12 Sep

ON IP TI SC R SU B

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

Syrian forces raid homes after week of bloodshed

African leaders gave Chirac ‘briefcases of cash’

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SHAWWAL 14, 1432 AH

Silence as Japan marks six months after tsunami

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In Dubai, Maradona can’t watch Argentina play

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US unites in grief 10 years after 9/11 Attacks also marked worldwide with prayers, protests

Max 44º Min 26º Low Tide 06:03 & 18:38 High Tide 00:08 & 11:59

conspiracy theories

I wish that dark day never happened

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

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eptember 11, 2001 was not an ordinary day. It is not a day anyone wants to remember. It was a tragic and a very sad day. No words can describe it. Many lives were lost. Some 3,000 people died. They were all innocent victims of a calculated organized crime. God bless their souls and help their families to go on with their lives and help them find strength to overcome the sorrow.

This sad day, unfortunately did not cause sadness only in the US. It was not only sorrowful for the 3,000 victims who died at the World Trade Center and elsewhere. It spread sadness all over the world. As the Twin Towers were blown in an act of terror, the alibi for launching a war on terror was created. This war caused even more sorrow. As worse as what happened in the US on 9/11. The war on terror blinded the minds of those who did it. They took the lives of innocent people and ruined the lives of millions in the East and the West. Many laws were amended with the excuse of national security and many people suffered at the hands of authorities. Innocent people were sacrificed.

The war on terror lead to Afghanistan, Iraq and spread everywhere.

In short, it caused hatred between the East and the West because many people in the West who have less understanding of our world pinned terror on Islam and branded Islam as a terrorist religion. Any Muslim to them was seen as a terrorist. Following 9/11, the Western media did not help. It added salt to the wound to serve its agendas and portrayed Islam and Muslims as terrorists. In the anger in the US, there was no clear picture of what was going on around you.

It served their purposes just right. Instead of enlightening people about Islam and what a great and peaceful religion it is, the media enjoyed tarnishing Islam and Muslims. Of course this did not help bridge the gap between the two worlds. Add to that the unfair US foreign policy toward the Middle East peace process totally ignoring the rights of the Palestinians.

Today, anywhere where there is chaos, it is attributed to the war on terror. Many governments use it as a hanger to hang their dirty linen. This is true especially in the Arab world.

I salute my colleague Muna for her article on 9/11 and its repercussions but I have a small comment to add to her sympathetic article.

Muna easily justified the anger towards Muslims saying “if someone breaks into your house and kills your family you can never forgive them”.

Dear Muna, till now nobody is sure who did 9/11. Whom are you going to blame and not forgive? And do not give me this crap that it’s Osama bin Laden.

I wish that day never ever happened because its results fell worse on the heads of Muslims and Arabs without differentiating who is guilty and who is innocent.

Kuwait to halve expat numbers KUWAIT: Kuwait plans to more than halve its expatriate workforce within the next five years, cutting the proportion of expatriate workers from the current 70 percent to only 34 percent of the country’s labor force, a government minister said Saturday.

“Kuwait is keen to achieve a situation in which the expatriate workforce will form 34 percent of the state’s population by the end of the development plan period, which can be achieved by organizing the process of recruiting expatriate workers,” said Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Dr Mohammad Al-Afasi.

Continued on Page 13

(Top) US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Former President George W Bush and Former First Lady Laura Bush are seen at the memorial wall on the North Tower reflecting pool of the World Trade Center yesterday in New York. (Above left) Supporters of Pakistani religious party Jamaat-e-Islami hold an anti-US rally in Islamabad with banners repeating conspiracy theories alleging American or Israeli involvement in the attacks. (Above center) Robert Peraza, who lost his son Robert David Peraza in the attacks at the World Trade Center, pauses at his son’s name at the North Pool of the 9/11 memorial. (Above right) Islamist demonstrators protest outside the US embassy in London brandishing anti-US banners, chanting slogans and burning the US flag. — AFP/AP

Legal panel debating anti-corruption bills Youths make more demands

By B Izzak KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s legal and legislative committee yesterday began debating a number of draft laws for combating and criminalizing corruption, head of the committee MP Hussein AlHuraiti said. The committee’s meeting came after reports about

illegal deposits of KD 25 million allegedly made into the accounts of two MPs, raising many question marks about the involvement of the government and several MPs. Huraiti said the committee decided to hold further meetings tomorrow with MPs to review the draft laws they had proposed on fighting corruption. The commit-

tee also invited minister of justice and social affairs and labour Mohammad Al-Afasi for a meeting on Wednesday to hear the government’s opinion regarding the proposed bills, Huraiti said. The lawmaker said the committee had studied 18 draft anti-corruption laws in the past including the Continued on Page 13

GCC discusses economic plan for Jordan, Morocco Syria must stop ‘killing machine’ JEDDAH: The Gulf Cooperation Council yesterday discussed a five-year economic development plan for Jordan and Morocco, which both hope to join the alliance of oil-rich monarchies, officials said. The six GCC foreign ministers met their counterparts from Jordan and Morocco to consider “a five-year economic development plan to support Jordan”, said Amman’s Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh. “ This plan also applies to Morocco,” GCC chief Abdulatif Al-Zayani told reporters after the meeting, the first to include the Jordanian and Moroccan ministers since a GCC decision in May to consider accepting the two countries into the regional alliance.

“A working group was formed to study the procedures for accession of Jordan to the GCC,” said Judeh, who added “there is no timetable” for accession.

“Discussions will continue,” he said. His Moroccan counterpart Taeib Fassi Fihri said his country was “anxious to have good relations and strong cooperation with the GCC.” Jordan is an immediate neighbour of GCC heavyweight Saudi Arabia and a major trading partner of Continued on Page 13

JEDDAH: Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah (right) walks with his Moroccan (left) and Bahraini counterparts after a ministerial meeting of GCC member states, also attended by Jordan’s top diplomat, in this Saudi Red Sea port city yesterday to discuss an application by Amman and Rabat for membership in the six nation grouping.— AFP

NEW YORK: Tears flowed and bells tolled at Ground Zero yesterday as Americans marked the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in a rare moment of unity for a country still shaken by the horrific attacks. President Barack Obama and his predecessor and political foe George W Bush stood together in New York for the main ceremony at the site of the destroyed Twin Towers.

Obama then flew to the crash site of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, where he laid a wreath ahead of his next stop at the Pentagon.

At Ground Zero, the Stars and Stripes fluttered from cranes used in the massive project to rebuild the World Trade Center, while below relatives of 9/11’s 2,977 victims brushed fingertips across the names of their loved ones etched in bronze around a new memorial. With federal officials warning of a new terrorism scare, lower Manhattan was under police lockdown. Security in other major cities was also tight, as Obama called for a “heightened state of vigilance”.

The ceremony began in New York with a procession of bagpipers and singing of the national anthem, before a bell signalled the first of six moments of silence marking the times when the four hijacked airplanes hit their targets and the Twin Towers collapsed. The sky over the Big Apple was initially clear, recalling the brilliant backdrop to the horrific surprise attack on the World Trade Center, where 2,753 of the day’s victims, including 343 firefighters, died in the inferno of collapsing skyscrapers.

As every year since Sept 11, 2001, relatives of the dead took turns reading out the names, a heartbreaking litany accompanied by virtuoso cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Readers fought to keep emotions in check as they pronounced loved ones’ names. “I’ve stopped crying, but I haven’t stopped missing my dad. He was awesome,” one young man said. “From the depth of my soul,” a sobbing woman called out to her deceased husband, “we will always miss you”.

Reflecting a growing sense that it is time to turn a corner from 9/11, the Ground Zero ritual this time was accompanied by signs of optimism. Instead of the chaotic-looking construction site and vast pit that scarred lower Manhattan for years, the ceremony now features a gleaming, three-quarter-built One World Trade Center tower and other signs of progress. “Ten years have passed since a perfect blue sky morning turned into the blackest of nights,” New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said during the ceremony. “Since then, we’ve lived in sunshine and in shadow, and although we can never unsee what happened here, we can also see that children who lost their parents have grown into young adults, grandchildren have been born Continued on Page 13

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

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Kuwaiti citizenship granted to 427 individuals KUWAIT: The Cabinet held yesterday its weekly meeting under chairmanship of Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah at Seif Palace, taking a decision to grant 427 individuals the Kuwaiti citizenship in accordance with the article 15th of 1959 law.

After the meeting, the Cabinet official spokesman and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ali Fahad Al-Rashed said that the decision was taken in accordance with recommendations from the Higher Committee for Kuwaiti Citizenship which called for granting the citizenship to children and grand children of individuals recently acquiring the citizenship.

On a different matter, Al-Rashed noted that the Cabinet had refined the decision to allocate an extra salary for retirees from the military with the ranks of Major General, Brigadier, Colonel, Lieut Colonel, and Major.

Now the decision would include those retiring between February 26, 1991 and

December 31, 2012 in accordance with Cabinet decision 495 of 2008.

Al-Rashed, affirmed that the country’s leadership was keen on the welfare of security personnel due to the importance of their duty.

The official also indicated that Minister of Oil Dr. Mohammad Al-Busairi had briefed the Cabinet about the proposed salary increase for oil sector employees with the cabinet approving the decision.

Within the government strife to provide better healthcare for expatriates, the cabinet was briefed by Minister of Finance Mustafa Al-Shimali on Kuwait Investment Authority’s (KIA) involvement in the establishment of a health insurance under the supervision of the Health Ministry, said Al-Rashed, noting that the cabinet had agreed on the establishment of a hospitals health insurance company for the districts of Farwaniya, Jahra, and AlAhmadi where the government would have 24 percent of the company’s shares while 26 percent of stakes would be listed in Kuwait

Stock Exchange (KSE) for bidding in accordance with article nine, of 2009-10 Kuwait’s development plan for 2010-11 and 2013-14.

Upon a briefing by Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Ahmad AlMlaifi, the cabinet decided to launch the private universities council for a period of three years under the supervision of Dr. Khald AlSaad, Dr. Abdulrazaq Al-Nafisi, Dr. Faiyza AlKharafi, Dr. As’ad Ismail, Dr. Anwar Al-Fzai, Dr. Riyadh Al-Khaz’al, Dr. Abdullah Hassan, and Abdulrahman Al-Ghunaim.

Al-Rashed also said that the cabinet had reviewed a letter sent to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon which thanked the Kuwaiti leadership for supporting Libya during its darkest hours.

The cabinet also checked on an invitation for His Highness the Amir to participate in an international event on nuclear safety and security. The cabinet also discussed matters of regional and international importance. —KUNA

Syria deserves a better future

By Frank Baker British Ambassador to Kuwait t is with a heavy heart that I pick up my morning newspaper these days. The bloodshed in Syria shows no signs of abating; proud cities like Horns and Hatna, Deraa and Deir Az-Zour have become cities of sorrow, where daily life has become infused with the grief of funeral processions and the fear of confrontations with the security forces. Even the holy month of Ramadan saw no letup in the regime’s brutality.

But I don’t think I am alone in my revulsion at the actions taken by the Assad regime as it seeks to crush peaceful, popular and legitimate protests demanding freedom and political reform. Indeed, here in Kuwait I find that this country, whose own long tradition of freedom of speech often encourages political disagreement, is united in its condemnation of the violence in Syria. Forthright speeches have been made by MPs; journalists have reported clearly to the bloodshed on Syria’s streets. The Kuwaiti Government has temporarily withdrawn its Ambassador from Damascus and has candidly spoken out at the GCC, the Arab League and the UN Human Rights Council. The Kuwaiti people too have joined in the chorus of condemnation against the Syrian regime, and expressed their support for the people of Syria.

The concepts of Arab solidarity and dignity are alive and well in this corner of the Gulf.

In Europe, we have made clear our condemnation of the repression in Syria. On September 3, the EU took further decisive action against the regime by imposing a ban on the purchase, import and transport of crude oil and petroleum products from Syria. In addition, Europewide asset freezes and travel bans were announced against a further four Syrian businessmen and three entities.

This followed similar action taken previously against fifty individuals and nine entities supporting the regime. Those targeted include President Assad himself and his brother Maher, Commander of the Syrian Army ’s Four th Division. The EU has also banned arms sales to Syria and suspended all aid funding to the country.

Despite this international condemnation, and in flagrant disregard of the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, the regime staggers on and takes ever more bloody steps to ensure its own survival. The UK Government is clear that the international community needs to act together to try and prevent further bloodshed and to protect the Syrian people from their brutal rulers. That is why we are focused on getting agreement in the UN Security Council for a tough resolution on Syria. In Europe, as in many other countries in the region and across the world, we are speaking with one voice on the issue, the same voice as the people across the Arab world, the same voice as our friends and allies in Kuwait.

Unfortunately, not all are convinced that action such as sanctions is warranted in Syria.

They argue that national sovereignty is paramount, that President Assad’s wholly inadequate statements on reform mean he retains the legitimacy to govern. We disagree strenuously. Our task now is to counter the arguments of those members of the international community trying to block steps towards greater international action against the Assad regime. Their actions are indirectly prolonging the suffering of the Syrian people and as such are morally indefensible. If we succeed, I hope someday soon to pick up my morning paper and read about a bright future for the Syrian nation - a future its brave people so richly deserve.

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KUWAIT: Students started returning to schools after summer vacation yesterday. Pictures show some of the elementary students at the Al-Rihab School. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

MoI safety guidelines for parents, students KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior, marking start of the new scholastic year, has set guidelines of safety for parents and students.

The Security Information Department of the MoI said in a statement yesterday that the guidelines remind the pupils to cross streets and roads across the special lane drawn for pedestrians.

Young pupils should not sit on the front seat of cars, the department advised. The third message is: Board the bus in an orderly manner, and the fourth, “tighten the seat belt.”

The guidelines were set for the motorists and the passengers as part of a campaign of awareness on the scholastic occasion. Meanwhile, up to 137,042 elementary-level students are due to head

to their schools today (Monday).

Yosr Al-Amr, the director-general of AlFarwaniah teaching district, said the authorities have taken all necessary preparations to accommodate the students. During a tour of the schools in AlFarwaniah, where up to 5,862 elementary students showed up at schools yesterday, the director said she ensured that the pupils had all necessities, such as books, and that they proceeded to classes in an orderly manner. Turn-up reached 98 percent at the schools in this district, she said.

Mona Al-Sallah, the chief educational director in Hawalli, said the number of students for this level reached today, 3,731. Those who showed up at Ahmadi schools numbered 7,009. —KUNA

Students’ laptops project may be pushed to next year KUWAIT: Ministry of Education top officials met yesterday to reach a decision on distributing laptops or iPads to students at the public schools. The ministry insiders expressed their disappointment over dragging the matter long enough without success until the beginning of the new school year.

Earlier this summer, the MoE

had almost finished preparations to distribute laptops to students and teachers sometime during the present school year.

The project, which comes as part of the ministry’s e-learning plans, was delayed for four months after minister Ahmad AlMulaifi proposed for replacing the laptops with iPad tablet devices.

The delay was due to meetings

to discuss specifications on each of the two devices would provide, like iPads would be easier for mobility, and laptops would provide better options in terms of storage space and reliability.

These meetings, supposed to end last month, were delayed due to lack of quorum.

Yesterday, when 28 thousand first grade students started their

school year, the MoE’s council of secretaries met to make their final decision on the issue. Earlier plans called for the laptops distribution process to start next January with computers given to teachers and high school students, but the current delay indicates that the project is likely to be pushed to the next academic year (2012/2013). —Al-Qabas

Shrimp ban lifted, but prices remain high

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: A week after lifting the seasonal ban on ‘shrimping’ in Kuwait, shrimp prices continue to be on the rise. Fish vendor Jalal Magid, told Kuwait Times the price is yet very expensive compared to three to four months ago. According to some fishermen, the market phenomenon could be attributed to low availability of shrimps within the reach of Kuwaiti territorial waters.

In a phone interview yesterday Magid said the basketful of shrimp of bigger size costs around KD65 and the small size costs about KD25. “We have maintained the same price for the last two to three months, the price was as high even at the height of the ban,” he assessed.

“I think shrimps are more expensive today compared to previous days,” Magid observed. A kilo of shrimp for example is now KD6 (big size), KD3 (medium size) and KD1.25 (small size) compared to KD5,

KD3 and KD1 respectively last month.

“The prices of shrimps will continue to rise since we do not have shrimp farm unlike other countries,” he said.

Zubaidi, Hamour prices also steadily increase. “Now, Zubaidi (big size) is KD8 per kilo. Last month, cost for the same size was just KD7. Medium size is KD 7 and small size is KD4.5. Hamour (medium size) was KD7, more expensive than the biggest size, big size cost about KD4.5,” he said.

The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) lifted the ban on shrimp after the annual seasonal ban from January to this month.

The shrimp ban in Kuwait was institutionalized to allow shrimp breeding since they only have a very limited areas to harvest shrimps.

During the ban period, shrimps from Iran and Saudi Arabia entered the Kuwaiti market in a limited amount only making it very expensive for many expatriates.

IDs of 23,000 bedoons withdrawn over ‘security concerns’ KUWAIT: The IDs of 23,000 bedoon (stateless) residents of Kuwait have been withdrawn in recent months due to security concerns over these individuals, according to a security insider.

Officials with the Central System for Remedying the Status of Illegal Residents (CSRSIR), the state body established to resolve the problems facing the country’s bedoon population, are to summon these individuals for interview beginning next week to interrogate them about the questions surrounding their residency in Kuwait, said the insider, adding that the files of these individuals date back to the period of the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

The insider said that the committee going through these individuals’ files claimed to have found that 8,000 of them cooperated with the Iraqi army

during its 1990-91 invasion and occupation of the country and that 10,000 more have passports from other, neighboring countries.

In the next few days, the insider continued, the CSRSIR is set to announce the start of the second phase of its operations a year after it was launched, which will begin with the issuing of modern computerized ID cards to bedoon residents replacing the oldfashioned green cards currently issued to them.

Holders of the new cards will then be able to register for work with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), which is shor tly to announce its criteria for bedoon applicants, who will be put forward for certain jobs at ministries which Kuwaitis don’t want, most of them concerned with security work. —Al-Shahed

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

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Energy saving ad campaign tender gets go-ahead Focus on school pupils, young people

By Nawara Fattahova

KUWAIT: Some of the strikers at the Ministry.

— Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: The employees holding a strike at the building of the Ministry of Electricity and Water yesterday morning.

MEW workers protest over bonus payments

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: Employees of the Ministry of Electricity and Water’s (MEW) operations and maintenance division staged a demonstration at the MEW headquarters yesterday in protest at the ministry’s non-payment of bonuses for the 2009-10 financial year to some staff.

The protesting workers demanded that the ministry administrators in charge of payment should review the current system of bonus payment so that it won’t deprive those staff who were absent during the bonus payment period.

The protesters will be meeting tomorrow with MEW officials to explain their demands and receive explanations of the reasons behind the non-payment of bonuses to the affected staff during the aforementioned period.

Meanwhile, a ministry insider said that the payment of bonuses to workers had been

temporarily suspended in order for the ministry’s financial and administrative division to analyze the employees’ complaints and make any amendments required.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the MEW official said that the ministry would only pay the backdated payments to those employees who fulfill the criteria laid out by Civil Service Commission (CSC) regulations, which stipulate that only workers who are present rather than absent or on leave during a certain period can receive the full bonuses awarded for this period. The official said that the financial and administrative division will consider paying partial bonuses to those workers who were absent or on leave during the period in question after deducting the bonuses for those days on which they were absent.

The MEW insider added that senior ministry and CSC officials will shortly be liaising to discuss payment of bonuses for all workers, including those on leave or absent.

KUWAIT: The Central Tenders Committee (CTC) has finally agreed to invite tenders for a Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) advertizing campaign promoting energy-saving strategies valued at approximately KD3 million. The CTC’s agreement to the advertising campaign tender came after it rejected three of the ministry’s other similar requests in the past year. The CTC apparently refused the ministry’s previous proposals for advertising campaigns due to the lack of any professional media advertising experience amongst the companies put forward by the MEW as potential candidates for conducting the campaigns on its behalf. The committee was also disparaging about some of the recommendations put forward in the earlier bids.

The successful bidding company for the new tender will be expected to devise and coordinate multimedia campaigns across a variety of platforms promoting energy and water-saving strategies, with the campaign being particularly targeted at school pupils and young people generally. The campaigns will also include public forums and the distribution of brochures and pamphlets about sustainable energy and how people can cut back on wasteful water and energy use.

Meanwhile, an MEW insider told the Kuwait Times yesterday that the ministry intends to adopt a ‘reverse osmosis’ technique at more than one location in the process of desalinating the sea water which Kuwait is reliant on.

In the reverse osmosis process, fluid, such as water, is diffused through a semipermeable membrane from a solution with a low solute concentration to a solution with a higher solute concentration until there is an equal concentration of fluid on both sides of the membrane.

young people and to assist in improving their theatrical abilities.

Al-Eid, who is heading the festival media committee, added that all Kuwait’s state and private sector theatre groups have been invited to participate in the festival, which features nine shows.

The PAYS has already established a panel of judges to select the winning entries for the 13 prizes.

The festival’s supervisory committee is also organizing a special celebration on the sidelines of the event entitled ‘Playwrights in Love

KUWAIT: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reiterated on Saturday that there are no indications of the existence of any significant money-laundering activities in Kuwait, in yet another statement attempting to clarify misconceptions over its recent report, which warned that some elements in the Gulf states could provide a suitable environment for such crimes to take place. “The recent detailed report the IMF released regarding efforts to tackle money laundering and terrorism funding in Kuwait, shows flaws in the strategy

with Kuwait,’ with a number of youth theater groups from across the Gulf region participating.

Leading musicians will also be honored during the festival.

Al-Eid praised the efforts exerted by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), and the Ministry of Information, which have helped to spread awareness of the festival via Kuwait TV and various media outlets, for their great support for the event, which he said is considered one of the most important specialist Kuwaiti festivals. — KUNA

Court demands KD12,000 in backdated alimony from jailed ex-husband

Attorney Mohammad Kamal

KUWAIT: The Family Court issued a ruling yesterday demanding that the imprisoned former husband of a Kuwaiti woman should pay KD12,000 in backdated alimony to her after failing to do so in the two years since he was incarcerated over drug-dealing charges.

According to attorney Mohammad Kamal representing the plaintiff, his client had received no alimony payments

to provide a constant supply of the sea water, which offers a number of benefits, including higher quality water with fewer bacteria and less sea creatures, as well as ensuring a reduction in oil and sea debris.

The ministry insider said that other advantages of the reverse osmosis system include cutting the time taken to carry out projects and the simplicity of producing and collecting most of the ingredients required. In addition, a reverse osmosis system is easily operated and maintained, as well as having low overhead costs, with most of the equipment used being made of safe plastics, which also helps to ensure far lower rates of corrosion that are found in using other systems.

KUWAIT: Power cuts leading to water shortages have been common in the past few years, although plans have been approved to use alternative energy sources for the water desalination process, which uses massive amounts of electricity. This image is used for illustrative purposes.

— Photo by Joseph Shagra

No money-laundering activity in Kuwait

PAYS to host Theatre Days Youth festival in October KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Youth and Sports (PAYS) announced on Saturday that it is to host the eighth Theatre Days Youth Festival in October, with this year’s event taking place under the theme, ‘Music in Theatrical Shows.’

Tawfiq Al-Eid, the director of PAYS’ public information and publishing division, said in a press release issued to announce the upcoming event that the authority is enthusiastic about organizing this annual festival, which he said helps to mentor talented

The ministry insider also revealed that the reverse osmosis method only needs to use electrical energy to operate without also requiring the usual steam, generated by electricity. This offers those using it more options in the choice of locations where the process can be carried out. As well as desalinating the water, this method also purifies it of biological, chemical or even radioactive pollution, the MEW insider explained. He added that many developed countries depend on this system for its characteristics in disinfecting the water of the harmful components especially in emergency situations.

The insider further explained that the reverse osmosis units could use coastal wells

from her former husband for her or their children since November 1, 2009 when he began his jail term. The lawyer demanded that the husband, also Kuwaiti, be forced to pay backdated alimony of KD500 per month to his former spouse backdated to the period when he was first imprisoned, meaning that she is entitled to a total of KD12,000 in backdated payments.

KUWAIT: A vehicle caught fire along Mohammed Ibn Al-Qasim street between Rabiya and Ardhiya. No casualties were reported. —Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh

that the state uses in its efforts, while it provides recommendations to solve these flaws,” the head of the IMF delegation to Kuwait, May Khamis, told reporters.

She further explained that a lack of any regulations criminalizing the funding of terrorism, along with flawed precautionary mechanisms against money laundering contribute to an overall weakness in the state’s current anti-money-laundering operations.

“Given the continuous growth of the Kuwaiti economy, these flaws can lead if left unresolved to the cre-

ation of an environment that is less restrictive against money laundering and terrorism-funding activities,” Khamis said, warning that global money launderers usually seek countries with weak regulations in which to operate.

The senior IMF official further noted that IMF experts are currently coordinating with Kuwaiti authorities to discuss the regulatory defects in the current anti-money laundering legislation cited in the report.— Al-Rai

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

LOCAL

in my view

in my view

Parking pains and nasty neighbors

Science education and religion

By Allen Dunford* woke up one morning in May of this year to see a Yahoo news headline: ‘Believers disappointed as the Apocalypse fails to arrive!.’

This referred to a large sect of Christians, predominately American, who were certain that M ay 2 1 wa s to have b een t he Day o f Judgment. Whither the Christian precepts of mercy? It would have been a bad day for the children of the ‘unchosen’ had the revelations proved sound! But I digress.

This reminded me of a day in the classroom here in Kuwait and the difficulties of delivering science alongside education in religion.

As a Western educator at a bilingual school in Kuwait, I have always been envious of my Arab colleagues’ ability to hold students’ interest. On one occasion, during an Islamic class, I noticed that the students were particularly captivated by their instructor, Mr. Mohammed.

At the end of the lesson, I asked the students what the topic was, and they responded that he had been discussing the details of the ‘end times’ as revealed in the Quran. They began to share the ideas with me, when one boy interrupted, saying, “But you don’t believe this, do you?”

This question struck at the very heart of a d ai l y c h a ll e n ge reg arding internat io nal schools’ responsibilities and obligations to their host countries. “Visit but don’t interfere”

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As educators, even in a foreign land, we have a responsibility to address these potentially confusing and seemingly paradoxical interfaces of science and religion that these young minds are confronted with. Like colliding tectonic plates, the tensions between them have the potential to create barely perceptible tremors or to erupt in cataclysmic events. as the popular Star Trek’s Prime Directive commands, and as we made reference to in the previous article.

Leaving aside the serious possibility that any answer might get ‘lost in translation’ as it was relayed and retold to mothers and fathers that evening, there is no doubt that to answer was to ‘interfere’ in the culture.

Given that we were about to begin our science period, I decided to treat it as a ‘teachable moment” to help the students understand the boundaries of science when it came to such topics. “Science would treat these end times revelations as a hypothesis,” I told them, “And when it was clear that the hypothesis could not be tested, the scientist would lose all interest in the issue.” I’m not sure they were satisfied with my answer, but it allowed me room to ‘slip out the side door’ of an uncomfortable situation.

As luck would have it, however, the next room proved equally uncomfor table. I’ve learned during my two years here, that it’s a good idea to precede every pronouncement in science class, with the caveat that “Science says”...followed by the concept of the day.

“Science says the sun is about halfway through its lifetime and will expire in about five billion years”, I lectured. There was stunned silence and then a gentle but confident rebuke. Of course only Allah is in charge of scheduling the end but we forgive you for your arrogance.

I think they missed the “Science says” escape c l au s e al toge t h er! I t is wel l -k now n t hat Stephen Hawking, the famous physicist and author of ‘A Brief Histor y of Time,’ doesn’t believe in the concept of heaven. “Heaven is for those who are afraid of the dark,” he has been quoted as saying. A journalist purportedly asked him , “How then should we live?”

His response was as elegant, empty and yet as full of possibility as the universe itself: “We should maximize the value of our actions.”

The questioner might well have responded, “Thank you for your sage advice sir, but would yo u m i n d re commending an acco u nt ing firm?!” I believe Dr Hawking was really saying, in effect, “You’re asking the wrong guy. This question might better be put to your imam, rabbi or priest. I’m not, nor is science, in the business of calculating maximum value.”

As educators, even in a foreign land, we have a responsibility to address these potentially confusing and seemingly paradoxical interfaces of science and religion that these young minds are confronted with. Like colliding tectonic plates, the tensions between them have the potential to create barely perceptible tremors or to erupt in cataclysmic events. Wise teaching is essential. Interfere, but be careful. The landscape is fraught with danger.

•Allen Dunford is an expatriate teacher in Kuwait. The opinion expressed in this article is the author’s own.

By Lisa Conrad

lisa@kuwaittimes.net n arriving in Kuwait, I admired the wide roads which seemed well laid out and designed in such a way as to make drivers’ lives easier. Driving in Kuwait has always appeared to be quite convenient.

Parking, however, is not. The malls and shopping areas have great parking facilities, but the problems begin in the areas around apartment blocks or private office buildings. Blocking cars in by creating makeshift parking areas is a pretty common practice, and the most that these drivers usually do is leave their number so you can contact them to move when you need to leave.

However, it seems that reliance on the haris (janitor) to handle the situation is increasing as, over the past weekend alone, three cars blocked a friend’s car (since I don’t drive here yet, she takes my place and chauffeurs me around). In two out of these three cases, none of the drivers had left any phone numbers and the haris was left to fetch the car-blocking friend of a resident in the building.

The strange thing about this scenario is that it’s one of the few instances where I’ve actually spoken with or at least glowered at my neighbors, with one neighbor coming down with her manners-deficient friend. In a country filled with expatriates, all living far from home, it’s surprising how unfriendly we are with our neighbors.

I include myself in this generalization as I make zero effort with them and can barely muster a polite nod when we pass in the elevator. Given that Kuwait is such a small country, it just seems easier to pick and choose acquaintances rather than to become obliged to greet or spend time with people you don’t have anything in common with. For the minimal number of hours in the day, making polite conversation with relative strangers just isn’t a priority, especially in 40 degrees-plus heat.

Plus, as a Lebanese expatriate pointed out to me, renters don’t often bother to put down roots because there’s nothing holding you to the residence. Should you find better accommodation, you’ll pack and leave in the blink of an eye. Add to this the fact that many expatriates are transient and more likely to move between areas and even countries, and you have the perfect answer for why expatriates tend to make minimal efforts with their neighbors.

This brings us back to the car-blocking fiasco. Had I been friendly with the neighbor in question, I wouldn’t have been able to get annoyed at her friend because it would have created an awkwardness amongst our niceties. However, because I had no relationship with my neighbor to destroy, I was free to react as I felt appropriate. The freedoms anonymity bring are great, especially since the chances that your neighbor will be in the building for long are relatively low. This applies to expatriates exclusively, of course. If I were Kuwaiti, living in a Kuwaiti neighborhood, I’d definitely make efforts with my neighbors as they will most likely be there for a long, long time.

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kuwait digest

The union-controlled government

By Dr. Shamlan Y. Al-Essa hen the government economic committee was formed last month, many were pessimistic and others were optimistic because His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlSabah chaired the first meeting and urged those present to follow a new method to reform the economy and rationalize state spending.

Today, only around a month after the formation of the committee, the government has already backed down, as reports published in a period of less than 24 hours show, accepting the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) decision on pay increases and deciding to accede to the unions’ demands, with the strategy of implementing this policy to be published next week.

Everyone is asking about the self-contradictory government decisions and questioning the government’s tendency to always back down from taking real steps towards reform. Why does it take economic decisions that completely contradict the reason behind the formation of the economic committee, amongst whose most important objectives is the restructuring of the state budget and the rationalization of public spending.

The funny thing is that labor unions are rejecting the government increases, with the head of the KOTC workers’ union Fahad Al-Mutawaa insisting that he will not accept any discussions regarding the issue of salary increase for those working in the oil sector except what was presented to the CSC. The question that we should present to the scared government is: do oil workers have the right to strike? And what are the steps to be taken before declaring the strike?

What we know is that there are three main steps that should be taken before any strike. The first is negotiations between workers and the employers over the demands. In the case of these failing, the second step should be reaching a compromise between the two sides through the mediation of the

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Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. If this does not work, the third step should be arbitration, with a neutral arbitration committee issuing a final and binding decision for both sides.

Did the government follow those steps in its discussions with workers before approving the increases? It doesn’t seem like it; apparently the government gave in as soon as the workers threatened to strike.

I wonder...are the demanded wage increases justified? And are oil workers’ salaries in Kuwait low compared with their counterparts elsewhere in the region?

The information available to your humble writer indicates that wages in Kuwait’s oil sector are higher than those in Saudi Arabia, but definitely lower than those of oil workers in UAE and Qatar.

Finally we wonder, why did the government back down from its reform policy in the economic sphere and others?

The main reason for its climb-down was the lack of strong political will that believes in its decisions and its methodology of reform. The government administration does not pay attention to the experts’ and advisors’ opinions, as the entire government’s interest lies in satisfying the MPs and the Kuwaiti street; this is because the administration’s sole priority is to remain in power as long as possible, which requires the agreement of MPs and the public; this is the real tragedy since it means that MPs became corrupt and “receive money,” whilst the fickle public lead rather than being led.

The teachers’ union, meanwhile, is reportedly set to call a strike in October, and its demands for wage rises are also reportedly set to be automatically approved - with the inevitable subsequent demands for and granting of salary increases to other unions following. Don’t ask me what should be done in case oil prices crash - ask the government because it knows better! — Al-Watan

kuwait digest

Thank you, Wikileaks

By Fuhaid Al-Busairi

kuwait digest

How would Kuwait’s ‘Spring’ look like?

By Mudaffar Abdullah ill there be a ‘Spring’ in Kuwait? How would up all hopes in traditional political powers, be them it look like? Before answering this question, religious or liberal. Demands are accelerating to conwe can surely say that nine Arab countries duct reforms that have become too late such as the have so far witnessed effective public uprising that electoral constituencies and political parties, and to were not designed by any existing political powers stop manipulating public funds and ruining state or parties. They were all moved spontaneously by institutions by incompetent appointments.

It’s no longer wise to the people on the streets such keep parroting that Kuwait as the cases in Tunis, Libya, was an institutional country Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Algeria, Kuwait is not so different or that is safe from all Springs.

Morocco and Oman, which all safe from the winds of public Our problems are becommade variable levels of ing such institutions themchange in their existing demands. Change in public selves and how we are hanregimes. movements in Kuwait is becomdling our constitution. We In addition, less severe ing so evident lately giving up all are suffering total adminischanges took place in other countries such as Mauritania, hopes in traditional political trative failure in various ministries where public KSA, Kuwait, Lebanon and powers, be them religious or libfunds are being squanSudan that mainly targeted eral. Demands are accelerating dered without giving due improving living conditions and fight corruption. to conduct reforms that have care to human resources which are all the mistakes However, to say that certain become too late such as the elecof Cabinets that have run Arab nations (the oil-rich ones toral constituencies and political Kuwait over the past two in the Gulf ) are immune to the ‘Arab Spring’ is inaccurate for a parties, and to stop manipulat- decades and mainly focused on buying time as ver y simple reason: each ing public funds and ruining a strategy to hinder many country has its own Spring state institutions by incompe- reform projects. and each Spring has its own These are the issues of issues and dossiers. People tent appointments. our Spring in Kuwait. They have their own way of are so clear and decisive expressing anger according to and would lead us to the nature of their respective regimes and how much they would allow is, of nowhere. People don’t naturally tolerate corruption course, depends on the socio-political fabric of each and procrastination forever. They have change-tools society that is mainly tribal in countries like Yemen they use in natural circumstances such as electing and Libya and doctrinal in countries like Syria and their representatives in the parliament, critical journalism or going on demonstrations here and there.

Bahrain.

So, Kuwait is not so different or safe from the Yet, they can still tend to unknown or unexpected winds of public demands. Change in public move- methods, a stage we wouldn’t want to reach as long ments in Kuwait is becoming so evident lately giving as the way of reform is paved and clear!— Al-Jarida

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t’s funny how strong the reactions were in Kuwait to the documents leaked by Wikileaks, which only contain information that we already know and have been talking about for years.

Yes, I believe that the information contained in the leaked cables is true. There’s no need to deny it, while I don’t see a reason to feel worried that the cables have been leaked since no one is going to press charges against us over this. Not to mention that the cables didn’t really contain information we didn’t already know. A lot of people have criticized the fact that the documents are for reports sent from the United States Embassy to the US Department of State regarding subjects in Kuwait. But isn’t this a top diplomat’s job? Aren’t ambassadors supposed to report back to their countries about the economic, political and social situations of the countries they are deployed in? At least that’s what every professional ambassador does. I’m not trying to defend the US Embassy, but I recognize the fact that the ambassador was doing his job when he reported information about Kuwait to his government.

And it’s not like the US embassy obtained information through intelligence activities or spying cells, as some Arab and non-Arab embassies would do. The US ambassador merely documented what he heard citizens say during public gatherings at diwaniyas and during celebratory events. He didn’t even covertly record people’s conversations or use bugging devices planted in certain locations. All he did was attend diwaniya meetings he was invited to, heard people discussing certain topics and documented what they said exactly as it was said. This means that if the documents contained questionable statements, it really isn’t something that citizens didn’t say at a public gathering; the ambassador just happened to be present to hear them.

I have to give credit to us though, because we’ve been able to fool the ambassador of the world’s strongest country into believing that everything that we say makes sense and that all Kuwaiti citizens are political analysts and have enough knowledge to discuss all sorts of topics.

I don’t understand why the public in Kuwait are criticizing people when we are actually at fault. Nobody told those who made the false accusations that were picked up by the US ambassador to make them in public and in front of top diplomats of other nations. We have to admit the fact that people have changed, and became more willing to spread rumors without the slightest bit of effort to verify their accuracy first.

I personally thank the US ambassador and the Wikileaks website because they didn’t actually expose everything being discussed in public gatherings in Kuwait. Had they done so, the scandal would have been of catastrophic proportions. So thank you, Your Excellency and thank you Wikileaks for documenting nonsense said by people who think they are actually political analysts or activists. I thank them because, who knows, maybe what they did can prompt people in Kuwait to think twice before talking nonsense or making baseless accusations against others in public. — Al-Rai

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local

Coordination continues over ‘multimillion bribes’ scandal DRB, PAB studying two options

KUWAIT: His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yesterday Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah at Al-Seif Palace.

Al-Khurainej meets Algerian parliament speaker ALGIERS: The Speaker of the Algerian Parliament Abdelkader Ben Saleh yesterday received the visiting Chairman of the Kuwaiti-Algerian Parliamentary Friendship Group, MP Mubarak Al-Khurainej, along with the accompanying delegation.

Ben Saleh welcomed the Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation, telling them that he was eager to learn more about the Kuwaiti parliamentary experience, which he praised as being “rich and democratic, worthy of respect and appreciation.”

On the Kuwaiti-Algerian parliamentary group, Ben Saleh said he prefers to call this “a fraternity group” between Algeria and

Kuwait as the two countries are linked by strong ties, adding that the group aims to bring the two peoples closer and to further expand relations between the two countries. The speaker also stressed that the group would play a significant role in strengthening relations between the two countries. Speaking after the meeting, AlKhurainej, who is also the president of Kuwait’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, said that the talks had been “fruitful,” adding that the delegates and the leading Moroccan lawmaker had discussed a range of issues concerning the two countries and their peoples. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Two parliamentary blocs are set to meet today (Monday) for talks on the still unsubstantiated multimillion dinar bribe allegations as part of their ongoing coordination on the issue. The move comes after a petition calling for an extraordinary parliamentary session on the subject failed to garner the minimum number of MPs’ votes required to authorize holding such a session. “The Development and Reform Bloc [DRB] will meet with the Popular Action Bloc [PAB] at the office of [PAB leader] Ahmad Al-Saadoun to discuss the issue”, said DRB member Falah AlSawagh in a statement issued yesterday, adding that the meeting is also likely to see coordination on strengthening efforts to enforce higher bonuses for teachers at state schools.

Al-Sawagh explained that the DRB and PAB are jointly studying two options concerning how best to formulate their response to the recent explosive allegations of massive bribes being paid into two MPs’ bank accounts. The first of the two recommendation is to demand that the government decided on a date for holding an extraordinary parliamentary session for reviewing the steps taken by the government over the allegations, whilst the second is that the government should allocate a specific parliamentary session once the parliament reopens in late October.

Al-Sawagh also revealed that if neither of these options are realized the two blocs are studying a possible third option, which is to file another interpellation motion against His

Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser AlMohammed Al-Sabah over what they suggest is his “failure to clear financial suspicions from certain MPs.” On a separate issue, the parliamentary health committee plans to vote on draft legislation to introduce a private health insurance system during a meeting to be held in early October, according to an anonymous insider, whilst the committee’s rapporteur, Saleh Ashour, announced plans to discuss amendments to the pharmaceutical registration law, including one which would limit the licensing of pharmacies in the country solely to those owned by Kuwaitis.

On another issue, National Action Bloc (NAB) head MP Saleh Al-Mulla has demanded clarification from PAB members Ahmad AlSaadoun and Musallam Al-Barrak over comments made by one of their supporters during a televised interview, in which the individual in question apparently made offensive statements about the NAB. Al-Mulla claimed that in a recent interview on a current affairs show broadcast by Al-Rai TV, Saad Al-Azmi, a Kuwaiti journalist and the head of Al-Arabiya’s Kuwait bureau, accused the NAB of being contradictory and of conflating economic interests and political issues.

The MP demanded that Al-Saadoun and AlBarrak comment on the statements “made by a person who claimed to be representing the PAB during his interview,” and to reveal whether or not they share Al-Azmi’s views on the bloc.

In a statement released in response to AlMulla’s claims, meanwhile, Al-Azmi insisted that his comments in the TV program reflected only his personal opinion.

In other news, a PAB insider revealed that the bloc’s members are working to devise a strategy to change the country’s current constituencies system which would be acceptable to all parties. PAB leader Ahmad AlSaadoun previously proposed draft legislation which would see the current five constituencies merged into one single constituency, but this idea was not popular with many fellow MPs. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the PAB insider revealed that the bloc is considering submitting a proposal to retain the current five constituency system but to change the current electoral system so that each citizen can cast four votes for candidates in his or her own constituency, as well as casting three votes for candidates in other constituencies.

Meanwhile, on a separate issue, Minister of Cabinet Affairs Ali Al-Rashid on Saturday flatly denied reports which claimed that a split had emerged between those ministers who support local labor unions’ demands and those who oppose them, viewing them as a drain on the state budget.

Al-Rashid was speaking a day before the cabinet’s weekly meeting during which it is reportedly set to accede all the demands made by oil sector workers who threatened to stage industrial action next Sunday (September 18) if these demand were not met. — Al-Qabas, Al-Rai

MP proposes more rights, services for bedoon, non-Kuwaiti servicemen

By A. Saleh

ALGIERS: Members of the Kuwaiti-Algerian Parliamentary Friendship Group meeting Speaker of the Algerian Parliament Abdelkader Ben Saleh yesterday.

KUWAIT: MP Khalid Al-Adwa has proposed draft legislation to grant greater rights and services to all bedoon (stateless) and other non-Kuwaiti Arab residents who have served with Kuwait’s armed forces or police for 15 years or more.

Al-Adwa said that these serv-

Kuwait faces Bird Flu threat KUWAIT: Kuwaiti authorities are taking all the necessary precautionary measures following a recent international alert over a possible new outbreak of the Bird Flu virus this coming winter.

“The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) issued warnings recently regarding potentially strong outbreaks of the Bird Flu virus in different locations around the world during the winter period,” said Shak hir Awadh, direc tor of Public R e l a t i ons wi th th e Pu bl i c Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR). The official further

revealed that the PAAAFR is taking a number of other preventive steps, coord i n a ti n g clo sely wi t h t he Kuwait Municipality to maintain the existing ban on keeping live poultry in residential areas - including closing down live poultry shops located near homes and apartment buildings.

Regulations stipulate that all poultry farming activities should be limited solely to licensed premises, which are regularly inspected and monitored to ensure that they meet all the health and safety regulatory standards. — Al-Rai

Senior League posts for Kuwaiti diplomats CAIRO: The Arab League has appointed the Kuwaiti Ambassador Adnan Issa Al-Khudair as the League Assistant Secretary General for Financial and Administrative Affairs.

Jamal Al-Ghuneim, the Kuwait Permanent Delegation at the Arab League, said in a statement that Al-Khudair would succeed Ambassador Samir Seif Al-Yazal, who would serve asthe Secretary General Assistant for Administrative Supervision-that post that was occupied by AlKhudair. Al-Ghuneim praised Al-Khudeir for his substantial experience in the sector of financial auditing and administrative supervision. The Secretary General, Nabil Al-Arabi, informed the League Council of the Permanent Delegates, yesterday, about his decision to name AlKhudair to serve in the senior post.

Elaborating, AlGhuneim said in appreciation of the Kuwaiti diplomatic efforts, Meshaal Al-Azmi was named to serve at the bureau of the Arab League in London, the diplomat Mishari AlJasmi, at the League mission in Berlin-such appointments reflect confidence of the Arab League Secretariat General in the Kuwaiti diplomatic corps.

The League Council is pondering appointment of the Ambassador, Wajih Hanafi, as the head of the League Secretary General Bureau, to serve as an assistant.—KUNA

ices and rights should also be extended to the families of all those killed or injured during military operations or exercises, as well as to the injured themselves. He also recommended that the same rights and services should be available to those in both groups who have suffered total or partial disability in the line of duty or who have

worked in the oil sector or other state bodies for 20 years or more.

In other news, a high-level meeting is reportedly to take place next month following the privatization of KAC and the valuation of its assets.

According to an aviation sector insider, the KAC officials, government representatives

and representatives of the foreign company which conducted the valuation attending the meeting will review the valuations of the state airline’s assets, after a number of analysts suggested that these have been greatly overvalued. The insider said that work on the airline’s privatization will be fully concluded by the end of October.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

LOCAL

Asian found murdered in Jleeb alley Bank fraudsters arrested KUWAIT: A murder hunt is underway following the discovery of a man’s body in a Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh alley. After a horrified passerby called the emergency services hotline, police and crime scene investigators were quickly at the location, with an initial examination finding that the dead man, an Asian expatriate, was covered in bruises, with other evidence suggesting that foul play was involved in his death. The body was removed for autopsy and the investigation into the case is continuing.

Tragic death Police are investigating the tragic death of a three-monthold baby boy, who died shortly after his distraught father rushed him to a private hospital after the child fell unconscious. Although medical staff battled to save the infant, they were unable to do so or to identify the ailment which the child was suffering from. The child’s body was removed for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

‘Friendly’ stabbing Police are hunting for a man who stabbed an erstwhile friend following an argument at a cafe in Sulaibiya before fleeing the scene. The two - a bedoon (stateless) resident and a citizen of another GCC countr y - were reportedly socializing together when the GCC citizen took umbrage at a statement made by his erstwhile friend and pulled out a knife, stabbing him in the shoulder before fleeing. The victim was rushed to Jahra Hospital by a third friend who was present during the incident, with charges of attempted murder being brought against the assailant.

The victim’s brother is also believed to be hunting for the assailant in order to wreak

revenge for the attack.

Fraudsters held Three Romanian nationals were arrested a few days after their arrival in Kuwait after using forged credit cards to withdraw thousands of dinars from ATMs at various banks across the country.

Police launched an investigation after a senior National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) official called police over a suspicious transaction in which one individual apparently used 20 credit cards issued by foreign banks in various names, to take a total of KD9,000 from one of the bank’s ATMs. The investigation eventually led to the arrest of three Romanian nationals who were caught in possession of 62 forged credit cards issued by banks outside Kuwait, which they used to withdraw KD60,000 since arriving in Kuwait last Thursday.

The group had apparently been planning to leave the country on Saturday, but were caught before they had the chance to do so. NBK has contacted the foreign banks whose cards were used to inform them of the matter.

Prison break thwarted Warders at Central Prison have uncovered a prison break plan hatched by three Iranian and two

News

in brief

Respect for Youth Group KUWAIT: A government insider on Saturday voiced respect for the ‘September 16th Youth Group,’ which has called a protest for this Friday, demanding the institution of a constitutional monarchy, an elected parliamentary government and the dissolution of the current National Assembly. A government insider said that the Kuwaiti administration has great respect for the young people involved, with some members of the government agreeing with their objectives and others expressing reservations. Their call comes as a statement of their democratic right to freely express their opinion, the government insider said, although the government cannot officially respond to their demands since they do not exist as a political or legal entity.

Teachers to strike on Sunday KUWAIT: Nasser Al-Shemali, the coordinator of the ‘Teachers Cadre Alliance’, said they have had enough waiting for their demands to be met. He added that teachers intend to go on strike next Sunday during official working hours to demand their rights as per the cadre that was discussed in parliament. The strike also would mark the teachers’ rejection of the new bonus system. Al-Shemali added that the Cadre Alliance has its own aims and aspirations that might be different from those of the Kuwait Teachers Society (KTS), to which he does not belong. He also expressed amazement about KTS not organizing so far any strikes or sit ins although they did so when 25 minutes were added to Tuesdays’ working hours, Al-Jarida reported.

Iraqis insult Kuwait KUWAIT: A group of Iraqis recently gathered on a Baghdad street where they placed a Kuwaiti flag on the ground and asked all passersby to step on it while they all chanted anti-Kuwait slogans and insults. Such an incident was so angering to Kuwaiti MPs such as Musallam Al-Barrak who addressed HH the PM wondering if the Iraqi PM, Nouri Al-Malki called him to apologize as Sheikh Nasser did when Kuwaiti coastguards held a number of Iraqi fishermen trespassing into Kuwaiti national waters. On his part, MP, Mekhled Al-Azmi stressed that Iraqi officials should have more control to prevent such chaotic behaviors that would undermine both countries bilateral relations . He also urged the government to convey his message to the Iraqi government to avoid Kuwaiti public reactions. Al-Azmi also warned that certain parties have been using Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in a way that would disturb such relations in order to make political and electoral gains inside Iraq.

Praise for cooperation between Oman, Kuwait in social care KUWAIT: Deputy Undersecretary at the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hamad Al-Maadthi lauded yesterday the cooperation between Kuwait and Oman in the sector of social care especially within the domain of juvenile care.

The official made this statement during a meeting with an Omani social care delegation.

The two sides would focus on exchanging expertise within all fields of social care, said the official.

Batool bint Hassan Allowatiya of the Omani Social Development Ministry lauded the cooperation within the social care domain with Kuwait, hoping that such meetings would further boost relations within such domain. —KUNA

Pakistani inmates being held there. An investigation was launched last week after a member of the prison staff found a 20meter improvised ‘rope’ made out of knotted bed-sheets hanging from a high window in one of the prison buildings. Their investigation eventually led to the five inmates, all incarcerated for long terms for drug-related offences, who admitted during interrogation that as well as the ‘rope,’ they had apparently managed to covertly purchase equipment from cleaning contractors working at the prison, with which they planned to dig a tunnel to escape.

All have been referred for further legal action.

was rushed to Farwaniya Hospital and an investigation is underway into the case.

Suicide attempt An Indonesian woman attempted suicide at the home in Farwaniya where she is employed as a housemaid after her female boss reprimanded her. Emergency services personnel rushed to the scene after the remorseful boss called them to report that the maid had locked herself in her room and was not responding to anyone. Officers broke the room door down and found the Indonesian woman lying unconscious, bleeding heavily from one wrist, which she had slashed. She

Bootleggers busted Patrol officers who pulled over a motorist in Hawally after their suspicions were aroused by his erratic driving found that he was a bootlegger who had apparently been test-sampling his own goods. On searching the vehicle, they found 15 cardboard boxes full of bottles of imported liquor, which the pieeyed motorist insisted were all for his own use. The skeptical police officers took him to the nearest police station and he has been referred to the relevant authorities.

—Al-Rai, Al-Anba

Bribers caught Three men from other Arab countries were arrested shortly after attempting to bribe a customs official at Salmi border crossing into allowing them to cross the border together by ignoring the travel ban in place against one of them. The three were apparently caught red-handed, with several other officers at the location hearing them offer a KD150 bribe to the officer to allow the man to cross the border. All were taken into custody at Taima police station.

Kuwaiti FM in Jeddah for GCC meeting JEDDAH: Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Sabah arrived in the Saudi Red Sea city of Jeddah yesterday to take part in the 120th meeting of GCC foreign ministers.

Sheikh Mohammad’s delegation was welcomed on their arrival by the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Saud Al-Faisal AlSaud, the GCC Secretary General, Dr Abdullatif Al-Zayani, and a number of ranking Saudi officials.

During the summit, GCC ministers are

also scheduled to hold separate meetings with their counterparts from Morocco and Jordan to discuss the prospective closer cooperation between the Gulf council and the governments of these Arab states.

The Kuwaiti delegation headed by Sheikh Mohammad includes the Director of the GCC Department Ambassador Humoud Al-Roudhan, the Director of the Minister’s Office Ambassador Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Al-Nasser Al-Sabah and a number of other ministry officials. —KUNA

KUWAIT: The Egyptian man and the Filipina who were held for trading in drugs.

Three caught in drugs busts

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Officers from the General Department of Drugs Control (GDDC) yesterday arrested a Pakistani drug dealer at a location in the Rai area as he was set to conduct a deal, confiscating 75 grams of heroin from his possession.

In a separate incident, GDDC officers detained an Egyptian man as he left his home, whilst a Filipina woman was arrested at the address, with both found to be in possession of narcotics. The detained woman told officers that they had been hiding the drugs for somebody else. All three have been referred to the relevant authorities.

Road accidents Two Kuwaiti citizens aged 15 and 21 were rushed to Adan Hospital after sustaining multiple injuries in a car crash on King Fahad Road yesterday.

In a separate incident, a 16-year-old Pakistani boy suffered a broken leg and heavy bruising all over his body when he was hit by a car whilst crossing a road near Al-Bassam Mosque in Hawally.

He was taken to Mubarak Hospital.

Meanwhile, a 31-year-old Kuwaiti man was taken to Jahra Hospital after sustaining injuries to his tongue and heavy bruising all over his body in a car crash on Jahra Road.

KUWAIT: The Pakistani drug dealer pictured after his arrest.

Ahmadi Governor to visit China for talks on closer ties, refinery project GUANGZHOU, China: “The upcoming official visit by Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Dr Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah to Guangzhou and Zhanjiang will establish a solid base and the desired economic cooperation between Kuwait and these two southern Chinese cities,” said the Kuwaiti Consul General in Guangzhou, Abdulwahab Al-Sager, on Saturday.

Al-Sager said Sheikh Ibrahim’s visit, due to take place the end of this month, will also provide an excellent opportunity to exchange views on bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and economy between Kuwait and China, adding that the Ahmadi Governor is scheduled to meet with senior government officials representing Guangzhou and Zhanjiang cities as well as others from Guangdong Province.

“The governor will travel to Zhanjiang city in response to the mayor’s invitation

to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on enhanced cooperation and mutual exchange between Ahmadi and Zhanjiang cities,” the diplomat explained.

During his trip to Zhanjiang, Sheikh Ibrahim will also inspect the largest SinoKuwaiti venture to date, a $9 billion refinery and petrochemical complex.

“The project, which is also important for both China and Kuwait at the global level, especially focusing on the energy sector, is expected to commence production in early 2014 with annual oil refining and ethylene capacities of 15 million tons (300,000 barrels per day) and 1 million tons respectively,” Al-Sager said.

Boasting South China’s largest quantity of marine wealth and its most crucial logistics center and port, Zhanjiang is one of the largest and most vital coastal cities in the region, the Kuwaiti official added. —KUNA

IICO to hold annual workshop on Somalia KUWAIT: The International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) organizes today the second annual workshop on the exchange of information to intensify humanitarian efforts to relieve the drought-stricken Somali people.

The workshop will be held under the auspices of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.

IICO President Dr. Abdullah al-Matouq said in a statement yesterday that the workshop aims to explore the dimensions of the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa and opportunities for governments and non-governmental organizations on programs and grants related to the humanitarian crisis.

He added that the IICO seeks, through this workshop, to build an effective partnership to address the humanitarian consequences of the disaster and discuss the

use of new technologies to support the exchange of information pertinent to disaster relief in the Horn of Africa and how to communicate with those affected by disasters.

He explained that the IICO has spared no effort in providing urgent aid convoys over the past weeks to implement the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in coordination with the Federation of Arab doctors and doctors across the continents of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth, Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League and the Emirates Red Crescent and other regional and international organizations.

He said hospitals and refugee camps within and outside Somalia are struggling to stop the spread of epidemics of cholera and measles, which take the lives of dozens of children every day. —KUNA

Ministry denies biased care: expats enjoy best medical services KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health strongly denied allegations mentioned in a recently leaked US embassy document, which says that Kuwait provides low-level medical services to the state’s expatriate community compared to those given to citizens.

“Expatriates enjoy the best quality ser vices that the MOH offers”, said Minister of Health Dr Helal Al-Sayer in statements to the press, in which he pointed out that public medical facilities in Kuwait have seen significant improvement in the past few years.

The minister’s comments come in response to a cable sent from the US embassy in 2004, which recently appeared at the Wikileaks website. The document recaps the situation of medical services in Kuwait, including the fact that expatriates pay annual fees for health insurance, but alleges that expatriates don’t receive full services from public medical facilities including limited access to certain medications.

“The MOH obtains the best quality medications which are approved by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)”, Dr Al-Sayer said, insisting that there are not restrictions to prescribing these medications to expatriate patients; not naming certain medications for cancer patients which the minister said are only pre-

scribed to citizens “due to their high cost”.

The Wikileaks cable suggested that residents in Kuwait would usually find themselves be forced to purchase medications from private pharmacies which usually would be prescribed free of charge to Kuwaitis right at the medical facility. “[The MOH] does not differentiate between expatriates and citizens in providing medical care which is an equal right for everyone in Kuwait”, Dr. AlSayer insisted, further arguing that residents pay nominal fees “compared to the quality of service they obtain”.

Moreover, Dr Al-Sayer pointed out the fact that surgeries are performed free of charge on expats and citizens alike inside public hospitals. MOH undersecretary Dr. Ibrahim Al-Abdulhadi weighed in on that subject by indicating that expatriates had more surgeries than citizens in public hospitals in recent years, including complicated surgeries such as hear t transplant “which are all performed free of charge”.

In other news, assistant undersecretary for technical affairs Dr. Khalid AlSehlawi announced that the ministry will soon recruit more than 200 paramedics from the Philippines. This comes following reports which hinted that 18 paramedics already resigned and many others are contemplating to follow suit in protest against limited pay. —Al-Rai

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African leaders gave Chirac ‘briefcases of cash’: Report

Gaddafi defenders stall advance on Libyan town Page 8

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280 killed in Yemen Qaeda fight Army tightens hold on southern city SANAA: A Yemeni soldier who defected shouts slogans during a demonstration demanding the resignation of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sanaa, Yemen, yesterday. — AP

ADEN: At least 230 Yemeni soldiers were killed in fighting with militants linked to Al-Qaeda that led to the lifting of the siege of a brigade imposed three months ago, the defence ministry said yesterday. Another 50 tribal auxiliaries allied to the government were also killed. “The southern military region lost more than 230 martyrs in the fighting” to lift the siege of the 25th Mechanised Brigade’s base in Zinjibar, state news agency Saba quoted Defence Minister General Mohammed Nasser Ahmed as saying. Earlier, Saba quoted Vice President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi as telling European diplomats that 90 soldiers at the besieged base and 30 AlQaeda leaders had been killed in Zinjibar since militants seized it on May 29. But the agency said the military casualties announced by Hadi did not include dozens of soldiers from outside the ranks of the 25th Mechanised Brigade who were killed or wounded in the battle to retake Zinjibar and two other towns. Ahmed, who inspected the Zinjibar base yesterday morning, a day after the siege was lifted, added that tribal fighters who fought alongside government forces against the militants had lost more than 50 men. The latest figures take to more than 280 the number of soldiers and tribal fighters killed in the offensive to retake Zinjibar, capital of the restive southern Yemeni province of Abyan. The government announced on Saturday that the army had “liberated”

Zinjibar after its seizure more than three months ago by a group called the Partisans of Sharia, believed to have links to Al-Qaeda.

Yesterday, however, a military official speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that the military had reclaimed control only of the northern and eastern parts of the city. Hadi told the meeting of diplomats in the capital Sanaa that more than 600 soldiers from the besieged brigade were wounded during the siege. Saba also quoted the vice president as saying that 30 local AlQaeda leaders were killed in the same time period, making Zinjibar “a graveyard for the Al-Qaeda terrorist network.”

In a separate meeting with a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross, Hadi said military operations in Abyan were nearly complete, adding “there are still some pockets of resistance in isolated areas.” A military official yesterday reported two Yemeni soldiers were killed and four others wounded by a mine explosion.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official told AFP that the two soldiers died “when a mine planted by Al-Qaedaaffiliated militants exploded in eastern Zinjibar.” Military officials have told AFP that the nearby towns of Jaar and Shakra remain under militant control. The military official said intermittent clashes continued throughout Zinjibar yesterday, despite the army’s claim that most militants had already fled the city to Jaar.

He said the army was reluctant to enter the city centre because of concerns that the fleeing militants may have planted mines before withdrawing. Southern Yemen has seen a sharp rise in violence since mass anti-government protests threw into question the entrenched presidency of Ali Abdullah Saleh and weakened the central government. The violence has displaced more than 100,000 Yemenis in the south in recent months, according to the United Nations. In addition to Abyan, the southern military command also includes the provinces of Aden, Lahij and Dhaleh. The United Nations and Western governments have expressed growing concern about the role Al-Qaeda might play in Yemen if Saleh’s regime collapses and a power vacuum ensues. The United States, which had viewed Saleh as a key ally in its “war on terror,” after the 9/11 attacks, has warned of the threat posed

by Islamist militancy in Yemen.

Washington has repeatedly voiced concern over Yemen’s potential to become a new staging ground for Al-Qaeda.

On October 12, 2000, Al-Qaeda targeted the warship USS Cole in Aden, killing 17 American sailors and wounding 38 in a sea-borne suicide attack. Two years later, a small boat filled with explosives blew a hole in the 500,000-tonne French supertanker Limburg, killing a Bulgarian crewman and wounding 12 others. Al-Qaeda admitted responsibility for that attack also. — AFP

Egypt hit by broadcasting ban: Al-Jazeera CAIRO: The satellite channel Al-Jazeera Egypt said yesterday the authorities had prevented it from broadcasting, after entering its offices and confiscating transmission equip-

ment. Ahmed Zain, the channel’s chief in Cairo, told AFP that police, officers from the culture ministry and representatives of Egypt’s public broadcaster had also seized materials and that one technician was arrested.

He said they cited the lack of an official licence to broadcast and a complaint from the neighbourhood. He said a lawyer also presented a complaint accusing the channel of “sowing dissent” and “calling for demonstrations.” Zain said Al-Jazeera Egypt had on March 20 requested official authorisation, and that it had been assured it could continue broadcasting in the interim.

The official MENA news agency repor ted that the closure affected only AlJazeera Egypt, not the offices in Cairo of Al-Jazeera and AlJazeera International, which have valid licences. MENA added that the authorities had intervened at the premises of Al-Jazeera Egypt following complaints by its neighbours, and said documents and recordings had been confiscated.—AFP

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Palestinians to go to UN despite US threats: Abbas AMMAN: President Mahmud Abbas said in remarks published yestrday that Palestinians will seek UN membership despite US “threats” to stop financial aid.

“We will go to the United Nations to obtain an international recognition to the state of Palestine, despite the obstacles and dangers, including

US threats to halt 470 million dollars in annual assistance,” Abbas told Jordan’s government-owned Al-Rai newspaper in an interview.

“If Washington uses a veto against us, this does not mean a boycott. We had our differences with the US in the past. Anyway, we will take a suitable decision in line with develop-

ments,” he told the Arabic-language daily. Abbas is to attend the UN General Assembly summit of world leaders starting September 20, but Washington has already said it would veto any bid to the United Nations Security Council, arguing that a Palestinian state can be established only through negotiations.

But if the effort is blocked at the Security Council, the Palestinians say they will turn to the General Assembly, where they are expected to easily win the votes to upgrade representation from observer body to non-member state. On reconciliation efforts with Hamas, Abbas said “talks to form a government will

resume after October despite Israel’s threats to freeze Palestinian Authority funds.” “The next government will not be a unity government.

I t will be a government of technocrats that will oversee the general election,” he said, adding that if polls are held in May he will not run for the presidency. — AFP

Syrian forces raid homes after week of bloodshed Assad agrees on reforms with Arab League

TRIPOLI: Members of a youth group sweep the street as part of a beautification project in Tripoli, Libya, yesterday. — AP

Gaddafi defenders stall advance on Libyan town NORTH OF BANI WALID: Battle-hardened Libyan combatants joined the fight to capture a desert town from wellarmed loyalists of Muammar Gaddafi yesterday after the head of Libya’s interim council warned that the ousted leader still posed a threat.

Gaddafi troops firing rockets and mortars held up local fighters trying to push into the northern outskirts of Bani Walid, which lies 150 km (95 miles) southeast of Tripoli. Scores of uniformed soldiers and experienced fighters of the ruling Transitional National Council (NTC) reinforced their comrades who have met fierce resistance from Gaddafi forces since Friday, saying they would attack within hours.

“I’ve been a soldier in the Libyan army in the 1980s. I have a little bit more experience than these local boys,” said one new arrival, Omar Swaid, a truck driver from Kansas. “They are great-very enthusiastic but they don’t know how to fight.

We’re going help them. The Gaddafi forces, some want to surrender. I hope this is the last fight. I don’t want to see any more blood,” he said in a broad American accent.

NATO warplanes, which Reuters witnesses said launched at least seven strikes on Gaddafi positions on Saturday, again patrolled the skies. NATO confirmed its aircraft had flown missions over Bani Walid but would not comment on any bombing. “NATO dropped many bombs yesterday, targeting Grad rocket launchers. It is really helping us. When we enter the city, NATO should give us more protection from the sky,” said Ibrahim Bakkar, a 20-year-old fighter, outside Bani Walid.

The original plan was for local men to enter the town of 100,000 to reassure residents and to encourage Gaddafi fighters to lay down their weapons and stay indoors. But NTC officials, who first estimated they were facing only 150 Gaddafi loyalists, now say their opponents number about 1,000 after an influx of extra men from other Gaddafi strongholds such as Sirte on the coast and Sabha in the south.

“Last night the enemy fired many Grad rockets and mortars. We were under a hail of Grads. We don’t know what we’re going to do now. I have to admit, they have more experience than us,” said Mohammed Ibrahim, a local anti-Gaddafi fighter.

It is vital for the NTC to capture Gaddafi’s last strongholds and find the fugitive former leader to assert its grip over the vast oil-producing North African country and begin a countdown to elections and a new constitution.

NTC chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil, a former Gaddafi justice minister who had run the council from the eastern city of Benghazi, arrived in Tripoli on Saturday for the first time since bands of antiGaddafi rebels captured it on Aug. 23.

“Brotherhood and warmth-that’s what we will depend on to build our future.

We are not at a time of retribution,” Abdel Jalil declared. “This is the time of unity and liberation.”

The NTC has said it will complete its move to Tripoli this week, although previous timelines for this have slipped.

Establishing a credible interim government in the capital would mark an important step for Libya, where regional and factional rivalries among forces united only by contempt for Gaddafi could trouble efforts to reshape the country.

The NTC is anxious to show it can restart oil production, virtually stalled since the civil war began six months ago.

Interim Oil and Finance Minister Ali Tarhouni said on Saturday oil would be pumped at some fields within days and pre-war output levels would be restored within a year. But Abdel Jalil said Libya could not yet be declared “liberated” from the man who ruled it for 42 years.

“Gaddafi still has money and gold,” he said. “These are the fundamental things that will allow him to find men.”

The NTC had given Sirte, Sabha and Bani Walid until Saturday to surrender or face attack, although fighting around Sirte and Bani Walid erupted a day before the deadline.

Anti-Gaddafi fighters believe one or two of the ousted leader’s sons may be holed up in Bani Walid. Some NTC officials have even suggested Gaddafi might be there. The struggle for the town appeared far from over.

Abdulk arim el Elwani, a former Libyan army soldier who defected, now commands a unit of about 100 men who arrived at the front on Sunday, visibly better-equipped and in uniform.

“They asked us to come here because the Bani Walid rebels have failed to take the city,” he said. “There’s a lot of resistance. We have orders to advance in two hours.” — Reuters

News

in brief

Eight killed in Iraq BAGHDAD: Three soldiers, a policeman and a journalist were among eight people killed Saturday in attacks in Iraq, security officials said. In the capital’s Palestine Street, unidentified gunmen opened fire with guns equipped with silenders, killing three soldiers guarding a checkpoint and wounding two civilians, an interior ministry official said. He said a policeman was killed the same way in Zayuna, a district of eastern Baghdad.

In Taji, north of Baghdad, three civilians were killed by a roadside bomb.

In Baquba, northeast of the capital, a bomb in a cafe killed journalist Faisal Hamza Hussein and wounded seven people, including two policemen, a provincial security official said. Eight Iraqi journalists have been killed this year. On Thursday, Hadi al-Mehdi, a radio journalist critical of the government, was found murdered in his apartment in Baghdad.

Jordanian kills daughter AMMAN: A Jordanian has been charged with killing his 23-year-old daughter to “cleanse his honour ” over an alleged affair with a man, a judicial official said yesterday. “The 50-year- old man strangled his daughter on Saturday before handing himself in and confessing to the crime,” which took place in the Red Sea port of Aqaba, the official told AFP. “He claimed that he killed her to cleanse his honour after learning that she had been involved in a romantic relationship with a man.”

Murder is punishable by death in Jordan but in so - called “ honour k illings” cour ts can commute or reduce sentences, particularly if the vic tim’s family asks for lenienc y.

Between 15 and 20 women die in such murders each year in the Arab k ingdom, despite government efforts to curb such crimes.

AMMAN: Syrian forces stepped up raids across the country to arrest activists yesterday after one of the bloodiest weeks in the six-month uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, residents and activists said.

Dozens of people were seized in house-to-house raids in the eastern tribal province of Deir alZor, in the southern Hauran Plain and in villages around the city of Hama, which was among the hardest hit by armoured assaults on protest flashpoints.

A lawyer from the southern city of Deraa, the cradle of the revolt against 41 years of Assad family rule, said he saw dozens of troops encircling the nearby village of Yadouda. “I saw them by accident and fled. I heard that they later went into houses. They can come at any minute and raid and arrest,” the lawyer, who asked not to be named, said by phone.

He said detainees could expect ill-treatment or worse.

“You either disappear and are never heard from again, come back red and blue with holes in your body from beatings and torture to make an example of you or simply return in a coffin.”

Syrian authorities do not comment on arrests or allegations of torture but have said in the past that any arrests are made in accordance with the constitution.

They say they are fighting armed gangs who have killed at least 500 security personnel.

The United Nations says 2,200 people have died in the uprising that erupted in mid-March, while a Syrian grassroots organisation says security forces have killed 3,000 civilians. Syria has banned most independent journalists, making it hard to verify accounts of the violence from either side.

The Syrian Human Rights Organisation Sawasiah said at least 113 civilians were killed last week in military raids and in gunfire aimed at protesters, including a family of five in Homs.

It said in a statement that three activists also died from apparent torture in prison in what it said was an increased drive by the authorities to eliminate street protest leaders. “Last week saw unprecedented repression. The rights of many Syrians to live free of physical harm has been confiscated, among them

DAMASCUS: A photo released by the Syrian official news agency (SANA) shows Syrian soldiers carrying the coffin of Brigadier General Adnan Zidane Deeb as it leaves a hospital in Damascus for burial yesterday. — AFP women, children and elderly people,” it added.

Syrian demonstrators, while opposed to any foreign military intervention, have begun demanding international protection. The Arab League’s secretary-general said after visiting Damascus on Saturday that he had agreed with Assad on unspecified measures to end the bloodshed which would be presented to an Arab foreign ministers meeting in Cairo.

Nabil Elaraby also said he had urged Assad to “speed up reform plans through a timetable that will make every Syrian citizen feel that he has moved to a new stage”. Assad’s opponents say previous reforms announced by Assad, such as ending emergency law, have made no difference.

The West, which had courted Assad before the uprising, has increased sanctions on the ruling elite. The European Union plans tougher steps against the Syrian oil sector, which is linked to Assad and his relatives, following a US embargo. But there has been no hint in the West of any appetite for military action along Libyan lines.

Majority Sunni Syria has three times Libya’s population and its

political system is dominated by Assad and members of the minority Alawite sect.

Upsetting Syria’s ruling system would have major regional repercussions, given Sunni disquiet over Assad’s alliances with Iran’s Shi’ite clerical rulers and with the Lebanese Shi’ite guerrilla group Hezbollah led by Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Assad has backed anti-Israel militant groups but has kept up his father’s policy of avoiding a direct confrontation with Israeli troops occupying the Golan Heights since a 1973 war.

Southeast of the Golan, in the town of Hirak in Deraa province, Ahmad al-Sayyed, a resident, said Syrian troops had been carrying out daily swoops to quell dissent.

“They have stepped up arrests in towns that have seen heavy protests and that have managed to send video feeds to al-Jazeera (satellite TV channel),” he said.

Listing the latest raids, Sayyed said at least 250 people had been detained in Jeeza, 40 in Museifra, 50 in Busra al-Harir and 30 in Naimeh in the last 48 hours.

“They shoot in the air before they begin raids. They then drag young men and use electric sticks to beat them up and haul them

away to detention centres,” he said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, headed by dissident Rami Abdelrahman, said a 40-year-old woman was killed by bullets fired by security forces at random in the town of Albu Kamal on the Iraqi border while they were pursing wanted people.

In the Damascus suburb of Darayia, residents said 17-yearold Ahmad Kamal Ayrout died of wounds sustained when security forces fired at a funeral on Saturday for Ghayath Matar, an activist who died in prison from apparent torture. “Ghayath was 25. He used to organise campaigns to clean the streets while he was growing up. In recent protests in Darayia he used to give flowers to soldiers. He was arrested last week and his body returned with torture marks to his family,” said an activist in Darayia who did not want to be named.

A YouTube video purportedly of Matar’s body showed a youth in a coffin with red and brown marks on his chest and stomach. “He was an outspoken voice for non-violence and they still killed him,” the activist in Darayia said. —Reuters

Sadr says no anti-US attacks before pullout NAJAF: Radical Shiite cleric Moqtada alSadr ordered his followers not to launch any attacks on US troops before a year-end deadline for their withdrawal, in a statement seen yesterday. Sadr’s remarks came just days after he backtracked on a call for popular anti-government rallies. American forces have accused militias linked to the cleric of largely being behind attacks on its soldiers.

“In order that Iraq can recover its independence through the withdrawal of the invaders from our territory, I judge it indispensable to halt all armed resistance operations until the complete withdrawal of the occupying forces,” Sadr said in the statement originally issued Saturday.

“If the pullout is completed and there is no longer a single US soldier on our territory, the military operations will end definitively but if that is not the case and Iraq remains in a state of dependency, they will resume with greater vigour,” Sadr said. He paid tribute to “the resistance for its actions” and said his movement was now working “hand in hand with the government to achieve the liberation of the country and supporting it against US pressure.”

In July, Major General Jeffrey Buchanan, spokesman for US forces in Iraq, accused three Shiite militia groups of being behind attacks on US troops. He named them as the Promised Day Brigades, formed by Sadr in November 2008, and Ketaeb Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq, two splinter groups which broke away from Sadr’s former Mahdi Army

militia which fought US-led troops from 2004 to 2007. The cleric’s bloc holds six cabinet posts and has 40 seats in parliament.

Sadr said in a separate statement on Monday that he was giving Iraq’s govern-

Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr ment a “last chance” to implement reforms, after earlier calling for protests.

His statement comes as Washington and Baghdad deliberate over the size of a US

military training mission to last beyond year-end, after Iraqi leaders said last month they were open to such plans.

The new US Army chief warned on Thursday against leaving too large a force in Iraq after 2011, saying too many boots on the ground could feed the perception of an American “occupation.” General Ray Odierno commanded US forces in Iraq until last year and was one of the senior officers who spearheaded the troop “surge” in 2007, which the military believes turned the tide in the war and reduced sectarian violence.

He spoke amid a debate in Washington over the scale of a possible future US militar y mission in I raq and af ter Defence Secretary Leon Panetta endorsed a tentative plan for a force of 3,000-4,000 troops.

Some US lawmakers have criticised that number of soldiers and say senior officers favour a larger force of at least 10,000, which would include a unit deployed in northern Iraq to defuse Arab-Kurdish tensions. But Odierno told reporters the United States had to carefully balance how many troops were needed to assist Iraqi forces while scaling back the American profile in a country where anti-US sentiment still runs high. “I will say when I was leaving Iraq a year ago, I always felt we had to be careful about leaving too many people in Iraq,” said Odierno, who took over as army chief of staff on Wednesday. “ The larger the force that we leave behind ... (the more) comments of ‘occupation force’ remain,” he added. —AFP

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‘Iron Fist’ former general leads as Guatemalans vote GUATEMALA CITY: A former army general who served during Guatemala’s “dirty war” of the 1980s and who advocates an iron fist against crime is leading in the polls as voters choose a new president yesterday.

Polls were set to open throughout the impoverished Central American nation at 7:00 am (1300 GMT ) and close at 6:00 pm (2400 GMT). All government institutions have been placed on 48-hour “orange” alert ahead of the balloting.

Pre-vote surveys show Otto Perez Molina from the Patriotic Party some 20 points ahead of his nearest rival, but he is unlikely to win the 50 per-

cent-plus-one necessary to avoid a run-off vote in November.

“Let’s support safety for all Guatemalans, and lower the violent crime rate,” Perez, 60, told a crowd of some 4,000 that gathered at Asuncion Mita, on the border with El Salvador, for his final campaign rally on Friday.

Guatemala is still struggling to emerge from 36 years of civil strife, which ended 15 years ago. Perez was a senior military officer who rose to head of military intelligence before retiring in 2000.

With a population of 14 million-half of whom live in poverty-Guatemala is located on major drug trafficking

routes between South America and the United States. Guatemala also has a soaring murder rate of about 18 per day, one of the highest in the world, in part blamed on Mexican drug cartels spreading into the Central American country.

Perez running for the Patriotic Party, urged supporters to elect him in the first round of balloting. “By winning the first round, all Guatemalans would win,” Perez said.

He claimed that the 19 million dollars that would be spent on the runoff vote “could be spent on health, education, highways.” Perez has had a commanding lead in opinion polls

since Sandra Torres-who divorced President Alvaro Colom in a failed attempt to legally run for office-was disqualified, leaving the center-left ruling party without a candidate.

Perez will likely face a run-off vote against Eduardo Baldizon, 41, a wealthy businessman who wants the death penalty to be reinstated to end rampant crime. Third in the surveys ahead of the election is yet another right-winger, physicist and mathematician Eduardo Suger, with about 15 percent support.

Among the crowded field of 10 candidates is Rigoberta Menchu, the indigenous rights activist and 1992

Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Menchu, the only leftist on the ballot, has about two percent support among voters. “Let’s vote for a different alternative, to not return to a past of violence,” said Menchu, speaking in the town of San Pedro Yepocapa on Friday.

The main task for whoever wins “will be to battle the poverty that we find ourselves in,” said Sandra Leticia Castaneda, a 35-year old housewife in Asuncion Mita. “Guatemala needs transparency, justice, an end of corruption, and respect for life because public safety is paramount,” added Diego Ardon, 25. —AFP

Flight 93 forgotten ‘heroes’ honored with 9/11 memorial Future plans call for a memorial wall by 2014 SHANKSVILLE: America paid tribute to the “forgotten heroes” of 9/11 on Saturday with the solemn dedication of a national memorial to the 40 passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93. Polished granite slabs bearing the names of those who struggled with Al-Qaeda terrorists on the fourth airliner hijacked on September 11, 2001 were unveiled in the Pennsylvania countryside where the Boeing 757 crashed.

ROME: Terri-Anne Falcone, of New York City, center, reacts as she speaks during a memorial service to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks organized by the Democrats Abroad in Rome, yesterday. —AP

US Democratic Party fundraising slumps CHICAGO: The US Democratic National Committee raised about $5.5 million in August, its worst fundraising month of the year, down from $6.7 million in July, according to figures provided by Democratic officials on Saturday and Federal Election Commission filings.

The low fundraising figure for August was confirmed by a senior Democratic official, who said it would not be officially disclosed until Sept. 20. Both the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign were forced to curtail fundraising during the summer because of the negotiations with congressional Republicans over raising the U.S. debt limit, which led Obama to cancel fundraisers around the country.

The summer before an election year also is traditionally a relatively slow time for fundraising. Obama, with slumping job approval ratings amid ongoing US economic worries, is seeking re-election in November 2012. For the year 2011 to date, the DNC and Obama’s campaign have raised roughly $118 million, according to a presentation on Saturday from DNC

Treasurer Andrew Tobais and DNC National Finance Director Jane Stetson. The finance officials disclosed the figure to a meeting of the DNC. The $118 million includes $20.6 million raised by the DNC in the first quarter of the year, $86 million raised by the DNC and the Obama campaign in the second quarter, $6.7 million raised by the DNC in July, and roughly $5.5 million in August, a Democratic official said. The official said the numbers are preliminary and may change when formally reported.

The figure does not include most of the funds raised by Obama’s campaign in the third quarter, which will end on Sept. 30, according to Democratic finance officials.

Democratic Party Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who led her first full committee meeting, said the party needs to rally behind Obama’s $447 billion jobs plan aimed at jump-starting the economy and hiring, as well as his own re-election prospects. “ There is only one job the Republicans care about ... Barack Obama’s,” Wasserman Schultz said at the meeting for the committee’s top brass in Chicago on Saturday. —Reuters

Briton killed, wife kidnapped NAIROBI: Armed men killed a British man and kidnapped his wife from a beach resort in northern Kenya near the East African nation’s border with lawless Somalia, a Nairobi-based diplomat said yesterday. Britain’s Foreign Office confirmed that two British citizens were attacked near Kenya’s border with Somalia and that one was killed, but declined to comment further. The diplomat said attackers broke into their

accommodation overnight on Saturday at the Kiwayu Safari Village resort about 30 miles (about 50 kilometers) north of the island resort of Lamu. He declined to give further details.

He spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press. Kenyan police spokesman Eric Kiraithe declined to give details but said Kenyan police have launched a search and rescue operation. —AP

Then-president George W. Bush, his predecessor Bill Clinton and current Vice President Joe Biden joined families of the victims and hundreds of othersmany in patriotic T-shirts or holding US flags-under a slate gray sky.

“One of the lessons of 9/11 is that evil is real-and so is courage,” Bush said, recalling “the first counter-offensive in the war on terror (and) one of the most courageous acts in American history.”

“The temptation of isolation is deadly wrong,” added Bush, clearly directing his remarks to those who favor less US engagement in world affairs. It was up to the United States, he said, to “lead the cause of freedom... a world of dignity, liberty, and hope would be better and safer of all.”

Bells struck by National Parks Service rangers in stetson hats tolled as the names of the dead were read aloud, and Canadian songstress Sarah McLachlan, alone at the piano, performed her mournful “I Will Remember You.” Later, many families-sometimes with young childrentrekked gingerly across the rainsodden field to lay wreaths and remember loved ones at the very spot-marked by a 17-ton boulderwhere Flight 93 slammed into the ground.

With several hundred people still on site at dusk, nearly 3,000 white paper candles were lit, stretching across the venue, one for each 9/11 fatality at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon as well as Shanksville.

Yesterday, President Barack Obama is to join a two-hour commemorative service at the spot where Flight 93 went down-lifting the profile of a sometimes overlooked episode of the catastrophic 9/11 attacks. The Flight 93 National Memorial currently includes an elongated walkway that sweeps past a circular fieldpermanently restricted to family members-where the jet crashed.

The adjoining wall of marble bearing the names of the dead retraces the direction in which Flight 93 came down. Planted by the entry to the walkway are three young elm trees, representing the three 9/11 sites.

Future plans call for a memorial wall by 2014, a grove of 40 trees

to sunshine during the ceremony.

Notable upon the stage were the flags of Germany, Japan and New Zealand-in remembrance of wine merchant Christian Adams, 37, student Toshiya Kuge, 20, and lawyer Alan Anthony Beaven, 48, the non-native-born Americans on the flight.

wherever it was going,” she told AFP. Notwithstanding a Hollywood movie, “United 93”, the story of Flight 93 has largely been overshadowed by the destruction of the World Trade Center and the direct hit on the Pentagon.

In-flight recordings pulled from

NEW YORK: The World Trade Center Flag is presented as friends and relatives of the victims of 9/11 gather for a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the attacks at the National September 11 Memorial at the World Trade Center site, yesterday, in New York. —AP and, in time, a 93-foot (28-meter) “tower of voices” comprising 40 wind chimes-although 10 million dollars still needs be raised before the project is done.

“We built the Statue of Liberty and that was important, but there’s nothing more important that this memorial,” said Ed Rendell, governor of Pennsylvania during the period when the idea of a lasting memorial took hold.

Several days of heavy rain that triggered floods in much of Pennsylvania forced organizers to alter the staging of this weekend’s events, until grey skies gave way

Nate set to hit Mexico’s coast TUXPAN: Tropical Storm Nate, already dumping rain on Mexico’s Gulf coast, was forecast to come ashore midday yesterday but was not likely to strengthen into a hurricane.

Nate weakened slightly overnight, the Miami-based US National Hurricane Center said. “Nate is running out of time to strengthen and it appears highly unlikely that it will reach hurricane strength before landfall, which is expected to occur around midday,” the hurricane center said in its 5 a.m. ET (0900 GMT) advisory.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of near 60 mph (95 kph) with higher gusts, and little change in strength was expected before landfall, the center added.

The oil-exporting ports of Cayo Arcas and Dos Bocas remained closed to shipping and two other smaller ports were also shut in the southwest Gulf of Mexico.

Strong waves and wind gusts forced beach restaurant owners to pick up chairs and tables and fold umbrellas to prevent accidents. People in the city of Tuxpan, in northern Veracruz state on the Gulf of Mexico, carried on with business as usual on Saturday, with families gathering at cafeterias and shopping at grocery stores.

Mexico’s government has replaced a hurricane warning from Tuxpan to Veracruz with a tropical storm warning, the hurricane center said. State oil company Pemex evacuated 473 workers from five sea platforms as a precaution. Nate had cut Mexican oil production by 178,800 barrels a day as of Friday.

Local media reported a fisherman drowned on Friday after strong surf capsized his little boat in the Bay of Campeche area, and 10 oil industry contractors were missing after they evacuated a rig in the same area. To the east, Caribbean islands that were lashed by Hurricane Irene last month looked set to be spared any major impact from Tropical Storm Maria. —Reuters

A US Navy brass quintet in crisp white uniforms played a prelude. FBI agents raised the national flag. Award-winning bagpiper Bruce Liberati played “Amazing Grace” despite a flagging sound system.

Ethel Stevanus, who lives near Shanksville, came Saturday in a Tshirt emblazoned “Let’s Roll”-the battle cry that software executive Todd Beamer reputedly shouted to his fellow passengers and crew against the hijackers.

“Our hearts go out to those who gave their lives to stop the plane from hitting the Capitol or

the rubble revealed how the passengers and crew, aware of the World Trade Center attack from mid-air cellphone calls to loved ones, fought the four hijackers for control of the Being 757.

The plane crashed at 10:03 am, slamming into the ground at 563 miles (906 kilometers) an hour, just 20 minutes’ flying time from its presumed target, the Capitol building. Everyone on board died instantly. Even without the permanent memorial, the 2,200-acre (890-hectare) site has drawn up to 6,000 people a week in the summer months. —AFP

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Rwandan leader comes to France for reconciliation visit PARIS: President Paul Kagame of Rwanda was yesterday to begin his first visit to France since the 1994 genocide, striving to repair ties, despite controversy over Paris’ role in his country’s troubled past.

Kagame was due to meet Rwandan expats, French academics and businessmen as well as President Nicolas Sarkozy, who visited Rwanda in 2009 to kickstart a delicate reconciliation process that has raised hackles in France.

Many French generals and statesmen are still smarting after being accused by Kagame and his allies of collaborating with Rwanda’s previous genocidal regime in its massacre of around 800,000 mainly ethnic Tutsis.

Meanwhile, opposition and human rights groups accuse Kagame-whose Tutsi rebel army overthrew the murderous Hutu government and brought the killing to an end-of himself becoming more authoritarian in his 17 years of rule. “ We are well aware that this visit won’t

please some people, but the president has decided to turn the page on France’s painful relations with Rwanda,” a senior official in Sarkozy’s office told AFP. Before the Rwandan party left Kigali, Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo said the trip was “a step in the normalisation of relations” but warned that this “process does not happen in one day.”

One sign of the tension is the absence during the visit of Mushikiwabo’s French counterpart Alain Juppe, who was accused of complicity in the genocide by a Rwandan inquiry and has departed on a tour of the Pacific rim.

French generals have called Kagame’s visit an insult to the honour of the French armed forces, and demanded that he withdraw the Mucyo inquiry’s report, which they brand a lie, and which implicates several senior officers.

Rwanda is a former Belgian colony and its formerly French-speaking regime once had close ties with Paris. Kagame speaks English,

and his Tutsi-led FPR government has closer ties to London and Washington.

These connections have suffered in recent years, however, amid criticism of his treatment of opposition dissent and allegations of rights abuses.

“This visit comes at a time when both sides are in a position of weakness,” said Rwanda expert Andre Guichaoua, noting that Paris has seen its influence in the Great Lakes region collapse and Rwanda is more and more isolated.

Guichaoua said Kagame’s position has been weakened by internal opposition and attacked by human rights groups for alleged abuses.

“When Rwanda is in difficulty, and its powerful friends (in London and Washington) distance themselves, he rediscovers France,” he argued. Kagame’s first engagement on Sunday was to be with the Rwandan diaspora in Europe, with busloads of supporters being brought down from Belgium to join allies in the suburbs of Paris for a celebratory public meet-

ing. He is also expected to face protests during the trip from Rwandan opponents in exile, notably on Monday and Tuesday in Paris during his working meetings. Today, he is to lunch with Sarkozy in the Elysee Palace, to “develop a partnership between our two countries and deepen our cooperation” in the words of Sarkozy’s adviser. Unlike Belgium, France has never apologised for failing to halt the k illings, but Sarkozy came close during his visit to Kigali in 2009, admitting Paris had a “kind of blindness” to the genocidal streak in the former regime.

The controversial Mucyo report, firmly and furiously denied by Paris, alleges that French complicity went further than this, with French forces training and arming Hutu militias and taking part in murder and rape.

Several senior French officials from former governments of both right and left have never forgiven what they see as a slur, but since coming to power in 2007 Sarkozy has tried to turn the page and rebuild normal relations. — AFP

Tanzania mourns ferry victims as toll nears 200 Rescue teams resume search ZANZIBAR: Tanzanians yesterday began three days of national mourning for nearly 200 people who died when a ferry capsized off the Zanzibar coast as the government confirmed the vessel was overcrowded.

Amid the grief, there were recriminations and anger that one of the worst maritime disasters in Africa in a decade could have been avoided. The ferry Spice Islander capsized with more than 800 people and cargo on board early Saturday, four hours into sailing between Unguja and Pemba, two of the three islands that make up the popular tourist archipelago of Zanzibar-a semiautonomous part of Tanzania.

“The capacity of the ferry is 600 passengers and 500 tons of cargo,” Tanzania’s minister in charge of emergencies, Mohammed Abud, told journalists, and said there had been 816 passengers on board. The passengers were overwhelm-

ingly locals, many of them families returning home after the holidays to celebrate the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Abud announced a probe to establish the “root cause” of the disaster that claimed at least 197 lives, and promised that anyone found negligent will be punished.

“Most of these private boats (which ply the routes between the islands) are old and often overloaded but the authorities let it go on. If nothing changes this won’t be the last accident like this,” said Abdurahman Alawi, who had seven members of his family on the doomed ferry.

“Out of the seven, only my niece, a young girl, survived. She is in hospital now. We were able to identify another member of the family, who was buried during the night. But with regard to the others, their bodies have not yet been recovered.” Zaid Amour, a 50-year-old survivor, put the

ZANZIBAR: Zanzibar Municipal Council workers carry a body for burial in Zanzibar, Tanzania, yesterday. More than 200 bodies have been recovered after a crowded ferry sank off Tanzania’s coast and some 600 have been rescued, an official said yesterday. — AP

blame squarely “on those who did not prevent the boat from leaving. We were already protesting to the captain and other people in the port before we left saying the boat was too full”.

Rescue teams, who managed to pluck 612 people to safety before nightfall on Saturday, resumed their search early yesterday but did not expect to find any more survivors. “We will continue to look for bodies, but there is no more hope of finding people alive. We are looking for the bodies so they can be buried,” police spokesman Mohamed Mhina said.

“Bodies which have been able to be identified yesterday have been buried, some of them during the night. Those who could not be identified have been buried with dignity by the government,” Mhina said, explaining that the rapidity of the burials was in accordance with Islam, the religion of the overwhelming majority of the population on Zanzibar.

Mhina said the morgue in the main hospital on Unguja, the biggest island in the archipelago, was not big enough to deal with a tragedy of this scale.

Yesterday, inhabitants on Zanzibar gathered in the Maisara stadium in Stone Town, where dozens of bodies had been laid out the day before to be identified.

A ceremony is being organised in the stadium to mark the start of three days of national mourning decreed by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, who reportedly cancelled a three-day trip to Canada in the wake of the disaster. Abud said the head of state would preside over a special meeting of the national security council later yesterday, while Zanzibar leader Mohammed Shein was to lead prayer ceremonies for victims and their families today.

No foreigners have been reported among the dead or rescued. Tourists generally use high speed ferry services between the islands rather than hulks like the Spice Islander, which are 10 times slower. Tourism is the main foreign currency earner for Zanzibar, famed for its white-sand beaches and historical buildings in Stone Town, listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO, the United Nations cultural organisation. Pemba lies some 80 kilometres (50 miles) northeast of Unguja. — AFP

African leaders gave Chirac ‘briefcases of cash’: Report PARIS: African leaders gave former French president Jacques Chirac and his prime minister Dominique de Villepin briefcases full of cash, notably to finance election campaigns, a former aide alleged yesterday.

Villepin, a potential candidate in next year’s presidential election, denied the allegations, which claim to shed new light on the French political establishment’s often shady relationship with former colonies in Africa.

Robert Bourgi, a lawyer with a network of African contacts who advised Chirac and Villepin before changing camps in 2005 to aid now President Nicolas Sarkozy, made the allegations in France’s Journal du Dimanche newspaper.

Bourgi said he “took part in handing over several briefcases to Jacques Chirac in person, at Paris city hall” when the future president was mayor in the 1980s and 1990s.

“There was never less than five million francs (more than 750,000 euros). It could go up to 15 million,” Bourgi said, giving a detailed account of how Chirac would offer him beer while allegedly putting away the bundles of cash.

“I remember the first handing over of funds in Villepin’s presence. The money came from Marshal Mobutu (Sese Seko), president of Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo).”

It was in 1995. He had given me 10 million francs that Jacques

Foccart gave to Chirac,” Bourgi said, referring to his predecessor who was president Charles de Gaulle’s pointman for Africa and then briefly also for Chirac.

Bourgi said the money handed

over amounted to “several million francs a year. More during elections”. “In the run-up to the 2002 presidential campaign (won by Chirac), Villepin asked me outright ‘what steps to take’.”

PARIS: Former French president Jacques Chirac (R) and former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin arriving to attend the funerals of Henri Cuq, on June 14, 2010 in Houdan, west of Paris. — AFP

Bourgi said five African leaders came to Villepin’s office: Senegal’s Abdoulaye Wade, Burkina Faso’s Blaise Compaore, Ivory Coast’s Laurent Gbagbo and CongoBrazzaville’s Denis Sassou Nguesso and Gabon’s Omar Bongo. There, they handed over around 10 million dollars for the 2002 campaign, he alleged.

Villepin strenuously denied the allegations: “This is all just nonsense and smokescreens,” he told the newspaper.

Bourgi said that since he started working for Sarkozy he had no longer brought in cases of African cash, although another former African advisor to Chirac, Michel de Bonnecorse, denied this.

He told Pierre Pean, who also interviewed Bourgi for his new book “Briefcase Republic”, that Bourgi himself had in 2007 dropped off a large briefcase at Sarkozy’s feet when he was interior minister. Chirac, 78, was last week excused from attending his corruption trial over alleged ghost jobs created during his time at city hall. His doctors said he was afflicted by memory lapses. Judges will this week also rule on Villepin’s involvement in the Clearstream affair dating back to 2004 in which Villepin is accused of smearing his bitter rival Sarkozy. Villepin, a suave diplomat best remembered for leading the charge against the Iraq war at the United Nations in 2003, was cleared of all charges in a first trial that ended last year. — AFP

GOTEBORG: The Roda Sten art exhibition, center foreground, in Goteborg, Sweden, with the Gota Alv river and the oil terminal on the opposite bank seen yesterday.

Swedish police arrested four people on suspicion of preparing a terror attack and evacuated an arts center in Sweden’s second largest city on the eve of the 9/11 anniversary, officials said yesterday. — AP

Swedish police arrest four terror suspects STOCKHOLM: Swedish police arrested four people on suspicion of preparing a terror attack and evacuated an arts center in Sweden’s second largest city on the eve of the 9/11 anniversary, officials said yesterday.

The four were arrested in the west coast city of Goteborg and were suspected of plotting terrorism, said Sara Kvarnstrom, spokeswoman for the Swedish security police, SAPO. She declined to give details on the arrests and wouldn’t say whether they were linked to the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

Kvarnstrom said SAPO saw no reason to raise its terror alert level, which has been at “elevated” since October. “Our assessment is that there is no reason for public concern at the moment,” she told The Associated Press.

Police in Goteborg said in a statement they had evacuated the Roda Sten arts center, located beneath the city’s landmark halfmile (933-meter) Alvsborg bridge, due to a threat deemed to pose “serious danger for life, health or substantial damage of property.”

Goteborg police said they had assisted security police with the arrests, but declined to give any further comments. Kvarnstrom declined to say if the arts center or the bridge were considered potential targets for a terror attack.

The Alvsborg bridge runs over Goteborg’s harbor to connect the mainland with the island of Hisingen. The six-lane passage is a vital link from the Norwegian capital Oslo to southern Sweden. Roda Sten is a former heating plant that was abandoned for years being reopened as an arts center in 2000, according to its website. About 400 people were celebrating the opening of an international biennial for contemporary art at the graffiti-covered brick building when police ordered everyone to leave, said Mia Christersdotter Norman, the head of Roda Sten. “Around midnight I was called out by the police and they said there was a threat to the building and asked us to quietly stop the party, which we did and everyone left,” Christersdotter Norman told The Associated Press. “Police have searched the building but they didn’t find anything,” she said, adding the arts center would reopen as usual yesterday.

She said she had no information about the arrests, and had not been aware of any threats against the arts festival or its participants before the police operation. Klas Eriksson, a disc jockey, was just about to start at Roda Sten when police broke up the party. People were worried but there was no panic, he said.

“It was just after midnight. Police said that they had arrested four people and that the building had to be evacuated,” Eriksson told AP. “I thought it was scary,” he said. “Your thoughts go to 9/11, because it was just after midnight. But you don’t know. It could be anything.” In December, suicide bomber Taimour Abdulwahab blew himself up in downtown Stockholm among panicked Christmas shoppers, injuring two people and causing shock in a country that had largely been insulated from terrorism.

The 2007 drawing of the Prophet Muhammad by a Swedish cartoonist raised tensions in Sweden. In May, Lars Vilks was assaulted while giving a speech in Uppsala, and vandals unsuccessfully tried to burn down his home in southern Sweden. His cartoon was reportedly the inspiration for Abulwahab’s attack.

Vilks was not attending the art biennial in Goteborg. In a report detailing the extent of extremist Islamist networks in Sweden, ordered months before that attack, the SAPO security agency had downplayed the risk of terror attacks in the Nordic country.

Activity among radicalized Muslims in Sweden is primarily directed toward supporting militants in other countries, including Somalia, Afghanistan and Pakistan, it said. Magnus Norell, a terrorism expert at the Swedish Defense Research Agency, declined to speculate about what was behind yesterday’s arrests, but said the general threat in Sweden remains low. “It was low in December 2010 as well - but at the same time Sweden is a part of the world and a global context,” he said.

Scandinavia has largely been focused on Islamic terrorism since Sept. 11, but in the wake of Norway’s terrorist attack by a rightwing anti-immigrant Norwegian, the European police agency said it was setting up a task force of more than 50 experts to help investigate non-Islamist threats in Scandinavian countries. — AP

LONDON: London’s Lord Mayor Locum Tenens Alderman Ian Luder lays a wreath following a memorial service at St Paul’s Catherdral in London yesterday to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the US. — AFP

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Decade after 9/11, Afghans languish in Pakistan HARIPUR/ISLAMABAD: When Ghulum Nabi’s father heard US-backed troops toppled Afghanistan’s Taleban after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, he rushed to their family home in an Afghan refugee camp in Pakistan to spread the news.

Perhaps, one day they could all return to a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan supported by a Western superpower.

After 10 years of US-led efforts to pacify one of the world’s most turbulent countries, Afghan refugees in Pakistan have little hope for stability in their homeland.

“I grew up here and Pakistan is my country. When my father pushes me to go back to visit, I end up having a fight with him. I’m never going to live there. I want to get Pakistani nationality. This is my home,” said Nabi, 22, who runs a crockery shop.

“It doesn’t matter if it is America or anyone else trying to watch over Afghanistan. I will still be looking around to see if anyone is pointing a gun at me.”

Afghan President Hamid Karzai would

welcome a return of the millions of Afghans living in Pakistan.

It would be a vote of confidence in his administration, which faces many problems, from widespread allegations of state corruption, to a resilient Taleban.

Many of the refugees are skilled labourers who could boost reconstruction and help revive a weak economy if they return. But it’s unlikely to happen.

Most of the refugees in Pakistan arrived after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. The conflict that followed consumed their homeland. After the mujahideen warriors defeated the Russians, warlords turned on each other and tore Afghanistan apart.

Many refugees fear a repeat of that chaos as a US troop withdrawal looms.

Some would like to go home but feel they can’t. Others regard Pakistan as home despite its many disadvantages.

Without proper Pakistani identification cards, Afghans can’t open bank accounts or buy or lease property. Many are openly

mistreated by Pakistanis who have little fear of being held to account. On Aug. 14, the anniversary of Pakistan’s independence, Saeed Anwar’s landlord showed up with three men armed with AK-47 assault rifles at his clothing shop at a busy bazaar in the city of Haripur, home to 80,000 Afghan refugees who live in camps.

“They threw around my merchandise and said I need to pay them a 300,000 Pakistani rupees ($3,450) advance on the rent. I had already paid the rent,” said Anwar, wearing traditional, loose Pakistani trousers. “I went to the police to register a case. But when they see a dispute between a Pakistani and an Afghan, they automatically assume the Afghan has done something wrong.”

Still, many Afghans believe its wiser, and safer, to just accept the frequent humiliation than return to a homeland still shattered, despite a long U.S.-led military campaign against militancy and billions of dollars in Western aid.

Afghans-from elders who vividly

remember the first Soviet gunship helicopters in Afghanistan, to teenagers who have only visited a few times-work for Pakistanis as welders or carpenters and tailors in Haripur and other cities.

Most of them prefer to run their own small businesses, from food carts to car dealerships. It’s the only sense of independence they have in the camps which consist of small cement and mud housing units near a reservoir.

The elders have set up a jirga, or tribal gathering, to settle internal disputes, as is done in much of Afghanistan. Cricket games are the only form of entertainment and leisure activity for most youths.

Two years ago Pakistan agreed to let displaced Afghans stay until the end of 2012, after a resurgence of militant violence along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border hindered repatriation. Still, people like Sherullah, whose nine children were born in Pakistan, feel vulnerable. What if Pakistan asks them to leave one day?

“There is a lot of confusion. If there’s one

thing I want, it’s for this confusion to go away, for us to know if we will be staying or not,” said Sherullah, who was cutting women’s clothing in his tailor shop.

“There are many people living here that can afford to build a proper house but don’t want to. They think ‘what if next year we are told to leave?’. So they continue to live in mud houses.” Aside from 1.7 million officially registered Afghans in Pakistan, there are an additional 800,000 with no documentation.

According to the United Nations, Pakistan is home to the world’s largest refugee population, mostly Afghans, who strain the country’s troubled economy.

Pakistan would like to repatriate them.

There are, however, few incentives for refugees to head back to Afghanistan. So life in camps may drag on for many years.

Even though the US disengagement is gradual, it brings back painful memories of what was widely seen as American abandonment of Afghanistan after the Soviet exit in 1989. — Reuters

77 Americans wounded in Afghan truck bombing Attack carried out by Taleban suicide bomber KABUL: Nearly 80 American soldiers were wounded and two Afghan civilians were killed in a Taleban truck bombing targeting an American base in eastern Afghanistan, NATO said yesterday, a stark reminder that the war in Afghanistan still rages 10 years after the Sept 11 terror attacks against the United States.

The blast, which occurred late Saturday, shaved the facades from shops outside the Combat Outpost Sayed Abad in Wardak province and broke windows in government offices nearby, said Roshana Wardak, a former parliamentarian who runs a clinic in the nearby town of the same name. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

Eight wounded civilians were brought to Wardak’s clinic, two of them with wounds serious enough that they were sent to Kabul. She said one 3-year-old girl died of her wounds on the way to the clinic.

The attack was carried out by a Taleban suicide bomber who detonated a large bomb inside a truck carrying firewood, NATO said. It was unclear how many foreign and Afghan soldiers were serving on the base.

“Most of the force of the explosion was

absorbed by the protective barrier at the outpost entrance,” NATO said, adding that the damage was repairable and that operations were continuing.

Fewer than 25 Afghan civilians were also wounded, NATO said, adding that none of the 77 injuries sustained by the Americans were life-threatening. Spokesman Maj. Russell Fox said Sunday that all the international troops at the combat outpost are American.

The truck bombing came hours after the Taleban vowed to keep fighting US forces in Afghanistan until all American troops leave the country and stressed that their movement had no role in the Sept 11 attacks.

Yesterday, the US Embassy in Kabul held a memorial service to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. A military band played as American troops raised an American flag in front of about 300 assembled US and Afghan officials. Marine Corps Gen. John Allen, the commander of US and NATO troops in Afghanistan urged those assembled to honor the memory of those who died. “On that day we lost mothers and fathers, sons and daughters we lost people of many nations and many

religions, today we remember, we honor them all,” he said. The Afghan Foreign Minister said the attacks bound Afghans and Americans together in a “shared struggle.” In a statement emailed to media, the Taleban accused the United States of using the Sept. 11 attacks as a pretext to invade Afghanistan and said the international community was responsible for killing thousands of Afghans during the invasion and ensuing occupation.

“Each year, 9/11 reminds the Afghans of an event in which they had no role whatsoever,” the Taleban said. “American colonialism has shed the blood of tens of thousands of miserable and innocent Afghans.” The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan on Oct. 7, 2001, after the Taliban, who then ruled the country, refused to hand over Osama bin Laden. The late al-Qaida leader was at the time living in Afghanistan, where the terror network had training camps from which it planned attacks against the US and other countries. “The Afghans have an endless stamina for a long war,” the statement said.

“Through a countrywide uprising, the Afghans will send the Americans to the dustbin of his-

US drone kills four militants in Pakistan PESHAWAR: A US drone strike killed at least four militants yesterday in a restive Pakistani tribal area, security officials said. The unmanned aircraft fired two missiles, hitting a vehicle and a house in the Hisokhel village of lawless North Waziristan tribal district, security officials told AFP. “A US drone fired two missiles on a vehicle in Hisokhel village and at least four militants were killed,” a senior Pakistani security official said. A nearby house was also damaged in the missile strike, he added.

The identities of the militants killed in the attack, which took place some 30 kilometers (18 miles) east of Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan, were not immediately clear, he said. Another security official and a local intelligence official confirmed the attack and casualties.

The attack came as the world observed the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. Although the US does not publicly confirm drone attacks, its military and the CIA in Afghanistan are the only forces that deploy the unmanned Predator aircraft in the region.

North Waziristan is the headquarters of the Haqqani leadership and the main militant bastion in the

semi-autonomous tribal belt. The Haqqani network is considered the deadliest enemy of US troops in eastern Afghanistan. It was founded by Jalaluddin Haqqani and is run by his son, Sirajuddin, both designated “global terrorists” by Washington.

The group has been blamed for some of the worst anti-US attacks in Afghanistan, including a suicide attack at a US base in the eastern province of Khost in 2009 that killed seven CIA operatives.

Around two dozen drone strikes have been reported in Pakistan since elite US forces killed Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in a suburban home near Pakistan’s main military academy in Abbottabad, close to the capital, on May 2. The raid humiliated Pakistan and prompted allegations of incompetence and complicity in sheltering bin Laden.

Pakistan is seen as a key ally for the United States in its fight against Islamist militancy, but relations soured after the bin Laden raid, which both countries say was carried out without Islamabad being warned.

Drone attacks are unpopular among many Pakistanis, who oppose the alliance with Washington and who are sensitive to perceived viola-

tions of sovereignty.

US officials have accused Pakistani intelligence of playing a double game with extremists, including the Afghan Taleban and the Haqqani network, in order to exert influence in Afghanistan and offset the might of arch-rival India.

Washington’s pressure on Islamabad to launch a decisive military campaign in North Waziristan, as Pakistan has conducted elsewhere in the tribal belt, has so far fallen on deaf ears.

The arrest of an important AlQaeda figure announced last week

by Pakistani intelligence was praised

by Washington and appeared to indicate a warming of ties between the two allies.

Pakistan said last Monday that its forces had arrested Younis alMauritani, described as a senior AlQaeda leader believed to have been responsible for planning attacks on the United States, Europe and Australia.

He was picked up in the suburbs of Quetta-the main town in southwestern Baluchistan province, bordering Afghanistan and Iran-along with two other high-ranking operatives after the US and Pakistani spy agencies joined forces. — AFP

Pakistan PM calls for global flood help ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has called for international help for up to five million people affected by recent monsoon rains. Floods in Pakistan have killed 138 people in a month and affected up to five million more, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.

Sindh, a flood-prone southern province, was the hardest-hit area with thousands of houses and large areas of crops destroyed.

“International organisations and the world community should focus their attention on the affected people,” Gilani said in an address to the nation late Saturday.

“We are sure that international

organisations and the world community would sympathetically consider the appeal by the President of Pakistan and take immediate steps for the rehabilitation of flood-affected people.”

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday asked the United Nations to issue an international appeal for humanitarian assistance. Gilani said that recent rains in Sindh were almost two and a half times normal levels, and had inundated an area of 4.1 million acres, including 1.7 million acres of crops.

He said 700,000 houses were damaged across 21 districts, 150,000 people in relief camps needed immediate assistance, and

64,000 livestock had been lost. The UN children’s agency said up to 2.5 million children in southern Pakistan had been affected by the monsoon floods.

UNICEF said many people were still recovering from last year, when the worst floods in Pakistan’s history affected 21 million people and killed an estimated 1,750, with the south again taking the brunt of the devastation. “Children are the most vulnerable in any emergency-in this disaster, many are experiencing the devastating effects of a flood emergency for the second time in a year,” the organisation’s Pakistan head, Dan Rohrmann, said in a statement. —AFP

HERAT: Afghan security personnel show weapons they seized from Taleban fighters in Herat city yesterday. Herat National Directorate of Security (NDS) personnel arrested a group of Taleban fighters as they attacked several targets in Herat province and killed several civilians, NDS officials said. — AFP tory like they sent other empires of the past.”

The statement was issued by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the official title used by the Taleban when they ruled the country.

The insurgent group continues to launch regular attacks and orchestrate assassination campaigns against those allied with the government. In addition to the attack in Wardak

on Saturday, 10 Afghan civilians were killed in two separate roadside bombings.

Although the Taleban were swiftly driven from power by the US-led coalition, they managed to use the years of the Iraq war - when America focused its military strength on the conflict against Saddam Hussein - to regroup, rearm and reorganize. — AP

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China uses 9/11 to crack down on Xinjiang BEIJING: Over the past decade China has used the global “war on terror” to jail thousands of ethnic Muslim Uighurs in the far-western and restive Xinjiang region, a minority rights group said yesterday. Beijing has attributed any social unrest in Xinjiang to the forces of “terrorism, separatism and religious extremism” and has jailed and even executed alleged perpetrators, the Germanybased World Uyghur Congress said.

“The Chinese authorities found in 9/11 the perfect excuse to crack down

on all forms of peaceful political, social and cultural Uighur dissent,” the exiled head of the Congress, Rebiya Kadeer, said in a statement. “The past decade has proved that the Chinese government is misusing the fight against terrorism to curb Uighur dissent and silence political opponents. “ While the number of protests against government policies is increasing day by day in the whole country, only Uighur protests are labelled as ‘terrorism’.” Numerous outbreaks of ethnic

violence have erupted in Xinjiang in recent years as the Uighur minority bristles under what it regards as cultural and religious oppression and an unwanted immigration of ethnic Han Chinese. Tensions boiled over in July, when two knife attacks as well as clashes between Uighurs and police left more than 40 people in the resourcerich and strategic region dead.

Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia are among the countries the area borders.

According to the Congress, China

was mainly using “state security” laws, including subversion and separatism, to convict Uighurs suspected of fomenting unrest. According to official government statistics, judicial departments heard over 375 cases of endangering state security in Xinjiang in 2010, with an average of three people tried in each case, the group said.

“It is very likely that XUAR (Xinjiang) courts tried more than 1,000 defendants for endangering state security in 2010, and it is safe to conclude that the over-

whelming majority were convicted,” the statement said. Up to 7,000 Uighurs may have been jailed for violations of state security laws since 2001, when China joined the global “war on terror” following the 9/11 attacks on the US, the group said, citing press reports and independent rights groups. China has also successfully repatriated from neighbouring countries at least 180 Uighurs since 2001, jailing and even executing those returnees subsequently convicted of state security violations, it said. —AFP

Three Al-Qaeda-linked rebels killed in Philippines US ambassador thanks Manila for fight against terror

IWANUMA CITY: Local residents light a candle at a park during a memorial event marking six months after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Iwanuma city, Miyagi prefecture, yesterday. — AP

Silence as Japan marks six months after tsunami MINAMISANRIKU: The people of Japan fell silent in prayer yesterday, six months after an earthquake and tsunami left 20,000 dead or missing and sparked a nuclear crisis. At 2:46pm the eerie wail of warning sirens rang out, marking exactly six months since the 9.0-magnitude quake struck, unleashing towering waves which swallowed whole communities.

In towns along the devastated Pacific coastline, mourners gathered to remember the dead, while in Tokyo anti-nuclear rallies were held over the Fukushima crisis-the worst nuclear accident since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. In the coastal town of Minamisanriku, where 900 people were killed and 60 percent of the buildings were destroyed, about 2,000 people dressed in black gathered at a public gymnasium to observe a moment’s silence.

“We never give up hope and vow to unite as one in building a new town so that we can make up for the sacrifice of precious lives of many people,” Minamisanriku mayor Jin Sato said during the remembrance service. The March 11 quake struck 130 kilometres (80 miles) offshore and sent giant waves along a 600-kilometre (375-mile) stretch of the scenic northeast coast.

The disaster also crippled cooling systems and sparked meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, some 220 kilometres (138 miles) northeast of Tokyo, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate, still with no idea when they can return home. “The most difficult thing is that I have lost my job and it is hard to work out plans for my children,” Takahiro Murakami, 35, told AFP in Minamisanriku. “The biggest shock was to see my town disappear.”

In the major fishing port of Ishinomaki, where 4,000 people lost their lives in the tsunami, people gathered on a hill overlooking the town below where mounds of debris and wrecked vehicles littered the waterfront.

As the sirens wailed out they folded

their hands and prayed. Meanwhile, about 1,000 people, including many families, marched through the trendy Tokyo streets of Shibuya. Children held placards which read: “No Nukes.”

Two similar major anti-nuclear rallies were being staged in the capital, including the formation of a human chain around the the economy ministry, which is responsible for nuclear power.

The six-month anniversary came amid embarrassment for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s new government after trade minister Yoshio Hachiro resigned on Saturday over remarks deemed insensitive to Fukushima evacuees. After touring the Fukushima plant and the no-go zone with Noda on Thursday, Hachiro sparked fierce criticism by referring to the plant’s neighbourhood as a “town of death”.

Noda held a meeting with his ministers on post-disaster reconstruction yesterday and apologised for Hachiro’s gaffe after observing a minute’s silence.

“Our struggle with the Fukushima accident is only half done,” Noda said.

“Without solving the accident, Japan cannot regain (international) trust.”

The prime minister on Saturday travelled to ravaged Miyagi and Iwate prefectures for the first time since taking office last month, when he replaced Naoto Kan, who resigned amid criticism over his handling of the disaster.

The government was accused of underplaying the full scale of the nuclear crisis, and allowing political infighting to overshadow recovery efforts. Rebuilding the muddy wastelands of the northeastern “Tohoku” region is expected to cost hundreds of billions of dollars and take up to a decade. Areas close to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant may be uninhabitable for even longer. Radiation fears became a feature of daily life after cases of contaminated water, beef, vegetables, tea and seafood. But the government has been at pains to stress the lack of an “immediate” health risk. — AFP

ZAMBOANGA: Philippine soldiers killed three Al-Qaeda-linked extremists in a gun battle in the southern Philippines yesterday, a military commander said. The battle with members of Abu Sayyaf, a local militant group in the strife-torn island of Basilan, was proof of the military’s continuing efforts to combat terrorism even a decade after 9/11, said Colonel Alexander Macario. “This shows we have been relentless in waging war on terrorism in this part of the country,” he said. Macario’s anti-terror task force tracked down a band of Abu Sayyaf militants and killed three extremists, the colonel said, forcing the rest to flee the gunfight leaving the dead bodies behind. He said the militants engaged by his task force were linked to a series of kidnappings in the south in recent years, including the abduction of a Sri Lankan peace activist in 2009. The Abu Sayyaf is a small group of Islamic militants founded in 1990 with AlQaeda funding and has been blamed for the nation’s worst terrorist attacks, including a ferry bombing that killed more than 100 in 2004.

The group is also wanted for the kidnapping of three US citizens in 2001, two of whom died while in captivity. The Philippines is a major nonNATO ally of the US, and American troops have been stationed in Basilan and other areas of the southern Philippines since early 2002 to train local forces in how to combat the Abu Sayyaf.

In Manila, US ambassador Harry Thomas thanked the Philippines for its support in the fight against global terrorism. “We remain grateful for the determination of our partners, especially here in the Philippines, and very mindful of their sacrifices,” Thomas said in a speech to foreign businessmen.

“Working together we have reduced the threat of terrorism. We cannot prevent every terrorist act, but together we have blunted their capabilities and debunked their pretensions of serving a higher ideal.”

Despite the capture and killing of many key Abu Sayyaf leaders, the group, believed to number about 300 militants, survives with the support of local Muslim communities and through kidnappings for ransom and other crimes. Abu Sayyaf gunmen are suspected of holding a Philippine-born American woman, her 14-yearold son and her her Filipino teenage nephew in

MANILA: Residents from the Mary Rose Abad GK village, a low-cost housing community in Manila named after one of the victims of the 9/11 attacks in New York, offer flowers, balloons and light candles yesterday, at the marker for Mary Rose Abad, a US woman whose Filipino-born husband built the community as a memorial to his wife. — AFP

Mahathir: 9/11 not work of Muslims KUALA LUMPUR: The long-serving former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad says Arab Muslims are incapable of carrying out the 9/11 attacks on the United States that killed nearly 3,000 people.

The ageing firebrand, who was in power in Malaysia at the time of the attacks and stepped down in 2003 after 22 years in power, slammed former US president George W. Bush ahead of the 10-year anniversary

Sunday of 9/11.

Washington blames the attacks on Al-Qaeda. “Bush lied about Saddam’s weapons of mass destruction... If they can lie so as to kill Iraqis, Afghans and American soldiers, it is not unthinkable for Bush & Co. to lie about who was responsible for 9/11,” the 86-year-old wrote in his blog Friday. Listing out reasons in line with a conspiracy theory that the US government was behind the attacks,

News

in brief

Bangladesh’s stateless DHAKA: Residents of Indian enclaves within Bangladesh have kept their homes unlit at night in a protest to demand Bangladeshi citizenship within a specific period.

The protest follows an agreement signed by the two countries on Tuesday. The pact gives Bangladeshi citizenship to thousands of residents of the 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh but does not give a timeframe for the process.

Protest organizer Mofizar Rahman says thousands of residents marched through the streets in Panchagarh town Saturday night and refused to light lamps in their homes to demand a specific deadline for giving them citizenship.

The enclaves are the result of absurd map drawing during the 1947 partition of the Indian subcontinent.

Police detain two NEW DELHI: Indian police have detained two people in connection with a bomb blast that killed 14 people outside a New Delhi court house last week, the Hindu newspaper reported yesterday. The two men, from the Indian controlled Kashmir state, were arrested in Rajasthan state.

“As of now we have nothing to share with the media,” a home ministry spokesman told Reuters. Security agencies have scrambled for leads since Wednesday’s blast, for which two Islamist militant groups have claimed responsibility, but have so far not announced any major breakthrough. Critics, including opposition parties, have accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government of not doing enough to keep Indians safe from militant attacks.

HONG KONG: A pro-democracy activist holds up a poster showing veteran Chinese rights activist and doctor Wang Lihong (top R) during a rally in Hong Kong yesterday. Activists were demanding the release of veteran Chinese rights activist and doctor Wang Lihong who was sentenced on September 9 to nine months in jail for “creating a disturbance”, as part of what campaigners say is a broad crackdown on dissent. — AFP

Basilan after their abduction in July. The group is also recruiting younger, more enterprising members, Rommel Banlaoi, a respected expert on terror groups said. “Based on our studies, they have the ability to replenish their membership,” Banlaoi, head of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism think tank told ABS-CBN television. — AFP

Heavy floods in India NEW DELHI: Eight persons have so far died and more than one million adversely affected in nearly 2,600 villages, due to devastating floods in India’s eastern state of Orissa, reported the Press Trust of India (PTI) yesterday. The villages in the state’s districts of Puri, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Sambalpur, Boudh and Sonepur have been submerged in flooding waters. Floods have been caused mainly by overflowing rivers like Mahanadi due to incessant rains over the past one week. As many as 61,000 people from these low-lying villages have been evacuated and put in temporary shelters. Rescue and relief work is being carried out to help those stuck in floods. Food-packets are also being air-dropped in the totally cut-off areas. As many as 1,400 boats, including 200 mechanised vessels, have been were pressed into service to ferry those stuck in gushing waters to safer places.

he wrote the Twin Towers in New York “came down nicely upon themselves”. “I believe Arab Muslims are angry enough to sacrifice their lives and become suicide bombers. But they or their handlers do not strike me as capable of planning and strategising such attacks so as to maximise the damage to the enemy,” he said.

Mahathir, a fierce critic of the West, is known for his anti-Jewish

and anti-American statements in Muslim-majority Malaysia. Last year, he said if the US could make the 3D science fiction film Avatar, “they can make anything”, adding there was strong evidence that the 9/11 attacks were staged. He has also condemned Bush and then-British prime minister Tony Blair as “child killers” and “war criminals”, saying they should be put on trial for the military invasion of Iraq. — AFP

Indonesia rescue chopper makes emergency landing TIMIKA: A rescue helicopter made an emergency landing while on a mission to find two missing foreign pilots whose plane went down in eastern Indonesia, a military spokesman said yesterday. No one was injured.

Indonesian military spokesman Rear Adm. Iskandar Sitompul said bad weather and thick fog had led the Bell 412 carrying five Indonesian soldiers landed in the mountain of Rumpius Kar vak in remote Papua province Saturday afternoon.

The helicopter was initially reported as having crashed after it lost contact with authorities about 20 minutes after it took off from the mining town of Timika. He said that all the soldiers who on a mission to find two missing foreign pilots after their plane went

down - were save, and their helicopter has savely arrived in nearby town of Wamena at around noon yesterday.

The pilots, identified as Australian David Cootes and Thomas Munk of Slovakia, went missing after their plane, a Cessna 208-B Caravan carrying four drums of fuel and foods disappeared Friday. Rescuers have spotted the wreckage of the single engine aircraft, belonging to Susi Air, in the mountains of Yahukimo district. Weather has prevented them from reaching the pilots, who are feared dead. Air flight is the main transportation in Papua, the second biggest of Indonesia’s more than 17,000 islands. Much of Papua is covered with impenetrable jungles and mountains. In the past, crashed planes there have never been found. — AP

YANGON: US coordinator for policy on Myanmar, Derek Mitchell (top Cblue shirt), meets with HIV positive patients during a visit to a private HIV/AIDS patients care center on the outskirts of Yangon yesterday.

Mitchell is on an official visit to Myanmar. — AFP

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NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

ST LOUIS: A man walks among nearly 3,000 flags set up as part of a remembrance on 10th anniversary of the Sept 11 terrorist attacks yesterday. — AP

Legal panel debating anti-corruption bills US unites in grief 10 years after 9/11 Continued from Page 1 wealth disclosure bill which the government had rejected. MPs submitted five new draft laws ahead of the meeting, Huraiti said.

The committee is required to complete its reports on the draft laws before the proposed parliament emergency session to discuss the illegal deposits and pass the anti-corruption laws. But there are many doubts on whether the Assembly will be able to hold the emergency meeting on Sept 22 because only 30 MPs have signed the request, three members short of the quorum needed to convene the Assembly.

In another development, a second youth organization yesterday demanded wide-ranging democratic reforms ahead of a major protest planned for Friday to press for the removal of the prime minister and introducing reforms. A day after the September 16 Youths group called for constitutional monarchy and a commoner prime minister, the Fifth Fence youth group also called for dissolving the Assembly and holding fresh elections.

The group urged people to attend the Friday rally at Safat Square to press for the people’s demands, especially taking stiff measures to stem corruption. The

group also called for changing the election system by turning Kuwait into a single constituency from the current five districts to be more representative of the Kuwaiti people. They also called for referring all reports made by the Assembly and the Audit Bureau regarding allegations of corruption or squandering public funds to the public prosecution for legal action, including referring such cases to court.

The youth organization also called for referring all former and current ministers whose names have been mentioned in corruption reports since liberation in 1991 to the special court trying ministers. The group urged serious action to reform the judiciary and to secure its total independence, and for holding a national conference to discuss required constitutional amendments to guarantee more freedoms to Kuwaiti people.

In other business, the Assembly bureau yesterday lifted a ban on Abbas Al-Shaabi, the secretary of opposition MP Musallam Al-Barrak, and allowed him to perform his duties. Abbas was banned from entering the Assembly just before the summer recess for allegedly breaking rules and harassing a number of lawmakers. The decision by the Assembly bureau yesterday said it was decided to only deduct two days’ pay from Abbas’ salary.

GCC discusses economic plan for Jordan...

Continued from Page 1 alliance countries, but Morocco is geographically distant from the Gulf.

“The geographical distance is no obstacle to a strong relationship,” said Fihri.

The GCC, which comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has remained an exclusive club since its inception in 1981. Jordan and Morocco are the only Arab kingdoms not in the GCC. The oil-rich Arab states of the Gulf, which have seen entrenched regimes in Egypt and Tunisia fall, are seeking reliable allies in the region, singling out fellow monarchies.

Zayani said the GCC ministers also discussed Yemen, where President Ali Abdullah Saleh has so far refused to sign a plan by the alliance follow-

ing months of protests calling for his ouster. He said the plan, which calls for Saleh to transfer power to his deputy, was “still on the table”, and that the GCC hoped for “an agreement”. Zayani also welcomed the new authorities who took power in Libya after ousting strongman Muammar Gaddafi. “We call for the restoration of security and stability, as well as for tolerance and the opening of a new page” in Libya, he said.

A GCC closing statement also mentioned Iran and Syria. It called for “an immediate end to the killing machine” in Syria, and urged “the immediate implementation of serious reforms that meet the aspirations of the Syrian” people. Last month, GCC states Saudi Arabia Kuwait and Bahrain recalled their envoys from Damascus to protest against President Bashar al-Assad’s

crackdown on anti-regime protests that began in March. The United Nations says more than 2,200 people have been killed since then.

The GCC statement also accused Iran of issuing provocative statements about its members. It deplored Iranian statements “to challenge some GCC countries, in disregard of the rules of good neighbourliness”, saying “these statements do not help improve relations between both sides”. Iran’s relations with the Gulf monarchies have been strained in the wake of repeated criticism of Saudi intervention in Bahrain in mid-March to help Manama quell a popular uprising led by the Shiite majority in the Sunniruled kingdom. The tensions appeared to have calmed in recent weeks, however, with a dampening of criticism from both sides. — AFP

Kuwait to halve expat numbers Continued from Page 1 Speaking prior to his departure for Turkey where he is heading the Kuwaiti delegation participating in the 19th World Congress on Health and Safety at Work, Afasi, who is also a deputy prime minister, revealed that in the past few years alone, 15,000 expatriates settled in Kuwait after entering the country on commercial visas which they then exchanged for work permits.

By doing so, he explained they avoided a government ban on issuing new work permits which was introduced to help correct the current demographic imbalance.

“This situation has made it necessary for the government to place restrictions on the process of transferring visas to work permits,” the minister continued, adding that the regulations under consideration include options such as demanding a university degree as one of the eligibility criteria needed to obtain a work permit through a commercial visa.

Al-Afasi stressed that those expatriates already living

CAIRO: An Egyptian supporter of Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, the blind Egyptian cleric jailed in the US for planning a campaign of bombings, flashes his poster outside the police academy court yesterday. — AP

in the country would not be affected by the new regulations, saying, “The amendments are required to prevent further increase to the current demographical imbalance.” He added that bringing more foreign workers to Kuwait from other countries would adversely affect Kuwaitis’ and expatriates’ job opportunities.

Al-Afasi added that the companies involved in working on development plan-related projects would be unaffected by the new restrictions, explaining that these firms are free to hire as many overseas workers as they wish “so long as [these workers] are signed via temporary contracts,” which would ensure that they return home once work on the projects is completed.

Meanwhile, on a separate issue, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor has reached an agreement with the Ministry of Interior on further enhancing cooperation over penalizing those involved in labor-related violations, particularly private sector firms. The two ministries will also be coordinating to identify and locate individuals living and working in Kuwait illegally in violation of residency legislation. — Al-Qabas & Al-Rai

Continued from Page 1 and good works and public service have taken root to honor those we loved and lost.”

Yesterday also saw the dedication of a simple, but moving monument consisting of massive fountains sunk into the footprints of the former towers, with the names of the dead inscribed around the edges. Obama praised the design, saying it “meets the moment”, according to a spokesman. The president, who also declared “Al-Qaeda is on the path to defeat,” then flew to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, site of the crash of Flight 93.

The 40 victims of that hijacking have often been overlooked in the bigger dramas of the strikes on the Pentagon and the Twin Towers. But they were remembered yesterday as heroes for overpowering their assailants, crashing the plane before its apparent target of nearby Washington, DC. The president and his wife Michelle laid a wreath of white flowers at a new marble memorial at the site. “The passengers on Flight 93 charted a new course, set a new standard for American bravery,” Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett said. “Their uprising marked the moment in history when Americans showed what makes us different. We know there are things more important than our own lives chief among them, freedom.”

Obama’s last stop was to be the US military headquarters where earlier Vice President Joe Biden attended a ceremony honoring the 184 people who died when a hijacked airliner smashed into the exterior of the Pentagon complex. The ceremony closed with an army sergeant playing “taps” and then a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful”. “Al-Qaeda and bin Laden never imagined that the 3,000 people who lost their lives that day would inspire 3 million to put on the uniform, and harden the resolve of 300 million Americans,” Biden said.

The 9/11 remembrances unite Americans like almost no other event. According to a poll last week, 97 percent of people remember where they were when they heard the news, on a par with John F Kennedy’s assassination. This year’s event also follows the stunning news in May that US Navy SEALs had flown into Pakistan and shot dead Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden.

Yet while Al-Qaeda is severely weakened and New York is recovering, the anniversary still finds a nation struggling to overcome the longer-term impacts of the last decade. In Afghanistan, where ceremonies were held yesterday at the Bagram air base and the US embassy in Kabul, US troops are stuck in a seemingly unwinnable war against a Taliban guerrilla movement few Americans understand. “Some back home ask, why are we here? It has been a long fight and people are tired,” US Ambassador Ryan Crocker said at the US embassy. “The reason is simple: Al-Qaeda is not here in Afghanistan, and that’s because we are.”

Early yesterday, the US Army said 50 American soldiers were among 89 people wounded when a suicide bomber driving a truck attacked an advance NATO combat post in central Afghanistan on Saturday. But as unemployment and next year’s presidential election become the focus for most Americans, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq - launched in the wake of 9/11 can seem a world away. For at least a day, though, 9/11 was a time to reflect and for the world to recall the surge of sympathy for the United States 10 years ago.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague declared that Al-Qaeda “is now weaker than at any time in the decade since 9/11”. But the Taleban hit back Saturday saying the post-9/11 invasion of Afghanistan by the United States and its allies “will remain a permanent stigma on the face of Western democracy”.

As the anniversary arrived around the world, people paid tribute in formal ceremonies and quiet moments from Sydney to Spain. And, in a reminder that threats remain, Swedish police said four people were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terror attack, as authorities in Washington and New York beefed up security in response to intelligence about possible plans for a car bomb attack.

For some people, the pain never stops. In Malaysia, Pathmawathy Navaratnam woke up yesterday in her suburban Kuala Lumpur home and did what she’s done every day for the past decade: wish her son Vijayashanker Paramsothy “Good morning”. The 23-yearold financial analyst was killed in the attacks on New York. “He is my sunshine. He has lived life to the fullest, but I can’t accept that he is not here anymore,” said Navaratnam. “I am still living, but I am dead inside.”

In Manila, dozens of former shanty dwellers offered roses, balloons and prayers for another victim, American citizen Marie Rose Abad. The neighborhood used to be squalid and reeking of garbage. But in 2004, Abad’s Filipino-American husband Rudy built 50 brightly colored homes, fulfilling his late wife’s wish to help impoverished Filipinos. The village has since been named after her.

The Sept 11 attacks spawned many conspiracy theories around the world, especially among Islamists who

allege American or Israeli involvement. Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, a vitriolic critic of the West, wrote on his blog that Arab Muslims are incapable of “planning and strategizing” such attacks.

He added “it is not unthinkable” for Bush to have lied about who was responsible.

In Pakistan, about 100 supporters of an Islamist political party staged anti-US protests in Islamabad and Multan to mark the anniversary, holding up banners that repeated conspiracy theories. In Karachi, another 100 people protested the war in Afghanistan, launched in response to the attacks. A few dozen demonstrators gathered outside the US embassy in London, with one group setting fire to a depiction of a US flag during a minute’s silence held to mark the moment when the first hijacked airliner hit the World Trade Center. A small group of Muslims staged a counter-demonstration nearby.

But, little attention was paid to such events and comments on a day dominated by sorrow and pain of the memories. In Japan, families gathered in Tokyo to pay their respects to the 23 Fuji Bank employees who never made it out of their World Trade Center office. A dozen of the workers who died were Japanese. One by one, family members laid flowers in front of an enclosed glass case containing a small section of steel retrieved from ground Zero. They clasped their hands and bowed their heads. Some took pictures. Others simply stood in solemn silence. There were no tears, just reflection.

Sydney resident Rae Tompsett, 81, said she’s never felt angry over the murder of her son Stephen Tompsett, 39, a computer engineer who was on the 106th floor of the World Trade Center’s north tower when it was hit by a hijacked plane. “No, not anger,” she said. “Sorrow. Sorrow that the people who did this believed they were doing something good.” The retired school teacher and her husband Jack, 92, were among more than 1,000 people who packed Sydney’s Roman Catholic cathedral St Marys for a special multi-faith service. “It’s incredible that it is 10 years - it feels a bit like yesterday,” Tompsett said.

At a commemoration at The Grosvenor Chapel in London, Courtney Cowart, who was nearly buried alive when the north tower of the World Trade Center collapsed, described her fears when she returned to the site for a church service five days later. “Entering the heart of darkness, I was terrified. We were dwarfed by immense wreckage looming around us. It was a landscape drained of all color,” she said.

Elsewhere in Europe, Pope Benedict XVI, at an outdoor Mass in Ancona, Italy, prayed for victims and urged the world to resist what he called the “temptation toward hatred” and instead work for solidarity, justice and peace. In Paris, where an array of commemorations were planned, an association of French “friends” of America was preparing to unveil a temporary nine-story scaled-down replica of the Twin Towers bearing the victims’ names across.

About 150 people, some waving American flags, turned out in Madrid for a commemorative planting of 10 American oak trees in Juan Carlos I park by crown Prince Felipe, his wife Princess Letizia, and other dignitaries. Rome was preparing to light up the Colosseum late yesterday in a show of solidarity, and special commemorations were planned at Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral and London’s St Paul’s Cathedral.

The Taleban marked the anniversary by vowing to keep fighting against US forces in Afghanistan and saying they had no role in the Sept 11 attacks. “Each year, 9/11 reminds the Afghans of an event in which they had no role whatsoever,” a statement emailed to news organizations said. “American colonialism shed the blood of tens of thousands of miserable and innocent Afghans.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at his Cabinet’s weekly meeting yesterday, said Islamist terrorism continued to threaten Israel and urged democracies to “act together against this blight”. “It is clear that this threat will be incomparably larger if radical Islamic forces or regimes acquire the ultimate weapon - weapons of mass destruction - and then terrorists will stand together and will be able to act under the nuclear umbrella of a radical regime, or even with tools of mass destruction given to them,” Netanyahu said.

The US and its allies invaded Afghanistan on Oct 7, 2001, after the Taleban who then ruled the country refused to hand over bin Laden. The Al-Qaeda leader was at the time living in Afghanistan, where the terror network retained training camps and planned attacks against the US and other countries. Bin Laden was killed four months ago at his Pakistan hideout by U.S. forces.

“Now that Osama bin Laden is dead, my brother’s soul will finally rest in peace,” said Yambem Laba, whose younger brother Jupiter Yambem was among the victims.

Jupiter, an Indian, was a manager at the “Windows on the World” restaurant in the World Trade Center. About 100 family members and close friends gathered at his ancestral home in the northeastern state of Manipur for prayers yesterday. “Osama is dead but the threat from AlQaeda has not ended,” Laba said. — Agencies

14

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

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Issues

Religious tensions simmer in Malaysia, corner PM Najib

By Razak Ahmad raid on a church by Muslim authorities has raised religious tension in Malaysia and could cost Prime Minister Najib Razak votes in an election set for 2013 but which many expect to come much earlier. The raid has sparked an angry verbal battle between Christians and the majority Muslims, forcing Najib to seek what may be an elusive peace between the ethnic Malays and minorities, both of which believe the government isn’t doing enough to safeguard their rights.

Conservative Muslims want the government to crack down on what they say is growing boldness by Christians to try to convert Muslims, which is an offence in Malaysia, while ethnic minorities worry their rights are being eroded. Analysts say Najib is caught in a bind and will have to tread extremely carefully to avoid being seen as favouring either side in his efforts to mediate. “Najib is caught between wanting to secure a conservative Malay-Muslim electorate and a political reality where he is losing ground among minorities who are more mobilised and politically aware,” said Bridget Welsh, a Malaysia specialist at Singapore Management University.

The next general election is not due until 2013 but there is increasing speculation that it could take place by early 2012. Analysts see little chance of the ruling National Front coalition losing the next general election but caution that Najib needs to win a convincing two-thirds majority if he wants to avoid a revolt within his UMNO party, long accustomed to majorities by that margin. Race and religion have always been touchy subjects in a country split between ethnic Malays, Chinese and Indians but analysts say the latest quarrel is coming at a delicate time for Najib, whose popularity has been sliding since May 2010.

“The religious discord will cause the ruling coalition to lose some Chinese majority seats while concerns over inflation may allow the opposition to hang on to the rest of their urban and suburban seats,” said Ibrahim Suffian, director of the independent opinion polling outfit Merdeka Center. “All this will be on the back of a much strengthened and better-resourced opposition. So in short, it’s not going to be easy for Najib.” Islamic enforcement officers raided a Methodist church near the capital last month on suspicion that a meeting was being held to evangelise Muslims. The meeting’s organisers, a non-governmental organisation, denied the allegations and said the gathering was a charity affair. The authorities are still investigating the matter. Traditionally, Malaysian leaders have trod a careful line in dealing with religious issues after violent race riots in 1969 redefined the Southeast Asian country’s ethnic and economic landscape. Still, race and religion are often the strongest tools for politicians to win support on pledges to distribute economic opportunities along ethnic lines. Ethnic Malays, who are by birth Muslims in Malaysia, make up about 60 percent of the population of 28 million. Ethnic Chinese and Indians, many of whom are Buddhist, Christian and Hindu, account for most of the rest.

Last month’s church raid is the latest in a series of rows between the Malays and the minority Chinese and Indians. In recent years, a spate of church bombings, the government’s seizure of a shipment of bibles, a legal battle by Catholics to use the word “Allah” and complaints of marginalisation by Indians have cast a cloud over the government’s attempts to build racial harmony. Racial unity is a cornerstone of Najib’s plans but many Malaysians have derided his efforts to create a “1Malaysia” that is not drawn along racial lines.

Recently, Najib also extended an olive branch to unhappy Christians by establishing official ties with the Vatican but the gesture has been largely dismissed as no more than a symbolic measure. “In recent times, we have witnessed an increase in incidents where Christians have been singled out and targeted with unjustified accusations and prejudice,” the Christian Federation of Malaysia, which represents 90 percent of churches in the country, said in a statement. A survey last month by the Merdeka Centre polling outfit found the percentage of respondents agreeing that Malaysians of differing ethnic groups were growing closer to each other had fallen by nearly half to 36 percent compared to 64 percent in 2006. — Reuters

A

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A decade on, Pakistan wavering

By John Chalmers hile the ruins of New York’s World Trade Center were still smouldering in late Sept 2001, President George W Bush put nations around the globe on notice: “Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists”.

It was an ultimatum that Pakistan’s thenpresident, Gen Pervez Musharraf, felt acutely as Washington readied for war against the Taleban regime next door in Afghanistan. In his memoirs, he recalls being told by the Americans that “if we chose the terrorists, then we should be prepared to be bombed back to the Stone Age”.

Musharraf ditched the Taleban and threw Pakistan’s lot in with the United States, making it a strategic ally in the “global war on terror”, despite quiet misgivings among his top brass in the powerful military establishment. Over the decade since then, however, Pakistan has been an erratic and reluctant ally. Trust has crumbled on both sides and, with tensions now running high, it is clear that Islamabad increasingly sees Washington as more of a foe than a friend. “I’m very pessimistic,” said Bruce Reidel, who advised US President Barack Obama on policy on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“We’re on a downward slide towards a more hostile relationship. Obama wants to save it, but our interests don’t coincide.”

The dangers could be enormous if Washington fails to arrest the deterioration in relations with Pakistan, a nucleararmed but largely dysfunctional state run by a feckless, military-cowed government and teeming with Islamist militants. At stake are the fight against terrorism, the security of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and - as Islamabad plays off its friendship with China against the United States - regional stability.

The United States and Pakistan have cooperated for decades, first against the Soviet Union and then the Al-Qaeda network. But anti-Americanism runs deep in Pakistan, in part because of Washington’s perceived tilt towards arch-rival, India, but also because of a sense -heightened by the invasion of Iraq in 2003 - that the United States is a threat to the Muslim world. “The US invasion of Iraq, coming on top of US support for Israel and growing ties with India, greatly strengthened the vague and inchoate but pervasive feeling among Pakistanis that ‘Islam is in danger’ at the hands of the US,” wrote Anatol Lieven of the War Studies Department of King’s College, London, in a new book, “Pakistan, a Hard Country”.

Lieven found that an “absolutely overwhelming majority” of Pakistanis, including the country’s elites, do not believe 9/11 was the work of Osama bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda. Many are convinced the attacks were in fact a plot by the Bush administration, Israel, or both, to provide a pretext for the US invasion of Afghanistan as part of a strategy to dominate the Muslim world.

Majid Qurashi, a hospital doctor in the militancy-plagued city of Peshawar on the road to Afghanistan, recently voiced the sentiments many Pakistanis felt on Sept 11, 2001. “When I saw the planes crash into the tower, I thought that, final-

W

ly, someone had decided to teach the United States a lesson and respond to all the bad things it had been doing around the world,” he told Reuters. India has been Pakistan’s enemy No. 1 since the violent partition of the subcontinent in 1947. However, hostility towards the United States has grown, reaching new heights after US Navy SEALs killed bin Laden at his Pakistan hideout in May. Another irritant has been the US drone campaign against militants in Pakistan’s tribal badlands on the border with Afghanistan, which Islamabad complains have killed civilians and only encouraged public sympathy for the groups sheltering there. A Pew Research Center survey of Pakistanis in June found

unstable state and cannot secure its nuclear weapons and the international community should take control of these weapons.”

There is mounting frustration with the relationship on the US side too, and calls for an end to the security and economic funds that Pakistan receives from Washington, which have added up to some $20 billion since 2001. Last week the White House hailed Pakistan’s capture of a top Al-Qaeda figure as an example of counter-terrorism cooperation. But it was a rare moment of entente amid US accusations that Pakistan plays a double game over militants on its soil. For many, the fact that bin Laden had been holed up for years in a house just a couple of

gence as the moment for Afghanistan to stand on its own approaches. “They can no longer agree on the endgame in Afghanistan,” she said. “Both are trying to get the maximum out of each other before that comes.”

Embarrassed and feeling betrayed by the secret raid on bin Laden, Pakistan has cut back on US counter-insurgency trainers in the country and placed limits on CIA activities there. Washington responded by suspending about onethird of its $2.7 billion annual defence aid to Islamabad. In a sign that Pakistan is looking to use its amity with China as a lever in its troubled relationship with Washington, when the prime minister made his first address to the nation on

Supporters of a Pakistani religious party Jamaat-e-Islami chant slogans during an anti-US rally on the 10th anniversary of the Sept 11, 2001 attacks in Lahore yesterday. —AP that 69 percent saw the United States as an enemy and 47 percent were “very” worried about a military threat from Washington.

Distrust of Washington is most marked in the army, where there is a sense that - from the Cold War to the war on terrorism - the United States has used Pakistan as a means to pursue its own security interests. Hussain Haqqani, Islamabad’s envoy to Washington, recently asked an audience of mainly military officers by a show of hands, “what is the principal national security threat to Pakistan?”: a majority named the United States.

One of the generals who attended a meeting with Musharraf days after 9/11 said that none of the officers openly questioned his decision to side with the United States, but some reminded him “that Americans have a habit of pulling the rug from under our feet once their interests are served”. “America is after our nuclear assets,” said the now-retired general, who asked not to be named. “It wants to create chaos in Pakistan to force the United Nations to say Pakistan is an

hours up the road from Islamabad and near a Pakistani military academy said it all. Pakistan denies any collusion with AlQaeda and regularly reminds Washington that it has paid the highest price in human life and money supporting the US war on militancy. However, the root of the trust deficit lies with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, which has a long history of nurturing militant groups to fight India. Pakistan also stands accused of shielding on its own soil Afghan Taleban, the Haqqani network and others that battle US troops in Afghanistan to guarantee that it has a proxy stake in any political settlement there when American forces withdraw.

“Let me be clear: many Americans died in Afghanistan because of Pakistan’s ISI,” US senator and naval reservist Mark Kirk fumed this week after an assignment in Afghanistan, proposing “an American tilt” towards India to encourage Delhi to bankroll an Afghan government that could fight terrorism and the ISI. Ayesha Siddiqa, an expert on the Pakistani military, said the United States and Pakistan have reached a point of strategic diver-

the bin Laden incident he seized the opportunity to lavish praise on “our allweather friend”.

But Beijing’s friendship will only go so far. There is no sign that China is ready to shoulder the financial cost of propping up Pakistan that the United States has so far been willing to bear, and it will calculate that getting too close would tighten strategic ties between Washington and New Delhi, stoking regional tensions.

Despite the tit-for-tat diplomatic sniping between them, Pakistan and the United States are trying to prevent a breakdown of relations. It is proving hard but, for now, both need each other too much to abandon their strategic alliance.

“The United States and Pakistan are going to need to continue to cooperate on counter-terrorism, whether they like it or not,” said Stephen Tankel of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in an online discussion last week.

“Both sides are not prepared to walk away from the relationship but are beginning to reassess what the nature of that relationship should be going forward.” — Reuters

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

sp orts In Dubai, Maradona can’t watch Argentina play DUBAI: Diego Maradona said yesterday he has been unable to watch Argentina play since losing the coaching job with the national team after a disappointing performance in the 2010 World Cup. The Argentina legend said at a news conference in the Persian Gulf emirate that he’s happy coaching local club Al Wasl in Dubai, despite acknowledging “I miss my country.”

Maradona inspired Argentina to a World Cup win in 1986 as a player but failed to have the same effect as coach, with Argentina losing 4-0 to Germany in the quarterfinals in South Africa.

“The national team, I have not been able to watch them. The feeling is stronger than me,” he said. The 50-year-old was hired to coach Al Wasl in May. The club is hoping that Maradona’s star power will increase the club’s standing and draw more fans and sponsors to the domestic league. —AP

Eto’o ‘pleasantly surprised’ MAKHACHKALA: Samuel Eto’o has acknowledged he knew little about his new Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala before a record-breaking move to the volatile North Caucasus region.

Nearly 10,000 fans filled the crumbly Dynamo stadium on Saturday to welcome the Cameroon striker to his new home arena in the provincial city on the shores of the Caspian Sea. “I’ve visited Russia many times but it’s only been Moscow and Kazan,” Eto’o told a packed news conference, referring to trips for Champions League games against Spartak Moscow and Rubin Kazan with his former club Inter Milan. “ This is my first time in Makhachkala. I must admit I didn’t know much about this place but I have

to say that I’m pleasantly surprised with what I’ve seen.”

The wealthy Makhachkala club, who also boast Brazilian left back Roberto Carlos and former Chelsea midfielder Yuri Zhirkov, last month paid around 30 million euros ($43 million) to surprisingly lure the four-times African Footballer of the Year from Italy.

Anzhi, bankrolled by Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov, have signed the 30-year-old striker to a three-year deal for a reported annual salary of 20 million euros-making him the richest player in the world. Eto’o has already begun to pay back some of that huge investment, making a cameo appearance in last month’s league game in Rostov and scoring a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw. —AFP

Cavendish off to a flyer LONDON: Mark Cavendish made a winning start to the Tour of Britain with a classy sprint finish victory in the opening stage in Scotland yesterday.

Cavendish, who has won 20 stages of the Tour de France and took the green jersey this year, was the star attraction in Dumfries and treated fans who braved some nasty weather to a powerful finish as he came out on top in a bunch sprint.

In high winds and driving rain, Cavendish was helped home by his HTC Highroad lead-out man Mark Renshaw to make a perfect start to a race he last contested in 2007.

Cavendish, one of the big favourites for the world road race title in Copenhagen at the end of the month, led the pack home in a time of 4hr 41mins 06secs, with Australian Renshaw in second and Dutchman Theo Bos in third. “It’s incredible to win the first stage and get the leaders jersey,” Cavendish said. “If the weather had been better we would have been a bit quicker but I think it would still have been the same result.” —AFP

White Sox thrash Indians

NEW YORK: Mets’ Jason Bay (right) is forced out at second as Chicago Cubs second baseman Jeff Baker relays the ball to first to complete a double play during the seventh inning.—ñAP

Cubs edge past Mets NEW YORK: Aramis Ramirez hit a two-run single with two outs in the ninth inning, to lead the Chicago Cubs past the New York Mets 5-4 after they blew a three-run lead in the eighth Saturday.

Jason Bay had given the Mets a 4-3 lead in the eighth with a two-out, two-run single. But some more sloppy play by New York in the ninth and another meltdown

by Bobby Parnell (3-6) helped the Cubs even a three-game series. The Mets made four errors Saturday, two each by Jose Reyes and David Wright.

Kerr y Wood (3-5) earned the win despite giving up two runs in the eighth in relief of Randy Wells, who pitched neatly into the eighth inning. Carlos Marmol allowed a one-out walk in the ninth but earned his 34th save.

Rockies 12, Reds 7 At Denver, Jordan Pacheco’s first home run broke a fifth-inning tie and he added a two-run single in the eighth to lift Colorado over Cincinnati.

The teams combined for nine home runs in the first five innings. The Reds teed off on Alex White (2-1) in the fifth, when Heisey, Joey Votto and Jay Bruce hit successive home runs in a nine -pitch sequence that tied the game at 7.

Pacheco, playing in his fourth game in the big leagues, homered against Matt Maloney (0-2). The Rock ies hit three homers in the first two innings, knocking out Bronson Arroyo.

Phillies 3, Brewers 2 At Milwaukee, Raul Ibanez doubled and scored on LaTroy Hawkins’ throwing error in the 10th inning, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 for their sixth straight win.

The NL East-leading Phillies are on pace for their best season in franchise history and could clinch a playoff ber th on Sunday with a win and a loss by St. Louis.

Hunter Pence and Placido Polanco homered for the Phillies, who are 12 games ahead of Atlanta in the division.

Casey McGehee scored a run and drove in another off Phillies starter Cliff Lee to end his scoreless innings streak at 30 2-3.

Cardinals 4, Braves 3 At St. Louis, Lance Berkman had a single, RBI double and a walk - reaching base seven straight times over two games - and St. Louis inched closer in the NL wild card race by beating Atlanta.

Jaime Garcia (12-7) worked six efficient innings, and Rafael Furcal had two hits and his 300th career steal for the Cardinals, who doubled four times and scored four runs in the first three innings against Derek Lowe (9-14). They’ve taken the first two games of a three-game series to reduce Atlanta’s wild card lead to 51/2 games.

Freddie Freeman hit his 19th home run for the Braves. Michael Bourn singled twice, for a two-day total of six hits, and had a steal but he flied out with the tying run on third for the final out.

Marlins 3, Pirates 0 At Pittsburgh, Anibal Sanchez pitched a one-hitter and tied his career high with 11 strikeouts to win for just the second time in 16 starts as Florida beat Pittsburgh.

The only thing that stood between Sanchez (8-7) and the second no-hitter of

his six-year career was Neil Walker’s oneout single to left field in the third inning.

Sanchez, who threw a no-hitter on Sept. 6, 2006, against Arizona retired the final 16 hitters after walking Ryan Ludwick in the fourth. Sanchez is 2-6 with a 4.17 ERA in his last 16 starts after going 6-1 with a 3.06 ERA in his first 13.

Jeff Locke (0-1) took the loss in his major league debut, allowing three runs and five hits in five innings. Florida scored its runs in the third, an inning highlighted

by John Buck’s two-run single.

Astros 9, Nationals 3 At Washington, Wandy Rodriguez earned his 11th win, and Carlos Corporan drove in three runs in Houston’s victory over Washington.

Carlos Lee had a double, single and an RBI, and Jason Bourgeois had three hits and an RBI for the Astros, who had six consecutive hits in a six-run third inning. Lee has driven in at least 80 runs in 13th straight seasons, second only to Alex Rodriguez among active players.

Rodriguez (11-10) went six innings, giving up three runs and seven hits. He struck out seven and is the only Astros’ starter with a winning record.

John Lannan (9-12) gave up six runs four earned - and eight hits in 2 1-3 innings, his second-shortest outing this season.

Dodgers 3, Giants 0 At San Francisco, Dana Eveland combined with two relievers to throw a six-hitter, and Los Angeles delivered another blow to San Francisco’s dismal playoff hopes with a victory over the defending World Series champions.

Eveland (2-0) allowed three hits and struck out three in seven-plus innings.

Kenley Jansen pitched out of a jam in the eighth, and Javy Guerra tossed a scoreless ninth for his 18th save.

All that did was extend San Francisco’s scoreless streak to 17 innings and knock the Giants 91/2 games behind Arizona in the NL West.

Juan Rivera had three singles and drove in a run off Ryan Vogelsong (10-7) to lift the Dodgers back to .500 with their 15th win in 18 games. Vogelsong gave up three runs in eight innings - including one on a balk - for his fifth straight loss.

D’backs 6, Padres 5 At Phoenix, Chris Young and Lyle Overbay homered off Heath Bell in the ninth to send the game into extra innings, then Joe Thatcher walked in the winning run in the 10th to give Arizona a victory over San Diego.

The Diamondbacks stretched their franchise-record, home-winning streak to 15 games - the longest in the majors this season. They have won 16 of 19 overall.

It was the 42nd come-from-behind victory for the Diamondbacks, the runaway NL West leaders who pulled a half-game ahead of NL Central leader Milwaukee.

James Darnell had three RBIs, including his first big league home run for the Padres, who have lost 16 of 19. Arizona’s first sellout at Chase Field since the home opener (48,017) showed up for a pregame ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Diamondbacks’ World Series triumph over the New York Yankees. —AP

CHICAGO: Alex Rios hit a game-ending grand slam in the 10th inning to lift the Chicago White Sox to a 7-3 win over the Cleveland Indians on Saturday.

Rios’ one out, first-pitch shot off Chris Perez (37) was Chicago’s first game-ending home run this season and his first career grand slam.

Alejandro De Aza doubled twice, walked and scored two runs for Chicago. Gordon Beckham had a double, two walks and two RBIs. Sergio Santos (4-4) threw a scoreless inning to get the win in relief. Santos combined with Chris Sale to strike out six straight batters during the late innings. Shelley Duncan doubled, homered and scored two runs for Cleveland. Matt LaPorta added a two-run double and Jim Thome singled twice.

Tigers 3, Twins 2 At Detroit, Brandon Inge hit his second gameending homer of the season, giving the Tigers a victory over Minnesota.

With two out in the bottom of the ninth, Inge hit a 2-1 pitch into the left-field stands off Glen Perkins (4-4) to give Detroit its eighth straight victory.

Inge hit a game-ending homer on April 13 against Texas’ Darren Oliver. Al Alburquerque (6-1) picked up the victory with a perfect ninth inning.

Neither starting pitcher was involved in the decision. Detroit’s Max Scherzer allowed two runs on five hits in seven innings, while Anthony Swarzak gave up a pair of runs on four hits in six innings.

Athletics 8, Rangers 7 At Arlington, Texas, pinch-hitter Scott Sizemore’s grand slam in the sixth inning helped the Athletics end a nine-game losing streak against Texas.

With the score tied at 3, Rangers starter Alexi Ogando (12-8) hit Josh Willingham with a pitch leading off the sixth, and David DeJesus followed with a single. Texas manager Ron Washington replaced Ogando with left-hander Mike Gonzalez.

Ryan Sweeney attempted to bunt, and Gonzalez made a nice play to get the out at third base. After Brandon Allen was retired on a foul popup, Gonzalez walked Kurt Suzuki to load the bases, and Washington again went to his bullpen and brought in Yoshinori Tateyama. Sizemore was sent in by manager Bob Melvin to hit for Eric Sogard, and the pinch-hitter ripped Tateyama’s 1-0 pitch into the left field seats for his first career grand slam and a 7-3 lead. Trevor Cahill (11-13) got the victory.

Blue Jays 5, Orioles 4 At Toronto, pinch-hitter J.P. Arencibia hit a game-winning single with two out in the ninth as the Blue Jays rallied to beat Baltimore.

Trailing 4-3 to begin the inning, Toronto’s David Cooper struck out against Clay Rapada before Orioles manager Buck Showalter called closer Kevin Gregg (0-3) in to finish. Gregg struck out Brett Lawrie but couldn’t close it out, walking Kelly Johnson, giving up a single to Jose Molina and hitting pinch-hitter Adam Loewen to load the bases.

The closer then threw a wild pitch that allowed Johnson to score the tying run. Arencibia followed with a game-winning single to left.

Jose Bautista hit his major league-leading 41st

CHICAGO: White Sox’s Alex Rios swings on a grand slam off Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Chris Perez during the 10th inning of a baseball game. —AP home run, a two-run blast in the first, and Lawrie also went deep for the Blue Jays. Jesse Litsch (6-3) pitched two innings for the win.

Rays 6, Red Sox 5 At St. Petersburg, Florida, Evan Longoria hit an RBI single in the bottom of the 11th inning, helping the Tampa Bay Rays rebound after blowing a ninthinning lead to beat the Boston Red Sox. The win pulls the Rays within 41/2 games of the AL wild card leaders. Desmond Jennings opened the 11th with a triple off Daniel Bard (2-7) that lunging center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury couldn’t reach. After B.J. Upton hit a grounder to first, Longoria lined a single to center on an 0-2 pitch.

Brandon Gomes (2-1) worked 1 1-3 perfect innings for the Rays. Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Ellsbury hit consecutive solo homers in the ninth off closer Kyle Farnsworth to pull the Red Sox even at 5.

Angels 6, Yankees 0 At Anaheim, California, Dan Haren pitched a four-hitter for his fifth career shutout and retired 18 straight batters as the Los Angeles Angels climbed within 11/2 games of the AL West lead with a victory over CC Sabathia and the New York Yankees.

Haren (15-8) went the distance for the 15th time in 253 career starts, striking out seven and walking none for the 13th time this season. He threw 113 pitches and held the AL East leaders to a pair of

eighth-inning singles after giving up a ground-rule double to Derek Jeter on his second pitch and a single by rookie Jesus Montero leading off the second.

Jeff Mathis and Torii Hunter homered for the Angels, who have won six of seven and are as close to first-place Texas as they’ve been since Aug. 10.

Sabathia (19-8) threw 119 pitches in six innings, allowing a run and eight hits. He struck out five and walked four - escaping bases-loaded jams in the first and sixth innings - but failed in his bid to become the first Yankees pitcher in 31 years with back-to-back 20 win seasons.

Royals 4 Mariners 2 At Seattle, Felipe Paulino struck out 11 and allowed two hits in seven innings, and Eric Hosmer hit a two-run homer in the first to lead Kansas City over Seattle.

Paulino (3-10) gave up homers to Justin Smoak and Mike Carp, but he tamed the rest of the Mariners. He tied his career high in strikeouts and walked none. The Royals scored three runs in the first inning, highlighted by Hosmer’s 17th homer.

Jeff Francoeur added a ninth-inning solo shot, his 18th homer this season.

Joakim Soria pitched the ninth for his 27th save in 34 opportunities. Michael Pineda (9-10), who worked a career-high eight innings, took the loss.

He allowed three runs and five hits. —AP

Klitschko retains WBC belt WROCLAW: Vitali Klitschko retained his WBC heavyweight title with a dominant per formance against Polish challenger Tomasz Adamek on Saturday, winning by technical knockout in the 10th round.

The 40-year-old Klitschko used his considerable size advantage to keep the 34year-old Adamek at bay with his powerful jab and was in complete control throughout the bout. Adamek stayed on his feet but his face was bruised and bloodied by the time I talian referee M assimo Barrovecchio stepped in to stop the punishment 2 minutes, 20 seconds into the 10th round.

“He’s a very good boxer,” Klitschko said.

“He was a cruiserweight champion, he was a light heavyweight champion, but he’s not good enough to be a heavyweight champion because it’s a whole other league.”

The 40-year-old Klitschko was six inches taller than his opponent and used his superior reach to have Adamek staggering back in the second, sixth and ninth rounds.

Klitschko slipped in the eighth, but carried on where he left off in the ninth and 10th to improve his record to 43-2, including 40 knockouts. Adamek drops to 44-2.

The win means Klitschko and his younger brother, Wladimir, retain their hold on all three major heavyweight titles.

“I think the referee made the right decision. He probably could have stopped it a minute earlier,” said Wladimir, who holds the IBF and “super” WBA titles as well as the minor WBO and IBO belts.

It was the first heavyweight fight held in Poland, and Adamek was cheered on by a majorit y of the 42,000 spec tators at Wroclaw’s sold-out football stadium, which was built for nex t year ’s European Championship.

POLAND: WBC heavyweight world champion Vitali Klitschko of Ukraine (right) fights with challenger Tomasz Adamek from Poland during the WBC heavyweight championship bout. —AP

Klitschko weighed in for his 15th title fight at 110 kilograms (242.5 lbs) the lightest he’s been since 1998 - but still towered over his opponent, and the 98 kilo (216.0lbs) Adamek simply couldn’t reach him.

Adamek tried to force the issue in the second round but was caught by a huge right hook that left him wobbling against the ropes and the crowd fearing an early outcome.

Adamek recovered slightly in the fourth, despite a bloody nose and mouth, but failed to really trouble Klitschko.

Barrovecchio checked that Adamek was

fit to continue after taking a powerful leftright combination in the six th, and Klitschko’s left foot gave way while pushing Adamek into the corner in the eighth.

“I twisted my foot and lost my balance,” he explained. But the outcome was never in doubt, and Klitschko again had Adamek staggering after delivering a straight left jab to the head in the ninth. It was only a matter of time before Adamek’s challenge was brought to a halt. “He was simply the better fighter and he won,” Adamek said. “That’s sport. You win some and you lose some. This time I lost.”— AP

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

sp orts

Tseng, Amy share lead ROGERS: Defending champion Yani Tseng shot a 4-under 67 on Saturday and Amy Yang had a 64 to share the second-round lead in the LPGA Tour ’s NW Arkansas Championship at 9 under.

The top-ranked Tseng, the LPGA Championship and Women’s British Open winner, leads the tour with four victories this season and has seven overall wins this year.

“I think it’s hard to not have pressure because, I mean, for sure I’ve got pressure tomorrow, defending champion and in the lead,” Tseng said. “The kind of thing’s going to be a little pressure, but I just want to enjoy that pressure. I know tomorrow, first couple holes going to be nervous. If I were not nervous, that would be a little weird, so I mean, I care.”

Taylor Leon (67) was a stroke back and Stacy Lewis (69) was 7 under along with Cristie Kerr (66), Inbee Park (65) and Jin Young Pak (68).

Michelle Wie missed the cut with rounds of 78 and 72. Tseng had six birdies and two bogeys on the Pinnacle Country Club course. She nearly aced the 160-yard 15th hole, hitting to 2 feet to set up a birdie. She played her back nine in 32.

“I worked on my tempo on the back nine,” Tseng said. “I got a little too fast with my tempo, but I just keep to myself, keep focused, and actually back nine I got really lucky. I had a good bounce on No. 8, good bounce on No. 4 or 5, and I have a great up and down on par 3, so those three shots were important.”

Yang is winless on the LPGA Tour. She eagled the par-5 seventh. “Everything was good today,” Yang said. “I was hitting the ball solid and hitting the putts solid. You know, from tee to green, I was playing good. I’m really happy about my game.”

Paula Creamer (68) was 6 under along with Ai Miyazato (67), Morgan Pressel (68) and Belen Mozo (65).—AP

Dyson wins Dutch Open HILVERSUM: Simon Dyson claimed his third Dutch Open title in six years with a one-shot win over fellow Briton David Lynn yesterday.

A closing four-under-par 66 for a 12under 268 over an Hilversumsche course saturated by week-long heavy rain earned the 33-year-old victory. Another former winner, US Open champion Rory McIlroy, was two strokes behind.

Dyson, the winner of the event in 2006 and 2009, began the final round two strokes adrift of another Briton, Gary Orr and South African James Kingston.

However, a three-birdie run from the 12th took him past early front-runner Orr and to the top of the leaderboard.

A birdie finish by Dyson was then just enough to hold off Lynn, who picked up a shot on the last to go past McIlroy. Orr’s bogey on 18 relegated the 44-year-old to fourth place, three strokes in arrears of Dyson.

Dyson’s win, worth $427,000, was his second of the season following success in the Irish Open and sixth of his career, taking him to ninth on the European moneylist, into the world’s top 50 and second on the European Ryder Cup points table.

His third success in the Netherlands

equalled the feats of Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer. “It was pointed out to me when I received the trophy; to be mentioned in the same breath as Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer is such an honour,” Dyson told reporters. “It’s something I’ll cherish all my life.

“The last seven holes today were some of the best golf I’ve ever played.” McIlroy, playing alongside Dyson, charged to within a stroke of the lead early on but intermittent mistakes dented the Northern Irishman’s chances.

His consolation was to edge past Germany’s Martin Kaymer, who missed the cut, into the world number three position.

“I should have made more of the fast start I had,” McIlroy said after enhancing his finish by also closing with two birdies for a 67. “But two top-threes in a row and maybe another move up the world rankings, it’s not been a bad couple of weeks.” World number two Lee Westwood’s 66 took him up to fifth place, four strokes behind Dyson.

Britain and Ireland’s Seve Trophy captain Paul McGinley was unable to find the form that earned him a scintillating 64 in the third round and he finished five strokes adrift.—Reuters

NETHERLANDS: Simon Dyson of Britain poses with the trophy after winning the KLM Open Golf tournament. —AP

Libyan sport crushed

by Gaddafi vanity TRIPOLI: Muammar Gaddafi did not like sports stars because he feared they would draw the national spotlight away from him, and for a time soccer players could only be referred to on television by their number.

Nabil Elalem, executive head of Libya’s National Olympic Committee, said that, for decades under Gaddafi’s rule, athletes and sports officials put up with other forms of state meddling, as well as corruption, restrictions on travel and chronic underfunding.

“He didn’t like stars. For example, for a certain period of time you called the players by their numbers, not by their names,” Elalem said of the former Libyan leader, deposed last month by rebel fighters after a February uprising “Gaddafi didn’t know anything about sport. It’s superfluous. What’s it for? He’s willing to spend millions on terrorism, or to pay someone to write songs about him, but not sport,” he added.

Elalem now runs Libya’s Olympic body after its president Mohammed Gaddafi, one of Gaddafi’s sons, fled to Algeria.

Gaddafi’s family and inner circle controlled almost all of Libya’s most high-profile institutions and had interests in virtually all the most lucrative contracts. They also tightly controlled Libya’s oil wealth.

Corruption, nepotism and graft were rife. “The main problem was people looking for personal gain. Corruption on contracts, for land, in imports .... Mohammed appointed people without qualifications. The qualification was ‘I know you very well, you’re part of my family or a friend’.”

There was also meddling in sport by one of Gaddafi’s other sons, Saadi, who was for a time captain of the national soccer team.

“In football sometimes Saadi will call you and say ‘Don’t play in that match, or don’t coach that person’,” said Elalem, who in the past headed Libyan soccer’s National Teams Department.

With Gaddafi and his sons gone, Elalem is optimistic Libya’s new leaders, the National Transitional Council, will pay more attention to sport, which he thinks can heal a nation scarred by war and divided between those for and against Gaddafi.

Libya’s 1-0 win over Mozambique in a soccer match last week, Libya’s first major game since rebel fighters took Tripoli, sent thousands of people into the capital’s streets, the crowds almost as large as those that welcomed Gaddafi’s downfall.

“Sport will be a very important tool to bring back harmony to the Libyan people.

Libyans are crazy about sport, and we can send messages through sports to all Libyans to be united, to increase their understanding about teamwork,” Elalem said.

Sport could also rehabilitate Libya’s image, tainted by Gaddafi’s association with backing terrorism abroad, bringing years of sanctions and pariah status to his country.

Elalem hopes to send nine athletes to the London Olympics next year, and also aims to have Libya eventually host the Africa Cup of Nations and the Pan Arab Games.

“Gaddafi ruined our image overseas.

Everybody links Libya to terrorism. We will show them the real face of Libya. We will focus on organising international events in Libya, to bring international athletes to see Libya,” Elalem said. “We’ve reopened. We want to show the world. Come.”—Reuters

WELLINGTON: South Africa’s Francois Hougaard is airborne as he scores a try against Wales during their Rugby World Cup game. —AP

Springboks edge Wales as Wallabies show class AUCKLAND: Champions South Africa were the latest of rugby’s heavyweights forced to scrap for an opening win at the World Cup when they escaped with a 17-16 victory over Wales to open their title defence yesterday.

In the first match on day three of tournament, Australia, for one half at least, gave notice that their young team will be strong contenders to take away the Springboks’ crown with a James O’Connor-inspired 32-6 victory over Italy.

Ireland, however, failed to dispel the dark clouds that gathered over their camp in the run-up to the tournament with a scrappy 2210 victory over a United States team fired by the marking of the 10th anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks on their country.

England and France both laboured to opening wins on Saturday but neither came as close to losing as the Springboks, who had a late try from Francois Hougaard and a misdirected drop goal attempt from Welshman Rhys Priestland to thank for their victory.

“We did everything but win the game,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland. “Our players will be devastated but that’s sport, that’s the drama of it. We just have to take it on the chin and move forward.”

South Africa made the best possible start to the Pool D match in Wellington, playing expansive rugby and getting their reward when fullback Frans Steyn burst through two tackles to score the opening try after four minutes.

Wales regathered, however, and dominated territorially for much of the rest of the match, taking a 16-10 lead when number eight Toby Faletau slid over the line for a try and James Hook converted 14 minutes into the second half.

The Springboks proved with their 2007 triumph that they are nothing if they are not battlers and when their chance came, they took it. On a rare incursion into the Wales 22, they battered away at the red ranks before replacement winger Hougaard sprang through a huge hole in the defensive line and touched down under the posts.

Morne Steyn converted but Wales had their chances to retake the lead in a dramatic remaining quarter of an hour, Hook missing a difficult penalty and flyhalf Priestland miscuing a simple drop goal attempt from 30 metres. “Wales, to us, are always a great challenge,” said South Africa coach Peter de Villiers.

“This is what World Cup rugby is about. The first game is very important and now we’ve got that out of the way with a win we can look

NEW ZEALAND: John van der Giessen of the US (left) fights for the ball with Ireland’s Paul O’Connell during their Rugby World Cup game. —AP

forward to our next match.”

Twice champions Australia also looked like they might be in for a scare when they went in at halftime tied up at 6-6 with an experienced and physical Italian team in Albany.

O’Connor, dropped after sleeping through the World Cup squad announcement, came off the bench seven minutes into the second half and little more than 10 minutes later, the Wallabies had scored three tries.

Prop Ben Alexander, centre Adam AshleyCooper and livewire winger O’Connor himself crossed as flyhalf Quade Cooper finally got his backline moving, with Digby Ioane adding a fourth try after 67 minutes to effectively kill the game as a contest.

“We didn’t help ourselves in the first half, we were a little bit impatient,” said Robbie Deans. “We overplayed our hand in the way that we attacked, I think we got the balance of our attack right in the second half.

“But you’ve got to give the Italians credit.

We have a lot of respect for the way they defend and they take time to break down.”

Australia’s next opponents in Pool C are Ireland, who should have felt at home in the wet and windy conditions in New Plymouth but put in an error-strewn per formance

against a willing but limited US side. Winger Tommy Bowe scored two tries with hooker Rory Best adding another but Irish flyhalf Jonathan Sexton managed just two from six kicks at goal.

“Sure there is definitely disappointment but it is not the end of the world,” said Irish skipper Brian O’Driscoll. “There are plenty of things to work on that we can fix, and when you look at individual errors, if everyone can tighten that up we are straight away on a better footing.”

While O’Driscoll was trying to keep his team’s troubles in perspective, his American counterpart Todd Clever had no difficulty in putting his team’s performance into context after attending a memorial service yesterday for the victims of the attacks on New York and Washington.

“In the grand scheme of things this is just a game and we’re talking about thousands of lives,” he said. “We were glad to have our chance to pay our respects.”

The tournament now takes a two-day break before resuming on Wednesday when Samoa, Canada and Georgia, the three teams yet to get a taste of the action, get their campaigns underway.—Reuters

Hirvonen clinches Rally Australia SYDNEY: Ford driver Mikko Hirvonen powered to his third Rally Australia title yesterday to narrow Sebastien Loeb’s lead in the World Rally Championship standings.

The 2006 and 2009 winner began the final day of the Coffs Coast event 22.7 seconds behind team mate Jari-Matti Latvala, who slowed on the penultimate stage to allow Hirvonen to pocket maximum points in the emotional one-two finish.

Ford’s second victory of the season coincided with the 10th anniversar y of the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington, which the American team marked by carrying memorial stickers on its factory machines.

“This is a fantastic feeling and a very important result for the team and for my championship chances,” said Hirvonen, who now trails Loeb (196) by 15 points.

“I have to say a big thank you to my team and also to Jari-Matti for slowing down. I’m back in the

game but we have to work really hard now to improve our pace on tarmac.”

Latvala finished 14.7s behind Hirvonen. “Of course it would

have been great to have won the rally but it was a great result for the team,” said the Finn.

Petter Solberg came third in his Citroen, his second podium

finish this season, ahead of Briton Matthew Wilson. Championship leader Loeb put behind his roll on Friday to claim the final point with a 10th place finish.—Reuters

COFFS HARBOR: In this photo released by the Rally Australia, Finland’s Mikko Hirvonen and co-driver Jarmo Lehtinen race their car on the final day of the Rally Australia. —AP

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sp orts

England tie fourth ODI

SPAIN: Juan Jose Cobo from Spain (center) rides in the pack wearing the overall leader’s red jersey during the Spanish Vuelta cycling race. —AP

Cobo secures maiden Tour of Spain victory MADRID: Spaniard Juan Jose Cobo, of the Geox team, claimed the first Grand Tour win of his career when he won the Tour of Spain yesterday.

Cobo held a 13-sec overnight lead on Britain’s Chris Froome and defended it during yesterday’s 21st and final stage, a relatively flat 95.6 km ride from Circuito del Jarama to Madrid won by Slovakian Peter Sagan.

Kenyan-born Froome had become Cobo’s main challenger in the last days of the three-week race after Sky teammate Bradley Wiggins had dropped steadily out of contention in the final week.

However despite his slim deficit to Cobo, Froome was unable to overturn it in the closing stages before going on to claim his best ever finish in a Grand Tour.

He finished second overall at 13secs with Britain’s triple Olympic champion Wiggins in third overall at 1min 39sec. It was by far the biggest win of 30-year-old Cobo’s career, which has been spent as a loyal ‘domestique’ in the mountains for bigger-name teammates.

Up until yesterday’s win the Spaniard’s best result at the ‘Vuelta’ was a 10th place finish in 2009, when he won the race’s 19th stage.

He took over the race leader’s red jersey from Wiggins on stage 15 when an epic climb to the Angliru mountain pass-one of the most notoriously difficult in cycling-left the Englishman weaving all over the road in the final kilometres.

Liquigas sprinter Sagan meanwhile dominated a quality field to finish the race in style, holding off Italian pair Daniele Bennati of Leopard and Lampre veteran Alessandro Petacchi.

It was Liquigas rider Sagan’s third stage win of the race, and helps make amends for teammate Vicenzo Nibali failing to defend his crown from last year.

Nibali began the race in solid fashion but struggled to keep pace with the likes of Wiggins, Froome and Cobo in the most difficult stages of the final week and finally finished seventh at over four minutes behind.

Frenchman David Moncoutie meanwhile gave his Cofidis team a huge boost by winning the race’s King of the Mountains jersey-white with blue polka dots for the fourth year in a row.

Dutchman Bauke Mollema of Rabobank will head home with the green jersey for the sprinters’ points competition, and an impressive fourth place finish.—AFP

Blake sets new record BERLIN: World champion Yohan Blake equaled his personal best of 9.82 seconds to set a new 100 meter meet record at the 70th ISTAF yesterday.

The 21-year-old Jamaican ran the same time at the Weltklasse in Zurich on Thursday, and repeated the feat to comfortably beat Kim Collins of Saint Kitts and Nevis who ran 10.01.

Trinidad’s Richard Thompson was third in 10.08, with Jamaican Michael Frater - who helped Blake set a world record in the 4x100-meter relay in Daegu, South Korea - finishing fourth.

Blake seized the world title in Daegu after training partner Usain Bolt was disqualified for a false start. Olympic champion and world record-holder Bolt skipped the event. The previous meet record was 9.86 held by Maurice Greene and Asafa Powell.

Kelly-Ann Baptiste of Trinidad claimed the women’s 100m event in a time of 11.15, ahead of Jamaicans Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart in second and third, respectively.

In the women’s 100 meter hurdles, Dawn Harper led an American 1-2-3 when she claimed gold in 12.68 seconds, ahead of Kellie Wells and Yvette Lewis.

Canada’s Phylicia George finished fourth, ahead of another American, Ginnie Crawford.

“Running here today wasn’t easy because I had a lot of memories of 2009 when I didn’t finish,” Harper said. “I kept having flashbacks before the race.”

Russia’s Anastasiya Kapachinskaya won a slow women’s 400 meters in 50.75 seconds, ahead of Francena McCorory of the US in 50.91 and compatriot Antonina Krivoshapka in 51.27.

In the men’s event, Jehue Gordon of Trinidad ran a season-best 48.68 seconds to win. South Africa’s Cornel Fredericks came second in 49.18, with German Georg Fleischhauer third in 49.19.

American Ryan Whiting set a meet record of 21.61 meters to win the men’s shot put, with teammate Reese Hoffa second with 21.47. Poland’s Tomasz Majewski claimed the bronze with a throw of 21.33.

“It was much better than in Daegu,” said Whiting, who finished seventh at the World Championship. “It could have come out totally differently ... but I am in shape and wanted to do my season best - 15 centimeters away from that is not bad.”

Jesse Williams of the US won the high jump by reaching 2.33 meters.

Trevor Barry of the Bahamas was second and Raul Spank of Germany third. Worldrecord holder Barbora Spotakova of the Czech Republic avenged her Daegu defeat to Russia’s Maria Abakumova by claiming the javelin with a throw of 67.14 meters.

Germany ’s Christina Obergfoell earned silver with 64.95, while Abakumova claimed third with 64.34. “I

think Christina and Maria were simply tired, but it’s still a nice surprise to beat the two of them,” Spotakova said.

World record-holder Betty Heidler of Germany delighted the crowd by setting a meet record of 76.99 meters with her first throw in the hammer, and then beating it with her second, of 77.40.

World champion Tatyana Lysenko of Russia finished second with 74.67, while Kathrin Klaas of Germany claimed third with 74.58.—AP

BERLIN: Yohan Blake from Jamaica runs to win the men’s 100 meters during the ISTAF Athletics Meeting. —AP

LONDON: England won the one day series with India here yesterday after they tied the fourth one day international leaving the world champions still winless in all forms of cricket on their tour this summer.

Ravi Bopara made 96 as England chased India’s 280-5 but when he was the eighth man out with England on 270 and rain bought the teams off they were tied on the Duckworth Lewis method.

England hold an unassailable 20 lead with just one game remaining. Bopara was attempting to reach his first one-day international hundred with a big shot but was caught on the deep midwicket boundary.

Ironically if he had just knocked the ball for a single England would have won on the DL method by a single run. India looked all over the winners when England were 173-5 but Bopara’s innings and good supporting roles from Graeme Swann, who made 31 and Tim Bresnan with 27, eased England up to their target. However the first time the teams went off for rain India were ahead on the DL method and eager to get off the pitch. They were less eager to get back on for another over and by the time that had been bowled England were ahead before they went off one more time with the teams tied on DL. Earlier Ian Bell had made 54 but when he and Ben Stokes were out in quick succession England needed a cool head and to steady the ship and Bopara provided it before going for one big shot too many.

India’s innings had been dominated by a fifth wicket stand of 169 between Suresh Raina and captain MS Dhoni.

Raina hit 84 while Dhoni ended unbeaten on 78 in a partnership that was the highest for the fifth wicket for India in one-day internationals against England.

Dhoni faced 71 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes, whilst Raina, who accelerated late in his innings faced 75 balls and hit seven fours and two sixes.

But it looked like it would be a different story when India were 110-4 in 26th over.

Swann had just dismissed Virat Kholi and Rahul Dravid in his first over and one more wicket would have exposed the Indian tail.

LONDON: England’s Graeme Swann (right) is apparently obstructed by India’s Munaf Patel (left) during their One Day International cricket match at Lord’s cricket ground. Patel managed to pick up the ball and run out Swann.—AP But Raina and Dhoni got their side to a score well above the average first innings one-day total here with aggressive batting which delighted the hordes of Indian supporters at the ground.

They helped their side to add 109 off the last ten overs with both batsmen hitting the English bowlers high into stands as India finally enjoyed themselves after a dismal summer in England.

In a bad session for England Stuart Broad went off without completing the final over holding his arm and Steve Finn was called on to bowl the rest of the over.

Earlier, Broad had dismissed both openers Parthiv Patel for 27 and Ajinkya Rahane for 38 but Finn, playing his first match of the series, went wicketless despite bowling well.

He eventually snared Raina when he was asked to replace Broad when the batsman was superbly caught by Stokes in the deep.—AFP

SCOREBOARD LONDON: Scoreboard after the fourth One Day International between England and India at Lord’s here yesterday: India P.Patel c Bopara b Broad 27 A.Rahane lbw Broad 38 R.Dravid c&b Swann 19 V.Kohli c Kieswetter b Swann 16 S.Raina c Stokes b Finn 84 MS Dhoni not out 78 R.Jadeja not out 0 Extras: (5lb, 13w) 18 Total: (5 wkts, 50 overs) 280 Did not bat: P.Kumar, R.Ashwin, RP Singh, M.Patel Fall of wickets: 1-65 (Rahane), 2-70 (Patel), 3-109 (Kohli), 4-110 (Dravid), 5279 (Raina) Bowling: Anderson 10-2-57-0 (3w), Finn 9.4-0-54-1 (1w), Bresnan 10-1-510 (2w), Broad 9.2-0-52-2 (3w), Bopara 2-0-12-0, Swann 9-1-49-2 (1w).

England A.Cook c Kohli b Singh 12 C.Kieswetter c Jadeja b Singh 12 J.Trott b Kumar 23 I.Bell c sub (Tiwary) b Jadeja 54 R.Bopara c Jadeja b Patel 96 B.Stokes c & b Ashwin 7 T.Bresnan b Singh 27 G.Swann run out (Patel) 31 S.Finn not out 0 J.Anderson not out 0 Extras: (5lb, 2w, 1nb) 8 Total (8 wkts, 48.5 overs) 270 Did not bat: S.Broad Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Kieswetter), 2-27 (Cook), 3-61 (Trott), 4-159 (Bell), 5-173 (Stokes), 6-220 (Bresnan), 7-270 (Swann), 8-270 (Bopara) Bowling: Kumar 9-0-35-1, Singh 9-059-3 (1nb, 1w), Patel 9.5-0-54-1, Ashwin 10-0-44-1, Jadeja 9-0-60-1, Raina 2-0-13-0.

Sangakkara leads Sri Lanka fightback PALLEKELE: Sri Lanka came up with a vastly improved performance in their second innings yesterday, leaving the onus of saving the second test against Australia on two of their most experienced batsmen, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

Former captains Sangakkara (69 not out) and Jayawardene (38 not out) looked well settled too, having starred in an unbroken 95-run third wicket stand when bad light stopped the fourth day’s play with the hosts on 223 for two.

Australia captain Michael Clarke had declared their first innings at 411 for seven before the start of the day’s play, giving his bowlers as much time as possible to bowl out the hosts for a second time in the rain-hit match.

This is Sri Lanka’s best batting performance in the series, aided by a patient 158-ball knock from Sangakkara who scored his 35th test halfcentury in his 99th test appearance in his home district of Kandy.

“I think it’s important we show some characters in this innings, especially since the last three innings we had opportunities to really try and win test matches but we haven’t done a bit of batting,” Sangakkara told reporters.

The left-handed batsman, along with Jayawardene, frustrated the Australian bowlers who removed openers Tharanga Paranavitana (55) and Sri Lanka skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan (36) but did not get another chance to celebrate.

Sangakkara said Sri Lanka’s job, having folded for 174 in the first innings, was far from over.

“Test matches are usually won or lost on the first innings. Very rarely you see huge comeback in the third and fourth innings. So, as a batting side, going against Australia, we got to be up for the fight,” he said.

“If we get a good start tomorrow morning, because the new ball is due in one over, we can put pressure back on the Australians.”

Sri Lank a’s misfiring openers stitched together an 81-run stand, their best in the series, before captain Dilshan was caught by Shane Watson off Ryan Harris for 36 in the morning session.

After lunch, Australia’s part-time bowler Michael Hussey removed Paranavitana with the fifth ball of his first over, to add to his first innings scalp of Sangakkara.

Umpire Tony Hill had to change his ‘not out’ decision as Australia captain Michael Clarke asked for a review on stumper Brad Haddin’s strong request, even though Hussey did not even appeal.

“There was a good noise. I was pretty confident it had nicked the glove,” Haddin told reporters. Paranavitana could not carry on but his 143-ball knock helped steady the home team, who had lost the first five wickets before reaching 80 in the first innings. Australia won the first test of the three-match series in Galle by 125 runs.—Reuters

PALLEKELE: Australia’s cricket captain Michael Clarke delivers a ball during the fourth day’s play of the second Test cricket match between Australia and Sri Lanka. —AP

SCOREBOARD PALLEKELE: Scoreboard at the close on the fourth day of the second test between Sri Lanka and Australia yesterday: Sri Lanka first innings: 174 (A. Mathews 58, R.Harris 3-38) Australia first innings: 411-7 declared (M. Hussey 142, S.Marsh 141; S. Randiv 3-103) Sri Lanka second innings: T. Paranavitana c Haddin b Hussey T. Dilshan c Watson b Harris K. Sangakkara not out M. Jayawardene not out Extras (b 6 lb 19)

55 36 69 38 25

Total (For two wickets; 79 overs) 223 Fall of wickets: 1-81 2-128 Bowling: R. Harris 12-4-43-1, T. Copeland 16-822-0, M. Johnson 15-2-29-0, S. Watson 14-634-0, N. Lyon 15-1-52-0, M. Hussey 4-2-2-1, M. Clarke 3-0-16-0.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

S P ORT S

Vettel has a hand on F1 title after Italy win

CLEVELAND: Browns tight end Benjamin Watson flashes “Never Forget,” in a reference to Sept. 11, 2001, on his gloves after catching a 34-yard touchdown pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second quarter of an NFL football game. —AP

Auburn holds on to defeat Mississippi AUBURN: Auburn backup safety Ryan Smith stopped Mississippi State quarterback Chris Relf just shy of the goal line on the final play to preserve the Tigers’ 41-34 win over the 16th-ranked Bulldogs.

A week after needing two touchdowns in the final 2:09 to beat Utah State, defending national champion Auburn extended its winning streak to 17 games.

The Tigers might not be able to keep up this kind of winning for another season, especially with a defense that allowed 531 yards to Mississippi State. Auburn still needs to face SEC Wes t r i va ls L S U, A rk ansas and Alabama. But the dramatic vic tor y against Mississippi State might get the Tigers back in the rankings.

Alabama 27, Penn State 11 At State College, Pennsylvania, A.J. McCarron was poised and efficient throwing for 163 yards and a touchdown against No. 23 Penn State in a 27-11 victory.

McCarron was 19 for 31 with no turnovers and a 5-yard touchdown p as s t h rou gh t r a f fic to M ichael Williams in the first quarter.

For Penn State (1-1), Nittany Lions fans might be wondering if either Robert Bolden or Matt McGloin are the answer. They combined to go 12 for 39 for 144 yards.

Stanford 44, Duke 14 At Durham, North Carolina, Andrew Luck matched a career high by throwi n g fo u r tou c h d ow n p asses fo r Stanford.

Luck was 20 of 28 for 290 yards with touchdown passes of 60 and 3 yards to Coby Fleener, 10 yards to Chris Owusu and 3 yards to Zach Ertz.

Stanford (2-0) won its 10th straight g ame d a t i n g to la st seaso n and claimed a rare regular-season win on the East Coast while denying the Blue Devils (0-2) their first Top 25 win since 1994.

Lee Butler returned an interception 76 yards for a touchdown to pull Duke to 10-7 late in the first half. Luck then led four straight touchdown drives to turn it into a rout before exiting one play into the fourth quarter.

Wisconsin 35, Oregon State 0 At M a d i s on , Wi s co nsin, R ussel l Wilson threw three touchdowns and Wisconsin overcame a slow start to thrash Oregon.

In his second career start for the Badgers (2-0), Wilson was 17 of 21 for 189 yards and the three touchdowns, including a pair to tight end Jacob Pedersen. Wisconsin’s running game broke through after halftime, and Ball had a pair of touchdowns in the second half.

Virginia Tech 17, East Carolina 10 At Greenville, North Carolina, Josh Oglesby ran for the go-ahead 10-yard score with 7:30 left, helping Virginia Tec h gi ve coa c h Fra nk Beamer his 200th win at the school.

David Wilson ran for 138 yards to lead the Hokies (2-0) and quarterback Logan Thomas struggled in his second career start.

Michael Dobson ran for a 2-yard touchdown for the Pirates. But in an unusual twist, it was their defense among the nation’s worst last year that kept East Carolina in it until late.

Oregon 69, Nevada 20 At Eugene, Oregon, Darron Thomas ma tc h e d a s c h ool reco rd w it h six touchdown passes and No. 13 Oregon bounced back from its season-opening loss. LaMichael James ran for 67 yards and a touchdown, caught a scoring pass from Thomas and returned a punt for a score to help the Ducks (1-1) to

their 17th straight victory at Autzen Stadium.

Freshman running back De’Anthony Thomas caught two passes - both for to u chdown s - for 9 3 y ards. Ty ler Lantrip, a fifth-year senior making his first career start, completed 21 of 35 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown for Nevada, which was playing its season opener.

The loss ended Nevada’s sevengame winning streak, which dated to last season when the Wolf Pack went 13-1 and were ranked No. 11 to end the season.

Ohio State 27, Toledo 22 At Columbus, Ohio, John Simon pressured backup Toledo quarterback Terrance Owens, forcing an incompletion on fourth down with 48 seconds left.

The Rockets (1-1) drove from their own 28 and were 17 yards away from becoming the first in-state team to beat the Buckeyes since 1921. Ohio St ate is 4 3 -0 -1 again st its closest neighbors since that long ago 7-6 setback to Oberlin.

Toledo led 15-7 after a quarter and was on top 22-21 before Carlos Hyde went 3 yards for the winning points late in the third quarter.

The Buckeyes (2-0) only had to run out the clock on their last possession, but freshman Rod Smith lost a fumble to give the Rockets a final shot.

Michigan State 44, Florida Atlantic 0 At East L an sin g, M ic h igan , K ir k Cousins threw for 183 yards and two touchdowns, and Michigan State held Florida Atlantic (0-2) to one first down.

BJ Cunningham caught five passes for 73 yards, breaking a tie with Matt Trannon for Michigan State’s career lead in receptions. The Spartans (2-0) led 27-0 at halftime. Michigan State has held an opponent to one first down only one other time - against Maryland in 1944.

West Virginia 55, Norfolk State 12 At Morgantown, West Virginia, Geno Smith threw for 371 yards and four scores and the Mountaineers scored on their first seven possessions of the second half to erase a two-point halftime deficit.

West Virginia (2-0) needed just three plays to find the end zone after halft ime, and af ter S mith h it I van McCartney with a 39-yard TD toss early in the fourth, the Mountaineers had scored five touchdowns in a 15-minute span.

Smith finished 20 of 34 passing after going 8 of 18 in the first half.

West Virginia’s defense woke up, too, limiting Norfolk State (1-1) to two first dow ns in th e secon d h alf. Th e Mountaineers have yet to allow an offensive touchdown in their first two games.

TCU 35, Air Force 19 At Air Force Academy, Colorado, TC U ro u ted Air Force for its 1 8 th straight win in the Mountain West Conference. The Horned Frogs (1-1) were efficient in bouncing back from their stunning 50-48 loss at Baylor last week.

And they did it without their star running back and top tackler, as tailback Ed Wesley (shoulder) and linebacker Tanner Brock (foot) didn’t make the trip af ter aggravating existing inju ries in th e Frogs’ open er. Th e Falcons (1-1) had their five-game winning streak ended.

Wesley was replaced by Matthew Tucker, who scored on a 1-yard leap and a 3-yard run in the first half as TCU built a 21-0 lead. Tucker finished with 95 yards on 16 carries, and Waymon James rushed 13 times for 55 yards and a TD. —AP

MONZA: Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel had his second successive Formula One world championship almost wrapped up after winning the Italian Grand Prix yesterday.

The 24-year-old German, who had started on pole position for the 10th time in 13 races, stretched his overall lead to a mighty 112 points after Australian team mate and closest rival Mark Webber crashed out.

With only 150 points remaining to be won from the last six grands prix, Vettel has now won eight races this season and can clinch the title at the next one in Singapore on Sept. 25.

McLaren’s Jenson Button finished runner-up for the third season in a row at Monza with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, last year’s winner from pole, giving the sea of red-shirted fans something to cheer about with third place at his team’s home race.

Vettel, who took his first Formula One win at Monza with Red Bull’s Italian-based sister team Toro Rosso on 2008, let all the emotions flood out on his return to the podium. He now has 284 points to double world champion Alonso’s 172 and Button’s 167.

“When you stand up there you feel so blessed,” said Vettel who slowed and swerved across to the pit wall with one finger raised as he crossed the line.

“Obviously the first one was very special but to be back here...incredible,” he gasped. “I really had a very, very good race car and a fantastic day today. “It’s the best podium in the world. The only thing that could make it better is probably wearing a red suit.”

On a sweltering afternoon in the royal park near Milan, Alonso had the home fans leaping in excitement at the start by seizing the lead, roaring past Vettel with one wheel on the grass, from fourth place on the grid.

The Spaniard held his advantage for the first four laps thanks to the safety car, which had to be deployed immediately after Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi lost control of his HRT, skidding across a corner and slamming into Vitaly Petrov’s

frustrated Hamilton to question whether the seven-times champion’s moves were legal.

That triggered a veiled warning from Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn to Schumacher, reminding him to leave enough space at the

flooding onto the finish straight for the podium celebrations, finished fifth ahead of former Ferrari team mate Felipe Massa. Massa was the last unlapped driver on a day when only 15 of the 24 starters finished at the fastest circuit on the

MONZA: Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany, celebrates on the podium after winning the Italian Formula One Grand Prix. —AP Renault. Germany’s Nico Rosberg was also caught in the mayhem, retiring his Mercedes on the spot.

McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton finished fourth after a thrilling battle with the old master Michael Schumacher, a five-times winner at Monza in his glory days with Ferrari, and then striving in vain to catch Alonso over the closing laps.

Schumacher gave no quarter, his defensive driving prompting a

Ascari chicane.

While Hamilton and Schumacher tussled, Button caught them both napping and passed in quick succession. “I don’t know if we could have challenged Sebastian today... it’s a pity we had such a poor start,” said Button, who qualified third but was sixth at the end of the first lap.

Schumacher, with plenty of fans in the throng of flag-waving tifosi

calendar.

Spain’s Jaime Alguersuari was seventh for Toro Rosso and Britain’s Paul di Resta, of Italian descent, eighth for Force India.

Brazilian Bruno Senna, nephew of the late triple champion Ayrton, scored his first points in Formula One with ninth place for Renault and Swiss driver Sebastien Buemi claimed the final point for Toro Rosso. —Reuters

Sarafina steps closer to emulating great Zarkava PARIS: Sarafina justified her tag as favourite for October’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe here at Longchamp yesterday as she came from last to first to win the Group Two Prix Foy after surviving a steward’s enquiry.

The Alain de Royer Dupre trained-filly - third last year in the Arc after almost falling - has been favourite for Europe’s most prestigious race since Epsom Derby winner Pour Moi suffered a career ending injury last month.

And she did nothing to dispel the notion as she earned herself odds of 7/2 for the Arc on October 3 and emulate Zarkava’s victory in 2008, like her a filly and from the same stable as well as the same owner His Highness the Aga Khan.

De Royer Dupre, who has landed the Arc twice, has another live candidate in French Derby winner Reliable Man who was an impressive winner of the Prix Niel, a race that has produced several Arc winners, most recently Rail Link in 2006, earning himself a 7/1 tag.

Jockey Christophe Lemaire had to work hard for Sarafina’s win, though, as he forced his way through a narrow gap to get her in front ahead of Japanese runner Hiruno D’Amour and the Aidan O’Brien-trained St Nicholas Abbey.

Last year’s Arc runner-up Nakayama Festa set the pace but clearly needed the run as he finished fourth and last in his first outing since finishing 14th in the Japan Cup last November.

The Aga Khan said that his filly had been hindered by the inconsistent pace up front but he was confident given her forebears that she was maturing as she got older.

“She’s been very keen in her races before and the main thing we are trying to do is get her settled,” said the 74-year-old, who has owned four Arc winners.

“She’d prefer a faster run race as they went quick early but then slowed down. It’s always going to be a fast pace in the Arc. “She’s from a family that you have to wait a long time for, that’s the nature of the game.” O’Brien, who has trained the winner only once with Dylan Thomas in 2007, was also unhappy with the pace but was pleased overall, though, he was unable to confirm whether St Nicholas Abbey would return or whether stable star former Australian crack So You Think would be running.

“We’re happy with him (St Nicholas Abbey), he was fresh beforehand but he ran well. He’d have preferred a stronger pace. “We came here with the idea of looking at the Arc and now we’ll go home and digest it.” —AFP

LOS ANGELES: In this image released by Louisiana Downs, Prayer For Relief, ridden by Rafael Bejarano, wins the 32nd running of the Grade II Super Derby horse race at Louisiana Downs. —AP

VILNIUS: Andrei Kirilenko (up) from Russia tries to stop Ioannis Bourousis (down) from Greece during the EuroBasket European Basketball Championship Group E match. —AP

Russia see off Greece VILNIUS: Russia stretched their unbeaten European Championship record to seven wins with an impressive 83-67 victory over Greece on Saturday, and will play Macedonia for top spot in Group F today.

The Macedonians earned a sixth successive win with a 68-59 defeat of Slovenia, while Finland rekindled their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals with an 87-73 win over eliminated Georgia.

Russia and Macedonia, who had earlier booked their berths in the last eight, head the group with a 4-0 record and Greece are also assured of a spot in the knockout stage with two wins and two defeats in the second group stage.

Finland, playing in their first major tournament since Eurobasket 1995, will advance to the knockout stage for the first time if they win their dogfight against Slovenia on Monday, with both teams on a 1-3 record.

Having arrived in neighbouring Lithuania as one of the dark horses of the 24-team event, the Russians cruised through their preliminary pool and kept improving as they overpowered one rival after another.

“We are playing better and better every game and this was our best game in the tournament so far,” said Russia’s Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko, who helped the team to their first title as an independent nation in 2007.

“We showed a lot of power in offense today and we were also good defensively, so we now have high hopes of emulating our 2007 success, although we will be up against a strong team in the quarter-finals no matter what.

“Any of the six teams in the other group can be champions on their day but hopefully we can go up into the medal rounds,” added Kirilenko, who scored 13 points to go with eight rebounds against the Greeks.

Centre Timofey Mozgov led the winners with 19 points and forward Aleksey Shved added 15 as Russia had 13 team rebounds and eight assists more than the Greeks.

Finland had never made it past the preliminary round. Having reached the second stage in Lithuania, they are now one win away from their biggest success after squeezing into Eurobasket 2011 through a late qualifying play-off.

A balanced team effort against the Georgians, in which six players ended in double scoring digits, was a perfect birthday present to their point guard Teemu Rannikko and veteran power forward Hanno Mottola.

“It was a nice birthday gift from the team for me and Mottola ... We knew we could compete here but we also knew we would have to play at a very high level,” said Rannikko.

“We have a big game today and we have to do the same things we have been doing so far, which is to move the ball well in offense and make open perimeter shots.

“Slovenia are a very good team with a lot of established Euroleague players, so it’s going to be difficult.” Mikko Koivisto led the charge with 14 points for Finland, who landed a staggering 13 three-pointers from 26 attempts against only four of 19 converted

by Georgia, having also grabbed 17 offensive rebounds.

Macedonia, playing in only their third major tournament as an independent nation, continued to defy the odds as they beat yet another more heralded team.

American-born point guard Lester Bo McCalebb, the driving force behind Macedonia’s success, shone again with a game-high 19 points against the Slovenians, whose point guard Goran Dragic was a lone beacon of light with 20 points. —Reuters

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

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Serena one win from 14th Grand Slam title

NEW YORK: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning a semifinal match against Andy Murray of Britain at the US Open tennis tournament.—AP

Djokovic, Nadal set up US Open final re-match NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal will meet in the US Open final for the second year in a row after winning their semi-finals on a day of unrelenting drama and precision tennis at Flushing Meadows on Saturday.

Djokovic showed why he is the hottest player in the game right now when he saved two match points to roar back from the brink of defeat and beat Roger Federer in a five-set thriller that whipped the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd into a frenzy of excitement. Then Nadal, his form and confidence soaring with each match he plays, powered past Britain’s Andy Murray 6-4 6-2 3-6 6-2 and set up a mouthwatering rematch between the top two players in the world.

Nadal beat Djokovic 12 months ago to complete his collection of grand slam titles but the Serbian has had his measure this year. “I’ve lost my last five matches against him, five finals,” Nadal said. “He’s obviously the favourite for the final, and I know I have to do something better than those other matches to try and change the situation.

For Djokovic, who has already won two grand slam titles this year, at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, there was just relief that he made the final after he survived a pulsating contest with Federer that could have gone either way. Federer won the first two sets then regained his composure to lead 5-3 in the fifth.

The Swiss maestro, a five-time champion at Flushing Meadows served for the match and had two match points, but Djokovic saved them both and won the last four games to complete an incredible

comeback.

“It’s a sport where one wins, one loses,” Djokovic said. “We have a saying, ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

For Federer, it was a heart-breaking loss.

He may have won more grand slam titles than any other man that has played the game but his last was at the 2010 Australian Open.

Now on the wrong side of 30, he doesn’t move as fast as he once could and hit a string of ugly shanks. “Sure, it’s disappointing, but I have only myself to blame,” said Federer. “I set it all up perfect, but I couldn’t finish it.” “It hurts, but it’s fine. It could be worse. It could be a final.”

Murray, 24, never really threatened Nadal although he had the consolation of taking a set off him, a feat that none of his other opponents have managed at the U.S. Open this year.

He played aggressively, cracking 44 winners, 13 more than Nadal, but his 55 unforced errors was more than twice his opponent’s total. The Scotsman still has time on his side but he carries the added burden of 75 years of British frustration.

The world number four made the semifinals of all four grand slams this year but is still searching for his first major win.

“It’s something I want to try and achieve, but if you want to judge someone’s whole career based purely on slams, I would have had a terrible career,” he said.

“I’ve still got hopefully three or four more years where I’m playing the tennis in my peak. I need to stay healthy and improve.”—Reuters

Spanish League results/standings Spanish league results and standings yesterday: Real Betis 1 (Ruben Castro 87) Real Mallorca 0; Racing Santander 0, Levante 0; Rayo Vallecano 0, Real Zaragoza 0; Osasuna 2 (Nino 28, ¡lvaro 30) Sporting Gijon 1 (De las Cuevas 75).

Espanyol v Athletic Bilbao - late kickoff Played Saturday

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Bilbao Racing Atletico Getafe Villarreal Zaragoza Malaga Espanyol Grenada Sporting

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Betis share top spot after Mallorca win MADRID: Racing Santander and Levante shared the points in a 0-0 draw yesterday as both sides remained winless while Betis saw off Mallorca to join Real Madrid and Valencia at the top of the Spanish league table. Santander were the better side in the first half with Adrian Gonzalez, Pedro Munitis and Manuel Arana all trying their luck from distance. Levante goalkeeper Gustavo Munua had to save a Lautaro Acosta shot from close range on 31 minutes.

For Levante a Jose Barkero free kick tested Santander goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez ‘Tono’ from 25 yards in the 32nd minute.

Acosta’s pace caused problems throughout and he should have done better when he blazed over the bar from ten yards after breaking clear on 49 minutes. Adrian came close again from long range on 66 minutes as Santander continued to press for a victory, but when their midfielder Papa Diop was given his marching orders on 81 minutes for a second yellow card all hope off a home win seemed to vanish. Levante finished the stronger but both sides will have to improve if they are not to face a struggle for survival this season.

Betis meanwhile thanked a fine showing from Ruben Castro for their success. On 42 minutes he hit the post with a left footed shot from the edge of the area and Jorge Molina incredibly hit the bar twice in his attempts to convert the rebound.

Castro was always dangerous and went close again with a right-footed drive on 56 minutes.

Just as it seemed Mallorca would escape with a point, Castro finally appeared on 87 minutes to steer the ball home on the right side of the area from a corner. Elsewhere yesterday Osasuna beat Sporting Gijon 2-1 for their first win of the season while Rayo Vallecano, back in the Spanish top flight,

And that serve was a killer.”

Williams finished with 11 aces.

Wozniacki did make it competitive for a brief moment, taking advantage of Williams’ two loose shots and a double fault to pull to 5-4 in the second set.

But Williams answered with a forehand winner, then drove Wozniacki into the corner on two shots she couldn’t get back. Five points later, it was over, and Williams was jumping up and down in the middle of the court to celebrate - a marked difference from the last time she reached this point.

“For me, it’s amazing,” Williams said. “I’ve come a long way. Thinking about going from being in the hospital to beating the No. 1 player. I think it calls for an even bigger reaction.”

Wozniacki has spent most of the last year as No. 1 and has a new boyfriend - golf’s Rory McIlroy. But McIlroy is the only one in this pairing who will finish the year as a U.S. Open champion and Wozniacki will keep having to answer that question: What’s it like being No. 1 when you can’t win the big one? She is still looking for her first Grand Slam title.

“I’m still No. 1 in the ranking and

NEW YORK: Serena Williams reacts after winning her semifinal match against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark at the US Open tennis tournament. —AP

still No. 1 in the race,” Wozniacki said.

“No one can take that away from me right now. Serena played great today.

She’s a great champion and I wish her well.”

While her counterpunching style works against almost everyone else, it clearly didn’t against Williams, who is showing she really is the world’s best when she’s healthy and motivated. Normally cool and collected while she’s chasing on the baseline, Wozniacki let the frustration show, chucking her racket to the ground after flying a forehand long while trailing 3-1 and deuce in the second set.

“She can’t even throw her racket down hard enough,” commentator John McEnroe quipped. “Got to work on that.”

Midway through the first set, Williams needed a medical timeout to tend to a sore toe on her right foot - a brief reminder of all the trouble she’s been through over the past 14 months.

Less than a week after winning Wimbledon in July 2010, Williams cut her foot on glass at a restaurant in Germany. A few days later, she played in an exhibition match against Clijsters in Belgium, but then decided to have surgery on her right foot, and she now has a jagged scar that runs several inches from the top of that foot up her leg.

Williams needed a second operation on that foot, and later was hospitalized for clots in her lungs, then a gathering of blood under the skin of her stomach.

She was off the tour for nearly a full year, not returning until June. “It’s such an arduous, long road,” Williams said. “I can’t believe it. I really can’t.”

She improved to 18-0 on hard courts this year and has a 4-2 lead in her series against Stosur, who has quietly worked her way through the bottom of the draw and proven she’s willing to go to great lengths to get there. Including the win over Kerber, the Aussie has been involved in three three-set matches, one of which lasted 3 hours, 16 minutes, a US Open women’s record. She also lost a record-setting 17-15 tiebreaker in a match she eventually won. Next, she gets Williams on a roll. “She’s looking good,” said Williams’ mom, Oracene Price. “It’s not easy to rebound like she has, but it’s her determination.

She likes to win. She likes to win more than the money.”—AP

Heynckes: Tough times ahead

Real Madrid 4 (Benzema 14, 69, Cristiano Ronaldo 59-pen, Higuain 88) Getafe 2 (Miku 38, 73); Valencia 1 (Soldado 52) Atletico Madrid 0; Real Sociedad 2 (Agirretxe 59, Griezmann 60) Barcelona 2 (Xavi 9, Fabregas 11); Villarreal 2 (Rossi 35-pen, Ruben 73) Sevilla 2 (Negredo 24, Ruano 86).

Playing today Malaga v Grenada

Spanish league table ahead of yesterday’s late match (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Real Madrid Valencia Betis Barcelona Sociedad Sevilla Osasuna Mallorca Levante Vallecano

NEW YORK: This one didn’t come down to a foot fault, a referee’s call or anything else that could’ve made Serena Williams mad. Nope, just a feel-good Saturday night for a player who has had her share of injuries and turmoil over the past few years.

In what was supposed to be her toughest test yet at the US Open, Williams dominated top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki 6-2, 6-4 in the semifinals to move a win away from her 14th Grand Slam title.

“For me, it’s amazing,” Williams said. “I’ve come a long way, a really long way.” Williams, who missed the better part of a year with injuries and illness, was back in the semifinals at Flushing for the first time since 2009 when, also on a Saturday night in Arthur Ashe Stadium, she got called for a foot fault against Kim Clijsters, then went on a tirade against the referee that cost her match point.

An ugly moment she’d love to forget - sort of the same way Wozniacki would like to forget almost everything that happened on a worstcase-scenario night for her in the world’s biggest tennis stadium.

Her loss left No. 9 Sam Stosur as the last player with a chance to stop No. 28 Williams at a tournament in which she has lost a grand total of 29 games over six matches and hasn’t dropped a set. Stosur beat Angelique Kerber 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 to reach her second Grand Slam final. They’ll have a quick turnaround and play late yesterday, with Williams going for her fourth U.S. Open championship on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

“It meant a lot to me to come out here as an American and still be in the tournament,” Williams said. “I really wanted to play tomorrow. Such a special day for the United States, so I’m really excited.”

Williams finished with 34 winners, compared to five for Wozniacki, though the clearest picture was painted early in the second set when Williams led 20- 0 in that category.

That’s typical of each player’s game - Williams is about power and Wozniacki is about persistence - but the difference on this night was glaring and the contest turned into a mismatch.

“I never gave up. I was always trying to play the next point, the next point,” Wozniacki said. “But Serena played very, very well today. She’s in great shape. Hitting all her strokes.

and Zaragoza shared a point each in a goalless draw in Spain on Sunday evening.

Two quick goals, the first from Juan Martinez ‘Nino’ on 28 minutes and a superb volley from Alvaro Cejudo two minutes later gave Osasuna a comfortable first half lead in Pamplona.

Substitute David Barral pulled one back for Sporting just over 10 minutes from the final whistle after his shot crept under the body of Osasuna goalkeeper Andres Fernandez.

On Saturday Real Madrid beat Getafe 4-2 to take an early two-point advantage over Barcelona at the top of the league after the Catalan side dropped points in drawing 2-2 away to Real Sociedad. Elsewhere, Villarreal and Sevilla drew 2-2 and Valencia beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to join Real Madrid at the top after two games.

For Madrid two goals for Karim Benzema, a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty and a late strike by substitute Gonzalo Higuain edged out a battling Getafe for whom Miku scored twice.

Barca seemed to have their game wrapped up with two early goals within a minute from Xavi Hernandez and Cesc Fabregas.

However, a sterling second half performance saw Sociedad level with headers on 57 and 59 minutes from Imanol Agirretxe and Antoine Griezmann. Roberto Soldado’s 52nd minute header won a tight game for Valencia to give them a 100 percent record. Villarreal put up a battling performance, after losing goalkeeper Diego Lopez to a first half red card, to draw 2-2 with Sevilla. After first half penalties for both sides were converted by Giuseppe Rossi and Alvaro Negredo, Villarreal substitute Marco Ruben put the home team ahead on 72 minutes before Alexis Ruano earned Sevilla a point with five minutes remaining.—AFP

BERLIN: Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has warned the German league leaders that a 7-0 rout of Freiburg should leave no room for complacency as they embark on their much-anticipated Champions League campaign.

Having last won the Champions League title in 2001, Bayern begin their Group A campaign at Spain’s Villarreal on Wednesday.

Tough tasks lie ahead however as Bayern face German title -rivals Schalke 04 and Bayer Leverkusen over the next two weekends in the Bundesliga before hosting Manchester City at the Allianz Arena on September 27 in the Champions League.

“We know we’ll have to keep on improving, because we have a packed and intense programme over the next few weeks,” said Heynckes.

Bayern striker Mario Gomez, who scored four goals, and midfielder Franck Ribery, two, shone in Saturday’s rout in Munich while replacement Nils Petersen scored the seventh just before the final whistle.

The goal bonanza leaves Bayern top of the league and with just over a month gone of the new season, they already have a goal difference of 15 having conceded just one goal while netting 16 in five games.

Second-placed Werder Bremen are level with Munich on 12 points after beating neighbours Hamburg as ex-Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro scored both goals in their 2-0 home win.

Yesterday, Nuremberg ran out 2-1 winners in a bad-tempered game which saw each side finish with ten men. Both Nuremberg goals came from penalties as Belgium midfielder Timmy Simons slotted spot kicks on 31 and 35 minutes, while Cologne’s Morocco striker Adil Chihi kept his side in touch with a 39th-minute strike.

The result leaves Nuremberg seventh and Cologne 15th in the table. Schalke missed out on the chance to claim a top three place when they let a 1-0 lead at Wolfsburg slip to a 2-1 defeat as Wolves’ Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic scored an 82nd minute winner.

Spain’s Raul put Schalke ahead in the first-half, but a header from Mandzukic on 33 minutes levelled for the hosts before he added the late winner.

On Saturday, defending champions Borussia Dortmund suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Hertha Berlin as they prepare for Tuesday’s visit of Premier League side Arsenal in the Champions League. This was Dortmund’s second defeat in four league games and leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side 11th in the table and puts Berlin eighth.

Borussia Moenchengladbach, who only avoided relegation last season by the skin of their teeth, maintained their great start to the season with a 1-0 win at home to Kaiserlautern to go third.

Stuttgart enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Hanover, while Hoffenheim hammered Mainz 4-0 to go fifth. On Friday, Bayer Leverkusen warmed up for Tuesday’s trip to Chelsea in the Champions League with a 4-1 win over Augsburg which puts them fourth in the table.—AFP

GERMANY: Schalke’s Raul of Spain (right) scores the opening goal against Wolfsburg keeper Marwin Hitz (center) during the German First Division Bundesliga soccer match. —AP

German League results/standings Results and standings from the German League yesterday: Cologne 1 (Chihi 39) Nuremberg 2 (Simons 31-pen, 35-pen); Wolfsburg 2 (Mandzukic 33, 82) Schalke 04 1 (Raul 13).

Played Saturday Werder Bremen 2 (Pizarro 53, 78) Hamburg 0; Borussia Dor tmund 1 (Lewandowski 88) Hertha Berlin 2 (Raffael 49, Niemeyer 81); Bayern Munich 7 (Gomez 8, 52,

55, 71-pen, R iber y 26, 41, Petersen 90) Freiburg 0; Mainz 0, Hoffenheim 4 (Roberto Firmino 16, Babel 45pen, 74, Noveski 85); Stuttgart 3 (Okazaki 9, Kuzmanovic 79, Tasci 86) Hanover 96 0; Borussia M onchengladbach 1 (Arango 58) Kaiserslautern 0.

Played Friday Augsburg 1 (Hosogai 5) Bayer Leverkusen 4 (Sam 6, 72, Kiessling 23, Derdiyok 80)

German league table after the weekend’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Bayern Munich 5 Bremen 5 Borussia 5 Leverkusen 5 Hoffenheim 5 Schalke 04 5 Nuremberg 5 Hertha Berlin 5 Hanover 96 5

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VfB Stuttgart Dortmund Mainz 05 VfL Wolfsburg Freiburg Cologne Augsburg Kaiserslautern Hamburg

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Hirvonen clinches Rally Australia

Klitschko retains WBC belt

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

Vettel has a hand on F1 title after Italy win Page 18

ITALY: Juventus forward Simone Pepe (right) fires a shot and scores, during a Serie A soccer match between Juventus and Parma at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. —AP

Juventus light up new stadium ROME: Juventus delivered new coach Antonio Conte a flying start to the season in their new stadium with a 4-1 thrashing of Parma yesterday.

Stephan Lichsteiner and Arturo Vidal, making their debut, alongside Simone Pepe and Claudio Marchisio scored the goals to hand the Old Lady of Turin an ideal start.

Former Juve forward Sebastian Giovinco scored an injury-time consolation from the spot after Paolo De Ceglie had been sent off for bringing him down in the box.

Having spent heavily in the summer on a number of recruits, Juve handed debuts to Andrea Pirlo, Lichsteiner and

Emanuele Giaccherini whilst Mirko Vucinic and Vidal both came off the bench to also make their first appearances in the black and white shirt. Despite the convincing victory, Conte was not an entirely satisfied man. “In the first half there was a valid goal ruled out and we were denied a stonewall penalty,” complained Conte, who enjoyed a highly successful playing career with Juventus.

“At half-time I told the lads that 1-0 wasn’t a fair reflection of the game, which was partly our fault and partly due to other factors.

“Otherwise it was a good debut.

Having said that I don’t want to con anyone, we weren’t perfect and there’s still a

lot of work to do. “You can’t concede a penalty and a red card at 4-0. We also have to work on this even if the attack, and especially the defence, did really well.”

Even though Juve’s new 41,000 capacity stadium wasn’t quite full, there was a lively atmosphere inside the ground for its first official match. And the hosts didn’t disappoint, coming out of the traps with energy and desire.

They were ahead on 16 minutes after a moment of genius from Pirlo, who scooped the ball over a static backline for right-back Lichsteiner to run onto and take around Antonio Mirante before slotting into the empty net.

On 39 minutes Juve had the ball in the

rolling agonisingly across the line and away to safety.

The killer second came only four minutes later as Del Piero fed the ball wide to Pepe who thrashed a shot across Mirante and inside the far post from 12 yards.

Chile midfielder Vidal then came on to score the third with an acrobatic volley from just outside the area. The fourth was simply sublime as Pirlo played another sumptuous chipped pass over the top and Marchisio ran past ball-watching defenders to brilliantly flick the ball over Mirante on the stretch.

Parma did get on the scoresheet in injury time as De Ceglie brought down Giovinco, who picked himself up to score

net again as Alessandro Matri headed in from barely a yard out, but it was ruled out for offside.

Although Matri may well have been onside when Andrea Barzagli headed the ball back across goal, two other Juve players in close attention weren’t.

Parma showed nothing going forward in the first period with Giovinco particularly frustrating as he repeatedly tried to do too much on his own, losing the ball every time.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first as Alessandro Del Piero released Matri into a gaping hole in the middle of the Parma defence but the forward’s shot struck the upright before

West Brom secure first EPL points

Blackburn stay bottom Fulham 1

Blackburn 1

LONDON: Blackburn remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table after Bobby Zamora’s equaliser gave Fulham a 1-1 draw against Rovers at Craven Cottage yesterday.

Steve Kean’s struggling side had taken the lead through a fine strike from Ruben Rochina in the first half, but Zamora equalised soon after to leave Blackburn still waiting for their first league win this season.

There was more bad news for Kean as midfielder David Hoilett was stretchered off in stoppage time wearing a neck brace after a nasty collision with Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Fulham are also without a victory in their first four league games and, like Blackburn, they were unable to climb out of the bottom three after a scrappy encounter in west London. “He’s got three or four stitches in the side of his head and a bang on his eye,” Kean said of Hoilett’s injury. “It’s not a great challenge and he’ll have some concussion. It’s a bad one. “He was out for a little bit of time and it might affect him for the next game, but he’ll be fine.”

Cottagers boss Martin Jol gave Costa Rica striker Bryan Ruiz his debut following a £10.6 million switch from FC Twente on transfer deadline day, while fellow new boy Zdenek

Grygera, the former Juventus defender, was on the bench.

Kean handed a debut to former Birmingham centre-back Scott Dann, who joined Rovers just before the transfer window closed, but it was Blackburn’s more creative players who caught the eye early on.

Rovers were quickly into their stride and Rochina twisted and turned on the edge of the box before forcing Schwarzer to save.

David Goodwillie was next to threaten as he went close with an audacious overhead kick that flew just over the crossbar.

Fulham were forced to make an early change when defender Aaron Hughes picked up a knock and was replaced by Stephen Kelly in the 20th minute. Blackburn midfielder Steven N’Zonzi drove a long-range effort narrowly wide as the visitors kept up the pressure and their dominance was rewarded in the 32nd minute.

Former Barcelona trainee Rochina took possession from Hoilett on the edge of the area and unleashed a superb drive that went in off the underside of the bar.

Fulham could have few complaints about that but they equalised just six minutes later when Zamora timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and steer a shot past Paul Robinson from a tight angle.

Jol opted to send on Mousa Dembele in place of Ruiz after an ineffective debut, but there was a definite drop in quality from both sides after the break, with few chances on offer as passes went astray far too often.

The only opportunities fell to Fulham, but Robinson was equal to strikes from Danny Murphy and Clint Dempsey before Hoilett’s injury agony marred the clash.—AFP

the spot-kick.

Luis Enrique had a disastrous league debut on the Roma bench as his team lost 2-0 at home to Cagliari and finished with 10 men.

Jose Angel was sent off on his league debut for a petulent kick on Davide Biondini. That came just after Daniele Conti had given the Sardinians the lead and in injury time Moestafa El Kabir, on his debut, scored the decisive second on the counter-attack.

Daniele De Rossi scored Roma’s consolation with the last kick of the match.

Fiorentina and Udinese both started with 2-0 wins over Bologna and Lecce respectively.—AFP

LONDON: Fulham’s Damien Duff (right) competes with Blackburn Rovers’ Martin Olsson during their English Premier League soccer match. —AP

EPL results/standings English Premier League results and standings yesterday: Fulham 1 (Zamora 38) Blackburn 1 (Rochina 32); Norwich 0 West Brom 1 (Odemwingie 3).

Played Saturday Arsenal 1 (Arshavin 40) Swansea 0; Bolton 0, Man Utd 5 (Hernandez 5, 58, Rooney 20, 25, 68); Everton 2 (Osman 19, Baines 69-pen) Aston Villa 2 (Petrov 63, Man Utd Man City Chelsea Stoke Liverpool Newcastle Wolverhampton Aston Villa Wigan Everton

4 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 3

4 4 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1

0 0 1 2 1 1 1 3 2 1

0 18 0 15 0 7 0 3 1 6 0 3 1 4 0 5 1 3 1 3

3 12 3 12 3 10 1 8 3 7 1 7 3 7 3 6 4 5 3 4

Agbonlahor 83); Man City 3 (Aguero 13, 63, 69) Wigan 0; Stoke 1 (Walters 21-pen) Liverpool 0; Sunderland 1 (Ji 90) Chelsea 2 (Terry 18, Sturridge 51); Wolves 0, Tottenham 2 (Adebayor 67, Defoe 80).

Playing today QPR v Newcastle English Premier League table after yesterday matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Arsenal West Brom Bolton Tottenham QPR Sunderland Norwich Fulham Swansea Blackburn

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NORWICH: West Brom secured their first points of Norwich 0 the Premier League season as an early goal from Peter Odemwingie beat Norwich 10 at Carrow Road yesterday.

West Brom 1 Odemwingie was making his first start of the season after an ankle injury and the Nigerian striker had an eventful return. He opened the scoring in the third minute after confusion in the Norwich defence but then went from hero to zero as his second half penalty was saved by young Norwich goalkeeper Declan Rudd. That spot-kick miss couldn’t spark a Norwich fightback however and Roy Hodgson’s team held on to end a run of three successive defeats, while the Canaries are still waiting for their first victory after last season’s promotion from the Championship.

Two of Albion’s three league defeats came against Manchester United and Chelsea and Norwich were unlikely to pose quite the same threat as those two title challengers.

Even so, West Brom wouldn’t have expected to be gifted the lead after just three minutes thanks to a mistake in the Canaries’ defence. A long ball from Nicky Shorey caught the Norwich rearguard flat-footed and Ritchie De Laet’s panicked header fell short of the hesitant Rudd, allowing Odemwingie to nip in ahead of the keeper and slot into the far corner.

Norwich looked for an immediate response, with Andrew Surman’s near-post effort kicked out by Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster and Grant Holt unable to keep his follow-up effort on target. Rudd had to be alert to block a stinging effort from Odemwingie after the Nigerian surged clear of the home defence. Hodgson’s team kept pressing and Graham Dorrans hit the post with a fierce 25-yard effort just before half-time.

Canaries boss Paul Lambert made a double change with 20 minutes left as captain Grant Holt was replaced by Steve Steve Morison, and James Vaughan came on for Chris Martin to make his first appearance since his move from Everton.

But West Brom had a chance to extend their lead when Steven Reid went down under minimal contact from Morison and referee Mark Halsey pointed to the spot. —AFP

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KSE remains subdued, Agility sparks activity Page 24

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

British banks face profit hit from new reforms Page 25

VIVA to attend Arabian info and security meet Page 22

THESSALONIKI: Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou appears in a monitor during a press conference in Thessaloniki, northern Grecce, yesterday.

Greek government announced new budget cuts, totaling around two billion euros yesterday. — AFP

Greece slaps property tax to cut deficit Measure will add 2 billion to budget this year THESSALONIKI, Greece: Greece yesterday slapped a new tax on real estate to plug a 2011 budget hole, please international lenders and secure a key new loan tranche as concerns mounted in Europe over its euro-zone membership. EU and IMF inspectors are due in Athens this week to hear how the government plans to overcome delays and missed fiscal targets before approving an 8 billion euro tranche from its 110 billion euro bailout, key to Greece’s survival.

Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos said the cabinet agreed the measure to raise about 2 billion euros missing from the government’s coffers and to meet the 2011 budget deficit target, estimated at around 8.1 percent.

“It’s the only measure that can be applied immediately and produce results quickly because it does not depend on the tax collecting mechanism,” he told reporters, adding the levy would be collected through electricity bills.

Prime Minister George Papandreou, who chaired the informal cabinet meeting in Thessaloniki on Sunday, said in a speech late on Saturday he was determined to do whatever it takes to save Greece from bankruptcy and keep it in the euro.

He was responding to renewed talk in European capitals that Greece’s will to comply with the bailout plan and stay in the euro bloc may be wavering.

EU and IMF inspectors have repeatedly told

Greece to avoid more economy-stifling tax measures and focus on structural reforms and spending cuts, including shrinking the large and inefficient public sector.

“Taxing property is the easy solution for revenues,” Yannis Revithis, head of the Athens real estate brokers’ association, told Greek TV. “But the real estate market cannot bear any more taxes.” The tax will range from half to 10 euros per square meter of construction and will be in effect for two years, Venizelos said.

News

Egypt stocks drop after attack

in brief

Citadel secures capital boost CAIRO: Egyptian private equity firm Citadel Capital said yesterday it had completed a $70 million capital increase for its Africa Railways investment vehicle. Citadel, with $8.7 billion investments under its control, said the increase brought Africa Railways’ total paid-in capital to $110 million. Africa Railways, Citadel’s platform for investing in the African rail transportation sector, will use proceeds from the capital increase to fund portfolio company Rift Valley Railways. Rift Valley Railways has a 25year concession to operate a century-old rail line linking the Indian Ocean port of Mombasa in Kenya to the interior of Kenya and Uganda, including Kampala.

Mashreq names new head DUBAI: Mashreq Bank, Dubai’s second largest lender by market value, has appointed Julio de Quesada as the new head of its corporate and investment banking group, the lender said yesterday. De Quesada was previously the head Saudi Arabia’s Bank Al Jazira’s institutional banking group before joining Masreq, the statement said. He also held positions at Samba Financial Group and Citigroup in Pakistan and Mexico. The bank in July also named Farhad Irani as its new head of its retail banking division. Mashreq posted a 41 percent increase in second-quarter net profit as half-year provisions for bad loans fell.

Lufthansa mulls sale of bmi FRANKFURT: German airline group Lufthansa has mandated banks to sound out a potential sale of its loss-making British unit bmi, a source familiar with the process told Reuters. Morgan Stanley was one of the banks appointed, the person said yesterday, adding the process was at an early stage.

Lufthansa declined to comment. Management board member Stefan Lauer said earlier this month Lufthansa was seeking a partner as one option for bmi, which generated an operating loss of 120 million euros ($164 million)in the first half. Lufthansa bought a majority stake in bmi, which traces its roots to a 1938 flight school for Royal Air Force pilots, in 2008 and later acquired the 20 percent it did not own from SAS.

The inspectors, known as the troika, interrupted a visit on Sept. 2 after a row over the size of the budget shortfall and its cause.

Athens blamed it on a bigger than expected recession and Venizelos said on Sunday the economy would shrink by about 5.3 percent this year. But the troika said that was only a small part of the reason and asked for urgent steps on privatizations, shutting down state organizations and cutting the number of civil servants. — Reuters

BEIJING: A shop employee walks past boutiques at a shopping mall in Beijing yesterday. —AFP

Oil to trade between $120-125pb: Experts KUWAIT: Decline of oil prices could be “prominent feature” in short-term trading due to rise in US dollar exchange rate and continuation of European debt crisis, two Kuwaiti oil experts said yesterday.

In statements to KUNA, experts Dr. Talal Al-Bathali and Mohammad AlShatti, predicted that this year would end with oil price being $120-125 pb, and on the rise at the beginning of next year should geopolitical circum-

stances persist between Iran, Europe and the United States.

“Reasons behind current fluctuation in prices are the European debt crisis and high exchange rate of the US dollar,” Dr Al-Bathali said. “Europe is not like the United States, as impacts in this continent are of strong and lasting effects,” he noted.

On his part, Al-Shatti said recent decline in oil prices “will not last,” pointing out that Brent prices in

t h e f i r s t 1 0 d ays o f S e p te m b e r reached $116 pb, in comparison to Dubai’s Crude of $108 pb. Despite economic risks, observers believe OPEC’s Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE might get back to 2010 production levels in order to balance market, he noted. Al-Shatti pointed out that should this balance takes place, it would subsidize current prices, yet will not help build oil reserve. —KUNA

CAIRO: Egypt’s benchmark stock index fell slightly yesterday, weighed down by investor unease after the storming of Israel’s embassy and protests in Cairo over the weekend.

Inflation, meanwhile, eased in August to 8.5 percent on a slower increase in food prices.

The Egyptian Exchange’s EGX30 index closed almost 1.2 weaker, at 4,698 points the first day of the trading week.

The index’s year-to-date losses are at about 34 percent.

“To be honest, we were expecting a lot worse than this maybe a fall of 3 to 4 percent,” said Khaled Naga, a senior broker with Mega Investments. “Even so, I’m not recommending anyone buy at this time. ... There could still be a lot of problems cropping up this week.”

But in a measure of good news, the government’s statistical arm announced Saturday that annual urban inflation had dropped to 8.5 percent in August, from 10.4 percent in July. The decline came as food inflation, which accounts for over 40 percent of the consumer price index, increased at a slower pace in the month - 12.2 percent compared with 16.7 percent the prior month.

Food inflation, in particular, was seen as one of the factors that fueled Egyptians’ frustrations ahead of the Jan. 25 revolution, and a decline in that key figure could help ease some of the economic pressure the country’s more than 80 million citizens feel daily. In addition, Suez Canal revenues, a key source of foreign income for the government, climbed to $472.9 million in August, gaining 7.9 percent on the same month in 2010 and hitting a roughly three-year high, government figures showed.

Analysts warned that Egypt still faced major pressures in trying to retrench and rebuild its economy, which recorded GDP growth of 1.8 percent in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Before the Jan. 25 uprising, economic growth had been projected at nearly 6 percent.

London-based Capital Economics, which is forecasting that GDP will contract by 1 percent in the current fiscal year, said in a recent research note that given the current global economic climate, “it is too early to expect a rapid recovery.” In a reflection of the difficulty Egyptian officials have faced, the country’s net international reserves have slipped to slightly more than $25 billion, roughly $11 billion below their December 2010 levels. The slide, in part, is linked to efforts to support the Egyptian currency.

The continuing mass protests have battered Egypt’s economy, undercutting vital tourism revenue and crimping foreign direct investment. In a reversal of an earlier decision that would likely have done little to spur tourism, the government froze a ruling requiring tourists and other visitors to apply for visas before arrival in the country, the official MENA news agency reported, citing the deputy tourism minister. —AP

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business

VIVA to attend Arabian info and communication security meet Premier to sponsor October 3-4 conference

NEW DELHI: An Indian florist prepares a garland of marigold flowers in New Delhi yesterday. India’s economy will grow at a slower pace in the JulySeptember period this fiscal year, than the 7.7 percent achieved in the AprilJune quarter, the Planning Commission said this week. — AFP

Burgan Bank announces 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 a cash-prize of KD 5000 each. The lucky winners are: 1. Mariam Abbas Hamza Ibrahim 2. Kazar Mohsen Btah Mohd 3. Mohammad Abdullah Ali Alwazzan 4. Awadh Ghayadh Obaid Alenezi 5. Sami Jamal Marzouq AlRasheedi Burgan Bank’s Yawmi account was the first in the country to have a daily 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 customer service representative will be more than happy to assist you. For further information visit www.burgan.com

technical means,” adding, “information security is a major concern for our modern society and this conference will contribute to raising

VIVA CEO Salman Al-Badran the level of awareness to the importance of information security.”

Al-Badran explained his objective for the

Britain's banks await painful shake-up plans

Saudi Oger picks arrangers for $2bn loan DUBAI: Saudi Arabian construction company Saudi Oger, said yesterday it has mandated banks to arrange its first loan to be run by non-Saudi institutions, with syndication expected to begin shortly.

Deutsche Bank, China Development Bank and Emirates NBD are to act as initial mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners for the deal, according to a company statement.

The transaction is split between two facilities - a $800 million senior secured term loan and a 3.97 billion Saudi riyal advance payment guarantee (APG) which will partially fund the King Abdullah Project 2 scheme which the company is completing for the Saudi Ministry of Interior.

A regional banking source said the term loan carried a five-year tenor, with the APG lasting for three years. A

KUWAIT: In alignment with Kuwait Telecommunications Company VIVA’s interest to participate in beneficial social activities in Kuwait’ the company is set to be involved with this year’s Arabian Information and Communication Security Conference on October 3-4, that will focus on security of information with the presence of industry specialists.

VIVA announced that the conference is scheduled for next month under the sponsorship of His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah. This distinctive experience will include meetings, comprehensive seminars, informative lectures and leading panel discussions addressing numerous subjects and will incorporate a specialized exhibition and related workshops for the associated companies.

Expert event supervisors, United Marketing & Organizing Exhibitions Company (UNIEXPO) will collaborate with the Central Agency of Information Technology. Eager to stay proactive during the two day event, VIVA has arranged for an educational activity for participants during the first day of the conference, and will present a research paper titled, ‘Security Risks of Mobile Devices and Laptops’.

VIVA, CEO, Salman Al-Badran stated, “the focus of the research paper is to embody the means of modern technology into the field of communication, and to identify the various security risks that may threaten individuals and communities through the abuse of such

spokesman for Saudi Oger did not immediately respond to a request for comment. French lender Natixis has joined in a mandated lead arranger role for both tranches, while Industrial and Commercial Bank of China has joined for the term loan only.

Abu Dhabi’s Al Hilal Bank and Barclays Capital have been appointed lead arrangers for the APG only. Deutsche Bank has been looking to arrange a loan for Saudi Oger since mid-March and banking sources said last month that a senior group of banks was close to being secured for a multi-currency deal worth around $2 billion. The company last tapped the loan market in August 2010, when it completed a $250 million loan via Credit Agricole CIB , RLPC data showed. That deal matures in December 2014. —Reuters

LONDON: Plans for a major shake-up of Britain's banks are to be revealed today when a government-appointed commission publishes final recommendations aimed at avoiding further state bailouts of lenders. However following intense lobbying by major British banks such as HSBC and Barclays, reports suggest that any reforms may not occur until after the country's next general election in 2015. The Independent Commission on Banking (ICB) is expected to confirm its initial proposals published in April that called for a "ringfencing" of lenders' retail businesses, thus avoiding banks being sunk by investment division losses.

It is also likely to repeat calls for banks to set aside more capital to prevent future state bailouts and could again recommend that state-rescued Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) sells more assets to boost competition. However it is not expected to call for the banks to be broken up, as some argue is necessary for real reform.

The ICB's creation in June 2010 followed fierce criticism over so-called casino banking-a term used to describe the high risks taken by investment bankers denounced for their role in the global financial crisis of 2008. Finance minister George Osborne set up the commission which is chaired by John Vickers, a former chief economist at the Bank of England.

"The Vickers report as we all know is going to recommend the retail and investment banking divisions of UK banks are separated," said Simon Denham, head of Capital Spreads trading group. "In theory it all sounds like a nice idea, but the timing is

bad particularly when banks have (already) been forced to increase the amount of capital they hold, whilst being continually badgered to increase the amount of lending they do and at the same time cope with a raft of new regulations."

The BBC has reported that while Vickers is expected to recommend that the government legislates almost immediately over ring-fencing, he will advise that such firewalls be phased in over a number of years.

Other media reports suggest any change may not occur for at least four years. There are fears that swift implementation of ringfencing amid renewed weakness in the global economy could pressure Britain's biggest banks to relocate abroad. HSBC and Barclays are both rumored to be considering moving their headquarters away from Britain.

The ICB said in April that Britain's banks should raise core capital ratios to "at least" 10 percent, significantly more than the 7.0 percent required by 2018 under new international "Basel III" rules that were agreed last year. It also called for improved measures to help consumers switch current accounts.

Also set to be affected by the plans will be Royal Bank of Scotland, which like LBG required a massive bailout from the British state following the financial crisis. The two lenders have meanwhile cut tens of thousands of jobs in recent years. Britain's biggest union Unite last week said that 150,000 jobs had been lost across the country's financial services industry since the near-collapse of another British bank, Northern Rock, in late 2007. — AFP

conference is for participants to focus on discussion and exchange, as well as dissemination of any information related to information security and networks, and to distinguish the latest methods of risks and the development of response methods. He added the conference will also be concentrating on increasing the awareness of the importance of information security in terms of the continued efforts required to protect the ever-changing nature of all threats.

Al-Badran concluded his statement by emphasizing that the conference is a rare opportunity to observe other countries’ experiences in aiming to build information security systems, as well as discuss whether new legislation is required, or if amendments to existing legislation in building a reliable legal environment for information security is necessary.

The Arabian Information and Communication Security Conference will be held during the first week in the month of October 2011. It is designed to combine the experiences and characteristics of several countries in their approach to information security and communication projects for ecommerce systems. It will also focus on other systems with high security sensitivity including information security, financial and health.

In collaboration with the conference seminars, a special exhibition and meetings, participants can evaluate the trends and technical solutions to the security of modern information and communication.

Al Tijari announces winners of daily draw with Najma Account KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held the Al Najma Account draw yesterday. The draw was held under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry represented by Abdulaziz Ashkanani.

The winners of the Al Najma daily draw are : 1)Tufla Ayedh Mubarak Al-Azmi — KD 7000, 2) Mezayen Hmoud Rashid Al-Omar — KD 7000, 3) Hussain Mohammed Al-Hussain — KD 7000, 4)M ohammed Salim M ohammed Aslam Kahokar— KD 7000, 5) Ali Muhammed Mutar Faraj Mutar— KD 7000.

The Commercial Bank of Kuwait announces the biggest daily draw in Kuwait with the launch of the new Najma account. Customers of the bank can now enjoy a KD 7,000 daily prize which is the highest in the countr y and another 4 mega prizes during the year worth KD 100,000 each on different occasions: The National Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and on the 19th of June which is the date of the bank’s establishment.

With a minimum balance of KD 500, customers will be eligible for the daily draw provided that the money is in the account one week prior to the daily draw or 2 months prior to the mega draw. In addition, for each KD 25 a customer can get one chance for winning instead of KD 50.

Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes this opportunity to congratulate all lucky winners and also ex tends appreciation to the M inistr y of Commerce and Industry for their effective supervision of the draws which were conducted in an orderly and organized manner.

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD .2700000 .2760000 GB Pound/KD .4380000 .4490000 Euro .3860000 .4490000 Swiss francs .3220000 .3530000 Canadian Dollar .2740000 .2820000 Australian DLR .2870000 .2960000 Indian rupees .0040000 .0072500 Sri Lanka Rupee .0020000 .0035000 UAE dirhams .0740490 .0747940 Bahraini dinars .7214410 .7386590 Jordanian dinar .3810000 .4010000 Saudi riyals .0700000 .0760000 Omani riyals .7072410 .7143490 Philippine peso .0040000 .0072000 Egyptian pounds .0430000 .0530000 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2722500 .2748500 GB Pound/KD .4408050 .4441990 Euro .3880140 .3910020 Swiss francs .3243360 .3268330 Canadian dollars .2761890 .2783150 Danish Kroner .0520880 .0524890 Swedish Kroner .0426510 .0429790 Australian dlr .2893470 .2915750 Hong Kong dlr .0349980 .0352670 Singapore dlr .2261610 .2279020 Japanese yen .0035460 .0035730 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 .0060010 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 .0025040 Pakistan rupee .0000000 .0031560 Bangladesh taka .0000000 .0037500 UAE dirhams .0742880 .0748600 Bahraini dinars .7237630 .7293350 Jordanian dinar .0000000 .3887550 Saudi Riyal/KD .0727530 .0733130 Omani riyals .7087180 .7141740 Philippine Peso .0000000 .0065440

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar

ASIAN COUNTRIES 3.631 5.951 3.152 2.507 3.746 226.000 35.453

Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

3.688 6.495 9.200 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES Saudi Riyal 73.683 Qatari Riyal 75.921 Omani Riyal 717.680 Bahraini Dinar 733.890 UAE Dirham 75.238 ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 47.500 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 46.164 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.264 Tunisian Dinar 199.580 Jordanian Dinar 390.200 Lebanese Lira 185.400 Syrian Lier 5.965 Morocco Dirham 34.742 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 276.200 Euro 381.290 Sterling Pound 442.890 Canadian dollar 281.290 Turkish lire 154.400 Swiss Franc 318.020 Australian dollar 289.150 US Dollar Buying 275.000 GOLD 20 Gram 340.000 10 Gram 171.000 5 Gram 88.500

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar

SELL CASH 293.900 734.170 3.870 282.300 542.200 36.700 54.200 167.800 47.310 382.800 36.080

SELL DRAFT 292.400 734.170 3.703 280.800

229.800 46.187 381.300 35.930

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 Sterling Pound US Dollar

6.320 5.930 0.034 0.033 0.242 0.240 3.670 391.640 390.170 0.187 0.180 95.710 95.710 47.600 4.250 3.750 232.200 230.700 1.872 52.600 717.040 716.860 3.270 3.165 6.670 6.515 76.370 75.940 73.710 73.710 229.850 229.850 41.140 41.140 2.643 2.502 443.300 441.300 43.700 318.400 316.900 5.700 5.700 9.640 9.390 198.263 75.270 75.170 276.400 276.000 1.230 GOLD 1,919.000 TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 441.300 276.000

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Rate for Transfer US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees

Selling Rate 274.450 278.920 439.820 388.450 320.850 727.660 74.700 75.330 73.150 386.320 46.140 2.488 5.970

Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

3.146 3.682 6.490 673.198 3.650 9.290 5.780 3.820 91.164

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. Currency Rate per 1000 (Tran) US Dollar 276.000 Pak Rupees 3.165 Indian Rupees 5.945 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.520 Bangladesh Taka 3.705 Philippines Peso 6.535 UAE Dirhams 75.250 Saudi Riyals 73.755 Bahraini Dinars 733.800 Egyptian Pounds 46.160 Pound Sterling 443.900 Indonesian Rupiah 0.00003280 Nepali rupee 3.910 Yemeni Riyal 1.550 Jordanian Dinars 392.100 Syrian Pounds 5.750 Euro 383.500 Canadian Dollars 282.500

Al Mulla Exchange Currency

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

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

275.650 381.100 441.100 280.600 3.585 5.925 46.150 2.503 3.700 6.480 3.155 734.100 75.100 73.625

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business Commodity Update

SNB shakes global market

Focus on dollar, weak growth prospects

By Ole S Hansen

S

tock and commodity markets continue to focus on the impact of weak global growth conditions and the EU debt crisis.

The dollar moved back to its strongest levels in months benefitting from the Swiss currency peg, worries ahead of the 9/11 ten year anniversary and a European Central Bank more concerned about weak growth than inflation.

Swiss currency peg Foreign exchange markets lit up this week with news that the Swiss National Bank made good on persistent market rumors that it would peg the Swiss Franc to the Euro in order to halt the dramatic appreciation of the currency which had begun to hurt the Swiss economy. The line is now drawn at 1.20 versus the euro at which level he will be buying Euros at whatever quantity required to hold it.

And the potential dollar/commodity impact One interesting point however is the possibility that this move could strengthen the dollar with the SNB most likely wanting to buy other currencies than euros, of which it currently holds 55 percent, in order to maintain a diversified mix of currencies in his reserves. With the dollar being the most liquid of the pack it could now have found a friendly central bank after Asian Central Banks have been selling dollars against Euros for months. All eyes will be on the EUR/USD as a break of key levels would open the way for a substantial move higher of the dollar. The battle of the dollar will be interesting to follow from a commodity perspective as a stronger dollar removes some support for the asset class.

The Reuters Jefferies CRB index has lost one percent over the week with most commodities bar a few being in the red.

Oil focus on supply disruptions Crude oil markets quickly found support after another sell off. The recovery was driven by a bounce in equity markets and hopes that President Obama’s job creation plan could stimulate growth. However more importantly near term is the tightness in the spot market with the loss of Libyan oil continuing. Adding to this we have outages in Nigeria, Syria and the North Sea all adding up to lower than expected production which so far has helped offset reduced demand caused by the economic slowdown. Furthermore producers in the Gulf of Mexico have had to evacuate workers once again ahead of Tropical Storm Nate which is expected to become the third hurricane this season.

Cushing not spilling over During the week the spread between WTI and Brent crude reached a new record high of 27 dollars again with most of the above supply issues impacting Brent more than WTI. One of the major reasons for this dislocation has been the belief that increasing storage levels at Cushing, the delivery hub for NYMEX WTI crude, would put downside pressure on prices. The chart below however shows that storage levels have been falling since May and currently stands at levels last seen in November 2010 at which time the spread was trading below one dollar.

What is correct oil price?

One therefore must conclude that the current spread is more related to the supply issues currently effecting Brent crude. This can also be seen by observing the Brent oil curve has moved into a very steep backwardation with spot price of Brent trading more than two dollars higher than Brent oil for delivery in 3 months time. Should the bottlenecks begin to disappear we can expect prices to adjust lower within the established 118 to 108 range. The price of WTI is arguably cheep on the basis that Cushing is not overflowing but until we see a pick-up in economic activity investors’ negative views will be expressed through WTI crude.

Gold sold off Gold reached a new nominal record at $1,921 but once again the immediate response was a 100+ sell off highlighting the increased level of volatility seen recently. The drop below 1,800 however triggered new buying, especially out of the Far East, and a quick bounce followed. This two way battle between bulls and bears will continue over the coming weeks but the overall direction still points higher towards 1,970 and potentially the magical 2,000 level.

Hedge funds and ETF investors have continued to reduce long exposure over the last four weeks and it could be a sign of rally fatigue but as mentioned above the demand on setbacks looks solid for now.

Over the last five years gold has tended to correct aggressively each time it moved further than 20 percent away from its 200 day moving average. This could be the reason why gold has been struggling to hold onto gains above 1,900 recently indicating that fur ther upside progress will be slower than during the previous couple of months.

UN FAO food price index The monthly Food Price Index from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations averaged 231 points in August and was nearly unchanged from July, but 26 percent higher than a year ago. The index of 55 food commodities hit an all time high of 238 points back in February on the back of steep price rises in sugar. Over the last few months prices have stabilised but world food prices are expected to remain elevated this year as stockpiles will be running low after a difficult growing season.

The cereal index which includes wheat, corn and rice rose 2.2 percent in August primarily on the back of the rise in international prices of rice and corn. The FAO said: “A policy change in Thailand, the world’s largest rice exporter, which is set to increase the purchasing price from farmers to above market levels, served to further support this increase. Corn prices also rose sharply in August, reflecting further deterioration in this year’s crop prospects in the United States” The price of US rough rice has risen by one third over the last two months, still some 26 percent below the peak in 2008 which caused food riots across Asia.

Meanwhile corn prices remain elevated with a highly anticipated US crop report on Monday expected to confirm worries that the crop size and quality of the upcoming harvest have suffered due to a hot and dry summer. — Saxo Bank

NBK ECONOMIC REPORT KUWAIT: Major central bank events took place this week, without providing any assurance for risk appetite. The key disappointment was the lack of discussion of policy options by Fed Chairman Bernanke on Thursday, leaving ‘operation twist’ the most likely outcome of the Sept 20-21 Fed meeting. President Obama’s $447 billion of stimulus package has delivered little to ease concerns and markets nervousness.

Back in Europe, hopes of coordinated policy actions fell steadily when the BOE left policy unchanged, and the ECB removed their tightening bias while failing to signal more aggressive action. The ECB tone was dovish as expected, saying that downside risks to growth have intensified and risks to price stability were now seen as balanced. While markets are already pricing rate cuts by the ECB, Trichet’s comments showed that the ECB seems highly sensitive to the upcoming news flow, which could imply that the reversal of prior rate hikes has become more likely.

Greece remains the biggest negative factor with March 2012 Greek debt trading under 60 cents. The situation slipped out of control on Friday when Juergen Stark resigned from the ECB Executive Board in protest over the bank expanding its bondbuying program that started with Greece.

The Euro was unable to sustain any rally and weakened to reach a low of 1.3627 on Friday, and closed the week at 1.3656.

The Sterling Pound on the other hand was supported above the 1.5900 level, as the BOE decision offered no quantitative easing bias.

The Swiss National Bank shook markets on Tuesday after it decided to re-run its 1978 strategy of setting a ceiling for the CHF. Indeed, the SNB announced that it would set a floor for the EUR/CHF cross of 1.20 and would intervene in the spot market to reinforce its commitment to achieving this target. The SNB short statement contained a commitment to intervene with the utmost determination and to buy foreign currencies in “unlimited amounts” to enforce the minimum target of 1.20.

Jobless claims Claims for US unemployment benefits rose last week, a sign the labor market is struggling to gain traction. Jobless claims rose by 2,000 to 414,000 in the week ended Sept 3. Economists projected a drop in claims to 405,000, according to the median forecast. The number of people on the unemployment benefits rolls and those receiving extended payments fell.

The US trade deficit on the other hand narrowed more than forecast in July as exports climbed to a record, offering a hope for the economy at risk of a bigger slowdown. The gap shrank 13.1 %, the most since February 2009, to $44.8 billion from a revised $51.6 billion in June.

Exports rose due to the weaker USD as companies shipped more capital goods and cars overseas.

Service industries The US service industries unexpectedly expanded at a faster pace in August, eas-

ing concerns that the economy is slipping back into recession. The Institute for Supply Management’s index of non-manufacturing businesses increased to 53.3 last month from 52.7 in July. Economists forecasted a drop to 51.

Bernanke’s, Obama speeches Bernanke’s speech disappointed markets with its outcome. Although it was unlikely that further easing would be announced ahead of the FOMC meeting ,Bernanke re-iterated his key point at the Jackson Hole conference that various stimulus options are available and they can and will use them “as appropriate”.

President Barack Obama expressed his irritation with the economy that threatens his political standing, and challenged the US Congress to pass a $447 billion jobs plan tilted heavily toward the Republican prescription of tax cuts. The president, speaking before a joint session of Congress, demanded six times that lawmakers act “right away” on a plan that would boost spending on infrastructure, and cut in half the payroll taxes paid by workers and small business owners.

“The question is whether, in the face of an ongoing national crisis, we can stop the political circus and actually do something

to help the economy,” Obama told the lawmakers.

Europe This week started on a negative note with Angela Merkel’s party suffering losses in her home state elections. Merkel has been facing increasing dissatisfaction from within her own political bloc over the continuing Euro-zone debt crisis. A new opinion poll has suggested that a majority of members of both the Christian Democratic and Social Union bloc oppose bailouts for Euro-zone countries.

Dutch Finance Minister De Jager also warned that Greece must keep to its austerity pledges if it wants to receive not only the next loan tranche under its current bailout package but to also qualify for a second EUR 109 billion aid agreed in July. He also urged for strict sanctions against countries that ignore the rules in the future.

The negative sentiment continued on Thursday with the ECB press conference.

President Trichet has deepened the downside risks to growth while mentioning that

Iraq minister says Kurdish oil exports rising again AMMAN: Oil exports from Iraq’s northern Kurdish region are rising again, having fallen to 50,000-55,000 barrels per day over the past two weeks, Iraqi oil minister Abdul-Kareem Luaibi said.

Luaibi, speaking to reporters at a meeting with oil companies in Amman, Jordan, said on Sunday he had been told by Kurdish officials the sharp drop was due to “technical and maintenance work” in oilfields. He said it was not because of any dispute with the Iraqi government over payments to oil companies. Luaibi did not reveal the current level of exports from the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, which has longstanding disputes with Iraq’s central government over control of its oilfields.

Citing government sources, Reuters reported on Saturday that Kurdish crude exports had declined sharply in recent weeks to 50,000-60,000 bpd from 160,000 bpd. The sources did not know the reason for the decline.

Exports from the Kurdish region “fell in the past couple of weeks to average 50,000-55,000 bpd and after calls with our brothers in the region they explained that there was technical and maintenance work being done in two fields,” Luaibi said.

“Now, two days ago, the production rose again,” he said. Iraqi Kurdistan halted exports in 2009 due to disagreements with the central government over contracts the Kurdistan Regional Government signed with foreign companies to develop its oilfields.

The central government deems the contracts illegal. The region resumed exports in February, boosting Iraq’s total exports. The OPEC producer exported a total of 2.189 million bpd in August, including 461,000 bpd from northern fields. — Reuters

the risk to inflation was no longer regarded to be on the upside. GDP forecasts were also revised significantly lower and inflation projected to fall below 2% in 2012. Trichet also left the door open for the ECB to reverse its interest-rate increases from earlier this year if growth further deteriorates. He also added a new emergency liquidity lines to the Euro region’s crisis-hit banks after expanding its bondpurchase program last month to include Spain and Italy and offering banks emergency cash for six months.

Ahead of the G7 meeting, the IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said that governments and policy makers must take action to support the recovery as the risk of recession outweighs the threat of inflation. Greece’s credit-default swaps jumped 212 basis points to a record 3,450 basis points on Friday. The five-year contracts signal there is a 92 percent probability the country will not meet its debt commitments.

German inflation Inflation in Germany slowed less than initially projected in August, as energy costs increased. The inflation rate, calculated using a harmonized European Union method, fell to 2.5 % from 2.6 % in July.

French Industrial Production French July industrial output came in at 1.5% m/m and +3.7% y/y after -1.6% m/m +2.3% y/y in June, a full point above expectations. While confidence is weak in Europe, French data still looks resilient, as companies are looking abroad for growth after the nation’s economy almost stalled in the second quarter. Exports edged up to 34.8 billion euros in July.

French business confidence held at a 22-month low in August on concern that slowing global growth will hurt demand in coming months. France’s economy stalled in the second quarter, forcing President Nicolas Sarkozy’s government to slash its full-year growth forecast and close tax breaks to raise funds.

United Kingdom UK services index fell the most since April 2001 last month and confidence dropped as the weakening economic recovery and riots in London and other cities curbed activity. A measure of services activity based on a survey of purchasing

managers dropped to 51.1 from 55.4 in July. Economists had forecasted a decline to 54, although a measure above 50 indicates expansion.

Britain’s recovery seems to be easing, with separate surveys last week showing manufacturing shrank the most in more than two years in August and construction grew at its slowest pace in eight months.

Bank of England Resists Calls To Add More Monetary Stimulus. Bank of England officials resisted calls to extend economic stimulus as they attempt to navigate a path between accelerating inflation and a faltering recovery. The nine-member MPC, led by Mervyn King, maintained the target of its bond program at 200 billion pounds.

It also held the benchmark interest rate at a record-low 0.5 %, as predicted by the market.

Asia Japan’s Azumi warns Japan’s new Finance Minister Azumi raised the prospects of an intervention as early as this weekend, by saying he will tell G7 ministers in this weekend’s meeting in France that Japan will take decisive steps against excessive FX moves. Japan’s final Q2 GDP figures showed the economy

shrinking by a faster -0.5% but right in line with market expectation. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, the economy shrank by -2.1% y/y.

Yuan convertibility People’s Bank of China Governor Zhou Xiaochuan said the ruling Communist Party’s economic plan for 2011-2015 included the goal of scrapping restrictions that mean the Yuan cannot be freely traded for purposes other than trade and investment. Speaking to reporters in London, Zhou added, “up to now, the plan does not define a clear timetable for full convertibility.” He was commenting on media reports that quoted the president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China as saying he had been told by Chinese officials that Beijing would make the Yuan fully convertible by 2015.

Kuwait Kuwaiti Dinar at 0.27535 The USDKWD opened at 0.27535 on Sunday morning.

In Russia, Cameron to seek trade, new ties Britain to target emerging markets LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron arrived in Moscow yesterday trying to secure crucial new trade and warmer ties with an often difficult ally, some five years after the poisoning death of a Kremlin critic in London revealed bitter differences.

Cameron is making the first visit to Russia’s capital by a British leader in six years, and will hold the first talks by any British official with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in more than four years - hoping to revive relations ahead of the ex-president’s possible return to power in a 2012 election.

In one hiccup ahead of the visit, Russia’s Embassy in London said its website was brought down in an apparent cyberattack. The embassy said on Twitter it had launched a mirror - or alternative website.

Accompanied by Foreign Secretary William Hague and business executives, including oil giant BP’s chief executive Bob Dudley, Cameron will attempt on the two-day visit to increase trade with another awkward partner after similar trips to India and China. Cameron wants to kick-start Britain’s stagnant economy by targeting emerging markets, but the policy has caused concern among those who fear it may lead the UK to overlook the human rights records of new allies. Ties between Britain and Russia soured over the 2006 poisoning death of dissident ex-Russian security agent Alexander Litvinenko in London. On his deathbed, Litvinenko accused Putin of authorizing his killing. Russia has repeatedly refused British requests for the extradition of the chief suspect in the case, ex-KGB agent Andrei Lugovoi.

British government officials acknowledged Cameron would raise the issue, but said the leader’s visit would be focused on businesses opportunities - knowing there is little

prospect of progress on the Litvinenko case. Litvinenko’s friend Alex Goldfarb said the dissident’s widow and associates were disappointed that Cameron had agreed to meet with Putin.

Putin’s last contact with any British official was a brief phone call in June 2007 to congratulate Cameron’s predecessor Gordon Brown on his appointment. Cameron has met four times with Russia’s President Dmitr y Medvedev.

The last visit by a British leader to Russia was Tony Blair’s trip to attend a G8 summit in St. Petersburg in 2006.

Blair also held meetings in Moscow in 2005. “It is understandable that there is need for trade and better international relations, but Mr. Putin has blood on his hands,” Goldfarb said.

“The meeting is a change of policy, and is an endorsement of Mr. Putin, it is very disappointing.”

In a joint letter to Britain’s Sunday Times newspaper, four former foreign secretaries called on Cameron to press Russian leaders over Litvinenko and on the regime’s hostility toward businessmen and journalists, including jailed oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

Last month, BP complained that a Moscow office had been illegally raided after Russian bailiffs accompanied by armed policemen searched its premises in connection with a lawsuit.

Russian officials plan to press Cameron to resume intelligence cooperation, after Britain halted work with security agencies in response to Livtinenko’s death. “We believe that this is in the interests of both countries and in the interests of all countries in the world,” Russia’s ambassador in London Alexander Yakovenko said. Yakovenko acknowledged that Britain had shown no indication that it planned to change its stance.

“Everything is in the hands of the British side. We are ready,” he said.

Jonathan Evans, the head of Britain’s domestic intelligence agency MI5, told a committee of lawmakers in a private evidence session last year that Russia and China posed a significant espionage threat in the UK. A Russian diplomat was expelled from London in December and accused of spying, while the Russian aide of a lawmaker has been questioned over espionage allegations and faces possible deportation. Yakovenko warned Cameron that he is unlikely to succeed in pressing Moscow to support a tougher stance on Syria at the United Nations Security Council.

Cameron, who will hold talks Monday with Medvedev and Putin, hopes to encourage trade for British financial and legal services companies, and will be joined by representatives from leading law firms.

Trade between the two nations increased by 49.1 percent in the first six months of this year, compared to January-June of 2010, to $10.3 billion.

There was an 80.3 percent rise in British exports to Russia, to $3.1 billion, and a 38.7 percent rise in Russian exports to Britain.

Dudley was likely to use the visit to smooth relations between BP and Russia following the collapse earlier this year of a planned Arctic oil deal with state-owned energy company Rosneft - an agreement that had been seen as critical to the company ’s recovery from the Gulf of Mexico spill.

Rosneft last month agreed a partnership with U.S. company Exxon Mobil to develop offshore oil fields in the Russian Arctic, one of the world’s last regions with major untapped hydrocarbon deposits. In return, Rosneft has the option to acquire parts of oil projects in Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. —AP

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KSE remains subdued, Agility sparks activity GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) closed almost unchanged during the first session this week. The big news during the day was rumors surrounding Agility. Unnamed sources stated that Agility is highly interested in privatizing Kuwait Airways. They added that the logistics services provider is closely following up on relevant procedures. The scrip closed up by 9.26 percent at KD0.295, Its highest level since July 28, 2011.

Global General Index (GGI) ended the day down marginally by 0.02 percent, at 184.18 point. Market capitalization was also down for the day, reaching KD30.14bn. On the other hand, KSE Price Index closed at 5,980.2 point, adding 17.70 points (0.30 percent) to its previous close.

Market Breadth During the session, 106 companies were traded. Market breadth was skewed towards advancers as 47 equities advanced versus 26 that declined. Trading activity was down during the session. Total volume traded was down by 27.25 percent with 194.15mn shares changing hands at a total value of KD22.72mn (37.09 percent lower compared to Thursday’s session).

Investment sector was the volume leader, accounting for 29.13 percent of total shares exchanges. Abyaar Real Estate Development Company was the session’s most traded stock with 19.92mn shares exchanged. The services sector was the value leader, having 34.82 percent of total traded value. Zain Company was the most active in terms of value traded, with KD3.99mn worth of shares traded. In terms of top gainers, Metal & Recycling Company was the top gainer for the day, adding 9.80 percent to its share value and closing at KD0.112. On the other hand, Equipment Holding Company shed 8.47 percent and closed at KD0.054, making it the biggest decliner in the market.

Sectors During the session, five out of the eight sectors ended the day on a positive note. But the banking sector wiped all the gains dragging the market to close in negative territory. National

Bank of Kuwait (NBK) closed down by 1.82 percent at KD1.080. However, Islamic Banks pushed Global Islamic Index up (+0.61 percent), as Kuwait International Bank and Kuwait Finance House (KFH) accumulated 1.79 percent and 1.11 percent gains, respectively.

Investment sector topped the gainers, adding 0.59 percent. Top gaining stock in the sector were: Bayan Investment Company (+9.09 percent) and Coast Investment & Development

owned by one of the company’s subsidiaries in Lebanon. Accordingly, the company will inform KSE management of relevant details, as well as the expected impact of signing the final contracts on its financial statements. The AGM and EGM of Aayan Leasing & Investment Company will be held to approve the following: • The non-distribution of profits for the year ended December 31, 2010.

• The cancellation of the previously approved

Bangladesh’s trade with India to get a boost DHAKA: India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) have praised the visit of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as successful as both countries agreed to boost bilateral trade.

The chamber hopes that the transit agreements among Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan will be signed this year to harness the trade potential of the region, said IBCCI President Matlub Ahmed in a press briefing at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel.

Ahmed said Singh’s pledge to remove nontariff and para-tariff barriers to two-way trade, the opening-up of a deputy high commission office of Bangladesh in Mumbai and import of 500 megawatts of electricity from India are positive signs in business.

“I hope Bangladesh’s exports will increase a lot thanks to the duty-free access for 46 garment products to India.

On the other hand, a lot of Indian investment will come to Bangladesh because of an investment protection agreement with India,” Ahmed said.

As a testimony of growing business interest, Ahmed said, a high-powered business delegation from India is visiting Bangladesh in the first week of October.

Four companies-TATA Steel, Reliance, Bharat Heavy Electrics and Airtel-have so

far confirmed the visits of their top officials, he said.

“We are expecting billions of dollars in investment from those companies in gas drilling, telecom, vehicle wheels, roads and highways construction, railways and electrical grid,” he added.

Ahmed hopes the construction of the proposed first special economic zone at Chhatak in Sunamganj for Indian investment will start in January next year as talks with the government are on.

A total of 100 medium industries could be set up on 100 acres of land if the government approves the economic zone on the private land owned by Ahmed’s NitolNiloy Group. He said the government will sign a deal soon allowing India to use Chittagong and Mongla Ports. Ahmed said a factory will be opened at Kishoreganj in Bangladesh next year to produce TATA Ace, a small truck-van, as TATA Nano might not be produced as the project will not be commercially viable, he said. Ahmed is the agent of Indian TATA Ace in Bangladesh. In fiscal 2010-11, Bangladesh exported to India goods worth $512 million, up from $276 million a year earlier. By one estimate, the formal and informal trade of India with Bangladesh could be $6 billion a year, with $3 billion in formal channels. —MCT

Crude futures slump 2% GLOBAL WEEKLY INTERNATIONAL REPORT

Company (+8.06 percent) who made it to the top gainers’ list for the day. Non Kuwaiti sector followed as it appreciated by 0.58 percent, on the back of United Gulf Bank, which rose by 5.69 percent, closing at KD0.260, its highest level since July 14, 2011. Gulf Finance House was actively traded during the day with 9.36mn shares exchange. However, the scrip closed flat at KD 0.0405.

Corporate news United Real Estate Company is in early talks with parties offering to buy a property wholly-

capital increase of 100mn shares.

• The increase in the company’s capital by KD10mn through a rights issue.

• The increase in the company’s capital by KD46mn through a secondary offering..

• The election of a new BOD for a three-year term.

Oil News The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $112.15 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $111.33 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

KUWAIT: US crude futures slumped more than 2 percent on economic worries and as a stronger dollar encouraged selling of assets such as oil.

The volume of mortgage applications filed in the US last week fell a seasonally adjusted 4.9 percent from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

European Central Bank President JeanClaude Trichet said that the Governing Council decided to keep the key ECB interest rates unchanged.

Euro-zone GDP grew at a modest rate in the second quarter, amid dwindling confidence levels and weak demand, with expansion in Germany.

German CPI was flat in August, in comparison with 0.4 percent growth in July, The result is more positive than the expected 0.1 percent drop.

The Bank of England kept its key interest rate and its asset-purchase program unchanged amid increasingly grim signals on the state of the economy.

The Japanese GDP contracted by 0.5 percent during the second quarter of 2011, more than the first quarter (-0.3 percent), while the analysts’ expectations referred to -0.5 percent.

Chinese consumer confidence picked up slightly in August as people spent more on non-essentials during the summer holiday amid easing inflationary worries.

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Euro-zone heads into crunch talks on debt crisis BRUSSELS: After a summer of hell, the eurozone’s divided leaders hit the ground running this week in crunch talks to save Greece from default and tame Europe’s runaway debt crisis.

Split over how to address a crisis exacerbated by global economic gloom, finance ministers from the 17 nations sharing the euro hold their first post-summer talks on Friday and Saturday in Poland, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency. The Wroclaw encounter will come a week after the euro slumped to a six-month low on worries over a Greek default and the sudden resignation of a top European Central Bank (ECB) figure. It will aim to get over obstacles holding up a second 160-billion-euro ($220 billion) bailout for Greece, agreed in principle at a July 21 summit.

But barely seven weeks on, pressure on the single currency has hit historic highs amid rising fears a divided Europe could fail to stem debt contagion. Star economists such as Nouriel Roubini and even Germany’s former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder have warned only full “political union,” something approaching a “United States of Europe”, can keep the euro on its feet.

And US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said at a weekend meet of the G7 powers in Marseille that European states needed to do more to prove they had the political will to deal with the financial crises roiling the continent.

Next Wednesday, international auditors from the International Monetary Fund, the European Union and the ECB will return to Greece for a fresh look at Athens’ socially tough cost-cutting to reduce a 350-billion-euro debt mountain.

Underwhelmed by the Greek measures, the

experts last week cut short a visit to assess whether Athens had met conditions set by its rescuers to receive a fresh eight-billion-euro tranche on a first 2010 lifeline, worth 110 million euros. Meanwhile, exasperation with debt and deficit offender nations is growing in the likes of Germany, Finland and the Netherlands.

Dutch Finance Minister Jan Kees de Jager last week raised the prospect of expelling offenders from the euro. “If you can’t stick to rules, you

have to leave the game,” he said. Moving to ease fears of an impending euro implosion, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte later said “the ultimate sanction” was “about the long term, not about Greece. These are suggestions about countries which in future cannot comply with requirements. “We cannot do it with Greece, because we have gone too far already,” he said.

But already, Finland wants cash collateral from Greece before lending any more money, and

President of the European Central Bank Jean-Claude Trichet gestures during a news conference in Frankfurt. — AP

Slovakia-which sat out the first bailout — is threatening to delay ratification of the second rescue until year’s end.

Last week, the euro-zone avoided a nightmare scenario when Germany’s top court authorized new bailouts. But while Berlin can keep writing cheques for weaker neighbors, the constitutional court said the government will first have to secure the approval of parliament’s budget committee before shelling out any cash.

This will add another layer to decision-making when the euro-zone is already struggling to act fast enough to calm impatient markets, economists said. “A bigger say for the German parliament in future bailouts could easily find copycats in other euro-zone countries,” said ING Bank analyst Carsten Brzeski. In the latest blow to the euro-zone struggle to speak with a single voice on the crisis, ECB chief economist Juergen Stark abruptly quit Friday, sending the euro and stocks tumbling. The ECB said Stark, 63, was resigning “for personal reasons.” But ECB watchers underlined the hawkish board member was an outspoken critic of the bank’s controversial buying of euro-zone government bonds on secondary markets to prevent borrowing rates rising to prohibitive levels.

The program had been on hold until last month, when investors fled Italian and Spanish bonds, threatening to force a bailout of the eurozone’s third- and fourth-largest economies. The ECB has since bought more than 50 billion euros in euro-zone debt, leading to growing calls for governments to issue jointly backed ‘eurobonds’ in future-a demand roundly rejected by the currency area’s main German paymaster. — AFP

British banks face profit hit from new reforms Implementation of ICB proposals may take years

BEIJING: Shoppers stroll beside luxury cars on display at a shopping mall in Beijing yesterday. China said its politically sensitive inflation rate softened last Month, but analysts warned that price pressures would continue to trouble the government just as world demand slackens. — AFP

UK looking at new measures to boost growth: Minister LONDON: Britain’s finance minister, George Osborne, is looking at further measures to boost economic growth while sticking with plans to reduce the country’s deficit, a government minister said yesterday. “I know George is looking carefully at a whole new raft of things that we could be doing to actually give the economy another push and another kick-start in the direction of greater growth,” work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith told BBC TV. “We have a growth strategy ... He (Osborne) is reviewing that, he wants to make sure the right things are being done and the same goes for (business secretary) Vince Cable,” Smith said.

Britain’s economy has barely grown over the past 12 months, putting pressure on Osborne to ease an austerity drive aimed at reducing a deficit of 10 percent of gross domestic product. He has already asked officials to examine the efficiency of the 50 percent top tax

rate, although an early withdrawal of the rate is opposed by the government coalition’s junior partner, the Liberal Democrats.

The Independent on Sunday newspaper reported ministers had been asked to identify large infrastructure projects that could be speeded up to revitalize the economy.

Duncan Smith, declining to comment on the report, said the government was already doing many things to boost growth, including tax breaks for small businesses and apprenticeships and work placements for young people. He said the government was sticking with its austerity program. “Our main target is (that) we are heading to reduce this deficit. Without (this target) we would be paying interest rates the like of Spain and Portugal, which would cost home owners and businesses dramatic amounts of money. So from that standpoint, it is the right program,” he said. — Reuters

UAE Aug oil output rises to 2.6m bpd DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) produced 2.6 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil in August, up from around 2.5 million bpd in July, a Gulf oil source told Reuters yesterday.

Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies, including the UAE, have raised their output since failing to convince other OPEC members in early June to agree a formal increase to help compensate for the shutdown of Libyan oil fields and meet demand. “Production for August was 2.6 million, Libya is still not producing and the Gulf countries are still stepping in,” the source told Reuters.

Libya’s interim oil minister Ali Tarhouni said on Saturday the North African country should start producing oil again within four days but that

it would take a year to return to prewar levels. Gulf producers may reduce output again once Libyan exports resume, but strong demand in the big Gulf oil export markets of Asia could keep output at current levels, another OPEC delegate said.

“Countries who have increased production to meet demand will reduce to cater for the entrance of Libyan oil,” the delegate said. “(But) Libyan oil goes to Europe, while oil from the Gulf goes to Asia.” After a Gulf producer push to raise OPEC production levels was rejected on June 8 by other members, Saudi Arabia increased its output by around 918,000 bpd to 9.813 million bpd in June, according to official data from the Joint Data Initiative (JODI) —Reuters

LONDON: Proposals to shore up Britain’s banks will be finalized in a key governmentsponsored report today, which is set to outline tough measures that could hit banks’ profit although the reforms could take years to implement.

The final report from the Independent Commission on Banking was expected to back protecting ordinary savers and customers by ring-fencing a bank’s retail division from riskier investment banking and trading arms. Britain set up the ICB last year after the global credit crisis saw the government having to fully nationalize Northern Rock and part-nationalize Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds. The government now has stakes of 83 percent and 41 percent in RBS and Lloyds respectively. Finance minister George Osborne has already backed the idea of ringfencing the retail operations of a bank deemed to be vital to the broader economy, and a Treasury source said Osborne was pleased with the ICB’s final report. “ The Chancellor read the ICB report over the weekend while attending the G7 summit in Marseilles. He thinks it is a very good report and regards it as an important step in reforming our banks so that we do not repeat the terrible mistakes of the last few years,” the source said.

There were expectations banks could be given years to implement the reforms after recent financial market turmoil and a deepening euro zone debt crisis raised fears over the impact of swifter change.

Britain’s “Big Four” banks-Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and RBS-have fought hard against excessively tough new regulation and were expected to continue lobbying after the ICB’s report is out. However, business secretary Vince Cable said Britain should move ahead quickly with the new banking reforms and ignore lobbying to delay legislation.

“Banks must be left under no illusion that

Headquarters of British banks HSBC and Barclays in London. reform is coming. The recession is not an excuse for postponing banking reform.

Indeed our economic recovery depends on it,” Cable wrote in the Mail on Sunday newspaper.

Differing opinions over how to tackle the banks in the wake of the credit crisis have caused tension in the Conservative-led coalition government. Cable, a Liberal Democratthe junior partners in government, has been alone in seeking a full split up of retail and investment banking operations into two new companies. Labour’s opposition finance minister Ed Balls has said he would like a “tough but fair” ring-fencing mechanism.

The ring-fencing approach would get lenders to form separate subsidiaries for retail and investment banking operations while keeping the same parent holding company.

The reforms will likely hit banks’ profit because of the implications for their funding costs, which could, in turn, make it harder for them to lend to businesses. The ICB is still to define how the separation should occur: that

Auto makers defy global crisis 1000 exhibitors to showcase at IAA motor show FRANKFURT: Clouds may be gathering over the global economy, but auto makers are revving up to try and dispel any gloom with nearly 90 new models at the world’s biggest motor show, the IAA. With more than 1,000 exhibitors from 32 countries crowding into 235,000 square metres (23 hectares) of the vast halls of Frankfurt’s “Messe” trade fair, this year’s “Internationale Automobil Ausstellung” is going to be 25 percent bigger than the last edition in 2009.

Held every two years, the IAA is the biggest and most important show of its kind in the world.

It opens its doors to professionals on Thursday and then to the general public on Saturday and will run until September 25. Over the entire 10 days, the organizers, the German auto sector federation VDA, are hoping to attract as many as 800,000 visitors in all. But that forecast is a little on the prudent side, since the number was already surpassed two years ago when the last global economic and financial crisis was at its height.

“It is going to be a strong IAA,” promised VDA President Matthias Wissmann.

Despite the euro-zone debt crisis and

fears the world could soon be heading into another recession, auto makers certainly appear to be in fighting form, running up strong sales so far this year, thanks primarily to buoyant demand in emerging markets and China in particular.

“Clouds are gathering on the horizon, but a lot of car makers-and German ones in particular-are on target for the best-ever years in their history,” said Stefan Bratzel, professor for the auto industry at the University of Applied Sciences in Bergisch Gladbach. Nevertheless, more cautious voices are beginning to make themselves heard. “Car makers and associations insist the debt crisis is not affecting them and their monthly sales figures are rising from one record to the next,” said Ferdinand Dudenhoffer of CAR-Center Automotive Research at the University of DuisburgEssen. “But the economic risks are increasing daily. Prospects for 2012 have become distinctly gloomier. While the official statements are not going to admit this, this will be very much the topic of conversation at the IAA,” Dudenhoffer said. The international rating agencies are already starting to downgrade their outlooks for the industry. —AFP

is, how much retail capital and deposits the banks should be able to use to fund their investment banking arms.

The ICB, headed by Oxford University academic John Vickers, was also expected to confirm a request for banks to hold more capital-targeting core Tier 1 capital of 10 percent of risk-weighted assets.

Analysts expected Barclays to face the biggest hit to its profit from the ICB’s proposals. Lloyds could be affected if the ICB reiterated a recommendation to sell more assets than it has already been told to do by regulators, although Lloyds’s progress on the sale of some 630 branches could mean it might avoid this.

After the final report is issued, the government will choose what to implement into law, probably starting late this year or early in 2012.However, banks could have years to bring in the reforms, perhaps until 2019 for full implementation, since the ongoing financial market turmoil has raised concerns over the impact of swifter change. — Reuters

Iran hit by massive $2.6bn banking scam TEHRAN: Several Iranian banks have been targeted in one of the biggest frauds in the Islamic republic’s history, losing nearly $2.6 billion in more than two years, media reports said yesterday.

The fraud was reportedly orchestrated by a single man, referred to as “Mr X” in Iranian media, who developed a network and used forged letters of credit to purchase assets, including one of Iran’s largest steel production companies, Khuzestan Steel Company. “Mr X” ran his master plan from June 2009 to last August, pocketing around 28 trillion rials (nearly $2.6 bn) and also unsuccessfully attempting to form a new bank,” said central bank chief Mahmoud Bahmani in remarks published Sunday.

Bank of Saderat CEO Mohammad Jahromi, whose organization was one of the victims of the fraud, said seven other banks were also hit. Head of general inspection organization, Mostafa Pour Mohammadi, labelled the fraud “the most unprecedented financial corruption case” in the Islamic republic’s history. He did not elaborate. Influential conservative lawmaker Ahmad Tavakoli said the case represented “a terrible corruption disease (lurking) in (Iran’s) banking system and administrative apparatus.”

On Wednesday, judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani said “the people involved in this case have been arrested” before the media got wind of the story. He did not elaborate.

The Germany-based corruption watchdog Transparency International last year ranked Iran 146th out of 178 countries on its annual list. — AFP

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G7 unlikely to sway risk-averse investors GLOBAL MARKETS WEEK AHEAD LONDON: Financial markets are showing no sign of dropping frenzied antipathy to risk and, with a Group of Seven meeting in Marseilles failing to pull off a major surprise, the mood will likely spill into the new week. The euro-zone crisis will also be a focus again with German politics and disagreement in the European Central Bank taking centre stage along with renewed concern about Greece’s ability to meet its obligations.

Data from Lipper suggested a brief flirtation with stocks at the end of August has waned. Less than a net $600 million flowed into US equity funds in the week to Wednesday, compared with a net inflow of $6.3 billion in the previous week.

Meanwhile, 10-year US Treasury yields fell below 2 percent again during the week as investors sought relative safety. So risk aversion is still in vogue. The G7’s lack of concrete proposals to turn around the slowing world economy will probably simply add to it.

Morgan Stanley said during the past week coordinated intervention may be on the cards, with the US Federal Reserve, ECB, Bank of Japan and Bank of England all weighing in with a mix of interest rate cuts and asset-buying quantitative easing.

While Morgan Stanley suggested this might come as early as the G7 meeting, the meeting declared only that it was “committed to a strong

satisfy investors increasingly demanding something more tangible than commitments.

Indeed, investors will be aware a

NEW YORK: US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is interviewed on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Friday. The United States “cannot afford to live in fear, sacrifice our values, or pull back from the world” over terrorism concerns, Clinton said in remarks prepared for a New York speech. —AP and coordinated response to (the) challenges”.

That will likely not be enough to

German source said the statement itself was issued at the insistence of G7 host France because markets

needed something to calm them.

Investors will have other events to focus on in the coming week, such as meeting of the US Congress’s “super committee” on deficit reduction and next weekend’s informal meeting of European Union finance ministers in Poland.

At each turn, market expectations tend to rise before the meetings then be disappointed. “Then it goes to the next meeting,” said Maarten-Jan Bakkum, equity strategist at ING Asset Management.

The big issue facing investors, of course, is the state of the world economy. While the consensus view among many institutions has been that the major economies are going through a soft patch and growth should return in coming months, the extent of the slowdown has forced a rethink.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said during the past week that growth in the G7 would average 1.6 percent on an annualized basis in the third quarter before slowing to 0.2 percent in the final three months of 2011. Investment bank Credit Suisse raised the probability of a mild global recession to 25 percent from 20 percent.

All of which will put extra emphasis on a number of economic

releases in the coming week, with one of the most interesting possibly being the Philadelphia Federal Reserve’s outlook on Thursday-last month’s was so poor it triggered a large stock market sell-off.

Other US data includes consumer confidence on Friday and inflation on Thursday.

The latter may be key to hopes for more quantitative easing. Jeremy Armitage, head of research at State Street Global Markets, says the first and second rounds of QE were only possible because of an easing of inflation pressure.

“We would expect QE3 to be off the table unless this level declines meaningfully,” he said.

Japan, meanwhile, issues the Tankan business sentiment survey on Thursday, which may give some update on the country’s recovery from the tsunami and earthquake disasters.

Investors will also still be weighing up US President Barack Obama’s job plan, a stimulus package to fight the country’s stubborn unemployment. Immediate market reaction was muted, mainly because of the political difficulties enactment of the proposal may face.

The battered euro zone enters the new week still in the grips of the debt crisis. A new wrinkle is the ear-

ly resignation of Juergen Stark, Germany’s top ECB official and the bank’s chief economist, at a time when there is disagreement over the bank’s policy of buying euro zone government bonds to combat the currency bloc’s debt crisis.

It underlined divisions within euro zone countries over how to handle bailouts of Greece, Ireland, Portugal and others who may need help, notably Italy and Spain.

International lenders are increasingly frustrated by Greece in particular over delays in reforms and missed fiscal targets. Prime Minister George Panadreou said at the weekend he would make the difficult decisions and sacrifices needed.

Most Germans voters remain opposed to paying for bailouts.

That mood may be on display at the end of the week with state elections in Berlin, and at the EU finance ministers meeting.

There are also auctions of Italian and Spanish bonds, although these will not reflect pure investor demand because the ECB is buying in the secondary market to keep borrowing costs in check. Germany, in the meantime, is losing its grip as the bloc’s economic powerhouse.

The OECD predicted its economy would contract 1.4 percent in the fourth quarter. —Reuters

Obama foes likely to take jobs push piece by piece ‘Not all your ideas, Mr President’ WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama, having challenged his Republican foes to pass his $447 billion jobs plan, finds himself fighting their efforts to break up the package and approve just the parts they like.

Republican House Speaker John Boehner and his top lieutenants wrote Obama on Friday to ask him to submit legislation to enact his American Jobs Act but warned “not all your ideas should be packaged in a single legislative vehicle.” “ We share your desire for bipartisan cooperation, and assume that your ideas were not presented as an all-or-nothing proposition, but rather in anticipation that the Congress may also have equally as effective proposals to offer for consideration,” they said in their letter.

Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, and Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling also said they were eager to find “common ground” with Obama on bolstering the sagging US economy.

The White House, expected to send congress the legislation early next week, stuck to its guns that lawmakers should approve the entire package-which Obama described as the best way to battle 9.1 percent unemployment.

Asked whether the president assumed Republicans would aim to break up the package, White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer told MSNBC television: “no, we’re not assuming that.”

Obama “wants them to pass the American Jobs Act. That’s the piece of legislation he’s sending up. It’s a simple thing. It puts Americans back to work and puts

more money in the pockets of working families,” said Pfeiffer.

“Our belief is that everything in this bill is reasonable,” he added, stressing “there’s nothing in this bill that should draw opposition for anything other than politics.”

But Republicans, who control the House of Representatives and

package in 2009, water down some provisions of his landmark health care law, and heed some business concerns in his rewrite of Wall Street rules last year, did little to rally Republican support.

“We don’t expect suddenly for harmony and happiness to break

RICHMOND: President Barack Obama gestures during a speech on his jobs bill at the University of Richmond in Richmond, on Friday. Obama is urging voters to get behind his new jobs bill and pressure lawmakers to pass it, delivering the message on the home turf of one of his chief GOP antagonists. —AP have the votes to block legislation in the Senate, seem little inclined to hand the president a big victory he could trumpet as he prepares to face the voters in November 2012.

And Obama’s decision to include wide-ranging tax cuts in his $800 billion dollar “stimulus”

out on Capitol Hill,” said White House spokesman Jay Carney, adding that he hoped Republicans would back the plan because American voters “demand that they do it.”

And the president himself made clear in his speech late Thursday to roll out the plan that

he would try to maximize political pressure on Republicans.

“You should pass it. And I intend to take that message to every corner of this country,” said Obama, who cited plans for infrastructure projects in the home states of Boehner and Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. And the president on Friday visited the district of one of his staunchest foes, Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.

Obama’s ability to leverage public opinion is in doubt: His job approval ratings have dropped to around 40 percent, a definite danger zone for incumbents seeking reelection.

But his newly feisty tone could cheer Democrats — 57 percent of then said in a recent poll that they wanted Obama to battle Republicans more often, up from just 39 percent in April.

And Republicans have their own problems, with the US public blaming them more than Obama for Washington gridlock by a 3721 percent margin at a time when congress’s approval ratings hover in the low teens.

Some political observers have also suggested that Obama could be content to see Republicans defeat his plan, allowing him to campaign for reelection on the argument that he tried to help but they obstructed his efforts.

Republicans scoff at this point, noting that the White House sold its 2009 stimulus package with a promise it would keep unemployment below eight percent and pull it to below seven percent come 2011. “The first stimulus didn’t do it. Why would another one?” McConnell asked Thursday. —AFP

Stark ECB exit hits shaky Euro-zone at worst time PARIS: The resignation of the top German official at the European Central Bank could hardly have come at a worse time for euro-zone policymakers as they grope for a way out of the deepest crisis in the single currency’s 12-year history.

The ECB is the one institution that has kept the euro-zone afloat in the sovereign debt crisis and prevented a bond market meltdown. The European Union has no federal government or common fiscal authority and speaks with many dissonant voices. Juergen Stark’s departure from the ECB’s Executive Board in despair at the policy of buying government bonds to prevent the crisis spreading comes as policymakers in Berlin and beyond are preparing for the growing possibility of a Greek default.

It seems bound to complicate the next round of crisis management because it has injected the poison of inter-state politics as well as ideological division into the independent central bank.

“It’s the ECB that is holding the show together, so anything that weakens the ECB is bad news,” said an EU official involved in financial crisis management. Stark’s walkout will further sap

the ECB’s credibility with Germany’s conservative financial establishment, which saw the bond-buying as an improper means of financing government debt, and among voters in Europe’s largest economy.

That could make greater fiscal integration in the euro zone politically harder to achieve at a time when Chancellor Angela Merkel is coming to realize that a big leap forward in economic governance is needed to preserve the single currency. It risks importing a north-south divide, between self-styled virtuous creditor countries and peripheral states seen as profligate and feckless, into the central bank.

At worst, Stark’s departure may constrain the ECB’s ability to act decisively in the coming months when the debt crisis enters an even more dangerous phase.

“This comes at a very, very bad time and it’s certainly serious,” said Jean Pisani-Ferry, director of the Bruegel economic think-tank in Brussels.

“If the ECB is shackled in its ability to buy Italian and Spanish bonds and at the same time we have to do a real restructuring of Greece’s debts, with a proper haircut, we risk a contagion shock

spreading to other countries. If the ECB is hamstrung by a lack of consensus, that is the risk.”

A growing number of policymakers, as well as market economists, are convinced it is only a matter of time before Greece, which keeps falling behind on its fiscal targets, will have to default.

A source at this weekend’s G7 finance chiefs’ meeting in Marseille said the troika of EU, ECB and IMF inspectors, who suspended talks with Athens last week, would probably find a formula in its progress report to allow the next 8 billion euro ($11 million) tranche of bailout funds to be paid in October.

That would keep Greece going for a couple more months until European parliaments approve new powers for the EFSF rescue fund to give preventive credit lines to euro-zone member states, buy bonds in the secondary market and lend money to recapitalize banks.The source said the German Finance Ministry was increasingly convinced that Greece will not be able to avoid default for much longer, so ringfencing the euro-zone’s weakest debtor and limiting contagion will be crucial. —Reuters

During the Autumn Moon Festival, pastry shops such as the Grand Manna Bakery in New York’s Chinatown, sell plenty of mooncakes in decorative tins. —MCT

China’s mooncake economy BEIJING: Zou Jin has one response to the gifts of mooncakes that piled up on her desk before the mid-autumn festival: “You shouldn’t have.”

The 30 cakes that Zou had received from her employer and various clients weeks ago sat unopened and neglected under her desk as the 31-year-old marketing manager tried to pawn them off on anyone who would take them.

“They’re too sweet and not healthy,” she said. “I just bring them with me when I meet friends and give mooncakes to anyone who wants one.”

According to custom, one is supposed to eat the cakes under the full moon on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which this year falls on Monday. Often extravagantly expensive, they are about the size of a hockey puck and just as dense. Fillings range from red bean with salted egg yolks to cheesecake to Peking duck.

Back in the era of scarcity, they were a rare calorie-rich treat to fill the chronically hungry belly. Nowadays, the mooncake has become the Christmas fruitcake of China, passed around and regifted ad infinitum. A typical 6.3-ounce mooncake has about 800 calories.

In contrast, a McDonald’s hot fudge sundae weighs the same but has only 330 calories.

Last year, health officials in Taiwan warned the public to lay off the mooncakes and instead indulge in fruits and vegetables.

But mooncake-haters notwithstanding, nutritionists and dietitians in Beijing doubt health warnings will dissuade people from eating them.

“Mooncakes have been a traditional part of Chinese food and celebration for centuries, there’s no way we could tell people not to eat them,” said Liu Huali, chairman of the Beijing Nutrition Consultant Assn. “Even though they’re high in sugar, high in oil and high in calories, people won’t listen to our advice.”

Liu admitted that even he would be eating a few bites of mooncake this year. For others, though, not only are mooncakes an unwanted gift, insult was added to injury this year when the tax bureau announced that employees who received the cakes as gifts from their company would need to pay income tax based on their value.

This had the side effect of bumping some people into a higher tax bracket. One man at a state-owned petroleum company had to pay an extra $47 in taxes for the month of September because of the gift of mooncakes, Xinhua, China’s main news service, reported.

“As the Western saying goes, nothing is certain but death and taxes. I feel very uncomfortable about the ‘mooncake tax,’ “ the news agency quoted the petroleum

company worker as saying.

In an effort to make mooncakes more palatable, Chinese and foreign companies have started incorporating unconventional flavors. The most popular in recent years have been Haagen-Dazs’ ice cream mooncakes.

“We’ll eat these ourselves, they’re ice cream and delicious,” said Zhang Yujing, 30, a homemaker who was picking up a box that her husband had been given. “But if these were traditional-style mooncakes, I’d give them away as a gift.”

Other Western companies have also gotten in on the mooncake business. Starbucks’ Chinese stores have been selling them since 2005. This year, six cakes cost about $60 and come in a three-tiered box with a separate drawer for each flavor, almost like a jewelry or tackle box.

“Most people just use these as a status symbol, to show they have money,” said a Haagen-Dazs employee who gave only her last name, Li. The packaging and brand are often more important than the taste or quality of the product. One elaborate package offered by a winery featured a heavy wooden box where each mooncake was individually encased in a round metal container.

Because of the low cost to produce mooncakes and their high selling price, counterfeit mooncakes have cropped up.

Last week, police in Guangzhou confiscated 8,000 boxes of mooncakes that had been made to look as if they were from a famous local restaurant.

The high prices commanded by the most prestigious mooncakes have crept even higher in the past year as food prices in China rose across the board. But the big buyers, mostly large state-owned companies, seem unfazed by the price hike.

“Because of inflation, mooncake prices have increased a lot from last year, but we’re actually selling more this year,” said Sparking Lee, the general manager at a Beijing mooncake wholesaler.

Lee’s company has sold more than a million mooncakes this year, with the bestseller being Haagen-Dazs. Although he declined to name specific companies, Lee said his largest customers were state-owned telecommunications and technology companies.

Gao G.Z., an executive at a state-owned tobacco company, represents the extravagance of the mooncake economy: A week before the mid-autumn festival, he went to pick up four boxes of Haagen-Dazs mooncakes worth about $140. “My company gave me all these mooncake coupons, I didn’t pay for any of this myself,” Gao said, gesturing toward his bounty of gifts. “I’d never pay for mooncakes!” —MCT

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Firefighters balk at new digital radios

OKUMA: In this file photo, released by Prime Minister’s Office of Japan, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, second from left, speaks to workers of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant while visiting the crippled plant in Okuma, northeastern Japan, for the first time since he took the office. Accompanying Noda from left are: Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoshio Hachiro, Noda, Environment Minister, also in charge of the nuclear crisis Goshi Hosono and Advisor to the Prime Minister Yoshinori Suematsu. — AP

Post-tsunami Japan plan on sticking with nuclear power MATSUYAMA: Takashi Yamada would prefer life without the nearby nuclear power plant. But the 66-year-old retired electronics retailer says, “It is also true we all need it.” Host communities such as this seaside city on the island of Shikoku need the jobs and financial subsidies the plants provide. And Japan’s $5.5-trillion economy needs the energy. Many Japanese have grown uneasy with nuclear power since the March 11 tsunami, which left more than 20,000 dead or missing and sent a plant in Fukushima into meltdown. Anti-nuke protesters took to the streets, and a heated debate ensued over the future of atomic energy. A recent Associated Press-GfK poll found that 55 percent of Japanese want to reduce the number of reactors in the country.

Six months later, though, the nation seems to be sticking with nuclear power, at least for now. Unlike Germany, which accelerated plans to phase out atomic energy after Fukushima, Japan shows no signs of doing so. In recent days, utilities began newly mandated earthquake and tsunami stress tests, a first step toward restarting reactors idled for maintenance. “What is the alternative?” asks Fumiko Nakamura, a flower arrangement teacher in Tokyo. She worries about nuclear safety in earthquake-prone Japan but says it will take time to develop other types of energy. “Japan is a resource-poor nation, and we need electricity.”

The world’s third-largest economy lacks other sources such as coal. An island nation, it can’t easily buy electricity from neighbors, as Germany can from France. Alternative energy is expensive. And nuclear technology is the nation’s pride, even a lucrative export.

Moreover, consensus-oriented Japan doesn’t have an outspoken public saying “No” to nuclear power. In a society that frowns upon defiance of the government, many Japanese are reluctant to join a movement that is often discredited as eccentric, even after Fukushima. That means Japan’s leaders have no real need to reject an industry that has helped fuel the country’s prosperity for decades. “The everyday hasn’t changed,” said Haruki Tange, a professor of policymaking at Ehime University in Matsuyama.

“There is this prevailing mood that makes it really difficult to voice any opposition to nuclear power.” March 11 may yet prove to be Japan’s Three Mile Island moment. No new plants have been approved in the US since the 1979 disaster, and Japan has canceled two new ones already and shelved plans to increase its reliance on nuclear power from 30 to 50 percent.

But Tange’s resignation underscores a widespread acceptance of the status quo in Japan, home to 54 reactors speckling the coast.

Matsuyama, a city of 500,000, sits 30 miles (50

kilometers) from Ikata, one of the world’s most seismologically risky plants. The government says there is a 70 percent probability of a major quake here in the next 30 years. In an unprecedented protest, about 100 people took to the streets in July to demand Ikata be shut down. “I always thought protests were scary,” said one marcher, 22-year-old university student Miwa Ozue. “But now, I want the world to know.” Most onlookers ignored the largely jovial crowd that banged on drums and chanted slogans. Two months later, Shikoku Electric Power Co. is moving forward with stress tests on one of Ikata’s three reactors, which was stopped in April for routine inspections.

Fukushima has influenced the public’s thinking. Six out of 10 respondents to the AP-GfK poll said they had little or no confidence in the safety of Japan’s nuclear plants. Only 5 percent were very confident.

The telephone poll by GfK Roper Public Affairs and Corporate Communications surveyed 1,000 adults across Japan between July 29 and Aug. 10. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. Roughly a third said they want to keep the number of nuclear plants about the same, while 3 percent want to eliminate them completely. Such thinking, though, has not been translated into action.

Power shortages since the tsunami, coupled with an unusually sweltering summer, have helped business and its backers in government win the argument that Japan can’t afford to shut down its reactors. The nuclear industry also benefits from close government ties.

Bureaucratic ranks are packed with former utility executives. The same ministry both promotes and regulates nuclear power. Such relationships have endured, despite revelations of past coverups of radiation leaks and safety violations.

In the half year since the tsunami, commuter trains have often been dark inside, dizzyingly hot and more packed than usual because of reduced schedules. Neon lights disappeared from once-glitzy urban landscapes. Messages flashed on the Internet and electronic billboards, ominously warning about electricity use versus supply. Manufacturers scrambled to cope. For automakers, the juggling included running assembly plants over the weekend and closing Thursday and Friday to reduce peak demand. “It has been totally exhausting,” said Toshiyuki Shiga, chief operating officer of Nissan Motor Co. Like many, Yoko Fujimura heeded government calls to conserve by going without air conditioning at her Yokohama home, despite outdoor temperatures that reached 100 degrees (38 degrees Celsius).

Clearly worried about shortages, the 32-yearold waitress thinks any move away from nuclear power could take decades.— AP

Rsa updates cybercrime intelligence service RSA, the Security Division of EMC announced significant updates to its RSA CyberCrime Intelligence Service designed to help enterprises monitor and harden their infrastructure against malware infection and data loss. Offered to complement RSA’s broad portfolio of security and threat management solutions, the RSA CyberCrime Intelligence Service is a managed service that is designed to provide information on corporate end points, network resources, access credentials and other systems that may have been compromised by malware. Security professionals can use this information to help identify corporate end points and resources that may be at risk as a result of malware infection and remediate incidents of potential data exposure in the enterprise.

In addition to gaining insight into malware -infected resources, the RSA CyberCrime Intelligence Service offers new daily reports on black-listed hosts and IP addresses used by cybercriminals for launching attacks and communicating updates to malware-infected computers that may be part of a botnet. When automatically fed into web filtering software, intrusion detection/prevention systems and other network monitoring and security solutions, this threat intelligence feed can be used to help sever the communication channels of existing malware, eliminating its ability to siphon information from companies and gain new instructions from command and control points.

“IT organizations have traditionally focused on layered security which protects the perimeter. Now is the time to provide

the same layered security model internally as well. That model, based on Governance, Risk and Compliance, must assume that malware has penetrated the enterprise and mitigate any damage which might occur”, said Phil Blank, Managing Director, Security, Risk and Fraud at Javelin Strategy & Research. “By employing actionable information contained in threat intelligence reports and supplemented by active blacklist feeds to help prevent communications with command and control servers and data leakage, an enterprise can significantly improve their security posture and reduce their risks” Advanced forms of malware such as the Zeus and SpyEye Trojans can silently capture and exfiltrate a wide variety of data and credentials contained on enterprise endpoints, including proprietary information such as legal documents, healthcare records and corporate secrets. However, many organizations are unaware of the impact of malware within their systems that pose a significant threat to their information and bottom line. “Corporate internet users increasingly represent the largest source of infection in the enterprise by data-stealing malware via spear-phishing emails and social engineering attacks,” said Sam Curry, Chief Technology Officer for RSA’s Identity and Data Protection group.

“The RSA CyberCrime Intelligence Service helps IT professionals further understand and isolate possible points of exposure within their enterprise so they can adjust security controls and close gaps to better protect their organizations against malware and data loss.”

WASHINGTON: Caught in thick smoke in a burning suburban Cincinnati home, veteran firefighter Robin Broxterman and her novice mate, Brian Schira, tried to summon help on their Motorola digital radios.

She called four times, he another halfdozen, according to radio logs from the 2008 incident. For seven long minutes before concluding that contact had been lost, the Colerain Fire Department’s incident commander heard nothing discernible from Broxterman and Schira, certainly no urgent “mayday” calls for a rescue operation, an internal investigation found. In the ensuing rescue effort, Broxterman, a 37-year-old mother of two, and Schira, 31, were found dead in the basement, covered with rubble from a collapsed floor. “No firefighter should have to die because of a radio that doesn’t work,” said Arlene Zang, Broxterman’s mother and a firefighter herself, while conceding that other factors influenced the tragedy.

Many of the nation’s biggest fire departments, spooked by allegations that Motorola’s digital radio failures contributed to the deaths of at least five firefighters, the disabling of a sixth and scores of close calls, have limited use of the glitzy gadgets acquired in a post-Sept. 11 emergency-communications spending splurge. The headlong, federally backed push to buy tens of billions of dollars in digital equipment, including radios priced as high as $6,000 each, gained momentum despite the lack of any government standard ensuring that they’ll perform for firefighters.

Multiple investigations and tests have since found flaws in the equipment made by Motorola and its rivals. Fire departments in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Phoenix and Boise, Idaho - communities that have spent tens of millions of dollars on the new equipment - are so leery of problems that they won’t use digital radios at fire scenes.

Boston firefighters “are not to use digital radios,” said Joseph Brooks, radio supervisor for the city’s Fire Department. “They don’t have them because I said no.” Analog technology, whose radio waves mimic sound waves, is stable and proven to be reliable for firefighters, he said, while computerized digital radios are “great for public works and building inspectors whose lives don’t depend on their radios.” While a number of companies sell digital radios to public safety agencies, most of the focus falls on Motorola, long the industry’s dominant player and holding an estimated 70 percent to 80 percent of market share. Schaumburg, Ill.-based Motorola Solutions, Inc., which took over Motorola Inc.’s public safetycommunications segment in a recent spinoff, stands by its digital radios, the most sophisticated of which it boasts are waterproof and can withstand the force of a bowling ball dropped on them again and again. In a statement to McClatchy, the company pointed to its more than 80-year history of providing public safety agencies “with reliable, state-of-the-art equipment and innovative solutions.”

“While other vendors have come and gone, Motorola has remained committed to serving these dedicated professionals and has closely listened to public safety’s needs,” the firm said. Motorola declined to quantify its US public safety business, but said it served more than 1 million first

responders worldwide. Motorola’s newest generation of digital devices offers a full range of features and costs “without ever compromising first responders’ safety,” the company said. Despite those assurances, numerous firefighters say that Motorola’s digital radios have failed them when they most needed them: for “mayday” calls to be rescued from burning buildings. The digital radios’ shortcomings are so widely known that they’ve acquired nicknames.

with alarms sounding, firefighters correctly understood just 15 percent of the words spoken. Despite recent manufacturer-led improvements, intelligibility tests still show that digital radios under-perform radios that have been in use for years, said Dereck Orr, a NIST program manager for public-safety communications systems. Tests have shown that the gap is still about 15 percent. A “noise-canceling” feature in new models may offer improvements but NIST hasn’t

PHILADELPHIA: New Motorola radios can withstand the force of a bowling ball falling on them over and over as seen at the Association of Public Safety Officials International conference, August 2011. Many of the nation’s biggest fire departments, spooked by allegations that Motorola’s digital radio failures contributed to the deaths of at least five firefighters, the disabling of a sixth and scores of close calls, have limited use of the glitzy gadgets acquired in a post-Sept. 11 emergency communications spending splurge.—MCT There’s the “digital cliff,” when a radio is out of range and the connection ends without warning. There’s “bonking” _ also dubbed “the sound of death” by some Philadelphia firefighters _ when an important transmission gets rejected because too many other radios are using the system. Then there’s “going digital,” when a radio emits a garble of beeps and tones instead of a voice.

Another problem, documented in tests by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a federal agency that works with industry, is that digital transmissions can be rendered unintelligible by loud background noises, including the piercing alarms that firefighters wear to alert supervisors if they’re nearly out of air or incapacitated. In one 2008 test

yet tested it.

Some firefighters said that “trunked” systems, in which multiple users share the same radio frequencies to improve efficiency, could prove disastrous for fire operations because nonessential traffic could block radio lines, as occurred in the Colerain fire.

“Trunking is like having five kids at home and three beds,” said Brooks, Boston’s radio supervisor. “As long as someone schedules who sleeps when, it’s fine. But if more than three kids want to sleep at the same time, you’re in trouble.” A spokesman for Motorola Solutions declined to respond to questions about these various problems with its digital radios.

The shift to digital began in the 1990s, but it surged in response to calls for radio upgrades after the communica-

tions chaos that greeted hordes of first responders converging on the flaming towers of New York’s World Trade Center on Sept. 11.

In 2004, the 9/11 Commission recommended overhauling public-safety radio systems in New York, Washington and other cities considered “high-risk” terrorism targets to avoid another Tower of Babel-like snarl. Congress and the Department of Homeland Security have taken a broader approach. The department has required state and local governments to submit plans for improving the ability of police, firefighters and medics to communicate with one another and has scored their progress in implementing the plans. While federal agencies haven’t issued a mandate for a switch to digital trunked radio systems, they’ve used the lever of federal funding to prod more than 60,000 state and local agencies to do so. Once Congress began approving $13 billion in federal matching funds to help finance purchases of the equipment, the rush was on.

From 2005 to 2010, the proportion of digital radios used for all purposes in the US rose from 6 percent to 20 percent, according to IMS Research, which tracks the electronics industry.

By 2015, it estimates, digital use is expected to reach 50 percent, suggesting that about 1.5 million first responders will depend on them.

Switching to digital requires costly infrastructure, including towers that beam radio signals for miles. North Carolina’s statewide system calls for 240 towers and other infrastructure with a price tag of nearly $189 million.

Some fire departments said Motorola had successfully addressed the problems. When digital garbling and unintelligible transmissions plagued the Orlando, Fla., fire department’s new system, firefighters reverted to their older radios for years while awaiting testing, upgrades and training. Deputy Chief Greg Hoggatt said the radios were working now, and the department is 100 percent digital. The Charlotte, N.C., fire department will migrate to digital within the next year, and department officials think that training and proper use can solve much of the problem with background noise, Deputy Chief Jeff Dulin said. “Everything’s going to go digital at some point,” he said. “It’s just the way of the world. Motorola has made commitments to us and to other fire organizations to remedy this, and it was not insurmountable.” Other fire departments remain skeptical. The Philadelphia firefighters union, which alleges that two of its members died in 2004 when their mayday calls were “bonked,” has resorted to using a labor contract clause to ask that an arbitration panel require fixes to the system. Tim McShea, the vice president of the Philadelphia union, said he still got two to three calls a year about “bonked” mayday alerts. One former official of the Philadelphia firefighters union, Dave Kearney, said the digital trunked radio system was needlessly complex and “doesn’t do a better job.”

“Motorola is selling us a space shuttle,” he said, “and what I need is a pickup truck.” The Chicago Fire Department, proceeding even more cautiously, hasn’t used the city’s $23 million Motorola radio system since its installation began in 2006, awaiting full testing and any necessary upgrades. — MCT

UAE Ranks 26th On The BCG’s Global Internet e-Intensity Index DUBAI: The Internet is increasingly acquiring local character springing from the economic, political, and social factors that distinguish individual nations, according to the e-Intensity Index recently launched by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The Index provides a more nuanced picture of the depth and reach of digital activity across countries. It examines Internet activity for the members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), for the BRICI nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Indonesia, and for other noteworthy economies, such as Hong Kong, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and South Africa. In total, 50 countries were ranked.

Joerg Hildebrandt, Partner & Managing Director in BCG, Middle East said: “Policy makers and business leaders want to know how different countries rank in terms of their “Internet intensity”-in other words, the depth and reach of their digital activity. The BCG e-Intensity Index measures both a nation’s supply of Internet infrastructure and its demand for and use of Internet services.” Specifically, the Index measures enablement: how well built is the infrastructure and how available is Internet access? It measures expenditure: how much money is spent on online retail and online advertising? And it measures engagement: how actively are businesses, governments, and consumers embracing the Internet?

The Top Rankings South Korea comes out on top, powered by super-high-speed infrastructure, a well-devel-

oped e-commerce and digital-advertising marketplace, and high levels of Internet engagement.

Denmark, Sweden, the UK, and Iceland round out the top five places. The U.S.-the birthplace of the Internet-has the tenth highest score. The index becomes even more interesting when you dig below the surface. The U.S., for example, leads on the overall Internet engagement score, while Denmark tops the charts on expenditure and Hong Kong on enablement. And while developing nations rank near the bottom, they have pockets of innovation and advanced usage.

Within the Middle East, the UAE leads with a ranking of 26 according to the BCG index. The UAE ranks highest in terms of enablement, followed by expenditure, and engagement. Similarly, Saudi Arabia, ranked 39th on the Index, ranks higher in terms of enablement as compared to expenditure and engagement. Interestingly, Egypt ranked 49th on the Index, has higher levels of engagement when compared to enablement or expenditure.

Lessons for Companies and Policy Makers The Internet is taking on different local flavors that are a reflection of-or a response to-the physical world. In the U.K., traditional shops have embraced the Internet, creating a nation of “digital shopkeepers,” while in the Czech Republic, online-only retailers are filling a void created by the underdevelopment of traditional retail channels. Hong Kong, with its well-established retail footprint, has a low level of online sales given the quality of its broadband infrastructure but a high

level of business-to business engagement. “The BCG e-Intensity Index helps companies calibrate their business plans to national levels of consumer, business, and government engagement and the share of fixed versus mobile penetration”, said Hildebrandt. In addition, the Internet is driving economic growth. Hence, policies that encourage Internet penetration and usage and that provide protections for customers making online purchases are critical. Policy makers should also be encouraging all businesses-not just hightech companies-to embrace the Internet. In the U.K., small and medium-size companies that make active use of the Internet grow seven times faster than companies that do not. Because the Internet is so far-reaching, officials from a number of different agencies, especially those regulating telecom, banking, commerce, and consumer affairs, will need to cooperate and coordinate their efforts. This is especially true in developing nations.

Moreover, the Internet is adopting the local character and personality of its users. Hildebrandt explained: “In China and Russia, where English is less prevalent, local entrepreneurs are developing giant Internet businesses that spark envy in Silicon Valley. In countries such as India and Indonesia, the mobile phone has become the gateway to the Internet. Many of the most popular and useful mobile applications and services are emerging in these countries. In India, for example, the first bank account for many consumers may well be a mobile one. The Internet has truly gone native”.

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health & science

NASA launches spacecraft pair to study the moon Grail mission comes at a cost of $496 million

KOAK ROKA: Tha Sophat, a 20-month-old boy, suckles from a cow. Tha Sophat started suckling the cow in July after he saw a calf do the same since his parents moved to Thailand in search of work, said his grandfather UmOeung. — AP

Cambodian boy suckling cow after parents leave KOAK ROKA: A Cambodian man says his young grandson has lived partly on milk he suckles directly from a cow since the boy’s parents left their rural village in search of work. Um Oeung says 20month-old Tha Sophat started suckling the cow in July after he saw a calf do the same.

Um Oeung told The Associated Press he pulled the boy away at first. He relent-

ed after his grandson protested loudly and the boy has suckled the cow’s milk once or twice a day since then. Tha Sophat has lived with his grandparents in Siem Reap province in northwest Cambodia since his parents moved to Thailand looking for work. Um Oeung said Friday the cow doesn’t mind the boy suckling but he is worried about his grandson’s health if he continues. — AP

Doctor, 2 others charged in chemotherapy fraud JACKSON: A shuttered clinic in south Mississippi gave cancer patients less chemotherapy or cheaper drugs than they were led to believe and reused the same needles on multiple people as part of a multimillion-dollar Medicare and Medicaid fraud, a 15-count indictment says. Three women, including Dr Meera Sachdeva, the 50-year-old founder of Rose Cancer Center in Summit, were charged Thursday. The clinic had already been shut down by the state Health Department for “unsafe infection control practices.” Sachdeva has been ordered held without bond. Her attorney Rob McDuff, said she will plead not guilty “and we’ll go from there.” The defendants “knew that the liquid solutions that were infused into the patients treated at Rose Cancer Center contained a smaller amount of the chemotherapy drugs than the defendants had billed to various health care benefit programs, or contained different, less expensive drugs,” the indictment says.

The clinic also billed the agencies for new syringes for each patient, even though it reused some on multiple people, authorities said. Prosecutors say Medicaid and Medicare paid the clinic $15.1 million during that time.

Authorities have seized $6 million. The others charged are employees, 24-yearold Brittany McCoskey of Monticello and 43-year-old Monica Weeks of Madison.

When contacted Friday, McCoskey said she did not know about the indictment and wanted to read it before comment-

ing. It wasn’t clear if Weeks had an attorney. A phone call to a listing for Weeks was not immediately returned.

McCoskey was a receptionist and later the office manager. Weeks submitted claims to Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies. McCoskey and Weeks are both charged with 11 counts and, if convicted, face 125 years in prison and $2.25 million in fines. Prosecutor Scott Gilbert said Sachdeva was arrested in August and ordered held without bond. She appealed that ruling, but it was upheld Friday by a different judge.

Prosecutors argued that Sachdeva should remain in jail until trial because she’s a naturalized US citizen from India, routinely travels to her native country and is a flight risk. “Moreover, the defendant has substantial financial resources available to her, in spite of the seizure of almost $6,000,000 by the government,” court records said. Rose Cancer Center came under scrutiny earlier this year when 11 patients went to hospitals with bacterial infections, according to the Mississippi Department of Health.

Liz Sharlot, a Health Department spokeswoman, said Friday that the clinic was closed July 20. The Health Department advised patients to get screened for Hepatitis B and C and HIV, though officials have not found anyone who got a viral infection as a direct result of treatment. Sharlot said 150 to 200 patients have been screened and the department will conduct additional testing. —AP

CAPE CANAVERAL: A pair of spacecraft rocketed toward the moon Saturday on the first mission dedicated to measuring lunar gravity and determining what’s inside Earth’s orbiting companion - all the way down to the core. “I could hardly be happier,” said the lead scientist, Maria Zuber. After two days of delays and almost another, “I was trying to be as calm as I could be.” NASA launched the near identical probes - named Grail-A and GrailB - aboard a relatively small Delta II rocket to save money. It will take close to four months for the spacecraft to reach the moon, a long, roundabout journey compared with the zippy three-day trip of the Apollo astronauts four decades ago.

Grail-A popped off the upper stage of the rocket exactly as planned 11/2 hours after liftoff, followed eight minutes later by Grail-B. Both releases were seen live on NASA TV thanks to an onboard rocket camera, and generated loud applause in Launch Control. The pair are traveling independently to the moon, with A due to arrive on New Year’s Eve and B on New Year’s Day. Once they were safely on their way, Zuber announced a contest for schoolchildren to replace the “working-class names” of Grail-A and Grail-B. “Grail, simply put, is a journey to the center of the moon,” said Ed Weiler, head of NASA’s science mission directorate, borrowing from the title of the Jules Verne science fiction classic, “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

The world has launched more than 100 missions to the moon since the Soviet Union’s Luna probes in 1959. That includes NASA’s six Apollo moon landings that put 12 men on the lunar surface. NASA’s Grail spacecraft each the size of a washing machine - won’t land on the moon but will conduct their science survey from a polar lunar orbit. Beginning in March, once the spacecraft are orbiting just 34 miles above the moon’s surface, scientists will monitor the slight variations in distance between the two to map the moon’s entire gravitational field. The measurements will continue through May. “It will probe the interior of the moon and map its gravity field 100 to 1,000 times better than ever before. We will learn more about the interior of the moon with Grail than all previous lunar missions combined,” Weiler said.

At the same time, four cameras on each spacecraft will offer schoolchildren the opportunity to order up whatever pictures of the moon they want. The educational effort, called MoonKAM, is spearheaded by Sally Ride, America’s first spacewoman. As of Saturday, more than 1,100 schools had signed up. The entire Grail mission costs $496 million. Grail is the 110th mission to target the moon,

according to NASA records.

Missions have been launched by the United States, Soviet Union, Japan, China and India. Zuber, the Grail mission’s principal investigator and a planetary scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of

nium oxide.

Another puzzle that Grail may help solve, Zuber said, is whether Earth once had a smaller second moon. Last month, astronomers suggested the two moons once collided and the little one

CAPE CANAVERAL: A Delta II rocket, carrying the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission lifts off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The objective of the mission is to determine the structure of the lunar interior. — AP Technology, said the precise lunar gravity measurements will help her and other planetary scientists better understand how the moon evolved over the past 4 billion years. The findings also should help identify the composition of the moon’s core: whether it’s made of solid iron or possibly tita-

glommed onto the big one, a possible explanation for how the lunar highlands came to be.

Knowing where the moon’s gravity is stronger will enable the United States and other countries to better pinpoint landing locations for future explorers, whether robot or human. The gravity on

the moon is uneven and about one-sixth Earth’s pull. “If you want to land right next to a particular outcrop (of rock), you’re going to be able to do it,” Zuber said.

“There will be no reason to do another gravity experiment of the moon in any of our lifetimes.”

Zuber said the Grail findings should eliminate cliffhangers like the Apollo 11 landing in 1969 by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

They overshot their touchdown site in part because of the subtle gravity changes in the moon’s surface below; they almost ran out of fuel before safely touching down on the Sea of Tranquility. “It will be easier next time,” Zuber promised.

For now, NASA has no plans to return astronauts to the moon, Earth’s closest neighbor at approximately 240,000 miles away. That program, called Constellation, was canceled last year by President Barack Obama, who favors asteroids and Mars as potential destinations in America’s future without the space shuttle. This is the second planetary mission for NASA since the space shuttle program ended in July, and attracted a large crowd to Cape Canaveral. NASA counted nearly 1,000 guests at Kennedy Space Center on Saturday, nowhere near the 12,000 on hand for the Juno launch to Jupiter at the beginning of August. Grail was supposed to soar Thursday, but high wind interfered. Then NASA needed an extra day to check the rocket after engine heaters stayed on too long. High wind almost stopped NASA again Saturday; the launch team had to skip the morning’s first opportunity, but the wind dissipated just in time for the second. The year’s grand finale will be the launch of the biggest Mars rover ever the day after Thanksgiving. “NASA is still doing business even though the shuttles stopped flying,” Weiler told reporters earlier in the week. Grail is the 110th mission to target the moon, according to NASA records.

Missions have been launched by the United States, Soviet Union, Japan, China and India. The previous moonshot was two years ago: NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Just last month, the moon-circling probe beamed back the sharpest pictures yet of some of the Apollo artifacts left on the moon from 1969 through 1972 - and even moonwalkers’ tracks. NASA released the photos earlier in the week. Ride and Zuber will help pick the winning names for the Grail twins later this year, well before the spacecraft reach the moon.

Zuber said she has her own pet names, “but I think I’ll keep those to myself because I don’t want to influence the contestants.” Some of the names used by members of her team over the four-year life of the project: Fred and Ginger, Castor and Pollux, and Tom and Jerry. — AP

FDA says judge shouldn’t stop cigarette warnings LONGMONT: This undated image provided by the Denver Health Medical Center shows train accident victim, Anna Beninati, with friends, from left, Sean Halla, Charlie Hamilton and Micauley Ayraud. —AP

Teen who lost legs in train accident conscious, joking DENVER: A 17-year-old girl whose legs were severed when she tried to hop aboard a moving freight train in Colorado is in good spirits and has been joking with her siblings at a Denver hospital, police said. Anna Beninati’s family plans to take her home soon to Sandy, Utah, so that she can begin her rehabilitation, Longmont police Commander Jeff Satur told the Times-Call. Beninati and three male friends were going to Fort Collins, where she was attending Colorado State University, when she tried to hop the train Monday in Longmont, about 30 miles north of Denver. Her legs were detached near her knees when she fell under the train.

Her family said in a statement Friday that she is awake at Denver Health, where family and friends have surround-

ed her at her bedside. “Anna’s close friends know her by Rush, a nickname she earned from a school teacher not by rushing through assignments, but for her eagerness to see what is next,” the family said. “Anna is an adventurer by heart, and we believe this experience will make her stronger on her next adventure.” The family added that Beninati has a passion for music and had chosen a music therapy major at Colorado State to eventually work with children with autism spectrum disorders.

Police cited two of Beninati’s companions, age 17 and 25, for trespassing on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe’s rightof-way. Police said they planned to issue a trespassing ticket to a 21-year-old who was in the group, but they haven’t been able to locate him. —AP

RICHMOND: New cigarette warning labels that show the sewn-up corpse of a smoker or a picture of diseased lungs shouldn’t be prevented from appearing on packs next year while a federal judge determines whether they violate tobacco companies’ free speech rights, the Food and Drug Administration said Friday. Some of the nation’s largest tobacco companies, led by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. and Lorillard Tobacco Co, sued last month to block the labels, questioning their constitutionality and saying that changing cigarette packaging will cost millions of dollars. The companies said the warnings don’t simply convey facts to inform people’s decision whether to smoke but instead force the companies to display government anti-smoking advocacy more prominently than their own branding.

The companies have asked the US District Court in Washington, DC, for a preliminary injunction to stop the labels, which the FDA has mandated as part of its new authority to regulate tobacco. In response, the FDA said Friday that the public interest in conveying the dangers of smoking outweighs the companies’ free speech rights.

And it said the financial costs to the companies of switching to incorporate the new graphics equals about one-tenth of their annual net sales, which the FDA said is not sufficient to justify the injunction. “The pub-

lic interest strongly militates against delaying health warnings that more effectively convey the extraordinary, undisputed health risks created by the use of plaintiffs’ products,” the FDA said in its filing. “(W)hen used as intended by the manufacturers, tobacco products are deadly.”

The agency says it drew on the advice of various experts in health, marketing, graphic design and advertising to create the labels, which the FDA said are similar to those used in other countries, including Canada. The FDA said Congress gave it the authority to require the new labels because existing warnings dating to 1984 were going unnoticed and health warnings weren’t being conveyed effectively. The companies have until next Friday to respond. A hearing on the injunction is set Sept. 21, with a decision to come as early as October. In June, the FDA approved nine new warning labels that companies are to print on the entire top half of cigarette packs, front and back. The new warnings, each of which includes a number for a stopsmoking hotline, must constitute 20 percent of cigarette advertising, and marketers are to rotate use of the images.

One label depicts a corpse with its chest sewn up and the words “Smoking can kill you.” Another shows a healthy pair of lungs beside a yellow and black pair with a warn-

ing that smoking causes fatal lung disease.

Joining R.J. Reynolds and Lorillard in the suit are Commonwealth Brands Inc., Liggett Group LLC and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Inc. Altria Group Inc., parent company of the nation’s largest cigarette maker, Philip Morris USA, which makes top-selling Marlboros, is not a part of the lawsuit. The free speech lawsuit is separate from a lawsuit by several of the same companies over the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. That law, which took affect two years ago, cleared the way for the more graphic warning labels, but also allowed the FDA to limit nicotine and banned tobacco companies from sponsoring athletic or social events or giving away free samples or branded merchandise.

A federal judge upheld many parts of the law, but the companies are appealing. While the tobacco industry’s latest legal challenge may not hold up either, it could delay the new warning labels for years.

And that is likely to save cigarette makers millions of dollars in lost sales and increased packaging costs. Analysts say tobacco companies are increasingly relying on their packaging to build brand loyalty and grab consumers. It’s one of few advertising levers left to pull since the government has curbed their presence in magazines, billboards and TV. — AP

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H E A LT H

Study tests use of warm-heart transplants LOS ANGELES: Rob Evans, a 61-year-old social worker from Apache Junction, Arizona, got the good news on Father’s Day: After 3 years, doctors had found him a heart and were preparing to bring it to the University of California-Los Angeles, where he was being treated for a slow, steady decay of his cardiac muscle. Evans had been hospitalized at UCLA for six weeks. Excited, hopeful and anxious all at once, Evans dared imagine a different life: out in the garage remodeling his ‘69 Nova, riding his horse, wrestling with his grandson and helping his wife, Gail, take care of their barn instead of sitting, exhausted, in his chair all day. But the heart destined for Evans’ chest was not like most that transplant recipients get. Instead of coming to him in icy slumber inside a cooler, it was warm and beating.

Though it had been excised from its donor, blood flowed through it until shortly before it was stitched into Evans’ body on June 19.

Evans is taking part in a nationwide clinical trial to test whether such “beating hearts” are as good as, or better than, hearts packed in ice and slowed down with potassium and other chemicals. Doctors at UCLA, one of the study ’s leading sites, have enrolled multiple patients, and other transplant centers across the country will soon start recruiting too. “The human heart was never meant to be on ice,” said Dr. Abbas Ardehali, the surgical director of UCLA’s heart and lung transplantation program and the trial’s principal investigator. Chilling

donor hearts before a transplant slows the rate of cell death and buys time to get the organ to a recipient, but only a little bit, he said. “That’s why having a human heart in a warm, beating state has always been exciting.” From the outside, it looks like an ordinary gray-and-white storage unit on wheels.

At 40 inches tall, 30 inches wide and 20 inches deep, it weighs less than 100 pounds and fits comfortably in the back of an SUV. But inside, it houses a living human heart.

The beating organ rests in a clear, sterile chamber equipped with a pacemaker in case it needs a jump-start. Warm blood flows through tubing connected to the aorta because the veins that normally bring blood to the heart are sewn shut. The blood travels through the heart, feeding it oxygen and nutrients so it can function while removing waste products, which are filtered out by a machine. Fresh oxygen and nutrients are added to the donor’s blood before it is pumped back in. All the while, doctors can keep tabs on the heart’s rhythm, blood pressure and other vital signs to make sure it is healthy for surgery. “The heart believes it’s still in the body,” said Dr. Waleed Hassanein, who founded TransMedics, the Massachusetts-based medical device company that developed the apparatus and is sponsoring the trial. The technology was tested in Europe in a 2006 clinical trial of 20 heart transplant patients. Nineteen of these patients were out of intensive care within 24 hours, a much shorter stay than the two to

Farewell to Pain…

five days patients usually spend in the ICU, said Dr. Bruce Rosengard, the surgical director of cardiac transplantation at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and one of the first surgeons to perform warm transplants in Europe.

“That’s a testament that those hearts function quite well,” he said. The device, known as the Organ Care System, has been commercially available in Europe since 2009. Worldwide, more than 100 warm transplants have now been performed, all of them with positive results, Hassanein said.

In the US, 24 patients have received warm transplants, including Evans. Cardiologists and cardiac surgeons are hoping the Organ Care System will give them more time to get hearts to the most critical - and bestmatched - patients. The technology could also help them “buff up” hearts that may be slightly injured by the effects of brain damage, which could increase the number of available hearts, said Dr. Bartley Griffith, the director of heart and lung transplantation at the University of Maryland in Baltimore who was involved in a safety trial of the Organ Care System. “That’s really the Holy Grail,” he said.

Evans is also making strides. Five weeks after his June 19 surgery, he walked up a hill. “It’s been 3 1/2 years since he’s been able to do anything like that,” said his wife, Gail. Such dramatic improvements are to be seen whichever way a heart ends up in someone’s chest. It’s too early to say

WESTWOOD: Heart transplant patient Andrea Ybarra and her husband Moises stand outside the UCLA Hospital in Westwood, California. — MCT

whether patients do better in the long run with hearts kept warm and beating. But Evans is already convinced. “Fresh is always better than frozen,” he said while sitting on a bench outside a hotel in L.A.’s Westwood neighborhood, where he stayed after he was healthy enough to be discharged from the hospital but not yet cleared to return to his home in suburban Phoenix. He said he

Al-Seef Al-S Seef Hospita Hospital al International Inter national Visiting Doctors Program m

was eager to get back to his office at Mountain Health & Wellness, a nonprofit healthcare provider where he is chief executive. He also was looking forward to shooting hoops with his grandson and taking his motorcycle for a spin. He has been back in Arizona since Aug 16, and was planning to go horseback riding for the first time in four years. — MCT

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

W H AT ’ S O N

NECK to host preschoolers’ motivation program

S

t. Johns Mar Thomas Church, Kuwait, is set to hold a brief pre-school Motivation Program (Ezhuthiniruthu Sisrusha) for children about to begin school or nursery for the first time. All children in these categories and their parents and guardians are invited and cordially welcomed to participate in the special service, which will be held on September 23 at 10:00 AM in the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait’s (NECK) church and parish hall. Certificates will be given to all the children attending the program.

Those who are interested in taking part in the event are kindly requested to contact the Vicar on 65563486, the Convener on 66742985 or the Secretary on 66546705.

Announcements Dreams of Youth Indian National Association (DYINA) formed On August 30, some of Kuwait Pravasi Malayalees gathered in Farwaniya for a dynamic new organization that caters to the needs of the needy and the youth. The new association, DREAMS OF YOUTH INDIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION has been formed for the general welfare of the “DYINA” members who we wish are in Kuwait, India and elsewhere in the world. On this occasion DYINA welcomes all Malayalees in Kuwait, especially whoever staying in company camp / hostels (ladies conveners available for the convenient for the ladies) . For more information contact. Poulose Thekkedeth 66790870; Paul Joseph- 97200915; Babu Thomas - 99240368; Shaji - 55042540; Jose Payappilly - 99809603; Reason -97286904 Indian music album to be shot in Kuwait A Malayalam musical album that has song writers from Jnanpith award winner ONV to the popular R afeeq Ahmad and singers from Hariharan to Sreya Ghoshal, produced by Ragasuthra Music Company and orchestrated

by Viswajith plans its launch soon. The 8 songs in the album uses lots of Indian languages in part and the music also is pan Indian. As part of the launch the songs are being visualized. A few songs will be shot in Kuwait since the songs represent the life of Indian expats in Kuwait. Ragasuthra is looking for real talents for their gulf based production of music videos. Talents/Actors: M/F - Age: 14 - 26; -Family combination: M/F - Age: 28 - 45; -Supporting character: M/F - Age 10 - 60; -Assistant Director: M/F; -Associate Director: M/F; -Assistants: M/F; Training will be given for selected candidates.

Serious applicants may send their bio data with recent photographs to ragasuthra@gmail.com 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 Dsouza- 60035824, 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.

Arpan Onam on Sept 23 Arpan Kuwait will celebrate Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival, on September 23 at the Indian Community School, Salmiya (Senior Girls) from 10 am onwards. Various cultural programs have been scheduled to make the celebration a success. Traditional attrac tions like athap pookkalam, mohiniyattom, kaikottikali, folk songs, dance and songs and skits will be presented by Arpan members.

A program committee headed by K Mahadevan is overseeing the preparations.

The celebration will come to an end with a sumptuous ‘Onasadya.’

NAFO Onam celebration NAFO Kuwait to celebrate Onam on September 30, 2011 at the Indian Community School (Senior for Girls) auditorium Salmiya. Cultural activities such as dance,skit, nadan pattukal, vallapattukal etc will be held which will be followed by the traditional onasadhya. All NAFO members are requested to make this program a grand success by participating in various activities. Please register your name at Contacts@nafoglobal.com.said the convener of the program Rajasekaran Nair. For details please contact Nandakumar 99559416, Udayakumar 66464577 or Rajasekharan Nair 97824780.

MasterCard senior executives with customers and stakeholders at an Iftar gathering in Kuwait.

MasterCard hosts gathering for Customer Financial Institutions

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asterCard Worldwide recently hosted an Iftar evening in Kuwait to celebrate the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan with its customer financial institutions and key partners in the country.

Sumit Mittal, vice president, Kuwait,

MasterCard Worldwide, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with our customers and stakeholders every year. At MasterCard, we remain deeply committed to Kuwait, a fast growing market in the region and are focused to continuously drive inno-

vation and to advance commerce locally.

We remain dedicated to assist all stakeholders involved in the payments process in further establishing the payments landscape in Kuwait.”

The Iftar was held at the Kuwait Sheraton Hotel. Present at the Iftar were

senior representatives from the leading financial institutions and key partners of MasterCard in Kuwait along with the MasterCard senior executives.

KMRM commemorates 81st anniversary

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uwait Malankara Rite Movement (KMRM) has commemorated the 81st Anniversary of the Malankara Church’s Reunion with the Universal Church and celebrated with great joy the 17th Anniversary of the Kuwait Malankarite Rite Movement (KMRM) which has served the Malankarites to remain together and also celebrated Thiru Onam the regional festival of Kerala at Carmel School, Khaitan on 09/09/11 as a full day event.

The program started with the Kerala’s traditional procession with Chendamelam, Pulikali, Thalappoli accompanied by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos - the Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church, His Grace Most Reverend Petar Rajic - the Apostolic Nuncio to Kuwait, Our Bishop His Excellency Rt. Reverend Camillo Ballin, Monsignor Rev Fr. Mathew Kunnepurayidam, Monsignor Yunus Paul - the new Deputy Secretary to the Nunciature to His Celebrations, Rev. Fr. Dr. John Padipurackal - the Spiritual Director of KMRM, Binu. K. John - the President of KMRM, K. K. Babu - the Vice President of KMRM, Joseph K. Daniel the KMRM Secretary, Rajan Tottathil - the KMRM Advisory Board Chairman, C. A. Joy - the General Convener, K. O. John the General Coordinator, the Office Bearers of KMRM - Celebration Committee Members, the representatives of various Catholic Associations (KMCA, SMCA & KKCA) in Kuwait and the members & children of KMRM. The public meeting started with the prayer song by KMRM choir and KMRM Secretary Joseph K. Daniel has delivered the welcome speech to His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos and the other dignitaries to the meeting.

The Introductory Speech has been conveyed by Rev. Fr. Dr. John Padipurackal (KMRM Spiritual Director), the Benedictory Message was given by His Grace Most Reverend Petar Rajic (Apostolic Nuncio to Kwt), Presidential address was given by Binu. K. John (President of KMRM), Inaugural Address His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos followed by lighting the lamp in the traditional Kerala style by the dignitaries. The key note address has been given by His Excellency Bishop Camillo Ballin. Issac Kadakampally

(Treasurer of KMRM) has handed over a memento to His Beatitude, K.O. John (Convener, Sneha Santhwana) had handed over the Sneha Santhwana fund to His Beatitude. The felicitation was conveyed

by Rajan Thottathil (the KMRM Advisory

Board Chairman), C. A. Joy the General Convener and K. K. Babu the KMRM Vice President respectively. The program has been concluded with vote of thanks by Binoy Varghese the Joint Convener.

Onasadya, the traditional lunch of Thiru

Onam day, was served in banana leaves for all those have attended the program.

The full day extravaganza was concluded by a Ganamela leaded by Shyju Pallippuram, Neelima & Team.

KTMCC welcomes Rev T Koshy Vydian

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uwait Town Malayalee Christian Congregation’s (KTMCC) Annual convention will be held at National Evangelical Church (NECK) from 13th to 16th Sept 2011 (7.30 pm to 9.15 pm).

Reverend Dr T Koshy Vydian (USA), a renowned orator, will be the main speaker.

KTMCC, the Indian Christian congregation, was established in Kuwait 59 years ago, made up of believers from Mar Thoma Church, CSI Church, Indian Evangelical Church, Pentecostal Churches and Brethren Assembly. Currently around 30 congregations under KTMCC’s umbrella are worshipping at NECK. KTMCC s choir with participation of all the churches will be leading the singing session of the convention. KTMCC Secretary, Roy K Yohannan and president KP Koshy, informed arrangements for the convention are in progress.

Various committees are working for the success of convention. Free transportation will be provided from different parts of Kuwait. For more information, contact Babu Varghese on 97867374 or Mathew George on 66566079

Kuwait Town Malayalee Christian Congregation (KTMCC) members KP Koshy (NECK Secretary and KTMCC President), Rajan Peter, Joseph MP, KS Jose, Wilson Varghese welcome convention speaker Reverend T Koshy Vaidyan at Kuwait International Airport.

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Jatiya Kabita Parisad extends greetings

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eaders of Jatiya Kabita Parisad, Kuwait had extended Eid greetings to the Honorable Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in the State of Kuwait as a part of Eid festivity in an “Open house” day celebration by the Embassy.

Expatriate Bengali community leaders as well as socio-cultural and literary notables, among them Jatiya Kabita Parisad, Kuwait and Abritti Parisad members lead by Poet Shah Sumon Rahat had exchanged Eid greetings with the honorable Ambassador. Poet Sumon and Swarlipi Sangskritik Goshti President Manjur Mullah, General Secretary Hajrat Mallik, Cultural Secretary Amjad Hosen Khuka had presented the honorable Ambassador with a bouquet of flowers.

Free Arabic courses provided by Islam Presentation Committee

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ake your opportunity to learn and improve your Arabic skills. The women section of Islam Presentation Committee will be conducting FREE Arabic Language Course in Basic & Advance Level for non-Arab LADIES commencing on September 30, 2011. Islamic subjects and Quran classes are also offered in different languages. Classes are offered only once a week.

Register now! For more information: Rawdah22512257-97290278; Salmiya-2573326397533263; Khaitan-24730137-99285459; Mangaf23723002; Jahra-24558830-67720696.

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

Nair Service Society (NSS) Onam

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he harvest festival of Kerala “Onam” will be celebrated by Nair Service Society (NSS Kuwait) on September 23, at IndianCommunity School, Khaitan from 9:30AM onwards.

Nair Service Society (NSS Kuwait) is one of the largest Socio-Cultural Organization in Kuwait formed in year 2001 and now has more than 3000 Indians as members.

On September 23, a full day variety entertainment program depicting the rich heritage and art forms of Kerala has been planned by the NSS members along with Ganamela, the musical afternoon, is arranged by Kuwait’s leading singing talents. Muraleekrishnan P, President of Nair Service Society, Kuwait (NSS Kuwait) will preside over the function.

The renowned Master of the Kitchen, Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri, who has the fame of serving food for about 65000 people in a single day, will be supervising NSS Kuwait’s Ona-Sadhya kitchen this year.

He prepared, with his team, sumptuous sadhya (traditional Kerala feast) for over 15,000 people, and fed four times a day and for four consecutive days during the event at the Kerala State School Kalotsavam, which is the biggest state level cultural competition. NSS Kuwait Ona-Sadhya coupons are already under distribution and this year more than 2000 people are expected to enjoy the Sadhya made by Pazhayidom.

Birthday Greetings

Kharafi National Kuwait Indian cultural program, 2011 Happy 5th Birthday Ate CIA We wish you good health and success in future. Enjoy your life anak..

We love you so much!!!

Greetings from: Daddy, Mommy, Shiana, family and friends!!!

Embassy

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harafi National Indian Cultural Program, 2011, in connection with the Onam celebrations was announced to begin on the 30th of September, 2011. A Committee was formed in camp consisting Jose Edassery (Convener), Binju (arts), Vipin (sports), Paul Antony (Volunteer), Kumaran Balan, Murugeshan (Food), Binu (media), Varkey Umman (Purchase) for the program administration. Sports activities

like volley ball tournament and tug of war competitions for Kharafi National employees will be conducted like every year. The volley ball tournament was inaugurated

by Leftary Kantarzis (Accommodation Manager) on August 26th. The much awaited tournament final and the thrilling tug of war competitions will be held on the 22nd September evening at 6PM. A day full of colorful programs

by well known artists in Kuwait and Kharafi employees will be staged.

National Theme (by camp occupants), Classical and Cinematic Dances, Skit, Oppana, Kolkkali, and the Orchestra by singers of D’Lites Kuwait along with Kharafi singers and orchestration by Melodies musical academy Kuwait will be the main attractions of the day.

Konkani drama

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uwait Goan Association (KGA) after presenting popular Konkani tiatrs ‘Ghor Bandlem ghorabo Modlo’ and ‘Tujea Moga Passot’, now all set to present Tragedy Mario Menezes most popular Konkani drama “Hatachim Panch Bottam” in Kuwait on Friday, 18th November 2011 with full troupe. Await for more details or email: kgakuwait@gmail.com

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/IMM525 7E.PDF. A guide explaining the process can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5256E.PDF. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF GERMANY The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kuwait wishes to announce that as of 1 May 2011, the external service provider Al Qabas Assurex is operating a Visa Application Centre in support of the German Embassy. Short-term visa applications for travels to Germany (e.g. for tourism, visits, business) are to be submitted to the service provider Al Qabas who for your convenience will ensure that all relevant documents are included in your application. Your personal appearance at the Application Centre is not required. Address of the Visa Application Centre: Al Qabas Assurex Sanabel Tower (Al-Babtain) Mezzanine (M3) opposite Sharq Mall Kuwait 22924444 Fax: 22924442 Further information are available on the following websites: www.kuwait.diplo.de www.qavisa.com nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF INDIA Embassy of India, would like to inform that application forms for passport/visa services and labour contracts that are on its website, www.indembkwt.org, have been upgraded to include the facility for online data entry. Affidavit forms on the Embassy website have had this facility since May 6, 2009.

AWARE center diwaniya tomorrow

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he AWARE Center cordially invites you to its diwaniya presentation September 13th, 2011 entitled, “Don’t be Clueless: 9 helpful habits to help you adjust to a new culture” by Dr. Linda Fouke So you have moved to Kuwait. Are you feeling Disoriented, Disgruntled or Disillusioned? Are you experiencing “Culture Shock”? You are not alone.

If you or someone you know has experienced the uncertainty of an extended stay abroad, you may be dealing with the reality of “culture shock.” Is this a hackneyed, over-dramatic term or a legitimate state of mind? Come share your story with Dr. Linda Fouke as she leads a discussion entitled, “Clueless in Kuwait - 9 Helpful Habits while in Kuwait.” At this presentation you will learn more about the phases of culture shock and 10 essential keys to helping you cope with the stresses of relocation. If you are interested, the AWARE Center is the best place to visit on September 13th, 2011 at 7pm. (Linda Graves Fouke, Ed.D is the Principal of Hope School for Special Needs, Chairperson, Kuwait Special Needs Administrators Network, Vice President, Kuwait Textile Arts Association and co-Founder, Great Books Foundation Discussion Group Kuwait City, Kuwait). For more information, call 25335260 ext 0 / 104 / 105 or log onto: www.aware.com.kw or email: saleha.aware@gmail.com “

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Youth India hands over first installment of Somalia collection

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outh India handed over the first installment of the collection from its collection drive for the people of Somalia, affected by famine, drought and poverty to the officials of International Islamic Charitable Organization.

The package included 2.5 tons of foodstuff including rice, pulses, oil, tin foods, milk, juice, wheat and sugar, and 57 cartons of clothes. The next installment of 10 tons of foodstuff already offered by various people and organizations would soon be transferred. The donations and foodstuff would be sent to Somalia via a special chartered flight said IICO officials. Youth India President Khaleelurahman, General Secretary Noushad VV, Social Relief cell convenor Anwar Shaji, and Somalia Aid Co-Ordinator Taiseer P attended the function. Those who wish to participate in this noble project may please get in touch with us at 99591966 or 97649639.

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to request all Kenyans resident in or training through Kuwait to register with the Embassy. We are updating our database. This information is necessary in order to facilitate quick assistance and advise in times of emergency. Kindly visit in person or register through our website www.kenyaembkuwait.com. The Embassy is located in: Surra Area - Block 6 - Street 9 Villa 3 Tel: 25353362 - 25353314; Fax: 25353316. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has 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 SOUTH AFRICA Please note that the working hours will be from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and the Consular Section operation hours will from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

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00:45 01:40 02:35 03:30 04:25 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:40 09:10 10:05 11:00 11:55 12:20 12:50 13:45 14:40 15:30 16:00 16:30 16:55 17:25 18:20 18:45 19:40 20:10 21:05 22:00

Untamed & Uncut Shark Invasion Shark Attack File 3 Whale Wars Dogs 101 Animal Cops Phoenix Michaela’s Animal Road Trip Meerkat Manor The Really Wild Show Baby Planet Breed All About It Project Puppy Dogs 101 Animal Cops Houston E-Vets: The Interns Wildlife SOS Cell Dogs Crocodile Hunter Into The Shark Bite Escape To Chimp Eden The Really Wild Show Animal Crackers Safari Sisters Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 Breed All About It Crocodile Hunter Cheetah Kingdom Dogs 101 Shark Attack Survival Guide Ocean’s Deadliest

00:15 00:45 01:35 02:25 03:10 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 09:40 10:40 11:30 12:20 12:50 13:20 14:25 15:25 16:15 17:05 17:35 18:05 19:10 20:00 20:45 21:15 21:45 22:40 23:30

Dad’s Army The Weakest Link Spooks The Weakest Link Lark Rise To Candleford Last Of The Summer Wine Balamory The Roly Mo Show Me Too Jackanory Junior Poetry Pie Balamory The Roly Mo Show Me Too Jackanory Junior Balamory The Roly Mo Show Me Too Jackanory Junior Poetry Pie Balamory The Roly Mo Show Me Too Jackanory Junior Poetry Pie Last Of The Summer Wine The Weakest Link Heart & Soul Doctors Dad’s Army Coast Last Of The Summer Wine Heart & Soul The Weakest Link Doctors Dad’s Army Coast Heart & Soul The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Holby City Dalziel And Pascoe Last Of The Summer Wine

00:35 03:00 07:10 07:35 08:25 08:55 09:25 09:45 10:15 11:00 11:55 12:45 18:00 18:25 18:55

Holmes On Homes Come Dine With Me New Scandinavian Cooking Come Dine With Me Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers The Naked Chef New Scandinavian Cooking Sweet Baby James Holmes On Homes Antiques Roadshow Come Dine With Me Daily Cooks Challenge New Scandinavian Cooking Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers The Naked Chef

00:00 BBC World News 00:10 The Secret War On Terror 01:00 BBC World News 01:30 Asia Business Report 01:45 Sport Today 02:00 BBC World News 02:10 The Health Show 02:30 Our World 03:00 Newsday 03:30 India Business Report 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

00:05 Robotboy - Elements 00:30 Squirrel Boy 00:55 George Of The Jungle 01:20 Cramp Twins 01:45 Chop Socky Chooks 02:10 Best Ed 02:35 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 03:00 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 03:25 Generator Rex 03:50 Adventure Time 04:15 Flapjack 04:40 Chowder 05:05 The Powerpuff Girls 05:30 Ed, Edd n Eddy 05:55 Cow & Chicken 06:20 Squirrel Boy 06:45 I Am Weasel 07:00 Eliot Kid 07:25 Angelo Rules 07:50 Best Ed 08:15 Flapjack 08:40 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 09:05 Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy 09:30 Courage The Cowardly Dog 09:55 Cow & Chicken 10:20 I Am Weasel 10:35 Adventure Time 11:00 Ben 10 11:25 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 11:50 The Secret Saturdays 12:15 Samurai Jack 12:40 Ben 10: Alien Force 13:05 Codename: Kids Next Door 13:30 Skunk Fu! 13:50 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

TV PROGRAMS 14:15 Flapjack 14:40 Ed, Edd n Eddy 15:05 Camp Lazlo 15:30 Chowder 15:55 Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy 16:25 Cow & Chicken 16:50 Courage The Cowardly Dog 17:15 I Am Weasel 17:40 Adventure Time 18:05 Codename: Kids Next Door 18:30 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 18:55 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 19:20 Generator Rex 19:45 Star Wars: The Clone Wars 20:10 Hero 108 20:35 Bakugan: New Vestroia 21:00 Total Drama Island 21:25 Adventure Time 21:50 Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy 22:00 Ben 10 22:25 Bakugan Battle Brawlers

00:20 01:10 02:00 02:45 03:35 04:25 05:15 06:00 06:20 06:45 07:05 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:35 09:00 09:10 09:20 09:30 09:40 10:05 Cody 10:35 10:50 11:15 11:35 12:00 12:25 12:45 13:10 13:30 13:55 14:20 14:55 15:20 15:45 16:35 17:00 17:25 17:50 18:15 18:45 19:35 20:00 20:25 20:50 21:15 21:35 22:00 22:25

Replacements Fairly Odd Parents A Kind Of Magic Stitch Kim Possible Emperor’s New School Stitch Emperor’s New School Suite Life On Deck Phineas And Ferb Wizards Of Waverly Place Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Jungle Junction The Hive Handy Manny Imagination Movers The Suite Life Of Zack And

00:40 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 15:30 16:00 16:25 16:55 17:50

Surviving The Cut Wheeler Dealers Fifth Gear Gold Rush: Alaska How Do They Do It? Mythbusters Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings Ultimate Survival Deadliest Catch Ultimate Survival River Monsters Sons Of Guns Cash Cab Us Wheeler Dealers Fifth Gear Mythbusters Gold Rush: Alaska

Phineas And Ferb Good Luck Charlie Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Sonny With A Chance Good Luck Charlie Hannah Montana Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Phineas And Ferb Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure Jake & Blake Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Shake It Up Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Jake & Blake Hannah Montana Sonny With A Chance Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up Suite Life On Deck

THE LAST AIRBENDER ON OSN MOVIES HD

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Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings How Stuff’s Made How Do They Do It? Cash Cab Us Ultimate Survival Deadliest Catch Dual Survival

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Killer Outbreaks The Colony Building the Future Engineering Ground Zero What’s That About?

Kings of Construction How Does That Work?

Smash Lab Thunder Races Space Pioneer The Gadget Show Smash Lab Brainiac Sci-Fi Science How Does That Work?

The Tech Show The Gadget Show One Step Beyond Stunt Junkies Superships Weird Connections Thunder Races Space Pioneer Sci-Fi Science The Gadget Show Mighty Ships Kings of Construction Smash Lab The Gadget Show The Gadget Show Mighty Ships Kings of Construction The Gadget Show

00:05 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:55 Bobby Chinn Cooks Asia 01:45 Food Network Challenge 02:35 Chopped 03:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 04:15 Good Eats - Special 04:40 Unwrapped 05:05 Ten Dollar Dinners 05:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 05:50 Paula’s Party 06:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 07:00 Chopped 07:50 Guy’s Big Bite 08:15 Everyday Italian 08:40 Good Deal With Dave Lieberman 09:05 Ten Dollar Dinners 09:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 09:55 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 10:20 Aarti Party 10:45 Lidia’s Italy 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 Lidia’s Italy 14:55 Unwrapped 15:20 Boy Meets Grill 15:45 Chopped 16:35 Guy’s Big Bite 17:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 17:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 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 Unwrapped 21:10 Lidia’s Italy 22:00 Barefoot Contessa 22:25 Barefoot Contessa 22:50 World Cafe Middle East 23:40 World Cafe Asia

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Playlist Sound System 10 Playlist Urban Hit Playlist Urban Hit 30 Playlist New Playlist Focus - Back To School Urban Hit Playlist French Hit 10 Playlist Legend

00:00 00:15 00:40 01:10 01:30 02:00 02:25 02:50 03:20 03:40 04:10 04:35 05:00 05:30 05:50 06:15 06:45 07:00 07:15 07:45 08:10 08:20 08:35 09:05 09:20 09:30 10:15 10:45 11:10 11:30 11:45 12:10 12:25

Jungle Junction Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Jungle Junction Higglytown Heroes Handy Manny Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse The Hive Handy Manny Jake & The Neverland Pirates Handy Manny The Hive Mickey Mouse Clubhouse The Little Mermaid Little Einsteins Imagination Movers Jungle Junction Lazytown Handy Manny Jake & The Neverland Pirates

12:40 13:05 13:15 13:25 13:50 14:15 14:40 15:05 15:20 15:30 15:40 15:55 16:20 16:45 17:00 17:10 17:15 17:30 17:55 18:25 18:50 19:02 19:05 19:50 20:10 20:20 20:30 20:55 21:20 21:35 21:50 22:15 22:25 22:40 22:55 23:20 23:50

Imagination Movers The Hive Special Agent Oso Little Einsteins Lazytown Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Handy Manny The Hive Jake & The Neverland Pirates Imagination Movers Lazytown Jungle Junction The Hive The Hive Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Little Mermaid Special Agent Oso Animated Stories Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Hive Timmy Time Handy Manny Little Einsteins Jake & The Neverland Pirates Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Timmy Time Handy Manny Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction

00:25 Style Star 01:25 40 Smokin’ On Set Hookups 03:15 E! Investigates 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Reality Hell 05:30 Wildest TV Show Moments 06:00 THS 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 10:15 THS 12:05 Extreme Close-Up 12:35 Fashion Police 13:05 Khloe And Lamar 14:05 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 14:35 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 15:30 THS 16:25 Behind The Scenes 16:55 Giuliana & Bill 17:55 Holly’s World 18:55 THS 19:55 The Dance Scene 20:55 Chelsea Lately 21:25 Kourtney & Kim Take New York 22:25 Style Star

00:15 Aiya TV 01:30 Eds Up 02:20 Fantasy Factory 04:50 Lucas Oil Ama Motocross Championships...

06:30 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2009 08:00 X-Traordinary 08:25 FIM World Supermoto 2010 10:55 Fantasy Factory 11:45 Dr Danger 12:10 Eds Up 12:35 Final Fu 13:00 From Romania With Love 13:25 Carpocalypse 14:15 World Combat League 15:05 Fantasy Factory 15:55 Dr Danger 16:20 Eds Up 16:45 X-Traordinary 17:10 FIM World Supermoto 2010 19:40 Carpocalypse 20:30 Final Fu 20:55 From Romania With Love 21:20 Untracked 21:45 Untracked 22:10 World Combat League 23:00 Aiya TV 23:25 Aiya TV 23:50 Final Fu

00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 04:45 05:15 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:30 09:55 10:20 11:10 12:00 Jones 12:50 13:40 14:30 14:55 15:20 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 19:55 20:20 Jones 21:10 22:00 22:25

A Haunting Ghost Lab The Haunted A Haunting Crime Scene Psychics Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Street Patrol I Almost Got Away With It FBI Files True Crime With Aphrodite FBI Case Files Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Street Patrol I Almost Got Away With It Forensic Detectives Murder Shift FBI Files Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls True Crime With Aphrodite Disappeared Stalked: Someone’s Watching Who On Earth Did I Marry?

00:00 Travel Madness 01:00 Cruise Ship Diaries 02:00 Exploring The Vine 03:00 Food School 03:30 Banged Up Abroad 05:30 Finding Genghis 06:00 Travel Madness 07:00 Cruise Ship Diaries 08:00 Exploring The Vine 09:00 Food School 09:30 Banged Up Abroad 11:30 Finding Genghis 12:00 Travel Madness 13:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 14:00 Word Travels 14:30 Market Values 15:00 Cycling Home From Siberia With Rob Lilwall

ECHELON CONSPIRACY ON OSN ACTION HD 15:30 Madventures 16:00 Which Way To 17:00 Word Travels 17:30 Market Values 18:00 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 19:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 20:00 Word Travels 20:30 Market Values 21:00 Cycling Home From Siberia With Rob Lilwall 21:30 Madventures 22:00 Which Way To 23:00 Word Travels

00:00 Halloween 2-18 02:00 Across The Hall-PG15 04:00 The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course-PG15 06:00 Star Runners-PG15 08:00 You Got Served-PG15 10:00 Independence Day-PG15 12:30 Echelon Conspiracy-PG15 14:15 You Got Served-PG15 16:00 Courage Under Fire-PG15 18:00 Echelon Conspiracy-PG15 20:00 Bad Boys II-PG15 22:30 Let Me In-R

01:00 Camp Hope-PG15 03:00 Hurricane Season-PG15 05:00 Easy Virtue-PG15 07:00 Planet 51-PG 09:00 The Eclipse-PG15 11:00 Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea-FAM 13:00 My Son, My Son, What Have You Done?-PG15 14:45 Remember Me-PG15 17:00 5 Dollars A Day-PG15 19:00 The Sorcerer’s Apprentice 21:00 Shrink-18

00:00 Curb Your Enthusiasm 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 The Ricky Gervais Show 02:00 Saturday Night Live 03:00 Just Shoot Me 03:30 Just Shoot Me 04:00 Dharma And Greg 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 Dharma And Greg 08:30 Just Shoot Me 09:00 Will And Grace 09:30 30 Rock 10:00 30 Rock 10:30 Coach 11:00 The Drew Carey Show 11:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:30 Dharma And Greg 13:00 Just Shoot Me 13:30 Will And Grace 14:00 Coach 14:30 30 Rock v15:30The 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 18:30 Just Shoot Me 19:00 Cougar Town 19:30 Traffic Light 20:00 Seinfeld 20:30 Seinfeld 21:00 The Daily Show Global Edition 21:30 The Colbert Report Global Edition 22:00 Bill Maher... But Im Not Wrong 23:30 Seinfeld

01:00 John Carpenter’s Ghosts Of Mars-PG15 03:00 The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course-PG15 05:00 30 Days Of Night: Dark Days 07:00 Bad Girls-PG15 09:00 Hardwired-PG15 11:00 8 Mile-PG15

13:00 PG15 14:45 16:30 19:15 21:15 23:00

Beyond A Reasonable DoubtHardwired-PG15 2012-PG15 Assassination Tango-PG15 Blood And Bone-18 Deadtime Stories-R

00:00 Leave It To Beaver-PG 02:00 Last Of The Living-PG15 04:00 Chasing Papi-PG 06:00 The Prince And Me 3: A Royal Honeymoon-PG15 08:00 All About Steve-PG15 10:00 Aliens In The Attic-FAM 12:00 Hey Hey Its Esther Blueburger 14:00 Napoleon Dynamite-PG 16:00 Leave It To Beaver-PG 18:00 Moon Over Parador-PG15 20:00 Team America: World Police-18 22:00 Couples Retreat-18

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:15 13:00 15:00 16:30 19:00 21:00 18 23:00

Little Ashes-R Flicka 2-PG15 Hachiko: A Dog’s Story-PG15 The Last Airbender-PG15 Iron Man 2-PG15 Adam-PG15 Drumline-PG15 Old Dogs-PG Iron Man 2-PG15 An Education-PG15 Team America: World PoliceRepo Men-18

00:00 Treasure Island-PG 02:00 Groove Squad-FAM 04:00 Adventures Of A Teenage Dragonslayer-PG 06:00 Yogi Bear & The Magical Flight Of The Spruce Goose-PG 08:00 Tom Tom & Nana-FAM 10:00 Lego: The Adventures Of Clutch Powers-FAM 12:00 Treasure Island-PG 14:00 Time Kid-FAM 16:00 True Story Of Puss’n Boots-PG 18:00 Lego: The Adventures Of Clutch Powers-FAM 20:00 The Three Musketeers-FAM 22:00 Time Kid-FAM

07:00 Rugby World Cup 09:15 Rugby World Cup 11:30 Rugby World Cup 13:45 Rugby World Cup 16:00 Speedway FIM Championship 17:00 RWC Highlights 17:45 Rugby World Cup 20:00 Rugby World Cup 22:15 Rugby World Cup

World

00:30 RWC Weekly Highlights 01:00 Rugby World Cup 03:15 Rugby World Cup 05:30 RWC Weekly Highlights 06:00 ICC Cricket World 06:30 Futbol Mundial 07:00 Scottish Premier League 09:00 NRL Premiership 11:00 RWC Weekly Highlights 11:30 Rugby World Cup 13:45 Rugby World Cup 16:00 ICC Cricket World 16:30 Super League 18:30 NRL Premiership 20:30 RWC Weekly Highlights 21:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 21:30 AFL Highlights 22:30 European PGA Tour Highlights 23:30 NRL Premiership

01:00 03:30 04:00 06:00 07:00

Aussie Rules RWC Highlights Weekly NRL Premiership Trans World Sport Golfing World

08:00 PGA European Tour 12:30 AFL Premiership 15:00 Scottish Premier League 17:00 Spirit of Yachting 17:30 Golfing World 18:30 RWC Highlights Weekly 19:00 AFL Highlights 20:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 21:00 ICC Criket World 21:30 Scottish Premier League 23:30 Scottish Premier League Highlights

00:30 01:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 16:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

V8 Supercars Extra Le Mans WWE Bottomline WWE Tough Enough Speedway Le Mans WWE SmackDown WWE Tough Enough Powerboats F1 Championship Speedway UFC Wired UFC Unleashed UFC Unleashed

00:00 The Universe 01:00 American Pickers 02:00 Pawn Stars 02:30 Pawn Stars 03:00 9/11: The Days After 05:00 Hotel Ground Zero 06:00 The Universe 07:00 American Pickers 08:00 Pawn Stars 09:00 9/11: The Days After 11:00 Hotel Ground Zero 12:00 The Universe 13:00 American Pickers 14:00 Pawn Stars 14:30 Pawn Stars 15:00 9/11: The Days After 17:00 Hotel Ground Zero 18:00 The Universe 19:00 Ice Road Truckers 20:00 Ax Men 21:00 Lock N’ Load With R. Lee Ermey 22:00 IRT: Deadliest Roads 23:00 Ax Men

00:00 Top 10 01:00 Videofashion News 01:55 Big Boutique 02:25 How Do I Look?

03:20 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

04:15 Married Away 05:10 Homes With Style 05:35 Area 06:05 Clean House 07:00 Big Boutique 08:00 Videofashion News 09:00 Open House 09:25 Fashion Avenue 09:55 How Do I Look?

10:50 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

11:50 Clean House: Search For The Messiest...

12:50 Clean House 13:45 Videofashion News 14:45 How Do I Look?

15:40 Ruby 16:35 Jerseylicious 17:30 How Do I Look?

18:25 Ruby 19:25 Open House 21:15 Top 10 22:10 Ruby

01:25 Passage To Marseille-PG 03:20 Summer Stock-FAM 05:30 Where Were You When The Lights Went Out?-PG 07:00 Yank At Eton, A-FAM 08:30 Jezebel-FAM 10:10 Edward, My Son-PG 12:00 The Adventures Of Quentin Durward-FAM 13:40 All This, And Heaven Too-PG 16:00 Raintree County-PG 18:40 3 Godfathers-FAM 20:25 Crazy In Love-PG

Classifieds MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

ACCOMMODATION Spacious bedroom with separate bathroom available in Farwaniya near Gulf Mart for bachelors with Mangalorian family.

Contact: 97589925.

(C 3618) 12-9-2011 Furnished room available with double bedroom CA/C flat in Fahaheel, decent bachelor or single couple preferred.

Contact: 99232986. (C 3613) 11-9-2011 Sharing accommodation with Malayali family Malayali working lady or Malayali bachelors from Sept last.

Contact: 65889384. (C 3609)

SITUATION VACANT Full-time live in Nurse maid/ caregiver for elderly woman. Must speak English, good salary offered. Please call 99633674 after 5 pm.

(C 3616) 12-9-2011

FOR SALE Toyota Corolla 2004 model, maintained and serviced by Al-Sayer in excellent condition with original paint color golden metallic, run

99890km, KD 2,550/-.

Contact: 66825635.

(C 3617) 12-9-2011 Toyota Prado TXL white pearl model 2010, excellent condition, 31000 km, price KD 10,000. Contact: 66430722, 66704439.

(C 3614) 11-9-2011 Mitsubishi Bus L300 9 seater for sale. Contact: 66052331. (C 3612) 10-9-2011

Passport No: T T0990386 hereby change my name to Tamer Medhat Moh. Khattab.

11-9-2011 I, John Thomas Valliya Mannil, Indian national, Passport No. A1976602, hereby change my name to Thomas Valliamannil John.

(C 3619) 12-9-2011

MATRIMONIAL Christian Orthodox Kerala girl 33 yrs B.Sc Nurse working in MOH, Kuwait, divorced no liabilities inviting proposals from professionally qualified God fearing Malayalee boys, send photos and details to rosym55@yahoo.com or

mathewt72@yahoo.com (C 3610) Proposals invited for Pentecostal Keralite Girl, 24, B.Tech, MBA, financially sound, from parents of professionally qualified Keralite boys. Please contact: beracah77@gmail.com (C 3611) 10-9-2011

No: 15207

SITUATION WANTED Experienced Indian, in general hardware, oil field materials, equipments, welding and safety items, timber, construction materials, seeks suitable senior position, can do general management, import, export, procurement (local and international) can make business travel.

Contact: 66889375.

(C 3615) 11-9-2011

CHANGE OF NAME I, Thamer Medhat Mohd Khattab, holder of Pilipino

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines RJA JZR BBC THY KAC ETH UAE DHX ETD MSR FDB GFA QTR KAC JZR FCX JZR KAC JZR BAW JZR KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE QTR ABY ETD GFA SHY MEA JZR JZR IRC MSR RBG KAC KAC MSR SYR UAL RJA FDB OMA

Flt 642 205 45 772 1502 620 853 370 305 614 67 211 138 544 503 201 555 412 531 157 1541 206 302 53 352 284 362 344 855 132 125 301 213 1125 404 165 121 6521 623 3557 618 672 610 341 982 640 57 645

Arrival Flights on Monday 12/9/2011 Route AMMAN DAMASCUS DHAKA/BAHRAIN ISTANBUL BEIRUT ADDIS ABABA DUBAI BAHRAIN ABU DHABI CAIRO DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA CAIRO LUXOR DUBAI ALEXANDRIA MANILA/BANGKOK ASSIUT LONDON CAIRO ISLAMABAD MUMBAI DUBAI COCHIN DHAKA COLOMBO CHENNAI DUBAI DOHA SHARJAH ABU DHABI BAHRAIN ANTALYA BEIRUT DUBAI BAHRAIN LAMERD SOHAG ALEXANDRIA DOHA DUBAI CAIRO DAMASCUS WASHINGTON DC DULLES AMMAN DUBAI MUSCAT

Time 0:05 0:25 0:55 1:15 1:15 1:45 2:25 2:55 2:55 3:05 3:10 3:15 3:20 4:40 5:15 5:25 6:10 6:15 6:20 6:30 7:10 7:15 7:50 7:55 8:05 8:10 8:20 8:20 8:25 9:00 9:10 9:30 9:35 10:45 10:55 11:10 11:15 11:20 12:10 12:55 12:55 13:15 13:20 13:25 13:30 13:35 13:50 14:00

QTR SVA KAC JZR QTR KNE KAC KAC JZR KAC MLR ETD UAE KAC GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY JZR FDB ALK KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC AIC JAI FDB OMA JZR VOS MEA DHX KLM UAE GFA QTR UAL JZR TAR JZR MSR DLH JZR PIA

140 500 788 257 134 745 546 550 535 118 403 303 857 154 215 510 777 239 127 213 63 227 104 542 786 744 614 674 774 975 572 61 647 179 81 402 372 445 859 217 736 981 135 327 185 612 636 539 239

DOHA JEDDAH JEDDAH BEIRUT DOHA JEDDAH ALEXANDRIA SOHAG CAIRO NEW YORK COLOMBO/DUBAI ABU DHABI DUBAI ISTANBUL BAHRAIN RIYADH JEDDAH AMMAN SHARJAH DEIREZZOR DUBAI COLOMBO/DUBAI LONDON CAIRO JEDDAH DAMMAM BAHRAIN DUBAI RIYADH CHENNAI/GOA MUMBAI DUBAI MUSCAT DUBAI BAGHDAD BEIRUT BAHRAIN AMSTERDAM DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA BAHRAIN BAHRAIN TUNIS DUBAI CAIRO FRANKFURT CAIRO SIALKOT

14:15 14:30 15:00 15:10 15:15 15:25 15:30 15:35 15:50 16:15 16:40 16:50 16:55 17:00 17:15 17:20 17:25 17:35 17:40 17:50 17:55 18:00 18:35 18:50 19:00 19:15 19:20 19:25 19:25 19:30 19:35 20:00 20:10 20:10 20:15 20:15 21:00 21:05 21:15 21:25 21:35 22:00 22:10 22:15 22:35 22:50 23:00 23:30 23:55

Airlines JZR AXB DLH KLM AIC PIA AFG BBC THY ETH UAE FDB DHX ETD MSR QTR JZR RJA GFA JZR BAW KAC FDB JZR KAC KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR ETD GFA SHY KAC MEA JZR KAC JZR JZR IRC KAC MSR KAC RBG GBB MSR

Departure Flights on Monday 12/9/2011 Flt Route 1540 CAIRO 390 MANGALORE/KOZHIKODE 637 FRANKFURT 447 AMSTERDAM 982 AHMEDABAD/CHENNAI 206 PESHAWER/LAHORE 406 DUBAI/KABUL 46 DHAKA 773 ISTANBUL 621 ADDIS ABABA 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 371 BAHRAIN 306 ABU DHABI 615 CAIRO 139 DOHA 164 DUBAI 643 AMMAN 212 BAHRAIN 120 BAHRAIN 156 LONDON 545 ALEXANDRIA 54 DUBAI 534 CAIRO 153 ISTANBUL 671 DUBAI 256 BEIRUT 787 JEDDAH 549 SOHAG 617 DOHA 856 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 133 DOHA 302 ABU DHABI 214 BAHRAIN 1126 ANTALYA 165 ROME/PARIS 405 BEIRUT 776 JEDDAH 541 CAIRO 212 DEIREZZOR 238 AMMAN 6522 LAMERD 103 LONDON 624 SOHAG 785 JEDDAH 3558 SOHAG/ALEXANDRIA 98 KANDAHAR/DUBAI 611 CAIRO

Time 0:20 0:25 0:40 0:55 1:05 1:10 2:00 2:10 2:15 2:30 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 4:05 5:00 6:55 7:00 7:10 8:20 8:25 8:35 8:40 8:50 8:55 9:00 9:10 9:15 9:20 9:35 9:40 9:50 10:00 10:15 10:20 11:45 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:00 12:05 12:10 12:20 12:30 13:10 13:30 13:35 14:00 14:20

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

SYR RJA FDB UAL OMA KAC SVA JZR KAC KNE QTR KAC KAC JZR VOS ETD MLR QTR UAE GFA ABY JZR JZR SVA FDB ALK JZR KAC JAI FDB JZR JZR KAC KAC OMA MEA KAC DHX KLM UAE GFA FCX QTR KAC KAC TAR JZR JZR KAC UAL MSR

342 641 58 982 646 673 501 178 773 746 141 613 743 538 82 304 404 135 858 216 128 184 266 511 64 228 134 283 571 62 528 268 331 351 648 403 543 373 445 860 218 102 137 301 205 327 554 504 411 981 613

DAMASCUS AMMAN DUBAI BAHRAIN MUSCAT DUBAI JEDDAH DUBAI RIYADH JEDDAH DOHA BAHRAIN DAMMAM CAIRO BAGHDAD ABU DHABI DUBAI/COLOMBO DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH DUBAI BEIRUT RIYADH DUBAI DUBAI/COLOMBO BAHRAIN DHAKA MUMBAI DUBAI ASSIUT BEIRUT TRIVANDRUM COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT CAIRO BAHRAIN BAHRAIN/AMSTERDAM DUBAI BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD DUBAI/TUNIS ALEXANDRIA LUXOR BANGKOK/MANILA WASHINGTON DC DULLES CAIRO

14:25 14:30 14:35 14:45 15:00 15:10 15:45 16:00 16:05 16:10 16:15 16:20 16:25 16:40 17:00 17:35 17:40 17:45 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:25 18:30 18:35 18:40 19:10 19:10 20:00 20:35 20:40 20:50 21:00 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:55 22:00 22:05 22:25 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:05 23:10 23:35 23:40 23:40 23:50

34

stars CROSSWORD 436

CALVIN & HOBBES

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) Sympathy and understanding come into play today as you interact with friends and family. It’s wisdom, not knowledge that counts now. Coming to grips with the past or getting in touch with the spiritual gives you a sense of completeness. If it makes sense you love it, and if it does not, you feel guilty about it—that’s what it’s like now. A loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right are some of the qualities that come into play now—especially with respect to your health. You may find yourself at a nearby fruit and vegetable market this afternoon; mentally planning this week’s menus. Your energies appear to be in the planning area this evening. You are at your mental best with sharp ideas and clear thoughts.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. Standard time in the 6th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 90th meridian.

4. A medium for oil-paints.

10. An accidental happening.

13. A Turkish unit of weight equal to about 2.75 pounds.

14. Someone who lends money at excessive rates of interest.

15. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice.

16. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (1902-1984).

18. The villain in William Shakespeare's tragedy who tricked Othello into murdering his wife.

19. Tag the base runner to get him out.

20. Any member of Athapaskan tribes that migrated to the southwestern desert (from Arizona to Texas and south into Mexico).

22. A variety of mandarin orange.

24. A soft silvery metallic element.

26. An accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape.

27. Used in some especially older classifications.

31. Lower in esteem.

34. Capital and largest city of Iraq.

35. A small pellet fired from an air rifle or BB gun.

37. According to the Old Testament he was a pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel (9th century BC).

38. Electronic warfare undertaken under direct control of an operational commander to locate sources of radiated electromagnetic energy for the purpose of immediate threat recognition.

40. The residue that remains when something is burned.

42. Functioning correctly and ready for action.

43. (British) An open river valley (in a hilly area).

46. Date used in reckoning dates before the supposed year Christ was born.

47. Airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc..

48. Fallow deer.

50. An associate degree in applied science.

52. A farewell remark.

56. A river in southeastern Australia that flows generally northwest to join the Darling River.

60. Type genus of the family Arcidae.

61. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh.

64. Plant with an elongated head of broad stalked leaves resembling celery.

65. The syllable naming the sixth (submediant) note of a major or minor scale in solmization.

67. On or toward the lee.

68. Thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of the lateral columns and anterior horns of the spinal cord.

69. Having a horizontal surface in which no part is higher or lower than another.

70. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely the razorbill.

DOWN 1. The closing section of a musical composition.

2. A gait in which steps and hops alternate.

3. A village in eastern Ireland (northwest of Dublin).

4. (quantifier used with mass nouns) Great in quantity or degree or extent.

5. A radioactive transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons.

6. A user interface based on graphics (icons and pictures and menus) instead of text.

7. A river that rises in northeastern Turkey (near the source of the Euphrates) and flows generally eastward through Armenia to the Caspian Sea. 8. Established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules.

9. Any tropical African shrub of the genus Protea having alternate rigid leaves and dense colorful flower heads resembling cones.

10. (Judaism) An eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem.

11. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian mythology.

12. Having nine hinged bands of bony plates.

17. (of complexion) Blemished by imperfections of the skin.

21. Having an eye or eyes or eyelike feature especially as specified.

23. A region of Malaysia in northeastern Borneo.

25. A bachelor's degree in science.

28. An independent agency of the United States government responsible for aviation and spaceflight.

29. (computer science) A standardized language for the descriptive markup of documents.

30. A unit of absorbed ionizing radiation equal to 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material.

32. An narrative telling the adventures of a hero or a family.

33. Very dark black.

36. A small cake leavened with yeast.

39. A period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event.

41. The act of scanning.

44. Tropical starchy tuberous root.

45. The sodium salt of amobarbital that is used as a barbiturate.

49. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

51. The capital and largest city of Yemen.

53. Using speech rather than writing.

54. United States newspaper publisher (1858-1935).

55. A visual representation of an object or scene or person produced on a surface.

56. A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite.

57. A public area set aside as a pedestrian walk.

58. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

59. The United Nations agency concerned with atomic energy.

62. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

63. Used of a single unit or thing.

64. (Akkadian) God of wisdom.

66. A physician who is not a specialist but treats all illnesses.

Yesterday’s Solution

You may be very forceful in what you say and think today. With all of this emotional energy, you could speak or communicate very well. You have much mental drive to accomplish whatever you set out to do today.

There is the possibility of new visions or sudden insights into your self-image or into your ideals and dreams. This is a time to reshape and renew your philosophy or religion during which your imagination is at full tilt. There are breakthroughs in compassion and communion. The new and unexpected may figure in your living situation or surroundings. An insight about your support system, your mother, or other females may be important. You could discover a difficult student or a difficult young person opens to you now.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Lovers, children and other people or things dear to your heart are emphasized now. Being appreciated and admired for your creative offerings are powerful needs. Taking chances can bring big rewards. Watch those judgments . . . they will keep you from joy and your expectations will make you unhappy. The best technique for now is to clear the mind and go-with-the-flow. You may enjoy getting away from your usual routine to do something different for a change. Your desires are strong and you will want to enjoy yourself. Romance is very possible. There is a basic drive to appreciate and taste life. Travel to a friend’s new home may bring about an opportunity to talk about old times and laugh a lot! Take a simple house-warming gift.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

Faith, optimism and a yearning to explore all kinds of new horizons are some of the focal points in your life. Travel, education and other ways to stretch your horizons open new doors of opportunity. Religious, philosophical and cultural matters are likely to have special appeal for you now; transmitting ideas on a broader scale brings gain. You could decide you want to be a broadcaster on the airwaves. There is much energy and drive, perfect for starting something out or taking care of personal business. Very physical too—exercise is in order. A team effort will pay off, big time. Your emotions and the emotions of those around you are quite clear. This evening is a good time to catch up on family matters and, if needed, improve communications.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

ZITS

You may want to organize or rearrange your living situation. You may find ways that will help make it easier to help you remember to put things in their proper place. Marking containers, organizing the garage or utility room may take up most of your day. Later this afternoon you may decide to create a place to have “me time.” This would be a nice chair, magazine rack, lamp or a desk where you can write or read or use your computer. Later today you will look for family or friends to join together for a little visiting time. A drive into the country with one of your friends or family members will find you at a garage sale, country vegetable stand or movie. This is a great time to share your time with another person and enjoy discussing all sorts of subjects.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Social connections are on your mind today—on a more intellectual level than in the past, most likely. Powerful changes within you are demanding recognition and this may mean a new artistic interest or talent.

Recognition will come in time—patience. A friend may want you to ride a motorcycle with him or her, or enter into some other situation that your participation in would be worrisome. You may find that you have a problem with saying yes, when you mean no. Today you learn to rise above the imagined guilt to state your thoughts. You are surprised at your progress as well as the results of your effort—and pleased with yourself. You may decide to look for another challenge so you can try out your new techniques all over again.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

You may be able to enjoy and value your own life situation today or feel especially kind toward a friend or neighbor. Someone may compliment you on your tastes or belongings. You could find that you are in the mood to share and plans may develop to create a garden between neighbors. There is time today to have new thoughts and sudden insights and to get an unexpected boost in your ideas. Communications are simplified; connections of all kinds, news and so on, are furthered, which could mean the purchase of a camera, new phone, computer or some other form of communication. There is a time later today to enjoy some special time with someone you love. General good feeling and a sense of support and harmony makes this a happy time.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) If there is something that needs to be said on the home front today—speak up now. Others lend their support to whatever you want to accomplish. Move forward instead of backward and keep your thinking in a forward-moving mode. Everything comes together to value to bring out your unique and unusual qualities. You may find that someone close to you understands and is supportive of your eccentricities. You could come up with new solutions or inventions. Communicating with others in clear, intelligent conversations is important just now. Your timing should be perfect and others will find you most spontaneous. Enjoy a walk after the evening meal, perhaps with a friend or loved one. There are many stars to see.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) If you are a female, you may find yourself hiding from someone today because you forgot to complete your makeup or do not have on the right clothes. Careful, you could knock something over, or run into someone, by running in the opposite direction. If you are a male, you may turn your head to someone’s flattery that is not sincere. Look beyond the flattery to what this person is really saying. This is a busy day and one might find you huffing and puffing often. You can get more done than the average person and some things you have been putting off are included in your rush to ready yourself for the week ahead. Do be careful not to break some prized possession. This evening you will be able to relax with friends or loved ones.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) There is much to do today—fortunately you have the energy to match your goals. You can expect a sense of support and good will from those around you. Free your mind while you work or tend to your projects and find your sense of humor—laugh. Laughter is contagious and will put everyone in a good mood. A family member brings you good news this afternoon. There is much communication surrounding this subject. Phone calls and letters are underway. Your extra confidence may make you a bit outspoken so take care with your words while surrounded by so many people. Pamper yourself this evening, set some of those serious thoughts to the side and enjoy a loved one’s attention or pour your own attention onto a loved one.

Yesterday’s Solution Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You have a fine sense of appreciation and are very attentive to your loved ones today. You love to help and take care of others, expressing a first-rate sense of compassion. You possess an almost infinite ability to respond to the needs and demands of others. Fragile and refined, you are perhaps too reserved. Your love of truth makes philosophy and religious ideas a life-long habit.

You appreciate things of a global or universal level and could learn to love travel.

Appearances mean little to you and you value honesty and candor in your partner and friends. Lovely words and a flair for description entertain neighbors and friends in a social scene this afternoon. You are artistic in all its many forms. There is an inner sense of warmth and goodness today.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

The world is a sacred place to you and you have an absolute commitment to spiritual ideas. You could be enjoying a luncheon with people that are within your spiritual association. Although you may not recognize that you have intuition, it is strong and you use it in helping others today. You are sensitive, kind and gentle. You are a romantic too, with a tender heart. You always work for a real future, doing what has to be done. You love all that is musical and artistic. You have a sensitivity to all that is psychic or spiritual. You have real faith.

There is a natural appreciation for the past that stands out today as you demonstrate trends or point out tendencies and the possibilities of change. You will enjoy music, young people and being with loved ones.

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Years

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

i n f o r m at i o n

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weating beneath heavy armor, a group of die-hard archaeology fans brought the Battle of Marathon to life this weekend on the coastal plain where the fate of Europe dramatically changed 2,500 years ago. Gathering from Europe, North America and Australia, the re-enacters staged a three-day event of combat, archaic culture revival and commemoration at Marathon Bay never before seen in Greece despite its rich archaeological heritage. For many of the participants, it was also a personal pilgrimage after long years of arduous preparation and unfulfilled hope.

“It’s a dream come true after 10 years,” said Hywel Jones, a printer from Wales who came to Marathon with his wife Stephanie to fight as a Greek hoplite, the heavily armed infantry soldier of ancient Greece. Most of the re-enacters had spent thousands of euros (dollars) on travel expenses just to get to this small town 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of Athens that is better known for the long-distance race held here every year.

They brought with them family members as well as hand-made armor and kit crafted over the years at great personal cost. “I don’t think I’d be exaggerating to say that standing around is $1 million in kit and travel fare,” said Christian Cameron, a Canadian novelist and former US navy career officer who headed preparations for the event.”What you see today is the product of 11 years of work,” added Andy Cropper, a university lecturer from England’s Sheffield region and member of a British historical revival association who arrived with several sets of Greek, Persian and Scythian armor in tow. “It was worth spending the money because it’s such a unique event, as a Greek re-enactor, to be able to be on the field of Marathon,” he told AFP. The re-enacters initially had to persuade their hosts in Greece that this was the correct moment to commemorate the 2,500-year anniversary of the 490 BC battle in the bay of Marathon.

“Originally everybody thought it was last year, and of course it wasn’t, as there’s no year ‘zero’,” Cropper noted. Few in number but no less determined, the group showed they meant business from the start, setting up camp near the presumed battlefield, sleeping on straw-filled mattresses and serving up a simple diet of vegetables, fruit, cheese and water in wooden bowls and cups.

Spare armor was quickly put to good use among the combatants as a set of last-minute cancellations and the loss of a large contingent from Bulgaria left the event badly short of Persian adversaries. “We would have had 15 more hoplites but what we really missed is that the Bulgarians were Persians, and that would have helped us a lot,” Cameron said. Organizers had initially hoped for a turnout of 200 but had to settle for 50 battle-ready Greek hoplites and a handful of Persian archers.

They were also refused permission from the Greek culture ministry to access archaeological sites such as the tomb of the Athenian warriors slain in the battle, and the ancient Agora and Acropolis in Athens. But the municipality of Marathon was more amenable, providing logistical support and allowing the group to hold a memorial ceremony to honor the Greek and Persian fallen at the battle’s victory monument. “I think the town would like us to come back every year,” Cameron said, though the cost to the participants makes an immediate re-run unlikely.

“I think it would be three years,” he notes. “They want to do it again, we’ll do it better. Fifty people is a start, 500 is an achievable goal.” One of history’s most famous military engagements, the Battle of Marathon is also one of the first to be recorded by chroniclers. It gave its name to the world’s premier long-distance running event, inaugurated during the first modern Olympics in 1896 in honor of an Athenian messenger believed to have run back to the city to deliver news of the victory, and subsequently dying of exhaustion.

Although only the citizen armies of Athens and Platea fought against the Persian levies that day, the battle galvanized the warring Greek city-states and demonstrated that the Persian Empire, the superpower of the age, could be defeated. “People argue that it is the battle where the Greeks saved Western civilization. People can equally argue that it was the moment at which a great civilization, the Persian civilization, lost control of the West,” Cameron said. —AFP

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Hoplites march through the beach near Marathon while re-enactors perform the 490 BC battle of Marathon on September 10, 2011. —AFP

Book recalls Japan tsunami through children’s eyes emembering Japan’s quake-tsunami disaster, one child writes how the earth rumbled and roared, another recalls that the black wave stank and a third, who lost her friend, calls the tsunami “greedy”. The storiessimply written, touching and often heart-breaking-are among a collection of children’s essays published in a book titled “Tsunami” that has touched a nerve in the traumatized nation. The language is often innocent and unpolished, but the stories are so direct and powerful that too many readers they convey the horror of the disaster as deeply as anything else that has been written about March 11.

The man behind the book, journalist Ken Mori, said he decided to chronicle the seismic calamity, which claimed more than 20,000 lives and sparked the Fukushima nuclear emergency, “through the eyes of children”. In the dark and icy weeks after the quake, he visited evacuation centers in 10 towns and cities and

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asked about 100 children there, aged between five and 17, to write down their memories of the catastrophe. “The children struggled to recall what they had felt with their five senses,” Mori, 43, told AFP. “They lacked skill in writing, but I think the readers felt their works were vivid and real.” The quake struck almost half a year ago at 2:46 pm, 130 kilometers (80 miles) off the coast. The monster waves swallowed sea walls, buildings, vehicles and people, surging to heights of up to 40 meters (130 feet).

“The earth rumbled with a roar,” recalled 11-year-old Yui Muto, who fled to the roof of her school before the tsunami ripped through her city of Natori. “I thought to myself for the first time, ‘It’s all over now’.” Another child, 11year-old Hayato Hirose, wrote that he was on his way home from school in the fishing town of Ishinomaki, and that he escaped to the building of a driving school when the tsunami hit. “From the window, I could see a person swimming

desperately but finally drown,” he wrote.

“Then I saw people stuck inside a car, calling for help.

“The car sank within a few minutes and a young man came to their rescue.

Three people were saved but one of them died later from the cold.” After he was rescued from the isolated building, the boy remembered, what he saw in the devastated town around him was “a lot of bodies”. Another survivor, eightyear-old Mai Nakamura, wrote that “the tsunami was blackish in color. It smelled bad.” Haruna Sato, 7, has lost one of her friends and had to say goodbye to another whose family abandoned their washed-away town. She summed up her feeling with the words “the tsunami was greedy”.

The children did not write only about the destruction, deaths in the family or the hard life in public shelters, but also about the joy of being alive, their gratitude for rescue and relief efforts and their hopes for the future. Shota

Kumagai, 10, wrote about the day when his best friend came to see him at his shelter in Kesennuma. “He cried his heart out. When I asked him why, he said, ‘Aren’t we friends?’ I couldn’t have felt any happier. I thought that a person who cries for me is my true friend.”Chiyo Yahata, an 11-year-old girl in Otsuchi, where one tenth of the population of 15,000 perished, wrote about her missing mother.

In her essay, written after Mori visited in mid-May, she vowed to “definitely find my mother and live in harmony” with both her parents. Mori said that by that stage she had not talked to her father about how she felt about her missing mother. By late June, Chiyo had given up hope for her mother and started to focus more on her surviving parent, telling him, “I love you Daddy”, said Mori.

Some of the writers had to overcome initial reluctance with soul-searching.

One junior high school girl wrote an essay and then handed a letter to Mori

that said, “I thought I would put a fullstop to a certain feeling in my mind by writing this essay. “Now I say goodbye to my crying self,” she wrote. “I will live on with the belief that there is a tomorrow for a smiling face.”

The book has gone into a third print run with 140,000 copies on the market, drawing favorable reviews since it was published in late June. Schools across the country have asked for permission to use the book in classes or as a subject in storytelling sessions, Mori said. Three readers have separately offered to translate it into English and the book’s publisher, Bungeishunju Co, is considering the proposals. —AFP

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A general view of the Royal Albert Hall, during the BBC Last Night Of The Proms 2011. —AP

at Last Night of the Proms irtuoso Chinese pianist Lang Lang joined the celebrations at the Last Night of the Proms, the culmination of the world’s largest classical music festival and a unique celebration of Britishness. Concert goers partied in eccentric style at the Royal Albert Hall in London, which was packed to its 5,500 capacity Saturday night for the colorful annual event. The BBC promenade concerts, a series of more than 180 shows over two months, date back to 1895.

The famous Last Night of the Proms is a raucous sing-along of patriotic tunes including “Land of Hope and Glory”, “Rule, Britannia!” and “Jerusalem”. Some critics object to the flag-waving bash as jingoistic and out of touch with modern-day, multicultural Britain. But the thousands of people clutching their Union Jacks on Saturday were reveling in the enduring celebration of national pride. “It’s a fantastic atmosphere, all people of all nations celebrating the joy of music,” said Paul Jenkins, 57, an accountant from Watford outside London. “It’s one of the few times that we can sing national songs and fly the Union Jack.” This year’s season attracted record audiences. More than 300,000 people attended the concerts, 94 percent of tickets were sold for the main evening events and 52 of the 74 concerts in the Royal Albert Hall sold out entirely.

Although the focus is on the music, it can

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turn political. A September 1 performance by Israel’s Philharmonic Orchestra was repeatedly interrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators who objected to the orchestra’s links with the Israeli army. Saturday night however was all about celebration. Balloons whizzed through the air, as bunting and British flags draped all around the 19th-century red and gold hall, though dozens of international flags were also being waved with pride. And while the choir and orchestra were formally dressed in black tie or evening gowns, audience, known as prommers, wore glittery bowler hats, Viking helmets, Union Jack ties and waistcoats.

And contrary to normal concert hall tradition, they drank copious amounts of wine throughout the evening’s performances. The first half saw music from Bela Bartok, Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt, featuring flamboyant Chinese virtuoso pianist Lang Lang. “The audience is so attentive, and with the prommers standing it’s a little like being at a rock concert,” the 29-year-old pianist said. But it is the raucous second half that prommers come for and millions watch live on television.

Tens of thousands also gathered in nearby Hyde Park for an open-air Proms, and they joined in the finale with a live feed from inside the Royal Albert Hall. Conductor Edward Gardner told the crowd: “With your voiciferous,

passionate, sometimes unruly support, you’ve really guaranteed the Proms remain a cornerstone of our cultural identity in this country.”

With even the orchestra firing off party poppers and the stage covered in streamers, the crowd rose to their feet, grabbing hold of each other and belting out “Land of Hope and Glory”.

English soprano Susan Bullock reappeared in a spectacularly over-the-top Britannia costume for “Rule, Britannia!”, and valiantly soldiered on even though her winged hat kept slipping off. One singer from the chorus joked afterwards that it aptly symbolized Britain’s declining power in the world.

After “Jerusalem”, the concert finished with the national anthem “God Save the Queen”, then a crowd rendition of “Auld Lang Syne”, a Scottish tune normally reserved to see in the New Year, where people cross arms and hold hands as they sing. “It was the first time I’ve been. It was amazing, it was like being in the middle of the 1950s.

It was really cool,” said Lydia Manch, 27, from London. —AFP

Russianfilm ‘Faust’ wins Golden LioninVenice Emanuele Crialese’s tale of fishermen from a powerful “Shame”. Rising star Fassbender-of ussian filmmaker Alexander Sokurov tiny Italian island who rescue a group of “Inglourious Basterds” and “Hunger” famewon the Golden Lion award at the also appeared in another film in the compe- African refugees from drowning at sea, won Venice film festival on Saturday for the special jury prize for “combining social tition this year, David Cronenberg’s “A “Faust,” a visceral take on Goethe’s play problems with great storytelling.” The Dangerous Method,” where he played psywhich explores the theme of corrupting theme of immigration inspired several choanalyst Carl Jung. power b “There are films which make you Italian films in this year’s program, and saw Best actress went to Deanie Yip for her dream, which make you cry, laugh and portrayal of an elderly maid in a moving tale Giudo Lombardi win the prize for best film think, and there are films which change in a parallel section for “La-bas.” of the trials of growing old gracefully, “A your life forever. This is one of those films,” For their tale of the struggle for survival Simple Life.” The jury at the world’s oldest said jury head Darren Aronofsky, saying the in a post-tsunami Japan, Shota decision had been unanimous.

Sometani and Fumi Nikaido won Beating 22 other films to the the awards for best young actor prize, the stomach-turning movie and actress in Japanese director is the final installment of Sion Sono’s “Himizu,” which was Sokurov’s cinematic tetralogy on based on a manga comic strip. the nature of power, following Best screenplay went to “Alps”, his acclaimed portraits of Adolf Yorgos Lanthimos’ a tale of Hitler, Vladimir Lenin and actors who try to help people Emperor Hirohito. Sokurov is the grieve by playing the role of second Russian director ever to their recently deceased loved win the Golden Lion, after it was ones. awarded to Andrey Zvyagintsev Robbie Ryan was awarded for “The Return” in 2003. “Making the prize for best photography auteur cinema is very difficult for “Wuthering Heights” by these days,” the St PetersburgBritain’s Andrea Arnold, a dark based director said, adding that Director Aleksandr Sokurov holds the Golden adaptation of the tragic love stohe was “very happy to live in a Lion for best film for Faust, during the winners’ ry between Cathy and Heathcliff Europe where we can underphoto call of the 68th edition of the Venice Film in Emily Bronte’s well-loved novstand each other.” el. With no musical score, the The Silver Lion director award Festival in Venice, Italy. —AP film is a visual feast for the senswent to China’s Cai Shangjun for es as it portrays the characters’ turmoil film festival also included US director Todd his revenge tale “People Mountain People through the lashing wind and rain, darkSea”, this year’s surprise addition to the festi- Haynes, Finnish Eija-Liisa Ahtila, British David Byrne, Italian Mario Martone and Alba ness and harshness of elements up on the val line-up, in which a man ceaselessly Yorkshire moors in northern England.

Rohrwacher, and French Andre Techine. hunts down his brother’s killer. The film has Twenty-three films competed in all in the The punted favourites-Roman Polanski’s been censured in China, revealing as it does Mostra, which saw a host of stars arrive by grotesque comedy of manners “Carnage” the appalling conditions in a Chinese mine. speed boat for the red carpet in the lagoon and George Clooney’s political thriller “The As expected, best actor went to Germancity, from Madonna to Gwyneth Paltrow, Ides of March”-went home empty handed, born Irishman Michael Fassbender, who Kate Winslet, Jude Law and “The as did Tomas Alfredson’s much praised plays an emotionally dysfunctional execuGodfather” star Al Pacino. —AFP “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.”“Terraferma,” tive addicted to sex in Steve McQueen’s

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Patriotic revelers wave flags at the Royal Albert Hall. —AFP

Lang Lang, the World famous Chinese Pianist performs at the Royal Albert Hall, during the BBC Last Night Of The Proms 2011. —AP

Winners at the 2011 Venice film festival Following is a list of all the main prize winners decided by a jury led by US director Darren Aronofsky.

BEST FILM GOLDEN LION * “Faust” by Alexander Sokurov (Russia) BEST DIRECTOR SILVER LION * Shangjun Cai for “People Mountain People Sea” (China) SPECIAL JURY PRIZE * “Terraferma” by Emanuele Crialese (Italy) BEST FIRST FEATURE * “La-Bas” by Guido Lombardi (Italy) BEST ACTRESS * Deanie Ip for “A Simple Life” (Hong Kong) BEST ACTOR * Michael Fassbender for “Shame” (Britain) EMERGING PERFORMER * Shota Sometani and Fumi Nikaidou for “Himizu” (Japan) BEST SCREENPLAY * “Alpis” (Alps) by Yorgos Lanthimos (Greece) BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY * “Wuthering Heights” directed

by Andrea Arnold (Britain) —Reuters

Timberlake, ‘Boardwalk Empire’ win at Creative Emmys inger Justin Timberlake took home two more Emmys Saturday in his burgeoning career as a comedic actor, while Gwyneth Paltrow added a television honor to a life spent mostly in the movies.

The 30-year-old, who started out as a pop singer, already has two Emmys for his previous work on “Saturday Night Live.”

Timberlake was not on hand to collect his trophies, which were handed out in the creative arts portion of the PrimeTime Emmy Awards. Timberlake won the guest comedy actor Emmy for hosting the season finale of “Saturday Night Live” in May, and shared another for co-writing the original song in his opening musical monologue for the sketch show.

HBO’s prohibition era series “Boardwalk Empire” and 1930s drama “Mildred Pierce” both got off to a good start in their bid for next week’s main Emmy awards.

“Boardwalk Empire” walked off with a leading seven Emmys on Saturday, while “Mildred Pierce”, starring Kate Winslet, won three. Some 76 awards were announced in categories ranging from costumes and picture editing to reality host ahead of the main acting, comedy and drama series awards ceremony on Sept 18.

Paltrow, better known for drama, added a guest actress Emmy to her “Shakespeare in Love” Oscar for playing sexy substitute teacher Holly Holliday in the hit Fox musical comedy “Glee.” Paltrow, who beat Tina Fey (“Saturday Night Live”) and nine-time Emmy veteran Cloris Leachman (“Raising Hope”), explained earlier this week that she could not attend Saturday’s ceremony in Los Angeles. But critical darling “Mad Men” came away empty-handed on Saturday in what could bode ill for its chances next week of winning best drama series for the fourth consecutive year.

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Governor’s award John Walsh, host of the long-running crime show “America’s Most Wanted”, was given the Television Academy’s Governor’s Award for his contribution to society through television, winning a standing ovation from the audience. Television Academy chairman John Shaffner thanked Walsh for “making the world a better place through television,” noting that his show has helped police capture 1,500 fugitives

John Walsh poses backstage with the governor’s award at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Saturday. —AP and find 50 missing children since 1988.

“America’s Most Wanted” was canceled

by Fox as regular series earlier this year but will get a new lease on life on the Lifetime cable network. On the drama side, Paul McCrane of “Harry’s Law” was a surprise winner for best guest actor-a category in which Michael J Fox’s quirky lawyer in “The Good Wife” was considered the favorite.

Loretta Devine took home her first Emmy for her guest actress role in hospital drama “Grey’s Anatomy.” —Reuters

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

Color, lifestyle F A S H I O N

everywhere on

have. There was nothing understated about Cynthia Rowley’s color muse. Her mirrored runway was about the “optical exuberance of gold” combined with “flash mobs of florals and animated shapes,” according to her notes. After eight days of spring previews in New York, the big show moves to London, then Milan and Paris.

JILL STUART Key for Stuart: “I wanted this collection to be a dream, a fantasy.” It came against a backdrop of mint green, lipstick pink, tangerine and a brighter shade of citrine gemstone yellow. Stuart has significantly soft-

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ursts of sunny, sultry citrus and sexy violet met up with muted sea tones on runways filled with flowers, both literal and reinvented, at New York Fashion Week’s spring previews as Day 3 kicked in Saturday. Color is everywhere this time around, combined with plenty of flounce and peekaboo sheers. ”The violet color is very enticing and will be a musthave color for spring,” said Adam Glassman, creative director of O, The Oprah Magazine. Jill Stuart’s easy femininity came in soft, sherbet tones and comfy, resort-friendly shapes reminiscent of the early 1960s with palm trees thrown in. The relaxed wear was inspired by a book on lingerie she found in Copenhagen.

sharp tulle pleats down the side. Laser-cut leather track shorts showed Gurung as a master of detail, although you have to wonder who is wearing those and where she’s going. “Loved, loved, loved it,” gushed Adam Glassman, creative director of O, The Oprah Magazine. “Super fresh and chic. He obviously worked very hard on it. Polished and well made.”

ALEXANDER WANG

The spring 2012 collection of designer Prabal Gurung is modeled during Fashion Week in New York, Saturday. —AP

Prabal Gurung’s futuristic flora was dominated by soft purples, full skirts and pants cut tight. Where there are flowers, there are birds. Look to Adam’s runway for the winged motif in light pinks, purples and whites.

Happy color, color everywhere. Pantone had a beach party in mind when the color company named the Top 10 shades for women next spring: tangerine tango, solar power, sodalite blue, bellflower, margarita, cabaret, driftwood, sweet lilac, cockatoo (think sea foamy) and starfish.

Barely there is khaki and other brooding colors.

Even the blacks were upbeat - though the music wasn’t - in Helmet Lang’s black-and-white show splashed with only yellow. Flashes of neon peeked out from under sheer, optical white in Alexander Wang’s spring collection. He opened with a tangerine hue and closed with the bright purple that seems like a must-

ened her look in recent seasons, moving away from the Stevie Nicks rocker look that had been her hallmark.

The clothes on this runway seemed more appropriate for the next-generation Doris Day. But there was something sweetly sexy in the drop-waist shifts, culottes and inverted-pleat skirts, too. Even the romper, which looked more like a cute mini shift until you got close to it, worked here. While girlie, they weren’t prim or dowdy, which is surely important to Stuart’s typically young customer - someone like Emma Roberts, who sat in the front row. Stuart picked up on two print motifs, the palm tree and flying birds, both of which reminded her of “happier times.”

PRABAL GURUNG Last year’s Council of Fashion Designers of America award winner for emerging talent has lived up to the hype. If Gurung is part of fashion’s future, his modern themes couldn’t have been more on target: A violet floral print dress with a dropped waist, plunging back and circle mini skirt seemed tailored for a space-age goddess. Sharp-shouldered jackets with skinny pants some in a purple paint-dripped lame - also had that futuristic vibe.

A white crepe dress with black side ties and an updated corset made appropriate for daylight offered a dominatrix look. And there’s a starlet out there who’d be lucky to wear the black halter gown with razor-

Wang was full of sporty details. There were technical fabrics, oversized pockets, exposed zippers, mesh and sharp laser-cut details. He also included lots of layers that mixed many textures, but nothing seemed too heavy for the season. He included miniskirts and walking shorts, cargo vests and track jackets. “We’ve already seen Alex’s influence on the runways in New York and we’re only three days in,” said Kristina O’Neill, Harper’s Bazaar executive editor. “There are anoraks, pops of neon and parachute fabrics everywhere. It was great to see him take his sporty references to the next level.”

She noted references to track and field, auto racing, BMX and football jerseys. Some models carried a golfbag “weekender” over their shoulder. Wang’s youthful customers come to him for cutting-edge casual. As a designer, he’s increasingly a bellwether for what’s to come. His runway attracts all the top editors, retailers and stylists and celebrities, including Alicia Keys, Courtney Love and Lea Michele this season. Linda Evangelista was in the front row.

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO Siriano’s spring girl is a traveler with attitude in search of unusual finds at the sea dressed in bright, airy coral pink, chartreuse and citrus. And she was wrapped in miles and miles of crepe, chiffon and sheer organza - with enough ball gowns for multiple parties.

Siriano was going for thrown-together chic in effortless pairings of jersey stripe T-shirts and long, bodyhugging skirts that flounced at the floor. Wide-legged crepe pants had easy drawstring waists and cropped beachcombers were matched with crepe blouses that had capes. “I was looking at photographs of these really interesting underwater specimens, like acorn barnacles and other corals,” he said before the show. “They’re beautiful and have such color and light. I started thinking of this kind of girl who would travel to these places to find these interesting things.” Spirals of pleat work at the yoke flashed in a swingy razor-pleat cocktail dress in bright lemon. A long A-line skirt worn with one of his stripe boatneck T-shirts was adorned with tide pool swirls of applique in the color of oysters.

CYNTHIA ROWLEY No recession runway for Rowley. She’s ready for flash - and flowers. The outfits certainly had spunk; no shrinking violet is going to wear an Asian-inspired “bouquet” tuxedo jacket with second-skin leggings in a zigzag print. From there, Rowley moved on to a mesh leather T-shirt with tight, tiny trunks, and a metallic sweater with gold shorts adorned with black appliques. Rowley seemed to tap into her personal interest in surfing, pairing embroidered swim trunks with an orange T that had perforated leather sleeves.

Some looks had more of a balance of boldness and wearability, including a botanical-print dress with a henley-style neckline, and a gray sweatshirt-style top worn with a black skirt that teased the crowd. Lindsay Lohan, wearing big sunglasses, sparkly high heels and a brand new outfit from Rowley, nodded approvingly throughout the show.

REBECCA TAYLOR

Alexander Wang

Limeade. Lemon. Some of Taylor’s colors sound so scrumptious they should be eaten. “There’s enough bummer in the world,” Taylor said backstage. “I just want girls to feel pretty and to feel sexy.” The New Zealand-born designer said she was aiming this time for something “modern, ethereal and angelic.” The angelic part was evident in filmy dresses - the “moonlight eyelet asymmetrical dress,” for example, looked like a vintage nightgown. Dresses like that and the “moonlight pieced T-shirt dress” looked both comfortable and delicate, but there were pieces with attitude, too, especially a series of garments made of “snake leather” (not the real thing): A dress, an apron top, a bomber jacket, a pair of pants. There was also a digital printed army jacket, paired with a lemon yellow dress.

All in all, it was a user-friendly and accessible collection for people who want to look, well, pretty.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

Color

lifestyle F A S H I O N

NY Fashion Week

Day

3

LUCA LUCA Raul Melgoza likes flowers, and for his latest collection the Luca Luca designer turned to a master for inspiration: The late American painter Georgia O’Keefe. Florals were a prominent theme in Melgoza’s spring line, particularly rosettes, which he presented in prints and in embroidery, in bright colors and in black and white. The latter combo made for a stunning gown to close out his show. On the more casual side, a periwinkle silk wrap blazer was paired with a berry-colored silk blouse and a rosette-print pant.

Colors were bright and whimsical, such as several numbers that combined royal blue and teal - a royal blue seersucker wrap blazer, for example, paired with a royal-andteal striped bustier. A lime green silk crepe bustier dress managed to feel both light and sexy. This latest collection was based less on a theme than a mood, Melgoza said backstage. “I really wanted to emphasize sensuality and femininity, and the female figure,” he said. “So, for example, I expose the shoulders, or add some sheer inset detailing.”

The Christian Siriano Spring 2012 collection is modeled during Fashion Week in New York.

—AP photos

ADAM Adam Lippes found inspiration in the energy of the West Chelsea neighborhood of his design studio for a collection filled with prints of large flowers and polka-dots.

He’d look at the High Line, the elevated, green pedestrian path, and see a “runway in the sky,” according to his notes.

That translated on the real runway at the Lincoln Center tents into classic tailored shapes - think pantsuits and trench coats - freshened up with touches of sheer, soft fabrics, and the feminine and optimistic colors of the season.

Models also wore for at least the second time in the same day in the same venue printed garments covered in birds. Lippes’ best version was the black bird blouse with unexpected sheer panels and a scarf-tie neck, worn with a black cotton blazer and silk polka-dot shorts. His floral looks were bold, a nice touch when he used the same print on a light cotton short- sleeve shirt and a heavier denim pencil skirt. The all-over flowers also worked on a fully beaded cocktail dress. It might have been too much of a good thing, though, on a jumpsuit. —AP

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Rebecca Taylor

Cynthia Rowley

Lacoste’s new artistic director showcases 2012 line more discreet crocodile, now in silk, a touch of leather and plenty of flow: Lacoste has presented its Spring 2012 collection with a focus on women, the first under its new artistic director Felipe Oliveira Baptista. After the show, presented at New York’s annual Fashion Week Saturday, the 36-year-old creator beamed as reporters and fashion industry insiders clamored for the attention of the Portuguese designer.

Oliveira Baptista said his vision in designing the line of clothes was that of a woman who was “energetic, casual and chic.”

Rene Lacoste, the French tennis player and businessman who founded the clothing empire in 1933, “was a visionary,” Oliveira told AFP. “It was pretty easy and obvious for me” to create this “new look for the future,” he said.

Lacoste, the French company that invented the polo shirt and today has 1,200 stores around the world, is increasingly focusing on reaching out to female customers. Women “represent 80 percent of our clients, but just 20 percent of our revenue,” said Lacoste CEO Christophe Chenut, who came to New York for the presentation. Women come to the stores to buy clothes mainly for men, he said.

“Our big strategic goal for 2012 is to reach out to women,” Chenut said. While male models strutted the catwalks along with the women, the female models were clearly the stars of the show.

The iconic polo shirt was given a new twist as a wide-striped miniskirt, while there were mini-shorts and voluminous hooded raincoats, or long-flowing dresses buttoned down the back. Cotton married with silk for flowing ponchos, while silk blouses made dramatic statements with artdeco geometric designs of yellow on navy blue. With an eye on the booming Asian market, about one-third of the 1,200 guests invited to the event were members of the Asian fashion press.

Late Friday another sportswear king, Tommy Hilfiger, presented his new line of fashionwear.

Impeccably coiffed models strutted in polo shirts and camouflage-patterned cashmere sweaters, wide-striped trousers and yellow leather trench coatsHilfiger’s latest interpretation of the preppy, sporty student. —AFP

Britain parties at Last Night of the Proms

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

37 This undated recent handout picture shows the Kehlsteinhaus, formerly known as Hitler’s “tea house” or “Eagle’s Nest”, a mountain top lodge nearby the “Berghof”, favourite residence of German dictator Adolf Hitler.

—AFP photos

A German mountain haunted by

“You’ve got to satisfy the curiosity of the tourists without pandering to sensationalism,” he said. Locals were appalled when a newspapers this year reported that a British company was offering a “Hitler holiday” to Berchtesgaden, along with other sites associated with the Fuehrer. “That really made waves,” said local tourism director Michael Griesser who recalls how Bavarian authorities sought to stop the so-called ‘Face of Evil Tour’ before realizing they were dealing with ordinary tourists rather than neo-nazis. Of course, there are still a few of those. Some, surreptitiously, lay flowers and candles at the Berghof on Hitler’s birthday, or wreathes on

he said. Ingrid Scharfenberg, 80, who runs the “Zum Tuerken” guest house, one of the few original buildings still standing near the ‘Berghof’, feels she’s herself treated like a Nazi exhibit.

“People say this is the brown (Nazi) mountain and that everyone in Berchtesgaden is Nazi. You can’t blame generation after generation just because (Hitler) once lived here,” she said. The US military kept a lid on the place for years by turning it into a recreational area for soldiers before handing the mountain back to the Bavarian government in 1995.Until then all ruins, including some 12 kilometres (seven miles) of under-

Visitors at the Dokumentation Obersalzberg, a local documentation centre.

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n a mountain-bike, the cyclist comes barreling through the Bavarian pine forest, racing along a rough alpine track straight through what would have been Adolf Hitler’s living room. He does not stop, or even glance, at the greyish stone wall set in the nearby hillside which is all that remains of Hitler’s mountain retreat, known as the “Berghof”, his favorite residence for more than 10 years until his death by suicide in a Berlin bunker in 1945. The “Berghof ”, half way up a Bavarian mountain, was damaged by bombing at the end of World War II and US occupation forces dynamited what was left. No signpost indicates the way to it, but a notice board does tell visitors they have reached the right spot once they find this historical no-man’sland, neither quite on, nor off the map, a symbol of how Germany still finds it difficult to deal with its Nazi past.

In contrast, Hitler’s “tea house”, known as the “Eagle’s Nest”, a nearby mountain top lodge, is well on the beaten track. Tens of thousands of visitors follow a dizzying road to the top for breath-taking views of peaks and valleys in both Germany and Austria. The 1,800-metrehigh (5,900 feet) Eagle’s Nest, which now houses a restaurant, a cafe and shops selling books with titles such as “Hitler’s mountain”, was a gift from the Nazi party to its leader on his 50th birthday. It is said he suffered from fear of heights and visited infrequently.

Historians want both sites preserved for posterity, but others fear highlighting any site too closely associated with the Fuehrer could encourage perverse pilgrimages or turn the area into a Nazi Disneyland. “You must be very careful not to foster a fascination with Hitler,” said Axel Drecoll, a 36-year-old historian in charge of the local documentation centre whose exhibits, visited by 160,000 people a year, depict both Hitler’s domestic life on the Obersaltzberg mountain, overlooking Berchtesgaden, along with Nazi crimes.

“After all nobody would think of demolishing the ruins of Olympia (Greece) and argue it would be better preserved in a documentation centre. “It’s original historical evidence you have on the Obersalzberg,” he says. Those opposing the idea fear neo-Nazi pilgrimages, or the jeopardizing of local tourism through too close an association with Nazi history, said Greipl.

Charlotte Knobloch, the 78-year-old leader of the Jewish association in Munich, argues that neo-Nazi pilgrimages are not possible precisely because everything, outside of the documentation centre, has been done away with. “A pilgrimage site must have a focus and there isn’t one,” she said, underlining her opposition to any preservation order.

Walter Schoen, a regional official and the number two at the Bavarian justice ministry, agrees. Preserving the ruins “would add no real, meaningful or worthwhile testimony to what took place” there, he said. “Ascribing special cultural status to the Berghof” and surrounding Nazi homesteads “would only help create a sort of national-socialist hiking trail on the mountain”, he adds.Try as it may Berchtesgaden, like Germany, has trouble finding the proper balance when dealing with such history.

A five-star hotel, recently build on the ruins of a house that belonged to Nazi leader Hermann Goering, near the Berghof, made sure all rooms were provided with a copy of a historical book on Hitler’s crimes. But such bed-time reading bothered some guests and the books were removed to the hotel library. —AFP

A bunker at the Dokumentation Obersalzberg, a local documentation.

the anniversary of his death, but the documentation centre, a short distance away, quickly disposes of them, says Drecoll.

‘Can’t blame generation after generation’ The real problem, he believes, isn’t right-wing radicals but the fact that, as people grow less afraid of the Nazi past, “the line between historical enquiry and commercial kitsch gets blurred.” “I don’t want to see the Obersalzberg become a chamber of horrors” attraction,

Gallery to auction Amelia Earhart goggles, photos A

Northern California gallery plans to auction goggles it says were worn by famed aviator Amelia Earhart during an early plane crash. The auction yesterday in Oakland featured negatives and photographs of Earhart, who disappeared while trying to circumnavigate the globe. Clars Auction Gallery, which is running the auction, said 15 of the photographs - the bulk of

An original, unpublished personal photo of Amelia Earhart dated 1937, along with goggles she was wearing during her first plane crash are seen Friday, Sept 9, 2011, at Clars Auction Gallery in Oakland, Calif. —AP

the lot - include shots of Earhart at a barbershop and making other preparations for the round-the-world flight, as well as the plane taking off on March 17, 1937.

That was one of two attempts Earhart made that year to circumnavigate the globe.

Her plane would disappear in the Pacific during the second attempt a few months later.

She was declared dead in 1939. “It’s more like a day-in-the -life concept,” said Marcus Wardell, a furniture and decorative arts specialist with the gallery. “She’s getting up in the morning, packing, going to the barber’s and the plane sort of taking off.

The photographs were recently discovered by a California woman whose mother was a student of Earhart’s and received the photographs as a gift from the pilot, Wardell said. They were expected to fetch between $600 and $800 each. The goggles - 1920s Luxor aviator goggles that have a cracked left lens - were brought into the gallery’s free appraisal clinic by Barbara Englehardt, a Contra Costa County resident who got them from a friend about 20 years ago.

Earhart was wearing them during a 1921 plane crash, Wardell said, just after she had begun flying. The collection also includes autographed photos and negatives of Earhart.”Normally, you get one or two items at a time,” Wardell said. “You don’t get such a large collection.” —AP

ground tunnels and bunkers, much of it closed to the public, had been subject to an official, but secret, preservation order.

But the order was then lifted “for political reasons”, says Egon Johannes Greipl, head of Bavaria’s Office for Ancient Monument Preservation. And authorities started carting off what remained of the rubble. A few marble paving stones from Hitler’s terrace did get recycled, by mistake, into a small outdoors chapel, newspapers said. Greipl now wants the preservation order restored.

The Dokumentation Obersalzberg, a local documentation centre whose exhibits, visited by 160,000 people a year.

Oscar-winning US actor Cliff Robertson dies at 88 A

ctor Cliff Robertson, who won an Oscar playing a mentally disabled janitor in “Charly” and worked in movies ranging from “PT 109” to “SpiderMan 3,” died in New York on Saturday, the day after his 88th birthday. Robertson’s career spanned more than 60 years and included Hollywood movies, Broadway shows, television dramas and commercials. He also is remembered for his courage in exposing powerful Columbia studios chief David Begelman, who had forged his name on a $10,000 check in the late 1970s.

Begelman’s misappropriation of studio money caused a scandal at the time that was dubbed “Hollywoodgate” and Robertson became a hero among some industry players by risking his career to expose Begelman. In fact, work dried up for several years before he forged a comeback. Hollywood’s film industry awarded him its highest honor, the Oscar. Robertson won the Academy Award for best actor for the 1968 film “Charly” in which he portrayed a mentally disabled man who is transformed into a genius in an experiment, only to regress to his former self.

Robertson’s work as a top dramatic actor of his generation earned him his greatest fame. He also portrayed a young John F Kennedy in “PT 109” and the elderly Ben Parker, uncle to the crime fighter Peter Parker, in the “Spider-Man” movies. And his work in television, which

dated back to the “Playhouse 90” dramas of the 1950s, earned him that medium’s top prize, an Emmy.

US media reported that Robertson died at Stony Brook University Medical Center in New York state of natural causes. Born Clifford Parker Robertson III in La Jolla, California on Sept 9, 1923, he first worked in community theater in San Diego before joining the US merchant marine during World War Two. After the military, he moved east to study acting and performed in theaters in upstate New York and New England, and like many actors of his generation, set his sight on Broadway.

He worked on Broadway in shows such as “The Wisteria Trees” with Helen Hayes and took work in the early days of black-and-white television. Soon his career took him to Hollywood where he earned roles on shows such as “Ben Casey” and “The Twilight Zone.” He won an Emmy, US television’s top honor, for his work in “The Game.” He was nominated for Emmys in “Days of Wine and Roses” and “The Two Worlds of Charly Gordon,” which eventually became the movie “Charly.” In 1963, he starred as Lieutenant John F Kennedy in the naval war film “PT 109” about the military days of the young man who would become a USpresident.

Robertson worked steadily over the decades and was performing well into the 2000s. —Reuters