the position that the countries of the world were in at Bretton Woods after World War Two,” he said of the conference that paved the way to reshaping the world economy. “This is as difficult a problem,” he said. “I suspect we are looking at small steps rather than big strides at this stage,” Britain’s Energy Minister Charles Hendry told the Summit of the outlook for the next climate talks in Durban, South Africa in late 2011.

Among positive spurs to action, Hendry pointed to China, the top greenhouse gas emitter ahead of the United States. “A few years ago we had seen China as a real block to progress. Now without any doubt it wants to be one of the world leaders on green technologies. That is changing the approach they take,” he said. Developing nations, however, insist on a deal in Durban to extend the Kyoto Protocol that obliges almost 40 developed nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2 percent below 1990 levels over the period 2008-12. “We have an international agreement, we are all obliged to fulfil it,” said Pablo Solon, who leads Bolivia’s delegation.

Kyoto nations Japan, Russia and Canada say they will not agree to new cuts beyond 2012 — despite past promises. They say that a wider deal is now needed for all nations since Kyoto backers account for less than 30 percent of world emissions. A complication is that the United States never signed up for Kyoto, arguing it would cost jobs and wrongly excluded binding targets for emerging countries. Many developed nations want the Durban talks to build on a deal from Mexico in late 2010 to set up a green climate fund and limit any rise in temperatures to below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 F) above pre-industrial times.

In Bonn, even the European Union, the main cheerleader among developed nations for a quick binding deal, has conceded that 2014-15 is now “broadly realistic” as a date for a broad deal. Some experts say that action may have to wait for the next U.N. report on climate science, due in 2013-14 by Pachauri’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The last IPCC report in 2007 - saying it was at least 90 percent certain that humankind was causing global warming helped spur environment ministers at talks in 2007 to set a two-year deadline for a deal. The Copenhagen summit fell short.

“The last IPCC report has probably exhausted its driving force,” said Elliot Diringer, of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, a Washington think-tank. “Many people are looking for the next report. We need the global economy to continue to improve as well,” he said.

“And I do think there is a growing sense that something is amiss with the weather.” Meanwhile, the problem is getting worse. The International Energy Agency said last month that world emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas from human activities, rose 5.9 percent in 2010 to a record high. —Reuters

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

Asia edgy as China-US frictions grow

By Emily Kaiser he uneasy peace between the United States and China may give way to worsening tensions as their economies cool, and the rest of Asia is watching warily for fear of getting squashed in the middle if the world’s two biggest economies clash.

Concern about a breakdown in USChina ties was a common thread running through the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Jakarta, which brought together hundreds of government officials, business leaders and ac ade m ic s. Le e Hsie n Loon g, Singapore’s prime minister, said the two sides had “avoided a collision so far” over one of the thorniest issues the value of China’s yuan currency, which the United States wants to see rise more rapidly.

But the list of potential fric tion zones is getting longer. “Both countries want to maintain a stable relationship,” said Ian Bremmer, the president of New York-based political risk consultancy Eurasia Group. “Trotsky used to say, ‘You may not want war, but sometimes war wants you,’” he added, paraphrasing the Russian revolutionar y Leon Trotsky. The United States and China share a multi-trilliondollar connection through trade and investment, and the risk of mutually assured destruction has helped to assure civility, if not trust. The debtladen United States needs China’s deep pockets, and China’s exporters need American consumers.

Re late d st rain s ove r fore ign

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exchange rates and trade are nothing new, but they were relatively subdued during the financial crisis when the world had bigger problems to solve.

Jaspal B in dra, t h e As i a C EO fo r Standard Char tered Bank in Hong Kong, said national considerations were once again taking precedence ove r in te rn at i o n a l p referen ces.

“People will just have to live with that,” he said.

Both countries face tricky economic policy decisions in the coming months that could expose raw nerves if mishandled. Both face political changes in 2012 that make the choices tougher.

Washington must find some way to shore up shaky growth while lawmakers bicker over budget cuts that look likely to become a centerpiece of the 2012 presidential election campaign.

B e ijin g n e e ds to tem p er grow t h e n ough to cool i n f l a t i o n w i t h o u t sm ot h e rin g it s eco n o my, a n even greater imperative ahead next year’s leadership handover.

If China clamps down too hard on credit, growth will slow across Asia and perhaps the globe. Go too soft and it could inflate dangerous asset price bubbles. Likewise, if US political paralysis provokes even a brief debt default this summer, the dollar could slide and global interest rates may spike because US bonds are the benchmark against which other issuers are measured. But if the US economy takes a sharp turn for the worse, the US Federal Reserve may see no choice but to pump in more money. Asian emerging markets have complained bitterly that the Fed’s

latest round of bond purchases spawned asset price inflation elsewhere.

Indeed, Singapore’s Lee urged the Americans to “put their house in order” to help Asia contain inflation. Bremmer, the political risk consultant, pointed to two more potential trigger points for US-China conflicts. First, the old “social contract” between the two countries assumed U.S. companies would share technology in exchange for access to China’s vast consumer market. Now, China employs Western technology but impedes foreign access to its market.

Second, he listed the rise of cyber attacks such as those that have hit the International Monetary Fund, Google a n d o t h er s. G o o g l e h a s s a i d t h e attacks on its email system originated w i t h i n C h i n a , b u t Bei ji n g d en i es involvement. “If you’re prosecuting a murder and there’s a dead body, the first thing you look for is a motive,” Brem m er sa i d. “ Wh en you l o o k a t Gmail accounts of Chinese dissidents that have been hacked, where’s the motive?”

The rest of Asia is acutely aware that when giants wrestle, smaller players can get trampled. “There must be flexibility on both sides because if you don’t (have that) then you create more problems for all of us,” said Cesar Purisima, secretary of finance for the Philippines, which has close trade ties with both countries. Purisima said the best protection was ensuring sound policies at home so that small countries can weather any economic storms. Groupings such as ASEAN for

Southeast Asian economies can also help smaller players build up a bit more global clout.

Oh Joon, South Korea’s ambassador to Singapore, said Asian countries would hate to be forced into choosing sides should the US-China relationship sour. “They don’t want to answer that question,” Oh said. “We all have bad memories of the Cold War.” Yang Xiyu, a senior fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, said he remained hopeful China’s rise would be peaceful and likened the situation to the rise of the United States in the 19th century.

Like China now, the United States then was a swiftly rising new power, putting up a challenge to existing leaders such as Britain. Those two countries managed to avoid conflict and remain close allies today. He said the US and Chinese economies were so closely intertwined that if one side tried to hurt the other, both would feel the pain. “That is what will prevent the U.S.-China relationship from going confrontational,” he said.

But ironically, the US-China rebalancing that is considered so vital to global economic stability changes that equation. As China boosts domestic demand and the United States curbs debt, their mutual dependency fades.

That is another reason why Bremmer sees conflict brewing. When asked if the US-China relationship was getting better or worse - three out of four Asia exper ts on a panel in Jak ar ta said worsening - Bremmer ’s answer was unequivocal: “I’m in the deteriorating camp,” he said. —Reuters

Erdogan reconciliation pledge met with doubts

By Safak Timur urk ish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s political tenacity and belligerent style cast doubt on his pledges to reconcile with the opposition for a planned constitutional reform, analysts said. Riding on a wave of economic boom, Erdogan won a spectacular victory and a third straight term in power in Sunday’s parliamentary polls, which saw half of voters back his Islamist-rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP). But the AKP, in power since 2002, fell just four seats short of the 330-seat majority it was seeking in the 550-member parliament to press ahead with a major constitutional overhaul without the support of other parties.

“This is an order, an instruction from the people, especially to Prime M inister Erdogan, for a compromise,” political analyst Ozer Sencar told AFP. “Although I want to see reconciliation, I am not that hopeful. Rather than a culture of compromise, our leaders have an understanding of despotism, imposing their thoughts on others,” he

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said. A new liberal constitution for Turkey to replace the current one, the legacy of a 1980 military coup, was one of Erdogan’s key elec tion

people ... have given us a message that the new constitution should be made through compromise, consultation and negotiation,” Erdogan said in

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses his supporters gathered in front of his Justice and Development Party headquarters in Ankara on Monday. – AFP pledges, but he has refrained his vic tor y speech late from detailing what reforms it Sunday. “We will not close our doors and (instead) go to the would entail.

He has fanned speculations opposition,” he promised.

I t remains to be seen with advocacy of a presidential system for Turkey - pre- whether Erdogan, a proven sumably with himself at the pragmatic, could work out a helm - and stoked concern compromise with opposition among opponents, already leaders after venomous verbal war y over his brusque sk irmishes in the elec tion responses to criticism and campaign. Analysts say it authoritarian instincts. “The would be an uphill task. “The

Erdogan we know does not give up his ambitions easily,” said Mustafa Sonmez, a columnist for the secularist daily Cumhuriyet, warning that it would be premature to take the prime minister ’s pledges for granted. “In Turkish politics, we have a tradition of ‘deputy transfer’,” he said, hinting that Erdogan might try to lure opposition lawmakers to his par ty to reach the 330-seat benchmark in parliament.

Under Turkish law, constitutional amendments can be passed with the support of at least 330 deputies and then put to a referendum. Kadri Gursel, a columnist for the Milliyet newspaper, was also pessimistic over the prospect of a parliamentary compromise to rewrite the constitution. “It would not be a realistic expectation from an AKP leader who has fortified the support base of his authoritarian tendencies by winning backing from one of ever y two voters,” he wrote. “One s h o u ld e xp e c t t h a t a n Erdogan who has won 50 percent of the vote will push as hard as he can for a president i a l s ys te m . H i s p o l i t i c a l

nature is virtually dictating him that course,” he added.

Kurdish-backed independent candidates were the othe r b i g w i n n e r i n S u n d ay ’s elec tions, increasing their parliamentary seats from 20 to 36 at a time when resurging violence in the 26-year Kurdish conflict is looming as a top priority for Erdogan. “An AKP that has vowed to seek reconciliation... will have to knock on the door of the Kurdish bloc to overcome the critical arithmetics of parliament,” another Milliyet writer, Serpil Cevikcan, said.

Th e Ku rd i s h Pe a ce a n d Democracy Party insists the n e w co n s t i t u t i o n s h o u l d recognise the Kurds as a distinct element of the nation and grant them autonomy d e m a n d s t h a t A n k a ra h a s frown upon. “Erdogan has s e e n t h a t h i s e l e c to rate enthusiastically approves his style and strategies,” another a n a l ys t , As l i Ayd i n t a s b as, said. “Naturally he will say: ‘If a new constitution is to be made in this country, it’s we w h o w i l l m a k e i t .’ H e w i l l move ahead on his own timing and strategy. Why make compromises?” —AFP

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

ANALYSIS

West cheers loss, but Somali chaos endures

By William Maclean ailed as a counter-terrorism triumph of global importance, the killing in Somalia of a top Al-Qaeda plotter will do nothing in the shortterm to stabilise the world’s most profoundly failed state.

The government forces who shot Fazul Mohammed at a roadblock in Mogadishu on Tuesday delighted Western officials by removing a notoriously accomplished bomber from AlQaeda’s ranks and netting a haul of intelligence on his mobile phones and laptops.

That information will be studied

by Western spies seeking to raise pressure on Al-Qaeda after the death of Osama bin Laden.

Nick Pratt, a terrorism expert at the George C Marshall European Center for Security Studies, said the death of any Al-Qaeda commander would threaten the group’s resilience.

“In the end, leaders are less able to lead, and the group’s cohesion and strategic direction suffer,” he said. “This is why you pursue them to the ends of the ear th.” But viewed from a Somali perspective, Mohammed’s death is an event of much less immediate significance. Of more relevance is the fact that the Somali soldiers who killed him serve an administration that is a government in name only.

The government holds just a few districts of the capital and faces a resourceful foe in AlQaeda-allied Al Shabaab rebels, some of whose leaders he is believed to have trained. For that reason, the loss of one opponent, no matter how gifted, will do little to restore to the Horn of Africa country the central administration it has lacked for 20 years. As a result, Somalia experts say the country will likely continue to destabilise its

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neighbours, provide a haven to Al-Qaeda and host an increasingly bold community of pirates who stalk shipping lanes vital to world energy security.

Al Shabaab, an extremist organisation that began to take shape in 2003, has in recent years attracted an influx of aspiring militants from regions including the United States, Europe, the Gulf and south Asia.

Somali conflict, although its long term impact has yet to be seen,” Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, director of the Somali Center for Research and Dialogue, told Reuters. To make matters worse, from the perspective of Somalia’s neighbours, President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed’s government is riven with power struggles, diluting what little authority it enjoys. “The central weak-

chaos - an indicator suggesting that Somalia’s chaos might survive an eventual victory against Al Shabaab. Regional rivals Ethiopia and Eritrea back competing political forces, while other states with their own pressing priorities include Kenya and Sudan, said Natznet Tesfay, head of Africa forecasting at Exclusive Analysis.

For their part, Western coun-

Somalia President, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed shows a passport copy of slain Al-Qaeda operative Fazul Mohammad at a press conference in Mogadishu on June 12, 2011. —AFP Its conflict with the government, with African peacekeeping troops, and at one point with occupying Ethiopian forces, has inspired “homegrown” militants based in the West. Set against this sombre backdrop, some analysts see the death of Mohammed, also known as Harun, as of minor importance.

“I do not believe this event will alter the trajectory of the

ness of the effort to drive al Shabaab out is the rot in Villa Somalia and that rot remains for now,” said Somali expert Abdi Samatar, referring to the seat of the presidency and what he sees as its ineffective actions.

Its infighting has proven immune to mediation by foreign governments, in par t because they themselves are divided on how to fix Somalia’s

tries, perhaps demoralised by two decades of failed Somali peace efforts and preoccupied with security crises in south Asia and the Arab world, seem exhausted by the complexities of Somalia’s clan politics. Some Western states pay close attention only on counter-terrorism issues, said Rashid Abdi, an analyst at the International Crisis Group. The most recent indicator of the government’s vulner-

ability emerged within days of Mohammed’s death, when Ahmed’s Interior Minister, Abdi Shakur Sheikh Hassan, was killed by a veiled female suicide bomber in his house in Mogadishu on Friday.

Some security experts say it is unlikely that that attack was revenge for Mohammed’s death, if only because such bombings require time-consuming planning. But the group is widely expected to start planning a bombing to mark his death in order to show that it is not intimiated by his loss, and to raise the morale of its own fighters. The group is not without its own weaknesses, including rifts over whether it should focus on Somalia or engage fully in Al-Qaeda’s global antiWestern campaign.

Nevertheless it holds some powerful cards. It controls several ports, airports and inland checkpoints from which it raises trade revenue, and some members may have ad hoc revenue sharing deals with some pirates. And while Al Shabaab’s generally rules by coercion and is not popular, the brutal form of order that it imposes has won grudging acceptance from some businessmen who prefer its predictability to the chaos that endures in other areas.

Richard Barrett, who monitors Al-Qaeda and the Taleban for the United Nations, said Mohammed’s death would make it harder for Al Shabaab to use foreign fighters to strike overseas because if anyone could help it attain that goal “it was Fazul Harun”. “His death will make this more difficult and with luck keep Al Shabab operations local and small scale,” he told Reuters. “In Somalia, Al Shabaab can be defeated, but if it develops a global capability, it will be much harder to do so.” —Reuters

Who might be behind IMF data hacking?

By Peter Apps and Jim Wolf national government is the most likely culprit in an apparent cyber attack on the International Monetary Fund, say experts, given the complexity of the assault and its targeting of the organisation’s secrets. With the IMF leadership up for grabs as it mulls Eurozone bailouts and global financial reform, there is no shortage of states who might like to read its mail.

Any confirmation of a country’s involvement would become a major diplomatic incident.

“For what we can tell, the aim ... appears to be to gather intelligence rather than cause disruption,” said John Bassett, a former senior official at Britain’s signals intelligence agency GCHQ and now a senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. “The intrusion appears to be sophisticated and well executed at an operational level (suggesting) that it originates from or is sponsored by a state.”

For many, China topped the list of suspects. Chinese hackers have been suspected of being behind several recent data theft attempts including one aimed at breaching the security of Google’s Gmail on accounts belonging to activists, US officials and others.

Beijing angrily denies any government link. But exper ts say almost ever y sophisticated state indulges in electronic snooping, whilst independent hackers potentially working for militant groups

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or even banks or investment funds could also be in the frame.

Philip Blank, an expert on security, risk and fraud at San Francisco-based Javelin Strategy and Research said the IMF “would be an extraordinarily attractive target”. Other financial industry insiders agreed. “Given how central the IMF is at the moment, there are plenty of people who would like to know what it is thinking,” said one London-based currency markets veteran, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. “ They range from the world’s largest reserve holders - which are the key emerging economies like China - to brokerages and funds to the Eurozone governments themselves.”

Access to IMF files might give a hacker access to not only details of its own policy of thoughts and internal debates but also those of other major powers, he said. The most immediately time and market sensitive information would relate to Greece, he said, with the IMF and EU needing to offer new bailouts by the end of the month to avoid default.

Other issues of interest might include the latest thinking on the creation of a global reserve currency and the latest manoeuvring to replace former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, he said.

Strauss-Kahnresigned after being accused of a sexual assault on a domestic worker in a New York hotel room.

Rick Dakin, CEO and senior security strategist at IT audit and compliance firm Coalfire Systems, speculated the

hacking attempt might be an effort by unidentified terrorists or militants to undermine the IMF and global system.

“The IMF provides a path to improve the living conditions in nations who are struggling to break free from the bonds of the past and move to the future,” he said. “If the credibility and reliability of the IMF can be jeopardized, the terrorists can protect their safe havens and prevent economies from joining the rest of the western world.”

Larry Wortzel, a commissioner on the congressionally created US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, said he suspected Chinese authorities had sought to pierce IMF networks to get inside information before meetings in Beijing last week with French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde, the frontrunner to replace Strauss-Kahn. The bipartisan commission has accused Chinese hackers of infiltrating both the US and other international computer systems to gain information for commercial and strategic gain.

“You don’t have to be Inspector Clouseau to figure this out,” Wortzel, a retired US Army colonel who served two tours as a military attache in China, said in a telephone interview, referring to the fictional French police detective. Wortzel said he did not have any forensic information to back his speculation. “To me, this is just practical common sense.”

Wang Baodong, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, did not immediately respond to a request for

comment but Beijing steadfastly dismisses such charges. “As a victim itself, China is firmly against hacking activities and strongly for international cooperation on this front,” the Chinese spokesman said last month after Lockheed Martin Corp, the Pentagon’s No. 1 supplier by sales, said it had thwarted a “significant” cyber attack on its network that some officials said had likely originated in China.

But Alexander Klimburg, a cyber security expert at the Austrian Institute for International affairs, said the source of the attacks could just as likely be from Russia. Some security experts say both Moscow and Beijing in particular deliberately turn a blind eye to the activities of hackers in their territory providing they only attack foreign targets outside their borders. Such hackers are believed to occasionally carry out work on behalf of governments as well as trading information for cash.

During the brief 2008 war between Georgia and Russia over breakaway South Ossetia, attacks disabled and took offline websites in all the countries involved. Global coordination was key to countering the attacks, Klimburg said.

“This is potentially a great opportunity to launch a “communal” investigation into an attack on a “communal” institution,” he said. “If the fingers can be pointed, they should be pointed. The only way to stop such attacks is “naming and shaming” and in this case... there is a clear global interest at stake.” —Reuters

Vettel shows he’s only human after all

By Alan Baldwin ebastian Vettel’s critical error on the final lap of Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix will have raised a flicker of hope among his Formula One rivals, Australian team mate Mark Webber included.

Since the start of the season, they have been searching for a chink in the 23-year-old German’s armour and found next to nothing as he sprints towards a second successive world championship. Even when he has crashed in Friday practice, he has bounced back with the fastest time in qualifying twice already this year.

The Red Bull driver has been on pole position in six of the seven races, with Webber fastest in qualifying for the other, and has started the last 12 races on the front row.

Taking last season into consideration, Vettel has won seven of the last nine races, most of them untroubled by real opposition.

When he has not won he has finished second. In China, where he

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lost out to McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, he was undone by poor strategy but Sunday’s clash in Montreal pointed to a human frailty that others will be eager to exploit if given half a chance.

Under pressure from McLaren’s Jenson Button, and desperate to stop him getting close enough to activate his moveable rear wing (DRS), Vettel cracked in Montreal and made a mistake that cost him victory. The German has only dropped 14 points out of a possible 175, leaving him 60 clear of closest rival Button, and it will take a monumental effort to rein him in over the remaining 12 races. But rivals will sense that if they can put him under enough pressure on the track, and that means clever strategy and qualifying high enough for races run in normal conditions, they have a chance of keeping him off the top of the podium.

“To do the mistake in the last

lap, which was probably only the real mistake I did in the whole race, at the moment it is not very sweet,” a smarting Vettel said. “But that’s how it goes. I think we are all pushing very hard and sometimes do mistakes. I have no problem to admit that I went a little bit wide and if it would have been dry there would have been no problem.”

Vettel has been driving brilliantly this season from the front, so much so that it is easy to forget just how young he is and how few races he has done comparatively, and team

principal Christian Horner was quick to absolve him of blame.

Horner also made a point that will resonate with all Formula One fans after a race in which both the stewards and race direction had to be applauded for their decisions. Asked during the lengthy rain stoppage whether he wanted the race re-started or called off and half-points awarded - with Vettel leading and all his main rivals out of the scoring positions - the Red Bull boss said it had to be the former.

“Because we’re racers,” he explained. “Sometimes it’s not just about winning, it’s about how you win as well. I think that it’s right for the fans, right for the crowd that’s come out here today, to get the race going again. Who knows, hopefully we’ll manage to hang on to the lead until the end of the race. But I think it’s the right thing for Formula One,” said Horner.

Sunday was a day when the sport, after drawing so much criticism and appearing so muddled

the previous week in deciding first to reschedule the controversial Bahrain Grand Prix and then doing a U-turn, got it right. The race directors made the correct call in listening to drivers and stopping the race when it was too dangerous to continue. The stewards, one of them former champion Emerson Fittipaldi, got it spot on in deciding to take no further action over racing incidents involving Button, who had been 21st at the re-start, and thereby confirming one of the sport’s all-time epic drives.

There were no appeals from rival teams that might also have taken the gloss off a magical, if very wet, afternoon. And the race was a thriller. “We knew we had to put pressure on Sebastian and he made a mistake. You can forgive him for that,” said McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh. “He’s driven so well this year but Jenson was just incredible. That’s the stuff of champions, that’s the stuff of dreams”. —Reuters

focus

Europe muddles towards crisis on Greece

By Paul Taylor hen will the euro zone debt crisis end and how will we know it?” A reader’s emailed question cuts through the daily dramas of the financial soap opera that has kept European investors glued to their screens for the last 19 months, threatening to wreak wider global turmoil. Yet European Union policymakers are so busy building firewalls within the 17-nation single currency area and devising temporary fixes to avert immediate disaster that scant thought is being given to how the story ends.

Next week, EU leaders are likely to buy a little more time by approving a second bailout for Greece, barely a year after Athens was granted a first Ä110 billion assistance program from the EU and the International Monetary Fund. In Harold Wilson’s 1970s Britain, this approach became k nown pejoratively as “muddling through”. The European Union prefers to dress it up in grand phrases such as “comprehensive package” and “permanent crisis-resolution mechanism”, but a solution it isn’t.

Funding fatigue is growing in the north European creditor countries, especially Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Austria, just as austerity fatigue is mounting in Greece. Yet all the indications are that EU polic ymakers have as little clue about the endgame as does my questioner. No one in Brussels, Berlin or Frankfurt even pretends to believe the new package will solve the problem of Greece’s debt mountain, already at 150 percent of annual output and rising.

Since Athens is unable to return to the capital markets for the foreseeable future - contrary to its initial rescue plan - lending more taxpayers’ money on draconian austerity conditions is seen in Europe and Washington as the least worst alternative. “We must win time with a new pack age,” Finance M inister Wolfgang Schaeuble told sceptics in the German parliament last week, admitting doubts about Greece’s ability to repay its debt.

At German insistence, private bondholders seem likely to be arm-twisted into “voluntarily” extending their exposure to Greek government debt for up to seven years. Two-thirds of that money is likely to come from Greek banks, which are totally dependent on European official support and have no real choice.

By insisting that all new sovereign bonds issued af ter 2013 carr y a clause mak ing investors liable to share losses in case of a default, Berlin has made it even harder for Greece to return to the capital markets from 2014. In private conversations, the most optimistic European officials say the second bailout may keep the show on the road until mid-2012. Pessimists say it may only hold the crisis at bay until after this summer. “We have no guarantee that the help is over in four years,” said one euro zone minister, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We have no guarantee that help is over in seven years. For us ministers, it is less of a danger if we are creating help before a default compared with the situation where we have to help af ter a default,” the minister said.

Despite the bailout-of-the-bailout, most economists believe Greece faces a harsh debt restructuring in the years ahead, with substantial losses for both private investors and taxpayers. Yet, as the same euro zone minister says, no one is discussing such a default at the political level because leaders would then have to admit to having wasted voters’ money.

The next danger may lurk in Greece’s banks, where a steady leakage of deposits could turn to a haemorrhage if savers take fright and put their euros under the mattress or offshore. Or it could lie on the streets, where a spontaneous youth protest movement, drawing inspiration from the Arab Spring revolts, poses a growing challenge to Prime Minister George Papandreou’s ability to enforce harsher austerity measures.

Taken together, Greece, Por tugal and Ireland account for just six percent of the euro zone’s economy and only Greece threatens to implode imminently. Thomas Mayer, chief economist at Deutsche Bank, compares the impact of the Greek crisis on the euro zone with a bout of appendicitis: the condition is acutely painful but usually harmless if surgery is swift. However, if an inflamed appendix is not treated decisively and infection spreads, it can be deadly. For now, the EU seems determined to give the patient more pain-killers rather than take the scalpel to its swollen debt.

By 2014, when the second bailout is due to expire, euro zone governments, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank will hold a majority of Greek debt in circulation. At that point, they will face a choice between a radical writedown that will hurt their own taxpayers and shareholders, or some form of European mutualisation of the debt stock and common debt issuance by the euro zone. So far, Germany has vehemently rejected such a solution as a “transfer union” in which the fiscally virtuous would pay for the profligate. But in a few years’ time, perhaps after the next German election, it may appear the least unattractive option. The simple answer to my reader’s question is that we’ll know the crisis is over when we know who is going to buy Greek bonds after 2013. Don’t hold your breath. —Reuters

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Years

sp orts Latif quits as Afghan coach

Iraqi soccer chief resigns

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has stepped down as coach of the Afghanistan cricket team after they were whitewashed in a one-day series in Pakistan last month. “I have submitted my resignation to the Afghanistan cricket board and they have accepted it although my contract was until the end of July,” Latif, who had been in the job for a year, told Reuters.

Latif, who played in 37 test matches, said Afghanistan had great passion and potential despite losing all three matches against the Pakistan A side in last month’s series. “But I feel that when I can’t deliver with the team and the performance is also not upto my expectations, it is no use my continuing as coach,” he said.

“The truth is I was not satisfied that my association with the team was producing the desired results.” Cricket has flourished in the country after being introduced by Afghans who were raised in Pakistan, in particular Peshawar. The national side, which cannot play its home games in Afghanistan because of the security situation, narrowly missed out on qualifying for the this year’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Afghanistan joined the International Cricket Council in 2001 and has one-day international status until 2013. — Reuters

BAGHDAD: Iraqi Football Federation president Hussain Saeed has resigned, opening the way for fresh elections in a soccer body torn by sectarian political dispute.

Saeed, who has been living outside the war-battered country, wrote a letter submitting his resignation which which must be formally accepted by the IFA executive, a federation official said yesterday. Saeed still remained on the candidate list for the post, he added.

In August last year, soccer’s world governing body FIFA gave the Iraqi federation a year to settle a bitter political row which had blocked the leadership elections and put Iraq at risk of being suspended from inter-

Indian hockey row drags on

national competition. The row highlighted sectarian divisions more than eight years after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion toppled the Sunni-led government of former dictator Saddam Hussein, who was hanged in 2006.

“To open the way for Iraq’s football to march ahead away from political and sectarian interference, the ghost of which I see starting to penetrate our family ... I have decided to resign from the presidency,” Saeed said in his letter.

Once one of Iraq’s best-known soccer players who had also served as national coach, Saeed had been a member of the Olympic Committee controlled by Saddam’s son Uday.—Reuters

MUMBAI: India’s hockey row continued yesterday as one of the two federations which claim to run the sport asked for more time to consider a government peace plan.

The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), locked in a battle with the more recently-formed Hockey India (HI), said it needed a week to mull over a merger plan aimed at reviving Indian hockey after a period in the doldrums.

“We need more time... We need to consult with our members.

There are a lot of issues with the merger plan. It’s not possible for me and the president to take the decision alone,” IHF secretary Ashok Mathur told Reuters.

“We are already in touch with our members

Pirates roll over Mets

American League Eastern Division W L Boston 39 26 NY Yankees 36 28 Tampa Bay 35 31 Toronto 32 34 Baltimore 30 33 Central Division Cleveland 35 29 Detroit 36 30 Chicago White Sox 33 35 Kansas City 29 37 Minnesota 26 39 Western Division Texas 36 31 Seattle 34 33 LA Angels 32 36 Oakland 28 39

D’backs 12, Marlins 9 At Miami, Miguel Montero hit three doubles and drove in four runs, and pitcher Zach Duke hit a two-run homer, as Arizona downed Florida.

Juan Miranda had three RBIs and Justin Upton knocked in a pair for the Diamondbacks, who have won four of five.

Duke allowed seven runs and 13 hits in 4 2-3 innings, finishing an out short of qualifying for the win despite an early nine-run lead. Micah Owings (3-0) picked up the win by pitching 2 1-3 innings in relief.

JJ Putz earned his 18th save by pitching a scoreless ninth. Ricky Nolasco (4-2) allowed nine runs — five earned — in three innings for the Marlins, who have lost 11 of 12 and finished 1-10 on their homestand.

Cubs 1, Brewers 0 At Chicago, Darwin Barney scored in the eighth inning for the only run as Chicago beat Milwaukee. Aramis Ramirez grounded to Brewers shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt with one out, but the throw to catcher Jonathan Lucroy wasn’t in time to tag Barney, who dived over home plate.

Jeff Samardzija (4-2) worked one inning for the win and

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

Detroit 2, Tampa Bay 1 (10 innings); Cleveland 1, NY Yankees 0; Pittsburgh 3, NY Mets 1; Arizona 12, Florida 9; Chicago Cubs 1, Milwaukee 0; Houston 8, Atlanta 3; San Diego 3, Colorado 1; Cincinnati 6, LA Dodgers 4; LA Angels 6, Seattle 3.

PITTSBURGH: Paul Maholm pitched seven shutout innings and Brandon Wood hit a home run as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the New York Mets 3-1 on Monday to split their four-game series.

Maholm (3-7) lowered his ERA to 3.12, allowing only three hits and two walks. Hampered by poor run support, he won for just the second time since April 25. Mets starter Mike Pelfrey nearly matched Maholm, giving up two runs and four hits in seven innings. He did not walk a batter. Neil Walker had two RBIs as Pittsburgh (32-33) moved within a game of .500.

Astros 8, Braves 3 At Houston, Hunter Pence homered and drove in four runs, pushing his hitting streak to 23 games after a day off due to back trouble, as Houston beat Atlanta. Pence missed his first game this season on Sunday while dealing with tightness in his lower back.

He said before the game that he felt great and then quickly showed it by extending his career-best hitting streak with a two-run homer off Derek Lowe (3-5) in the third inning. Pence also drove in two runs with a single in Houston’s five-run sixth. He finished with three hits and his hitting streak is the longest active in the majors.

for their input. We will consider all of that and let the ministry know of our decision.”

Indian hockey is now a far cry from its glorious past which brought eight Olympic gold medals and the sport in the country has become the poor relation to cricket.

The men’s team failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics three years ago.

Sports Minister Ajay Maken had given the two bodies until late yesterday to agree to a merger plan or face sanctions.

The warring parties had come together for a meeting with Maken in Delhi on Saturday in an effort to resolve a long-standing dispute.—Reuters

PITTSBURG: New York Mets third baseman Justin Turner (left) puts the tag on Pittsburgh Pirates Jose Tabata (31) in the first inning of a baseball game. — AP Carlos Marmol saved the opener of a four-game series.

Brewers reliever Kameron Loe (2-6) took the loss.

5 with a 4.39 ERA in his last five starts, but his teammates have totaled just nine runs during that stretch.

Reds 6, Dodgers 4 At Los Angeles, Bronson Arroyo outpitched Hiroki Kuroda for the second time in 11 days and singled home the go-ahead run to lead Cincinnati over Los Angeles. Joey Votto hit a three-run homer and Chris Heisey also connected for the Reds.

Arroyo (5-6) allowed four runs and seven hits over 7 2-3 innings with no walks in a rematch of his June 3 duel with Kuroda, which Cincinnati won 2-1. The Reds’ right-hander is 4-0 with a 2.60 ERA in his last four starts against the Dodgers, after going 1-4 with a 4.67 ERA in his other nine starts against them.

Kuroda (5-8) was charged with four runs — two earned — and seven hits over 6 1-3 innings. The right-hander is 0-

Padres 3, Rockies 1 At Denver, Anthony Bass pitched five efficient innings to win his major league debut, and Ryan Ludwick drove in two runs as San Diego beat Colorado in a game delayed 83 minutes by a thunderstorm.

Bass (1-0) was called up before the game from Double-A San Antonio with Dustin Moseley still bothered by a slightly dislocated left shoulder and Aaron Harang going on the disabled list due to a bruised right foot.

The righty allowed five hits, walked four and struck out one before the storm hit and halted his night. Aaron Cook (0-1) didn’t return to the mound after the long delay, either.

Cook, making his second start of the season, gave up five hits and two runs in 5 2-3 innings. — AP

Philadelphia Atlanta Florida NY Mets Washington St. Louis Milwaukee Cincinnati Pittsburgh Chicago Cubs Houston San Francisco Arizona Colorado LA Dodgers San Diego

National League Eastern Division 40 26 38 29 32 33 32 34 30 36 Central Division 38 29 38 29 35 33 32 33 26 39 25 42 Western Division 37 29 37 30 31 35 31 37 30 38

PCT .600 .563 .530 .485 .476

GB 2.5 4.5 7.5 8

.547 .545 .485 .439 .400

4 7 9.5

.537 .507 .471 .418

2 4.5 8

.606 .567 .492 .485 .455

2.5 7.5 8 10

.567 .567 .515 .492 .400 .373

3.5 5 11 13

.561 .552 .470 .456 .441

0.5 6 7 8

Corvette Racing wins 24 Hours of Le Mans Clinches GTE Class, scores seventh win for Chevrolet

SEATTLE: Mariners’ Ichiro Suzuki (right) steals second ahead of the tag by Los Angeles Angels second baseman Howard Kendrick in the first inning of a baseball game. — AP

Indians edge Yankees NEW YORK: Derek Jeter limped off the field with a sore right calf four innings after getting his 2,994th hit as Carlos Carrasco escaped early trouble to pitch the Cleveland Indians past the New York Yankees 1-0 Monday.

Jeter headed to a hospital for an MRI exam, which showed a Grade I strain, the mildest type.

The Yankees said they would determine the next step Tuesday. He appeared to hurt himself on a flyout to right field in the fifth and left the game.

The Yankees loaded the bases with no outs in the first against Carrasco (6-3), but he got out of the jam without allowing a run.

Michael Brantley tripled off the glove of diving right fielder Nick Swisher in the fourth and Asdrubal Cabrera bounced an RBI single to left field.

Angels 6, Mariners 3 At Seattle, Vernon Wells hit Los Angeles’ first homer in a week with a solo shot in the third inning, then hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the seventh. The slumping Angels, having dropped seven of eight, started their longest

road trip of the season with a comeback victory capped by a power surge.

The Angels were homerless in their previous 62 innings before Wells’ blast with two outs in the third. In the seventh, after Jeff Mathis’ slide knocked the ball free from Seattle catcher Miguel Olivo to tie the game at 3, Wells drove a 2-1 pitch from Jason Vargas (4-4) out to deep left-center.

Tigers 2, Rays 1 At Detroit, Ramon Santiago’s RBI triple in the bottom of the 10th inning kept Detroit in a virtual tie for first place on the eve of their big series against Cleveland. With one out in the 10th, Victor Martinez singled off Kyle Farnsworth (2-1). Santiago followed with a drive to the gap in right-center. Center fielder B.J. Upton did his best to run the ball down, but Martinez scored just before the relay to the plate.

David Purcey (1-0) pitched the top of the 10th. Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon and pitcher David Price were ejected after a close play at the plate in the seventh. — AP

FRANCE: “The car’s a lap down, but we can make that up,” said Corvette Racing team manager Gary Pratt with six hours remaining in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Pratt’s words proved prophetic as the No. 73 Compuware Corvette C6.R driven by Olivier Beretta, Tommy Milner and Antonio Garcia relentlessly pursued the class-leading No. 51 Ferrari 458 Italia, cutting the margin by seconds every lap.

American driver Tommy Milner overtook Ferrari driver Toni Vilander with two hours and 10 minutes to go, and steadily increased his lead as he completed his double stint. Garcia then took over the yellow and black car for the final hour and the run to the finish. The No. 73 Corvette C6.R completed 314 laps and finished two minutes and 29 seconds ahead of the runner-up Ferrari. This victory was the seventh class win at Le Mans for Corvette Racing, and its first in the GTE Pro category. It came as Chevrolet celebrates its 100th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of the team’s first Le Mans victory in 2001. It was the sixth Le Mans title for Beretta, the third for Garcia, and the first for Milner.

“This is my first time at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but I’ve watched Corvettes race here my whole life,” said Mark Reuss, President of General Motors North America.

“To come here for the first time on the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet and to have another Corvette victory is beyond words.”

The contest was a dramatic one, as the No. 74 Corvette C6.R of Oliver Gavin, Jan Magnussen, and Richard Westbrook suffered a stunning reversal of fortune. After leading for nearly 16 hours, the car was extensively damaged in a crash in the 17th hour. Although Magnussen was uninjured in the high-speed shunt, the car was retired on the spot.

The No. 73 Corvette C6.R had been running steadily in the top five, and the No. 74’s misfortune moved it to second in the GTE standings. More than a lap behind the No. 51 Ferrari 458 Italia at the time of the accident, the No. 73 Cor vette drivers chased down the class leader.

As rain began to fall in the 20th hour, Garcia was gaining 1.5 seconds per lap.

Milner took over at the 21st hour and continued to reel in the Ferrari, gaining as

Winning Corvette Racing Team on the Podium at Le Mans much as six seconds per lap during his stint.

Milner made the pass for the lead on the Mulsanne Straight on lap 283. “That was the hardest drive of my life,” said the 25year-old racer. “It would have been a lot easier if it hadn’t been sprinkling, raining, not raining, and then wet — all that plus the pressure of the situation. I’d been super comfortable in the car all day long, but I was certainly not comfortable then. I was just trying to drive the car to what the track would allow. Every lap it changed, every corner it changed.

“When you start racing, you hope that one day you can compete for a win,” Milner noted. “To get one here at Le Mans in my first year with Corvette Racing is very cool.”

“I was very happy with how the race turned out, even though it did not always go our way,” said Garcia. “We had ups and downs — we didn’t get a break with the first safety car, we had punctured tires, and so on. Every time I was in the car, I tried to go as fast as possible and stay out of trouble. You have to never give up here, and just keep pushing. Today it paid off.

“In the final minutes, everything comes into your mind,” the Spaniard added. “It went perfectly, a real easy last stint compared to all the ones before it. This was the

first time I drove a car at the finish at Le Mans, and it was very special. There is no better time to win this race than in the centennial year for Chevrolet. Now I’m already thinking about next year.”

Beretta became ill after driving behind the safety car during an extended caution period, and drove a limited time in the second half of the race. “Today was not my sixth win, but a win for the team, Tommy, Antonio, and all of the engineers and crew who did a wonderful job,” Beretta said. “I was sick in the middle of the night from following the pace car, but I recovered. I’m very happy for the entire team.” Corvette Racing scored six wins in the GTS/GT1 class at Le Mans (2001-02, 2004-06, and 2009).

The team moved to the GT2 class in 2010, which was renamed GTE Pro in 2011.

“If I were to write a script to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet and the 10th anniversary of Corvette Racing’s first win at Le Mans, this would undoubtedly be it,” said Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan. “Louis Chevrolet was himself a racer, and his motto, ‘Never give up!’ is a philosophy we embraced from our first visit here. I think the result today embodied the spirit of Chevrolet’s co-founder and of that iconic phrase.”

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Years

S P ORT S

Mystery shrouds US Open champ from 100 years ago BETHESDA: Johnny McDermott arrived at the golf course without fanfare — virtually unnoticed, to be more precise — dropped off by his sister near the front door.

The assistant golf pro at the Overbrook Golf Club was scheduled to meet McDermott at the door, take him to the course and play nine holes, the way they did every Saturday and Sunday when the weather was good.

“It was him and me and one caddie and that was it,” said the golf pro, Jerry Pisano, who worked at Overbrook, one of the very first country clubs on this side of the Atlantic, situated near the Main Line just outside Philadelphia.

“No real conversation to speak of, except maybe a little bit about golf. I was always interested in trying to figure out his past, what happened to him over in Europe, but I never could get any definitive answers.” Very few could. But before Arnie had an army or Nicklaus had won any of his 18 majors or Tiger turned golf into front-page news, Johnny McDermott set the standard for American golf.

At 19, the diminutive kid from West Philadelphia became the first American to win the U.S. Open in a sport dominated by the British. This year marks the 100th anniversary of McDermott’s groundbreaking win. But even today, a century later, McDermott’s sudden rise and equally quick fall remain a mystery to most.

Within five years of his crowning moment, he was all but gone from professional golf, assigned to a home for mentally ill patients, driven crazy — legend has it — by a series of mishaps that cut short a career that could have been for the ages.

More than four decades after McDermott’s decline, Pisano spent the better part of a year playing on weekends with the two-time champion (he also won in 1912), who remains the youngest person to win the US Open. They played hour after hour of golf without really saying a word. “It was two different worlds,” Pisano said.

“He knew his golf. He could talk golf to you — ‘I cut that one a little, turned that one over.’ Talking about anything other than that, practically, he was not able to do that. It was ‘Yes,’ ‘No,’ and that was

about it.” McDermott used old clubs with hickory shafts, a wood-shafted Bobby Jones putter and a double-overlap grip in which only eight fingers touched the club.

He was 5-foot-8 (1.73 meters), weighed maybe 130 pounds (59 kilograms) but could swing as hard and hit the ball as far as any of them back in his day. He had what was described as a “wristy” swing, one that would be frowned upon in this day and age, where the players and their swings all seem to come out of a factory. But in an era well before golf coaches and swing gurus and video, McDermott learned his game in the dirt on the practice fields near his home in Philly.

Had the game — and the hype — been what it is now, McDermott might have been trumpeted as the leader of “The Next Generation of American Golf.” Instead, he was part of America’s first generation, alongside Walter Hagen and Francis Ouimet, the 1913 US Open winner whose victory is widely credited for giving golf its popular start in the United States. Hagen and Ouimet went on to long, successful careers.

McDermott’s was all but over by 1916. It started unraveling three years before. After crushing the greats of the sport — Brits Alex Smith, Harry Vardon and Ted Ray — at a US Open tuneup tournament in Shawnee, Pennsylvania, McDermott was quoted as saying: “We hope our foreign visitors had a good time, but we don’t think they did, and we are sure they won’t win the National Open.”

It was a show of brashness and bravado that fit McDermott’s personality, but he claimed his words had been taken out of context, that he had only been joking. The US Golf Association, shocked by the behavior, considered barring McDermott from the US Open but let him play. But the damage had been done. According to a New York Times account, McDermott “worried greatly over the affair and has almost broken down under the strain.”

Meantime, McDermott’s financial picture had grown worse, as the investments he made with his earlier US Open winnings sank. In 1914, hoping to climb back atop the golf world, he headed across

the Atlantic for the British Open, but missed the ferry and train he needed to catch to get to qualifying.

His return home on the Kaiser Wilhelm II was disrupted early when a grain carrier hit the ship in the English Channel. The ship made it back to land

BETHESDA: This undated image shows Johnny McDermott, winner of the US Open golf championship in 1911 and 1912. McDermott set the standard for American golf. He became the youngest US Open champion 100 years ago, a career that ended a short time later when he was put in a mental hospital. — AP

in Britain, but not before McDermott and a number of other passengers were sheltered in lifeboats.

“Physically, McDermott was OK, but his mind was fragile,” Bill Fields wrote in a stirring account of McDermott’s life in Golf World magazine.

“Everything had hit within a year,” McDermott’s sis-

ter, Gertrude, is quoted as saying in the magazine.

“First the stock failure, then the awful results of the Shawnee tournament, then the Open and finally that wreck.” McDermott played in the 1914 US Open but finished ninth. “The indomitable — some would say abrasive — self-confidence that had always marked his demeanor was nowhere in evidence,” wrote James Finegan in ‘A Centennial Tribute to Golf in Philadelphia.’

That turned out to be McDermott’s final major.

Later that year, his parents checked him into a mental hospital for the first time. In June 1916, his mother committed him to the State Hospital for the Insane in Norristown, Pennsylvania, where, according to Golf World, she was ordered to pay $1.75 a week “for support of said lunatic in said hospital, until further notice.”

McDermott dabbled in golf for the rest of his life — on a six-hole course built on the grounds of the hospital, in a few more professional tournaments and on outings such as the ones he made to Overbrook during the summers of 1956 and ‘57.

Pisano was a pretty good pro himself and a student of the game. He played in four US Opens, beginning in 1962, when Jack Nicklaus won his first major, beating Arnold Palmer in a playoff at Oakmont.

Pisano said the scene of McDermott walking through the door at Overbrook more than 40 years after his US Open win wouldn’t hold a candle to watching Palmer or Nicklaus walk into any golf club today.

“No, because, basically, I don’t think too many people knew he was there,” Pisano said. “It was always in the afternoon. Nine holes. Whatever notoriety he had was strictly of a local nature.

When he came to the course, I’m not sure anybody recognized him. I knew him. But I’m a whole different story. Golf was my business. I don’t think there was any hoopla about it.”

McDermott died in 1971, again virtually unnoticed. The inscription on his simple gravestone, an easy one to miss at the expansive Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, reads: “First American Born Golf Champion 1911-1912.”—AP

A familiar course, a familiar major

LYON: In this Sept. 8, 2007 file photo, Australia’s Berrick Barnes plays against Japan during their Rugby World Cup Group B match between Japan and Australia. — AP

Barnes hopes to return in time for World Cup MELBOURNE: Berrick Barnes’ World Cup hopes may be dashed and his career cut short after severe concussion and headaches stemming from head-knocks prompted the Australia utility back to announce an indefinite break from the game yesterday.

The versatile 25-year-old, who would have been a certainty for Robbie Deans’s squad for the World Cup in New Zealand starting in September, suffered another splintering headache after coming off in the first half of the New South Wales Waratahs’ 33-7 win over the Highlanders on Saturday.

After consulting a neurosurgeon, Barnes pulled the pin on his season for the Sydneybased Super rugby side but said he still held hope of proving his fitness in time for the release of the Wallabies’ World Cup squad, expected July 10.

“It’s certainly a goal of mine and something I’d love to be a part of but at the moment it’s not at the forefront of my mind,” Barnes told reporters in Sydney.

“It’s about getting myself right and being able to perform exercise of a physical nature without suffering any of this sort of stuff.

“I’m not hiding from the fact that I’ve been a bit frustrated and anxious about things and that’s probably causing some of the issues I’m having as well.

“So to get away from the environment just for a little bit is probably going to be pretty beneficial in that respect.” Barnes, who can play flyhalf and inside centre, said earlier this month he wanted to be allowed to wear boxing-style head gear to protect himself after missing two matches for the Waratahs this season due to concussion and another for a migraine.

The long-term effects of head injuries are a growing concern in all contact sports and the International Rugby Board issued new guidelines on the treatment of concussion last month.

In Australia, the issue was brought into focus earlier this year when former Australian Rules footballer Daniel Bell lodged a claim for compensation after being diagnosed with brain damage linked to concussions he sustained while playing.

A spokesman for the Australian Rugby Union would not comment specifically on Barnes’s problem, but said his hopes to wear more protective head gear was a matter between the

player and the IRB. Coach Deans said in a statement that he supported Barnes’s decision. “How long Berrick is out for will determine what happens next, as far as his career is concerned, but no one will be rushing him,” Deans said.

“It is important that Berrick takes all of the time that he needs to overcome this issue, and that he is ready both physically and mentally, before he even thinks about playing the game again.”

Barnes has previously expressed wariness about sacrificing his long-term health for his rugby career and medical experts cast doubt on the Wallaby’s ability to recover and make a return to the top-flight.

“There’s not enough research out there that there is a definite short-term solution for such cases,” Dr Peter Larkins, a Melbourne-based sports medicine expert, told Reuters.

“We’ve still got many more questions than we do solutions ... It is very difficult (for players) to just turn it around.” “It’s a challenge for him.”

Barnes’s troubles recall those suffered by former Wallabies back Elton Flatley, who retired prematurely from all forms of the game in 2006 at the age of 28 after suffering blurred vision among other concussion-related complications later in his career.

“He will be receiving excellent medical advice and he will be guided by their opinions, but deep down Berrick will know his own health and he has to be true to that,” Flatley said in comments published by the Australian newspaper yesterday.

“I got (head) hits in games that normally wouldn’t affect you, but they started to affect me. I started to hesitate about going into contact.

“At the time it was a very big, emotional decision ... Sometimes you are so consumed by it (rugby) you don’t realise what else is out there.”

Barnes’s loss comes as a further blow for the post-season hopes of the injury-hit Waratahs, who need victory at home against the ACT Brumbies on Saturday in the regular season’s last round to secure a top six playoff berth.

The side have already lost Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell and number eight Wycliff Palu for the season, while front-rowers Benn Robinson and Tatafu Polota-Nau are doubts to play the Brumbies. — Reuters

BETHESDA: Three players in the 156-man field at the US Open have won at Congressional. Only one of them knows what it takes to win a US Open. That would be Ernie Els, who captured his second US Open title in 1997 at Congressional.

When the AT&T National came to Congressional in 2007, KJ Choi won over Steve Stricker. A year later, Anthony Kim closed with a 65 for a two-shot win over Fredrik Jacobson. Tiger Woods had rounds of 64-66-70-67 when he won in 2009. He won’t get another crack at Congressional this week because he is not playing due to left leg injuries.

“The course definitely plays different than when I won in 2007,” Choi said on Monday, the first full day of practice for the Open. “The tee shot ... when you’re standing on the tee box, the holes played different. You have to attack differently. They’ve pulled it back 20, 30 yards on some of the holes, so you actually have to draw your shots, where in 2007, I could fade my shots.”

Even so, the experience of winning has helped Choi feel like he knows his way around. He knows where he can miss, and where the big numbers are waiting if he misses in the wrong spot.

“I think the key point is whether you’re able to hit your second shots and stop it on the green, stick it to the green, stick it to the pin within four or five yards,” Choi said.

“Once you’re able to do that, I think you have a better advantage.”

Early reviews on Congressional are favorable as a a stern but fair test, but the greens are not quite as firm as they tend to be when the competition gets under way on Thursday. Among the favorites this week — because of the major, not the location — is Lee Westwood of England, who is No. 2 in the world and getting closer than ever to winning his first major.

Westwood had a putt to get into the playoff at Torrey Pines in 2008 U.S. Open.

He had a par putt to get into a playoff at Turnberry a year later, and he had the 54hole lead in the Masters last year.

“I think if you’re a good player, you’re going to have disappointments because you’re going to be in contention a lot, aren’t you?” Westwood said. “You’re going to have

lots of chances to win major championships.” It wasn’t always that way for Westwood.

Even though he rose to No. 4 in the world earlier in his career, it took him until a few years ago to start getting seriously close. His first US Open happened to be in 1997 at Congressional.

“My first impressions were it was a lot tougher than I thought it was going to be,” Westwood said. “The toughness of a US Open setup takes you by surprise when you’ve never played it before. And I really don’t remember a lot from ‘97, other than it was quite wet. There wasn’t a lot of run of the fairways, and it played quite long.

“I did all right,” he said. “I finished 19th, so I was quite pleased with that. First effort at a US Open.” Perhaps it should be no surprise that a first-time player has not won the US Open in 98 years, dating to Francis Ouimet across the street from his house in Brookline in 1913.

The other majors have had debutants

win in the last three decades — Ben Curtis at the British Open (2003), John Daly at the US PGA Championship (1991), Fuzzy Zoeller at the Masters (1979).

For the players who haven’t been back in 14 years — Els, Westwood among them — there are a few big changes. The par-3 18th has been switched to a different direction and now is No. 10. Considering it’s a two-tee start in the opening two rounds, it will be the third course in the last 10 years when players start a round on a par 3.

The others were Royal Lytham & St. Annes and Winged Foot. The closing hole — the old No. 17 from 1997 — is now a 523-yard par 4 into a green surrounded by water. By the end of the week, par might be a good score. By the look of it early in the week, however, some players feel as though they at least have a fighting chance. “ There’s no tricks to this golf course,” Westwood said. “You could almost turn up Thursday and just play it because it’s such a good, honest test.”—AP

BETHESDA: Martin Kaymer, of Germany, chips from a sandtrap to the practice green during a practice round for the US Open Championship golf tournament. — AP

Oracle Racing unleash, and capsize, catamaran SAN FRANCISCO: Oracle Racing unleashed a new class of catamarans in San Francisco on Monday ahead of races leading up to the 34th America’s Cup in 2013 and accidentally capsized one head over heels.

Oracle Racing chief executive Russell Coutts sent one of the nimble AC45 into a cartwheel during an informal race against skipper James Spithill as they began practicing in San Francisco Bay, where they will be during June.

“We’ll be duking it out and trying to beat the hell out of each other to get these guys ready to go and race the cup,” Coutts told reporters before the capsize left a damaged sail and sent one crew member to hospital for x-rays.

“Everyone’s wearing helmets for a reason, there’s a significant amount of risk,” said Spithill. “They’re the fastest boats out there at the moment, and to get the most out of them you have to push.”

Oracle Racing, backed by billionaire Larry Ellison, designed the 45-foot boats-with hard sails shaped like an airplane wing-as part of broader efforts to attract more viewers to the America’s Cup. Built in New Zealand, this is their first US appearance. Standardizing the boats used in sailing’s most prestigious event is meant to put the focus squarely on sailors’ talent instead of the technological advantages of their designs.

The competition has been reorganized to attract sponsors put off by bitter legal wrangling that clouded the 2010 Cup won in Valencia by Oracle.

Competitors will use the new 45-foot carbon-fiber catamarans in the 2011-2012 Americas Cup World Series starting in Cascais, Portugal in August, with larger AC72 72-foot catamarans, which have yet to be built, raced the following year at the America’s Cup in San Francisco.

Changes also include shorter races, independent race management with an international jury and cost-cutting measures such as limits on the number of boats, sails, equipment and support vessels.

The winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup, held in San Francisco Bay and starting in July 2013, will race Oracle, the Golden Gate Yacht Club’s (GGYC) defending team, in the America’s Cup in September.

BMW Oracle won the last America’s Cup racing a giant trimaran featuring a 20-storey wing sail. But that Cup was overshadowed by more than two years of legal battles between Ellison and biotechnology tycoon Ernesto Bertarelli, owner of Swiss team Alinghi.

Wranglings over the hosting rights and race rules resulted in a rare two-boat match without the usual challengers series that had helped increase interest in previous editions, costing millions in potential sponsorship and broadcasting rights.—Reuters

18

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

sp orts

NBA heads to offseason of uncertainty MIAMI: As Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade traded big shots in a thrilling NBA finals, with fans tuning in at levels the league hadn’t seen since the days of the Kobe-Shaq Lakers, the questions came more frequently.

The answers grow harder to understand.

How can Commissioner David Stern tell all those NBA fans to go watch something else?

Why are owners and players willing to throw away all the momentum the league has built since last summer? How can they shut it down now?

“It’s an odd position, when the game is the best it’s ever been, when the ratings are the highest they’ve ever been, when the excitement is the greatest it’s ever (been),” Players Association attorney Jeffrey Kessler said last week. “It’s sort of odd to see the owners say we’re going to destroy this game unless you change this whole system.

Players just want to play.”

Nobody can predict when they’ll get that chance again. When the Dallas Mavericks

finished off the Miami Heat in the finals on Sunday, it sent the NBA into a most uncertain offseason.

Owners and players are nowhere close on a new collective bargaining agreement to replace the one that expires on June 30.

Without a new deal, players say they have been told by the owners they will be locked out. The NBA was reduced to a 50-game season by a work stoppage in 1998-99, and the loss of games is a threat now. Citing leaguewide losses of about $300 million this season, the league hasn’t shifted on its desire for significant changes to the financial structure, ranging from reductions in the length of contracts and the amount of guarantees, to an overhaul of the salary cap system that would prevent teams from being able to exceed it, as they can now under certain exceptions.

And Stern said the record US TV ratings and all the other positive attention the league has received doesn’t make him any

more motivated to get this settled, since he’d want to do it anyway.

“I don’t need any external prod to want to be able to make a deal,” he said. Fans have pointed to the high TV ratings as reasons why things can’t be as bad as the league claims. Yet those ratings mean nothing to the NBA: Its long-term contract with network partners guarantee its money whether people watch or not.

Yet they are watching, in large part because of the Heat. When LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Wade in Miami, it created a must-see team, either in hopes of watching it win or with the desire of witnessing its failure. “As players we appreciate the support, whether it’s positive or negative, you’re watching our game. That’s what we appreciate,” Wade said.

“Because it’s our job to make sure as pioneers of the game that it continues to grow long when we’re done.” The feeling was so different for the NBA a year ago. It rode a

seven-game finals between the Lakers and Celtics right into the offseason, knowing its historic free-agent season would dominate the headlines, giving it far more offseason press than usual.

With those longtime rivals still strong, and major market cities such as Chicago and New York scoring in free agency and surging in the standings, the attention continued right into the season. But the free agency bonanza also showed why owners want the changes. Stern has said they feel the pressure to spend as much as possible to show their fans a commitment to win. The smaller-market teams, meanwhile, don’t have the luxury of taking those chances, knowing the money won’t be coming in through ticket sales and local TV revenue if their teams struggle. So now they want a system that would curb their spending through a hard salary cap, which the players strongly oppose. “We got max salaries, we got a limit on annual increases, we got restrictions on

player movement, so we’ve got as far as I’m concerned pretty much a hard cap,” union executive director Billy Hunter said.

The sides are scheduled to meet twice this week and say they hope for frequent discussions before the end of the month.

Should those fail, the NBA could follow the NFL’s labor situation right into the court system, which both sides say they want to avoid. So although a work stoppage in July wouldn’t seem to have much effect since games aren’t going on, Stern insists “we very much feel the weight of the deadline.” But can they get something done before it?

“I think this is going to be a scenario where the players are going to have to sacrifice and I think at the end of the day the owners are probably going to sacrifice a little bit as well,” player rep Roger Mason Jr. of the Knicks said. “I guess the biggest thing is figuring out what that middle ground is and we haven’t been able to do that at this point.” —AP

Chechen strongman axes ‘partying’ Gullit

HARRISON: Jamaica goalkeeper Dwayne Miller looks at the ball after deflecting a free kick shot by Honduras defender Victor Bernardez (not pictured) during the second half of a Concacaf Gold Cup tournament soccer game. —AP

Guatemala blank Grenada, Jamaica see off Honduras HARRISON: Guatemala booked their place in the last eight of the Concacaf Gold Cup with a 4-0 victory over Grenada on Monday.

The result completed a miserable tournament for Grenada who conceded 15 goals in three games, including Friday’s 7-1 hammering from Honduras.

Guatemala entered the game knowing they needed at least a 3-0 victory to make sure of a place in the last eight and they took care of that with little trouble.

Joe de Aguila opened the scoring with a thundering strike from 25 yards out in the 16th minute that whistled into the net.

Marco Pappa doubled the advantage with a relatively harmless left-foot shot from distance that Grenada keeper Shemal Louison made a real mess of.

Carlos Ruiz made it 3-0 in the 54th minute when Jairo Arreloa drove a cross against the bar and Carlos Ruiz pounced to knock home the loose ball.

Five minutes later Carlos Gallardo burst into the area on the left and his cool finish made it 4-0 and assured the Guatemalans of their place in the knockout stages.

Ruiz went close to a fifth when he hit the post while at the other end Clive Murray hit the side-netting as Grenada searched for a little consolation at the end of a testing tournament for them.

Meanwhile, Jamaica continued their impressive Concacaf Gold Cup form with a 1-0 win over Honduras on Monday securing top spot in Group C for the Reggae Boyz.

Jamaica, already through to the knockout stage, end the group phase with the maximum nine points from three games while Honduras finish second, above Guatemala on goal difference, and will face Costa Rica in the quarter-finals. The Jamaicans, who have made rapid improvement after failing to reach the final CONCACAF stage of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals, will face the second-placed team in Group C,

HARRISON: Guatemala midfielder Wilfred Velasquez (9) and Grenada forward Clive Murray (12) go up for the ball during the first half of a Concacaf Gold Cup tournament soccer game. —AP which completes its games on Tuesday.

The Jamaicans took the lead in the 36th minute when striker Ryan Johnson unleashed a magnificent drive which blasted against the bar, hit the back of Honduran keeper Noel Valladares and flew into the net.

Jamaica had a chance to make it 2-0 in the 72nd after Victor Bernardez brought down Johnson in the area and was awarded a penalty. But Valladares pulled off a fine save from Johnson’s spot kick to keep Honduras in with a chance of a comeback.

Osman Chavez went closest to an equaliser with a thundering free-kick which Jamaica keeper Dwayne Miller did well to tip wide but despite frantic efforts the Central Americans could not find a way through. Honduras take on Costa Rica at the New Meadowlands stadium in New Jersey on Saturday. —Reuters

Arsenal expect to be busy in the transfer market LONDON: Arsenal Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis has promised a busy few months in the transfer market with the club keen to bolster their squad after what he said had been a profoundly disappointing season.

Gazidis said short-comings of the team, which finished fourth in the Premier League and a sixth successive season without a trophy, had to be acknowledged and rectified.

“It is going to be an active summer.

I expect to be busy and Arsene expects to be busy,” Gazidis told a meeting of the Arsenal Supporters Trust at the Emirates Stadium on Monday. “We are working hard during this close season — very hard.”

Asked if the club had spoken to anybody so far in the transfer market, Gazidis replied: “Yes, many people.”

However, he declined to elaborate on who and also refused to answer questions on the future’s of midfielders

Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri who have been linked with moves to other clubs.

“Coming off the end of the season, I can’t say anything other than, like you, I share a sense of profound disappointment. We had a season that promised a great deal, which looked as though it could turn into a very special season for us, but in the end a familiar story began to tell,” he said.

Arsenal had some successes last season, beating Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea at home, and spoke of winning a quadruple of trophies in February.

But then, in quick succession, Arsenal lost the League Cup final to Birmingham City, were knocked out of the Champions League by Barcelona and ended the season with a string of losses and draws to finish 12 points behind champions Manchester United. — Reuters

MOSCOW: Dutch legend Ruud Gullit’s managerial career at Terek Grozny ended dramatically yesterday when the strongman of Chechnya accused him of being a playboy and sacked him for losing a must-win match.

The last straw came after a 90th-minute own goal saw Gullit’s unfancied side from the war-ravaged republic lose 1-0 away to Amkar Perm-a drab encounter played before a halfempty stadium on a wet pitch with ankledeep grass.

It took less than five minutes after the final whistle for Chechnya’s Ramzan Kadyrov-a former field commander who also runs the clubto announce that Gullit’s five-month stint as club manager was over. “Gullit will no longer train Terek,” the Interfax news agency quoted Kadyrov as saying.

“Unfortunately, he was unable to prove his mettle as a trainer. Under his leadership, the team played exceptionally poorly this season,” added Kadyrov.

Terek later issued a more formal statement saying Gullit was still welcome to work with the youth squad.

But “the club no longer sees him as head coach of Terek,” it added. A seemingly unfazed Gullit said as he watched his despondent players trot off to the locker room that he expected to get the sack even if he had beaten Amkar.

“I don’t think it would have mattered it I had won or lost,” Gullit told a television reporter through a translator. Gullit added in a separate interview that he had said goodbye to his players before the match started and refused to be drawn on his future plans.

“I knew about (Kadyrov’s) ultimatum. Of course something like that does not improve your frame of mind,” the Dutch star told the online edition of the Sport Express daily. Terek now sit 14th in the 16-team Russian Premier League with three wins from 13 matches.

The 48-year-old celebrity and two time world footballer of the year stunned observers earlier by accepting an invitation to coach Terek from Kadyrov-a hate figure among rights groups and a man of great pow-

GROZNY: In this Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011 file photo, Dutch soccer coach Ruud Gullit (right) displays a shirt reading ‘Gullit’, in Cyrillic, as he meets with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov (left) in Chechnya’s provincial capital, Grozny. —AP throughout his coaching days at Chelsea and er and alleged wealth.

But the honeymoon was short-lived after other smaller clubs. Russian football analysts Terek’s poor start and tensions came to a boil had questioned how Gullit planned to adapt early this week when the club issued a furious to life in a Chechen republic that has witstatement accusing Gullit of caring more nessed two wars in the past two decades and remains plagued by serious security and infraabout parties than the club.

“Gullit has to know he was not invited so structure problems.

But the Sovietsky Sport daily said Gullit that he could go hiding in nightclubs and discos, but to work in a football club,” Terek said was “shocked” by Kadyrov’s comments and in an extraordinary statement posted on the had promised do his best to win Tuesday’s match.

Chechen government’s website.

Terek started brightly enough in Tuesday’s It also accused Gullit of being disrespectful of Chechnya Muslim traditions and “crossing early moments and began to dominate play the boundaries of civil behavior”. “Recently, with an aggressive style that has seen them the coach has been trying to find fault with concede the second-most number of fouls in anyone but himself,” the republic’s sports min- the league this season.

But their industry produced few chances ister Haidar Alkhanov told NTV television.

Similar accusation have dogged Gullit- until the late own-goal off a free kick-a seemfamous for his “sexy football” catchphrase and ingly fitting end to Gullit’s bizarre stay in flamboyant style on and off the pitch- Chechnya. —AFP

World Cup circus starts with barely a ripple PORT OF SPAIN: Less than one year after Spain beat Netherlands to win the World Cup, the circus starts again today although the opening match of the 2014 qualifying tournament will cause barely a ripple.

Tiny Montserrat, who have won only two international matches, are scheduled to face Belize on neutral territory in a match which will be a far cry from last year’s game at Soccer City, watched by an estimated 700 million television viewers.

Soccer’s governing body FIFA said that the game, to be staged at Malabar, Trinidad & Tobago because Montserrat does not have a suitable stadium, will not be televised and only a handful of spectators are expected.

The preliminary round first leg tie is the first of an expected 832 qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in which all but five of FIFA’s member association’s are set to take part.

Running Montserrat’s national team has become a complicated exercise since the 1995 volcanic eruption which forced more than half the island’s people to move abroad, burying the capital Plymouth and reducing the population from 12,000 to 4,700.

They are joint 202nd and last in the FIFA rankings alongside Anguilla, who are also in action, Andorra, Papua-New Guinea, American Samoa and San Marino.

Montserrat’s last games were last year when they played three times, conceded 16 goals and failed to score in heavy defeats to St Vincent & Grenadines, Barbados and St Kitts & Nevis.

But national team coach Kenny Dyer, who played for a number of non-league clubs in England, is still optimistic his team can pull off an upset in the opening match of the twoleg tie.

“Our chances are very good,” Dyer, whose squad includes midfielder Anthony Griffith from English fourth division Port Vale, told FIFA.com.

“They have more experience than us, but we are a quality side especially with the inclusion of some players who play abroad, in the

UK and the Australian league.”

Belize are 172nd in the FIFA rankings and coach Jose de la Paz Herrera has World Cup experience as the 70-year-old led his native Honduras to the finals in Spain in 1982, the first of their only two appearances at the tournament.

Although the main draw for the 2014 qualifiers will take place in Rio de Janeiro on July 30, a number of preliminary matches will be played in Concacaf and Asia before then.

Eight other teams are involved in the Concacaf preliminaries with Anguilla facing

Dominican Republic, the U.S. Virgin Islands taking on the British Virgin Islands, Aruba meeting St Lucia and Bahamas facing the Turks and Caicos Islands.

These matches are due to be played in the next few weeks but the dates have not been announced. Belize are due to host Montserrat in the return on Sunday.

Europe will have 13 places at the 2014 finals, with five for Africa, 4.5 for South America and Asia, 3.5 for Concacaf and 0.5 for Oceania. Brazil qualify automatically as hosts. —Reuters

HONG KONG: Chelsea football club’s Chief Executive Ron Gourlay (right) poses with students and officials at a news conference for the Chelsea FC Soccer School. Chelsea FC Soccer School in Hong Kong has over 10 AFC qualified head coaches and assistant coaches to operate the school. —AP

19

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

S P ORT S

Bruins beat Canucks to force game seven

ANTIGUA: West Indies players (from left) Carlton Baugh, Andre Russell, captain Darren Sammy, Anthony Martin and Kirk Edwards celebrate their victory by 103 runs over India at their fourth one-day international cricket match. —AP

Martin inspires Windies to first win over India NORTH SOUND: West Indies inspired by a career-best spell from leg-spinner Anthony Martin, completed a 103-run victory to secure a consolation victory in the fourth One-day International against World champions India on Monday.

Rohit Sharma led the way with 39, and was one of a handful of Indian batsmen that got starts without carrying on, as Martin captured four for 36 from 10 overs, and West Indies successfully defended a target of 250.

Martin, later named Man-of-the Match, rounded off the victory, when he had Ishant Sharma stumped for a duck with his final delivery of the match at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

The victory was a consolation for West Indies, after India took an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match series with a victory two days ago at the same venue.

The final match of the series will be played on Thursday at Sabina Park in the Jamaica capital of Kingston. “We didn’t bat very well, but all credit must go to the West Indies because they played really well in this game,” said India captain Suresh Raina.

“We are always disappointed when we are on the losing side, but West Indies batted really well, and they bowled really well - and we did not do things well in this game. “Our shot selection was really wrong. We lost our shape, and we did not have any partnerships.

“Rohit was there playing well again, but Yusuf (Pathan) and I got out at a crucial time, but credit must go to the West Indies for the way they played.”

India’s bowlers had done their best to maintain the status quo, but Kieron Pollard top scored with 70 and Lendl Simmons supported with 67, helping West Indies reach 249 for eight.

Praveen Kumar was the most successful Indian bowler with three for 37 from 10 overs, and leg-spinner Amit Mishra captured two for 56 from 10 overs.

The World champions however, were left to chase their highest target of the series, and started brightly. But they kept losing wickets at inopportune times, allowing the West Indies bowlers to dictate terms.

Manoj Tiwary was caught behind for two in the second over off West Indies captain Darren Sammy, who held a stupendous return catch in the 10th over to dismiss Parthi Patel for 26, leaving India 41 for two.

The Indians continued to make steady progress, but Subramanian Badrinath was caught behind down the leg-side for 12 in the 17th over to precipitate an unstable period for the visitors.

Four more wickets fell for 62 between the 21st and the 31st over, including Sharma, India’s batting hero in the series, caught at deep mid-wicket off Martin, leaving the batsmen to fend for themselves.

Andre Russell ended with three for 16 from seven overs, and Sammy took two for 43, breathing a huge sigh of relief following the game.

“We did a lot more things better in this game,” he said. “Throughout this series we have been improving, and in this game, we put a decent target of 250 on the board.

“The bowlers throughout the series have been collecting wickets early, and this time we were in a similar situation, and handled it differently.

“We had a different mindset, and the guys put the ball in the right areas, and we got the wickets we needed to complete a victory.” —AFP

BOSTON: The Boston Bruins exploded with four first period goals then rode the goaltending of Tim Thomas to thrash the Vancouver Canucks 5-2 on Monday and send the Stanley Cup finals into a seventh and deciding game.

One of the most intriguing NHL championships in years will now come down to a single winner-takes-all clash in Vancouver on Wednesday and the stakes could hardly be higher for both teams. The Canucks will be chasing their first Stanley Cup title while the Bruins are looking to end a 39-year drought. Trailing 32 in the best of seven series but back on home ice, the Bruins blasted four goals inside the opening 10 minutes, with Brad Marchand, Milan Lucic, Andrew Ference and Michael Ryder all finding the net and forcing the Canucks to yank their starting goalminder Robert Luongo.

Home ice advantage has been the one consistent in a hard-hitting and occasionally ill-tempered series that has seen wild swings in momentum, but all six games going with the home team.

Vancouver has squeaked out three one goal wins at home while the Bruins have dominated in their own den, pounding out three lopsided victories.

The Bruins were quickly on the attack, Marchand and Lucic scoring 35 seconds apart while Ference followed with a power-

BOSTON: Boston Bruins right wing Michael Ryder celebrates his goal against Vancouver Canucks goalie Cory Schneider as Canucks defenseman Andrew Alberts looks on during the first period of Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals. —AP play goal that chased a reeling Luongo out of the net in favor of Cory Schneider.

Ryder immediately welcomed Schneider to the game by scoring on Boston’s first shot on the backup as the Bruins scored their fourth goal in a devastating 4:14 blitz.

The Canucks finally got on the

scored 22 seconds into the third when their Swedish captain Henrik Sedin converted a powerplay to notch his first goal of the finals.

But David Krejci answered with a powerplay tally for the Bruins before Vancouver ’s Maxim Lapierre closed out the scoring.

The series has produced spec-

Seven NFL teams have had furloughs or cuts NEW YORK: NFL employees have had their salaries trimmed by 12 percent since April, and seven teams have instituted pay cuts or furloughs of employees since the owners’ lockout of players began in March, The Associated Press has found in interviews around the league. Miami, Buffalo, the New York Jets, Kansas City, Detroit, Tampa Bay and Arizona are the teams known to

knowledge of the cuts or furloughs who spoke on condition of anonymity because the moves had not been announced by the team.

Several team owners, particularly John Mara of the New York Giants, Zygi Wilf of Minnesota, and Jim Irsay of Indianapolis, have been adamant about avoiding such reductions.

“My feeling is I’m interested in good

gram that focuses on shared sacrifice.

As you move up the organization chart, the sacrifice increases in absolute and percentage terms, as it should.

“We plan no layoffs at this time. Our hope is that our advanced planning will allow us to avoid them in the future as well.” But in May the team also suspended payments into the employees’ pension plans for the duration of the

Scoreboard NORTH SOUND: Scoreboard from the fourth of five one day international between the West Indies and India on yesterday at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground: West Indies L. Simmons run out (Tiwary) 67 D. Hyatt c Tiwary b I. Sharma 1 R. Sarwan c Tiwary b Kumar 1 D. Bravo c Tiwary b Mishra 15 M. Samuels lbw b Mishra 8 K. Pollard c I. Sharma b Ashwin 70 C. Baugh c Kohli b Kumar 39 A. Russell c Kohli b Kumar 25 D. Sammy not out 1 K. Roach not out 4 Extras: (lb7, w8, nb3) 18 Total: (8 wkts) 249 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Hyatt, 1.5 overs); 2-12 (Sarwan, 4.5); 3-65 (Bravo, 15.6); 4-89 (Samuels, 23.1); 5-103 (Simmons, 26.4); 6-199 (Pollard, 44.2); 7-240 (Baugh, 48.2); 8-240 (Russell, 48.3) Bowling: Kumar 10-3-37-3 (w1); I. Sharma 10-060-1 (nb3, w5); Ashwin 10-1-39-1; Mishra 10-356-2 (w1); Pathan 6-0-24-0 (w1); Tiwary 4-0-26-0.

Overs: 50 Did not bat: A. Martin

India P. Patel c and b Sammy 26 M. Tiwary c Baugh b Sammy 2 V. Kohli st Baugh b Martin 22 S. Badrinath c Baugh b Russell 12 R. Sharma c Bravo b Martin 39 S. Raina c Pollard b Martin 10 Y. Pathan c Roach b Simmons 1 R. Ashwin c Samuels b Russell 15 P. Kumar c Sammy b Russell 6 A. Mishra not out 5 I. Sharma st Baugh b Martin 0 Extras (b4, lb2, w2) 8 Total: (all out) 146 Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Tiwary, 5.4 overs); 2-41 (Patel, 9.2); 3-62 (Badrinath, 16.3); 4-82 (Kohli, 20.6); 5-111 (Raina, 26.6); 6-114 (Pathan, 27.4); 7124 (R. Sharma, 30.6); 8-138 (Kumar, 35.1); 9-145 (Ashwin, 37.5) Bowling: Roach 8-1-22-0; Sammy 9-0-43-2; Russell 7-0-16-3 (w1); Pollard 4-0-20-0 (w1); Martin 10-0-36-4; Simmons 1-0-3-1.

Overs: 39 Result: West Indies won by 103 runs Series: India lead five-match series 3-1

A look at England and Sri Lanka’s third Test SOUTHAMPTON: England will be a step towards its dream of top spot in the world if it beats Sri Lanka in the third Test at the Rose Bowl starting tomorrow.

A win means equal-second place in the ICC rankings alongside South Africa on 117 points, though India would still be 11 points clear at the top. India begin a three-test series against a weak West Indies side on the scheduled fifth day of this match.

Sri Lanka fought back strongly in the second Test at Lord’s after an innings defeat in the first Test at Cardiff largely thanks to a sparkling 193 by captain Tillakaratne Dilshan. It has kept the series alive. But the visitors will be without Dilshan, who broke his right thumb at Lord’s.

He was their leading runscorer in the first two tests with 253 at 84.33. Neither of their world-class batsmen, Mahela Jayawardene nor Kumar Sangakkara, has scored a test 50 so far in this series. They may struggle to take 20 wickets on what will probably be a good batting surface and with their bowlers having taken only 21 wickets in the first two tests. Of those 21, the pacemen have taken 13 between them at an average of 66.08 and at four runs per over.

The spinners have fared slightly better, with eight wickets at 52.75 and 3.23 runs per over.

The 21-year-old batsman Lahiru Thirimanne,

who scored 104 at Chelmsford, may play in place of Dilshan and they may include a second spinner in Suraj Randiv or Ajantha Mendis in the absence of Dilshan’s part-time offspin.

The Rose Bowl will have a feel-good factor for England, which won both ODIs there last season against Australia and Pakistan. Eoin Morgan scored fast hundreds in both games.

The victory against Australia began a roll which continued throughout the winter. The win against Pakistan meant England won a series played out acrimoniously following the spot-fixing allegations against captain Salman Butt and two Pakistan bowlers.

England’s opening pair of Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook have been awarded an OBE and MBE respectively in the Queens’ birthday honors list. If England wrap up the series it will be Strauss’ fifth series win in a row. This is Cook’s 66th consecutive test, breaking the record held by Alan Knott and Ian Botham for the most consecutive tests played for England.

Cook attracted criticism for his slow scoring at Lord’s. In the morning session heading for a declaration, England scored 111-1 off 26 overs. Cook was 61 overnight and scored just 26 off 75 balls as he worked his way towards his 18th hundred. He has scored six centuries in his last nine tests, his last 12 innings. —AP

tacular netminding, Thomas flashing his Conn Smythe credentials as the Stanley Cup most valuable player with another solid evening of work on Monday stopping 38 shots on Monday.

Luongo has two shutouts and allowed just two goals in three games at home but leaked 15 goals on the road. —Reuters

LOS ANGELES: In a file image released by AEG, a proposed NFL football stadium, to be named Farmers Field, is depicted next to Staples Center in Los Angeles. The president of the sports and entertainment company seeking to build the stadium in downtown Los Angeles says he’s spoken to officials from the Vikings, Chargers, Rams, Raiders and Jaguars about a possible move. —AP have slashed payroll.

In all, the number of affected employees who work for either the clubs or the league is likely more than 100. Count Commissioner Roger Goodell and Jeff Pash, the NFL’s lead labor negotiator, among them. Their salaries have been reduced to $1 each while the league’s labor impasse is unresolved.

Two teams, Atlanta and San Francisco, would not comment when asked if they made any cuts, citing privacy issues. Information about several other clubs came from people with

morale around here,” Irsay said. “I look at someone who’s making $40,000, $50,000 a year, who has rent to pay, and I don’t see it for me as an owner to be asking them for anything.” Buffalo has asked for a lot. The Bills made cuts to all salaried employees in March ranging from 20-25 percent.

“We have made prudent preparations for the possibilities of a work stoppage,” Bills CEO Russ Brandon said then. “We have, for some time, been very upfront and transparent with our staff so that they, too, could make prudent preparations. We have built a pro-

lockout. Detroit employees have taken two-week furloughs, a person familiar with the moves told the AP. “Any decisions we make, the impact will start with me,” said team president Tom Lewand, adding the names of coach Jim Schwartz and general manager Martin Mayhew. “Unfortunately, it is affecting the entire organization, starting with us.” Arizona had a companywide weeklong furlough in May. All the coaches have in their contracts pay reductions in the event of a work stoppage.

The Jets have been requiring their

dozens of non-contracted employees to take a one-week unpaid furlough every month since the lockout began.

Contracted employees in football operations, including general manager Mike Tannenbaum, coach Rex Ryan and assistant coaches, took 25 percent pay cuts.

Miami GM Jeff Ireland, coach Tony Sparano and his assistant coaches received a pay cut on June 1. In May, the Dolphins cut salaries of support staff by 10 to 20 percent. CEO Mike Dee blamed lagging ticket sales resulting from the lockout.

Across Florida, Tampa Bay closed its offices for a week in May, saying employees would be reimbursed if no regular-season games are lost.

All Kansas City employees, including GM Scott Pioli and coach Todd Haley, have taken a pay reduction during the lockout. The extent of the reduction depends on the level of job, with top executives taking the biggest hit. The cuts will be phased in over eight months and will average about 10 percent. If the NFL plays a full season, everybody will be fully reimbursed.

New Orleans has avoided any cuts or furloughs in part because their revenue stream from ticket sales never has been better. They recently charged season ticket-holders for the second half of their amount due, perhaps to maintain enough cash flow to delay resorting to salary reductions.

The Louisiana Superdome is sold out again for next season, and because of redesigned and upgraded field level seating, capacity has increased from 70,000 to 73,000. Prices for many of those new seats went up, creating more income for the team.

Oakland has come up with its own way of potentially avoiding cuts: The Raiders implemented a plan that allows employees to keep their full pay if they sell a certain number of season tickets.

“We looked at this from the opposite approach. Let’s all work together as an organization, every single department, to increase our ticket revenues,” Raiders CEO Amy Trask said. —AP

Rogge: ‘No problem’ with Contador racing in Tour

Alberto Contador in action in this file photo

GENEVA: Alberto Contador should be allowed to race in the Tour de France even though his results will be questioned until the Court of Arbitration for Sport rules on his doping case, IOC President Jacques Rogge said yesterday.

Three-time champion Contador will start the July 2-24 event because the World Anti-Doping Agency and International Cycling Union agreed to his lawyers’ request to delay the hearing at sports’ highest court. “The lawyers of Contador thought that they needed more time and as long as WADA and UCI agreed with that, I see no problem,” Rogge told reporters.

CAS rescheduled the case for Aug. 1-3 after originally aiming to hold a hearing and give a verdict in June. Rogge

acknowledged that the timing leaves uncertainty hanging over the outcome of cycling’s signature race. “I agree that it will cast a question mark on the validity of the result until the verdict is rendered ... but there is a presumption of innocence,” the International Olympic Committee leader said. WADA and the UCI appealed to CAS after the Spanish cycling federation said Contador inadvertently consumed clenbuterol while winning last year’s race.

The Spanish tribunal accepted the rider’s explanation that a tiny amount of the drug found in his urine samples came from eating contaminated steak on a rest day. “It is a highly technical issue, it is a very difficult scientific issue,” Rogge said. —AP

Chechen strongman axes ‘partying’ Gullit

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

Bruins beat Canucks to force game seven

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Mystery shrouds US Open champ from 100 years ago Page 17

EASTBOURNE: Serena Williams of the US returns to Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria in a women’s singles match on the third day of the Aegon International tennis tournament. —AP

Serena struggles on return to action EASTBOURNE: Serena Williams recovered from a terrible start to win her first match after nearly a year out injured, beating Tsvetana Pironkova 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 yeseterday in the first round at Eastbourne.

The 13-time Grand Slam champion started out looking nothing like the player who lifted the Wimbledon trophy last year in her last tournament. Her movement was uncertain, and she appeared not to trust her groundstrokes or her usually dominant serve.

She held for the first time at 5-0 down, and slowly began to look like her old self.

Williams reeled off the first three games of the second set to take control, and despite squandering a 2-0 lead in the decider, she broke again to secure the win.

“How difficult was the first set? It wasn’t too difficult, it wasn’t long,” Williams said. “It was over really fast and I thought, well hopefully I can get some momentum. I think I was just a little anxious and missing a tremendous amount of shots.”

Williams hasn’t played since July last year

after cutting her foot, which led to blood clots on her lungs. By the time she came to ser ve out the match after two hours on court, the 29-year-old American was breathing heavily and was given a warning by the umpire for taking too much time between points.

Williams said she thought she should have been given a pre-warning, and wondered “whether had I been gone so long that they changed it.” But despite the struggle, Williams said she had enjoyed her return.

“I definitely think I had fun,” she said.

“After everything I’ve been through, it’s all fun to me now. It’s all a bonus.” Next is a repeat of the 2010 Wimbledon final against top-seeded Vera Zvonareva, a 6-3, 6-3 winner over British wild card Heather Watson.

“I don’t remember too much from (the Wimbledon final), I remember a lot after that,” she said. “She’s a great player and I have nothing to lose. I’m going to go in there and do what I can do. Whatever happens, happens.” It looked like being a short-lived return to competitive action when Williams

dropped the first set against Pironkova in 27 minutes. Williams, wearing an eye-catching pink dress with black underskirt, walked out to the song “I’m The World’s Greatest,” chosen by organizers rather than herself, and was given a warm welcome as she was introduced to a nearly full stadium.

But she looked unsure of herself even in the warmup and it spilled over into the match. Her sister Venus, who returned after five months out on Monday, began her match with two double-faults, and Serena opened her first service game with one of her own.

Pironkova, who reached the semifinals at Wimbledon last year but had won only four matches this year, showed no sympathy to her opponent’s predicament, and her fierce ground strokes made Williams look pedestrian at times.

After falling behind 4-0, Williams smacked her racket into the turf in disgust. On winning her first game to make it 5-1, the former top-ranked player heard the rare sound of sympathetic applause. The unseeded

Bulgarian then took the set with a forehand winner. Williams, though, had begun to look — and sound — more like her old self. She increasingly greeted her winners, and an improving first serve, with some determined cries of “come on” as the confidence gradually returned. Leading 5-3 in the second set, she fell behind 0-30 but responded with a 193 kph (120 mph) ace down the middle and a 183 kph (114 mph) ace out wide.

After letting a 2-0 lead slip, Williams immediately broke again and had a chance to serve it out at 5-4, but the final game wasn’t without incident as Williams received a time violation and also slipped on the grass before completing the win.

Although she “felt a little something” in her foot during the match, that wasn’t her main concern when she fell over.

“It’s definitely not cool on my nails if I fall,” she said. “I can potentially break one and that makes me really upset. I have three weeks to get through without breaking a nail.” Also Tuesday, Ana Ivanovic went through to a second-round meeting with

Venus Williams with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Julia Goerges of Germany.

The former No. 1-ranked Serb won her last two events of 2010, but she has struggled and lost in the first round in four of her 10 tournaments this season. Her semifinal last week in Birmingham was her first of the year.

“I don’t expect myself to go out there and play great every match,” Ivanovic said.

“I just expect myself to work hard. But it’s hard. I do have to think about going back to basics for a moment and trying to get the practice in, trying to stay healthy and trying to stay basically on top of small things.”

Defending champion Ekaterina Makarova labored to a 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 win over Croatian qualifier Mirjana Lucic, and French Open runner-up Francesca Schiavone advanced with a 7-6 (7), 6-1 win over Kaia Kanepi of Estonia.

In the men’s tournament, fourth-seeded Guillermo Garcia-Lopez was beaten 6-3, 6-4

by Somdev Devvarman of India, while sixthseeded Kevin Anderson defeated Alexander Slabinsky of Britain and American qualifier Donald Young beat Daniel Cox 6-1, 7-5.—AP

Clijsters hurts ankle in loss at Unicef Open DEN BOSCH: Second-ranked Kim Clijsters is in doubt for Wimbledon after re-aggravating an ankle injury yesterday in a 7-6 (5), 6-3 defeat to Romina Oprandi of Italy at the Unicef Open.

The top-seeded Clijsters skidded to the net and stumbled on the first point of the second game and appeared tentative for the rest of the match, although she did not call for any medical treatment.

Clijsters said she would return home to Belgium and seek medical advice before deciding whether to play at Wimbledon.

“It depends on results from the hospital,” she said.

The Belgian first hurt her ankle while dancing at her cousin’s wedding in April, and had it taped for her brief run at the French Open, where she also was knocked out in the second round.

“It’s the same ankle I injured earlier,” she said. “I slipped in the first set and it started hurting. I took some medication on the court that helped with pain in my knee but not my ankle.”

The Belgian started the year by winning the Australian Open for her fourth Grand Slam title, but has struggled with her fitness since as she also overexerted her right shoulder and wrist during a busy spring schedule. The 82nd-ranked Oprandi was stunned at her victory on the Rosmalen grass court. “There is no bigger thing in tennis,” she said.

“It was a miracle.” In the men’s competition, thirdseeded Xavier Malisse of Belgium beat Alejandro Falla 6-3, 6-1 in their first-round match and will next face Dutch wild card Jesse Huta Galung.

Oprandi played with her right knee and right arm heavily taped, but repeatedly surprised Clijsters with heavily sliced backhand drop shot winners, many of them off the Belgian’s serve. Hampered by

the pain from her ankle, Clijsters often did not even try to reach the balls.

“I think maybe she was not 100 percent and I tried drop shots,” Oprandi said. “It came out good for me.” It was Clijsters’ second straight second-round exit, after losing to Arantxa Rus in the French Open.

Oprandi twice played drop shot winners off Clijsters’ serve as she broke in the fifth game of the first set.

However, Clijsters rallied to break Oprandi back in the next game.

But the Italian retained her composure to hit two aces and another drop shot winner to win the tiebreaker. Oprandi again broke Clijsters in the second game of the second set and then held her serve to record her biggest career win.

In her first match since her early Roland Garros exit, Clijsters also struggled Monday as she beat Monica Niculescu of Romania 7-5, 7-5.

Clijsters’ defeat means the top seeds in the men’s and women’s draw have both been knocked out, after Michel Berrer of Germany beat Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in a first-round match on Monday. Malisse, a semifinalist at the grass-court tournament last year, broke Falla three times in the first set and twice in the second for an easy win.

Huta Galung beat Julian Reister of Germany 6-2, 3-6, 7-5. The Dutchman said he was “able to move up a gear” after a scrappy first two sets. Also, fifthseeded Jarkko Nieminen beat Maximo Gonzalez 7-5, 6-1. In the women’s draw, Jelena Dokic of Australia overpowered Alla Kudryavtseva 6-0, 6-4 in the first round while Kimiko Date-Krumm beat Lourdes Dominguez Lino 7-6 (3), 6-0 to set up a quarterfinal with Oprandi. — AP

LONDON: ‘Frankel’ ridden by Tom Queally (left) wins the St James’s Palace Stakes from ‘Zoffany’ ridden by Ryan Moore and ‘Excelebration’ ridden by Adam Kirby on the first day of the Royal Ascot horse race. —AP

Royal Ascot win for newly knighted Frankel trainer ASCOT: Unbeaten colt Frankel followed up his 2,000 Guineas success by winning the St. James’s Palace Stakes on the opening day of the Royal Ascot meeting yesterday.

Tom Queally rode the 30-100 favorite to victory in front of Queen Elizabeth II, who awarded trainer Henry Cecil a knighthood on Saturday.

Although Frankel eased off in the final furlong, the 3year-old colt still beat Zoffany by three-quarters of a length, while Excelebration was third. “Tom said when he was in front a furlong out he thought he’d done enough,” said Cecil, who received his prize from Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

“The plan was to kick on rounding the bend as he had done in the Royal Lodge (here) last year, but now he’s get-

ting wiser and he thought he’d done enough, rather like in the Guineas.” Frankel’s performance at the 300-year-old racecourse was less emphatic than his dominant victory in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in April.

“I think he’s starting to know he’s a good horse now,” Queally said. “Yes, he only won by three-quarters of a length, but nothing’s finished three-quarters of a length in front of him yet.” In the opening race on Tuesday, Canford Cliffs, the 11-8 shot trained by Richard Hannon and ridden

by Richard Hughes, won the Queen Anne Stakes by a length ahead of 5-4 favorite Goldikova.

Queen Elizabeth II, who has been to every Ascot meeting since 1945, arrived with the royal family in their traditional carriage procession around the course. —AP

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In India’s grain bowl, farms threatened by job program Page 26 Eurozone to tackle Greek bailout row Page 25

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

ABK Launches ‘Cash To Go’ service

China restricts lending; Inflation hits 5.5 percent Page 26

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JERUSALEM: Stanley Fischer, Governor of the Central Bank of Israel, holds a press conference in Jerusalem. Fischer, a former No 2 at the International Monetary Fund, said yesterday that he has been disqualified from the race for the group’s top job because of his age. (Inset) French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde attends the ‘Commodities and Raw Materials, Challenges and Policy Responses’ high level conference at the Charlemagne building in Brussels yesterday. — AP

IMF boots Israel’s Fischer WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund’s board has blocked Bank of Israel governor Stanley Fischer from the race for the top IMF job, further boosting the chances of French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde. In a surprise move, the 24-member IMF board rejected changing the IMF’s rules that would have allowed 67-year-old Fischer to run, two board official told Reuters.

IMF rules stipulate an age limit of 65 for an incoming managing director.

The officials said changing the rules for Fischer, who is highly respected by both advanced and emerging economies, would have required a reopening of the selection process to allow other candidates older than 65 to participate in the race. An IMF board statement later confirmed it had shortlisted Lagarde and Mexico’s central bank chief Agustin Carstens and would consider their nominations, although made no mention of Fischer.

“The executive board will meet with the candidates in Washington and, thereafter, meet to discuss the strengths of the candidates and make a selection,” the board said. It reiterated

A boost for French Finance Minister Lagarde that it planned to complete the selection by June 30. Front-runner Lagarde is backed by Europe, which holds one-third of the votes, and a handful of other countries including Indonesia, whose Finance Minister Angus Martowardojo said he personally supports her candidacy. If she wins, Lagarde would become the first woman to head the IMF, which has been central in providing rescue loans to countries in crisis including Greece, Ireland and Portugal.

Carstens has the support of a dozen Latin American countries, including Colombia, in a race which, despite being one of the most hotly contested in IMF history, is widely expected to result in Europe maintaining its 65-year grip on the job. Brazil, the region’s largest economy, has not yet said whether it will back Carstens.

Carstens acknowledged on Monday that he was a long-shot candidate and he knew chances were “quite high” that Lagarde would get the job

A potential 10-year dollar bond with 5-year put option DUBAI: Dubai’s government, buoyed by returning investor sentiment and the falling cost of borrowing international capital, is trying to lure investors with a potential 10-year dollar bond with a five-year put option, banking sources said yesterday. The bond structure, unusual in the region and crafted by Dubai’s Department of Finance, is aimed at allowing bondholders to redeem their investment before maturity at full value, the sources said.

In return, bondholders would settle for a lower yield . “It’s a very innovative method to tap into market now for Dubai,” said a banking source familiar with the matter. “The put option structure will ensure the cost of the bond remains lower. For Dubai, it’s all about cutting costs now.” The plan is being presented to potential investors at roadshow meetings in London, and a global conference call, this week.

The Gulf Arab emirate known for its extravagant projects such as the Palm Jumeirah artificial islands and the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, has been struggling to dig itself out of a debt hole since its 2009 fiscal crisis. “The 10 year tenor with 5 year put is a somewhat unusual structure for sovereign bond issues in this region and demonstrates that the issuer is thinking outside the box,” said Chavan Bhogaita, head of markets strategy department at National Bank of Abu Dhabi. “Furthermore, the 5 year put gives investors added flexibility and hence this should help to further enhance the appeal of the transaction.”

The issue would come under an existing $4 billion facility. Dubai is also launching a new $5 billion Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) framework for future debt issuance, according to a prospectus released this week. Spreads have narrowed to attractive levels in the last few months, in part due to Dubai’s safe-haven status and relative political stability.

This has meant Dubai entities have been able to tap global liquidity at more attractive levels. — Reuters

left vacant by Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who was arrested in New York in May on sexual assault charges. He has denied the charges.

EUROZONE CRISIS The European debt crisis made it hard to break the tradition of Europe’s grip on the fund, even though members agreed some time ago the next managing director should be selected on the basis of merit, Carstens told the Peterson Institute, a policy think tank in Washington. “That makes it more difficult. I’m not fooling myself. It’s like starting a soccer game with a 5-0 score,” Carstens said after a meeting with US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. In a statement, the US Treasury Department said it had not yet endorsed a candidate, although it is widely expected that Washington will back Lagarde to head the global financial institution. Fischer, who was born in what is now Zambia and carries both

an American and Israeli passport, announced his last-minute candidacy over the weekend, saying he had been encouraged to enter by a number of governments. Applications were due by Friday.

Board officials told Reuters previously the IMF rules could easily be changed if there was enough support for Fischer. With 17 percent of the vote, the United States is the key to who becomes the next IMF managing director.

Fischer’s late entry into the race on Friday complicated its decision because it would be hardpressed not to vote for an American passport holder, according to financial diplomats. By tradition, the United States has always supported Europe’s candidate under a gentlemen’s agreement that has seen a European head the IMF and an American lead its sister institution, the World Bank, since the end of World War Two. Lagarde still faces tough questioning from

emerging market economies when she is interviewed by the 24-member board, which is heavily represented by European countries.

Developing nations want their growing economic prowess reflected more in their clout at the IMF, which means she will need to undertake more ambitious reforms that boost the voting power of emerging economies. In his appearance at the Peterson Institute, a Washington policy think tank, Carstens took a swipe at his French competitor saying as a European she may not be objective enough to deal with the unfolding European debt crisis.

He argued that his distance from the European crisis, as well as his experience in dealing with Latin American debt problems while working for the Mexican government and as an IMF deputy director, gave him an advantage over Lagarde. “I think in the case of Europe what would help me is to have a fresher pair of eyes ... I think also someone coming from the outside would speak their mind more frankly and I think that would be an advantage,” Carstens added. — Reuters

Qatar Airways’ IPO ‘could be this year’ DOHA: Qatar Airways, the Gulf Arab state’s flagship carrier, is considering an initial public offering (IPO) in 2011, its chief executive said yesterday. “It could be this year. The more market share we gain, the timeline moves forward,” Akbar Al Baker told reporters, adding that the airline had appointed advisors but declined to name them. “It will definitely be earlier than people expect.” In December, the company indicated it was planning an IPO in early 2012 after three consecutive years of profit. The airline, half-owned by sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority, is close to finalizing a 35 percent stake in Europe’s largest all-freight airline Cargolux.

Al Baker said the airline is in its third consecutive year of profitability. “We made (net profit) of $205 million for the 2009/2010 fiscal year and over $230 million in 2010/2011. For the current fis-

cal year, my revenue is more than $6.5 billion. This is why we are preparing the IPO,” he said. The airline is also preparing to launch a low-cost carrier, Al Baker said. “We will open a (low-cost carrier) as soon as we feel that our market share is being taken away. But we have the name registered, we have the business plan ready and we have the aircraft configuration ready. We will launch very fast once I press the button.”

Regional low-cost carriers include Al Jazeera, Air Arabia, Bahrain Air and flydubai. Al Baker responded to reports that the airline was considering taking a stake in Portugal’s troubled state airline TAP: “No, this is not true. It’s a rumor.”

Qatar, the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, is building a new airport with the capacity to accommodate 50 million passengers per year. It will host the 2022 football World Cup tournament. — Reuters

Abu Dhabi plans $1.9 billion housing loans DUBAI: Abu Dhabi has earmarked $1.9 billion from its 2011 budget for housing loans, the state news agency WAM said, after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed AlNahayan called for measures to shore up “social stability”.

The United Arab Emirates, of which Abu Dhabi is a member, has so far been spared Arab citizen revolts that swept nearby Bahrain, Oman and Yemen. Abu Dhabi has been watched especially closely as it sits on some 10 percent of global oil reserves. Abu Dhabi’s local government planned to spend 207.5 billion dirhams ($56.5 billion) last year, around 74 percent of overall fiscal spending in

the UAE. Its 2011 budget is not published.

According to WAM, Nahayan said on Monday that the government sought to provide “adequate and modern housing” for UAE citizens living in Abu Dhabi “to help achieve social stability”. The new housing loans, as well as funding for infrastructure projects, will benefit Emiratis who constitute around 22 percent of Abu Dhabi’s 1.8 million population, according to 2009 data. The rest are generally foreign expatriates and migrant workers. Abu Dhabi has been investing billions of dollars in local industry, infrastructure and tourism to diversify its oil-based economy, attract-

ing thousands into the labor force and pushing up demand for housing. Its urban planning council has awarded contracts worth 21 billion dirhams in April to meet the shortage. Separately, the UAE has earmarked $1.6 billion for infrastructure in the less developed north, raised military pensions by 70 percent and introduced bread and rice subsidies, among other measures. Scores of major projects in the UAE, the world’s No. 3 oil exporter, had slowed when developers suffered losses in the 2008 global financial crisis and Dubai’s 2009 debt woes put an end to a six-year construction boom. — Reuters

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

business

Doha Bank announces ‘Doha Millionaire’ winners KUWAIT: Doha Bank, one of the Qatari banks which offers quality services in Kuwait and has been selected as the Best Commercial Bank in the Middle East in 2010, announced the winners in the fourth draw this year in its program “Doha Millionaire” for the month of May, 2011. M J Al-Sabah, one of the customers of the bank’s branch in Kuwait, won the cash prize which is worth QR 20,220. 9 other clients won cash prizes amounting to QR 20,220 each. The winners of this prize

were: Daryl Antigua Ruales, Juhaina Ali Muhammad, Emmanuel Pierri Jacot, Abdullah Ahmad Ismaili, Romy Ali Bhatti, Maha Sedky Kader Abdel Kader, and Awava Al-Ottoman, and Ackhelessandra, and Suleiman Al-Haider.

In this occasion, Doha Bank stated that in accordance with the bank’s strategy for the reinforcement of its local presence in Kuwait, the bank has -since the opening of its branch in Kuwait- presented a group of distinctive and generous products and

offers which have strongly appealed to the clients. Those products and offers included the monthly draws, the draw of “Doha Millionaire”, an opportunity to win gold in the program of “Doha Gold”, the deposit accounts, interest-bearing deposits paid in advance, in addition to the credit cards “Dream Card”. The bank drew attention to the increase in the number of the bank’s clients during the last period which is attributed to the escalating number of winners in Kuwait of various prizes offered

by the bank. This in terms adds more credibility to winning opportunities offered by the bank. Doha Bank also highlighted “Doha Millionaire” 2011 campaign which comprises semi-annual draws for two lucky winners to win two prizes worth QR 2.022 million each.

Additionally, the bank holds more pleasant surprises for its clients. 2022 grams of gold await 5 fortunate customers together with the grand gold prize which weighs 10.11 K.G. at the end of the year in

the “Doha Gold” Program. And since the “Doha Bank” has grew its honorable clients accustomed to expecting more offers, the bank has resumed its special monthly prizes’ program, revealing the Doha’s monthly draw amounting to QR 20220. It is worthy of mentioning that clients may pay a visit to Doha Bank’s branch which lies in Ahmed Al-Jaber Street - Al-Sarraf Tower, call on the direct line 22917222, or visit the website (www.dohabank.com.kw).

Oil edges higher China industrial output up 13.3% LONDON: Crude futures edged higher yesterday after the impact of strong economic data from China, the world’s second biggest energy consumer, was offset by expectation it might act to prevent the economy overheating. Brent crude for July climbed 3 cents to $119.13 a barrel by 0821 GMT, while US futures added 33 cents to $97.63. Prices rose off session lows after China’s May industrial output jumped 13.3 percent from a year earlier, topping forecasts for a 13.2 percent gain, government data showed yesterday.

At the same time, however, consumer price inflation accelerated to a 34-month high, signaling Beijing might continue to tighten monetary policy. “The government needs to tread a very fine line because the economy is still very hot. They may have to tighten again and that will have some effect on growth and a disruptive influence on oil demand, but I can’t see anything derailing it,” said Ben Le Brun, an analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney. China’s implied oil demand in May rose above the 9 million barrel-per-day mark for the seventh month in a row, suggesting brisk consumption persisted, although growth in the world’s second largest economy is slowing.

REGIONAL DISTORTIONS Any oil price strength has been concentrated on the Brent contract, which has notched up record premiums to its US counterpart. Early yesterday, Brent’s premium to US crude reached a record $22.22 a barrel, reflecting oversupply in the US market and relatively tight supplies in Europe, analysts said. The next sets of data on US inventories will emerge today.

US crude oil inventories fell last week by 1 million barrels, after lower imports and as higher margins encouraged refiners to raise utilization rates, a Reuters poll ahead of weekly industry and government reports showed on Monday. Adding to the strain

ABK launches ‘Cash To Go’ service KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait launched “Cash To Go”, a new mobile ATM service, a vehicle that travels around Kuwait making it easier for customers to get access to their cash or check statements. Specially designed to travel to places where banks are not within easy reach, ‘Cash To Go’ will now be the accessible ATM there.

Othman Tawfiqi, Head of Alternate Delivery Channels stated that, “At ABK we place the customer first. As such, ‘Cash To Go’ service has been designed to ensure that all our customers can have access to their money and information should they need to. We intend to place the vehicle in a variety of strategic

points such as pit stops on highways, at the chalets down in southern Kuwait especially during the busy weekends, and along convenient spots on the Arabian Gulf Road.

Tawfiqi added that, “Each car consists of 2 ATM machines and customers will be able to perform a selection of banking transactions including cash withdrawal, balance inquiry and request a statement of account. We are happy to provide this superior service and we truly hope that they will be pleased with the added convenience.” Now you can chat live with an ABK representative on Ahli Chat via our website www.eahli.com or you can call Ahlan Ahli at 1 899 899.

Citigroup reduces 11.4% stake in India’s HDFC NEW YORK: US bank Citigroup said yesterday it has reduced its 11.4 percent stake in Indian housing finance group Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd to 9.9 percent. Citi reduced its HDFC holdings below 10 percent as part of mitigation efforts ahead of Basel III capital rules. The transaction yielded about $160 million in pre-tax profit. The bank said it had no plans to sell any further HDFC shares.

“We have been an investor in HDFC since 2005 and continue to have a very strong and productive relationship with its senior management team,” Citigroup chief financial officer John Gerspach said in a statement. “This transaction was motivated by our capital planning as we prepare for the implementation of Basel III, rather than strategic considerations.” —AFP

MARTINEZ: Gasoline is dispensed at a station in Martinez, Calif. Economists are lowering their forecasts for job creation and economic growth for the rest of the year, mainly because of the impact of high oil prices. — AP on crudes priced off the European benchmark, Royal Dutch Shell on Monday declared force majeure on its Nigerian Bonny Light crude oil loadings for June and July. Shell blamed production cutbacks caused by leaks and fires on its Trans-Niger Pipeline.

Production of African crude has been disrupted since February, when civil war in OPEC nation Libya halted exports of about 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) of high quality, light sweet crude. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries last week failed to reach agreement on a new output deal, but leading producer Saudi Arabia said it would produce whatever the market needed.

Traders have struggled to interpret the price implications of the OPEC meeting, with some arguing disarray in the producer group is potentially bullish and others say-

ing it gives Saudi Arabia license to flood the market. Extra Saudi crude, however, comes at the price of reduced spare output capacity, which would probably increase volatility as the market loses its buffer to absorb unexpected supply disruption.

Analysts told Reuters Global Energy Summit, any spare capacity could be quickly exhausted, although with time Saudi could bring on new supplies. Higher Saudi output is exerting pressure on the relative value of Middle East marker Dubai crude.

Brent’s premium to Dubai jumped 70 cents to $8.40 a barrel early yesterday, Reuters data showed. That was the highest level since December 2004, when a glut of heavy sour crude depressed the relative value of exports from producers including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Venezuela and non-OPEC Mexico. — Reuters

Gaza unemployment hits 45%, UN warns territory.”These are disturbing trends,” UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness said, referring to the both the unemployment figures and statistics showing that real wages were continuing to decline. He said it was “hard to understand the logic” of Israelís blockade, saying it “deliberately impoverishes so many and condemns hundreds of thousands of potentially productive people to a life of destitution.”

Israel imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip in 2006, after Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was snatched by a group of Gazabased militants. It tightened the restrictions a year later, when Hamas seized

JERUSALEM: The unemployment rate in the Gaza Strip stood at 45.2 percent in late 2010, one of the highest in the world according to a report released yesterday by the UN agenc y for Palestinian refugees. The figure, for the second half of 2010, was a slight improvement on the 45.7 percent rate during the same period in 2009, but it was an increase from the first half of 2010, when a temporary building boom boosted employment.

UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said the figures showed the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the continuing effects of Israelís blockade on the coastal

control of the enclave. The blockade was relaxed slightly in July 2010, as international pressure mounted on Israel after nine Turkish activists were killed in an Israeli raid on a flotilla of aid ships seeking to reach Gaza. Israel says the blockade is necessary to prevent Hamas from moving weapons, money and people in and out of Gaza, but Gunness said the blockade did not appear to have weakened Hamas. “Our research indicates that since 2007, Hamas has been able to increase public employment by about one fifth,” he said, noting that private sector jobs have disappeared in the same period. “If

the aim of the blockade policy was to weaken the Hamas administration, the public employment numbers suggest this has failed,” Gunness added.

“But it has certainly been highly successful in punishing some of the poorest of the poor in the Middle East region.”

Gunness said the high unemployment rates also put increasing pressure on UNRWA, which helps 1.1 million people in Gaza. The agency said the number of “abject poor” it was assisting, those earning less than $1.60 a day, had tripled since the blockade was imposed to 300,000 people. — AFP

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 .3920000 .3250000 .2780000 .2880000 .0040000 .0020000 .0742390 .7232880 .3810000 .0700000 .7090520 .0040000 .0430000 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2734500 .4488820 .3947250 .3270930 .2807780 .0529210 .0433120 .2909920 .0351360 .2217760 .0034070 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0744790 .7255240 .0000000 .0729390 .7104440 .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

.2765000 .4570000 .4020000 .3350000 .2880000 .2970000 .0072500 .0035000 .0749850 .7305580 .4010000 .0770000 .7161780 .0072000 .0530000 .2755500 .4523290 .3977560 .3296050 .2829350 .0533280 .0436450 .2932270 .0354650 .2234790 .0034330 .0061920 .0025260 .0032300 .0037490 .0750510 .7310960 .3897450 .0735000 .7159000 .0064080

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. ASIAN COUNTRIES Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka

3.441 6.135 3.207 2.511 3.844 222.900 35.385 3.699

Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

6.341 9.042 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

73.456 75.687 715.470 731.440 74.991 ARAB COUNTRIES

Egyptian Pound - Cash Egyptian Pound - Transfer Yemen Riyal Tunisian Dinar Jordanian Dinar Lebanese Lira Syrian Lier Morocco Dirham

48.500 46.289 1.260 201.570 388.990 182.700 5.947 35.621

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer Euro Sterling Pound Canadian dollar Turkish lire Swiss Franc Australian dollar US Dollar Buying

275.350 396.640 448.680 283.110 175.770 328.380 290.470 274.150

Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

0.034 0.233 0.241 3.520 389.600 0.185 93.080 47.400 4.310 228.300 1.863 52.000 713.540 3.300 6.550 76.000 73.350 224.110 43.300 2.642 455.100 44.500 331.800 5.700 9.430 198.263 74.900 275.100 1.230

10 Tola

GOLD 1,570.720

0.033

388.270 0.185 93.080 3.860 226.800

283.000 143.000 73.500

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 295.500 730.590 3.960 285.000 539.600 14.100 54.100 167.800 48.320 401.100 35.990 6.310

SELL DRAFT 294.000 730.590 3.705 283.500

224.100 46.290 399.600 35.840 6.135

Sterling Pound US Dollar

330.300 5.700 9.220 74.800 274.700

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 453.100 274.700

Currency

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Nepali rupee Yemeni Riyal Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Canadian Dollars

274.600 3.220 6.145 2.525 3.715 6.375 74.865 73.430 730.100 46.200 457.400 0.00003280 3.910 1.550 390.100 5.750 402.000 288.700

Al Mulla Exchange

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

6.155 3.216 3.714 6.340 674.549 3.522 9.112 5.782 3.931

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. 713.360 3.215 6.350 75.570 73.350 224.110 43.300 2.505 453.100

GOLD 20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees

Selling Rate 275.000 284.490 447.975 396.910 326.395 728.413 74.848 75.485 73.293 387.092 46.291 2.506

Currency US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal

Transfer Rate (Per 1000) 274.250 398.600 452.600 283.300 3.445 6.139 46.200 2.505 3.680 6.330 3.208 730.500 74.800 73.300 *Rates are subject to change

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

BUSINESS

Swiss exporters scent success despite strong franc ZURICH: “Blessed are the cheesemakers,” runs a line from the 1979 Monty Python film, “ The Life of Brian”. According to Matthias Kunz, whose company exports Swiss cheese to places from Germany to Brazil, you can find blessings even in a soaring currency. The Swiss franc has surged to record highs since 2007, but Switzerland’s foreign cheese sales have climbed around 8 percent for the past two years. Kunz’s employer Emmi, the country’s biggest dairy exporter, expects revenues to grow again this year. Overall cheese export volumes have been stable since Lehman Brothers went down.

“The positive thing from the forex pressure is it’s challenging us to come up with still better ideas, and to keep an even tighter grip on costs and work harder,” says Kunz, who heads Emmi’s foreign business.

Besides cave-aged cheeses, the company sells yogurts and coffees in cups decorated with the Swiss flag.

An appreciation of nearly 30 percent in the franc against the euro since Lehman has provoked howls from some firms- particularly in metals and machinery and tourism. Some have threatened to move

production abroad, and the central bank has cautioned that not all the currency pain has yet been felt.

But exports in the first quarter of 2011 climbed just over 12 percent from a year earlier, and in 2010 Switzerland posted the second-largest trade surplus in its history.

A survey this April found most Swiss businesses don’t expect much of a hit from the franc’s strength, and would rather the central bank did nothing about it.

“If you look at history, Switzerland has always been able to withstand a stronger franc-by making radical changes, improving productivity, and going for specialization,” Nestle Chairman Peter Brabeck told the SonntagsZeitung last month.

DEJA VU Being able to raise prices, and being in fast- growing emerging markets, has helped. Swiss watch exports rose 32.1 percent in April: China bought 44.4 percent more and Hong Kong’s take soared 53.9 percent. The Swiss have been here before.

The current situation is similar to the 1970s, when inflation elsewhere boosted demand for the Swiss franc. Then as now, Switzerland boasted low inflation and job-

lessness. In 1976, “Time” magazine said the Swiss economy boasted “successes that are the envy of most other nations.” It’s almost the same story today.

Christoph Blocher, a right-wing politician who made his for tune running a chemical company, Ems, said a move out of Switzerland seemed inevitable for his firm in the 1970s. “We looked into alternative locations abroad,” he said. “Back then we exported 30 percent. Today ... we are exporting 96 percent. Switzerland has

always been forced by the strong currency to make better and higher quality products.” Overall, the central bank does see growth slowing this year: to around 2 percent, from 2.6 percent in 2010. But for a developed economy in old Europe, that’s not to be sniffed at. Real GDP growth for the euro zone is forecast at 1.5-2.3 percent by the European Central Bank.

“We believe the Swiss franc’s strength has lasted too long for negative export growth to be seen as an inevitable conse-

quence,” economists at the Swiss bank Sarasin said in a research note in May. “It appears that exports are less susceptible to prices than generally thought.”

Tourism has suffered, but the weather has been partly to blame: an unusually warm winter left pistes devoid of snow.

Against this backdrop, it’s easy to see why the Swiss central bank ’s unsuccessful efforts in 2009-10 to restrain the franc’s rise have provoked such debate in Switzerland: the effort cost the SNB 26.5 billion francs, but people like Blocher say the strong franc isn’t hurting too badly at all.

In an April 18 study of Swiss firms’ finance chiefs by Deloitte, 85 percent said the currency’s strength would not have a negative effect in the next 12 months. The survey also found 83 percent were against any further actions by the central bank or the government to counteract the currency’s rise. Even so, the prospect of a further rise in the franc still makes Kunz nervous.

“The big question mark is that we don’t know how elastic demand is,” he said.

“When will Mr. and Mrs Mueller in Berlin buy less Appenzeller?”— Reuters

HSBC sees strong pipeline for Islamic bonds in 2011 HSBC expects one more sukuk issuance DUBAI: HSBC is seeing mandates for Islamic bond issuance in 2011 that are above pre-crisis levels, with at least one more sukuk expected to come to market before mid-July, executives said yesterday. Debt capital markets have experienced a resurgence in recent months, as the cost of borrowing came down and liquidity levels for Islamic bonds reached the highest level they have seen been in four or five years, Mohammed Dawood, managing director of global capital financing at HSBC told reporters.

“Our pipeline is very healthy, more healthy than 2007,” Dawood said. “We have seen a significant pickup in sukuk mandates.” Dawood declined to comment on exact figures but said he was confident that there will be at least one more sukuk issuance before the sec-

ond half of July. Issuances from entities such as Sharjah Islamic Bank, which launched a $400 million sukuk in May, and HSBC Middle East, with its $500 million offering, have already set a positive tone with both issues well oversubscribed.

HSBC Middle East became the first international bank to issue an Islamic bond and will consider raising Islamic funds again following the success of its debut launch, said Georges Elhedery, head of global market Middle East & North Africa. He said spreads for the Islamic bond have tightened by 7 to 10 basis points from issuance levels and 15 basis points tighter than its conventional bond, indicating there is healthy secondary market appetite for the sukuk. “Our program size is ten-times larger than the issue,” he said. “We could go for

more. This is not a one-off transaction.”

While he said HSBC Middle East will not issue any further sukuk this year, the bank will keep Islamic bonds under consideration when reviewing their financing needs annually going forward. But Elhedery said HSBC’s successful transaction has raised interest among other conventional banks to consider Islamic bonds.

And the sukuk market going forward will likely see more issuances from countries other than the established Asian and Middle Eastern players. Markets such as Turkey, which have successfully tested the waters with initial sukuk offerings, will likely play a larger role going forward. And Western countries are also expected to become sukuk issuers, Dawood said. — Reuters

UK watchdog may step into popular ETF market

Agility wins Logistics Company of the Year Award in Kuwait KUWAIT: Agility, a leading global logistics provider, has been honored with the “Logistics Company of the Year” award by Arabian Business, a well respected business publication in the region. The award was presented to Agility during the recent Arabian Business Achievement Award ceremony in Kuwait and honors Agility’s success and position as the leading logistics provider in Kuwait.

Collecting the award, Dakheel Al Dakheel, Agility’s Director of Sales for the Middle East & Africa said, “Agility is honored to receive this award and to be recognized as a leader in our industry in Kuwait. With our roots in this country, we

feel very strongly about this recognition as it confirms our efforts in delivering the best service to our customers. We would like to thank Arabian Business for this award.”

The Arabian Business Awards celebrate the very best in business achievement, both on a corporate and individual level. As the leading logistics provider in Kuwait, Agility was presented the award based on its wide range of solutions and extensive assets, as well as consistently high levels of quality service. The award follows Agility’s recognition with the “Special Corporate Social Responsibility” award at last year’s ceremony.

Carphone delays UK megastores decision LONDON: Carphone Warehouse has delayed a decision on the next steps for its loss-making UK consumer electronics megastores business until the autumn, mulling the wisdom of expanding as consumer demand slides. Europe’s biggest independent mobile phone retailer, which owns 50 percent of a venture with United States electricals retailer Best Buy, currently trades from 10 Best Buy-branded megastores in the UK. Investors had expected a decision on a roll-out yesterday but Carphone disappointed them, saying it was still in the process of evaluating its multi-format, multi-channel consumer electronics strategy.

“We did hope to have it finished by June time, it ’s now looking like it ’s going to be anything up to another two or three months before we’ve finished all the evaluation,” Chief Executive Roger Taylor told Reuters, adding that there had been no disagreement with Best Buy. He said the joint venture’s aspiration to have a market leading position in consumer electronics had not changed. The Best Buy Europe venture, which also includes Carphone’s mobile phone stores and a profit sharing agreement on Best Buy mobile shops in the US, had previously talked about the potential for a chain of 80-100 megastores. However, UK consumer electronics sales have been hit hard as shoppers cut back on discretionary purchases in the face of rising prices and government austerity measures.

Home Retail, Britain’s biggest household goods retailer, reported a plunge in sales at its Argos stores on Thursday,

while yesterday Tesco, the UK’s biggest retailer missed forecasts for first quarter sales. Electricals groups Dixons and Kesa, which will post updates next week, have both warned on profit this year and there has been speculation Kesa may exit its Comet business in the UK. “Carphone Warehouse has said that it has not made up its mind what to do with the (megastores) business yet. Maybe that just means they are waiting for Kesa to reveal their hand on Comet first,” said Arden Partners analyst Nick Bubb.

Shares in Carphone, which have more than doubled over the last year, were up 0.75 percent at 401.5 pence at 0905 GMT, valuing the business at about 1.77 billion pounds ($2.89 billion). The megastores update came as Carphone, which also owns a 47.5 percent stake in Virgin Mobile France, posted an expected 80 percent rise in 2010-11 earnings.

Earnings per share were 15.0 pence in the year to March 31, in line with company guidance of 14.5-15.0 pence, despite 62.2 million pounds of losses at the UK megastores.

The firm was boosted by strong demand for smartphones, tablet computers and US growth. It will pay an inaugural dividend of 5.0 pence and said it was “well positioned” to maintain its momentum despite the tough economic environment. For the year to end-March 2012 the firm forecast Carphone Warehouse Europe like-for-like revenue in the range of down 2 percent to up 2 percent, with headline EBIT of flat to growth of 10 percent. It forecast Best Buy Mobile US connections growth of 20 percent and profit share growth of 20-30 percent. — Reuters

Kersi Patel

HSBC hosts seminar on Trade Confidence Index

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Traders based in the Middle East continue to view government regulations as a positive influence on regional trade flows; it corresponding to business growth. Speaking at a seminar held yesterday in the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuwait City, hosted by HSBC, Kersi Patel, Regional Head of HSBC Trade and Supply Chain Business in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) believes that the government’s proactive actions have a significant influence on positive business trend.

Patel revealed the results of HSBC Trade Confidence Index (TCI) research in Q2 2011 which highlighted the positive trend and potential opportunities for Kuwaiti companies seeking business abroad. Known as the largest trade confidence survey globally, TCI covers 21 markets including key economies in the Asia Pacific Region, MENA, Latin America, North America and Europe, or views of about 6,390 exporters, importers and traders.

Focusing in the MENA region, Patel noted that on-going projects and various reforms being carried out by governments continuously boost business confidence that subsequently creates jobs, builds infrastructure and improves people’s lifestyle. Besides, Patel asserted that the growing number of young population in this region is an additional boost to consumer buying powers.

Patel said, banks continue to be served as the key conduit to trade and finance with almost 50 percent relying on the banking system, “HSBC came out very strong in this regard and we did not need any form of support from the government. But economic crisis has taught us all important lessons especially in banking system,” he mentioned. “Trade health remains solid around the world, displaying resilience to rising prices, interest rate increase and inflationary issues. We believe that these results show that trade flourishes in an environment where trade finance is readily available from banks, combined with a proactive and fair regulatory environment.”

Simon Vaughan Johnson, CEO HSBC Middle East echoed the same sentiments and voiced

out support for customers seeking to engage in international trade, “One of the key elements to support the growth and development of trade in the GCC has been the positive influence of governments, and proactive actions that have been taken to support companies looking at growing international business and trading overseas.”

The event highlighted some of the key data from the TCI which showed that MENA traders are most concerned about buyer and supplier risk, with 37 percent expecting the risk of buyers’ defaulting in payment to increase, while another 36 percent expect to remain at the same level. Interestingly, MENA are not concerned about a reduction in overall volumes of trade nor do they see intra-regional trade threatened by recent political events. The same survey techniques (on the spot survey) was conducted yesterday at the venue which according to Patel, reflects almost the same views of greater MENA region.

Simon Vaughan Johnson

LONDON: Britain’s financial watchdog has threatened to intervene in the market for exchange traded funds, popular products sold to retail investors as a cheap and safe way to invest in the world’s biggest markets. The Financial Services Authority was particularly concerned with ETFs based on swaps or derivatives-so-called synthetic ETFs-which can carry far larger risks than investors may realize.

“We are looking very closely at these products and have been working with our colleagues elsewhere in Europe and at international level,” FSA director of conduct policy Sheila Nicoll told a conference yesterday. Her comment came as British financial advisers told Reuters they were boycotting such swap-based ETFs amid fears the market was fast evolving into a playground for hedge funds and derivative punters. “We do share many of the concerns that have been highlighted,” Nicoll said, adding she was concerned whether marketing and promotional material adequately explained differences between various types of ETFs. Amundi, BlackRock, Deutsche Bank are among those to have run advertising campaigns-with billboards in airports and tube stations-to lure investors to ETFs. Societe Generale’s Lyxor Asset Management is also a significant ETF provider. ETFs-mutual funds that can be traded like a stock-are popular because of cheap fees, offering advantages over traditional index-tracking funds by allowing investors to move in and out of the funds throughout the trading day.

Worldwide, the market for ETFs tripled to $1.3 trillion from 2005-10.

Synthetic ETFs have grown quickly and account for nearly half the market in Europe.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission last year put a moratorium on derivative-heavy ETFs until it determined whether they need added protections. While ETFs are baskets of equities, bonds or commodities to mirror the index they are designed to track, many newer funds also hold derivatives of the underlying securities, like swaps, futures and options. Investors in swap-based ETFs are exposed not only to the volatility of the index, but also to the ability of their swap counterparty, usually an investment bank, to perform. The Financial Stability Board of global regulators and central bankers recently announced they were also studying the ETF sector, concerned it may increase systemic risk. — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

business

KSE Price Index adds 12.80 points GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) continued to gain upward momentum for the fourth session in a row. However, these indicators are not showing what is really going on in the market. Major indices were almost flat most of time in yesterday’s session but the last minute added some extra points. Elsewhere, tension between the Hamed Saleh Al-Saif as Director General of Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) and Capital Market Authority (CMA) pop up regarding KSE privatization.

ATHENS: Men walk under a screen showing stock prices at the Athens Stock Exchange yesterday. — AP

Market Indices Global General Index (GGI), market weighted, ended the day up by 0.37 percent, at 196.11 point. Market Capitalization was up for the day at KD32.10bn. On the other hand, KSE Price Index closed at 6,330.4 point, adding 12.80 points (0.20 percent) to its previous close.

China data boosts stocks

Market Breadth During the session, 103 companies were traded. Market breadth was skewed towards advancers as 42 equities advanced versus 25 that retreated.

Daily Trading Activity Trading activity was down this session. The trades conducted in the real estate sector.

Total volume traded was down by 6.78 percent with 110.37mn shares changing hands at a total value of KD16.47mn (9.66 percent lower compared to the day before). The real estate sector was the volume leader today, accounting for 33.60 percent of total shares.

The services sector was the value leader, with 33.45 percent of total traded value. Zain Company was the most active in terms of values traded during yesterday session, with 2.17mn shares exchanged at an aggregate value of KD2.25mn.

Top Gainers and Biggest Decliners In terms of top gainers, Al-Safat TEC Holding Company took the top spot for the day, adding 7.22 percent and closed at KD0.052. On the other hand, Educational Holding Group shed 6.56 percent and closed at KD0.114, making it the biggest decliner in the market.

Sectors Wise As for the sectoral indices performance, 6

out of the 8 indices witnessed gains during the day, led by Global banking Index which increased by 0.58 percent on the back of the gains registered by National Bank of Kuwait (+1.69 percent) and Burgan Bank (+1.96 percent). Along with the 2.06 percent increase in the share price of Mobile Telecommunications (Wataniya), Global Large Cap Index (Top 10) was seen up by 0.53 percent by the end of the day.

Global Real Estate Index came second in gains, with an increase of 0.47 percent as trading remains active on some of the sector’s companies, such as Al-Enma’a Real Estate Company as investors exchanged 9.50mn of its shares. The scrip ended the day up 5.77 percent. Out of the gainers in this sector, Kuwait Real Estate Company gained 1.85 percent, Kuwait Remal Real Estate Company and International Resorts Company, as all increased by 1.85 percent, 5.08 percent and 3.45 percent, respectively.

On the negative side, the Industrial sector was the only losers for the day as it shed 0.45 percent of its value. This drop came as 7 stocks in the sector declined headed by Kuwait Foundr y Company scrip which

declined by 5.00 percent to close at KD0.570.

Corporate New Salhia Real Estate Company has completed the purchase of 371,284,524 shares, or 46.41 percent of Capital Real Estate Company at a total value of KD37.13mn, after having obtained the approval of Capital Market Authority (CMA), as per Articles No 80 and 81 of Executive Regulation and Law No 7/2010.

Thus, Salhia’s total ownership in Capital Real Estate was increased to 770,734,524 shares, or 96.34 percent of capital. Salhia will contact other shareholders who did not sell their stakes to date to see whether they are planning to divest their equities. The remaining 29,265,476 shares account for 3.66 percent of capital.

Oil News The Kuwaiti crude oil price decreased 51 cents per barrel in Monday’s trading, hitting the level of $110.43pb compared to $110.94pb on Friday, said the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) yesterday. The decrease of oil prices is due to fears of European Central Bank raising interest.

LONDON: Evidence that China may avoid a hard landing for its high-flying economy lifted riskier assets such as stocks yesterday and Greece managed to raise short-term funds despite becoming S&P’s lowest-rated sovereign borrower.

Wall Street looked set to open stronger.

Greece sold 1.625 billion euros ($2.33 billion) of 6-month T-bills a day after Standard & Poor’s rated its debt extremely speculative.

It had to pay a higher yield - 4.96 percent versus May’s 4.88 percent-but attracted a larger percentage of foreign buyers than the previous auction, reflecting market expectations Greece will secure a second rescue package to stave off default, at least over coming months. The cost of insuring Greek debt against default over five years rose, as did the yield on Greek government bonds, to a record high. But Greek stocks reversed losses to put in modest gains and European shares were otherwise buoyant.

Euro zone finance ministers were to meet in Brussels where the crisis and a disagreement between the European Central Bank and a clutch of euro zone states led by Germany over whether Greece should restructure will take centre stage. Financial markets were focused on data from China which was interpreted as negating the need for aggressive tightening by policymakers. China’s inflation accelerated in May to a 34-month high of 5.5 percent, while retail sales

came in marginally higher than forecast and industrial output was slightly lower.

Although a little above expectations, the inflation data suggested Chinese price rises were not out of control and that growth was being managed. After the data, China’s central bank increased the ratio of reserves it requires its commercial lenders to hold by another 50 basis points, its sixth increase this year, extending its campaign to tame inflation. “A measured slowdown in the Chinese economy is just what investors want, with today’s figures providing some hope that this is just what is unfolding,” said Keith Bowman, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. World stocks as measured by MSCI were up more than half a percent while the panEuropean FTSEurofirst 300 gained 0.6 percent. Earlier, Japan’s Nikkei closed barely changed from the previous day.

BUOYANT EURO Greece’s trials did little to discourage investors from buying the euro, which rose around 0.1 percent against the dollar to $1.4433. Despite the debt crisis, the single currency has climbed 8 percent against the dollar this year, nearly 7 percent against the yen and 2.5 percent against the pound. This is primarily due to differing expectations for interest rate rises. The ECB is expected to tighten policy for the second time this year in July while the US economy is struggling, pointing to a continued period of ultralow interest rates there. — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

BUSINESS

American Express rolling out first prepaid card NEW YORK: American Express is rolling out its first prepaid card aimed at the general market yesterday as it moves to stake a claim in the growing industry. The announcement marks a notable departure for the company, which is known for catering to a more affluent clientele with its signature green charge cards. Prepaid cards, which are often sold in drugstores and can be reloaded with cash, are usually marketed to low-income consumers who don’t have credit cards or checking accounts. But Amex is betting that its newest offering will find appeal among a broader swath of consumers. “This card is for everyone,” said Dan

Schulman, who was hired last summer to head Amex’s enterprise growth unit.

“It could be for a parent who wants to give their kid a card, it could be for someone who doesn’t have access to credit. It’s a very large market that spans demographics.” American Express says its prepaid card pares down the number of fees that users often encounter. The Amex card only charges two fees: -To load money on the card at retailers such as Walmart and Walgreens, consumers pay $4.95. There is no fee to transfer money onto the card through a checking or savings account. -The other fee is for ATM withdrawals. Cardholders get

Eurozone to tackle Greek bailout row BRUSSELS: Eurozone ministers meet in Brussels yesterday in a bid to resolve a damaging row over the extent to which banks and other private investors may be forced to contribute to a second Greece bailout. Finance ministers from the 17-member Eurogroup starts talks from 4:00 pm (1400 GMT), before ministers from the other 10 European Union states join in for a session formally dedicated to closer cross-border economic policy coordination.

But nine days from a crunch summit of EU leaders, at which Athens is looking for clear backing for a second multi-billion-euro bailout in just over a year, the precise shape of the financial aid for Greece remains unclear. Belgian finance minister Didier Reynders, invariably a reliable guide during negotiations, said at the weekend it should run to more than 80 billion euros ($115 billion), 25 billion of which could be funded by the private sector. The remainder, diplomats have said, would come through loans from eurozone partners and the International Monetary Fund, and receipts from Greek state sell-offs, another part of the equation that remains uncertain.

EU economy commissioner Olli Rehn told German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung yesterday that “we are not as far from reaching a solution as some think.” He stressed that the European Commission is still working on a plan which would see banks agree to “hold onto their bonds for longer, and on a voluntary basis.” The German government wants private investors to pick up more of the tab after last year’s 110-billion-euro financial rescue was mounted solely at taxpayer expense.

The European Central Bank is deeply uneasy with that idea. It is sitting on a pile of Greek debt, either bought to help unfreeze credit markets accepted as collateral for lending to private banks.

Any move towards a “rescheduling” or “reprofiling” of Greece’s 350-billion-euro ($500 billion) debt mountain risks unleashing what is termed “a credit event” or de facto default, which the ECB fears could unleash chaos even beyond Europe. A credit event is considered to be a modification of initial borrowing conditions and usually triggers downgrades if not a default rating by credit agencies. Standard and Poor’s slashed its credit rating for Greece on Monday by three notches, saying that it saw it as “increasingly likely” that the deal being hammered out would under its criteria constitute a default.

The head of the German central bank said in an article also for Sueddeutsche Zeitung yesterday that while there was nothing to

one free withdrawal a month, and are charged $2 per withdrawal thereafter.

The simplified costs are in contrast to the long list of fees that can come with other prepaid cards.

Some cards charge a monthly fee, for example, or $1 or more for every transaction. Other cards charge fees to speak with a customer service representative. The Amex prepaid card can be ordered online at no cost. When it becomes available in retail locations later this year, the card will come with a purchase fee of about $5. The Amex prepaid card builds on the company’s PASS prepaid card, which was introduced last year as a way for parents

to keep teens on a spending leash. But the company quickly realized prepaid cards had bigger potential, given their rapid growth in recent years.

Last year, Americans spent an estimated $37 billion on prepaid cards. That’s twice as much as the previous year and four times the amount in 2008, according to the Network Branded Prepaid Card Association, an industry group. Consumer advocates warn against prepaid cards, however. They say that consumers with limited means would be better off with traditional checking accounts, where fees can be avoided altogether as long a minimum balance or other conditions are met. — AP

Sputtering economy could complicate US debt talks Competing agendas from Democrats, Republicans

BRUSSELS: A man carrying a bag with the euro symbol on it arrives for a meeting of eurogroup finance ministers at the EU Council building in Brussels yesterday. Greece’s debt rating is slashed to the lowest of any country in the world, leaving a nation that uses the euro and is backed by the European Central Bank less credit-worthy than Pakistan. — AP object to in a “voluntary extension” of Greek maturities, an “imposed” solution would carry “greater risks.” ECB president Jean-Claude Trichet, vice president Vitor Constancio and chief economist Juergen Stark have each argued against such impositions, Stark calling on Friday in Frankfurt for an end to what he said was a “really fruitless discussion.” Bank of France Governor Christian Noyer warned yesterday that the eurozone risks having to finance all of Greece’s economy if it forces a modification of Athen’s debt and the country defaults.

France has been a leading backer of the ECB, and Noyer said: “If a solution can be found that avoids the risk of a default, that would be acceptable to us. “If one can’t be found and you touch the debt anyway and provoke a default or a ‘credit event,’ then you had better be prepared to finance the entire Greek economy,” he added. The eurozone is locked in a race against time after EU and IMF experts warned that the latest 12 billion euros of bailout loans needed in July can only realistically be paid out if a new longer-term financing deal is sealed at the June 23-24 summit of EU leaders.— AFP

WASHINGTON: Sputtering US job growth and talk of new tax cuts are throwing more hurdles in the way of a deal to reduce the deficit as Democratic and Republican negotiators step up their budget negotiations this week. Vice President Joe Biden and top lawmakers must work around a stark divide over taxes and healthcare as they try to find trillions of dollars in budget savings that would give Congress the political cover to increase the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling before the Treasury Department runs out of money to pay the nation’s bills.

The Treasury Department has warned that it will need to start halting some payments if Congress doesn’t act by Aug. 2 and pressure is mounting on Biden’s group to deliver results before markets get spooked. As negotiators weigh painful cuts in annual spending and benefit programs, their task could be complicated by the need to weave in measures to stimulate the economy. Recent data indicate that the country is still struggling to emerge from the deepest downturn since the Great Depression, and the unemployment rate ticked up last month to 9.1 percent. Washington has few tools left to spur faster job growth as the Federal Reserve’s sweeping bond-buying program winds down and Congress has no appetite for additional fiscal stimulus.

Still, both parties are eager to show voters they are taking steps to spur job creation. The White House is weighing a payroll tax cut for businesses and President Barack Obama said on Monday that he would enact a number of recommendations put forward by an outside jobs council of business executives. In an interview with NBC television, the president said a deal could be reached without massive spending cuts. “There is a way of solving this problem that doesn’t require any big, radical changes,” he said, according to a transcript released by the network. “What it does require is everybody makes some sacrifices, and we make these changes in a balanced way.”

Obama’s outside advisers group, led by General Electric Co chief executive Jeffrey Immelt, called for measures to cut red tape, provide more loans and invest in construction, manufacturing, healthcare and tourism.

Republicans, meanwhile, are touting a job-creation agenda of their own that consists of tax cuts and scaled back regulations, which they say

DURHAM: President Barack Obama (second from left) tours the manufacturing facilities of Cree, a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient LED lighting, with Matthew K Rose (left) and Jeff Immelt. — AP

would reduce the uncertainty that has kept capital on the sidelines. They are also urging the Obama administration to advance free trade agreements with Panama, Colombia and South Korea.

ONLY GAME IN TOWN As one of the few pieces of must-pass legislation on the agenda this year, the debt-limit increase could serve as a vehicle for job-creation efforts. Because most stimulus, whether tax cuts or increased spending, has the effect of worsening budget deficits in the short term, it could complicate the Biden group’s mission of reducing deficits that have hovered at their highest levels relative to the size of the economy since World War Two. Republicans have said that any debt-limit increase must include spending cuts of at least equal size, which would point to a package of at least $2 trillion in order to cover the country’s borrowing needs through the November 2012 elections. Obama and Republican negotiators have said those cuts could be spread out over 10 years, which would minimize their impact in

Led by China, fish farms soaring WASHINGTON: Nearly half of the fish eaten around the world now comes from farms instead of the wild, with more foresight needed in China and other producers to limit the ecological impact, a study said yesterday. With rising demand for fish and limited scope to step up the wild catch, aquaculture-the raising of seafood in confined conditions-is bound to maintain strong growth, said the report released in Washington and Bangkok.

The WorldFish Center, a non-governmental group that advocates reducing hunger through sustainable fishing, and environmental organization Conservation International found that 47 percent of food fish came from aquaculture in 2008. The study said that China alone accounted for 61 percent of the world’s aquaculture-a significant part of it carp, which is highly demanding in resources-and Asia as a whole for some 90 percent. Aquaculture has long been controversial, with some environmentalists concerned about the pollution to coastal areas. But the study argued that aquaculture was not as destructive as raising livestock such as cattle and pigs, which places severe strains on land and water use and is a major source of climate change.

A vegetarian diet would be the healthiest for the environment, but the study said it was a simple fact that more people in the developing world were eating meat as they moved to cities. “I think the likelihood for the demand for aquaculture products diminishing is very unlikely at this point,” said Sebastian Troeng, vice president for marine conservation at Conservation International. “So what we need to figure out is, if this growth is continuing, how can we make sure that it is met in a way that doesn’t put an undue burden on the environment, so that best practices are used and species groups are cultured that don’t have excessive impact,” he said.

The study looked at the impact of aquaculture in areas including energy use, acidification and climate change. Along with carp, the species with the greatest environmental impact include eel, salmon, shrimp and prawn as they are carnivorous, meaning that farms need fish feed-and more energy-from the outside. On the other end of the spectrum, the farming of mussels and oysters-along

AMARA: An Iraqi fisherman pulls in his nets on the Al-Huwaiza marshes northern Amara, 420 km south of Baghdad. — AFP

with seaweed-has a lesser impact. The study found wide variations between countries, giving hope that the sharing of best practices could limit impact on the environment.

In one striking comparison, the study said the environmental impact of shrimp and prawn farms in China would decline by 50 to 60 percent if they used the same energy levels as those in Thailand.

Aquaculture production has been growing by 8.4 percent since 1970 and is spreading to new areas such as Africa, the study said, which pointed to increasing demand for fish in Egypt and Nigeria since the bird flu crisis in the mid-2000s. The study called for further study on how supermarket chains, particularly in emerging Asian nations, can improve environmental performance in the farmed fish they bring to consumers.

The study was released days after the United States-a comparatively small player in aquaculture-authorized guidelines that would open up some federal waters to fish farms. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said the United States had a $9 billion trade deficit in seafood and that a boost in aquaculture would both meet local demand and create jobs, including on the struggling Gulf Coast. The plan was attacked by some environmentalists, who said it would bring waste perilously close to people and may depress market prices. “The last thing we need is enormous ocean fish farms that can and do spread disease, allow for millions of fish to escape, kill off wild populations, jeopardize the tourism industry and further destroy the livelihood of local fishermen,” advocacy group Food & Water Watch said. — AFP

the short term. Facing increased pressure, the Biden group has stepped up the pace of its talks and plans to meet three times this week.

Obama and House Speaker John Boehner want the group to complete its work by July 4 in order to give them plenty of time to hammer out a final deal and get it passed through the House and the Senate well before the August 2 deadline.

Participants in the Biden group say job-creation measures have not come up so far. That could change this week. “We are trying to look toward a plan that will manage down the debt and deficit and at the same time help signal a return to economic growth,” House Republican Leader Eric Cantor, one of the negotiators, told reporters on Monday. The group is scheduled to take a close look at annual spending levels, budget process reforms and healthcare benefits this week. An administration official said the talks could expand beyond that agenda. “We’re expecting the talks to cover a broad range of issues, many of them interconnected, so it’s kind of hard to isolate a particular category,” the official said. — Reuters

Australia carbon tax to cost 14,000 jobs SYDNEY: Australia’s proposed carbon tax would cost the country’s economy more than 14,000 jobs, a study commissioned by the coal industry said yesterday, warning billions of dollars in exports would be lost.

Economic consultancy firm ACIL Tasman said Canberra’s pollution tax would result in more than Aus$22 billion (US$23 billion) in lost coal exports over its first decade of operation, costing the Australian economy 14,100 jobs. Some 4,700 of these would be at existing coal mines, 4,000 of which were at risk within the first three years, ACIL said, adding that future jobs could be reduced by as much at 37 percent.

Commissioned by the power ful Australian Coal Association (ACA), the report assumed the trade-exposed coal sector would get no concessions and that the levy would target a five percent reduction in Australia’s 2000level emissions by 2020. “The carbon tax will put thousands of jobs at risk and push billions of investment dollars in new mining developments offshore to our competitors,’ said ACA chief Ralph Hillman, launching the report. “The most frustrating part is despite losing coal mining jobs and investment, global greenhouse gas emissions could actually rise as coal is mined from countries with more emissions intensive and less energy efficient coal.”

Canberra plans to tax the nation’s 1,000 biggest polluters

for carbon emissions linked to global warming from mid-2012, with a fixed price giving way to a cap-and-trade scheme within five years. Though the final dollar amount is yet to determined, Labor plans to charge polluters a fixed price for every ton of carbon emitted, returning most of the revenue to householders and businesses through tax cuts. Once a capand-trade system was phased in, under which emissions would be limited, firms would receive permits to pollute which they could trade on international carbon markets and the price would fluctuate in line with global demand.

Australia is among the world’s worst per capita emitters due to its heavy reliance on coal-fired power. It also exports millions of tons of the fuel every year to Asian electricity companies and steelmakers.

The centre-left Labor party’s carbon tax has met fierce resistance from conservative opposition parties and big business, particularly the heavyweight coal industry, who argue it will damage Australia’s mining-driven economy. Hillman said the government needed to cushion the coal industry by phasing in the auction of emissions permits “at a sufficiently low level”.

Any carbon scheme should give “full recognition to preserving the competitiveness of trade exposed industries,” he added, warning that extreme action would simply boost emissions elsewhere and cost Australian jobs. — AFP

26

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

business

Outside chaotic Luanda, Chinese workers build new city LUANDA: In an open field 30 kilometers south of Angola’s chaotic capital, a $3.5-billion city seems to rise from nothing, a showpiece in government’s drive to build one million new homes. Dubbed the “new city of Kilamba Kiaxi”, it’s the antithesis of overcrowded Luanda’s traffic-choked streets and is being built-like so much else in Angola-by Chinese contractors. Here broad boulevards and landscaped lawns lace the neatly arranged apartment buildings, painted in shades of yellow, blue and green according to their height.

The first phase, due for completion in December 2012, will provide housing for 120,000 people in 710 apartment buildings rising up to 13 stories, complete with schools, shops and parks, said Hamilton Jorge Faria, the engineer heading the project for Sonip, an arm of Angola’s ubiquitous

state oil firm, Sonangol. “We have Luanda, the old city, and this, the new town,” he said, showing off one of the first completed blocks. “We don’t have to concentrate everything in Luanda. We have to expand. We have plenty of land,” he said.

Colonial Portuguese planners designed Luanda for 300,000 people, but it’s now home to an estimated five million, about one-third of the national population. During the country’s 27-year civil war, Angolans fled to the relative safety of the capital, which was largely spared from the violence.

With peace in 2002 came economic opportunity, driven by the country’s oil wealth, which drew job-seekers from the impoverished countryside. That has created a housing crisis, where few people have decent shelter and even fewer have electricity or water. President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, in

power for 30 years, has identified housing as one of the country’s biggest challenges.

It’s also one of the few issues that has sparked protests against his rule, demonstrations that have remained small but grown in number over the last three months. Dos Santos promised in August last year to pour $50 billion into building one million new homes, reviving a promise made during 2008 parliamentary elections when his Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) won a sweeping majority. But the plan fell behind schedule when the 2008 global financial crisis sent oil prices tumbling, making a mess of Angola’s budget planning.

In 2010 the government admitted it had fallen $9 billion behind in payments to foreign construction firms working on a raft of post-war reconstruction projects. The

International Monetary Fund stepped in with a $1.4 billion loan and Angola tightened its belt. Oil prices went back up and the IMF said in February that about half of Angola’s arrears have been cleared. So the government is back to trumpeting its social developments, especially with elections due next year. Kilamba Kiaxi is one of seven “new cities” being built around the country. The others are smaller, with a collective total of about 45,000 homes being built, mostly around Luanda.

Strategically, housing complexes are also being built in the restive provinces of Cabinda and Lunda Norte, where residents are clamoring for a greater share of the local oil and diamond wealth-Angola’s main sources of income. Another 100,000 homes are being built under a separate real estate development scheme, according to engi-

neers at Kilamba Kiaxi. That’s still far short of the one million mark, and glaring problems remain: there’s little transport to get from the homes in the new city to the jobs in the old one.

Government has yet to announce how the apartments will be priced or how home loans will be awarded. And many Angolans are suspicious of Chinese construction after a hospital built by the China Overseas Engineering Group Company (COVEC) had to be evacuated last year because of deep cracks in the pediatric ward. But the construction here shows the extent of Angola’s ambition. “Even in China, I didn’t see such a big, large-scale project,” said Wu Zhixin, chief engineer for CITIC, the contractor on Kilamba Kiaxi. “In China, 500,000 square meters would be a big project. This one is 3.3 million square meters.” — AFP

China ups bank reserves ratio Inflation hits 34-mth high

TOKYO: Workers give the final checkup on the cars of Honda Accord Tourer at Honda Motor Co’s Saitama Factory in Sayama, north of Tokyo. — AP

Honda’s profit to drop 63.5% TOKYO: Honda’s profit for the fiscal year through March 2012 is expected to plunge 63.5 percent as vehicles sales slipped amid a parts shortage caused by the quake and tsunami in northeastern Japan. Honda Motor Co gave the forecast yesterday, more than a month later than usual. Like other Japanese automakers, the maker of the Odyssey minivan and the Fit compact needed more time to assess the aftermath of the March 11 disaster. But Honda said vehicle production in Japan is expected to be back at nearly normal levels by later this month, and production in regions outside of Japan is expected to be back up to pre-disaster levels in August or September.

Honda said it will try to make up for lost time and deliver more vehicles, but it is expecting its global vehicle sales for the fiscal year through March 2012 to drop 6 percent on year to 3.3 million vehicles. Honda had sold 3.51 million vehicles worldwide the previous fiscal year. Given the devastation from the March 11 9.0 magnitude earthquake and the tsunami that it unleashed, analysts say the recovery at Japanese automakers has been remarkable. Still, all the automakers are suffering, and the damage has continued because key auto par ts suppliers were located in the northeastern region.

Koji Endo, auto analyst with Advanced Researach Japan Co in Tokyo, said the disaster had hit Honda harder than Japanese rivals, such as Toyota Motor Corp and Nissan Motor Co, partly because it was such a lean company it didn’t have much inventory when the disaster-related parts shortages came.

“Honda was deeply hur t, and its strength of having little inventory is going to make its recovery take longer,”

he said, noting that Honda’s auto business was likely in the red for the fiscal year and the results were being made up its motorcycle division. “This is going to take a while.” Honda acknowledged that a shortage of parts for certain models will continue for some time. Honda is projecting a profit of 195 billion yen ($2.4 billion) for the current fiscal year, down sharply from 534 billion yen recorded the previous fiscal year. The Tokyo-based automaker put the blame on the disaster, citing the decline in sales and the cost of fixing damaged property and equipment.

It also said higher raw material costs and research expenses related to future products, especially environmental technology, also hurt its bottom line. Honda is now expecting sales to slip 7.1 percent on year to 8.3 trillion yen ($104 billion) for the current fiscal year, it said in a statement. Honda also cited an unfavorable exchange rate as chiseling away at its profitability. A strong yen diminishes the value of overseas earnings of exporters like Honda. Honda said the dollar had dropped to about 80 yen recently from 86 yen the previous year, while the euro went to 110 yen from 114 yen.

Last week, Toyota, the world’s No 1 automaker, said its annual profit for the fiscal year through March 2012 will dive 31 percent, also citing the production disruptions from parts shortages.

Toyota forecast a 280 billion yen ($3.5 billion) profit for the fiscal year through March 2012, down from 408 billion yen for the previous fiscal year. Nissan, Japan’s No 2 automaker, which is allied with Renault SA of France, has not yet given its earnings outlook, but is promising it before its June 29 shareholders’ meeting. — AP

BEIJING: China’s central bank raised bank reserve ratios yesterday for the ninth time since October to try to curb inflation, which is running at its fastest pace in almost three years. The central bank move came just hours after data showed that consumer inflation, largely fuelled by high food prices, rose in May to 5.5 percent, a 34-month high. But evidence that China may avoid a hard landing for its economy lifted riskier assets such as global stocks. Industrial output and retail sales for May were largely in line with expectations.

The 50 basis-point increase in the reserve ratio requirement (RRR) means that big banks have to put aside 21.5 percent of their deposits, a record high, locking up funds that could otherwise be loaned out and so fuel inflation. Banny Lam, an economist at CCB International in Hong Kong, said the central bank’s rapid response showed it was determined to get inflation down to low levels. “I think it’s a great message to the public,” he said. “The RRR rise means the government is doing something. That is the key message the government is sending to the stock market investors and a warning to the banking system to be careful about their lending.”

Even when food prices are stripped out, inflation was 2.9 percent in May, the highest level since records began in 2002 and a sign that price pressures are spreading in the economy. Chinese leaders have made bringing inflation under control their top priority this year, fearful that rising prices could not only unsettle the world’s second-biggest economy but spark social unrest of the sort seen this week in southern China. While the RRR increase was the ninth since October, the central bank has also raised interest rates four times over the same period to try to achieve average inflation this year of 4 percent.

Many analysts doubt that target can be achieved with average inflation in the first five months of 2011 already running at 5.2 percent. Indeed, analysts expect inflation to rise to around 6 percent in June, adding to doubts the target can be met and suggesting further monetary policy tightening may be needed. “I think it is also time for the central bank to consider raising interest rates as consumer inflation has yet to reach the peak,” said Li Xunlei, an analyst at Guotai Junan Securities in Shanghai.

The reserves ratio increase takes effect on June 20, the central bank said on its website.

It draws 380 billion yuan out of the banking system, analysts estimated, although they expect 601 billion yuan to enter the system in June from maturing bills and repurchase agreements. Earlier, a flurry of data, including inflation and industrial output, suggested

BEIJING: A watermelon vendor (left) waits for customers on a roadside in Beijing yesterday. China’s inflation rose to its highest level in nearly three years in May, thanks largely to stubbornly high food prices, adding to economic and social strains that have fanned recent protests. — AP economic growth was slowing down, but not forecasts in a Reuters poll for a rise of 6.5 pertoo quickly, relieving concerns that the cent.

Industrial output in May rose 13.3 percent world’s second-biggest economy was heading from a year earlier, the slowest pace since for a hard landing.

“A measured slowdown in the Chinese November and broadly in line with the medieconomy is just what investors want, with an forecast of a Reuters poll of 13.2 percent. today’s figures providing some hope that this Power shortages have contributed to the is just what is unfolding,” said Keith Bowman, slowdown in factory output growth, said Xu Biao, an economist at China Merchants Bank equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

China provided one of the few areas of in Shenzhen. “It’s worth noting that the slowgrowth during the global financial crisis, down in industrial production is not as bad as which is seen as still critical while Europe, the some had expected.” May retail sales rose 16.9 United States and Japan struggle to shake off percent from a year earlier, compared with the affects of downturn. Du Zhengzheng, an expectations for an increase of 17.0 percent, analyst at Bohai Securities in Beijing, said the while fixed-asset investment between increase in the reserve ratio may now delay a January and May rose 25.8 percent from a rate rise slightly. “I think the RRR rise this time year earlier, against expectations for a rise of aims mainly at curbing inflation ... The move is 25.2 percent.

Real estate investment rose 34.6 percent in likely to delay the next interest rate rise to the end of this month or the beginning of next the first five months of 2011 from a year earlimonth,” Du said. The central bank’s one-year er, compared with a rise of 34.3 percent in the lending rate is 6.31 percent and one-year first four months. “Overall, China’s economic growth is easing gradually, while consumer deposit rate is 3.25 percent. inflation is still within control. The central ECONOMY May’s inflation compared with expecta- bank will raise interest rates again this month, tions for 5.4 percent and was higher than 5.3 but (then) there will be no further rate rises percent in April. “Inflation pressures remain for the rest of this year,” Xu Gao, an economist large,” Sheng Laiyun, a spokesman for China’s at China Everbright Securities in Beijing, said National Bureau of Statistics told a news con- before the central bank announced an ference after the release of the data. However, increase in the bank reserves ratio. China’s he said the economy was on track for “stable economy expanded in 2010 by 10.3 percent, a and relatively fast growth”. Producer prices pace that slowed in the first quarter to 9.7 rose 6.8 percent from a year earlier, above percent. — Reuters

In India, farms threatened by job program CHANDIGARH: Sitting at the edge of fields in the heart of India’s grain bowl, Gurdayal Singh Malik shakes his head in resignation about the lack of workers needed for his 60acre farm, blaming the government’s flagship welfare program for the shortage. Ever since the start of the program, which guarantees 100 days of work a year for rural households, the flow of migrant labor to northern Punjab and Haryana states has dropped to a trickle, forcing farmers such as Malik to hike farm wages massively-and still he cannot find enough workers.

“Laborers used to come every year to the large landholders, asking for work. Now they pick and choose and go about saying: Sardar (master), we don’t have time,” said the 58year-old farmer in Kurukshetra in Haryana, 170 kilometers north of New Delhi. “Four or five years ago, it used to cost 500-800 ($11-$18) rupees to plant an acre of paddy.

Last year the laborers took a tenth of the paddy and 3,000-4,000 rupees.”

This rise in wage levels and farm costs in rural India is worrisome, with evidence it might be feeding into the high inflation that is the government’s biggest economic headache and prompting a hawkish

stance at the central bank. Food and headline inflation remain above 8 percent a year despite nine rate hikes since March 2010, the most in Asia, by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Few expect a quick decline.

That persistence points to the limitations of the central banks’ aggressive use of its anti-inflationary measures when confronted with structural problems such as labor shortages and supply-chain bottlenecks created by poor infrastructure. “Much of inflation is coming from structural issues and the inability of the supply-side to respond to higher prices,” Laveesh Bhandari, director of Indicus Analytics, said.

“The government is not able to solve these issues, so we have to rely on the RBI to tighten policy ... But everyone, including the RBI, knows this is not going to have an impact in the short term. It’ll essentially only slow down growth.” In agriculture, labor shortages could reduce output over time.

Farm labor shortages have been reported in places as far apart as the eastern state of Bihar and southern Tamil Nadu. For years, laborers from the poor Bihar would travel to Haryana and Punjab, where a “Green Revolution” beginning in the 1960s

ALLAHABAD: Indian farmers return from a sunflower field at Kunwarpur village, about 70 kilometers east of Allahabad, India.

Sunflower oil is a widely used cooking ingredient. — AP boosted farm production and staved off widespread food shortages in the country of 1.2 billion people.

Now, as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) takes root in Bihar, the traditional seasonal migration has declined. Local labor is not adequate and itself is diverted towards MNREGS projects, accentuating the shortage on farms. “If there aren’t Bihari workers, farmers will

soon have to give up farming,” Malik said. Rising wages is the latest woe to hit Haryana and Punjab, which produce one-fifth of India’s annual rice and wheat output of 170 million tons, but which have seen stagnant yields, declining soil fertility and a depletion in ground water levels.

The country consumes 76 million tons of wheat and 90 million tons of rice yearly, and any shortfall in production will force it to import grains, pushing up global prices. —Reuters

BoJ holds rates, expands growth-sector lending TOKYO: The Bank of Japan yesterday said it would expand a program of lending to companies in growth areas with a new $6 billion credit line to support the post-quake economy. The BoJ’s policy panel voted unanimously after a two-day meeting to keep its key rate unchanged between zero and 0.1 percent, and expand last June’s 3 trillion yen ($37.4 billion) lending facility to encourage banks to channel funds into sectors such as renewable energy and medicine.

The central bank will offer a new credit line of up to 500 billion yen under a new facility designed to make it easier for smaller firms to access cash from banks without using traditional real estate collateral. Each bank can borrow up to 50 billion yen at 0.1 percent annual interest for up to four years.

“With a view to further encourage financial institutions’ efforts, the bank deems it appropriate to focus on supporting their provision of equity-like funds and loans without conventional collateral or guarantees,” the central bank said in a statement. “The BoJ seems to have a clear vision of what it

needs to do,” said Okasan Securities strategist Hideyuki Ishiguro.

The central bank also slightly upgraded its assessment of the economy, which “continues to face downward pressure, mainly on the production side due to the effects of the earthquake disaster but is showing some signs of picking up.”

The BoJ said the Japanese economy was likely to return to “a moderate recovery path” in the second half of the year. The world’s third-largest economy plunged back into recession in January-March, contracting on the impact of the nation’s biggest recorded earthquake, a tsunami and a nuclear emergency that sent Japan into its worst post-war crisis.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, the BoJ injected a record amount of cash into the banking system and doubled an asset purchase fund to 10 trillion yen, a key policy tool it kept unchanged yesterday. It also set up a separate lending scheme for banks in quake-hit areas to ensure financial institutions in disaster-hit areas can meet demand for post-quake reconstruction funds. — AFP

27

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

TECHNOLOGY

Google applies for China mapping licence BEIJING: Google and its joint venture partner in China have applied for a licence to operate an online mapping service in the world’s biggest web market, a report said Tuesday.

The State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping was reviewing the application from Beijing Guxiang Information Technology Co., which operates Google’s mapping service in China, Dow Jones Newswires said, cit-

ing an official.

Google declined to confirm the report when contacted by AFP and calls to the government agency were not answered. “We’re in discussions with the government about how we could offer a maps product in China,” Google’s Beijing-based spokeswoman Marsha Wang told AFP, repeating an earlier statement.

China has the world’s biggest

online population of 477 million, according to official data. Beijing has so far granted licences to dozens of companies to provide web mapping after new rules were introduced last year requiring all firms providing Internet map and location services in China to apply for approval.

Foreign firms wanting to provide those services in China are required to set up joint ventures or partnerships

with local firms.

Google has seen its share of the lucrative Chinese search market slide to the profit of local rival Baidu as tensions with Beijing increased over a number of cyberattacks the US web giant claims originated in China.

This month, Google said it had been hit by a cyberspying campaign targeting Gmail accounts of senior US officials, journalists and activists,

which appeared to have come from Jinan, in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong. Beijing angrily denied the charge.

There was no indication whether the Gmail spying campaign was related to a China-based cyberattack on Google that prompted the company early last year to stop bowing to Internet censors and reduce its presence in the country. —AFP

Transmitter bracelets help keep newborns in their parents’ arms

LOS ANGELES: Satoru Iwata, global president of Nintendo, speaks during the unveiling of the company’s new Wii U game console at E3 Expo at Nokia Theater, June 6, 2011. —MCT

Nintendo unveils Wii U with tablet-sized touch-screen controller LOS ANGELES: Nintendo revealed its new home console yesterday, dubbed the Wii U, a new high-definition video game system that will use a new touchscreen controller to play games both on and off the TV screen.

The Wii U’s white, plastic controller is about the size of some tablet computers and features a 6.2-inch touch screen, as well as a standard array of gaming controller buttons. But a tablet the Wii U controller is not.

Images displayed on the Wii U’s controller are all produced by the Wii U console itself and the screen is just that on another screen.

The display on the Wii U controller can work in a few different ways: as a complement to a game on a TV, adding extra information or control options; as a mirrored screen, displaying the same images as what’s on a TV; or as the only gaming screen, for when a friend may want to watch a T V but a Wii U user might want to keep playing a video game.

The screen’s options will allow users to game at home without being tied to their TVs, but because the controller relies on the Wii U console for everything displayed on the screen, it isn’t a true portable gaming system on its own.

The touch-screen will also be compatible with a stylus and feature two cameras, one front and one rear, that can be used for augmented reality games or to conduct a video chat session with friends who also own Wii U systems.

An accelerometer and a gyroscope are built into the new controller, so motion control (which is a trademark of the current Wii system) will play a role in the new device as well.

But the Wii U won’t rely just on the touch-screen controller. The new system will be backward compatible with the current Wii’s motion controllers and other accessories.

Nintendo says it will ship the Wii U sometime after April 1, 2012. The company did not offer a price for the new system. —MCT

S Korea scrambles cyber defense for world’s ‘most wired’ country SEOUL: South Korea is scrambling to protect its computer systems after attacks against government agencies and financial institutions exposed vulnerabilities in a country that has the deepest Internet penetration anywhere.

A large government task force is working on a cyber security master plan to address the threats, and officials said they would allocate fresh budgets and personnel to boost protection of national economic and industrial installations.

Governments, multinational corporations and global institutions are facing a rash of attacks on their computer systems.

The US Senate’s website was hacked over the weekend, a major embarrassment although hackers were not able to reach behind a firewall into a more sensitive part of the network.

South Korea, still technically at war with North Korea, is especially vulnerable due to high Internet penetration and as the obvious likely target of the reclusive rival, officials said.

“Ensuring cyber security is no longer a matter of choice but is an issue of top priority that impacts national security,” an official at the nation’s communications watchdog said. The official asked for anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Several government agencies including the presidential Blue House and the national spy agency saw their computer networks slowed or crippled for several hours in an attack in 2009 where malicious codes flooded the network with fake access requests.

A similar attack recurred in March, although the impact was limited after government and private online security experts tracked and disabled the software.

Nonghyup, a large commercial bank,

suffered a massive network failure in April that affected millions of users, exposing vulnerabilities of the thousands of financial institutions and utilities that rely heavily on networks to keep Asia’s four th largest economy rolling.

More than 95 percent of the country’s households have permanent access to the Internet, thanks to heavy government investment in networks.

South Korean prosecutors said North Korean computer hackers were responsible for bringing down the network of the Nonghyup, calling it “an unprecedented act of cyber terror.” The bank’s credit card authorization and ATM networks were disrupted and all electronic transfers disabled for more than a week.

North Korea subsequently denied the charge and accused Seoul of inventing a conspiracy to fuel confrontation, although a North Korean defector warned recently that Pyongyang was recruiting thousands to its cyber warfare unit.

Lee Ho-woong, the head of Security Response Center at Ahnlab, a cyber security firm based in Seoul, said the attacks were getting complex. “Advanced persistent threat that uses a combination of various IT technologies in a systematic manner for economic and political purposes has been a major and continuing trend for some years now,” he said.

Since the attacks, governemnt agencies had taken steps to boost readiness.

The central bank had increased computer security measures after the attack on Nonghyup bank, a bank technology official said.

The finance ministry had launched a Cyber Security Centre for 24-hour vigil of the government’s finance and economic agencies, Kang Cheol-won, head of security at Bank of Korea, said. —Reuters

FORT WORTH: The bracelet on Zara Leonard’s ankle weighs only about a third of an ounce. Still, it looks a little clunky on the tiny leg of the day-old baby.

But it’s not there for decoration. The device, a radio transmitter in a little box with an adjustable strap, is a crucial component of North Texas hospitals’ measures to prevent the abduction of newborns. It sets off an alarm if the baby is carried from the nursery or a hospital room.

Zara was born at Baylor All Saints Medical Center’s Andrews Women’s Hospital. Abduction “wasn’t a concern for us when we came to the hospital,” said her father, Paul Leonard of Fort Worth, Texas. “But knowing this hospital has one makes us feel good.”

Baby abductions from hospitals are rare in the US There are 4.3 million births annually at more than 3,500 facilities. Since 1983, 274 cases of infant abductions by nonrelatives have been repor ted, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Forty-seven percent occurred in hospitals, and in most of those cases, the babies were taken from their mother’s room.

But just one abduction would be one too many, hospital officials say. That’s why hospitals have security staffs, security

FORT WORTH: An electronic ankle bracelet keeps track of 1-day-old Zara Leonard at Baylor All Saints Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, yesterday, May 24, 2011. —MCT training for nurses, locked nurseries and ID bracelets for infants and relatives.

“Infant security is right up there with giving medications,” said Kecia Kelly, direc tor of maternal, newborns and neonatal intensive care at Andrews.

“Nurses will always be our first line of defense.”

The hospital also employs electronic tagging systems such as Zara’s bracelet.

The monitor, strapped on a newborn’s ankle, sends a signal to nearby monitoring stations.

An alarm sounds if the device is cut off, slips off or leaves designated areas.

“In labor rooms, when a baby is ready to go up to the mother’s room, a nurse has 15 minutes to move the baby,” Kelly said. “If something happens and it takes more than 15 minutes, the alarm goes off.”

Hospital security measures are activated if an alarm sounds and a baby isn’t accounted for within five minutes.

For the Leonard family, the ank le monitor on Zara was familiar. Older sister Zoey, 3, had one when she was born at Andrews.

“You just can’t have too many preventive measures,” said Christy Leonard, the girls’ mother. “We believe in them.” —MCT

Hackers breach US Senate website WASHINGTON: A shadow y group of hackers behind a string of recent cyberattacks claimed on M onday to have breached the US Senate website and taken internal data.

The Senate Sergeant at Arms, which is responsible for congressional security, confirmed there had been an intrusion into the server hosting the public website, Senate.gov, but said no sensitive information was compromised.

The hacker group, which goes by the name of “Lulz Security,” published files online at lulzsecurity.com said to have been swiped from Senate.gov.

“This is a small, just-for-kicks release of some internal data from Senate.gov — is this an ac t of war, gentlemen?” Lulz Security said in a statement. “We don’t like the US government very much,” the

group added. “ Their sites aren’t ver y secure.”

The Sergeant at Arms said Senate computer security staff had discovered an “unauthorized access” over the weekend into the server hosting Senate.gov. “The intruder did not gain access into the Senate computer network and was only able to read and determine the directory struc ture of the files placed on Senate.gov,” the Sergeant at Arms said in a statement. “ That server is for public access on the public side of the Senate’s network firewall, and any files that individual Senate offices place there are intended for public consumption,” it said.

The Sergeant at Arms said the intruders took advantage of a vulnerability in a portion of the website that is maintained by an individual Senate office. “Although

this intrusion is inconvenient, it does not compromise the security of the Senate’s net work , its members or staff,” the Sergeant at Arms said.

“Specifically, there is no individual user account information on the server supporting Senate.gov that could have been compromised,” it said. The Sergeant at Arms said it would be conducting a security review of all of the sites hosted on Senate.gov. Lulz Security, whose name is derived from the text-messaging shorthand phrase LOL, or “laugh out loud,” has claimed credit for a series of cyberattacks in recent weeks. The targets have included Sony’s online operations, an FBI partner website, the website of videogame developer Bethesda Softworks and the website of the US non-profit Public Broadcasting Service. —AFP

28

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

health & science

Japan city to give radiation counters to children TOKYO: Japan’s Fukushima city said yesterday it would hand radiation measuring devices to 34,000 children to gauge their exposure from the crippled

months from September so that they can wear them around the clock, an official at the city’s education board told AFP. The city is located outside

concerned about radiation, he said. “ There have been fixedspot radiation measurements but parents and citizens are con cer n ed about in dividual

JAPAN: A woman walks by the rows of temporary housings for the March 11 earthquake and tsunami survivors at Hibiki Industrial Park in Higashimatsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, yesterday. —AP nuclear power plant about 60 kilometres (40 miles) away.

The cit y will hand the “dosimeters” to all children aged between four and 15 for three

t he g overnmen t ’s n o - en tr y zone 20 kilometres (12 miles) aro und t he tsun ami-h it Fu kushima Daiich i n uc lear plant, but many residents are

exposure,” said the official.

“We also believe the distribution of dosimeters will help ease parents’ worries if they confirm their children’s exposure does

not pose health risks.” He added that radiation in the city had been below the official threshold for health risks, and said the children’s dosimeters would be read out once a month to assess cumulative radiation exposure.

Since the March 11 disaster, Japan has raised the legal e x p o s u re l i m i t fo r p e o p l e, including children, from one to 2 0 m i l l i s i e ve r t s p e r ye a r — matching the safety standard for nuclear industry workers in many countries.

Environmental activist group Greenpeace called on Japan last Thursday to evacuate children and pregnant women from the town. It said its people were being exposed to 10 to 20 millisieverts per year through the air, not counting contaminants inhaled or ingested, a level Greenpeace considers unacceptable, especially for high-risk groups. Radiation experts agree that children are at the greatest risk from cancers and genetic defects because they are still growing are more prone to thyroid cancers, and because they will have more time to develop health defects.

The city of Date, located just outside the nuclear no-go zone, said last Thursday it would distribute radiation dosimeters to all its 8,000 pre-school, elementary and junior high pupils, a news report said. —AFP

Curb soot, smog to help keep Earth cool: UN

FRANCE: A volunteer gives her blood in a temporary medical center in Paris on the World Blood Donor Day yesterday. Yesterday countries worldwide celebrated World Blood Donor Day, which this year’s theme is “More blood.

More Life”, with events to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary unpaid blood donors for their lifesaving gifts of blood. —AP

Immersion in virtual reality eases pain NE W YORK : An aspirin or a video game? Distracting patients by immersing them in a virtual world, sometimes by using a video game, appears to help reduce pain even in elderly patients who aren’t used to such exposure, according to a US study.

“I was surprised to see the level of analgesic response that the elderly patients demonstrated, because these subjects had little or no previous experience with video games or virtual reality (VR) distraction, unlike our younger subjects,” said Sam Sharar, an anesthesiology professor at Washington University, who worked on the study.

The VR therapy involves a video game on a head-mounted display developed by Hunter Hoffman, a cognitive psychologist and researcher at the University of Washington. In the experiment, presented at the annual meeting of the American Pain Society, 25 adults aged 60 and older were randomly assigned to either a low-immersion or a high-immersion VR environment, using a program called SnowWorld.

The high-immersion group moved along a virtual path through an icy canyon populated by snowmen, igloos, penguins, mammoths and fish, viewing it all though a display that blocked most of their vision of the real world.

They could look around to see sky above, canyon walls to their left and right, and below them a river teeming with mammoths and fish. With the click of a mouse they could toss snowballs at all the creatures.

They also heard sound in stereo, such as the roar of a mammoth when a snowball struck, the splash of a snowball in the river, background music, and other effects.

The low-immersion group used the

same program with a display that did not block out the real world. Also, the image resolution was reduced, there were no sound effects, and no gamelike interaction with the world — simply a virtual walk on a path through a snowy canyon.

Sharar’s team performed two thermal simulations of the pain of a lumbar puncture, otherwise known as a spinal tap, for 30 seconds, once while subjects were not immersed in the VR program, and again when they were. “ R e s u l t s s h owe d a s i gn i f i c a n t reduction in sensory, emotional, and cognitive pain components with VR t re a t m e n t o f e i t h e r k i n d,” t h e researchers said in the abstract for their presentation.

They added that the subjective analgesia effect was significantly greater in the high-immersion group. This sort of therapy may be as effective at controlling pain as an intravenous dose of hydromorphone, a very potent opoid analgesic, according to a study by Sharar and colleagues published in 2007. When the two are combined, the effect is compounded.

The current study did not compare the effect of VR in different age groups, but Sharar has carried out similar, notyet-published studies on college-aged and middle aged par ticipants, and drawn some rough generalizations.

The subjective pain reduction was similar in all groups, and even slightly better in the elderly compared to collegeaged participants, he said.

The VR therapy is now used in a handful of US burn centers, and it has also been used with patients who have psychiatric disorders such as phobias and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. —Reuters

PARIS: Sharply reducing emissions of soot and smog could play a critical role in preventing Earth from overheating, according to a UN report released yesterday.

Curbing these pollutants could also boost global food output and save millions of lives lost to heart and lung disease, said the report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

Even as climate talks remain deadlocked on how to share out the task of cutting CO2, parallel action on “black carbon” particles and ground-level ozone would buy precious time in the quest to limit global temperature rise to 2.0 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), it said.

Record output in 2010 of carbon from energy use and unprecedented CO2 levels in the atmosphere suggest that efforts to maintain the 2.0 C cap, widely seen as a threshold for dangerous warming, may already be doomed, say scientists. On current trajectories, temperatures are set to go up 1.3 C (2.3 F) — on top of the 0.9 C (1.6 F) jump since human-induced warming kicked in by 2050, bringing the total compared to preindustrial levels to 2.2 C (4.0 F).

But quickly tackling black carbon and smog-related ozone could slash 0.5 C (0.9 F) off the temperature increase projected for 2030, putting the two-degree target back on track, the new findings suggest.

“There are clear and concrete measures that can be undertaken to help protect the global climate in the short and medium term,” said Drew Shindell, a researcher at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies and one of the 50 scientists behind the new assessment. “The win-win here for limiting climate change and improving air quality is self-evident and the ways to achieve it have become far clearer.”

The report was unveiled in Bonn as delegates from more than 190 nations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) struggle to make headway in the deeply stymied negotiations. Black carbon, found in soot, is a byproduct of incomplete burning of fossil fuels, wood and biomass, such as animal waste. The most common sources are car and truck emissions, primitive cook stoves, forest fires and industry.

Soot suspended in the air accelerates global warming by absorbing sunlight. When it covers snow and ice, white surfaces that normally reflect the Sun’s radiative force back into space soak up heat instead, speeding up the melting of mountain glaciers, ice sheets, and the Arctic ice cap. The tiny particles have also been linked to premature death from heart disease and lung cancer.

Ground-level, or tropospheric, ozone — a major ingredient of urban smog — is both a powerful greenhouse gas and a noxious air pollutant. It is formed from other gases including methane, itself a potent driver of global warming. A threefold increase in concentrations in the northern hemisphere over the last century has made it the third most important greenhouse gas. —AFP

GERMANY: An employee of “Werder Frucht” vegetables company throws away tomatoes in Werder, eastern Germany after a severalweek battle against the deadly E. coli outbreak. —AP

German two-year-old dies from E. coli BERLIN: A two-year-old boy yesterday became the first child to die in an outbreak of a virulent strain of E. coli in Germany that authorities say is abating, taking the death toll to at least 37.

The child died in hospital in Hanover overnight after becoming infected with enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), authorities in the northern state of Lower Saxony said.

He had been in intensive care for several days. The rest of his family also fell ill but were recovering, authorities said.

Previously the youngest victim from the weeks-long outbreak, which authorities have blamed on vegetable sprouts from an organic farm in northern Germany, was a 20-year-old woman.

All but one of the fatalities have been in Germany, with the other being a woman in Sweden who had recently returned from Germany.

Some 3,255 people have also fallen sick in 14 European countries plus the United States and Canada, according to the World Health Organisation. All but five cases were in people from or who had visited Germany.

The Robert Koch Institute, the national disease agency, said Tuesday that since May 1, 3,235 cases had been reported in Germany but that the number of new infections being reported was in decline.

Of these, 782 are seriously ill with haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a kidney ailment arising from EHEC infection, the RKI said. German Health Minister Daniel Bahr warned Sunday that more deaths were possible, with one expert saying that around 100 patients would need a kidney transplant or require dialysis treatment for the rest of their lives.

Heiner Garg, health minister in the northern state of Schlewsig-Holstein, said Tuesday that many of those with HUS also had neurological complications.

“Currently at Kiel University Hospital, for example, 20 percent of patients are

seriously affected. It is impossible to say at this point how many of them will have long-term serious damage,” Garg said. In previous EHEC outbreaks it has primarily been children who have been infected, but this time a majority have been adult women.

Normally there are around 1,000 EHEC infections a year in Germany and some 60 cases of HUS. In 2010 and 2009 there were two deaths.

With German authorities only late last week dropping advice to avoid uncooked tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce, particularly in northern Germany, the scare has cost European farmers hundreds of millions of Euros.

Russia, a major market for the bloc’s agricultural produce, also outlawed the import of all fresh vegetables from the whole of the 27-nation EU. Moscow agreed at a summit with the EU on Friday to lift the ban.

Particularly badly hit were Spanish producers after Germany initially and erroneously blamed cucumbers grown there for the outbreak.

The European Commission has offered 210 million Euros (US$303 million) to farmers affected across Europe, but they complain that this falls well short of covering their losses.

Karl Schmitz, head of the German federation of fruit and vegetable producers BVEO, told AFP the market would take several more days to return to normal.

The head of the DVB German farmers’ association, Gerd Sonnleitner, said that growers across Europe had suffered losses of between 500 million and 600 million euros.

German Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Minister Ilse Aigner said Tuesday that she would not leave farmers “out in the cold.” Markus Soeder, agriculture minister in the southern state of Bavaria, said meanwhile that tests on lettuce that had fallen under suspicion there showed it was “highly unlikely” to be tainted with the dangerous strain. —AFP

First mother-daughter womb transplant planned STOCKHOLM: The world’s first mother-daughter uterus transplant could take place next year in Sweden, the head of an international research team in the western Swedish city of Gothenburg said yesterday.

“We have reached a stage where we have started to plan for a human transplant and we are investigating 10 pairs, most of those are mother and daughters,” Mats Braenstroem told AFP, adding the first of such transplants could take place “hopefully at the beginning of next year.”

He added that transplanting a womb from a woman to her daughter would be a world first, although a uterus transplant between two unrelated women took place in Saudi Arabia in 2002.

His international team of doctors at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital has been researching the

subject for a decade and has tested it on animals, he said, explaining there were no particular complications in transplanting a womb from mother to daughter.

“There can just be an advantage because they are more similar in their tissues so there could be less rejection in that situation,” he said.

One of the pairs undergoing the physical and psychological tests required ahead of a possible procedure were quoted in Swedish media Tuesday as saying they were grateful to be part of the project. “I have been given an opportunity I did not think was possible,” a 25-year old woman born without a uterus told tabloid Expressen. “I have always loved children. Over the past five years I have felt intense sorrow over not being able to have children of my own,” she told its com-

petitor Aftonbladet.

The woman could receive a uterus from her 56-year-old mother, who said she no longer had any use for the organ and that it felt natural to do everything she could to help her daughter. “I think all parents do what they can to help their children if it feels right,” she told Aftonbladet.

The daughter insisted receiving the womb she herself emerged from was not a cause for concern. “It’s an organ just like any other and it has no genetic significance. I work as a biology teacher and I don’t think its strange,” she told Expressen.

The world’s first uterus transplant took place in 2002 when doctors in Saudi Arabia transplanted the womb of a 46-yearold woman to a 26-year-old.

Although blood clots forced the

doctors to remove the transplanted organ after 14 weeks, they claimed technical success in the procedure.

Braenstroem said such complications would be less likely in the Swedish transplants. “ We have optimized the technique in our animal models for such a long time. The Saudi Arabia team didn’t have any experience at all in animal models before.

They did it in humans right away,” he explained.

In 2007, scientists planned the first uterus transplant in the United States, but the procedure never went beyond the screening stage. “The research front has moved forward since 2007 and especially our group has taken big steps forward in this research, so that’s why we think we are ready to do this,” Braenstroem said. —AFP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

he a lt h & s c ie n c e

UK government backs out on health reforms LONDON: Britain has diluted plans for a radical overhaul of its statefunded National Health Service (NHS) after complaints from medical staff and patients fuelled divisions within the ruling coalition.

“I think in politics you have to be big enough to admit when you don’t get it right and that’s exactly what I’ve done,” Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday, referring to draft legislation that had stoked concerns the system giving patients free access to doctors and hospitals could be dismantled.

“I think we’ve done a good job over the last few months in terms of pausing, listening, bringing back on board to the reform process a huge number of people who care passionately about the NHS, including patients and professional groups,” Cameron said after a speech in a London hospital.

The Conservative-led government took the unusual step of halting the reform legislation, which had already begun to make its way through parliament. Powerful health

lobbies had opposed the reform and the Liberal Democrats, the junior coalition partner, had also demanded a series of changes to the proposals.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, a Conservative who drafted the original plans, said the government accepted all of the core recommendations for improvements submitted on Monday by a panel of experts.

The government, which took office in May 2010, has retreated in recent days on proposals to reduce prison sentences and commentators say Cameron is adopting a more pragmatic approach when radical policies meet opposition.

The reform plan had spread concern that the Conservatives sought a back door for privatising a health system with an annual budget exceeding 100 billion pounds ($164 billion).

Only one in five Britons believe the NHS is “safe in Cameron’s hands”, according to a poll by Com Res poll for commercial broadcaster IT V. Opposition Labour leader Ed

Miliband accused the government of pressing ahead with a “bureaucratic reorganisation” that would waste billions of pounds.

The government has promised increases in funding for the NHS when other departments are seeing their budgets cut by around a fifth in an austerity drive.

However, it also wants the NHS to save 20 billion pounds by 2015 in order to maintain standards of care to cope with an ageing population and more expensive treatments. “Fail to reform now and we could see a bigger and bigger black hole opening up in the budget,” Cameron said.

The plans for the NHS would have given family doctors control over 60 billion pounds ($97.7 billion) of annual NHS spending, and pushed for greater competition in healthcare provision.

Changes will give doctors and nurses a role in commissioning services. The language about competition is being tightened to stress the importance of providing a better deal for patients. — Reuters

Report finds funding threat to mental illness drugs LONDON: European neuroscientists said yesterday that the withdrawal by some big drug makers from research into illnesses like depression, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s could halt the discovery of new drugs.

A report published by the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) said brain diseases and mental disorders like depression, dementia and addiction account for more a third of the burden of disease in Europe, but public and corporate research and development (R&D) funding is being cut.

“These are dark days for brain science,” David Nutt, a professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London and a former president of the ECNP told a briefing in London.

Some European big pharmaceutical companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca have in recent years

backed away from brain research, citing the difficulty and expense of finding new drug candidates.

The ECNP report said public funding for research in Europe into disorders of the brain lags significantly behind similar investment in the United States. Yet experts estimate that in any given year, almost 80 million Europeans, or 27 percent of the European Union’s population, are affected by disorders of the brain.

“The issue here is not just that a very key part of Europe’s knowledge economy is under serious threat, it’s that the withdrawal of research resources means the slowdown, and even outright cessation in some areas, of new treatments being developed,” said Guy Goodwin, a co-author of the report and head of Oxford University’s psychiatry department.

“This will inevitably affect patient well-being.” Nutt and Goodwin said a major part of the problem in persuading public and private organizations to fund research into mental illness is the stigma that it carries. Unlike research into cancer or heart disease, they said, which commands huge public support and can return a swifter profit to drug makers who find successful treatments, research into brain diseases is seen as difficult, expensive and ultimately less fruitful.

According to the report, the economic cost to the EU region of brain diseases and mental disorders was conservatively estimated at 386 billion euros ($555 billion) a year in 2005, the last time a full costing analysis was done.

That cost, the authors said, far exceeds the cost to the region of any other disease area, including heart disease and cancer. — Reuters

30

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

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 Hoppin’ John String Band The Hoppin’ John String Band, a Bluegrass group, will be in Kuwait as part of a US Embassy sponsored visit and they’ll be conducting public performances in several locations. All public performances will open to the public and free of charge. No tickets or seat reservations will be required. Here are the details: The US Embassy Kuwait In cooperation with the National Council for Culture, Arts & Letters presents: The Hoppin’ John String Band Date: June 15, 2011 Time: 7:15pm to 8:30pm Location: National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters’ International Music Festival; Al-Dasma Theatre Date: June 16, 2011 Time: 9:00am to 10:00am Location: Live on Sabah Al-Watan (Al-Watan Television) Date: June 16, 2011 Time: 8:30pm to 9:30pm Location: The Higher Institute for Musical Arts Date: June 18, 2011 Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm Location: Live on Raykum Shabab (Al-Rai Television) Date: June 19, 2011 Time: 7:15pm to 8:30pm Location: The Al-Babtain Central Library for Arabic Poetry.

Summer music festival The National Council of Culture, Arts and Letters in Kuwait proudly presents the Summer Music Festival 2011. The weeklong festival will feature live performances by artists, groups and bands from across the world as well as special workshops. All of the events are free of charge and will be held at the Abdulaziz Hussein Center in Mishref, Kuwait.

Today, June 14 - Hussain Al-Athamy Band of Iraqi maqam - 8:30 pm Tomorrow, June 15 - The Hoppin John Stringband - 8:30 pm The Hoppin’ John String Band performs and teaches music deeply rooted in the ballads, fiddle tunes, and traditions of the Appalachian Mountains of the United States. Comprised of two fiddles, guitar, banjo and bass, this band is sure to bring you to your feet and inspire you to sing along.

Thursday June 16 - Iraqi Maqam workshop 10:00 am, Traditional Music Night by Ma’youf Traditional Band - 8:30 pm The maqam workshop will take place in the auditorium of the National Museum. The traditional music night will feature the Ma’youf band, the popular traditional Kuwaiti group and will be held in the space in front of the Kuwaiti Maritime Museum.

Friday June 17 - Closing ceremony: Wa’ad Al Bahry band - 8:30 pm

The Australian College of Kuwait encourages local talent

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he Australian College, the first private vocational college in Kuwait, held its annual show for talents and skills which allowed its students and others from various universities to showcase their creative abilities.

The purpose of this great event, sponsored by Al Babteen, Al Seef Hospital, and Kuwait Pictures this year, is to provide adequate space to highlight the talents and skills of the students in ACK and other universities in Kuwait. This event was jubilant with the extensive participation and spirit of students, which positively reflected upon the atmosphere of the show as a whole.

Ms Imman Issa, Manager of ACK’s LEAP department stated: “we would like to thank our sponsors for supporting us in this event, and we are all aware of their great efforts. Moreover, we look forward

to their support in the future.

Ms Imman also mentioned that “the Australian College of Kuwait is proud of being one of the educational organizations that focuses on the development of students’ thoughts and ambitions. She added that “the educational policy of the college tailors their educational programs the needs and requirements of the workforce environment, and therefore enhances the skills of its students in different specializations and activities.”

The Australian College of Kuwait enjoys several partnerships that enrich its educational curricula; the College has established partnerships with the best vocational universities in Australia and Canada to deliver distinguished educational programs in business management and engineering technology to enhance the future of Kuwaiti youth.

Kuwait English School congratulates staff

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assim Mohammed Al Saddah, Chairman, this week hosted a series of lunches at Kuwait English School to show their appreciation for all the hard work of all teachers and staff throughout the year. On Monday, 40 staff members from the Preparatory Department feasted on a sumptuous buffet from Moghal Mahal.

“This is in appreciation of all your hard work in the past and for the future” said Vice Chairman Madame Naela Al Saddah. “We will really miss Mrs Shuwaish and Mrs Richmond” she said, wishing all the staff a good holiday.

“Mr and Mrs Richmond are excellent teachers and have

lovely children”, Mrs Muhmood said, thanking Year Leaders Mrs Richmond and Mrs Kismet. Mrs Muhmood presented Mrs Searle with a rose, saying she never gives up and makes light work of heavy duties.

“Mrs Searle is always telling me what amazing staff she has” Mrs Muhmnood added.

“Looking over the year you have done great things with those children” said KES Director Rhoda Elizabeth Muhmood. “I have really enjoyed reading your reports”, she added. “ To those of you who are leaving -Good Luck- and to those staying - Good Luck too!” said Helen Searle, Prep Dept Head Teacher.

Notice to Filipino citizens

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otice is hereby given that under Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as “The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003”, all citizens of the Philippines abroad, not otherwise disqualified by law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the election, and who are registered overseas absentee voters with approved applications to vote in absentia, may vote for Senators and Party-list Representatives. For this purpose, all qualified Filipino citizens not registered as voters under Republic Act No. 8189, otherwise known as “The Voters Registration Act of 1996”, (the system of continuing registration) shall file an application for registration while those who are already registered under the said Act shall file an application for certification. For purposes of the May 13, 2013 elections, the filing of applications for registration/certification and transfer of registration records shall be filed at the Post or other designated registration areas from October 31, 2011 to October 31, 2012.

The 30-day voting period is from April 13, 2013 until 3:00 o’ clock in the afternoon (Philippine time) of May 13, 2013 at any Philippine Embassies or Consulates. (The time for voting to be announced later). For details, please contact telephone number: 65184433 (Kuwait)

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

Get ready for summer

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ou and your family are invited to experience summer 2011 at Movenpick Hotel Kuwait, a wonderful bouquet of surprises designed to give you a holiday full of fun and happiness.

Movenpick Hotel Kuwait Free Zone offers spacious and comfortable deluxe rooms at affordable prices. For those who are preferring to stay more than one night they can have a deluxe room for two nights with third night’s stay free at very competitive price.

That’s not all, you also receive 25% discount in all restaurants at the Movenpick Hotel Kuwait during your stay, offering you a unique mix of global flavours.

Beginning with Bays Restaurant, with an

international buffet, you can dine at Cuts Latin Churrascaria, a one of a kind kind restaurant in Kuwait featuring a live band from Colombia and Al Dente, restaurant a traditional trattoria, serving the very best Italian cuisines.

This is in addition to the special family packages the Movenpick Hotel Kuwait offers its honored guests. Patrons can choose a suitable package from three different offers, valid for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. The first package includes vouchers to the swimming pool, restaurants and 2 nights’ stay at the hotel. The second package includes vouchers to the swimming pool and accommodation at the hotel. The third package is valid for

children under the age of 12, where they can enjoy access to the pool from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

For your kids, the Movenpick Hotel Kuwait has organized activities, games, and entertainment including Children’s Premier Club. Coloring competitions will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, while from Sundays to Tuesdays, they can enjoy water sports, video games and swimming events. The children’s club will also be open upon request.

Seize this golden opportunity and book your place now at the Movenpick Hotel Kuwait Free Trade Zone, where fun and surprises await you. All of the above summer offers are valid from May 15 until

September 30, 2011.

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, an upscale hotel management company with over 12,000 employees, is represented in 30 countries with over 90 hotels existing or under construction. Focussing on expansion in its core markets of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, the international hotel group specialises in business and conference hotels, as well as holiday resorts. Of Swiss origin, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts positions itself in the upscale segment and stands for quality, reliability and care with a personal touch. The hotel group is owned by Movenpick Holding (66.7%) and the Kingdom Group (33.3%).

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

W H AT ’ S O N

Embassy

Crowne Plaza voted Best Business Hotel in Kuwait

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he success chapter of the Crowne Plaza Kuwait is expanding - within a month of receiving the prestigious award from the Business Traveller Middle East Magazine, Arabian Business Magazine acknowledged Crowne Plaza Kuwait in the same category as the Best Business Hotel in Kuwait.

Held at the JW Marriott with key industry figures from Kuwait in attendance, Ahmed Serafi, Hotel Manager, accepted the award with honor. Based on the business profits and revenues achieved for the year 2010, Crowne Plaza Kuwait has once again displayed its mettle.

Having had its share of economic challenges during the past year, determination and hard work has caused the hotel to rise above expectations, and the award is an acknowledgement of the same.

With its close proximity to the airport and it’s specialized services and facilities to accommodate the needs of the business travelers both in terms of business and leisure, the award comes as no surprise to the management of the hotel. A panoramic lobby with a view of the rooms and all the restaurants greets the guests on arrival, giving him an idea of all

Information EMBASSY OF ARGENTINA In order to inform that 23rd of October 2011, will be Argentine national election where all Argentinean citizen residents permanently in Kuwait can vote only if they are registered at the Electoral Register of the Argentine Embassy. The procedure of inscription ended on 25 of April 2011. To register it is necessary that Argentinean citizens should come personally at the Argentinean Embassy (Block 6, street 42, villa 57, Mishref) and present the DNI and four personal photos (size 4x4, face should be front on white background). For further information, contact us on 25379211. nnnnnnn

that awaits him within the hotel.

The hotel has 300 refurbished rooms and suites cater to the needs of the frequent business traveler with all the modern amenities and comforts, making your stay unforgettable. A bouquet of flavors come to you at our restaurants, from a global buffet at Al Ahmadi International to the steaks of the

Wild West at Rib Eye Steakhouse, from the royal Persian at Shabestan to the elite Italian in Viaggio, from the delicacies of the sea at Al Noukhaza to the authentic Japanese of Sakura and a traditional Lebanese from Ayam Zaman - each unique in their own style and creativity.

The hotel boasts three ballrooms and 15 meeting rooms,

equipped with the latest in technology and facilities to take care of all the needs of corporate clients in terms of meetings, conferences and all other functions. Leisure facilities spanning a total of 10,000 m2 includes a 24 hour Health Club and a unique Spa Aquatonic, including a 3500 m2 Aquatonic Pool unique to the State.

During the function, the Bukhamseen Holdings received the award for the Hospitality and Tourism Company of the Year, and the award was received by Dr. Osama Bukhamseen. This was proud moment for Crowne Plaza Kuwait as all staff pride themselves on delivering the best possible service.

EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Embassy encourages all Australians to register their presence in Kuwait through Smartraveller Online (see link below).

Australians who are registered are asked to update their details. The information provided will assist us in contacting you in an emergency. www.smartraveller.gov.au Kuwait citizens can apply for and receive visit visas to Australia online at www.immi.gov.au. This usually takes two working days. All others visa applications are handled by the Australian Visa Application Centre Tel. 22971110.

Witnessing and certifying documents are by appointment only, please contact the Embassy on 2232 2422.

The Australian Embassy is open from 8.00am to 4.00pm, Sunday to Thursday. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF BRITAIN The Visa Application Centre (VAC) will be closed on the same dates above. The opening hours of the Visa Application Centre are 0930 - 1630 Application forms remain available online from the UKBAs’ website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk or from the Visa Application Centre’s website: www.vfs-ukkw.com. And also, from the UK Visa Application Centre located at: 4B, First Floor, Al Banwan Building (Burgan Bank Branch Office Building), Al Qibla area, opposite Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City. For any further inquiries, please contact the Visa Application Centre: Website: www.vfs-uk-kw.com E-mail:info@vfs-uk-kw.com Telephone:22971170. The Consular Section will also be closed on the same dates.

For information on the British Embassy services, visit the British Embassy website: www.ukinkuwait.fco.gov.uk nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakel St., Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca.

Canada offers a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that Consular Officials can contact and assist Canadians in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform Canadians of a family emergency at home. The Embassy of Canada encourages all Canadian Citizens to register online through the Government of Canada Travel Website at www.voyage.gc.ca. The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides visa and immigration services to residents of Kuwait.

Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.UAE.gc.ca.

Effective January 15, 2011, the only Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application form that will be accepted by CIC is the Application for Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257] form. All previous Temporary Resident Visa application forms will no longer be accepted by CIC and instead will be returned to applicants. Should old applications be submitted prior to January 15, 2011 they will continue to be processed.

To ensure that the most recent version of the Temporary Resident Visa application form is being utilized, applicants should refer to the CIC website.

As of January 15, 2011, forms are to be filled in electronically. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. nnnnnnn

Group picture with all children.

Basketball camps a success at ESF Infunity presents summer ‘Blank Camp’

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Bibi Haajira Shaik - winner of the most improved player

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he Kuwait Basketball Academy finished the last of eight sessions on Saturday at the English School Fahaheel. For the past eight Saturdays, young basketball enthusiasts have been practicing their skills and competing in games and competitions following expert advice from Chris Horrocks. Horrocks a former professional player with experience in the US and Europe and ex tensive coaching experience, established the Ac a demy to p rovi de b asket b al l oppor tunities for young people in Kuwait.

“The camps cater for boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years old” Horrocks said.

Naif Abdel Hamid - winner of the most valuable player The main focus is on developing skills and having a lot of fun playing the game. All of the participants on this last set of camps worked very hard and showed a marked improvement in their skill level and knowledge of the game.

The camps were concluded with an award ceremony in which several children received prizes for winning competitions. The Hot Shot winners were Ziad A b del Hamid, Joan a Bir lan , Andrew Brown and Abdullah Fahad Al Dabbous. The 1 v 1 winners were M ohammed Al Kurdi, M ohammed H asan, Bibi Haaj ir a S h aik an d Abdullah Fahad Al Dabbous. The Best

Ziad Abdel Hamid - winner of the best defensive player Defensive Player was awarded to Naif M oh ammed Al Haj r y, th e M os t Improved Player was given to Bibi Haajira Shaik and Ziad Abdel Hamid won the Most Valuable Player award.

N o player lef t empt y h a nd e d though, as all participants were given a t shirt, player evaluation form and DVD of their shooting technique, shooting tuition and game play. The Basketball Academy will be running more camps starting in October with an older and younger age category.

Additionally, more intensive camps in line with US basketball camps are planned for the school holidays in the next academic year.

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.

EMBASSY OF GERMANY The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kuwait wishes to announce that as of 1 May 2011, the external service provider Al Qabas Assurex is operating a Visa Application Centre in support of the German Embassy. Short-term visa applications for travels to Germany (e.g. for tourism, visits, business) are to be submitted to the service provider Al Qabas who for your convenience will ensure that all relevant documents are included in your application. Your personal appearance at the Application Centre is not required. Address of the Visa Application Centre: Al Qabas Assurex Sanabel Tower (Al-Babtain) Mezzanine (M3) opposite Sharq Mall Kuwait 22924444 Fax: 22924442 Further information are available on the following websites: www.kuwait.diplo.de www.qavisa.com nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to request all Kenyans resident in or training through Kuwait to register with the Embassy. We are updating our database. This information is necessary in order to facilitate quick assistance and advise in times of emergency. Kindly visit in person or register through our website www.kenyaembkuwait.com. The Embassy is located in: Surra Area - Block 6 - Street 9 Villa 3 Tel: 25353362 - 25353314; Fax: 25353316. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has moved its office to Mishref. Block 3, Street 7, House 4. For enquires please call 25379541. Fax25387719. Email- nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or nigeriankuwait@yahoo.co.uk nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF PERU With the growing interest shown by Kuwaiti citizens and/or foreign residents in Kuwait for going for vacation and tourism to Peru and/or with the purpose of doing business over there, The Embassy of Peru in Kuwait did the effort and obtained as a temporary and immediate solution - till the opening of the consular section of Diplomatic Mission of Peru in Kuwait City - that the consular section of the Embassy of Peru in Qatar will attend those requests of granting such visas. Working hours: 9 am till 2 pm or call +974-4491-5944, Fax: +974-4491-5940 E-mail: info@peruembassy.com.qa

E E t e w in o M

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

TV PROGRAMS

00:45 Cats 101 01:40 Untamed And Uncut 02:35 Life Of Mammals 03:30 Last Chance Highway 04:25 Into The Lion’s Den 05:20 Animal Cops Phoenix 06:10 Dogs 101 07:00 Meerkat Manor 07:25 The Really Wild Show 07:50 Jeff Corwin Unleashed 08:15 Natural Born Hunters 08:40 Breed All About It 09:10 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 10:05 Cats 101 11:00 Animal Cops Houston 11:55 SSPCA: On The Wildside 12:20 Wildlife SOS 12:50 Last Chance Highway 13:45 Animal Cops Phoenix 14:40 Great Savannah Race 15:30 Echo And The Elephants Of Amboseli 16:00 The Really Wild Show 16:30 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 17:25 Extraordinary Dogs 17:50 Project Puppy 18:20 Breed All About It 18:45 Planet Wild 19:15 Chimps: A Whisper Away From Us 20:10 Cats 101 21:05 Austin Stevens Adventures 22:00 Speed Of Life 22:55 Buggin’ With Ruud 23:50 Chimps: A Whisper Away From Us

00:00 00:30 01:15 02:10 03:00 03:30 04:00 04:35 04:55 05:15 05:40 05:55 06:15 06:35 07:00 07:20 07:40 08:05 08:20 08:40 09:00 09:25 09:40 10:40 11:25 12:15 12:45 13:15 14:10 15:40 16:30 17:15 17:45 18:15 19:10 20:00 20:45 21:15 21:45 22:40 23:30

Last Of The Summer Wine The Weakest Link Holby City Moses Jones Eastenders Doctors Last Of The Summer Wine Fimbles Balamory Teletubbies Gigglebiz Fimbles Balamory Teletubbies Fimbles Balamory Teletubbies Gigglebiz Fimbles Balamory Teletubbies Gigglebiz Last Of The Summer Wine The Weakest Link Sahara Doctors Eastenders Holby City Last Of The Summer Wine Sahara The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Holby City Sahara The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Casualty Desperate Romantics Beautiful People

00:00 Cash In The Attic USA 00:45 Come Dine With Me 01:30 The Home Show 02:20 Cash In The Attic USA 04:05 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 05:00 Daily Cooks Challenge 08:40 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 09:30 Antiques Roadshow 10:20 Cash In The Attic USA 12:05 New Scandinavian Cooking

12:55 Antiques Roadshow 13:45 Cash In The Attic 14:30 Bargain Hunt 15:15 Come Dine With Me 16:05 Cash In The Attic USA 17:45 Indian Food Made Easy 18:10 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 18:35 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 19:00 Antiques Roadshow 19:50 Cash In The Attic 20:35 Bargain Hunt 21:20 Come Dine With Me 22:10 The Home Show 23:00 Design Star

00:00 00:30 00:45 01:00 01:30 01:45 02:00 02:30 02:45 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:30 05:45 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 07:45 08:30 08:45 09:30 09:45 10:00 10:30 10:45 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 12:45 13:00 13:30 13:45 14:00 15:00 15:30 15:45 16:00 17:30 17:45 18:00

BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News America Asia Business Report Asia Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Asia Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Asia Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Asia Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Asia Today BBC World News Hardtalk BBC World News World Business Report BBC World News World Business Report BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News Hardtalk BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today GMT With George Alagiah BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today Impact With Mishal Husain World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News

00:00 00:30 01:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 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

Backstory World Sport World Report World Business Today Piers Morgan Tonight Anderson Cooper 360 World Sport Inside Africa World Report Backstory World Report World Sport Revealed World Business Today World One World Sport Talk Asia Piers Morgan Tonight News Stream World Business Today International Desk The Brief World Sport Prism International Desk Revealed Quest Means Business Piers Morgan Tonight Connect The World

00:00 Julian and Camilla’s World Odyssey 01:00 Think Green 02:00 Journey Into Wine-Spain & Portugal 02:30 Cruise Today 03:00 Working Holiday 04:00 Globe Trekker 05:00 Julian and Camilla’s World Odyssey 06:00 Cruise Today 06:30 Distant Shores 07:00 Globe Trekker 08:00 Megalopolis 09:00 Working Holiday 10:00 Julian and Camilla’s World Odyssey 11:00 Travel Today 11:30 Riding Route 66 12:00 Globe Trekker 13:00 Distant Shores 13:30 Sophie Grigson In The Orient 14:00 Destination Art 14:30 Megalopolis 15:30 48 Hours In

00:05 Cow And Chicken 00:30 Cramp Twins 00:55 George Of The Jungle 01:20 Courage The Cowardly Dog 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 Star Wars: The Clone Wars 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

SHANGHAI KNIGHTS ON OSN ACTION HD

00:40 Dirty Jobs 01:35 The Next Great Baker 02:30 Ultimate Survival 03:25 Ultimate Car Build-Off 04:20 Mythbusters 05:15 How It’s Made 05:40 How Machines Work 06:05 Dirty Jobs 07:00 Ultimate Car Build-Off 07:50 American Chopper: Senior vs Junior 08:45 How It’s Made 09:10 Mythbusters 10:05 Cake Boss 10:30 Border Security 10:55 Time Warp 11:25 The Next Great Baker 12:20 LA Ink 13:15 Ultimate Survival 14:10 LA Ink 15:05 Dirty Jobs 16:00 Ultimate Car Build-Off 16:55 Mythbusters 17:50 Extreme Fishing 18:45 Cake Boss 19:10 Border Security 19:40 Time Warp 20:05 How Machines Work 20:35 How It’s Made 21:00 Science Of The Movies 21:55 Mythbusters 22:50 The Future Of...

23:45 Extreme Fishing

00:30 The Gadget Show 00:55 Mega World 01:45 Inside The Space Shuttle 02:35 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 03:25 How Stuff’s Made 03:50 Thunder Races 04:45 Science Of The Movies 05:40 One Step Beyond 06:10 Superships 07:00 Catch It Keep It 07:55 Head Rush 07:58 Sci-Fi Science 08:25 Weird Connections 08:55 Cosmic Collisions 09:45 The Gadget Show 10:35 Engineered 11:25 Mean Green Machines 11:50 Catch It Keep It 12:40 One Step Beyond 13:05 Sci-Fi Science 13:55 Space Pioneer 14:45 Mega World 15:35 The Gadget Show 16:00 Head Rush 16:03 Sci-Fi Science 16:30 Weird Connections 17:00 Brainiac 17:50 Sci-Fi Saved My Life 18:40 How It’s Made 19:30 How Stuff Works 20:20 Sci-Fi Science 20:45 Cool Stuff And How It Works 21:10 The Gadget Show 22:00 How It’s Made

00:05 Unwrapped 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 00:55 Guy’s Big Bite 01:45 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 02:35 Food Network Challenge 03:25 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 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 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 10:20 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 10:45 Boy Meets Grill 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 17:25 Good Deal With Dave Lieberman 17:50 Ten Dollar Dinners 18:15 Paula’s Party

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 08:10 08:20 08:30 08:45 09:10 09:20 09:30 09:55 10:05 10:25 11:15 11:35 12:00 12:10 12:35 13:00 13:25 13:40 14:15 14:25

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 Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction 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 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Jungle Junction The Hive Little Einsteins

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 20:50 21:10 21:20 21:30 21:55 22:20 22:35 22:45 23:00 23:20 23:30

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 Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Hive Handy Manny The Little Mermaid Little Einsteins Handy Manny The Hive Jungle Junction The Little Mermaid Timmy Time Jo Jo’s Circus

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 Kid vs Kat 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 Kid vs Kat 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 17:15 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 Phineas And Ferb 22:00 The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody 22:20 The Super Hero Squad Show 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am

DANCE FLICK ON OSN MOVIES HD 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 Jones 21:10 22:00 23:40

00:30 01:30 02:30 03:30 04:00 04:30 05:30 06:30 07:30 08:30 Kendra 09:30 Style Star 10:30 E!es 11:00 THS 11:30 25 Most Stylish 12:30 Sexiest 13:30 Extreme Hollywood 14:30 40 Smokin’ On Set Hookups 15:30 Behind The Scenes 16:00 E! News Kourtney And Kim Take New 16:30 17:00 THS 17:30 E! News 18:30 Holly’s World 19:30 Kourtney And Kim Take New 20:30

00:25 00:55 01:25 02:20 03:15 04:10 05:05 06:00 07:50 08:20 09:15 York 10:15 12:05 13:05 14:05 York 14:35 E!es 15:30 THS 16:25 Behind The Scenes 16:55 E!es 17:55 E! News 18:55 Khloe And Lamar 19:55 E!es 20:55 Chelsea Lately 21:25 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 22:25 E! News 23:25 Chelsea Lately 23:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

00:15 00:40 01:30 02:20 03:10 04:00 04:50 05:40 06:30 2008 08:00 08:25 09:15 10:55 11:45 12:35 13:25 14:15 15:05 15:55 16:45 17:10 18:00 19:40 20:30 21:20 22:10 23:00 23:50

Untracked BMX Megatour World Combat League Untracked Aiya TV Final Fu BMX Megatour World Combat League FIA European Drag Racing

00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:50 04:45 05:15 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:30 10:20 11:10 12:00 Jones 12:50 13:40 14:30 15:20 16:10 17:00

The Haunted Psychic Witness Deadly Women The Prosecutors Dr G: Medical Examiner Amsterdam Vice The Haunted Mystery Diagnosis Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Fugitive Strike Force FBI Files True Crime With Aphrodite

Quattro Events 2009 X Games Heroes Lucas Oil Ama Motocross...

X-Traordinary Fantasy Factory Untracked BMX Megatour World Combat League X-Traordinary Fantasy Factory Quattro Events 2009 X Games Heroes Lucas Oil Ama Motocross...

BMX Megatour Untracked I’ll Do Anything World Combat League Aiya TV Untracked

Solved Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Fugitive Strike Force Forensic Detectives Murder Shift

FBI Files Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls True Crime With Aphrodite Solved I Almost Got Away With It Dr G: Medical Examiner

Don’t Tell My Mother The Frankincense Trail Banged Up Abroad Bondi Rescue Market Values Bondi Rescue Banged Up Abroad Don’t Tell My Mother The Frankincense Trail Banged Up Abroad Bondi Rescue David Rocco’s Dolce Vita Exploring The Vine Meet The Natives The Frankincense Trail Departures Banged Up Abroad The Best Job In The World Bondi Rescue David Rocco’s Dolce Vita Exploring The Vine Meet The Natives The Frankincense Trail Departures Banged Up Abroad

00:00 Wrong Turn 3: Left For Dead02:00 Friday The 13th-18 04:00 Echelon Conspiracy-PG15 06:00 Shinjuku Incident-PG15 08:00 Vertical Limit-PG15 10:15 The Truth About Charlie-PG15 12:00 Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen-PG15 14:30 Vertical Limit-PG15 16:45 Shanghai Knights-PG15 18:45 Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen-PG15 21:15 Brotherhood-PG15

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 South Park 02:00 The Cleveland Show 02:30 Weeds 03:00 Rita Rocks 03:30 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 03:30 Weeds 04:00 South Park 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Will And Grace 06:00 According To Jim 06:30 Family Biz 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Seinfeld 08:30 The New Adventures Of Old Christine 09:00 Rita Rocks 09:30 Will And Grace 10:00 According To Jim 10:30 Seinfeld 11:00 Family Biz 11:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:30 The New Adventures Of Old Christine 13:00 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 13:30 Will And Grace 14:00 According To Jim 14:30 Raising Hope 15:00 Seinfeld 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 Parks And Recreation 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 The Big C 22:30 Weeds

00:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 01:00 ATP Tennis 03:00 Futbol Mundial 03:30 NRL Full Time 04:00 European Senior Tour Highlights 05:00 Trans World Sports 06:00 Weber Cup Bowling 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 NRL Full Time 08:30 Masters Football 11:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 12:00 European Senior Tour Highlights 13:00 Golfing World 14:00 Weber Cup Bowling 00:00 All’s Faire In Love-PG 15:00 NRL Full Time 02:00 The Hudsucker Proxy-PG15 04:00 Ice Age 3: Dawn Of The 15:30 State of Origin 17:30 Futbol Mundial Dinosaurs-FAM 18:00 Live Rugby Union IRB Nations 06:00 Jack-PG15 Cup 08:00 The Invention Of Lying-PG15 10:00 Bitter Suite-PG15 12:00 He’s Just Not That Into YouPG15 03:00 Le Mans 24 Hour Race 14:15 Wag The Dog-PG 05:00 UFC Unleashed 16:00 All’s Faire In Love-PG 07:00 WWE Vintage Collection 18:00 Palo Alto-PG15 08:00 City Centre Races 20:00 Captain Ron-PG15 09:00 Full Throttle 09:30 Aquabike World 10:00 UAE National Race Day Series 11:00 Le Mans Series 01:00 Ghost-PG 11:30 Mobil 1 03:15 Last Chance Harvey-PG15 12:00 WWE NXT 05:00 Everybody’s Fine-PG15 13:00 WWE Vintage Collection 07:00 Ice Castles-PG15 14:00 Full Throttle 09:00 Iron Man 2-PG15 14:30 Le Mans Series 11:15 Mr. Deeds-PG 16:00 Le Mans 24 Hour Race 13:00 It’s A Wonderful Afterlife18:00 WWE NXT PG15 19:00 WWE SmackDown 15:00 Not The Messiah: He’s A Very 21:00 UFC Wired Naughty Boy-PG15 22:00 UFC Unleashed 17:00 Iron Man 2-PG15 23:00 UFC 131 Prelims 19:15 Dance Flick-18 21:00 The Maiden Heist-PG15 01:00 Ransom-PG15 03:00 Echelon Conspiracy-PG15 05:00 Borderland-18 07:00 Heaven’s Fall-PG15 09:00 Arlington Road-18 11:00 G.I. Joe: The Rise Of CobraPG15 13:00 The Hunt For Red OctoberPG15 15:15 Arlington Road-18 17:15 Harry Potter And The HalfBlood Prince-PG15

02:00 Dennis The Menace: Cruise Control-FAM 04:00 Mr. Magoo-PG 06:00 The Wild Thornberrys Movie 08:00 Yogi And The Invasion Of The Space Bears-FAM 10:00 Planet 51-PG 12:00 Scooby-Doo And The Reluctant Werewolf-FAM 14:00 The Wild Thornberrys Movie16:00 Dr. Dolittle 2-PG 18:00 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard-PG 20:00 Tutenstein: Clash Of The Pharaohs-PG 22:00 Scooby-Doo And The Reluctant Werewolf-FAM

00:00 Wrong Turn 3: Left For DeadPG15 02:00 Four Last Songs-PG15 04:00 First Strike-PG15 06:00 Adventures Of A Teenage Dragonslayer-PG 08:00 One Hot Summer-PG15 10:00 L’affaire Farewell-PG15 12:00 Valentine’s Day-PG15 14:15 My Son, My Son, What Have You Done?-PG15 16:00 One Hot Summer-PG15 18:00 You Again-PG15

00:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 01:00 ATP Tennis 03:00 Futbol Mundial 03:30 NRL Full Time 04:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 05:00 Trans World Sport 06:00 Weber Cup Bowling 07:00 AFL Highlights 08:00 Rugby Junior World Championship 12:00 NRL Full Time 12:30 Live State of Origin 14:30 Super Rugby Highlights 15:30 Rugby Junior World Championship 17:30 Trans World Sport 18:30 NRL Full Time 19:00 State of Origin 21:00 European Tour Weekly 21:30 Masters Football

00:00 01:00 01:55 02:25 03:20 05:10 05:35 06:05 07:00 08:00 09:00 09:55 10:50 11:50 13:45 14:15 14:45 15:40 16:35 18:25 19:25 20:20 21:15 22:10 23:05

Jerseylicious Fashion Avenue Big Boutique How Do I Look?

Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

Homes With Style Area Clean House Big Boutique Homes With Style Fashion Avenue How Do I Look?

Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

Clean House Clean House Comes Clean Mel B: It’s A Scary World Jerseylicious Ruby Giuliana & Bill Clean House Top 10 Clean House Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

How Do I Look?

Ruby

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 04:30 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Tales Of The Gun Ice Road Truckers Scots At War American Pickers Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Nostradamus Effect Tales Of The Gun Ice Road Truckers Scots At War American Pickers Pawn Stars Nostradamus Effect Tales Of The Gun Ice Road Truckers Scots At War American Pickers Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Nostradamus Effect Tales Of The Gun Ice Road Truckers Scots At War Patton 360 Nato’s Secret Armies Dead Men’s Secrets

Classifieds WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

14-6-2011 ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation with Kerala family from July 4, for decent couples or working ladies, near Ruchi Restaurant, Abbassiya.

Contact: 99487601.

(C 3440) Sharing accommodation available for Keralite family, working ladies or couples, Abbassiya.

Contact: 97769931. (C 3441) Fully furnished flat of 1 bed, hall available from June 20, 2011, to share a practicing Muslim person or family, located in Abbasiya near German Clinic. Contact: 99430379.

(C 3445) Sharing furnished accommodation available in Salmiya behind Hadi Hospital, preferred nurses, lady doctor, teacher or working in saloon. Contact: 66373409.

15-6-2011 Sharing available (bath attached) for family in a double bedroom + hall flat - Abbasiya, opp. Garden Variety Store near Asianet building.

Contact: 97213877 / 50202206.

(C 3438)

Sharing accommodation available in Salimya opposite Eddie Store for Indian bachelors.

Contact: 97947562. (C 3437) 13-6-2011 Sharing accommodation available for a Keralite bachelor near Downtown Holiday Inn, Sharq.

Contact: 99387111/ 97929183.

One fully furnished room with attached bathroom available for decent bachelor or small family. Two bedroom C-A/C flat in Fintas, near London Hospital close to Fahaheel highway.

Contact: 60020168. (C 3433) 11-6-2011 Sharing accommodation available for Indian decent Hindu or Catholic bachelors or small family with Mangalorean family two bedrooms, window A/C, opp. Rashid Hospital, Shara Amman, Salmiya. Contact: 55995437. (C 3431) 9-6-2011 Furnished 1 bed, 1 hall, flat near German Clinic Abbasiya. From end of June, Indian or Sri Lankan family.

Contact: 99430379.

(C 3427)

FOR SALE Chevrolet Optra, model 2006, silver while color, 4 cylinder, insurance up to June 2013, price KD 1300/-.

Contact: 97124858.

(C 3439) Expat family selling furniture items (sofa sets, bed sets, tables, carpets, no electronics).

Contact: 66042205.

Also see tiny.cc//lpa36 (C 3442) For sale wooden bedroom furniture (except wardrobe), wooden dining table with four chairs, all Center Point, Panasonic 42” Plasma and JVC hi-fi system with 5 DVD players, and more. All used for 1 year.

Contact: 66603401.

Toyota Corolla 2002, silver color, 100,000km, excellent condition, KD 1500.

Contact: 66729295.

(C 3435) MATRIMONIAL Tamil Muslim girl, MCA, 25 yrs from Tamil Nadu, seeks alliance from professionally qualified, Tamil Muslim boys working in Kuwait.

Contact Email:

sha_kwt@yahoo.com (C 3446) 15-6-2011 Keralite Christian Anglo Indian boy B.E, 27 yrs, 175cms, working with MNC Bangalore invites suitable proposals (caste no bar).

Contact Email: shinestoncorreya@gmail.com (C 3432) 11-6-2011

SITUATION VACANT Required live-in Filipina maid. Call: 99601906.

(C 3443) Required live-in maid, any nationality. Call: 99601906.

(C 3444) 15-6-2011 Required English speaking live -in maid / nanny.

Contact: 99824597.

(C 3436) 13-6-2011 Urgently required an experienced cook for a Kuwaiti family. Attractive salary + food & accommodation will be provided. Candidates with transferable Iqama.

Contact: 94064401.

(C 3434) 11-6-2011

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Airlines RJA JZR THY ETH UAE DHX MSR FDB GFA QTR JZR JZR THY JZR FCX JZR KAC BAW BBC KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE QTR ABY IRA ETD GFA FCX MEA JZR IRM JZR RBG KAC MSR IRC UAL RJA MSR FDB KAC

Depurture Flights on Wednesday 15/6/2011 Flt Route 642 AMMAN 267 BEIRUT 772 ISTANBUL 620 ADDIS ABABA 853 DUBAI 370 BAHRAIN 614 CAIRO 67 DUBAI 211 BAHRAIN 138 DOHA 529 ASSIUT 207 DAMASCUS 770 ISTANBUL 503 LUXOR 201 DUBAI 555 ALEXANDRIA 412 MANILA / BANGKOK 157 LONDON 45 DHAKA 206 ISLAMABAD 382 DELHI 302 MUMBAI 53 DUBAI 352 COCHIN 284 DHAKA 344 CHENNAI 362 COLOMBO 855 DUBAI 132 DOHA 125 SHARJAH 603 SHIRAZ 301 ABU DHABI 213 BAHRAIN 203 DUBAI 404 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 5066 MASHAD 561 SOHAG 3557 ALEXANDRIA 672 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 6791 MASHAD 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 640 AMMAN 621 ASSIUT 57 DUBAI 802 CAIRO

Time 0:05 0:35 1:15 1:45 2:25 2:55 3:05 3:10 3:15 3:20 3:35 3:55 4:10 5:15 5:25 6:10 6:15 6:30 6:45 7:15 7:20 7:50 7:55 8:05 8:10 8:20 8:20 8:25 9:00 9:10 9:25 9:30 9:35 10:30 10:55 11:10 11:50 12:30 12:55 13:15 13:20 13:25 13:30 13:35 13:40 13:50 14:00

SVA KAC KNE CLX QTR KAC JZR KNE SYR ETD UAE GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY KAC JZR JZR ALK KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC AIC JAI FDB JZR OMA MEA VOS MSR DHX UAE GFA QTR UAL JZR JZR MSR DLH SAI AXB JZR KLM PIA

500 552 745 792 134 546 201 701 341 303 857 215 510 777 239 127 550 481 177 227 166 502 542 618 786 774 102 674 575 572 61 787 647 402 81 618 372 859 217 136 981 135 185 612 636 441 393 539 447 215

JEDDAH DAMASCUS JEDDAH LUXEMBOURG DOHA ALEXANDRIA DAMASCUS RIYADH DAMASCUS ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH JEDDAH AMMAN SHARJAH SHARM EL SHEIKH / SOHAG SABIHA DUBAI COLOMBO / DUBAI PARIS / ROME BEIRUT CAIRO DOHA JEDDAH RIYADH NEW YORK / LONDON DUBAI CHENNAI / GOA MUMBAI DUBAI RIYADH MUSCAT BEIRUT BAGHDAD ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DUBAI CAIRO FRANKFURT LAHORE / KARACHI KOZHIKODE / COCHIN CAIRO AMSTERDAM / BAHRAIN KARACHI

14:30 14:35 14:45 14:50 15:15 15:30 15:45 16:00 16:30 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:25 17:35 17:40 17:45 17:50 18:00 18:00 18:40 18:45 18:50 18:55 19:00 19:25 19:25 19:25 19:30 19:35 20:00 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:15 20:55 21:00 21:15 21:25 21:35 22:00 22:10 22:35 22:50 23:00 23:05 23:15 23:30 23:35 23:55

Departur AXB DLH AIC PIA THY ETH UAE FDB DHX MSR QTR THY JZR JZR RJA GFA KAC BBC VOS BAW KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY KAC QTR JZR ETD GFA JZR IRA FCX MEA JZR KAC JZR KAC KAC IRM KAC RBG JZR MSR

Depurture Flights on Wednesday 15/6/2011 Flt Route 390 KOZHIKODE 637 FRANKFURT 982 AHMEDABAD / CHENNAI 206 LAHORE 773 ISTANBUL 620 BAHRAIN / ADDIS ABABA 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 371 BAHRAIN 615 CAIRO 139 DOHA 771 ISTANBUL 560 SOHAG 164 DUBAI 643 AMMAN 212 BAHRAIN 801 CAIRO 46 DHAKA 94 DUBAI / KANDAHAR 156 LONDON 545 ALEXANDRIA 54 DUBAI 177 FRANKFURT / GENEVA 671 DUBAI 117 NEW YORK 551 DAMASCUS 856 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 549 SHARM EL SHEIKH / SOHAG 133 DOHA 480 SABIHA 302 ABU DHABI 214 BAHRAIN 200 DAMASCUS 602 SHIRAZ 204 DUBAI 405 BEIRUT 776 JEDDAH 541 CAIRO 238 AMMAN 103 LONDON 501 BEIRUT 5065 MASHAD 785 JEDDAH 3558 SOHAG / ALEXANDRIA 176 DUBAI 611 CAIRO

Time 0:25 0:40 1:05 1:10 2:15 2:30 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 5:00 5:10 5:55 6:55 7:00 7:10 7:20 8:00 8:00 8:25 8:35 8:40 8:55 9:00 9:05 9:10 9:40 9:50 9:55 10:00 10:05 10:15 10:20 10:20 10:25 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:00 12:10 12:30 13:00 13:20 13:30 13:35 13:40 14:20

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

IRC RJA FDB MSR UAL KAC KNE KAC SVA KAC QTR CLX JZR JZR KNE SYR ETD UAE GFA ABY JZR JZR SVA JZR JZR ALK KAC KAC JAI FDB KAC KAC OMA MEA MSR DHX UAE GFA KAC FCX QTR KAC KAC JZR JZR UAL MSR KAC SAI

6792 641 58 622 982 673 746 617 503 773 135 792 786 538 704 342 304 858 216 128 184 266 511 204 134 228 283 361 571 62 331 351 648 403 619 373 860 218 381 102 137 301 205 502 554 981 613 415 442

MASHAD AMMAN DUBAI ASSIUT BAHRAIN DUBAI JEDDAH DOHA MEDINAH / JEDDAH RIYADH DOHA HONG KONG RIYADH CAIRO MEDINAH DAMASCUS ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH DUBAI BEIRUT RIYADH DAMASCUS BAHRAIN DUBAI / COLOMBO DHAKA COLOMBO MUMBAI DUBAI TRIVANDRUM COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN DELHI BAHRAIN DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD LUXOR ALEXANDRIA WASHINGTON DC DULLES CAIRO KUALA LUMPUR / JAKARTA LAHORE

14:25 14:30 14:35 14:40 14:45 15:10 15:30 15:35 15:45 16:05 16:15 16:20 16:35 16:40 16:45 17:30 17:35 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:25 18:30 18:35 18:55 19:10 19:10 20:00 20:20 20:35 20:40 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:55 22:00 22:25 22:30 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:05 23:10 23:40 23:50 23:50 23:59

34

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

s ta rs CROSSWORD 349

CALVIN & HOBBES

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) This is a time of good fortune when things open up in a very natural way for you. Opportunities are plenty and you may find yourself wanting and able to do almost anything. This is a time during which circumstances bend to your will and things have a way of working out smoothly. Here are real opportunities to complete and work out difficulties and projects that require both long-term effort and a high degree of discipline. This is a very good day for job-related events. You could represent or speak for your company at this time. Any personal matters you want to accomplish or business matters that need tending will also have positive results. Tonight would be a good time to pal around with some of your friends—maybe a sports type of game.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. The fleshy part of the human body that you sit on.

5. Greek mythology.

10. A benevolent aspect of Devi.

13. An elaborate song for solo voice.

14. A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people.

15. A local computer network for communication between computers.

16. A period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday.

17. Person who does no work.

18. (British) Your grandmother.

19. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle where driver sits.

21. A member of the Caddo people who formerly lived in the Dakotas west of the Missouri river.

23. In bed.

25. The granite-like rocks that form the outermost layer of the earth's crust.

26. A blind god.

29. A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite.

33. A colorless and odorless inert gas.

34. (Old Testament) The second patriarch.

38. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

39. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily.

40. A gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number).

42. A federal agency established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products.

44. Made of or resembling lace.

46. A decree that prohibits something.

47. An informal term for a father.

51. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central America.

53. A scholar who specializes in Arab languages and culture.

56. (of complexion) Blemished by imperfections of the skin.

60. Big-eyed scad.

61. An officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer.

64. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

65. Being one more than two.

66. A port city in southwestern Iran.

68. God of the underworld.

69. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods.

70. West Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers and yielding a durable timber and resinous juice.

71. The residue that remains when something is burned.

DOWN 1. A fine grained mineral having a soft soapy feel and consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate.

2. The chief solid component of mammalian urine.

3. In the Arabian Nights a hero who tells of the fantastic adventures he had in his voyages.

4. Headdress that protects the head from bad weather.

5. Submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers.

6. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders.

7. East Indian tree bearing a profusion of intense vermilion velvet-textured blooms and yielding a yellow dye.

8. Small genus of dioecious tropical aquatic plants.

9. In or belonging to the air or operating (for or by means of aircraft or elevated cables) in the air.

10. The inner and longer of the two bones of the human forearm.

11. A flat-bottomed volcanic crater that was formed by an explosion.

12. A former copper coin of Pakistan.

20. A Mid-Atlantic state.

22. Being ten more than one hundred forty.

24. Soft creamy white cheese.

27. Toward the mouth or oral region.

28. The syllable naming the fourth (subdominant) note of the diatonic scale in solmization.

30. A metrical unit with unstressed-stressed syllables.

31. Fallow deer.

32. A port city in northwestern Algeria and the country's 2nd largest city.

35. A metallic element having four allotropic forms.

36. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

37. A boy or man.

41. Type genus of the Lycaenidae.

43. A port city in southwestern Turkey on the Gulf of Antalya.

44. A highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series).

45. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

48. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

49. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (1902-1984).

50. A very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms.

52. A radioactive element of the actinide series.

54. One of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse.

55. An official language of the Republic of South Africa.

56. A very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms.

57. A quantity of no importance.

58. Armor plate that protects the chest.

59. Distinctive and stylish elegance.

62. An agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank.

63. A light touch or stroke.

64. A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite.

67. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group.

Yesterday’s Solution

You are in control of your day, especially when interacting with superiors. You may find that you enjoy your job or the responsibility it requires more than usual. It is ideas that count for you now, more than narrowly personal concerns. You are at your most practical when it comes to dealing and working with others. You know just what to do and can act without haste. Your ideal dream is a private one and heaven is as close as work and family. The romantic in you struggles against the frontier spirit that often moves you to action. You will continue to develop a knack for organizing things and people as a sense of ambition and practicality deepens. Work, achievement and ambition mean a lot to you now—project yourself.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Your dreams and ideals are very important to you. You may be more focused on your goals now than ever before. You busy yourself putting those plans of yours to work. You will notice that you have become more focused in your work lately. This afternoon, when you show up early for a family gettogether, they may be surprised as well as pleased that you broke free from your projects in order to be with them. You are intuitively learning your limits as well as implementing a balance in your life. There is time this evening for making a few special plans that will help you complete one or two of your goals. You may find yourself putting your whole heart into making your dreams and ideals a reality. Much can be accomplished without stress.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

Saying or writing with style comes natural to you these days. New words to increase your vocabulary expertise can be a fun activity between you and a friend or co-worker. Your ability to discriminate real breakthroughs and spot new trends makes you able to work in areas that are at the very fringe of technology as well as psychology. You love all that is new and different and things concerning electronics, computers, communication—in fact, everything electrical is where your attention stays focused most of this day. There is a desire for variety this evening, particularly where it applies to romantic experience and artistic tastes. A sociable, congenial, slightly frivolous orientation sets in now. You will enjoy the interaction of friends tonight.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

ZITS

Your career could assume a much more determined and solid form.

This is a real time to buckle down and firm up your career goals.

Your own ambition and drive are strong at this time. You are able to use good common sense and make good choices. You can get a faster push forward by taking the right kind of action; be positive and be attentive. By working at a steady pace you will make a lot of progress. This afternoon you may find yourself advising or guiding another. Your spontaneity and unpredictability make you interesting to a group gathering this evening. You are independent and the way you come across to others creates an opportunity to teach and guide. You find some time to enjoy some simple exercise before retiring tonight.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) You may find that a particular project is just not your cup of tea this morning. Arguments of an emotional kind could be easy to find.

Not every project will be the kind you want to dive into but there will be something in this one that will prove beneficial—patience. If you are a part of this project, another undertaking that you will really want to become involved with will be coming your way soon. A good sport attitude may be all-important for now. Outwardly you are intense and passionate and this quality is so essential to your character that all else revolves around it. This is what makes you popular when your work or personal partners want to move forward and get things accomplished. Your lifestyle may be just where you want it for now—enjoy.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

You are in tune with the practical issues in the workplace today. A firm sense of direction will help get you to your destination. This is a great time to be working in groups. You may be sought after as a guide or leader. You could be most persuasive with others and charismatic in speech and communication. You could come up with new solutions or inventions and it is good that you are willing to listen to the ideas of others. It is ideas that count for you now, more than narrowly personal concerns. Family needs are important and there is no question about attending a family event this evening. Praise and support encourages a loved one to achieve their best. You are the cheerleader and the inspiration for your family and friends.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Be satisfied with the ordinary and usual for now. Novel ideas or insights could be more damaging than useful. There is hectic emotional energy prevailing, but it is only temporary. After the workday is over, you could be tempted to relieve stress by purchasing some items. There is a greater appreciation for things of value and the idea of value itself is in order. This could be a period of great material gain; it is certainly a time when material things have a great deal of importance for you. If you are on a budget, give yourself twenty-four hours before making your final purchase decision. You may be helpful to a friend or close relative this evening. You are able to find the real truth about a questionable situation.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Anyone who tries to get you to play with words is in for a big surprise. Your mind cuts right through all the window dressing and gets right down to the quick. Before anyone knows it, you have the heart of the matter out front for everyone to see. You would make a great investigator, either in scientific research or undercover work. It makes no difference. Your ability to get to the point is all but phenomenal. You can talk and put into words areas of the psychological that others would not touch with a ten-foot pole. You have an urge to put out to sea and to somehow get past what separates and into that which unites or ties things together. Your drive to make dreams real keeps you working for your vision and goals. Consider volunteer work this week.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Your successful optimism is obvious and therefore, catching. You see positive results from your hard work today. Family, home, relatives and real estate play a bigger part in your life at this time. Perhaps you have been planning a move and someone calls with information on just the right home for you.

You want to belong on a private, intimate and personal level. This time marks a change of direction for you, away from the material and glitter, toward inner needs and security. Your intuition is strong and can guide you accurately in making forecasts or decisions; allow this to work for you. You will find yourself more concerned with maintaining and strengthening your position, rather than pushing outward.

These next few months are for friends.

Yesterday’s Solution Aquarius (January 20- February 18) In taking care of business, it is important to stay focused. There is a sense of emotional coolness or detachment at the personal level. It is ideas that count for you now, more than narrowly personal concerns—and you may have little tolerance for people who do not operate at this level. You do not waste words today as communications tend to be short and to-the-point. Take time to be specific and ask for feedback so that you can be sure you were clear in your instructions to others. Take care of every last detail by proofing, or if possible, exchanging your work with someone else and proofing each other’s work. Develop and use your critical faculties. You are determined to complete your tasks. This evening is an excellent time to relax by music.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

Inventions, in particular in communications, computers and electronics, may be possible now. There are clear perspectives into your present reality, making situations easier to understand. There are options now to improve a love relationship. You are very tolerant and accepting of differences and have good insights into problems. Independent; you like to promote and compromise and otherwise show your desire and abilities to understand others. You may be unconventional in matters of philosophy and religion—always finding new ways to get past the fluff. You must understand, however, that your insights into truth and the eternal make you a loner at times. You seek to understand situations by finding new ways to better conditions.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

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36

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

lifestyle G O S S I P

Maguire new face of Prada menswear obey Maguire is the new face of Prada menswear. The ‘Spider-Man’ actor is seen in a number of outfits for the campaign, shot by David Sims, and he reveals he is happy to do it because he is in “admiration” of the brand’s head Miuccia Prada. He said: “A great supporter of the arts, Miuccia Prada has inspired a culture of creativity that is woven through every aspect of her company, from her collections and campaigns to every design

Schiffer casual for school run

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laudia Schiffer says you should never be “too sexy” for the school run. The German supermodel - who has three children, Caspar, eight, Clementine, six, and 13-month-old Cosima, with husband Matthew Vaughn insists style doesn’t matter too much when she goes to pick her kids up as practicality is the most important factor. She said: “You can’t be too over-dressed or too sexy on the school run. It’s about being practical and comfortable.” Although the 40-year-old beauty is still in demand as a model, she recently revealed “nothing” could persuade her to return to the catwalk again. The blonde star says she has no interest in strutting her stuff up and down runways as she doesn’t like all eyes to be on her. When asked what would get her on the catwalk again she replied: “Nothing, definitely. Nobody believes me but I’m very shy - much better in small groups of people than on a stage with everybody looking at me. I understood that I had to do it when I was a model but now, since I don’t have to do it, I’d rather not. “Designers are very clever at trying to persuade me to do it each season and it’s flattering that they do, but nothing would change my mind.”

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detail in her stores. “I have such admiration for her artistry and I’m thrilled to be a part of Prada’s fall campaign.” A spokesperson for the Italian label added the shoot was a “fitting nod to the discrete style of Hollywood fashion icons past”. A number of celebrities have signed up to front big-named fashion houses in recent months - Helena Bonham Carter is the new face of Marc Jacobs while Angelina Jolie is the latest actress to model for Louis Vuitton.

Rosie Huntington- T

he Victoria’s Secret model who is famed for her curvaceous figure - is missing British cuisine since relocating to the US and loves eating things which are “really, really bad” for her. She told Maxim magazine: “I love eating really, really bad things, like roast dinners and chocolate bread and butter pudding. “It’s my soul, England. I miss the people, the culture, the food. “I find it strange that people say English food is bad.

To me, it’s delicious. I’ve never really considered it but I was thinking the other day that maybe it’s strange to have beans on toast for breakfast.” Although the stunning 24-year-old beauty has never worried about her weight she has previously revealed she was advised to work out if she wanted to succeed in her chosen career. She said: “I can’t remember a time where I really battled with my body, but I can remember being asked to lose weight and battling with the advice. “It hurt me. Especially as my baby fat naturally melted away as I got older. “When I started out, I was definitely heavier. I was quite voluptuous in fact. I had a real baby face and baby fat. “But I was a baby! I was told I had to get into better shape, but I’m quite stubborn so I didn’t.”

Whiteley is obsessed with junk food

Osbourne had a broken foot elly Osbourne didn’t realize she had broken her foot. The ‘Fashion Police’ star has always had problems with her feet - including painful bunions and flat feet - but had no idea how bad they were until she went to the doctor. She said: “So, apparently, I’ve been walking around on a broken foot for weeks without realizing something was wrong. My feet always hurt because of my bunions, but started to feel it in my ankle and knee and it turns out I had a couple of stress fractures.” However, Kelly refused to have surgery or a plaster cast put on it because she didn’t want to disrupt her too much although knows she can’t put it off forever. She wrote in her column for Closer magazine: “I didn’t want a plaster cast because I can’t take it off for work or shower properly, so I have a special boot thing to wear - I don’t know how long for, I have to get it checked every couple of weeks. To get surgery on it, I’d have to block out four months for the recovery period and I can’t do that. It really hurts, but I’m used to it now and use ice and ibuprofen to keep on top of it. I can’t put surgery off forever, though!”

Stallone inducted into Boxing Hall of Fame ylvester Stallone has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The American actor - who is not a professional boxer - was honored for the contribution to the sport his ‘Rocky’ films, which see him play a small-time fighter who gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship, have made. Sylvester told the New York ceremony: “I never pretended to be a boxer, but I have an understanding of what goes on outside the ring.” The 64-year-old actor has starred in six ‘Rocky’ movies - the first of which was released in 1976 and saw Sylvester pick up an Oscar for his performance - culminating in 2006 movie ‘Rocky Balboa’. Mike Tyson was also inducted into the New York-based hall of fame, which features boxing legends Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and Sugar Ray Robinson. But Sylvester has recently moved away from the ring and has turned his hand to fashion designing. He is set to create his own men’s lifestyle brand entitled Sly Inc. which will feature jeans, shirts, outwear and activewear, targeting men between 25 and 40 years old - due to be launched next year. He previously said: “I thought the time is now. I’ve lived a life where I know what has worked and what hasn’t worked.

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Bean stabbed in the arm ean Bean has been “stabbed” in the arm. The 52-year-old actor was in Camden, north London, when the incident happened on Saturday, and is thought to have occurred after a scuffle with another man about glamour model April Summers. The ‘Silent Hill’ star was at the Hill Bar and Brasserie smoking outside when a passerby began making comments about April - real name Nadia Foster and Sean followed the man down the road to challenge him. Later when Sean went out for another cigarette, the man returned and stabbed him in the arm with what is believed to be a broken glass, and also punched him in the face. However, he refused hospital treatment and returned to the bar afterwards. A source at the bar told the Daily Mail newspaper: “Sean is a regular here and we’ve never had any problems before. He was with a very attractive woman and an incident occurred outside the bar. “He came in with a cut on his arm and bruise on his eyebrow. We saw to his injuries with a first aid kit. He seemed OK and wanted to have another drink.” It is not known if April - who is 30 years younger than Sean - is his new girlfriend, following his split from his fourth wife Georgina Sutcliffe in December 2010 after two years of marriage.

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Spelling involved in a car crash ori Spelling has been involved in a car crash. The pregnant star - who is currently expecting her third child with husband Dean McDermott - revealed she was involved in a “pretty big accident” after a member of the paparazzi chased her vehicle while she was taking children Liam, four, and Stella, two, to school. Writing on her twitter page, she said: “Paparazzi chased me w/the kids 2school. I was trying to get away from him and had a pretty big accident. Took down whole wall of school. He thn STILL

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got out to try to get pics.(sic)” While a number of fellow mothers eventually chased the photographer away, Tori immediately went to the doctors to check on the health of her unborn baby. She added: “10 school moms chased him away. Wht will it take? Someone dying for paparazzi to stop? Going to dr now to check on baby. I think its just shock.(sic).” Tori - the daughter of late TV and film producer Aaron Spelling - recently admitted while she already has her “perfect family”, she is always keen to add to her brood.

Fergie struggles with diet discipline

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ergie struggles to have the “discipline” to eat healthily all the time. The Black Eyed Peas singer gets all her food and drinks delivered to the home she shares with husband Josh Duhamel but can’t resist tucking into her favorite junk foods whenever she has the opportunity. She said: “I have a meal-delivery service; Diet Designs. They’re amazing-they’ll have butter lettuce and avocado and pink grapefruit.

They do butternut-squash enchiladas, which are really good. I also get these pressed juices delivered to my house, so I get all these different and wonderful vegetables. My problem is my discipline. I see a Jack in the Box or a Del Taco, and I will impulsively want it. I’m a work in progress in that area.” The 36-year-old star maintains her figure with strenuous work outs - but admits she has to wear two sports bras in order to keep her assets under control. She told Allure magazine: “I do cardio and resistance training. I’m getting more into jump rope now.” Explaining her double underwear trick, she added: “For your shoulders, if you have breasts. There’s a lot of...waving.”

The ‘My Humps’ hitmaker also revealed she has learned to appreciate her “unique” nose, and no longer resents the fact it is less-than-perfect. She added: “I’ve learned to love my nose because it’s unique. It’s interesting, and it just makes me a little different.” —Bang Showbiz

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37

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

lifestyle Music & Movies

he bits of molded cane and metal on the Cape Town factory floor are destined to be stars: majestic horses that flick their tails, rear up and gallop with astonishing life-like ease. The partshollow legs, heads and chesty frames-are future giant puppets created for the hit British play “War Horse”, which has taken both the West End and Broadway by storm. The World War I drama scooped up six Tony awards in New York on Sunday, including best play and a special Tony for its South African creators.”We used to cry pretty well every performance,” said Basil Jones, co-founder of Cape Town’s Handspring Puppet Company, whose horses measure more than two meters (seven feet).

“It’s astonishing. It’s amazing to see how at interval the entire house feels like it’s weeping.”

The story tells of a boy’s horse shipped to France in World War I and his owner’s search for him. The main characters, Joey and Topthorn-each fluidly operated by a trio of puppeteers with two inside their giant frames and one at the head-have spellbound and stirred audiences since opening in London in 2007. “I think we wouldn’t be in this business if we didn’t believe that puppets had the power to do that. But War Horse has been the show that’s proved it strongest,” said Jones’s partner Adrian Kohler.

After turning to adult puppetry in 1985, Handspring is no stranger to global acclaim, and has joined forces with South African artist William Kentridge in productions like “Woyzeck on the Highveld” and “Faustus in Africa”. But with the success of War Horse, activities in their workshop are

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overwhelmingly equine: a hovering Topthorn unfinished skeleton, fiddly wire work on massive heads, and giant resin eyeballs under brushstrokes. “It was a really, really good feeling to see them in action. I was very proud,” said head puppet engineer Jessica Mias-Jones, who saw the show in London.

“You can’t really imagine it until you see it. It’s quite something. Seeing it standing around in the factory is nothing, but seeing it onstage is really incredible because it really is alive.” The company was approached after their play “Tall Horse” starred a giant giraffe operated by traditional Malian puppeteers on stilts. But the horses not only had to mirror their real-life counterparts with heaving flanks and ear-wiggling abilities, they also had to support human riders-a first-time challenge for the 30-yearold company.” From our point of view, the movement of the puppet is absolutely the most important part. The look of the figure comes almost secondary,” said Kohler.

“It’s good if the look is sculptural, but primarily it’s got to move and the actors inside of it have to have the space to move and the ability to see all around. So those were starting points and they determined quite early on the nature of the materials we used.” Soaked cane rods, resilient enough to bounce back from collisions, shape the horses with a series of hinges and metal including an aluminum bridge to support the rider. “We were terrified because we just weren’t sure at all that worked, and fortunately it did and it worked very well,” said Kohler about the first carrying capacity test in front of 20 people in London.

“It was the workshop that convinced the theatre bosses that this was a project that they should greenlight because the horses were able to walk and trot and carry people.” The puppets in London have done more than 1,000 performances and travel with an extra head, four back-up legs and an instruction manual. Each set has a total of nine horses, six soldiers, two crows, two swallows and a goose. Stringently trained and even sleeping in stables, the teams of puppeteers develop instinctive skills that transform the constructions into what reviewers have called “enchantment”, “superlative puppetry” and “the stars of the show”.

Hollywood director Steven Spielberg recently

A puppet engineer fixes an eye into the head of a horse puppet.

A puppet engineer paints the head of a horse puppet.

shot the film version.” It’s a really great honor for our company,” said Jones about Sunday’s special Tony.

The Tony Awards, which are given for best Broadway achievement, are considered the theater equivalent of the Oscars.” Both the makers and the performers are part of what Handspring is and each has a totally different set of skills, but they are both of a very high order. So that’s where the award goes really-to them.”—AFP

A puppet engineer walks past an almost completed puppet horse at the Handspring Puppet Company.

—AFP photos

A woman paints the face of a soldier puppet.

Kardashians fend off credit card firm’s lawsuit he Kardashian family scored a significant legal victory on Monday, successfully fending off a $75 million lawsuit claiming that Kim, Khloe and Kourtney were to blame for the collapse of a credit card company that hired them as spokespersons. The sisters and their mother, Kris Jenner, were sued in January by Revenue Resource Group, owner of the Mobile Resource Card, which alleged they walked away from a deal to promote a branded prepaid debit card known as the “Karadashian Kard.”

The reality TV stars allegedly agreed to say nice things about the card in the press and on social networking websites in exchange for a flat fee and a percentage of revenue from customers who signed up.

But they later soured on the arrangement when the card came under fire for high fees. They terminated their deal and made disparaging comments about the card.

The company’s business collapsed so it sued in California Superior Court in Fresno, claiming $75 million in damages from this alleged breach of contract, arguing that the women not only violated a simple sponsorship deal but a joint business venture-potentially putting the Kardashian clan on the hook for the eventual failure of the company.

But the Kardashians quickly brought an antiSLAPP motion- a tactic used in California to escape lawsuits that arise out of people speaking their minds on issues of public import. That raised an interesting issue, because the Kardashians were essentially accused of breaching a contract by failing to say positive things about a credit card. Does that mean the lawsuit is a standard breach-of-contract case (not subject to anti-SLAPP motions) or is it based on the

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KUWAIT: Award-winning Kuwaiti filmmaker Walid Al Awadi and his production company, C Sky Pictures, have signed a three year development deal with twofour54 Abu Dhabi. The venture, called C Sky Abu Dhabi, will develop and produce a number of Arabic TV and film projects. This is a significant step for the TV and film industry. With a population of more than 340 million people bound by a common language, a youthful demographic where 60% are under the age of 25 and limited content in Arabic, the development of a vibrant media industry in the Middle East and North Africa region will increase opportunities for western media companies and Arabic producers.

Speaking about the deal, Walid Al Awadi, Head of C Sky Pictures said, “This is a very exciting agreement which will add significantly to the amount of high quality, locally produced content for the Middle East and North Africa markets. We have very ambitious plans and will be offering audiences in the region superior quality, engaging content which looks to bridge the gap in cultural knowledge and understanding that exists between the Arab world and the western media productions.”

“Being at twofour54 means C Sky Abu Dhabi has access to the growing creative community as well as proximity to the support industry required to produce great content,” added Al Awadi. “We expect to have a major impact on the region’s growing TV and film production industry and want to support and invest in the talent that clearly exists within the region.”

Commenting on behalf of twofour54, Wayne Borg, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer, twofour54 said, “Walid Al Awadi and C Sky Pictures have established a reputation for delivering high quality, engaging content that resonates with regional audiences, which aligns with twofour54’s aims. Productions like Tora Bora add to our efforts to position Abu Dhabi as a regional centre for Arabic content and to highlight the regional opportunities that exist for international media companies.”

“This agreement also reinforces our commitment to support the Arabic creative and production community by providing job and talent development opportunities for Arabs from across the Middle East and North Africa.”

ladies’ exercise of their First Amendment free speech rights (which would allow the judge to dismiss the case)?

Judge Jeffrey Hamilton chose the latter: “We do not have a mere breach of contract action here, seeking recovery from the Kardashians of the contract damages for their breach of same,” Hamilton wrote.

“Instead, we have an attempt to also charge the defendants with loss of all other business unrelated to them, specifically tied to defendants’ exercise of free speech.”

The judge also found that the credit card company likely can’t prove that the Kardashians ruined its business. “Plaintiff alleges that is (sic) was the publicity that killed off its business and ran off other potential celebrity clients,” the judgment states. “But it was not merely the Kardashian termination letter that did it-it was the onslaught of negative coverage before and after their statement about the fees and charges associated with the card. In other words, the product’s features themselves caused the problem once they became clearer to the public.” The judge has granted the anti-SLAPP motion, essentially dismissing the case. And he awarded the Kardashians $6,825 in attorney’s fees. The credit card company’s lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. —Reuters File photo shows Kourtney Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian and Kim Kardashian pose for a photo backstage with the award for favorite TV guilty pleasure for ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ at the People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles. — AP

ung Fu Panda 2” shot to the top of the UK box office charts over the weekend with one of the biggest opening takes of the year, according to Screen International yesterday.

Voiced by Jack Black, Po the Dragon Warrior panda took 6.18 million pounds ($10.13 million) to knock the X-Men off top spot.

Boozy comedy “The Hangover Part II,” stayed in second place with “X-Men: First Class,” down at three. Johnny Depp blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” slipped a place to fourth, just above teen dance movie “Honey 2” which came in at five.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2” was down two at six while Formula One biopic “Senna” slipped one spot to seven. Indian comedy “Ready” was also down one, at eight, with horror movie “Mother’s Day” making its debut at nine and the animated macaws of “Rio” down two at 10.—Reuters

“K

Stevie Wonder performs during the Apollo Theater’s annual spring gala honoring Stevie Wonder in New York on Monday. — AP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

lifestyle

Art market

F E A T U R E S

buzzes ahead of Basel, London sales

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illions of dollars of art will be on show in Basel at the annual fair this week and in London ahead of a big series of sales, with experts cautiously optimistic that buyers are set to snap up rare treasures. Art Basel, described as the world’s top fair for modern and contemporary works, opens on Wednesday with 300 galleries displaying works with a combined total worth of around $1.75 billion, according to specialist insurer Hiscox. “We didn’t do a calculation last year, but my guess is that this year is up about 15 percent (on 2010),” said Hiscox fine art specialist Robert Read.

He added that the mood in the market was generally confident, with the sharp contraction in global sales in 2009 already a fading memory. “I think we’re further away

from the bad news,” he told Reuters. “People forget things so quickly. Buying art is fun and sexy, and people were never going to give it up forever, were they?” Once the wheeling and dealing in Basel is done by its close on June 19, the focus shifts to London where rivals Christie’s and Sotheby’s hold sales where the strength or otherwise of the market will be more visible.

Christie’s described its upcoming season as “one of the company’s richest and most exciting”, and expects to raise more than 250 million pounds ($410 million) over four weeks. The company has opened an exhibition in London this week of more than 100 works to be offered to super-rich collectors and investors, including a drawing by Michelangelo and paintings by George

Visitors look at a work of art by Shetty called “For all that we lose”.

A visitor looks at a work of art by Dan Flavin yesterday during the preview day of the Art 42 Basel fair and exhibition which will take place from today till June 19 in Basel. — AFP/AP photos the hammer on June 22. The painting is warned of the risk of an unsustainable art boom to turn to bust. It reflects a national being sold by the Leopold Museum and is rush developing. Vikram Mansharamani, a overconfidence that has been a consistent estimated to be worth up to 30 million lecturer at Yale University, recently drew ingredient in financial bubbles,” he wrote. pounds ($50 million) which would comfort- comparisons between China’s influence on “Prudent investors would take great pride ably surpass the current Schiele record of the art market and that of Japan in the late in selling at world record prices. Wanting to 1980s and early 1990s, when buyers there buy at world record prices is a spectacular $22.4 million.

A Venetian view by Francesco Guardi smashed auction records only for the reflection of hubris in action.” —Reuters has been valued at around 20 million pounds and is the highlight of the Old Masters sale on July 6. Experts said the art

Visitors look at a work of art by David Nash called “Black dome”.

A visitor passes by a work of art by Maurizio Cattelan.

Stubbs, Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso.

Also on display will be a sculpture by Dutch artist Adriaen de Vries discovered during a routine Christie’s valuation at a European castle and expected to fetch 5-8 million pounds. Christie’s starts its main sales of the season on June 21 with an impressionist and modern art evening sale.

Chinese bubble?

Sotheby’s expects its equivalent series to raise in excess of around 215 million pounds, including what it said could be a record auction price for Austrian artist Egon Schiele, whose cityscape goes under

market has yet to regain the giddy heights of the boom that preceded the 2009 slump, although Chinese art has soared in value as wealthy new buyers compete for the top lots. Recent examples include the $65 million paid last month for a work by Qi Baishi and the $69 million price tag on a Chinese vase dated from the 1740s, 40 times its estimate, at a sale in London in November.

Chinese collectors have also branched out into Western art and could be a major factor in the market over the coming month, although some analysts have

A work of art by British artist Sarah Lucas called “Cnut”.

Readers ‘jump into’ classics in publishing

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venture

eaders will be able to “jump” from a new adventure series into children’s classics “ Treasure Island” and “ The Wonder ful Wizard of Oz” in a new digital book initiative launched on Amazon’s Kindle yesterday. Written by children’s author David Gatward and targeting children aged 9-12, the “Booksurfers” series features four children-Jake, Becca, Ryan and Harrietwho are kidnapped by an arch-criminal and his evil henchwoman.

They are forced to jump “into” the classic adventure stories to steal famous fictional artefacts such as the map in Treasure Island, using a gadget called the Nautilus. Readers using the Kindle will be able to switch to the original text of the classic story in what organizers said was an original way for youngsters to experience famous old stories they often encountered only in the movie theatre.

Booksurfers was created by intellectual property development company FourteenFiftyFour Ltd, and will be available only in e-book format in the English language through Amazon worldwide. Each adventure comes bundled with the original story. “There are many fantastic stories from the past few centuries which younger audiences are only familiar with through other representations such as film,” said Zoe Watkins, creative director at FourteenFiftyFour.

“Booksurfers gives young readers an opportunity to discover and interact with classic stories in an exciting new way.” “Robin Hood” and “A Christmas Carol” will be published later this year as part of the initiative.—Reuters

A zebra is pictured in its enclosure in Berlin’s Zoo yesterday. —AFP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

lifestyle A W A R D S

Humor, satire

at Webby Awards

(From left) Amr Salama and Muhamed Diab appear onstage.

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Lisa Kudrow appears onstage at the 15th Annual Webby Awards. —AP photos

Dan Savage appears onstage.

Daniel Radcliffe appears onstage.

Martin Cooper, inventor of the cellular phone, appears onstage.

umor, online hits and social good blended at the Webby Awards-the Internet industry’s version of Hollywood’s Oscars.

Addictive game “Angry Birds” along with the inventor of the mobile phone were among those honored late Monday at a ceremony known for testing winners’ creativity by limiting acceptance speeches to five words. “Sometimes, geeks can be chic,” Vogue magazine editor-inchief Anna Wintour said after actor Daniel Radcliffe of “Harry Potter” film fame presented her with a Webby for best fashion website.

IBM computer “Watson,” renowned for beating top human players on television trivia game show “Jeopardy!,” was named “person of the year” at the 15th annual Webby Awards. “Person of the year, ironic,” a computerized voice speaking for the machine said while receiving a Webby from show host actress Lisa Kudrow, who suggest-

Angry Birds creator Peter Vesterbacka appears onstage. ed the machine jazz up its image by dating an iPad. “That was clever,” Kudrow retorted. “You’re quite the word processor.” At more serious moments, awards paid tribute to Egyptian protesters who used Twitter and Facebook in a bold uprising to oust Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak and an Ushahidi service launched to map violence that followed a 2008 election in Kenya.

“Injustice, oppression, social media equals revolution,” Egyptian filmmaker Mohamed Diab said in accepting a Webby dedicated to his people. Chris Anderson, curator of prestigious TED gatherings devoted to making the world a better place, presented a Webby to a Kenya-born

Model Anneka Tanaka-Svenska wears an elaborate hat on the first day of the annual Royal Ascot horse racing event near Windsor, Berkshire, west of London, yesterday.

The hat was created by milliner Louis Mariette to celebrate Royal Ascot’s 300th anniversary and was inspired by Queen Anne who officially opened Ascot in 1711. The five-day meeting is one of the highlights of the horse racing calendar. — AFP

Ushahidi.com platform for using the Internet to share stories in brutal situations.”Our voices revolutionize the world,” said Ushahidi cofounder David Kobia. Bargain-finding service Groupon won a Webby for “Breakout of the Year,” and explained the company’s name was short for “group” and “coupon.”

Playful snippets from Webby winners included “I never touched the maid” and “Wait, there’s no cash prize?”Pandora radio welcomed its Webby with “Better than an IPO, almost.” The California-based Internet radio service has filed plans with US regulators for an initial public offering of stock. Kudrow jokingly likened the rapid fire, terse nature of the ceremony to the Chatroulette website known for randomly pairing people for video chats.

The show streamed live online at YouTube and Facebook finished with a Webby presented to Rovio for globally popular mobile game “Angry Birds.” Rovio chief executive Peter Vesterbacka cavorted in dressed like one of the green pigs whose egg-stealing makes them targets for birds in the game. The Angry Birds iPhone application from Finland’s Rovio was named best mobile game. Angry Birds was also named the winner of the People’s Voice award determined in an online vote. Other Webby winners included teen pop star Justin Bieber, in a comedy category, Arcade Fire for “The Wilderness Downtown” video and The New York Times, which picked up awards in the how-to, travel and mobile categories.

Comedy website Funny or Die scooped up eight awards. Actor Zach Galifianakis was among the winners for his mock talk show “Between Two Ferns.” Former “Friends” star Kudrow picked up a Webby for “Web Therapy.” Social news iPad application Flipboard won awards in the news and social categories and check-in application Foursquare was tapped for best use of GPS and location technology.

The advertising agency Wieden + Kennedy scored a Webby for its popular video campaign starring Isaiah Mustafa as the “Old Spice Guy” and was also named Agency of the Year. The Webby Awards honor excellence in website design, interactive advertising, film and video, mobile and applications in various categories. The awards are bestowed by the New York-based International Academy of Digital Ar ts and Sciences.

People’s Voice winners are selected by online voting at webby.aol.com and Webby Awards by judges including cooking guru Martha Stewart, Twitter co-founder Biz Stone and Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post. — AFP

Anna Wintour appears onstage.

Antoine Dodson, center, performs with The Gregory Brothers at the 15th Annual Webby Awards in New York, Monday.

Humor, satire at Webby Awards

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

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razil Monday kicked off its Sao Paulo Fashion Week-the most important catwalk parades in South America-amid concerns voiced by some designers that garment quality was lagging behind their world-class ambitions. Cheaper and better-made Chinese textiles, below-par training for fashion students, insufficient numbers of skilled employees, high taxes and a competitive deluge of wannabe designers were all weighing down the sector, they said. On its sultry surface, however, the event-known as SPFW-is still parading forth with all the confidence Brazil exudes as the most glamorous and prosperous of emerging economies.

Several international top models are taking part, though unusually this time Brazil’s most famous export, Gisele Bundchen, the world’s highest-paid model, was not. Instead, lenses are to be focused on a male celebrity on the catwalk: Ashton Kutcher, the 33-year-old American former-model-turned-actor who will play clothes-horse Wednesday before taking up the starring role in the US sit-com “Two and a Half Men”, replacing the erratic but memorable Charlie Sheen.

Kutcher, and of course Brazil’s leggy beauties in swimwear, guarantee an international media splash for SPFW. But as the event clocks up its 15th year in existence, there is a feeling that it continues to trail too far behind the better-known shows of Paris, Milan, London and New York-and that Brazil is not being taken seriously as a global fashion player. “Textile engineering has to progress in Brazil. To be more competitive, we need better material and technology in this country,” one of the designers taking part, Reinaldo Lourenco, told the Folha de Sao Paulo daily.

Lorenzo Merlino, a stylist who has ceased participating in SPFW, said: “We’re not even close to China, which is selling products with sophisticated fabrics at laughable prices. We’re not going to have factories like that any time soon.” Alexandre Herchcovitch, whose latest women’s collection was shown yesterday, bemoaned to the newspaper that “everybody wants to be a stylist, and there’s not enough room for so many people.” He also stressed a common refrain that “we have poor qualifications in sewing and design.”

The Brazilian designers were responding to questions about the biggest challenges facing their national industry, in reaction to this edition of SPFW adopting the theme “Futures.” For all the criticism, though, the organizers of SPFW retained great optimism about fashion in Brazil-if only because there seems to be a limit-

less appetite for luxury as Latin America’s biggest economy gains in sophistication and wealth.

Certainly, many well-heeled consumers are turning to elite European and US labels which they now find affordable, even with 100-percent taxes slapped on them to protect home-grown brands. But Brazil’s burgeoning middle-class is helping Brazilian many fashion houses enjoy the consumer boom in the country.

“Twenty or thirty years ago when we talked about fashion, it was without a doubt craziness to think we would be here today,” said the main organizer of SPFW, Paulo Borges. “We always knew it would take a long time.” His event has now been around almost as long as the period it took Brazil to climb to the level it is now: an investment-grade darling of investors everywhere.

That has spurred optimism, and even a general consolidation of the fashion sector as corporate investors see potential. However some clouds are forming on Brazil’s economic horizon which could yet unleash a cold shower on the catwalk. Growth, which last year topped 7.5 percent, is expected to slow to 4.0 percent or less this year, while inflation is soaring to a worrying 6.55 percent. Retail sales in April fell for the time in a year as consumers cut back. If those trends continue, the Brazilian fashion industry could be among the first to take a tumble. — AFP

Models present outfits by Samuel Cirnansck during the 2011-2012 Spring-Summer collections of the Sao Paulo Fashion Week, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 13, 2010. — AFP photos

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