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17 21Assad27blames36 unrest on saboteurs, vows reforms Syrian leader offers dialogue, rejects ‘chaos’ in the

Kuwait Airways posts big losses

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Amir gives KD 1m to Hope Voyage KUWAIT: Youssef Abdulhamid Al-Jassem, head of the board of trustees of the Hope Voyage, announced yesterday that HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah donated a sum of KD 1 million for the Hope Voyage in his name and in the name of Al-Sabah ruling family. Al-Jassem said in a statement that such an Amiri donation is an addition to the other Amiri grants on patronizing mentallydisabled persons who always get such sublime care from HH the Amir. He said the Hope Voyage will set sail on Dec 12, 2012, and it is a Kuwaiti notion emanating from a popular effort with a humanitarian concept and worldwide dimensions, and bearing a cultural and humanitarian message calling for paying attention to the mentally disabled persons, and facilitating their means of living, not only in Kuwait, but all over the world.

MPs blast carrier

By B Izzak and Agencies KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways posted a sharp rise in losses for the 2010/2011 fiscal year to March 31 due to an increase in maintenance and fuel costs, its chairman Hamad Al-Falah said yesterday. The stateowned carrier incurred losses of KD 76 million ($275 million) last year compared to KD 55 million the previous year, a 38-percent decline, said Falah, cited by the official KUNA news agency. Revenues of the airline last year came at $825 million while spending was $1.1 billion, Falah said. Maintenance cost $130 million, fuel $272 million while extra salaries paid for “surplus” employees was more than $100 million, Falah said.

The privatisation-bound airline has posted a loss in all but one of the past 21 years, accumulating losses of more than $2.7 billion. Kuwait has two private airlines, Wataniya Airways, which recently ceased operations due to losses, and the low-cost Jazeera Airways. In March last year, the government formed a committee to probe allegations of widespread corruption in the state-owned carrier and vowed to refer the findings to the public prosecutor.

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Kuwait pumping 2.7 mbpd of oil

DAMASCUS: Syrians watch on television as President Bashar Al-Assad delivers a speech yesterday. (Inset) Assad addresses the nation from Damascus University yesterday. — AP/AFP DAMASCUS: President Bashar Al-Assad said yesterday that dialogue could lead to a new constitution and even the end of his Baath party’s monopoly on power, but that he refused to reform Syria under “chaos”. His remarks were condemned by pro-democracy activists who vowed that the “revolution” - now in its fourth month - must go on, and thousands of enraged protesters accused him of clinging to power and took to the streets shouting “Liar!”. Assad spoke as European foreign ministers prepared to beef up sanctions on the embattled president and Britain demanded that he “reform or step aside”. French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said Assad had reached a “point of no return” by brutally repressing protesters.

After widespread condemnation of his regime’s crackdown, Assad said in a televised speech at Damascus University that the country was at a “turning point”. He said dialogue was under way that could lead to a new constitution and raised the possibility of elections and an end to the ruling Baath party’s dominance, a key opposition demand, while warning the economy was on the verge of collapse. “We can say that national dialogue is the slogan of the next stage,” Assad said.

LAS VEGAS: Miss California Alyssa Campanella wins the 2011 Miss USA Pageant at Planet Hollywood Casino Resort on Sunday. — AFP (See Page 40)

Californian wins Miss USA crown LAS VEGAS: A 21-year-old auburn-haired California girl won the Miss USA crown on Sunday night and will represent the nation in this year’s Miss Universe pageant in September in Brazil. Alyssa Campanella of Los Angeles topped a field of 51 beauty queens to take the title at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

She strutted across the stage in a blue bikini with white polka dots and a dark turquoise evening gown with beading on its top. She also answered a question about legalizing marijuana by saying she didn’t think it should be fully legalized as a solution to help ailing economies.

“Well, I understand why that question would be asked, especially with today’s economy, but I also understand that medical marijuana is very important to help those who need it medically,” she said. “I’m not sure if it should be legalized, if it would really affect, with the drug war. I mean, it’s abused today, unfortunately, so that’s the only reason why I would kind of be a little bit against it, but medically it’s OK.” Miss Tennessee Ashley Durham was the first runner-up, while contestants from Alabama and Texas placed third and fourth.

Campanella, a natural blonde, said she dyed her hair six years ago for a part in a play, for a “fiery” character with whom she found she had traits in common. “It’s really brought out the true Alyssa Campanella, I feel, and that’s why I really enjoy being a redhead,” she said. Campanella replaces Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih. The Michigan woman teared up as she walked across the stage for a final goodbye. The pageant had three competitions: swimsuit, evening gown and interview question. — AP

“The national dialogue could lead to amendments of the constitution or to a new constitution.” Reform was “a total commitment in the interest of the nation,” he added.

Assad offered condolences to the families of “martyrs” from the unrest rocking the country since midMarch, but said there could be “no development without stability, no reform in the face of sabotage and chaos”. “We make a distinction between those (with legitimate grievances) and the saboteurs who represent a small group which has tried to exploit the goodwill of the Syrian people for its own ends,” said Assad.

As Syrian forces swept through the northwestern border region with Turkey, blocking refugees fleeing the military crackdown, Assad called on the 10,000 who have already crossed the frontier to come home. “There are those who give them the impression that the state will exact revenge. I affirm that is not true. The army is there for security,” he said in the speech. A committee on national dialogue is to invite more than 100 personalities in the next few days to discuss framework and mechanism of the discussions.

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DUBAI: OPEC member Kuwait is currently producing an average of 2.5 million to 2.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, its oil minister was quoted as saying on Al-Arabiya TV yesterday. “Our production now on average is around 2.55 million bpd to 2.7 million bpd, and that is at least what the market needs or what our customers request,” Mohammad Al-Busairi said. OPEC’s failure to agree a production rise in its latest talks in early June has paved the way for members with enough spare capacity to unilaterally raise production, analysts say. Kuwait’s move followed pledges from Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, that it would increase output regardless of official OPEC policy. “Our policy is not to flood the market or push the prices down or try to flood the market with whatever (oil) it doesn’t need,” Busairi said.

Humaidhi named new CEO of Dar KUWAIT: Investment Dar, the Kuwaiti firm restructuring $3.6 billion in debt, named its Vice President Abdullah Al-Humaidhi as its new chief executive, it said in a statement yesterday. The appointment follows a court ruling that approved the company’s restructuring plan by admitting it under the Financial Stability Law in early June, a verdict which requires the roles of the chairman and chief executive to be separated. “We are now in a position to begin the implementation of a restructuring plan under which all Dar’s banks and investors will receive full repayment and which provides the most best possible outcome for all of Dar’s stakeholders,” said Chairman Adnan AlMusallam in the statement.

Internet body OKs new web suffixes SINGAPORE: The Internet’s global coordinator yesterday approved the creation of website addresses based on themes as varied as company brands, entertainment and political causes, triggering one of the biggest ever shakeups in how the web operates. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) voted overwhelmingly in favour of the proposal at a meeting in Singapore despite fears the shift would cause some confusion and favour large companies. “This is the biggest change to domain names since the creation of dotcom 26 years ago,” said Theo Hnarakis,

chief executive of Melbourne IT Digital Brand Services, a California-based company that provides online branding advice.

Under the changes, businesses will no longer be restricted to the list of generic top level domains (gTLDs) that include .com, .net and .org when they apply to register a website address. Industry observers say global giants such as Apple, Toyota and BMW could be in the vanguard of launching websites with their own domain names, ending in “.apple”, “.toyota” and “.bmw”, as could a Continued on Page 13

Mubarak has cancer Mubarak, who turned 83 in CAIRO: Egypt’s ousted presiMay, and his sons Alaa and dent Hosni Mubarak, whose Gamal are set to face trial on trial on charges of ordering Aug 3 on charges of ordering the killing of anti-regime prothe killing of protesters during testers is due to start in the uprising in January and August, has stomach cancer, February that toppled the vethis lawyer Farid Al-Dib said eran leader. The Mubaraks, yesterday. “He has a stomach along with a host of former cancer and the tumours are growing,” the lawyer told AFP. Hosni Mubarak ministers, also face charges of corruption. Their trial date The former president is currently in custody at a hospital in the coincides with Ramadan.

On May 31, the public prosecutor Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh where he has been since suffering said Mubarak was too ill to be moved heart problems during questioning on from hospital to prison, after a series of Continued on Page13 April 13.

TUNIS: A man with a defaced poster on his shirt showing deposed Tunisian president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali attends the opening of the trial of Ben Ali and his wife Leila. — AFP

Ben Ali says he was duped into leaving TUNIS: Tunisia’s ousted president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali said yesterday he was tricked into leaving the country six months ago, setting the stage for a revolution which inspired the “Arab Spring” rippling across the region. Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia on Jan. 14, after mass protests against 23 years of rule in which he, his wife and their family built stakes in the country’s biggest businesses and accumulated vast fortunes at what

Tunisians say was their expense. A Tunisian court began trying Ben Ali and his wife in absentia on charges of theft, and illegally possessing arms, jewelry, cash, drugs and weapons.

Hundreds of protesters stood outside the courtroom demanding that Ben Ali, 74, be brought back to Tunisia. Tunisia’s revolt electrified millions across the Arab world who suffer similarly from high Continud on Page 13

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MEW to increase power, water generation Sufficientelectricity forthis summer

KUWAIT: Kuwait University President Prof Abdullatif Ahmad Al-Bader (front row second right) pictured with the awardees yesterday. KU honored six outstanding researchers.

—Photos by Chidi Emmanuel

By Chidi Emmanuel KUWAIT: As part of its efforts to promote faculties’ research participation and per formance, the Kuwait University (KU) yesterday honored six outstanding researchers. The awardees include - Prof Charles Ezemuzie (Distinguished Researcher Award in Basic and Applied Sciences); Dr Laila N Marouf (Best Young Researcher Award in Ar ts and Humanities); Hayfaa A Abdulkareem (Graduate Studies Students Project Prize in Basic and Applied Sciences); Ali Abdulreda AlShaikh (Graduate Studies Students Project Prize in Basic and Applied Sciences). Others include Dr Usgor Senanuglo from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences and Dr Tariq Al-Bahri from the Department of Chemical Engineering.

Kuwait University’s President Prof Abdullatif Ahmad Al-Bader lauded the immense contributions made to the university, “ The university accords recognition to the outstanding research accomplishments through the provision of awards, incentives, and rewards,” the president said yesterday.

He vowed to carry on the mission of developing qualitative institutional research. This he said “involves the sustenance of established programs for the faculties to pursue their respective

research goals and priorities in an environment that energizes research performance, and nur tures their innovative, inventive and creative powers.”

“Our objective is to provide worldclass education as we advance, persevere, and disseminate knowledge, in addition to preparing educated, enlightened and qualified human resources to realize our developmental needs,” Prof Abdullatif Al-Bader added. He said, “The university will continue to facilitate researchers in implementing their research objectives, and enhance mutual bonds of confidence, as a team, for developing an aptitude of high quality research to generate outputs of scientific significance and impact.”

Established in October 1966 under Act No 29/1966, KU is striving to develop its academic programs continuously.

With 16 colleges, the university has wit-

nessed a significant expansion in the number of scientific colleges. Some colleges have received academic accreditation as they offer wide range of programs in sciences and humanities at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels, with 1,436 internationally renowned and culturally diverse community of professors and academics, providing the highest level of teaching, research and scholarship. The number of students at KU has reached 29,000.

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Kuwait Digest

‘Powerful’ officials

By Thaar Al-Rashidi

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here are undersecretaries and assistant undersecretaries and even managers and supervisors who are stronger than the minister and the minister cannot even touch them.

This is a fact all ministers know. These “leaders” who cannot be touched or questioned are present in all ministries, if you ask any minister about them, he will name about ten.

This undersecretary is supported by a political group and that one was appointed by a sheikh, and the other brought by the prime minister and the fourth one by “this or that group” and the minister remains lost between application of the law and running his ministry.

The fact is that corruption is common in the administrative sectors in the state ministries and this provides proof that there are shadow governments that run the different ministries and organizations. Some of these work with the knowledge of the legal government and others work far away from government and don’t have knowledge of such practices.

One example of this was when an influential man in one of the ministries asked a leader to pass a file which was illegal and when the leader refused to sign (it as it was illegal, and does not meet the conditions); the influential told him “this is not in your favor”. Indeed the influential delivered what he promised and removed him from his post and brought in another member who passed his file.

No doubt this influential owns millions and wanted that file as a favor for one of his friends within the government. He wanted to use government money for their own personal agenda.

These calls from influentials must stop as they are one of the causes of overspending in the budget. I have one simple question, dear influential, since you have hundreds of millions, why not pay from your own pocket? Why should you insist that it be at the government’s expense.

Some of those influentials have enough money to distribute for over a year to all citizens and expats along with expats in the neighboring countries. Therefore, why should they interfere in government affairs?

This has been written in general and I don’t mean to pinpoint one particular person as there are many cases in which influentials remove officials from their posts simply because they refused to sign illegal files. — Al-Anba

KUWAIT: Construction workers are seen toiling under the scorching sun in Kuwait City midday yesterday. — Photos by Ben Garcia

Midday work ban violation in legislature’s backyard Temperatures rise to 52 degree Celsius

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: The implementation of the midday outdoor work ban during peak summer season from 11 to 4 pm is disregarded in Kuwait. A Kuwait Times investigation held at downtown Kuwait yesterday showed that the ban on workers toiling under the sun is not adhered to. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MSAL) has implemented a ban on outdoor work from June 1 to August 31 to protect laborers from the exasperating summer heat. The workers are prohibited to work in open areas as temperatures rise to 52 degrees Celsius or above. Midday temperature yester-

day was recorded at 47 degree Celsius. At 12.30 pm, construction workers were laying layers at a construction site where the construction of new National Assembly offices are going on along Gulf Road. The photos displayed here were taken yesterday afternoon between 12pm to 12.30pm.

A host of construction workers were also busy toiling at a construction site along the First Ring Road near the Sheraton roundabout. They handled the giant construction machines.

Some of the workers at this site admitted to working inside airconditioned back-hook bulldozers. On the more positive side, when asked whether a cleaning company respects the min-

EPA failed to warn about gas pollution KUWAIT: The Green Line Environmental Group (GLEG) disclosed ‘controversial documents’ indicating that the Environment Public Authority (EPA) was aware, since 2007, that north west Sulaibikhat was not a suitable residential area. The authority did not issue warnings to citizens and their failure to notify the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) to suspend the housing project constructed at north west Sulaibikhat.

Khalid Al-Hajri, GLEG Chairman said in a press conference that was held at the group’s headquarter Saturday morning, that the documents prove the authority’s weak environmental performance, besides deliberately ignoring laws.

He claimed that it deceived inhabitants because the authority failed to provide them with real information about environmental circumstances. It will create a new disaster similar to that of Umm Al-Haiman, reported Annahar.

He noted that inhabitants of the area will be affected by gas pollution emitted from east Doha power station as well as west Doha station. Furthermore, he added that wind currents moving towards North West Sulaibikhat will carry pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide that can cause acid rain leading to cancer, respiratory ailments as well as other diseases.

He asked all citizens to build another house, sue the EPA because it failed to inform citizens about such incidents.

istry’s work ban, a Wataniya Cleaning Company worker noted, “We start work from 5 am to 11 am only. Then we are fetched by a bus to return to our camp. We don’t work after 11 am,” said a street cleaner. He spoke with this reporter on condition of anonymity.

Last week, the temperature was recorded at 52 degree Celsius with predictions of higher temperatures by the end of the week.

Neighboring states Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE have introduced similar rules and have mobilized inspection teams to ensure that laborers, mainly in the construction sector, and street cleaners are protected from the scorching summer heat.

Overseas treatment to be referred to prosecution KUWAIT: The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health (MoH) Dr Ibrahim Al-Abdul Hadi, said that the overseas treatment dossiers will be referred to the Public Prosecution Department as soon as ministry-led investigations are completed, reported Annahar.

Abdul Hadi added that the ministry will set a future plan to avoid all the remarks made by the Audit Bureau. He explained that the new plan would set strict rules and regulations to avoid loopholes in the old system.

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LOCAL

MPs lash out at remarks of Al-Tabtabae on Twitter ‘Premier bribed certain lawmakers’

Blaze engulfs tire store

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: A blaze broke out in a tire store at Fahaheel industrial area on Sunday. In response to an emergency call, the Fahaheel, Mangaf, Qurain and back up fire stations rushed to the scene.

The flames had engulfed the twostorey store that covered an area that spread over 1,000 square meters. It sold tires, batteries and other automobile spare parts.

The fire spread from the first floor to the second. No casualties were reported.

KUWAIT: MP Waleed Al-Tabtabae’s tweets on his Twitter account against His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah has angered several lawmakers. AlTabtabae tweeted on his account that the premier had bribed certain MPs in lieu of their support, and by approving ‘Leisurely Overseas Treatment’ at his expense for select citizens. MP Hussein Al-Qallaf asked the speaker to take measures against AlTabtabaie’s accusations, “If the NA keeps silent about this, we will act,” he stressed.

MP Adnan Al-Mutawwa expressed regret that Al-Tabtabae, known for his generosity and ‘claims’ to support humanitarian issues commented in such a lowly manner. He also urged the families of patients dispatched for treatment overseas to respond to Al-Tabtabae, “The PM’s benevolence in treating the sick is a matter of pride for us all,” he stressed. He noted that Kuwaitis have always been benevolent, “Charitable organizations should have followed the PM’s steps instead of creating obstacles,” he said. “‘It was you who received a KD 50,000 cheque from the PM in your name. So, stop accusing your colleagues and create obstacles

for patients that seek overseas treatment at the PM’s expense. You are living in a glass house, so stop throwing stoning at others,” MP Saleh Ashour, lashed out at Al-Tabtabae, reported Annahar.

In other news, Al-Tabtabae believes that the grilling motion he submitted along with fellow lawmakers Mohammad Hayef and Mubarak Al-Waalan against the Prime Minister has infuriated official media outlets in Iran. It was described by the Islamic republic’s official news agency as a ‘Salafist coup’ against His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad AlSabah.

Al-Tabtabae’s comments were made in response to an interview given to an expert in Middle East Affairs Hadi Mujaidi to the Iran’s Fars News Agency, in which he drew comparisons between the recent developments in Kuwait’s political scene and alleged attempts made by Islamist lawmakers in the Gulf state’s Parliament to put pressure on the premier, reported Al-Qabas.

The grilling motion addressed allegations that the Kuwaiti government was more biased towards Iran regarding regional issues.

Mujaidi argued that this was used by interpel-

lation presenters “as part of their efforts to support Saudi Arabia’s approaches in the region.” He further sees the grilling motion as a “pretext for a Salafi-led coup” in Kuwait.

Separately, the National Unity Reinforcement group demanded that joint efforts be made by official and non-official parties in Kuwait so that the society can ensure political and social gains, reported AlQabas.

This was stated by Sami Al-Nisf Minister of Information and Communication who asked in a statement for a ‘national outburst’ to shun sectarianism in all forms.

“Tribal alignments led many nations to fall into violent struggles,” said Al-Nisf. He asserted that Kuwait will not allow sectarian-based groups to be formed locally “due to their effect in damaging the foundations of the nation.”

Meanwhile, the minister insisted that the Kuwaiti government does not restrict people’s freedoms, but are against irresponsible use of freedoms. He further noted that talks about merging national unity, as well as the audiovisual and press laws are aimed at tackling offenders.

Marriage loan increase on hold KUWAIT: A decision to increase the marriage loan from KD 4,000 to 6,000 is currently on hold pending a decree from the Cabinet for it to be enforced, said a source with knowledge of the situation denying rumors that the plans were to be scrapped.

The increase was approved by the Savings and Credit Bank last month and the proposal was sent to the Cabinet, where it has since been under consideration. The SCB source confirmed that they are waiting for green light from authorities to go ahead with

providing citizens with increased loans.

Meanwhile, another SCB source who spoke anonymously says that the recommendation was made based on a study which found out that the increase became necessary since the loan hasn’t featured a change in 17 years. He further noted that they are waiting for a new minister to be appointed in place of former Minister of Housing and Development Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad to request that the issue be addressed during a Cabinet meeting in the near future. — Al-Rai

KUWAIT: The public relations department at the Kuwait University held a celebration to reward staff members of the reservations departments at local newspapers, during which PR manager Jawad Maqseed presented the awards. Pictures show Maqseed welcoming the staff members and Iyad Abdul Ahad accepting an award on behalf of Kuwait Times. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Indonesian tourism promotion night in Kuwait

KUWAIT: Indonesian Promotion Night at J.W. Marriott Hotel over the weekend. — Photos by Joseph Shagra KUWAIT: Indonesian Embassy in Kuwait realizes the business potential within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals are economically large, and urged to be recalibrated in terms of market strategy applied in Kuwait as huge market. Also, it is understood that the tourism activity can be a forum to enhance the ties between and among Asian countries itself and other countries. The Embassy is concerned that the image of Asian countries has been tarnished as a result of various problems associated with labor recently and became a barrier for peoples from various nations to discover and explore the potency of Asian countries, particularly in tourism, trade and investment.

Indonesian Government’s

tourism campaign launched under the theme ‘Wonderful Indonesia Year 2011’ aims to achieve 7.7 million tourists visit in 2011. The Embassy organized an Indonesian Promotion Night on June 16 at Al Jahra Ballromm, J.W. Marriott Hotel, Kuwait. The Embassy invited more than 100 tours and travel operator in Kuwait, prepared and handed them with a compilation of travel packages with diverse range of accommodation options and breathtaking tourism attractions offered by Indonesian Travel Agencies.

Furthermore, the information of various tourism and cultural events also can easily be found at any official website of Indonesian tourism board at www.budpar.go.id and other related sites like www.indone-

sia.travel. Last year, over 700 Kuwait residences visited Indonesia as tourists. Until this June 2011, there has been approximately 600 visa applications submitted to the Embassy by Kuwaitis and 62 other nationalities. However, because of the Visa on Arrival (VOA) policy, this number might be inaccurate to describe how many tourists from Kuwait to Indonesia, because Kuwaiti’s do not have to register at the embassy to receive a Visa.

To take advantage of this opportunity, the Embassy invites all nationals to come and visit Indonesia, to spend their summer vacation, explore a world filled with natural wonders, amazing beaches with luxurious resorts, hotels and spas throughout the biggest archipelago state in the world.

Lectures on drug addiction KUWAIT: To mark the International Day for Drugs Fighting and in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, Dr Ayed Al-Hmadian a drugs expert and major Abdul Elah Al-Abdul Salam delivered an informative lecture yesterday at the Juvenile Administrative Department. On Sunday, Lt Heba AlKhalef delivered a similar lecture addressing female workers.

Both lectures explained what drugs are, and what causes addiction, going into details about the kind of drugs that mainly falls under three main kinds, ‘Natural, Industrial and Creative.’ Lt Al-Khalef talked about drug addiction, which she described have become a daily necessity like food and drink for addicts.

Both lectures received positive feedback and a high par ticipation rate. Major Al-Abdul Salem emphasized on the importance of making use of the programs and the role of social organizations in the treatment of addiction. Dr Al-Hmaidan urged that a special law be enacted to govern juvenile delinquents.

Interior: No restrictions on work permits KUWAIT: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor stated they have no restrictions on residence permits of any nationalities in Kuwait but they are obliged to follow procedures usually enforced by the Ministry of Interior for security reasons.

This was asserted by MSAL’s assistant undersecretar y for the labor affairs Mansour AlMansour, commenting on reports which suggested that some applicants were denied permission to obtain work permits based on their nationalities. “If there are orders to suspend transactions of certain nationalities, they would be made directly from the country’s leadership or through the Ministry of Interior”, he stated, while also asserting that the MSAL was not notified by either the Cabinet or the Interior Ministr y about restrictions against cer tain nationalities.

—Al-Qabas, Al-Rai

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

LOCAL Kuwait Digest

The need for change

By Khalifa Al-Khurafi

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nthusiasm for democracy and freedom in Kuwait is increasing steadily, but at the same time we disregard the fact that we live in a region ruled by a political system that is not necessarily excited about freedoms or democracy. Higher hereditary monarchy figures are extended forms of respect that do not tolerate any type of insult. However, this does not appear to be followed by some of our lawmakers who tend to pass sarcastic and insulting remarks on senior figures.

I personally witnessed lawmakers using foul language during a debate filed against members of the ruling family. No one is against a prompt approach to fix a technical error in the state, as long as the criticisms are expressed in a decent manner.

No one has ever argued with the ethical approach of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser AlMohammad Al-Sabah, who was never made discourteous public remarks. I do not think anyone would approve of seeing the prime minister being deliberately insulted (especially by lawmakers). Therefore, I do not believe that the Cabinet is blamed when they request that an interpellation motion be debated behind closed doors. This is because the people themselves do not agree with insulting members of the ruling system. These MPs are urged to compare between Kuwait’s freedom and democracy, and that of others enjoyed by neighboring countries.

The bold step taken by our predecessors to adopt democracy resulted in the Constitution being put into effect in 1962. It has been have been effective in protecting Kuwait’s stability all these years. This was evident after late Amir His Highness Sheikh Jaber AlAhmad Al-Sabah passed away, as the Parliament unanimously agreed to appoint HH Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Sabah as the new Amir due to health conditions of the then Crown Prince Sheikh Saad AlAbdullah Al-Sabah.

However, what used to be an elite democracy at one period, has become outdated today o after citizens gained political maturity throughout the year. It demanded that improvements be made to the political system. This requires the government to develop its performance and work toward improving the country’s democratic system, which encourages governments in other regional countries to take faster steps towards political reforms. This can maintain the region’s stability.

I know that selecting a prime minister from the public is not an easy step that the ruling family can take. However, I believe that it is an important step, given the challenges introduced by the natural process of improvement and change. Success is achieved by handling matters with reason, and taking bold steps that do not necessarily feel okay most of the time. It is similar to the steps taken by the kings of Jordan and Morocco.

The Arab world today is going through a period of frustration. Even in Kuwait, where citizens enjoy one of the best living standards rates, reasonable levels of freedom and democracy as well as a co-operative government, people are not satisfied about their living conditions and hold demonstrations to demand reforms. — Al-Qabas

Lawmakers pose queries to ministers KUWAIT: MP Aseel AlAwadhi asked the Communications Ministry to regulate the provision of Internet services and ensure that companies comply with signed contracts. She said, “Internet users are on the rise as companies reduce speeds and place limits on capacities and increase prices without informing subscribers.”

Member of Parliament Dr Ali Al-Omair demanded that the education minister inform him about the recommendations put forward by concerned committee to transfer text books on USB flash memories. He demanded that minutes of meetings be prepared. He also wanted to know if text books have already been printed.

Member of Parliament Hussein Mizyed said HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah answered the grilling motion’s aspects and refuted the accusations leveled against him. He said that MPs have become judges during the grilling session and they employ their conscience after hearing from both sides, before voting on the non-cooperation motion’s request.

Lawmaker Dr Waleed AlTabatabae proposed that subsidies on animal feed be provided all year long, with an increase on the percentage as prices rise.

The Education and Higher Education Minister Ahmad Al-Mulaifi asked the Kuwait University to prepare a plan in the event of a complication that may arise in future for students.

KUWAIT: Essa Hussain Hashem Ben Yousif yesterday received the Grand Prize of Kuwait Times raffle draw. (Left) Kuwait Times Marketing Director Adnan Saad is giving Ben Yousif the keys to a brand new Lexus 2011 car yesterday. Barrak Hindi from Kuwait Times (left) and Rony Attalah General Manager of CMK Media and Advertising (right) were on hand for the occasion. — Photos by Joseph Shagra

Kuwait oil sector can’t be totally privatized Backbone of the state KUWAIT: Downstream, midstream and upstream oil operations are strategic state sectors that cannot be privatized as the National Constitution stipulates; affirmed a ranking oil executive. However, privatization in this vital sector would require enacting some relevant laws, said the Managing Director for Planning at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), Abdul-Latif AlHouti. The oil sector is the backbone of the state, thus any privatization process of its sections or installations must have specific and explicit objectives, said the newly-appointed managing director for planning.

Elaborating, Al-Houti affirmed that the state could not, constitutionally, sell this sector to private companies because the production and refining of the crude are strategic activities.

Although Al-Houti expressed strong reservations at such a ruledout approach, he indicated that some sectors, such as gas stations, plants for production of salt, chlorine, calcined coal, iron, steel, ammonia and urea can be sold to private companies. In such sectors, the private

sector can be useful without being in control of the state strategic goals.

In this respect, the National Constitution is the reference for it only allows privatization with the issuance of relevant laws, he said, noting that such laws should be enacted by experts, the Supreme Petroleum Council, the Higher Privatization Authority and the National Assembly. Terms of such laws maintain public interests.

Privatized projects in Kuwait have been placed under strict state supervision, Al-Houti said, noting that three companies cannot be privatized; Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), Kuwait Gulf Oil Company and the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), for they are in charge of strategic operations, exploration, production and refining.

Al-Houti, who had served as the deputy managing director for planning (1999-2004), indicated that he had taken part in mapping out the KPC 2020 strategy, aimed at re-structuring the oil sector and launching several ventures such as the olefins plant and the new refinery. The oil

sector is the government top concern for it secures more than 95 percent of the national income.

Asked on the difference between the 2020 and 2030 strategies, he explained that they are basically identical however the second one was the updated version of the 2020 plan.

Elaborating, he indicated that the strategists would alter such longterm plans in light of changing necessities, developments and trends, such as the current widespread consumption of gas and nuclear energy.

Al-Houti elaborated further, noting that the basic objective of the oil strategy is the put out up to four million barrels of oil per day, noting that Kuwait would remain adherent to its 8-9 percent quota of the OPEC daily production of the crude.

He also indicated that there would be no need to produce oil more than the mentioned figure till 2030, alluding to statistical figures and calculations, estimating the annual hike of the oil at 1.5 million barrels per day each year. — KUNA

‘No statements without obtaining permission’ KUWAIT: Officials from the Ministry of Interior are no longer allowed to issue a statement to the media without seeking prior permission, as per a decree released

by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hmoud AlSabah. This is to protect the confidentiality of security work. The ministry’s staff

members are prohibited from revealing any kind of information to the media pertinent with security work or personal duties. This includes making press statements or interviews about plans or projects, or even contacting a media outlet to publish an article, graph, documents, or any papers pertinent with work.

Furthermore, staff members are prohibited from holding conferences or taking part in seminars, or publishing news or photos of ministry personnel.

Moreover, issuing statements to the media about crimes or providing pictures is also banned unless prior permission is obtained.

KUWAIT: Commemorating Kuwait’s 50th anniversary of independence, an event was held at the Dickson House on Sunday. It was jointly organized by The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters and the British Embassy. Paul Gaskell, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy was present, along with Suleiman Boland, Museum Superintendent. A number of diplomats and eminent figures made their presence felt at the event. A photography exhibition was also held that outlined Kuwait- British ties over the years.

—Photos by Joseph Shagra

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

local kuwait digest

Asian held for sexual assault of minors

‘Chapeau’ for security men

Police rescue kidnap victim

By Sheriedah Al-Maosherji

K

uwait’s State Security Department proved that they fulfilled responsibilities that are highly flexible and patient. It was evident in the way they treated demonstrators over the past few weeks. Kuwaitis are not used to taking to the streets.

They have never heard about such slogans before! Even though security men were abused and defiantly challenged, they managed to contain the rage and overcome problems.

Demonstrations are now gone and tranquility has returned to streets as if nothing has occurred without incident that would defame Kuwait and its regime. Therefore, we find it a must to express gratitude to all security men under the leadership of the Interior Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Hmoud and ministry leaders. Now that demonstrations have been stopped, the Parliament is about to start its summer vacation. Most lawmakers have already started packing and booking their flight tickets to somewhere cooler and quieter. The government will have to dedicate more time to garner accomplishments over what has missed over the past period.

The government will have to rearrange its priorities, immediately to resume delayed projects, monitor administrative officials in each ministry and spot corruption and malfunctions. This is so that these can be willingly resolved and handled without having to be told to do so by the Parliament or threatened by MPs. It is unacceptable that thousands of Syrians have taken refuge in Turkish camps and receive Turkish charity while Arabs are sound asleep. If they are incapable of politically supporting them, they should, at least, offer moral support. The situation is worsening.

So let us, in Kuwait, start giving them a hand and send aid immediately without waiting for others. Kuwait has always been a pioneer in assisting those in need worldwide. — Aljarida

KUWAIT: An unemployed man is facing eleven counts of kidnap and sexual assault of a minor following his arrest in a child rape case that took place in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh.

Investigators went on the hunt of an unidentified man after families of three children gave matching descriptions of the assault committed against their children. During an investigation, the children explained that they were forcibly led to roofs of buildings at knifepoint by a man with an Asian accent. Investigators also found leads that the same suspect was involved in other child rape cases that were never reported. Eventually, a Pakistani man living in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh was detained as a prime suspect after his record showed that he was released on bail a few months ago, reported Al-Jarida. The man initially denied accusations, but later admitted to sexually abusing 11 children, after being identified by two of his victims. Charges were pressed against unreported cases, and the man was referred to the Public Prosecution Department for further legal procedures.

his girlfriend to escape from her family before attempting to abandon her after committing the crime. The search for the 20-year-old girl went underway after she was reported missing from her family’s Sulaibikhat home. She was eventually found in a Maidan Hawally apartment where she was confined to. It appeared that the girl agreed to meet the suspect after he convinced her to flee following months of phone conversations. Unaware that she was being kidnapped, the girl went with the suspect where he lives at his family’s house in Bayan and stayed the night at the basement where they engaged in immoral conduct after promising her marriage, reported Al Rai. The next morning, the suspect asked his victim to accompany a friend to a Maidan Hawally apartment he had rented before. Police located the victim at the apartment after tracking down the contact number of the suspect’s accomplice. Police raided the apartment and the suspect was later located in Mubarak Al-Kabeer and placed under arrest.

Missing girl Charges of kidnap and sexual assault were pressed against a young man who convinced

Suicide case An Asian man committed suicide at his place of residence in Um Al-Haiman. Police headed to

the scene after the victim’s roommate reported to finding his body hanging from the ceiling, reported Al-Rai. A coronial inquest has been opened following the incident.

Muggers on the run An Asian woman lodged a case with the Jahra police station stating that two unidentified men robbed her. The victim related to officers that while she made her way out of her work place, a maids’ recruitment agency in the area, two people accosted her and snatched KD 1,600 at knifepoint. The woman explained that she carried the cash at her employer’s request, who feared that the money could be robbed from the workplace, reported Al-Rai. The woman was able to jot down the license plate number of the car used by the suspects.

Hungry thief Police are looking for an assailant who mugged a delivery boy in Al-Naeem at knifepoint. The victim was on his way to deliver an order when the suspect intercepted him, stole the food and cash he carried before escaping, reported Al-Rai. The incident was reported at the area’s police station and a case was filed

for investigation.

Ex charged A mother is facing charges after she refused to return her daughter to ex-husband who has custody over their child. Officers at Adan police station contacted the woman after her ex-husband reported the incident, reported AlWatan. A case was filed after the woman said she did not plan to return the child.

Harassment Investigators are looking into a case involving a maintenance worker who claimed he was trapped after being accused of sexual harassment by a Kuwaiti family. The worker reportedly headed to an Adailiya house where he was called to fix a malfunctioned elevator. According to his story, the worker said that he was physically assaulted as soon as he stepped into the elevator by the husband of the woman who called him, reported Al-Rai. He added that he was falsely accused of harassing his wife, and was forced to sign promissory notes. The couple told officers that the worker attempted to harass their 14-year-old daughter before she was saved by her mother.

MPs urged to vote against secret session KUWAIT: Lawmakers whose grilling motion against the Prime Minister had its debate suspended for up to a year until its constitutionality is verified. Ministers believe that the recent Constitutional Court ruling in which the case was adjourned until October 16th, is a positive decision. Abdurrahman AlAnjari, who co-presented the grilling along with fellow lawmaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun, said that they are waiting for that date in which to have the motion debated in an open parliamentary session. Al-Anjari further urged fellow MPs in a recent statement to vote against a request for the grilling to be debated behind closed doors, saying that the Kuwaiti people “deserve to know the truth that we seek to prove”. Meanwhile, Al-Anjari accused the cabinet in a separate statement of failing to implement important laws passed by the parliament, mentioning in specific the competition protection and antimonopoly enforced by the parliament’s financial committee. —Al-Rai

‘Mubarak port to suffocate Iraq’ IRAQ: An Iraqi MP, Hussein AlSenaid, has criticized the transport and planning ministries in the former Iraqi cabinet for refusing international construction companies’ applications to build a mega port in Al-Fao. Al-Senaid added that both ministries were to blame for not taking a preventive measure by accepting

ministers over their rejection of the project. He also urged Kuwait to reconsider its own project in order to maintain their good relations.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s embassy in Baghdad expressed hopes that the problem would be solved soon after clearing all the points inquired about by the Iraqi government. — Aljarida

the project proposed by Joseph Hanna Al-Shaikh’s company prior to Kuwait ’s decision to build Mubarak Al-K abeer por t that would, according to him, suffocate Iraq and be greatly detrimental to its economy.

Fur ther, Al-Senaid urged the Iraqi government and parliament to question the former concerned

Parliament ensures rights of handicapped KUWAIT: The National Assembly referred to the government yesterday two bills stipulating approval of the budgets of the Public Authority for the Disabled for the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 fiscal years after deliberating and voting on the draft laws.

Article one of the first bill projected expenditures of the authority, for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, at approximately KD 72.406 million, to be covered from the budgets of ministries and government departments.

The parliamentary committee of budgets and final accounts recommended speedy issuance of the bylaw of the supreme council of the authority, urged it to set regulations for specifying citizens qualified to

benefit from the special care, and rehabilitating them, as well as setting up a data bank to list the names of those in need for such aid to ensure that the assistance be secured for them as quickly as possible.

The commission stressed the necessity of ensuring rights of the handicapped children, enhancing their potentials and capacities, as well as aiding them to integrate well into the society. It also called on the authority to present its annual report to the parliament about the works accomplished in the past year and the plans for the next year, in a way that spending might be forecast in its budget and final account.

The parliament also submitted to

the cabinet the bill for approving the authority budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The first provision projected the expenditures at approximately KD 94.834 million. The second article forecast returns at some KD 2,000.

The third term stipulated that the spending would be covered by ministries and government departments.

The committee of budgets and final accounts advised in its report that the authority should keenly consider launch of a special health program for the women, the pregnant and the infants for sake of securing early diagnosis of physical deforms. It also urged for speedy construction of a special building for the authority so it may pursue the services fully. — KUNA

The graduates in a group photo

NBK sponsors KU graduation ceremony

Abdulla Al-Tuwaijri delivering a speech

KUWAIT: The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) sponsored the graduation ceremony of Kuwait University’s Allied Health Sciences College for the year 2011. The ceremony took place on June 17 at Radisson Blu Hotel.

“This ceremony marks the end of these students’ academic life and the beginning of their foray into the corporate world. Any advice or direction they receive at this crucial

Distributing prizes to the graduates.

turning point will make the difference in the choices they make as to what career path they eventually must decide to pursue,” stated Abdulla Al-Najran Al-Tuwaijri, NBK Deputy General Manager, Consumer Banking Group, who was the keynote speaker at the event.

Al-Tuwaijri further added: “A higher education ensures steady work opportunities, much greater earning power as well as opens doors to greater success in life. Our Al-Shabab is the segment that proudly acts as the key patron to the youth culture in Kuwait. Youth are the most valuable asset to the country, as demonstrated time and time again via their entrepreneurial activities and various talents they display. Further to celebrating with the students, Al-Shabab honors them and will provide each with a gift as a reward for their achievements”.

Al-Shabab is a youth account that caters to the various financial, social & lifestyle needs of college and university students between the ages of 17-23 years.

Lulu opens 90th store in Gulf DUBAI: With retail sector showing tremendous growth potential, regional players are on a massive expansion drive. Lulu, the leading hypermarket operator opened their 90th store in the region at the Arabian Center, Dubai. The over 100,000 square feet hypermarket has been designed with easy navigation in mind, and will stock several world-renowned brands and a wide range of product lines. In addition to Lulu’s hugely popular produce, butchery and bakery sections, the hypermarket will include white goods, electronics, sports equipment and IT sections. Ample cash counters coupled with a 1,500-vehicle car park will ensure a hassle-free shopping experience.

“The opening of this new hypermarket goes well with our policy of being as close to our shoppers as possible, thereby reducing ‘drive’ time. We are sure that this will help us to effectively cater to the needs of residents of this part of Dubai. In the near future, we are all set to open two new hypermarkets in Mushreef Mall and Madinat Zayed Mall, Abu Dhabi before Ramadan,” commented Yusuffali MA, Managing Director of Lulu Hypermarkets Group. “Our focus is to reach 100 stores by 2012 and I am quite upbeat about it,” he added.

“Lulu Hypermarket at the Arabian Center is expected to become the

shopping destination of choice for the residents of the area and regular visitors to the mall who can now enjoy the added convenience of being able to do their grocery shopping while they indulge in the world-class brands that call our mall home,” said Tim Jones, General Manager, Arabian Center.

“The timing of this opening is also perfect as it coincides with Dubai Summer Surprises, a period when we expect the mall to be busier than ever, as residents and visitors alike enjoy unbeatable offers and exciting enter-

tainment throughout the summer,” he added.

The mall has regularly augmented its overall offering, and recently announced the opening of thirteen new stores, including world renowned brands such as Enzo, Studio and Paris Hilton. New additions to its retail portfolio also include the likes of Maison de Joelle, Fashion Colours, TheFaceShop and AC Sports Fit. From cosmetics to fashion, and beyond to sporting apparel, Arabian Center’s new stores promise something for all shopaholics!

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

8-yea in sui

Indonesia recalls its ambassador in Saudi Page 12

UAE freezes assets of 19 Liby NATO airstrike kills 15 west of Tripoli ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates central bank has ordered the Gulf country’s banks to freeze the assets of 19 Libyan individuals and institutions and expects to complete a report on the measure within a week, an official said yesterday. Western countries and the United Nations have imposed a range of sanctions on Libya, where rebels are fighting to end Muammar Gaddafi’s 41-year rule, and have frozen assets of the Libyan leader and his inner circle. “We have instructed banks to initiate a search and have requested them to freeze the assets,” Abdulrahim Al-Awadi, executive director at the UAE central bank’s anti-money laundering and suspicious cases unit told reporters.

“We are expecting within the next week or so to complete the report for submission to the ministry of foreign affairs,” he said on the sidelines of a conference in the UAE capital on methods to detect and combat money laundering. The UAE, the world’s No 3 oil exporter, plans to tighten up money declaration rules from September to improve monitoring of suspicious cash flows, the central bank said on Sunday. Dubai, a cosmopolitan Gulf trade and financial hub, has been fighting a reputation as a haven for money laundering since the attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001 drew attention to the relative ease of moving money through the city.

In March, anti-corruption groups asked UAE authorities to take action over possible transfer of assets by toppled Egyptian and Tunisian rulers and their loyalists, seeking a haven in the OPEC member.

Awadi declined to comment when asked about the issue. The Dubai Financial Services Authority, the financial regulator for the emirate of Dubai, ordered financial firms in January to be on alert for potential funneling of funds from Tunisia, expressing concern over last minute asset flight. The UAE this month recognized the Libyan rebels as the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people, becoming the second Arab state to do so after Qatar. Qatar and the UAE are the only Arab states to offer military assistance to NATO operations against Gaddafi in favor of the rebels.

In another development, Libya’s government said a NATO airstrike west of Tripoli yesterday on a large family compound belonging to a close associate of Muammar Gaddafi has killed at least 15 people, including three children. A NATO official in Naples, Italy, said the alliance has not conducted any strikes in that area in the past 24 hours. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of NATO regulations. Gaddafi’s regime has repeatedly accused NATO of targeting civilians in an attempt to rally support against the alliance’s intervention in the country’s civil war. NATO has repeatedly insisted it tries to avoid killing civilians.

Libyan government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said alliance bombs struck the compound belonging to Khoweildi Al-Hamidi outside the city of Surman, some 40 miles west of Tripoli, around 4 am local time yesterday. Ibrahim said Al-Hamidi, a former military officer who took part in the 1969 coup that brought Gaddafi to power, escaped unharmed but that three children were among those killed, two of them Al-Hamidi’s grandchildren. Officials said he was inside a still-intact building at the time of the strike. “They (NATO) are targeting civilians. ...

The logic is intimidation,” Ibrahim said. “They want Libyans to give up the fight ... they want to break our spirit.”

Foreign journalists based in the Libyan capital were taken by government officials to the walled compound, where at least two buildings had been blasted to rubble. A pair of massive craters could be seen in the dusty ground, and rescue service workers with sniffer dogs were scouring the rubble in search of people. The smell of smoke was still in the air. Damage could be seen elsewhere in the compound, including at a large tent where cars were kept and at circular sitting room containing old framed photos said to be of Al-Hamidi. A deer kept in an enclosure with other animals had a broken antler and was bleeding from the mouth.

Another building outside the compound, next to a communications tower, was also obliterated, causing damage to an adjacent house. A mosque across the street and a school next door were not damaged. Journalists were later taken to a hospital in the nearby city of Sabratha, where medical workers showed them the bodies of about eight to 10 people, including those of two children, said to have been k illed in the strike. Some of the bodies appeared charred, while others were in pieces.

Portraits of Gaddafi hung on the hospital walls as armed men in military fatigues - some guards from the compound - roamed the hallways.

NATO, which has a mandate to protect Libyan civilians, has rejected the Libyan government’s allegations that it targets civilians. However, mistakes have occurred. The alliance acknowledged that one of its airstrikes on Sunday accidentally struck a residential neighborhood in the capital, killing civilians.

A coalition including France, Britain and the United States launched the first strikes against Gaddafi’s forces under a United Nations resolution to protect civilians on March 19. NATO, which is joined by a number of Arab allies, assumed control of the air campaign over Libya on March 31.— Agencies

MISRATA: Rebel fighters stand by as they fire a Grad rocket towards government forces at the front line west of Misrata, Libya. — AP

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

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

‘Outraged’ EU to rain sanctions on Syria

HATAY: A group of Syrians arrive to enter Turkey as several others wait inside Syria to cross the border near the Turkish village of Guvecci in Hatay province, Turkey yesterday. — AP

Leadership row delays Palestinian unity govt RAMALLAH: Disagreement over who should be the next Palestinian premier is holding up the creation of a unity government agreed last month between old rivals Fatah and Hamas, Palestinian officials said yesterday. A meeting in Cairo today between Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, who heads Fatah, and Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal has been postponed due to Hamas opposition to the reappointment of Western-backed economist Salam Fayyad, they said. “The real reason for the delay in the forming and convening of the government is disagreement over Fayyad,” an official said on condition of anonymity.

“President Abbas insists on nominating Salam Fayyad, whose appointment Hamas categorically rejects,” he added.

“That has led the two sides to postpone the meeting rather than announce the collapse of the reconciliation.” “Fayyad is not wanted because his name is linked to Palestinian division, the debtridden Palestinian economy and operations by the (Palestinian) security services against the resistance,” Gaza Hamas leader Ismail Radwan said, referring to the group’s armed campaign against Israel.

Announcing the delay on Sunday, Fatah official Azzam Al-Ahmed made no mention of a leadership dispute.

“The meeting has been postponed until a new date is set in the coming days in order to assure the best atmosphere for the successful implementation of the reconciliation agreement,” he said.

Ahmed said Fatah had requested the delay in the talks “to create the right atmosphere and because of the commitments that have come up on the president’s schedule in Turkey.” He said Abbas would visit Turkey tomorrow. Samir Awad, a professor of political

science at Bir Zeit University near Ramallah, said that while Fayyad has the personal backing of Abbas, he does not have universal support within Fatah. “There are those who favor dropping his candidacy and putting other names forward,” he said. “Hamas has burnt all its bridges and continues to reject Fayyad.”

A change of heart by Hamas seems unlikely given that the Islamist group has already agreed other concessions that set off a row between Mahmud Zahar, its main Gaza ideologue and Syria-based political leader Meshaal.

Zahar, who participated in discussions with Fatah in April, has criticized Meshaal for comments he made during the official ceremony of reconciliation on May 4, saying he had “no mandate to make such statements.”

A member of Fatah’s central committee confided to journalists last week that he too was surprised by some of Meshaal’s words. “He said ‘We accept two states on the 1967 borders. We are not in favor of violence,’” Mohammed Shtayeh said, adding that Meshaal had also told Abbas that if he needed more time to negotiate with Israel, he would not object.

“What I heard from Khaled Meshaal...

I never expected him to say,” Shtayeh said. A poll published yesterday by the independent Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research showed broad public support for Fayyad with 45 percent of 1,200 respondents favoring him, as opposed to 25 percent approval for Jamal Khodari, who is widely believed to have Hamas’s backing. Under the terms of the unity deal signed by Fatah and Hamas they must agree on independent figures to make up a government that will lay the groundwork for legislative and presidential elections within a year.— AFP

Syria’s Assad: An autocrat who will fight for his rule DAMASCUS: President Bashar al-Assad, who said yesterday that dialogue could lead to a new constitution but refused to reform Syria under “chaos,” is an autocrat willing to fight tooth and nail to stay in power. Since mid-March Assad, who likes to project himself as a reformist surrounded by a clan of conservatives, has faced the greatest crisis in his 11 years in office.

Unprecedented protests calling for change have shaken his authority, prompting him to announce a string of reforms and to scrap nearly five decades of draconian emergency rule.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the violence has so far claimed the lives of 1,310 civilians and 341 security force members. Assad said in yesterday’s televised speech that Syria was at a “turning point” and would emerge stronger from the “plotting” against it. An ophthalmologist by profession, Assad succeeded his father Hafez as president in July 2000, a month after his death. The blue-eyed, tall Assad who sports a thin moustache, was only 34 when he became president, but quickly earned a reputation as a modernist and began to implement economic reforms liberalizing the private sector.

He formed his first cabinet in 2001, composed mainly of technocrats, in an attempt to lure in foreign investors amid new legislation easing financial restrictions. But political life under Bashar Al-Assad proved similar to that of his father, as Syria’s renowned security forces continued to clamp down on any opposition with an iron fist. A short-lived “Damascus Spring,” which opened the door to political debate after the death of Assad senior, was quickly suppressed by the “old guard” as dozens of intellectuals ended up in jail.

Known for his cool temperament even in times of crisis, Bashar Al-Assad has been compared to his father in his skilful navigation of local and regional crises. But he has come under severe criticism for his human rights record by groups including Amnesty

International and Human Rights Watch. “He keeps his cool even in the most complex situations, and some have criticized him for waiting too long,” a close friend of the president said. “Many around him thought he should immediately address his people when the current crisis broke out, but he thought it best to wait until things calmed,” he added. “He is the king of timing.”

Born on September 11, 1965, Assad is fluent in English and French and studied ophthalmology in Tehran from 1988 and 1992 before moving to London. However, his life changed in 1994 when his elder brother Bassel, who was being groomed for the presidency, died in a car crash and Bashar returned to Damascus to embrace politics. In a country where military and politics are intertwined, Assad became a tank battalion commander in 1994 and rose to the rank of colonel in 1999. He was elected to the top body of the ruling Baath party at its first congress in 15 years in June 2000, and parliament passed an amendment to the constitution, scrapping the minimum age limit of 40 to allow Bashar to run for president. He was the only candidate for the presidency after his father’s death and took office as Syria’s 16th president on July 11, 2000.

In 2007, Assad won a referendum by 97 percent of votes extending his term for another seven years. His already tense ties with Washington soured in the wake of the 2005 assassination of Lebanon’s former premier Rafiq Hariri in a bombing widely blamed on Damascus. The United States only resumed full diplomatic relations with Syria last January. In recent years, Assad has nurtured ties to Iran as well as Russia, China and Turkey. He had also notably moved closer to France. Assad has two sons and a daughter with his wife, Asma, who hails from a wealthy Sunni family. He is known in his entourage for his dry sense of humor, and his hobbies include cycling, photography and keeping up with the latest technology.—AFP

BRUSSELS: “Outraged” European foreign ministers yesterday prepared to beef up sanctions on President Bashar Al-Assad as Britain urges him to “reform or step aside”.

Amid reports of continuing bloodshed in Syria’s crackdown on protesters, European Union ministers also angrily demanded action at the United Nations, slamming Moscow’s resistance to any such move.

Stepping into one-day talks with his 26 counterparts, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said he hoped Turkey would use its influence on Damascus to tell the regime that “they are losing legitimacy, that Assad should reform or step aside”. He added that he hoped Turkey “will be very clear and very bold about that”. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who chairs the talks, said on arrival that the ministers were waiting “with interest” to hear Assad’s speech to the nation. “That will affect of course the conclusions that we take,” she said. A draft resolution due for adoption seen by AFP said the EU was “actively” preparing to “expand its restrictive measures by additional designations”.

It also states that Assad’s “credibility and leadership depends on the reforms he himself promised”. The EU has been looking at adding up to a dozen people and businesses to a blacklist of 23 people targeted by an asset freeze and travel ban which already includes Assad and key allies. But Sweden’s outspoken foreign affairs Chief Carl Bildt said European sanctions were a second-best choice to a global condemnation that must come from the United Nations. And Germany’s Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, whose government had split with its EU partners by refusing to vote with them at the UN on Libya, said there could be no comparison between the two situations.

With the situation in Syria going “from bad to worse”, Bildt said it was vital for the UN Security Council “to express the outrage of the world”. “The silence of the Security Council until now can be seen as an indirect tolerance of what is going on in Syria and that is unacceptable,” Bildt added. “We have sanctions and we’ll probably reinforce them but as long we have

the silence of the Security Council we are in a difficult situation,” he said. “I think there will be a strong message on that coming from here.” Several European nations-notably Britain, France, Germany and Portugal have joined Washington in pushing for a UN resolution condemning the crackdown but were stonewalled by permanent Security Council members China and Russia.

Westerwelle said Moscow’s UN position “goes in the wrong direction”. Western military intervention in Libya must not be used as a pretext, he said. “This does not justify failing to act together on an international level against Syria.” “You don’t give up on helping one country because you have in another,” he said. The German minister said images of events in Syria were “inhumane” and accused Assad of “causing much distress”. “It is essential for the international community to act together and agree on widening sanctions,” he said.

“Pressure must be exercised on Assad’s regime. His political isolation must be upheld.”— AFP

6 Yemen troops killed in clashes with Qaeda Anti-Saleh protesters want interim ruling council ADEN: Six Yemeni soldiers, including two officers, were killed in clashes with Al-Qaeda-linked militants near the gunmen-held southern city of Zinjibar overnight, an officer said yesterday. The officer from the 119th Artillery Brigade said army units “fought fierce battles on Sunday night with Ansar Al-Sharia (Supporters of Islamic Sharia law) gunmen connected to Al-Qaeda.”

“Six members of the brigade were killed, including Colonel Jamal AlJaafi, and eight others were wounded,” he said, adding that the militants had also suffered casualties.

He said that air support had been called in and warplanes hit several areas held by the militants.

Hundreds of gunmen took control of Zinjibar on May 29 in battles in which some 90 soldiers died.

Officials say the militants are connected to Al-Qaeda but opponents of President Ali Abdullah Saleh accuse his government of exaggerating a jihadist threat to head off Western pressure on his 33-year rule. Yemen is the home of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, an affiliate of the slain Osama bin Laden’s militant network. The group is accused of anti-US plots including an attempt to blow up a US-bound aircraft on Christmas Day, 2009.

Meanwhile, Yemeni protesters demonstrated yesterday demanding the formation of an interim ruling council to prevent the wounded president from returning to power and the removal of his relatives from positions of authority. “Raise your voice and demand a transitional council,”

demonstrators chanted as they marched in Sanaa’s Hayel Street, near the main protest centre at University Square, an AFP correspondent reported. Organizers said tens of thousands of people took part.

Protesters who for five months have been demanding the ouster

also chanted slogans calling for the removal of Saleh relatives from security bodies, including his son Ahmed and nephew Ammar, who head the elite Presidential Guard and National Security force respectively. “Ahmed and Ammar, get out!” they chanted.

Mohammed Qahtan, the

June 4 on board a Saudi medical aircraft, a day after an explosion at a mosque in his Sanaa presidential compound. He has not been seen in public since then. Officials insist that Saleh will return to Yemen to assume his post soon, but a Saudi official told AFP last week that the veteran leader will not go back

SANAA: Army soldiers who defected and anti-government protesters shout slogans during a demonstration demanding the resignation of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the departure of his son Ahmed yesterday. — AP of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, have been pressing his deputy Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi to set up a transitional council since Saleh was flown to Riyadh earlier his month for treatment for blast wounds sustained in an explosion in his palace. The demonstrators

spokesman of the parliamentary opposition, said Saleh’s relatives believed their authority to be hereditary. “The fact that the sons consider power to be hereditary hinders the transfer of power,” he said.

Saleh was flown to Riyadh on

home. On Friday, hundreds of thousands of Yemenis held protests across the impoverished state, pushing for the swift formation of the interim council. Living conditions in Yemen have worsened, with a severe shortage of power, fuel and water. — Agencies

Settlers promote tourism to tighten grip on land

ACRE: An Arab boy jumps to the Mediterranean sea from the ancient wall surrounding the old city of Acre, northern Israel. — AP

RECHELIM: The bulletproof van is extra.

Welcome to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where Jewish settlements built on land Palestinians seek for a state are opening their gates to foreign tourists and Israeli visitors. A one-day tour, booked through a regional settler council, costs $50. An additional $80 secures the armored bus.

Palestinians, or “local Arabs” in the words of settlers who spoke to one group of visitors, are not on the itinerary. “We are not monsters,” Ilana Shimon told a clutch of tourists this week, leading them through Havat Gilad, a small settlement outpost built without Israeli government authorization.

“I’m against violence. All we want is to sit on our land and we want you to be our ambassadors,” Shimon told her visitors near her home in Havat Gilad, where she lives with 30 other families, making up about 250 people, most of them children. Her audience, comprised of seven non-Jewish tourists from Belgium, France, the United States and the Indian Ocean island of Reunion, seemed to agree. “ The world needs to know the truth, all they see is the violence,” Aline Boyer from Reunion said.

About 300,000 Jewish settlers live in the West Bank, occupied by Israel in a 1967 war and home to 2.5 million Palestinians. The World Court has ruled the settlements illegal. Although violence has mostly subsided since a 2000-2005 Palestinian uprising, clashes between settlers and Palestinians are not uncommon, along with mutual accusations of vandalizing crops, fields, private property and holy shrines. The placid vista presented to the tourists include organic farms offering an assortment of goat cheese and yoghurt, as well as flourishing vineyards that produce boutique wines. Palestinians see things very differently-the settlements, they fear, will deny them a viable state, and an Israeli barrier is

cutting through the West Bank, a project they condemn as a land grab and which Israel says is necessary for security.

The tour took the group through several small settlements, some of them built without official permission by settlers who see themselves as pioneers exercising their claim to a Biblical birthright to the land.

Sitting round a wooden table eating a rustic meal of goat cheese, yoghurt and eggs, Daniel and Catherine Lippert from Belgium gave their impressions of their Israeli hosts in an organic dairy farm near the settlement of Itamar. “The media portrays the settlers as crazy, violent obstacles to peace and we want to tell everyone at home what we saw,” Catherine said.

The tour group’s members defined themselves as former Christians who believe Jesus is the saviour but also abide by some Jewish ritual laws. “We love Israel and pray together every Sabbath on Skype,” said Simone Van Goethem, from Belgium.

Daniel Lippert said he and his wife come to Israel two or three times a year, but this was their first visit to the West Bank. “We donated money to Havat Gilad last year because it is the right thing to do,” Daniel said. “God promised the land to the Jews. The Palestinians should become Israeli citizens or leave.”

Nati Yisraeli, tourism coordinator for the settlers’ regional council, said he hoped the tours would “end ignorance, by bringing people to see for themselves”. “We want people to know what they’re talking about when they discuss the future of the settlements. We want them first to experience the place, the people.” he said. Yisraeli said the number of tourists rose to almost 100,000 in 2010 from 45,000 in 2008. These include large Israeli groups which come mostly on Jewish holidays, as well as foreign tourists. —Reuters

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Italy’s Berlusconi faces new parliamentary test ROME: Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi faces parliamentary votes this week that will test the strength of his coalition, struggling to stay united after two crushing electoral losses in the past month.

A string of corruption cases, a stagnant economy and a sordid scandal involving an underage prostitute have taken their toll on Berlusconi, whose support among voters stands at a record low of 29 percent, according to pollsters IPR. The prime minister is expected to win a confidence vote today over measures to help growth and a likely vote tomorrow to see if the government still enjoys a majority after his main ally, the Northern League, promised its support.

But the centre-right coalition remains in a precarious position, with voter support at record lows, a revived left and infighting that has pitted an increasingly frustrated League against an economy minister keen to rein in public finances. In a reminder of risks facing Italy, ratings agency Moody’s on Friday said it may cut the country’s rating over concerns about its ability to bring down a public debt mountain equivalent to about 120 percent of gross domestic product.

The government has pledged to present a package of measures in the next few weeks worth around 40 billion euros ($57 billion) to eliminate the budget deficit by 2014, a task made even more arduous by the demands of some coalition members to cut taxes. Berlusconi, embarrassed by a stinging defeat in local elections followed by further setbacks in referendums this month, has tried to put on a brave face ahead of the votes. “Today Italy needs to be governed, needs stability,” he told reporters in Milan on Sunday. “There is no doubt that the coalition

will win the confidence votes in parliament.”

Analysts say the government will scrape through the votes, but the coalition risks stumbling from one crisis to the next.

“Political uncertainty remains an issue. The government led by PM Berlusconi is losing appeal,” Barclays Capital analysts wrote in a research note yesterday. “We do not think the Northern League will trigger a political crisis in the short term. That said, this is a possibility which cannot be entirely ruled out. Political uncertainty is likely to remain until the end of the legislature (2013), in our view.”

After today’s confidence vote in the lower house of parliament, the following day the same chamber will vote to verify whether the government has a majority. This was demanded by President Giorgio Napolitano after new ministers were appointed in May, part of a process to change the make-up of the ruling coalition after defections by followers of Gianfranco Fini, Berlusconi’s former ally and now bitter rival. The government is expected to sail through a similar motion today in the Senate, where it enjoys a large majority.

Berlusconi is expected to address both houses, outlining his government’s program for the remainder of its term, including concessions to placate the League. The prodevolution, anti-immigrant League has been a loyal Berlusconi ally over the years but triggered the collapse of the media magnate’s first government in 1994. At its annual gathering in Pontida on Sunday, League leader Umberto Bossi promised not to pull the rug from under the government now but issued an ultimatum to push through tax cuts and cut back on costly foreign missions in Libya and elsewhere. —Reuters

News

in brief

£200 mistakenly flushed LONDON: A Scottish businessman flushed hundreds of pounds in supposedly fake notes down the toilet, only to be told days later that they were genuine, a report said yesterday. The man, who asked not to be named, said he had obtained around £200 (226 euros, $373) in £20 notes from an ATM on the Isle of Lewis off the north coast of Scotland, the Daily Telegraph reported. The Royal Bank of Scotland and Bank of Scotland refused to accept them amid warnings of a suspected counterfeiting operation and the businessman tore them up and put them down the toilet. But Inspector Robbie MacDonald, of the Northern Constabulary, said tests by Britain’s Serious and Organized Crime Agency later discovered that they were genuine. The businessman told the Telegraph that he blamed the banks for their “failure” to properly train staff on how to spot fake notes, adding that he had flushed the notes as a “public duty” to stop them getting back into circulation. A spokesman for the Bank of Scotland said: “We found what we thought were inconsistencies with some banknotes and as a precaution we set these notes aside so they were no longer in circulation.” They were then tested.

Fresh sanctions on Belarus LUXEMBOURG: Europe’s foreign ministers yesterday slapped fresh sanctions on Belarus, sanctioning three companies and three individuals close to President Alexander Lukashenko, diplomats said. The sanctions come amid growing global concern over the deterioration in human rights and rule of law in the country. The 27-nation bloc has already agreed a travel ban and assets freeze on some 188 people, including Lukashenko’s close circle and several judges. Diplomats said the new sanctions, the first to hit the business sector, target Lukashenko’s economic advisor Vladimir Peftiev and his three firms-arms company Beltechexport, telecoms operator Beltelcom and marketing business, Sport-Pari.

Poland’s foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on twitter “We have introduced an embargo on arms trade and a freeze on companies that finance Lukashenko.” “He must choose his path: towards democracy or towards The Hague”, where the International Criminal Court is based.

Belarus came under fire last week both from the United States and the UN Human Rights Council, which condemned a crackdown on the opposition.

US warship in Georgia BATUMI: A US warship arrived in ex-Soviet Georgia yesterday for a joint training program, with local officials rejecting Russia’s description of its Black Sea mission as a security threat. The US Navy cruiser Monterey equipped with a ballistic missile defense system arrived in the Georgian port of Batumi for a three-day call to hold training with local coastguards, the US embassy in Tbilisi said.

“The USS Monterey is operating in the Black Sea to conduct joint maritime training with several countries adjoining the Black Sea,” the embassy said in a statement.

“US ships have regularly deployed in the Black Sea region for many years and represent the continuing US commitment to Black Sea regional stability and maritime security,” the statement said. The warship’s participation in naval exercises in neighboring Ukraine earlier this month drew a sharp reaction from Russia. “The Russian side has repeatedly stressed that we will not let pass unnoticed the appearance of elements of US strategic infrastructure in the immediate proximity to our borders and will see such steps as a threat to our security,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Extradition process for Noriega PARIS: France said yesterday it will begin proceedings to extradite former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega to Panama, after the United States gave its consent. Noriega is in prison in France following his conviction for laundering millions of euros into French bank accounts and properties in the 1980s, but Panama wants him extradited so that he can serve sentences in his homeland for assorted crimes. Noriega, 77, served 20 years in prison in the United States for drug trafficking, money laundering and racketeering before being extradited to France in 2010, where he had been sentenced in absentia in 1999 to seven years in jail. He had been expected to qualify for an early release. “The consent of the United States opens the administrative phase of the extradition procedure of Manuel Noriega,” the French foreign ministry said in an online briefing. “The government is preparing the extradition decree which will be notified to the concerned party.” It said Noriega would have a month to launch any process to fight the extradition.

NATO risks credibility with civilian deaths First time NATO admits killing Libyan civilians LUXEMBOURG: NATO risks losing the propaganda war to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi because of actions which have killed civilians, the Italian foreign minister said yesterday. NATO admitted on Sunday it destroyed a house in Tripoli in which Libyan officials said nine civilians were killed-an incident that sows new doubts inside the alliance about its mission in Libya. “NATO is endangering its credibility; we cannot risk killing civilians,” Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini told reporters ahead of an EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg due to discuss ways to aid rebels opposed to Gaddafi.

Frattini expressed concern that NATO was losing the propaganda war to Gaddafi and that Western media reports did not emphasize enough the good work done by the alliance every day in protecting civilians in Libya. “We cannot continue our shortcomings in the way we communicate with the public, which doesn’t keep up with the daily propaganda of Gaddafi,” he said. Frattini said NATO had set what he called a “deadline” to conclude the bombing campaign by September, when a second alliance operations cycle will end, but should be looking for a solution to the crisis in Libya before that. Other NATO states have said the operation, which the alliance took over on March 31, will continue as long as necessary. Sunday’s statement was the first time NATO has admitted killing civilians in a mission in which its UN mandate is to protect civilians. The incident took place with NATO already under strain from a campaign that is taking more time and resources than some allies had expected.

Italy is one of only eight NATO states taking part in air strikes on Libya and was initially reluctant to join them given its colonial past in the country and

the mission has been questioned in the governing coalition.

Gaddafi has called the NATO campaign an act of colonial aggression designed to steal oil. NATO said a military missile site was the intended target of the air strikes but that it appeared one of the weapons did not strike that target, possibly due to

a malfunction. Reporters taken to the residential area in Tripoli’s Souq Al-Juma district by Libyan officials on Sunday saw several bodies being pulled out of the rubble of a destroyed building. In a hospital, they were shown the bodies of two children and three adults who, officials said, were among those killed.— Reuters

TRIPOLI: A Libyan doctor gestures in a hospital in the city of Surman, some 60 km west of Tripoli yesterday. Libya’s government said a NATO attack yesterday killed at least 15 people, including three children. — AP

US ambassador issues veiled warning to Afghan president Karzai reproached over criticism of West

ZIVINICE: Bosnian Muslim Alija Avdic, aged 2, sits on a swing watched by his grandmother Rahima Avdic, near their shelter at the collective center for refugees near the northern Bosnian town of Zivinice yesterday, where the Avdic family settled after being displaced from their home in eastern Bosnia in 1995. — AP

KABUL: The US ambassador to Kabul has issued a thinly veiled warning to Afghan President Hamid Karzai that harsh criticisms of the West could jeopardize the troops and funding critical to the Afghan government’s survival. Ambassador Karl Eikenberry said he found comments from “some” Afghan leaders “hurtful and inappropriate”, according to a transcript of a speech released late on Sunday. Although he did not mention Karzai by name, the speech appeared to be a direct response to a string of verbal broadsides against Western troops serving in Afghanistan and the diplomatic and aid programs that accompany them.

In one recent fiery speech Karzai warned that foreign soldiers risked being seen as occupiers because of civilian casualties they caused. Last week he said the West was polluting the country with weapons containing toxic chemicals. Eikenberry said those comments left him ashamed and speechless in front of the relatives of US war dead. “When I hear some of your leaders call us occupiers, I cannot look at these mourning parents, spouses, and children in the eye and give them a comforting reply,” Eikenberry told an audience of students and academics at Herat University in western Afghanistan.

“When we hear ourselves being called occupiers and worse, our pride is offended and we begin to lose our inspiration to carry on,” he added, in a personal addendum to a speech on education and transition.

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM? But Karzai’s spokesman said some of the president’s comments had been misunderstood and warned against “over-reacting” to constructive criticism, saying that Afghan people standing up for their own interests

should not be dubbed offensive. Karzai’s spokesman said that in his controversial speech on civilian casualties the president was only warning western allies that their image in his country was at risk, and that details may have been lost in a bad translation. “The president has never termed international forces as occupying forces ... He has said if the bombardment of civilian homes and civilians continue, there is a risk that (this view of western troops as occupiers) could become part of public opinion in Afghanistan,” Waheed Omer said. But Omer also warned against “over-reacting” to criticism, and added that although effective assistance was appreciated, the west had not come to Afghanistan for altruistic reasons. “No one can deny that international community came to Afghanistan for the sake of their own interests in the first place. We as Afghans have every right ... to make sure that international community’s presence also serves the interests of the people of Afghanistan,” Omer said. “I don’t see why this should be termed as offending.”

DRAWDOWN LOOMS Eikenberry was speaking as US President Barack Obama mulls how steep a US troop withdrawal that starts in July should be. That will coincide with the first phase of a gradual handover of security control to the Afghan police and army, who are due to take responsibility for all of Afghanistan by the end of 2014, though critics warn this date is premature. At present NATO is rushing to expand and train up security forces that have long struggled with problems ranging from widespread illiteracy, drug abuse and corruption to a dearth of leaders and equipment and a damaging rate of attrition. —Reuters

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Fire hits riot-wracked Venezuelan prison GUATIRE: Fire ripped through a prison where thousands of Venezuelan troops struggled to put down a revolt by inmates on Sunday as dozens of horrified relatives tried to watch the fighting. Officials gave few descriptions about the progress of the three-day battle at the Rodeo I prison and did not say if more people had been killed or injured beyond the three dead and 18 wounded reported on the first day of the clash. Gunfire continued to rattle from the compound. Deputy Justice Minister Nestor Reverol told state television the pre-dawn fire was caused by a short circuit, and that inmates had been evacuated before flames engulfed a building.

Some relatives outside said that prisoners with cell phones had told them that troops started the blaze. Evelyn Rodriguez, 27, climbed a nearby hill for a view and gasped when she peered through binoculars to see the prison blacked by the fire. “My husband and my brother were inside that building,” Rodriguez said, trying to hold back tears. “I

have no idea what has happened to them.”

The violence erupted in the El Rodeo I prison as troops searched for weapons, and has since extended to Rodeo II, an adjacent prison. A riot at El Rodeo I on June 12 left 22 dead.

It was not clear how many inmates remained at the prison or how many were resisting the troops. Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami said Sunday that at least 2,500 inmates had been transferred to other prisons. A 5,000-strong security force, including 3,500 National Guard troops, was joined on Saturday by 400 soldiers from an elite army paratroop unit, according to officials.

Journalists from The Associated Press watched half a dozen armored vehicles circle courtyards inside the compound on Sunday.

Troops lined up along tree-covered hillsides surrounding the prisons and repeatedly fired volleys of tear gas canisters.

Gunfire erupted sporadically throughout the day. Venezuela’s severely crowded pris-

ons have suffered repeated violent outbursts as rival gangs often fight for control of cellblocks and sell weapons and drugs with the help of corrupt prison guards. The country’s 30 prisons were built to hold about 12,500 prisoners but instead hold about 49,000, according to the Venezuelan Prisons Observatory, a group that monitors prison conditions.

Last year, 476 peopled died and 967 people were injured in the country’s prison system, according to figures compiled by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Human Rights Watch also said in a recent report that about three out of four inmates in Venezuela’s prison system have yet to be sentenced due to backlogs in the country’s slow-moving justice system. Relatives and friends of prisoners complained on Sunday that authorities have not informed them if their loved ones are safe. “This is a tremendous Father’s Day present they’ve given us,” Rodriguez said sourly. — AP

Treasury targets shipping companies linked to Iran US sanctions 10 firms, 3 individuals WASHINGTON: The US Treasury targeted companies and individuals affiliated with Iran’s national shipping line yesterday with measures to isolate them from US finance and commerce. In slapping sanctions on 10 shipping companies and three individuals linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, the Treasury said it was “responding to Iran’s continued efforts to evade sanctions and its ongoing creation and use of new front companies, subsidiaries and affiliates to protect IRISL and to advance its proliferation activities.”

The measures targeted IRISL’s operations in Britain, China, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. “As the private sector around the world increasingly turns its back on Iran’s national shipping line, IRISL’s efforts to evade international sanctions and increased scrutiny have grown more and more desperate,” Adam Szubin, director of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement. “ The persistent attempts by IRISL to deceive the world, including through the front companies identified today, attest to the weakness of IRISL as it tries to maintain a semblance of legitimacy while supporting Iran’s proliferation activities.” UAE-based firms Pacific Shipping, Great Ocean Shipping Ser vices, Azores Shipping, Atlantic Intermodal, Cr ystal Shipping and Pearl Shipping were among the designated companies. Also singled out for Treasury action were IRISL and Asia Marine Network’s agent in Singapore, Sinose Maritime, Singaporebased Leading Maritime, IRISL’s regional China office Santex Lines and Fair way Shipping, a shipping company in Britain.

Asia Marine Network’s managing director Alireza Ghezel Ayagh, who heads up Leading Maritime, and top IRISL mangers and executives Mohammad Moghaddami Fard and Ahmad Tafazoli were designated as well.

Treasury designated IRISL in September 2008

WASHINGTON: A US Airway plane sits on the tarmac at Reagan National Airport in Washington on Sunday, June 19, 2011, surrounded by police and emergency vehicles after a bomb threat was made at an airport ticket counter in Ohio. When the plane landed, authorities swept the plane for explosives and interviewed the 44 passengers aboard.

An FBI spokesman says no explosives were found aboard. — AP for providing logistical services to Iran’s Ministr y of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, which oversees the country’s ballistic missile program. In a coordinated move, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance unveiled a 317-count indictment of 11 companies and five individuals for their roles in a conspiracy that involves IRISL and its affiliates to evade sanctions.

He said the defendants had falsified bank records to access the US financial system.

“IRISL and its sanctioned affiliates used a web of aliases or corporate alter egos across

News

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Gunmen kill 22 in Mexico MONTERREY: At least 22 people were killed in a string of attacks in Mexico, authorities said yesterday, including a shooting at a bar in Monterrey just hours after the opening of soccer’s Under-17 World Cup. Gunmen stormed the bar in Mexico’s third largest city late Saturday and “executed three people,” wounded another, and kidnapped a security guard at the bar who was later found dead, an official of Nuevo Leon state’s investigation agency said. Four other people, 18-25 years old, were killed Sunday morning in Guadalupe, a city adjacent to Monterrey.

Apex court rejects Wal-Mart bias suit WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court yesterday rejected a class action suit against retail giant Wal-Mart by 1.5 million female workers who claimed they had been systematically discriminated against on the basis of gender. In the most closely watched decision of the year, the top US court ruled that the women could not all claim to have suffered the same discrimination as every other member of the suit. The issue was important because had the court decided in favor of the plaintiffs, the largest class action suit in history would have proceeded, exposing the world’s largest retailer to demands for tens of billions of dollars in back pay and punitive damage. By rejecting the suit, the nine justices limit the recourse available to the women, who claim to have been paid far less and benefited from fewer promotions than their male colleagues.

WASHINGTON: In this file photo, the five plaintiffs in a case of women employees against WalMart pose for a photograph outside the Supreme Court in Washington. — AP

the globe to exploit the services of financial institutions located in Manhattan,” Vance said. “New York remains the number one target of terrorist organizations around the world, and today’s joint action will make it more difficult for Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism.”

The United States, Israel and other Western powers are at loggerheads with Iran over its controversial nuclear program, which the West suspects is aimed at acquiring a nuclear weapons capability, a charge Iran strongly denies. — AFP

Obama ‘silent’ on guns WASHINGTON: More than five months after Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head, the White House has yet to take any new steps on gun violence, even though that’s what President Barack Obama called for in the wake of the shooting. The silence from the administration is drawing criticism from gun control activists and even some of Obama’s Democratic allies. Sen Frank Lautenberg told the president in a letter last week that the administration “has not shown the leadership to combat gun violence.”

It’s in keeping with Obama’s general stance on gun issues since taking office: outspoken earlier in his political career in favor of tougher gun measures, he’s treaded carefully since becoming president, almost never raising the topic except when asked and offering, at-most, tepid support for legislation he once embraced, such as re-enacting a ban on assault weapons. White House spokesman Eric Schultz said in a statement that the Justice Department is “consulting with the key stakeholders to identify common-sense measures that would improve American safety and security while fully respecting Second Amendment rights.”

Schultz declined to comment further, but whatever the administration produces is likely to fall well short of the steps activists would like to see, such as legislation banning the kind of high-capacity ammunition clips used in the Giffords shooting. Any significant change of that kind would require legislation, but with Congress hostile toward any gun-control bills, the administration sees that avenue as closed. Firearm ownership is a American tradition dating back more than two centuries to the run-up to the American Revolution, which was initially fought by local militias relying on their own weapons.

The US Constitution’s Second Amendment says that “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” It has been interpreted by the US Supreme Court as protecting personal firearm own-

ership and self-defense within the home.

A US government official involved in the gun control talks said that suggestions currently under consideration include ways to improve the background check system dealers use to avoid selling guns to criminals, which activists say is ineffective and riddled with loopholes. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private deliberations.

Some improvements could be made administratively, such as by providing states clearer guidelines on how to provide criminal information to the federal government for the background check database. Although such steps are not nearly as bold as activist groups, including the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, would like to see, they still hope to see something - and soon. “We’re coming on the six-month mark since the shooting and still nothing from the administration,” said Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Campaign. “It’s time for some action.”

The Justice Department deliberations began in March, after the president broke his usual silence on guns in an opinion piece in Giffords’ hometown newspaper, the Arizona Daily Star. In it, he called for “a new discussion on how we can keep America safe for all our people.” Even then Obama steered clear of ambitious declarations, timelines or goals, but he did call for “sound and effective steps” to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, including strengthening background checks.

Obama said that “if we’re serious about keeping guns away from someone who’s made up his mind to kill, then we can’t allow a situation where a responsible seller denies him a weapon at one store, but he effortlessly buys the same gun someplace else.”

Helmke and others interpreted that as support for closing what’s called the “gunshow loophole,” which allows private sellers to sell firearms at gun shows and elsewhere without conducting background checks. Activist groups say that some 40 percent of gun sales are conducted without background checks. — AP

GUATIRE: Soldiers in an armored vehicle patrol as relatives of inmates sit outside El Rodeo I prison in Guatire. — AP

Slaves, freedmen ‘spied on South’ during US Civil War WASHINGTON: In the Confederate circles he navigated, John Scobell was considered just another Mississippi slave: singing, shuffling, illiterate and completely ignorant of the Civil War going on around him. Confederate officers thought nothing of leaving important documents where Scobell could see them, or discussing troop movements in front of him. Whom would he tell? Scobell was only the butler, or the deckhand on a rebel sympathizer’s steamboat, or the field hand belting out Negro spirituals in a powerful baritone.

In reality, Scobell was not a slave at all. He was a spy sent by the Union army, one of a few black operatives who quietly gathered information in a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse with Confederate spy-catchers and slave masters who could kill them on the spot. These unsung Civil War heroes were often successful, to the chagrin of Confederate leaders who never thought their disregard for blacks living among them would become a major tactical weakness.

“The chief source of information to the enemy,” Gen Robert E Lee, commander of the Confederate Army, said in May 1863, “is through our negroes.”

Little is known about the black men and women who served as Union intelligence officers, other than the fact that some were former slaves or servants who escaped from their masters and others were Northerners who volunteered to pose as slaves to spy on the Confederacy. There are scant references to their contributions in historical records, mainly because Union spymasters destroyed documents to shield them from Confederate soldiers and sympathizers during the war and vengeful whites afterward. “These kinds of spies and operatives come up over and over again, many of them unnamed and rarely do they receive glory,” said Hari Jones, curator of the African American Civil War Museum in Washington, who lectures on the Civil War’s African American spies.

Jones and other experts are hoping the 150th anniversary of the Civil War will include some measure of remembrance for these officers. Allan Pinkerton, head of the Union Intelligence Service at the onset of the Civil War, detailed his recruitment of

black spies in his autobiography, including a couple of successful missions by Scobell and the extraction of valuable papers from a Union defector. Scobell in particular, Pinkerton said, was a “cool-headed, vigilant detective” who easily duped the Confederates around him by assuming “the character of the light-hearted, happy darkey.”

“From the commencement of the war, I have found the negroes of invaluable assistance and I never hesitated to employ them when after investigation I found them to be intelligent and trustworthy,” Pinkerton said. Harriet Tubman is the most recognizable of these spies, sneaking down South repeatedly to gather intelligence for the Union army while also leading runaway slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Often disguised as a field hand or poor farm wife, she led several spy missions into South Carolina while directing others from Union lines.

Another spy, Mary Elizabeth Bowser, was born a slave to the Van Lew family, who freed her and sent her to school. Bowser then returned to Richmond, where Elizabeth Van Lew was running one of the war’s most sophisticated spy rings.

Somehow, Van Lew got Bowser a job inside the Confederate White House as a housekeeper.

Bowser then proceeded to sneak classified information out from under Confederate President Jefferson Davis’ nose. According to the memoirs of Thomas McGiven, the Union spymaster in Richmond whose cover was that of a baker who delivered to the Confederate White House, Bowser “had a photographic mind. Everything she saw on the Rebel President’s desk she could repeat word for word.

Unlike most colored, she could read and write. She made the point of always coming out to my wagon when I made deliveries at the Davis’ home to drop information.”

Stories about Bowser, who is also known as Ellen Bond, Mary Jones or Mary Jane Richards, show up as early as May 1900 in Richmond newspapers, and her name was revealed in 1910 in an interview with Van Lew’s niece, according to Elizabeth Varon, author of a book about Van Lew. — AP

Nepal hosts first public lesbian wedding event DAKSHINKALI: A lawyer and a college professor from the United States celebrated Nepal’s first public lesbian wedding ceremony yesterday in the Himalayan nation that recently began recognizing gay rights and drafting laws to end sexual discrimination. Courtney Mitchell, 41, and Sarah Welton, 48, from Denver, Colorado, celebrated in a Hindu Nepalese tradition at the Dakshinkali temple south of Katmandu, the capital of the Himalayan nation. Local gay rights activists and supporters cheered the ceremony attended by their close friends.

Nepal Parliament member Sunilbabu Pant, a gay rights activist, said it was the first public wedding of a lesbian couple in the mostly conservative nation. Samesex marriages are not legal in Nepal, where gay couples hid their relationships until recently, when the Supreme Court ordered the government to legally guarantee sexual rights and end discrimination. The laws are being drafted, but broader political differences have delayed passage.

Pant said while yesterday’s wedding did not hold any legal status, “it was a huge achievement for gay rights campaign in Nepal.” Pant and his group, called Blue Diamond Society, have been fighting for their rights and have even opened a travel agency hoping to bring in foreign gay couples to come to Nepal for weddings and honeymoon. At the temple, 14 miles south of Katmandu,

Mitchell wore trousers, a hat and vest while Welton wore a red sari and covered her head with a veil. A Hindu priest performed the ceremony. The couple offered flowers, fruits and money to the fire and gods at the traditional ceremony.

The couple put flower garlands on each other while Mitchell put red vermillion powder on Welton’s forehead, which is equivalent of exchanging of rings in a Christian wedding. The guests danced to tunes played by a traditional band with drums and trumpets. One musician, Sitaram Basiyar, said he has performed at hundreds of weddings in his lifetime but this was his first lesbian wedding. “I never thought I would see such a wedding in my lifetime,” he said. The couple said they were happy to be married in Nepal and to contribute to the campaign for gay rights in the country. “It was my dream wedding come true. This is a fabulous ceremony,” Welton said.

Mitchell worked with the US Peace Corp in Nepal between 1998 and 2003, when people did not admit homosexuality. “It is because if everything that has been happening since 2003 with sexual minority rights we decided to come here for the wedding,” Mitchell said. “We are very excited about all the progress Nepal has made for gay rights in Nepal and I really wanted to show my support for Nepal.” The couple who met at a birthday party five years ago have adopted a 9month-old girl. — AP

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in brief

8-year old girl in suicide vest ISLAMABAD: An eight-year-old Pakistani girl was kidnapped by Islamist militants who forced her to wear a suicide vest to attack security forces, police said yesterday. Police produced the girl, identified as Sohana Javaid, before a news conference broadcast on Pakistani television channels. The girl recalled how she was kidnapped in her hometown of Peshawar by two women and a man who pulled up in a car. “They put a handkerchief on my mouth and I fell unconscious. They took me to some place. They gave me some biscuits to eat and I again fell unconscious,” Sohana said in a video, according to a voice over translation on the tape. Forced to wear a suicide vest, she was transported to a security check post in a small town in the Lower Dir district in the northwest. “I moved towards the check post but I started shouting and was taken into custody,” said Sohana. There was no way to independently verify the stor y.

Pakistani authorities, who are facing a stubborn Taleban insurgency, have in the past produced would-be suicide bombers in front of television cameras. But they have been men or boys.

Rahul Gandhi wins backing for PM job NEW DELHI: An influential member of India’s ruling party has said that Rahul Gandhi, seen as the next generation of his family’s political dynasty, is ready to become prime minister. Gandhi, who turned 41 at the weekend, is widely viewed as a leader-in-waiting, but has so far avoided roles in the cabinet, preferring instead to focus on building up a youth movement of the ruling Congress Party,. “It is time that Rahul Gandhi can become the prime minister,” Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh was quoted by news agency The Press Trust of India as saying on Sunday. The public call of support for Gandhi comes amid pressure on 78-year-old Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who critics say has failed to give the government direction amid a series of corruption scandals and challenges. The often outspoken Singh is close to the Gandhi family and Rahul’s mother, Sonia Gandhi, who is president of the Congress party.

The Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty has ruled India for most of the post-independence era, providing three prime ministers. Singh said Member of Parliament Rahul, was now a mature person with sound political instincts required for the top job. “Rahul has been working for the party for the last seven to eight years,” Singh said, adding that he has “the right qualities, instincts and experience to take up the mantle of prime-ministership no w.”

Afghanistan executes two over bank attack KABUL: The Afghan government has executed two Taleban insurgents for a coordinated gun and suicide attack on a bank which left 38 people dead, it said yesterday. Zar Ajam, who was Pakistani, and an Afghan named Mutihullah were sentenced to death earlier this month for their part in the attack on a branch of Kabul Bank in Jalalabad, eastern Afghanistan, in February.

President Hamid Karzai personally gave the goahead for their sentences to be carried out, a statement from the Afghan intelligence service said. “They were executed at 11:00 am (0630 GMT) today and a third accomplice in the case was sentenced to 20 years in prison,” said the statement, without specifying the method used. The brazen attack, which targeted security officials collecting their salaries, caused outrage among many in Afghanistan. After the killings, local television repeatedly screened closed-circuit television footage from inside the bank showing a man dressed in police uniform repeatedly shooting unarmed civilians. In an apparent confessional video, Ajam said he “enjoyed” killing people in the bank, believing they were all foreigners.

Rare US missile attacks hit northwest Pakistan Missile strike kills 12 militants PARACHINAR: Suspected US drones fired missiles at a vehicle and a house in northwest Pakistan, killing 12 people yesterday in a rare attack in an area where some of NATO’s fiercest enemies have reportedly traveled, Pakistani officials said. The first attack in the Kurram tribal area hit a vehicle, killing five people, said Noor Alam, a local government official. As tribesmen rushed to the scene, the vehicle was again struck, k illing two more people, he said.

Minutes later, a suspected US drone attacked a nearby house, killing five people, Alam said.

Seven of the 12 people killed in the attacks were Afghan militants whose bodies were taken across the border to be buried, Alam said. The attacks were confirmed by two Pakistani intelligence officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. The Obama administration has dramatically stepped up covert CIA drone attacks against militants in Pakistan, but there have only been a handful of strikes in the Kurram tribal area. Yesterday ’s strikes could indicate an expansion of the program.

Most of the recent drone strikes have taken place in Nor th Waziristan, an important sanctuary for the Haqqani network, which US military officials have said is the most dangerous militant group battling foreign forces in Afghanistan. The US has repeatedly asked Pakistan to launch an offensive against the network in North Waziristan, but the military has said that its forces are stretched too thin by other operations in the tribal areas. Local tribesmen said late last year that the Haqqani network cut a deal with Shiite Muslim militias in Kurram to allow the militants to cross through the area on their way to fighting in Afghanistan.

The route would help them avoid the drone attacks that have rained down on North Waziristan. Drone attacks are extremely unpopular in Pakistan and have generated tension between Washington and Islamabad, which

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani men carry wood to use for cooking as they heading back home in Islamabad yesterday. — AP increased following the US raid that killed Osama bin Laden last month and humiliated the Pakistani government.

Around 1,000 tribesmen held a protest against drone strikes yesterday in Miram Shah, one of the main towns in North Waziristan. The rally was organized by a pro-Taleban political par ty, Jamiat Ulema Islam. The crowd shouted “Down with America” and threatened to block NATO supplies to Afghanistan if the drone attacks don’t stop.

The US refuses to publicly acknowledge drone attacks in Pakistan, but officials have said privately that they have killed senior Taleban and Al-Qaeda commanders. Pakistani officials regularly criticize the drone strikes in public, but some are believed to support them in private depending on which militants they target. At least some of the drones are also widely believed to take off from bases inside Pakistan. Analysts have said that Pakistani officials likely support

Pakistani military chief seeks to repair dented army pride ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military chief is working to repair his army’s wounded pride in the bitter aftermath of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, a humiliation that has strained US-Pakistani relations and raised questions about the top general’s own standing. Retired and ser ving officers interviewed by The Associated Press spoke of seething anger within army ranks over the secret strike the Americans carried out on

May 2, undetected by Pakistan’s military.

The US helicopterborne operation set off a nationalist backlash: The usually untouchable army was sharply criticized in the press and on television talk shows, people demonstrated here in the capital demanding accountability, and open calls were made for the resignation of Gen Asfaq Parvez Kayani, the military chief. The army is Pakistan’s strongest institution, and Kayani the nation’s most powerful leader, but he “has to be very careful,” said retired Lt Gen Talat Masood. Like others inter viewed, he doubted Kayani’s underlings would try to unseat him in an intra-army coup, but he noted occasions in the past when disgruntled officers were found to be plotting against their chief.

These rumblings generally occurred after the army suffered an embarrassing defeat, most notably Pakistan’s 1971 loss of East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, when India took 90,000 Pakistani prisoners of war who weren’t released for a year. Last month’s raid on the AlQaeda leader ’s Abbottabad compound resurrected public comparisons to that Bangladesh debacle. In one sign of dented military prestige, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered the withdrawal of a twostar general after his men were caught on video killing an unarmed youth.

The cour t took the unusual action “in light of the hostile environment in the society toward the militar y,” said defense analyst Hasan Askar Rizvi.

The public disquiet weighs heavily on the officer corps and down through lower ranks, Masood said. — AP

drone strikes that target the Pakistani Taleban, which has declared war on the state and carried out scores of deadly attacks across the country.

But officials are likely less inclined to support strikes against the Haqqani network, which has historical ties to the Pakistani government and has focused its attacks against foreign forces in Afghanistan. Many analysts believe the Pak istani government views the Haqqani network as a key ally in Afghanistan once foreign forces withdraw.

Also yesterday, dozens of militants attacked the homes of two prominent anti-Taleban tribal elders in the Mohmand tribal area with grenades and machine gunfire, killing four people and wounding six others, said Zabit Khan, a local government official. One of the tribal elders was critically wounded in the attacks, which took place shortly after midnight.

Elsewhere in the northwest, a 9-yearold school girl wearing a suicide vest was detained at a paramilitary checkpoint in Lower Dir district, said local police chief Salim Marwat. She was kidnapped from the city of Peshawar on Saturday and was forced to wear the vest, he said.

In the southwest, a car bomb exploded near a women’s college in Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province, killing two people and wounding 12 others, said police officer Hamid Shakil.

He did not say who is suspected of carrying out the attack or indicate the target. Baluchistan has experienced frequent attacks by nationalists who demand a greater share of the province’s natural resource wealth. But car bomb attacks are rare. The province, which borders Afghanistan, is also widely believed to be home for many Afghan Taleban militants, including the group’s leader, Mullah Omar. — AP

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Indonesia recalls its ambassador to Saudi Jakarta fumes overbeheadingofIndonesianmaid JAKARTA: Indonesia yesterday recalled its ambassador to Saudi Arabia amid anger over the beheading of an Indonesian maid convicted of murdering her Saudi employer, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said. Riyadh carried out the execution by sword without giving Indonesia prior notice, Natalegawa told reporters after being grilled about the government’s response in parliament. “We cannot accept it and will file a strong protest to the Saudi government,” he said, adding that Jakarta’s ambassador had been recalled for consultations.

The woman, Ruyati binti Sapubi, was found guilty of murdering Saudi woman Khairiya bint Hamid Mijlid by striking her repeatedly on the head with a meat cleaver and stabbing her in the neck. The migrant worker had been subjected to constant verbal abuse and refused permission to leave the kingdom, according to Indonesia’s National Agency for Placement and Protection of Migrant Workers.

“In court, Ruyati confessed she killed her employer’s wife after a quarrel because her request to be allowed to go home was turned down,” agency chief Jumhur Hidayat told Antara news agency.

In parliament yesterday, lawmaker Teguh Juwarno called on Natalegawa to resign and said Indonesia should stop sending migrant workers to Saudi Arabia in the wake of a spate of abuse cases. “This is obviously the govern-

ment’s failure. I ask Minister Marty to be a gentleman and admit his failure, suspend the Indonesian ambassador to Saudi Arabia or resign himself as a gesture of accountability,” he said. The beheading brought the number of executions in the ultra-conservative kingdom this year to 28, according to an AFP tally based on official and human rights group reports.

Around 70 percent of the 1.2 million Indonesians working in Saudi Arabia are domestic helpers, according to officials.

Indonesians were outraged in April when a Saudi court overturned the conviction of a Saudi woman who had been jailed for three years for allegedly torturing her Indonesian maid. Sumiati binti Salan Mustapa, 23, claimed her employer beat her causing internal bleeding and broken bones, scalded her

head with an iron and slashed her with scissors, leaving her horribly disfigured and traumatized.

In November last year the beaten body of another Indonesian maid, Kikim Komalasari, 36, was found near Abha. Two people, her employers, were arrested in that case. Labor activists and rights groups have said the incidents highlight the paucity of protection for millions of mostly Asian domestic workers in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. Local media reported there are 22 Indonesian migrant workers facing execution in Saudi Arabia.

London-based watchdog Amnesty International this month called on Saudi Arabia to stop applying the death penalty, saying there had been a significant rise in the number of executions carried out over the past six weeks. —AFP

China urged to clarify claims on S China Sea

NEW DELHI: Myanmar refugees shout slogans during a march to highlight difficult conditions in their country on the world refugee day in New Delhi yesterday. Presently there are more than 11,500 Myanmar refugees living in Delhi under the care of United Nations High Commission for Refugee, out of this figure 5,000 are recognized refugees and 6,500 are asylum seekers. —AP

Myanmar’s fighting flares after peace talks collapse BANGKOK: Myanmar government troops and ethnic Kachin separatists fought yesterday following the collapse of talks aimed at ending a conflict that is threatening China’s energy interests in the remote area. Low-level clashes since June 9 in Myanmar’s northernmost Kachin state has disrupted operations of two Chinese-built hydropower plants and sent thousands of ethnic Kachin people fleeing into makeshift camps.

Burmese exiles said the fighting was ongoing and sources on the ground were unable to determine the number of casualties from battles between Kachin guerillas and light infantry units of Myanmar ’s “Tatmadaw” army. More than 200 Chinese workers have returned home after one hydropower plant with four 60-MHz generators was shut on June 14. In its first comments on the unrest, Myanmar’s state media said on Saturday the military had no choice but to respond with force after the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) ignored its warning to move fighters away from the Taping Hydropower Project.

It said the KIA had destroyed 25 bridges and had repeatedly launched “heavy weapons fire” at the project. The shutdown of the plant had caused “great loss to the state and the people”. The risk of the unrest spreading in the heavily militarized border region is a particular worry for China, which is building oil and gas pipelines that will span its Southeast Asian neighbor to improve energy security. China has called for peaceful negotiations. Exiled Burmese news sources based in Thailand said the regional commander of Myanmar’s military had held talks on Friday and Saturday at the headquarters of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the rebels’ political arm.

TALKS FAIL “But this seems to have failed because the government sent no message and did not sanction these talks,” said Lahpai Naw

Din, head of the Thai-based Kachin News Group. “The talks took place as the army continued to send in reinforcements, so there’s not much trust there.” The KIA battled the central government for decades but agreed to a ceasefire in 1994 that permitted a degree of self-rule, albeit unofficially. However, the government’s refusal to register a Kachin political party for last year’s parliamentary election-due to its refusal to disarm-has angered the Kachin.

Myanmar’s 11-week old government, its first civilian-led administration in five decades, is intent on seizing control of the rebellious states along its borders with Thailand and China but is aware conflict could easily spill into other areas and spark an aggressive response from other ethnic militias. Analysts say the government is under pressure from China, its biggest economic ally, to secure the two hydroelectric plants on the Taping River owned by Datang Corporation, a Chinese state company, which says 90 percent of the power generated will flow into China’s power grid. Chinese-built energy projects are a highly contentious issue for ethnic minorities in Myanmar, which see their construction as an incursion by an aggressive military that is reaping financial benefits from their resources.

Aung Zaw, editor of the Thailandbased Irrawaddy magazine, said it was i n C h i n a’s i n t e r e s t fo r g o v e r n m e n t troops to prevail, despite its official calls for calm. “It looks as if China is taking sides with the Burmese government. As long as the military says these offensives are to secure the energy projects with as little damage as possible, then it will have China’s support,” he said. “It’s no real surprise this is happening. The K achin have been cut out politically with last year’s election and economically with these dams. They have a lot to fight for.” —Reuters

China offers residency, cash in hunt for rioters HONG KONG: Police in southern China have reportedly offered cash rewards and residency to migrant workers who give information leading to the arrest of those involved in three days of wild riots. The violence in Xintang, a district in Guangzhou-the country’s industrial heartland-began on June 10 after rumors spread that police had beaten a street hawker to death and manhandled his pregnant wife. Television images of the unrest showed hundreds of officers deployed along with armored vehicles, as people hurled bricks and bottles, and vandalized ATMs and police posts. The violence was the latest in a series of flareups in the country, which analysts say highlight resentment towards an unresponsive

government.

In a notice published on the front page of the local Zengcheng Daily on Sunday, police announced a reward of 5,000 to 10,000 yuan ($772-$1,544) for tip-offs leading to successful arrests of those who took part in the riots. “We urge the public not to fall under the influence of those seeking to incite and instigate,” said the four-paragraph notice. “We urge the criminals to surrender as soon as possible, to confess their acts in order to plead for leniency,” it added. Apart from the cash reward, the police also offered informers the title of “righteous good citizen” and the additional award of “outstanding migrant worker” as well as local residency. —AFP

SINGAPORE: Singapore said yesterday that China should clarify its claims to disputed islands in the South China Sea and urged all parties to act with restraint amid the biggest flare-up in regional tension in years over competing maritime sovereignty claims.

The rare comment from Singapore, a non-claimant to any of the islands, came as one of China’s biggest civilian maritime patrol ships, the Haixun 31, docked in the city-state. “We have repeatedly said that we think it is in China’s own interests to clarify its claims in the South China Sea with more precision as the current ambiguity as to their extent has caused serious concerns in the international maritime community,” the foreign ministry said.

“This is precisely why this port call in Singapore by the Haixun 31 has provoked such interest,” it said in a statement. “After all scores of vessels from many countries, including naval vessels, call at Singapore every day without arousing the slightest excitement.”

China and Vietnam have hurled accusations at each other for weeks over what each sees as intrusions into its territorial waters by the other in a swath of ocean crossed by key shipping lanes and thought to hold large deposits of oil and gas.

The past three weekends have seen small numbers of protesters stage rare anti-China demonstrations in Hanoi. Beijing said the Haixun 31 left south China on Wednesday. It was to come to Singapore after passing near the Paracel and Spratly island groups at the heart of disputes with Vietnam, the Philippines and other nations. The Haixun 31 would monitor shipping, carry out surveying, inspect oil wells and “protect maritime security”, the official Beijing Daily saidsteps that could lead to confrontation with other countries pressing claims in the sea.

It also said it would carry out inspections of foreign vessels anchored or operating in waters claimed

by China. China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan all claim territory in the South China Sea. China’s claim is by far the largest, forming a vast Ushape over most of the sea’s 648,000 square miles, including the Spratly and Paracel archipelagos. “It is our hope that parties to the disputes in the South China Sea will act with restraint to create conditions conducive to the peaceful settlement of these disputes and the continuation of peace, stability and growth,” the Singapore statement said. —Reuters

ZHEJIANG: People wade through a flooded street in Lanxi city in east China’s Zhejiang province yesterday. Heavy rains pounded Zhejiang province over the weekend and the level of a river that passes through Lanxi city has risen sharply. —AP

Flood-hit China braces for more storms BEIJING: Flood-hit areas of central and southern China braced for more heavy rains yesterday with several major rivers already swollen after downpours that have affected millions and left scores dead or missing. Water Resources Minister Chen Lei warned that at least 10 major rivers in the affected areas were threatening to burst their banks.

“Severe floods triggered by heavy rains will continue to threaten parts of southern China,” he said Sunday in remarks posted on his ministry’s website. “There is an increasing possibility that downpours, with enhanced frequency and intensity, will continue to lash regions in the south.”

Persistent rains since early June have swamped many areas across a wide swathe of China and the state weather bureau forecast continued downpours over the next three days, with the summer typhoon season approaching.

More than 1.6 million people in 13 provinces, regions and municipalities had been evacuated from their homes from June 3-20 due to flooding, the civil affairs ministry said yesterday. The rains had left at least 261 people dead or missing while more than 36 million have been “affected” one way or another by the rain and flooding, it added.

A three-hour downpour dumped a near-record 312 millimeters of rain in Wangmo County in Guizhou province in the southwest, while over 200 millimeters of rain had fallen over short periods in other regions, Chen said. State television broadcast footage of the flooded streets of Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province in the centre of the country.

Newspapers carried photos of crowded boats evacuating stranded villagers and numerous flooded roads. In the east of the country, a 30-metre-deep sinkhole slashed into a highway.

Authorities have evacuated 292,000 people from along the Qiantang River in Zhejiang province on the east coast after heavy rains caused the river to

swell dangerously, official Xinhua news agency said. Dykes stretching more than 70 kilometers along the Lan River in the Zhejiang city of Lanxi were at risk of bursting and authorities were preparing evacuation plans for residents in the area, the agency added.

Heavy rains since Saturday have caused the river’s water levels to rise sharply, with the Lan reaching its highest mark since 1966, it said.

The Lan was already overflowing at some points while other dyke sections were barely holding. Authorities have put direct economic losses in Zhejiang province alone at 7.69 billion yuan ($1.19 billion) - and fruit and vegetable prices have soared by as much as 40 percent after the heavy rains destroyed crops, Xinhua said.

The storms have come as a jarring change for provinces including Hubei, Anhui, and Zhejiang, parts of which had until recently sweltered under the worst drought in decades. Several days of torrential rain in the southwestern province of Sichuan left nine people dead and 27 missing by Sunday, the country’s weather forecaster said on its news website yesterday.

In Yunnan, also in the southwest, five people were killed and another was missing af ter surging floodwaters swept through a pair of rural villages during a hailstorm on Sunday, Xinhua said.

And in the far-western Xinjiang region, four people were reported missing in flash floods that struck on Sunday, the news agency added. China is hit by heavy summer rainfalls every year. Torrential downpours across large swathes of the country last year triggered the nation’s worst flooding in a decade, leaving more than 4,300 people dead or missing in floods, landslides and other rain-related disasters. One devastating mudslide in the northwestern province of Gansu killed 1,500 people last August. —AFP

Indonesia terror suspect on trial JAKARTA: One of Indonesia’s top terrorism suspects went on trial yesterday on charges of helping set up a terrorist training camp for a group that plotted attacks on foreigners and assassinations of the country’s moderate Muslim leaders. The trial of Abu Tholut began days after a hard-line cleric was sentenced to 15 years in prison for supporting the same jihadist camp. Tholut, 50, is accused of procuring M16 assault rifles and other weapons for the camp, which was raided early last year in westernmost Aceh province, prosecutor Bambang Suharyadi told the West Jakarta District Court. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Arrested in December, Tholut is one of more than 120 alleged members of the “Tanzim Al Qaeda in Aceh” group to have been captured or killed since the camp was uncovered. More than 50 of those men have been sentenced to prison. Radical Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, co-founder of the al-Qaida-linked Islamist movement Jemaah Islamiyah, was last week sentenced to 15 years for supporting the camp. Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, was thrust onto the front lines of the battle against terrorism in 2002, when Jemaah Islamiyah militants bombed two crowded nightclubs on the resort island of Bali, killing 202 people, many of them foreign tourists.

There have been several attacks since then, but all have been far less deadly. Police have said the Aceh group was plotting Mumbaistyle gun attacks on foreigners at luxury hotels in the capital of Jakarta and assassinations, including of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, to punish the government for supporting the US-led anti-terrorism fight. Tholut, also known as Mustofa, became one of

JAKARTA: Terrorist suspect Abu Tholut (left) is escorted by a plain-clothed police officer as he arrives for his trial at a district court in Jakarta yesterday. —AP Indonesia’s most wanted fugitives after master bomb-makers Noordin M Top and Dulmatin were gunned down early last year in police raids.

He was convicted for involvement in a 2001 bomb blast at a shopping plaza in central Jakarta that wounded six, and he served five years of an eight-year sentence after getting remission for good behavior. Like dozens of other convicted Indonesian extremists, he

returned to his terror network after he was released. Nasir Abas - a former militant who has helped police track down and arrest several members of his network - said Tholut had been a combatant in Afghanistan and an “excellent instructor” who helped train Islamist militants in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao.

Judges adjourned the trial until next week, when Tholut’s lawyers are due to respond to the charges.—AP

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DRESDEN, Germany: A tree stands in a field as rain clouds pass by near this eastern German city yesterday. Germany is experiencing very changeable weather of wet and sunny spells at the moment. — AFP

Mubarak has cancer Continued from Page 1 statements by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which took power when Mubarak was ousted on Feb 11, saying they were preparing for his transfer. He is said to be suffering from “episodes of unconsciousness due to circulatory problems and low blood pressure,” the prosecutor’s statement said. He also suffers “an irregular heartbeat which could lead to a sudden heart attack,” it added. Mubarak is described as “generally weak and depressed, and he has trouble getting out of bed without help”.

In an interview with CNN two days previously, on May 29, Mubarak’s

Internet body OKs new web suffixes

lawyer said the former president was in “very bad health”. “The president has serious heart problems and complications with his stomach from the operation he had in Germany last year,” Dib said. In March 2010, Mubarak went to Germany for surgery. Doctors at the time said he had suffered from chronic calculus cholecystitis - an inflammation of the gall bladder accompanied by gall stones and a duodenal polyp. They said he also had a growth removed from his small intestine.

Until the outbreak of anti-government protests on Jan 25, Mubarak seemed insurmountable as president of the most populous nation in the Arab world, backed by the United

States and the military, from whose ranks he had emerged. Mubarak had survived 10 attempts on his life, and at 82 his health was a subject of speculation but a taboo subject in Egypt, as he kept his private life a carefully guarded secret.

The spectacular fall in February of one of the region’s most powerful leaders after 18 days of nationwide anti-regime protests was followed by repeated calls for his trial. An official inquiry found that at least 846 people were killed in the protests, many of them from gunshot wounds. At least 6,000 were injured. The murder charges may lead to a death sentence if Mubarak is found guilty, the justice minister said in May. — AFP

Ben Ali says he was duped into leaving Continued from Page 1 unemployment, rising prices and repressive governments. Ben Ali’s trial will be watched closely in Egypt, where former president Hosni Mubarak is due to stand trial over the killing of protesters.

In a statement issued by his lawyers, Ben Ali gave his first detailed account of the events leading to his departure. At the time, thousands of protesters had gathered in the centre of the capital Tunis to demand that he step down, the culmination of three weeks of demonstrations which police tried to disperse by firing on the crowds. The statement said that the head of presidential security Ali Al-Soryati had come to Ben Ali in his office and told him “friendly” foreign intelligence services had passed on information about a plot to assassinate the president.

He was persuaded to get on a plane that was taking his wife and children to safety in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but with the intention of returning immediately, the statement said. “He boarded the plane with his family after ordering the crew to wait for him in Jeddah. But after his arrival in Jeddah, the plane returned to Tunisia, without waiting for him, contrary to his orders. “He did not leave his post as president of the republic and hasn’t fled Tunisia as he was falsely accused of doing,” the statement said.

Ben Ali’s version of events is unlikely to elicit sympathy from the majority of Tunisians. They are now enjoying relative freedom after decades when most people would not speak openly for fear of arrest by the secret police. The trial which got under way yesterday is likely to shed light on the belief widely held in Tunisia that Ben Ali, his wife Leila Trabelsi, and members of their family had enriched themselves by embezzling state assets. Before Ben Ali’s ouster, diplomats spoke of Tunisia’s first lady spending hundreds

of thousands of dollars on shopping trips abroad, while her relatives acquired yachts and beachside villas and used their influence to muscle in on lucrative businesses.

Judge Touhami Hafian detailed how investigators who went to the presidential palace and Ben Ali’s private residence after he fled found 1.8 kg of illegal drugs and 43 million Tunisian dinars ($31 million) in cash. He said they had also come across jewelry, archeological artefacts, and arms, all of which he said Ben Ali had obtained illegally. The prosecutor asked the judge to hand down “the most severe punishments for those who betrayed the trust and stole the money of the people for their personal gain .... They did not stop stealing for 23 years.”

In his statement released yesterday, Ben Ali said the charges against him were a fabrication designed to blacken his name. He said the weapons were gifts from other heads of state and the jewelry had been given as gifts to his wife by foreign dignitaries. The money and drugs had been planted in his home and the presidential palace after his departure as part of a plot against him, he said in the statement. He also denied having any bank accounts in Switzerland or any other foreign country, and said that he did not own any property overseas.

Outside the courtroom, several hundred protesters chanted “How long will he be allowed to flee?” Some demanded that Ben Ali be sentenced to death. “Why did they star t with the trial over the drugs and weapons and stolen money?” said a woman protester.

“Why don’t they start with a trial for killing hundreds of people?” Ben Ali is also due to face a separate trial, in a Tunisian military court, on charges that include conspiring against the state and manslaughter. In the statement released through his lawyers, Ben Ali denied giving the order to fire on protesters. — Reuters

Kuwait Airways posts big losses Continued from Page 1 Under a privatisation law, Kuwait Airways will be transformed into a private company with a 35-percent stake to be sold at auction to foreign or local investors and 40 percent to be sold to Kuwaiti citizens in an initial public offering. Twenty percent will be reserved for staterun institutions and the remaining five percent will be distributed for free to the Kuwaiti employees. The privatisation process, however, has been running behind schedule. The airline has a fleet of 15 Airbus and two Boeing aircraft that it bought in

the early 1990s.

Meanwhile, MPs began debating the budget of Kuwait Airways yesterday. Communications Minister Sami Al-Nasef, who is the chairman of Kuwait Airways, said that the state-owned national carrier will be privatized on the basis of the law passed by the National Assembly several years ago. He said that Kuwait Airways cannot compete amid the open-sky policy amid stiff competition in the local market.

Under the privatization law, 35 percent of the airline will be offered in a public auction to local and foreign companies. Nasef said that if “we

cannot find a buyer, we have to find a company to modernize its fleet and later sell it”.

Finance Minister Mustafa AlShamali bluntly said that under the current circumstances, KAC will not have any value because the state owes the airline KD 300 million and “we cannot pay the amount because the Assembly has not approved the final statements of its budgets since 2004”. By law, budget shortfalls of KAC are paid by the state because it is a government body, but the state cannot pay unless the Assembly approves the final statements.

Continued from Page 1 city or a trademark. ICANN chairman Peter Thrush said at a news conference the new naming system will be a “tremendous opportunity for people to take control of this aspect of their branding and develop it in their own way.”

The ICANN board voted 13-1 in favour of the change, which was first proposed in 2005, with two members abstaining. George Sadowsky, the lone board member who voted against the move, said “I believe that it is not ICANN’s job to influence the choice of winners and losers in such competitions, and that is implicitly what we will be doing.” ICANN chief executive Rod Beckstrom said applications for the new web suffixes will open on Jan 12 next year and close 90 days later. “The first possible time at which some of the applications could be approved would be late in 2012,” Beckstrom told reporters.

ICANN will embark on a global communication campaign to spread awareness of the changes but about 120 parties have already publicly expressed their interest in the program, he said. “If you scroll through one of those lists... You’ll probably see some major brand owners, some major companies in the world, some major brands, cities, regions and other different types of communities,” Beckstrom said. Adrian Kinderis, chief executive of domain name registry services provider AusRegistry International, said the new system will allow companies to protect their trademarks in cyber-

space. “It will be an exciting period ahead,” he said.

ICANN board member Sebastien Bachollet, who was in favour of the change, said “some people feel that the new gTLDs will cause confusion”. “I trust we have the tools to ensure the phase of stress will be brief,” he added. ICANN, a non-profit body managing the Domain Name System and Internet Protocol addresses that form the technical backbone of the Web, is holding a global meeting in Singapore this week to discuss a range of matters.

The corporate domain names won’t come cheap. It will cost a company $185,000 just to apply and there are a number of criteria that must be met before ICANN will give the nod for a firm to own the domain name of its choice. The fee is needed to recoup the costs associated with the new gTLD program and to ensure that it is fully funded, ICANN said. It would also weed out opportunistic applicants seeking to resell domain names for a profit after buying them cheaply, a problem in the earlier days of the Internet.

Only “established corporations, organisations, or institutions in good standing” may apply for a new gTLD, according to ICANN guidelines. ICANN will not consider applications from individuals or sole proprietorships. Antony Van Couvering, chief executive of Britain’s Top Level Domain Holdings Ltd, which helps companies buy and operate new generic domains, said the ICANN decision “marks an historic shift in the way consumers, brands and communities will interact on the Web”. — AFP

Assad blames unrest on saboteurs, vows...

Continued from Page 1 Assad said he hoped the package of reforms should be ready by September if parliamentary elections went ahead as scheduled in two months’ time, which will be decided during the dialogue. “The parliamentary elections, if they are not postponed, will be held in August. We will have a new parliament by ... August and I think we can say that we are able to accomplish this package (of reforms) ... in September,” he said.

“The regime has no realisation that this is a mass street movement demanding freedom and dignity,” opposition figure Walid Al-Bunni said. “Assad has not said anything to satisfy the families of the 1,400 martyrs or the national aspiration of the Syrian people for the country to become a democracy.” Lebanese analyst Oussama Safa said Assad’s reform pledges were “too little too late”, adding that for Syria’s opposition, Assad had lost legitimacy.

Assad’s third speech to the nation since the protests broke out was buoyed by a Russian pledge to block Western moves against him at the United Nations. Witnesses and opposition activists said the speech was followed by protests in the northern city of Aleppo, in the flashpoint province of Idlib in the northwest, the central regions of Homs and Hama and in Damascus suburbs.

“The protesters condemned the

speech which branded them as saboteurs, extremists,” the head of the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel Rahman, told AFP by telephone. “The demonstrators are calling for freedom and dignity.” Abdel Rahman said authorities arrested 60 demonstrators in Aleppo over the past 24 hours. According to Abdel Rahman’s group, the violence has so far claimed the lives of 1,310 civilians and 341 security force members.

Opposition activists said Assad’s speech failed to specify concrete steps namely the pullout of troops from besieged cities - and only deepened the crisis. The Coordination Committee, an umbrella group of activists, called for “the revolution to carry on until all its aims have been achieved.” “We consider any dialogue useless that does not turn the page on the current regime,” it said in a statement received by AFP. Prominent human rights lawyer Anwar Al-Bunni, who was freed from five years in prison last month, called Assad’s speech “disappointing”. “The key demands made by the people were not mentioned and the existence of a political crisis has been ignored,” he said.

In a first reaction to the speech, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Twitter it was “disappointing & unconvincing”. “Little new on how reforms will be implemented & when, or how he will end violence,” he tweeted. Juppe told reporters in Luxembourg: “Some

believe that there’s still time for him to change his ways and commit to a (reform) process. For my part, I doubt it. I think that the point of no return has been reached.”

Their comments came as EU foreign ministers prepared to expand sanctions against Assad’s regime, according to a draft resolution to be adopted later yesterday. The EU has been looking at adding firms and a dozen people to a blacklist of 23 people targeted by an asset freeze and travel ban which already includes Assad and key allies.

Western governments have also been circulating a draft resolution at the Security Council that would condemn Assad’s crackdown on dissent, but Russia warned it could veto to block any such move.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in an interview yesterday with the Financial Times that he feared the text would be used as cover for Libya-style military action which he described a “meaningless military operation.” He said Russia would use its right of veto.

Meanwhile, as International Committee of the Red Cross chief Jakob Kellenberger began a two-day trip to Syria, the authorities took diplomats and journalists to what they said was the site of a mass grave of people killed by “armed groups”. The third such “mass grave” near the restive northern town of Jisr Al-Shughour, the focus of military operations since June 12, contained eight bodies. — Agencies

14

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

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Issues

Bombs a key challenge to Nigerian prez

By Susan Njanji igeria’s first suicide attack against the country’s security services and multiple bombings shortly after President Goodluck Jonathan’s inauguration are a key challenge to his administration, analysts say. Radical sect Boko Haram claimed responsibility for Thursday’s bomb attack in a car park at the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja which killed a policeman and the bomber. Several other people were wounded and dozens of cars destroyed.

The attack was the third of its kind since Jonathan was sworn into office on May 29 following his election for a first full term in April. Hours after his inauguration coordinated explosions went off on the outskirts of the capital and at a bar in a military barrack in the north of the country leaving a total of 18 people dead. The sect said it was behind the attacks.

Bombings and shootings have occurred almost daily in parts of northeastern Borno state, especially in the capital Maiduguri leaving several dozens killed including high-ranking politicians and respected religious leaders as well as policemen. “Mr President must see that these bombings are a direct challenge to his administration,” said Lagos-based independent security analyst Onah Okhume, adding that he thought “the most direct challenge were those coordinated bombs just after his inauguration”. “For me that’s a kill-joy. They are saying ‘hey you guys we have some business to do you here’,” said Okhume.

Alex Vines, specialist researcher regional and security studies at British think tank Chatham House, said Thursday’s bomb attack “shows the challenges that the Jonathan administration is facing including the inclusive politics”. Jonathan’s victory in April sparked riots that left more than 800 people dead in just three days in several northern states. The violence took a sectarian turn leading to reprisal attacks.

Nigeria’s population of 150 million is roughly divided between a predominately Muslim north and a mainly Christian south. Jonathan, a southern Christian, defeated his main rival Muhammadu Buhari in an election considered the fairest in Nigeria yet. “It’s another reminder that northern politics needs to have equal attention in the new administration,” said Vines.

Clement Nwankwo, head of an NGO Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, saw the attack on the police headquarters, two days after the police chief warned that the country should be rid of Boko Haram in two weeks, as a challenge to the security apparatus. Boko Haram, which means “Western education is sin”, launched an uprising in 2009 which was put down by a brutal military assault that left hundreds dead, mostly sect members. It has pushed for the creation of an Islamic state and been blamed for the shootings of police and community leaders, bomb blasts and raids on churches, police stations and a prison.

Earlier this week, it said it was ready to enter into dialogue with authorities provided a newly elected government in the northeastern Borno state was removed and Islamic sharia law was strictly applied across the entire north of the country. Observers say poverty levels are generally more pronounced in the north of Nigeria than in the south. The north has long been economicaly marginalised compared with the oil-rich south. Some security experts say Al-Qaeda could be trying to set up a franchise in Nigeria, but political analysts believe the attackers are radical groups using terror acts to draw the attention of authorities.

“I think it’s more a group of people challenging the government of the day to do something,” said Nwankwo warning the government needed to act decisively. But it appears Jonathan has not yet come up with a strategy for his new government, said Nwankwo. “It’s more than a month since he was elected and he can’t form a government ... it speaks volumes,” he added. Jonathan was elected on April 16 and sworn into office on May 29 with a promise to have a cabinet in place within two weeks. Almost three weeks on, it is not clear when that will be the case. — AFP

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

Muslim women speak for themselves

By Asma T Uddin e all have important causes to which we are innately drawn.

My cause has always been twofold: women’s equality and Islam. A few years ago I launched Altmuslimah.com, a website devoted to creating a forum for open and honest discussion about gender issues in Islam from all perspectives, Muslim and nonMuslim, female and male. My vision for Altmuslimah was to foster an environment conducive to the exploration of real and pressing issues within the Muslim community through a combination of personal narratives, debate, and analysis.

The opportunity, therefore, to share my personal experiences and journey along with other Muslim American women in I Speak for Myself, a collection of 40 essays by 40 Muslim American women under the age of 40, edited by Maria Ebrahimji and Zahra Suratwala and published by White Cloud Press, was not only important and exciting but completely natural for me.

Oftentimes the voices of Muslim

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women are overlooked, ignored and under-appreciated, but I Speak for Myself offers a rare and honest look into the lives of real Muslim American women, who are trying to navigate the multiple and often seemingly conflicting facets of our worlds and our identities. Lawyers, artists, teachers, engineers, students - the women featured in this book discuss the realities of being Muslim women in America. We talk about our faith, our children, our husbands and our careers, and ultimately our stories reflect the richness and diversity of Islam in America.

Rashida Tlaib, for instance, writes about how she realised that as a representative to the Michigan state legislature she might be able to do good for her community. She spent three months conducting an aggressive door-to-door election campaign and her efforts paid off. Although she was the only Arab and Muslim running for the seat in a highly diverse district which was Hispanic, white, and African American, she won the election by an astounding 44 per cent of the vote, and in 2008, Rashida became the first Muslim woman in the

Michigan state legislature.

In another stor y, Mar yam Habib Khan, a Muslim American engineer for the US Army Corps of Engineers, writes about her deployment to Afghanistan in 2004 and 2006. She worked on meaningful projects, like the renovation of a women’s hospital in Kabul, which significantly benefited the lives of Afghan women and children every day, and Maryam returned home with a sense of deep-seated accomplishment and fulfilment. She had sacrificed neither her dignity as a Muslim woman nor as an American in Afghanistan, but rather become an exemplar for unifying and harnessing the disparate elements of her identity as a woman, engineer, Muslim, and American to help educate her colleagues and better the lives of Afghan people who needed it.

My own story is centred on spiritual evolution vis-a-vis intra-community politics. In my chapter titled “Conquering Veils: Gender and Islam,” I speak about my encounter with misogynist literature that purported to lay out the “ideal” Muslim woman.

I also speak about my community’s

hypocrisy on the issue of hijab (headscarf ), religious symbolism, and judging others’ morality on the basis of such artificial symbols.

Most importantly, however, my story highlights the process of finding my way out of the spiritual agony wrought by such experiences and eventually finding myself in a closer, more authentic relationship with God than I had ever before experienced.

I Speak for Myself is about understanding and accepting the complexity and multiplicity of Islam as it is in the real world. It offers a very personal, human look into what it actually means to be Muslim in America.

I am proud to have been able to contribute to this book because I Speak for Myself is part of a very important movement to promote both intra- and interreligious dialogue that is taking place all over this country and the world. It is a step towards cross-cultural understanding and tolerance, which both Muslims and non-Muslims alike can gain from.

NOTE: Asma T Uddin is Editor-in-Chief of AltMuslimah.com — CGNews

From protesters to parliamentarians?

By Natana J DeLong-Bas hat do Asmaa Mahfouz, Munira Fakhro and Tawakul Karman all have in common? They are all strong, capable women defying the popular Western image of the oppressed, repressed, suppressed Muslim woman hidden behind a black chador or blue burqa, helplessly waiting for Western liberation. The biggest challenge these women face is not dispelling Western stereotypes, but claiming their place in the Arab spring, not only during the revolutionary and transitional periods, but, most importantly, in the resulting new systems. In Egypt, Aasma Mahfouz became known by many as the “Leader of the Revolution” after posting an online video calling young people to demonstrate en masse, helping to spark the revolution that forced President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation. In Bahrain, political activist Munira Fakhro played a leading role as an organiser and spokesperson for the Pearl Square demonstrations, demanding government reform and building a movement that was “not Sunni, not Shiite, but Bahraini”.

In Yemen, human rights activist and journalist Tawakul Karman has protested nonviolently outside Sanaa University every Tuesday since May 2007, demanding that President Ali Abdullah Saleh step down from power. These women are not waiting for someone to come rescue them. They are active participants in their own liberation. They are leaders who provide vision, strategy, technological expertise, networks, logistics, determination, courage and sheer numbers.

In stark contrast to the image

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of Arab women in charge of nothing but their homes, these women are picketing outside supermarkets, staging sit-ins with their children, organising demonstrations, networking with each other, teaching workshops on the tactics of nonviolence, tearing down security fences and marching through

months, they have been beaten, tear-gassed, shot, arrested, tortured, raped and killed by government forces.

Their issues are not just “women’s issues” but national issues. They are standing and working alongside men in their quest for greater levels of freedom, a voice in the government,

gave their lives in the struggles for independence, once the conflict was over and independence declared, women were thanked for their contributions and sent back home to leave the “real” work to the men. The ruling entities may have changed, but the patriarchal order remained intact.

Female anti-government protesters attend a demonstration demanding the resignation of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the departure of his son Ahmed in Sanaa, yesterday. A poster showing former Yemeni President Ibrahim Al-Hamdi is seen held by a demonstrator. — AP checkpoints to connect with people on the other side. They are not only pitching tents and serving tea, but also working as doctors and nurses, providing medical ser vices to those wounded by police and military crackdowns on demonstrations.

And over the past several

an end to corruption and the right to jobs, a decent education and a better life, not only for themselves, but for everyone.

As we look at the Arab spring today, we must remember the lessons of Algeria and Kuwait.

Although many courageous women risked their safety and

Hints of history repeating itself are already apparent in Egypt where the “Council of Wise Men” was established to advise the transitional government, leaving women without a direct voice. Demonstrations in support of International Women’s Day in Cairo and calls

for the protection of women’s rights under Tunisia’s Personal Status Code were interrupted by men telling women to “go back home where they belong”.

If we in the West are serious about supporting genuine democracy in the Arab world, we must help ensure that women are not treated as divorced from the critical interests of society. And we must all recognise the many roles that women already play in Arab society, far beyond the cherished roles of wife and mother.

Western and Arab policymakers must make sure women are included in government and leadership positions and public life, not as tokens, but as equals.

Just as their sisters in Jordan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia and elsewhere have served as Prime Ministers, Presidents and Cabinet Members, so too must the women of the Arab spring take their places as public officials, leaders and contributors to the construction of their new and reformed regimes.

The inclusion or exclusion of women from the corridors of power and decision-making is, at heart, nothing less than a litmus test for the authenticity of any democracy. Women have already proven their determination to create change and work for reform through the tactics of nonviolence, even at the price of their own lives. Will we take them seriously?

NOTE: Dr. Natana J DeLongBas is Editor-in-Chief of The [Oxford] Encyclopedia of Islam and Women and co-author of Women in Muslim Family Law (with John L Esposito). She teaches comparative theology at Boston College — CGNews

15

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

a na ly s i s

US ally Ban shoo-in for new term

By Louis Charbonneau chief Ban Ki-moon may have almost blown his chances for re-election by antagonizing Moscow over the Balkans in 2008 but he has since focused on pleasing the United States, Russia and other big UN powers, making his re-election today a certainty. The South Korean UN secretary-general has gained a reputation at the world body as a staunch friend of the United States and its Western allies, and has managed to keep China happy and placate Russia, UN officials and diplomats say.

His management of the big powers, they say, is why the secretary-general is set to breeze to victory today, when the 192-nation General Assembly votes on his reappointment. Ban has won warm praise from most of the big powers in his campaign. He is running unopposed and is seen winning handily, after Russia and the other 14 members of the UN Security Council endorsed his bid Friday.

His new term would start next Jan 1, 2012.

Ban’s re-election would come in spite of a certain amount of dissatisfaction with him in the developing world. Some diplomats there complain that the former South Korean foreign minister has a tendency to echo the positions of the White House or State Department, and they interpret this as a sign that he may be coordinating his moves with Washington. Arab envoys say Ban’s statements on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are often similar to America’s. “You might want to call him a US ‘yes man’,” an African diplomat told Reuters.

But Ban has won over a more powerful constituency - the five veto-wielding permanent members of the Security Council. In recent weeks, a White House spokesman credited him with “important reforms.” French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe praised his “very solid experience and ... authority.” China lauded Ban’s “great contributions.” UN officials deny that the secretary-general coordinates with Washington, though they acknowledge that his views often sound similar to America’s.

They say this stems from a shared world view on the part of the 67-yearold diplomat, who they say believes in Western bedrock principles of democracy, freedom and human rights and watched the United States rebuild his country after the Korean War. “It isn’t that we’re Tweedledum and Tweedledee,” a senior UN official told Reuters about Ban and the United States. “It’s more that we see the world similarly.”

Ban has been traveling constantly for the past month and was unavailable for

UN

an interview, aides said. In a speech announcing his re -election bid this month, the secretary-general touted his record in brokering compromise: “Throughout my time in office, I have sought to be a bridge-builder.”

Antithesis of Annan The big powers like Ban for some of the very reasons the US and others disdained his predecessor, Kofi Annan.

Although he got on with Washington during his first term, the veteran African diplomat infuriated the Bush administration after his re-election by calling the US-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003 “illegal.” Ban keeps a lower profile and tries hard to avoid stepping on the toes of powers like Washington. “The secretary-general is far too much of a diplomat and far too pragmatic to burn bridges with any member state,” the senior UN official said.

A senior Western official summed up the big powers’ attitude towards Ban in a meeting with several reporters earlier this year: “It’s not as if he’s lightning in a bottle, but we can live with him.” Ban has his public detractors. Sri Lanka has been furious with him about an investigative panel he set up that suggested government forces might have committed war crimes as they finished off the Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009. Tehran has said that Ban is “under the influence of some powers” and accused him of interfering in Iran’s internal affairs.

Run-in with Russia Although Ban has successfully navigated the often-competing interests of the five permanent Security Council members with the power to veto his second term, he has had runins with some of them. Russia, several UN officials and diplomats told Reuters, went so far as to threaten to veto Ban’s second term because Moscow was unhappy with what it saw as his suppor t for an independent Kosovo after the Albanian-majority government declared independence from Serbia in Feb 2008.

Faced with a Security Council deadlock on Kosovo, Ban refused to back down from a plan to transfer UN authority in Kosovo to an EU rule-of-law mission. But he later pleased Russia and Serbia, which do not recognize Kosovo’s independence, by ensuring that UN troops would maintain authority over predominantly Serbian parts of Kosovo.

The Russian UN delegation denies that Moscow threatened to veto Ban’s reappointment. Russia joined the rest of the council on Friday in recommending that the General Assembly give Ban a second term. The assembly is expected to formally confirm it on Tuesday.

Early Stumbles Soon after taking office, Ban suffered a public-relations blow when footage of him ducking behind a podium after an explosion in Baghdad in March 2007 was shown for days. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki didn’t flinch. “It was perfectly understandable,” a UN official said.

“People duck. But it sent the wrong message as we were ... returning to Iraq after the (2003) bomb attack on the UN”.

Then there was a scathing internal memo from Norway’s deputy UN ambassador, Mona Juul, leaked to the Nor wegian press in Aug 2009. That memo, a midterm assessment of Ban sent to her government, described Ban as a “spineless and charmless SecretaryGeneral”.

Late last year, Ban was accused by human rights groups of failing to bring up the issue of detained Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo in a meeting with C h i n e s e President Hu Jintao. To date, Ban hasn’t publicly congratulated Liu for receiving the award or publicly called for his release. A senior UN o f f i c i a l denied that Ban had played down Liu during his China visit even though he did not discuss him with Hu. “ We brought it up with everybody else - the entire coalition of China’s leadership,” the official said. “And we

brought it up very, very strenuously.”

The officials acknowledge there are limits to the amount of criticism China can take from Ban. “It’s a political job at the end of the day,” a senior Western envoy said. Ban’s image in the democratic world improved this year with his support for the Arab Spring demonstrations in the Middle East and North Africa. UN officials point out that the UN chief was ahead of Washington in urging former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to heed protesters’ calls for change. He also took sides in Ivory Coast after Alassane Ouattara won a UN-certified presidential election in Nov 2010 that incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo rejected.

Gbagbo ordered UN peacekeepers out of the country but Ban refused to budge.

Gbagbo was ousted in April after months of civil war.

A Boost from Bolton Ban’s promises of reforming a UN administration that many in Washington see as bloated and corrupt have fallen short of what the United States wanted.

But Washington still likes Ban. “He’s not president of the world, he’s not commander-in-chief of the world’s armies,” former US Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton told Reuters.

“Understanding that limited role is important.” Bolton, Washington’s UN envoy under George W Bush when Ban was elected in 2006, said his low-key style was one of Ban’s best traits: “That is appropriate for a secretary-general, who is not an independent political figure.”

US officials say that the Obama administration’s assessment of Ban is similar to Bolton’s.

David Bosco, professor of international affairs at American University in Washington, said Ban knew how to survive at the helm of the United Nations.

“The secretaries-general who’ve failed to get full second terms have antagonized one of the permanent five Security Council members,” he said. He cited Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who clashed repeatedly with US diplomats in the 1990s. Washington vetoed his bid for a second due to his handling of Bosnia.

Among Ban’s principal successes, UN officials say, are focusing greater attention on climate change and peace, security and poverty in Africa and elsewhere, and creating a new UN women’s agency.

But they acknowledge that climate talks are stalled and there are unresolved conflicts in the Middle East, Western Sahara, Cyprus and elsewhere.

“The SG (secretary-general) is the first to say that there’s unfinished business,” a senior UN official said, adding that Ban prefers quiet diplomacy to “podiumpounding”. — Reuters

Thai army takes sides as election nears

By Martin Petty fter Thailand’s military removed her brother in a bloodless coup on a hot September night five years ago, the front-runner in next month’s closely fought election has good reason to fear the generals will go after her. Recent rumblings from the army suggest she should be concerned. As Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, surges ahead in the race to become Thailand’s next prime minister after elections next month, the army has cast aside its neutrality, analysts say, and looks intent on derailing her. How far they will go is unclear.

If she prevails over Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s ruling Democrat Party and forms a government, a coup is one option, though an unlikely one due to the risk of drawing tens of thousands of Thaksin’s “red shirt” supporters into the streets in a reprise of last year’s bloody clashes with troops. Most analysts and diplomats suggest she may cut a deal with the army to preserve her government and to prevent a new round of street riots.

But in the days leading up to the July 3 election, the army is doing what it can to stop her momentum and foil her plans for a general amnesty that would clear the way for Thaksin to return from self-exile in Dubai, where he lives to avoid prison following a graft conviction he says was politically motivated. Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha, instrumental in the coup that toppled Thaksin and offensives to crush anti-government red-shirt street insurrections in 2009 and 2010, made a stern-faced address on two army-owned television channels last week, stressing the military would not meddle in the election.

But his message had the opposite effect. Prayuth warned of threats against Thailand’s monarchy and urged the public to vote for “good people” and to

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avoid a repeat of previous polls, a not-so-subtle reference to a decade of elections won by Thaksin allies. “If you allow the election results to be the same as before, you will not get anything new and you will not see any improvement,” Prayuth said.

By wading into the political fray, the army risks inflaming a sometimes-violent, five -year political crisis in which the rural and urban poor red shirts are pit-

The Bangkok Post, wrote in the daily on Monday.

The army has been a major force in politics since Thailand became a democracy in 1932, staging 18 coups - some successful, some not - and several discreet interventions in forming coalition governments, almost all with the tacit backing of Thailand’s royalist establishment.

Since the last coup, the military’s budget has nearly doubled and it

the stakes are high for the military, which faces a possible purge if Yingluck becomes premier and remains influenced by Thaksin, who may seek a military reshuffle in revenge for his ouster. “A coup is the worst-case scenario but that can’t be ruled out if Thaksin regains power,” he said. “The military has learned from the past and knows Thaksin will want his revenge.” Since Yingluck’s May 16 nomination, the 43-year-old busi-

Motorcyclists speed past an intersection erected with election campaign posters in Bangkok yesterday. Thailand is to hold general elections on July 3. — AP ted against a traditional elite of generals, royal advisers, middleclass bureaucrats and old-money families who back the ruling Democrats. Prayuth’s comments were widely seen as a move to discredit Yingluck’s Puea Thai Party and stem its momentum following opinion polls that show it is likely to win the most votes in the election. “For an army chief to plead with the voters to cast their ballots for ‘good’ parties and ‘good’ candidates is very inappropriate and, as such, he can be seen as taking sides in the upcoming election,” Veera Prateepchaikul, a former editor of

has stood firm behind Abhisit, aiding his rise to power in a 2008 parliamentary vote and battling with pro-Thaksin red shirt demonstrators. The last face-off in April and May last year killed 91 people and wounded at least 1,800. “The general image of the military has not exactly complemented Thailand’s democratic process,” said Worajet Phakhirat, a law professor at Bangkok’s Thammasat University. “Making these comments so close to the election can have a negative reaction.”

Kan Yuenyong, an analyst at the Siam Intelligence Unit, said

nesswoman has championed Thaksin’s populist legacy and energised his urban and rural working class supporters, who elected his now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party twice in landslides in 2001 and 2005. Yingluck says she will pursue reconciliation if she becomes prime minister, vowing not to interfere with the armed forces. But not everyone is convinced. Mistrust of Thaksin runs deep and her assurances are unlikely to be enough.

Some expect the generals to intervene discreetly to prevent Puea Thai from forming a government if, as many expect, it wins

the most seats in parliament but falls short of an outright majority and must form a coalition to govern. That’s where the army could wield its influence by trying to persuade smaller parties to shun Puea Thai and side with Abhisit’s Democrats. That may not work. If Puea Thai wins by a landslide, or wins comfortably, it could govern with just one medium-sized party in a coalition.

A tougher step, such as a coup, is difficult. The red shirts are far stronger and more organised than in 2006 when the generals removed Thaksin. If tanks rumbled into Bangkok, thousands would likely flood the city’s streets in protest. “Another coup is an option Prayuth doesn’t want to take because more red shirts than ever before would come to shut down Bangkok,” said an analyst with close knowledge of the military who requested anonymity. “But a coup becomes likely if Prayuth gets word of a planned purge by a Puea Thai government. There might be no other option.”

Sources close to Puea Thai and the military say that could be averted, and that Thaksin and the generals are discussing an arrangement under which Puea Thai could govern in return for an assurance the top brass would not be purged. Abhisit told Reuters last week he was aware the military had been approached by Puea Thai with a view to a deal. Thaksin declined to comment on any such arrangement, but conceded in an interview with Reuters in Dubai last Wednesday that his return to Thailand hinged on talks with the military. Anthony Davis, a security analyst with IHS-Jane’s, said a deal was almost inevitable if Puea Thai won handsomely. But in return, he said, Puea Thai would have to scrap its plans for an amnesty to allow Thaksin’s return, appoint a defence minister sensitive to the army leadership and guarantee the party would not get involved in the military ’s affairs. — Reuters

Focus

New bailout to buy Greece only months

By Andrew Torchia urope’s plan for a new bailout of Greece may buy the country only several more months’ breathing space before it again has to confront the prospect of default or a radical restructuring of its debt. A pledge by Euro zone finance ministers on Monday to pay a €12 billion ($17.2 billion) tranche of emergency loans in July - provided the Greek parliament first passes new austerity steps - is expected to keep Greece afloat into September.

But the ministers’ plan for a second bailout takes the same approach as the first rescue, launched in May 2010: it does not include direct steps to cut Greece’s debt pile and merely tries to stave off default until Athens can reform its budget and the Greek economy starts growing its way out of trouble.

This approach began to fail within nine months of the launch of the first bailout, as Athens missed its debt and growth targets by big margins, and political support for austerity inside Greece has weakened since last year.

So markets will continue worrying about the risk that political and economic pressures will push Greece into a more radical solution: a scheme to slash its debt by imposing losses on its private and official creditors. There will be many potential triggers for such an event between now and late 2014, when the new bailout is expected to end and it is hoped Greece will be able to resume funding itself in the markets. The European Union and the International Monetary Fund hold quarterly reviews to decide whether Greece has made enough progress to obtain the next tranche of its emergency loans; uncertainty over the June tranche unsettled markets last week. The next review is to be conducted by end-September.

General elections will be held in Greece by October 2013, and the government’s decisions may become dominated by them well before then. If Prime Minister George Papandreou keeps losing support in parliament, early elections cannot be ruled out. Papandreou announced on Sunday that a referendum would be held this autumn on electoral and political changes, including the responsibilities of ministers. A defeat for the government in this could further undermine political support for austerity.

Like the first bailout, a €110 billion loan package, the second bailout will include huge amounts of official aid - perhaps an additional €60 billion, official sources say. Both plans envisage Greece raising tens of billions of euros by selling state assets, though the second bailout will attempt to accelerate this moderately. The main difference between the plans is the inclusion of the private sector in the second. If officials can solve the legal and technical problems, private investors will maintain exposure to Greece by voluntarily buying about 30 billion euros of bonds as their current holdings mature, the sources say.

But this step is more useful politically than economically. It limits the burden which official creditors must assume, helping Europe’s donor governments justify the second bailout to their taxpayers, but it does not cut Greece’s debt. That leaves heavy pressure on Greece to pay down debt with tax revenues generated by economic growth. Here the outlook is grim; the EU, the IMF and the European Central Bank expect the economy to shrink 3.8 percent this year, worse than the 3.0 percent assumed in the first bailout plan, and some private analysts predict a contraction of around 5.0 percent.

Although the bailouts require Greece to introduce regulatory changes, labour market reforms and other steps to make its economy more competitive, it is still not clear if these will be enough to offset the fact that as a member of the euro zone, Greece cannot cut interest rates or depreciate its currency. Michael Diekmann, CEO of Europe’s largest insurer Allianz, suggested in May that “we need an industrialisation plan for Greece, a type of Marshall Plan. European labour and production need to be shifted to the country.” He was referring to US aid to Europe after World War Two, which rebuilt economies not only through emergency loans but also through industrial assistance. So far, the EU does not appear to be thinking in those terms.

Coinciding with the new bailout, Papandreou is trying to make a fresh start politically by reshuffling his cabinet last week and calling a confidence vote in parliament next Tuesday. These steps look likely to ensure parliament passes the austerity steps needed to win the next tranche of aid. But it is less clear that replacing technocratic finance minister George Papaconstantinou with powerful party insider Evangelos Venizelos will ensure Greece sticks to fiscal reforms in the long run. Venizelos has already talked of adjusting the reforms for the sake of social justice.

Papandreou also appointed Pantelis Oikonomou, an outspoken opponent of Greece’s current bailout, as deputy finance minister.

The depth of public opposition to austerity was shown by a public opinion poll in Sunday’s edition of To Vima newspaper. It found 47.5 percent of respondents wanted parliament to reject the reform package and for Greece to hold early elections, while 34.8 percent wanted the package to be approved.

Meanwhile, political support for the bailout strategy is not solid within some European donor countries, including Germany, the key contributor.

So if the second bailout does not appear to be working, pressure could grow for a more radical solution that forces private bond holders to accept large reductions in the value of their principal, known as “haircuts”. “Experts have been telling me for a year that a Greek restructuring is necessary.

Now is the time for private creditors to start to contribute,” Horst Seehofer, the head of the Bavarian wing of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives, told Der Spiegel magazine. Finance expert Manfred Kolbe from Merkel’s Christian Democrats told the magazine: “We need a haircut, and it will not be voluntary.” — Reuters

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Waratahs lose Polota-Nau SYDNEY: The New South Wales Waratahs hopes of upsetting the Auckland Blues at home in Friday’s Super rugby elimination final suffered a blow with front-rowers Al Baxter and Tatafu Polota-Nau joining a long injury list. Wallabies hooker Polota-Nau was ruled out with a knee injury, while prop Baxter had suffered a head-knock, the team said yesterday.

The Waratahs have also lost flyhalf Daniel Halangahu to a hamstring injury for the match at Eden Park, where they have won only once in the southern hemisphere provincial competition.

“Every time we’ve been faced with challenges like this, the players we’ve selected have stepped up and done the job, and the proof of that is we’ve qualified for the finals series,” coach Chris Hickey told reporters. Hickey suggested utility back Kurtley Beale would move from fullback to flyhalf, while backup hooker John Ulugia would start in place of Polota-Nau. The winner of Friday’s match meets the table-topping Queensland Reds in Brisbane in the second week of the playoffs.

The Waratahs, who have lost all of their matches outside Australia this season, lost their semifinal away to the Cape Town-based Stormers last year.—Reuters

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

sp orts India bans players from Sri Lankan T20 league CHENNAI: India’s cricket board has banned its players from taking part in the Sri Lankan Premier League Twenty20 tournament, claiming it is being run by a private company.

The board barred its players on Sunday from participating in the tournament after 12 of its players had been approached to take part, including Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin.

“We are not comfortable with allowing our players to participate in the tournament because of the involvement of a private entrepreneur,” Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Narainswamy Srinivasan told The Associated Press yesterday. Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Nishantha Ranatunga said the T20

league is under his organization’s control. “Our Twenty20 league is not a private venture but an SLC project,” Ranatunga said. “The board will discuss and decide on what steps can be taken after India’s refusal to send its players.”

Players from other countries who are expected to play in the league, which will be staged in Colombo from July 19 to Aug. 4, include Daniel Vettori, Shahid Afridi, Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard.

Indian media speculated that former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi is involved with the Singaporebased firm that is linked to the tournament, causing the Indian board to ban its players from taking part.—AP

Tharanga to face doping panel COLOMBO: Sri Lanka opener Upul Tharanga will appear at an International Cricket Council (ICC) hearing later this week to answer doping charges, officials said yesterday. Tharanga tested positive for a banned drug after Sri Lanka’s World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in March, and will face the panel at the ICC headquarters in Dubai on Friday.

Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Nishantha Ranatunga said Tharanga’s case was fixed for June 24 and local media reported that the 26year-old had already hired a lawyer to defend him at the

hearing. The batsman has claimed he was given a steroid by a high-profile Colombo-based faith healer, who also treats other international players, for an asthmarelated problem.

Ranatunga meanwhile said the Sri Lankan authorities would continue to educate players on medications that are banned by the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA).

“All the national team players have the WADA handbook, which we expect players to follow,” Ranatunga said. Under ICC rules, Tharanga can seek a test of his “B” sample.—AFP

Red Sox crush Brewers BOSTON: Boston’s Kevin Youkilis hit a three-run homer to highlight a six-run first inning that set up the Red Sox for a 12-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in Sunday’s clash of divisional leaders in Major League Baseball interleague play.

Dustin Pedroia had a solo homer and drove in two runs, and Marco Scutaro hit a two-run shot for the Red Sox, who won for the 13th time in 15 games.

Boston knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (4-2) struck out six and walked just one in posting his 183rd career win with the Red Sox. Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo (8-4) was tagged for eight runs in three-plus innings.

Mariners 2, Phillies 0 In Seattle, Jason Vargas pitched his second shutout of the season, leading Seattle over Philadelphia. Vargas (5-4) not only kept pace with Phillies starter Cole Hamels, he exceeded and outlasted him in his third career complete game. He allowed just two singles and six base-runners. After a two-out walk in the fourth, he retired the next 15 straight batters. Hamels (9-3) was denied a chance at becoming the first pitcher in the majors to reach 10 wins. It also ended his career-best five-game win streak. He gave up seven hits in 6 13 innings.

Braves 4, Rangers 2 In Atlanta, Jason Heyward hit a tworun single in the third inning that set up Atlanta’s win over Texas. Freddie Freeman added an RBI double in the seventh to help Jair Jurrjens (9-3) earn his ninth victory for Atlanta. Jurrjens allowed one run in 5 1-3 innings. He lowered his NL-best ERA to 2.11.

Rangers starter Alexi Ogando (7-2) gave up three runs.

Tigers 9, Rockies 1 In Denver, Justin Verlander threw his second straight complete game as Detroit easily accounted for Colorado.

Verlander (9-3) already has four complete games, matching his total from last year. He retired 13 of the first 14 batters he faced to help the Tigers salvage the finale of the weekend series.

Brennan Boesch and Miguel Cabrera each homered for Detroit. The Rockies got a less-than-stellar outing from Aaron Cook (0-2), who allowed four runs in five innings.

White Sox 8, D’backs 2 In Phoenix, Phil Humber pitched effectively into the eighth inning, guiding Chicago to a comfortable win over Arizona. Paul Konerko hit a homer for the third straight game; a solo shot that brought him level with Harold Baines for 56th on the career list with 384.

Alex Rios added a solo shot off Josh Collmenter (4-3) and Alexei Ramirez drove in two on a pair of groundouts.

Pierzynski capped a five-run eighth inning with a three-run double, sending Humber (7-3) to his fourth straight win.

Indians 5, Pirates 2 In Cleveland, Cord Phelps hit his first major league homer in the 11th inning, a three-run shot that lifted Cleveland over Pittsburgh, completing a threegame sweep. Carlos Santana also connected and the AL Central leaders improved to 23-12 at home by pulling out a game that was delayed by rain in the eighth inning for 1 hour, 57 minutes.

Shin-Soo Choo singled off Tim Wood (0-1) with one out in the 11th for his third hit and stole second. An intentional walk brought up Phelps, who came

SEATTLE: Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels throws against the Seattle Mariners, in the second inning of an interleague baseball game. — AP Chatwood in any of his previous three starts. Mets starter Jonathon Niese (6-6) was charged with four earned runs before he was relieved in the fifth.

Major League Baseball results and standings on Friday: Chicago Cubs 3, NY Yankees 1; Cleveland 5, Pittsburgh 1; Washington 8, Baltimore 4; Boston 10, Milwaukee 4; Tampa Bay 5, Florida 1; LA Angels 4, NY Mets 3; Toronto 3, Cincinnati 2; Texas 6, Atlanta 2; Orioles 7, Nationals 4 Minnesota 6, San Diego 5; Kansas City 5, St. Louis 4; Colorado 13, Detroit 6; Arizona 4, Chicago White Sox 1; Oakland 5, San In Washington, Baltimore ended Francisco 2; Seattle 4, Philadelphia 2; Houston 7, LA Dodgers 3.

Washington’s eight-game winning streak. Mark Reynolds had three hits, National League American League including a home run, J.J. Hardy also Eastern Division Eastern Division homered and Craig Tatum drove in two Philadelphia 44 27 .620 W L PCT GB runs to back starter Chris Jakubauskas Atlanta 39 32 .549 5 Boston 42 27 .609 (2-0), who pitched five innings for the Washington 34 36 .486 9.5 NY Yankees 39 29 .574 2.5 win and had his first two major league NY Mets 34 36 .486 9.5 Tampa Bay 37 33 .529 5.5 hits. He allowed six hits, striking out six Florida 32 38 .457 11.5 Toronto 35 35 .500 7.5 and walking one. In his first start since Central Division Baltimore 31 36 .463 10 overcoming injury, Nationals’ Tom Milwaukee 39 32 .549 Central Division Gorzelanny (2-5) allowed five runs in 4 St. Louis 38 33 .535 1 2-3 innings. Washington’s eight-game Cleveland 37 31 .544 Cincinnati 37 34 .521 2 winning streak was its longest since Detroit 38 32 .543 Pittsburgh 35 34 .507 3 June 2005.

Chicago White Sox 33 38 .465 5.5 Chicago Cubs 29 40 .420 9 Kansas City 31 39 .443 7 Houston 26 45 .366 13 Twins 5, Padres 4 Minnesota 29 39 .426 8 Western Division In Minneapolis, Minnesota’s winning Western Division San Francisco 39 31 .557 streak reached seven games with a Texas 37 34 .521 Arizona 39 32 .549 .5 tight victory over San Diego. Drew Seattle 36 34 .514 .5 Colorado 34 35 .493 4.5 Butera’s single scored Delmon Young in LA Dodgers 31 40 .437 8.5 LA Angels 34 37 .479 3 the bottom of the ninth for the winner.

San Diego 30 41 .423 9.5 Oakland 31 40 .437 6 Young led off the ninth with an infield single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. Butera’s grounder pitched a perfect seventh, but failed to bounced off the glove of a diving thirdmajors-best five complete games this went 3 for 3 with his 17th home run.

Skip Schumaker homered the win- record an out in the eighth and was baseman and into left field, allowing season.

Matt Joyce singled to open the ning run in the ninth inning off Tim charged with two runs. Alfonso Young to score. Alex Burnett (2-4) eighth against Florida reliever Ryan Collins (3-4), the fifth Royals pitcher. St. Soriano’s three-run shot off CC Sabathia pitched one inning for the win. Chad Webb (1-4) and went to second when Louis reliever Fernando Salas (4-1) got (9-4) made it 4-1 in the third inning, but Qualls (3-3) took the loss.

Webb misplayed a potential double- the win despite his second blown save that was it for the Cubs. play grounder. Casey Kotchman then in 15 attempts, allowing a tying homer.

Dodgers 1, Astros 0 Angels 7, Mets 3 made it 2-1 with a single down the In Los Angeles, Dioner Navarro In New York, Tyler Chatwood finally homered in the eighth inning for the Yankees 10, Cubs 4 third-base line.

In Chicago, Nick Swisher hit a got some run support and pitched sev- sole run in Los Angeles’ win over tiebreaking three-run homer in the en scoreless innings to steer Los Houston. After a scoreless duel Cardinals 5, Royals 4 In St. Louis, Albert Pujols sprained eighth inning to lift New York over Angeles past New York. between Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda Chatwood (4-4) allowed four hits in and Houston’s Bud Norris, Navarro hit a his left wrist trying to make a tag at first Chicago. Brett Gardner added his first base but St. Louis recovered to beat career leadoff homer for the Yankees, seven innings and threw a career-high 2-0 pitch from Wilton Lopez (1-3) into Swisher finished with four RBIs and Alex 117 pitches. Erick Aybar hit a bases- the seats above right-center. Matt Kansas City.

Pujols was injured in the sixth and Rodriguez helped spark New York’s loaded triple while Vernon Wells hit a Guerrier (3-3) pitched a perfect eighth solo homer and two RBI singles for the for the win and Javy Guerra got three the three-time NL MVP left the game. offense with three hits and a walk.

Chicago’s Sean Marshall (3-2) Angels, who didn’t score a run for outs for his second save. — AP He will be evaluated on Monday. Pujols

CHICAGO: Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (right) forces out New York Yankees’ Brett Gardner to start the double play during the third inning of an interleague baseball game. — AP to bat hitting .100 (2 for 20) since being called up from the minors. Indians reliever Tony Sipp (3-0) worked a scoreless 11th to take the win.

Reds 2, Blue Jays 1 In Cincinnati, Miguel Cairo hit a tworun homer in the sixth to end Cincinnati’s streak of 16 scoreless innings and secure victory over Toronto.

The Reds got their first win over an AL team this season after dropping their previous five interleague games.

Bronson Arroyo (6-6) gave up one run in a season-high eight innings. He had lost five straight decisions against Toronto.

Blue Jays starter Carlos Villanueva (41) lost for the first time since 2009, with Milwaukee, where he was a reliever the last two years.

Athletics 2, Giants 1 In Oakland, Landon Powell hit a tiebreaking home run in the eighth, his first homer of the season, to help Oakland complete a three-game sweep of Bay rival San Francisco. Powell, making a rare start in place of catcher Kurt Suzuki, went deep off reliever Jeremy Affeldt (1-1). Athletics starter Trevor Cahill (7-5) pitched eight innings to win for the first time since May 9. He had seven strikeouts.

Rays 2, Marlins 1 In St. Petersburgh, Florida parted ways with manager Edwin Rodriguez before the game and went on to suffer a 10th straight loss, beaten by state rival Tampa Bay. Rodriguez unexpectedly resigned before the game, and the last-placed Marlins dropped to 1-18 in June. Bench coach Brandon Hyde managed Sunday, but the club will begin a search for an interim manager.

Rays starter James Shields (7-4) threw 10 strikeouts in his second consecutive complete game. He has a

MLB results/standings

Charles leads Sun over Sky UNCASVILLE: Connecticut’s Tina Charles scored 11 of her career-high 31 points in the fourth quarter and had 11 rebounds to lead the WNBA Eastern Conference-leading Sun to an 83-68 victory over the Chicago Sky on Sunday.

K ara Lawson added 13 points for Connecticut which notched a third straight victory. Sylvia Fowles led Chicago with 23 points and nine rebounds.

Tina Charles (right) celebrates in this file photo

Lynx 77, Dream 64 In Atlanta, Minnesota made it five straight wins by defeating Atlanta. Seimone Augustus scored 19 points, going 7 of 13 from the field with six rebounds. She has 44

points over the Lynx past two wins. Lindsay Whalen added 13 points for Minnesota.

Lindsey Harding led Atlanta with 14 points.

Sparks 74, Storm 50 In Los Angeles, the hosts ended a run of seven straight losses against Seattle.

Reserve forward Ebony Hoffman scored 12 points and Kristi Toliver scored 11 in a balanced Sparks’ offense. Los Angeles had lost its past five regular season meetings with the Storm, and were swept in the playoffs last year. Sue Bird scored 15 points to lead Seattle, which trailed by 14 points at halftime and never got closer than nine in the second half.

Mercury 93, Fever 89 In Phoenix, Diana Taurasi scored seven of her 32 points in overtime, all on free throws, to lift Phoenix over Indiana.

Indiana turned the ball over and Tamika Catchings fouled Taurasi with 21.7 seconds left and she hit the two free throws.

She had made five straight earlier in t h e o v e r t i m e t o t i e i t t h e Fe v e r h a d scored the first five points. Candice Dupree had 21 points and 18 rebounds f o r t h e M e r c u r y, w h o h a d b e e n t h e W N B A’s l a s t w i n l e s s t e a m . J e s s i c a Davenport had 20 points and nine rebounds for Indiana. — AP

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

S P ORT S

To be a great, McIlroy must stay true to himself NEW YORK: From the lofty heights of his throne atop the world of golf, Rory McIlroy needs look no further than his own Belfast backyard for a salutary reminder of how, if he and those around him aren’t careful, it could all go downhill from here.

Like McIlroy, fellow Northern Irishman George Best was also a massive talent. But the addictions to booze and excess that Manchester United’s star developed in the Swinging Sixties prevented him from reaching his full potential.

When he died in 2005 at age 59, obituaries recalled not just Best’s football skills, but also the legendary tale of how a hotel waiter delivering champagne to the playboy’s room was said to have found him entertaining Miss World, prompting the sad question, “Mr Best, where did it all go wrong?”

In his own sport and era, McIlroy also has Tiger Woods as the ultimate example of how the mega-fame and wealth that come with a truck-load of major golf titles can cost a man his soul.

From his earliest days as a kid who impressed everyone with both his game and his polite, grounded demeanor until now, as golf’s new post-Woods messiah, McIlory has

never shown hints of having the same human flaws and frailties that derailed Best and the 14-time major winner whose golfing records he has started to obliterate.

Quite the opposite. As far as anyone on the outside can really know these things, McIlroy’s definition of a good time isn’t losing himself with porn stars but going home to family, friends and dogs Theo and Gus. Woods had his superyacht, “Privacy.”

McIlroy, in contrast, turned up unannounced this year to watch his former school, Sullivan Upper, win the final of a Northern Ireland rugby competition for under-15s. He reminded himself that golf isn’t everything by going before the US Open to the poverty and disaster-ravaged Caribbean island nation of Haiti, where his prowess with irons and a driver don’t mean a jot.

McIlroy enjoys a lubricated night out with friends in Belfast, sometimes tweets about knocking back fiery cocktails and posted a photo of himself draining a drink from his U.S. Open trophy.

But he’s also the type of guy who, when asked by an acquaintance to autograph a shirt for a fundraising auction, hopped into his car to deliver it in person, who donated a

Boks select 21 World Cup winners in initial squad JOHANNESBURG: South Africa picked 21 players from its 2007 World Cupwinning squad in a 49-man preliminary selection yesterday for this year’s showpiece tournament in New Zealand.

Captain John Smit and vice captain Victor Matfield were alongside 19 others who were in the Springboks squad that won the title in France four years ago.

Coach Peter de Villiers also selected six uncapped players: props Dean Greyling, Werner Kruger and Coenie Oosthuizen, flanker Ashley Johnson, No. 8 Duane Vermeulen and flyhalf Elton Jantjies.

Greyling and overseas-based forwards BJ Botha and Johann Muller — who both play for Ulster in Ireland — were included in South Africa’s squad for the first time this year. Ulster back Ruan Pienaar and Frans Steyn of French club Racing Metro also made the preliminary squad, which will be cut to 30 on Aug. 23 ahead of the World Cup, which starts Sept. 9.

Before that, South Africa will pick a squad in early July for a shortened TriNations competition. Notable absentees in De Villiers’ initial World Cup group were Stormers flyhalf Peter Grant, form scrumhalves Sarel Pretorius of the Cheetahs and the Sharks’ Charl McLeod and experienced prop CJ van der Linde, who played in the 2007 final.

Players who were not selected yesterday can still make the final World Cup squad, although De Villiers said his Tri-Nations team would come from

this group. “I’m very happy with the squad,” De Villiers said. “We have got a good blend of youth and experience, as well as including some uncapped players who have forced their way into contention for selection with their performances in Super rugby.

“Our planning is at an advanced stage for the international season.”

South Africa’s final 2011 World Cup squad will likely have a core of former winners, led by the vastly experienced Smit and Matfield who have both played more than 100 tests for the Springboks and are set to appear in their third and final World Cup. Ten of the 49 have played more than 50 tests, and the Boks included 12 of the 15 players who started the last World Cup final in Paris.

They will be boosted by the addition of players like promising 20-yearold flyhalf Patrick Lambie, powerful flanker Willem Alberts and try-scoring winger Bjorn Basson, as well as firstchoice flyhalf and points machine Morne Steyn.

De Villiers picked flankers Juan Smith and Heinrich Brussow and prop Gurthro Steenkamp - who all missed most of the Super 15 season with long-term injuries - and No. 9 Fourie du Preez, who returned this weekend from a knee ligament problem.

Utility back Frans Steyn was included despite a troubled relationship with De Villiers. Steyn made himself unavailable for the Springboks before being recalled for the second part of last year’s Tri-Nations and the end-of-year tour to Britain. — AP

wad of money to fix up facilities for juniors at the club outside Belfast where he learned golf as a kid and who didn’t recoil when he drove to another local club last year to practice only to find hordes of youngsters clamoring for his attention and handouts.

“They’re all standing around the Ferrari, he had a Ferrari at the time,” McIlroy’s coach, Michael Bannon, recalled in a recent interview. “He signed everything and then he stood up at the end and said, ‘Right, is that everybody done now?’ He was just making sure that everybody got something.”

McIroy has always been well-mannered, Bannon added, “his mum wouldn’t let him (get) away with too much if he wasn’t.” The coming months and years will test McIlroy’s character like never before.

The dominant manner of his first victory in a major, rather than just the win itself, could mean that McIlroy’s life will never be the same again. Certainly, fans will never look at him in the same way again. In crushing the US Open field with his record-setting performance, McIlroy raised expectations to levels once reserved for Woods.

And Woods showed how easy it can be to fall from such heights, how the seedy temp-

tations that come with stardom can blur even the most focused of minds.

With someone less grounded, one might fear that the pressures and distractions could send 22-year-old McIlroy’s moral compass haywire, too. But he, as Woods did as a kid, has been picturing such moments in his mind for years, so he has had plenty of time to prepare.

“It’s always going to be difficult for anyone,” says John Stevenson, the recently retired principal of Sullivan Upper in the Belfast suburb of Holywood where McIlroy was a star pupil.

“There’s a huge level of expectation there, and that’s big for anybody. But I can honestly say, you know, that if anyone is capable of handling that, Rory’s the guy because he’s been working toward this since he was a very young boy.”

McIlroy is well-surrounded, too, by his parents who worked all hours to fund the golfing ambitions of their only child and by longtime friends who remind “Rors” that he’s just a humble lad from humble Northern Irish roots, who would bring him back to Earth with a bump if he ever shows signs of getting a big head and who politely but

firmly rebuff reporters looking for insight about McIlroy. He also has the protective arm of his agent, Chubby Chandler, on his young shoulders.

“We’ve got a responsibility to make sure he keeps loving the game and that he don’t burn out,” he says. “You know I’ve never handled anybody like him, but you’ve seen people burn out. We’re not going to let it happen to him.” “He wants to play golf. He loves playing golf and hanging out with his mates and whatever, so what will be will be. He still doesn’t want a logo. He’s not caught up in that,” Chandler adds.

Let’s hope, for his happiness and that of golf, that McIlroy stays that way. When his career is done, McIlroy will be measured not only by how many majors he won but also by how true he remained to the freckled, disheveled young man who charmed the checkered pants off his sport by handling defeat and victory with equal grace and by insisting that, in the bigger scheme of things, he’s only someone who hits “a little white ball around a field sometimes.”

Because if he loses himself in the process, all that golfing history McIlroy’s going to make won’t mean half as much. —AP

McIlroy cruises to first major title at US Open Youngest champion since 1923 BETHESDA: Rory McIlroy won the US Open by eight shots in record style on Sunday, confirming his rich promise as a potential golfing great by becoming the championship’s youngest winner since 1923.

Eight strokes in front overnight, the 22year-old Northern Irishman maintained icecool composure while carding a two-underpar 69 on a humid and overcast day at Congressional Country Club to claim his first major title.

After safely parring the last where he twoputted from just off the front of the green, he clenched his right fist and pumped it in celebration as he broke into a smile.

“It’s a great feeling,” a beaming McIlroy told reporters after posting a tournament record total of 16-under 268 to leave his nearest challengers trailing in his wake.

“I knew most of the field were going to have a hard time to catch up to the score that I was on so I’m obviously just very happy to win the US Open. And to win it in a bit of style as well is always nice.”

Emerging Australian talent Jason Day fired a 68 to finish alone in second, two strokes better than South Korea’s Yang Yong-eun (71), Britain’s Lee Westwood (70) and Americans Kevin Chappell (66) and Robert Garrigus (70).

McIlroy, long regarded as a future world number one, eclipsed the US Open scoring record of 12-under set by Tiger Woods at the 2000 US Open. On a rain-softened course ideally suited to his power game and high ball flight, he also shattered the previous aggregate low of 272 held jointly by Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Janzen and Jim Furyk.

“It’s great to get this first major in the bag ... especially after what’s happened the last couple of months,” said the mop-haired McIlroy, who banished memories of his stunning Masters meltdown in April.

Going into the final round at Augusta National, he held a four-shot lead but tumbled out of contention with an ugly 80.

BETHESDA: Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, poses with the trophy after winning the US Open Championship golf tournament. —AP “I felt like I got over the Masters pretty quickly,” said McIlroy, who will climb to a career-high fourth in the world rankings issued yesterday. “I was very honest with myself and I knew what I needed to do differently. “To be able to finish it off the way I did ... just tells me that I learned from it and I’ve moved on. Now I’ve got this, I can go ahead and concentrate on getting some more (majors).”

McIlroy became the eighth first-time winner in the last nine majors and followed in the footsteps of compatriot Graeme McDowell, who won last year’s US Open at Pebble Beach.

“My hat’s off to Rory this week,” McDowell said after closing with a 69. “He’s been this good for a long time, and it’s great to see him fulfill his potential. “He’s an awesome player.

Nothing this kid does ever surprises me. He’s the best player I’ve ever seen.” Day was run-

ner-up in his second successive major this year after posting a score that would have been good enough to win 26 of the last 30 US Opens.

“He lapped the field and for such a young age, how mature he is,” Day, 23, said. “Golf right now is in a really, really good spot where Rory McIlroy is right now.”

All eyes were on the record-breaking McIlroy when he teed off on Congressional’s heavily tree-lined Blue Course on Sunday afternoon. With his accurate long game, spectacular approach play and silky smooth putting, he had decimated the field over the first three days, setting tournament lows after 36 and 54 holes. The only question remaining was how he would handle the mounting pressure and lofty expectations heaped upon him going into the final round.

Any concern was swiftly erased when McIlroy rolled in a nine-footer to birdie the opening hole and stretch his lead to nine. He picked up another shot at the par-four fourth, where his approach pitched 15 feet beyond the cup before spinning back to within four feet.

He coolly sank a clutch par-saving putt from 15 feet at the fifth before reaching the turn in two-under 34 with an eight-stroke cushion.

A tap-in birdie at the tricky par-three 10th, where he came close to recording an ace, maintained McIlroy’s lead, Yang having also recorded a birdie there.

After bogeying the 12th where he found a bunker off the tee and failed to reach the green with his second shot, the Northern Irishman got back to 17 under with a birdie at the par-five 16th.

Though McIlroy three-putted for the only time this week to bogey the 17th, he comfortably parred the last to complete an unforgettable week. After walking off the green, he said to his father Gerry: “Happy Father’s Day,” before they embraced. — Reuters

Franchitti wins at Milwaukee

DAYTONA BEACH: This Feb. 13, 2011 file photo shows NASCAR driver Brian Vickers during qualifying for the Daytona 500 auto race. The owner of energy drink Red Bull plans to leave NASCAR at the end of this season. —AP

Hamlin bags NASCAR race BROOKLYN: Denny Hamlin won a NASCAR Sprint Cup race for the first time this year, holding off Matt Kenseth on Sunday at Michigan International Speedway. The drivers appeared headed for a fuel-mileage finish.

Then a late caution enabled them to make pit stops before a frantic and closing five-lap sprint. Kenseth was the only person with a shot to catch Hamlin in the final moments. He tried to go both above and below the leader but was unable to pass Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota. Hamlin won by 0.281 seconds for his second victory at this track.

Kyle Busch drove despite chest pain and finished third, giving Joe Gibbs Racing a 1-3 finish after the team was told to change oil pans before Friday’s practice. NASCAR said oil pans from cars driven by Hamlin, Busch and Joey Logano were not submitted for approval before opening day inspection.

Hamlin won eight times last year and contended for the series title but was unable to match Jimmie Johnson. He was winless this season, although he led early last weekend at Pocono Raceway before running into tire problems.

He entered this race 12th in the points standings but was still confident heading

into the summer months. “This is the point of the season where we really need to start hitting our stride, and hopefully we’ve got another good 10 weeks before the Chase starts,” he said.

Busch took the lead about midway through the 400-mile, 200-lap race. Carl Edwards moved in front coming out of a caution that ended at lap 163, and it appeared the race would come down to who had enough fuel. The final caution, however, changed all that.

Edwards, who won Saturday ’s Nationwide race, finished fifth. Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 21st, three years after his most recent Cup victory, at Michigan. He has gone 108 races without a victory, and it was his car that hit the wall to cause the fifth and final caution.

Johnson, who entered the race second to Edwards in the standings, fell way behind after an early spin and ended up 27th.

It was a frustrating day for Kurt Busch, who has won three straight Sprint Cup poles but fell out of contention and finished 11th.

Hamlin led for only eight laps, but that was enough for his 17th career victory. Greg Biffle led for 68 but finished 15th. —AP

WEST ALLIS: Dario Franchitti took over the lead when Helio Castroneves had a tire problem, then held on to win the IndyCar Series race at the Milwaukee Mile on Sunday.

It might have looked as if Franchitti was taking it easy and waiting for the race to come to him, but he was pushing as hard as he could — especially after a blocking move by Castroneves revved up his temper.

“I was tr ying to get on Kanaan’s gearbox,” Franchitti said.

“I was trying to make it happen. I was still so spittin’ mad from what Helio did on that restart, I was doing all I could to get on to him and get past Tony as well.” It was the third victory of the season for Franchitti, who stayed out of trouble as two other contenders fell by the wayside.

Tony Kanaan crashed with 31 laps to go, and Castroneves gave

up the lead when he had to make a late extra pit stop to change a tire that was going flat. Graham Rahal was second, followed by Oriol Servia, Will Power and Danica Patrick.

Castroneves finished ninth, and Franchitti seemed to think Castroneves had it coming after blocking him on a previous restart. “We had that one restart where Helio blocked to the inside, then blocked to the outside,” Franchitti said. “No wonder he got a flat tire, some of the parts of the track he was using.”

But Franchitti seemed genuinely sorry for Kanaan. “I think we have a respect for each other,” Franchitti said.

“We race each other bloody hard, but there’s always that respect there, too.” Kanaan said he was just trying to win the race.

“It’s a shame,” Kanaan said. “It’s my fault. But, hey, it was a fun race.

We raced each other hard the whole race. Unfortunately, I’m human. I make mistakes sometimes as well. I’d rather make a mistake trying hard then actually not trying at all.” It was a return to racing for the Milwaukee Mile, a historic track that dates to 1903 but didn’t host major events last year because of previous promoters’ financial problems.

IndyCar was back on the schedule this year but fan response was tepid at best, with the grandstands perhaps onethird full at the green flag. That was despite increased efforts by the new event promoter, including a two-for-one ticket deal.

NASCAR still hasn’t returned to the Mile; the Nationwide Series instead will race next weekend on the road course at Road America, about an hour north of Milwaukee. Franchitti dominated the early stages of the race, but

WEST ALLIS: Dario Franchitti, of Scotland, drives on his way to the win in the IndyCar Series’ Milwaukee Mile 225 auto race at the Milwaukee Mile. —AP

Kanaan and Castroneves eventually emerged as contenders.

Castroneves took the lead after a round of pit stops on lap 167, but began to slow down gradually when his left-rear tire began going flat. Castroneves stayed on the track, hoping for a caution flag.

He got it when Kanaan spun out and crashed with 31 laps to go _ a boost for Castroneves, who could make a pit stop under caution. But Franchitti regained the lead when Castroneves pitted and fell back to 10th.

Franchitti then surged away on the restart with 20 laps to go and wasn’t challenged the rest of the way. It turned out to be a decent day for Power, who came into the race with a 21-point lead over Franchitti but started 17th on Sunday after a bad run in qualifying while Franchitti won the pole.

A good pit stop near the end helped Power pull off a top-five finish.

It was a rough weekend for Simona De Silvestro, who was hospitalized Saturday night after crashing in qualifying Saturday.

IndyCar officials cleared De Silvestro to race Sunday morning, after her crew worked into the early morning hours to repair her car. But she didn’t last long once the green flag fell, pulling into the pits and getting out of the car just a few laps into the race.

It’s the continuation of a run of rough luck for De Silvestro, who burned both her hands in a crash during Indianapolis 500 practice last month. —AP

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SPORTS

Warner quits FIFA Bribery charges dropped GENEVA: Jack Warner quit as a FIFA vice president yesterday and football’s governing body dropped a bribery investigation of him, saying the “presumption of innocence is maintained.”

Warner and Asian football chief Mohamed bin Hammam were suspended by FIFA last month amid the gravest corruption crisis to rock the scandal-hit organization. The two leaders were accused of offering $40,000 cash payments to Caribbean voters during bin Hammam’s failed presidential campaign to unseat Sepp Blatter.

Warner’s departure appears likely to stop his promised “football tsunami” of revelations designed to embarrass FIFA after it accused him of bribery May 25.

His decision also could help preserve his political career in his native Trinidad and Tobago, where he is a government minister.

Police on the Caribbean island had said they would ask FIFA for any evidence of wrongdoing. “As a consequence of Mr. Warner’s self-determined resignation, all ethics committee procedures against him have been closed and the presumption of innocence is maintained,” FIFA said in a statement.

Zurich-based FIFA said that under Swiss law it has no jurisdiction over someone who leaves FIFA, but stressed that “should that person come back to football, the investigation would be automatically re-opened.” Warner said in a statement that he is quitting “to spare FIFA, CONCACAF and, in particular, CFU and its membership, from further acrimony and divisiveness arising from this and related issues.”

Warner spent 28 years on FIFA’s executive committee and

was a vice president as head of the CONCACAF regional confederation. He stepped down days after some of his Caribbean Football Union followers were interviewed by former FBI agents enlisted by FIFA to investigate the scandal.

Warner and Bin Hammam were accused of allegedly arranging the payments in a Port of Spain hotel during the Qatari official’s campaign visit May 10.

to pursue his aborted bid for the FIFA presidency, I would be fully exonerated by any objective arbiter. “ With my withdrawal from service in international football, I shall, henceforth, be concentrating exclusively on my lifelong commitment to the service of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, currently as chairman of the major party in our governing coalition and as a cabinet minis-

PORT-OF-SPAIN: In this Thursday, June 2, 2011 file photo, suspended FIFA executive Jack Warner gestures during a news conference held shortly after his arrival at the airport in Portof-Spain. —AP “This decision is by my own volition and self-determination; albeit it comes during the sequel to the contentious Mohammed bin Hammam meeting in Port of Spain in May with CFU Delegates,” Warner’s statement said.

“I am convinced, and I am advised by counsel, that since my actions did not extend beyond facilitating the meeting that gave Mr. bin Hammam an opportunity

ter in the Government of our Republic.” The FIFA statement thanked “Warner for his services to Caribbean, CONCACAF and international football over his many years devoted to football at both regional and international level.” Warner said he was gratified FIFA has “acknowledged my ser vice to international and regional football over several decades.”

Warner joined FIFA’s inner cir-

cle in 1983 and seven years later was elected president of the confederation which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean. The 68-year-old official was given another four-year term unopposed at the Concacaf congress May 3 in Miami. Bin Hammam did not attend in Miami, contending he had visa problems to enter the U.S. even though he holds a diplomatic passport.

Caribbean members of Concacaf were then summoned to a two-day conference in Trinidad to meet Blatter’s election rival.

However, delegates from the Bahamas turned whistle-blower and alerted Warner’s longtime Concacaf No. 2 Chuck Blazer of the US, who commissioned a file of evidence to present to FIFA. The dossier included statements from soccer federation officials from Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands who also declined the payments. Puerto Rico and Surinam later agreed to return their $40,000 payments as pressure on witnesses intensified.

Other CFU members insisted no FIFA corruption rules were broken in Trinidad.

Warner had been a longtime ally of Blatter, who was re-elected as FIFA president when bin Hammam dropped out of the election.

Bin Hammam withdrew hours before the ethics panel met and provisionally suspended him three days before the election.

The Asian Football Confederation president is now set to face a full ethics inquiry, expected next month, without his fellow confederation boss. FIFA is also investigating two CFU employees. —AP

WASHINGTON: El Salvador’s Rodolfo Zelaya celebrates after scoring a goal, on a penalty kick, during the second half of a Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal soccer match against Panama. —AP

Panama win on penalties to reach Gold Cup semis WASHINGTON: Panama scored in the 90th minute to tie the game and went on to beat El Salvador 5-3 on penalties on Sunday, earning a place in the semifinals of the Concacaf Gold Cup against the United States.

With the teams locked at 1-1 after extra time, Panama converted all five penalties they attempted and El Salvador missed their first spot kick from substitute Dennis Alas.

El Salvador opened the scoring in the 78th minute when striker Rodolfo Zelaya, who missed a penalty attempt in the first half, converted a second penalty attempt after he was brought down by defender Roman Torres.

El Salvador looked certain to hang on and advance to the semi-finals for the first time until Panama evened the

score after a late goal-mouth scramble.

From close-range, Luis Tejada got a header that was ruled to have crossed the line. Tejada also converted the decisive spot kick in the shootout.

Panama will now play the US tomorrow in Houston after the Americans beat Jamaica 2-0 in the earlier quarterfinal at RFK Stadium in Washington DC. The US defeated Panama on penalties in the 2005 final final but Panama beat the host-nation in the group stages last week to raise hopes of another win this week. The other semifinal will be played between Mexico and Honduras.

The eventual winner of the tournament will represent North and Central America and the Caribbean at the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. —Reuters

Reports: Porto coach Villas-Boas to move to Chelsea

VIBORG: England’s Thomas Cleverly and Czechs Jan Lecjks, vie for the ball during Under21 Euro2011 Group B soccer match. —AP

England dumped out, Spain cruise VIBORG: The Czech Republic scored two late goals to knock England out of the European Under-21 Championship and Spain beat 10-man Ukraine 3-0 to top Group B on Sunday.

Striker Danny Welbeck looked to have headed England into the semifinals when he powered home a cross from Daniel Sturridge 11 minutes from time but substitute Jan Chramosta equalised for the Czechs in the 89th minute.

A draw would have been enough for the Czechs but as England poured forward in search of a winner Chramosta turned provider, setting up Tomas Pekhart for a simple finish into an empty net to seal a 2-1 win for his side.

The reward for the Czechs is a semifinal meeting with Switzerland tomorrow, while Spain, who comfortably beat Ukraine courtesy of two goals from Mata and one by Adrian, will face Belarus on the same day. —Reuters

Cruzeiro name Santana as coach after Cuca quits RIO DE JANEIRO: Cruzeiro appointed former South Africa coach Joel Santana on Sunday after Cuca resigned following a dismal start to the Brazilian championship.

The club from Belo Horizonte have not won any of their five matches, including Saturday ’s 1-1 draw with city rivals America-MG, in the championship having finished runners-up last year under Cuca.

Cruzeiro said Cuca, who had taken charge a year ago, handed in his resignation on Sunday morning despite the club’s wish for him to stay on.

Santana, who quit Botafogo in March after 14 months with the Rio team, will be officially unveiled as Cruzeiro coach late yesterday, they said on their website (wwwcruzeirocom.br).

“The coach’s debut will be on Saturday against Coritiba at the Aligator’s Arena in Sete Lagoas in the sixth round of the Brazilian championship,” Cruzeiro added.

The experienced 62-year-old Santana coached South Africa in 2008 and 2009 but was sacked nine months before the country hosted last year’s World Cup. Sao Paulo remained top of the standings on a maximum 15 points with a 2-0 away win over Ceara after captain Rogerio Ceni saved a penalty and 19-year-old Brazil midfielder Lucas scored a superb goal.

Ceni’s penalty save from Osvaldo midway through the first half ended Ceara’s dominance and Marlos opened Sao Paulo’s account before halftime.

Lucas, in his last match before leaving for Argentina with the Brazil squad for next month’s Copa America, dribbled past Ceara Fernando Henrique in the 67th for the second goal.

Sao Paulo’s fine start to the championship will be put to the test in the coming weeks while they are deprived of Lucas until late July and four young players picked by Brazil for the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia from July 29 to Aug. 20.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Palmeiras are four points behind after a 5-0 rout of Avai with strikers Kleber and Luan scoring twice each.

Flamengo, with an uninspired Ronaldinho who came off to boos during the second half, held on for a 0-0 draw with Botafogo despite playing with 10 men for more than an hour after Argentine midfielder Dario Bottinelli earned a second booking for diving in the box.

Champions Fluminense lost their second consecutive match under new coach Abel Braga, a 1-0 upset at home to promoted Bahia on Saturday. Fluminense have six points from two wins. —Reuters

LISBON: Chelsea is hiring Porto coach Andre Villas-Boas for next season, Portuguese media reports said yesterday.

Chelsea has agreed to pay the Euro 15 million release clause in the coach’s contract with Porto, according to reports by the national news agency Lusa and several newspaper websites.

However, Porto said in a brief written statement that “so far (the club) has received no information that the clause will be activated nor the coach’s willingness for it to happen.”

Porto President Jorge Pinto da Costa told Portugal’s Sport TV that the club would be powerless to prevent the coach leaving if the due payment was made on the exit clause. “If someone puts Euro 15 million into our bank account and he wants to leave, there’s nothing we can do about it because that’s the contractual undertaking,” he said. “If that doesn’t happen, he won’t leave,” Villas-Boas has a contract at Porto through 2013. The 33-year-old Villas-Boas, a former assistant of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, has been singled out as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches after guiding Porto to the Portuguese league and Cup and the Europa League title last season — his first in charge at the Portuguese club. He was the youngest coach to win a UEFA club competition.

If he moved to the Premier League, it would be a huge career leap for someone with just two seasons under his belt as a first-team club coach after moving to Porto from Portugal’s Academica.

Chelsea is looking to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who was fired last month after his second season at Stamford Bridge ended without a trophy.

Dutch coach Guus Hiddink was also linked with a return to the Blues, where he won the FA Cup as a caretaker manager in 2009.

Villas-Boas was a scout for Mourinho at Chelsea and, later, at Inter Milan. Mourinho, who is now at Real Madrid, moved in 2004 from Porto to Chelsea where he won back-to-back Premier League titles. Villas-Boas, who speaks fluent English, had also worked with Bobby Robson during the English coach’s spell at Porto’s Stadium of the Dragon. He coached the British Virgin Isles at just 21.

Porto ended the past season unbeaten in the domestic championship with 27 wins in 30 matches. In Europe, it recorded 14 wins in 17 games, scoring 44 goals with an attacking style of play favored

by Villas-Boas. Porto became only the second Portuguese club to finish a league season unbeaten, after Benfica’s 1972-73 team.

“I don’t approach football with only a tactical approach — you can achieve success through various means. What I like is to make my players give their most but I give them lots of room to maneuver,” Villas-Boas said on the eve of the Europa DUBLIN: In this May 18, 2011 League final. “I try to file photo, Porto’s coach Andre promote their talent Villas-Boas reacts at the final and feel free to make whistle of the UEFA Europa the right decisions.

League final. —AP I’m no dictator.”—AP

WASHINGTON: Jamaica’s Omar Daley (left) fights for the ball with United States’ Eric Lichaj during the seond half of a Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal soccer match. —AP

US defeat 10-man Jamaica WASHINGTON: The United States scored twice in the second half to beat a 10-man Jamaica squad 2-0 on Sunday and advance to the Concacaf Gold Cup semi-finals.

Jermaine Jones broke the deadlock with his first goal for his country four minutes into the second half after his shot took a deflection off Jamaican defender Jermaine Taylor, giving goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts no chance of making the save.

“I thought we played a good game today,” US coach Bob Bradley said. “It took a while to get the goal and the second goal, but certainly as far as establishing our game today I thought we did an excellent job.”

Jamaica, which did not concede a goal in the pool stages, were reduced to 10-men when Taylor was red-carded for tripping Jones as he was bearing down on goal.

American striker Clint Dempsey, who rejoined the team on Sunday after missing three days to attend his sister ’s wedding in Texas, put the result beyond doubt in the 80th minute, side-stepping an advancing Ricketts and tapping the ball into an open net after a low cross from Juan Agudelo.

Landon Donovan, who also missed three days of training to attend his sis-

ter’s wedding in California, started the game on the bench.

“There are times that players come to you with personal requests,” Bradley said. “Ultimately, after speaking at different points with Clint and Landon, I knew how impor tant both of these days were for them. You always try to do what’s best for the team and you make tough decisions.”

The US have reached the semi-finals in each of the last six editions of the tournament for Nor th and Central America and Caribbean teams and play Panama on Wednesday in a repeat of the 2005 final, which the Americans won on penalties.

Panama, who beat the US in the group stage, sealed their place the hard way, scoring in the 90th minute of regular time to tie El Salvador 1-1 before winning 5-3 on penalties.

Mexico and Honduras will play in the tournament’s other semi-final. The winner of the tournament will represent North and Central America and the Caribbean at the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.

“As the tournament goes on, you start to build team unity. It doesn’t happen right away,” said Donovan. “We’re starting to play as a team. Tonight was a really good performance.” —Reuters

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

Sangakkara ton secures draw against England

SANTA CLARA: Michael Phelps reacts after finishing second to Nicholas D’Arcy by .01 second in the men’s 200-meter butterfly at the Santa Clara International Grand Prix.—AP

Phelps loses 200 fly SANTA CLARA: Michael Phelps lost for the third straight time in one of his signature events, finishing one-hundredth of a second behind Australia’s Nick D’Arcy in the 200-meter butterfly on Sunday at the Santa Clara International Grand Prix.

The 14-time Olympic gold medalist and world-record holder in the event was hardly at his dominating best, getting chased down in the final 25 meters by D’Arcy, who touched the wall in 1 minute, 55.39 seconds. Phelps took comfort in the close finish and believes he’s on pace to be at fullstrength for the world championships next month in Shanghai. Still, Phelps hadn’t lost the 200 fly in almost nine years and now has dropped three in a row.

The two other losses came to China’s Wu Peng. Even in tuneup races, losing streaks are rare for the planet’s most recognized swimmer. “I would have liked to get the win and end the drought ... but Nick and I have had some good races over the past couple years and he’s definitely a tough competitor and he finishes really strong,” Phelps said. D’Arcy was second to Phelps at last year’s Pan Pacific championships but stopped short of saying he’s gaining ground on Phelps.

“It’s always great to beat somebody who’s possibly the greatest athlete who ever lived,” said D’Arcy, who didn’t qualify for the worlds because he was recovering from left ankle surgery at the time. “Any chance you get to beat him, you’ve got to take it. I don’t care that it was one-tenth of a second.” Phelps chalks up the losses to part of the training process.

He spent most of the last month in high altitude in Colorado Springs, exhaustingly

increasing his workouts. He also will compete in the 100 fly and 200 free in Montreal in two weeks to make some last-ditch adjustments. One thing is for sure: Phelps will have to be better when the world championships begin July 16 in Shanghai if he wants gold.

“Before I went to Colorado, I think I was in nowhereland,” Phelps said, chuckling.

“And I feel like I’m kind of somewhere now.

I’m in somewhereland hoping to move toward, well, I don’t know what comes after that. Hopefully somewhere in the right direction.” Phelps has certainly improved since earlier this year. He finished fourth in the 200 fly in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before moving into second behind Wu in Charlotte. His preliminary time Sunday morning also was almost 6 seconds slower than the final, and he credits his training for the improvement.

Even though it’s a non-Olympic year, Phelps believes this is an important one for his future. He’s going to change his event schedule ahead of next year’s London Games, competing in less taxing races to maximize his output. The rest of this summer will help decide that schedule. “I’m actually in a lot better place mentally than I was a couple months ago and a couple weeks ago,” Phelps said. “Being able to come down from altitude and being able to do some of the work I did there I think is going to pay off the rest of the summer.” Among the other notables Sunday: Daniel Bell held off Ryan Lochte to win the 100 backstroke; Lochte also was second in the 200 individual medley to Thiago Pereira; Eric Shanteau took the 100 breaststroke; and Ricardo Monasterio won the 1,500 freestyle.—AP

SOUTHAMPTON: Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara’s maiden Test hundred in England helped the tourists save the series finale at the Rose Bowl here yesterday.

But a draw in the third and final Test gave England a 1-0 win in this three-match series after an innings and 14-run win in the first Test in Cardiff was followed by stalemate at Lord’s.

Rain, which robbed the first Test ever staged at the Rose Bowl of 155 overs on the first three days, had the final say when a downpour during the tea interval on the fifth day brought this match to a premature close. Bad weather meant 369 overs were lost in the series as a whole, equivalent to 26-and-a-half hours’ playing time. Sri Lanka were 334 for five in their second innings in reply to England’s first innings 377 for eight declared, a lead of 141, having lost just two wickets on the last day.

One of those was Sangakkara, out shortly before tea for 119 when the left-hander’s square cut off James Anderson was caught by substitute Adam Rouse at backward point.

His exit ended a fifth-wicket stand of 141 with Thilan Samaraweera, who was left stranded on 87 not out.

Sangakkara was frustrated by Sri Lanka’s collapse to 82 all out inside 25 overs in Cardiff which effectively cost them the Test series.

“None of us were really switched on there, we could have had a 0-0 Test series,” he said. “There is a lot of regret but lessons were learned.

“There were various situations that could have played out today but we batted with our heads held high and walked away with a good result.”

England captain Andrew Strauss added: “We got ourselves in a position to go on and win the game but fair play to Sangakkara especially, the Sri Lankans blunted our attack - we didn’t make the inroads we needed to make.” “I think we got ourselves into good positions in all three Test matches and in a way that two-hour session in Cardiff was good enough to get us one result.”

Sangakkara had managed just 65 runs in five previous innings this series but, leading Sri Lanka in the absence of the injured Tillakaratne Dilshan, he showed his class with a

SOUTHAMPTON: Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (left) hits a ball from England’s Graeme Swann during the final day of the third Test match at the Rose Bowl cricket ground.—AP 25th Test century. Sri Lanka resumed on Monday on 112 for three, 81 runs behind, with Sangakkara 44 not out and nightwatchman Rangana Herath unbeaten on two, in overcast, seam bowler-friendly conditions.

But Sangakkara, who averages over 56 in Tests, cover-drove fast bowler Chris Tremlett for four in the first over of the day.

Anderson nearly had Herath out for five but first slip Strauss was distracted by Graeme Swann, moving across from second slip, and the England captain dropped the fasttravelling chance. Herath was eventually lbw on the backfoot to Swann after missing a sweep for a gutsy 36.

Sri Lanka reached lunch on 226 for four, with Sangakkara 89 not out and Samaraweera 26 not out.

By that stage the 33-year-old Sangakkara, who resigned as Sri Lanka captain after their World Cup final defeat by India in April, had surpassed his previous Test-best in England of 66 at Trent Bridge five years ago. —AFP

Scoreboard SOUTHAMPTON: Final scoreboard on the fifth day of the third Test between England and Sri Lanka at the Rose Bowl here on yesterday: Sri Lanka 1st Innings 184 (C Tremlett 6-48) England 1st Innings 377-8 dec (I Bell 119 no, K Pietersen 85, E Morgan 71, A Cook 55; S Lakmal 3-99) Sri Lanka 2nd Innings (overnight: 112-3) T. Paranavitana c Swann b Anderson 10 L. Thirimanne c Strauss b Tremlett 38 K. Sangakkara c sub (Rouse) b Anderson 119 M. Jayawardene c Prior b Broad 6 R. Herath lbw b Swann 36 T. Samaraweera not out 87 P. Jayawardene not out 6 Extras (b16, lb9, w1, nb6) 32 Total (5 wkts, 104 overs, 443 mins) 334 Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Paranavitana), 2-86 (Thirimanne), 3-110 (M Jayawardene), 4-185 (Herath), 5-326 (Sangakkara) Did not bat: T Perera, D Fernando, S Lakmal, C Welegedara Bowling: Anderson 30-9-81-2 (1w); Tremlett 21-5-66-1 (3nb); Broad 18-4-51-1 (3nb); Swann 25-6-57-1; Pietersen 7-1-30-0; Trott 3-0-24-0.

Chris Tremlett, James Anderson.

Result: Match drawn Series: England win three-match series 1-0

Warner quits FIFA, bribery charges dropped

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Sangakkara ton secures draw against England

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Panama win on penalties to reach Gold Cup semis Page 18

Nadal, Venus win Wimledon opener Schiavone defeats Jelena, Zvonareva down Alison

WIMBLEDON: Rafael Nadal opened his Wimbledon title defense with a convincing victory yesterday, beating Michael Russell 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 on a “fantastic” day while his parents watched from the Royal Box. In keeping with tradition, the defending men’s champion played the first match on Centre Court at the All England Club — and the top-ranked Spaniard put on a worthy performance to begin the 125th edition of the championships.

Five-time women’s champion Venus Williams, back on her favorite grass surface, also swept into the second round with a 6-3, 6-1 win over 97th-ranked Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan. The American also made a fashion statement, wearing a one-piece playsuit with cutout sleeves that exposed part of her back.

Nadal, coming off his sixth French Open title and 10th overall Grand Slam championship, double-faulted to go down a break 4-2 in the first set against the 91st-ranked Russell. But Nadal buckled down, ran off six straight games to take the set and go up a break in the second. He was in command the rest of the way against the 33-year-old American.

“I started so-so in the first set, but after that I start to hit very well the forehand and I think I finished playing a very good level,” Nadal said. The two players shared a laugh after Russell successfully challenged what had been ruled an ace by Nadal on match point. Nadal won the next point, though, to finish the match in just under two hours.

It was the first time Nadal has walked onto Centre Court as defending champion. After winning the title for the first time in 2008, he missed the tournament the following year with a knee injury.

“Fantastic,” he said. “Seriously, I never played in a court like this. (It) was a big emotion to be the first player to play in this fabulous court. It was a very, very exciting feeling.”

Watching from the Royal Box were Nadal’s parents, Sebastian and Ana Maria.

“Too many beautiful things to see my mom and my dad in the Royal Box,”‘ Nadal said. “I think for them (it) was a great experience. So, everything in general was very, very nice today.” While Nadal and Williams played in mostly sunny conditions, rain fell in late afternoon and forced organizers to close the retractable roof on Centre Court during the match between sixth-seeded Francesca Schiavone and Jelena Dokic. Resuming play in covered conditions at 1-1 in the third set after a delay of about 50 minutes, Schiavone went on to complete a 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 victory over the 45thranked Australian. Schiavone, the 2010 French Open champion and this year’s runner-up at Roland Garros, capitalized on two double-faults by Dokic to break for 5-3. With rain drops drumming on the translucent roof, the Italian saved four break points in the next game before winning on her second match point.

With play still suspended on all other courts, the final Centre Court match of the day went ahead under the roof, with fourth-seeded Andy Murray playing Daniel GimenoTraver of Spain. The roof was added to Centre Court before the 2009 tournament and was used once that year because of rain. It was used once in 2010 because of darkness — artificial lights go on when the roof is closed — and occasionally to provide shade from the sun, but not because of rain. Williams, who played at Eastbourne last week after an injury layoff of nearly five months, looked right at home on the Wimbledon grass where she has been so dominant.

She kept her opponent waiting for several minutes on Court 2, with Amanmuradova sitting patiently on her courtside chair for the 31-year-old American to arrive.

Once play started, Williams took Amanmuradova apart in 59 minutes with her hard-hitting all-court game. She served seven aces, broke four times and had 23 winners to only five unforced errors — none in the second set. “It’s always great to be back,” Williams said.

“To play a few matches at Eastbourne helped me feel pretty comfortable here. All in all, I’m pretty pleased. I only see pluses for today. I missed being out here playing.”

Amanmuradova, who has now lost in the first round at Wimbledon in all four appearances, is taller than Williams at 6-foot-3 (1.90 meters) and can hit hard. But once Williams found her rhythm, she couldn’t be stopped, winning six games in a row and the last 12 points to close the match. Williams, always the fashionista, sported an eyecatching outfit that featured a deep “V” neckline and a gold belt wrapped around the waist.

“It’s a jumper,” Williams said. “Jumpers are very ‘now,’ as is lace. The shoulders have a lot of draping. It’s a kind of trendy dress. It’s fun. The back is a like a cutout or peekaboo. I’m always trying to do something different and fun.”

Williams had been sidelined after injuring her hip at the Australian Open. She had fallen to No. 30 in the rankings but is seeded No. 23 — the same position she held when she won the tournament in 2007. Playing in her 15th Wimbledon, she extended her record to 69-9.

Williams’ second-round opponent will be Japan’s Kimiko Date-Krumm, who became the second oldest women to win a match at Wimbledon, beating Katie O’Brien 6-0, 7-5 yesterday. The 40-year-old Date-Krumm, the third oldest woman to compete at Wimbledon in the Open era and the oldest in this year’s draw, came out of retirement in 2008 but lost in the first round the last two years at the All England Club.

In another featured women’s match, 2010 runner-up Vera Zvonareva downed 115th-ranked American Alison Riske 6-0, 3-6, 6-3. The second-seeded Russian looked in trouble after the second set against the 20-year-old Riske, whose best career results have been on grass. But Zvonareva raised her game and closed the match with an ace. The first seeded man to lose was No. 30 Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil - 7-6 (3), 6-4, 6-2 to 35-year-old German Rainer Schuettler, the oldest player in the men’s draw.

Sixth-seeded Tomas Berdych, who lost to Nadal in last year’s final, moved into the second round with a 6-2, 6-2, 61 win over Filippo Volandri of Italy. He served 12 aces.

Tenth-seeded American Mardy Fish beat Spain’s Marcel Granollers 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5), 6-4. Big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic, playing his first Wimbledon, topped Marc Gicquel of France 6-3, 7-6 (3), 6-3. No. 14 Stanislas Wawrinka defeated Potito Starace of Italy 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Other winners included two Frenchmen — No. 9 Gael Monfils, who beat Matthias Bachinger 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-3, and No. 17 Richard Gasquet, who defeated Santiago Giraldo 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (3).—AP

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Big order helps Airbus glide over glitches Boeing wins orders for 747-8 worth $5.4bn LE BOURGET: A Eurofighter Typhoon performs its demonstration flight on the first day of the Paris air show, at Le Bourget airport yesterday.— AP

LE BOURGET: Airbus bagged billions of dollars of orders for its revamped A320 plane on day one of a rain-sodden Paris Air Show, where it is vying with rival Boeing and trying to recover from preshow mishaps. Airbus said yesterday it had won an order for 60 narrow-body A320neo planes worth $5.1 billion at list prices from the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric.

Analysts expec t narrow-body planes, the backbone of fast-growing budget airlines, to be a key battleground for orders between Europe’s Airbus and US rival Boeing at the biennial air show.

Airbus believes it has the upper hand with the A320neo, whose more efficient engines save airlines 15 percent in fuel costs, according to the company. Engine maker Pratt & Whitney boss David Hess said yesterday he expec ted an “astounding” amount of demand for the A320neo. Sources close to the matter said Airbus was also likely to report an order yesterday for 30 A320neos worth about $2.4 billion at list prices from Scandinavian airline SAS. Qatar Airways said it hoped to conclude a deal this week to buy A320neo

planes as well. Boeing conceded it might lose some custom while it makes a decision about whether to re-engine or redesign its competing 737 narrow-body plane, although it was confident of winning out over the longer term.

It also upstaged Airbus with successes in other plane sizes and booked the first big order of the show for six 777-300ER wide-body jets worth $1.7 billion at list prices from Gulf carrier Qatar Airways.

Analysts expect Middle Eastern and Asian airlines to dominate the buying as they seek to boost transpor t links for their booming economies. The Boeing deal came a day after Airbus unveiled plans to boost the range of its future competing A350, of which Qatar is the biggest customer.

Aircraft withdrawn Airbus was left red-faced following a series of mishaps on the eve of the show, including a taxiway collision involving an A380 superjumbo. The right-hand wing-tip of a test plane for the world’s largest jetliner, with a wingspan of almost 80 meters (yards), scraped a building at Le Bourget airpor t on Sunday and was withdrawn from

the air show’s traditional flying displays. The aircraft was hidden out of sight yesterday as President Nicolas Sarkozy inaugurated the show, and was a source of embarrassment for Airbus only hours after the arrival of its new competitor-Boeing’s elongated 747-8 superjumbo, which is showing its distinctive silhouette abroad for the first time.

The latest version of the legendary 747 jumbo touched down in orange and red “sunrise” livery symbolising the economic importance of Asia. Boeing said yesterday it had taken orders and commitments for 17 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft from two undisclosed carriers in deals worth a combined $5.4 billion at list prices. A second Airbus aircraft, the delayed European A400 airlifter, was also initially withdrawn from air display after a gearbox problem.

Asian demand Despite its setbacks, Airbus is confident of racking up orders for the A320neo in particular and the air show could bring two record deals on successive if its plans come to fruition. A $16 billion pro-

visional deal from IndiGo to buy 180 A320neo passenger jets, first announced in January, could be finalised, although talks may also drag beyond the air show. If sealed, that would set a record for the number of planes in one transaction. Sources close to the matter said that deal could be rapidly eclipsed by a 200-plane order being fine-tuned between Airbus and Malaysia’s AirAsia.

Demand for aircraf t is on a sharp rebound driven by demand from Asia’s rapidly growing airports and the Middle East.

“Those two markets will enjoy at least one third if not more of the demand increase for global air traffic in the next decade,” said Philip Toy, a managing director at Alix Partners. Airbus sales chief John Leahy said yesterday he expected to sell more planes this year than in 2010, though he declined to give an estimated figure.

The Airbus A320neo has also benefited from airlines’ concerns about fuel costs. Boeing said on Sunday it would decide by endyear whether to upgrade its 737 with new engines from about 2016, as Airbus has done, or build an all-new jet in 2019. “They will

sell hundreds but it is hard to tell what is gross and what is net, what is a conversion from an earlier order. There are myriad complications,” said Teal Group analyst Richard Aboulafia of the A320neo.

Orders are likely to include a confirmation of an $8 billion 100plane order from leasing giant ILFC. Russia and China will flex their muscles as potential rivals to

Airbus and Boeing, especially during a visit today by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and some analysts expect surprise sales. But Western planemakers say it will be some time before newcomers mount a serious challenge in civil aerospace. Brazilian group Embraer also made its presence felt, saying it had won orders for 39 190 regional jets, worth $1.7 billion at list prices. — Reuters

Oil falls as Greek woes increase risk aversion

Aden refinery continues output with Saudi crude ADEN: Yemen’s Aden refinery, shut for nearly two months following a blast that damaged the country’s main oil pipeline, will resume production after receiving a shipment of Saudi-donated crude, a refinery official told Reuters yesterday. “The refinery today began experimental operations after suspension of more than two months due to the halt of crude pipeline from Marib,” the official said.

Months of pro-democracy protests against President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s 33year rule have sparked clashes between government forces and tribesmen, killing dozens. Violence included a blast on the country’s main oil pipeline in mid-March which stopped the flow of light Marib crude to the refinery, bringing it to a halt and triggering country-wide fuel shortages.

If trial production goes well, the refinery will start normal production later yesterday, the official said, at one of its two units with a capacity of 75,000 barrels per day.

He added that the total capacity of the refinery has been raised. “We have now 150,000 bpd capacity in two units, with each unit at 75,000 bpd. We have done an upgrade on the facilities.” Four more shipments are due from Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, which donated 3 million barrels of oil to its impoverished southern neighbour. The first shipment of 600,000 barrels arrived in the port of Aden last week. — Reuters

LE BOURGET: A Korean Airlines Airbus A380 performs its demonstration flight, on the first day of the Paris air show yesterday. — AP

HEBEI: A worker assembles parts of a wind turbine at a factory of Guodian United Power Technology Co, Ltd, in Baoding yesterday. — AP

LONDON: Oil prices fell yesterday, extending last week’s losses, as risk aversion increased after euro zone finance ministers postponed a final decision on emergency loans to Greece.

By 1412 GMT, Brent crude was down 82 cents at $112.39 a barrel. US oil crude futures lost 33 cents to trade at $92.68 a barrel after briefly turning positive as the dollar slipped. “The crisis in Greece has resulted in higher risk aversion, which is weighing on oil prices,” Commerzbank analysts led by Eugen Weinberg said in a note.

Euro zone finance ministers postponed a final decision on extending 12 billion euros ($17 billion) in emergency loans to Greece, pending approval of the introduction of harsh austerity measures by Athens, which pushed the common currency lower. The euro trimmed losses yesterday, hitting session highs above $1.43, as it gained positive momentum after comments by the chief of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) that the fund’s guarantees will be raised to 780 billion euros from 440 billion.

“There’s no doubt that the biggest influence on the euro and oil prices at the moment is

the thinking around Eurozone countries’ sovereign debt.

Contagion is the watchword,” analysts at PVM brokerage said.

The euro zone ministers said they expected the money, the next tranche in a 110 billion euro bailout of Greece by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, to be paid by mid-July. Greece has said it needs the loans by then to avoid defaulting on its debt.

“An expected short-term agreement will likely enable markets to breathe a little easier and allow commodity complexes to stage a respectable bounce on account of a stronger euro,” MF Global analysts said in a note.

“However, any ‘solution’ for Greece will be a temporary fix at best, as this issue is far too difficult to be wrapped up in a few weeks.”

On Friday, Brent settled at $113.21 a barrel, its lowest level since May 24, down 4.7 percent in its biggest weekly loss since the week to May 6. US crude futures settled at $93.01 a barrel, down 2.04 percent, their lowest since Feb. 18. US crude fell below the key 200-day moving average for the first time since September, drawing additional selling.

Still, oil is unlikely to dip further because supply side concerns remain alive as unrest in the Middle East and Nor th Africa continues, and the current slump will offer a buying opportunity, Victor Shum, an analyst at Purvin & Gertz, said.

“Two factors have contributed to the collapse in oil futures: Greece and the US economic outlook,” Shum said. “But the pull-back in prices is temporary because the Greece crisis will pass and supply side concerns remain.”

Against the backdrop of the uncertain growth outlook, continuing social unrest in Libya, Syria and other countries in the Middle East is helping to keep a floor under oil prices. President Bashar al-Assad gave a speech yesterday urging Syrians to help restore normality even if the ‘crisis’ lasts for months, adding that parliamentary elections are due in August.

A military operation along the border follows the biggest protests on Friday during four months of anti-Assad unrest that a violent clampdown has failed to quash. Security forces shot dead up to 19 prot e s t e r s o n Fr i d a y, r i g h t s groups said. —Reuters

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Turkish regulator acts to curb lending, banks slip Data shows measures sofarhave hadlittle effect

Boeing, Qatar Airways state LE BOURGET: Boeing and Qatar Airways yesterday announced an order for six Boeing 777-300ERs (Extended Range) airplanes at the international 2011 Paris Air Show. The order is valued at $1.7 billion at list prices. As one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, Qatar Airways currently operates 25 Boeing airplanes: eight ultra-long range 777-200LRs (Long Range), 15 777-300ERs and two longrange 777 Freighters.

“We are expanding our international network rapidly and adding new routes and destinations that will extend Qatar Airways’ reach across the globe, especially as we aim to open up more non-stop routes to popular and under-served cities around the world,” said Akbar AlBaker, Qatar Airways’ CEO. “We currently have 25 Boeing 777s in our fleet and its payload and range capability, reliability and economics have made this aircraft the backbone of our long-haul fleet.”

“We are extremely pleased to be playing a role in the growth and success of Qatar Airways,” said Jim Albaugh, president and chief executive officer, Commercial Airplanes Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “And we are grateful for the confidence and trust that Qatar Airways continues to place in Boeing - and in the 777.” In November 2007, Qatar Airways took delivery of the first of a 32 Boeing 777 order. Exercise of options subsequently increased the order to 40 aircraft of which 15 are pending delivery.

The Boeing 777 family is a complete family of jetliners that is preferred by passengers and airlines around the world. The market-leading 777 family has the ability to fly point-to-point nonstop to bypass crowded and busy hub airports. This order was previously accounted for on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website as unidentified in 2011.

Burgan Bank announces yawmi lucky winners KUWAIT: Burgan forefront of introBank amongst the ducing innovative leading and the most and differentiated dynamic bank in the produc ts. Now, state of Kuwait ever y single day announced the represents yet names of last week’s another chance of Yawmi account winwinning KD5,000.” ners at the bank ’s head office. Yawmi is In 2009, Burgan the first account in Bank introduced a the country to give first- of-its k ind Muneera Al-Mukhaizeem away cash prize draw account every day. The lucky winners for the Yawmi Account - which entitles cusfive daily draws took home a hand- tomers who deposit KD500 to win some cash-prize of KD5,000 each. KD5,000 every single day (except The luck y winners are: Taghrid weekends and public holidays). For Mahmoud Salem Shuraab; Fakhriah every KD50 deposited in your Yawmi Ali Naser Al-Qattan; Shaikha Waleed Account you receive an additional Al-Tararwa; Hani Abdullah Ghloum entry into the draw, which means the Bloushi; and Latifa Mohd Hamad more you deposit, the more chances Bouhamad. you will have of winning. For examCongratulating the winners, ple, if you deposit the minimum of Burgan Bank Chief Retail Banking KD500, you will receive 10 entries Officer- GM Muneera Al-Mukhaizeem into the draw. Opening a Yawmi said: “I extend my warm wishes to account is simple, just visit your the winners of last week’s Yawmi nearest Burgan Bank branch and get draw. Yawmi today is a well under- all the details. Or simply call our Call stood product, the popularity of Center 1804080 and our executive which can be seen from the number will be more than happy to assist of increasing account holders. you. For further information visit Burgan Bank has always been at the www.burgan.com.

ISTANBUL: Turkish bank shares slipped 2 percent yesterday after sector regulator BDDK said it would slap higher charges on banks whose consumer loans exceed 20 percent of total loans, in a bid to cool a credit growth surge. Loan expansion in excess of an annual 35 percent has driven Turkey ’s current account deficit to worrying highs, and fuelled a domestic demand boom which has kept pumping imports into the economy.

Since late last year the central bank has increased banks’ required reserve ratios in order to limit the amount of money they lend to consumers, however repeated rises have had little effect and loan growth is still far in excess of a recommended 25 percent this year.

Consumer loans, excluding loans for mortgages and cars, have grown particularly fast and all six of Turkey’s major listed banks are above the new 20 percent threshold.

According to Deutsche Bank data Akbank’s retail loans account for 35 percent of total loans, Yapi Kredi’s and Vakifbank’s for 33 percent, Garanti for 32 percent, Isbank for 28 percent, and Halkbank for 25 percent of total loans. Deutsche Bank said the new provisioning regulations could add 25 basis points to the cost of general purpose loans, while analysts at TEB said the cost could rise by 75 to 100 basis points.

Turkey ’s official gazette on Saturday announced the BDDK had ruled banks which exceed the 20 percent limit, must pay provi-

sions of 4 percent instead of 1 percent. The BDDK said it would also amend how it calculates consumer credit risk in relation to capital adequacy ratios, a move which will likely reduce banks’ capital adequacy ratios.

“Regulatory pressures are likely to prevail until overheating in the economy and current account deterioration has been contained,” Deutsche said in a note. TEB said it believed the changes to risk weighting would be more effective in cooling loan growth. “The increase in the risk-weightings is likely to act as a better tool to curb loan growth as it will increase the capital cost of giving general purpose loans which should lead to higher interest rates to maintain the profitability of the product,” TEB said. — Reuters

Jazeera Airways expands A320 fleet LE BOURGET: Jazeera Airways Group has placed an order for CFM56-5B engines to power four brand new Airbus A320 aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the airline between 2012 and 2014. The engine order is valued at $80 million at list price.

Jazeera Airways, which began operations in October 2005, was the first carrier in the Middle East to operate this state-of-the-art engine. Today, Jazeera Airways is an awardwinning airline based in Kuwait and has a fleet of 15 aircraft, including the four future deliveries. The new aircraft will be used as part of the company’s fleet modernization program.

“We have had great success with the CFM56-5B engines and formed an outstanding working relationship with CFM,” said Marwan Boodai, Chairman of Jazeera Airways Group.

“The performance and reliability advantages that the engine provides have helped us establish and maintain our high efficiency and reliability reputation.”

All of Jazeera Airways’ new engines will be the CFM56-5B Performance Improvement Package (PIP) configuration. The -5B PIP completed extensive ground testing and more than 26 hours of flight testing on the A320.

The engine, which will become the new pro-

duction standard, is on schedule for certification and entry into service by the end of 2011.

The improvements, which provide a 0.5 percent improvement in fuel burn, include hardware changes to the core, including new high-pressure turbine blade, as well as manufacturing changes to the fan and compressor blades and vanes to improve performance retention. The engine will maintain the same noise signature as the current production engine. These engines also meet current International Civil Aviation Organisation

(ICAO) on Committee of Aviation Environmental Protection standards (CAEP /6) requirements.

CFM56-5B engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE. CFM, the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, has delivered more than 22,200 engines to date. The CFM56-5B engine powers every model of the Airbus A320 family and has been chosen to power nearly 60 percent of all A320 aircraft in service or on order.

KCIC hosts managing director to discuss economy KUWAIT: KCIC, an investment firm specializing in investments in Asia, recently hosted a closed discussion with Arnab Das, the Managing Director of Market and Research Strategy at the global economic and market strategy research firm Roubini Global Economics. Das delivered an economic outlook for emerging Asia and other regions globally.

KCIC Chief Economist Alessandro Magnoli Bocchi said: “ The global economy and the emerging markets are going through challenging times right now; hence, it is very important to understand and anticipate the unfolding macro risks. By organizing this seminar, KCIC intends to help shed some light on the outlook for global markets. We are very pleased to have Arnab Das provide an independent view on the opportunities and risks in the

KUWAIT: Arnab Das, Managing Director of Market and Research Strategy at the global economic and market strategy research firm Roubini Global Economics (left) is pictured with KCIC Chief Economist Alessandro Magnoli Bocchi.

US, Europe, and of course emerging Asia.” Talking to an audience of Kuwait investors and analysts, Das delivered an exclusive insightful talk on upside and downside risks in the regional and global markets. He projected that though this economical crisis

will be undoubtedly be resolved sooner or later, the next crisiswhen it happens-will be about the currencies.

Here are some of his the opinions and outlooks he shared in the session: Global upside risks (opportuni-

ties): We will likely see an orderly resolution of the Eurozone crisis and limited risk of contagion We will continue to see stronger than expected growth in Emerging Markets (which have largely healthy balance sheets) The stronger than expected effects from US fiscal stimulus we’ve seen will likely continue Global downside risks: Oil and commodities inflation will have negative terms of trade effects Political and economic uncertainty in the MENA region will impact oil prices and investments Emerging Markets are seen to be overheating and experiencing inflation: stronger monetar y tightening than expected could cool growth. Mismanagement of strong capital inflows could lead to hard landing.

EXCHANGE RATES CommercialBankofKuwait 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 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

.2700000 .4390000 .3870000 .3200000 .2760000 .2870000 .0040000 .0020000 .0743880 .72427400 .3810000 .0700000 .7104750 .0040000 .0430000 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2740000 .4417430 .3896280 .3220310 .2787530 .0522340 .0424510 .2890840 .0351660 .2213250 .0034170 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0746290 .7269830 .0000000 .0730860 .7118730 .0000000

Al-MuzainiExchange Co.

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar

ASIAN COUNTRIES 3.451 6.119 3.204 2.510 3.842 223.140 35.349

.2765000 .4520000 .3970000 .3310000 .2860000 .2960000 .0072500 .0035000 .0751360 .7320240 .4010000 .0770000 .7176160 .0072000 .0530000 .2761000 .4451280 .3926140 .3244990 .2808890 .0526350 .0427760 .2912990 .0354290 .2230210 .0034430 .0061910 .0025270 .0032290 .0037560 .0752010 .7325550 .3905230 .0736460 .7173290 .0063760

Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

3.697 6.303 9.008 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES 73.469 75.701 715.600 731.570 75.005

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 48.350 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 46.278 Yemen Riyal 1.261 Tunisian Dinar 200.880 Jordanian Dinar 389.070 Lebanese Lira 182.700 Syrian Lier 5.948 Morocco Dirham 35.398 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 275.400 Euro 393.270 Sterling Pound 445.320 Canadian dollar 281.390 Turkish lire 172.260 Swiss Franc 326.500 Australian dollar 290.680 US Dollar Buying 274.200 20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

GOLD 283.000 143.000 73.500

SELL CASH 294.000 732.050 3.960 283.800 540.700 36.600 53.400 167.800 48.410 395.600 36.010 6.310

0.034 0.232 0.241 3.530 390.380 0.186 93.110 47.000 4.320 225.600 1.866 50.700 714.960 3.310 6.540 76.150 73.490 223.750 43.500 2.647 447.700 43.700 327.100 5.700 9.390 198.263 75.050 275.600 1.230

10 Tola

GOLD 1,584.160 TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 445.700 275.200

Sterling Pound US Dollar

DollarcoExchange Co. Ltd

BahrainExchange Company COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees

Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

SELL DRAFT 292.500 732.050 3.700 282.300

223.700 46.383 394.100 35.860 6.125

Rate for Transfer US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees

Selling Rate 275.150 281.900 445.200 394.515 324.045 728.809 74.890 75.526 73.336 387.306 46.296 2.507 6.124

0.033

389.040 0.185 93.110 3.850 224.100

Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

3.213 3.716 6.300 674.918 3.529 9.043 5.786 3.909 91.394

KuwaitBahrainIntlExchange Co. 714.780 3.210 6.320 75.720 73.490 223.750 43.500 2.508 445.700 325.600 5.700 9.200 74.950 275.200

Currency US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Nepali rupee Yemeni Riyal Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Canadian Dollars

Rate per 1000 (Tran) 275.200 3.220 6.130 2.525 3.710 6.340 75.030 73.590 731.600 46.275 449.300 0.00003280 3.910 1.550 391.000 5.750 397.400 285.800

AlMulla Exchange Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) US Dollar 274.750 Euro 395.800 Pound Sterling 447.000 Canadian Dollar 282.900 Japanese Yen 3.455 Indian Rupee 6.127 Egyptian Pound 46.260 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.505 Bangladesh Taka 3.685 Philippines Peso 6.305 Pakistan Rupee 3.205 Bahraini Dinar 731.500 UAE Dirham 74.800 Saudi Riyal 73.350 *Rates are subject to change

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No plan to raise foreign ownership limit, says UAE Foreign ownership caps could stand in way of MSCI upgrade

Chevrolet Corvette returns to Germany’s Nurburgring DETROIT: Chevrolet Corvette returned to the world’s most-demanding testing ground - Germany’s famed Nurburgring and recorded lap times that rank among the fastest recorded for a production car.

The 2012 Corvette ZR1 recorded a lap time of 7:19.63, more than six seconds faster than the previous Corvette-best recorded in 2008.

“Testing at the Nurburgring is one of the important methods we have to validate our car in the toughest track conditions.” says Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief engineer.

Measuring 20.8 km and including some 154 turns, the Nurburgring’s Nordschleife (“north loop”) is widely considered the world’s most-demanding course. As was the case at Corvette’s last test in 2008, the car was driven by Corvette engineer Jim Mero and was a full production model with no performance modifications.

This test was to validate the car’s added

performance technology coming to production later this summer for the 2012 model year. Corvette’s improved performance for 2012 begins with the new, optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, which are available on the two highest-performing models, the lightweight, 505-hp (377 kW) Z06 and the maximum-performance, 638-hp (476 kW) supercharged ZR1. They are competition-oriented tires, optimized for warm, dry conditions to increase cornering and handling capability.

When combined with the Corvette’s exclusive Per formance Trac tion Management (PTM) technology - which manages torque delivery for maximum performance - the tires set new benchmarks for Cor vette per formance.

Engineers estimate an 8-percent gain in maximum lateral acceleration, to more than 1.1g, and improved braking distance.

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has no plans to raise the 49 percent foreign ownership limit for listed companies, an economy ministr y official said, raising fears the country might miss an upgrade to its status by index compilers.

Increasing foreign ownership limits was one of the criteria set out by index compiler MSCI in its review of UAE and Qatar for an upgrade to emerging market status, which could open the door to more foreign investment.

The regional head of index compiler MSCI said in May that foreign ownership limits in Qatar and the UAE could stand in the way of the Gulf states’ gaining emerging market status. Banks

such as HSBC say Qatar and the UAE could see estimated inflows of $600 million in the event of an upgrade to “emerging” from “frontier” status. MSCI is slated to announce the results of its review today.

“The companies law, the new one, will maintain the same percentage in terms of ownership,” Mohammed al-Shihhi, undersecretary at the economy ministry told reporters, confirming comments by the country’s economy minister last week. “We have the free zones with 100 percent ownership. At the moment there is no plan to change that,” he said on the sidelines of an investment conference.

Though the foreign holdings limit is capped at about 49 per-

cent in the UAE, many strategic firms allow little or no non-UAE involvement. Etisalat, the Middle East’s largest telecoms operator by value, is off limits to foreigners, while Dubai’s top bank Emirates NBD caps foreign involvement at 5 percent. Qatar said last month it would not alter its foreign ownership limits.

However, analysts said the country’s foreign ownership limits-already among the highest in the region-may not be a concern for gaining MSCI status. “Qatar, which doesn’t have the 49 percent (ceiling), they have 25 percent and they are still going to be considered for review. The UAE, the company law has always been to allow for 49 percent, so in effect they still quali-

fy,” said Haissam Arabi, chief executive and fund manager at Gulfmena Alternative Investments in Dubai.

UAE Economy Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al-Mansouri said in February that a new UAE companies law could be introduced before the end of 2011. The companies law, which tackles a host of areas, was seen as potentially relaxing foreign ownership restrictions and also allowing full ownership in some sectors upon request.

By UAE law, only nationals are allowed full ownership of companies operating outside of free zones. The law currently requires foreigners to have a UAE national as a partner or sponsor to conduct business. — Reuters

Citi holds trade workshop in Kuwait

X-cite wins ‘Super Retailer of ME’ KUWAIT: The annual Reseller Middle East (RME) Partner Excellence Awards honours and measures the achievements of vendors, distributors, system integrators (SIs), resellers and retailers across the region’s IT market. Entrants had to fill out an online application form, which was evaluated by a panel comprising of editors, IT analysts and Middle East channel pundits. Emphasis was on submissions that provided the best examples about excelling in the IT channel space in the

Shahid Khan

last 12 months. Innovation in technology, delivering benefits for the customer and end user support and services were some of the criteria for judging the nominees for the Super Retailer award.

Commenting on the award, Shahid Khan, Vice President - Alghanim Electronics said, “We are thrilled to have received this award and would like to extend our gratitude to our customers for their constant support. This award only encourages us to perform better and contribute to support the development of the retail channel. We will continue to provide innovative solutions to exceed our customer’s expectations while enabling them access to the latest in technology.” Apart from winning ‘Super Retailer’ of the year award, X-cite has recently won awards for ‘Best Marketing Initiative, Best Retailer and Best IT Executive at the Middle East Retail Academy (MERA) 2011 as well as Superbrand in Kuwait 2010.

KUWAIT: Nadeem Saleh, Global Transaction Services Head in Citi Kuwait is pictured during the interview.

— Photo by Joseph Shagra

By Lisa Conrad KUWAIT: Citi Kuwait held a very successful Trade Workshop for its key financial institution and corporate customers. The workshop which was held on June 13 and 14 offered insight into previous trends in trade. It also considered future trends as expected over the next two years and discussed Trade solutions for them.

The trade business has experienced drastic changes following the economic recession and the more recent unrest in the Middle East, resulted in a drop in global trade. The workshops, therefore, worked to update customers on the new context within which they are working.

“It is the experience and insight Citi has that can add valuable knowledge to our customers and provide them with consistent,

high quality service as their loyal banking partner ”, said Nadeem Saleh, Global Transaction Services Head in Citi Kuwait. Iqbal Abbas Wangde, Senior Manager, Operations at Gulf Bank, Kuwait thanked Citi for the opportunity to attend the workshop, adding: “We look forward continuously to have such kind of seminars/workshop for a friendly meeting that gives a clear insight into the Trade World and how this can affect our balance sheets and activity on a local, regional and international level”.

The trade workshop is not the first of its kind, however. Citi Bank also held a Cash Management Conference in May for financial institution and corporate customers. The conference was wide-ranging, covering issues from cash management basics to trends in global payments. Anthony Victoria, Manager, Financial Institutions Group at Ahli United

Bank, Kuwait said of the conference: “The Cash Management Conference provided us with valuable information and knowledge that directly contribute to all of us playing an active role in the Kuwaiti financial market. Citi is known for its training schemes and initiatives globally and to gain this experience and knowledge is an advantage for all the different companies, banks, and organizations operating in Kuwait”.

Citi, however, opened their local branch relatively recently. They celebrated their 5th anniversary last week, and stand as the fouth foreign bank to open in the country. Their presence in the Middle East is certainly wideranging, with a 50-year history and offices across the region, including Egypt, UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait as well as Pakistan.

ABK set to launch MasterCard World

Easa Husain Al-Yousifi & Sons launch Panasonic ceiling fans KUWAIT: Easa Husain Al-Yousifi & Sons Co, the leading company in providing latest and modified consumer electronics and home appliances, announced its launch of new ceiling fans for the Kuwaiti market. The F-56 MZ2, comes with a five speed compact size condenser controlled regulator and a cut of switch. The new fan feature advanced safety featured such as fall-prevention mechanism in the form of a cut-off safety switch, which automatically turns off the fan once unusual wobbling is detected so as to prevent the fan from falling.

The fans also come with sleep mode, by which fan speed and timer gradually go down until the fan turns off. Safety is also a key feature of these fans. The new fan comes equipped with a safety wire that prevents the fan from ever falling.

The fan also have a fall prevention plate installed, this prevent the blades of the fan from falling.

“Panasonic fans are designed specifically to keep the home and office cool by circulated the air inside the room which

keeps it fresh. Consumers can use it with a Panasonic air conditioner or on their own. This fan comes in an elegant designs and colour so that consumers can match it with their furnishings,” commented Wael Deeb, General Manager of sales in Easa Husain Al-Yousifi Co. Easa Husain AI-Yousifi & Sons Co also launched a new range of Ventilation fan for the Kuwaiti market. These fans play an important role in removing volatile organic compounds emitted by hair sprays, paints, lacquers, finishes, cleaning solvents, pesticides, etc to ensure proper indoor circulation and exchange between indoor and outdoor air.

These ranges of ventilating fans cover every conceivable home application including exhaust systems, range hoods, air curtains, and in-line duct fans. In addition, Al-Yousifi introduces two new types of ventilation fans that would improve indoor air quality in the bathroom and in the kitchen. Deeb concluded “Proper and effective ventilation of a home becomes a prime consideration to get the right environment for a healthy living.”

KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait became the first bank in the Middle East to launch the new and exclusive World MasterCard, with the new premium mirror mark. The new super premium co-branded ABK Emirates World MasterCard has been designed to service ABK’s most prestigious clients. Its unique design, features and benefits deliver both recognition and reward locally and abroad. ABK Emirates World MasterCard cardholders enjoy premium Skywards Miles on international spends, earning 7 miles per KD1 spent abroad compared to the 3 miles on local spend.

Skywards, the award-winning frequent flyer programme of Emirates, offers members earning opportunities when they fly on Emirates or partner airlines, or when they use the programme’s designated hotels, car rentals, financial, leisure and lifestyle partners. Skywards Miles can be redeemed for an extensive range of rewards, including tickets on Emirates and other Skywards partner airlines, flight upgrades, hotel accommodation, excursions and exclusive shopping.

The product has been carefully designed to offer exclusive privileges such as complimentary access to over 600 airport lounges across the globe (including all GCC airports), automatic upgrades to SPG Gold Preferred Membership at Starwood Hotels and Resorts worldwide, access to the world’s leading luxury lifestyle Concierge Service and World privilege access services through Quintessentially, a private members’ club, as well as preferential servicing with Hertz car hire worldwide.

ABK Emirates World MasterCard cardholders also benefit from complimentary purchase protection, extended warranty, plus free travel accident insurance and medical coverage. Stewart Lockie, GM, Retail Banking commented ‘This is and will be the most exclusive premium card on offer in Kuwait. We feel privileged that ABK is the first bank in the Middle East to introduce the new premium mirror mark, aimed at distinguishing and rewarding our most prestigious and affluent customers.’

Lockie added ‘I believe that we have successfully delivered a card product that truly matches the status and desires of our most discerning clients.

With the ABK Emirates World MasterCard our customers are assured excellent returns and recognition both locally and abroad.’ Due to the exclusive nature of this product, and its limited availability, we would request you contact your premium banking relationship officer for more information.

Stewart Lockie

Rotor Sails in Dammam, the largest oil producing area of the world.

flydubai ventures into the Eastern Province KUWAIT: flydubai, the fastest growing start-up airline in the world, added to its expanding network this week with the announcement of new flights to Dammam, KSA. With the new route, its 41st, flydubai enters the Eastern Province, the most important oil producing region in the world and of substantial commercial and economic significance to international trade.

Commencing on July 17, 2011, flights will operate on a daily basis between Dubai’s Terminal 2 and Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport. flydubai now links the UAE to six major commercial, tourist industrial and political hubs in the Kingdom - Riyadh, Jeddah, Gassim, Yanbu, Abha and Dammam. flydubai CEO, Ghaith Al-Ghaith, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to the Saudi authorities. Thanks to their strong support, the UAE is now connected to six key cities in the Kingdom. Dubai and Dammam are two cities linked not just by language and culture but by growing economic ambitions. Our new route will not only provide travellers between cities with a quality and affordable option, but will also foster greater cooperation in the realm of business and trade, reinforcing existing ties.”

Almost 2,000 years old, Dammam attracts visitors for its historic and cultur-

al attractions as well as its vast hydrocarbon reserves. The new route links Dubai to the Eastern Province, which welcomed an estimated 6 million visitors in 2009, from the local, regional and international markets. The third largest city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it is also the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, the national oil company, and is responsible for almost 75 per cent of the Kingdom’s oil-based economy. Dammam is considered a model city having developed its infrastructure and standard of living over the years and now boasts of some of the best examples in hospitality, industry and urban planning in the region.

In recent years, Dammam along with other cities in the Eastern Province Dhahran and Al-Khobar - has been working to build non-oil based facilities. It already has 40 tourism projects in the works and has established an industrial city that houses around 120 factories.

Due to these developments, Dammam has grown into a centre of commerce and science. It is home to more than half a million people and attracts international experts, researchers, engineers, planners and developers on a regular basis. Flights between Dubai and Dammam can be purchased from flydubai’s website (www.flydubai.com) and through travel partners.

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Stock exchange closes down 62.8 GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) closed massively lower yesterday with investors’ concerns about Greece dept crisis leading the down trend.

Investors were seen leaving the market and preferring to stay away watching, due to lack of any attractive news.

Market indices Global General Index (GGI), market weighted, ended the day down by 1.25 percent, at 192.79 point, its lowest level since July 25, 2010. Market Capitalization was down for the day at KD31.49 billion. On the other hand, KSE Price Index closed at 6,250.5 point, shedding 62.80 points (0.99 percent) to its previous close.

Market breadth During the session, 101 companies were traded. Market breadth was skewed towards decliners as 78 equities retreated versus 5 that advanced.

Daily trading activity Investors remained concerned about earnings in the 2Q2011, volume is light and, until they get some sizzling news on the economy, those concerns will remain. Trading activity was up this session. The trades conducted in the services sector. Total volume traded was up by 21.23 percent with 66.77 million shares changing hands at a total value of KD13.18 million (62.60 percent higher compared to the day before). The services sector was the volume leader yesterday, accounting for 34.26 percent of total shares.

The same sector was the value leader, with 35.29 percent of total traded value. Kuwait International Bank was the most active in terms of values traded

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

UAE banks tumble after price cuts MIDEAST STOCKS

during yesterday’s session, with 4.78 million shares exchanged at an aggregate value of KD1.56 million.

Top gainers and biggest decliners In terms of top gainers, Kout Food Group took the top spot for the day, adding 2.70 percent and closed at KD0.38. On the other hand, Housing Finance Company (ISKAN) shed 8.33 percent and closed at KD0.050, making it the biggest decliner in the market.

Sectors wise All eight market sec tors edged lower during yesterday’s trading. Global Food Index spearheaded declines, shedding 2.59 percent.

Livestock Transport & Trading Company was amongst the biggest percentage decliners, recoiling by

6.78 percent, on a solitary trade.

Heav y weighted, Kuwait Foodstuff Company (Americana) also closed down by 2.50 percent at KD1.560.

Heav y weights, Global Bank ing Index and Global Services Index lost 3.12 and 1.62 percent this month, showing the worse performance among all sectoral indices. They lost in the current trading session 1.67 and 0.50 percent, respectively. Some of the decliners within the two sectors were National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) (-3.33 percent), Gulf Bank (-3.64 percent), Agility (-1.54 percent) and National Mobile Telecommunications Company (NMTC ) (-1.01 percent). The drop in the heavy weighted stock prices pulled back with it Global Large Cap Index to loss 1.27 percent during

yeterday’s session. While Global Small Cap Index registered a marginal decline of 0.21 percent.

Oil news Kuwait is currently producing around 2.5 million to 2.7 million barrels a day of crude to meet the demand in the market, the countr y ’s Oil M inister Mohammed Al-Busairi said.

Corporate news Argan International Real Estate Company announced divesting its stake in Abyar AlKhaleej Real Estate, a Saudibased wholly-owned subsidiary.

The deal was valued at SAR0.377 million. The company earlier revealed that it had inked a contract to sell its stake in a Saudi projec t at a total value of SAR87.97 million. It generated approximately SAR19 milion earnings from this divestment.

D U B A I : UA E b a n k s t u m b l e d a f t e r Goldman Sachs downgraded three banks and cut price targets by 10 percent on average to account for negative impact from tighter consumer finance regulation, while most other Middle East markets also fell. Goldman downgraded Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank to “sell” from “buy,” Dubai Islamic B a n k t o “s e l l ” f r o m “ n e u t r a l ,” a n d Emirates NBD Bank PJSC to “neutral” from “buy.”

All three banks were down with ENBD slumping 6.4 percent, DIB down 1.4 percent and ADCB falling 2.7 percent. Dubai’s index fells 1.7 percent, its largest one - day fall since March 23.

Other stocks are fell with Emaar Proper ties losing 2.2 percent Dubai Financial Marketdown 4.6 percent. Abu Dhabi’s index slipped 0.7 percent, easing from Sunday’s 23-week high.

Aldar Proper ties dropped 2.1 percent. In Qatar, Barwa Real Estate gave back some of Sunday’s gains that were sparked by a newspaper report saying the developer had leased its Bar wa City Project to Qatar Air ways for 7.1 billion riyals ($1.95 billion).

Negotiations continue, but no deal has been signed yet, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters yesterday.

Barwa dropped 1.1 percent. It rose 3 percent on Sunday. The benchmark fell 1.4 percent, down 1.9 percent in June as all 20 stocks declined. Industries Qatar and Commercial Bank of Qatar each dropped 2.6 percent, while Qatar National Bank slipped 2.1 percent.

Saudi Arabia’s index fell for a fifth straight session, slumping to a new 12week low as worries about the impact o f n e w e m p l oy m e n t r u l e s o n l i s te d firms and economic troubles in developed markets spur local selling.

World stocks, the euro and crude prices are down after euro zone finance ministers delayed a final decision on extending emergency loans to Greece. “The market is following weak-

ness in global markets in the midst of Greece, problems in Japan, rising rates in China and weak economic numbers f ro m U S ,” s a i d a R i y a d h - b a s e d f u n d manager who asked not to be identified. “Weakness in oil prices will also influence petrochemical sector sentiment.”

Saudi’s benchmark fell 1 percent to its lowest close since March 23. “ I nve s to r s a re n o n co m m i t t a l a b o u t whether stocks have become cheap enough after recent weakness to pour some money back into equities again.

They are very cautious and reactive,” the fund-manager added. Oil was down 1 percent at $92.11 a barrel at 1236 GMT. In Kuwait, the benchmark dropped 1 percent, its largest one-day drop since March 16. Traders say worries about switching to a new trading platform are weighing on the market.

Brokerages are not ready, while extra fees and new capital requirements are also concerns, they added.

Yesterday’s highlights Dubai The index fell 1.7 percent to 1,572 points.

Qatar The measure slipped 1.4 percent to 8,217 points.

Saudi Arabia Th e i n d e x re t re a te d 1 p e rce n t to 6,378 points.

Kuwait T h e b e n c h m a r k fe l l 1 p e r c e n t t o 6,251 points.

Egypt The measure eased 0.8 percent to 5,581 points.

Abu Dhabi The index fell 0.7 percent to 2,757 points.

Oman Th e i n d e x s l i p p e d 0 . 2 p e rce n t to 6,008 points.

Bahrain The measure climbed 0.04 percent to 1,343 points. —Reuters

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KAMCO MARKET RESEARCH

Egypt in talks with IMF for $3bn loan Jordan faces mounting costs over natural gas supply halt KUWAIT: The MENA Region ended mixed as the EGX 30 and MASI Index were the only gainers for the month registering 10.39 percent and 5.59 percent, respectively. On the loser’s side, Tunisia Index fell 2.98 percent to 4,121.14 points followed by Jordan’s ASE index slumping 1.74 percent and Beirut SE Index which lost 1.56 percent.

BEIJING: A Chinese man walks past a Prada advertisement poster display outside its store yesterday. — AP

China to slash taxes on luxury handbags, shoes SHANGHAI: China, the world’s fastest growing market for luxury goods, is expected to reduce or scrap taxes on imported high-end products to boost domestic consumption, state media reported yesterday. A new tax system for luxury products is to be introduced by October 1, the 21st Century Business Herald said-the beginning of a week-long holiday for National Day and a shopping frenzy for Chinese consumers. China’s steep luxury taxes-which are as high as 60 percent-have for years sent wellheeled shoppers swarming to Hong Kong and

Europe for products such as Louis Vuitton handbags and Rolex watches to avoid the hefty tariffs. The finance ministry’s revamped system will reduce or remove taxes for products such as watches, clothes, shoes, suitcases, cosmetics, perfumes and milk powder, the newspaper said, citing unnamed sources.

Commerce ministry spokesman Yao Jian told reporters last week that it was a “general trend” for China to cut tariffs on mid- and highend consumer products as part of the nation’s efforts to boost domestic consumption. —AFP

Sharp fall witnessed in crude prices in early May NBK ECONOMIC BRIEF KUWAIT: Crude prices regain support after selloff in early last month. Internal OPEC disagreement over quota levels suggests that individual members may have to break ranks to raise production. 2011 demand growth revised down by around 0.3 mbpd reflecting more pessimistic outlook for the global economy. Nevertheless, OPEC may still have to work hard to prevent a further drawdown in oil stocks. An average oil price of $109-124 pb could yield a budget surplus of KD9-15 billion for Kuwait’s government in FY2011/12, following a KD5 billion or so surplus in FY2010/11.

Oil prices Following the ‘flash crash’ of early last month - which saw crude oil prices drop by more than $15 per barrel (pb) - oil prices regained their poise through the rest of the month and into early June. After falling to a low of $100 pb on May 6, the price of Kuwait Export Crude (KEC) steadily regained ground, reaching $108.9 pb by June 1. The price of Brent - the main European benchmark crude - saw similar gains, rising $7 to $117 by the end of the month. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, however, continued to trade at a significant discount, standing at $100 in early June.

The gradual improvement came against the backdrop of softening growth in the world economy, evidenced by weaker surveys of activity, falls in consumer confidence and a weak May US jobs report. In principle, this should have been negative for crude prices. Ironically, however, it may have supported prices by reinforcing the belief that interest rates are set to remain low, thereby reducing the opportunity cost of holding zero-yielding assets such as commodities.

Meanwhile, by taking some of the froth out of the market, the sharp fall in crude prices in early last month provided longer-term bulls more scope to reassert themselves. Most analysts believe that although global economic growth may slow, it will not do so by enough to prevent oil market fundamentals from tightening further during the rest of the year.

On June 8, the market was given a sudden jolt by OPEC’s surprise decision to avoid sanctioning an increase in its production quotas at its meeting in Vienna. Crude prices jumped by a further $2-3 pb following the announcement.

The practical impact of the decision could be limited: an increase in quotas may have simply formalized current overproduction (rather than delivering more supply), while members such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE - who apparently urged an increase in output - could still act unilaterally. Nevertheless, the decision appears to support those analysts who expect OPEC to be more successful in preventing any downside pressure on prices rather than future upside.

Oil demand outlook Forecasts for the growth in global oil demand this year have generally been revised down last month, reflecting the now more pessimistic outlook for the global economy. The Centre for Global Energy Studies (CGES), for example, now expects demand to rise by 1 million barrels per day (mbpd), or 1.1 percent, this year, compared to the earlier 1.3 mbpd. Similarly, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has revised down its demand growth forecast by 0.2 mbpd to 1.3 mbpd, or 1.5 percent, based largely on a downward revision to global GDP growth by the IMF. These revisions are not just growthrelated; they also reflect the impact of high oil prices themselves in denting oil demand.

Although growth is seen remaining weakest in the OECD (-0.2 mbpd), there is perhaps a higher element of risk associated with the demand outlook in the non-OECD (+1.5 mbpd), where mounting inflationary pressures could lead to a greater than expected slowdown in economic activity.

Oil supply outlook OPEC’s ‘no-change’ decision in June leaves the official production quotas of the core 11 (i.e.

excluding Iraq) at 24.9 mbpd. Actual output, however, is 1.5 mbpd above this, having risen by 45,000 bpd in April. The rate of overproduction has dropped from a peak of 2.5 mbpd in January owing to the loss of 1.3 mbpd of production from Libya, partially compensated by higher output from other members. Aside from possible politically-inspired divisions, one reason for OPEC’s inaction in June was apparent disagreement over the likely ‘call’ on OPEC crude over coming months as refineries emerge from maintenance season. This in itself was partially caused by a lack of agreement over the existing state of the market due to weaknesses in official data, which has long been one of the industry’s Achilles’ heels. In addition, those countries who opposed the increase are thought to have little spare capacity, meaning that they stood to gain little if the move were successful in bringing prices down. Aside from OPEC crude, the consensus view is that other oil supplies will rise by over 1 mbpd this year, or more than 1.7 percent.

Around half of this is expected to come from OPEC natural gas liquids (NGLs), with the balance from non-OPEC countries, including the Former Soviet Union and offshore Brazil.

Price projections The projected increase in non-OPEC supplies (including OPEC NGLs) would be enough to offset a conservative-looking increase in 2011 oil demand of 1 mbpd. Nevertheless, OPEC would still need to increase production significantly to avoid a continued drawdown in stocks. This is in addition to the 1 mbpd-plus increase required to replace lost Libyan output. Despite OPEC’s latest announcement of unchanged quotas, individual members - notably Saudi Arabia - might still act by themselves.

Some estimates suggest that OPEC will need to increase current supplies by 1.5 mbpd to balance the market this year. An increase of just 0.8 mbpd by year-end - a reasonable baseline case is therefore unlikely to prevent the market from tightening further. Under such a scenario, the price of KEC rises from just under $100 in 1Q11 to nearly $123 by the end of the year.

If OPEC raises output by just half this amount - perhaps in an attempt to preserve unity amongst its members - inventory levels would be drawn down more aggressively, pushing the price of KEC to well above $130 pb by 4Q11. If, on the other hand, individual members increase output by the same 0.8 mbpd by year-end but more quickly - and demand turns out to be 0.1 mbpd lower because of slowing global economic growth - the drawdown in crude stocks could be smaller. This would likely cap any further rises in the price of KEC, keeping it just below $110 for the rest of this year.

Budget projections While the final government’s closing accounts for FY 2010/11 have still not been released, preliminary data show that the average price of KEC of $82.5 pb helped pushed actual budget revenues to KD20.9 billion for the year as a whole. This is a rise of 18 percent on the previous year. Despite the inclusion of an un-budgeted KD1.1 billion in spending linked to February’s Amiri grant, budget expenditures need not come in much higher than the government’s original projection of KD16.2 billion. Accordingly, we expect last year’s budget surplus to end up close to KD5 billion before allocations to the Reserve Fund for Future Generations (RFFG).

Based upon the three price scenarios described above, the FY 2011/12 budget should see another huge surplus. Oil prices would average between 32 percent and 50 percent higher than last year, causing a surge in oil revenues.

The preliminary government budget sets total spending at KD17.9 billion this year. Based upon our usual assumption that actual government spending comes in 5-10 percent below budget, this would imply a surplus of between KD9.1 billion and KD14.8 billion before allocations to the RFFG. By our projections, this would equate to a surplus of between 19 percent and 31 percent of 2011 GDP.

Egypt The EGX 30 index bucked its trend for the year to surge 10.39 percent and closed the month of May at 5,523.36 trimming its YTD-11 loss to 22.67 percent. Liquidity increased during the month to 1.13 billion shares with a value of EGP 12.5 billion. As the month began, the market continued on the downward trend it has been on since the beginning of the year, declining 1.33 percent in the first trading week as investors failed to find any positive indicators for a turnaround in market conditions. The market continued on this trend on the first day of the second week of trading, shedding 1.19 percent in that day alone due to a deadly clash in the street that frightened investors.

However, the following day began a rally that would last for the rest of the month as positive news streamed in, with reports emerging that the US plans to provide Egypt with $1 billion in debt relief - about a third of what Egypt owes the US - and another $1 billion in loan guarantees. The market continued to rally, ending the second week with a 1.38 percent gain with a significant 27 percent increase in liquidity.

The following week the market surged 4.88 percent setting the largest one-week gain as investors found more cause for hope and sensed that the market had bottomed. Investors were comforted during the week when the government announced that it is preparing a law to protect investors from prosecution on dealings with the former regime. Trading in the final week cooled slightly but continued the rally to gain a significant 3 percent, recording volumes of 315.58 million shares, lifted by news of US and Saudi aid to be channeled into Egypt on May 22, with the market recording its largest one day increase for the month with a 2.98 percent surge on the news. The rally showed no signs of stopping as the market rally continued into the final three days of trading.

In addition to the debt relief promised by the US, a host of countries and international bodies have announced plans to aid Egypt by providing funds through loans and grants in order to support the nation’s economy. Saudi Arabia will provide $4 billion in soft loans and deposits, while Qatar announced that it may invest up to $10 billion to create jobs and boost cooperation between the two countries.

Furthermore, Egypt is in talks with the IMF for a $3 billion loan among other

aid commitments, while it has secured $2.2 billion in loans from the World Bank; of which $1 billion is for budget support in this calendar year while another $1 billion is to support the budget the following calendar year with $200 million slated for job creation, another $1 billion for investment and infrastructure is being negotiated which will potentially bring the total to $3.2 billion. On the economic front, the country plans to raise $1 billion in order to diversify its borrowing and finance the widening budget deficit caused by the shock to the economy. The government is also considering increasing the income and corporate taxes on highincome brackets starting next month in order to raise funds. International reserves dropped for the fourth consecutive month in April to the lowest level since Apr-07 recording $28 billion down from $30.1 billion in March due to capital outflows as a result of the tur-

Technology & Communications sector decreasing 2.91 percent to JD 1.33 billion ($1.87 billion). The heavyweight banking sector, accounting for 64 percent of total market cap, was relatively flat at JD 9.38 billion ($13.22 billion). In aggregate, the Amman Stock Exchange lost 1.24 percent of its market capitalization to record JD 14.48 billion ($20.54 billion) down from JD 14.76 billion ($20.80 billion) in Apr-11.

Volume for the month reached 216.8 million shares with a total value of JD 168.27 million ($237 million) through 76,249 transactions.

Jordan is facing mounting costs caused by the halt in the supply of natural gas from Egypt after the pipeline suffered an attack in April.

Consequently, power stations have been forced to burn more expensive fuels such as diesel costing the country JOD 3.5 million ($4.9 million) per day.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s trade deficit

moil. Income from tourism has suffered a plunge to $352 million in March-11 from $1 billion in March-10, offering no relief to the economy.

Inflation is also taking its toll on the economy rising to 12.1 percent on annual basis in April as compared to 11.5 percent in March as a result of rising food prices. However, there was some positive news as the cargo passing through the Suez Canal rose 4.1 percent to record 57.8 million metric tons setting an eight-month high in April signaling no weakness in world trade and bringing some relief to Egypt’s economy as it is the country’s fourthbiggest source of revenue after tourism, foreign direct investment, and remittances from expatriate workers.

widened to JOD 1.67 billion ($2.36 billion) in Q1-11 as compared to JOD 1.33 billion ($1.88 billion) in Q1-10 due to increased imports of oil, iron and machinery surging 27.6 percent, 53 percent and 32 percent, respectively.

Jordan The ASE Index fell in May 1.74 percent to record 2,159.83 extending its YTD-11 losses to 9 percent. The market was dragged down by the key Mining & Extraction Industries sector with its market cap falling 6 percent to JD 1.3 billion ($1.83 billion), and the

Tunisia The Tunisia index continued to shed value for the second consecutive month setting a negative trend for the market’s direction to record 4,247.53 points. Total market capitalization decreased 3.45 percent to TD 12.3 billion ($9 billion) from TD 12.7 billion ($9.3 billion). In line with the downturn, market breadth skewed to the losers with an advancers-to-decliners ratio of 11 to 39 with 4 unchanged.

In other news, the Group of Eight leaders pledged to support the movements in North Africa with a mix of loans from international development banks and direct aid totaling $40 billion. The African Development Bank and the World Bank could provide more than $20 billion for Egypt and Tunisia through 2013. G-8 countries will extend

an additional $10 billion to Tunisia and Egypt in direct aid. Foreign direct investment in Tunisia fell 25 percent in the first four months of 2011 according to the Tunisian Foreign Investment Promotion Agency, recording TD 448.8 million ($327 million) as compared to TD 594 million ($432 million) for the same period last year.

As part of its ongoing efforts to reignite economic growth in the country, the Tunisian Central Bank announced a cut in the reserve requirements for banks to 2 percent from 5 percent. Meanwhile, the central bank maintained its interest rates at 4.5 percent and reported that there were signs of recovery in the agriculture and manufacturing geared for export sectors of the economy. On May 20, the nation’s foreign exchange reserves stood at TD 10.3 billion ($7.5 billion) as compared to TD 13 billion ($9.5 billion) at the end of FY-10

Lebanon The Beirut Stock Exchange reversed course trimming 1.80 percent from its index. Total volume slumped 63 percent this month to reach 6.8 million shares from 18.45 million shares in April-11. Value for the month reached $62 million. Market breadth skewed towards the losers as the advancers-todecliner ratio stood at 4 to 11, with 10 unchanged.

On the economic front, Lebanon posted a budget deficit of 7.5 percent of GDP in FY-10, less than the forecast 8.9 percent as the government trimmed down spending, according to the Finance Ministry. The deficit fell to $2.89 billion from $2.95 billion.

Spending declined 0.7 percent to $11.26 billion, while the country is burdened with $52 billion in debt or 136 percent of GDP, down from 146 percent of GDP in FY-09. The trade deficit widened 8 percent in Q1-11 from the year earlier period on higher energy imports, increasing the shortfall to $3.6 billion from $3.3 billion.

Commodity Update

Focus on debt and fiscal slowdown

By Ole S Hansen

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uring the week we have seen the Greek crisis move up another notch with the yield on two year government bonds reaching 30 percent as investors worry that politicians will struggle to find a solution. The US economy is heading for a soft patch while China continues to raise rates in an effort to halt rising inflation and Asian stocks have now had the longest weekly losing streak since 2004.

These and other unfriendly market news had investors heading for the exit with the Reuters Jefferies CRB index falling by 4 percent on the week.

Economic data over the next couple of months will show us whether the autumn rally of 2010 can be repeated but as a result of recent events all of the three major commodity indices are now showing little of no return year to date as shown below.

Oil stuck between future expectations and present reality Oil markets turned lower during the week as a stronger dollar and the level of demand from the world’s two largest consumers was questioned together with the Greek debt crisis, which could threaten Europe’s economic recovery. Traders and investors who have been trading the market from the long side in anticipation of tightness over the coming months were once again, like in May, forced to reduce exposure.

The current tightness is mostly noticed in Europe where refineries are struggling to find replacements for the loss of high quality Libyan oil. This unbalance has caused increased volatility between different oil qualities, most noticeably the spread between European produced Brent and US WTI which on Monday traded above 21 dollars, a 10 dollar widening in just a matter of days.

The Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia has begun to increase supplies and with the failed OPEC

meeting last week it will at least unilaterally try to alleviate some of the supply fears that still exist.

Analysts are not convinced that the recent global slowdown is nothing but a soft patch with activity picking up again in the autumn. Economic data over the next few months will on that basis help determine whether demand will meet expectations or a prolonged slowdown could be on the cards.

Technically, WTI is the most exposed to further losses as the May low has been taken out with the 200 day moving average at 92.25 providing the next level of support before 91. Brent is holding up much better and should continue to trade within the established range between 110 and 120.

Gold range bound The combination of an economic slowdown and a stronger dollar, which have hurt other commodities, have so far been offset by debt worries and inflation concerns leaving gold stuck in a relative tight range. The upside, however, seems capped for now as we are entering the period of seasonally low demand, which could trigger some scaling back of positions. Having tried and failed to break above $1,550 a correction could be lurking in the wings with the risk of 1,500 support being tested before additional support at 1,475.

Copper holding up The price of copper received a boost earlier this week on news that Chinese copper stocks had seen a large reduction and they could return as a buyer after having been absent for a while. The second quarter is normally one with strong Chinese demand but their absence had led to speculation about an imminent slowdown in demand, it now turns out that local stocks had been put to use as high prices had caused international purchases to be postponed.

The LME base metal index is currently down more than 3 percent on the year as the current slowdown in economic activity has removed some of the previously strong demand. Copper, being a global indicator of growth, will probably find it difficult to make any major advances while traders contemplate whether this slowdown will stick or disappear in the autumn.

Crop friendly weather triggers fund liquidation Grain markets are stuck at the bottom of the performance chart this week as a much improved weather forecast for the coming weeks, combined with general risk adversity, has triggered some fund liquidation. Corn which is facing some critically low stock levels after this planting season has also reacted negatively, given the high level of speculative involvement from the investment community. The crop prospects has improved over the past week as favorable growing conditions across the US Midwest have removed some of the worst fears that have helped drive the market higher recently. Worries still persist though and corn prices, especially on the new crop contracts, should find support once this round of long liquidation has run its course. For only the second time in a decade July wheat trades at a discount to corn and this could potentially lead to some feed companies switching from corn to wheat thereby reducing some of the pressure on low ending stocks.

Tax break for ethanol producers US tax breaks for ethanol producers have also come into question as the US Senate in a 73-27 vote called for an end to this subsidy, which costs about $6 billion per year. The House of Representatives and the President, however, still favour the tax break but considering 40 percent of US corn production goes towards ethanol this could make an impact should a removal or a reduction in the tax break be decided.

Gasoline industry sources say that the ethanol business is now so mature that it does not need the tax credit of 45 cents per gallon of ethanol which is blended into gasoline. In Europe the high quality Milling Wheat contract, traded in Paris, has seen a drop of 16 percent from the May peak as rain has finally reached key growing areas of Europe. The grain crop from the European Union has however already been damaged as dry spring weather has spoiled crops in the three biggest producers; France, Germany and the UK. This has lead to reductions in expected output from the region while Russian farmers are optimistic ahead of this autumn’s wheat harvest, and barring any surprises like last year’s drought, Russia could potentially reclaim its role as a key supplier to the global market.

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business

Greece says budget cuts will pass, but power cuts threaten Euro zone: Greece must act first before more loan support ATHENS: Greece will get new tough budget action through parliament in a week’s time to obtain vital funding, the government said yesterday despite power cuts and a general strike threat. Ahead of another visit by Greece’s mission of creditors, the government also faces a vote of confidence called by the prime minister to ensure support in parliament for yet deeper measures to avert bankruptcy in the face of distress and anger among the Greek people. A finance ministry source told AFP that the government was “confident about the adoption of this plan by parliament,” where the Socialist government holds 155 seats out of 300 in a vote on June 28.

And an EU source in Athens said representatives from the European Union, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank, which last year bailed out Greece, would be visiting the Greek capital this week. Members of

the tripartite mission, also known as the ‘troika’ in Greece, will be in Athens today and tomorrow for talks with newly-appointed Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos, the EU source told AFP. The finance ministry has indicated that the troika mission chiefs who have held quarterly audits of Greek finances will be heading the latest visit.

Eurozone finance ministers said overnight that the next slice of 12 billion euros ($17 billion) of an EU-IMF rescue package agreed last year would be released early in July to avoid default on current spending. But this slice of a total first loan of 110 billion euros would be released strictly on condition that Greece adopts the latest round of highly unpopular measures.

Meanwhile yesterday Prime Minister George Papandreou, who shuffled his government on Friday as part of a new drive to tackle the debt, faced further difficult talks in Brussels on a big second rescue which Greece needs to have a

ATHENS: Dimitris Hatzistrogilis, a worker with the Greek public power corporation facility, walks in front of the company’s facilities, blocked by workers on strike over austerity measures yesterday. Top banner in back reads in Greek, “We do not sell”, bottom banner reads, “We resist”. — AP

Italy seeks austerity plan under pressure MILAN: Italy wobbled on financial markets yesterday after debt warnings from Moody’s ratings agency and Eurogroup chief Jean-Claude Juncker, while the Italian government reels from two stinging poll defeats. The main index on the Milan stock exchange plunged by more than two percent during mid-day trading, with investor worries hitting bank stocks including Banca Monte Paschi di Siena, Banca Popolare di Milano and UniCredit in particular.

The pressure has forced the government to speed up preparations for a 40-billion-euro (57-billion-dollar) austerity plan intended to bring its public deficit to just 0.2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2014. “The context could not be more difficult,” said Marco Valli, an economist at UniCredit, Italy’s largest bank. He said investors needed “credible objectives” from Economy Minister Giulio Tremonti as Italy’s economy struggles.

There was more bad news on the economy yesterday as official data showed industrial orders plunged by 6.4 percent in April from March. Orders had gone up 8.0 percent in March but were dragged down by a sharp drop in foreign orders and a fall for the electronics sector. The Italian economy grew by just 0.1 percent in the first three months of the year and the country has averaged very low growth for the past decade.

Eurogroup head Jean-Claude Juncker warned on Saturday that the euro crisis hitting Greece and others could affect Italy and Belgium, saying in an interview with a German daily: “We are playing with fire.”

Luxembourg Prime Minister Juncker, leader of the eurozone finance ministers, told Suddeutsche Zeitung that the crisis could also hit, “due to their high levels of debt, Belgium and Italy, even before Spain.”

Italy’s centre-right government has committed to reducing its public debt and deficit levels to meet European Union commitments within a few years. But a round of 25 billion euros in austerity cuts last year sparked social tensions and the government is on the backfoot after crushing poll defeats. Local elections in May saw the left take control of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s fiefdom in Milan and he was beaten again on June 14 when Italians voted to abolish laws on nuclear power and legal immunity for the premier.

As shares dropped yesterday, Emma Marcegaglia, head of the Italian employers’ federation Confindustria, called for an immediate overhaul of the tax system and austerity cuts to restore confidence on financial markets. “At this sensitive moment... it’s essential to approve the 40-billion-euro austerity plan as soon as possible,” Marcegaglia said. “At the same time there need to be a series of measures to aid growth, like tax reform including a lowering of taxes on businesses,” she added.

On Friday, Moody’s said it had placed Italy’s Aa2 local and foreign currency government bond ratings “on review for possible downgrade, while affirming its short-term ratings at Prime-1.” There was a similar credit warning from Standard & Poor’s last month.

“The Italian economy faces growth challenges in an environment characterized by long-term structural impediments to growth and potentially rising interest rates,” the ratings agency said in a statement.

“Structural economic weaknesses-mainly low productivity and important labor and product market rigidities-have been a major impediment to growth in the last decade and continue to hinder the economy’s recovery,” it said. — AFP

hope of avoiding default on its debt in the months and years ahead.

For the European Union, the issue of a second rescue raises much wider problems of how to ensure that banks, insurance companies and investment funds holding Greek debt bonds bear part of the cost. But they want to achieve this without provoking mayhem on financial markets and putting the eurozone at increased risk. The European Central Bank has warned EU policymakers that if the terms of a redrawing of Greek debt repayments is badly received on financial markets, the central bank may cease providing lifeline funding to the Greek banking system.

Papandreou, facing opposition from some of his own members of parliament and lacking support from the opposition right-wing parties, called on Sunday a vote of confidence to bring his own supporters into line. The vote is expected during tonight. Greek observers say that Papandreou should win both the confidence vote and the vote on the new budget measures, but could still face opposition politically and on the streets.

The main Greek trade union organisation GSEE has called a general strike lasting 48 hours on a day to be chosen depending on events in parliament. The electricity generating company DEI has warned that the country could be hit by power cuts. This is because yesterday the union representing its workforce called for a rolling strike against a condition by the EU and International Monetary Fund that the business be privatised by next year as part of a wave of privatisations to reduce debt. This powerful union has long been courted by the governing Socialist Party. But a union official Costas Koutsodimas told radio Flash that the Greek people supported the employees in fighting the “knock-down sale of the flagship in the public sector.”

The groups of so-called “indignant” people protesting against cutbacks and reforms by the government, who have been camping in Syntagma square in central Athens since May 24 said they would hold a new demonstration late today during the vote of confidence. But a meeting they have held every Sunday since their protest began drew far fewer people than previously on Sunday. — AFP

Japan exports drop 10.3 percent in May TOKYO: Japan last month posted its second-worst trade deficit since records began as exports tumbled on the impact of the March earthquake and tsunami, data showed yesterday. Shipments of automobiles, a key sector for the world’s third-biggest economy, plunged due to massive production disruption caused by the twin disasters that shattered supply chains and led to power shortages.

Japan logged a deficit of 853.7 billion yen ($10.7 billion) in its trade with the rest of the world, the second biggest monthly deficit since comparable records began in 1979 and the biggest shortfall for two-and-a-half years.

The average market forecast was for a deficit of 744 billion yen. Exports in May tumbled 10.3 percent from a year earlier to 4.76 trillion yen for the third straight month of declines, with shipments of automobiles plunging 38.9 percent and electronic components falling 18.5 percent. Imports rose 12.3 percent to 5.61 trillion yen following the March 11 catastrophe to chalk up a year-on-year rise for the 17th consecutive month due to higher costs of oil and gas. “Given the enormity of the disaster, the current situation is within the realm of expectations,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said at a news conference.

“Production is recovering faster than expected due to the efforts of individual companies, and I believe the situation will change in the not-so-distant future,” Edano said. While auto exports suffered a steep decline in May, the drop of nearly 40 percent was an improvement on April’s fall of nearly 70 percent, said Daiwa Institute of Research economist Hiroshi Watanabe. This illustrated the pace of recovery after power shortages and supply woes forced the likes of Toyota and Honda to shutter factories, he said. “The deficit will shrink in the summer or later.”

Credit Suisse economists said “auto exports will recover relatively quickly”

while the high-tech industry remains a concern due to slow shipments of semiconductors. “ With the recovery in exports of high value-added products, we expect that the trade deficit will start shrinking within a few months,” it said.

The government yesterday upgraded its economic assessment for the first time in four months amid recoveries in earthquake-hit supply chains following the March 11 disasters. But it cut its view on the global and US economies for the first time in 28 months in the view that a slowdown abroad could pressure the Japanese economy. Overseas demand was expected to drive Japan’s recovery before the disaster.

The nation’s biggest recorded earthquake and the tsunami it generated left more than 23,000 dead or missing, wiped out entire towns along the northeast coast and crippled a nuclear power plant, leading to meltdowns and radiation leaks. Subsequent power shortages and a supply crunch forced Japan’s biggest companies to shut factories, leading to massive production disruption.

The economy was pushed back into recession, contracting an annualised 3.5 percent in the January-March quarter at its sharpest pace since a record 18.0 percent tumble in January-March 2009.

Economists expect it to return to growth in the second half of the year amid reconstruction spending but signs of overseas economic weakness and the ongoing nuclear crisis remain concerns, said Watanabe. Japan’s trade balance was negative for a second consecutive month with the May deficit, which reversed a year-before surplus of 309.1 billion yen.

With its biggest trade partner China, Japan ran a deficit of 214.7 billion yen, more than triple the year-before deficit of 60.5 billion yen. Japan’s trade surplus with the United States fell 56.0 percent, and that with the European Union dived 77.1 percent. — AFP

TAJAGO: In this photo, brand new cars and others, destroyed by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, are piled up at a motor pool of Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corp. — AP

HYDERABAD: Buffaloes graze while Indians collect rejected vegetables, thrown away by vendors, at a garbage dump near a wholesale vegetable market yesterday. — AFP

India’s agronomy goes through deep change SHIVTHAR: Ajit Govind Sable’s family have owned their farm in India’s western Maharashtra state for 10 generations, which even for a region that has been farming for more than 10,000 years is long enough to witness plenty of changes. Two generations back, they started cultivating sugar cane here in Shivthar, a village in Maharashtra’s highlands near the Krishna river. India’s most industrialised state soon became its largest sugar producer. Today, it’s not sugar the 35-year-old Sable is talking about as he sips sweet tea in the front yard of the low, two-storey farmhouse where half the ground floor houses his turmeric crop.

He’s discussing peppers, which he is now growing under polythene plastic coverings. Like an increasing number of farmers in India, Sable is exploiting a shift in taste towards fruits and vegetables among Indians. “My colleagues grow flowers under poly,” Sable says.

“But the investment for that is too much for me, so I’m trying out peppers. You can’t eat flowers if you can’t find buyers for them,” he notes. While many Indian farmers are eager to adjust to changing diets in one of the world’s fastest growing markets, the government continues to subsidise the cultivation of wheat, sugar and rice crops to ensure basic food needs for the country’s half a billion poor.

The result is overflowing stocks of these carbohydrate-heavy staples and a huge subsidy bill that is adding to a ballooning budget deficit. India, many agricultural experts say, is spending billions to prop up a traditional farm sector at the expense of investment in new crops and agricultural innovation. But in a country where one out of five Indians goes hungry, the government has had to focus on foods that fuel or fill- carbohydrate-heavy wheat, rice and sugar.

About 36 percent of women and 34 percent of men in India are underweight.

The costs of that undernourishment is high in terms of healthcare, lost productivity and poor quality of life.

At the same time, a growing urban middle class is consuming more highervalue, high protein foods, which is stoking food price inflation-as well as changing business and farm models in rural India. The food chain in India is undergoing deep change. “There is a view that this is a structural shift and pulses,milk, meat, eggs, fish, protein items-these are sectors where you need to concentrate,” Abhijit Sen, who sits on the government’s planning committee, said in a speech on June 5.

Rising middle class Those shifts have been under way for years but are accelerating with rapid urbanisation and the expansion of India’s middle class. Take Avantika Singh, for example. A consultant in the hotel industry, she lives in an apartment block in Delhi with her husband Sanjay, a television producer, and their 7-yearold daughter, Romsha. The Singhs are still fond of traditional Indian food such as idlis, southern style rice pancakes served with spicy sauce, and parathas, wheat flatbreads cooked with oil or ghee. But on this day Avantika, 41, is cooking pasta with fresh peppers.

“As a working person, I look at whatever is easy to do and nothing too elaborate,” she says. “When you make idlis it’s a whole day, day-and-a-half procedure. I don’t have that kind of time.” She sees her parents’ generation suffering the effects of the sugar-heavy, oily diet they grew up on. “Even if we make parathas, we don’t put butter and ghee in,” Avantika says. India is getting wealthier as well as healthier. Its 8 percent annual growth, second only to China among major countries, is boosting incomes rapidly in the trillion dollar economy. Per capita income surged to $1,265 in 2010 from $857 in 2006 — a nearly 50 percent increase-according to the World Bank and IMF. Middle class households are expected to grow 67 percent in the next five years, bringing over 53 million households into an annual income bracket between 340,000 and 1.7 million rupees ($7,600-38,000). Bijay Kumar, managing

director of the National Horticulture Board, says having more money than your parents is pushing up demand for high-protein foods. “Rising income levels are allowing people to spend on high value stuff,” he says. “People are more aware of health. They are increasing their intake of fruits in their regular diet.”

In 2009-10, Indians boosted spending on fruit and vegetables by nearly 9 percent over the year earlier. They shelled out almost 31 percent more on meat, eggs and fish. Spending on cereals, on the other hand, was flat. “A dietary transformation is underway in the country and demand for high value, vitamin and protein rich food such as fruit, vegetables, milk, eggs, poultry, meat and fish is increasing,” the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) said in a study this year.

Food security Years of eating an oil-rich, sugary diet high in carbohydrates have left many Indians with a paunch and a health problem. India has the world’s largest diabetes population at just below 51 million people, while heart disease is the single-largest cause of death. Yet hunger is endemic among the country’s 500 million poor. The government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is drafting a Food Security Act that promises to expand subsidised wheat and rice well beyond the current 30 percent of the population in a country that is home to 40 percent of the world’s malnourished children.

That could mean India spending about $25 billion a year on providing cheap food or about 9 percent of total spending this year-more than four times the expenditure on healthcare. While the farm sector is slowly diversifying, it is a declining contributor to growth, despite providing a living to more than half the country’s workforce. About 600 million Indians are dependent on farming half the population of 1.2 billioneven though agriculture makes up only 14.6 percent of the economy and has been declining from 30 percent a decade ago. A severe drought meant no growth for the sector in 2009-10 and last year it missed its 4 percent target for expansion, Indian officials said, even as the overall economy powered ahead with 8.5 percent growth.

The average size of farms in India is a mere 1.33 hectares about the size of two soccer pitches-and that figure has been steadily declining. Farmers are finding it ever more difficult to make ends meet. The introduction of highyielding seed varieties and increased use of fertilisers and irrigation spawned the Green Revolution in the 1960s that allowed India to become self-sufficient in grains. But experts say agriculture innovation and efficiency has stalled in recent years and farmers are getting squeezed by rising costs and inefficient agronomy.

Since the mid-1990s, an estimated 150,000 small farmers have committed suicide, according to the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice at New York University, most of them over debts. Increasingly, voices in government and among experts are calling for a different approach, one that curbs subsidy spending, tackles inflation and boosts agricultural production of higher-value foods.

Cut safety nets Ashok Gulati is a recent recruit to the government’s inner circle from the world of research. His white hair and beard marked him out at conferences when he worked for IFPRI in New Delhi.

Now as chairman of the government’s commission on farm prices and costs he has moved, as he puts it, from talking a lot with hardly anyone listening to being heard every time he speaks. Gulati says too much money is going into safety nets such as subsidies and minimum wages when the government should be investing more to boost agricultural growth and innovation. India’s agriculture ministry plans to invest about $4.8 billion in 2011-12. — Reuters

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technology

Internet body throws open domain names; .anything Any word, in any characters, can be used in domain names SINGAPORE: good.food, learnto.salsa, glossy.lipstick — people and companies will be able to set up a website with almost any address by the end of next year if they have a legitimate claim to the domain name and can pay a hefty fee.

The Internet body that oversees domain names voted yesterday to end restricting them to suffixes like .com or .gov and will receive applications for new names from Jan. 12 next year with the first approvals likely by the end of 2012.

And they can be in any charactersCyrillic, Kanji or Devanagari for instance, for users of Russian, Japanese and Hindi.

“It’s the biggest change I think we have seen on the Internet,” Peter Dengate Thrush, chairman of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), told reporters.

“We have provided a platform for the

next generation of creativity and inspiration.” The new gTLD, or generic top-level domain, program was approved by 13 votes to one with two abstentions by the board of ICANN at a meeting in Singapore.

The sole opposition came from a member who felt that more time was needed to hold discussions with government and others parties, ICANN officials said. The new names could infringe on social and religious sensitivities, for instance if someone wanted to set up a .nazi domain, said Dengate Thrush.

And people who have invested in securing lucrative .com domains will find the value of the holdings diluted by the new rules, he added. Thrashing out the rules and overcoming objections has taken years, ICANN officials said. For instance, while the new steep charges of

$185,000 to apply for a domain name could deter cyber-squatters, companies with well known trademarks worry that they may have to contend with series of copycat names like coke.paris or google.zambia.

ICANN hopes to weed these out in an intensive approval process that will take months, at the least, and also involve governments and other agencies.”I think we’ve crossed the Rubicon,” said Antony van Couvering, CEO of Top Level Domain Holdings Ltd . “We were expecting it to happen sometime in 2009,” he said, adding that the change was also delayed by governments wanting to handle trademark issues in their own countries.

“The process has been so lengthy that some people who wanted to do it are now either broke or disgusted.”

Experts say corporations should be among the first to register, resulting in domain names ending in brands like .toyota, .apple or .coke. The move is seen as a big opportunity for brands to gain more control over their online presence and send visitors more directly to parts of their sites-and a danger for those who fail to take advantage.

Japanese electronics giant Canon, for instance, has already said it plans to apply for rights to use domain names ending with .canon. Besides the $185,000 to apply, individuals or organizations will have to show a legitimate claim to the name they are buying. ICANN is taking on hundreds of consultants to whom it will outsource the job of adjudicating claims.

Today, just 22 gTLDs exist — .com,

.org and .info are a few examples-plus about 250 country-level domains like .uk or .cn. After the change, several hundred new gTLDs are expected to come into existence. As well as big brands, organizations such as cities or other communities are expected to apply.

GTLDs such as .nyc, .london or .food could provide opportunities for many smaller businesses to grab names no longer available at the .com level-like bicycles.london or indian.food. “It’s the next expansion of the Internet, it’s the future of the Internet,” said Kieren McCarthy, the CEO of .Nxt,Inc, a San Francisco-based company which covers Internet policy and governance issues. “I think our kids will think that we were crazy to always talk about .coms.” — Reuters

Japan gadget charges cellphone over campfire

TOKYO: Japan’s national institute Riken president Ryoji Noyori (L) shakes hands with Fujitsu chairman Michiyoshi Mazuka as they announced their joint development computer ‘K Computer’. — AFP

Japanese supercomputer becomes world’s fastest TOKYO: A Japanese machine has become the fastest supercomputer in the world, making calculations three times faster than a Chinese rival, its developers said yesterday.

The K Computer, developed by Fujitsu Ltd. and the state-funded RIKEN institute of physical and chemical research, has achieved 8.162 quadrillion calculations per second (petaflops), they said. One quadrillion is made up of a thousand trillions. It overtook China’s Tianhe-1A of the National Supercomputing Centre in Tianjin, which became the world number-one in November and is capable of operating at 2.6 petaflops.

The K Computer’s performance was recognized by the authoritative biannual Top500 List of Supercomputers released yesterday at the 2011 International Supercomputing Conference in Hamburg, Germany. Fujitsu and RIKEN said. It was the first time since 2004 that a supercomputer built in Japan has claimed the top spot.

NEC’s Earth Simulator reigned supreme from June 2002 to November 2004.

The machine is still being configured and has been assembled since October

2010 at the RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science in Kobe, western Japan. It is targeted to be completed by June 2012, the statement said. It is made up of 672 computer cabinets equipped with a current total of 68,544 CPUs, Fujitsu and RIKEN said in a press release.”Use of the K computer is expected to have a groundbreaking impact in fields ranging from global climate research, meteorology, disaster prevention, and medicine, thereby contributing to the creation of a prosperous and secure society,” it added.

Fujitsu and RIKEN chiefs said the project had overcome difficulties posed by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that devastated the country’s northeast Tohoku region. Fujitsu chairman Michiyoshi Mazuka said he was grateful to “our partners in the Tohoku region for their commitment to delivering a steady supply of components, even though they themselves were affected by the disaster.” RIKEN president Ryoji Noyori said: “I very much believe that the strength and perseverance that was demonstrated during this project will also make possible the recovery of the devastated Tohoku region.” — AFP

TOKYO: A Japanese company has come up with a new way to charge your mobile phone after a natural disaster or in the great outdoors by heating a pot of water over a campfire. The Hatsuden-Nabe thermo-electric cookpot turns heat from boiling water into electricity that feeds via a USB port into digital devices such as smartphones, music players and global positioning systems.

TES NewEnergy, based in the western city of Osaka, started selling the gadget in Japan this month for 24,150 yen ($299), and plans to market it later in developing countries with patchy power grids. Chief executive Kazuhiro Fujita said the invention was inspired by Japan’s March 11 earthquake and tsunami that left 23,000 people dead or missing, devastated the northeast region and left hundreds of thousands homeless.

“When I saw the TV footage of the quake victims making a fire to keep themselves warm, I came up with the idea of helping them to charge their mobile phones at the same time,” Fujita said. The pot features strips of ceramic thermoelectric material that generate electricity through temperature differentials between the 550 degrees Celsius at the bottom of the pot and the water boiling inside at 100 degrees.

The company says the device takes three to five hours to charge an iPhone and can heat up your lunch at the same time. “Unlike a solar power generator, our pot can be used regardless of time of day and weather while its small size allows people to easily carry it in a bag in case of evacuation,” said director and co-developer Ryoji Funahashi. TES NewEnergy was set up in 2010 to promote products based on technology developed at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan’s largest public research organization.

It also makes and markets equipment to transform residual heat from industrial waste furnaces into electricity. The company says the pot will be used mainly in emergency situations and for outdoor activities, but also has uses in developing countries.

“There are many places around the world that lack the electric power supply for charging mobile phones,” Fujita said.”In some African countries, for example, it’s a bother for people to walk to places where they can charge mobile phones. We would like to offer our invention to those people.” — AFP

Microchips found in the most mundane of places SAN JOSE: To help make football a little safer, Intel officials last month proposed having players’ helmets outfitted with microprocessors that would wirelessly alert doctors if the athletes suffered a hit hard enough to cause head injuries.

And why not? Besides being installed in everything from ATMs and airport check-in kiosks to pacemakers and ocean monitoring sensors, microchips also are going into a staggering array of items that were once decidedly low-tech — from gravestones and running shoes to fish lures and writing pens.

The potential market is huge. Chip sales of all types generate about $300 billion a year in sales worldwide, with personal computers and smart phones accounting for a third to half of that, according to some experts. That means $150 billion to $200 billion in sales come from so-called embedded semiconductors, which go into pretty much anything a person can think of. And that segment is growing fast.

In the future, “where won’t we find chips?” asked Jordan Selburn, principal analyst for consumer electronics at research firm iSuppli. “The answer is: Pretty close to nowhere.” Moreover, due to the sophistication of the chips being used, the difference between PCs and many formerly mundane products is quickly narrowing.

“The term ‘embedded’ used to refer to a lowlevel, limited-function semiconductor and nobody needed to pay attention to it,” said Shane Rau, a chip expert at the market research firm IDC. “Now these devices are taking on more intelligence. They’re becoming more programmable, they’re getting faster and they’re getting communications functions built into them.”

Consider these examples: Intelligent pens: Livescribe of Oakland, Calif., sells a chip-powered ink pen equipped with a camera and audio recorder that’s

designed to help people remember precisely what was said when they review their handwritten notes. It synchronizes its voice recording with the pictures it takes of the words as they are jotted down. Then, if the pen is later tapped on one of the scribbled words, it replays what was said when that note was taken.

Computerized commodes: AquaOne Technologies of Westminster, Calif., has introduced a toilet containing chips that automatically shut off the water when it springs a leak or starts to overflow. And the Japanese company Toto reportedly has developed an intelligent potty that gathers health-related data from the user’s urine and automatically sends the information to their doctor’s office.

Fish beware: A number of fishing reels, including those made by Shimano of Japan, now have chips in them to help control how fast the spool of line spins. Some enthusiasts of the sport say that results in longer, smoother casts. Pro-Troll of Concord, Calif., also puts chips in its lures. The result, the company claims, “duplicates the electrical nerve discharge of a wounded bait fish,” prompting other fish to bite it.

Smart shoes: Adidas was widely hailed five years ago as the first company to outfit a running shoe with a chip, which automatically adjusts the shoe’s cushioning to the person’s weight and running style. Nike then followed with its own running shoe featuring a chip that fed data on the person’s pace, distance traveled and calories burned to an Apple iPod or iPhone.

Tombstone tech: A Waynesburg, Pa., company sells a coin-size, stainless steel-encased microchip for grave stone markets. Called the Memory Medallion, it tells the dead person’s story in text, photos, video or audio histories, which visitors can access by pointing their Internet-

enabled cell phones at it. The company says it has sold thousands of the medallions, which recently were installed at a New York cemetery’s memorial to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Digitized pets: Million of cats and dogs have been equipped with chips the size of a grain of rice, which contain their owners’ contact information in case the animals get lost.

Taking that concept a step further, a British company sells a SureFlap cat door that opens for pets whose microchip it recognizes, but stays locked for other animals.

Precocious dolls: Sunnyvale, Calif., chipmaker Sensory says its microcircuits have enabled Furby dolls to communicate in seven international languages, and to use “facial expressions and synchronized body motions to display his emotions.” Its chips also have been used in the Amazing Amanda doll, touted as being able to recognize its owner’s voice, pout when told “no” and remind a child of upcoming holidays.

Unmanned mowers: Belrobotics of Belgium offers a computerized mower that autonomously trims lawns. It’s equipped with a sonar system so that when it approaches an obstacle, it slows to a point where it makes “very slight initial contact,” and then turns away. The mower’s blades can’t inflict serious wounds, the company insists, and pets get so used to it they “consider the robot almost as a companion.”

The trend is easing life for everyone by enabling consumer gadgets to make decisions that once had to be made by people, said Lori Dolnick, a spokeswoman for the German company Miele, whose household appliances are outfitted with semiconductors as well as wireless features. As an example, she described what happens when a Miele washing machine detects a problem. — MCT

MARYLAND: Bob Crickenberger blows on his campfire to heat his morning coffee. TES NewEnergy has started selling a device that turns heat from boiling water into elecrticity to charge cellphones. — AFP

Nokia headlines telecoms exposition in Singapore SINGAPORE: One of Asia’s biggest telecommunications fairs opens in Singapore tomorrow with tablets and smartphones taking centre stage and Nokia making a fresh bid to attract a new generation of consumers. As in past years, industry behemoth Apple which has a stranglehold on the tablet market will not be present at CommunicAsia-instead it stages its own iconic events in California.

But Nokia will be back at CommunicAsia after a 10-year absence as the troubled Finnish giant looks to make a big splash at the annual expo. It will be joined by Asian brands as well as BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM) of Canada at the four-day trade fair. Nokia’s chief executive Stephen Elop will deliver a keynote address tomorrow in which he will provide an overview of the company’s new strategy and an update on its partnership with US software giant Microsoft.

Elop is also expected to speak on the importance of the regional market to Nokia, which accounted for at least eight out of every 10 phones sold in Asia in its heyday, according to CommunicAsia. Nokia declined to say why the company decided to return to the expo after its last participation in 2000 but one analyst said the move showed how important the region is to the company’s future. In the intervening period, Nokia had held solo exhibitions outside the CommunicAsia venue in what was seen in the industry as a sign of supreme confidence in its brand.

But times have changed after Apple and other companies like Samsung eroded the Nokia hegemony. While it remains the world leader, Nokia has seen its global market share of the high-end smartphone sector dwindle. Company officials

The Echo “Smartpen” device can record voice on a recording chip as a person takes notes during an interview or listening to a lecture. — MCT

said it fell to 29 percent in the first quarter of 2011 from 33 percent a year earlier and 40 percent in the first half of 2008. “I think they have to be at CommunicAsia,” said Marc Einstein, an industry manager for mobile and wireless communications with Frost and Sullivan consultancy.

“I think now with what is going on at Nokia, they really need a push to say they are still in the smartphone race, the mobile phone race, so there is a need for them to be in full force,” he told AFP. While pleased with Nokia’s return, show organizer Singapore Exhibition Services says this year’s fairheld for the first time at the massive Marina Bay Sands exhibition centre-will also feature a number of first-timers including social game titan Zynga.

San Francisco-based Zynga is the creator of massive hits such as FarmVille and Cafe World that have drawn millions of followers globally. “So it’s going to be very exciting,” said Victor Wong, project director with the show organizer. “Our efforts to move along with the industry is paying off,” he told AFP. A spokesman for RIM said the Canadian handset maker will be displaying its Playbook computer tablet and new BlackBerry Bold 9900 touchscreen smartphone at its booth.

Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies, which has been a part of CommunicAsia since 2000 and boasts the biggest exhibit space this year, will showcase its new Huawei MediaPad tablet that runs on Google’s Android platform. The Android platform is seen as the strongest challenger to Apple’s iOS system. According to Wong, the Chinese telecom participants take the show seriously and see it as a platform to expand their business in the region. “They are a force everywhere. They are now very, very much more sophisticated and they really plan what they want to do,” he said. — AFP

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health & science

State grapples with post-war sterilization program legacy Sterilization a cost-cutting measure: Professor Lombardo RALEIGH: Nearly 35 years after ending the country’s most active post-war sterilization program, North Carolina is the only state trying to make amends to thousands of people who cannot have children because of eugenics-inspired theories about social improvement. Next week, victims and their relatives will tell their stories to a state task force considering compensation to victims of sterilizations that continued into 1974. Roughly 85 percent of victims were women or girls, some as young as 10.

North Carolina has more victims living than any other state because a majority was sterilized after World War II, said Charmaine Fuller Cooper, director of the state Justice for Sterilization Victims Foundation. Eugenics programs gained popularity in the US and other countries in the early 1900s, but most abandoned those efforts after World War II because of the association with Nazi Germany’s program aimed at racial purity. However, North Carolina’s expanded, with sterilizations peaking in the 1950s and early 1960s. About 70 percent of the state’s 7,600 sterilizations occurred after the war, state figures show.

Overt rationalization for the programs ranged from protecting

ing a rape. She said her grandmother gave the state permission for the procedure. “My grandmother was worried about me. I didn’t blame her,” Riddick said.

Yet she said it was a traumatic experience that led to years of depression and physical problems. Riddick wants financial compensation from the state to pay for doctor bills and medicine.

Researchers estimate more than 60,000 people nationwide were sterilized during the 20th century as part of government programs. Even in states without sterilization laws, the procedures still occurred on local or informal levels. That means the real number could be 100,000 or higher, Lombardo said. Among the 33 states with eugenics programs,

League, Fuller Cooper said. The nonprofit group aimed at social reform folded in 1988, but at its peak its members had the passion and financial backing needed to shape public policy, she said. The North Carolina branch was organized by several wealthy and prominent citizens, including textile magnate James Hanes.

The group’s members drummed up support for sterilization through direct mail campaigns and other methods.

A league brochure from 1950 states: “You wouldn’t give a responsible position to a person of little intelligence. Yet each day the feebleminded and the mentally defective are entrusted with the most important and far reaching job of all _ the job of

NORTH CAROLINA: Delores Marks, left, speaks with her sister Australia Clay in her home. Marks’ mother, Margaret Helen Cheek, was sterilized during North Carolina’s eugenics program at Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro. —AP the potential offspring of mentally disabled parents to improving the overall health and intellectual competence of the human race.

Before the atrocities of World War II, it was seen by many - both blacks and whites - as a legitimate effort to improve society.

“Sterilization was always a costcutting measure,” said Paul Lombardo, a professor at Georgia State University’s College of Law. “The argument was, anybody who generates social costs shouldn’t be allowed to have children.” In 1968, Elaine Riddick was like many others who were sterilized: poor, black and female.

Now living in Atlanta, Riddick plans to drive to Raleigh next week to tell the task force about her sterilization at age 14 follow-

North Carolina’s was unique. The state had the most open-ended law in the country, allowing doctors and social workers to refer people living at home to the state Eugenics Board for possible sterilization. In every other state, Lombardo said, people had to be either institutionalized or jailed before they could be sterilized.

According to research done by University of Vermont professor Lutz Kaelber, North Carolina averaged about 300 sterilizations per year between 1950 and 1963. It’s not totally clear why support for sterilizations remained strong in North Carolina as it declined in nearly every other state. The most obvious explanation is the influence of the Winston-Salembased Human Betterment

parenthood.” The Department of Social Services even established a psychology division to test individuals referred by social workers. Many received benefits such as special education or occupational training. Some with mental disabilities, mental illness or even epilepsy were deemed unfit to become parents. “This wasn’t just a bunch of evil people running around. Many of these people really wanted to alleviate suffering,” Lombardo said.

Mary Kilburn, a retired psychologist who worked for the state Social Services Department from 1969 to 1980, said she and her co-workers believed “we were doing a really helpful thing.” She said it has been a shock to see their work vilified

Chinese village bites into snake business ZISIQIAO VILLAGE: This sleepy village nestled in the heart of vast farmland in China’s eastern Zhejiang province hides a deadly secret. A step into the homes of any of the farming families here brings visitors eye-to-eye with thousands of some of the world’s most feared creatures-snakes, many of them poisonous.

Cobras, vipers and pythons are everywhere in Zisiqiao, aptly known as the snake village, where the reptiles are deliberately raised for use as food and in traditional medicine, bringing in millions of dollars to a village that otherwise would rely solely on farming.

“As the number one snake village in China, it’s impossible for us to raise only one kind of snake,” said Yang Hongchang, the 60-year-old farmer who introduced snake breeding to the village decades ago. “We are researching many kinds of snakes and the methods of breeding them.” In 1985, Yang started selling snakes he caught around the area to animal vendors. He soon began to worry that the wild snakes would run out and thus began researching on how to breed snakes at home. Within three years, he had made a fortune-and many other villagers decided to emulate his success.

Today, more than three million snakes are bred in the village every year by the 160 farming families. Snakes are renowned for their medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine and are commonly drunk as soup or wine to boost the person’s immunity. Yang has now started his own company to make his business more formal and build a

brand, and also to conduct research and development for his products, which range from dried snake to snake wine and snake powder. “Our original breeding method has been approved and recognized by the province and the county.

They see us as the corporation working with the farming families,” Yang said.

“So the company researches on the snakes and they hand them over to the farms for breeding. They said this model was working very well.” The original breeding method was simply putting males and females together, but now meticulous research is done on how the snakes breed, how to select good females, investigation into their diet, and how to incubate eggs so survival rates rise.

RISING DEMAND With rising demand for snake products from restaurants and medicine halls due both to rising wealth and a government push for breeding the animals to be used in traditional medicine, Zisiqiao villagers are now boasting a annual income of hundreds of thousands of yuan per year. Yang Xiubang, 46, has been raising snakes in his home for more than twenty years and said his annual income has been steadily rising. “The demand for traditional Chinese medicine is quite high in China,” he said. “After we finish producing the dried snake, most of them are sent to medicine factories. This also includes snake livers and snake gallbladders.” Yang added snake products from the village are currently being exported globally to countries such as the United States, Germany, Japan and

because so many families welcomed the procedure at the time. Now in her mid-70s, Kilburn said she testified before the Eugenics Board twice in her career. In both cases, she said, parents had asked the state to perform sterilizations to protect daughters whose intelligence test scores were in the 30- to 40point range, less than half of what was considered average.

“I looked at it not as something being done to them, but something being done for them,” Kilburn said. The experience of Delores Marks’ mother was typical. A black woman with four children living on a farm near Goldsboro, she was sent to a psychiatric hospital in 1953 after showing signs of what Marks thinks was probably post-partum depression. After a few months at the hospital, she returned home to her family, having been sterilized. “My father couldn’t write, yet his signature was on the paperwork,” Marks said.

“They even had my mother’s signature, even though they said she couldn’t understand what was happening to her.” Marks didn’t find out the full details of the procedure until after her mother died, when she and her sisters got the medical records from the state. Marks said it had a damaging impact on her mother that lasted the rest of her life.

“I really and truly believe it was mind-altering,” she said.

“First my grandparents and then my sisters and I had to take care of her in our homes.” That’s why Marks believes relatives of sterilization victims also should be eligible for compensation. “It’s almost like we lived this with her, because once they released her, it became our responsibility,” she said. At least seven states have offered formal apologies for involuntary sterilizations, including North Carolina in 2002, when then-Gov. Mike Easley also appointed an initial task force to look into the issue. But only North Carolina has so far set up a process to compensate individual victims. And with the state legislature struggling to close a budget gap, questions of fairness may be pushed aside by simple economics.

There’s widespread agreement that the roughly 2,944 living victims of state-sponsored sterilization should be given money or other types of assistance, but it remains to be determined whether the state’s compensation will extend to family members or individuals sterilized by local health departments or private hospitals that were not

The Great Green Wall takes root in Senegal TESSEKERE: An ambitious plan to build a vast forest belt straight across Africa to contain desertification has taken root in Senegal, greening huge tracts of land with drought-tolerant tree species. From west to east, the 15-kilometer-wide Great Green Wall (GGW) will span the continent from Senegal to Djibouti, passing through Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia. In all, the coast-to-coast forest will run 7,600 kilometers.

“It is a crazy project, but a touch of madness helps when conceiving something which has never been conceived,” Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade said when he launched GGW at a conference of Sahel countries in 2005. Work on Senegal’s section has made rapid progress since planting began in 2008, with various species of acacia trees stretching over 535 kilometers, covering around 15,000 hectares surrounded by 5,000 kilometers of firewalls. The idea of erecting a great wall of trees to stop the southward spread of the Sahara came amid UN forecasts that two thirds of Africa’s farmland may be swallowed by Saharan sands by 2025.

International agencies have pledged to invest more than three billion dollars in building the wall. In Senegal, the GGW is currently being funded almost entirely by the government to the tune of 1.4 million Euros annually, but additional funding is expected from the European Union. Some 140 million Euros will be needed to complete the Senegalese section, which runs through the northern Tessekere-Widu rural region, according to Matar Cisse, head of the national GGW agency.

“Initially, it was just a political idea. Here we added technical content adapted to the management of each eco-system in perfect harmony with rural populations,” mostly ethnic Fulani herders, he said in an interview last month. “It is a program to fight climate change, drought, poverty,” said his deputy, Pape Sarr. In this semi-arid region where the rainy season lasts less than three months a year, locals remember the devastating droughts of 1970 and 1980. The GGW has transformed the area, with nurseries growing the various tree species to be planted, alongside fruit and vegetable gardens tended by local women. —AFP

KANSAS: Sisters Olivia, 7, left, and Layla Blankenship, 5, eat dinner.

The Blankenship family cooks and bakes naked, which is a chef’s term for stripping everything out of the food that can trigger allergies.

Olivia has celiac disease, meaning she can’t eat gluten, while Layla has a “multitude” of food allergies. —MCT

Study says 1 in 13 US kids have food allergy CHICAGO: Food allergies affect about one in 13 US children, double the latest government estimate, a new study suggests.

The researchers say about 40 percent of them have severe reactions - a finding they hope will erase misconceptions that food allergies are just like hay fever and other seasonal allergies that are troublesome but not dangerous. Overall, 8 percent of the children studied had food allergies; peanuts and milk were the most common sources. That translates to nearly 6 million US children. The most recent government estimate, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was based on in-home interviews and found that about 3 million children were affected, or about 4 percent.

Other estimates based on different methods have ranged from 2 percent to 8 percent. The new study, funded by an advocacy group, is based on online interviews with parents of kids younger than age 18 and involved 40,104 children.

Research firm Knowledge Networks conducted the survey. Families were recruited through random telephone dialing.

Results were released online Monday in Pediatrics. The findings suggest that food allergies affect two kids per classroom, said lead author Dr. Ruchi Gupta, a pediatrician and researcher with Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Calman Prussin, an investigator with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the study “confirms that food allergy is a substantial public health problem.” Prussin said dif-

ferences in estimates are due to different survey methods and definitions of what constitutes a food allergy. He said the only way to know for sure how many kids are affected would be lab tests on scores of children, which isn’t practical.

Because the new figure is within the range of previous estimates, he said the study doesn’t mean prevalence has increased, although experts generally believe allergies including those to food are on the rise, Prussin noted. He said some people mistake food intolerances for food allergies. For instance, many people are lactose intolerant, meaning they can’t properly digest milk. That can cause bloating and digestive problems, but not an allergic reaction.

Typical signs of a true food allergy include skin rashes, wheezing, tightness in the throat or difficulty breathing. The new survey asked parents whether their children had those symptoms _ a big strength of the study, Prussin said. Many children outgrow allergies to some foods, including eggs and wheat, but they’re less likely to outgrow allergies to peanuts and other nuts. The study was funded by the Food Allergy Initiative, a nonprofit advocacy group founded by parents of children with allergies.

Mary Jane Marchisotto, the group’s executive director, said the study “paints a more comprehensive picture” of food allergies, and should help raise awareness. The group, funded privately but without industry money, is working with the CDC on national guidelines on how to manage food allergies in schools, she said. —AP

TEXAS: Tony Horton, creator of the P90X workout video, flexes after telling the audience that he was born in 1958. —MCT

Fitness DVDs, sweaty or serene, heat cold market NEW YORK: Video may have killed the radio star, but reality TV has been a boon to fitness DVDs, industry experts say. Workout DVDs still flex considerable muscle in an otherwise sagging market, as consumers wanting to shape up look for tough love from a celebrity trainer or try to dance with stars in their living rooms.

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in DVD sales over the last few years. I would say that the trend started in 2005,” said Kajsa Vikman, the vice president of marketing and fitness at Lionsgate, the Santa Monica, California-based entertainment company.

Vikman believes shows like “The Biggest Loser” and “Dancing with the Stars” are powering much of the growth. “Viewers see contestants on TV shows lose weight and feel they can have the same experience at home with these products,” she said. Fitness DVDs are bucking the downward trend of DVD sales generally.

The Nielsen Company, which tracks retail sales, said 2010 overall home video sales were down seven percent from 2009, while home video sales for fitness titles were up seven percent for the same period.

Leading the pack is “Jillian Michaels: 30-Day Shred,” an intense workout by the no-nonsense trainer on “The Biggest Loser.” It tops the current charts. Vikman said it has become the top selling fitness DVD of all time due to its cross-gender, all-ages appeal and what she calls the credibility factor. “Especially with media and pop culture now very focused on health and wellness and being fit,” Vikman said, “People want the opportunity to work out with a top trainer.”

They also want to dance with professionals

and celebrities, as in “Dancing with the Stars Cardio Dance,” which Vikman said appeals to older, mostly female, exercisers. Lionsgate even re-launched the Jane Fonda brand, with new offerings from the celebrity whose aerobics started it all. “The audience of baby boomers and up is 99 million people,” Vikman said, “and they’re interested in DVDs.” Serenity is also popular. Yoga has accounted for three of the top 10 fitness DVD retail sales from 2000 to date, according to Nielsen. ”Yoga is a very solid performer on DVD right now,” said Julie Cartwright of Anchor Bay Entertainment, the Beverly Hills, Californiabased company which, along with Lionsgate and Gaiam represents the three largest distributors of fitness home videos.

Cartwright said yoga functions both as a workout and a way to cope with life.

“Consumers are writing about how it calms them, helps them sleep better ... This is a trend I don’t ever remember seeing before in our industry,” she said. Cartwright said even though more challenging workouts have been seeing a lot of growth, it is not all about developing six-pack abs. Even the no pain, no gain crowd are demanding shorter sessions.

“People don’t have time anymore,” Cartwright said. “There was a time in this industry when the workout almost had to be an hour long to be perceived as credible. That time is over.” Explosive direct sales for the hardcore infomercial workout P90X produced by the Santa Monica-based company Beachbody prompted the telemarketing firm Telebrands to come up with a similar product, Supreme 90 Day, for the retail market. —

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H E A LT H

Government, climate slam Bolivia’s farmers ACHACACHI: Bolivia’s farmers were hit from all sides last year - drought, floods and wildfires - forcing the poor Andean nation to import staple foods on an unprecedented scale.

But nature wasn’t the only cause. Farmers also blame the government for imposing price controls and export restrictions instead of letting the free market prevail as it does in nearly all the other Latin American countries similarly suffering bad weather.

In Bolivia’s eastern lowlands, soybeans that would ordinarily have been exported languished in their silos because they could not find local buyers. “We were already being battered by the climate when the government came out with these decrees prohibiting exports,” said Demetrio Perez, a soy farmer who is president of the National Association of Oil Seed Producers. “With the restrictions, an incentive to plant more was lost.” Sunflower crops rotted in the fields because farmers could neither sell locally nor get export licenses from an inefficient bureaucracy.

“It was a disaster,” said Susano Terceros, who lost part of his sunflower crop. The political cost for President Evo Morales is high. After winning re-election by a landslide in 2009, his approval rating is

now about 45 percent. He is now seeking advice from the farmers, including agribusinessmen in the pro-capitalist east where his fiercest political foes reside. In December, at a time when food shortages were already being felt, the government decided to eliminate gasoline subsidies, which would have raised fuel prices more than 70 percent. Thousands took to the streets in protest, forcing Morales to back down.

His government had imposed price controls and an export ban on corn, wheat, sugar and other staples in 2007. Two years later, it added vegetable oils, sunflower seeds and soybeans to the list of staples that could only be exported if officials decided the domestic market was adequately supplied. Export controls are necessary to prevent food from being smuggled out to neighboring countries such as Peru, said Nemecia Achacollo, the government’s rural development minister. “The government is like a mother who has to look out for all her children,” Achacollo told The Associated Press. “It’s not acceptable for (food) to be exported while leaving shortages in the domestic market.” Bolivia has long produced most of its food, but imports of sugar and corn shot up 68 percent to $143 million in the first three months of this year to

Make your teeth a piece of art

compensate for slumping output.

A double whammy of floods and severe drought dramatically shrank the land area under cultivation last year, while fires blackened fields in the eastern lowlands that produce most crops. Now, the high plains are suffering erratic weather. Golden fields of wheat and oats near the town of Achacachi wilted last month under early snows. “The oats didn’t grow and aren’t good for anything but animal feed,” lamented Avelino Miranda, a 70-year-old Indian farmer, as he cut the dry, shriveled crops. He said his son has moved to Argentina, seeing no future here. Loading oats onto a truck in dry fields nearby, 60-year-old Modesto Bautista said his oat crop was also stunted by the harsh weather. He blamed climate change.

Scientists caution that a single year is too short a time frame to ascribe crop damage to long-term climate change. But a study published in last month’s journal Science by researchers from Stanford University and Columbia University said global warming since 1980 has had an impact on crop yields, pushing up prices of wheat and corn crops.

Unlike their neighbors, Bolivian farmers rely heavily on rainfall rather than irrigation, and they have been hit by severe climate swings during the El Nino

and La Nina weather phenomena over the Pacific Ocean. Chile, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Colombia have all avoided shortages in recent years, even though some have suffered spells of destructive weather. Argentina suffered its worst drought in 40 years in 2009, with heavy losses of cattle, wheat and corn. Yet although prices increased, there were no shortages. Rains damaged much Colombian farmland this year, but prices have increased only slightly and no shortages have occurred.

In Bolivia’s eastern province of Santa Cruz, its agricultural heartland and a bastion of anti-Morales sentiment, farmers say price and export controls are as much to blame for the country’s food woes as the weather. Land under cultivation in their region shrank from more than 1.8 million acres in 2009 to 1.5 million acres in 2010. Corn suffered the biggest decline, from 370,000 acres to 220,000 acres. Part of the reason was drought, but Perez said the government shared the blame because the low price it dictated for corn became a disincentive to plant it.

Earlier this year, thousands of tons of sugar were smuggled out of Bolivia. The government, powerless to halt the entire outflow, was forced to let the price rise to nearly double. —AP

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W H AT ’ S O N

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)

Agility employees give back to local community

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ver 100 employees of the global logistics provider Agility recently participated in a drive to donate blood to the Kuwait Central Blood Bank. The event was a part of Agility’s corporate social responsibility program and highlights the company’s commitment to the local community in Kuwait. Agility partnered with the Kuwait Central Blood Bank to organize the drive aimed at saving lives by providing the much-needed blood donations.

FGP Convention 2011

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he prayer partner of United Prayer Warriors and Tamil Pentecostal Church cordially invite you and your family and friends to participate in our 2011 convention. We are also pleased to inform you that Pastor I. Vinil Sathish, President of Full Gospel Pentecostal Churches, Tamil Nadu will be our Guest Speaker during the fourth Anniversary, 2011 Convention.

Date: 23, 24 & 25 June 2011 ( Thursday, Friday & Saturday) Place: Ruchi Auditoruium, Abbasiya Time: 06.00 Pm to 9.00 Pm 5th YEAR - FIRST FASTING PRAYER Date: 24 June 2011(Friday) Place: Ruchi Auditoruium, Abbasiya Time: 09:30 Am to 01.00 Pm Prayer Request and more Details Contact # Bro. S.Suresh Kumar - 97927436, 60931099

K’S PATH organizes fundraiser Quiz Night

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S PATH (Kuwait Society for Protection of Animals and Their Habitat) - a non-profit animal welfare organization - will hold a Quiz Night on June 23, 2011 at the Movenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida’a ballroom starting 7 pm. The funfilled evening will have participants compete in teams of 8 to win great prizes including a special prize for the best team name. “Our Quiz Nights are a great way for families and friends to get together to have fun and support a worthy cause,” says K’S PATH Chairman Ayeshah Al Humaidhi. “Our past fundraiser quiz nights were very well received and we’re back by popular demand this year with exciting quiz rounds.

All proceeds from the fundraiser go towards the upkeep of K’S PATH shelter and animals.” Entry to the Quiz Night is KD 12 per head, inclusive of great prizes and dinner. As seats are limited, please RSVP by June 19th and email your team details to events@kspath.org

Infunity presents summer ‘Blank Camp’

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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 self-esteem. In addition, build up new friendships and unforgettable experiences that last a lifetime. “Infunity” aims through this camp to offer kids the opportunity to express their capabilities, try new things, stimulate challenge, work in teams and improve their skills. Moreover, all activities are chosen and designed carefully to entrain young campers in a healthy and safe environment. It is worthy to mention that the family entertainment center “Infunity” is one of the latest entertainment centers in Kuwait and it is the right place for the families who are seeking to spend enjoyable and pleasant times since its games are the most recent in Kuwait and combines education and entertainment. Invest your kid’s time and call on 99091277 to register.

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

Value based assemblies by IES primary kids

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ssemblies at IES, Kuwait are designed to leave an everlasting imprint on the minds of the Kids. Bhavan’s diversity truly shines and the wonderful assemblies are one of the most prized memories each year. Each week the students of the Primary wing at IES, Kuwait come on stage to create a unique combination of their talents and put up a colorful show which adds value to their lives.

The students of Class 1 H, presented a breathtaking performance on the topic “Character”. Every child was given an opportunity to perform on the stage .The children presented a short skit based on truth with great confidence followed by an action song based on values.

The IES family help the children to come out of their shell and create a wonderful world of their own. All the children are artists. The challenge is to bring out the hidden talents in them “The best way to get a great friend is to be one” was the theme emphasized by the students of 2E. The children enacted the story “The bear and Two friends” on the stage. The most interesting part was the collage work on friendship. The song “Friends are special” made the assembly a beautiful experience.

The assembly of Class 3D started with a promising note “Every day is a new beginning, treat it that way”. A colorful skit presented the thought “none of us is as smart as all of us”. By learning and understanding, being caring, sharing and working in a team makes students aware of their own actions and helps them to take responsibility for the same. The scintillating performance by the students was appreciated by all.

Class 4E presented maiden

assembly conducted in Hindi on “Festival”. The students emphasized on the need to hard work with the thought presented “patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet.” The farmers work hard in

the farm and after the harvest they get the crop as the fruit of their effort. This is how the harvest festival all over India is celebrated. The interactive and informative assembly on the

national , religious and harvest festival was presented through songs.

The Vice Principal of the Primary Wing Lalitha Premkumar appreciated the

children for the spectacular display of their talents and excellent compeering. She also gave away the prizes for the winners of different competitions held during the week.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

W H AT ’ S O N

Embassy

Note from French Ambassador

Information

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he French Ambassador to Kuwait extends her deep gratitude to all those who were kind enough to send a condolence message or make a call on the occasion of the demise of her father and she will receive those who wish to come personally to present their sympathy on Tuesday the 21st of June 2011 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Residence of the French Ambassador located in Jabriya - bloc 10 - street 13 - villa 21.

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.

Greetings

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Canadian Ambassador & wife honored

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ohammed Al-Qadiri along with his wife artist & writer Thuraya Al-Baqsami held a reception party at their residence in Mishreif on the occasion of the departure of the Canadian Ambassador H.E. Mr.& Mrs. Reid Henry concluding his term as an ambassador to Kuwait.

Al-Baqsami presented the ambassador and his wife one of her paintings as a token of long friendship.The party was attended by members of diplomatic circles along with dignitaries.

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

Dear Princess, May Allah (swt) grant you a great and happy life ahead. We are always with you. I wish you a very Happy Birthday and speedy recovery.

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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.

Happy 1st Birthday to Ayan Bin Saleh Barawaz. Best wishes from: Father: Irfan Bin Saleh Barawaz, Mother: Aasiya Begum, Grandfather: Fida Hussain

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EMBASSY OF GERMANY The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kuwait wishes to announce that as of 1 May 2011, the external service provider Al Qabas Assurex is operating a Visa Application Centre in support of the German Embassy. Short-term visa applications for travels to Germany (e.g. for tourism, visits, business) are to be submitted to the service provider Al Qabas who for your convenience will ensure that all relevant documents are included in your application. Your personal appearance at the Application Centre is not required. Address of the Visa Application Centre: Al Qabas Assurex Sanabel Tower (Al-Babtain) Mezzanine (M3) opposite Sharq Mall Kuwait 22924444 Fax: 22924442 Further information are available on the following websites: www.kuwait.diplo.de www.qavisa.com

Dear Alizey, nothing brings us more happiness than your smile. We want to see that smile on your face forever. Happy Birthday to the best daughter in the whole wide world!

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EMBASSY OF KENYA

AWARE presentation

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ou are cordially invited to our diwaniya presentation after tomorrow entitled, “Tracing Your Family Roots,” by Christopher Baker at 7:00pm. Each one of us is born with a unique set of ancestors. Whether we realize it or not, our family history will in no small measure influence how we live our lives today. Most of us will naturally know our parents and grandparents but beyond this, things become distinctly hazy. In this talk, Chris Baker will show how he has traced his family tree back in some cases to the 1600s. He will describe the principal sources of information used in his research, the origin of some of the inevitable family myths, and the long-lost cousins he has met on his journey.

Chris Baker has been working in Kuwait since 1996. He is a graduate of Imperial College, London and is a chartered engineer by profession. He is currently a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Kuwait University. His career has spanned both industry and academia in the UK, Canada and, of course, Kuwait. His principal hobby, which he shares with his wife Sandra, is researching his family history. He has worked on this on and off since the 1980s and hopes to devote more time to it when he retires.”

The Najla Al-Naqqi Forum hosted a seminar recently delivered by head of the Kuwait Center for Strategic Studies Dr. Sami AlFarah, which discussed obstacles that face the development process and the effect this leaves on Kuwait’s national security. The event was attended by many academics and media figures.

—Photos by Joseph Shagra

Salmiya region Malayalam Classes

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ala, Kuwait free Malayalam classes will begin on June 25th in the Salmiya zone as informed by Salmiya regional Bhashasamithi.

A bhashasamithi was formed which was inaugurated by General Convenor P.K.Janardhanan. Kala

Central Committee members Shinoj Mathew and J.Saji also attended the meeting.

Rajesh P.R was selected as the Salmiya regional Convenor followed by Reji.K.Jacob and Madhusoodhanan as Joint Convenors and Sailesh Kannoth,

Suresh Babu, Kunjumon, Manoj Mathew Thomas, Rajan C.Kulakkada, Shinoj Mathew, J.Saji and P.R.Kiron as other Samithi members.

For registrations and other information kindly contact: 66767297, 66081623 or 97496171.

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

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00:45 Dogs 101 01:40 Untamed And Uncut 02:35 Into The Pride 03:30 Mutant Planet 04:25 I’m Alive 05:20 Animal Cops Phoenix 06:10 Must Love Cats 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 vs. Cats 10:05 Dogs 101 11:00 Animal Cops Miami 11:55 SSPCA: On The Wildside 12:20 Wildlife SOS 12:50 Animal ER 13:45 Animal Cops Phoenix 14:40 Mouse: A Secret Life 15:30 Echo And The Elephants Of Amboseli 16:00 The Really Wild Show 16:30 Jeff Corwin Unleashed 17:00 Natural Born Hunters 17:25 America’s Cutest...

18:20 Breed All About It 18:45 Planet Wild 19:15 Surviving The Drought 20:10 Dogs 101 21:05 Life Of Mammals 22:00 Last Chance Highway 22:55 Into The Lion’s Den 23:50 Surviving The Drought

00:15 01:05 01:55 02:45 03:15 03:45 04:20 04:40 05:00 05:25 05:40 06:00 06:20 06:45 07:00 07:20 07:40 08:05 08:20 08:40 09:00 09:25 09:40 10:40 11:25 12:15 12:45 13:15 14:10 15:40 16:30 17:15 17:45 18:15 19:10 20:00 20:45 21:15 21:45 22:40 23:30

The Weakest Link Holby City New Tricks Eastenders Doctors Last Of The Summer Wine Fimbles Balamory Teletubbies Gigglebiz Fimbles Balamory Teletubbies Gigglebiz Fimbles Balamory Teletubbies Gigglebiz Fimbles Balamory Teletubbies Gigglebiz Last Of The Summer Wine The Weakest Link Inspector Lynley Mysteries Doctors Eastenders Holby City Last Of The Summer Wine Inspector Lynley Mysteries The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Holby City Inspector Lynley Mysteries The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Holby City Moses Jones Green Green Grass

00:15 Come Dine With Me 01:55 The Home Show 02:45 Come Dine With Me 04:55 New Scandinavian Cooking 05:20 New Scandinavian Cooking 05:45 Daily Cooks Challenge 08:55 Antiques Roadshow 09:45 Come Dine With Me 10:10 Come Dine With Me 11:45 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 12:10 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 12:35 Antiques Roadshow 13:25 Cash In The Attic

14:10 Bargain Hunt 14:55 Come Dine With Me 17:45 Indian Food Made Easy 18:10 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 18:30 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 Cash In The Attic USA

00:00 BBC World News 00:30 World Business Report 00:45 Sport Today 01:00 BBC World News America 01:30 Asia Business Report 01:45 Asia Today 02:00 BBC World News 02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Asia Today 03:00 BBC World News 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Asia Today 04:00 BBC World News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Asia Today 05:00 BBC World News 05:30 Asia Business Report 05:45 Asia Today 06:00 BBC World News 06:30 Hardtalk 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 World Business Report 07:45 BBC World News 08:30 World Business Report 08:45 BBC World News 09:30 World Business Report 09:45 Sport Today 10:00 BBC World News 10:30 World Business Report 10:45 Sport Today 11:00 BBC World News 11:30 Hardtalk 12:00 BBC World News 12:30 World Business Report 12:45 Sport Today 13:00 BBC World News 13:30 World Business Report 13:45 Sport Today 14:00 GMT With George Alagiah 14:30 GMT With George Alagiah 15:00 BBC World News 15:30 World Business Report 15:45 Sport Today 16:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 17:30 World Business Report 17:45 Sport Today 18:00 BBC World News 18:30 Hardtalk 19:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 20:30 World Business Report 20:45 Sport Today 21:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 22:30 World Business Report 22:45 Sport Today 23:00 BBC World News America 23:30 Hardtalk

00:05 Cow And Chicken 00:30 Cramp Twins 00:55 George Of The Jungle 01:20 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

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

TV PROGRAMS 08:15 Adventure Time 08:40 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 09:05 The Secret Saturdays 09:30 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 09:55 The Powerpuff Girls 10:20 Robotboy 10:30 Hero 108 10:55 Ben 10 11:20 Chowder 11:45 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 12:10 Camp Lazlo 12:35 George Of The Jungle 13:00 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 13:25 Codename: Kids Next Door 13:50 Ben 10 14:15 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 14:40 Squirrel Boy 15:05 Eliot Kid 15:35 Ed, Edd N Eddy 16:00 Cow And Chicken 16:25 Chop Socky Chooks 16:50 Skunk Fu! 17:15 Chowder 17:40 Best Ed 18:05 Hero 108 18:30 Cartoon Network Dance Club 18:45 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 18:55 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 19:20 Ben 10: Alien Force 19:45 The Secret Saturdays 20:10 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 20:35 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 21:00 The Powerpuff Girls 21:25 Ed, Edd N Eddy 21:50 Robotboy 22:00 Adventure Time 22:25 Hero 108 22:50 Ben 10 23:15 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 23:40 Chowder

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 World View World Report Backstory World Report World Sport Inside Africa World Business Today World One World Sport News Special Piers Morgan Tonight News Stream World Business Today International Desk The Brief World Sport Prism International Desk News Special Quest Means Business Piers Morgan Tonight Connect The World

00:40 Dirty Jobs 01:35 Flying Wild Alaska 02:30 Ultimate Survival 03:25 Ultimate Car Build-Off 04:20 Mythbusters 05:15 How It’s Made 05:40 How It’s Made 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 Flying Wild Alaska 12:20 Swords: Life On The Line 13:15 Ultimate Survival 14:10 LA Ink

BLACK DEATH ON OSN CINEMA

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 It’s Made 20:35 How It’s Made 21:00 The Next Great Baker 21:55 LA Ink 22:50 Police Women Of Maricopa County 23:45 Extreme Fishing

00:30 The Gadget Show 00:55 Mega World 01:45 Mighty Ships 02:35 Ultimate Power Builders 03:25 Cool Stuff And How It Works 03:50 Scrapheap Challenge 04:45 Science Of The Movies 05:40 Patent Bending 06:10 Nextworld 07:00 Catch It Keep It 07:55 Head Rush 07:58 Sci-Fi Science 08:25 Weird Connections 08:55 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 09:45 The Gadget Show 10:10 The Gadget Show 10:35 The Future Of...

11:25 Mean Green Machines 11:50 Catch It Keep It 12:40 Patent Bending 13:05 Mighty Ships 13:55 Bang Goes The Theory 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 Cosmic Collisions 18:40 Zero Hour 19:30 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 20:20 Sci-Fi Science 20:45 How Does That Work?

21:10 The Gadget Show 21:35 The Gadget Show 22:00 Zero Hour 22:50 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 23:40 The Colony

00:20 00:45 01:10 01:30 01:55 02:20 02:45 03:10 03:30 03:55 04:20 04:45 05:10 05:35 06:00 06:25 06:50 07:15 07:40 08:00 08:20 08:45 09:10 09:20 09:30 09:55 10:05 10:25 10:50 11:00 11:15 11:35 12:00 12:10 12:35 13:00 13:25 13:40 14:05 14:15 14:25 14:50 15:15 16:05 16:30 16:40 16:55 17:20 17:45 17:55 18:15 18:35 19:00 19:20 19:45 20:05 20:25 20:50 21:10 21:20 21:30 21:55 22:20 22:35 22:45 23:00 23:20 23:30 23:55

Jungle Junction Special Agent Oso Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Jungle Junction Special Agent Oso Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Jungle Junction Special Agent Oso Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Jungle Junction Special Agent Oso Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Timmy Time Handy Manny Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Hive Handy Manny Jake & The Neverland Pirates Handy Manny Handy Manny The Little Mermaid Handy Manny The Hive Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Jungle Junction Timmy Time The Hive Little Einsteins The Little Mermaid Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny The Hive Jake & The Neverland Pirates Imagination Movers Handy Manny The Hive Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Jake & The Neverland Pirates Handy Manny The Little Mermaid Handy Manny 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 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

06:00 07:30 07:40 18:55 Board 20:30 20:40 23:00 KSA

Zeke And Luther Phineas And Ferb Zeke And Luther Johnny Kapahala: Back On Phineas And Ferb Zeke And Luther Programmes Start At 6:00am

00:55 The Soup 01:25 E!es 02:20 THS 03:15 25 Most Stylish 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Extreme Hollywood 06:00 50 Cutest Child Stars: All Grown Up 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Married To Rock 10:15 THS 12:05 E! News

13:05 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 14:05 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 14:35 E!es 15:30 THS 16:25 Behind The Scenes 16:55 Khloe And Lamar 17:55 E! News 18:55 Kourtney And Kim Take New York 19:25 Kourtney And Kim Take New York 19:55 E!es 20:55 Chelsea Lately 21:25 Holly’s World 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 10:05 10:55 2009 11:20 2009 11:45 12:35 13:25 14:15 15:05 2009 15:30 2009 15:55 16:45 17:10 18:00 18:50 19:40 20:30 21:20 22:10 23:00 23:50

00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:50 04:45 05:15 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:30 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:40 14:30 15:20 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

01:50 03:30 05:05 06:35 08:00 09:25 10:50 12:45 14:20 15:45 17:00 18:45 20:20 22:00 23:35

Untracked Mantracker World Combat League Untracked Aiya TV Final Fu Mantracker World Combat League FIA European Drag Racing Quattro Events 2009 Winter X Games 15 2011 Asian X Games 2009 Cape Epic Ride Guide Mountainbike Ride Guide Mountainbike Fantasy Factory Untracked Mantracker World Combat League Ride Guide Mountainbike Ride Guide Mountainbike Fantasy Factory Quattro Events 2009 Winter X Games 15 2011 Asian X Games 2009 Cape Epic Mantracker Untracked Final Fu World Combat League Aiya TV Untracked

Ghost Lab Psychic Witness Nightmare Next Door I Was Murdered Dr G: Medical Examiner Crime Scene Psychics Ghost Lab Mystery Diagnosis Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Disappeared FBI Files On The Case With Paula Zahn Fugitive Strike Force Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Disappeared Forensic Detectives Murder Shift FBI Files Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls On The Case With Paula Zahn Fugitive Strike Force Deadly Women The Prosecutors Dr G: Medical Examiner

Watch It Carrie Crazy Joe Cruel Justice Breakin’ The Wrong Girl Scorpio Chance Of A Lifetime Road Rage A.K.A. Cassius Clay They Call Me Mister Tibbs! .Com For Murder Across 110th Street Limbic Region, The One More Chance

00:30 The Frankincense Trail 01:30 Departures 02:30 Banged Up Abroad 03:30 The Best Job In The World 04:00 Bondi Rescue 04:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 05:00 Exploring The Vine 05:30 Meet The Amish 06:30 The Frankincense Trail 07:30 Departures 08:30 Banged Up Abroad 09:30 The Best Job In The World 10:00 Bondi Rescue 10:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 11:00 Exploring The Vine 11:30 Long Way Down 12:30 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 13:30 Don’t Tell My Mother 14:30 Banged Up Abroad 15:30 Destination Extreme 16:00 Bondi Rescue 16:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 17:00 Exploring The Vine 17:30 Long Way Down 18:30 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 19:30 Don’t Tell My Mother 20:30 Banged Up Abroad 21:30 Destination Extreme 22:00 Bondi Rescue 22:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 23:00 Exploring The Vine 23:30 Long Way Down

00:00 Nine Dead-PG15 02:00 Ballistica-PG15 04:00 8 Mile-18 06:00 The Core-PG15 08:15 Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle Of Life-PG15 10:15 The Fan-PG15 12:15 Annihilation Earth-PG15 13:45 Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle Of Life-PG15 15:45 Enemy Of The State-PG15

THE BLACKOUT ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 18:00 Annihilation Earth-PG15 19:30 Bad Boys II-PG15 22:00 Bad Guys-18

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Black Death-PG15 The Eclipse-PG15 Green Lantern: First Flight-PG Charlie And Boots-PG The Eclipse-PG15 Fly Me To The Moon-PG Primo-PG15 The Cake Eaters-PG15 The Wronged Man-PG15 The Greatest-PG15 5 Dollars A Day-PG15 The Uninvited-18

00:00 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 00:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 01:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 01:30 South Park 02:00 Comedy Central Presents 03:00 Rita Rocks 03:30 Comedy Central Presents 03:30 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 04:00 South Park 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Will And Grace 06:00 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 Sons Of Tucson 15:00 Seinfeld 15:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 16:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 16:30 Family Biz 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Rita Rocks 18:30 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 19:00 Seinfeld 19:30 Raising Hope 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 The Cleveland Show 22:30 Party Down 23:00 Boondocks 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

The Closer In Treatment The Ellen DeGeneres Show Cold Case The View Good Morning America Detroit 1-8-7 Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Martha Stewart Show The View The Closer Cold Case Live Good Morning America Grey’s Anatomy The Ellen DeGeneres Show Emmerdale Coronation Street Hawthorne Body Of Proof House Grey’s Anatomy Detroit 1-8-7

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00

Criminal Minds The Unit In Treatment The Closer Cold Case

05:00 Law And Order: Criminal Intent 06:00 Criminal Minds 07:00 30 Rock 08:00 The Event 09:00 Law And Order: Criminal Intent 10:00 The Closer 11:00 Cold Case 12:00 30 Rock 14:00 The Event 15:00 Criminal Minds 16:00 30 Rock 18:00 The Event 19:00 Hawthorne 20:00 Body Of Proof 21:00 House 22:00 The Unit 23:00 Law And Order: Criminal Intent

01:00 Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels-18 03:00 Julia’s Eyes-18 05:00 Deceit-PG15 07:00 Surrogates-PG15 09:00 A Knight’s Tale-PG15 11:15 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon-PG15 13:15 The Blackout-PG15 15:00 A Knight’s Tale-PG15 17:15 The Sum Of All Fears-PG15 19:15 Phone Booth-PG15 21:00 Bad Guys-18 23:00 The Grudge 3-18

00:00 Mr. Magoo-PG 02:00 Say It Isn’t So-18 04:00 Leaving Normal-PG15 06:00 Did You Hear About The Morgans?-PG15 08:00 The Lizzie McGuire Movie-PG 10:00 Mean Girls-PG15 12:00 The Longshots-PG15 14:00 Ed-PG 16:00 Mr. Magoo-PG 18:00 Mumford-18 20:00 Happy Ever Afters-PG15 22:00 Ball And Chain-PG15

00:45 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00

Midnight Express-18 Don’t Look Back-PG15 Mr. Jones-PG15 Beneath The Blue-PG15 Crimes Of The Past-PG15 A Dance For Bethany-PG15 Eva-PG15 Skellig-PG15 Ice Castles-PG15 Le Nouveau Protocole-PG15 Forrest Gump-PG15

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 14:45 17:00 18:45 21:00 23:00

Order Of Chaos-R Coraline-PG One Hot Summer-PG15 Paper Man-PG15 Phoebe In Wonderland-PG Preacher’s Kid-PG Astro Boy-FAM Glorious 39-PG15 Phoebe In Wonderland-PG The Boat That Rocked-PG15 Alfie (2004)-18 Forrest Gump-PG15

00:15 Monsters Inc-FAM 02:15 Dark Crystal-PG 04:15 Gold Diggers: The Secret Of Bear Mountain-PG 06:15 Homeward Bound II: Lost In San Francisco-FAM 08:15 Globehunters-FAM 10:00 Monsters Inc-FAM 12:00 Sabrina The Teenage Witch: Friends Forever-PG 14:00 Shorts-PG 16:00 The Archies In Jugman-FAM 18:00 Aliens In The Attic-FAM 20:00 Scooby-Doo Meets The Boo Brothers-FAM 22:00 Sabrina The Teenage Witch: Friends Forever-PG

00:00 Dare-18 02:00 The Bounty Hunter-PG15 04:00 Not The Messiah: He’s A Very

Naughty Boy-PG15 06:00 Freestyle-PG15 08:00 Maneater: Part II-PG15 10:00 Free Willy: Escape From Pirate’s Cove-FAM 12:00 Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief-PG15 14:00 Nativity!-PG 16:00 Maneater: Part II-PG15 18:00 Post Grad-PG15 20:00 The Time Traveller’s WifePG15 22:00 Death At A Funeral-PG15

00:00 Golfing World 01:00 Super Rugby Highlights 02:00 Rugby Junior World Championship 04:00 Super 15 06:00 Weber Cup Bowling 07:00 Super Rugby Highlights 08:00 World Hockey 08:30 NRL Premiership 10:30 AFL Highlights 11:30 FEI Equestrian World 12:00 Super Rugby Highlights 13:00 Masters Football 16:00 Super 15 18:00 Super Rugby Highlights 19:00 AFL Premiership 21:30 Ironman 22:30 World Hockey 23:00 Super Rugby Highlights

00:00 NRL Premiership 02:00 Futbol Mundial 02:30 ICC Cricket World 03:00 Ironman 04:00 Super League 06:00 Trans World Sport 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 AFL Highlights 09:00 Ironman 10:00 ICC Cricket World 10:30 AFL Premiership 13:00 Golfing World 14:00 Weber Cup Bowling 15:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 15:30 Super League 17:30 NRL Full Time 18:00 Golfing World 19:00 Ironman 20:00 World Hockey 20:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 21:00 Futbol Mundial 21:30 NRL Full Time 22:00 European Senior Highlights 23:00 AFL Highlights

Tour

00:00 02:00 03:00 07:00 08:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

WWE SmackDown UFC 131 Prelims UFC 131 WWE NXT WWE SmackDown UAE National Race Day Series Full Throttle Aquabike World WWE Bottom Line City Centre Races V8 Supercars Championship UAE National Race Day Series Aquabike World Full Throttle V8 Supercars Championship WWE Vintage Collection UFC Wired UFC Unleashed

01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 23:00

Ice Road Truckers American Pickers IRT: Deadliest Roads Warriors Beyond The Moon: Failure Is...

Ice Road Truckers American Pickers IRT: Deadliest Roads Warriors Beyond The Moon: Failure Is...

Ice Road Truckers American Pickers IRT: Deadliest Roads Warriors Beyond The Moon: Failure Is...

Ice Road Truckers American Pickers American Pickers Nostradamus Effect

Classifieds TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

ACCOMMODATION Room for rent with separate bathroom including drawing and kitchen facilities for decent ladies or couple in Salmiya, C-A/C flat, new building in very good location. Contact: 99678634. (C 3463) Sharing accommodation available in old Reggai behind Al-Zallah Supermarket, 2 BR flat CA/C for executive bachelor or couple family from July.

Contact: 24802641/ 66022437. (C 3467) 21-6-2011 Sharing accommodation available for decent Christian couple / executive bachelor or working lady, separate room and toilet in Mahboula.

Contact: 66216713. (C 3457) One big independent master bedroom with attached bathroom available for 2 or 3 decent bachelors in 2 BR flat C-A/C, kitchen and SAT facility W&E free, near Shaara Amman Salmiya, opp. Appolo Hospital, Naser Al-Badher Street, new building.

Contact: 99761807. (C 3458)

Sharing available for family (bath attached) in a double bed room + hall fat Abbasiya near Asianet building opp. Garden and Variety Store. Contact: 97213877/ 50202206.

(C 3459) Decent Muslim couples/ small family to share in two BRH flat in Abbasiya with family of 3 from July 1. Rent KD 70 including water/electricity. Contact: 66895049.

(C 3460) Sharing accommodation available in Shaara Amman, Salmiya, opposite Al-Rashid Hospital, for bachelor.

Contact: 65515717.

(C 3462) 20-6-2011 Spacious bedroom with separate bathroom (two bedroom two bathroom flat) available for only Keralite couples in Abbassiya near United Indian School from 18th June onwards. Contact: 66846299.

(C 3455) 19-6-2011 A fully furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom CA/C flat for rent for 2 months (July & August) specially for families on visit, nice location in Khaitan. Contact: 67797042/66674242.

(C 3451) Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya with Keralite family for decent Keralite couple in two bedroom, two bathroom flat. If interested call: 97168979.

(C 3453) 18-6-2011 Separate room available for Indian bachelors in old Riggae. Sector-1, St.-1, Jadda-3.

Contact: 97525930. (C 3447) 16-6-2011 FOR SALE Toyota Corolla model 2010, color white, good maintenance, price KD 3,550 only.

Contact: 99419677.

(C 3465) Toyota Corolla model 2007 1.8, color golden, good condition, price KD 2,650 only. Contact: 66974049.

(C 3466) 21-6-2011 Expat family selling household items + electronics (washing machine, dishwasher, microwave oven, deep freezer, projection TV). Contact: 66042205 also check tiny.cc/lpa36 (C 3456) 19-6-2011

TRANSPORT

SITUATION WANTED Educated Iranian man looking for suitable vacancy, 7 years experience in trading field (Import and Export) well familiar with Microsoft office and English language, residency article 18 transferable.

Contact: 66346118.

No: 15126

Urgently need transport for 3 persons from Salmiya, Sharah Amman to Ministry of Health (H.O) near Sabah Hospital, timings 7:30 am back 1:45 pm. Please call: 97525187. (C 3464) 21-6-2011 CHANGE OF NAME

SITUATION VACANT Required English speaking maid/nanny.

Contact: 99824597. (C 3461) 20-6-2011 Required housemaid in Farwaniya, Block 5, who knows cooking and cleaning for an Indian family.

Contact: 97220933.

(C 3454) 18-6-2011

I, Rania, holder of Indian Passport No: E1093683 issued from Kuwait on 02/05/2002 D/o Mohamed Hussain Pallath residing at Pallaath house, Mookkuthala Po, Malappuram Dt, Kerala have changed by name as Rania Mohamed Hussain Pallath.

(C 3450) 18-6-2011

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Airlines

Flt

RJA JZR THY ETH UAE DHX ETD MSR FDB GFA QTR AFR JZR KAC JZR JZR KAC BAW KAC FCX JZR KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC UAE IRA QTR ABY ETD GFA IRA QTR MEA MHK JZR JZR JZR KAC MSR UAL RJA KAC FDB KAC KAC

642 267 772 620 853 370 305 614 67 211 138 6700 529 544 505 555 412 157 416 201 1541 206 302 332 53 352 284 855 605 132 125 301 213 619 6130 404 711 165 121 201 672 610 982 640 512 57 562 546

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 21/6/2011 Route AMMAN BEIRUT ISTANBUL ADDIS ABABA DUBAI BAHRAIN ABU DHABI CAIRO DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA PARIS ASSIUT CAIRO LUXOR ALEXANDRIA MANILA / BANGKOK LONDON JAKARTA / KUALA LUMPUR BAHRAIN CAIRO ISLAMABAD MUMBAI TRIVANDRUM DUBAI COCHIN DHAKA DUBAI ISFAHAN DOHA SHARJAH ABU DHABI BAHRAIN LAR DOHA BEIRUT BAGHDAD / NAJAF DUBAI BAHRAIN DAMASCUS DUBAI CAIRO WASHINGTON DC DULLES AMMAN TEHRAN DUBAI AMMAN ALEXANDRIA

Time 0:05 0:35 1:15 1:45 2:25 2:55 2:55 3:05 3:10 3:15 3:20 3:25 3:35 4:40 5:50 6:10 6:15 6:30 6:35 7:00 7:10 7:15 7:50 7:55 7:55 8:05 8:10 8:25 8:55 9:00 9:10 9:30 9:35 9:40 10:15 10:55 11:00 11:10 11:15 12:45 13:15 13:20 13:30 13:35 13:40 13:50 14:20 14:30

SVA KAC JZR QTR KAC JZR ETD UAE GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY JZR RBG FDB ALK JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC JAI SIA FDB OMA MEA KAC MLR MSR DHX KLM UAE JZR GFA QTR UAL AIC JZR JZR MSR DLH AXB JZR PIA

500 746 257 134 1802 535 303 857 215 510 777 239 127 213 3555 63 227 177 104 166 502 542 618 786 614 774 674 572 458 61 647 402 552 1405 618 372 443 859 183 217 136 981 981 135 787 612 636 389 539 205

JEDDAH ABU DHABI / DAMMAM BEIRUT DOHA CAIRO CAIRO ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH JEDDAH AMMAN SHARJAH DEIREZZOR ALEXANDRIA DUBAI COLOMBO / DUBAI DUBAI LONDON PARIS / ROME BEIRUT CAIRO DOHA JEDDAH BAHRAIN RIYADH DUBAI MUMBAI SINGAPORE / ABU DHABI DUBAI MUSCAT BEIRUT DAMASCUS COLOMBO / DUBAI ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN AMSTERDAM DUBAI DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA BAHRAIN CHENNAI / AHMEDABAD BAHRAIN RIYADH CAIRO FRANKFURT KOZHIKODE / MANGALORE CAIRO LAHORE / PESHAWER

14:30 15:05 15:10 15:15 15:25 15:50 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:25 17:35 17:40 17:50 17:55 17:55 18:00 18:00 18:35 18:40 18:45 18:50 18:55 19:00 19:20 19:25 19:25 19:35 19:35 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:15 20:50 20:55 21:00 21:05 21:15 21:15 21:25 21:35 22:00 22:05 22:10 22:20 22:50 23:00 23:10 23:30 23:55

Airlines JZR DLH AIC PIA THY ETH UAE FDB DHX ETD MSR QTR AFR JZR RJA GFA JZR KAC JZR BAW FDB JZR KAC KAC JZR KAC KAC UAE ABY IRA KAC QTR ETD GFA IRA QTR KAC MEA JZR KAC JZR JZR MHK KAC KAC JZR MSR

Depurture Flights on Tuesday 21/6/2011 Flt Route 1540 CAIRO 637 FRANKFURT 576 GOA / CHENNAI 240 SIALKOT 773 ISTANBUL 620 BAHRAIN / ADDIS ABABA 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 371 BAHRAIN 306 ABU DHABI 615 CAIRO 139 DOHA 6700 DUBAI / HONG KONG 164 DUBAI 643 AMMAN 212 BAHRAIN 200 DAMASCUS 545 ALEXANDRIA 120 BAHRAIN 156 LONDON 54 DUBAI 534 CAIRO 671 DUBAI 745 DAMMAM / ABU DHABI 256 BEIRUT 561 AMMAN 511 TEHRAN 856 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 604 ISFAHAN 101 LONDON / NEW YORK 133 DOHA 302 ABU DHABI 214 BAHRAIN 618 LAR 6131 DOHA 165 ROME / PARIS 405 BEIRUT 776 JEDDAH 541 CAIRO 212 DEIREZZOR 238 AMMAN 712 NAJAF / BAGHDAD 501 BEIRUT 785 JEDDAH 176 DUBAI 611 CAIRO

Time 0:20 0:40 0:50 1:10 2:15 2:30 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 4:05 5:00 5:10 6:55 7:00 7:10 7:15 7:40 8:20 8:25 8:40 8:50 9:00 9:05 9:10 9:15 9:15 9:40 9:50 9:55 9:55 10:00 10:15 10:20 10:40 11:45 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:00 12:05 12:10 12:20 13:00 13:30 13:40 14:20

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

RJA FDB UAL KAC KAC KAC SVA KAC QTR KAC JZR VOS JZR ETD UAE GFA ABY JZR RBG SVA FDB JZR ALK JZR KAC KAC JAI FDB JZR KAC KAC OMA MEA SIA MLR MSR DHX KLM UAE GFA FCX KAC QTR KAC KAC JZR JZR UAL KAC MSR

641 58 982 551 673 617 501 773 135 613 538 82 182 304 858 216 128 266 3556 511 64 786 228 134 283 361 571 62 528 343 351 648 403 457 1405 619 373 443 860 218 102 381 137 301 205 502 554 981 411 613

AMMAN DUBAI BAHRAIN DAMASCUS DUBAI DOHA JEDDAH RIYADH DOHA BAHRAIN CAIRO BAGHDAD DUBAI ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH BEIRUT ALEXANDRIA RIYADH DUBAI RIYADH DUBAI / COLOMBO BAHRAIN DHAKA COLOMBO MUMBAI DUBAI ASSIUT CHENNAI COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT ABU DHABI / SINGAPORE COLOMBO ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN BAHRAIN / AMSTERDAM DUBAI BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DELHI DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD LUXOR ALEXANDRIA WASHINGTON DC DULLES BANGKOK / MANILA CAIRO

14:30 14:35 14:45 14:55 15:10 15:35 15:45 16:05 16:15 16:20 16:40 17:00 17:05 17:35 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:30 18:35 18:35 18:40 18:40 19:10 19:10 20:00 20:20 20:35 20:40 20:50 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:20 21:50 21:55 22:00 22:05 22:25 22:30 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:05 23:10 23:40 23:40 23:50

34

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

s ta rs CROSSWORD 355

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) This is a time of good fortune when things open up in a very natural way for you. Situations are just perfect for your choosing.

Opportunities are available for you to see successful outcomes in your professional projects or goals. Important decisions may rest on creating new guidelines—the decisions of the past may not be the best path to take. There is a greater focus on family life—parents, children, relatives and the whole domestic scene this afternoon. On a somewhat broader scale, you are likely to find that houses and other real property take on greater significance. You and your loved one may feel that now is the time to build a firm foundation, in more ways than one. A feeling of being at peace and stable on the emotional level is important to you now.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You are a real charmer—able to enchant others and bring them under your spell. All sorts of social interactions are possible.

You manage to communicate an almost mystical sense to a group. Your ideals and ability to see the whole picture is obvious to all who come to know you. Everyday responsibilities can be demanding—your success depends on your ability to exercise only practical and proven methods. Your energy is always welcome in politics, as well as social and community endeavors, where its basic fairness and evenhandedness are helpful. You are very responsive and probably not a little possessive. You tend to collect things and material success—money, home, security, possessions—is very important. This is a lucky day with money!

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. The imperial dynasty of China from 1122 to 221 BC. 5. Soreness and warmth caused by friction.

10. A solution containing a phosphate buffer.

13. A fabric with prominent rounded crosswise ribs.

14. Relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area.

15. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism.

16. By bad luck.

17. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

19. Island country in the Atlantic east of Florida and Cuba.

21. The United Nations agency concerned with atomic energy.

22. Resinlike substance secreted by certain lac insects.

25. A member of an agricultural people of southern India.

28. A communist state in Indochina on the South China Sea. 31. A Turkish unit of weight equal to about 2.75 pounds.

32. An inflammatory swelling or sore.

34. A light strong brittle gray toxic bivalent metallic element.

35. A historical region on northwestern India and northern Pakistan.

38. The slender spear of the Bantu-speaking people of Africa.

40. A soft yellow malleable ductile (trivalent and univalent) metallic element.

41. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar.

42. A very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms.

44. 30 to 300 kilohertz.

48. A percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance.

51. Covered with a firm surface.

52. A woman hired to suckle a child of someone else.

53. Edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants.

56. An aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect.

57. An angular shape characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions.

59. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian mythology.

60. The compass point midway between northeast and east.

61. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan River.

62. A small cake leavened with yeast.

DOWN 1. Decapod having eyes on short stalks and a broad flattened carapace with a small abdomen folded under the thorax and pincers.

2. Goddess of the dead and queen of the underworld.

3. Large elliptical brightly colored deep-sea fish of Atlantic and Pacific and Mediterranean.

4. A city is east central Sweden north northwest of Stockholm.

5. A waste pipe that carries away sewage or surface water.

6. Twining perennials having cordate leaves and flowers arranged in conelike spikes.

7. (informal) Of the highest quality.

8. A sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue separating or binding together muscles and organs etc.

9. Angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object).

10. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central America.

11. (Scottish) Bluish-black or gray-blue.

12. A island in the Netherlands Antilles that is the top of an extinct volcano.

18. An earth color containing ferric oxides.

20. Molten rock in the earth's crust.

23. A Russian prison camp for political prisoners.

24. A fractional monetary unit in Bangladesh and India and Nepal and Pakistan.

26. A Kwa language spoken by the Yoruba people in southwestern Nigeria.

27. (Irish) Mother of the Tuatha De Danann.

29. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

30. Japanese ornamental tree with fragrant white or pink blossoms and small yellow fruits.

33. United States writer (born in Poland) who wrote in Yiddish (1880-1957).

36. (Old Testament) The fourth son of Jacob who was forebear of one of the tribes of Israel.

37. After the expected or usual time.

38. Twining perennials having cordate leaves and flowers arranged in conelike spikes.

39. The number of the pregnancy that a woman is in.

40. (Scottish) Bluish-black or gray-blue.

43. Large ornamental tropical American tree with bipinnate leaves and globose clusters of flowers with crimson stamens and sweet-pulp seed pods eaten by cattle.

45. The seventh month of the Moslem calendar.

46. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

47. Swelling from excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue.

49. A feeling of intense anger.

50. The mother of your father or mother.

51. A state in midwestern United States.

54. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

55. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in India for writing paper.

58. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Everything seems to put you in the public eye today. You come off well in group matters now and manage to get your ideas across quickly and efficiently. The areas in which you enjoy and do the best work are with the written and spoken word and ideas in all their flavors. Your enthusiasm for the mind, the intellect and the world of ideas makes it easy for you to communicate these things to others. You could have difficulty getting outer recognition for your efforts at this time but have patience; your time will pay off soon. All of this hard work means you should throw your efforts into endeavors you really love doing, not necessarily because someone else says you should do a certain project. Puzzles are fun as you enjoy the mental effort.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

This is a very good day for job-related events. You may shine in your particular job and find that a promotion is possible. You could represent or speak for your company or communicate about your skills. You have a deep understanding and vision that cuts through what passes for conventional religion. You have a vision of the endless process of life—ever being born afresh. This afternoon is a wonderful time to participate in outside activities with friends or loved ones. There is a love of all children and animals and it is in these things you may soon decide to invest your money or time. There is a feeling of being at peace on the emotional level this evening. Stability and permanence satisfy a deep emotional need.

Music will lull you to sleep.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Your distinctive qualities are brought out today as someone younger than you seeks your advice. You are able to come up with good solutions or new understandings that will help you progress in your own life as well. There is a feeling of being at peace and stable on the emotional level today. You have such a good sense of humor as well as the desire to make things positive in peoples’ lives, it would be good if you were in a job where you could spread happiness and encouragement. You might consider a volunteer position over volunteers that work in a hospital or teach adults a subject. People from the past may be calling and visiting and bumping into you from time to time. An impromptu gathering can be most fun. Take a camera.

ZITS

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Your smooth-talking abilities, as well as your quick wit and ready tongue, will create some positive results in the business world.

Independence, as well as anything unusual or different, is valued. You have a flair for presenting yourself in a positive and well-groomed manner. First impressions will serve you well in your communications with others. This is a good time to go on job interviews, make your side of a view understood, get a loan, obtain positive results from business ventures, etc. You will also work hard to restore anything that seems off balance today. If you are not romantically involved, there may be some opportunities to meet that special person this evening—certainly there is an opportunity to deepen a relationship.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Try not to be such a perfectionist! It is one thing to be competent; another to be excessively conscientious. Lighten up a little! You have what it takes to meet your financial responsibilities now. The only problem is that you may not know it. Your money is a symbol of energy. We want what money can buy, not necessarily the money itself. Logan Pearsall Smith said, “There are two things to aim at in life, first, to get what you want and after that, to enjoy it.” Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Make it a point to loosen the pressures that you put upon yourself. Pretend you have all the money you need and play the game of, what would I do if . . . Relax—you make this a good day for everyone. A magic trick makes you smile.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You can be competitive—even pushy—when it comes to partners and other people. You have a great social drive and love to work in groups. The situation is a natural for self-expression as well as your particular ideas and style of working. This is a great time to be with others and to work together. You are ambitious and open to improvement in business. You may be sought after as just the person for a particular job. A special social affair, perhaps a charity, gives you an inner healing now. Today and tomorrow are productive in seeking help for your new hobby or to begin a new hobby. The pursuit of a peaceful interest may encourage others to do the same. Take this in small steps to avoid spending large amounts of money.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

To

Yesterday’s Solution

This is a good time to merge and organize your affairs or rearrange a business venture. You could be seen by others as just the person to be put in charge of some project requiring a sharp but conservative mind. Being prepared by being organized may mean your success now. This is a time when you can expect a little boost, some sort of extra support or recognition from those around you. You may feel that you are in-touch and in-harmony with others; the lines of communication are open. Investment opportunities are available as well. You will be wise to collect as much information as possible. Your real understanding of others will usually attract many friends to you. Tonight is a good time to visit with new and old friends.

Your positive outlook lets you get right to the point and you have little patience with those who do not seem to be able to make up their mind. You will be introduced to people in an environment you are not familiar with just now, but you have plenty of enthusiasm and you warm up to things and people quickly. You have an inner self-confidence that has much positive strength. You may become very dynamic in what you say but you know just how to get your message across. This evening you may find yourself at an art show, play or museum. Your taste in beautiful works of art may encourage you to take or teach a class on the art subject of your preference. A dream of yours is delayed, but only for a while.

Yesterday’s Solution Yester

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You get along well with older people, especially those in authority. It is easy for you to express yourself to others; you always manage to make a good appearance. You have an easy manner and find it easy to communicate with just about anyone. Around noon today you decide it is time to tend to your own needs and you do a little research to find an optometrist or some other specialist to get some new glasses or perhaps a checkup—it is about time. You are a good team player and may find that this afternoon some plans are being made to draw up teams for an office ball game. You have a natural sense of organization so don’t be too surprised when you are asked to help. There has been much mental energy but you find ways to relax later this evening.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

You are a born doer, with an incredible drive to achieve in whatever or wherever you decide to invest your energies. You try hard to push toward the completion of whatever goals are in front of you now. Your no-nonsense, practical approach makes this day run smoothly. You long for a little more stability, a little more permanence in your life; even if it means sacrificing some of the pleasures to which you have grown accustomed. This evening you will be subject to some metaphysical ideas. Your no-nonsense, practical approach makes unusual, outof-the-ordinary subjects difficult for you to navigate. You have a strong need to widen your scope of influence, generally beginning with the young people around you. You become a good listener.

A

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

i n f o r m at i o n

FIRE BRIGADE STATE ST TAT TE OF KUW K KUWAIT WA AIT

112

Tel.: T el.: e 161

DIRECTORA DIRECTORATE AT TE GEN GENERAL NERAL OF CIVIL A AVIATION V VIA AT TION DEPARTMENT METEOROLOGICAL L DEP PA ARTMENT DA AY: Y Monday DAY:

WWW .MET.GOV V..KW W WWW.MET.GOV.KW

20/06/2011 20/06/201 1

Ministry of Interior

Ext.: 26 2627 627 - 2630

Fax: 24348714

19:00

Time Issue Time

Expected Weather Weather e for the Next 24 2 Hours

website: www.moi.gov.kw For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128

BY Y NIGHT: NIGHT:

Dust will subside gradually with moderate to fresh north wes westerly sterly wind, with speed of 25 5 - 45 km/h

BY Y DA AY: DAY:

Hot with w moderate to fresh north westerly wind, with speed of o 25 - 50 km/h causing raisi raising ing dust

WARNING W A ARNING

No Current Warnings Warnin a ngs

STATION ST TAT TION

Al-Madena

22418714

Al-Shohada’a

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Fayhaa

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

MAX. REC.

MIN. MIN N. EXP EXP. P.

Al-Mangaf

23711183

KUWAIT KUW WA AIT CITY

45 °C

3 °C 32

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

24812000

KUWAIT KUW WA AIT AIRPORT AIRPOR RT

47 °C

3 °C 34

Al-Jahra

25610011

Amiri Hospital

22450005

NUWAISEEB NUW WAISEEB A

49 °C

3 °C 32

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Maternity Hospital

24843100

W A AFRA WAFRA

47 °C

3 °C 32

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

SALMI

45 °C

2 °C 29

Chest Hospital

24849400

ABDALY ABDAL LY

48 °C

3 °C 31

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

JAL ALIYAH ALIY YAH A

47 °C

3 °C 30

Adan Hospital

23940620

F A AILAKA FAILAKA

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

46 °C

3 °C 30

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

PORT AHMADI POR RT

45 °C

3 °C 35

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

UMM AL-MARADEM AL-MARAD DEM

38 °C

3 °C 31

W A ARBA A - BUBYAN BUBY YAN A WARBA

49 °C

30 3 °C

Hospitals Sabah Hospital

Clinics Rabiya

4732263

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

SFC. CHAR CHART RT

20/06/201 20/06/2011 1 120 1200 00 UTC

POLICE STATION

4 DA DAYS AY YS FORECAST Temperatures Temperatures DAY DA AY

DATE DA AT TE

WEA WEATHER AT THER R

Tuesday Tuesday

21/06

W eednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

MIN.

hot + raising dust d

45 °C

34 °C

NW

25 - 50 km/h

22/06

hot + raising dust d

45 °C

33 °C

NW

20 - 40 km/h

23/06

hot

46 °C

33 °C

NW

15 - 35 km/h

24/06

hot

47 °C

34 °C

NW-VRB NW -VRB

15 - 35 km/h

PRAYER P PRA AY YER TIMES

RECORDED RECORDE ED YESTERDAY YESTERDA AY AT AT KUW KUWAIT WA AIT AIRPOR AIRPORT RT

Fajr

03:13

MAX. Temp.

M Temp.

47 °C

Sunrise

04:48

Temp.

MIN. T M emp.

33 °C

Zuhr

1 1:50 11:50

MAX. RH M

13 %

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Asr

15:23

MIN. RH

Dasmah

22532265

Sunset

18:50

Wind MAX. W M ind

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Isha

20:23

TOTAL RAINFALL T OT TA AL L RA AINF FA ALL L IN 24 HR.

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

Al-Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W.Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Al-Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Al-Omariya

24719048

N.Kheitan

24710044

Fintas

3900322

Wind Wind Speed

Wind Wind Direction Direction

MAX.

All times are local time unless otherwise stated.

Al-Madena Police Station Al-Murqab Police Station Al-Daiya Police Station Al-Fayha’a Police Station Al-Qadissiya Police Station Al-Nugra Police Station Al-Salmiya Police Station Al-Dasma Police Station

22434064 22435865 22544200 22547133 22515277 22616662 25714406 22530801

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

03 % NW 68 km/h N 00 mm

20/06/11 14:37 UTC 20/06/11

V1.00

T1.06

PHARMACIES

AIRLINES

ON 24 HRS DUTY GOVERNORATE

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

PHONE

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Hawally

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Kuwait Airways Jazeera Airways Jet Airways FlyDubai Qatar Airways KLM Air Slovakia Olympic Airways Royal Jordanian Reservation British Airways Air France Emirates Air India Sri Lanka Airlines Egypt Air Swiss Air Saudia Middle East Airlines Lufthansa PIA Alitalia Balkan Airlines Bangladesh Airlines Czech Airlines Indian Airlines Oman Air Turkish Airlines Aeroflot

22433377 177 22924455 22414400 22423888 22425747 22434940 22420002/9 22418064/5/6 22433388 22425635 22430224 22425566 22438184 22424444 22421578 22421516 22426306 22423073 22422493 22421044 22414427 22416474 22452977/8 22417901/ 2433141 22456700 22958787 22453820/1 22404838/9

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist 25340300

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

Dr Anil Thomas

3729596/3729581 22641071/2

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Salem soso

22618787

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

Neurologists

Dr. Adnan Ebil

22639939

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Mousa Khadada

22666300

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists

25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291 22666288

Rheumatologists:

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

Dentists

Internists, Chest & Heart

25339330

25655535

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

General Surgeons

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, Ph.D. 2290-1677 Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg, M.A. 2290-1677

Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Anguilla Antiga Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands

0093 00355 00213 00376 00244 001264 001268 0054 00374 0061 0043 001242 00973 00880 001246 00375 0032 00501 00229 001441 00975 00591 00387 00267 0055 00673 00359 00226 00257 00855 00237 001 00238 001345

Central African Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Cyprus (Northern) Czech Republic Denmark Diego Garcia Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador England (UK) Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia

00236 00235 0056 0086 0057 00269 00242 00682 00506 00385 0053 00357 0090392 00420 0045 00246 00253 001767 001809 00593 0020 00503 0044 00240 00291 00372 00251 00500 00298 00679 00358 0033 00594 00689

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

li fe s t y le Awards

(From left) Drake, Justin Bieber, centre and his girlfriend Selena Gomez stand onstage during the 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto on Sunday. — AP photos

op stars Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga were the big winners at Canada’s MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto Sunday.

Bieber, who was on hand as girlfriend Selena Gomez co-hosted the event, was voted favorite artist by his countr ymen for the video “Somebody to Love.”

Additionally “Somebody to Love” and his clip for “Find Your Love” shared the prize for best international Canadian video. Lady Gaga was voted most popular international artist by fans, and also

P

Shawn Desman arrives on the red carpet.

Far East Movement performs.

Justin Bieber receives an award onstage.

Lady Gaga arrives onstage.

took home the best international video for “Judas.” She performed twice at the show. The video of the year went to Ontario pop/R&B singer Shawn Desman for “Electric/Night Like This,” while Los Angeles-based hip-hop quartet Far East Movement grabbed the international group video trophy for “Like a G6.” — Reuters Bruno Mars waves during his performance.

Snoop Dogg performs.

Avril Lavigne performs.

Stars honor Oprah ladys Knight, Celine Dion and Ellen DeGeneres were among the stars who paid tribute to Oprah Winfey at the Daytime Emmy Awards yesterday.

The TV talk show host - who recently ended her program after 25 years - was honored with a Crystal Pillar Award at the ceremony in recognition of the way she has changed the face of daytime television.

Gladys performed ‘That’s What Friends Are For’ as a montage of the star’s shows played behind her, while Celine gave a rendition of ‘Because You Loved Me’ from the stage at Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace in Oprah’s honor.

In a video message, Ellen said: “For the past 25 years, the world has been lucky to call you a friend. I will miss you and I love you.”

The ‘View’ presenter Barbara Walters said of the star: “Oprah, we are always getting asked to present each other with awards ... now, you are getting the Crystal Pillar Award because of your enormous contribution to daytime television. In this, you are unique and unsurpassed.”

Oprah did not attend the ceremony at the Las Vegas Hilton, but accepted her accolade in a video, surrounded by her staff at Chicago’s Harpo studios.

She said in the clip: “We are sorry we couldn’t be

G

Singer Gladys Knight performs onstage during the tribute to Oprah Winfrey during the Daytime Emmy Awards.

Cast members from the ‘Viva ELVIS’ by Cirque du Soleil show perform onstage.

at Emmys

there to celebrate. On behalf of the entire team, we thank you for honoring our show, we thank you for 25 years. This show has served as a platform to enlighten and entertain our millions of viewers ... it has been a phenomenon that none of us could have imagined in our wildest dreams. None of this would have been possible without the support of the best team in television.

Thank you!”

Popular soap opera ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ was the biggest winner at the ceremony - which was hosted

by game show host Wayne Brady - taking home four honors including accolades for drama series, supporting actress in a drama series for Heather Tom and younger actor in a drama series for Scott Clifton, while the directing team were jointly honoured along with the ‘Young and the Restless’. — Bang Showbiz

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

lifestyle

The monastery at Gradac.

Serbia’s icon-painting nuns combine religion and art

O

n the wooded slopes of southwestern Serbia’s Golija mountain, a dozen nuns at the Gradac monastery have devoted their lives to God but have not turned their backs on their lifelong passion: painting. Twenty years ago Jasna Topolski, already a famous artist who had graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Belgrade, arrived at this 13th-century monastery. Today, she is Efimija, the mother superior. “(As an artist) I thought that art would allow me to find the truth, to resolve the mystery of death, but I had found no answer,” the 46-

year-old told AFP. “I started looking elsewhere and realized that the church could provide me with the complete answer” to the big questions about life. When she decided to join the church, she learned icon painting and undertook to renovate the Gradac monastery, reconciling her spiritual and artistic aspirations. She was soon followed by several other young women, fellow fine arts students who were equally torn between religion and art. “Some among them were considering joining the order but were not sure how their artistic sensi-

Nuns praying in the monastery.

bility could adjust to monastic life. So when they saw me here, they decided to try. They liked it, so they stayed,” Efimija said. That’s what happened to Sister Magdalina, Mother Efimija’s closest aide in Gradac. In the convent workshop, she teaches other nuns the art of icon painting. “The more we paint, the more they (icons) seem to be elusive ...We can never say ‘I mastered the technique of painting icons’,” Sister Magdalina said. “I believe that great artists are all believers, even though they are not aware of that sometimes. I don’t believe that we can reach such (artistic) depth if there is no (divine) light within ourselves,” she added. The nun painters of Gradac are much in demand and have decorated walls at several orthodox churches, even in neighboring Croatia. But they prefer icon painting.

Icons play a key role in the Orthodox church, and are displayed in churches and monasteries. At home believers usually keep icons of their patron saint, whose feast day is lavishly celebrated by the entire family. The work of the Gradac nuns and Mother Efimija has won praise from art critics. “It is high-level art, spiritual but at the same time professional,” Serbian art historian Jasa Denegri said. “I have been working for several days on this icon. I made it for myself,” said Mother Efimija as she carefully worked on an icon of Saint Ksenija. Her room is also her workshop and looks nothing like the austere

cells sometimes associated with convent life. The walls are adorned with religious but also figurative modern pieces in light earth tones depicting animals and flowers.

The mother superior said she tried not to copy ancient icons as many religious painters do. She believes her paintings reflect the mysterious communion between the artist and the silhouette of the saint that appears slowly on the board of the icon. “The most important for me is to think about whom I paint. How to show their expression, their look. I have to feel that they are looking at me and that is an opening towards the heavens,” she explained. In Gradac everybody is free to express “their God-given talent”, Mother Efimija said.

Father Vitalije, the only man here, is in charge of religious services at the monastery as the Orthodox religion bans women from performing them. A former engineer, he has set up the monastery’s website (http://www.manastirgradac.org.rs). The nuns regularly exhibit their work in galleries around the country and Mother Efimija now has in mind a special project that will show the nuns’ work before and after they joined the order. “The difference is interesting. In my previous works, I was searching for answers, while today I accept life as it is,” she noted.—AFP

In China, professional mourners spice up funerals

H

u Xinglian kneels before the corpse of Liang Zhicai and, with one hand on his metal coffin, lets out a piercing wail. But Hu is not at all grief-stricken-she is a professional mourner. In parts of China, where rural pre-burial rituals are still observed, mourners known as “kusangren” are hired to guarantee that a funeral is a spectacle in grief. And the 53year-old Hu is up to the task. She comes to work with a full soundsystem, multi-color spotlights and the six members of her band, “The Orchestra of the Star and River of Chongqing”.

Her job offers a study in contrasts between modern living and tradition in the southwestern province-sized municipality, home to more than 30 million people and a symbol of the rapid urbanization seen across China. “People in the countryside still show a lot of respect for their dead ancestors,” says Hu, who gained a following in the Chongqing area under a stage name, Ding Ding Mao, which means “Dragonfly” in the local dialect.

Her performance for the funeral of Liang, who died aged 70, takes place under a canvas tent mounted on metal poles outside a forest of rundown buildings. Liang’s coffin is placed in the centre of the makeshift altar, with incense sticks burning around it. A fruit basket has been left as an offering to the

dead. Hu quickly questions a few of the mourners, so that she has enough details about Liang’s life to give the impression that she has known him forever. She and her band eat dinner al fresco with the family-washed down with ample quantities of Sichuan beer. Hu then dons a full white robe-the color of mourn-

black veil for you. The rivers and streams are crying to tell your story-that of an honest man,” Hu sings. “I shed tears for your children and grandchildren. We’re so sorry we could not keep you here,” she croons between sobs.

“This is goodbye, with no return date. The path to the great beyond is arduous, and beset by

This photo taken on June 1, 2011 shows professional mourner Hu Xinglian at a funeral in China’s southwestern city of Chongqing.—AFP

ing in China.

Friends and neighbors of the dead man sit around the edges of the tent. Some smoke, others chat or make telephone calls.

Liang’s relatives kneel around the coffin, their eyes fixed on Hu as her wails reach a fever pitch.” Why did you leave us so soon? The earth is covered in a

storms. Take good care of yourself.”

Hu then dances for several minutes, falling to her knees and crawling several times before shaking the hands of the visibly moved family members. And then suddenly, the evening turns festive. Funereal chants are replaced with popular songs and

A nun painting religious Icons in the monastery at Gradac in Southern Serbia.—AFP photos

comedy stories. A belly dancer performs, followed by a woman in a leopard-print bustier, black leather hot pants and fishnet stockings who writhes to a pulsating techno beat. Lin Shiqing, Liang’s niece, explains that the spectacle should not be seen as a lack of respect for the dead.

“Saying goodbye to the dead is a very important moment, and so the ceremony must be animated and vibrant. If not, the children would be seen poorly by the villagers, who would say they did not respect their elders,” Lin said. According to the Association for Chinese Funeral Culture, tradition dictates that the children and grandchildren of the dead must express their grief in a noisy manner, and with plenty of tears, before the burial.

“If they don’t cry enough, that would be considered by the neighbors as a lack of filial piety,” the association says on its website. So kusangren like Hu are hired to ensure a noisy, impassioned farewell.Hu says her job is “very difficult, and very trying”.”You must express sadness and pain for a family that has lost a loved one. You really have to have great control over your emotions,” she says.—AFP

Nuns preparing a meal at the monastery.

Laying the table for a meal in the monastery.

Marilyn Monroe ‘subway’ dress sells for $4.6m

T

he pleated ivory dress that blew around Marilyn Monroe in an iconic scene from “The Seven Year Itch” sold for $4.6 million at a weekend auction of Hollywood costumes-far exceeding its estimate. The so-called “subway” dress is perhaps the most recognizable in movie history. In Billy Wilder’s 1955 movie, a passing train sent a draft through a great as Monroe giddily stood above it proclaiming, “Isn’t it delicious?”

The William Travilla design was estimated to sell for between $1 million and $2 million, the crown jewel at a 12-hour auction of nearly 600 costumes and pieces of memorabilia being sold by actress Debbie Reynolds in Beverly Hills on Saturday. Monroe’s red-sequined dress from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” went for $1.2 million. Its pre-sale estimate was $200,000 to $300,000. Audrey Hepburn’s Ascot dress from “My Fair Lady,” carrying the same estimate, sold for $3.7 million.

Reynolds, 79, began amassing the impressive collection when she was a young actress under contract at MGM. When the studio auctioned off everything except its real estate in 1970, she turned a pastime into what she called an “obsession.” But her dream of displaying her beloved costumes in a museum was dashed when a Tennessee project went bankrupt in 2006, and she was forced to sell them to pay back creditors. “Now everyone has the opportunity to own them,” Reynolds said.—Reuters

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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

Years

lifestyle Fashion

C

lassic styles with a relaxed feel permeated the Milan runways Sunday, the second day of menswear previews for next spring and summer. Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo and Emporio Armani showed updated versions of the well-tailored summer silhouette, easy to wear and easy to pack. Bottega Veneta and Armani both played with layers and ultralight fabrics.

Ferragamo trotted out well-worn raffia hats and derby shoes, echoing a 1930s artistic look, and high-waisted trousers that are emerging as a trend for next summer.

Less beholden to tradition were Prada and Vivienne Westwood. Minimalist Prada allowed herself to have fun, seeking inspiration in golf, of all things. What emerges is a colorful, upbeat pastiche that works on and off the golf course. Britain’s Vivienne Westwood, thinking ahead to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, presented whacky T-shirts printed with Olympic icons, fanciful laurel wreaths and golden Greek sandals.

PRADA Golf inspired Prada’s offbeat, whimsical menswear collection for next spring and summer. “I was using golf as an excuse to make it eccentric. Even if I hate golf and don’t play, it is completely international,” designer Miuccia Prada said back stage after the preview menswear show Sunday evening. The motif, she said, allowed her to merge ideas and cultures, although the basic theme of the spring-summer 2012 collection was “Americana.” Prada laid artificial turf for the show inside a cavernous industrial space in central Milan, just the thing for the riveted soles of the fringed golf shoes worn by the models — or were they caddies? Several carried floral printed or studded golf bags, with Prada-branded golf clubs. Sporting cocky golf hats, the models seemed to enjoy themselves as they snaked down the grassy runway, to a lively remix of Cole Porter’s “Summertime.” The collection

was perfectly balanced, featuring whimsical comic book figures on shirts, trousers and jackets. A rodeo-style shirt with studded yolk featured cowboys on bucking broncos, teepees and dancing couples. Some trousers showed a miniature golfing tableau. A jacket was printed with musical figures, including a Rockabilly guitarist and a conductor in boxer shorts. The backbone of the collection came in the well-tailored jackets, trousers and sweaters in neutral colors, from tan to black, that became the blank canvas for Prada’s whimsy.

FERRAGAMO Sometimes an obsession is a good thing.

At least if your name is Massimiliano Giornetti and you design clothes for the steeped-in-tradition Ferragamo label. “I am obsessed with elegance and beauty,” said the new creative director of the Florentine brand famous for its shoes and scarves, after a much-applauded show. His goal is to reinvent the classic Ferragamo silhouette and give it a fresh modern energy “step by step.”

The designer is certainly headed in the right direction with his spring-summer 2012 menswear collection unveiled Sunday.

Inspired by the compelling nonchalance of a 1930s artist — Pablo Picasso fits the picture — Giornetti creates a wardrobe which is elegant but never stuffy. His summer man sports a double-breasted suit with a shirt in the same material and high-waisted trousers with pleats. He strolls through life wearing a frayed raffia hat, vintage shades, and classic Derby shoes that allow him to escape into his romantic world.

Styles flow one into the other. A jacket resembles a shirt, a dressing gown morfs into a loose-knit cardigan, and a pair of canvas shoes double as slippers. Materials range from hemp to washed fabrics with a sun-bleached effect. Colors are quiet beige and ivory, pastel grays, and eclectic navy blue.

Models display creations as part of Salvatore Ferragamo Spring-Summer 2012 Menswear collection.

Models display creations as part of Prada Spring-Summer 2012 Menswear collection. — AP/AFP photos

Models display creations as part of Bottega Veneta Spring-Summer 2012 Menswear collection.

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BOTTEGA VENETA Though dressed in rumpled suits and clutching soft colorful leather bags, the Bottega Veneta man is no slouch. The collection previewed Sunday for next spring and summer contained pattern upon pattern in light, easy-to-wear fabrics that give the impression of endless possibilities, including business meeting, pool-side party, or a seaside dash. Colors were deep tourmaline blue, chocolate and indigo, set off by pewter or beige.

The line of the Bottega Veneta suit is nearly unbroken. Deep blue patterned jackets flow into matching tapered pants that give a full view of lace-up shoes, sometimes in the same pattern. Only a zebra/coffee striped shirt, buttoned high, interrupts the flow.

For more formal wear, designer Tomas Maier preferred deep monochromatic gabardine suits in arresting peridot, espresso jolt and dive-deep turquoise. He broke up the line with an off-color waistline — for instance, turquoise on peridot. Suits with

mandarin collars and short waistbands give the appearance of a single piece, in another era a jump suit. Think airplane mechanic, first class. “I’ve always liked the idea of a coverall or jumpsuit, of one single piece of clothing that works for a man the way a dress does for a woman,” Maier said in notes on the collection. “But a tailored jumpsuit is impractical. So we started with the idea of an all-in-one and related it to a suit.”

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Britain’s Vivienne Westwood is gearing up for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

T-shirts were emblazoned with goldembossed Olympic torches, iconic Greek athletic figures and printed Olympic medals draped around the neckline. They were worn with shorts, in pinstripes or Union Jack red, white and blue, with golden Greco-style sandals or bright red penny-loafers accompanied by knee-socks. Westwood’s opinion of the Games is up for grabs: Olympic head wreaths were fashioned out of playing cards, and Olympic medals out of Coca-Cola cans. The collection was not just about funky merchandizing. There also were outfits suggested for the events themselves.

Each has its own eclectic touch: One suit mixes and matches gray and tan plaids, a pair of trousers features an exceedingly convenient kangaroo-style pouch, and a shirt has the bodice of a T-shirt. For a twist on eveningwear, tuxedos with an asymmetrical slant are worn with multiple strapped Mary Jane-style shoes or ballet shoes topped with bows. For those who need time planning their wardrobes, the Games will be held from July 27 to Aug 12, 2012.—AP

British designer Vivienne Westwood and husband Andreas Kronthaler acknowledge the audience at the end of the Vivienne Westwood Spring-Summer 2012 Menswear collection on June 19, 2011 during the Men’s fashion week in Milan.—AFP

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Models display creations as part of Vivienne Westwood Spring-Summer 2012 Menswear collection.

Galliano to appear in Paris court over ‘racist tirades’

ohn Galliano faces charges in a French court tomorrow that he launched racist tirades at a Paris bar, which the fallen superstar designer will blame on drug and alcohol addiction. If found guilty, the 50-year-old couturier-considered one of the finest fashion designers of his generation-could face a sentence of six months in jail and a fine of 22,500 euros ($32,000). Ever since the flamboyant designer’s spectacular fall from grace that saw him sacked from Dior in March after a total of three alleged outbursts came to light, Galliano has “been doing nothing,” said his lawyer Aurelien Hamelle.

“He’s treating his addiction to alcohol and medication. He will think about his professional future” after the trial, said Hamelle, who has replaced his former lawyer Stephane Zerbib after Galliano accused him of embezzlement.

The British designer was arrested on February 24 in a drunken state after a couple in a cafe in Paris’ fashionable and historically Jewish Marais

district alleged he had subjected them to a stream of anti-Semitic abuse. Another woman then came forward to say she suffered a similar attack in October last year and then a video surfaced of Galliano insulting someone else in the same bar and declaring “I love Hitler.”

Galliano has issued an apology for his behavior, but insisted it was not anti-Semitic. He has lodged a counter-complaint against the couple in the first incident, alleging defamation.

But in the footage published online by Britain’s Sun newspaper, a visibly drunk Galliano tells another couple, in the same Paris bar, La Perle, “I love Hitler”. He adds: “People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be f*****g gassed.” Asked where he is from, Galliano replies: “Your a******e.” The release of the video prompted fashion house Dior to sack their star designer, saying his behavior and language was “particularly odious” and sending shockwaves through Paris’ tightly-knit fashion world.

“This video, where he even looks a little strange to himself, gave him a shock,” said Hamelle. Galliano has already said that he will attend the trial, as will hundreds of the world’s media. Five people are expected to testify, including two girls who were sat next to him during the February 24 altercation who say they did not hear him say anything anti-Semitic.

However, two Italian friends of the woman who was allegedly insulted by Galliano last year are set to confirm her version of events.

For Galliano’s lawyer, the varying testimonies show that there’s some doubt about what was actually said. Galliano himself “does not remember because he was in an altered state,” said Hamelle. What he knows is that his alleged insults “do not reflect what he thinks.

He’s not anti-Semitic or racist.”—AFP Picture taken on October 1, 2010 in Paris shows British designer John Galliano acknowledging the public at the end of a Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2011 readyto-wear collection show. — AFP

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21-year-old “history geek” representing California was named Miss USA at the annual beauty pageant in Las Vegas Sunday. Alyssa Campanella, who was born and raised in New Jersey which she represented at the Miss Teen USA contest in 2007, was considered among the favorites by pageant experts. She will represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sept 12.

Campanella was crowned by incumbent Miss USA, Rima Fakih, a Lebanese-born Muslim who was the first Arab-American to hold the title.

Miss Tennessee came in second, Miss Alabama was third, and Miss Texas was fourth. Campanella is a natural blond who dyed her hair red for a play several years ago and never went back. She told Reuters that she moved to Los Angeles about 18 months ago, and would like to remain there once her duties were over. After revealing on the show that she was a “huge history geek” with a special interest in the Tudor and Stuart periods, she added in the interview that her favorite monarch was Mary, Queen of Scots, who was beheaded in 1587.

Campanella won the crown despite giving a muddled answer when a judge asked her whether marijuana should be legalized in California. She replied that marijuana for medical purposes was “very important,” but had concerns about whether legalization would help in the war against drugs. Miss Tennessee, 21-year-old journalism student Ashley Elizabeth Durham, declared that burning the American flag should not be protected by free speech and that burning religious books was “just a line that you do not cross.”

Don’t stand by your man Miss Alabama, 22-year-old Madeleine Mitchell, said Internet bullies whose taunts force their targets to commit suicide should be prosecuted. Miss Texas, 25-year-old Ana Rodriguez, received loud applause when she said the wives of political figures caught in sex scandals should move on “and find a man who really loves you.”

The fate of most of the 51 contestants was decided during a preliminary ceremony last Wednesday when a panel of judges selected 15 of the quarter-finalists based on their swimwear and evening gowns. A 16th spot was reserved for a contestant determined by fans’ Internet voting. During that event, Campanella tripped while parading in her evening gown.

The results were announced early in Sunday’s ceremony, with contestants from Georgia, Arizona, Maine, Utah, Indiana, South Carolina, New York, Hawaii, Florida, Missouri and Maryland rounding out the top 15. Miss New Mexico was the fan favorite for the 16th spot. The semi-finalists were then whittled down to Maine, Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Alabama, Hawaii, California and Maryland by a new panel of judges.—Reuters

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Miss California, a history buff, named Miss USA

Miss USA hosts Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic introduce the contestants in the Miss USA 2011 pageant, Sunday in Las Vegas. — AP photos

Alyssa Campanella, Miss California, second from left, reacts after being announced as a finalist.

Alyssa Campanella, Miss California, is crowned as the 2011 Miss USA by Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih.

Miss California Alyssa Campanella wins the new Miss USA.

Amber Marie Collins, Miss New York, introduces herself at the start of the Miss USA pageant.

Alyssa Campanella, Miss California, is introduced as one of the quarterfinalists in the Miss USA pageant.

Miss California Alyssa Campanella

Hope Driskill, Miss Missouri, is introduced as one of the quarterfinalistis.

Kaylin Reque, Miss Georgia, is introduced as one of the 16 quarterfinalists.

(From left) Miss California, Miss Tennessee, Miss Texas and Miss Alabama, the four finalists wait to be asked questions during the 2011 Miss USA pageant.

Ana Christina Rodriguez, Miss Texas, is introduced as one of the quarterfinalists.

Miss California (right) and Miss Tennessee Ashley Elizabeth Durham react as they are announced as the two remaining finalists.