24 Aug

ON IP TI SC R SU B

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

03:47 03:57 05:21 11:51 15:25 18:20 19:40 150 FILS

Emsak: Fajer: Shoruk: Dohr: Asr: Maghreb: Eshaa:

Eid holidays begin on Tuesday Aug 30

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www.kuwaittimes.net

RAMADAN 24, 1432 AH

Iran unveils new marine missile

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Sobirov reigns supreme to stop Japan sweep

Dissidents, UN pile pressure on Assad

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40 PAGES

NO: 15190

Joy and fear as rebels capture Gaddafi’s HQ

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US monitoring chemical weapons sites; Gaddafi son resurfaces

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conspiracy theories

Does it make a difference?

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

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ince the liberation of Kuwait our parliament has been jinxed. Honestly speak ing, the National Assembly never accomplished anything that is in the interest of the nation. Guys, if you know any good projects they have done please enlighten me. All I know about parliament is that their only interest is to grill the prime minister. This has caused the dissolution of the parliament many times. I agree that parliament has the right to grill whoever they want but they have no right to keep the country at standstill.

As if grilling the Prime Minister has been the primary mission of the Honorable Gentlemen and that is why we have elected them. They are not bothered about our day-to-day needs. They are not bothered to secure our borders and develop the country. They are not bothered to fix the problem with electricity and water shortages. They are not bothered to fix our health care, corruption and labor issues. They are not bothered to fix our workers’ employment, which by the way turned Kuwait into a laughing stock in front of the whole world.

MPs think of a problem only when it happens.

There is no planning ahead. Take the education problem as an example. All of them volunteered to attack the Ministry of Education and give suggestions only when we were facing the problem of university seats’ shortages. None of them planned for the nation ahead of time. The same thing applies to electricity. They all keep quiet until we have a power cut. The same thing applies to sewage. The same thing applies to human rights. Only when we are attacked from abroad then they talk about solving a problem. This is the case with every issue.

Take the border issue for example. They only think of projects when a problem happens. As if they are there for that reason. That means there is no planning. They take things at random.

Parliament knows about things when there is a problem. I don’t think our parliament is concerned about any of these issues. And to cream the cake now came out the story about millions of KD transferred to accounts of two parliamentarians. The allegations are about money-laundering. Now we find out that there is a huge corruption in parliament our watchdog and monitoring tool. Then whom would you trust?

If the parliament, the body which is supposed to be the watchdog of the nation, is corrupt then what is left? Are we better off without this parliament?

Does it make a difference if there is a parliament or not? I think not having checks and balances is also a disaster. Honestly, this parliament reminds me of an old Arabic proverb which goes like this: ‘It hurts if a person swallows a blade and it hurts more if he pulls it out’. All I could say is: God Bless Kuwait, parliament or no parliament. Have a nice evening!

TRIPOLI: Rebel fighters kick the head of a statue of Muammar Gaddafi, after entering his compound in Tripoli yesterday.

(Inset) Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Libyan leader flashes the V-sign for victory as he appears in front of supporters and journalists in Tripoli. — AP

TRIPOLI: Triumphant rebels seized Muammar Gaddafi’s compound in Tripoli yesterday after a fierce battle with a loyalist rearguard but there was no word on the fate of the Libyan leader who vowed again to fight “to the end”.

Journalists watched rebel fighters stream through the sprawling Bab Al-Aziziya headquarters compound, firing in the air in celebration after hours of heavy clashes. But it was unclear whether the “Brother Leader” or his sons were still somewhere in the complex’s maze of buildings and bunkers. Defensive fire died away and hundreds of jubilant rebels poured in. Some smashed a statue of Gaddafi. Others hunted through dozens of buildings, unchallenged, seizing weaponry and vehicles. The rebels’ envoy to the United Nations said the area was “totally in the hands of the revolutionaries”. One man shouted: “It’s over. Gaddafi is finished.” The Russian head of the World Chess Federation, who visited Gaddafi in Tripoli in June, said he had received a call from him yesterday afternoon in which Gaddafi said he was still in the capital.

He “is in Tripoli, he is alive and healthy and is prepared to fight to the end”, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov said. The rebels’ envoy in Rome, Hafed Gaddur, said: “It seems clear that he is confined to his bunker complex.” “We thought Tripoli would be liberated in one month or perhaps even two months, instead that happened in just a few hours, a day, so we’ve made great progress,” he said.

Western governments, which have backed disparate opposition groups, said they could not be sure where the 69-year-old leader was but urged him to surrender after six months of civil war which have put an end to his four decades of absolute power. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said after speaking to US President Barack Obama that the end of Gaddafi’s rule was “inevitable and near”. NATO, which declined to confirm reports that its air forces bombed Gaddafi’s compound to aid the rebels, said Gaddafi’s whereabouts were unclear but no longer a major concern.

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DSK a free man; case dismissed NEW YORK: Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was a free man yesterday after a US judge dismissed all sex crime charges, ending a three-month saga that captivated the world and turned French politics on its head.

Judge Michael Obus took just a few minutes to approve a request by prosecutors to abandon their case, which they said was untenable given constant lying by the hotel maid who accused Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault.

There was a last-minute delay while an appeals court considered an attempt by the maid’s lawyer to have a special prosecutor take over the flailing investigation. The moment the court Nafissatou Diallo denied the appeal, Strauss-Kahn was free. Strauss-Kahn, 62, looked visibly relieved as he left the building accompanied by millionaire French wife Anne Sinclair, who has stood firmly by his side ever since the sensational sex scandal erupted in May. “This is the end of a terrible and unjust ordeal,”

Strauss-Kahn told reporters outside of his upscale temporary residence in Lower Manhattan “I’m eager to return to my country, but first there are a few small things I need to do before leaving,” Strauss-Kahn said, pledging: “I’ll express myself at greater length once I’m back in France.” Strauss-Kahn said he was “relieved” for his wife, children and “everyone who has supported me at this time by sending me letters and emails.”

“They should know that their support has been very significant,” he said. In a separate written statement, the one -time front-runner for the French presiStrauss-Kahn dency called the legal saga a “nightmare.” Even if he returns to France, Strauss-Kahn’s reputation has been badly sullied by an affair that forced him to resign as head of the International Monetary Fund and put his French presidential dreams on hold.

Continued on Page 15

in the

news

Fire kills 15 in China

Karachi death toll hits 101

BEIJING: A fire at a ceramics factory in southern China killed 15 people yesterday, two of whom died after jumping from the burning building, state media reported. The fire broke out around dawn at the Shengfeng Ceramics Company plant in Foshan in the booming export-dependent province of Guangdong, the official Xinhua news agency reported. More than 100 firefighters put out the blaze around two hours after it started, it added. Rapid growth is throwing up vast numbers of new buildings and factories in China. While major fires have been relatively rare compared with other developing countries, safety can be lax with blocked emergency exits a particular problem. Fire department official Sun Jiangmin told Xinhua that the fire started on the second floor of the building, which houses dormitories and offices, and spread quickly.

KARACHI: Pakistani politicians, industrialists and citizens stepped up calls yesterday for the army to intervene to quell violence destabilizing Karachi, where more than 100 have been killed in a week. “We demand the armed forces take over the city, restore law and order and ensure safety to innocent people’s lives,” Khalid Tawab, vice president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) said. “Business activity has been disrupted because of incessant killing. People don’t want to go to market because of risks to life,” he said. Ethnic and criminal violence blamed on gangs has killed 101 people in the last week, the latest bout in the worst criminal and ethnic violence to hit Pakistan’s largest city and financial capital for 16 years. “At least nine people were killed since Monday evening, so far 101 people have been killed since Wednesday morning,” a senior security official told AFP on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to media.

FOSHAN: Chinese police check the accident scene after a fire engulfed a four-storey building of the Shengfeng Ceramics Factory in southern China’s Guangdong province yesterday. — AFP

Bedoons suffer uncertain fate LONDON: For years after he left his native Kuwait, Mohamed Alenezi had nightmares about checkpoints and would wake up terrified that the police were chasing him. A religious man, Alenezi had not broken any law. His crime was of being an illegal immigrant in the land of his forebears, but without ties to any other country — stateless.

On Thursday, the UN refugee agency UNHCR will launch an international campaign to highlight the plight of millions of people not considered nationals by any country. Being stateless is like being “between the earth and the sky ”, said Alenezi, 42, now a British citizen. “You are here and not here,” he said in London, where he lives with his wife and seven children and works as an Arabic teacher. “You are here as a human being, but you don’t have an identity. Without an identity, without Continued on Page 15

CB governor rejects offer KUWAIT: Informed sources at the finance ministry said that Central Bank Governor Sheikh Salem Abdelaziz AlSabah has informed the Finance Minister Mustafa AlShamali that he does not wish to head the National Committee. The committee has been set up to fight money laundering in the state.

Ramadan Kareem

Morals in the life and Da’wah of Prophets (II)

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dhering to Tawheed (monotheism): Tawheed is purity as it is acknowledgement of the truth, while Shirk (polytheism) is an impurity as Allah the Almighty Says (what means): {indeed the polytheists are unclean.} [Quran 9:28] This is because Shirk is the denial of truth, and even if the polytheists superficially bathed, adorned and perfumed themselves their inner impurity would still not be removed.

Sins and evil deeds are considered impurities, as the Prophet (PBUH), said: “Whoever commits any of these sins should conceal them and make use of the concealment granted to him by Allah. Whoever openly admits to his sins [to other people] will be punished with what is prescribed in the Quran.” In order to perfect morality and obtain the desired objectives, we should be careful in matters pertaining to Tawheed and legislation and follow the Sunah of the Prophet (PBUH), in this regard.

The Prophet (PBUH) implanted two crucial principles in his Companions: the first was to worship Allah the Almighty without associating any other deity with Him, while the second principle was to worship Allah the Almighty according to His Legislation and no other. The Prophet (PBUH) did not allow any of his Companions to break either of these two principles. Once the Prophet (PBUH), saw Continued on Page 15

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

local

PAAAFR hosts annual ghabqa for staff KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) hosted their annual ghabqa for staff members at their headquarters’ building in Al-Rabiya. The event was attended by Minister of Public Work and State Minister for Municipality Affairs Dr Fadhel Safar. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

EPIC hosts ghabqa for media KUWAIT: The Environment Preservation Industrial Company (EPIC) hosted its annual media ghabqa at the Marina Hotel recently, which was attended by representatives of local press and media. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait sponsored the annual Ramadan ghabqa organized by administration of the Husain Makki Jum’ah center to medical and nursing staff and all other employees, as they volunteered to distribute free girgian to people in attendance.

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local

Iftar helps strengthen familial bonds

Lamb Machbous

residents prefer sharing meals with family

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: At least 236 respondents that participated in a recent Kuwait Times online poll on the ideal venue to have Iftar meals, stated that they preferred to do so at home. Twenty four people wanted to have a meal at a fancy restaurant, another 23 respondents enjoyed a meal in the company of their friends. Only 10 respondents chose to break their fasts at the work place.

Kuwait Times also asked other residents about reasons why many chose to have meals with their family. “Of course, enjoying an Iftar with family at home is my choice. I like to eat in the presence of my children and husband. I prefer to be surrounded by my immediate family members. I would like to eat at a restaurant for a change, two or three times during Ramadan. I don’t like to attend Iftar in someone else’s home,” Manal, a 42-year- old mother told the Kuwait Times.

“I prefer being with my family during Iftar. I also like to eat with my friends in a restaurant, maybe once a week. Ramadan especially, is a great opportunity for the family to gather for an Iftar meal, as this is very difficult during regular days due hectic work schedules of family members,” said Ahmad, a 26-year- old employee.

Expatriates whose families live in other countries, share meals with friends, “In general, I prefer to eat with my family at home. Right now, I don’t have a choice but eat a meal with my friends. Eating at home

helps strengthen familial bonds, also solidifying the spirit of Ramadan. So I either invite my bachelor or married friends home or I receive invitation to attend an Iftar party at their home,” stated Fadi, a 50 year- oldbachelor. “I like to feel comfortable so I choose to eat Iftar at home, and pray at home. In addition, I watch programs and soap operas on TV that I don’t like to miss out on. When invited, I prefer to go to a house, I don’t like to eat Iftar meals in restaurants. I don’t mind attending a Ghabqa or Souhoor though,” noted a 35-years-old Ibtisam.

Some attribute homely comforts to their decision to stay indoors, “I like to eat at home with my family, as I enjoy it more. Also I like to take a nap after Iftar and don’t like to drive the car after eating,” said a 22-yearold Hamad.

With Iftar comes a feeling of familial bonding says another resident, “I’m happy to eat with my children and wife. After the main course of Iftar, we pray together. We sit together and enjoy sweets. I prefer to invite my friends over rather than pay a social visit,” pointed out Sherif, a 45-year-old father.

An Iftar dish at Missoni Hotel in Kuwait.

Ingredients: • 1 leg of lamb or 1k. boneless lamb pieces • 1 whole cinnamon stick • 2 whole cloves • 4 cardamom pods • 1 onion, cut in quarters • Salt • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom • 1/4 cup oil • 3 cups Basmati rice • Pinch of saffron threads Preparation: Soak saffron threads in 1/4 cup of warm water. Wash the leg of lamb or large lamb pieces thoroughly and place in a pot. Cover with water and spices, and simmer for one hour or more till the meat is tender, adding salt after half an hour. When meat is tender, remove the meat, and strain and reserve the stock.

• While the meat is cooking, rinse the rice, leave to soak in cold water for 15 minutes, then drain well. Also prepare the garnish and sauce.

• In a separate pan, heat 1/4 cup oil. Sprinkle meat with a teaspoon of ground cardamom, brown it in the oil and remove. To the remaining oil add the drained rice and 4 cups of stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer till all the liquid is absorbed. Pour saffron water over rice and top with meat. Cover well and warm on lowest heat for 15 minutes. Spoon rice onto a shallow dish, top with garnish and meat. Serve with sauce. Serves 4-6.

Garnish (Heshew) Ingredients: • 1/3 cup sultanas, soaked in water • 1/3 cup pine nuts • 1 large onion, chopped • 1 teaspoon each ground cumin, cardamom and black

lime powder Preparation: • Brown onions in a non-stick pan without oil, stirring continuously. Add pine nuts and brown, then add drained sultanas and spices. Set aside.

Sauce (Dakkous) • 1/4 cup oil • 1 small onion, chopped • 3 cloves garlic, chopped fine • 1 T. white vinegar • 4 medium tomatoes, pureed, or 1 can tomato sauce • 2 T. tomato paste • 1/2 cup water • Salt to taste Preparation: • Fry onions and garlic till golden. Add remaining ingredients, stir and simmer for 5 minutes.

Toshriba Ingredients • Toshriba bread 500 g • Diced Tomato 200g • Tomato paste 500g • Lamb meat 800g • Chopped Onion 100g • Chopped Garlic 50g • Oil 10 cl • Water 2 ltrs • Dry lemom 50g • Raw garlic 50g • Whole Carrot 4 pieces • Marrow 4 pcs • 2 Bell pepper to cut 4 pcs eah • Salt and pepper • Mix spices Preparation: • Take a pan and heat the oil • Add garlic and onion sautÈed for few minutes till become brown color • Cook the meat for 10 minutes till becomes dry • Put spices on top (cumin, coriander etc.)

• Add tomato and tomato paste leave it till tomato become soft than pour water on low heat and let the meat cook softly • Add vegetables • At last take toshriba bread and sink it in the meat water • Serve hot

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

LOCAL

in my View

kuwait digest

Adapt or Die!

The KU’s chosen people

By Fouad Al-Obaid hen we look around and seek to understand the diversity of our world and its distinct history, one can only be amazed at how we ended up on this lonely planet with no known contemporary in this solar system - at least as of yet!

The cosmic challenge to our human existence is daunting, and yet, inexplicably here we are thriving. We should further be greatly happy that in the struggle for power, despite there being other mammal contenders, we the ‘Homo Sapiens’ developed and far surpassed our nearest primate competition, intellectually!

If we look back at the beginning, it is a commonly accepted theory that an explosion billion years ago set the elements necessary for our present existence. A simple reflection on such a reality would probably astonish most, if not all human beings. I suspect that along with a simple contemplation, it should lead and rightly so, to the development of various creation myths in all human societies that are both primitive and advanced, the later tends to be more scientific. Basically, the attempt was made to reflect a given reality that out of nothing, we are something today! Adding further to the mystery of our species is the chaotic environment in which we humans evolved. To the surprise of many, we are thriving in it. In a matter of seconds, on a cosmic scale, we went from a primitive hunter-gatherer society; to a modern metropolis-oriented species. Yet, the true amazement in my humble opinion, is the rate of discoveries that are increasing drastically. We find ourselves daily on a new frontier of knowledge, in it, a new height for our collective human development is present.

It is with the latter in mind that one realizes that this miracle we witness on a daily basis is a constant struggle; a challenge.

We humans are faced with numerous problems that could potentially lead to our individual - and at times - our collective demise. In the contemporary world we live in, the number of things that could come to compromise our survival is mindboggling. Yet once again, despite the odds, here we are, seven billion-strong for better or worse!

Conflict in human history is constant. Whether on a personal level between two kin, to destructive world wars that led to the decimation of millions, we have always been at arm’s length from potential conflict. Still today, in the 21st century, we suffer from a disease that should no longer be present. Yet, when we look into, perhaps, the most pressing cause of conflict; a political scientist and sociologist can only be amused that what divides us is abstract concepts that the average person on earth has no time to reflect upon. The issues that lead us to clash are psychological. Perhaps, the most pressing cause of massive war has been faith and belief not on what happens today on earth, rather on each person’s version of thereafter!

For instance, the conflict that today is a growing cause of concern in the Middle East happens to be the challenge of two sects of a single religion. Sunnis and Shiites both claim to be Muslims. Both practice the tenets of faith. Both pray, fast, give alms, go to Makkah, and believe in God and his messenger. To a stranger there should be no logical cause for conflict at least religious and yet! When analyzing the reason for sectarian tension, the matters that anger both camps and pit them against one against sounds childish - and actually does sound childish to a European 8-year-old if explained properly! A little reflection would lead the 8-year-old to answer in childish logic; the conflicting parties are fighting over interpretation centered on each party’s belief of how they ought to worship the Almighty! I hope that readers will appreciate the irony of such a conflict, and hope that it would perhaps start a quest to strive for a greater awareness on matters that may sound trivial to most people in a educated environment. Nevertheless, and to my surprise, it is still a source of tension when it should be a source of cooperation! — fouad@kuwaittimes.net, Twitter: @Fouadalobaid

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By Saud Al-Asfour

he Kuwait University’s teaching staff members’ association is a group that regards itself as being ‘chosen,’ exhibiting a certain xenophobic trait. In short, its objected to any decision made to appoint a new KU professor unless candidates are relatives or close associates.

The KU Faculty Association (KUFA) and its supporters in the Parliament staged a protest when it felt that increasing the number of professors at the state’s only public university is the only way overcapacity problem can be resolved. In its perspective, the KUFA believes that such a stipulation will allow ‘strangers’ to share their position, which they perceive as a threat.

Therefore, the KUFA spread the hideous lie that “candidates with unaccredited degrees will be appointed at

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kuwait digest

The invisible man’s allies

By Dr Ahmad Y Al-Duaij he KD 25 million scandal exposed by Al-Qabas daily has been shocking by all standards. It will have a grave political repercussion. According to sources, some 14 MPs have reportedly accepted bribes and given false oaths, and they no longer care about the matter.

The blame should not be placed on them but on the voters. The people who spread the news are not naive, and they know what they are doing very well.

There is no ignorance in the case, but it is a perfect crime that was planned by the ‘invisible man’s’ allies to reach a bigger goal.

Once the major scandal begins, it is a sought-after goal planned by the ‘invisible man’s allies. No one can ask for the name to be announced because that cannot be done. However, the person in question abhors speeches or statements thanks to his limited abilities.

Those MPs that carry the banner aloft to spread the news are the ones affiliated to the ‘invisible man.’ The bank that leaked the news will lose its credibility, and major

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depositors will have lose confidence in it.

During the famous parliamentary session on ‘non-cooperation’ was held on June 23, 2011. HH the Prime Minister succeeded in overcoming it because of the support pledged to some MPs along with the so-called National Alliance. A major crisis had occurred because of the opportunistic nature of the MPs’ alliance. The government was generous with the allies of the invisible man, allotting it many positions.

The National Alliance faced a major setback, especially among its young members, when the shameful and opportunistic stance taken during the no confidence motion fell apart.

After receiving the fruits of its decision, it planned to turn against its ally, and forge an alliance with its ‘spare’ ally. On June 25, 2011 I had written on the “shifting allegiances.” Its pressure will continue on HH the Prime Minister. It will not adopt a new grilling motion unless there is a real intention to turnaround the political situation. — Al-Watan

The blame should not be placed on them but on the voters. The people who spread the news are not naive, and they know what they are doing very well.

There are apparently hundreds of Kuwaitis with PhD degrees from recognized and prestigious universities that are waiting for a chance to teach at the KU the KU.” There are apparently hundreds of Kuwaitis with PhD degrees from recognized and prestigious universities that are waiting for a chance to teach at the KU. A few days ago, the KU published an advertisement in an Egyptian newspaper seeking professors for its Faculty of Law. This is ironic, given the fact that the KU rejects Kuwaiti PhD holders from Egyptian universities.

It further states that candidates should have had experience and published research papers, a condition used as a pretext to reject the Kuwaiti candidate. My question is, how can they gain any when the only public university in their country shuts its door?

No one is asking to lower the standard of education (The KU’s teaching standards are already low because of the ‘efforts’ of its ‘chosen people’). No one is saying that every PhD holder should be appointed to teach in the KU. We are only asking that the KU give opportunities to candidates with PhDs that are accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education. That is, unless the current minister Ahmad Al-Mulaifi, currently working on his PhD at a Bahraini university, believes that his degree once obtained will not qualify him to teach at the ‘heavenly’ University of Kuwait! — Al-Rai

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ISPs to lift cap, to reduce prices by 42% Ministry to revoke licenses if ISPs fail to comply with new policy

By Hussain Al-Qatari KUWAIT: Representatives of Kuwait’s Internet Service Provider companies and ministry officials have reached an agreement on reducing subscription fees on consumers by 42 percent, an official from the Ministry of Communication said. A decree on this regard will be announced within the week, “The Ministry of Communication has agreed to reduce the tax that Internet Service Provider companies pay by 42 percent, on the condition that the companies reduce their subscription fees to consumers by the same rate,” said the official who wished to remain anonymous. The ministry went as far as to threaten to revoke the licenses of any ISPs that fail to comply with the new policy.

Amir meets Burkina Faso’s ambassador KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Seif Palace yesterday the People’s Republic of Burkina Faso’s ambassador Omar Diawara, on the occa-

sion of ending his tenure. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah and Amiri Diwan Advisor Mohammad Abdullah Abu Al-Hassan. —KUNA

No cases filed on ‘cash transfer’ suspicions KUWAIT: The head of Kuwait’s Public Prosecution Office confirmed that no complaints have been filed against multi-million dinar deposits made to an MP’s bank accounts, pointing out that local banks directly notify authorities on suspected cases of money laundering or cash transfer cases that arouse suspicion.

“After receiving notification from local banks, the Public Prosecution Office verified the information with the Central Bank of Kuwait before launching a probe into money laundering or suspicious transfer cases,” said acting Attorney General Dherar Al-Asousy in a statement to Al-Rai. He stated that no notifications were received so far.

Al-Qabas daily reported on Saturday that the bank accounts of two MPs were credited with deposits worth KD 17 million and KD 8 million respectively, drawing strong reactions from the people, amid speculations that these payments were illegal.

On Monday, Al-Qabas published a press release issued by the Kuwait Banks Association which urged that local banks follow a transparent system to

ensure the integrity of banking transactions, and maintain top-level security in line with international standards. The KBA also reiterated that local banks strictly follow a 2002 provision that tackles money laundering. Regulations prevent them from releasing details concerning suspicious cases, aside from the Public Prosecution Department, reported Al-Rai. In the meantime, local bankers appear worried about the integrity of the banking field given the recent development on which they blame ‘political interventions.’ In statements published in Al-Rai daily yesterday, many bankers feel that Kuwait has taken effective measures to fight illegal money transactions after enacting the Anti-Money Laundering law in 2002, reiterating news mentioned in earlier reports which indicate that banks have filed 111 cases against this phenomenon during the past five years.

The bankers and businessmen who spoke to Al-Rai warned them against dragging the banking sector into “political struggles” that could hurt both the country’s economy and reputation.

The Internet bandwidth cap crisis escalated in June, when companies applied a fair usage policy on users. Representatives of the Internet Service Providers stressed that they were forced to take such measures in order to avoid straining their servers. By putting a daily download bandwidth limit on consumers, the companies guaranteed that their servers are never exhausted.

Speaking to the Kuwait Times, a source at a major Internet Service Provider company who is knowledgeable on the subject and who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymi-

KUWAIT: The Eid Al-Fitr holidays will officially begin on August 30, 2011, regardless of the exact day on which the Muslim holiday falls. However, the number of days will vary depending on the first day of Eid. According to a circular released by the Civil Service Commission, the Eid AlFitr holidays will begin from August 30 to September 1. Normal working hours will resume on September 4, should the holy month of Ramadan fall short of completing its 30-day period.

The holiday break will extend to six days instead of five, if Eid begins on August 31. Sunday will be declared a public holiday to compensate for the fact that the Muslim celebration falls on a Friday.

Work at the public sector will then resume on September 5. The decision to mark Tuesday as the start of the break is based on a Cabinet decree where the 30th day of Ramadan is always observed as Eid AlFitr, reported Al-Qabas.

Muslims around the world observe the crescent to determine the start of Eid AlFitr holiday. The appearance of the crescent moon in the sky marks the beginning of the holiday.

Veteran Kuwaiti meteorologists Adel Al-Saadoun and Dr Saleh Al-Ujairi have confirmed that the lunar month of Shawwal - which follows Ramadan begins on August 30. Sighting the crescent is still necessary to make this prediction official.

KUWAIT: The special economic advisor y panel that has been formed to assess the local and global economic situation has recommended that an additional fees be levied on certain services instead of imposing taxes to diversify sources of income.

According to officials, an agreement was reached to form two sub-committees; the first will handle subjects pertinent with development and enhancement of infrastructure. The other will delve into matters concerning the state’s budgets and expenditure.

The two subcommittees will be chaired by Central Bank Governor Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah and Gulf Bank CEO Ali Al-Badr. However, officials failed to specify who would head the sub-committees.

The meeting, which took place at the Seif Palace, was chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad AlSabah. It is the second one since the 30-member committee was formed comprising top officials from the government and private sector. The first meeting was

By A Saleh KUWAIT: MP Dr Yousuf Zalzalah made a draft suggestion to form a new company to provide cattle and fresh meat and to be fully financed by government and work independently from Kuwait Livestock trading company. He said, it seems that the case of meat shortage has become one of the crises which the government and the concerned parties do not want to solve. Especially that Kuwait Livestock Co, which is entrusted to solve this problem, has failed completely, and since it is a government company it did not overcome the problem despite subsidies from the government. The excuses given for meat shortage in the market are unjustified, sources said.

MP Abdul Rahman Al Anjari has made a question to the Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr Amani Borusly: During the past years, news-

chaired by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah who urged members to seek measures to protect the economy by diversifying sources of income while taking into account the situation of people earning lowincome.

On Monday, committee members discussed a worksheet provided by CB Governor Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah, addressing the flaws present in the state’s economy owing to its dependence on oil, reported Al-Rai. Committee members also discussed public spending rates, and described it as a “threat to the state’s financial situation.” They insisted on finding measures to curb them. One member, identified as Hamza Abbas, reportedly proposed that a ceiling be placed on state expenditures.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, further indicated that the CB governor’s agenda contains several proposals to boost privatization, diversify sources of income and invest more in human resources.

Traffic police announce alternate routes to mosques KUWAIT: To organize traffic on roads leading to the Grand Mosque and Jaber Al Ali Mosque, south of Surra, on the occasion of the last ten days of Ramadan and ‘Qiyam Al-Lail’ prayers, the Traffic Department has announced alternate routes that lead to the Grand Mosque: 1. Arabian Gulf Road, take Al-Saif roundabout towards the Grand Mosque.

2. Arabian Gulf Road for those approaching from Khalid Ibn AlWaleed to Abdullah Al-Ahmad street, proceed towards the mosque.

3. For motorists from Kuwait City on Khalid Ibn Al-Waleed street, to the roundabout and then proceed towards the mosque.

4. For motorists taking the AlMirqab route, Mubarak Al-Kabeer

street towards Abdul Razzaq Dirwaza till the Stock Exchange crossing.

5. For motorists coming along the Municipality Park Abdullah AlAhmad Street towards the Central Bank crossing and stock exchange crossing, then proceed towards the mosque.

6. Motorists from all governorates can reach the Grand mosque through Al-Maghreb Street, Cairo Street, Istiqlal Street, Riyadh Street, and Arabian Gulf road.

7. Parking space is available for elderly and the handicapped at S o u q A l -Tu jjar par k in g lot, Municipality parking, NBK parking, Souq Al-Kuwait parking, Souq Al-Manakh parking, Marafi yard parking.

The good news is that by reducing the fees that the companies pay for, these companies will be able to buy more bandwidth, “Whether this policy is efficient or not, we will only be able to tell in the coming months. For now, ISPs are scampering to find the best way they can employ the new policy,” he said.

A customer service representative of an ISP company noted that companies are in the process of putting together a mechanism to refund subscribers who paid fees before prices were slashed. Details will be announced within the coming weeks.

MP propose of fresh meat factory financed by govt

Economic committee propose levying additional fees

Eid holidays to start on Tuesday

ty stressed that the solution proposed by the Ministry of Communication is half-baked and at best temporary, if it can be considered a solution at all. “Our cost is not just the fees we pay to the Ministry of Communication. We are also obligated with other fees and costs. By forcing us to reduce our prices by 42 percent, we are reducing our profitability as well,” he said. He added that by limiting the subscription fees and the profitability, they limit competition between the different providers, and therefore, affect the quality of service provided to the consumers.

The Kuwait Public Transport Company’s buses will ply to the Grand Mosque and vice versa.

The Traffic Department has announced that is not parking vehicles to the right or left side of the road next to the mosque or pavements is not allowed. Roads leading to the mosque from Maarafi roundabout, till the Stock Exchange crossing will be cordoned off from 10 pm till the prayers are complete.

The safest road that leads to Jaber Al Ali mosque, south of Surra, is the entrance to Al Zahra from the Sixth Ring Road.

Citizens and residents are requested to cooperate with traffic police and abide by instructions to reduce overcrowding so that the two mosques can be easily accessed.

papers used to publish reports issued by capital standard and report them to minister of commerce being the owner of the company. What is the relation of the minister with this company? What position does she have in that company, and does she still have that position.

He added if the answer is negative, please advise the minister to resign from that job. He further enquired, being a teaching staff member in Kuwait University if she had obtained a license for studies and consulting office as per university regulations and whether her work in that company was approved from university management?

Meanwhile, MP Maasouma Al Mubarak said that Kuwaiti military formalities in Boubyan island came after some Iraqi groups tried to enter it by force, accusing the Iraqi politicians who oppose Mubarak port project, and that those politicians are

trying to revive the claims of the ex Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. She pointed that the Iraqi technical committee verified that the project consists no harm to Iraq.

Al Mubarak told the Iraq media that to prepare around forces inside Kuwait border is right on the side of Kuwait. She added, what happened three days back of sending Iraqi group threaten the Kuwaiti border and were trying to uproot the gates separating the borders and create confusion documented by pictures.

Such action has made Kuwait to bring security men and around and place them at its border to avoid any actions on both sides. Pointing that any movements by Kuwaiti forces inside its territory does not present any threat to anyone as Kuwait is a small state and it is not in our interest to create problems with Iraq. She considered that Kuwait is practicing its sovereignty over its territory and

that is not a threat to Iraq or anyone else. She further called upon Baghdad to curb those who try to cross the Kuwaiti border as it is from the concern of the Iraqi authorities.

Dr Maasouma added that Kuwaitis ask Iraqis simply to implement the UN resolutions and respect the border between the two countries and to confess that Mubarak port is part of Kuwait sovereignty over its lands. She continued that Kuwait has said several times through His Highness the Amir that Kuwait does not accept that Mubarak port cause any harm to Iraq. Pointing out that the technical committee came from Iraq and was convinced that the project causes no harm to Iraq, and this was confirmed

by Iraqi foreign minister several times. She called upon Iraqis to look at the project positively emphasizing that the project shall serve Kuwait, Iraq and the whole region.

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local

News

in brief

KUWAIT: Workers are seen desperately trying to protect themselves from the strong sunrays yesterday at two different locations in Kuwait. The maximum temperature recorded at the Kuwait Airport yesterday was 48 degrees C, while it reached as high as 50 C degrees at the northern city of AlAbdaly according to official Meteorological Department numbers. Meteorologists said yesterday it marked the end of the hottest meteorological phase in the summer, while today sees the beginning of a phase known locally as ‘Al-Suhail’ in which temperatures begin to gradually drop.

— Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Salafi MP explodes on Hayef’s ill-treatment Hayef case heads to criminal court

By A Saleh

KUWAIT: Salafi group member MP Khalid Al-Sultan expressed his resentment in a press release on government detaining MP Mohammad Hayef and mistreat him, for asking Fatwa, while some dailies have published the scandal of challenging government in the case of inflating the accounts of some MPs. Al-Sultan pointed out that this is another proof of government conduct in spoiling the country and infringe public finance, while the urgent public issues like admitting students in the university, employment and housing and other important issues are neglected which indicate the inevitability to make change

in government leaders. On the other hand, Al-Sultan added in his press release that the fall of Al-Gaddafi and his regime and other leaders is a lesson for everyone to learn from.

Meanwhile, the public prosecution referred the case filed by the Ministry of Interior against MP Mohammad Hayef to the Criminal Court, after completing investigations, releasing him on a KD 2,000 bail.

Hayef is facing state security charges as well as charges of murder threat, over statements he made during a public rally in which he called for seeking a religious consultation over the probability of executing the Syrian ambassador to Kuwait for his support to a regime involved in

Combat training ends KUWAIT: Under the patronage of the Director of Special Security Forces Brig. Ali Madhi and the presence of his Assistant Colonel Shukri Al-Najjar, the specialized training center celebrated the end of training session which had several special courses for fighting riots, explosive discovery, protection of aircrafts and VIPs security.

violent crackdowns against Syrian civilians. According to sources familiar with the issue, the public prosecution provided the court with results of investigations with several witnesses, as well as a recap for a review to a tape for the seminar in which Hayef made his statements at the Iradah Square.

The prosecutor demands that Hayef is penalised for damaging bilateral relations between Kuwait and friendly nations. Hayef denied during interrogation that he had threatened to kill the Syrian ambassador, stating that he only asked for religious scholars to be consulted over the matter, reported Annahar.

Hayef argued during an open meeting he held at his diwaniya in Ferdous follow-

57 patients treated at Grand Mosque KUWAIT: The Medical Contingency Team dealt with 57 cases at the Grand Mosque. At least 25 men and 32 women were administered treatment on the site. Two women were admitted to the Amiri hospital.

ing his release, that the case filed against him is fabricated, while he accused the Ministry of Interior of adopting a double standards approach by claiming that they failed to take similar actions regarding previous cases similar to his.

“This fabricated case was forwarded in support of the Syrian ambassador who defends a regime that commits crimes against his own unarmed civilians which were condemned by all honorable countries worldwide”, Hayef said, criticizing the government for “failing to file case against KD 25 million bribes paid to MPs” - referring to speculations over recently released reports that claim that large deposits were made to bank accounts of two MPs, reported Al-Jarida.

Classroom strength to be raised KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education is mulling over the option of allowing public schools to admit more than 25 students per class, an average laid down by the Cabinet to enhance teaching quality.

It hopes that increasing the strength will help cope with a potential overcapacity problem faced by some schools. According to a report issued by the ministry’s Maintenance Department, new classrooms are being built to accommodate the increasing number of students. This has prompted the ministry to seek alternative solutions to avoid an overcapacity problem. It includes increasing the number of students in each class, reported Al-Rai. The report indicates that building additional classrooms at ten schools in the Capital governorate canot be completed before the start of the new academic year next month.

MEW collects KD 37m fees The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) has collected nearly KD 37.5 million in fees during the period between April 1 and the end of July, announced a top ministry official in a recent press statement. “The ministry was able to utilize plans that resulted in more efficient fee collection for electricity and water consumption,” said Assistant Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs Jassem AlLinqawi. He added that the new mechanism will compel consumers to pay their bills before being eligible to obtain a new service at the MEW, reported Al-Qabas. Furthermore, Al-Linqawi noted that several consumers were referred to the court over their failure to make timely payments.

35 drug overdose victims Fatal drug overdose cases have claimed the lives of thirty five since the beginning of this year, a news report quoting a source from the Ministry of Interior’s Criminal Evidence General Department stated. The alarming number has raised concerns that drug overdose fatalities could increase this year, reported Al-Qabas. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that many of the drugs seized, especially heroin, were found to be mixed with toxic substances to increase mass. He also warned that the number of drug addicts in the country are on the rise.

Bangladeshis arrested for possessing drugs KUWAIT: Sulaibikhat detectives arrested two Bangladeshi for possessing drugs with intent to sell. The two were sent to the drugs prosecution along with 14 joints of marijuana.

Thief flees with KD 19,000 Capital detectives are on the lookout to arrest an unidentified person who snatched KD 19,000 from a female citizen before fleeing. Detectives assume the suspect to have followed the lady from a bank in Jabriya, until she arrived to Faiha area. The woman said she wanted to switch banks, so she withdrew her money, and as soon as she came to the bank where she wanted to deposit the money, the culprit snatched the lady’s bag and ran off.

Iqama violators Farwaniya police launched a campaign against violators of Iqama law, arresting 21 expats in the process. The campaign was launched in coordination with the municipality emergency team, to keep vendors from selling spoiled food in Jleeb area. All were

referred to concerned authorities.

Asians arrested for forgery Capital detectives arrested two Asian expats for forging official documents and stealing state funds. The two were sent to concerned authorities along with 63 stamps worth KD 400. The two confessed they used to steal the stamps from government transactions to re-use them.

Kidnapper on the run Farwaniya detectives are searching for two people who attempted to kidnap an Arab girl near a mall. The patrols rushed to the area after the emergency team had received an unidentified call about an attempt to kidnap a 21-yearold woman. Some of the onlookers helped the patrol by giving the car number, sources said.

Iranian attacked An Iranian expat reported to Taima detectives that he was attacked and beaten by four men, before driving off his pick-up that was loaded with copper cables he was delivering to a company.

The pick-up was found burned in industrial Jahra area, and investigations led detectives to Amghara scrap yard where the cables were found. The man who was selling them was questioned and he confessed that he paid four bedouns KD 400 to steal the cables, sources said.

Police officer arrested Hawally detectives arrested a police officer who used to steal the belongings of arrested men. He confessed to stealing three iPhones from detained men in the police station.

Embassy files for assault The Philippine Embassy attorney filed a complaint in Farwaniya police station against an Arab expat, accusing him of assaulting a maid while her sponsor was away for Umra. The attorney, who took the 35-year-old victim with him, said the woman was able to escape and reached her embassy, saying that the brother of her sponsor sexually assaulted her twice and waited until he slept before escaping. The suspect was arrested and investigations are underway. - Al-Anbaa

Safar determined to seize spoiled food

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Safety and health of the citizens and residents of the country constitute “a red line that must not be breached,” the Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Municipality Affairs stressed on Monday. The municipality staff are working round the clock to monitor breaches of the laws and punish the violators, namely those dealing in food supplies, said Dr Fadhel Safar. Special teams have been destroying expired supplies, he said, emphasizing that the authorities were enforcing the law justly with no consideration to nepotism.

The minister made the assertion against the background of recent seizure of three tons of rotten meat at a restaurant in Hawalli. Up to 940 kg of invalid milk and peppers were seized and confiscated at a store in Salmiya.

The teams have also seized large amounts of vegetables, fruits, melons and dairy products, displayed by vendors in several areas. Authorities urge the citizens and residents to report about those vendors who sell products unhealthy for human consumption.

Dead body found Security sources revealed that a body of an unidentified person that is part chopped off was found in Jleeb AlShoyoukh area. The investigation is on after this gruesome murder was reported and the disfigured body was found. The sources added that the sensitive parts of the body have been chopped off by a sharp tool. These findings indicate that the crime was committed on the basis of some revenge, sources said.

Car accidents A car accident took place along the Sixth Ring Road, opposite to Saad Al-Abdullah. The accident resulted in the death of a 25-year-old unidentified individual. A coroner’s inquest was opened into the case. In a motor accident that took place along the Arabian Gulf road, two citizens aged 35 and 21 years old suffered from mild injuries and back injury. They were admitted to Amiri hospital. A car accident took place along the Fifth Ring Road opposite Al-Reqie. A 40-year-old Syrian woman was injured in the head and broke her right hand, while the other party, a 19-year-old Saudi national fractured his left arm.

Special teams destroying expired supplies.

— Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun Both were admitted to Sabah hospital.

Drug overdose A citizen in his thirties died in Khaitan in a case of drug overdose. The corpse was found in a car. Drug-related paraphernalia were found lying next to him.

Hit and run case A 58-year-old Saudi citizen was knocked down by a speeding vehicle. He was trying to cross the street in Fahaheel opposite to Souq Bazar. The man was admitted to Adan hospital.

Thai PM gets chance to shake off brother’s Page 12 mantle

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

TEHRAN: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stands next to a Ghader (Capable), a new Iranian-made cruise missile, yesterday. — AP

Iran unveils new missile, torpedo TEHRAN: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad unveiled a short range marine missile and a torpedo system yesterday as Iran marked its annual “Defence Industry Day,” state media reported. “Ghader (Able) missile, built by the capable hands of Iranian experts, is a marine cruise missile with a 200 km range, possessing high destructive ability which can be used against coastal targets and warships,” the state television website reported.

Ahmadinejad also unveiled a torpedo system called “Valfajr (The Dawn) to be used by submarines.

It has a payload of 220 kg and can be used in shallow and deep water, the website said, adding that the

unveiling ceremony was held at Malek Ashtar University in Tehran which has close links to the Revolutionar y Guards, the elite militar y force.

Ahmadinejad said Iran’s arsenal was not aimed at any nations and would only be used to fend off possible aggressions. “We do not want to use our military might to conquer lands and dominate humanity,” the official IRNA news agency quoted him as saying in the unveiling ceremony.

“The best deterrence is that enemy does not dare aggression and must be so certain of a decisive response that it does not contemplate” an attack, he added. “ The enemy ’s weaponry should be grounded at

deployment point and not above Tehran’s sky,” he added. Both weapons were “successfully tested,” the state television website said. It quoted Defence Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi as saying that Iran was now “locally” producing the equipment and weapons systems for the navy. Iran has increased in the past two years the development, testing and unveiling of new “indigenous” military equipment, including missiles. These weapons are always accompanied by warnings against any potential aggressor, sometimes explicitly directed at the Islamic republic’s archfoes, Israel and the US forces deployed in the region. — AFP

Iranian pleads guilty to scientist assassination TEHRAN: An Iranian man pleaded guilty yesterday to the murder of a scientist that prosecutors said was an assassination ordered by Israel to halt Tehran’s race for nuclear technology. Majid Jamali-Fashi, a man who looked in his mid20s, appeared in court to confess the murder of Massoud Ali-Mohammadi in Jan 2010, the first of several attacks on scientists which Iran has blamed on foreign agents, state television said. Ali-Mohammadi, an elementary-particle physicist, was leaving his Tehran home to go to work on Jan.

12, 2010, when a bomb hidden in a motorcycle exploded and killed him.

Two similar attacks on one morning in November killed nuclear scientist Majid Shahriyari and wounded another, Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani, who has since become Iran’s atomic energy chief.

Iran blamed Israel and the United States for the attacks, saying the Ali Jamali-Fashi aim was to derail its nuclear programme. Tehran denies Western accusations it is seeking nuclear weapons. Intelligence Minister Heidar Moslehi told state TV the prosecution was a blow to Israel, which has not ruled out military action against Iran to stop it getting the bomb. “We managed to make a good penetration into Mossad’s intelligence system which bore very good results for us,” he said, referring to the Israeli spy service. “We will soon have good news to inform the public in connection to the large number of (Iranian) Mossad spies whose covers have been blown.”

Tehran’s chief prosecutor told reporters earlier this week that Jamali-Fashi had been trained and paid by Israel. “The defendant had travelled to Israel to receive training from Mossad and had agreed to assassinate Dr Ali-Mohammadi in return for $120,000 dollars,” Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi told a news conference, according to the Tehran Times daily.

Some people have expressed doubt over Tehran’s version of events. Shortly after his death, an Iranian opposition website said Ali-Mohammadi, was an opposition supporter who backed moderate candidate Mirhossein Mousavi in the disputed June 2009 presidential election, suggesting there may be other possible motives for his murder.

Western analysts said the a 50-year-old Tehran University professor had little, if any, role in Iran’s sensitive nuclear work. A spokesman for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, said at the time he had not played a role in the body’s activities. —Reuters

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Tripoli compound is centre of Gaddafi power LONDON: The fortified Tripoli compound attacked by Libyan rebels yesterday is the seat of Muammar Gaddafi’s political power and the principal base of loyalist fighters trying to rescue his 42-year-old rule.

Analysts say Gaddafi loyalist fighters confronted with an influx of rebels since the weekend have sought to use his Bab Al-Azizyah bastion as a springboard from which to carve out a loyalist zone and chip away at rebel control of adjoining neighbourhoods. The encampment is believed to sit atop a network of tunnels and bunkers that lead to adjoining districts, including possibly a subterranean route to the coast.

But the tunnel networks are not the loyalist militiamen’s only card: Gaddafi’s fighters have an intimate

knowledge of the city and many are believed to have a greater degree of military training than their opposition guerrilla opponents. “This is Gaddafi’s Pentagon,” said Noman Benotman, a senior analyst at the British think tank Quilliam and a former Libyan Islamist opposition guerrilla commander. He said tunnels forking out from the complex to nearby districts gave his fighters precious access to supplies.

“Based in Bab Al-Azizyah, Gaddafi’s force want to create chaos inside Tripoli and carve it up into rival militia zones, just like Beirut in the Lebanese civil war,” said Benotman, who is also an associate of former Libyan spy chief Moussa Koussa. “By sending a message that ‘there will be no peace without us’ his aim is to force his inclusion in

talks on a political negotiation.”

Long the seat of Gaddafi’s power as well as his main Tripoli home, the barracks may well be the final battleground of Libya’s war. Even if Gaddafi is not there, its loss would inflict a potentially crippling symbolic defeat. If Gaddafi is at the six sq-km base, located south of Tripoli at the northern end of the Airport Highway, there is a fair chance he is in a tunnel under it rather than in a fortified room above ground. The compound has often been targeted

by NATO air strikes, but it is still defended by tanks and snipers, a fact that suggests Gaddafi or at least some key aides are nearby.

Al Arabiya news channel said rebel forces had attacked the gates of the compound yesterday as NATO warplanes flew low overhead.

Sky Television said smoke could be seen billowing from the compound following a NATO attack. The site is normally dotted with tents, residential buildings, security encampments, and the cratered remains of a house bombed by US warplanes in 1986 and kept in ruins as a memorial. A communications centre, attacked months ago by NATO, sits on an adjoining plot.

Umar Al-Hariri, a military official of the rebel Libyan National Transitional Council, told Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper in June that the barracks were linked to underground tunnels up to 30 km long, some of which led to the sea. Hariri said that for rebel fighters attacking the compound it was just as important for NATO to breach the metrethick, olive-green walls as to access

the tunnels underneath. “I met NATO at one time and told them that the most important thing they should strike are the walls of Bab AlAziziyah because their thickness is one meter and they cannot be penetrated by a tank or gun. There must be a penetration from the air,” he was quoted as saying. He put the height of the walls at four metres.

Built in the era of King Idris, overthrown by Gaddafi in the 1969 putsch that brought him to power, the site was reinforced in the 1980s using an array of foreign contractors. Analysts say Western intelligence services will have long ago sought to question any foreign companies that helped build tunnels under the site, to learn how to attack the compound. From a rebel and Western perspective, that infor-

mation is growing more valuable by the hour.

Jon Marks, chairman of Britain’s Cross Border Information risk consultancy and information service, said he suspected Western governments will have asked foreign companies that helped Gaddafi build his Great Man Made River project for any information about the tunnels under Tripoli, on the assumption some may have helped build them.

The Man Made River project sends water from wells in the Sahara desert to coastal communities along a 4,000 km-long network of pipelines. “The governments will be asking the companies for a debrief,” he said, adding the Tripoli tunnels “may have been done as a side order from the Man Made River work.” —Reuters

Rise of middle class in Gaza fuels resentment Hamas denies loyalists getting wealthy GAZA CITY: A budding middle class in the impoverished Gaza Strip is flaunting its wealth, sipping coffee at gleaming new cafes, shopping for shoes at the new tiny shopping malls, and fueling perhaps the most acrimonious grass roots resentment yet toward the ruling Hamas movement. This middle class, which has become visible at the same time as a mini-construction boom in this blockaded territory, is celebrating its weddings in opulent halls and vacationing in newly built beach bungalows. That level of consumption may be modest by Western standards, but it’s in startling contrast to the grinding poverty of most Gazans, who rely on UN food handouts to get by.

Some of the well-off are Hamas loyalists. That rankles many Gaza residents because the conservative Islamic movement gained popularity by tending to the poor - through charitable aid, education and medical care - along with its armed struggle against Israel.

“Hamas has become rich at the expense of the people,” fumed a 22-year-old seamstress, Nisrine, as she stitched decorative applique onto a dress. She wouldn’t disclose her family name, not wanting to be seen criticizing the mili-

growing in Gaza.”

Gaza residents are also resentful because they feel they have suffered the worst effects of the Israeli and Egyptian blockade that was slapped on the territory when the militant group seized power in 2007. The blockade was a failed attempt to crush Hamas; instead it impoverished already poor Gazans, killed off trade and effectively imprisoned residents inside the territory. Some twothirds of Gaza’s 1.6 million people live in poverty and rely on

prominently wealthy loyalists.

But it appears another small group has seen its fortunes rise since the Hamas came to power, primarily investors and high-level civil servants in Gaza’s 24,000strong bureaucracy.

The territor y also has an established middle class of old merchant families, senior aid officials and loyalists of Fatah, a Palestinian group that rivals Hamas. But there’s less resentment toward them - perhaps because they are not in power.

GAZA CITY: In this picture taken Aug 16, 2011 Palestinians shop at the new Al-Andulusia mall. —AP tant group.

Gaza’s Hamas government denies its loyalists have gotten wealthy since the group came to power. Corruption “doesn’t touch us,” said Hamas official Yusef Rizka. But others - even those close to Hamas - say the militant group must pay attention. “There is a nouveau riche that has followed the rise of the government,” said Alaa Araj, a former Gaza economic minister and businessman considered close to Hamas. “ We must sound the alarm,” he said. “(Resentment) is

UN food aid. About half the work force is unemployed. Many employed Gazans are paid miserly wages, keeping them struggling.

They include the seamstress Nisrine, who is paid $5 a day, money that her family keeps.

Baker Sami Awad, 27, earns $9 a day to support his five siblings and his sister ’s two children.

Their father abandoned them years ago; his sister’s husband was killed in an Israeli incursion.

Their stories are typical. Hamas has always had a small core of

The new signs of prosperity are due to a mini- construc tion boom that can be traced back to Israel’s easing of the blockade it imposed on Gaza in 2007. To circumvent the block ade, Palestinians built hundreds of underground tunnels crisscrossing the Gaza-Egypt border to bring in scarce consumer goods, as well as weapons. But after Israel star ted letting in more consumer goods a year ago, tunnels were freed up to bring in materials that remained severely restricted - such as raw construc-

tion materials. The prices of raw materials dropped, sparking a flurry of construction.

Some 150 of Gaza’s estimated 700 tunnels are solely used for raw materials, said two tunnel traders who requested anonymity because they dodge Hamas taxes. Some 120 tons of raw materials are t ypically hauled daily through a single tunnel, they said. The rush of new building materials pushed down concrete from a blockade high of $900 a ton to $157.

Gravel was $990, now it’s $28.

Restric tions on expor ts and imports make some construction projects, including factories, unfeasible. Investors are instead undertaking projects that target domestic consumers, such as the Al-Andulusia mall that opened in July. The $4 million, three-story shopping center, is a humble operation by global standards. It has a large supermarket and an assortment of clothing and shoe shops. The third floor - a future cinema hasn’t opened yet.

For many Gazans, whose lives have stalled in fighting and the blockade, the novelty is apparent. On a recent visit to the alAndalusia mall, two women clutched the escalator’s rubber grip, giggling and shrieking as they rode up to the second floor.

Another woman stared at the escalator in fright, unsure how to get on. At another newly constructed area, parents sip coffee as their children play on swings at a specially built private play garden. A series of small, beachside bungalows in Gaza City hug the shore where the well-off can spend summer days. Cafes and gift shops line the summer getaway. White tents are strewn on the sand. Entrance costs about $3 a person, unaffordable for most large Gaza families. “I feel like our society has been divided,” said Siham Liqtati, whose taxi driver husband earns $8 a day to support their family of six.

“There are those who are high up, and the rest of us are nothing,” she lamented. —AP

Rocket fire rocks Israel-Hamas truce GAZA CITY: Four rockets fired from Gaza slammed into south Israel late Monday, without causing casualties, police and the army said, undermining a truce between Palestinian militants and the Jewish state. “Two rockets fired from Gaza fell in an uninhabited area of the town of Sderot,” police spokeswoman Louba Samri told AFP, and another crashed south of the town of Ashkelon. A military source said a fourth rocket later fell near Ashkelon. The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), grouping Gaza militant organisations, said on Monday they had agreed to halt rocket fire on Israel and abide by an Egyptian-brokered truce after four days of deadly clashes. The attacks were claimed in a joint statement issued in Gaza by groups not party to the truce - the Ali Mustapha Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and the Al-Nasser Brigades, a dissident wing of the PRC. At a news conference in Gaza City, the PRC said its militants would respect a “temporary” ceasefire announced late on Sunday by the Hamas rulers of the Palestinian territory.

“We have temporarily stopped firing rockets at Israel according to the national consensus,” said a masked spokesman for the group, which was blamed by Israel for a series of bloody attacks

near Eilat last week that killed eight Israelis and sparked the latest round of bloodshed. But the PRC, whose leader was killed in a series of Israeli air strikes late last week, said talk of a more permanent truce was “out of the question. We have an open account with the enemy until it leaves Palestinian soil.”

The announcement came just hours after a senior Hamas official told AFP the factions had hammered out a truce agreement in talks with Egyptian officials, which would be contingent on Israel stopping its air strikes on Gaza. “We have reached an informal agreement to establish a ceasefire from tonight on condition that Israel halts its attacks,” he told AFP. In a formal announcement on Monday, Hamas spokesman Taher Al-Nunu thanked both Egypt and UN envoy Robert Serry for helping “to stop the aggression against Gaza.” “An agreement about a mutual truce was reached and we affirm that the Israeli occupation must commit to this truce because the factions told the government they are committed to it for as long as the occupation is,” he said.

On Sunday night, the Hamas-run security forces were “instructed to stop the shooting” against Israel, with Palestinian police checking

cars in the border area and checkpoints set up at the entrance to every town in Gaza. Israel police said seven rockets were fired from Gaza early on Monday. Army radio said Israel’s 15-member security cabinet decided against a ground operation for fear it “could trigger mass demonstrations in Egypt which could destabilise the regime in Cairo.”

Such a step was also deemed damaging to Israel’s case a month before the Palestinians plan to seek UN membership, according to the radio.

Efforts to end the fighting in and around Gaza came as Israel sought to head off a diplomatic crisis with Egypt sparked by Thursday’s attacks near Eilat, with Cairo saying five policemen had been killed by Israeli fire during the hunt for gunmen along the border. Two days later, Egypt’s state television said Cairo was going to recall its envoy from Israel in protest.

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak expressed “regret” over the deaths and promised an investigation, but Egypt said it wasn’t enough, although it made no move to confirm reports it would recall its envoy. The looming spectre of a crisis with Egypt played a concrete role in bringing about an end to the Gaza confrontations, according to Israeli press reports. —AFP

TRIPOLI: A rebel truck with a machine gun on top drives near Muammar Gaddafi’s main compound in the Bab Al-Aziziya district yesterday. —AP

Hezb: Libya rebels can solve 30-yr Sadr case BEIRUT: Hezbollah has called on the Libyan rebels to help uncover the fate of Moussa Al-Sadr, a charismatic Shiite cleric who disappeared during a trip to Libya more than 30 years ago in a case that many blame on Muammar Gaddafi. The mystery of the missing imam remains a burning issue for Shiites in Lebanon, including leaders of the powerful Hezbollah movement. Framed photos of Al-Sadr adorn the shops and homes of Lebanese Shiites, and the day he was last seen, on Aug. 31, 1978, is marked annually in Lebanon.

Most of Al-Sadr’s followers are convinced Gaddafi ordered Al-Sadr killed in a dispute over Libyan payments to Lebanese militias, but the imam’s family argues he could still be alive in a Libyan jail. Now that Gaddafi’s regime appears to be crumbling, Lebanon’s Shiite militant group Hezbollah told the rebels that the Lebanese “are looking to you” to locate the imam and his traveling companions.

“We are full of hope that they will be freed on your hands and returned to their

families,” according to the Hezbollah statement, which was issued late Monday.

Al-Sadr’s family also released a statement addressed to the rebel leadership.

“We appeal to those who will take over in Libya after the collapse of the tyrant to give special attention to this case,” the statement said. Al-Sadr is one of the pioneers of Shiite empowerment that has become a force across the Middle East, spurred by the 1979 Islamic revolution in Shiite Iran and more recently by the rise to leadership of Iraq’s majority Shiites after US forces ousted Saddam Hussein and his Sunni Muslim-dominated regime.

Since Al-Sadr’s disappearance, Libya has always insisted the cleric and his two traveling companions left Tripoli on a flight to Rome and suggested he was a victim of a power struggle among Shiites.

A member of a clan known for its religious scholars, Al-Sadr is a distant relative of Iraq’s radical Shiite cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr, whose Mahdi Army militia has fought the US military and its Iraqi allies. —AP

Libya’s next phase carries risks for US WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama was a cautious leader in the drive to topple Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi and could face even greater risks as Libya embarks on a messy transition to a postGaddafi era. But the United Statesdespite deep economic problems and unpopular and costly military commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan-may yet find itself saddled with an important role in Libya’s political reconstruction. As rebel forces surged into Tripoli and Gaddafi became a hunted man, Obama acknowledged the conflict had reached a “tipping point” but emphasized that what comes next is up to the Libyans.

“This much is clear: the Gaddafi regime is coming to an end, and the future of Libya is in the hands of its people,” Obama said in a statement on Monday. He pledged the United States would work with the rebels and its international allies to support a peaceful transition to democracy. The Pentagon reinforced the cautious message, saying Obama’s promise not to commit US troops in the rebel’s ground war would also rule out deployments in the aftermath of the battle against Gaddafi. While it is rich in oil and natural gas, a postGaddafi Libya will face a myriad challenges: devastated infrastructure, temptation for revenge killings and no modern history of democratic rule.

One former US diplomat with extensive experience in the Middle East said Libya’s complicated tribal and political landscape could unravel in a “Somalia-like scenario”, further underlining the need for caution. “It is not necessarily in the US national interest to assume that mantle of responsibility,” he said. “Our recent experience at rebuilding nations in the broader region is not basically a happy one.” He referred to US-led nation-building efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, where tens of thousands of troops and billions of dollars have brought improvements, but no

guarantee of lasting stability.

If Obama’s recent actions toward Egypt and Tunisia are any guide, in Libya he will turn to global institutions like the United Nations and the World Bank to lead the reconstruction effort, rather than push the United States out front.

Nevertheless, American officials acknowledged that the United States can lead in certain areas, including political training and logistical and intelligence support for the rebel government as they assesses emergency humanitarian needs.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke to both rebel leaders and members of the international coalition on Monday to begin mapping out how the help will be rolled out, State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said. “It’s a little premature right now, while the battle for Tripoli continues, to know exactly how that’s going to take shape. But we’ve thinking (and) the (rebel) TNC has been thinking about it for a long time,” she said, adding that the United Nations was expected to take the lead. Nuland said the United States was working to fulfill a rebel request to unlock some $30 billion in Libyan assets frozen after the start of the uprising in February, but that this would still take some time.

TEST OF LEADERSHIP The White House has been determinedly low-key on Libya, balancing its desire to help anti-Gaddafi rebels and civilians with fear of entanglement in a conflict with no clear end. Obama joined the Libya intervention only after the UN Security Council authorized it. He stressed from the start that he was not committing to a long role in Libya’s future. Since then, the United States has moved with its European and Arab allies, offering technical and diplomatic support to the rebel National Transitional Council but careful not to appear too firmly in the driver’s seat. —Reuters

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Invisible millions pay price of statelessness LONDON: Rejected by the countries they call home and denied the most basic of rights, stateless people live in a shadowy limbo - in the words of one such person, like being “between the earth and the sky”.

Up to 15 million people are stateless, not recognised as nationals by any country.

They are some of the most invisible people on the planet - an anonymity the United Nations hopes to lift when it launches an international campaign on Thursday to highlight their plight. “One of the big problems we have is that this simply is not recognised as being a major issue globally,” said Mark Manly, head of the stateless unit at the UN refugee agency UNHCR. “In the media there’s very little discussion, in universities there’s very little research and in the UN, until relatively recently, there hasn’t been a lot of discussion either, so the effect of all that is that we still have major gaps in our knowledge,” Manly told AlertNet, a humanitarian news service run by the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Statelessness exacerbates poverty, creates social tensions, breaks up families and destroys children’s futures. In some cases it

can even fuel wars when disenfranchised people pick up weapons, as has happened in Ivory Coast and Democratic Republic of Congo. Yet only 38 countries have signed the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness which marks its 50th anniversary on Aug 30. One of the largest stateless groups is the Rohingyas, a Muslim people of South Asian descent refused citizenship by the Myanmar government. Hundreds of thousands are scattered throughout Bangladesh and Southeast Asia. “There are no countries in this world for Rohingyas,” said Kyaw Myint, 44, now living in Malaysia. “Even animals can have peace of mind, but for the Rohingyas, because we are stateless, there is no peace of mind.”

The effects vary by country, but typically stateless people are barred from education, healthcare and formal employment.

They often can’t start a business, own property, hold a driving licence or open a bank account. They can’t get married legally or travel abroad to work or visit family. And they can’t vote, which means they can’t elect politicians who might be able to improve their lot. Being stateless is like being “between the earth and the sky”,

said Mohamed Alenezi, a bedoon from Kuwait. “You are here and not here,” added Alenezi, 42, who now lives in London. Like many bedoons (stateless Arabs) he is the descendant of nomadic Bedouin tribes which for centuries roamed freely across what is now Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan and Iraq.

Probing the origins of statelessness is a lesson in world history and geography. In many cases groups failed to be included when their countries became independent or drew up a new constitution. Many Kuwaiti bedouns fell through the cracks when the country became independent in 1961, and the Roma in Europe have faced major problems in obtaining citizenship in the new countries that emerged after the break-up of Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia. Manly said the UNHCR is closely watching the succession of South Sudan. It is also scrutinising the drafting of Nepal’s new constitution amid fears millions could end up stateless.

A major factor behind statelessness is often racial or ethnic discrimination. Syria, for example, denationalised many Kurds in 1962 and Mauritania expelled around 75,000 black Mauritanians in 1989.

BBC: Murdoch paper paid Cameron aide Labour calls for transparency on issue LONDON: News Corp funded the former editor of the News of the World tabloid when he worked for David Cameron in opposition, the BBC said, in new evidence of the close links between Britain’s prime minister and Rupert Murdoch. The Labour opposition and political analysts have repeatedly questioned Cameron’s judgement in hiring Andy Coulson as his spokesman in 2007, shortly after the editor quit over the jailing of his royal reporter for phone hacking. The decision to appoint a man so closely associated with Murdoch to such an important position was proof, they say, that he was desperate to secure the News Corp chief’s support.

Allegations now that Coulson maintained financial links to the owner of the influential Sun and Times newspapers is likely to cause fur ther damage. The BBC said Coulson, who was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of being involved in phone hacking, received several hundred thousand pounds from News International, the British newspaper arm of the News Corp media empire, as part of a severance package that ran in instalments until the end of 2007. He also received benefits such as healthcare for three years and kept his company car, the BBC said, quoting sources.

Cameron’s right of centre Conservative party has long been criticised for being too close to Murdoch, although former British Labour Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown also openly courted the media chief. A spokesman for the Conservative Party said senior party officials had not known about the severance arrangements.

Downing Street declined to comment but noted that the events occurred before Cameron became prime minister.

Opposition Labour, seeking to exploit Cameron’s unease, called for

transparency on the issue. “David Cameron needs to say whether he knew about the payments to Andy Coulson,” said Ivan Lewis, Labour’s culture affairs spokesman. “ The details of Mr Coulson’s termination agreements with News International must be published and we need to

Andy Coulson know whether these payments, in the form of honouring a two-year contract of employment after he had been forced to resign in disgrace, were declared to the parliamentary authorities,” Lewis added. “It must be explained why Mr Coulson was getting these payments when he resigned from the News of the World.

Association with the phone hacking scandal risks corroding Cameron’s reputation as he seeks to focus on major issues such as a weak economy, recent riots and the conflict in Libya. “This issue for Cameron is rotting, it is a case of a slow burn,” Ivor Gaber, professor of political journalism at City University, told Reuters. “It is not good for him, it throws a further question up about his judgement. “And it would be very serious if it turns out it was happen-

ing when Coulson was working at Downing Street.” Cameron retained Coulson as his communications director when he was elected prime minister in 2010. News International declined to comment. Coulson was specifically asked during a parliamentary committee hearing in 2009 whether he had received any other income when he worked for the Conservative Party, and said no. “So your sole income was News International and then your sole income was the Conservative Party?” parliamentarian Tom Watson asked.

“Yes,” Coulson replied. Labour MPs said authorities should look into the payments.

“In effect the Tory (Conservative) party received a massive subsidy which they should have declared to the Electoral Commission,” said Chris Bryant, who has played a prominent role in pursuing the phone hacking scandal in parliament. “It just shows how culpably gullible Cameron was in taking Coulson on. He failed to do due diligence because he was so sickeningly keen to please the Murdochs,” he added. Employment lawyers said Coulson appeared to have negotiated a very good deal. “It wasn’t drafted very well if he was able to take a job on a similar salary and still receive those payments,” said Ruth Neil, partner at Stone Joseph, employment law specialists. “I wouldn’t have expected an employer to have done that.”

Cameron has said he now regrets appointing Coulson and will apologise to parliament if it turns out that Coulson lied over how much he knew.

Coulson finally quit his government job earlier this year when police further investigated the hacking allegations. He has since been arrested by police, along with several other former employees of the paper, and is facing questions over what he knew about the phone hacking, which was used to secure stories. — Reuters

Thousands of Somalis rejoice Shabab retreat MOGADISHU: Thousands of Somalis attended a rally yesterday to celebrate the withdrawal of Islamist rebels from bases in the Somali capital, even as the militants executed three men accused of spying in a de facto cour t.

Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali addressed the rally at Mogadishu’s Konis stadium, which was a training ground for the insurgency until they pulled back from their bases earlier this month. He said Somali troops had overcome many difficulties to

drive Al-Shabab rebels from the capital. Much of the fighting was also done by a 9,000-strong African Union force supporting the UN-backed government, and Ali acknowledged them in his speech.

“Thanks to our army, AMISOM and our people,” he said, using the abbreviation for the African Union Mission in Somalia. “Our troops made those achievements despite difficulties they face, including lack of salary and camps. Within a short period we shall get rid of

MOGADISHU: Thousands of Somalis rally in the Somali capital yesterday at the Konis stadium as part of government organized demonstrations. — AP

(Al-Shabab) from the country.”

Residents attending the rally said they were tired of being intimidated by the Al-Qaeda-linked AlShabab. “We are free and started a new comfortable life when (AlShabab) left us,” said demonstrator Makay Aden. “We pray they will not come back. They killed many of our people, beheaded bodies were scattered on our streets when they were here.”

Elsewhere in Mogadishu, Islamist judge Sheik Omar Al-Qadi said two men and a 16-year-old boy were executed for spying. He said they were killed by firing squad in the northern neighborhood of Deynile. Witness Ali Abdulqadir Yusuf said the militia summoned residents to watch with a megaphone and masked men tied the three to poles before executing them. Al-Shabab frequently carries out public executions or amputations. Somalia has not had a functioning central government for more than 20 years.

Currently Al-Shabab holds much of southern and central Somalia.

They are refusing to allow many aid groups access to their territory although the UN says some areas are suffering from famine. — AP

Stateless people are vulnerable to exploitation, including slavery and prostitution, and risk arbitrary detention. Their lack of identity can make accessing legal help impossible - no one knows how many stateless people are locked up worldwide.

Among the biggest sufferers are children. Open Society Foundations, the George Soros initiative which among other things tries to improve the lives of marginalised people, estimates around 5 million children globally are stateless, often simply because their parents are. The 1961 convention stipulates signatories must grant nationality to a person born in their territory who would otherwise be stateless. Experts say this is key to resolving the problem.

“This is really a crucial principle that needs to be realised if you want to break the cycle of statelessness,” said Sebastian Kohn, Open Society’s expert on statelessness. “It doesn’t mean giving nationality to everyone born on your territory. It’s just about giving nationality to stateless persons born on your territory.”

Kohn also urged governments to abolish citizenship laws which discriminate

against women - another big cause of statelessness.

In at least 30 countries, mothers cannot pass nationality to their children. If the father is stateless, foreign or absent, the child usually ends up stateless.

There have been some successes. For example, Sri Lanka has amended laws to allow Hill Tamils, descendants of immigrants from India, to obtain nationality.

Ukraine has reintegrated Crimean Tartars deported to Central Asia under Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. And experts believe awareness is growing. “I think states are actually starting to recognise that there is a potential overlap between statelessness and national security issues,” Kohn said.

“Obviously, if you disenfranchise people . that can lead to all sorts of social and potentially security issues, and in the worst cases civil war.”

In December the UNHCR will host a ministerial-level meeting where countries will be asked to join the 1961 convention and make pledges to address specific concerns on their territory. “It’s an issue whose time has come,” said Maureen Lynch, a consultant to the International Observatory on Statelessness. — Reuters

Liberia votes in contentious constitutional referendum MONROVIA: Liberians voted yesterday in a constitutional referendum, a key test for the west African nation just weeks before its second post-war presidential election, which some opposition leaders have boycotted. Opposition parties have fiercely opposed the referendum which could change the election date and candidacy requirements in the midst of campaigning for presidential and legislative elections on Oct 11. The main opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) decided before the vote to boycott the referendum, and yesterday morning candidate Reverend Kennedy Sandy refused to vote as an error emerged on ballot papers.

One of the questions voters have to decide on is whether to change the retirement age for the chief justice to 75 (the ‘yes’ option) instead of the current 70-years-old, which should be the ‘no’ option. However the ballot paper asks voters to choose between 75 (yes) or 75 (no) which is not consistent with the way the other law proposals are formulated.

“This is a very serious error and I was only informed about this today. This is fraudulent and the entire process needs to be cancelled,” said Sandy, of the Liberia Transformation Party (LTP) who lived in America since 1989, recently returning to run for office. “I hereby declare that I am no more casting my vote,” he told journalists at the Betthel Church in Congotown.

National Electoral Commission spokesman Bobby Livingstone confirmed the mistake. “We noticed this error a week before the referendum (but) we could not delay the process because of that. So if you mark ‘yes’ it means you agree, if you mark ‘no’ it means you are against it.” This could prove confusing for many voters in the west African country where some 75 percent of the population is estimated to be illiterate and observers have raised concerns over voter education around the referendum.

Voter Cecilia Davids, 52, told AFP after voting: “I did not know how to vote and I asked them to explain to me how to vote.

They also explained to me what I have to

vote for, so I decided to vote no.” Some 1.8 million people have registered to vote, however turnout was low across the country, where voting began at 08H00GMT and would finish at 18H00GMT. “I think this is because people don’t have an interest in the referendum, they are maybe waiting for the presidential election,” an election offical told AFP. The stickiest change proposed under the referendum will amend the length of time presidential candidates must have lived in Liberia from 10 years to five consecutive years. This clause was suspended in 2005 elections since most candidates had just recently returned from exile.

Observers say that if the change is passed, it could open up the field to more opposition parties, increasing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s chances of re-election. The International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based think tank, said in a report last week that if this clause was changed “the courts would probably have to interpret its possible effect on the fast approaching election.” — AFP

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After 9/11, US military transformed - and exhausted WASHINGTON: After the 9/11 attacks, the US military found itself ill-prepared for waging war against insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan, forcing a costly transformation that has left the force exhausted after a decade of combat. It took only weeks to topple the Taleban in Kabul and Saddam Hussein in Baghdad, but American troops soon found themselves in a protracted battle that they had not trained for against insurgents using crude but lethal weapons. The Bush administration went to war with an “exaggerated confidence in the efficacy of high-tech warfare to cope with low-tech adversaries and an aversion to the whole concept of nation building,” wrote James Dobbins, a former US ambassador now at the RAND Corporation think tank.

Having discarded counter-insurgency tactics after the Vietnam conflict, the military’s captains and majors had to learn again how to fight militants armed with Kalashnikovs and homemade bombs. In a bid to avert disaster, the Army and Marines became passionate converts to the guerrilla-fighting doctrine, marking a dramatic shift from conventional training that prevailed in the 1990s after the first Gulf war. As a result, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan - which were supposed to be brief affairs marked by a “small footprint” -

turned into elaborate nation-building projects, involving tens of thousands of troops and more than a trillion dollars.

The war in Iraq is winding down but the conflict in Afghanistan is approaching its 10th year, with nearly 100,000 US troops on the ground amid plans for a gradual withdrawal over the next four

ed to Iraq, according to the Congressional Research Service. As politicians vowed to prevent another attack after 9/11, defense spending nearly doubled and the intelligence and domestic security bureaucracy expanded, marking the most dramatic change in the “national security state”

acclaim in Washington for salvaging the war effort in Iraq, General David Petraeus. But years of continuous war have come at a terrible human cost, leaving more than 6,000 US troops dead and 45,000 wounded, along with rising rates of suicide and an epidemic of mental health problems among serv-

This combination of screen captures shows clear and blurred maps of the Buffalo, New York airport available on the Bing website (left) and Google Maps website on Aug 18, 2011. In the post 9/11 world, the blurred image of this and other sites is the product of New York state’s homeland security apparatus. — AP years. Since 2001, the “war against terror” and operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have cost an astronomical $1.28 trillion, of which 63 percent was devot-

US court gives Somalis life over pirate attack WASHINGTON: A US court on Monday handed life sentences to two Somali men over an attack that killed four Americans on a hijacked yacht, with authorities vowing to send a tough message on piracy. The life sentences to Ali Abdi Mohamed, 30, and Burhan Abdirahman Yusuf, 31, were the first delivered over the February deaths. Both pleaded guilty; 12 more men await sentencing, including three who face the death penalty. US prosecutors pledged that the case would serve as a lesson for Somalia’s pirates, who have created a virtual industry based on hijackings and ransom payments in the strategic waters next to their lawless homeland.

The sentences “will be heard throughout the pirate community - and should send a clear message - that the days of unbridled armed robbery and extortion at sea are over,” said Janice Fedarcyk, assistant director-in-charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York field office. “The only plunder these pirates earned is life behind bars,” she said in a statement announcing the sentences, handed by a federal judge in the major naval hub of Norfolk, Virginia. Jean and Scott Adam, Christian missionaries from California, were sailing their Quest yacht around the world and planned to take in sites from India to Crete when they were hijacked off the coast of Oman. The US Navy conducted days of negotiations and brought two pirates aboard the USS Sterett to negotiate.

According to the Navy, pirates suddenly launched a rocketpropelled grenade and, as US forces headed to the hijacked yacht, shot the Adams and their companions, Bob Riggle and Phyllis Macay of Seattle. They became the first Americans to die in the raft of hijackings over recent years off the Somali coast. Most incidents have been resolved through the payment of ransom, albeit sometimes after protracted negotiations. Four Somali pirates also died in combat that included hand-to-hand knife fights. US forces seized 15 pirates and brought them to the United States, including one juvenile who has not been charged because of his age.

Like the two men sentenced on Monday, nine of the pirates have pleaded guilty to charges of piracy, which carries a mandatory life sentence. The three who face the death penalty - who are between 20 and 29 years old - are being prosecuted separately on allegations that include murder.

While criticizing the pirates, some in the United States have appealed for leniency toward the young men who will now spend their lives in prison in a country where they likely have never come close to stepping foot.

Dahir Jibreel, executive director of the Minneapolis-based Somali Justice Advocacy Center, said the piracy issue needed to be seen in a broader context including Somalia’s long civil war and illegal fishing by foreign ships. “I am completely against piracy in Somalia and want the pirates to be fought against, but at the same time we have to understand the circumstances of piracy in Somalia and deal with it accordingly,” he said. Somalia has lacked a functioning government for two decades. The United Nations last month declared a famine in Somalia and says that 3.7 million people are in need of food assistance. In February, a US court in New York in February sentenced a teenage Somali pirate to nearly 34 years in prison, rejecting appeals for leniency due to his young age.

US forces had captured the young pirate, Abduwali Abdukhadir Muse, in an operation that ended a five-day hostage-taking of a US cargo ship. — AFP

since the early days of the Cold War. A new generation of battle-hardened officers rose to the top, led by a cerebral army commander who won

NATO, US were crucial, unseen hands in Libya Undercover campaign helped ragtag rebels BRUSSELS: As the battle in Libya appeared at stalemate, it was an open secret that foreign military advisers were working covertly inside the country providing guidance to rebels and giving tactical intelligence to NATO aircraft bombing government forces. Diplomats say members of the alliance and partners in the Middle East were engaged in an undercover campaign on the ground in Libya. The operation was kept separate from the NATO command structure to avoid compromising its mandate from the United Nations - to protect civilians. These largely unseen supporters helped to transform the ragtag rebel army into the force that stormed Tripoli.

Yesterday, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe acknowledged the presence of the advisers, telling Europe-1 radio that France had contributed “a few instructors” to train rebel fighters. With pockets of resistance remaining, NATO says the alliance’s mission will continue despite the rapid rebel advance into Tripoli. Though the bloc has consistently denied that it had any troops in Libya, a spokesman did imply the presence of foreign forces, saying earlier this month that alliance planners “follow the situation through allied information sources that are in the area”.

Analysts have noted that as time went on, the airstrikes became more and more precise and there was less and less collateral damage, indicating the presence of air controllers on the battlefields.

Targeted bombings launched methodical strikes on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s crucial communications facilities and weapons caches. An increasing number of American hunter-killer drones provided round-the-clock surveillance as the rebels advanced.

Diplomats acknowledge that covert teams from France, Britain and some East European states provided critical assistance.

The assistance included logisticians, security advisers and forward air controllers for the rebel army, as well as intelligence operatives, damage assessment analysts and other experts, according to a diplomat based at NATO’s headquarters in Brussels.

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. The CIA and other US intelligence agencies have been gathering information throughout the conflict from contacts they had developed when they were working with Gaddafi’s government on counterterrorism against Al-Qaedarelated militant groups operating in Libya.

Another indication of foreign involvement was the rapid improvement in the rebel army’s operations, especially better combat coordination not seen at the outset of the conflict. “This is normally very difficult to achieve for untrained troops,” said

Hurricane Irene swirls toward Hispaniola SANTO DOMINGO: Hurricane Irene churned toward Haiti and the Dominican Republic Monday, after forcing Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet and Richard Branson’s relatives to flee the British tycoon’s Caribbean island home. Winslet carried Branson’s 90year-old mother Eve out of The Great House on Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands, which the entrepreneur bought in the early 1980s, as a blaze sparked by lightning took hold in the early morning hours. “She swept her up into her arms and got them out of the house as fast as possible,” Branson, who heads the Virgin Group conglomerate, told Britain’s ITV News.

The actress said, according to Branson, “it’s like being in a film set where you’re waiting for the words ‘cut’ but they just don’t come.” All escaped unharmed.

Irene, now forecast to strengthen in coming days, reached catergory two hurricane force as it surged towards the Dominican Republic. By 0300 GMT Tuesday it was packing sustained winds of 160 km per hour, the Miami-based US National Hurricane Center said, warning that Irene was now forecast to become a strong hurricane. That means it is likely to reach at least category three strength on the 1-5 SaffirSimpson scale. In Puerto Rico, the first hurricane of the

ice members. Nearly two-thirds of the wars’ 1.25 million veterans have returned with debilitating “invisible wounds,” including post-traumatic

stress and brain injuries, according to a Brown University study.

Senior officers have warned the army is close to the breaking point, and pushed to give soldiers more time at home between tours. “It’s an extremely tired institution. There are limits to how far it can be pushed,” said Stephen Biddle of the Council on Foreign Relations. “So far I think most people have been surprised by how resilient it’s proven to be. But no institution is infinitely resilient,” he told AFP. While the all-volunteer military has carried the burden of a continuous state of war, much of the American population has been left untouched by the conflicts, aggravating a gap between soldiers and the civilian world.

The wars also damaged America’s image abroad and underscored the limits of US military power, with many Americans now more cautious about intervening abroad - especially without help from allies. Before he stepped down as defense chief in June, Robert Gates offered his prediction about the likelihood of another massive ground war using US troops. “In my opinion,” he said in February, “any future defense secretary who advises the president to again send a big American land army into Asia or into the Middle East or Africa should have his head examined.” — AFP

2011 Atlantic season unleashed torrential rains and powerful gusts that downed trees and caused flooding in residential areas, leaving 800,000 people without electricity, 118,000 without water and over 770 others in shelters. San Juan, the capital of the densely populated US commonwealth of about 4 million, was within 40 km of the eye of the category one hurricane.

Classes were suspended and businesses shuttered in some areas, according to Puerto Rico Governor Luis Fortuno, who announced a state of emergency to mobilize aid from the US Federal Emergency Management Agency.

After the storm hit, US President Barack Obama declared an emergency exists in Puerto Rico, the White House said in a statement. The measure would help speed up disbursement of US federal aid as needed for a disaster response. The center of Irene was about 155 km east of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and already lashing the north coast of mountainous Hispaniola island, the island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, later Monday. It was forecast to next head near or over the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas yesterday, before passing near the Central Bahamas early today. — AFP

Barak Seener, a Middle East expert at the Royal United Services Institute, a British military think tank.

“But they adapted quickly, which is indicative that special forces were training them. That goes without saying.”

Foreign military advisers on the ground provided key real-time intelligence to the rebels, enabling them to maximize their limited firepower against the enemy. One US official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, said the Qatari military led the way, augmented later by French, Italian and British military advisers. This effort had a multiple purpose, not only assisting the

better the intel is, the more valuable it is,” Palomeros told AP. “It’s part of an ensemble: Time was also needed for the opposition forces to get organized.”

In recent weeks, as the US added more drones to the fight, they were able to do precision strikes closer to the cities, shadowing the rebels as they advanced through Zawiya and roared into Tripoli. Over that time, Britain’s National Security Council noted that cooperation had grown between NATO and the rebel groups, particularly in the coordination of airstrikes, according to one official familiar with the outcome of the meetings. After Britain and other nations send soldiers to Libya to provide training, it became appar-

TRIPOLI: Rebel fighters seen in the Gorgi district of Tripoli yesterday. — AP rebels but monitoring their ranks and watching for any Al-Qaeda elements trying to infiltrate or influence the rebellion.

Bolstering the intelligence on the ground was an escalating surveillance and targeting campaign in the skies above. Armed US Predator drones helped to clear a path for the rebels to advance. The addition of US drone aircraft into the Libyan theater was important to the rebels, in giving them access to constant surveillance of the terrain, said Gen Jean-Paul Palomeros, the French Air Force chief of staff. “The

ent that rebel forces had improved their capabilities.

Combined with increasingly precise air strikes by allied forces, the rebels gradually wore down Gaddafi’s forces, ruptured supply lines, and allowed more money and resources to flow to the opposition.

The allied bombings, coupled with the no-fly zone, the arms embargo and the Navy ships patrolling along the coast, all gave the rebels breathing room as they gathered arms and ammunition. Slowly, they were able to transform into a moderately effective fighting force. — AP

US fugitive arrested 36 years after escape SACRAMENTO, California: A fugitive who spent the last 36 years on the run after escaping from a California prison camp is in custody after investigators used records of telephone calls possibly made by his dying mother to track him down, authorities announced Monday. William Walter Asher III, 66, was arrested Friday at his home in Salida, about 70 miles south of Sacramento. According to the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Asher was sentenced to seven years to life in prison for robbing a San Francisco bar during which a bartender was shot and beaten to death in 1966. Asher was 20 at the time.

He was denied parole twice before escaping in January 1975 from Growlersburg Conservation Camp, an inmate fire camp in El Dorado County. According to the FBI, Asher fled to the Northwest Territories of Canada, where he assumed the name David Donald Mcfee and worked as a long-haul truck driver. He married, raised a family and eventually separated from his wife. She was unable to help Canadian authorities and the FBI track down Asher. But investigators discovered the home in Salida after Asher’s mother passed away in 2005. “According to source information, shortly before her death she asked various family members to assist her in using the ‘secret’ number to call ‘Billy,’” the FBI said in a statement.

With that information, investigators collected the phone records of people believed to have helped her in

William Walter Asher III is shown in 1967 and 2011. — AP

contacting Asher. That eventually led investigators to a home that belonged to a man named Garry Donald Webb, who appeared to resemble an older, thinner Asher and worked at a trucking business. A fingerprint on Webb’s driver’s license matched one on Asher’s fingerprint card.

Asher admitted his identity after questioning from authorities, they said. He was living with a woman who had been with him for more than 10 years but didn’t know about his fugitive status. Asher was being held at the Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown. He could face new charges related to his escape and could spend the rest of his life in prison, authorities said. — AP

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Millions of Nepal’s children risk statelessness NEW DELHI: Up to two million children in the impoverished Himalayan nation of Nepal are at risk of becoming stateless - without country or nationality - if the government approves strict citizenship criteria in its new constitution, UN officials warn. Nepal is emerging from a decade-long civil conflict with Maoist rebels that killed 13,000 people and devastated the economy. After a 2006 peace deal, the monarchy was abolished and a special assembly charged with drafting the country’s first republican constitution.

But UN officials say some provisions in the proposed new charter discriminate against the hundreds of thousands of mixed marriages in Nepal by granting children citizenship only if both parents are Nepali.

“As it stands, the rules are extremely restrictive when it comes to transmitting citizenship by descent,” said a senior UN official in Kathmandu, who asked to be named. “It can be one or two million children from these hundreds of thousands of mixed marriages who would be state-

less. But it would not just stop there ... the children of these people would also be stateless. It would continue like this for generations.”

If approved, the rules would make Nepal only the second country in the world, after its tiny and remote South Asian neighbour Bhutan, to demand both parents be nationals for a child to gain citizenship.

Furthermore, even if a foreign spouse wishes to take Nepali citizenship, rules dictate they can only be eligible after 15 years of legal residence in Nepal, leaving their children in a protracted state of limbo. With no official documents, children of mixed marriages will have no right to a college education, a passport or driving license, to land, government pensions, to voting or to participating in elections. They would also face difficulties seeking jobs.

UNHCR will launch a campaign tomorrow to highlight the plight of the world’s up to 15 million statelessness people, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1961 UN convention on

reducing statelessness. The convention, of which Nepal is not a signatory, explicitly states in its first article that nations must grant nationality to a person born in its territory who would otherwise be stateless.

Government figures from 1995 estimated there were 800,000 people in Nepal without citizenship certificates, although experts believe more than double this number are now “undocumented”. Many are women, who have for decades faced restrictive citizenship rules in this conservative, patriarchal country where only men have the right, de facto, to transfer nationality to their children. Those living in the Terai region - home to nearly half of Nepal’s 28 million people - are most at risk, aid workers say.

The Madheshi people of Terai are similar in language, dress, ethnicity and culture to Indians across the border in the adjacent states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Many migrate from either side to work as farmers or to trade and both peoples share strong family ties, often connected through

marriage. “We want to ensure that the rules relating to citizenship in the new constitution are not going to lead to new cases of statelessness,” said Mark Manly, head of UNHCR’s stateless unit. “If the rules are very restrictive ... then all of a sudden you can have lots of people who are left out.”

Some Nepali politicians have defended the new rules, saying Nepal - a small country boxed in between Asian giants India and China - needs to protect the interests of its people from the growing dominance of others in the region. “We need to tighten the rules otherwise a small country like ours cannot take the pressure from big neighbours,” said Pradeep Gwayali, a parliamentarian and a member of the panel which recommended the new rules, acknowledging it was to discourage Indians and Chinese from seeking Nepali nationality.

“No one will be stateless and children from mixed marriages can apply for citizenship after 15 years or they can opt for the citizenship of the country of their foreign parent.” — Reuters

Rights group asks India to probe Kashmir graves

NEW DELHI: Doctors check on the health of India’s anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare on the eighth day of his hunger strike yesterday. —AP

Hazare ready ‘to die’, premier seeks solution Govt calls all-party meeting on corruption NEW DELHI: Fasting activist Anna Hazare said yesterday he was ready “to die” for India as the government called an all-party meeting to try to break its damaging standoff with the anti-corruption campaigner. Hazare’s hunger strike has captured the public imagination in India, triggering huge protests and boxing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s grafttainted government into a tight political corner. With the fast entering its eighth day and concerns over Hazare’s health mounting, Singh invited all party leaders to meet today to seek to hammer out a consensus to deal with his demands for stronger anti-corruption laws.

“It would be my good fortune to die for the country,” the 74-year-old Hazare told thousands of supporters at the open-air venue in central Delhi where he is staging his public fast.

“My demands will not change. You can cut off my head but not force me to bow down,” he said. Hazare’s protest is focused on anti-graft legis-

lation known as the “Lokpal” (Ombudsman) Bill. He insists the current draft is toothless, and is demanding the government adopt and pass his own, more aggressive, version by Aug 30.

Blindsided by the unprecedented groundswell of national support for Hazare, the government has struggled to find a compromise while insisting that parliament cannot be dictated to on matters of legislation.

Hazare seemed in good spirits yesterday, but aides say he has lost 5.6 kg and his health is a matter of concern.

He is attended by a team of doctors, who regularly check his blood pressure and monitor other vital signs.

Hazare has permission to stage his public fast until Sept 2, but has made it clear that he would continue refusing food until his version of the bill is passed by parliament.

On Monday, Singh said his government was “open to a reasoned debate” on the pending legislation but stressed that there was no single

solution for eradicating corruption. “I feel the complexity of the task is not adequately appreciated,” he said in a speech in Kolkata. “The creation of the Lokpal as an institution will help, but it will not solve the problem,” he said, arguing that it had to be backed up by judicial reforms and a thorough revamp of government procedure. Singh faces an uphill struggle in building a consensus with opposition parties who have pilloried the prime minister for misjudging and mishandling the challenge thrown down by Hazare’s populist campaign. Rajiv Pratap Rudy, spokesman for the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, said that Hazare’s stand had gained “rousing support”. “The government should negotiate with him. We believe that his demands and his actions are legitimate,” he told AFP. Both sides have said they are open to talks, but neither seems willing to make a formal move, relying instead on a number of go-betweens to relay their respective positions. — AFP

Hundreds of Afghans slam UN in vote row KABUL: Up to 700 Afghans marched through Kabul yesterday to protest against a decision by the country’s election commission to throw nine lawmakers out of parliament in a dispute over vote fraud. The protestors chanted anti-UN slogans and accused the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) of inter fering in the process as dozens of riot police lined the streets, an AFP reporter said.

“Death to UNAMA which supported

this evil process,” and “Death to those who oppose democracy,” the crowd shouted as it marched close to the presidential palace and the main UN compound.

UNAMA welcomed Sunday’s decision by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to dismiss the nine lawmakers, saying a “long institutional impasse” had come to an end following last September’s parliamentary election. “The real work must now begin,” it added, calling on

KABUL: Afghan parliamentarians and their supporters march during a demonstration yesterday. — AFP

Afghan politicians and officials to work for “peace, progress and prosperity” in their country. The IEC was handed authority by President Hamid Karzai to make the final ruling in the nearly year-long row over ballot stuffing.

But the issue is highly controversial in Afghanistan and has prompted a string of angry protests on the streets of Kabul by supporters of rival politicians in recent months. In June, a special election tribunal backed by Karzai ruled that 62 lawmakers, a quarter of the lower house of parliament, should be expelled.

However, the IEC’s final ruling fell well short of that figure. Dozens of riot police officers with shields lined the route of yesterday’s protest although the demonstration ended peacefully, the AFP reporter said.

The organisers of the demonstration threatened to block roads and hold protests across Afghanistan unless more lawmakers were reinstated. Daud Sultanzoi, one of the most prominent losing candidates, warned UNAMA that it should not go against the special election tribunal’s ruling “or your hands will be burned”. “If they do not heed our demands, we will stage large demonstrations across the country, we will block the highways,” he added. — AFP

SRINAGAR: An international human rights group is urging India to allow an impartial investigation of hundreds of unmarked graves in Indian-administered Kashmir after a government report confirmed they contain more than 2,000 bullet-riddled bodies, including hundreds of local residents. Amnesty International said the investigation of graves in three regions also needs to be widened to all of the Indiancontrolled portion of the disputed Himalayan territory. “All unmarked grave sites must be secured and investigations carried out by impartial forensic experts,” the London-based group said in a statement late Monday.

The Jammu-Kashmir State Human Rights Commission said in a recent report that 2,156 unidentified bodies were found in graves in three northern mountainous regions, while 574 other bodies in the graves were identified as local residents.

The commission’s report is the first official acknowledgment that civilians killed in the two-decade conflict may have been buried in unmarked graves, but stops short of confirming that suspicion, long held by local residents and rights groups.

Previously, officials insisted that all the bodies were of outside militant fighters. The top elected official in Indian-held Kashmir has proposed a truth and reconciliation commission be set up to probe all killings since Kashmiri militants launched an armed campaign against Indian rule and New Delhi

responded with a military crackdown in 1989. “The commission should be assigned the task to probe all the killings in the state. Whether the killings were carried out by militants or security forces, it needs to be probed,” Omar Abdullah said.

Anti-India sentiment runs deep in Kashmir and most people want independence or merger with neighboring Pakistan. India and Pakistan have fought two wars since 1947 for control of the territory, which is divided between them. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training rebel fighters, but Pakistan says it only offers moral and diplomatic support for their cause. More than 68,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the conflict.

Rights groups say some 8,000 people have disappeared, and accuse government forces of staging gun battles to cover up killings. The groups also say suspected rebels have been arrested and never heard from again. The state government has countered that most of the missing are probably Kashmiri youths who crossed into Pakistan for weapons training. In 2008, a rights group reported unmarked graves in 55 villages across the northern regions of Baramulla, Bandipore and Handwara, after which researchers and other groups reported finding thousands of single and mass graves without markers. Indian officials set up the commission to investigate and also began a separate police probe, the findings of which have yet to be released. —AP

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Thai PM gets chance to shake off brother’s mantle BANGKOK: Newly elected Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra outlined her government’s policies yesterday in a parliamentary debate that may show whether she can escape the long shadow of her self-exiled brother, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Thailand’s first female prime minister and her government will face tough questions during two days of debate over its populist programmes and ties to Thaksin, a billionaire former telecommunications tycoon overthrown in a 2006 military coup who lives in Dubai to escape a jail term for corruption.

Yingluck, a 44-year-old political novice barely known to the public four months ago, said her priority was to stabilise the economy and boost incomes with policies ranging from corporate tax cuts to debt relief for farmers, village development funds and lower fuel prices. “We will administrate the country with honesty and efficiency to bring the country toward prosperity, reconciliation and justice,” she said during an address.

That may be easier said than done. She has faced a turbulent two weeks in office, bombarded by questions about a possible amnesty or constitutional amendments that would help Thaksin return home without going to jail - a prospect that could trigger legal challenges and revive an anti-Thaksin protest movement. The debate offers her a chance to assert her independence and shake criticisms she is a mere stand-in for her brother, who transformed Thai politics by courting the poor and scoring landslide election wins in 2001 and 2005 before he was felled by corruption charges he says were politically motivated.

Speaking in Tokyo on Tuesday, Thaksin dismissed assertions his sister was his proxy and said he wouldn’t meddle in her government. “She has

BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra prepares to deliver the inaugural policy statement to parliament yesterday. —AFP her own right and leadership to run the country ...

Whenever she needs advice, she calls me, I give her advice, that’s all,” Thaksin said. “I act like an encyclopaedia... she can feel free to open it she can close it any time. That’s it.” Asked about his possible return, he said he would hold off until Thailand’s rival political factions find peace. “I don’t want to fuel any more conflict. I just want to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.”

That, too, looks difficult. Thaksin is at the heart

of a sometimes violent five-year political conflict that broadly pits his business allies and his mostly lower-class “red shirt” supporters against the army’s top brass, a conservative elite and a royalist, urban middle-class. About 400 red shirts massed outside parliament in support of Yingluck as some 100 rival anti-Thaksin protesters gathered to submit a letter to the house chairman urging him to ensure the government does not amend the constitution or craft policies that benefit the Shinawatra family. The government took the unusual step of asking the opposition not to refer to Thaksin during the two-day debate, saying it would be irrelevant.

Thaksin’s decision to visit Japan this week, and the government’s alleged role in securing a visa for him, have put Yingluck in a tight spot.

Opposition politicians sharply criticised the visa, calling Thaksin a fugitive from justice. Yingluck’s Puea Thai Party swept to power in a landslide election win on July 3 with a programmes that tapped her brother’s support among the rural and urban poor, offering for instance wage increases and better rice prices for farmers.

Thaksin promoted a similar brand of populism in what became known as “Thaksinomics”, pumping billions of dollars into Thailand’s rural economy to stimulate consumption. Under Thaksin, money funnelled into villages through a debt moratorium for farmers and cheap loans had a knock-on effect on the whole economy, fuelling a boom in household spending. Policies outlined yesterday matched most of Yingluck’s campaign promises, although no timeframe was given for when a fixed

daily minimum wage of 300 baht ($10), the most popular and controversial of the pledges, would come into play. That wage would be about a 40 percent rise from the national average. Yingluck had previously said it would be implemented at the start of the new year. Also notable was a change to the previous government’s plan to build a high-speed rail line connecting Bangkok with Thailand’s northeastern border with Laos.

Yingluck announced three lines would be constructed linking Bangkok with population centres in the north, northeast and the upper south. That is likely to raise questions about whether a $400 million loan to build a high-speed rail line, agreed in principle with China in March, would still go ahead. China is pushing an ambitious connectivity plan with Southeast Asia and has provided funding, materials, labour and expertise for rail projects already underway in Laos and Myanmar.

Thailand’s economy is the most urgent matter for Yingluck. Data on Monday showed Thai GDP contracted in the second quarter from the first, buttressing her government’s argument for aggressive stimulus spending and income support. Even so, some economists say a huge, abrupt increase in the minimum wage and other aspects of the program could accelerate inflation and put small firms out of business. There are also concerns that Thailand’s ratio of debt as a proportion of total economic output could exceed 60 percent, generally regarded as the safe limit for developed economies, although the current level of 42 percent gives the government some leeway on spending. — Reuters

Biden praises Japan’s courage after tsunami Japan PM on way out, leadership race wide open

MANILA: A Buddhist monk performs the rites to mark the first anniversary of the last year’s botched bus hostage rescue at Rizal Park yesterday. — AP

HK relatives mourn Philippine slaughter MANILA: Relatives of eight Hong Kong tourists killed in a Philippine bus hostage fiasco cried out for justice as they returned to the site of the slaughter yesterday for an emotional one -year anniversary ceremony. Buddhist monks lit incense and offered food and drinks on a makeshift altar on the pavement of Manila’s Rizal Park where the hijacked bus stood for 11 hours before a bungled rescue attempt led to the bloodbath.

Last year ’s chaos was replaced by a peaceful atmosphere, the mournful hymns and chants of the monks broken only by the rapid shutter clicks from the cameras of a Hong Kong press contingent.

“We will never forget the pain,” said Tse Chi Kin, whose brother Masa Tse Ting-chunn, was the tour guide on the bus and was among those slain. He said the family came back seeking closure of sorts, but they had largely failed after President Benigno Aquino rejected an appeal to meet with them and personally apologise. “It has been one year, but we have not received any apology - not an email, not a letter, not even a call,” he sobbed.

Aquino, who skipped the ceremony, maintained he regretted the tragedy, but ruled out an apology for an attack he said could not have been stopped. “An

apology connotes that the state did them grievous harm. I don’t think that is correct,” he told reporters after giving a speech at a naval event just a block away from where the mourners had gathered. “We sympathise with them, we really wished it did not happen. But in the same token that in Norway, there was this tragedy that could not be prevented because of a lone solitar y deranged gunman.”

Aquino was referring to far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik, who bombed Oslo’s government quarter before shooting down participants at an island youth camp, killing 77 in all. But Manila survivor Lee Ying Cheum, who said she was still recovering from deep mental trauma, insisted Philippine authorities clearly mishandled the crisis.

“We trusted the government to save us.

We were wrong,” Lee said. “We are still angry (because) families were torn apart, children were orphaned.”

The Philippine hostage taker, Roland Mendoza, was a decorated Manila police officer sacked over corruption allegations, who seized the bus in a crazed bid to be reinstated. As the drama unfolded live on television, police stormed the vehicle and shot Mendoza dead, but eight hostages also died during the rescue attempt. — AFP

Kim tours Lake Baikal ahead of Kremlin talks MOSCOW: North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il yesterday arrived in the eastern Siberian city of Ulan-Ude to tour Lake Baikal and taste local delicacies ahead of a summit with President Dmitry Medvedev. Kim is set to meet Medvedev for a rare summit in the eastern Siberian city 5,550 km east of Moscow today, with the talks expected to focus on Pyonyang’s nuclear program, energy and food shortages in the isolated state.

Yesterday was the fourth day of Kim’s journey aboard his armoured train rumbling across the famed Trans-Siberian railway, a visit that included a tour of a major hydro-power station in the Amur region earlier this week.

After the 69-year-old reclusive leader’s train arrived in Ulan-Ude, the capital of the traditionally Buddhist region, yesterday morning, he was taken to see the picturesque shores of nearby Lake Baikal, a spokesman for the regional administration told AFP. Amid unprecedented security involving

dozens of security personnel and North Korean snipers, the high-profile guest was taken to the lakeside village of Turka where a modern resort zone is under construction.

The plan, the official said, was to “show him the construction of the Baikal Harbour economic zone.” World famous for its dramatic beauty, Lake Baikal contains around a fifth of the world’s fresh water and is home to a variety of endemic species such as the omul fish.

The leader was also to be offered a boat ride and a taste of local delicacies including the omul fish and traditional Buryat dish of meat dumplings known as buuza. The regional spokesman spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity surrounding the North Korean leader’s stay. During his visit, Kim is also expected to tour an open-air museum in the village of Verkhnyaya Beryozovka just outside Ulan-Ude dedicated to the eastern Siberian region’s peoples, another official told AFP. — AFP

SENDAI, Japan: US Vice President Joe Biden yesterday praised Japan’s courage and resolve as he visited its tsunami-shattered coast, where American forces helped with a largescale relief effort. Biden, near the end of an Asia tour, is the top-ranking American official to travel to the region where the March 11 earthquake and tsunami claimed more than 20,000 lives and sparked the Fukushima nuclear disaster. “I am honoured and truly humbled to have an opportunity to visit this place, to see so much devastation and tragedy,” said Biden, speaking at the airport of Sendai, one of the cities hit hardest by the disaster.

He said that Japan’s response to what he called “this God-awful tragedy” had “demonstrated for the world to see so much heroism, courage and resolve and selflessness”. “I came to express not only my commitment to say, ‘We will do whatever we can to help,’ but to tell you how much the president, how much I, how much the American people admire your character.” Walking through the devastated landscape, Biden saw a house that was reduced to a shell amid knocked-down pine trees and debris. He laid white flowers on a pile of boulders before observing a moment’s silence.

Biden then visited temporary houses for tsunami evacuees, telling them: “I was just standing where your houses once stood. My heart goes out to you. I want you to know that America will stay involved as long as you want us.” The United States, which has maintained bases across Japan since World War II, mobilised more than 20,000 troops and some 160 aircraft in disaster relief and recovery operations after Japan’s worst peace-time catastrophe. One of the core achievements of the US “Operation Tomodachi” (Friend) was to clear Sendai’s international airport, where the tsunami had swept aircraft, cars, mud and debris across runways and into terminals.

At earlier talks in Tokyo, Japan’s outgoing centre-left Prime Minister Naoto Kan thanked Biden for his country’s “enormous assistance” and said he would like to “reiterate our gratitude” on behalf of Japan’s people. “You do not need to express gratitude to us,” Biden replied.

“You’d do the same for us. Our only regret is that we could not do even more.” The meeting was clouded by the fact that Kan, under fire

TOKYO: US Vice President Joe Biden (left) is greeted by Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan prior to their meeting at Kan’s official residence yesterday. — AP for his post-disaster leadership, has only days left in office before he is set to make way next week for Japan’s sixth new premier in five years. Kan confirmed yesterday that he would step down as head of the ruling party this week if two key bills were enacted, clearing the way to choose a new leader to cope with Japan’s nuclear crisis and slew of economic ills. The US tsunami aid effort has helped rebuild relations which were long strained by a dispute over a US airbase on Japan’s Okinawa island. Many residents of the farsouthern island have long chafed under a heavy post-war US military presence and demanded that the contentious base, the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, be moved off Okinawa. Kan’s predecessor Yukio Hatoyama stepped down last year after first promising to move the base off the island, then reneging on the pledge - managing to anger both Washington and Okinawans in the process.

The allies have since agreed to go ahead with a planned base move within Okinawa island, but have been forced to scrap a 2014 deadline for the shift. Defence planners in both countries see Okinawa’s US bases as sig-

nificant at a time when China is building up its naval forces and showing an increasing assertiveness in territorial disputes in nearby waters. Biden spoke about his visit to China and pointed at the half-century security alliance between Tokyo and Washington. “We are a Pacific power.

You are a Pacific power. We are allies, both economically and politically,” Biden told Kan. “It’s something that we value a great deal.”

Biden, who visited Mongolia after China, today heads to the US military headquarters in Japan at the Yokota airbase west of Tokyo. He used his five-day visit to China, his first as vice president, to reassure senior leaders about the safety of US government debt following a historic downgrade this month of the country’s topnotch credit rating. Returning to the theme in his talk with Kan, Biden said: “There are voices in the world who are counting us out. They are making a very bad bet.” Meanwhile, the race to become Japan’s sixth leader in five years was blown wide open on Monday when former foreign minister Seiji Maehara, 49, decided to run. That cut sharply into the chances of Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, a fiscal conservative. —Agencies

Philippines vows to defend naval claims MANILA: Philippine President Benigno Aquino vowed yesterday a stronger military defence of his country’s South China Sea claims as the navy ’s newest warship sailed into Manila Bay from the United States. “This ship symbolises our newly acquired ability to guard, protect, and if necessary, fight for the interests of our country,” Aquino said as the refurbished Hamilton-class cutter Gregorio del Pilar dropped anchor. “This is just the beginning. Expect more good news because we will not stop at one ship.”

Aquino said the former US Coast Guard cutter, now the Philippine navy’s flagship vessel, would protect the countr y ’s exclusive economic zone and its oil and gas exploration activities in the South China Sea. “This will upgrade our capability to guard our exclusive economic zone as well as the (oil and gas) service contract areas,” he said in a welcoming speech. Many of those areas are claimed by China, which insists it has sovereign rights to

almost all of the South China Sea, even waters approaching the coasts of Southeast Asian countries.

Other parts of the sea, which is reputedly rich in mineral resources and straddles vital sea lanes, are also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The competing claims have for decades made the sea one of Asia’s most dangerous potential military flashpoints, and tensions flared this year after the Philippines and Vietnam accused China of becoming increasingly aggressive. The Philippines said the Chinese navy had fired warn-

MANILA: Philippine President Benigno Aquino (center) disembarks from the newly acquired and refurbished Hamilton-class cutter Grogorio del Pilar anchored at Pier 13, South Harbor, yesterday. — AFP

ing shots at Filipino fishermen in the South China Sea, harassed an oil exploration vessel and put up markers on Philippine islets.

As the row escalated, the Philippines appealed to longtime ally the United States for help in beefing up its poorly equipped military, with Aquino saying his country could not contain China on its own. The Philippine navy has an old and badly equipped fleet of fewer than 80 ships to protect its coastline and vast marine interests. The navy’s chief hailed the 115-m Gregorio del Pilar, which replaces a World War II-era destroyer as the country’s flagship vessel, as a timely boost to the Philippines’ military power.

“She now symbolises the revival of the Philippine navy,” Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said at Tuesday’s welcoming ceremony.

“The Gregorio del Pilar’s ability to operate in adverse conditions... will be vital in securing our maritime nation’s territory and asserting our sovereignty in areas where our capability is now seriously needed.” — AFP

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

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Issues

What is North Korea’s leader doing in Russia?

By Jeremy Laurence orth Korean leader Kim Jong-il has arrived in the Siberian city of Ulan-Ude, where he is expected to meet Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for a summit today. Here are some questions and answers about Kim’s visit, his first trip to Russia in nine years:

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WHY VISIT RUSSIA SO SOON AFTER TRAVELLING TO CHINA? Kim’s Russia trip comes less than three months after he travelled to China, which was his third trip there in a year, capping his busiest schedule of foreign travel in his 17 years of power. The North owes its political survival to both countries. For decades Moscow was its main ally, providing military and economic support before the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. Since then the North has realigned its foreign policy toward China.

This latest trip could be an attempt to balance China’s influence by forging closer ties with Russia. The North’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, and hostilities between the two Koreas in recent years, have raised concerns of a broader regional conflict. Kim’s visits are seen as trying to assuage Beijing and Moscow, and to harmonize relations. The ageing Kim also wants to prepare the way for a smooth transition of power to his youngest son, Jong-un, for which he wants the backing of both China and Russia.

WILL SIX-PARTY NUCLEAR TALKS BE ON THE AGENDA? Yes. Both Moscow and Beijing back the immediate resumption of the aid-for-disarmament talks which collapsed two years ago. Pyongyang will be looking to Russia and China to exert pressure on South Korea, the United States and Japan to restart the process as soon as possible. Seoul, Washington and Tokyo say they are willing to resume talks where they left off, but insist Pyongyang must show it is serious about denuclearizing. For a start, they say, the North must allow foreign nuclear inspectors back into the country.

WILL AID BE ON THE AGENDA? Yes. International sanctions for testing nuclear devices and missiles are hurting the impoverished North, which relies on foreign aid to keep its moribund economy afloat. Severe weather has exacerbated food shortages, prompting the North to plead for international aid. Both Beijing and Moscow have answered Pyongyang’s pleas for food aid. The destitute North is also desperate for economic aid. It Power shortages mean it struggles to run its factories, and much of its Soviet-era machinery and farm equipment is unusable. It could be seeking energy aid, as well as try to boost transport links. The North has embarked on a new 10-year economic plan to improve infrastructure.

It is looking for foreign investment, primarily from Beijing and Moscow, to support projects within special economic zones.

WHAT ABOUT A GAS PIPELINE THROUGH NORTH KOREA? A pipeline to supply natural gas from the Russian Far East to South Korea, via North Korea, has been talked about for years. In 2008, Russian gas monopoly Gazprom signed a memorandum of understanding with the South’s state-run Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) , to construct the pipeline. Construction and maintenance costs would be huge. Building costs alone are estimated at $1.66 million per km.

Experts say there is little chance the project will proceed anytime soon, given the two Koreas are still technically at war. They have only signed a truce, not a peace treaty, to end the 1950-53 Korean War. Last year’s hostilities, in which 50 South Koreans were killed, underline that the time is not right.

Experts also say it is highly unlikely that the South would ever agree to a such a project as it would merely become another means for the North to hold the South hostage to its demands. — Reuters

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In Libya, the cellphone as weapon

By Nick Carey hen Muammar Gaddafi’s government shut off the cellphone network in Misrata in the early days of Libya’s uprising, it wanted to stop rebel forces communicating with each other. But the power of a modern phone goes beyond its network.

Both rebels and government soldiers have used their phones to take pictures and videos of the conflict, a digital record of fighting from both sides. With the rebels now in Tripoli, the capital, and Gaddafi’s whereabouts unknown, those gigabytes of potential evidence may play a role in any war crimes cases.

The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo made an appeal in February for “footage and images to confirm the alleged crimes”, after the United Nations Security Council referred the Libyan uprising to the court. A court filing applying for arrest warrants listed video evidence, mainly from media, but also from unspecified sources, in support of its claim. In the Mediterranean city of Misrata, in particular, a group of rebel-allied lawyers has worked to gather evidence of what it calls war crimes committed by Gaddafi forces. “In the beginning when there were snipers we had to move around carefully,” said Omar Abulifa, a former prosecutor and head of the Misratabased Human Rights Activists Association. “It was hard to get the evidence, but we did what we could.”

As the rebels gained control of more of the city in April and May, the association set up a system to gather evidence after every incident, especially the continued bombardment of the city with Grad rockets by Gaddafi loyalists, which killed and injured many civilians. The footage they gathered includes videos taken from the cellphones of rebel fighters and from those of government troops captured or killed during the fighting.

Other video and photographs came from citizens of the town.

Some of that film can be used as evidence, Abulifa says. “But not all of it because to be used as evidence it has to be from a trusted source and it has to be clear what is happening.” Around 150 gigabytes of video gathered by the city’s media committee, which was set up after the uprising, has been provided to

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the association. A member of the committee gave a Reuters reporter who was in Misrata in July a large volume of that material.

“Everyone has stuff like this,” said Ali, 21, an off-duty rebel fighter, as he showed a Reuters reporter videos on his touch-screen phone, including one of government tanks entering Misrata and one showing a man he says was an unarmed doctor who had been shot by Gaddafi troops and bled to death in the street. Hair slicked back, and impeccably turned out in western jeans, shirt and shoes, Ali speaks in the weary tone of a young man explaining modern technology to someone older. “Just ask anyone and they’ll show you,” he said.

GRILLED FISH Technology has been vital to Misrata’s uprising since the beginning. When his closest childhood friend invited him to a dinner in a fisherman’s hut on the beach last December, Ayman Al Sahli was puzzled. As the 31-year-old lawyer and six other men tucked into grilled fish, their friend, Mohammed Al Madani, explained why he had called the group together. The accountant brought out a photograph of the old Libyan flag, which predates Muammar Gaddafi’s seizure of power in a 1969 coup.

The red-black-and-green flag with its white crescent moon and star is now ubiquitous in the rebel-held city and other parts of Libya. But in December it was forbidden so a small, easily hidden photograph had to do. Al Madani then used his mobile phone to play Libya’s old national anthem. The song dates back to the country’s independence in 1951 and was banned after Gaddafi seized power.

None of the men present had ever heard it before. “We spent the rest of the evening talking about the unrest in Tunisia,” al Sahli says, “and about what Libya would be like without Gaddafi.” In the six months since they rose against Gaddafi, the 500,000 or so residents of Libya’s third largest city have remained close to one of the fiercest frontlines of the Arab Spring. The rebels seized Misrata in May after a bloody, three-month long battle against well-armed government militia and in the past few weeks forced the government troops west towards Tripoli. With the rebels on the verge of victory, much is likely to be made of the NATO bombing raids, which have

hammered Gaddafi’s forces since March, and the role of Qatar, which has financed the rebels. But just as important have been two things on show that night in the Misrata beach hut: a low-tech, make-do resourcefulness and mobile phones.

the parking lot of Misrata’s technological college on Feb. 17, they noticed cars carrying Gaddafi’s secret police and militia waiting for them. All the protesters were arrested. “I was afraid,” Sibai said. “But I knew I had to do this anyway.”

FACEBOOK “EVENT” A few days before Misrata’s first street protest on Feb. 17, Mohammed Agila, 32, a bespectacled bank employee, took his heavily pregnant wife and two children to her parents’ house. He withdrew all the money from his bank account and gave it to his father-inlaw. “I did not know exactly what would happen when we went out in the street,” said Agila, one of 70 or so participants in that initial demonstration. “But I knew I could be arrested.”

In the preceding months, Agila and Jamal Sibai, who also took part in the first protest, joined small group meetings like the one at the fisherman’s hut. “People met in groups of 10, 11, 12 and talked about going into the streets to demonstrate,” said Sibai, 25, a slender, bearded art student and now a writer for a new newspaper called Free Libya. “We talked about freedom and the need for a constitution. We talked about how we wanted a president who could only serve for four or eight years and then, ‘Thank you, goodbye.’

“We didn’t talk about fighting,” he added.

“We just wanted the things a normal country should have.” In January, two Facebook pages-”Amal Libya” or Hope Libya, and another calling for a “day of anger” on Feb 17 helped protesters like Sibai and Agila realise they were not alone. “Before the Facebook pages, we did not know exactly when or where we should go out into the streets,” Agila said. “But they told us when and where to do it. We didn’t create the revolution in Misrata,” added Agila, now a radio announcer as well as working at a bank. “Everyone here wanted to do what we did. We just happened to do it first.”

By this time Tunisia’s Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali and Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak had already been toppled and protests were underway in Syria, Yemen, Bahrain and other countries.

Protests began in Benghazi on Feb 15, because of fears Gaddafi was preparing to send in his militia. When protesters, most of them strangers to each other, showed up in

TAKING IT IN TURNS The first protests sparked off a series of increasingly large demonstrations in the city, Libya’s commercial and industrial heart some 200 km (124 miles) east of Tripoli.

Government forces opened fire on protesters on Feb. 19. Rebels armed with Molotov cocktails, hunting rifles and crude, home-made blades, took control of the city within a few days, but barely.

On March 17, the same day a United Nations resolution ushered in a NATO bombing campaign, Gaddafi forces began an artillery bombardment. Within a few days government tanks backed by snipers firing from tall buildings on Tripoli Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, had forced the rebels to hole up in the city’s seaport. “We had no weapons, so we fought with what we could find,” says Abu Youssef, 55, a former caterer who recalls his amazement when he saw a teenager take out a tank in the early days of the uprising with just a Molotov cocktail. On the ground, men like Youssef, 37, a former truck driver on the city’s southern front, joined small groups of men.

The group Youssef joined had just one gun between them, a common situation in the opening days of the war before the city’s entrepreneurs, and mass fundraising efforts, brought weapons and ammunition. Some weapons came from the temporary rebel capital of Benghazi in the east, but the fact that most were bought by locals is both a source of pride and a bone of contention with Benghazi. “We would take it in turns to fire the gun,” Youssef says while taking shade from the fierce late July sun with his comrades. “The rest of us would help the man with the gun.” Another fighter called Alim, 21, said rocket-propelled grenade launchers, a much-needed weapon against Gaddafi’s more heavily armed forces, were in particularly short supply. When a group without a launcher needed one for an attack they would ask other groups in the neighborhood to borrow theirs. — Reuters

After the fall, US concerned about Libyan weapons

By Tabassum Zakaria and Phil Stewart he United States has pressed for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to step down, but a leadership vacuum raises concerns about the security of Libya’s weapons stockpiles and the danger of them falling into the hands of adversaries, officials said on Monday. Libyan rebels have taken over most of Tripoli, Gaddafi’s location is unknown, and great uncertainty exists about who will eventually end up in charge of the country.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers warned of security concerns while Gaddafi’s rule crumbles.

“Even after Gaddafi is out of power we will have to step up and lead to ensure US national security interests are safeguarded,” Rogers, a Republican, said in a statement.

“In particular, we must ensure that Gaddafi’s stockpiles of advanced weapons, chemical weapons and explosives don’t fall into the wrong hands.”

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in February said Libya kept 9.5 tons of mustard gas in a secret desert location guarded by the army, but had destroyed aerial bombs designed to deliver chemicals in 2004 as part of a shortlived rapprochement with the West.

Gaddafi’s stockpiles of chemical agents are still being closely guarded by forces loyal to the Libyan leader, a US official told Reuters

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on Monday. The United States, NATO and the United Nations have been keeping a close eye on the stockpiles during the crisis, officials said.

“The stockpiles at this point appear to be well-guarded,” the US official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It’s worth keeping in mind that Gaddafi did in fact destroy many of his most dangerous weapons, and that much of what remains is outdated or difficult to make operational.”

A UN official said that due to their age, Libya’s chemical stockpiles might be more of an environmental hazard than a military or terrorist threat. They consist of “very old chemical components which are not very useful as weapons,” the official said.

Mustard gas decays with age and Gaddafi’s stockpiles are old enough that they are not even necessarily that hazardous, the UN official said.

US and European officials also are con-

TRIPOLI: Rebel fighters react as they advance to the frontline during a fighting in Tripoli yesterday. — AP

cerned about keeping secure Libya’s stockpiles of conventional weapons- surface-toair missiles, anti-tank rockets, armored vehicles, rocket-propelled grenades and explosives. Libyan forces fired three Scudtype missiles on Monday from the area of Sirte, Gaddafi’s home town. That followed the launch of another Scud missile last week, the first time his forces fired the weapon since the conflict began. Some counter-terrorism officials were much more concerned about Gaddafi’s arsenals of conventional weapons being looted than they were about his stockpile of chemical agents, a European security official said.

The fear is that such weapons could either make their way to militant groups or insurgents seeking to destabilize other African governments. But so far there was little evidence of significant weapons leaks or militant involvement in Libyan forces opposed to Gaddafi, a US official said. “As we move forward, the international community must ensure a peaceful transition where the will of the Libyan people is heard,” US Representative CA “Dutch” Ruppersberger said.

“We must also ensure radical extremist groups do not take control of the country.

Libya has a large stockpile of chemical weapons and explosives that must not fall into the wrong hands,” said Ruppersberger, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.— Reuters

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Dissidents, UN pile pressure on Assad Assad’s forces kill 5; UN launches inquiry

ISTANBUL: Syrian dissidents (from left) Ahmed Ramadan, Khaled Hassaleh, Hassan Hashmi, Lovay Safi, Abdul Basit Sida, Adip Shishakil and Hassan Shalabi give a press conference following a gathering in Istanbul yesterday. The dissidents held the meeting for last four days to consult the founding of a “National Council,” aiming to bring together the groups against the regime of Bashar Al-Assad. — AFP

DSK a free man; case dismissed Continued from Page 1 Demonstrators, many of them women, hurled slogans outside of the courtroom. One, referring to Strauss-Kahn by the initials by which he is known in France, shouted: “DSK, you’re a sick bastard and your wife is even sicker.” Prosecutor Joan Illuzzi-Orbon said she did not take the decision to drop the sex crime charges “lightly.” “The defendant engaged in a horrid sexual encounter with the defendant,” she said, but added: “The case rises or falls on her testimony.”

The accuser, 32-year-old chambermaid Nafissatou Diallo, “severely undermined her reliability as a witness in this case,” she said. Kenneth Thompson, a lawyer for the Guinean immigrant, vowed to pursue a civil case and had harsh words for Manhattan’s top elected prosecutor, District Attorney Cyrus Vance.

Vance “abandoned an innocent women and denied the right to justice in a rape case,” Thompson told reporters, saying that the district attorney “turned his back” on forensic, medical and other physical evidence. The sensational case garnered world attention on May 14 when Strauss-Kahn was escorted by New York police from his first class seat on an Air France plane moments before its departure for Paris.

As pictures of the respected international banker, shackled and unshaven, were beamed around the globe, it emerged that he stood

accused of the brutal attempted rape of a hotel chambermaid in his plush Manhattan suite. The case began to unravel weeks later when prosecutors announced that Diallo had been caught lying on her asylum application form, including about a gang rape she had suffered back home in Guinea.

In addition, she was said to have discussed Strauss-Kahn’s wealth in a telephone conversation with a Guinean friend currently held in a US prison, and to have changed sworn testimony to the grand jury considering the case. In their 25page motion filed on Monday asking the judge to dismiss all charges, prosecutors said “their cumulative effect would be devastating.” Diallo was “persistently, and at times inexplicably, untruthful in describing matters of both great and small significance,” they said.

“The nature and number of the complainant’s falsehoods leave us unable to credit her version of events beyond a reasonable doubt, whatever the truth may be about the encounter ” at the hotel.

Although there was initial forensic and medical evidence that suggested a forcible encounter, the assistant district attorneys handling the case, Illuzzi-Orbon and John McConnell, said their motion made no factual findings. “We simply no longer have confidence beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty,” they said.

In a “he-said, she-said” case, a jury needs to be convinced beyond

a reasonable doubt and, legal experts say, Diallo’s credibility on the witness stand was likely to have been weakened beyond repair.

Diallo, wearing black trousers and a beige jacket, and accompanied by several hulking private security guards, said nothing after the case.

In an interview last month, Diallo recounted the incident, saying Strauss-Kahn emerged naked from a shower to “grab my breasts” and despite her pleas, forced her head down to his penis.

He could now in theory return to frontline French politics, but no one back in France is expecting a prominent role. “I don’t think he can hope for a center stage role in French politics now,” said political scientist Gerard Grunberg of the prestigious Sciences-Po school in Paris. “His public image is much deteriorated and the Socialist Party and its leaders must be mad at him for having missed this moment of opportunity.

Neither the public nor the party want to see him back on the frontline.”

His legal travails are also far from over. Diallo has filed a civil suit seeking unspecified damages against Strauss-Kahn. And in another case back in France, 32-year-old writer Tristane Banon has filed a complaint alleging the Socialist politician tried to rape her after luring her to a Paris flat in 2003. Strauss-Kahn has announced his intention to sue Banon for defamation, alleging she invented the story to help publicize her writing. — AFP

Joy and fear as rebels capture Gaddafi’s HQ Continued from Page 1 A Pentagon spokesman said he believed Gaddafi was still in Libya and that his forces remained a threat. He also said the United States was monitoring chemical weapons sites in Libya, amid worries that groups hostile to Western interests could try to seize stocks once built up by Gaddafi. US, which is providing Predator drones and other air capabilities to the NATO mission, sharply stepped up the tempo of its air strikes on Libya over the past week and a half, according to Pentagon data. “It’s still very fluid, there’s still fighting going on,” Lapan said.

“While we believe that opposition forces control a large part of the country, Libya and Tripoli in particular are still very dangerous places.” Asked specifically about Tripoli, Lapan said the situation was too fluid to put a precise percentage on how much of the city was under rebel control. Rebel leaders say 80 percent of the Libyan capital is now controlled by forces opposed to Gaddafi. “Majority (control of Tripoli) is safe but I wouldn’t get beyond that,” he said. The United States was monitoring Libya’s chemical weapons sites, Lapan said, amid concern in Congress that those and other Libyan weapons could fall into the wrong hands.

Lapan said he was aware of a total of two Scud missile launches by Gaddafi forces. A US official said that neither caused any injuries or deaths. “Regime forces are going to use whatever means they have to continue to inflict damage on their opponents and on the civilian population,” he said. The Pentagon said on Monday that it believed Gaddafi had not left the country, a position Lapan reaffirmed yesterday, saying: “Nothing’s changed.”

Western leaders are anxious for a rapid end to fighting- tensions among rebels are a concern for those hoping for a swift return of order and a reopening of Libyan oil exports. “We hope this is over soon,” said an unemployed engineer watching events near Gaddafi’s compound. “I fear that the violence will continue until Gaddafi and his family have left the country,” he added, giving his name only as Omar.

Another bystander said: “Gaddafi is finished, even if some snipers and mercenaries are still resisting. But there is no doubt that we are free and Gaddafi is finished.”

There are growing concerns for civilians in the city, after days of siege and fighting in which officials have suggested hundreds of combatants may have been killed or wounded. At a private house several miles from the centre, wounded from the fighting were being treated, to the sound of gunfire. “We need medication and stretchers, this situation is a disaster,” medical student Shuaib Rais said.

Speaking after Gaddafi’s son and long-time heirapparent Saif Al-Islam confounded rebel claims of his capture by appearing to journalists at the Bab Al-Aziziya

compound yesterday, several analysts said the credibility of the disparate opposition movement had suffered a serious setback. Though the credibility of Saif Al-Islam’s claims that his father’s supporters were winning the war was also threadbare, confusion among the rebels, who seemed to have allowed two of Gaddafi’s sons to escape on Monday, embarrassed their backers.

Noman Benotman, senior analyst at Britain’s Quilliam think tank and an associate of Gaddafi’s former spy chief, said: “Gaddafi is banking on the rebels making a mess of Tripoli and causing chaos. He is relying on them to behave badly. “They want rival militia zones to start springing up ... That’s why it’s critical for the rebels to get their act together.”

Residents, many of whom had taken to the streets on Sunday to celebrate the end of Gaddafi’s 42-year rule, stayed indoors as the irregular rebel armies that swept the capital ran into resistance from sharpshooters, tanks and other heavy weaponry. The lack of clear control, however, has revived concerns the sprawling, thinly populated desert state could fall into the kind of instability that has beset Iraq since Saddam Hussein’s overthrow.

Gaddafi loyalists and anti-Western Islamists could exploit Libya’s ethnic, tribal and political divisions.

Rebel officials say they have a force ready to impose order in the capital, as they have generally done in parts of the country they have taken since February. But it is not yet clear how they will handle traditional east-west divisions if they consolidate their grip on the country. The uncharacteristically efficient rebel advance into the capital, coordinated with an uprising inside the city, seemed evidence to some analysts of the military advice and training Western and some Arab powers, including Qatar, have provided.

Many assume Special Forces are also active on the ground. Outside powers, including US President Obama, have been at pains to characterize the revolt against Gaddafi as quite different from the Western assault on Saddam, saying it is a home-grown uprising inspired by other Arab protest movements that overthrew Westernbacked autocrats in Tunisia and Egypt. Aid, some of it in the form of Libyan state funds seized from accounts controlled by Gaddafi, and advice will be plentiful, foreign governments assured the rebel leadership in Benghazi as it contemplates moving to Tripoli.

But all have ruled out sending in ground troops to bolster a new government which faces considerable difficulties in setting up a new administration given Gaddafi’s four-decade reliance on informal governance and a personality cult. “We’ve sought to learn the lessons of the failures of Iraq, which have very much influenced our thinking-trying to make sure we don’t make the same mistakes again,” said British International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell. — Agencies

ISTANBUL: Syrian dissidents gathered yesterday to set up a broad-based “National Council” to coordinate their campaign to topple President Bashar Al-Assad, an activist said. The panel was formed after four days of discussions, the Syrian opponents told a press conference. “We have given martyrs and some of us are injured... With all these efforts and sacrifices, as a result of this responsibility, a sense of unity has been formed,” activist Ahmad Ramadan said in translated remarks.

“This council can be regarded as a phase towards the creation of the establishment of a representative body” for the Syrian revolution, Yasar Tabbara, another activist said on the quality of the council. “The council will convene in about two weeks to elect the chair and secretary... When it convenes it will adopt its bylaws,” added Louay Safi, a US-based political scientist. “The council represents all the forces of the opposition from the left to the right,” said Safi, adding that new dissident groups from Syria could be expected to participate during the process.

The dissidents declined to give out the names of council members and said the body, which brings together all opposition groups both from inside and outside Syria, would elect them after its first meeting. “Coming together of all groups is a must despite all dangers. This delegation will bring different groups together,” said Halis Halihi. Half the council members would be from opponents inside Syria, Bashar AlHeraki, an engineer who was among the organizers of the protests in city of Daraa.

“Syrian people are very interested in such a council, they have been waiting this for a very long time,” Heraki said,

adding that the council would represent the revolution outside Syria. “This council will be responsible for dealing with all issues related to international community and human rights. It will look ways and means to support the revolution to make sure that... the regime dismantles,” Safi said. “This council will try to form the structure (of a new order) which will emphasize the rule of law, civil society, economic growth, and an independent state, a state aware of its responsibilities,” Ramadan said.

Meanwhile, the US ambassador made a surprise trip to a southern Syrian town yesterday, his second visit to an area rocked by protests against President Assad and a move likely to antagonize the authorities in Damascus. As a UN humanitarian team toured the country, security forces raided the countryside near the city of Hama, killing at least five people in assaults to subdue pro-democracy demonstrations, local activists said.

Houses were stormed in several villages and towns in the Al-Ghab Plain, farmland east of the Mediterranean coast that contains the Roman city of Apamea, they said “Shabbiha (proAssad militiamen) accompanied the military. We have one name of the five martyrs, Omar Mohammed Saeed AlKhateeb,” said an activist in Hama, which has been under military siege since it was stormed at the beginning of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan on Aug 1.

The United Nations says 2,200 people have been killed in Syria and its human rights council launched an investigation yesterday into the violence, including possible crimes against humanity, despite objections from Russia, China and Cuba. The bloodshed

was wrought by Assad’s crackdown on a five-month-old popular uprising which prompted the United States and European Union to widen sanctions against Syria last week and to call on the Syrian president to step aside.

In Jassem, a town about 30 km east of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, residents said US Ambassador Robert Ford toured an area where activists say Syrian forces killed at least 12 people in May in response to major unrest. Ford angered Damascus seven weeks ago when he paid a visit to Hama in a gesture of solidarity with the city where huge anti-Assad protests occurred in June and July. At the start of August, Assad sent troops into Hama to crush the demonstrations.

Damascus accused Ford of inciting unrest-a charge which Washington denied-and banned Western diplomats from leaving Damascus and its outskirts.

Days later, a crowd broke into the US embassy compound, breaking windows and spraying graffiti. “He came by car this morning, although Jassem is swarming with secret police,” a resident said.

“He got out and spent a good time walking round. He was careful not to be seen talking with people, apparently not to cause them harm.” US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland confirmed that Ford traveled to Jassem and spent about four hours there. Ford, the first US ambassador to Damascus since Washington withdrew its envoy in the wake of the 2005 assassination of Lebanese statesman Rafiq Al-Hariri, has been outspoken in criticizing authorities for firing at civilian protesters.

International condemnation of Syria’s harsh repression of street unrest escalated this month after Assad sent the army into several cities including Hama, Deir Al-Zor and Latakia. — Agencies

Morals in the life and Da’wah of Prophets Continued from Page 1 ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab holding a piece of paper from the Torah as he had admired what was written on it.

Thereupon, the Prophet (PBUH) was very angry and said to him: “You do this while I am amongst you? I have conveyed to you the message white and pure. By Allah, if Moosa [Moses] had been alive now, he would have had no choice but to follow me.” [Ahmad, Al-Albaani - Hasan] This Hadeeth shows the universal nature of the Da’wah of the Prophet (PBUH) and that it is impermissible to follow anything except the Quran and Sunnah. Therefore, how can people leave these protected principles and seek guidance in things that have been distorted and changed?

Once, the Prophet (PBUH), heard an Imam delivering a Khutbah (sermon) on the pulpit, and saying, “Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will be rightly guided, while whoever disobeys them, will be misguided.” The Prophet said: “What a bad Imam you are! Say: ‘The one who disobeys Allah and His Messenger will be misguided’.” [Ahmad, Muslim] In the abovementioned Hadeeth, the Prophet (PBUH) criticized the Imam for saying “disobeying them” when referring to Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) as the use of this pronoun entails that both Allah the Almighty and His Prophet (PBUH), are on the same level. The Prophet (PBUH) also saw that it was appropriate

to mention and clarify this point in during the Khutbah.

When ‘Uthmaan ibn Math’oon died, Umm Al-’Alaa’ said, “O Abu As-Saa’ib! I testify that Allah has honored you.” The Prophet (PBUH) said to her: “How do you know that Allah has honored Him?” She replied, “Who would be honored if not him?” The Prophet (PBUH), said to her: “By Allah, though I am the Messenger of Allah, I do not know what Allah will do with me tomorrow.” Umm Al-’Alaa’ said, “By Allah, I will never attest the piety of anybody after this.”

Deeds depend on how the last of them will be, which Allah the Almighty has concealed from people’s knowledge. This refutes what was said by the Jews and Christians as they said (what means): {We are the children of Allah and His beloved} [Quran 5:18]. {None will enter Paradise except one who is a Jew or a Christian.} [Quran 2:111].

Allah the Almighty told them (what means): {That is [merely] their wishful thinking, Say: “Produce your proof, if you should be truthful.”} [Quran 2:111] This also refutes what some people do, thinking that some of the dead are the allies of Allah the Almighty and consequently, they worship these ‘allies’.

Among the examples that illustrate adherence to Tawheed is when a man came to the Prophet (PBUH), and said to him, “Allah and you willing.” The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Are you making me an equal to Allah? You should say, ‘What Allah alone, wills.” www.islamweb.net

Bedoons suffer uncertain fate Continued from Page 1 a nationality you cannot do anything. No one will respect you or deal with you.”

Alenezi’s family are bedoons, from the Arabic “bedoon jinsiyya” meaning “without nationality”. Like many bedoons, they are descendants of nomadic Bedouin tribes which had for centuries roamed freely with their animals across what is now Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan and Iraq. Many bedoons fell through the cracks when Kuwait became independent in 1961. Some did not apply for citizenship because they did not know how important it would become. Others were illiterate or could not produce documents.

“After independence my tribe stayed in the desert in Kuwait. The government offered them nationality but they did not understand the meaning of nationality because they knew each other by tribes and families,” he told AlertNet, a humanitarian news site run by the Thomson Reuters Foundation. “They weren’t used to carrying papers and documents or ID cards. All they carried was their clothes.”

No one knows how many Kuwaiti bedoons there are but estimates range from 93,000 to 180,000 inside the country and possibly 100,000 outside. Until the mid1980s the bedoons were treated as citizens, Alenezi said.

But by the time he left school in 1986, the government had started stripping them of basic rights. He was not allowed to go to university to study medicine, and he was turned down for jobs in the military, police and media.

“They told me they couldn’t take me because I was a bedoon,” he said. “I was accepted by universities in Jordan and the UAE, but Kuwait wouldn’t give me a passport.” Rights groups say the fact the bedoons were included in the 1965 census indicates Kuwait considered them citizens at that time. “In the beginning when we were Bedouin they used to call us ‘Kuwaiti’,” Alenezi said.

“Then they changed it to ‘Kuwaiti from the Desert’, then ‘Bedoon’. After the Gulf War they changed it to ‘Unspecific Nationality’ and since ‘96 they have called us ‘Illegal Residents’.” The Kuwait government says the bedoons are nationals of other countries. But rights groups say the vast majority are not considered nationals by any other state.

Many bedoons have served in Kuwait’s armed forces.

When Iraq invaded in 1990, Alenezi’s brother, who was in

the Navy, was captured as a prisoner of war. But there was no hero’s welcome when he returned home after Kuwait’s liberation in 1991. Like other bedoons he was sacked from the military. Many people, bedoons and Kuwaitis alike, fled the country during Iraq’s occupation but the bedoons were barred from returning after the war. Alenezi’s parents were among those who ended up stranded behind the Iraqi border. Alenezi left Kuwait to join his parents and later moved to Jordan. With no passport of his own he resorted to buying a false Yemeni passport to travel to Europe.

Alenezi never intended to become a champion for his people. But he set up the Kuwaiti Bedoons Movement in 2005 after a London-based Arabic TV station asked him to speak about their plight and the emails started flooding in. “The letters didn’t just shock me, they turned my hair white because of the suffering. People didn’t have food. When they were sick they had no treatment. They were dying,” he said.

Alenezi said people with cancer are refused treatment and some bedoons resort to selling their blood for cash.

The ban on schooling has rendered a generation illiterate and many children work. “They sell food or tissues on the street. They don’t have school, they come from big families where no one is allowed to work and they need to pay for rent and food,” he added.

Alenezi has taken his campaign to the United Nations where he hopes someone will champion the cause. He says the revolutions sweeping the Arab world should help the bedoons seek their rights. “We are not looking to change the regime, we just think it is a good chance to highlight the issue,” he said. “The eyes of the world are on the Middle East.” The government promised limited reforms earlier this year, but Alenezi says he will not rest until all bedoons have full citizenship. “This issue is my day and my night,” he said.

The day he received British citizenship was a bittersweet one. “When the official said you now have all the rights of a British citizen I was thinking of Kuwait. Here I have all the rights, even to be a prime minister,” he said.

“It made me feel quite sad about my country.” Alenezi is grateful to the United Kingdom for providing his children with a future, but he will never feel it is his real home. Kuwait may have disowned him, but that won’t change how he sees himself. “I’m Kuwaiti until death; in my blood, in my feelings, in my dreams,” he said. “Even if they won’t let me be a Kuwaiti citizen.” — Reuters

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‘Hypocrisy in football’ MADRID: Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho slammed ‘hypocrisy in football’ yesterday on learning he faces a potential suspension after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) opened a disciplinary inquiry into his Supercup fracas with Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova.

Mourinho insisted last week he was not sorry for poking Vilanova in the eye in the final moments of their 3-2 loss, which gave Barca an overall 5-4 aggregate triumph.

But after television images and press photos gave the incident widespread coverage, the Federation moved to act.

Madrid insist that Mourinho was responding to a series of provocations and insults from the Barca bench after tensions boiled over at the Camp Nou. The RFEF’s disciplinary committee said it had opened an inquiry against Mourinho for his behaviour which could breach two articles of the body’s disciplinary code.

If the committee finds against Mourinho he could be suspended for between four and 12 matches based on the first article and between four and ten on the basis of the second. — AFP

Major League Baseball results and standings on Monday. Milwaukee 8, Pittsburgh 1; Pittsburgh 9, Milwaukee 2; Seattle 3, Cleveland 2; Washington 4, Arizona 1; Philadelphia 10, NY Mets 0; Detroit 5, Tampa Bay 2; Texas 4, Boston 0; Atlanta 3, Chicago Cubs 0; Baltimore 4, Minnesota 1; LA Dodgers 2, St. Louis 1; Colorado 9, Houston 5.

GB 1 8.5 13 29 5.5 5.5 14 17.5 4.5 16 18.5

6.5 20 22.5 25.5 9 13.5 15.5 20 34 1 8.5 10.5 10.5

NEW YORK: The New York Giants suffered a devastating blow to their defensive department when cornerback Terrell Thomas picked up a long-term knee injury in the team’s pre-season game against the Chicago Bears on Monday.

The Giants’ leader in tackles and interceptions in each of the last two seasons will miss the next campaign after tearing his right ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) when he collided with team mate Jason Pierre -Paul towards the end of the first half.

The 26-year-old eventually limped off the field under his own power, but the extent of his injury was revealed in the second half as the Giants went on to record an impressive 41-13 victory that was tinged with a sour

taste. “It’s devastating,” New York defensive end Justin Tuck told a sideline repor ter during the game. “He was primed to have another great year for us.

“We don’t know who is going to have to step up but somebody is going to have to step up to fill that void. That’s a big void.”

The four th-year Thomas recorded 101 tackles and five interceptions last season, the best campaign of his young career.

His loss is the second prominent cornerback to go down for the Giants this month after first-round draft choice Prince Amukamara broke a bone in his left foot on Aug. 6 and faces an indefinite spell on the side lines. —Reuters

PHILADELPHIA: Cliff Lee threw seven sharp innings, and John Mayberry Jr. and Hunter Pence each hit a two-run homer as the Philadelphia Phillies beat the New York Mets 10-0 Monday.

The Phillies rocked Dillon Gee (11-5) to earn their major league-best 82nd win. They have a comfortable lead over Atlanta in pursuit of their fifth straight National League East title.

Lee (14-7) allowed three hits, walked three and struck out seven. The 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner is 4-0 with a 0.58 ERA this month.

David Herndon pitched the last two innings to complete the five-hitter and record Philadelphia’s 17th shutout.

LONDON: Arsenal have agreed to sell French midfielder Samir Nasri to their Premier League rivals Manchester City, the London club said yesterday. Nasri has been omitted from the Arsenal squad travelling to Italy for today’s Champions league playoff second leg against Udinese. “Arsenal can confirm that they have agreed terms for Samir Nasri to move to Manchester City,” Arsenal said in a statement on their website, adding that Nasri was on his way to Manchester for a medical late yesterday. Nasri is set to become the second key Arsenal player to leave the club this month after Barcelona signed captain Cesc Fabregas for a reported fee of around 40 million euros ($56.9 million). City had already laid out around 50 million pounds in this month’s transfer window on Argentina forward Sergio Aguero, French left-back Gael Clichy-also bought from Arsenal-and Montenegro defender Stefan Savic.

Since being taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group in August 2008, City have spent an unprecedented amount for British football on buying top players.— Reuters

Dodgers 2, Cardinals 1 At St. Louis, Aaron Miles’ RBI triple keyed a two-run, ninth inning rally as Los Angeles came from behind to beat St. Louis.

Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter, who has never lost to Los Angeles, dominated the Dodgers for eight innings, shutting them out on five hits. Carpenter took a 1-0 lead into the ninth, but then hit Juan Rivera to start the frame. Manager Tony La Russa brought in Arthur Rhodes, who struck out Andre Ethier. La Russa then went back to his bullpen, but that move backfired when Miles tripled to right center off Fernando Salas (5-5) to tie the game at 1-1.

Rockies 9, Astros 5 At Denver, Jhoulys Chacin threw seven solid innings and had a two-run double, while Carlos Gonzalez homered and drove in three runs to help Colorado beat Houston. All nine starters reached base for Colorado, which won its third straight. It’s just the second time since June 18 the Rockies have won three in a row.

Brian Bogusevic had three hits, including a homer, Matt Downs also homered for the Astros. It was the first time Colorado beat Houston right-hander Brett Myers.

Myers (3-13) came into Monday 7-0 with a 3.47 ERA in eight appearances against the Rockies, seven of those as a starter. —AP

Nationals 4, D’backs 1 At Washington, Jayson Werth hit a three-run homer, Ross Detwiler took a four-hitter into the seventh inning and the Nationals beat Arizona to extend the Diamondbacks’ losing streak to a season-high six games.

Henry Blanco homered for the Diamondbacks, who have scored only seven runs in their last six games.

Mired in its longest skid since a seven-game run in July 2010, Arizona now leads second-place San Francisco by just one game in the NL West.

Brewers 8, Pirates 1 At Pittsburgh, Ryan Doumit homered and drove in two runs as Pittsburgh ended more than a year of futility against Milwaukee with a win in the second game of a doubleheader.

The Brewers took the opener for their 13th straight victory over Pittsburgh, but the Pirates pounded Milwaukee ace Zack Greinke in the second game.

Braves 3, Cubs 0 At Chicago, Jair Jurrjens pitched in and out of trouble for 6 1-3 innings, Dan Uggla and Freddie Freeman homered and Atlanta beat Chicago for their fifth straight win.

Jurrjens (13-5) allowed eight hits and walked five.

The Cubs stranded 11 runners in the first six innings.

Uggla’s two shots gave him 30 home runs for the fifth straight season. No other second baseman in major league history has reached 30 homers more than three times overall. Jonny Venters walked the first two batters in the ninth, but got the last three outs for his fifth save.

PHILADELPHIA: New York Mets Lucas Duda slides beneath Philadelphia Phillies Chase Utley throw to make the double play during the second inning. —AP

Fromm powers Georgia to victory SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT: Flashing a wide grin that revealed braces, Georgia’s Jake Fromm clutched a baseball tightly in his left hand. It wasn’t just a souvenir from the Little League World Series, but the ball the 13-year-old slugger hit for a two-run homer in a three-run ninth that helped propel Warner Robins to a dramatic 8-5 win Monday over LaGrange, Ky. “I was just trying to put the ball in play,” said the 5-foot-11 Fromm, Georgia’s leader and tallest player. “Honestly, I didn’t think it was going to go over the wall.” Did it ever.

The high line-drive shot off a 2-1 pitch rocketed over the green center- field fence 225 feet away. Pinch-runner Evan Lasseter scooted home with the go-ahead run on a passed ball earlier in Fromm’s at-bat.

Fromm, a pitcher, wasn’t done. He returned to the mound in the bottom of the ninth to finish off Kentucky with two strikeouts and a groundout to help Georgia move on in the tournament. Fromm fanned 10 in 4 1-3 innings of one hit relief.

Earlier Monday, Langley, British Columbia beat Kaoshiung, Taiwan, 5-3 to become the first Canadian team to beat a squad from Taiwan at the series following 16 straight losses; Hamamatsu City, Japan, beat Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, 13-4; and Oranjestad, Aruba, shut out Rapid City, S.D., 5-0 in a consolation game. The nightcap turned into a central Pennsylvania party after the boys from Clinton County took control with a three-run first in a 10-0 blowout of Lafayette, La. The blue-clad Pennsylvania players from the Keystone Little League live just about 30 miles away from South Williamsport.

Another raucous, partisan crowd cheered their every move under the Lamade Stadium lights. Brandon Miller led off the bottom of the first with a homer to right to start the rout, and the squad nicknamed the “Big Blue Machine” tacked on seven more runs in the second, more than enough support for starter Landon Breon. Miller came on in relief to get the last two outs, and he and Breon combined on a no-hitter. The game ended after Louisiana hit in the top of the fourth due to Little League’s 10-run rule. “Keystone! Keystone,” roared the Pennsylvania fans after center fielder Tyler McCloskey caught the last out. Pennsylvania

Arsenal agree to sell Nasri

Giants lose Thomas

Phillies rout Mets 10-0

MLB results/standings

American League Eastern Division W L PCT NY Yankees 77 48 .616 Boston 77 50 .606 Tampa Bay 69 57 .548 Toronto 65 62 .512 Baltimore 48 77 .384 Central Division Detroit 69 58 .543 Chicago White Sox63 63 .500 Cleveland 62 62 .500 Minnesota 55 72 .433 Kansas City 52 76 .406 Western Division Texas 74 55 .574 LA Angels 69 59 .539 Oakland 57 70 .449 Seattle 54 72 .429 National League Eastern Division Philadelphia 82 44 .651 Atlanta 77 52 .597 Washington 62 64 .492 NY Mets 60 67 .472 Florida 57 70 .449 Central Division Milwaukee 77 53 .592 St. Louis 67 61 .523 Cincinnati 62 65 .488 Pittsburgh 60 67 .472 Chicago Cubs 56 72 .438 Houston 42 86 .328 Western Division Arizona 69 59 .539 San Francisco 68 60 .531 Colorado 61 68 .473 San Diego 59 70 .457 LA Dodgers 58 69 .457

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

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will play Georgia on Tuesday night.

Manager Phillip Johnson was hoping to save Fromm for that game, but called on him in relief with his team facing another tight game. They had developed a penchant for rebounding from behind or late-game drama

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT: Clinton County (right) scores the last of three runs driven in by a double by teammate Landon Breon, as Lafayette, catcher Cain Castille waits for the late relay throw in the second inning. —AP in the tournament run to South Williamsport.

Fromm and his teammates came through in the clutch again. “We’ve always been put in tight situations,” said leadoff hitter Logan Arnett, who was 3 for 5 with an RBI. “It seems like whenever we need a big hit, it happens.”

Josh Goodman finished 2 for 3, including the rally-starting, one-out single in the ninth before being lifted for pinch-runner Lasseter, while Fromm finished 2 for 4. Fromm said the bad back that had been bothering him earlier in the tournament felt much better Monday.

“Strong batter ... looks like he’s healed up after that big hit,” Kentucky manager Brad Bates said. Kentucky chipped away at Georgia’s early 5-2 lead, tying the game at five in the fifth after Grant Larimore scored on an error. Griffin McLarty and Travis Faith homered for Kentucky. Faith also held Georgia scoreless for

five innings in relief before tiring in the ninth. “I don’t want one pitch to define his performance ... because his performance was outstanding,” Bates said.

Canada 5, Taiwan 3 Yi An Pan scattered nine hits over five innings and added a solo homer in the sixth for underdog Canada. It’s already the most successful showing for Canada at the series since 2005. “We’ve got two wins so far in this tournament. For a Canadian team, that’s the most we’ve had in a while,” coach Jason Andrews said. “We are starting to get more comfortable with the crowds. The kids seem less nervous. I’m less nervous as coach.”

With the game tied, Connor McCreath scored the go-ahead run in the fourth after singling. McCreath was sacrificed to second and later came around to score on an error.

Taiwan had two chances to tie late but had a runner called out in the fourth for sliding head first into home, against Little League rules. Pan tagged a runner out at home to end the bottom of the fifth.

Aruba 5, South Dakota 0 Gillian Wernet struck out 12 in a four-hit shutout as both teams ended their Little League run after being eliminated earlier in the weekend from title contention.

Aruba’s ace also had a nice day at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a run. Brett Beyer had two hits to lead South Dakota. The Midwest region champs will still remember their postseason run for a long time. They’ve become Little League social media celebrities, too.”I have a lot of Facebook requests,” first baseman Zach Solano said, “from people I don’t even know.”

Japan 13, Saudi Arabia 4 Japan broke open a tight game with an eight-run sixth inning, setting up a matchup with Canada on Tuesday. With Japan clinging to a one-run lead, Sotaro Yoshida hit a solo homer with one out to start the scoring in the sixth. Mitsuhiro Uchida, Ken Igeta and Iwamoto each added RBI hits in the inning.

Japan manager Akihiro Suzuki said his team may have still been thinking about the tough one-run loss to Mexico on Sunday. — AP

Tigers defeat Rays ST. PETERSBURG: Justin Verlander this season’s first 19 game winner and Alex Avila hit his 15th homer as the American League Central-leading Detroit Tigers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-2 on Monday.

Verlander (19-5) won his seventh consecutive start, giving up one run and three hits in seven innings. The 19 wins match his career high, set in 2009.

The Tigers took a 2-1 lead in the second when Avila hit a two-run shot off Jeff Niemann (8-5). The All-Star catcher is 25 for 59 (.424) with five homers and 14 RBIs this month. Niemann, who was 7-0 in his 10 previous start, allowed four runs and six hits over 7 1-3 innings.

Tampa Bay center fielder B.J. Upton left with a right shoulder strain after running into the wall on Delmon Young’s eighth-inning double.

Mariners 3, Indians 2 At Cleveland, Franklin Gutierrez lifted a bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the ninth inning as Seattle scored the go-ahead run without getting a hit to beat Cleveland. The Indians, swept by AL Central-leading Detroit over the weekend, lost their fourth in a row.

Cleveland closer Chris Perez (2-6) hit both Miguel Olivo and Brendan Ryan with pitches to start the ninth. Perez then compounded his problems by dropping a sacrifice bunt by Trayvon Robinson, loading the bases with no outs.

Ichiro Suzuki, who already had three hits, struck out. But Gutierrez, formerly of the Indians, hit a fly to medium center field and Olivo barely beat Ezequiel Carrera’s one-hop throw home.

Orioles 4, Twins 1 At Minneapolis, J.J. Hardy homered against the team that traded him in the offseason, Zach Britton won for the first time in 10 weeks as Baltimore snapped a five -game losing streak by beating Minnesota.

Matt Wieters also homered, Ryan Adams added an RBI after being recalled from minor league Triple-A Norfolk and Nick Markakis delivered an RBI double.

Kevin Gregg pitched the ninth for his 18th save. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire and third baseman Danny Valencia were ejected by plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt in the eighth inning after Valencia struck out.

Rangers 4, Red Sox 0 At Arlington, Texas, C.J. Wilson threw 6 2-3 scoreless innings for his 13th victory and Mike Napoli hit a three-run homer as AL West-leading Texas returned home with a victory over Boston.

Wilson (13-5) struck out four while limiting the Red Sox to four singles.

Napoli’s 21st homer, in the sixth off Erik Bedard (4-9), extended the Rangers’ 1-0 lead and his hitting streak to a seasonbest 11. Bedard is 0-2 in his four starts for the Red Sox since being acquired July 31 in a trade from Seattle. The left-hander struck out four and allowed seven hits over six innings. —AP

ST. PETERSBURG: Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander delivers to the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning. —AP

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US pulls out of bid for 2020 Summer Olympics NEW YORK: This time around, the United States is saying no to the Olympics. Locked in a dispute over millions of dollars, the U.S. Olympic Committee pulled the plug Monday on a bid for the 2020 Summer Games before the International Olympic Committee could say no to the Americans, as it has the last two times. The two sides have been at odds over a revenue-sharing agreement for years.

By not submitting a bid, the USOC assures at least a 20-year gap between Olympics on American soil for only the fourth time. The IOC will award the 2020 Games in 2013. So far, Rome, Tok yo, Madrid and Istanbul, Turkey, say they will bid.

Chicago, New York and Dallas were among the American cities interested in the 2020 games, but any bid was contingent upon a new

deal with the IOC. Recently, negotiations had picked up in an effor t to meet a Sept. 1 deadline for countries to submit a city’s name for consideration. But with so much money and a longterm commitment at stake, the USOC decided not to rush.

“I think it’s one of the smartest things they could do right now,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics, one of the countr y ’s most impor tant, and successful, Olympic sports. “It’s very important they get this revenue-sharing deal done the right way. Having an Olympic bid hanging over your head is going to change the way you think about one of the most important business decisions you’re going to make for the USOC in the foreseeable future.”

At the heart of the disagreement

is the USOC’s long-standing 20 percent share of global sponsorship revenues and 12.75 percent cut of U.S. broadcast rights deals. The IOC wants more of that money.

Because of the revenue generated in the United States and the success of its teams, the Olympic movement needs the USOC more than any other national body. It’s a delicate dance, however, because there are some in the IOC who resent the United States for the power it holds.

There won’t be any deal soon.

Publicly, at least, the IOC did not sound distressed.

“The United States and its athletes have made, and continue to make, a huge contribution to the Olympic Movement,” IOC spokeswoman Emmanuelle Moreau said. “ We always welcome a bid from such a key partner and look forward to a bid

in the near future.”

The IOC was asking for more than the USOC leadership was willing to give. The USOC simply wasn’t willing to slap together a deal to allow a city - many insiders thought it would be Dallas - to start the bid process.

“With such little time left in the process, we don’t believe we could pull together a winning bid that could ser ve the Olympic and Paralympic movement,” USOC spokesman Patrick Sandusky said.

At one time, New York was considered a favorite to host 2012, but it lost in embarrassing fashion, finishing fourth of the five finalists.

Two years ago, Chicago finished fourth of four finalists for the 2016 Games, and that humiliating loss w a s v i e we d by m a ny a s m ore a reflection on the USOC’s relationship with the IOC than the city’s via-

bility as an Olympic host.

The last games on US soil were the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002 and the last Summer Olympics were the Atlanta Games in 1996.

Both were troubled. Salt Lake had a bid scandal and critics perceived Atlanta as the over-commercialization of an event that, at its core, is supposed to celebrate the purity of sports.

The United States has twice waited 28 years between games - from 1904 i n S t . Loui s to 1932 i n Los Angeles and Lake Placid, and then not a ga i n unt i l 1960 i n S q uaw Valley, California. Then, there was a 20-year lapse before the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. But all of those stretches were before the Olympics became a money- generating machine, thanks mostly to the rise of sports on TV. —AP

Woods mulls extra event

Tiger Woods plays a shot in this file photo

Moreno powers to Tour stage win SPAIN: Spanish cyclist Daniel Moreno powered to victory in the fourth stage of the Tour of Spain, a 170km ride from Baza, after a mountain duel on the heights of the Sierra Nevada yesterday.

France’s Sylvain Chavanel became the fourth wearer of the overall leader’s red jersey in as many days as Monday’s 35-year-old stage winner Pablo Lastras failed to follow up his performance in the third stage.

The sprint specialists got a boost for the flatter stages ahead when Mark Cavendish, who last month became the first British rider to win the Tour de France green jersey, dismounted and abandoned after 125.5 kilometres of the stage, beaten by the toughness of the climb.

At the end of a 23-kilometre climb on an average 5.7 percent slope, Moreno powered ahead of Denmark’s Chris Sorensen in the

last few metres as the two attacked the 2,110-metre summit, to finish in 4hr 51min 53sec. Moreno credited his team-leader, Joaquin “Purito” Rodriguez, a fellow Spaniard, for supporting him in his break.

“I asked Purito how things were looking and he said good and gave me the goahead to attack. Things were going quite well and I had a go,” Moreno said after the finish.

“Now it is time to work for Purito. We are riders with similar characteristics and we work well together,” Moreno said. Moreno and Sorensen left behind French rider Guillaume Bonnafond, one of a seven-rider pack that had broken ahead early on before being caught up by the peloton close to the end. Irishman Daniel Martin finished third, with Rodriguez in fourth, 11 seconds behind the winner. —AFP

LOS ANGELES: Tiger Woods said on Monday he was considering playing in a PGA Tour Fall Series event later this year in a bid to justify his selection for the Presidents Cup team competition in November.

The former world number one is eager to take part in the Ryder Cup-style Presidents Cup in Australia from Nov. 17-20 but has been advised by United States captain Fred Couples to get more tournaments under his belt before then.

Woods failed to qualify for the PGA Tour’s elite FedExCup playoffs after missing the cut at the PGA Championship and his next scheduled event is the Nov. 10-13 Australian Open.

“I’ve had some conversations with US captain Fred Couples, and we’ll see how it goes. Of course, I want to be on the team. I’m just going to keep practising and try to get better,” Woods said in a blog posted on his website.

“It’s Freddie’s call, and he can make any choice he wants. I might add another PGA Tour event to my schedule. Right now, I’m looking at my options.”

Woods has played on every US Presidents Cup team since 1998 but he has been a shadow of his former dominant self since the end of 2009 while trying to rebuild his golf swing and private life following the breakup of his marriage.

His world ranking has slipped to 36th and the 14times major champion faces the once unthinkable prospect of being ranked outside the top 50 when he next competes.

Before last week’s Senior Players Championship, Couples made his own intentions clear as to what he expected from the rusty Woods.

“He can’t just show up the week before in Australia,” Couples said. “I have made it clear that whoever I picked will be playing the Australian tournament the week before. But I need him to play more than just there.”

Woods does have plenty of options which range from teeing it up in the PGA Tour’s Fall Series, which generally attracts only the journeymen on the U.S. circuit, or perhaps heading across to the late-season events on the European Tour.

There are four events in the Fall Series and the two most likely to attract his attention are the Sept. 29-Oct. 2 Las Vegas Open, where he won his first PGA Tour title in 1996, and the Oct. 20-23 Disney Classic in his home state of Florida.

If the PGA Championship does represent his final PGA Tour appearance of the season, Woods will end his 2011 campaign in the US with just two top-10s in eight starts.

His biggest problems have been injury and lack of practice. He was on the sidelines for three months while recovering from the left knee ligaments and Achilles tendon he hurt during the Masters in April, when he tied for fourth.

He missed two majors, the US Open and the British Open, and that unexpected hiatus was far from ideal as he continues working with coach Sean Foley through the fourth swing change of his career. —Reuters

Bartoli begins final US Open tune-up in style NEW YORK: Fourth seed Marion Bartoli began her final warm-up to the US Open in impressive style by blasting Australian qualifier Anastasia Rodionova 6-1 6-4 in first round action at the New Haven Open on Monday.

The 26-year-old Frenchwoman, one of four top 10 players taking part in the U.S. Open tune-up, was forced to save three break points in the opening but was never threatened in setting up a second round meeting with Czech Klara Zakopalova.

Fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland cruised into the second round by pounding Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova 6-1 6-2 while eighth seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova came out on top of an all-Russian clash rallying past Vera Dushevina 3-6 6-4 6-3.

World number one Caroline Wozniacki arrives in New Haven searching for some hard court form after suffering opening match losses in her last two tournaments.

The Dane, who received a first round bye, could not hope for a better place to discover some hard court success ahead of the U.S. Open as she will attempt to become the 10th player in the Open Era to win the same WTA title in four straight years. —Reuters

LONDON: In this Dec. 5, 2009 file photo, New Zealand’s Sitiveni Sivivatu catches the ball during their rugby union match against Barbarians. New Zealand selectors have discarded backline veteran Sivivatu and pinned their hopes on a novice flyhalf in their 30-man squad the Rugby World Cup. —AP

Australia make changes for Tri-Nations decider SYDNEY: Australia coach Robbie Deans recalled centre Anthony Fainga’a and forwards Dan Vickerman and Radike Samo yesterday for the Tri-Nations decider against New Zealand in Brisbane.

Lock Vickerman will join newly appointed Wallabies captain James Horwill, who will lead his country for the first time, in the second row with outside centre Fainga’a winning his seventh cap.

Fainga’a inclusion means Adam Ashley-Cooper switches to the wing to take over from James O’Connor, who was suspended after he missed the World Cup team announcement following what local media reported was a night out.

Australia will be looking for their first victory over the All Blacks in Brisbane for 19 years although the Bledisloe Cup is beyond them having lost to New Zealand 30-14 in Auckland earlier this month.

Australia and New Zealand both have nine points from their three matches after the All Blacks lost to South Africa on Saturday while the Wallabies beat the Springboks a fortnight ago to keep their chances of a first Tri-Nations title since 2001 alive.

“The group showed a lot of character to bounce back in South Africa but no one in our party is getting ahead of themselves,” Deans said in a statement.

“The All Blacks are not the bench mark in world rugby without good reason. They give you nothing and pounce on any opportunities that you give them. To beat them, we will need to be disciplined,

Organisers expect full house for Indian GP NEW DELHI: If the early response is anything to go by, the organisers of the Indian Grand Prix should have little to worry about over the turnout for the country’s inaugural Formula One race on the outskirts of Delhi on Oct. 30.

Tickets worth 12.5 million rupees ($273,768) were snapped up in the first three hours of sales on Saturday, leaving Ashish Hemrajani, head of race ticketing partner Bookmyshow.com, in no doubt that there will be a full house at the Buddh International Circuit.

“Honestly, we did expect such a response. After all, it’s the first ever Formula One race in India and there was anticipation over when tickets would finally go on sale,” Hemrajani told Reuters by phone. “So far, we have sold tickets worth more than 50 million rupees. We knew the response would be good and we are very pleased.

“Outside cricket and cinema, you don’t get such response. I think most of the tickets sold so far must have gone to people living in and around Delhi.

“We would be launching packages soon for the foreigners for their travel and stay. We will see some traction coming

Marion Bartoli plays a shot in this file photo

accurate, composed but, most of all, deserving.” Fijian-born number eight Samo returns to the starting line-up for the first time since 2004 and will be joined in the loose forwards by former captain Rocky Elsom.

South-African born Vickerman, who featured in the earlier loss to the All Blacks, replaces Nathan Sharpe, who started the 14-9 win over the Springboks in Durban.

“Dan offered go forward for us in the second half in Auckland, and has come on in his overall fitness since that night, while Anthony and Radike both made their presence felt in a big way in Durban,” Deans added.

“We felt in each instance that their previous contributions warranted further opportunity this week.” Victory for Australia on Saturday would be a huge confidence boost ahead of the World Cup in New Zealand which starts on Sept.9.

Australia, who are grouped with Ireland, Italy, US and Russia in Pool B, have been tipped by many to reach the final in New Zealand and face the All Blacks but Deans remains guarded about his team’s chances. “Obviously there is a lot of rugby coming up in New Zealand, and there will inevitably be expectations around the impact that this weekend might have on that but while a lot is going to happen beyond Saturday, we can’t afford to - and won’t - be looking beyond this game.” —Reuters

soon.” Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone last week gave the 5.14-km circuit a resounding thumbs-up ahead of its Sept. 1 homologation and home drivers Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok are also impressed by the layout. “The first time I went there was in April last year and saw a lot of mud and a few ponds,” Chandhok told reporters at Saturday’s ticket launch programme.

“The undulation they created is very, very impressive... it adds to the character of the circuit,” said the reserve driver, who replaced Lotus team mate Jarno Trulli in a one-off appearance in last month’s German Grand Prix.

“I think we got two to three special corners with double the width to promote overtaking. This is the first circuit in the world with overtaking zones recommended by some drivers and (FIA race director) Charlie Whiting.”

Hispania discard Karthikeyan, who will be back behind the wheel for his home grand prix, had similar views. “I can straightway relate to some of the corners,” the former Jordan driver said. “There are a lot of overtaking opportunities and I have seen four to five such places.” —Reuters

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

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Watt passes on rugby for long jump glory SYDNEY: Mitchell Watt could be preparing for the rugby World Cup this week instead of the athletics World Championships but the Australian long jump title hopeful has never regretted passing up the team game for individual glory. Watt played schoolboy rugby with some of the big names of the current Australia team, such as Will Genia and Quade Cooper, but turned his back on the game in his late teens before coming back to sport in the long jump pit three years ago.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise, winning bronze at the 2009 worlds in Berlin and arrived in Daegu with the four best jumps in the world this year, and the Queenslander says he is exactly where he wants to be.

“I definitely don’t regret giving up rugby,” Watt told Reuters in a telephone interview from South Korea. “I never

really felt comfortable in rugby, which is why I stopped in the first place, and the way things are going with my athletics at the moment, and with the Olympics coming up next year, I definitely have no regrets.” Watt has had a tremendous season. His best jump of 8.54 metres in Stockholm at the end of last month was the longest in the world this year and bettered Jai Taurima’s 11-year-old Australian record.

Domestic honors, while welcome, are no longer enough for Watt and Diamond League wins in Shanghai, Stockholm and London have forced the law student to revise his expectations for the Aug. 27Sept. 4 World Championships.

“At the start of the year I was just hoping to get another medal and I thought that was going to be a big challenge because I missed most of last year with injury,” he said.

“But after the season I’ve had in Europe this year, I’d be disappointed if I didn’t win the gold medal.” But for a casual invitation to join an old friend in a training session with coach Gary Bourne in early 2008, Watt could have been lost to athletics as well as rugby.

“It didn’t strike me as appealing at all, I never had the intention of going to the Olympics and World Championships,” he said. “But from my first training session in five years, it was about 18 months later that I was on the podium in Berlin.

“I was extremely stoked in Berlin and thought if I can do this after 18 months then I can definitely win the gold medal down the road, whether it be two, four or five years. “Two years on from Berlin, I think I’m in a good position.”

For all his confidence, Watt knows it will not be easy to claim the gold from a field including three-times world and

former Olympic champion Dwight Phillips and reigning Olympic champion Irving Saladino.

“They always seem to jump big when it matters (but) it’s been a pretty level playing field this year, always different people popping up, and I think it will be the same here,” he said.

Watt has continued to surprise himself and his form this season has already exceeded some of his objectives. “I think I’ve been really consistent, which is what I’ve really been aiming for, another thing was getting jumps out early in the competition rather than later,” he said.

“Hopefully I can push that out a few centimetres further in the finals.” A bruised heel that has been bothering him is on the mend and even if some after-effects linger, he is confident it will not effect his performance.

“If I do happen to feel it a bit, I’m not

worried about it, it’s not getting any worse,” he added. “I’ll still be able to jump to my full potential.”

Beyond Daegu, Watt is looking forward to fulfilling every athlete’s dream by competing in the Olympics, and perhaps even giving Australia its first long jump champion in London next year.

“It’ll be a big challenge but if someone had told me a few years ago that I would be going to the Olympics, I definitely wouldn’t have believed them,” he said. Before that, however, he is looking forward to catching up with how his old team mates are getting on at rugby’s showpiece tournament in New Zealand.

“I’m completely excited and focused on next year but, having said that, I still like watching rugby, and keep in touch with a few of the guys and I’ll be watching it very closely once we finish in Daegu.”—Reuters

Farah goes the distance in search of 10,000m gold

LONDON: England’s players celebrate after winning in their fourth Test match against India, at The Oval cricket ground.—AP

England brace for new challenges LONDON: As a signal that England were no longer prepared to tolerate physical and mental flabbiness, Ian Bell was told to go away and toughen up after his side were bowled out for 51 by West Indies in February, 2009.

Two and a half years later, Bell is top of the year’s run scoring table with an average in excess of 100 and England are top of the world rankings after successive Ashes series wins and a 4-0 demolition of India.

“Physically I worked hard at my game, mentally I think I got a bit stronger,” Bell said on Monday after scoring 235 in England’s innings win over India in the fourth test.

Bell and England will now prepare for fresh challenges with three tests against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in January followed by two tests in Sri Lanka in March. Under the guidance of team director, the former Zimbabwe skipper Andy Flower, and captain Andrew Strauss there is no danger of any complacency seeping into a rigorously professional England structure.

“We are going to be judged by higher standards now. We need to keep pushing ourselves to improve and get better. We have got some very stern challenges ahead, in the subcontinent that’s an area of the world that we still need to improve in, it’s going to be a good challenge for us there,” Strauss told a news conference.

“Firstly winning away from home is always more difficult, we should be competitive in our conditions again anyone in the world. Away from home is harder, so we are going to have to challenge ourselves to improve away from home. “And then it is about maintaining stan-

dards and maintaining improvements and being consistent. We have improved that a lot in the last 12 or 18 months, we need to improve that over the next year or so.”

The ascent from the ignominy of Kingston to the euphoria of the Oval over a team who arrived in England at the top of the world rankings was plotted by Strauss and Flower after the latter took charge of his adopted country following the series loss in West Indies.

“The greatest pitfall is feeling like you have done it all and therefore you are not willing to put in the hard work to continue it. I would be very disappointed if our side fell into that trap,” Strauss said.

England scored a mountain of runs against an manifestly inadequate attack after first Zaheer Khan and then Harbhajan Singh were injured.

The basis of their success was their bowlers’ ability to demoralise the most prolific batting order in test history who managed only three centuries, each to their supreme technician Rahul Dravid.

“I think if you look at lot of the sides we have played over the last couple of years some very good batsmen have struggled, I think a gradual erosion in their confidence and a gradual increase in our confidence has been the difference between the sides,” Strauss said. “Big victories have come on top of outstanding bowling performances. It’s very different out there, the heat and the humidity and all that sort of stuff and we have to keep improving our skills both in how we are looking to take wickets but also our ability to bat for very long periods.”—Reuters

Quick thrills hurt ageing India NEW DELHI: Ageing superstars, a shallow back-up pool and the national addiction to instant cricket have left India facing a depressing outlook at the Test level following their 4-0 drubbing by England.

It was the tourists’ heaviest series defeat in two decades, dethroning India from the top of the Test rankings and relegating them to number three behind England and South Africa.

But there may be worse to come, gloomy pundits argue. India rose to the pinnacle on the back of the combined brilliance of established stars such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Venkatsai Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh.

Two other pillars, Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble, have already retired and it won’t be long before Tendulkar and Dravid, both aged 38, and Laxman, who turns 37 in November, are gone too. The bowling cupboard too is bare as injury-prone pace spearhead Zaheer and spinner Harbhajan ponder their immediate future and younger bowlers struggle to come to terms with Test cricket.

“We were fortunate to have such good players all at one time, but they can’t go on forever,” legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev told AFP. “It won’t be easy to replace them.”

Tendulkar, the world’s leading batsman, and Dravid are still good enough to hold their own for a while yet, but the transition could begin during India’s tour of Australia starting in December. Former opener Arun Lal, now a respected television commentator, said the defeat in England was a wake-up call to administrators. “You cannot go on with 35 or 38-yearolds till eternity,” said Lal. “We need to infuse new talent. What happened in England was in a way good. We needed an awakening.”

Kumble admitted a return to the top will take time, but urged selectors to invest in younger players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh.

“They have to be given a long rope,” said Kumble, Test cricket’s third highest wicket-taker

after Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.

“You may not see India come back at the top in quick time. But we have to ensure that with these youngsters, we remain in the top three and climb to the top spot after a few years.” With the euphoria of India’s limited-overs World Cup win in April wearing off, questions abound over whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India is serious about equipping the team for the rigours of the five-day game.

Critics have slammed the BCCI for poor planning, undue emphasis on the lucrative Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition, and a lack of injury management.

Whispers have grown in recent years of youngsters skipping first-class matches to ensure they stay fit to fulfill their million-dollar IPL commitments. Former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi doubts if the cash-rich BCCI will follow Cricket Australia’s example of ordering an in-depth review to pinpoint the ills in Indian cricket. “The BCCI is not going to show a great deal of vision,” said Pataudi. “Cricket will continue the way it is, but I sincerely hope that some sense does come in.”

The BCCI’s lop-sided scheduling is evident in the fact that India’s exhausted cricketers will get no respite-or a chance to work on their game at the nets-after their return from England.

The Champions League Twenty20 competition, featuring domestic club teams from across the cricket-playing world, begins in India on September 19, just three days after the last one-dayer in England.

Among the IPL teams in the fray are Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings, Tendulkar’s Mumbai Indians and Kohli’s Bangalore Royal Challengers, while Gambhir’s Kolkata Knight Riders will play in the qualifying round.

After the Champions League ends on October 9, India will host England for five oneday internationals from October 14 to 29, followed by a Test and one-day series against the West Indies at home till mid-December. —AFP

LONDON: British distance runner Mo Farah will have travelled further than most as he attempts to end the Ethiopian and Kenyan stranglehold on the men’s 10,000 metres title at the athletics World Championships.

Farah arrived in Britain from Somalia as an eight-year-old and settled in West London. Last year, he spent time training in Kenya before winning the European 10,000 and 5,000 titles and has now moved his wife and young daughter to Oregon in the United States so he can be coached by three-times New York Marathon winner Alberto Salazar. The journey has paid dividends and Farah is in the form of his life going into the Aug. 27Sept. 4 championships in Daegu, South Korea.

Unbeaten in his last 10 races, Farah is the fastest man this year over both the 10,000 — thanks to a European record of 26 minutes 46.57 seconds set in June-and the 5,000.

“Things have been going really well. I’ve been enjoying being based in Portland, Oregon with Alberto Salazar as my coach,” Farah said in a news conference in the build up to the London Grand Prix earlier this month.

“He’s a really great coach and for the last six months everything’s gone really well. The worlds are not far away so I’ve got to just keep my feet on the ground and continue doing what I’m doing.”

The last athlete outside of Kenya and Ethiopia to win the world 10,000 title was Italy’s Alberto Cova in 1983 — the year Farah was born.

Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele has taken gold at the last four championships, and also won the 5,000 title in Berlin two years ago, but the world record holder has injury problems after rupturing a muscle in his right calf in January 2010.

Farah began his season by retaining his European indoors 3,000 title in March and it was over the same distance that he rounded off his World Championships preparation this month with victory in front of an adoring home crowd at Crystal Palace.

The 28-year-old brought spectators to their feet with his blistering finish, running the last 200 in just over 25 seconds for a comfortable victory.

“It’s just pure hard work and graft, nothing is easy, you know, I just keep training. You have to make sacrifices,” he told reporters after the race.

Farah has also been selected for the 5,000, over which he set a British record of 12:53.11 in July, and has not written off the possibility of attempting a distance double.

“In Daegu, I’m definitely going to give 110 percent in the 10k and then see what happens. I’ll see how the legs are then go for it in the five after,” he added. The men’s 10,000 final takes place on Aug. 28. The heats for the 5,000 are on Sept. 1 with the final on the last day of competition on Sept. 4.

Meanwhile, a new, slimmed-down competition schedule will have triple champion Usain Bolt running fewer races when he defends his sprint titles at the world athletics championships that begin in Daegu on Saturday.

The Jamaican, like most sprinters, will need only six races to capture gold in the 100 and 200 metres instead of the eight required in past Olympics and world championships.

“We are trying to make the programme more compact, more exciting,” International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) competition director Paul Hardy told Reuters.

Daegu and its Aug 27-Sept 4 championships will be the first test for the streamlined schedule.

London’s 2012 Games will see their Olympic intro-

“In the past, we have had four rounds (for everyone) in the 100 metres,” Hardy said. “We are (now) having a preliminary round with all the unqualified competing against each other to progress to the next round.” The non-qualifiers gain entry because of an IAAF rule permitting each member federation to enter a male and female in one event, the majority of which enter the 100 metres.

About 34 athletes will therefore race in four preliminary heats with the best of those advancing to the next round, where elite runners will enter the competition.

So far there had been no complaints from member federations about their sprinters possibly missing out on a once-in-a-life time opportunity to

Mo Farah celebrates in this file photo duction. One round of the 200 metres has been shelved for all runners and only those without a qualifying mark will face four rounds of the 100.

The latter has piqued the most interest because it will reduce from four to three the number of times Bolt and other elite runners will race in the 100 metres.

The reigning champion and other top sprinters will start their 100 metres runs at 9:45 p.m. local time on Saturday instead of loping through opening rounds against much slower competitors earlier in the day.

be on the same track with Bolt, Hardy said.

In other changes, most qualifying rounds for the championships will be during morning sessions with evening programmes limited to three hours. “We will have one final after another basically,” Hardy said.

There also will be a different ending to the nine day competition with the 4x100 metres relay, where Bolt and his team mates have drawn the awe of spectators with their world record running, now the last event on the programme instead of the more traditional 4x400 metres relay.—Reuters

BCCI blasted in India after English whitewash NEW DELHI: Infuriated by India’s humiliating 4-0 series defeat in England, the local media lashed out at the cricket board yesterday, accusing the governing body of pursuing riches instead of developing the test team. The 50-over world champions arrived in England as the top-ranked side in test cricket but their consistent poor displays, coupled with a spate of injuries to key players, led to India’s first series whitewash in 11 years.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s first series defeat as captain pushed India down to the third place in the rankings, described as “A Crying Shame” by the Times of India, which held the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) responsible for the debacle. “BCCI stands for Board of Control for Cricket in India. It could even be referred to as Bombastic, Callous, Chaotic and Incorrigible,” it blasted, a day after England secured a fourth crushing win by an innings an eight runs at the Oval.

“Post India’s world cup victory, the board had the ideal chance to show the world that it was serious about not just generating 70 percent of world cricket’s income but about creating a congenial environment for the team to prosper in the longer format too. “Instead of giving new coach Duncan Fletcher a side that was fighting fit to take on a buoyant and in-form England outfit, they made all the key players go through IPL (India’s lucrative Twenty20 league) just six days after an emotionally and physically draining World Cup.” The Hindustan Times called the body a “Board of No Control”, lamenting its lack of professionalism and providing graphic details of how Australia, England and South Africa run their cricket boards. The newspaper held BCCI, “flush with cash, bereft of proper management”, responsible for India’s “England Bummer” as the tourists appeared helpless in their attempt to prevent the hosts from marching towards the top of the rankings. For a change, the players were spared, many sympathising with them for being put through a punishing schedule. India’s world cup victory was preceded by a tour of South Africa and less than a week after winning one-day cricket’s biggest trophy in Mumbai, Dhoni and his men were playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). A tour of the West Indies soon followed and by the time they landed in England, most of the players were either jaded or injured.—Reuters

COLOMBO: Australia’s Ricky Ponting looks at his injured finger during the fifth one-day international cricket match against Sri Lanka in this file photo. —AP

Australia gear for spin test COLOMBO: Australia captain Michael Clarke believes fending off the challenge posed by Sri Lanka’s spinners will be the key to winning the three-Test series starting next week. The series, which opens at a traditionally spin-friendly venue in Galle on August 31, will be Clarke’s first as Test captain since taking over from Ricky Ponting after the World Cup. Clarke said a 3-2 success in the one-day series against the hosts would stand his side in good stead going into the Test matches.

“I think it’s been really good to get some cricket under the belt in these conditions,” Clarke said after his team’s four-wicket defeat in the fifth and final one-dayer in Colombo on Monday night.

“Looking at the result, I would imagine that the wickets are going to turn throughout the series and we are going to be facing a lot of spin. We need to be prepared for that.

“We have to be at our best as a batting group. We are fortunate we’ve got a lot of experience in our batting group but we have to make some big scores.”

Sri Lanka will be without match-winning fast bowler Lasith Malinga for the Test

series, but Clarke said the hosts still had the bowling resources to test his batsmen.

Malinga, who became the first bowler to take three hat-tricks in one-day internationals, has already quit Tests in a bid to prolong his career in limited-overs cricket.

“I think a few of the boys are happy we don’t face him (Malinga) in the Test series,” said Clarke, who was named man of the one-day series for scoring 242 runs in the five matches.

Man-of-the-match Malinga dismissed Mitchell Johnson, John Hastings and Xavier Doherty off successive balls to spark a dramatic collapse which saw Australia lose their last five wickets for just one run.

Australia were bowled out for 211 before Sri Lanka achieved the target with three overs to spare. “I’m sure Sri Lanka are going to have a good attack in the conditions we’re playing in. I’d be surprised if they don’t play two spinners at least,” said Clarke.

Sri Lanka are likely to field unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath in the Tests. Australia will play a three-day practice match against a Sri Lanka Board XI in Colombo from Thursday before the Test series.—AFP

A

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Years

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

S P ORT S

Italy becomes sick man of European club football ROME: Having once been the major power in European and world club football, Italy is rapidly becoming the sick man of Europe in footballing terms.

Only 10 years ago, Italy topped the UEFA country rankings but after Schalke 04 beat reigning champions Inter Milan in the Champions League quarterfinals last season, they dropped below Germany to fourth and lost a place in the Champions League.

It has been a remarkably swift decline for the once all-conquering Italy which has seen it’s economic fortunes suffer as problems mount on the pitch.

Gone are the days when Italian teams poached the best talent in the world, including from England and Spain, with mega-money transfers.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic did come back to Italy from a year-long spell in Spain, but it was Barcelona who flexed their financial muscle to rip him from Inter Milan’s grasp in the first place, only to discard him in

a cut-price deal to Milan a year later when they no longer wanted him.

If Milan tried to trumpet that as proof they were still a major player, this summer has shown that it was but an exception to the rule.

Milan’s only signings so far have been free transfers to bring Philippe Mexes from Roma and Taye Taiwo from Marseille, whilst they also bought out Genoa’s half share in Kevin Prince-Boateng.

They have been linked with moves for Liverpool’s unwanted Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani and want-away Fiorentina captain Riccardo Montolivo, but neither of those, should they come off, could be described as a coup.

That they haven’t yet happened is proof that Milan simply don’t have the money or willingness to go out and make them happen.

Rather than twist anyone’s arm with a handsome offer they are instead forced to spend weeks trying to negotiate a favourable deal.

Juventus spent a lot of time telling the world they were in the market for big stars but Manchester City easily out-bid them for Sergio Aguero, Alexis Sanchez had eyes only for Barcelona and they completely failed to prise Giuseppe Rossi from Villarreal, instead opting for the cheaper, older and more inconsistent Mirko Vucinic from Roma.

But the biggest indication of Italy’s weakening financial clout has been seen at Inter Milan.

Champions of Europe just over a year ago, they’ve been tempted into selling their stars this summer.

Most alarmingly is the news that Samuel Eto’o is due to be snatched by the continent’s new financial power, Russia.

Regardless of current wrangling, Anzhi Makhachkala essentially offered enough money to convince Inter to sell the man who was their best player last season, while they also seemed prepared to let Wesley Sneijder-probably their most instrumental figure in winning the Champions League-

leave until they simply couldn’t find a buyer.

The general consensus is that Inter will try to use the Eto’o money to fund a bid for City’s Carlos Tevez but this wouldn’t be a case of them out-bidding all suitors, rather them providing a solution to an expensive problem of which City have grown tired.

Italy simply aren’t in the same league as their major European rivals and while Germany have overtaken them on the pitch, Russia have surpassed them in the banks, proven even by the innocuous transfer of left-back Domenico Criscito move from Genoa to Zenit St Petersburg.

Napoli also wanted Criscito, could offer him Champions League football like Zenit and the opportunity to stay in his homeland, but they couldn’t match the Russians’ financial strength.

Italian football many not collapse and split up like the old Ottoman Empire did but given the country’s economic crisis, the sick man of Europe may not yet have reached the end of his illness. —AFP

Arsenal in crisis mode

DOHA: In this Jan. 29, 2011 file photo, Australia’s player Harry Kewell reacts during the AFC Asian Cup final soccer match between Japan and Australia. Kewell has been left out of the Socceroos’ first squad for World Cup qualifying just three days after signing with Australian A-League club Melbourne Victory. —AP

Anzhi agree to sign Eto’o MOSCOW: Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o is set to leave Inter Milan and join Anzhi Makhachkala after the two clubs agreed terms, the Russian Premier League club said yesterday.

Anzhi did not reveal the transfer fee but media reports put it at around 30 million euros ($43 million), saying the four-times African Footballer of the Year could become the richest player in the world by making 20 million euros a year.

“The transfer sum has been agreed, making both clubs happy,” the wealthy club from the volatile North Caucasus region, bankrolled by Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov, said on their website (www.fc-

anji.ru). “Tomorrow, the player will undergo a medical, and if he passes it, he would sign a three-year contract.” Eto’o, 30, won two Champions League titles with Barcelona before joining Inter in 2009. He won a Serie A, Italian Cup and Champions League treble in his first season in Italy.

Anzhi, who also boast Brazilian left back Roberto Carlos and former Chelsea midfielder Yuri Zhirkov, said Eto’o could make his Russian league debut this weekend.

“Samuel should arrive on Thursday to begin preparation for our league match against Rostov,” said Anzhi, who play their home games in Makhachkala but train near Moscow. —Reuters

Zico to coach Iraq SAO PAULO: Former Brazil great Zico says he has reached a deal to coach the Iraqi national team. Zico said he has agreed to coach Iraq through the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He said minor details were being negotiated before the contract is signed.

“It’s just a matter of putting the agreement on paper and signing it,” Zico told SportTV and other Brazilian media.

The general secretary of the Iraqi Football Association, Tariq Ahmed, told The Associated Press yesterday that Zico will be in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil on Thursday to negotiate and sign the contract. “Everything will be clear then during negotiations and then the signing of the contract,” Ahmed said.

Signing Zico would be a boost for Iraq’s struggling football program. The Iraqi association risked a FIFA suspension last year when sport officials could not agree on who would run the program, a Sunni candidate accused of ties to Saddam Hussein’s regime or a Shiite candidate backed by the government.

After a year’s delay granted by FIFA, officials eventually chose a third candidate who has a long history in Iraq’s football community. The new head of the IFA, Najeh Hamoud, has made finding a new coach to head the team in its World Cup qualifying campaign

UDINE: Arsenal is in crisis mode as it visits Udinese for the second leg of a Champions League playoff today, hoping last week’s 1-0 win can help keep alive its streak of 13 consecutive group-stage appearances in the top European competition.

The Gunners have managed only one point from two English Premier League matches - including its first home loss to Liverpool in 11 years - and manager Arsene Wenger was given a two-match touchline ban on Monday for breaching the terms of a previous suspension during the opening leg against Udinese.

With former captain Cesc Fabregas already having transferred to Barcelona, Arsenal announced Tuesday it had reached a deal to send Samir Nasri to Manchester City, meaning the France midfielder won’t be heading to Italy.

Wenger accepts the multiple challenges. “I believe that is part of my job. I am not at all destabilized by that,” he said, before addressing a possible negative impact from Nasri’s departure. “There is always a concern but not an excuse. You are always concerned about the consequences it can have on the team.

“It can also have a positive consequence,” Wenger added. “If you are strong mentally you can increase the solidarity knowing we need to fight more. That is what ideally we want from strong mentally players.”

Meanwhile, with Serie A not due to start until this weekend, Udinese is completely focused on qualifying for the group stage for just the second time. “Arsenal is an unforgiving squad, so the match must be approached calmly, without nervousness, and without thinking about how we need two goals to reach the group phase - otherwise we’ll risk falling into a puddle,” said Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin.

Last week, England forward Theo Walcott scored the only goal of an open and entertaining first leg after four minutes in north London.

However, Udinese created several chances, including a free kick from captain Antonio Di Natale that banged off the crossbar.

“We only suffered in the first 10 minutes when we didn’t play like we know how to, then you saw the real Udinese,” said Di Natale, who led Serie A in scoring the past two seasons with a total of 57 goals.

With Antonio Floro Flores and Paulo Barreto still unavailable, Udinese’s only reserve forward remains German Denis - who will transfer to Atalanta after the match. The northeastern Italian squad’s only lineup question is at left back. Maurizio Domizzi was out and Brazilian defender Neuton struggled to contain Walcott in the opening leg, so Guidolin could use veteran Giovanni Pasquale.

Arsenal’s new captain, Robin van Persie, returns from suspension, and Alex Song and Gervinho - who served league suspensions in the loss to Liverpool - are also back. Wenger had been banned for the first leg for comments made about the referee following last season’s Champions League elimination by Barcelona. However, he was seen passing on instructions to the bench through coach Boro Primorac, who sat alongside the manager in the stands.

UEFA ruled that was a breach of its rules, and banned Wenger from both the second leg against Udinese and his next European fixture.

Arsenal was also fined ?10,000 ($14,400) for “improper conduct by its officials.” “I don’t know why I have been banned for the first time and naively I still don’t know why I should be banned for the second time,” Wenger said.Arsenal appealed Wenger’s suspension and UEFA was due to decide later Tuesday whether to postpone the sanctions until the appeal can be considered, which could allow the manager to patrol the touchline against Udinese.— AP

Little change in Serie A race ROME: Reigning champions AC Milan head into the new Serie A season as unsurprising favourites following a summer of relative inactivity that has done little to spice up the coming campaign.

Having beaten off the challenges of Inter Milan and Napoli last season it is hard to see anything having changed significantly in the summer to upset the apple-cart.

Milan made their main investments last season, bringing in attacking players Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho, Antonio Cassano and Kevin-Prince Boateng, as well as holding midfielder Mark van Bommel.

They won the title on a foundation of the meanest defence and moments of brilliance from their star-studded forward line to turn tight games in their favour.

There has been a slight regeneration in

defence ahead of this season with the arrivals of Philippe Mexes and Taye Taiwo meaning the Rossoneri’s mean backline should only get meaner. They let a couple of veterans go such as Marek Jankulovski and Andrea Pirlo, but the former had not been a first team regular for a couple of years and the latter had essentially been replaced by Van Bommel.

It is hard to see Milan being significantly better but they remain a considerable force. The objective then is for the rest to catch them and yet no-one seems to have taken any significant strides in doing so. Their main challenge will undoubtedly come from Inter who, without the distraction of the Club World Cup, should be more focused this season and as long as they don’t give themselves a mountain to climb with a poor start, as they did 12 months ago, then they should at least push Milan closer this time

Maracana workers end strike

Former Brazil soccer great Zico

his top priority. Iraq is in a qualifying group with China, Jordan and Singapore. It will play Jordan on Sept.

2. The 58-year-old former playmaker coached Japan when it was eliminated in the group stage of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He also coached clubs Kashima Antlers, Fenerbahce, CSKA Moscow and Olympiakos, among others.

Zico starred for Brazil at the 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cups. He began his career with popular Brazilian club Flamengo and also played for Italy’s Udinese in the early 1980s. —AP

LONDON: Arsenal’s Emmanuel Frimpong reacts after being shown a red card by referee Martin Atkinson during their English Premier League soccer match against Liverpool in this file photo. — AP

RIO DE JANEIRO: Construction workers refurbishing the Maracana stadium for the 2014 World Cup finals have ended their strike for better conditions, their union and the consortium in charge of the site said on Monday.

The workers went on strike last Wednesday after a colleague was badly burnt and suffered leg injuries when an oil barrel with chemical residue exploded on site. Their union said the consortium in charge of the work agreed to most of the workers’ demands including improved security and pay.

“We’re satisfied, that’s why we’ve returned to work today,” union leader Romildo Vieira told Reuters.

“Negotiations ended like this: the health plan will be only for the workers (at first) but we’re going to look into the possibility of extending it to their families.

“The deadline to finish the work on the Maracana is December of next year. The days of stoppage won’t delay the work. If necessary we’ll work more hours,” Vieira added.

He said there could be up to 3,000 men involved in the work over that period of time. At present there are 2,000 working in three shifts.

The work on the stadium, set to hold Confederations Cup matches in 2013 and expected to stage the World Cup final a year later, are estimated will cost about one billion reais ($630 million). —Reuters

around. But it is hard to see how they will have improved, not least due to the imminent departure of Samuel Eto’o, their best player last season. They weren’t helped by a long-term injury to centre -back Walter Samuel but Andrea Ranocchia proved an able understudy who has even done enough to earn a regular starting berth in the Italy national team.

Whether Samuel will even get back in the Inter team is debatable. But the impending loss of Eto’o, who is set to sign for Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia, and his pace, is significant. Even if Inter manage to replace him with Carlos Tevez or Diego Forlan, they will have lost a major threat. Tevez and Forlan work hard and are good finishers, but so too is Diego Milito who plays in the same position. Eto’o’s advantage was his seering pace and the fact he could operate out wide. —AFP

New deals for Wigan trio LONDON: Wigan trio James McCarthy, Emmerson Boyce and Ben Watson have all penned new contracts, the Premier League club confirmed yesterday.

Republic of Ireland’s McCarthy, 20, who was named Wigan’s young player of the year for both seasons since his arrival, has committed his future to the club for the next five years, with fellow midfielder Ben Watson, 26, penning a three-year deal.

Defender Boyce, 31, who is closing on the club’s record tally of Premier League appearances, has signed for two years.

Latics manager Roberto Martinez said: “In any transfer window, all we often hear about are possible new arrivals and targets coming out of the blue and we can sometimes forget the importance of keeping a really competitive core of players at the club.

“We have been talking to several of our players and we are delighted to announce these first three, with

hopefully more to come very soon.

Having players commit their longterm futures provides the platform we need to build from.

“James is a young man with a very big future in the game, and it speaks volumes that he has chosen Wigan to carry on his football education. We are proud to have him as a Wigan Athletic player.

“Ben has grown to become a key member of the team over the past 12 months and has shown great maturity on the field. He is in the best moment of his career but I’m sure his best years still lie in front of him, here at the DW Stadium.

“As for Emmerson, what can we say? He is now in his sixth season at the club and is a true professional who continues to set the highest daily standards, he is an example to others around him and a true ambassador for Wigan Athletic.”

Wigan have opened the season with draws against Swansea and Norwich leaving them 12th in the Premier League. —AFP

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Brazil great Zico to coach Iraq

Farah goes the distance in search of 10,000m gold

19

18

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

Watt passes on rugby for long jump glory Page 18

PARIS: Slovenia’s Rok Draksic (up) fights against South Korea’s Jun-Ho Cho during their third place final match in the - 60kg category at the Judo World Championships. —AFP

Sobirov reigns to stop Japan sweep PARIS: World number one Rishod Sobirov retained his world under-60kg title to deny Japan a clean sweep of the gold medals on the first day of the World Judo Championships at the Palais Omnisport de Bercy here yesterday.

Sobirov scored a half-point wazaari eight seconds from the end of the final against Japan’s Hiroaki Hiraoka with a bear-hug leg-sweep (kosotogari) to win his seventh major tournament in a row. Azerbaijan’s Ilgar Mushkiyev and former world champion Georgii Zantaraia of Ukraine won the bronze medals.

The real drama came in the semifinal against Kim Won Jin in which

Sobirov’s 18-month unbeaten run was almost ended.

The Uzbek took a decisive lead a minute from the end of the contest when Kim was given a penalty but the Korean then hit back immediately with an inner-hook (ouchi-gari).

The referee originally awarded the maximum winning ippon score only for the judges’ table to overrule him and downgrade it to a waza-ari.

It still meant Kim was leading but one second from time Sobirov scored his own waza-ari with a rear throw (ura-nage) to snatch the victory by the earlier penalty.

Japan’s Masashi Ebinuma upset the odds to win the under-66kg title,

beating Brazil’s Leandro Cunha in the final.

World number eight Ebinuma scored a perfect ippon with a textbook inner-thigh throw (uchi-mata) to beat the man who sits one place above him in the standings.

Korea’s Cho Jun-Ho and Russian world number four Musa Mogushkov took the bronze medals.

Haruna Asami ensured Japan topped the medals table after the first day of competition as she beat compatriot Tomoko Fukumi for the second year in a row in the under-48kg final.

Asami notched the only score of the fight with an inner-leg sweep (ouchi-gari) for the minimum yuko

score 30 seconds from the end of the contest.

It was Fukumi’s third world final in a row having won in Rotterdam in 2009.

Young Brazilian star Sarah Menezes and Hungary’s Eva Csernoviczki won the bronze medals.

Menezes crushed home hopes of a medal on the opening day as she defeated veteran Frederique Jossinet with a drop shoulder throw (ipponseoi-nage).

Csernovizcki won a controversial bout against Beligum’s Charline Van Snick, twice scoring with throws that appeared right on the edge of the legal mat area only for TV reviews to confirm both scores.

NBA stars playing abroad is ‘a plan going nowhere’ NEW YORK: We all long for those European vacations, don’t we? Paris in May. Rome in October. With the Acropolis staring down on its ancient city like a sentry, Athens is enchanting any time of the year. But Kobe Bryant in China? Deron Williams in Turkey? Omri Casspi in Israel? Ron Artest in London? Despite ongoing speculation suggesting NBA players will flood the international market if the lockout persists into the regular season and the latest chatter has Kobe entertaining offers from China and Turkey - American fans should be advised to pick up a sharp knife and cut through the baloney.

With few exceptions - perhaps New Jersey’s Williams among them - established NBA stars will remain stateside and await a new labor agreement. Most talk to the contrary is a bunch of hooey, sandwiched by potentially significant health/injury factors. Owners barring players from their NBA facilities during the lockout is excessive and more than a little foolish. But preventing players from consulting members of the medical staff if injured?

Now think about that for a minute. If you’re the Cleveland Cavaliers owner who recently traded for Casspi, wouldn’t you want your medical experts involved in determining the extent and treatment of the ligament tear he suffered last week? There are other issues complicating a potential rush to the airline ticket counters, not the least of which is the fact that basketball’s international governing body (FIBA) will require players to fulfill their NBA contracts whenever the labor

agreement is reached.

Connect the dots. Teams that play in the Euroleague are wary of signing superstars with existing contracts for fear of an inevitable and disruptive exodus. Officials with the Chinese Basketball Association are said to be even more skeptical; they are debating whether to place a cap on the number of Americans per team and disallowing opt-out clauses. “There will be a few players on the high end and a few on the low end that go,” union leader Billy Hunter told the New York Times. “The vast majority will not get an opportunity, and we have told the players to not believe that Europe or Asia is going to be an elixir here.”

The temptation to think of the Euroleague or the Chinese Basketball Association as competitive alternatives to the NBA is nonetheless considerable, mainly because players historically lack leverage in labor discussions. During every impasse of the past two decades, someone floats the utterly impossible notion of starting a competing league, which in this current economy is like asking Hayley Mills to dribble behind her back while playing Pollyanna.

The NBA is and will remain a one-size-fitsall league that employs 450 players at generous wages (most recently at an average of $5.1 million per year), except when the owners cry poverty and impose a lockout. The owners claim that a majority of teams (22 of 30) are hemorrhaging millions, that the business model is flawed, and that they should share equally in basketball-related income. —MCT

In the -60kg category Mushkiyev won bronze when he was awarded a somewhat fortuitous ippon against South Korea’s Choi Gwang-Hyeon after the pair seemed to stumble as they attempted concurrent attacks only for Choi to fall backwards as his opponent drove forwards.

Zantaraia produced one of the throws of the competition in defeating Kim in just 27 seconds with a hip technique (tsuri-goshi).

At -66kg Cho took bronze with a delightful seoi-nage shoulder throw to beat Slovenia’s Rok Draksic, finallist at the Masters in January.

Mogushkov also earned bronze as he scored ippon against Britain’s

Colin Oates with a corner throw (sumi-gaeshi).

In the -66kg division there were shocks aplenty earlier in the day as world number one Khashbaatar Tsagaanbaatar of Mongolia and Japanese 2010 world champion Junpei Morishita both bit the dust.

Tsagaanbaatar was narrowly beaten in the last 16 by Cho while Morishita injured his elbow in the third round as he was trying to resist an armlock by Moldova’s Igor Soroca.

The injured world number two then attacked with a weak innerthigh throw (uchi-mata) which was countered (sukeshi) for ippon. —AFP

Shea’s game worth watching in Dallas

Kobe Bryant in action in this file photo

DALLAS: Homegrown talent, even in athleticrich Texas, can be hard to find. The Dallas Mavericks’ best player is German. The Texas Rangers’ and American League’s reigning MVP is from North Carolina. Of the 18 Cowboys in the Ring of Honor, including the latest additions, only Don Meredith and Bob Lilly played high school and college football in Texas.

Needless to say, the Stars are not awash in Lone Star State hockey talent, and you would expect the same to be true of FC Dallas, given the international flavor of soccer. The MLS’ leading goal scorer, Thierry Henry, is from France. And yet, on display for FC Dallas is local scoring star and College Station, Texas’ own Brek Shea. Unlike the Aggies, Shea isn’t going anywhere ... yet. If FC Dallas ever has a chance to market a player that would bring mainstream soccer fans into Pizza Hut Park, it’s the 6-4, blonde-haired Shea, who emerged as a solid player last year at age 20 before emerging as the team’s premier goalscorer in 2011. With 10 goals, he trails only Henry and the LA Galaxy’s Landon Donovan the two of the three most famous players in the league.

“He has 10 goals, and he doesn’t get the penalty kicks, which give you easy goals,” FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman said. “Brek has all the qualities to be an exceptional player. He could be an All-Star anywhere you put him.”

That includes on the back end, where Hyndman played Shea earlier this season before he moved up to left wing. That’s where he has sup-

plied the scoring punch that went missing when last year’s league MVP, David Ferreira, was lost with a broken ankle. “Losing the MVP of the league, I think we’ve all had to accept the responsibility to step up,” Shea said.

None have managed it quite so well as Shea, whose skills were demonstrated for a larger audience when he set up Team USA’s tying goal in a 1-1 game with Mexico earlier this month.

Playing for the USA on the world stage are lifelong goals for Shea that have come well within his reach. “Nothing’s bigger than the World Cup in soccer,” Shea said. “But to be picked to play for my country in the Olympics would be amazing.”

Then, of course, there is that other goal. While there’s no doubt players like Shea are helping grow the MLS, Europe one day will come calling. That’s not only where the money is to be made. That’s where the greatest players in the world play this game. Shea signed a contract with FC Dallas this year that extended his deal through 2015. Asked if he could see himself staying here that long, Shea said, “I think that’s what contracts are for. It’s hard to say. Naturally, I want to play in Europe one day, and when that day comes, I hope I’m ready.” The contract with FC Dallas can be bought out like all the other transfer fees that make soccer’s biggest headlines. Hyndman said Shea could already have departed for Europe. FC Dallas has to decide what to do about another player, George John, now pursued by the English Premier League’s Blackburn Rovers. —MCT

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Dubai crowned as ‘Middle East City of the Future’ Page 22

Cairn Energy eyeing Lebanon exploration

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

Page 23

UBS axes 3,500 jobs in cost-cutting push

Kuwait stocks pare gains

Page 25

Page 24

STUTTGART: Visitors walk past works of Andy Warhol’s series “Cars” at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, southern Germany. For the 125th anniversary of the automotive history, the Daimler art collection will be on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart for the first time. (Inset) The Mercedes Simplex from 1902 is exhibited. —AFP

Libya needs years to restore oil output Power struggle may delay production in post-Gaddafi era WASHINGTON: It could take Libya two years to restore oil production to pre-revolt levels, analysts and a former Libyan oil minister said on Monday as Western-backed rebels fought to take control of Tripoli.

But they also warned that disputes over who would hold power in any post-Muammar Gaddafi regime and the lack of any strong institutions could also delay rebuilding the energy-dependent economy. As much as 400,000 barrels a day of production could be restarted by the end of the year, but much of that would be needed domestically, leaving little at first available for export, analysts said.

“I don’t think they can resume production immediately. It might take

place in three or four months but to go back to the level they used to produce, it may take two years,” Shukri Ghanem, the exiled former Libyan oil minister, told energy news specialist Platts on Monday.

Ghanem, chairman of the Libyan National Oil Corporation from 2006 until he fled the country in May, said some key production and transport installations were damaged, and some oil wells were not shut down properly by operators, including foreign companies, as they removed their staff.

“They may start at 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day and in a year’s time they may reach a million, maybe before that. But first there will

be some repairs to the pipelines and the boosters and pump stations,” he told Platts. Before the uprising began in February, Libya produced as much as 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd) and exported 1.3 million bpd, much of it light crude valued by Europe’s refiners, which have struggled to replace it.

Energy specialist Cliff Kupchan of the Eurasia Group consultancy said getting back to the pre-war level will depend largely on how soon foreign oil and oil service companies can be made to feel secure. “The new government may be able to achieve a partial resumption of oil production by (the fourth quarter of) 2011, but probably no more than 400,000 bpd

Gulf stocks mixed in muted trade MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS DUBAI: Investors stuck to the sidelines yesterday amid thin trade across most regional bourses, as the global economy and uncertainty over Libya continued to drive sentiment ahead of an extended religious holiday starting next week for many.

Banks attracted buyers on Qatar’s bourse for a second-day yesterday.

Doha Bank gained 1.2 percent and Commercial Bank of Qatar rose 1.9 percent, helping lift the index 0.4 percent.

“We can look at it (Qatar) as a more resilient market as there is interest at these levels,” said a Dohabased trader who asked not to be identified due to company policy.

“Or we can look at it like a mild correction is overdue and will do so soon. I’m going to bet on the earlier notion. It has solid support at these levels.”

Abu Dhabi’s market and Oman’s index also ended slightly higher, but heavyweight Emaar Properties weighed on Dubai’s benchmark which fell 0.4 percent. Dubai Financial Market stemmed losses, gaining 0.9 percent. In Egypt, finan-

cial stocks grabbed most of the trading volume with Pioneers Holding sliding 5.8 percent to weigh on the benchmark which slipped 0.2 percent.

“It’s a directionless market with very low trading volume and there is a sentiment of optimism coming from Libya,” says Osama Mourad, CEO of Arab Finance Brokerage.

“The global market is holding in positive territory but the situation looks very volatile and there is no strong enthusiasm,” he adds.

Activity is expected to pick up after Eid, with a possible rebound, as long as no further negative news from developed markets spooks investors.

“Our markets have lost seven to eight percent related to the AAA story (US credit rating downgrade), but here on the ground nothing changed,” said Sebastien Henin, portfolio manager at The National Investor. “After Eid, we should have a bounce back.” World stocks have tumbled since the beginning of August on renewed concerns over global growth, and the ongoing fallout from a downgrade of the U S

credit rating, as well as euro-zone debt fears.

“To have a sentiment in the market, you need to have people,” said Henin. “There is no sentiment due to a lack of investors. But at the same time, the situation is not as bad as it could be.”

In Oman, local pension funds helped stem a two-day decline on the Muscat bourse which rose 0.1 percent. Bank Muscat rose 0.5 percent, Oman Telecommunications Co gained 0.8 percent and Renaissance Services climbed 0.7 percent, helping lift the index. “ There is strong buying from local pension funds on Bank Muscat, Omantel and Renaissance and also some from foreigners, which is a good indicator,” said Adel Nasr, United Securities brokerage manager, adding downward pressure on Oman will be strong if world stocks dip, while an upward correlation is weak. “It’s not a time to speculate, we’re telling people to buy on fundamentals and high dividends.”

Saudi Arabia’s index ended almost flat ahead of a 10- day break. —Reuters

within that timeframe-and a substantial amount of the volume will be needed for domestic consumption.”

Kupchan said, aside from oil, starting up the economy will be a “major challenge” for the rebel National Transition Council. “Libya has been a distributive state with no independent industries for over four decadesit imports roughly 70 percent of food. “ There will be a time gap between the NTC’s ascendance to power and revenue generation from oil needed to run the country-and that gap will be a dangerous period.”

Much depends on how well the fractious NTC can remain united as it

replaces Gaddafi’s crumbling government, analysts said. “The potential for a major political and security power vacuum remains elevated, in our view. Gaddafi has ruled Libya with an iron grip for over 40 years, and there are very few functioning institutions able to immediately step in and run the country in his absence,” said Helima Croft of Barclays Capital Research.

“International oil companies... will likely be reluctant to restart operations in a volatile security and political environment,” she said. Getting them back could mean renegotiating their exploration and production contracts, she added. Western and Arab powers are likely to provide the

funds needed to get any new government going. The United States has frozen $37 billion in Gaddafi regime assets since February and said Monday it was still working on ways to tap this to help a new regime in Tripoli.

“We are trying to accelerate our ability to get some essential funding to the (NTC), particularly for humanitarian needs, particularly for maintenance of essential services,” US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters Monday. She was referring to ongoing discussions with Britain, France, Germany, Turkey, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. —AFP

S&P removes president after US downgrade BANGALORE/NEW YORK: Standard & Poor’s said its president is stepping down, capping two weeks of controversy following the rating agency’s downgrade of US government debt on Aug. 5 that sparked a row with the Treasury.

S&P’s parent McGraw-Hill Companies Inc , said yesterday Deven Sharma, who has served as S&P president since 2007, will be succeeded on Sept. 12 by Citibank Chief Operating Officer Douglas Peterson. “S&P will continue to produce ratings that are comparable, forward looking and transparent,” McGraw-Hill said in a statement,

adding that Sharma would work on a strategic portfolio review for the group until leaving at year-end.

The one-notch downgrade of US government debt from AAA, which has not been matched by other major rating agencies, led to the biggest sell-off in global stock markets in three years and was criticized by Treasury officials and the administration of President Barack Obama over some of the methodology used by S&P. The US Justice Department is also investigating the ratings agency over its actions in assigning high ratings to complex mortgage securities leading

up to the 2008-2009 financial crisis, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters last week. S&P management has been criticized for its handling of the downgrade, although some advocates said it was acting responsibly in light of mounting debt and Washington’s political inability to devise a long-term solution to the issue.

The Financial Times, which first reported Sharma’s resignation, quoted unnamed sources on Tuesday saying his departure was unrelated to the downgrade or the Justice Department investigation. —Reuters

Nakheel to issue $1.3bn Islamic bond this week DUBAI: Property developer Nakheel will issue its long-delayed 4.8 billion dirhams ($1.3 billion) Islamic bond this week as it launches a five-year restructuring plan today, its chairman told a local newspaper.

The restructuring plan will begin as the company reached agreements with financial and trade creditors, Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah was quoted as saying in the Arabic daily Al-Khaleej newspaper.

“Nakheel will issue sukuk worth 4.8 billion dirhams to qualified trade creditors who have signed restructuring agreements to guarantee all of its owned properties,” he said, adding that Dubai Land and the Property Department had completed the evaluation of all land owned by Nakheel.

Nakheel, builder of man-made islands in the shape of palms, was at the center of Dubai’s crippling 2009 debt crisis after a property bust brought the firm to its knees. Lootah also said that the company succeeded in obtaining the approval of 100 percent of creditors for the final restructuring plan.

He said the sukuk would be issued in one stage but that the distribution process may take between two to three months. Deutsche Bank was mandated as the lead manager for the issue.

The developer, which over stretched itself with projects such as islands in the shape of palms, had been slated to issue the $1.63 billion Islamic bond, or sukuk, by the end of June. —Reuters

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Years

business

Dubai crowned as ‘Middle East City of the Future’ City leads in economic potential, infrastructure: fDi

Winner Ahmed Al-Hindal receives the prize from NBK Public Relations Manager, Abdulmohsen Alrushaid

Ahmed Al-Hindal wins KD 1,000 in NBK’s Watani online draw KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) recently conducted the first draw of its first-of-its-kind “Use Watani Online and Win” campaign designed to reward customers who do their banking with Watani Online.

The aim is to encourage new customers to join the high-tech, secure, convenient and free online banking channel provided by the safest bank in the Middle East.

Commenting on the occasion, winner of the first draw prize of KD 1,000 Ahmed Abdulrahman Al-Hindal said: “This promotion is one of the best promotions ever offered by NBK. Watani Online allowed me to perform a variety of transactions including checking balances and viewing transaction statements, paying bills and transferring funds locally or internationally. I’m really proud to be an NBK customer. Thank you NBK,” he added.

NBK will host a total of eight draws over the course of eight weeks to give customers a chance to use Watani Online. Customers who use Watani Online (www.nbk.com) to perform their banking transactions including accountto-account transfers, credit card payments, bill payments or local and international transfers will be entitled for one chance per day each time they log in to Watani Online to enter the draw to win KD 1,000 weekly.

tangible growth. Foreign investors in Dubai stand to benefit from the city’s advanced infrastructure as well as its strategic location as the regional business hub. The top ranking as the ‘Middle East City of the Future’ will further catalyse foreign direct investments to Dubai.”

Foreign direct investment to Dubai has recorded an impressive growth of 4.5 per cent this year compared with 2010 and is poised to make a solid growth of 30 per cent next year, said AlGergawi. “The access to a rich talent pool of skilled professionals, the high quality of life that the city offers and the ease of doing business in Dubai are all driving forces for the continued competitiveness of the city.”

The report by fDi Magazine further builds on the standing of Dubai as a preferred foreign investment destination as highlighted by the 201 AT Kearney FDI Confidence Index Report, which ranked Dubai as the “preferred destination of choice for future Foreign Direct Investments (FDI).”

To prepare the ‘Middle East Cities of the Future,’ the fDi Intelligence division collected data from 46 cities under six categories - economic potential, human resources, cost-effectiveness, quality of life, infrastructure and business friendliness. The independent judging panel

KUWAIT: Dubai has been crowned once again as the ‘Middle East City of the Future 2010/11’ by fDi Magazine underlining the Emirate’s premier status as a preferred foreign direct investment destination. Dubai ranked exceptionally well across all categories achieving top positions in Economic Potential, Infrastructure and Business Friendliness.

Sami Al-Qamzi, Director General, Dubai Depar tment of Economic Development (DED), said: “The ranking of a Dubai as the ‘Middle East City of the Future’ is a strong testament to the economic fundamentals of the city, and the growth potential that Dubai offers to investors from around the world. From creating the right infrastructure to establishing business-friendly policies, Dubai has been focused on all-round development and creating a conducive environment for growth, in line with the strategic vision outlined by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”

Fahad Al-Gergawi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai FDI, the foreign investment promotion arm of DED said: “The sustained top ranking by fDi Magazine for Dubai reiterates the strong growth potential that the city offers for foreign investors to set up business and record

Fahad Al-Gergawi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai FDI were weighted by importance to get the overall scores.

Dubai attained an impressive total score of 52.05 among 25 Middle East cities. The report also observed that Dubai scored highest in the region in terms of the number of FDI projects from 2003 to June 2010, establishing

Burgan Bank announces names of daily winners of Yawmi Account KUWAIT: Burgan Bank held its Yawmi account draw announcing a total of 5 lucky daily prize winners, each taking home KD 5000. The lucky winners for the five daily draws took home cash-prize of KD 5000 each. The lucky winners are: 1 Salem Khalel Ibrahim Al Ramzy 2 Haya Dhaidan Barghi Darweesh 3 Mohammad Abdullah Ali Alwazzan 4 Evon Razq Atya Rovaeel 5 Hamad Muhsen Ali Jedaia Burgan Bank’s Yawmi account was the first in the country to have a daily draw, thereby entitling

account holder receives an additional entry into the draw. Burgan Bank encourages everyone to open a Yawmi account and/or increase their deposit to maximize their chances to becoming a daily winner.

The more you deposit, the higher the chances of winning the draw.

Opening a Yawmi account is simple, just visit your nearest Burgan Bank branch and get all the details.

Or simply call our Call Center 1804080 and our executive will be more than happy to assist you. For further information visit www.burgan.com

account holders who deposit KD 500 to win every day. For every KD 50 deposited in the account, the

Malaysia Airlines posts 2Q loss

Oman plans to raise govt spending by 9% MUSCAT: Oman plans to increase government spending by 9 percent in 2012 to finance construction projects and create more jobs for nationals, a senior finance ministry official said yesterday.

“We see spending in 2012 going up by 9 percent to about 8.9 billion rials ($23.1 billion) to finance infrastructure and raise more jobs for graduates,” the official, who declined to be identified, told Reuters.

“We will try to keep the deficit at 850 million rials in 2012, the same as in 2011 with the expectations of higher total revenue due to a bigger oil production expected next year,” he said. — Reuters

also evaluated data for a new category FDI promotion strategy - collected from 12 cities. Cities were scored a maximum of 10 points under each criterion and

PENANG: Passages are silhouetted at a viewing gallery in front of a Malaysia Airline plane taxing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia. — AP

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines says it posted a second straight quarterly loss in the three months ending in June and warns it expects to stay in the red for the rest of the year due to soaring fuel costs. The flag carrier reported a loss of 527 million ringgit ($178 million) in the April-June quarter, down from a loss of 535 million ringgit ($180 million) a year earlier.

It says revenue rose 8 percent to 3.9 billion ringgit ($1.3 billion) in the second quarter but fuel costs shot up 41 percent to 1.55 billion ringgit ($522 million).

The airline said yesterday it doesn’t expect to make a profit for the second half of the year but losses will not be as severe as in the first six months. — AP

the city’s leading role as a preferred destination. The city scored a perfect 100 in terms of economic potential, evaluated on the basis of population, total number of patents, GDP, total number of FDI projects, number of companies in R&D, number of FDI mega-projects, global competitiveness and other key parameters. Dubai also clinched the perfect 100 score in infrastructure measured by the number of international destinations ser ved, airlines ser ved, upload and download speeds, port size, time to export and import, internet users, logistics performance index and e-government web measure index, among others. The business friendliness of Dubai, in which again the city led the region, was measured against the number of jobs created by FDI, growth of hi-tech manufacturing firms, growth of knowledge based firms, number of days to start a business, economic freedom and innovation, among other parameters.

Strategically located on the Arabian Sea, Dubai is within four hours reach of 33 per cent of the global population.

Dubai’s sound infrastructure, the free zones, and quality of life have established its credentials as an obvious choice for multinational companies to set up base in the city and expand to other key markets in the region.

Joyalukkas announces special offers for Eid! Joyalukkas, the world renowned jewelry chain, has announced a unique fragrance filled promotion for Eid at their showrooms across GCC. Customers purchasing Gold or Diamond jewelry during the period will get an exotic perfume bottle free. Joyalukkas has picked the latest fragrance options to compliment the modern taste of customers. The perfumes will be available in men and women variants for the customers to choose from.

In addition to this, customers will also enjoy up to 50 percent discount on diamond jewelry during the promotion period from Aug 25 to Sept 3.

Joyalukkas customers will be able to avail of this incredible discount on the wide range of exquisite diamond jewelry designs.

“Fragrance and perfume is an integral part of every celebration hence we decided on this unique gift for our valued customers and to it make even more special we are also offering a 50 percent discount on our diamond jewelry range. We take this oppor tunity to wish ever yone joy, prosperity, health and a blessed Eid,” said Joy Aluk k as, Chairman, Joyalukkas Group.

Joyalukkas has added a wide variety of festive collections for customers to pick from during Eid. This will be in addition to the over one million designs and collections available at Joyalukkas.

From traditional to contemporary designs in Gold, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum and Precious stones, customers can enjoy the best of jewelry at Joyalukkas.

Joyalukk as also features over 30 renowned brands in Gold, Diamonds, Pearls, Platinum and Precious Stones, which are exclusively available across its GCC showrooms. These brands feature exquisite designs and trends to fulfill the dreams and desires of all jewelry lovers.

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Philippine peso Egyptian pounds

.2701910 .4471650 .3911680 .3436010 .2740540 .2840380 .0059380 .0024610 .0735910 .7169710 .3821640 .0720700 .7020670 .0064110 .0454100

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2716000 GB Pound/KD .4494980 Euro .3932090 Swiss francs .3453930 Canadian dollars .2754840 Danish Kroner .0527810 Swedish Kroner .0432360 Australian dlr .2855200 Hong Kong dlr .0348330 Singapore dlr .2257500 Japanese yen .0035460 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0739750 Bahraini dinars .7207110 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0724460 Omani riyals .7057300 Philippine Peso .0000000

.2753990 .4557860 .3987090 .3502250 .2793380 .2895140 .0060520 .0025090 .0750100 .7307940 .3895320 .0734600 .7156020 .0065340 .0462850 .2737000 .4529740 .3962490 .3480640 .2776140 .0531890 .0435710 .2877270 .0351020 .2274960 .0035730 .0060150 .0024930 .0031530 .0036990 .0745470 .7262840 .3871290 .0730060 .7111860 .0064930

Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar

ASIAN COUNTRIES 3.582 5.947 3.131 2.478 3.720 226.110 35.018

GCC COUNTRIES 72.829 75.041 709.370 725.390 74.367

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 47.000 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 45.719 Yemen Riyal 1.250 Tunisian Dinar 201.330 Jordanian Dinar 385.670 Lebanese Lira 183.200 Syrian Lier 5.896 Morocco Dirham 35.226 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 273.000 Euro 394.760 Sterling Pound 451.540 Canadian dollar 278.150 Turkish lire 152.770 Swiss Franc 349.780 Australian dollar 284.550 US Dollar Buying 271.800

SELL CASH

290.200 725.690 3.830 279.700 536.000 36.300 53.500 167.800 46.500 398.000 35.670 6.280

SELL DRAFT

288.700 725.690 3.650 278.200

227.500 45.670 396.500 35.520 5.975

0.033 0.239 0.237 3.660 387.120 0.185 93.680 47.100 4.200 231.100 1.850 51.000 708.730 3.210 6.590 75.490 72.850 227.480 40.530 2.613 454.500 43.200 349.500 5.600 9.490 198.263 74.400 273.200 1.210

0.033

385.650 0.184 93.680 3.750 229.600

348.000 5.600 9.340 74.300 272.800

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

Currency

Selling Rate

272.750 276.920 450.580 394.090 346.410 723.150 74.235 74.865 72.695 383.925 45.738 2.477 5.946

3.141 3.650 6.396 669.019 3.650 9.225 5.745 3.790 90.599

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Nepali rupee Yemeni Riyal Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Canadian Dollars

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 452.500 272.800

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Rate for Transfer

Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. 708.550 3.160 6.440 75.060 72.850 227.480 40.530 2.477 452.500

GOLD 1,937.570

Sterling Pound US Dollar

Bahrain Exchange Company

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 10 Tola

GOLD 337.000 171.000 88.000

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

COUNTRY

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co.

3.645 6.423 9.407 0.271 0.273

272.800 3.150 5.985 2.495 3.655 6.475 74.375 72.895 725.300 45.640 455.300 0.00003280 3.910 1.550 387.600 5.750 397.800 281.800

Al Mulla Exchange Currency

US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal *Rates are subject to change

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

272.400 394.800 451.800 278.000 3.580 5.978 45.725 2.477 3.650 6.405 3.145 725.400 74.225 72.750

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

BUSINESS

Dubai firms await market turnaround before IPO UAE IPO market hard hit by financial crisis

Burgan Bank wins payment card industry data security standard compliance KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday that it has recently completed the Payment Card Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance. The bank is the first in Kuwait to complete the PCI DSS version 2.0 cer tification, which is obtained fro m t h e gl ob a l PC I S ecurit y Standards Council, and reflects the h i gh le ve l s of s ecurit y Bu rg an Bank’s customers receive.

The new cer tification affirms Burgan Bank’s adherence to international security standards which aim at protecting banking cards’ information while recognizing data security methods that the bank applies to protect and safeguard customer information as well as preventing credit card fraud.

Burgan Bank’s PCI Data Security Standard compliance was audited

by ControlCase, a specialized auditor that is approved by the PCI Standards council. Adrian Gostuski Group Chief Operations Officer at Burgan Bank said: “We are proud to have achieved the coveted PCI Data Security Standard Compliance. This new milestone is a significant initiative that further emphasizes the bank’s overall strategy of providing the highest security measures to protect and safeguard confidential customer information.”

“The certification confirms the quality and efficiency of the bank’s information security system, which

includes security policies, procedures, standards, as well as updated technologies that are implemented in the bank. As the card payment landscape continues to evolve, information protection, risk mitigation, security and control re m a i n t h e u l t i m a te co n ce r n , which is why Burgan Bank continues to heavily invest in developing its information and IT Risk management practices,” Gostuski added.

The information security management system at Burgan Bank is already in compliance with ISO 27001 standard for Information Security and the bank currently holds the ISO 27001 certification for its IT and Information Security function.

PCI DSS version 2.0 is the most comprehensive information securit y s t a n d a rd t h a t h a s b e e n designed to help organizations protect customers’ banking card data. It includes requirements for security management, risk management, policy, and procedures s e c u re n e t wo r k a rc h i t e c t u re, secure software design and development, incident management as well as other critical protection re q u i re m e n t s. T h e s t a n d a rd i s endorsed by global payment b r a n d s t h a t i n c l u d e Vi s a I n c, MasterCard Worldwide, American E x p re s s, D i s c o ve r Fi n a n c i a l Services and JCB International.

Gautam Chakrabarty, Deputy General Manager, Marketing at Sharp Middle East

Sharp simplifies scanning with latest innovation KUWAIT: Sharp Middle East has introduced yet another innovation to its range of Multi Function Printer (MFP) solutions to the region, the Open System Architecture (OSA) Network Scanner Tool (NST).

Sharp OSA is a powerful platform for automating document-related workflow. It transforms the Sharp MFP into hub for all existing applications - making document management systems, reporting functions, internally developed programs, and much more accessible directly from the touch-screen control panel. Gautam Chakrabar ty, Deput y General M anager, Marketing at Sharp Middle East, said: “Sharp prides itself on developing the latest tools to ensure that implementing a Sharp Business Solution has huge benefits on a business. The OSA-NST is the most recent of these innovations, with the system tool decreasing turnaround times by boosting productivity through smart procedures, automating a greater part of the workflow.”

OSA-NST simplifies MFP usage for regular scanning and conversion of paper documents, providing the following benefits: l Increases efficiency and productivity

Decreases Turn-Around Time (TAT) for a job l Helps users create paper documents to be used in work flows l Design and add customize profiles to reduce the manual steps in MFP operation “ We are con tin ually seek in g ways to improve on the numerous business solutions designed to st reaml ine a busin ess’ pr in tin g environment, and the OSA - NST is a great addition to an MFP system,” Gautam added. l

What OSA Does During scanning it is possible to create a profile which scans a stack of documents with the required resolution, processes separator sheets, deletes blank pages, straightens the document, eliminates unattractive spots and aligns each page properly. The same profile is able to send scans in the desired format to selectable destinations and simultaneously create an e -mail with an embedded link, which informs colleagues of new scans available.

With these features, the OSA can aid a range of business sizes, from small to medium businesses using just two MFPs, to large enterprises operating up to 30 MFPs in its printing environment.

DUBAI: More than 20 companies in Dubai, which has not seen an initial public offering since 2009, would float their shares if market conditions improve, the chairman of Borse Dubai said yesterday. “We have over 20 companies who would be interested based on a survey we conducted. They are waiting for market conditions to improve,” said Essa Kazim, who is also chief executive of Dubai Financial Market, the only listed Arab bourse.

Borse Dubai, the holding company for DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, wants to have a more diverse range of listed companies, Kazim said. “Right now the listings are main-

ly skewed towards financials and property.

We want a better representation of Dubai’s economy on the bourses,” he said.

The value of initial public offerings in the Middle East plunged 95 percent to their lowest level in five years during the first quarter, Ernst & Young said in a May report.

The global financial crisis hit UAE’s IPO market hard and demand has been further dampened by plunging valuations on regional bourses and a slump in the property sector. High valuations demanded by sellers and a reluctance to lose management control have also hindered IPOs. The UAE saw a two-and-a-half years IPO

drought ended this year when three companies floated on the Abu Dhabi index. But conditions have been less welcoming in Dubai where retailer Axiom Telecom aborted its IPO plans last year citing market conditions and liquidity concerns. .

Some UAE firms have opted to seek liquidity and better share valuations elsewhere. DP World, the world’s third-largest por ts operator, listed on the London exchange in June.

Meanwhile, energy firm Dana Gas has picked four banks to arrange its planned listing on the London Stock Exchange, IFR reported last week. —Reuters

Cairn Energy eyeing Lebanon exploration

ATLANTA: People wait in line during a job fair, sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus, on the campus of Atlanta Technical College in Atlanta. Economists no longer think the economy’s troubles are fleeting.

Their gloominess reflects expectations that slow growth, high unemployment and weak consumer spending will persist into next year. —AP

Please tax us, French super-rich tell govt PARIS: Some of France’s richest people, including the billionaire heiress of L’Oreal SA and the head of oil major Total SA, urged the government to tax them more to help solve the country’s financial problems. In a petition published on the website of weekly magazine Le Nouvel Observateur yesterday, 16 company executives, business leaders and super-rich individuals called for the creation of a “special contribution” that would target wealth without forcing the rich to quit France for overseas tax havens.

The petition, whose signatories included L’Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt and Total chief Christophe de Margerie, follows a call by US billionaire Warren Buffett for US authorities to raise taxes on himself and other ultrahigh earners to contribute to austerity efforts.

In France, President Nicolas Sarkozy is already planning to axe some tax exemptions that benefit the wealthy as he seeks some 5 billion euros ($7.2 bil-

lion) to 10 billion in extra revenue in the 2012 budget following a market rout that has highlighted concern over French public finances.

Budget Minister Valerie Pecresse said this month the government was working on a new contribution from taxpayers earning more than 1 million euros a year.

“We are conscious of having benefited from a French system and a European environment that we are attached to and which we hope to help maintain,” said the petition, signed by chief executives including Maurice Levy of advertising company Publicis Group SA, Frederic Oudea of bank Societe Generale and Jean-Cyril Spinetta, president of Air France KLM SA. Gilles Carrez, a member of the parliamentary budget committee for the ruling UMP party, has said that a levy of 2 percent on those with annual revenue of more than 1 million euros would affect some 30,000 people and would bring in about 300 million euros for state coffers. —Reuters

LONDON: British oil and gas explorer Cairn Energy said yesterday it was seeking new exploration opportunities in Lebanon and possibly elsewhere in the Middle East after the company announced a return to profit.

The Edinburgh-based company, in the process of selling most of its Indian unit to miner Vedanta Resources, said it was heading a consortium seeking to take part in an expected round of bidding for exploration licenses in Lebanon.

The announcement came as Cairn, currently engaged in new exploration projects in Greenland, unveiled a return to profit for the first half of 2011 as the company quadrupled revenues thanks to higher oil prices and increased production.

Cairn said profit after tax stood at $371.5 million (258 million euros) in the six months to June compared with a net loss of $12.6 million in the first half of 2010. Group revenue jumped to $1.3 billion from $333 million. The company added that it was looking forward to completing its Cairn India sale to London-listed Vedanta.

“The transaction provides the group with financial and operational flexibility, enables Cairn to return a substantial proportion of the proceeds to its shareholders, while also continuing an active exploration and appraisal program in Greenland,” Cairn chief executive Simon Thomson said in a statement. Vedanta announced a year ago that it would buy nearly 60 percent of Cairn India for $9.6 billion.

However it had to wait until earlier this month to receive formal conditional approval for the takeover from the Indian government. The approval came with a key rider that Cairn India and India’s state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) share the burden of royalty payments on crude production from their Rajasthan fields.

Yesterday, Cairn said it “continues to review opportunities that may fit with its aim of offering shareholders transformational exploration growth potential within a balanced portfolio.

“One such frontier exploration opportunity is offered by the potential of the offshore Levant Basin of the Eastern Mediterranean, where, in the coming year several countries in the region are all expected to hold competitive exploration bid rounds.

“Cairn has formed and operates a three company consortium which is seeking to participate in the anticipated Lebanon licensing round and possibly some other rounds elsewhere in the region, subject to final technical evaluation and commercially suitable terms,” the statement added. —AFP

China urges Libya to protect investments BEIJING: China yesterday urged Libya to protect its investments and said their oil trade benefited both countries, after a Libyan rebel warned that Chinese oil companies could lose out after the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi.

The deputy head of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce’s trade depar tment, Wen Zhongliang, was responding to a question about the official at the Libyan rebel-run oil firm, AGOCO, who said Russian and Chinese firms could lose out on oil contracts for failing to back the rebellion against Gaddafi.

“China’s investment in Libya, especially its oil investment, is one aspect of mutual economic cooperation between China and Libya, and this cooperation is in the mutual interest of both the people of China and Libya,” the commerce official Wen told a news conference.

“We hope that after a return to stability in Libya, Libya will continue to protect the interests and rights of Chinese investors and we hope to continue investment and economic cooperation with Libya,” said Wen. I f ac ted upon, the warning from Abdeljalil Mayouf, an information manager at AGOCO, would be a headache for China, the world’s second-biggest oil consumer, which last year obtained 3 percent of its imported crude from Libya.

But his warning may not represent the position of an emerging, post-Gaddafi government in Tripoli. Beijing has cour ted Libyan rebels, and there is sure to be a cacophony of voices among opposition groups, said Yin Gang, an expert on the Arab world at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing.

“This was one individual’s opinion. I can say in four words: They would not dare; they would not dare change any contracts,” said Yin. He said Chinese companies have relatively few investments in Libya, where Western companies were favored even under Gaddafi in recent years.

“Libya is still in a state of chaos and hasn’t formed a government. There are certainly different views among the rebels,” he added. The rebel official’s warning nonetheless showed the tricky political terrain facing China in Arab countries emerging from popular insurrec tions, said Ben Simpfendorfer, managing director of Silk Road Associates, a Hong Kong-based consultanc y that specializes in business between China and the Middle East.

“China was unusually quick to support to the NTC,” said Simpfendorfer, referring to the National Transitional Council, the main rebel group at war with Gaddafi.

“Relative to China’s typical foreign policy response, that was quite important, but relative to what Europe and the United States did, that falls short. So I think they will struggle.”

China shipped in roughly 150,000 barrels per day of crude oil from Libya last year.

By yesterday, the Libyan embassy in Beijing had switched to using the red, black and green flag favored by the rebels. Any staff inside were not picking up phone calls.

“Even if Chinese companies fail to sign oil contracts with new Libyan government, there is not much impact on China’s crude imports,” said a Beijing-based industry official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

About 75 Chinese companies operated in

Libya before the war, involving about 36,000 staff and 50 projects, according to early Chinese media reports. Many of those firms were engaged in building roads, buildings and infrastructure. Yet Gaddafi’s government was wary of China’s economic reach, and Beijing also will face a harder time than Western governments in winning the ears of a government emerging from the rebellion, said Simpfendorfer, the consultant.

China and Russia have a tradition of opposing intervention in sovereign states, even when Western government favor military action on humanitarian grounds.

China did not use its UN Security Council veto power in March to block a resolution that authorized the NATO bombing campaign against Gaddafi’s forces, but it then condemned the strikes and urged compromise between his government and rebels.

Since then, Beijing has courted Libyan rebels by hosting their leaders and sending envoys for talks.

Chinese energy companies have modest hopes for breaking into oil and gas investment in Libya, given uncertainties about the new government and an assumption that Libya will remain focused on supplying Europe, not Asia, said several Beijing-based oil executives, all speaking on condition of anonymity. Chinese firms, however, hold high hopes of providing engineering and construction services, as they did under Gaddafi, said a Beijing-based oil service executive.

“Because the Chinese oil firms have a greater appetite for risk, then they might do quite well in the early years, as they have in Iraq,” said Simpfendorfer. —Reuters

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

business

Kuwait stocks pare gains GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: The Kuwait bourse (KSE) reversed Sunday’s positive trend to end yesterday’s session in the red zone. With no positive domestic or global news investors sold what they could and are still observing. The market was almost flat all throughout the session. The banking sector was hit the hardest with only one gaining stock in the sector.

Global General Index (GGI) ended the day down by 0.50 percent, at 175.85 point. Market capitalization was also down for the day, reaching KD28.78bn. On the other hand, KSE Price Index closed at 5,767.50 point, shedding 13.40 points (0.23 percent) from its previous close.

Market breadth During the session, 73 companies were traded. Market breadth was slightly skewed towards advancers as 25 equities advanced versus 23 that declined.

Trading activity was down during the session. Total volume traded was dropped by 43.24 percent with 40.69mn shares changing hands at a total value of KD6.71mn (55.77 percent lower compared to the day before).

Services sector was the volume leader, accounting for 45.43 percent of total shares. Two services stocks made it to the top volume list for the day. National Ranges Company came on the lead with 7.20mn shares exchanged while Hits Telecom Holding came in fourth place with 2.80mn shares changing hands. Banking sector was the value leader, having 41.07 percent of total traded value. National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) was the most active in terms of value traded for the second day in a row, with KD1.85mn worth of shares traded.

In terms of top gainers,

Sharjah Cement and Industrial Development Company was the top gainer for the day, adding 4.60 percent to its share value and closing at KD0.0455. On the other hand, Contracting & Marine Services Company shed 12.00 percent and closed at KD0.220, making it the biggest decliner in the market.

Kuwait stock that closed at KD0.620, which is 3.13 percent lower than its previous close.

National Bank of Kuwait followed with a daily loss of 1.89 percent to reach KD1.040.

On the other hand, Gulf Bank was the only gainer in the sector as it went up by 1.05 percent compared to its previous close as

cent in their share prices to close at KD0.325 and KD0.152, respectively. On the other hand, Food sector was the only advancer in the market increasing by 2.04 percent.

Heavy weight Kuwait Foodstuff Company (Americana) solely pushed the sector index up. The scrip added 2.70 percent

Sectors The declining sectors dominated the market as six out of the eight sectors declined. The Food sector index was the only advancer in the market while the Insurance sector index stayed flat. The biggest decliner was the Banking sector index. Global Banking Index closed at 312.28 points with 4 declining stocks and only one advancer in the sector. The biggest decliner in the sector was Al-Ahli Bank of

closed at KD0.480. Second in the list of decliners was the Industrial sector index. Global Industrial Index went down by 0.83 percent and closed at 168.35 points. Top decliner for the day, Contracting & Marine Services Company contributed to the decline of the sector by losing 12.00 percent from its share value.

Heavy Engineering Industries & Shipbuilding and Kuwait Metal Pipe & Oil Services followed with a decline of 7.14 and 5.00 per-

to its share value and closed at KD1.480.

Oil News The price of Kuwaiti crude oil increased by $0.86 to reach $101.71 per barrel (pb) on Monday, compared to $100.85 per barrel on Friday, said Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC).

The increase in oil prices this week is due to the progressing situation in Libya, as it holds the largest crude oil reserve in Africa.

Oil gains on Libya fighting, EU data LONDON: Crude oil prices rose yesterday, supported by better than expected manufacturing data in Germany and China and by uncertainty in Libya where government loyalists staged a fight back.

By 0935 GMT, Brent crude rose 42 cents to $108.78. US October crude was up $1.21 to $85.63 a barrel, supported by expectations that US oil stock piles released later in the session may drop.

Forces still loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi fought rebels in Tripoli yesterday, extending a conflict that looked close to conclusion on Monday after rebels swept into Tripoli in tandem with an uprising within the city.

The extent of the loyalists’ strength surprised some in the market, after Brent fell on Monday on hopes for a quick resolution and a speedy restart in exports from the OPEC member.

Investors focused on the positive from the flash purchasing managers’ indexes from Germany and China, which, although showing the factory sector was likely to slow, indicated the motors of the global economy in recent years were still growing robustly.

But Brent-a benchmark measuring oil prices from Atlantic fields-continued to underperform both US crude, equities and other commodities like copper with expectations that the Libyan conflict will come to a conclusion relatively soon weighing on the price.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel in Libya and any signs that the conflict is ending will push Brent down as there will be more oil into the Atlantic basin,” Helen Henton, analyst at Standard Chartered said. However the latest news that Gaddafi loyalists appeared to be making progress highlighted the difficulties inherent in bringing Libya’s oil capabilities back on tap.

“It could take months before oil can start to flow again from Libya,” said John Vautrain, a director at energy consulting firm Purvin & Gertz.

“I think there was a lot of euphoria on Monday. But the whole country is not completely pacified yet and we don’t have an organized government. A lot is lacking.”

A son of Muammar Gaddafi-who rebels said they had captured-appeared with cheering supporters in Tripoli, giving a boost to forces loyal to the veteran leader. The whereabouts of his father remained a mystery. Libya would be able to restart some oil output in a few months, the country’s former top oil official said on Monday. But it would take as long as 18 months to reach the pre-war level, Shokri Ghanem said. Before the conflict, the country pumped around 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd), nearly two percent of global output.

Most of Libya’s high quality crude went to European refiners. The prospect of an increase in supply of light sweet crude into Europe has led to the spread between Brent and US crude narrowing.

Current Brent’s premium to US crude was below $23 a barrel after scaling a record high of $26.69 on Friday. A fall in US crude stock piles could lead to a further contraction in the spread. US crude inventories were forecast to have fallen due to lower imports, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday ahead of weekly data. Four of seven analysts polled expected crude stock piles to have dropped in the week to Aug 19, with the average forecast showing a drawdown of 200,000 barrels.

The latest storm in the Atlantic hurricane season poses no threat to oil operations in the Gulf of Mexico, forecasters said. Irene strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane as it swept north of the Dominican Republic on Monday.

Investors will watch Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, who will make a speech on Friday in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, at an annual gathering of policymakers and academics. Recent market turmoil and signs of weaker US growth have boosted expectations Bernanke may raise the prospect of more emergency stimulus for the world’s largest economy and top oil importer. At last year ’s meeting, Bernanke hinted at what eventually became a $600 billion quantitative easing bond-buying program known as QE2. But some economists said Bernanke may hold off on aggressive easing plans this year. — Reuters

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business

LatAm, Asia ministers to look at market turmoil BUENOS AIRES: Foreign ministers from Asia and Latin America, which together account for nearly a third of the global economy, will look at how to weather market turmoil when they meet this week in Argentina. Trade in Latin American raw materials and Asian goods has risen steadily between the two sides, but the ministers will likely keep an eye out for headwinds from the rest of the world during the biannual talks.

Global stocks markets have been fluctuating wildly and uncertainties have been growing about the sovereign debt among the wealthy economies of the United States and Europe, raising fears of a new global slowdown or even recession. “There may be another global recession, but it may not necessarily be deep,” said Argentine economist Claudio Loser, a former top official at the International Monetary Fund.

“The United States is facing political problems

that have economic consequences while in Europe, there are economic problems with political consequences,” Loser said. “There may be a spillover effect to other regions.” The Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation includes 18 Latin American and 16 Asia-Pacific nations.

Technical talks start yesterday, with the meeting winding up tomorrow.

Trade between Asia and Latin America has quadrupled over the last 10 years, which marked the largest increase in trade between two major regions over that period of time, according to official figures.

But the prospect of slower growth in emerging giants China and Brazil would affect countries on both sides of the Pacific, said economist Rodrigo Alvarez of the consulting firm Ecolatina.

China, the world’s second largest economy, has sealed deals across Latin America in the past

Chocolate maker Lindt defies consumer gloom ZURICH: Chocolate makers are winning their fight against high cocoa prices and economic gloom thanks to the strength of consumer desire for their products, results from Lindt & Spruengli showed yesterday.

The Swiss company, battling a strong Swiss into the bargain, said strong demand allowed it to raise its own prices in the half. It reported profits up by almost a third and maintained its sales growth outlook for the year.

The results make it the latest branded confectioner to demonstrate more resilience in this year’s downturn than during the last economic slump in 2008, when consumers traded down to cheaper chocolate.

US-based industry No 1 Hershey raised its full-year outlook last month and Nestle , the maker of KitKat chocolate bars, has said sales at its confectionery unit grew 4.2 percent in the first half.

Even in sluggish mature markets hit by the debt crises, consumers continued to buy Lindt’s popular Lindor chocolate balls and gold foil-wrapped Easter bunnies. “Particularly good progress was made in the important main European markets of Germany, France, and Italy, as well as by Lindt and Ghirardelli in North America,” Lindt & Spruengli said on Tuesday, adding that it had increased prices in some markets and, unlike rivals, it would not do aggressive promotions.

The group’s participation certificates, which have fallen 22.5 percent so far this year, jumped 5.7 percent at 0756 GMT, outperforming a 1.3 percent rise in the STOXX Europe 600 Food & Beverage index . “The focus on premium products and a strong brand with a luxury image should allow to increase

prices also in the future,” analysts at private bank Wegelin said in a note.

“The share is a possible addition to a food-focused portfolio but a luxury premium has to be paid,” they said, recommending Barry Callebaut shares as a less expensive alternative.

Chocolate makers have been struggling with soaring cocoa prices, which hit 30-year highs earlier this year but have since come down considerably.

Lindt & Spruengli, however, protected its profitability through cost control and price hikes. “The increased costs of raw materials, namely for our key raw material, cocoa beans, are expected to remain extremely volatile on a high level,” the group said.

Lindt said it was confident it would further gain market share and expand its business in growth markets. It is forecasting 6-8 percent underlying sales growth this year and an increase in the operating profit margin of 20-40 basis points. Net profit rose 29 percent to 32.1 million Swiss francs ($40.9 mln) in the first half, beating expectations of 24.4 million Swiss francs in a Reuters poll.

Sales growth in local currencies slowed to 6.1 percent, down from a strong 9.2 percent at the same period last year, while sales in Swiss francs fell 4.7 percent to 1 billion francs due to the record-high currency.

“The sales figures came in line with expectations but profitability was better. While not too much should be read into profitability in the first half, it does bode well for the year as a whole,” Kepler Capital Markets analyst Jon Cox said. Lindt & Spruengli generates the lion’s share of its sales and profit from the Christmas chocolate business in the second half of the year. — Reuters

Spain eyes constitution change to limit deficit MADRID: Spain’s prime minister and the opposition leader agreed yesterday to work on amending the Constitution to limit the government deficit, an effort to allay fears the country may need help handling its debt.

Premier Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero did not give details on what such a limit might be, but it would be welcomed by investors worried about the huge amount of government spending in Europe. Spain is one of many countries not complying with an EU-mandated deficit limit of 3 percent of GDP. The move comes in response to a call last week by French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel for all euro-zone nations to enact constitutional amendments requiring balanced budgets. The two leaders said they want the process completed by the summer of 2012, although it would almost certainly run into protracted political difficulties in many countries.

Opposition leader Mariano Rajoy said he agreed to work on such a deficit-limiting amendment. It would require a threefifths majority in both chambers, and Zapatero said he believed an amendment bill could be drafted quickly and passed. “I think reaching an agreement on constitutional reform is feasible” and so is approving it “right away,” Zapatero told Parliament during debate on new measures announced last week to cut spending and raise more revenue.

Spanish general elections are scheduled for Nov. 20 but Zapatero is not running for a third term in office and Rajoy’s center-right Popular Party is expected to win the election.

Spain is struggling to recover from nearly two years of recession prompted largely by the collapse of a real estate bubble. The jobless rate is near 21 percent and economic growth remains weak.

Concerns that Spain could not handle its debt saw its borrowing rates rise this year to the point that the European Central Bank was forced to intervene in markets in August to buy bonds. That support was crucial in bringing back down Spain’s bond yields - the interest rate it pays when raising cash from international investors.

That improvement was visible in a debt auction yesterday. Spain paid sharply reduced interest rates as it easily raised nearly euro 3 billion in two short-term bond auctions. The treasury sold euro 2.14 billion ($3.1 billion) in six-month bills with a yield of 2.2 percent compared with 2.5 percent in the last such auction July 26. It sold euro 805 million ($1.2 billion) in three-month bills with an average interest rate of 1.4 percent, down from 2 percent in July. Demand was more than three times the amount on offer for the sixmonth bills, while the three month category was more than seven times oversubscribed. Ciaran Giles in Madrid contributed to this report. — AP

MADRID: Spain’s Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero leaves the stage after speaking at the Spanish Parliament in Madrid yesterday. Spain’s prime minister and the opposition leader agreed to work on amending the Constitution to limit the government deficit. —AP

decade for raw materials for its products.

By 2013, China is set to surpass the European Union as the main destination of exports from Latin America in 2013 — and also to become Latin America’s largest investor, according to a report by the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. China is already the main destination for exports from Brazil and Chile and the second most important export market for Argentina, Peru, Cuba and Costa Rica, according to the commission.

“I think the key player in all this is China, and we must follow closely what is happening with the Asian giant,” said Guillermo Wierzba, director of the Buenos Aires-based Center of Economics and Finance for Development. Argentine Industry Minister Debora Giorgi warned there could be clouds on the horizon.

“Countries like China and other Southeast

Asian nations could adopt a more aggressive trade stance because there will be a surplus of unsold goods as a result of the crisis that they would want to export,” Giorgi said.

China has faced pressure from the United States, Europe and Japan to let its currency appreciate, with the wealthier economies saying that the cheaper yuan artificially supports cheap Chinese exports around the world. From the Latin American side, the forum includes Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominian Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The Asian side is represented by Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. — AFP

UBS axes 3,500 jobs in cost-cutting push 45% cuts in investment bank, 35% in wealth management ZURICH: Switzerland’s biggest bank UBS AG is to axe 3,500 jobs to shave 2 billion Swiss francs ($2.5 billion) off annual costs as it joins rival investment banks in reversing the hiring binge of recent years and prepare for a tough few years. UBS said almost half the cuts would be in investment banking. It had already said it would cut jobs when it posted weak second quarter profits last month as its underperforming fixed income business weighed.

Like rival Credit Suisse Group AG , UBS has been grappling with rising regulatory costs and a red-hot Swiss franc, which are eating into profits.

“The cost cutting is an admission of defeat.

UBS overhired after its near-collapse in early 2009, but was unable to win back market share,” said Kepler Capital Markets analyst Dirk Becker.

“With more difficult markets, the economics of its investment bank became so uncompelling that the group now has to retreat,” Becker said. At 0820 GMT UBS shares were up 3.2 percent at 10.97 francs, outperforming a 2 percent rise in the wider European banking sector index . “ The measures announced today are designed to improve operating efficiency.

UBS will continue to be vigilant in managing its cost base while remaining committed to investing in growth areas,” UBS said. Banks are slimming down after weak investment trading this year looks set to continue, leaving many carrying high costs after hiring aggressively in 2009 and early 2010 when trading income surged after the financial crisis.

Fixed income, currencies and commodities (FICC), which accounts for about half industry revenue, has been hit particularly hard as bond trading has slumped. Tougher regulation has added pressure to shrink balance sheets and exit some business areas. That has put more scrutiny on costs, which are seen as particularly high at Switzerland’s top two banks. “Especially under new regulations, the

only way to improve return on equity is to cut costs,” said Shailesh Raikundlia, analyst at MF Global in London. UBS, which had to be rescued by the state in 2008 after massive losses on toxic assets, slashed staff to around 64,000

ZURICH: The logo of UBS bank is photographed at a branch in Zurich, Switzerland. Swiss bank UBS AG said yesterday it is cutting 3,500 jobs worldwide as part of an effort to save 2 billion Swiss francs ($2.5 billion) annually by the end of 2013.— AP from 78,000 before the financial crisis, but it grew again in the last year to over 65,700.

Around 45 percent of the cuts will come from UBS’s investment bank, 35 percent from wealth management and Swiss bank, 10 per-

cent from global asset management and 10 percent from wealth management Americas.

Investment banks worldwide have been hit by slow trading due to the debt problems in the euro zone and United States, as well as regulations aimed at forcing banks to hold more capital to protect them from future shocks after the 2008 global financial crisis.

UBS, which has put the future of its fixed income unit under review, joins a growing line of banks cutting staff. Credit Suisse has said it would cut around 2,000 jobs after weak trading activity and the strong franc hit its second-quarter results, and thousands of jobs are going at HSBC , Barclays , Goldman Sachs and elsewhere.

Big hikes in fixed salaries since the financial crisis to compensate for tougher bonus rules has left banks with an inflexible cost base that they now need to shrink after a bumpy year so far.

At UBS and Credit Suisse, fixed costs could rise to 65 percent and 82 percent of total compensation, respectively, in their investment banks this year from 55 percent and 66 percent in 2009, according to a recent JPMorgan analysis. Credit Suisse chief Brady Dougan this week said his bank is bracing for a volatile time ahead as the franc and low interest rates pressure its revenue.

UBS expects to book a restructuring charge of some 550 million francs, and around 450 million francs of this will be booked in the second half, with the majority recognized in the third quarter.

The savings will come from redundancies as well as natural attrition, and further real estate rationalization, UBS said. UBS has also said it may not reach the target it set in 2009 for a pretax profit of 15 billion francs in three to five years in the original timeframe. More details on this are expected at a November investor day. The bank cautioned last month that its results would continue to suffer as it market conditions remain tough. — Reuters

Fruitful gains for US farmers markets

NEW YORK: Trader William Sachs (right) talks with a fellow trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Stocks rose around the world yesterday as investors shrugged off signs of deteriorating economic sentiment in Europe and hoped the Federal Reserve would act to keep the US from sliding back into recession. —AP

VW submits MAN merger request to EU Commission FRANKFURT: Volkswagen, the biggest European automaker, said yesterday that it has submitted a formal application to the EU Commission for a merger with the heavy truck group MAN. Approval of the merger, which VW said it was confident “will be forthcoming in the second half of the year,” should lead to a tie-up of MAN with VW’s Scania brand, creating a new heavyweight in the truck sector.

A merger of VW and MAN, in which VW now holds 55.9 percent of the voting rights, has already been approved by regulatory authorities in Germany, Japan, the United States and seven other countries, a statement said. The automaker also owns 70.94 percent of the voting rights in Scania, while MAN owns another 17.4 percent. “Following receipt of all

the necessary regulatory clearances and subsequent settlement of the mandatory offer, substantial synergies in the fields of procurement, development and production can be realized through a closer cooperation of MAN, Scania and Volkswagen,” the statement added. VW wants to merge MAN and Scania along with its own heavy vehicle activities to create a rival for two other European heavyweights, Daimler Trucks and Volvo Trucks. Meanwhile, VW is also striving to finalise its takeover of iconic sportscar maker Porsche, which is slated to become the group’s 10th brand once legal problems have been resolved.

Other VW brands include Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Seat and Skoda.

The group wants to become the world’s biggest automaker by 2018. — AFP

NEW YORK: More Americans are buying locally grown food and new farmers markets are sprouting throughout the country. During the past year more than 1,000 markets opened, for a total of 7,175, according to figures released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

And most of the growth is in states other than New York and California, which boast the most fresh food markets. “The remarkable growth in farmers markets is an excellent indicator of the staying power of local and regional foods,” said Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan.

“These outlets provide economic benefits for producers to grow their business and also to communities by providing increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other foods.” She attributed the rise in markets to farmers’ desire for direct contact with consumers to gain a larger share of the consumer dollar and consumer demand for locally grown food and direct access to farmers.

“Whenever there is a food-borne outbreak, it drives more consumers to farmers markets,” said Dianne Eggert, executive director of the Farmer’s Market Federation of New York. “They can ask more questions about how their food is produced.”

Alaska had the biggest surge in farmers markets at 46 percent with 35 new markets, followed by Texas and Colorado at second and third with a 38 percent increase in farmers markets.

“At first we thought it might be a trend, but we are trying to grow an industry from that trend and diversify market opportunities and different venues for consumers to have access to these products,” Cynthia Torres, of the Colorado Farmers Market Association, said about the state’s increase. In New Mexico, a state that also enjoyed a 38 percent increase with 80 new markets, the demand for new farmers markets outpaces the number of farmers who are able to supply them.

“We get calls from communities that want to start their own markets, but there are not enough farmers to go around,” said Denise Miller, executive director of the state Farmers’ Marketing Association. The markets allow local growers to sell their products directly to consumers, which enhances the development of the state’s food systems that can support family farms and build communities. They also offer opportunities for farmers and their customers to interact.

The demand in New Mexico has increased the number of farmers involved from 560 in 2005 to 959 in 2010, according to the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association. But demand seems to be outstripping supply. — Reuters

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BUSINESS

Malaysia eyes first gas in 2013 for $5.1bn project Petronas to develop nine offshore marginal fields KUALA LUMPUR: National energy company Petronas will develop a $5.1 billion gas project off Malaysia’s east coast with first delivery expected in two years, helping to bolster the country’s slowing output and meet soaring power demand. The North Malay Basin project was unveiled yesterday as the Southeast Asian gas exporter faces a shortage due to frequent maintenance shutdowns, forcing state utility Tenaga Nasional to import costly fuels for power generation.

The new project comprises nine discovered gas fields about 300 kilometres (186 miles) off the east coast of peninsula Malaysia.

Petronas will also develop a 200 km pipeline to transport the gas from the fields to Terengganu state. The project is part of a greater drive to secure gas including that with high CO2 content and from marginal domestic fields, as well as taking stakes in overseas fields with an eye for LNG production.

Petronas recently made two other gas discoveries in shallow waters off the Borneo coast, and inked preliminary deals with Qatargas to supply 1.5 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually over 20 years.

“Petronas expects the additional volume of gas from the North Malay basin project would help sustain supply to its customers in peninsula Malaysia,” it said in a statement. “ The project, which entails

numerous upstream commitments, is expected to encourage more investments by industry players.” Petronas and its production sharing partners will accelerate the process with first delivery of 100 million standard cubic feet (mmscfd) of gas per day expected by 2013, ramping up to 250 mmscfd by 2015, the company said.

It did not name its partners in the project but Petronas has previously inked production sharing contracts (PSCs) with the likes of oil majors Exxon Mobil Corp and Royal Dutch Shell.

Shares in Petronas Gas , which controls the gas production facilities and pipelines in the country, rose 0.5 percent to 13.5 ringgit by midday.

Gas demand from Malaysia, the world’s No 2 LNG exporter behind Qatar but fell to third place last year, has risen by more than 30 percent thanks to regulated domestic prices that are sig-

nificantly lower than global market rates.

Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government has pledged to raise gas prices every six months, making it more economically feasible to industry players to invest in developing marginal gas fields such as the North Malay Basin project. “ The planned price reform measures will benefit Malaysia by stimulating upstream investment off the peninsular and provide the long-term price signal to ensure security of supply by attracting LNG as well,” said Graham Taylor, analyst with Wood Mackenzie in Singapore.

Petronas is scheduled to complete a 3 billion ringgit regasification terminal with an annual capacity of 3.5 million tons on mainland Malaysia by the middle of next year. It is studying plans for the second terminal. Petronas also has long asked for the government to allow it raise gas

prices in order to reduce the hefty annual subsidies of about 18-19 billion ringgit it pays out.

“These subsidized gas prices have resulted in minimal investments in the exploration and development of gas projects by oil and gas players, constraining growth in supply capacity,” the company said.

“Compounding this tight situation, Malaysia’s offshore production facilities have been running at full capacity, exerting tremendous pressure on gas production systems.”

Last week, Tenaga Nasional bought 130,000 tons of fuel oil for power generation, the third time it has bought large volumes this year, at higher price levels.

The purchases, which started in the second quar ter, have been due to a prolonged gas shortage that has resulted in the countr y ’s power sec tor receiving a third less of its allocation by Petronas. —Reuters

China vice foreign minister frets about euro-zone collapse

MEMPHIS: A group of visitors from around the world, including Iran, Malaysia, France and the Netherlands, walk through the Medtronic Distribution and Logistics Campus near Memphis International Airport in Memphis. Medtronic, the world’s largest medical device maker, said yesterday, its fiscal first-quarter earnings slipped 3 percent as challenges in spinal products and its biggest business, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, countered other revenue gains. —AP

China Construction Bank to sell yuan bonds in HK SHANGHAI: China Construction Bank plans to raise 80 billion yuan ($12.5 billion) through a yuan-denominated bond sale in Hong Kong, which analysts said yesterday offered cheaper borrowing costs and strong demand.

Yuan-related financial products have been booming in Hong Kong, which has been acting as a test bed for Beijing’s ambitious goal to turn the unit into a global currency.

China Construction Bank chairman Guo Shuqing said the lender hoped to raise most of the debt in the former British colony by the end of this year, Dow Jones Newswires reported Monday.

The bank-one of several Chinese lenders seeking to replenish their capital base-received shareholder approval for the subordinated bond issue last Thursday. Standard & Poor’s analyst Liao Qiang said the borrowing costs for yuandenominated debt were “substantially lower” in Hong Kong than on the mainland and there was flourishing demand for such products.

“There are few investment options for yuan funds in Hong Kong while people

are converting their money into yuan on the expectation for the currency to appreciate,” Liao told AFP. “As supplies of yuan funds exceed demand, yields of relevant financial products are weighed down.” Issuance of offshore yuan bonds, or “dim sum” bonds, has reached 70 billion yuan so far this year, already double the total issuance for 2010, Dow Jones quoted Peter Pang, deputy chief of Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the city’s de facto central bank, as saying.

New issuance is likely to exceed 100 billion yuan by the end of 2011, Pang said.

In 2009, China approved using the yuan to settle cross-border trade with Hong Kong and last year it relaxed rules to allow non-financial foreign firms to issue yuandenominated bonds. A spokesman for China Construction Bank was not immediately available for comment when contacted by AFP yesterday.

The lender recorded a first-half net profit of 92.8 billion yuan, up 31 percent from a year earlier on strong growth in fee-based businesses such as financial consulting and advisory services. —AFP

BEIJING: The euro-zone could collapse if its member countries do not work together to solve its debt crisis, but China is pleased to see that Germany and France are cooperating to avert that risk, a Chinese vice foreign minister said in an interview.

China’s leaders, including Premier Wen Jiabao, have repeatedly expressed confidence in the euro zone, though officials and media commentary have also reflected anxieties about Europe’s economic prospects.

On Monday, China’s leading official newspaper likened the euro zone debt crisis to the Black Death, days before French President Nicolas Sarkozy is due to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing.

Speaking to a German magazine last week, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying said that problems of the euro had been a subject of discussion between her colleagues.

“Though the West is experiencing difficulties, Europe and the United States have triumphed over many hardships in the past,” Fu said, according to a transcript of the interview released by the Foreign Ministry yesterday on its website (www.mfa.gov.cn).

“Whether the West’s economy can rebound will have a close bearing on China. Our level of interdependence is very high, and damage to the West does not mean that China gains. We are all in the same boat. We are certainly worried about the West’s economic difficulties.

“So this week’s piece of good news was Chancellor Merkel and President Sarkozy’s joint declaration on this issue,” she added, referring to France and Germany’s unveiling of plans last week for closer euro zone integration. “Recently my colleagues and I have discussed the European Union’s future,” said Fu, who is responsible for China’s relations with Europe.

“Everyone’s basic viewpoint is that if European countries can hand-in-hand resolve the problems, the EU will continue to progress and further integrate, otherwise the euro zone could collapse,” she added. About a quarter of China’s record foreign currency reserves of more than $3 trillion are held in euro assets, analysts estimate.

The 27-member EU bloc is China’s biggest trade partner, with bilateral trade in goods in 2010 reaching 395 billion euros ($570 billion), a rise of 13.9 percent, according to EU statistics. Chinese exports to the EU reached 281.9 billion euros in 2010, a rise of 18.9 percent on 2009.

The EU’s economic problems have also led to political and social turmoil in some member states. But Fu said she was not worried about political stability in China should the crisis spread there.

“When Western governments suffer economic crisis, do you worry about your own political system? So why should we have such worries?” she asked. —Reuters

Copper prices help Antofagasta double first half dividend LONDON: Chilean copper miner Antofagasta doubled its half-year dividend after a 54 percent jump in earnings, confident that strong demand in China and a pickup in Japan and the United states would help underpin volatile copper prices.

Copper is down over 10 percent this month, as investors grow uneasy about economic recovery prospects and China’s outlook.

London-listed Antofagasta— which has been hit by production setbacks and, along with rivals, is suffering from higher costs and volatility—said yesterday that prices for the red metal were likely to remain “volatile with downside risks”, but it was well-placed to weather the storm.

“While markets are likely to remain volatile, especially in the near-term, we remain confident that copper fundamentals will remain supportive of a strong pricing environment,” Chief Executive Marcelo Awad said.

Antofagasta said Chinese demand

had remained strong over the period and saw it recovering demand in Japan and the United States. It also pointed to an underperforming supply side, hit by strikes and declines in ore grades, technical failures, the slow rampup of new projects and bad weather.

The group, which also produces gold and molybdenum, used in steel alloys, said fundamentals would continue to support these metals, with good demand, low stock levels and limited new supply fuelling a recovery for molybdenum in the second half. Net earnings rose to $696.2 million over the period, within the range of analysts’ forecasts, on revenues of $3.05 billion, up over 73 percent. The group doubled its interim dividend to 8 cents per share, above expectations, but did not repeat its March special dividend sweetener. “The positive was the big increase in the interim dividend and the fact none of that increase is a special

dividend,” said analyst Peter Mallin-Jones at Canaccord.

“Management seem to be feeling pretty confident about the outlook and that is the biggest signpost of that confidence.”

Shares in Antofagasta, which have fallen less than those of its peers since the start of the recent equity rout, were up 3.7 percent at 0750 GMT, just ahead of the broader UK mining sector , up 3.2 percent. Core earnings, or earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), rose almost 84 percent to $1.95 billion, at the higher end of forecasts.

The London-listed group was forced to cut its full-year production target in June due to slowerthan-expected progress at expansion project Esperanza, but it again confirmed the outlook yesterday and said the ramp-up at Esperanza would complete by the end of this year. It also said the feasibility study for its Antucoya project in northern Chile was “sub-

stantially complete”.

Antofagasta, attractive to some investors because of its cash pile, said it has cash including liquid investments of $3.1 billion and net cash of $700 million at the end of June. The miner said this left it “well-placed to progress with its medium and long-term growth plans and to continue to deliver good returns to shareholders, while preserving the financial flexibility to take advantage of opportunities which may arise.”

In production data released earlier this month, Antofagasta posted a 17 percent increase in second-quarter output but also reported an increase in cash costs, including labor costs. Strikes, prompted by high metals prices, have dented production from many major projects this year.

Antofagasta pointed to nearly nil growth in mine production during the first half because of disruptions, with production from both Chile and Peru down more than 2 percent year-on-year. —Reuters

SEOUL: A currency trader monitors exchange rates in a dealing room at the Korea Exchange Bank in Seoul yesterday. South Korean shares ended 3.86 percent higher amid bargain hunting and talks of possible new US stimulus measures that had boosted Wall Street shares overnight. —AFP

Asian shares rise, growth fears propel gold SINGAPORE: Asian shares edged up yesterday after modest gains on Wall Street, but remained deep in negative territory for the month, while gold hit another record above $1,900 an ounce as investors continued to fret about the health of the global economy.

The euro was under pressure as traders awaited flash purchasing managers’ index (PMI) data yesterday for Germany, France and the euro zone, with a weak number likely to exacerbate fears about the cost of bailing out the bloc’s indebted peripheral states.

Before that, HSBC will release its flash PMI survey for China, which should help investors gauge the strength of Chinese manufacturing, the motor of global growth in recent years.

World stocks have been tumbling since the beginning of August-and perceived safe havens such as gold and US Treasuries have rallied-on fears of a slide back into recession for the United States and growing concerns that Europe’s politicians are failing to contain its sovereign debt crisis. “We are not hearing much good news out of Europe or the United States,” said Darren Heathcote, head of trading at Investec Australia.

Japan’s Nikkei share average rose 0.7 percent yesterday, as did while MSCI’s

broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan. The MSCI index is down around 15 percent for the month, and nearly 20 percent below its April high. A decline of 20 percent or more is the ruleof-thumb definition of a bear market.

Bargain hunters pushed US stocks slightly higher on Monday after four weeks of losses, with the Dow Jones industrial average gaining 0.3 percent.

Spot gold soared to the latest in a succession of all-time highs above $1,900 an ounce and was on course for its biggest monthly rise in 29 years. US crude oil was vir tually unchanged around $84.40 a barrel. The euro traded around $1.4365, having retreated from Monday’s high around $1.4434.

The softer euro helped the dollar index, which tracks the US currency’s performance against a basket of major currencies, bounce off Monday’s low of 73.814 to 74.126.

Worries about more action from Swiss and Japanese authorities to weaken their currencies also helped underpin the dollar index. Against the yen, the dollar was at 76.82 yen, off a record low around 75.94 set last Friday. The Swiss franc traded at 0.7900 francs, having carved out a slim trading band between 0.7800 and 0.8000. —Reuters

HONG KONG: A woman walks past a property agent’s office in Hong Kong yesterday. Property prices in Hong Kong, famous for its sky-high rent, have surged over the past couple of years due to record low interest rates and a flood of wealthy buyers from mainland China. —AFP

Hong Kong inflation surges to 16-yr high HONG KONG: Inflation in Hong Kong surged to a 16-year high in July and the government warned that the problem would not go away soon.

Consumer prices rocketed 7.9 percent from a year earlier, according to official figures released Monday. That’s the highest rate since 8.4 percent in November 1995.

The Hong Kong government said a suspension in July 2010 of rent paid by people living in public housing distorted the figures. Stripping those relief measures out, the underlying inflation rate was 5.8 percent, still higher than the 5.5 percent underlying rate recorded in June. Higher private housing rents and pork prices helped push up consumer prices in July.

The government said “inflation is likely to remain notable in the near term” because of high global food prices and local private housing rents.

Asian governments this year have been

battling quickening inflation with higher interest rates, stronger currencies and slower growth in spending.

Rising inflation threatens to swell the ranks of people in the region living below the poverty line. China reported earlier this month that inflation rose to a 37-month high in July, adding pressure on Chinese leaders to cool living costs while keeping economic growth on track . Vietnam has the region’s highest annual inflation rate at 21 percent while India’s is 8.6 percent. Rapid rises in prices, especially for food, could threaten social stability, which in t h e p as t de cade h as b e e n un de rpinned by the rising living standards that Asia’s robust economic growth has delivered.

The Asian Development Bank estimates that a 10 percent increase in food prices drags another 64 million people below the $1.25-a-day poverty line. —AP

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TECHNOLOGY

Web older than incoming college freshmen MILWAUKEE: Mention Amazon to the incoming class of college freshmen and they are more likely to think of shopping than the South American river. PC doesn’t stand for political correctness and breaking up on Facebook is more common than any more personal encounter. These are among the 75 references on this year’s Beloit College Mindset List, a compilation intended to remind teachers that college freshmen born mostly in 1993 see the world in a much different way: They fancied pogs and Tickle Me Elmo toys as children, watched televisions that never had dials and their lives have always been like a box of chocolates.

Once upon a time, relatives of the current generation swore never to trust anyone over the age of 30. This group could argue: Never trust anyone older than the Net. The college’s compilation, released yesterday, is assembled each year by two officials at the private school in southeastern Wisconsin. It also has evolved into a national phenomenon, a cultural touchstone that

entertains even as it makes people wonder where the years have gone.

Remember when the initials LBJ referred to President Lyndon B Johnson? Today, according to the list, they make teenagers think of NBA star LeBron James. And speaking of NBA legends, these kids didn’t want to be like Mike. They fawned over Shaq and Kobe. In their lifetimes, Major League Baseball has always had three divisions plus wild-card playoff teams, and every state has always observed Martin Luther King Day. The “yadda, yadda, yadda” generation that’s been quoting Seinfeld since they were old enough to talk also has always seen women serve as US Supreme Court justices and command US Navy ships.

Then there’s OJ Simpson. These students were still in diapers when the former NFL star began searching for the killers of Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman. “Hmm, I know there was some scandal about him,” said Alex Keesey, 18, an incoming freshman from Beloit. “I think it was robbery or murder,

maybe both.” Comments like that can be a little jarring to older folks who imagine that everyone knows about the Simpson murder trial and subsequent acquittal. But if the generation gap has you down, get used to it. The list’s authors note that technology has only accelerated the pace of change and further compressed the generational divide.

Older Americans who read previous Mindset Lists felt that life was moving too quickly, list author Ron Nief said, and now even younger people share that sentiment. “I talk to people in their early 30s and they’re telling me they can’t keep up with all the advances,” Nief said. Nief’s co-author, English professor Tom McBride, predicts the trend will only accelerate. “If you look at the jump from email to texting, or from email to Facebook, it’s been faster than the jump from typing to computers,” McBride said. “These generational gaps are getting smaller.”

Still not feeling old? Consider this: Andre the Giant, River Phoenix and

Frank Zappa all died before these students were born. They don’t know what a Commodore 64 was, and they don’t understand why Boston barflies would ever shout, “Norm!” Oh, and Ferris Bueller could be their father. But the list isn’t intended to serve as a cultural tombstone, its authors say, contending that the compilation also serves a practical purpose.

McBride and Nief say the main lesson professors should take from this year’s list is that their incoming students have never lived in a world without the Internet. From the moment these kids were able to reach a tabletop, their fingertips probably were brushing against computers plugged into the World Wide Web. And while that was largely true for the last few classes as well, the authors say teachers need to be extra-vigilant about where this year’s students are going for information. The Internet is great for finding facts, McBride says, but there’s a big difference between facts and the knowledge that comes

from understanding context behind the facts. He advises professors to teach how to supplement Internet searches with library research in scholarly journals, and to remind freshmen to dig beyond the first page or two of Google search results.

Sara Ballesteros, an 18-year-old freshman from South Beloit, said she’s confident she knows how to do legitimate Internet research, by relying more on websites that end in “.edu” or “.gov” than in “.com” or “.org.” She also opined that adults worry too much about kids’ Internet habits. She referred to item No. 7 on the Mindset List: “As they’ve grown up on websites and cellphones, adult experts have constantly fretted about their alleged deficits of empathy and concentration.”

“For older people who think we use the Internet way too much for bad things, it really depends on the person, on their beliefs and ideals,” she said.

“Technology can be used in good ways.

But adults don’t always understand that.” — AP

Apple to introduce 8GB iPhone 4 within weeks Cheaper iPhone 4 may help boost shares TAIPEI/HONG KONG: Asian suppliers to Apple Inc have begun manufacturing a lowerpriced version of its hot-selling iPhone 4 with a smaller 8 gigabyte flash drive, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

The flash drive for the 8GB iPhone 4 is being manufactured by a Korean company, one of the people said yesterday, declining to name the company. Apple currently sources its flash drives from Japan’s Toshiba and South Korea’s Samsung Electronics. The sources declined to be identified because the information has not been made public.

Apple, which demands high levels of secrecy and security from suppliers and employees, declined to comment. Samsung also declined to comment. The existing iPhone 4 was first launched in June 2010 with 16 GB and 32 GB versions, with a white version added to the lineup in April. The 8GB version is expected to launch within weeks, the sources said. Some analysts said the cheaper 8GB iPhone 4 could help Apple boost sales in emerging markets.

“Apple may want to push into the emerging market segment where customers want to switch to low- to mid-end smartphones from high-end feature phones, which usually cost $150-200,” said Yuanta Securities analyst Bonnie Chang. “But I think for an 8GB iPhone 4 the price is hard to go below $200, so Apple

will still need a completely new phone with low specifications for the emerging markets.” iPhone 5 by end-Sept?

In addition to the launch of the smaller

SEOUL: A man passes by an Apple iPhone advertisement. — AP

Nintendo shares leap on 3DS optimism TOKYO: Nintendo shares surged yesterday amid hopes that its struggling 3DS console would finally take off following a price cut and on expectations of new game titles for the upcoming Christmas season. The jump came after the Japanese videogame giant announced its dedicated trade show for September, which is typically holds annually. The company last month said it would slash by up to 40 percent the price of its new handheld console that offers 3D gameplay without the need for special glasses, after sales slowed in April-June.

Nintendo shares gained 8.44 percent to 13,100 yen on the Osaka Securities Exchange yesterday, still well off the 25,000 level its shares traded at in midFebruary ahead of the 3DS launch.

The company last month slashed

its annual net profit forecast 82 percent, amid worries over its business model. “Some in the market believe as we do that the stock has overshot to the downside, and see the current price level as presenting an opportunity to build a position before the big title releases for 3DS for the holiday,” said Jay Defibaugh, director of equity research with MF Global in Tokyo.

He added that this, along with the lower price of the 3DS hardware, should lead to an improved outlook for the struggling console ahead of big software releases such as Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land. “Some in the market are also considering the possibility that Nintendo will reveal another major title in the shortterm pipeline or perhaps new community or network functions

for the 3DS,” said Defibaugh.

According to Japanese videogame magazine publisher Enterbrain, Nintendo sold 214,821 3DS machines in Japan during the August 8-14 period, the secondstrongest weekly sales number after the initial launch week in late February, Dow Jones Newswires reported. The faces tough competition from smartphones and tablets such as Apple’s iPhone and iPad, onto which cheap or even free games can be quickly downloaded and played. The 3DS, the Japanese firm’s most important gaming device this year, had seen lacklustre sales that prompted Nintendo to slash its price last month, taken as a signal by the firm that the device had failed to take off. In June the company unveiled its Wii U, the follow up to the successful Wii that brought

Chinese site bans Web tools used for filters BEIJING: A major Chinese online commerce site has banned sales of software used to bypass Internet censorship amid Beijing’s efforts to block the development of a Middle East-style protest movement.

But Taobao.com, part of e -commerce giant Alibaba Group, said it took the action on its own and received no official order. A notice on Taobao.com said vir tual private networks and Internet protocol proxies were being used to illegally visit foreign websites.

It told merchants that use the site to stop selling them and said the accounts of violaters might be canceled.

China’s government encourages Internet use for business and education but tries to block access to material deemed subversive or pornographic. Beijing is especially uneasy about the Internet ’s potential to spread opposition to communist rule after social networking and other websites played a key role in protests that brought down governments in Egypt and Tunisia.

Taobao’s move was the result of a

routine review of which products the company wants to be sold on its site, said John Spelich, Alibaba Group’s vice president for international corporate affairs. He said he knew of no government instruction to stop sales. “We are constantly looking at products that we sell and asking ourselves, is this the right business to be in for any number of mercantile reasons?” Spelich said.

“A decision was taken that this was a business that we probably should not be in, so we exited,” he said. “I’m not aware of anybody asking us to stop.” The Chinese government ’s efforts to control Internet use have prompted the rise of a thriving industry that sells tools for Web surfers to evade its filters. Nearly two weeks after Taobao’s sales ban, some merchants on the site still were advertising VPNs and similar products yesterday.

Spelich said Taobao also bans products such as shark fins and some types of animal fur that are legal but that it doesn’t want to sell for commercial reasons. The company says it has 7 million merchants and some 800 million products on its site.— AP

motion-sensing gaming to the mainstream. Some fear that the new product may not be able to retain the audience first captured by the Wii as more people migrate to games on smartphones and social networking sites such as Facebook. Rovio Inc’s “Angry Birds” and Facebook games such as Zynga Inc’s “FarmVille” are particular examples of how the market has changed since Nintendo launched the DS in 2004, say analysts. However, Defibaugh said that in the aftermath of search-giant Google’s $12.5 billion purchase of Motorola Mobility, “investors seem to accord very little to Nintendo’s intellectual property, including a massive content library and valuable franchises, and world-class software development capability” in the light of its current share price. — AFP

iPhone 4, Apple is targeting an endSeptember launch for the next-generation iPhone 5, one source said, confirming earlier reports on Apple follower blogsites and industry websites. The new iPhone, which some call the iPhone 4S because of its largely identical appearance to the existing iPhone 4, will have a bigger touch screen, better antenna and an 8-megapixel camera, one of the people said.

The iPhone 5’s two manufacturers have been told to prepare production capacity for up to 45 million units altogether, the source said. The phone will be made by Hon Hai and Pegatron , the person added. Apple sold 20.34 million iPhones in the second quarter versus an expected 17 million to 18 million, and is increasingly looking to Asia to boost future earnings. The company’s COO Tim Cook said in July the company is particularly optimistic about Greater China. “I firmly believe that we are just scratching the surface right now,” Cook said about China. “I think there is an incredible opportunity for China there.” AsiaPacific-which accounts for about one-fifth of its total revenue-and Greater China in particular, helped Apple’s revenue surge 82 percent to $28.6 billion in April-June. Overall, AsiaPacific revenue more than tripled to $6.3 billion in the quarter. — Reuters

MP3tunes wins end to part of EMI case NEW YORK: A federal judge on Monday narrowed a lawsuit by EMI Group Ltd and 14 record companies and music publishers that accused MP3tunes LLC of letting users copy their songs without permission. US District Judge William Pauley in Manhattan said MP3tunes and its chief executive, Michael Robertson, did not violate the federal Digital Millennium Copyright Act in permitting downloads, except as to songs specifically identified as having been pirated. In essence, he said it was users rather than MP3tunes that were responsible for any infringements.

“While a reasonable person might conclude after some investigation that the websites used by MP3tunes executives were not authorized to distribute EMI’s copyrighted works, the DMCA does not place the burden of investigation on the Internet service provider,” Pauley wrote. MP3tunes is a so-called cloud music service that lets users store music in online “lockers.” Amazon.com Inc, Apple Inc and Google Inc have or are developing similar services.

Pauley did find the defendants liable for “contributory” copyright infringement for songs where notices of alleged infringement were provided. He also said Robertson was liable for having personally transferred songs from unauthorized web-

sites. “This is a huge victory,” said Greg Gulia, a partner at Duane Morris who represents MP3tunes and Robertson. “Users can still download songs from publicly available websites, and store them without a separate license fee, so long as MP3tunes complies with takedown notices. The main takeaway is that MP3tunes’ fundamental business model has been upheld.”

Citigroup Inc owns EMI and is trying to sell it. An EMI spokesman expressed disappointment with the decision. “EMI believes that companies like MP3tunes, which knowingly build a business based on stolen music, should not be entitled to any DMCA safe harbor defense, and we’re evaluating our options to seek review of those portions of the decision,” the spokesman said. The fouryear-old lawsuit is part of the music industry’s effort to stop websites from letting people download and share music online without paying for it.

On May 12, the operators of LimeWire agreed to pay record companies $105 million to end a federal trial over copyright infringement damages owed by the once popular but now defunct file-sharing service.

There were 3,189 recordings, 562 musical compositions and 328 album cover images at issue in the MP3 tunes lawsuit. — Reuters

Facebook to expand new headquarters MENLO PARK: The first Facebook employees are just getting settled at the company ’s new Menlo Park, California headquarters, but the online social network is already talking about expanding. The San Jose Mercur y News repor ted Monday that Facebook has filed plans to build a second campus across the street from the complex it acquired from Sun Microsystems.

Menlo Park development services manager Justin Murphy tells the newspaper that the move suggests

Facebook will quickly outgrow the 1 million square foot (0.09 million square meter) Sun campus, which can hold up to 3,600 workers.

Facebook has had 1,500 people working at its old Palo Alto headquarters.

The company does not plan to start work on the West Campus until late next year, but has told city officials it wants approval to eventually house 9,400 employees at two complexes that will be joined by an underground tunnel. — AP

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Suicides stalk Japan disaster zone More than 30,000 people kill themselves annually SUKAGAWA: When Japanese farmer Hisashi Tarukawa watched the local nuclear plant blow up on television, he uttered a sentence that will forever chill his family: “Oh, no. It’s over.” Within days, the radioactive cloud from the Fukushima plant had forced authorities to ban some farm produce in Fukushima, where the 64-year-old had been growing rice and vegetables all his life. The next morning before dawn, on March 24, Tarukawa’s son Kazuya found his father hanged by a rope from a tree above his vegetable field. “I rushed to the tree and talked to my dad, but his body was already cold,” recalled grief-stricken Kazuya, 36, speaking at the family farm in Sukagawa, 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the crippled atomic plant.

Tarukawa, a father of three, left no letter to explain why he took his life, but his bereaved family says he didn’t need to. “I believe his suicide was an act of protest, like seppuku,” said Kazuya, referring to the ritualized form of suicide once practiced by Japan’s samurai knights, known in the West also as harakiri. His family says Tarukawa had often spoken about the horror of radiation since he attended an annual ceremony in Hiroshima 23 years ago to mourn victims of the 1945 atomic bomb attack on the western Japanese city. “I don’t want his death to have been in vain,” said Kazuya, vowing to sue the plant’s operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), both for the financial and the emotional damages to their family. The world’s worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl 25 years ago was trig-

gered by the powerful March 11 seabed quake and the massive tsunami it spawned, which took more than 20,000 lives along the Pacific coast. TEPCO has argued that the scale of the tectonic disaster could not have been foreseen.

Critics say the utility ignored expert advice on just such a seismic threat while it assured the public that atomic power is safe.

Fear and anger have grown in Japan, nowhere more than in the Fukushima region, where tens of thousands have had to flee their homes and where farmers, fishermen, hotel owners and others have lost their livelihoods. Hisashi’s widow Mitsuyo recalled how her late husband was at first shocked when the quake destroyed his shed and warehouse, and how his sadness gave way to panic as the severity of the atomic disaster came into focus. “My husband was a strong man, but he gave in to the radiation,” the 61-year-old woman said quietly, a slight tremor in her voice, as she stood before her husband’s portrait on the Buddhist family altar. “I was so sad and I felt such deep regret, but if he is in heaven and at peace now, I would accept that,” she said.

The tragedy in the Turakawa family home is not an isolated case.

Japan’s government says that in June alone at least 16 people, mostly in their 50s and 60s, killed themselves because of despair over the triple calamity of the quake, tsunami and nuclear disasters. The numbers have heightened concern over a social scourge that was already a perenni-

al problem in pre-disaster Japan. Every year more than 30,000 people take their lives in Japan, a rate lower only than in some ex-Soviet countries. Experts fear that the monumental grief brought to Japan on March 11 will worsen the grim statistic as the hopelessness of life in crowded evacuation centers and temporary homes takes its emotional toll.

According to a local media report, one 93-year-old evacuee with a disability in Fukushima killed herself in June, explaining in a suicide note to her family: “I would only slow you down. I will evacuate to the grave.” Almost half a year on from the quake, the number of refugees stands above 87,000, including people from a 20-kilometre no-go zone around the radiation-leaking nuclear plant, according to Cabinet Office figures.

Experts say many survivors are haunted by guilt over having lived while others died, or because they were unable to save loved ones-feelings of complex grief that they say can spiral into chronic depression. “Not so many people think of killing themselves shortly after such a massive disaster, because they feel grateful to have survived,” said Hisao Sato, head of Kumo No Ito, a suicide prevention and counseling group. “But as time goes by, people start to consider suicide as they face the reality, lose momentum and feel tired and discarded, while support from the outside diminishes. You can’t live on hope alone.”

Sato, who fears suicide rates will rise, has been trying to help with monthly visits to counsel survivors in the tsunami-hit

city of Kamaishi. Japan’s government has said it is considering providing mental health care for victims who may be isolated in temporary housing and shelters.

But psychiatrists warn that such programs alone won’t be effective unless victims are also given comprehensive and practical support, including financial aid and help with finding new jobs and homes. “Suicides do not decline only with mental health support,” said Shinji Yukita, a psychiatrist and deputy director of the Saitama Cooperative Hospital in a neighborhood north of Tokyo that is home to many evacuees.

“Mental care can work when victims already have fundamental life support and physical medical care,” Yukita said.

Toshihiro Fujiwara, an official of the Iwate Suicide Prevention Centre, agrees: “This disaster was too big to be handled with ordinary support. We have to back victims in a multi-layered, comprehensive way.”

One of the survivors, Tsukasa Kanno, 59, says the toll of the disaster has weighed heavily on his town, Kamaishi, where more than 1,200 people were reported dead or missing near the coast. “I lost my house and my shops, but I was happy because all my family members survived,” Kanno said. “But we have gradually started thinking about what’s going to happen to us. I have felt burnt out, I couldn’t see the future.” Kanno said that, most worryingly, a gulf has opened between some people in the town who lost everything, and others whose lives and homes were spared. “It’s as if heaven and hell exist in the same community.” — AFP

Al-Maidan Clinic moves to new location KUWAIT: Al-Maidan Dental Clinic for Oral Health Services (Management Office) recently moved to a new office location from Al-Zumorrodah Building to KBT Tower located in Sharq Area (32nd floor), the beginning of a new chapter in the storied history of the most respected oral healthcare provider in Kuwait that owns six highly equipped and reachable dental centers which are Jumana Al-Shatti strategically located in different areas in the country.

Jumana Al-Shatti, Marketing and PR Manager of AlMaidan Clinic, said that “the company management moved to more modern office space to motivate the employees to do better at work that will eventually benefit the quality of service the company will provide to their patients.” Al-Maidan Clinic is a Kuwaiti closed shareholding company and is a subsidiary of the United Medical Services Company. Al-Maidan Clinic was established in 1987 to provide complete one-stop dental services. Their team of dentists has grown from 26 to 70 in just five short years. In fact, Maidan brand is synonymous with trust, integrity, history, accreditation and education.

Writing problems common in children with ADHD NEW YORK: Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to have writing problems such as poor spelling and grammar than their peers, according to a study. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close to 10 percent of children aged four to 17 in the United States have ever been diagnosed for ADHD, a number that has been on the rise in recent years. The study, led by Slavica Katusic from the Mayo Clinic and reported in Pediatrics, included close to 6,000 children- everybody born in Rochester Minnesota, the site of the Mayo Clinic, between 1976 and 1982 and who was still living there after age 5.

“Writing is a critical skill for academic success, social

and behavioral well-being,” Katusic told Reuters Health, noting that written-language disorders are often overlooked by teachers and parents. She added that if writing problems aren’t noticed and addressed early on in children with ADHD, they can suffer long into adulthood. Katusic and her colleagues tracked school, tutoring and medical records to see which children showed signs of ADHD, as well as how well they performed on writing, reading and general intelligence tests throughout high school.

In total, 379 children fit the criteria for ADHD, which was more common in boys than girls. Of all the children in the study, just over 800 scored poorly on tests of writing abilities, and most with writing problems had read-

Drug may help ease Fasting headaches NEW YORK: A painkilling, anti-inflammator y drug may help prevent headaches in Muslims fasting from dawn to dusk for Ramadan, according to a study from Israel-where a “Yom Kippur headache” is also known. About four in every ten people who abstain from food and water all day during the month-long Ramadan period get headaches, said the study, published in the journal Headache. This year, Ramadan began on August 1.

“Religious fasting is associated with headache,” wrote lead researcher Michael Drescher, from Hartford Hospital in Connecticut, the United States, referring to Ramadan and Judaism’s Yom Kippur, when people fast for 25 hours.

“This has been documented as the ‘Yom Kippur headache’ and ‘first of Ramadan headache.’” Doctors aren’t quite sure what causes them. It could be dehydration, or caffeine withdrawal in people who are used to getting their morning coffee, Drescher told Reuters Health. “There’s probably more than one thing going on,” he added.

Drescher and his Israel-based colleagues had already shownthat Jews who took the drug known as etoricoxib, or Arcoxia, before fasting for 25 hours on the Yom Kippur holiday got fewer headaches than those who didn’t. Arcoxia, a cousin of the painkiller Vioxx, isn’t approved for use in the United States because the Food and

Drug Administration decided it was too similar to Vioxx, which Merck pulled from the market in 2004 when it was linked to a higher risk of heart attack. But Arcoxia is available in Israel, among other countries. The drug has a longer-lasting effect than some other painkillers, which is important because taking a pill in the middle of the day when a headache sets in would be considered breaking the fast.

“If you take Tylenol (acetaminophen)... by the time you get around to feeling the effects of the fast, the medicine is long out of your system,” Drescher said. To see how Arcoxia would work during Ramadan, the researchers assigned 222 adults planning to fast in 2010 to either take the drug or an inactive placebo pill just before the start of fasting each day. All participants recorded how often they had a headache, and how severe it was.

After a week they switched treatments. During the first day of fasting, when headaches are thoughtto be most common, 21 percent of people taking Arcoxia reported having a headache, compared to 46 percent of those who took the placebo pill.

The Arcoxia group also reported fewer total headaches during that first week, the researchers wrote. And when they did have headaches, they rated them as less severe than participants taking the placebo. — Reuters

VIENNA: Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Fu Hu (left) and his mother Yang Yang sit in their enclosure in the Vienna Schoenbrunn zoo with birthday presents yesterday. Fu Hu celebrates his first birthday. He was born in that zoo. — AP

ing difficulties as well. Writing problems were much more common in both boys and girls with ADHD, with close to two-thirds of boys with ADHD having problems with writing. That compared to one in six of their peers without ADHD. For girls, 57 percent with ADHD had a writing problem, compared to less than 10 percent without ADHD. Memory and planning problems in children with ADHD may affect the writing process, the authors said, and ADHD has been linked to learning disorders in the past. Many of the children with ADHD seem to have difficulty with handwriting, said Annette Majnemer, who has studied handwriting in children with ADHD at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. — Reuters

CHEMNITZ: Caucasian leopard cub Kian (Panthera pardus saxicolor) reacts during weighing at the zoo in eastern Germany. Kian was born on July 3, 2011. — AP

Case raises questions about rules of alternative healing WEST ALLIS: Paintings in Barbara May’s two-story home depict a cabin in a sunny meadow, an abstract flower in shades of orange and green. May, 49, created those scenes. Three years ago she played guitar, painted and cleaned homes. Now she uses a walker for balance, fighting spasms in her legs when she stands. Sometimes she struggles just to breathe. “I don’t go anywhere. I don’t work anymore,” May said. “It feels like I’m wearing a corset. My hands constantly sting. It’s hard just to write a couple of checks.”

May has severe, chronic spinal disease in her neck, her medical records show. She can walk because two years ago she had urgent surgery to remove discs that were compressing her cervical spinal cord, making it swell with fluid. She also has spinal osteoporosis - weak, brittle vertebrae. Spinal manipulation - commonly known as chiropractic adjustment - can be dangerous for patients with spinal nerve damage or osteoporosis, states the Mayo Clinic website, which offers comprehensive information on hundreds of diseases.

But before May knew she had spinal disease, she spent almost a year in the care of a Milwaukee man named Sik Kin Wu. And May says she paid Wu, a self-described “intuitive healer,” to adjust her neck - not once or twice, but 11 times during a year. Wu, a Shorewood, Wis., restaurant owner with a history of federal tax fraud, says he can tell what’s wrong with people by looking at them. He acknowledged he isn’t licensed to provide health care in the United States, instead providing a certificate stating he completed a four-month acupuncture and Chinese massage program in Shanghai.

But a Journal Sentinel investigation found Wu has used spinal manipulation - considered the work of a chiropractor or, in some cases, a physical therapist or credentialed massage therapist - on May and many others for years.

By his own account, Wu also charges $350 to put his hand in people’s vaginas and rectums to “heal” conditions such as ovarian cysts and erectile dysfunction.

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

wouldn’t say whether Wu’s activities are legal, but Wisconsin statutes prohibit the unlicensed practice of medicine, surgery or chiropractic care.

at his Chinese restaurant and followed him to the basement.

There, May says, she saw medical books, a skeleton hanging in a corner, and partitioned-off cubi-

WEST ALLIS: Sikkin Wu, who works as an “intuitive healer” at Eastern Wisdom Healing Center, performs a procedure on long time client Michael Kuranz. — MCT May said she sent the department a complaint about Wu over a year ago, but officials said they have no record of it and didn’t investigate. Indeed, the department doesn’t regulate many alternative providers at all. And its rate of seriously disciplining physicians ranked third-worst in the country last year. May’s story raises questions about who, if anyone, ensures alternative treatments are safe for the nearly one in four American adults who use them.

May was trying to start a business with her husband in April 2008. They had no health insurance, so when May began having burning pain beneath her collar bone, she didn’t see a doctor. “I’ve heard hospitals will get a judgment and take your house away from you,” May told the Journal Sentinel. “That scared me.”

Then Joyce Goulet, May’s mentor in an entrepreneurship group, told her about Wu. “You know, Barb, he fixed my heart,” May recalled Goulet saying. That word-of-mouth exchange typifies how clients find Wu. Joyce Hill of Milwaukee recommends Wu and says she’s brought “well over 100 friends” to see him in the eight years he’s treated her chronic pain. “He can put a neck in place so beautifully,” said Hill.

May and her husband met Wu

cles with exam tables. Wu pressed her spine, twisted and pulled her leg. “He massaged the back of my neck and told me to relax,” she said. “He whispered in my ear, ‘Barbara, just relax,’ over and over.”

Then, May said, Wu “cracked my neck” fast in both directions. It was loud, but it didn’t hurt. May said her chest pain disappeared after seeing Wu, but about two weeks later her fingers began tingling and feeling numb. So she visited Wu again May 9. He charged $200 to see her the first time, she said, and $40 the second. But this time her symptoms persisted.

“No matter how you look at it, (intuitive healing is) false,” said Wallace Sampson, clinical professor emeritus of medicine at Stanford University and former editor-in-chief of the journal Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine. “Even though they believe what they ’re doing is right, it’s intellectually and scientifically fraudulent.”

Indeed, there is little proof many alternative therapies work even though more than 88 million adults use them, based on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2007 National Health Interview survey.

By October, May’s arms and legs felt weak. Still lacking insurance,

she saw Wu again in November and eight more times over the next five months, she said, providing phone records of calls to schedule appointments. During each visit, she said, Wu adjusted her neck.

By spring, May was struggling to keep her balance when she walked. She went to an emergency room, providing a false name to avoid a bill. She received no diagnosis. A family practice doctor helped her obtain a free brain scan. The normal result ruled out multiple sclerosis. She refused other tests, telling the doctor she couldn’t afford them.

May last saw Wu in late April 2009, nearly a year after her first visit. She later began having trouble controlling her bladder. That summer she could no longer work. Her low income qualified her for BadgerCare, which covered her visit to a neurologist.

Physician Wendy Peltier admitted May to Froedtert Hospital, where a spinal MRI revealed arthritis and two herniated discs in May’s neck were causing stenosis (narrowing) of her spinal canal.

The resulting compression was severely damaging her spinal cord. Six days later, a surgeon removed the herniated discs and inserted bone grafts and a metal plate to stabilize May’s spine.

Months of rehabilitation followed. And then the questions began. Surgery and physical therapy improved some of May ’s symptoms. But she kept wondering how she’d become ill. She said she had no family history of neurological disease and couldn’t recall an injury. She began thinking about Wu’s spinal adjustments.

“Every time I saw him, it knocked me off my rocker,” she said. “I would have a feeling like a band around my head, and a buzzing that went down from my neck to my chest, body and knees.” May asked her physicians if Wu’s manipulation caused her neurological symptoms. None said yes, but a note by Peltier in May’s medical record shows she thought they could have worsened them.

“I am most worried about a cervical disc with stenosis that may have been aggravated by her chiropractic therapy,” the neurologist wrote in June 2009. — MCT

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

health & science

Greenpeace finds toxic chemicals in branded clothing BEIJING: Traces of toxic chemicals harmful to the environment and to human health have been detected in products made by 14 top clothing manufacturers, Greenpeace said yesterday. Samples of clothing from top brands including Adidas, Uniqlo, Calvin Klein, H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lacoste, Converse and Ralph Lauren were found to be tainted with the chemicals, known as nonylphenol ethoxylates, the watchdog said at the launch of its report “Dirty Laundry 2”.

Greenpeace campaigner Li Yifang said that nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs), commonly used as detergents in industries including the production of natural and synthetic textiles, were detected in twothirds of the samples the group tested.

“NPEs break down to form nonylphenol, which has toxic, persistent and hormone-disrupting properties,” Li told journalists in Beijing. “It mimics female hormones, alters sexual development and affects reproductive systems.” Components of NPEs have been implicated in the widespread “feminisation” of male fish in parts of Europe and also in disrupting hormone processes in some mammals, according to the campaign group WWF. Greenpeace said it purchased 78 branded clothing samples-mostly made in China, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines-from 18 countries around the world and subjected them to scientific analysis. “Even at low levels, it represents a big threat to the environment and human health,” Li said. “This is not just a

problem for the developing countries where textiles are made. “Since residual levels of NPEs are released when clothes are washed, they are in effect creeping into countries where their use is banned.”

Use of the chemicals is restricted in Europe. As the report was released, activists stormed a flagship Adidas store in Hong Kong, demanding that the store eliminate hazardous chemicals in their products and urging would-be customers to “rethink”. Adidas also came under fire in separate Greenpeace report, “Dirty Laundry”, released last month, which accused the manufacturers of well-known textile brands of polluting major rivers in China with chemical waste.

About a dozen Greenpeace activists dressed as referees created a stir as they descended on one of Adidas’ busiest shops in the southern Chinese city.

They handed out campaign leaflets to customers while handing warning yellow cards to store staff, cautioning the brand to “play clean”. Eight samples of wastewater from two factories in the Yangtze and Pearl River deltas, identified as suppliers for the brands, contained “a cocktail of hazardous chemicals”, the group said in last month’s report.

Nike and Puma have since pledged since then to eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals in their products by 2020, but Adidas has not, according to Greenpeace spokeswoman Vivien Yau. Adidas Hong Kong did not immediately respond to requests for comment. But the company has previously said it used the Youngor Group-one of the accused suppli-

HONG KONG: A man (right) walks past Greenpeace activists dressed as referees and holding placards outside an Adidas sporting goods shop in yesterday. Greenpeace activists stormed a flagship Adidas store, demanding that the store eliminate hazardous chemicals in their products and urging would-be customers to “rethink”. — AFP ers-for garment cutting and sewing only, not to source fabrics, but had also asked Youngor to investigate Greenpeace’s claims.

It added that it had a comprehensive policy on avoiding dangerous substances. However, Yau said:

“As the second biggest player in the sportswear industry, Adidas has an obligation to detoxify its global supply chain. “So far, the brand has done nothing despite repeated requests from us. This is really unacceptable.” —AFP

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W ccept A ll M Ma ajor IIn aj nsura amce C ards Wee A Accept All Major Insuramce Cards FA ARWANIYYA - OPP P.. POLICE LICE ST TA ATION FARWANIYA OPP. STATION Behind Magadheer Commercial Complex B ehind M agadheer C omm mercial C omplex

s - 65561619 TEL: 24734000 shifak shifakuwait@gmail.com uwait@g gmail.com w www.shifakuwait.com ww.shifakuwait.com W orkiing Hours: 8.00 am m tto o 12:00am Working

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

Farewell reception held

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he Jordanian Ambassador to Kuwait Jum’ah Al-Abadi hosted an event at the Regency Hotel to bid farewell to the outgoing Egyptian ambassador to Kuwait. The event was well-attended by several ambassadors, diplomats and other dignitaries. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

We wish Joychettan and Ranichechi on their 25th wedding anniversary. May you have the golden chance of celebrating jubilees after jubilees. With best compliments from John, Molly, Jomon and Jomin.

Announcements Tulukoota talent hunt Tulukoota Kuwait will hold a “Talent Hunt 2011” a chance to prove an inborn trait in you that confirms your individuality, uniqueness.

So step forward to grab this opportunity to show your caliber and entertain. Dance, music, art or any special talent- now is your chance to showcase it - and be part of this year’s Talent Hunt & Tulu Parba. Talent Hunt event is open to all Tuluvas. For more information and registration form kindly log on to our Website: www.tulukootakuwait.org or visit our facebook page - Tulukoota Kuwait Talent Hunt 2011. You could also email your form request to: secretary@tulukootakuwait.org or contact our area coordinators mentioned below.

Mangaf, Fahaheel, Abuhalifa : Ronald Dsouza60035824, Shalini Alva- 23726164, Suma Bhatt- 97834578 Salmiya & Hawally: Swarna Shetty- 99006934, Kripa Gatty- 66044194 Kuwait City, Jahra, Sharq : Rekha Sachu- 65044521,97862115 Farwaniya, Abbassiya, Shuwaikh & Khaitan: Sathyanarayana- 66585077 Sanath Shetty67712409.

Pathanamthitta Onam The executive committee of Pathanamthitta District Association has decided to hold 2011 Onam Festival celebrations on Friday October 28, 2011 with a grand public function attended by Member of Parliament from Pathanamthitta Loksabha Constituency, Anto Antony and other prominent dignitaries from Kerala and Kuwait. All residents of Pathanamthitta District and persons of Pathanamthitta District origin are hereby invited to attend this function and friends and families.

Art salon Bouhshari Art Gallery Exhibition runs through 15 September. Daily working hours: 10am 1pm and 5 - 9pm, except on Friday and on Thursday evening.

Konkani musical show Comedian Philip, the 1st NRI Goan comedian, is all set to entertain you with a Konkani music show titled “Ani, Anik Zaiem?” to be presented by the United Friends Club on September 9 at 4pm at the AIS (American International School) Auditorium, Maidan-Hawalli. This is Kuwait-based comedian Philip’s third musical show after the overwhelming success of staging “Tum Vhoir Aum Sokol” and “Hem Kazar Koslem” in Kuwait and overseas.

India medical tourism destination event

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he Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), along with Trident Exhibition Pvt. Ltd., and supported by Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Commerce, and Government of India, is organizing an event entitled “India-Medical Tourism Destination 2011”. The event will run from 14th - 15th September 2011 at the Kuwait International Fair (KIF) Ground, Mishref, Kuwait.

The objective of the event would be to highlight the benefits of medical tourism and to emphasize India’s role in providing affordable and quality healthcare to the Kuwaiti people.

Healthcare is an essential needs. However, quality healthcare facilities are not available everywhere. And if at all available, the cost is exorbitantly high in most parts of the world.

Indian independence day celebrated

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n the occasion of the 65th Indian Independence Day the Kuwait St Peter’s Marthoma Yuvajana Sakhyam organized an Independence Day celebration and special prayer with the theme “Pray for the nation”. Yuvajana Sakhyam President Rev Fr Chacko Thomas hoisted the National Flag and delivered the Independence Day message.

Giju Samuel, Anu P Rajan andShibu Mathew led the prayer.

Linu Samuel, Midhun Eapen, and Noble Mathew delivered Independence Day greetings in Hindi, English and in Malayalam respectively. The kids enjoyed the occasion by coloring the tricolor on their face and singing patriotic songs. Display of the spinning wheel (Charkha) and the photos of the Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi were also arranged.

Vice President Thomas Kuruvila led the pledge. The gathering chanted the national anthem.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF ARGENTINA In order to inform that 23rd of October 2011, will be Argentine national election where all Argentinean citizen residents permanently in Kuwait can vote only if they are registered at the Electoral Register of the Argentine Embassy. The procedure of inscription ended on 25 of April 2011. To register it is necessary that Argentinean citizens should come personally at the Argentinean Embassy (Block 6, street 42, villa 57, Mishref ) and present the DNI and four personal photos (size 4x4, face should be front on white background). For further information, contact us on 25379211. nnnnnnn

Shaab Club concludes Ramadan activities

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he Shaab Sea Club hosted a ceremony attended by members and their families to conclude activities held during Ramadan. The event was attended by acting managing director for touristic affairs at the Touristic Enterprises Company Ali Al-Qallaf, and Shaab Sea Club supervisor Salem AlJeeran, who personally crowned winners of the football and tennis tournaments, as well as the Holy Quran memorization competition. The ceremony included traditional Ramadanic activities which was part of a special entertainment program allocated for the event.

EMBASSY OF BRITAIN The Visa Application Centre (VAC) will be closed on the same dates above. The opening hours of the Visa Application Centre are 0930 - 1630 Application forms remain available online from the UKBAs’ website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk or from the Visa Application Centre’s website: www.vfs-ukkw.com. And also, from the UK Visa Application Centre located at: 4B, First Floor, Al Banwan Building (Burgan Bank Branch Office Building), Al Qibla area, opposite Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City. For any further inquiries, please contact the Visa Application Centre: Website: www.vfs-uk-kw.com E-mail:info@vfs-uk-kw.com Telephone:22971170.

The Consular Section will also be closed on the same dates. For information on the British Embassy services, visit the British Embassy website: www.ukinkuwait.fco.gov.uk nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, AlMutawakel St., Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca.

Canada offers a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that Consular Officials can contact and assist Canadians in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform Canadians of a family emergency at home. The Embassy of Canada encourages all Canadian Citizens to register online through the Government of Canada Travel Website at www.voyage.gc.ca. The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides visa and immigration services to residents of Kuwait. Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.UAE.gc.ca.

Effective January 15, 2011, the only Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application form that will be accepted by CIC is the Application for Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257] form.

All previous Temporary Resident Visa application forms will no longer be accepted by CIC and instead will be returned to applicants. 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.

Consular Services for Canadian Citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00 on Sunday through Wednesday.

The forms are available on the internet at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5257E. PDF. A guide explaining the process can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5256E.PDF.

Anotah hosts iftar banquet Anotah organized an iftar party for its staff and their families. Many activities were held and the guests had a good time.

—Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

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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 nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF INDIA During the holy month of Ramadan, the office timings of the Indian Passport and Visa Service Centres of BLS International Visa Services Co., Kuwait, situated at (a) Emad Commercial Centre, Basement Floor, Ahmed Al Jaber Street, Sharq, Kuwait, and (b) Mujamma Unood, 4th floor, Office No. 25-26 Makka Street, Fahaheel, Kuwait, will be from 8 am - 3 pm from Saturday to Thursday (i.e. six days a week). Embassy of India, Kuwait, will maintain its usual working hours. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF IRAN The embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kuwait announced their official working hours during the holy month of Ramadan, which will go between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm on weekdays. The Iranian embassy extends will wishes to His Highness the Amir, the government as well as the people of Kuwait on this occasion. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has its new office in 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 SLOVAK REPUBLIC The Embassy of the Slovak Republic to the State of Kuwait would like to inform the public that from 8th August 2011, the working hours of the Consular Section will be on Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 till 13:00 hrs.

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00:45 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 01:40 Untamed And Uncut 02:35 Venom Hunter With Donald Schultz 03:30 Ray Mears’ Wild Britain 04:25 Buggin’ With Ruud 05:20 Animal Cops Houston 06:10 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 07:00 Meerkat Manor 07:25 The Really Wild Show 07:50 Jeff Corwin Unleashed 08:15 Natural Born Hunters 08:40 Breed All About It 09:10 Dogs 101 10:05 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 11:00 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip 11:55 Meerkat Manor 12:20 Wildlife SOS 12:50 K9 Cops 13:45 Animal Cops Houston 14:40 Animal Precinct 15:30 RSPCA: Have You Got What It Takes?

16:00 The Really Wild Show 16:30 Chris Humfrey’s Wildlife 17:25 Bad Dog 18:20 Breed All About It 18:45 Gorilla School 19:15 Crocodile Hunter 20:10 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 21:05 In Search Of The King Cobra 22:00 Monster Bug Wars 22:55 Killer Whales 23:50 Planet Earth

00:00 00:30 01:15 02:10 03:00 03:30 04:00 04:30 04:50 05:05 05:25 05:40 05:50 06:10 06:25 06:45 07:00 07:20 07:35 07:55 08:10 08:20 08:40 08:55 09:15 09:30 09:35 09:40 10:10 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

My Family The Weakest Link Holby City Spooks Eastenders Doctors My Family Tweenies The Roly Mo Show Me Too Forget Me Not Farm The Adventures Of Spot Tweenies The Roly Mo Show Me Too Forget Me Not Farm Tweenies The Roly Mo Show Me Too Forget Me Not Farm The Adventures Of Spot Tweenies The Roly Mo Show Me Too Forget Me Not Farm The Adventures Of Spot The Adventures Of Spot My Family My Family The Weakest Link Full Circle With Michael Palin Doctors Eastenders Holby City My Family Full Circle With Michael Palin The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Holby City Full Circle With Michael Palin The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Casualty Lark Rise To Candleford My Family

00:00 00:30 00:45 01:00 01:30 01:45 02:00

BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News America Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC World News

02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Sport Today 03:00 Newsday 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 Newsday 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 Newsday 05:30 Asia Business Report 05:45 Sport Today 06:00 Newsday 06:30 Hardtalk 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 World Business Report 07:45 BBC World News 08:00 BBC World News 08:30 World Business Report 08:45 BBC World News 09:00 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

06:00 American Dragon 06:20 Kick Buttowski 06:40 Pokemon Dp: Sinnoh League Victors 07:05 Phineas & Ferb 07:30 Kid Vs Kat 07:50 Pair Of Kings 08:15 I’m In The Band 08:40 Kick Buttowski 09:00 Zeke & Luther 09:25 Zeke & Luther 09:50 I’m In The Band 10:15 The Super Hero Squad Show 10:40 Suite Life On Deck 11:05 Suite Life On Deck 11:30 Pair Of Kings 11:55 Phineas & Ferb 12:20 Phineas & Ferb 12:45 I’m In The Band 13:10 Kid Vs Kat 13:30 Kid Vs Kat 13:50 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 14:10 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 14:30 Phineas & Ferb 14:50 Pokemon Dp: Sinnoh League Victors 15:15 Pokemon Dp: Sinnoh League Victors 15:35 Pokemon Dp: Sinnoh League Victors 17:15 Zeke & Luther 17:40 Phineas & Ferb 18:30 Escape From Scorpion Island 18:55 Kick Buttowski 19:20 American Dragon 19:45 Aaron Stone 20:15 Kid Vs Kat 20:40 I’m In The Band 21:05 The Avengers: Earths Mightiest Heroes 21:30 Zeke & Luther 21:50 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 22:15 The Super Hero Squad Show

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

TV PROGRAMS

00:00 00:30 01:00 02:00 03:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

Chef Abroad Glutton For Punishment Intrepid Journeys Cruising The South China Sea Globe Trekker Indian Times Globe Trekker Planet Food Top Travel Globe Trekker Flavours Of Mexico Indian Times The Soller Railway Globe Trekker First Class South Africa Flavours Of Mexico Cruise Today Globe Trekker Essential Specials Cruising The South China Sea People Of The Sea

00:15 00:35 01:00 01:25 Cody 01:50 02:15 02:35 03:00 03:25 04:15 05:00 05:50 06:35 07:25 08:15 09:00 09:20 Cody 09:45 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:20 11:35 12:00 Splits 12:10 12:20 12:30 12:40 Splits 12:50 13:10 Cody 13:35 13:50 14:15 14:35 15:00 15:25 15:45 16:10 16:30 Cody 16:55 17:20 18:20 18:45 19:10 19:35 20:00 20:25 20:50 21:15 21:45 22:10 22:35 23:00 23:25

Sonny With A Chance Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up The Suite Life Of Zack And

00:40 01:35 02:30 03:25 03:55 04:20 05:15 05:40

Dirty Jobs Miami Ink Ultimate Survival Wheeler Dealers On The Road Fifth Gear Mythbusters How Do They Do It? How Does It Work

Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Jonas Kim Possible Fairly Odd Parents Stitch Replacements Emperor’s New School Stitch Replacements Fairly Odd Parents Emperor’s New School The Suite Life Of Zack And Phineas And Ferb Wizards Of Waverly Place Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Splits Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Jungle Junction Splits The Hive Handy Manny Splits Jake & The Neverland Pirates Sonny With A Chance The Suite Life Of Zack And Phineas And Ferb Splits Shake It Up Hannah Montana Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Sonny With A Chance Good Luck Charlie Phineas And Ferb The Suite Life Of Zack And Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana Suite Life On Deck Fish Hooks Shake It Up Jake & Blake Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana Fish Hooks Hannah Montana Shake It Up Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Jake & Blake

EVOLUTION ON OSN ACTION HD

06:05 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:45 09:10 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:25 12:20 13:15 14:10 15:05 16:00 16:25 16:55 17:50 18:45 19:10 19:40 20:05

Dirty Jobs Wheeler Dealers On The Road Fifth Gear Street Customs 2008 How Does It Work Mythbusters Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings Animal Cops South Africa Pit Bulls And Parolees Ultimate Survival Miami Ink Dirty Jobs Wheeler Dealers On The Road Fifth Gear Mythbusters Deadliest Catch Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings How Does It Work

00:05 00:55 01:45 02:35 03:25 04:15 04:45 05:40 06:10 07:00 07:55 08:50 09:40 13:15 15:45 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:15 18:40 19:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

Smash Lab Extreme Engineering Bad Universe How The Universe Works Scrapheap Challenge How Does That Work?

Extreme Engineering One Step Beyond Superships Scrapheap Challenge Alien Planet The Gadget Show Stephen Hawking’s Universe Cosmic Collisions Weird Connections Scrapheap Challenge Stephen Hawking’s Universe Sci-Fi Science The Gadget Show What’s That About?

Weird Connections Smash Lab The Gadget Show What’s That About?

Weird Connections The Gadget Show

00:05 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 00:30 Good Eats - Special 00:55 Guy’s Big Bite 01:45 World Cafe Asia 02:35 Food Network Challenge 03:25 Barefoot Contessa 04:15 Good Eats - Special 04:40 Unwrapped 05:05 Ten Dollar Dinners 05:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 05:50 Paula’s Party 06:35 Barefoot Contessa 07:00 Chopped 07:50 Guy’s Big Bite 08:15 Everyday Italian 08:40 Good Deal With Dave Lieberman 09:05 Ten Dollar Dinners 09:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 09:55 Barefoot Contessa 10:20 Aarti Party 10:45 Boy Meets Grill 11:10 Unwrapped 11:35 Paula’s Party 12:25 Everyday Italian 12:50 Paula’s Best Dishes 13:15 Good Deal With Dave Lieberman 13:40 World Cafe Asia 14:05 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 14:30 Good Eats - Special 14:55 Unwrapped 15:20 Boy Meets Grill 15:45 Chopped 16:35 Guy’s Big Bite 17:00 Barefoot Contessa 17:25 Paula’s Best Dishes 17:50 Aarti Party 18:15 World Cafe Asia 18:40 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 19:05 Good Eats - Special 19:30 Food Network Challenge 20:20 Paula’s Best Dishes 20:45 Paula’s Best Dishes 21:10 Aarti Party 21:35 Aarti Party 22:00 World Cafe Middle East 22:50 Chopped 23:40 World Cafe Asia

00:05 Jungle Junction 00:15 Little Einsteins 00:40 Higglytown Heroes 01:10 Jo Jo’s Circus 01:30 Special Agent Oso 02:00 Jungle Junction 02:25 Little Einsteins 02:50 Higglytown Heroes 03:20 Jo Jo’s Circus 03:40 Special Agent Oso 04:10 Jungle Junction 04:35 Little Einsteins 05:00 Higglytown Heroes 05:30 Jo Jo’s Circus 05:50 Jungle Junction 06:15 Higglytown Heroes 06:45 Handy Manny 07:00 Special Agent Oso 07:15 Jungle Junction 07:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 08:10 Timmy Time 08:20 Handy Manny 08:30Jake And The Neverland Pirates 08:55 The Hive 09:10 Handy Manny 09:25 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 09:50 The Little Mermaid 11:05 Jungle Junction 11:20 Imagination Movers 11:45 Handy Manny 12:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 12:25Jake And The Neverland Pirates 12:40 Lazytown 13:05 The Hive 13:15 Special Agent Oso 13:25 The Little Mermaid 14:40 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 15:05 Handy Manny 15:30 The Hive 15:40Jake And The Neverland Pirates 15:55 Imagination Movers 16:20 Lazytown 16:45 Jungle Junction 17:00 The Hive 17:10 Little Einsteins 17:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 17:55 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 18:25 Little Einsteins

18:50 Special Agent Oso 19:03 Animated Stories 19:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 19:50 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 20:10 The Little Mermaid 21:20Jake And The Neverland Pirates 21:35 Jungle Junction 21:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 22:15 Timmy Time 22:25 Handy Manny 22:40 Jungle Junction 22:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 23:20 Special Agent Oso 23:50 Jungle Junction

00:25 Kendra 00:55 Style Star 01:25 E!es 02:20 E! Investigates 03:15 25 Most Stylish 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Extreme Hollywood 06:00 30 Best And Worst Beach Bodies 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Kourtney And Kim Take New York 10:15 THS 12:05 E! News 13:05 Holly’s World 13:35 The Dance Scene 17:55 E! News 18:55 The Dance Scene 20:55 Chelsea Lately 21:25 The Dance Scene 22:25 E! News 23:25 Chelsea Lately 23:55 Kourtney And Kim Take New York

00:15 Sports Jobs 00:40 Mantracker 01:30 World Combat League 02:20 Sports Jobs 03:10 Wrestling With Reality 04:00 Untracked 04:50 Mantracker 05:40 World Combat League 06:30Ride Guide Mountainbike 2007 08:00 X Games Heroes 08:25 IFMXF 2010 09:15 Lucas Oil Motocross Championships 2009 10:55 Gumball 3000: 2008 11:45 Glutton For Punishment 12:35 Sports Jobs 13:00 Final Fu 13:25 Mantracker 14:15 World Combat League 15:05 Gumball 3000: 2008 15:55 Glutton For Punishment 16:45 X Games Heroes 17:10 IFMXF 2010 18:00 Lucas Oil Motocross Championships 2009 19:40 Mantracker 20:30 Sports Jobs 20:55 Final Fu 21:20 I’ll Do Anything 22:10 World Combat League 23:00 Wrestling With Reality 23:50 Sports Jobs

00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:50 04:45 05:15 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:05 09:30 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:40 14:30 14:55 15:20 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:05 19:55 20:20 21:10 22:00 23:40

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 04:30 05:30 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 10:30 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

00:00 01:00 01:55 02:50 03:45 04:40 05:05 05:35 06:30 07:25 08:20 09:15

Ghost Lab Psychic Witness Deadly Women Couples Who Kill Dr G: Medical Examiner Ghosthunters Ghost Lab Mystery ER Murder Shift Forensic Detectives Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Mystery ER Fugitive Strike Force FBI Files On The Case With Paula Zahn Ghost Lab Mystery ER Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Fugitive Strike Force FBI Files Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Real Emergency Calls Mystery ER Street Patrol On The Case With Paula Zahn Ghost Lab I Almost Got Away With It Dr G: Medical Examiner

A World Apart Meet The Natives Banged Up Abroad Danger Men Weird & Wonderful Hotels

By Any Means Earth Tripping A World Apart Meet The Natives Banged Up Abroad Danger Men Weird & Wonderful Hotels

By Any Means Earth Tripping A World Apart Wild Rides Destination Extreme Endurance Traveller Departures Meet The Amish Wild Rides Destination Extreme Endurance Traveller Departures Departures

Zambezi World’s Deadliest Killer Shots Shane Untamed Swamp Men Wild Detectives Wild Chronicles My Dog Ate What?

The Living Edens Brutal Killers Bonecrusher Queens Killer Shots

MINDHUNTERS ON OSN MOVIE ACTION 10:10 11:05 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Shane Untamed Swamp Men World’s Deadliest The Living Edens Ultimate Predator Valley of The Wolves World’s Wildest Encounters Shane Untamed Swamp Men The Living Edens Ultimate Predator Valley of The Wolves World’s Wildest Encounters Shane Untamed

00:00 Penny Dreadful-18 02:00 The Boondock Saints 2: All Saints Day-18 04:00 Bodyguard: A New Beginning 06:00 From Paris With Love-18 08:00 G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra 10:00 The Bodyguard 2-PG15 11:45 The Day After Tomorrow-PG 14:00 G.I. Joe: The Rise Of CobraPG15 16:00 Evolution-PG15 17:45 The Day After Tomorrow-PG 20:00 Gothika-18 22:00 Tortured-PG15

01:00 The Gray Man-PG15 03:00 Parlez-Moi De LA Pluie-PG15 05:00 Love N’ Dancing-PG15 07:00 The Last Song-PG15 09:00 The Front-PG15 11:00 Me And Orson Welles-PG 13:00 The Last Song-PG15 15:00 Desperate Hours: An Amber Alert-PG15 17:00 The Wronged Man-PG15 19:00 Fireflies In The Garden-PG15 21:00 Tortured-PG15 23:00 Crazy Heart-PG15

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 The New Adventures Of Old Christine 02:00 The Cleveland Show 02:30 Rita Rocks 03:00 Just Shoot Me 04:00 Two And A Half Men 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Will And Grace 06:00 Coach 06:30 The Drew Carey Show 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Two And A Half Men 08:30 Just Shoot Me 09:00 Will And Grace 09:30 Raising Hope 10:00 Cougar Town 10:30 Coach 11:00 The Drew Carey Show 11:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:30 Two And A Half Men 13:00 Just Shoot Me 13:30 Will And Grace 14:00 Coach 14:30 Raising Hope 15:00 Cougar Town 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 The Drew Carey Show 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Just Shoot Me 19:00 Parks And Recreation 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 Louie 22:30 Rita Rocks 23:00 The New Adventures Of Old Christine 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00

Jason X-PG15 Bodyguard: A New Beginning Valhalla Rising-18 Virtuality-PG15 Staten Island-PG15

11:00The Manchurian Candidate-18 13:30 Wyatt Earp-PG15 16:45 The Hunt For Red October 19:00 Mindhunters-18 21:00 Casualties Of War-18 23:00 Blood: The Last Vampire-18

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Four Christmases-PG15 Le Donk & Scor-zay-zee-PG15 The Lizzie McGuire Movie-PG Double Wedding-PG15 Ed-PG National Security-PG15 17 Again-PG15 Tom And Huck-PG15 Four Christmases-PG15 The Boys Are Back-PG French Kiss-PG15 Palo Alto-18

01:00 03:00 05:00 PG15 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Just Married-PG15 Drumline-PG15 It’s A Wonderful AfterlifeThe Bounty Hunter-PG15 Bandslam-PG15 Good Hair-PG15 I Spy-PG Sweet Home Alabama-PG15 Bandslam-PG15 Adam-PG15 Youth In Revolt-18 The Girl In The Park-PG15

01:00 Time Kid-FAM 03:00 Nativity!-PG 05:00 Gold Diggers: The Secret Of Bear Mountain-PG 07:00 Inspector Gadget’s Last Case: Claw’s...-FAM 09:00 Nanny Mcphee And The Big Bang-PG 11:00 Catch That Kid-PG 13:00 Gladiators: The TournamentPG 15:00 Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs Wakko’s Wakko-PG 17:00 Catch That Kid-PG 19:00 Dr. Dolittle-PG 21:00 Gladiators: The Tournament 23:00 Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs Wakko’s Wakko-PG

00:00 Tyson-PG15 02:00 Lower Learning-PG15 03:45 Passing Strange-PG15 06:15 You Again-PG15 08:00 Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief-PG15 10:00 How To Go Out On A Date In Queens-PG15 12:00 Tangled-FAM 14:00 Stomp The Yard 2: Homecoming-PG15 16:00 How To Go Out On A Date In Queens-PG15 18:00 Africa United-PG15 20:00 The Joneses-PG15

00:00 Speedway 01:00 Super League 03:00 The Open Championship Official Film 04:00 ITM Cup Rugby Union 06:00 UFC 134 Countdown 07:00 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 08:00 Speedway 09:00 UFC 134 Countdown 11:00 Darts World Match Play 13:00 The Open Championship Official Film 14:00 Powerboats F1 15:00 ITM Cup Rugby Union 17:00 NRL Premiership 19:00 Super League 21:00 WWE SmackDown!

23:00 Trans World Sport

00:30 FIVB Beach Volley Ball 01:00 Golfing World 02:00 NRL Premiership 04:00 NRL Full Time 04:30 Scottish Premier League Highlights

05:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 15:00 17:00 17:30 18:30

International Rugby Union Rugby World Cup Classics ICC Cricket World Trans World Sport ITM Cup Rugby Union AFL Highlights Futbol Mundial Rugby World Cup Classics Scottish League Cup ITM Cup Rugby Union Futbol Mundial Trans World Sport Golfing World

00:00 SPL Highlights 00:30 Scottish Premier League 02:30 Rugby World Cup Classics 03:00 FIVB Beach Volley Ball 03:30 Trans World Sport 04:30 Super League 06:30 Futbol Mundial 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 Scottish League Cup 10:00 Premier League Snooker 12:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 12:30 SPL Highlights 13:00 Golfing World 14:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 15:00 FEI Equestrian World 15:30 AFL Highlights 16:30 World Hockey 17:00 The Challenge Series 17:30 Scottish League Cup 19:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 20:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 21:00 Rugby World Cup Classics 21:30 Futbol Mundial 22:00 International Rugby Union

00:00 03:00 04:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 15:00 16:00 18:00 19:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

UFC 132 Speedway V8 Supercars Championship UFC 134 Countdown WWE Vintage Collection Speedway FIM World Super League Formula Powerboats F1 Highlights WWE NXT WWE SmackDown!

Modern Pentaholn V8 Supercars Championship Speedway FIM World Powerboats F1 UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC 134 Countdown UFC Unleashed

00:00 Life After People 01:00 Ice Road Truckers 02:00 Patton 360 03:00 Pawn Stars 04:00 American Pickers 05:00 Lock N’ Load With R. Lee Ermey 06:00 Life After People 07:00 Ice Road Truckers 08:00 Patton 360 09:00 Pawn Stars 10:00 American Pickers 11:00 Lock N’ Load With R. Lee Ermey 12:00 Life After People 13:00 Ice Road Truckers 14:00 Patton 360 15:00 Pawn Stars 16:00 American Pickers 17:00 Lock N’ Load With R. Lee Ermey 18:00 Life After People 19:00 Ice Road Truckers 20:00 Patton 360 21:00 Britain At War 22:00 Tales Of The Gun 23:00 UFO Hunters

00:30 Home From The Hill-PG 02:55 Kim-FAM 04:45 A Life Of Her Own-PG 06:30 TCM Presents Under The Influence-U 07:00 Adam’s Rib-FAM 08:40 Boys’ Night Out-FAM 10:30 Crazy From The Heart-PG

Classifieds WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

ACCOMMODATION Accommodation available in 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom, C-A/C apartment for a decent couple, executive bachelor or working lady in Mahboula close to Gulf Road. Contact: 66216713.

23-8-2011 Sharing accommodation available near Salmiya garden for 2 spinsters / 2 bachelors or family without children. Rent KD 100. New building with separate bath & C-A/C. Please call on 97202795 / 25654182.

(C 3588) 23-8-2011 Sharing accommodation available from September 1, Abbassiya, near Neethi Store building, full furnished 2 bedroom flat, share with keralite family. Looking for executive single bachelor or couples only for South Indians.

Contact: 66788568 or afternoon 66944127. (C 3586) 22-8-2011 One big room attach bath available for decent bachelor or couple, 2 BR C/AC flat in Fintas, near London hospital and close to Fahaheel Highway. Contact 60020168.

(C 3580) 21-8-2011

Sharing accommodation available at Khaitan in a studio flat for a single bachelor with a Mangalorean R/C bachelor near to bus stop.

Contact: 66036893. (C 3565) Room for rent in Hawally, location - interaction of Beirut + Tunis Street behind Popeye Restaurant. Contact: 66266105/ 66440968.

(C 3575) Sharing accommodation available with Indian decent bachelor single bed room flat. 1+1 basic. Very good location in Salmiya, Amman street, Indian community school-3, adjacent building.

Please contact Mob: 99813483. (C 3577) 17-8-2011

FOR SALE Toyota Camry model 2001, 4-cylinder, very good condition. Tel: 60035758.

(C 3581) 21-8-2011 CHANGE OF NAME I, Thiru V. Muthu Kumar (Hindu) son of P. Veeraperumal born on 2nd May 1984 residing at No:

8/59, Madhavan Street, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram - 623707, has converted to Islam with the name of V. Muthu Mohamed. (C 3587)

operation support (Telecom / Retail). Good working knowledge in Oracle, Unix and MS Office. Contact: 65794224. (C 3583)

23-8-2011

MBA (Finance) with bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 2 years experience in Kuwait looking for further experience in Finance.

Contact: 67731590. (C 3584) 22-8-2011

Busam Aswani holder of Indian Passport No: H2028715, issued in Hyderabad, India.

Before I am non-Muslim (Hindu) then I convert to Muslim, hereby change my name to Fatima Riaz.

(C 3582) 21-8-2011 I, Abel C. Abella Tagongtong, Filipino wish to change my name to Vir Niqel Abella Tagongtong.

(C 3578) 18-8-2011

SITUATION WANTED

Engineer with 4 years experience as Data Analyst /

MATRIMONIAL Proposals are invited for a born again girl, 5.3”, 29 yrs, working as an Admin Professional with a reputed company in Kuwait. Email: lyndakuruvilla@gmail.com (C 3585) 22-8-2011

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Airlines RJA THY ETH UAE DHX MSR FDB GFA QTR JZR FCX KAC BAW JZR JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC UAE QTR ABY ETD GFA FCX MEA IRM RBG KAC MSR UAL RJA MSR JZR FDB KAC KAC SVA CLX QTR

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 24/8/2011 Flt Route 642 AMMAN 772 ISTANBUL 620 ADDIS ABABA 853 DUBAI 370 BAHRAIN 614 CAIRO 67 DUBAI 211 BAHRAIN 138 DOHA 539 CAIRO 201 DUBAI 412 MANILA / BANGKOK 157 LONDON 507 LUXOR 557 ALEXANDRIA 206 ISLAMABAD 382 DELHI 284 DHAKA 302 MUMBAI 53 DUBAI 352 COCHIN 362 COLOMBO 344 CHENNAI 855 DUBAI 132 DOHA 125 SHARJAH 301 ABU DHABI 213 BAHRAIN 203 DUBAI 404 BEIRUT 5066 MASHAD 3557 ALEXANDRIA 672 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 640 AMMAN 621 ASSIUT 121 BAHRAIN 57 DUBAI 802 CAIRO 790 MEDINAH 500 JEDDAH 792 LUXEMBOURG 134 DOHA

Time 0:05 1:15 1:45 2:25 2:55 3:05 3:10 3:15 3:20 3:50 5:25 6:15 6:30 6:40 7:05 7:15 7:20 7:40 7:50 7:55 8:05 8:20 8:20 8:25 9:00 9:10 9:30 9:35 10:30 10:55 11:50 12:55 13:15 13:20 13:30 13:35 13:40 13:45 13:50 14:00 14:05 14:30 14:50 15:15

KAC KNE SYR ETD UAE GFA SVA JZR ABY KAC KNE FDB ALK BBC KAC IYE KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC AIC JAI FDB OMA VOS MEA JZR MSR DHX UAE GFA QTR UAL MSR JZR DLH SAI AXB KLM PIA

546 701 341 303 857 215 510 561 127 550 745 63 227 45 166 824 502 542 618 786 774 777 614 674 102 975 572 61 647 81 402 203 618 372 859 217 136 981 612 185 636 441 393 447 215

ALEXANDRIA RIYADH DAMASCUS ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH SOHAG SHARJAH SHARM EL SHEIKH / SOHAG JEDDAH DUBAI COLOMBO / DUBAI DHAKA PARIS / ROME SANAA / DOHA BEIRUT CAIRO DOHA JEDDAH RIYADH JEDDAH BAHRAIN DUBAI NEW YORK / LONDON CHENNAI / GOA MUMBAI DUBAI MUSCAT BAGHDAD BEIRUT DAMASCUS ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA BAHRAIN CAIRO DUBAI FRANKFURT LAHORE KOZHIKODE / COCHIN AMSTERDAM / BAHRAIN KARACHI

15:30 16:00 16:30 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:30 17:40 17:45 17:50 17:55 18:00 18:30 18:40 18:40 18:45 18:50 18:55 19:00 19:10 19:15 19:20 19:25 19:25 19:30 19:35 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:15 20:20 20:55 21:00 21:15 21:25 21:35 22:00 22:50 22:55 23:00 23:05 23:15 23:35 23:55

Airlines AXB JZR JZR DLH AIC PIA THY ETH UAE FDB DHX MSR QTR RJA GFA KAC VOS BAW KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR ETD GFA JZR JZR KAC FCX MEA KAC KAC KAC IRM KAC RBG JZR MSR RJA FDB

Departure Flights on Wednesday 24/8/2011 Flt Route 390 MANGALORE / KOZHIKODE 506 LUXOR 506 LUXOR 637 FRANKFURT 982 AHMEDABAD / CHENNAI 206 LAHORE 773 ISTANBUL 620 BAHRAIN / ADDIS ABABA 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 371 BAHRAIN 615 CAIRO 139 DOHA 643 AMMAN 212 BAHRAIN 801 CAIRO 94 DUBAI / KANDAHAR 156 LONDON 545 ALEXANDRIA 54 DUBAI 177 FRANKFURT / GENEVA 671 DUBAI 117 NEW YORK 789 MEDINAH 856 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 133 DOHA 302 ABU DHABI 214 BAHRAIN 120 BAHRAIN 560 SOHAG 549 SOHAG 204 DUBAI 405 BEIRUT 541 CAIRO 103 LONDON 501 BEIRUT 5065 MASHAD 785 JEDDAH 3558 SOHAG / ALEXANDRIA 776 JEDDAH 611 CAIRO 641 AMMAN 58 DUBAI

Time 0:25 0:30 0:30 0:40 1:05 1:10 2:15 2:30 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 5:00 7:00 7:10 7:20 8:00 8:25 8:35 8:40 8:55 9:00 9:05 9:25 9:40 9:50 10:00 10:15 10:20 10:45 10:55 11:30 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:20 13:30 13:35 13:50 14:20 14:30 14:35

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

MSR UAL JZR KAC KAC SVA KAC KAC CLX KNE SYR ETD QTR UAE GFA ABY JZR KNE SVA FDB BBC JZR ALK IYE KAC KAC JAI FDB JZR KAC KAC OMA MEA MSR DHX UAE GFA FCX KAC QTR KAC KAC UAL MSR KAC SAI

622 982 202 673 617 503 773 613 792 704 342 304 135 858 216 128 268 746 511 64 46 184 228 824 283 361 571 62 538 331 351 648 403 619 373 860 218 102 381 137 301 205 981 613 415 442

ASSIUT BAHRAIN DAMASCUS DUBAI DOHA MEDINAH / JEDDAH RIYADH BAHRAIN HONG KONG MEDINAH DAMASCUS ABU DHABI DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH BEIRUT JEDDAH RIYADH DUBAI DHAKA DUBAI DUBAI / COLOMBO SANAA DHAKA COLOMBO MUMBAI DUBAI CAIRO TRIVANDRUM COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DELHI DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD WASHINGTON DC DULLES CAIRO KUALA LUMPUR / JAKARTA LAHORE

14:40 14:45 14:55 15:10 15:35 15:45 15:50 16:20 16:20 16:45 17:30 17:35 17:45 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:30 18:35 18:35 18:40 18:45 18:45 19:10 19:40 20:00 20:20 20:35 20:40 21:00 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:55 22:00 22:25 22:30 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:40 23:50 23:50 23:59

34

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

stars CROSSWORD 419

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) Sympathy and understanding take on greater importance now.

It’s wisdom, not knowledge, that counts most. This is a good time to be patient and tread a little lightly when it comes to indulgence and overextending yourself. Improved solutions, insights and approaches make this afternoon productive. Your approach to any problem is original and you could create new ways of doing things that make working conditions much more pleasant. Present a new proposal on paper to the proper person in authority now—satisfaction all around is possible.

Communications in computers and the whole electronic revolution are a perfect career choice for you, whether you are selling, repairing or operating them. There are breakthroughs in your career now.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Hurrying through the day may not be a wise choice, especially if you plan to make deliveries. Plan your arrivals early and if you must arrive late, then do so—do not try to make up for time in a vehicle.

Tensions are high today so perhaps just relaxing and waiting this one out might be in order. You may find yourself lecturing, entertaining or teaching today. You have a great love of the written and spoken word and ideas in all their flavors are what you like to work with best. Your enthusiasm for the intellect and the world of ideas makes it easy for you to communicate these things to others. You have no trouble putting your feelings into words and what you say always carries a lot of content. You could teach or entertain.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS

1. The cry made by sheep.

4. (plate tectonic theory) A hypothetical continent including all the landmass of the earth prior to the Triassic period when it split into Laurasia and Gondwanaland.

10. The shorter of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code.

13. The basic unit of electric current adopted under the System International d'Unites.

14. A gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number).

15. Antibacterial drug (trade name Nydrazid) used to treat tuberculosis.

16. Submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers.

18. March aggressively into another's territory by military force for the purposes of conquest and occupation.

20. Of a yellowish brown color similar to olive drab n.

21. Insanely irresponsible.

22. Harsh or corrosive in tone.

25. 100 toea equal 1 kina.

26. A Dravidian language spoken in southern India.

30. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

31. A master's degree in business.

35. A written proposal or reminder.

37. A branch of the Tai languages.

39. Chief port of Yemen.

40. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic element.

42. An official prosecutor for a judicial district.

43. Being ten more than one hundred ninety.

44. The square of a body of any size of type.

45. A nucleic acid that transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm.

47. A very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk.

54. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

58. An adherent of any branch of Taoism.

59. A bachelor's degree in theology.

60. On a ship, train, plane or other vehicle.

61. The compass point midway between east and southeast.

62. Grass mowed and cured for use as fodder.

63. Fairly small terrestrial ferns of tropical America.

64. An emotional response that has been acquired by conditioning.

DOWN 1. A financial institution that accepts deposits and channels the money into lending activities.

2. A woman hired to suckle a child of someone else.

3. The capital of Western Samoa.

4. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling).

5. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

6. The compass point that is one point east (clockwise) of due north.

7. Of or relating to the stomach and intestines.

8. A town in north central Oklahoma.

9. God of fire.

10. Microscopic unicellular marine or freshwater colonial alga having cell walls impregnated with silica.

11. (of pop groups) Not affiliated with a major recording company n.

12. A case or sheath especially a pollen sac or moss capsule.

17. A Kwa language spoken in Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

19. A choice that is made by voting.

23. A state in the Rocky Mountains.

24. The occurrence of a change for the worse.

27. In bed.

28. A language unit by which a person or thing is known.

29. Noisy talk.

32. A signal transmitted along a narrow path.

33. Having undesirable or negative qualities.

34. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods.

36. Belonging to some prior time.

38. The basic unit of money in Papua New Guinea.

41. A large fleet.

46. A member of the Nahuatl people who established an empire in Mexico that was overthrown by Cortes in 1519.

47. Small cubes with 1 to 6 spots on the faces.

48. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

49. Being or befitting or characteristic of an infant.

50. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

51. A unit of area (4840 square yards) used in Englishspeaking countries.

52. Freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort.

53. A person who acts and gets things done.

55. Someone who is morally reprehensible.

56. A Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria.

57. A plant hormone promoting elongation of stems and roots.

Yesterday’s Solution

Gemini (May 21-June 20) You may appear very at ease today. Everything seems to be working together and you may find your patience with a reoccurring difficulty finally ending. People are listening to what you have to say and you can be most persuasive. This is a great time to be with others and to work together. You may be sought after as just the person for a particular job. There are ideas within your grasp for solutions or inventions. Figuring things out takes on special significance.

There is much mental busywork. A recital or performance of a lover or child who is very bright and articulate plays a big role in your life this evening. You encourage this young person to make the most of the attention and the invitations he or she will receive regarding his or her talent.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

Your career direction gets some encouragement now—life’s problems should find easy solutions. You may benefit from an older person or one in authority this morning. You have an instinctive urge to get serious about taking care of yourself at many levels. Some study of herbs, health food and nutrition, holistic medicine as well as traditional care may be on your mind just now.

Diet and exercise are important to you—you want to feel good about yourself—there is a search for that energetic feeling. Good health may be the topic of discussion as you visit with friends this evening. You may be able to feel particularly kind toward a friend or loved one who gives you a lot of incentive. Animals, perhaps your own, receive your attention this evening.

Leo (July 23-August 22) This is a good day to solve problems and make important decisions. You will find a way around almost any obstacle and are able to guide yourself with ease. You have a natural psychological ability, in particular when working with the public. You can handle emotional, personal and vulnerable issues— perhaps, where angels fear to tread. People trust you with sensitive matters; inner worries and questions of personal identity. Without a focus or a purpose you can feel rather stressed this afternoon. Use this as an indicator in taking time out to reassess and regroup. Some of you are very spiritual and you may find the slow-moving days beneficial in finding your inner self-motivation and inspiration. This evening begins a more relaxed time.

ZITS

Virgo (August 23-September 22) This workday moves along quite smoothly. You may be working on some legal matters—shuffling papers, etc. Your fine verbal skills and a natural sense of justice make legal work fall into your expertise. Working with laws, natural or man-made, amounts to a real talent. Any improvements or corrections to your working style or organization skills can be worked on now. Your love life is particularly good and passion is high. If you are not married, this may be a consideration now. Expanding your family is another consideration worth your time.

Close personal ties are of the utmost important to you now. Harmony is what you strive to achieve. Love is always good medicine for the soul. Take a walk with your sweetheart tonight.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

You are charming and manage to enchant others with your words and manner. You seem to create wonderful avenues of achievement and possibilities when you converse with your fellow workers. You enjoy working with your mind and your sharp perceptions make finding new solutions easy.

You always bring an unexpected twist or insight to anything you set your mind to accomplish. You are able to teach or help others today and through your teaching others will learn to be more original when it comes to the words or thoughts. You may feel like being different or trying something new and unusual this day. This is a perfect time for new ideas, a breakthrough in thinking—a novel approach. You may enjoy communicating with family tonight.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Although this is a good workday, you may find yourself in many conversations with co-workers about some thrilling experiences.

There is a yearning for the stimulation of new experiences—some of you may have flying a plane on your list of to-learn items. This might be a good time to consider a vacation so that you can devote some time to learning, traveling and discovering. You have an opportunity to help put together a team sports activity for this fall. You are happy when you are active. You may have trouble understanding those who seem too emotional, yet your own practicality may attract just such types. New friends and an involvement in visionary groups take on greater importance; the old is suspect and the new seems to hold the answers.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You are independent and value freedom and nonconformity.

As a great problem-solving person, you enjoy working out new solutions. Your career will be anything but ordinary. If you so desire you could find unusual and fun ways to support yourself—at least, bring in a little extra money for now. You bring a lot of mental skills and understanding to whatever you do and could teach or help others to take a more independent approach to their life or career. You may study electronics, computers, etc. Be careful with the development of some grand idea just now—check out the repercussions. You may find yourself being put to good use by your friends this evening. This could mean helping paint or move a new couple into their first home.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

To

This is a period of heightened communication with others. This could mean a round table discussion or a rap session to improve working conditions. Listen carefully before making any final decisions today—you could be missing an important piece of information. Intellectualism and the exchange of ideas have a special appeal and importance now. Any changes you want to see in the workplace, however, may have to wait until the end of the month. This is a productive time and it looks as though you will accomplish whatever you set out to do just now. You love a social life—friends and relationships play a major role in your makeup.

Realizing that your personal life has been on hold lately, you may find yourself thinking about weekend plans.

Yesterday’s Solution Yester

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Put your mind to work and take care of any details that you may have just now, for mental discipline should come easily. Do not push your energies—it could be easy to overdo, or at the very least, try the patience of others. This seems to be a very lucky day for making plans or decisions and finding your way through just about any problem you may discover. Good advice from a guide or older person may be inevitable—a good day. Diet, exercise and work are topics that may be discussed quite frequently during the lunch hour. You like new and different ideas on good health and may enjoy what others are doing to maintain their good health. There is a chance to understand those around you and to have a special time with someone you love.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

Ideas and interaction with authority figures or older people run fairly smooth. Working with—rather than against—the flow should be easy to do. You react to situations that are not of your own making with good sense. You will probably find yourself a good mentor to others. You may find yourself being put to good use by your friends later this afternoon—perhaps by helping someone move. Thinking about security and building a firm foundation for your own life may bring your thoughts around to the subject of real estate or home and family planning this evening. It’s easy to see what you care about and where you place your value. Your sense of appreciation is sharpened and in high focus. This evening may be a good time to create a fall clothing budget.

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

i n f o r m at i o n

FIRE BRIGADE

112

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

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

24812000

Al-Jahra

25610011

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128

Hospitals Sabah Hospital

POLICE STATION 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

Clinics Rabiya

4732263

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

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

22434064 22435865 22544200 22547133 22515277 22616662 25714406 22530801

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

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

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Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

lifestyle G O S S I P

Pitt and Jolie are selling Californian mansion

Hathaway’s accent in ‘One Day’ awaits judgment he accent is on Anne Hathaway at the European premiere of her new film. It’s one big night for the American Oscar-nominated actress as she unveils her performance as Emma Morely in “One Day,” yesterday at Westfield shopping center in west London. Based on the best-seller by David Nicholls, the story follows Emma’s relationship with university friend Dexter

Garneris pregnant third childwith her

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Stewart happy to be grandfather

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Gastineau catches Kardashian’s wedding bouquet im Kardashian’s wedding bouquet was caught by Brittny Gastineau. The ‘Gastineau Girls’ star has confessed she cheated slightly in order to catch the flowers - traditionally a sign as to who will be the next bride - at Kim’s marriage to basketball star Kris Humphries on Saturday .Brittny - a childhood friend of Kim’s - told ‘Entertainment Tonight’: “I had a little talk with her when she was going to throw the bouquet. I said, ‘Listen, you and I have been best friends the longest. I’d better catch this bouquet.’ And she looks at me and she winks at me.”

Many of the guests guessed it was fixed that Brittny would catch the bouquet, and playfully jeered her triumph. She added: “I was like, ‘I’m next!’ And everyone was screaming, ‘We want a do-over! Brittny can’t win it!’ “ Brittny - who was rumored to be dating Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps last year - observed Kim had caught her sister Khloe’s bouquet at her wedding to Lamar Odom last year, adding: “When a Kardashian throws a bouquet, it’s lucky.” The 27-year-old socialite also revealed some details from the lavish nuptials - which was attended by 440 guests and saw Kim wear three different Vera Wang dresses and jewellery worth a reputed $6 million - and admits she was especially moved to see her friend looking like an “old Hollywood glamorous princess” as she was walked down the aisle by her stepfather Bruce Jenner.

She explained: “My favorite moment was when Bruce was walking her down the aisle and I just looked at her and I knew that this is finally here, this day that you’ve always wanted, and you met a great guy. “Who would ever think that she would meet a guy named Kris with a K? That’s when you know it’s meant to be.” Brittny also revealed the food at the wedding was “unreal” and the wedding cake a six feet tall layered cake from Hansen’s Bakery worth $15,000 - was “to die for.”

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od Stewart is “indescribably” happy at becoming a grandfather. The 66-year-old rocker whose daughter Kimberly gave birth to her first child, a baby daughter, on Sunday ,which was also her 32nd birthday - was at the blonde socialite’s side with his third wife Penny Lancaster-Stewart as she welcomed the tot into the world at Los Angeles’ Cedar Sinai hospital. Describing the arrival of his first grandchild - the daughter of Kimberly’s ex-boyfriend Benicio del Toro - one of the “happiest days of his life”, Rod said in a statement: “My joy is indescribable.”

According to People magazine, Rod - who has eight children by five different women - has since thrown a party at exclusive Italian restaurant Dan Tana’s in Hollywood to celebrate the new arrival and Kimberly’s birthday. The ‘Maggie May’ hitmaker’s entire family, including first wife Alana Collins - the mother of Kimberly and her brother Sean, 31 - second wife Rachel Hunter and their two children Renee, 19, and Liam, 16, have all since visited the 8lbs 10oz tot in hospital. Despite only becoming a father for the eighth time himself in February when wife Penny gave birth to the couple’s second son Aiden, Rod recently admitted he has been waiting a long time to become a grandfather. He said: “I’m going to be a grandfather, I’ve been waiting for that for so long that and getting my bus pass - the two things I was looking forward to getting.”

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he actress and her husband Ben Affleck who already have two daughters, Violet, five, and two-year-old Seraphina, together - are “thrilled” about their impending arrival, according to statement released to the Associated Press. Although no other details about the pregnancy have been released, it is believed Jennifer is in her second trimester.

Sources claim the couple have been trying for a baby for a while as they have been keen to extend their family. One said: “She’s always wanted three kids. This was her plan all along.”

Jennifer, 39, has previously spoken out about motherhood, saying there is no right way to raise children and does things to suit her family. She said: “It’s tricky, I don’t think there’s any right way to be a mom. Whatever works for you, don’t judge yourself for it. And don’t let others judge you. Just do what feels best for your family, and if that’s going to work, then go to work with your head held high, and if that’s staying at home, then don’t let yourself feel any less for being at home with your kids.”

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Mayhew by catching up with them on the same day every year. British actor Jim Sturgess, who portrays Dex, and the film’s director, Lone Scherfig (“An Education”), will also attend. But all eyes and ears will be on Hathaway, as the local crowd decides whether or not her Yorkshire accent can make the grade. The movie opens in the UK today.

rad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are selling their Californian mansion for $13.75 million. The Hollywood couple - who have six children, Maddox, 10, Pax, seven, Zahara, six, Shiloh, five, and three-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne have decided to put the sprawling property, which has views of the Pacific Ocean, up for sale after making huge renovations to it. The home is split in two, and despite the huge asking price it only has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. It also features a swimming pool, a tennis court, expansive gardens and a walk in fridge and freezer. The couple added an extra floor to the house designed by Christopher R Sorenson and created a heated lap pool in recent years. It is one of a number of homes owned by the pair - who are currently in Scotland while Brad shoots zombie movie ‘World War Z’ - with a town house in the French Quarter of New Orleans and an estate in the Valpolicella region of Northern Italy also in their portfolio. Brad purchase the 1962-built property after his split from Jennifer Aniston in 2005, and briefly put it up for sale in 2009 for $18 million, but it failed to sell.

Fox removing ‘negative’ Monroe tattoo Winslet carried Branson’s mother from fire ate Winslet carried Richard Branson’s mother to safety after a fire broke out at the British businessman’s Caribbean home. The ‘Titanic’ actress - who was one of 20 guests staying at Richard’s house on his privately-owned Necker Island, along with her boyfriend Louis Dowler, and her two children Mia, 10, and sevenyear-old Joe - picked up 90-year-old Eve in her arms and led her away from the blaze in the early hours of yesterday and the Virgin boss has praised her actions. He told The Sun newspaper: “Many thanks to Kate Winslet. It was she who carried my mother out of the house. She swept her up into her arms and got them out of the house as fast as possible.

“My mum is 90 and can walk but it was more to speed the process up than anything else.

But Kate was great. “She said it was like being in a film set where you’re waiting for the words’ cut’ but they just don’t come. It was quite surreal for her to be in a real-life situation like that.” The 61-year-old businessman’s son Sam, 26, and nephew Jack rushed over to the house to help evacuate all of the guests, which included Sam’s 29-year-old sister Holly, and luckily nobody was hurt, but the Great House was “destroyed” and Richard lost thousands of photographs and treasured mementos.

He added: “We had a tropical storm with winds up to 90mph. A big lightning storm came around 4am and hit the house. My son Sam and nephew Jack rushed to the house and helped get everyone out. “Around 20 people were in the house and they all managed to get out and they are all fine. “The main house is destroyed and the fire is not yet completely out. “My office was based in the house and I have lost thousands of photographs and my notebooks which is very sad.

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egan Fox is removing her Marilyn Monroe tattoo because it has “negative energy”.

The 25-year-old actress has an inking of the late screen icon’s face etched on the inside of her right arm but she is in the process of having it lasered off because she no longer wants an association to Marilyn - who died in August 1962 aged 36 from a suspected drugs overdose. She told Italian magazine Amica: “I’m removing it. It is a negative character, as she suffered from personality disorders and was bipolar. I do not want to attract this kind of negative energy in my life.” The tattoo of the ‘Some Like It Hot’ star is not the first change to her body that Megan has been left unhappy with. The ‘Jonah Hex’ star - who is married to actor Brian Austin Green - also got rid of a belly-button pierc-

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ing when she was 20. She said: “I did it when I was 16 because I was a fan of Britney Spears. The only time I tried to imitate someone else. “But then I thought it was tacky and so I removed it when I turned 20.” Megan has at least eight other tattoos, including a quote on her shoulder which reads “We will all laugh at gilded butterflies” and a tribute to her ‘Passion Play’ co-star Mickey Rourke on her right rib cage which states “Those who danced were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” Revealing the meaning behind her Marilyn tattoo, Megan previously said: “I really admire Marilyn Monroe, but I would never try to emulate her. I got the tattoo as a warning. It warns me not to let myself be treated so badly by the film industry so that it breaks me down.”

Beckham’s high-heel ban ictoria Beckham has been banned from wearing high shoes at New York Fashion Week. The 37-year-old designer was found to be suffering with a slipped disc in her back after giving birth to daughter Harper Seven in July, and doctors have told her she needs to avoid donning her beloved heels so as to not irritate the problem further. A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “Victoria’s not had an easy past few weeks. But she’s a trooper and after getting the all-clear to attend Fashion Week - provided her back doesn’t significantly deteriorate - she has been advised to avoid heels. “Although her heel-wearing wasn’t the cause of her back problems, stilettos don’t help her condition. Victoria has been frantically surfing the web for an acceptable pair of flats, ones which don’t make her look like a golf club.” However, the former Spice Girls singer is focusing on looking after Harper - who soccer star husband David Beckham has to lift at present - despite her shoe disaster. The source added: “She’s not relishing the prospect of not wearing heels but at the moment her main priority is looking after Harper and getting herself fixed.” Although the mother-offour has previously been seen in flat shoes, she has expressed a dislike of them. She said: “I beyond hate ballerina flats - I can’t even walk in them.” —Bang Showbiz

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

Years

lifestyle T R A V E L

Rapallo

Poet’s Italian respite is welcoming indeed

Mist hangs over the coastal town of Rapallo on the Italian Riviera.

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very spring, as the rainy season wanes, tourists pour in to the Italian Riviera, like a succession of rogue waves breaking over a sea wall. They come for the magnificent landscapes, breathtaking vistas and impossibly blue Mediterranean. They come to see the postcard-pretty town of Portofino and the fabled Cinque Terre, where footpaths cling to the steep cliffs, seeming to be the only way in and out of the five achingly picturesque villages that perch on the hilltops and tumble like cubist landslides down to the sea.

And the ones who have been to the Riviera before-especially the Italian touristscome to Rapallo, a less glamorous, unpretentious seaside resort where it’s easy to relax and unwind, away from the bustle of the more popular places. Like many coastal towns scattered around the Mediterranean,

Montallegro, sitting almost 2,000 feet up in the hills. Or you can take a cue from American poet Ezra Pound, whose publisher sniffed, “EP disapproves of the funicular. He prefers to go there on foot.”

Pound found Rapallo such an attractive respite from his tumultuous career that he moved to the area in 1924, eventually settling in the village of St Ambrogio, where he lived with his mistress, Olga Rudge, and wrote most of his masterpiece, “The Cantos.”

(Pound’s idyll ended when he was arrested for treason by US troops after World War II and eventually committed to a Washington, DC, psychiatric hospital for 12 years.)

Then, as now, Rapallo’s “main street” is the broad esplanade between the hotels and shoreline. Where smart carriages once rolled alongside well-dressed couples out for a stroll, today’s visitors find themselves part of a more contemporary parade. Bambini scamper back and forth, challenging their frantic parents to keep up with them.

Tourists poke their heads into restaurants that form the ground floor of every shorefront building, while fishermen try their luck casting from rocks below the walkway. Old women trudge past with laden market baskets, vying for space with lithe young Africans peddling fake Gucci handbags from mats laid out on the ground, ready to fold up the whole operation in a single move and scatter at the least hint of marauding police. My wife and I watched the scene

unfold from the balcony of our room in the Hotel Italia e Lido, strategically placed at the far end of the esplanade.

Our view took in the whole bay. On the far side, a bronze statue of Cristofero Colombo stood as tall as the surrounding palm trees and pointed west across the water. A long white pier jutted into the bay, from which ferries glided silently in and out, bound to and from Portofino, Cinque Terre and other must-see points on the Italian Riviera. Right below our balcony, waves lapped against the stone walls of a small but sturdy-looking castle built in the 16th century to guard the town from pirate attacks.

At night, orange floodlights illuminated the castle against the black sky, trapping it, as if in amber, in a vague past that hints at romance, mystery and maybe a bit of danger. The ghost of Lord Byron might be sipping an absinthe on the next balcony, enshrining this very tableaux in a poem. Our first night in Rapallo, we stumbled onto a delightful pizzeria. We spent about an hour carefully sizing up restaurants along the esplanade. They all seemed similar, so we chose the one with the biggest crowd, and it proved to be a wise choice. Although well past 10 pm, the place was hopping with patrons ranging from toddlers to greatgrandparents. We marveled to hear nothing but Italian being spoken in what was clearly a tourist destination.

We were escorted to a back bar area and given glasses of wine to tide us over while we waited for a table. The floor show was lively as waiters balanced huge trays of food and danced around children who were clearly vying for control of the room. Just as

we drained our glasses, a table opened up by the huge picture windows, and we were treated to a simple and delicious meal of pizza and grilled vegetables, capped by affogato. Usually, this ice cream is laced with a shot of espresso, but here they used whiskey to create a sublime treat.

On our last night in Rapallo, we were tempted to repeat that auspicious opening dinner. But we had developed a fondness for

The 16th-century castle lit at night in Rapallo, Italy. —MCT photos

A bronze statue of Christopher Columbus stands in Rapallo.

Rapallo has been a tourist resort for centuries, although its glory days are over and its sheen has faded to a palette of soft pinks, oranges and yellows that dance gracefully along the Mediterranean.

The town hugs the Gulf of Tigullio in a casual sweep of low-rise hotels, some past their prime, with palm trees soaring over rooftops and calling to the umbrella pines that rise from thickly wooded hills behind the town. For a spectacular view, you can take a nine-minute funicular ride to the beautiful Sanctuary of Our Lady of

Unique decorative pieces hang on the interior walls and columns of Hotel Italia e Lido

A hotel balcony offers splendid views of a 16th-century castle and a broad esplanade that hugs the shoreline of Rapallo in Italy.

our hotel and decided to try its more formal, though still reasonably priced, menu instead. We were one of three couples sharing the spacious dining room that night.

One long wall displayed photographs depicting famous people who had dined there during the hotel’s long-gone heyday.

Most were movie stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age. But there was also a picture of EP himself, in all his bearded glory, enjoying

Tall palm trees line the esplanade that skirts the shoreline and main street of Rapallo.

a bowl of pasta. Between courses, the proprietress of the restaurant came over to greet us. The daughter of the hotel’s builder, she had lived in New York for several years and spoke perfect, unaccented English. “I see Ezra Pound ate here,” I said, gesturing toward the wall. “My dear,” she said. “Ezra Pound lived here.” Always the English major, I felt compelled to correct her misconception. “Well actually,” I said, trying not to sound too pedantic, “Pound lived up the hill in St. Ambrogio.” I gestured vaguely behind me, toward the church steeple above the hotel that someone had told us was where St. Ambrogio was.

“Ah,” she sighed. “His lover’s house was in St. Ambrogio, but his wife lived in the hotel, and when he stayed with her, this is where he lived. He and my father were very good friends.” And then the clincher: “And this is where he got his mail.” A minor gloss, but a very big deal for a writer who carried on such a vast correspondence as Pound. Is it possible, I wondered, that three generations of Pound enthusiasts have been making a partial pilgrimage at best?

I had a fleeting image of a perplexed and harassed hotel clerk coping with the mountain of letters addressed to Pound, then my mind cut to a picture of the poet himself sitting on one of those little balconies upstairs, sipping an aperitif, maybe reading a book or answering a letter, his wife inside typing a Canto as he silently congratulates himself on finding such an agreeable town to end up in. He gazes over at the old castle thinking it might be a good idea if they were to light it up at night. Then he gets up and leans against the balcony rail glancing backward toward the church steeple high on the hill where Olga Rudge waits. Hills and harbor. Cinque Terre and Portofino. And there in the middle, Rapallo, a gracious gateway to it all. — MCT

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

lifestyle M U S I C

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M O V I E S

George Michael

Miranda Lambert

returns to stage, announces split

Brittish singer George Michael performs during his first Symphonica concert at the State Opera House in Prague, Czech Republic, Monday. —AP

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ritish pop star George Michael returned to the stage late on Monday for an emotional performance at the opulent Prague State Opera where he announced his split from long-term partner Kenny Goss. The former Wham! singer took the sell-out crowd through a range of covers and rare performances of songs during the first of 195 concerts on his “Symphonica” tour-his first since leaving jail last October after serving a month for crashing his car while on drugs.

Michael clearly enjoyed himself during his first outing with the Czech National Symphony behind him, though he showed some nerves at times in the 123-year old opera house. “I don’t know what to do,” he joked to the crowd early in the show. The 48-year-old, wearing his trademark sunglasses and donning a dark suit, also paid tribute to the late Amy Winehouse and came close to tears before diving into a melancholy cover of her “Love is a Losing Game.”

He also showed his emotions when revealing to the crowd that he had not been with Goss for two-and-a-half years

mainly due to his former partner’s struggles with alcohol. “My battles with substances are well documented and my partner went through similar problems with drink,” Michael said when introducing a song inspired by the split called “Where I Hope You Are.” “The truth is my love life has been a lot more turbulent than I have let on.

This is probably the first break-up song I’ve written.” One highlight of the night was a cover of Terence Trent D’Arby’s “Let Her Down Easy,” which Michael introduced by criticizing the record industry’s treatment of the singer.

Many fans were expecting Michael to sing his big hits, but he stuck to stripped-down versions of lesser-known songs and covers including “Roxanne” by the Police and a belting version of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.” He finally relented during the encore when he got the crowd dancing and singing in the aisles with a medley of “Amazing,” “Freedom” and “I’m Your Man.” “You deserve a sing-along” he said before launching into the well-known numbers. —Reuters

‘Hound Dog’ songwriter Jerry Leiber dies at 78

(From left) File photo, songwriters Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber pose in the Russian Tea Room in New York.

—AP

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elebrated lyricist Jerry Leiber, who partnered with composer Mike Stoller to write such iconic hits as “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock” and played a key roll in the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, died on Monday at age 78. Leiber died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles of cardiopulmonary failure, said Randy Poe, president of his publishing company.

Family members of the legendary songwriter were with him when he died, according to Leiber’s assistant, Marilyn Levy.

Launching their collaboration as teenagers in the early 1950s, Leiber and Stoller went on to pen more than 200 tunes covered by such recording stars as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, James Brown, B.B. King, the Drifters and Peggy Lee. Presley alone recorded over 20 Leiber and Stoller songs.

Leiber jokingly referred to their six-decade partnership, chronicled in the 2009 memoir “Hound Dog: The Leiber & Stoller Autobiography,” as “the longest-running argument in show business.” “He was my friend, my buddy, my writing partner for 61 years,” Stoller, 78, said in a statement released by their publicist. “He had a way with words. There was nobody better. I’m going to miss him.”

Their songwriting credits included such rock ‘n’ roll classics as “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Kansas City,” “Poison Ivy” and the hit “Stand By Me,” which they co-wrote with singer Ben E. King. Their big breakthrough, “Hound Dog,” originally topped the “race” music charts as a rhythm and blues single by Willie Mae “Big Mamma” Thornton in 1953, three years before Presley turned a somewhat sanitized version into a rock ‘n’ roll classic.

The crossover success of “Hound Dog” and other songs they wrote and produced helped pave the way for a whole body of R&B music, initially performed by black stars and embraced by African American listeners, to gain popularity with broader audiences, much of it reinterpreted by white artists.

Those early hits also caught the attention of the landmark label Atlantic Records, which signed the pair to one of the recording industry’s

first independent production deals in 1955.

Met as teens Leiber was the lyricist in the duo, displaying his spicy wit on many songs, while Stoller composed the tunes. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 for their role as pioneers of the musical genre they helped popularize. In addition to their formative influence on Presley, they helped ignite the career of the Coasters by writing and producing playful hits for the doowop act, including “Yakety Yak,” “Charlie Brown” and “Along Came Jones.”

Leiber, the son of Jewish immigrants from Poland, was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and moved with his family as a teenager to Los Angeles, where he met Stoller, also an East Coast native, in 1950 when they were both 17. “When they wrote hound dog for ‘Big Mama’ Thornton, they had to have their contract co-signed by their parents,” said longtime publicist, Bobbi Marcus.

The song came together when Leiber started beating a rhythm on the roof of Stoller’s 1937 Plymouth with his right hand and tapped on the dashboard with his left. “I kinda liked the beat and it felt good,” Leiber later told Reuters. “I started yelling, ‘You ain’t nothing but a hound dog!’

Mike said, ‘I like that.’”

Leiber and Stoller could work quickly when they had to. In a single day, they composed four songs that ended up on the soundtrack to the 1957 Presley movie “Jailhouse Rock”the title track, its B-side single “Treat Me Nice,” “I Want to be Free” and “(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care.”

“They wrote that in one afternoon under pressure from a (music) publisher who blocked their door with a sofa and laid on it until they gave him the the the music,” Marcus said.

Aside from rock music, they also composed songs in other genres such as cabaret and jazz, working with the likes of crooner Frank Sinatra and the French songstress Edith Piaf, according to the website for their music publishing company.

Leiber is survived by his sons Jed, Oliver and Jake, said Levy, his assistant.—Reuters

Lambert’s trigger happy Pistol Annies

Review

M

iranda Lambert’s fourth solo album is due in October, and, if experience is any guide, it’ll be a strong contender for the year’s best country album. Suddenly, though, she’s facing some strong competition for that title from herself. Just two months before she jumps back into the fray on her own, Lambert has released “Hell on Heels,” the debut album from her side-project trio, Pistol Annies, which features Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley as fellow gunslingers.

Far from the goofy throwaway you might imagine, it’s the closest thing to an instant country classic to come out so far this year, and certainly one of the few albums that might appeal equally to George Strait and Gram Parsons fans. Lambert has carved out a place as country’s premier female firecracker, but what were the odds she’d find two contemporaries who share the same fondness for gunpowder and lead, not to mention comparable singer/songwriter chops? Holding your own alongside the modern-day Loretta Lynn is no small feat, but Monroe and Presley are real finds who accomplish just that, even if Lambert’s twang is always naturally destined to be the dominant one in any three-part harmony.

Most of the 10 tracks go for a stark realism rarely found in modern-day country, while a few go for comic realism. Among the latter is

the hilarious title track, a bold, bluesy salute to gold-digging that has the three gals trading lines about the material goods they’ve accrued from their barely remembered victims. “Sugar daddy, I’m coming for you!” they wail, erasing the fine line between trailer trash and femmes fatale. If country radio had a more developed sense of irony, this straightfaced anthem of greed and sexual conquest would go straight to No 1. One other number reaches that level of girl-power exaggeration: “Takin’ Pills,” a rocking narrative about what life might be like out on the road if these three really were starting out touring the bar circuit.

“How the hell we gonna pay these bills/When one’s drinkin’, one’s smokin’, one’s takin’ pills?” they sing, individually and in unison, like hillbilly Andrews Sisters.

But other tracks deal with subjects like bills, pills, and relationship woes in a less caricatured, more sober manner. In “Housewife’s Prayer,” Presley imagines dealing with mounting debt and a failing marriage by burning her house down - not like Lambert’s feisty “Kerosene,” but in the spirit of serious depression. Economic concerns also drive the more upbeat “Lemon Drop,” in which someday being out of debt is approached with an almost gospel-like sense of aspiration and hope. The pretty, bitter breakup song “Trailer for Rent” is Lambert’s solo showcase on the

album, and her use of the S-word in the chorus may explain why she didn’t save it for her solo project, where she presumably has to play slightly more to the mainstream.

Monroe’s breakout solo number, “Beige,” takes its title from the color that a four-monthspregnant bride wears on her abruptly scheduled wedding day.

It’s as sad as it is matter-of-fact pragmatic and a great piece of writing that brilliantly showcases Monroe’s Dolly-like voice.

If there’s a breakout smash here, it’s “Boys from the South,” an ode to all things male and sub-Mason-Dixon that’s a tender, lovely complement - or antidote - to all the redneck regional pride anthems overtaking country radio these days. Unfortunately, given the proximity to Lambert’s upcoming album, there’s probably little chance of it being pushed as a single.

Little else on “Hell on Heels” sounds remotely designed for radio, but Pistol Annies’ abundance of steel guitars, sweet harmonies, and smart-mouthed country poetry is all the more exhilarating for that.

What the funny songs and decidedly unamused ones have in common is that none of them are remotely safe. However good Lambert’s next album may be, it has a hell of a lot of well-earned sass and casually great songcraft to live up to.—AP

Jackson fans say tribute concert ‘doomed to fail’

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group of 35 Michael Jackson fan clubs have joined forces to lobby for the cancellation of a Michael Jackson tribute concert, saying the October event is “doomed to fail”. In an open letter to organizers Global Live Events, the fan clubs representing thousands of die-hard Jackson followers in Europe, Australia, China and Russia, said they had multiple concerns with the Oct 8 event in Wales. These ranged from confusion over charitable donations to the timing of the concert during the scheduled involuntary manslaughter trial in Los Angeles of the singer’s doctor. Organizers on Monday announced that Beyonce would sing one song via satellite at the “Michael Forever Tribute.” Other headliners include Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson and Cee Lo Green who are due to perform a Jackson hit along with their own songs. Ticket prices range from 55 to 240 pounds (about $90-$390).

Last week, organizers were forced to oust rock band Kiss from the line-up after Jackson fans recalled that frontman Gene Simmons called the “Thriller” singer a child molester last year. Jackson, who died in Los Angeles in June 2009 at age 50, was acquitted of all charges in a 2005 child sex abuse trial. “From the timing of this tribute...to the ticketing prices, to the obscurity over what charities will be receiving the donation, to the no-guarantee policy of performers, the addition of Gene Simmons and dishonoring, thus tarnishing Michael Jackson’s legacy was simply the last straw,” said the letter from the 80,000 strong members of MJJ Community, and more than 30 other fan clubs.

“Please understand that this concert is doomed to fail now...Do the right thing for Michael Jackson and cancel this tribute,” said the letter, posted on the Fans against Michael Forever Tribute Facebook page. “There has been one catastrophic mistake after another. We don’t feel like it’s the tribute he (Jackson) deserves,” MJJ Community founder Gary Taylor told Reuters. Global Live Events did not return calls for comment on Monday. Attorneys for Jackson’s estate also expressed concerns last week about the planned concert, which is supported by the singer’s mother Katherine and several of her children, but not by Jackson brothers Jermaine and Randy Jackson.

Organizers said last week they had pledged $100,000 of their own money to establish a trust fund for Jackson’s three children and that ticket revenue “is going, at least in part” to the trust fund and to a Los Angeles Aids charity and the Princes Trust which helps youth job training and education in the UK. —Reuters

File photo shows Zac Brown performs during the CMA Fan Fest in Nashville, Tenn.

Brown takes it to new level with 3-day fest Z

ac Brown Band’s first thought has always been the fan when it comes to live music, but this time they say they’re taking it to another level with a “huge shindig.” The band is hosting a three-day food and music festival Oct 2123 at Riley Park in Charleston, South Carolina, that will feature a new experience for a couple hundred VIPs. “This is a big statement for us,” Brown said. “This is a sign of the future, of how we’re going to be approaching our fans and our shows and our Southern Ground festivals.”

Brown said the stage will extend to the right and to the left of general admission and stage boxes will be set up on each side.

Fans in these areas will be served food

prepared by chefs throughout the day.

Brown’s also taking over all the concessions in the park. “This is real wine and real food,” Brown said. “It’s not just what’s cheap. It’s not a $12 bag of nachos with some Cheez Whiz on them.”

Jack Daniel’s will have a presence at the festival under a new partnership with the band. It’s the first formal sponsorship deal with a music act in more than a decade for the whiskey maker.

“What we liked about the Zac Brown Band in particular was they are someone who could play the Ryman one night and Bonnaroo or Coachella the next night,” said Jeff Arnett, Jack Daniel’s master distiller. A lineup and more details about the festival will be released at a later date.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

lifestyle M U S I C

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M O V I E S

New ‘O Brother’ set serves up more old-time music G

eorge Clooney is not the only one whose singing did not make the final cut of “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and the film’s best-selling soundtrack, which helped turn oldtime music into hit pop tunes again. Clooney’s stab at singing the film’s signature song still remains in the vaults, but an expanded version of the soundtrack, in US stores Tuesday, packs 14 extra tracks, including 12 previously unreleased cuts from music producer T Bone Burnett’s “O Brother” sessions.

The two-CD set, which also includes the 19 tunes from the original soundtrack, helps celebrate the 10th anniversary of the “O Brother” triumph at the 2001 Grammys, where it was picked as album of the year. The film’s $45 million haul at the domestic box-office was at the time the biggest success yet for filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen, but it was a pittance compared to Hollywood blockbusters.

The album, though, was a runaway hit, selling 9 million copies, ranking as one of the 10 top-selling soundtracks ever and inspiring renewed interest in long-neglected music that continues today. As the studio engineer tells Clooney’s gang in the film, “people can’t seem to get enough” of that old-time stuff.

“That type of music had been around my whole life. There was a time in the late 1950s and early ‘60s where it was actually popular music, and I knew there hadn’t been a light shone on it for some number of years,” Burnett said.” We knew we were getting ready to shine a very bright light on it with a George Clooney movie and a George Clooney video, for that matter. I thought there was a very good chance that it would penetrate the zeitgeist, these singers and musicians; for a

lot of people to hear them and think this was good music.

The thing I didn’t foresee was all the banjo sales increasing by 7,000 percent.” The expanded soundtrack features more songs by performers who were on the original album, among them Norman Blake, the Fairfield Four and the Peasall Sisters, and others who did not make it on the initial release, including Van Dyke Parks, Colin Linden and Alan O’Bryant.

The double album features two previously unreleased tracks by the late John Hartford, a banjo player and music folklorist who wrote

“Gentle on My Mind.” Burnett recalls that Hartford recorded 30 or 40 songs in a single day as they were working on the “O Brother” soundtrack.

Inspired by Homer’s “The Odyssey,” the film follows three Depression-era escaped convicts (Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson) as they encounter seductive sirens, run afoul of a modern Cyclops (John Goodman) and inadvertently record a hit song with the traditional tune “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow.” The film makes its debut on Blu-ray disc Sept. 13, with extras that include the “Man of Constant Sorrow” music video. Clooney, nephew of singer Rosemary

(From Left) In this image released by Disney Tim Blake Nelson, George Clooney and John Turturro are shown in a scene from ’O Brother, Where Art Thou?’. —AP

Clooney, recorded a version that “sounded great ... he does have those genes, and he is Irish,” Burnett said. “If George wanted to, he could be a singer.” As it happened, Clooney had only a brief time to prepare for his studio session. Burnett said that for the film to work, the song had to sound timeless, the sort of tune that could sweep the airwaves and become the salvation for Clooney and his “Soggy Bottom Boys.” The filmmakers went with a version sung by country and bluegrass guitarist Dan Tyminski, one of the “O Brother” session musicians and a longtime member of Alison Krauss’ band Union Station.

Tyminski’s “Man of Constant Sorrow,” which also won a Grammy, has become a standard at Krauss’ shows, and the song gave him such a career boost that he stepped out from sideman duties to record two solo albums. The music revival that followed the soundtrack’s release still is going strong, Tyminski said. “It took years before I really started to understand the impact that soundtrack had on the music. It trickled down outside anything connected to the soundtrack,” Tyminski said. “I remember after that, attendance to a lot of those festivals and events that had anything to do with that type of music, their attendance tripled. No extra advertising, no mention of any connection to the movie.”

Burnett said there is much more music that might eventually be released from the “O Brother” sessions. Potentially, that might include Clooney’s take on “Man of Constant Sorrow,” which Burnett did not go looking for as he put together the expanded soundtrack. “I don’t know why we didn’t think of that,” Burnett said. If he can find it, and Clooney agrees, “at some point I’m going to put out the George Clooney version.” — AP

finally

Writer helms his Oscar winner on NH stage

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rnest Thompson wrote the screenplay for “On Golden Pond” during Memorial Day weekend in 1978 and watched from the sidelines as the movie adaptation became a blockbuster 30 years ago. But when the curtain opened yesterday at a tiny New Hampshire theater on the lake where the movie was filmed decades ago, the Academy Award-winning Thompson will be center stage. He will introduce the first stage adaptation of the drama that he has ever directed. “I started with it as a play, so that’s where my heart is,” Thompson told the Associated Press.

Rydell, but loves the big-screen version.

“Weirdly, insanely, that movie continues to resonate with people,” Thompson said.

“I’m in the luxurious position of having written a play - now translated into 28 different languages - that wasn’t killed by the movie.” The lead characters in the Little Church Theater production are played by a married couple performing their fifth production of “On Golden Pond” together - Frank Wells, 74 and Vinette Cotter, 65, of Moultonborough.

They marvel that Thompson could portray Ethel and Norman Thayer at the young age he did.

Jack Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne arrive at the screening of ‘God Bless Ozzy Osbourne’ to benefit the Musicares Map Fund held at ArcLight Cinerama Dome yesterday in Hollywood, California. —AFP

Review

‘Don’t Be Afraid

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Academy Award winner Ernest Thompson goes over the script with his cast in New Hampton, NH. —AP

The 1981 movie that netted Oscars for Thompson and lead actors Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda was the second-highest grossing movie that year, behind “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and ahead of “Superman 2” and “Cannonball Run.” It is the story of an aging couple Ethel and Norman Thayer - spending the summer at their lakeside cottage. They are grappling with an estranged daughter, played in the movie by Jane Fonda, who feels the urge to join them for Norman’s birthday after a lengthy trip to Europe with her fiance.

Meanwhile, the Thayers are taking care of her fiance’s rebellious, adolescent son - bringing multi-generational issues to bear. Yesterday’s opening marked the second session of the play Thompson directs at the Little Church Theater on Squam Lake in Holderness. It had a twoweek run earlier in the summer, and Thompson had a chance to gauge audience reaction. “They come in with a little skepticism,” Thompson said. “How are you going to improve on Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda and, incidentally, where’s the lake?”

“What’s really powerful is that the audience’s imagination fills in all the missing pieces,” Thompson said.

Thompson, 61, wrote the play when he was 28 and making a career change from acting to writing. He said he was writing about the end of an era when families would spend the entire summer at a lake cottage, as he did growing up. His mother would not abide a telephone, television, stereo or radio at their cottage on Great Pond in the Belgrade Lakes region of Maine. But the cottage had a vast library of books, Thompson said, and the storyteller in him took root there.

He said he didn’t always see eye-toeye with the movie’s director, Mark

“They’re very extraordinary characters,” Wells said. “He denies these people are his parents, but there’s got to be some defining thing there that made these people ring true to him at 28.”

Wells said Thompson has shaped his character into a more hard-edged Norman than Wells has played in the past. “He felt Norman wasn’t tough enough, wasn’t acerbic enough,” Wells said. “From what we’re hearing, he’s correct.”

Thompson said he wrote the play “so minimalist that each person in the audience gets to fill in and create his or her own Golden Pond.”For this production he carried minimalism to the set as well.

It consists mainly of four large panels painted by noted Meredith artist Stephen Hodecker. Wells and Cotter were skeptical.

“It seems so cold, but right from the start it really worked,” Wells said. “Friends who’ve seen us in a couple of productions of it say it’s the best one.” Cotter said it’s a dream come true to finally be directed by Thompson. “He brings an understanding of his work,” she said. “I think too, because he’s older, he’s gotten to know his characters a little better.”

Thompson moved from Los Angeles to New Hampshire with his young family 21 years ago, settling not far from where the movie version of “On Golden Pond” was filmed. Thompson’s introduction of the play is aptly themed, “Back Where it All Began.”“When people see this play they’re not just seeing a very good production of “On Golden Pond,” they’re seeing Ernest Thompson’s production of it,” he said.

“People in New Hampshire have a real sense of private ownership of ‘On Golden Pond.’” After the play, patrons can chat with Thompson and take photographs with his Oscar which, he says, “shamelessly hangs out at the kiosk.” — AP

ize shouldn’t matter when it comes to scary creatures. After all, plenty of people are terrified of rats and spiders. Yet savage and ugly as the tiny monsters are in “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” they’re not as frightening as the filmmakers would have you believe. These wee beasties are not all that interesting, either, and frankly, neither is the movie. Producer and co-writer Guillermo del Toro and director Troy Nixey manage a lot of creepy atmosphere in their story of a couple (Guy Pearce and Katie Holmes) and a young girl menaced by nasty little things that swarm up from beneath the mansion they’re restoring.

With the girl at the heart of the tale and del Toro’s name the big selling point, the filmmakers want you thinking of the movie as a cousin to his masterful “Pan’s Labyrinth,” another story of a girl caught up in a world of fantastical terror. “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” is an awfully tame cousin, though, the creatures uninvolving and their antics more irritating than petrifying. Based on a 1973 television movie that starred Kim Darby and Jim Hutton,

of the Dark’

del Toro and co-writer Matthew Robbins’ update has architect Alex Hurst (Pearce) and girlfriend and collaborator Kim (Holmes) in the home stretch of their restoration of Blackwood Manor.

A promising prologue lays out terrible doings that beset the manor’s old master, who discovered that small, ravenous creatures with an appetite for children’s teeth were living below his home. What perfect timing that the arrival of Alex’s moody daughter, Sally (Bailee Madison), leads to the discovery of a secret basement sealed decades ago to imprison the creatures, known as the homunculi. Now the monsters have just what they want: freedom to roam the house through the air ducts and a child with a mouth full of tasty calcium.

Speaking in whispery voices, the homunculi are obnoxious taunters more than predators for much of the movie, causing “Gremlins”-style havoc, only without the gags. Naturally, Alex and Kim don’t believe Sally’s wild tales of monsters stalking her, assuming instead that the girl is just acting out over the neglectful mom

who packed her off to Blackwood Manor, her inattentive dad and his interloper girlfriend.

The thinly developed characters move in narrow emotional ranges. Humans wander around with perpetually furrowed brows, homunculi scoot about like the hissy, conniving little creeps they are. The tension del Toro and Nixey create promises much more than it delivers. When the homunculi finally step up the action, their confrontations with the humans seem more silly than scary. That’s partly because of the unsatisfying mythology the filmmakers offer to explain the creatures. We’re told how vile and black-hearted the homunculi are, yet what we get on screen is a brood of pests somewhat more adept at house-wrecking than rodents.

These are petty, stunted monsters that certainly are worth being afraid of if you were locked in with them in a dark basement.

Watching them in a dark theater, though, there isn’t that much to fear. “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” a FilmDistrict release, is rated R for violence and terror. Running time: 100 minutes.

Two stars out of four. —AP

George Michael returns to stage, announces split

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

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Tests show no illegal drugs in

Winehouse

body

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my Winehouse had no illegal drugs in her system when she died, and it is still unclear what killed the singer, her family said yesterday. The family said in a statement that toxicology tests showed “alcohol was present,” but it hasn’t yet been determined if it contributed to her death. The 27-year-old soul diva, who had battled drug and alcohol addiction for years, was found dead in her London home on July 23, and an initial post-mortem failed to determine the cause of death.

A statement released by spokesman Chris Goodman on the family’s behalf said “toxicology results returned to the Winehouse family by authorities have confirmed that there were no illegal substances in Amy’s system at the time of her death.” It said

the family awaited the outcome of an inquest that is due to begin in October. Winehouse’s father, Mitch, has said his daughter had beaten her drug dependency three years before her death, but he admitted she was still struggling to control her drinking after several weeks of abstinence.

Mitch Winehouse told mourners at the singer’s July 26 funeral that she had said to him, “‘Dad I’ve had enough of drinking, I can’t stand the look on your and the family’s faces anymore.’”

The Winehouse family announced plans to establish a charitable foundation in the singer’s name to help people struggling with addiction although Mitch Winehouse has said the plans are on hold because someone else had registered the name Amy Winehouse Foundation. —AP

Artist Johan Andersson poses alongside his painting of British singer Amy Winehouse at the Lock Tavern in London’s Camden Town, yesterday. The painting will be exhibited in the London Underground station at Camden Town, the area where Winehouse, who died earlier this year at the age of 27, was best known for her escapades. Andersson’s work has previously been displayed in other major London Underground stations including Bond Street, Baker Street and South Kensington. —AP

Teaching

Colombiaʼs

young to survive war

Guests rest in a bedroom at the Bear hostel. —AFP photos

Moscow’s thriving hostels offer alternative to costly hotels

Students of a primary school abandon their schoolrooms to take refuge in a safe place during a drill, in Toribio, department of Cauca, Colombia. —AFP photos

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Guests prepare food in the kitchen.

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ntil recently, visitors to Moscow had little choice but to pay for hugely expensive hotels. But now there is another option: growing numbers of clean modern hostels that opened over the last five years, charging around $20 per night. Hostels now offer more than 3,000 beds in Moscow and their number grew by almost a third since May, the city’s tourism committee said. “It’s very well located... and it was cheap as well,” said Mexican student Carolina Felton, 22, who was visiting Moscow as a tourist and sharing a dormitory room with seven others, as well as a bathroom and kitchen.

“A hotel is way beyond my price range,” said British student Mike Loader, who was visiting Moscow for sightseeing and to research Soviet history, calling Moscow a “premium” and “expensive” city. Both were staying at a hostel close to the Arbat pedestrian street, in one of the most attractive areas of the city centre. It sleeps around 30 people in dormitories with up to 12 beds, starting at just 550 rubles ($19) per night. The owner, Daniil Mishin, is just 18 and comes from Ukraine, where he and his parents own several more hostels. He said they got the idea when travelling in Europe and decided to recreate the hostel concept locally.

He and his family have opened a total of seven hostels in Moscow and their home town of Sevastopol, Crimea.

Business is going well, he said, with his most recent hostel in Moscow opening in early August. Occupancy rates are current-

ly at around 80 percent, he said, with bookings for months ahead. And he is not the only entrepreneur to spot an opportunity in the budget travel sector. At the moment, city has 59 modern hostels, 14 of which opened since May, according to the city tourism committee. The first such hostel opened in 2006.

The city’s largest hostel, with 153 beds, is due to open by the end of the year in one of the liveliest central streets, the pedestrianised Stoleshnikov Pereulok.

“Everything has changed: the market has gone mad,” concluded Mishin. Whereas a year ago the guests were almost all young foreigners on a shoestring budget, that has now changed, he said.

The guests are “people of different ages, different professions, completely different social circles,” Mishin said. And recently the first Russians started checking in. “It is about a year since Russians started going to hostels,” he said. “Before, no one knew what they were, but a year or so ago Russians started to find out, They realized that you could live comfortably in the centre, and pay 500 rubles ($17) per night for nice conditions.” The concept of hostels did not exist in the Soviet era, when travelers would stay at large state-owned hotels.

Extremely basic communal dormitories were used not by travelers but by students or migrant workers. Due to visa restrictions, Russia has relatively few independent travelers, and the idea of cheap, basic accommodation took some time to jump the border. —AFP

hildren at this elementary school in Colombia play at being moles burrowed beneath their desks-a deadly serious game as it could save their lives if they need to crouch for cover. Kids here are never far from the frontline of a decades-long rebel and drugs war, so emergency preparedness classes center not on responding to an earthquake or avalanche, but on how to survive if caught up in conflict. “In the case of bombing, we shelter like moles under our desks,” explained teacher Giovanni Munoz. “If there are gunshots, we quickly cross the corridor like ducks.”

Toribio, population of just 30,000 inhabitants, is a predominately indigenous town in the southwestern department of Cauca. The town is on the country’s red list of localities under particular threat from the conflict with the rebels. For nearly five decades, leftist guerrillas from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have waged an insurgency here that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, including many innocents caught in the crossfire.

Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine with 350 tons expor ted in 2010, according to UN figures-an illegal drugs trade that fuels the rebel-led war. FARC have historically sheltered deep in Colombia’s impenetrable rainforests but are increasingly beginning to make their way out into more open territory, putting civilians at greater risk. Last year, 282 people were kidnapped in the South American country-a 32 percent increase compared to 2009.Civilians who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time often get caught up in attacks or become victims of exploding landmines, problems that have plagued Toribio.

Mayor Carlos Banguero said his small town suffered 76 attacks in 2008, 45 in 2009 and, after a relative lull in 2010, the number of attacks is creeping up again. On July 9, an explosives laden bus blew up in the center of town, killing five people and injuring hundreds more.

‘Express their feelings’ There have been four subsequent confrontations in the region between rebel fighters and police or soldiers. The school, with about 600 students, seems particularly vulnerable as it is situated next to Toribio’s police station. The de facto bunker is a popular target for the rebels, who have been known to take aim at it from the surrounding hillside, even in broad daylight.

When the shooting dies down the teachers do their best to calm the shattered nerves of their young students. “After the gunfire ends they don’t pay attention to their school work any longer-they just want to talk about what happened,” said principal Maria Helena Santacruz.

Pupils are taught methods to reduce stress.

One sees them lie on their backs like starfish,

arms and legs apart, trying to relax. Santacruz has even had a native healer visit to help reduce fear and tension at the school, where absenteeism has soared as a result of the perennial violence. Art, she said, is another way to help the children get their fears and anxieties off their chests. “We get them to draw so that they have an outlet and are able to express their feelings.” Santacruz displays one particularly poignant artwork by 10-year old Victor Hugo Gomilla, whose home was demolished in a recent bomb attack that tore off his father’s arm.

The child was able to utter a few halting words about his sketch. “They destroyed our houses, they destroyed everything,” the boy murmured without raising his gaze. “There were a lot of people who died.” —AFP

Students of a primary school help a supposedly wounded schoolmate during a drill.