14 Sep

ON IP TI SC R SU B

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

Syrians protest over Russian support for Assad

Republican candidates clash in ‘Tea Party’ debate

7 150 FILS

SHAWWAL 16, 1432 AH

Angolan beauty crowned Miss Universe

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Oppn abandons request for emergency session Websites ‘out’ MPs involved in illegal deposits conspiracy theories

By B Izzak

Only in Kuwait

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

I

think all of you guys are by now aware of the moneylaundering scandal which has seized Kuwait. The whole country is talking about it. It is the talk of every diwaniya, newspaper or social gathering. This week we have all concentrated on money laundering and how much each MP has in his or her account. For the past two weeks, MPs are asking for an emergency session to discuss accusations that certain MPs had big amounts of money deposited in their bank accounts. As usual, the quorum fell short of three MPs. This will not stop them pursuing the issue. It will just delay it. It will be discussed during the parliament’s next session in October.

Of course certain rumours are spreading about certain amounts being deposited in MPs’ accounts varying between KD 1 to 4 million in various banks.

Unfortunately, I cannot publish the names of MPs because it is illegal to publish them until the court rules that they are guilty. On the other hand, it is not ethical till they are proven guilty.

This is not what surprises me. Corruption can take place anywhere in the world, but it varies from one country to another. I am surprised that banks’ employees leak clients’ information. It only happens in Kuwait. For example, following the Arab Spring and the revolutions which took place in Libya and Egypt, it is still unclear how much money did Mubarak and Gaddafi stock up in Swiss bank accounts. The banks in the West have kept their secrecy laws. They have respected the banks’ privacy code.

In Kuwait, just walk in any diwaniya and everyone will tell you about the amount of money in the MPs’ bank accounts. Where is this information coming from? It is definitely from bank employees. It could not have fallen from the sky. Employees of banks are talking openly without shame. How could the bank management not train their employees that there are banking secrets, codes and privacy. Banks are like doctors. You are not supposed to talk about your patients to anybody.

How credible does that make the banking system in Kuwait? What is the credibility? Where is the secrecy of clients? Now everybody is worried that when he walks in the bank, the bank employees will talk about his financial status. It is not necessary that they will talk about the saved money in his bank account. It might be vice versa that he is broke and bankrupt or that he is in debt. It is not difficult for the banks to trace the source who leaks the news as the banking system does not allow all the employees to open clients’ portfolios. It is only certain high management employees who can do that in any bank. The number of such employees is limited. Still, the news is all over Kuwait of what people owe and have in their bank accounts.

That reminds me of a previous story about a cheque which was allegedly signed by a sheikh to a certain MP. How did the bank release such information? It was not released by court order. I think it is high time the bank management takes this issue seriously and behave like any other bank in any developed and advanced country.

Banks here should stop their employees and punish them. Even if such news is true, it is not up to the employees to release such information. There are proper channels according to which this news should be released.

Bank safely, guys!

Max 42º Min 25º Low Tide 07:10 & 19:29 High Tide 00:52 & 13:10

CAIRO: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan gives a speech before Arab League members during an Arab League meeting at its headquarters yesterday. —AP

Turkish premier throws weight behind Arab cause Erdogan says Israel has lost legitimacy CAIRO: Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday it was time to run the Palestinian flag up over the United Nations in a rallying call to Arab states ahead of a Palestinian UN membership bid opposed by Washington. Speaking to Arab foreign ministers, he said Israel had undermined its legitimacy by irresponsible behaviour. He made no specific accusations but has in the past criticised Israel for building settlements on occupied land envisaged as part of a Palestinian state. He has also protested over Israel’s offensive

against Gaza in 2008, which largely spelt the end of a close alliance between Turkey and Israel, and its attack on a Turkish ship heading for Gaza that killed nine people last year. Erdogan’s recent criticism of Israel has drawn strong support in the Arab world, buttressing his campaign to promote Ankara’s blend of Islam and democracy as a model for movements that have toppled several Arab autocrats, including Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.

Continued on Page 12

expats to get visit visas for 2nd-degree kin KUWAIT: Skilled expatriates working in Kuwait will soon be able to obtain visit visas for their second-degree relatives, according to a security insider. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the insider explained that the Ministry of Interior’s (MoI) migration department has given permission to the directors of immigration offices in each governorate to allow residents such as doctors, engineers and others in similar professions to obtain visit visas for second-degree relatives such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.

The visas will be provided on the understanding that the applicant meets a number of criteria, including a clean criminal record, whilst citizens of countries whose nationals are banned from obtaining visas in Kuwait will not be eligible for inclusion. Those applying for visit visas under the new system will also need to prove a monthly income in excess of KD 250, with those earning under this amount still only able to obtain visit visas for first-degree relatives such as parents, spouses or children, the source added. —Al-Rai

KABUL: Afghan men take a look at the building where attackers wearing suicide vests were firing from yesterday. —AFP

Taleban target US Embassy in Kabul KABUL: Taleban fighters fired rockets at the US Embassy and NATO headquarters in Kabul yesterday and attacked police in three other areas in the biggest assault the insurgent group has mounted on the Afghan capital. At least 9 people were killed and 23 wounded in the four attacks, and a gun battle around a half-built high-rise building raged on into the evening as NATO and Afghan attack helicopters circled overhead. The fighters had chosen a strategic and heavily fortified main target for the well-coordinated attacks.

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KUWAIT: The request to hold an emergency parliamentary session to debate the illegal multimillion-dinar deposits was officially withdrawn yesterday after it failed to get the required number of signatures, MP Falah AlSawwagh said. The request was submitted last week by the Reform and Development Bloc, of which Sawwagh is a member, but it only received the endorsement of 30 MPs, just three members short of the required quorum.

The move came as local electronic media published the names of several MPs said to be involved in the illegal deposits which have been linked to political events in the country, especially grillings. Citing unnamed sources, Sabr electronic newspaper published the names of four MPs whose accounts had been referred to the public prosecution by Kuwait Finance House, the leading Islamic bank in Kuwait. The newspaper also published the amounts it claimed were illegally transferred into their accounts which ranged from KD 4 million to one million dinars.

But one of the four MPs mentioned, Hussein AlHuraiti, vehemently denied the allegation and called on the media not to get involved in the issue before final verdicts are issued by local courts. Also, Islamist MP Khaled Al-Sultan, whose name was not mentioned, called on the media not to publish the names of suspected MPs before the information is proved and validated. Sultan was defending his fellow Salafist MP Ali AlOmair, whose name was mentioned among those referred to the public prosecution by the National Bank of Kuwait. Sultan said he does not believe that Omair will have an account with NBK because it is not an Islamic bank.

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Zawahiri hails Arab uprisings DUBAI: New Al-Qaeda leader Ayman Al-Zawahiri voiced support in an Internet video for popular revolts shaking the Middle East, saying Arabs no longer feared the United States 10 years after the country was targeted by the militant network. “Ten years have passed since the blessed attacks on New York and Washington and Pennsylvania, that mighty event which shook and continues to shake the pillars of the global crusade,” Zawahiri said in the video posted on Islamist websites yesterday to mark the anniversary of the Sept 11, 2001 attacks.

Zawahiri, an Egyptian who took up the reins of Al-Qaeda after the killing of Osama bin Laden in May, hailed popular uprisings that have toppled leaders in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya this year, and urged othAyman Al-Zawahiri er Muslims to overthrow their rulers too. “The Arab people have been freed from the chains of fear and terror, so who is the winner and who is the loser?”

Many analysts say Al-Qaeda has lost relevance as a result of the political upheaval across the Middle East and North Africa, where hundreds of thousands of people have called for democratic reform and the militant organisation has played little or no role.

In the hour-long recording, titled “The Dawn of Imminent Victory”, Zawahiri expressed hope that the fall of Arab rulers he said were in thrall to the West would usher in an era of true Islam and sharia-based governance. “The blessed rebellious Arab earthquake has turned America’s calculations head over heels,” he said, adding the United States had lost key regional allies in the upheaval. “We ask God that the spring of strength and liberation be the bitter winter of America and a dark tunnel from which it will not emerge except in defeat,” Zawahiri Continued on Page 12

in the

news Saudi tycoon to launch channel

RIYADH: Prince Alwaleed bin Talal announces the launch of a new news channel ‘Alarab’ yesterday. —AFP

RIYADH: Saudi tycoon Prince Alwaleed bin Talal yesterday announced plans to launch a pan-Arab news channel in 2012, saying the television network will promote freedom of speech. “The region is experiencing dramatic changes which will probably continue and cause significant developments” and Alarab “channel will follow up on these changes,” Alwaleed told a news conference in Riyadh. A company statement said: “Alarab will focus editorially on the important shifts taking place across the Arab world with an emphasis on freedom of speech and freedom of press.” Alwaleed also announced an “agreement with Bloomberg LP in which Bloomberg will support the cre-

ation of five hours of financial and economic news programming throughout the day on the channel,” said the statement. The channel, which will rely on a network of reporters from across Arab countries, will enter a field already dominated by tough competition between Qatar-based Al-Jazeera and the Saudicontrolled Al-Arabiya. The statement said the channel might be based in Manama, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Beirut. Alarab will be headed by Jamal Khashoggi, a veteran Saudi journalist and editor closely linked to the Al-Faisal wing of the royal family. In May 2010, Khashoggi was forced out from his position at the helm of the influential Saudi newspaper Al-Watan.

Iran to free jailed Americans TEHRAN: Iran will soon free two Americans jailed for spying, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said yesterday, in what he called a humanitarian gesture weeks before he travels to the United Nations in New York. “I think these two persons will be freed in a couple of days,” the Iranian leader said through an interpreter in an interview broadcast on NBC’s “Today” show. “We do it, for example, in a humanitarian gesture.” Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were sentenced in Iran last month to eight years in prison. They had been TEHRAN: In this Feb 6, 2011 file pho- arrested in July 2009 near Iran’s border to, US hikers Shane Bauer (left) and with Iraq, where they say they were Josh Fattal attend their trail. —AP hiking in the mountains as tourists,

along with a third American, Sarah Shourd. Bauer and Fattal were convicted last month and share a cell in Tehran’s Evin prison. Shourd was allowed to go home after being freed on $500,000 bail in Sept 2010.

Washington has denied they were spies. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was encouraged by Ahmadinejad’s remarks. Their lawyer said the men would soon be free and given permission to leave Iran. “The appeals court has agreed for the release of Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal on $500,000 bail for each of them ...

They can leave Iran right after their release,” Masoud Shafie told Reuters.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

local

‘Have money, will spend’ culture fuels inflation ‘Highly import-dependent country’

By Lisa Conrad KUWAIT: Kuwait has a culture of consumerism, says economist Hajjaj Bukhadour. The level of consumerism here is a major factor in inflation in Kuwait, and is being supported by a reliance on imports. The Kuwait Food and Drink Q4 report of 2011, compiled by Business Monitor International, has reported that Kuwait’s inflation and food consumption are steadily continuing to rise, hand in hand. The 2010 food consumption growth was four percent, and is forecast to reach 28.5 percent by 2015 with per capita food consumption growth forecasted to reach 16 percent by 2015. The rise in inflation is nearly three times the rise in consumption, as reported by the World Bank’s 2011 Food Price Watch report which found that Kuwait is witnessing the fourth highest food price inflation rates in the Middle East after Iran, Egypt and Syria. Kuwait’s inflation on food prices was reported to currently stand at 12 percent.

Raising inflation hasn’t quelled consumption rates whatsoever and as a result, imports have shot up and, according to the Central Bank’s figures, so have food costs. This is unsurprising given that the Q4 report described Kuwait as being a ‘highly import-dependent country’, with Arab countries consistently remaining the largest net cereal importers in the world according to the World Bank’s report. Inflation, Bukhadour said, was spurred by the type of foods being imported. “When you import low-quality products, the inflation goes up. Low-quality products are cheap, so they’re consumed in high amounts which also can spark inflation. As expenditures rise, so will inflation. It’s a cycle.” He added “Controls should be put on imports to check for quality. In this way, consumption will decrease.”

Consumerism culture The reasons for the consumerism culture Kuwait has found itself in are three-fold, according to Bukhadour: “Opportunity, population and values are all central issues.” Opportunity refers to the extent to which Kuwait can produce food for itself.

Restrictions on the extent to which Kuwait can produce, however, include binding production constraints in the form of scarce water and land resources, according to the World Bank. Bukhadour added, “Kuwait should rely more on itself with regards to services and agriculture, in order to cut the dependency on foreign imports. Buying land abroad to use for agricultural production for Kuwait is a very good strategic choice which deserves further investment and more serious action.”

This is especially relevant given that, in their 2008 Aquastat report, UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) noted that agriculture (including fisheries) accounts for almost 0 percent of GDP in Kuwait. Buying land in poorer nations, however, is a practice popular with Gulf states and Kuwait already leased land in Cambodia. However, negative consequences for locals of countries that have sold or leased land for agricultural purposes have been reported, so it remains a controversial issue.

More money plus population pressures The increasing population size has, understandably, also fuelled increased consumption and, as a result, reliance on import and increasing inflation. Income growth has further fuelled reliance on imports, according to the World Bank and the combination of excess disposable income and more mouths to feed has expanded spending across Kuwait.

Bukhadour insisted that the solution requires increased responsibility,

“Societies, including Kuwait, must try and strike a balance with nature.

Imports and consumerism, and the negative consequences excessive consumerism brings, would go down if families were more careful, both in terms of the number of children they have and regarding how they live, for example the size of their homes and the amount they must buy to fill them.”

Modifying mentalities The final remedy is concerned with the values of society and of those in power. Bukhadour noted “Politicians must direct people carefully and not try and increase loyalty through rising salaries and disposable income, salary policy needs to be rethought.” He added: “This all comes down to a culture of consumerism, but saving should be promoted over spending. Too many things are based around spending and consumerism, even love and emotion are expressed with products and sharing has been replaced with indulgence.” He further commented, however, that such behavior can be encouraged by policy. “If the Central Bank introduces the wrong policies, such as decreasing interest, the market will be flooded with liquidity of cash and consumption will also rise. Printing extra cash is also detrimental, as it further fuels the consumption cycle even more.

Cash flow should be reduced in the market through appropriate monetary policies.” “Prices will continue to rise as long as demand goes up. The market needs to be activated by developmental projects instead of projects revolving around consumption,” concluded Bukhadour. In the case of food consumption, this is especially relevant as the Kuwait Food and Drink Q4 report found that food was the main contributor fuelling higher inflation.

KUWAIT: Minister of Education and Higher Education Ahmad Al-Mulaifi continued his tours schools around Kuwait at the start of the new academic year. He visited the Al-Wasm kindergarten yesterday.— Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

Cairo hosts AL ministerial meeting CAIRO: The deliberations of the 136th session of the Arab League’s Ministerial meeting at the level of foreign ministers began yesterday at the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States.

The two-day series of meetings are being chaired by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jaber Al-Thani. Although it was scheduled to be headed by Palestinian Foreign Minister Dr Riyad AlMalki, succeeding his Omani counterpart, the minister responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah, the Omani official indicated in a statement that the Palestinian and Qatari officials had reached an accord by which Sheikh Hamad would chair the session.

The meetings are also being attended by Arab League Secretary General Dr. Nabil Al-Arabi, as well as by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the visiting Turkish Prime Minister, Tayyip Erdogan.

The Kuwaiti delegation attending the high-level forum is headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Sabah.

The opening session witnessed a speech delivered by the outgoing President, Yusuf bin Alawi, which was followed by an address from the current chairman, Dr. Riyad Al-Malki and another by the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Dr. Nabil Al-Arabi.

Erdogan also delivered a speech to the ministerial meeting on Arab-Turkish relations and ways of strengthening them in the political, economic and social development fields.

The draft agenda contains more than 20 items dealing with various issues of joint Arab action in the political, security, economic and legal spheres spearheaded by the Palestinian cause, the Arab-Israeli conflict and Arab diplomatic action at the United Nations for international recognition of the State of Palestine on the June 1967 borders and full UN membership.

The foreign ministers were also scheduled to be briefed on the outcome of the ministerial meeting of the Arab Peace Initiative Committee held here on Monday under the chairmanship of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem Al Thani, and with the participation of President Mahmoud Abbas, saw discussion of the final preparations for Arab diplomatic action at the UN for the end of September.

Yesterday’s meeting was also set to discuss ways to support the budget of the Palestinian Authority, follow developments related to the settlement of refugees, examine a paper on Palestinians and the Intifada, and a report from the Office of the Arab boycott of Israel, as well as examining the risks of Israel’s nuclear armament and other Israeli weapons of mass destruction on Arab national security.

Among the topics on the agenda during the high-level series of meetings are: solidarity with Lebanon; the situation in Iraq; how best to support peace and development in Sudan; the situation in Somalia and the Comoros, and the peaceful resolution of the dispute between Djibouti and Eritrea.—KUNA

Kuwaiti journalists’ delegation concludes Iran visit TEHRAN: A delegation of prominent Kuwaiti journalists yesterday concluded its visit to Iran, the first of its kind by a GCC country’s delegation since the Iranian revolution of 1979, describing the trip as “positive and fruitful.”

Adnan Al-Rashid, the coordinator of the visit and Treasurer of the Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA), thanked the Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, as well as the Kuwait News Agency and the Kuwaiti and Iranian ambassadors, for facilitating this visit.

“This visit was positive and professional on all levels,” said Al-Rashid. “The meetings were transparent, honest, and direct in discussing and exchanging views on current mutual issues that concern both countries.”

For their part, senior Iranian figures welcomed the Kuwaiti delegation, which was headed by KJA chairman Ahmad Behbahani, expressing their wish aspiration to promote relations with the state of Kuwait in all fields.

During the visit, the Kuwaiti delegates met with the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian Minister of Islamic Culture and Guidance Mohammad Hoseini, leading religious figure Nasir Makarim Al-Shirazi, and the Isfahan Governor Ali Rida Isfahani.

During wide-ranging talks with the Kuwaiti delegates, the Iranian President stressed that “Iran desires to establish solid and brotherly ties with the other states of the Gulf region.”

The Iranian foreign minister, meanwhile, said that “Iran and Kuwait have historic bonds,” describing Iran as a “friendly neighbor of Kuwait.”

He called for enhancing media and cultural communications which he said would be in the best interest of both countries.

Iran’s Minister of Islamic Culture and Guidance Mohammad Hoseini noted that “Kuwaiti-Iranian ties are deeply-rooted and are based on common issues that concern the two countries.”

Nasir Marakrim Al-Shirazi, one of Iran’s leading religious figures, called for unity among Muslims and stressed the necessity of exchanging religion-related visits between Kuwait and Iran.

Furthermore, the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Iran Majdi Al-Dhufiri had hosted a meeting at his home, where the visiting Kuwaiti delegates and a number of prominent Iranian religious and media figures freely exchanged views on the importance of media in strengthening ties between nations. — KUNA

Iraqis divided on Kuwaiti port as uncertainty surrounds team’s report KUWAIT: With the Mubarak Al-Kabeer port issue apparently not among the subjects discussed at yesterday ’s meeting of the Iraqi Cabinet, conflicting reports emerged the previous day (Monday) on whether or not the Iraqi parliament had received a copy of the report prepared by a committee of Iraqi technical experts who visited Kuwait last month, and when the parliament will discuss the issue.

The issue is still causing some controversy in Iraq, with the government in Baghdad still apparently divided over the Kuwaiti mega-port; while one minister has insisted that the Kuwaiti port won’t have any adverse effect on Iraq, another is adamant that it will damage the country ’s interests.

Speaking to Kuwaiti daily Al-Rai on Monday, Iraqi MP Mohammad AlKhaldi, the rapporteur of the Iraqi parliament and a member of the AlIraqiya List party, led by former Prime Minister Iyad Alawi, said that the parliament is waiting to receive the technical team’s report in order to discuss it once it has been studied by the government.

A consultant to the Iraqi government, contacted to comment on the subject, was adamant, however, that the report had already been handed to the parliament a week ago, further stressing that it was not amongst the issues scheduled for discussion at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.

The Iraqi parliament previously discussed the issues surrounding Kuwait’s construction of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer port last June during a session attended by Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zibari and Transportation Minister Hadi Al-Ameri. Zibari has already publicly stated that the existence of the Kuwaiti port won’t harm Iraq, although Al-Ameri has stated on numerous occasions that the facility will do serious damage to the country’s interests, particularly in the area of maritime activity at Iraq’s outlet to the Arabian Gulf. According to AlKhaldi, the parliament is divided between the two ministers’ opinions, with one group adopting the foreign minister’s stance, and another backing up Al-Ameri.

The Iraqi government has yet to make an official announcement regarding the results of last month’s visit by the team of exper ts to Kuwait, during which they met with Kuwaiti officials and toured the project site on the east of Boubyan Island, which lies a few kilometers away from the Iraqi coastline on the other side of the Khor Abdulla - a narrow strip of water that separates the territory the two countries overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

Although the Iraqi government’s decision was supposed to be announced a few days after the team returned to the countr y late last month, it has been delayed numerous

times due to what sources describe as “the Cabinet’s failure to achieve an agreement between its members on the issue.”

Meanwhile, the same insider, speaking to Al-Rai on condition of anonymity, indicated that the Iraqi Cabinet is studying the option of speeding up construction operations at Al-Fao Port; a similar major project planned by Iraq on the Khor Abdulla water way direc tly across from Kuwait. In the meantime, MP Aliya Nassif of the White Iraqiya Par ty called on Iraqi political parties to “unite their media approach” regarding the Mubarak Al-K abeer Por t issue, which she claimed is being used by Kuwait “to take Iraq’s attention away from its efforts to appeal [United Nations Security Council] Resolution 833” - the resolution which established the demarcation of borders between Kuwait and Iraq following the 1991 liberation of Kuwait after the 1990-91 invasion and occupation by the forces of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Another MP, Suzan Al-Saad of the National Iraqi Alliance, said that lawmakers “will express their reservations over the technical team’s repor t if it contradic ts the fac ts regarding Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port,” adding that many navigation experts in Iraq have warned that the Kuwaiti port would be “the final nail in the coffin of Iraqi ports.” — Al-Rai

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

local

MoI gearing up for Friday demonstration KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has begun making preparations to handle the mass demonstration planned for this Friday, including precautionary security measures to ensure that the situation stays under control.

Several youth activists’ groups have announced their attendance at the rally, which looks set to take place in Safat Square, despite the fact that public demonstrations are banned there.

According to a security insider, several senior Ministry of Interior (MoI) security officials, including the heads of security from all Kuwait’s governorates, met on Monday to coordinate their plan for handling the upcoming demonstration.

During the meeting, chaired by the director of the Capital governorate’s security division, Major General Tariq Hamada and his deputy, Brigadier

General Hussein Al-Shirazi, those present were informed that MoI Undersecretary Lt Gen Ghazi Al-Omar has issued a directive putting all security and traffic officers on standby from Thursday, including suspending leave or holiday requests during this period.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the insider also revealed that security officials are to begin erecting security barriers in the Safat Square area tomorrow. The insider also stated that MoI Assistant Undersecretary for Special Security Affairs Suleiman Al-Fahad is to head a top-level meeting this morning, during which the Assistant Undersecretar y for Public Security Affairs Major General Mahmoud AlDoussari is expected to be appointed as the senior negotiator during Friday’s demonstration. — Al-Qabas

KUWAIT: The ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Ho Jong hosted on Monday a reception on the occasion of the National Day of his country at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It was attended by diplomats and other dignitaries. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: Ministry of Interior’s undersecretary Lt Gen Ghazi Al-Omar chaired a meeting yesterday morning of the Public Committee of Police Affairs. Other top ministry officials including assistant undersecretaries attended the meeting.

Laws necessary to weed out corruption: FM KUWAIT: A top state official insisted on Monday that laws must be enforced to eliminate the impression that Kuwait has become a suitable environment to harbor corruption regardless of who might be affected by such regulations. “The issue is very serious because it damages our values. It significantly hits Kuwait’s integrity and seriously affects Kuwait’s plans to turn into a global financial hub”, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad AlSabah during a joint press conference held with the visiting Foreign Minister of Morocco. His comments are the first from a Cabinet member on news about cases lodged by the National Bank of Kuwait with the Public Prosecutions, pertaining to suspicious transactions in some MPs’ bank accounts.

“Every society in every country has corrupt officials”, Dr Al-Sabah said, “but the most serious threat stems from the impression that Kuwait has become a suitable environment to host corruption”. The deputy premier also asserted that the government will fight corruption “with law and order”. Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution is preparing to contact the Central Bank’s investigations unit, in order to ask about four main issues: the source of suspicious deposits in the mentioned bank accounts, the manner by which they were obtained, the reasons they were acquired and the circumstances that surrounded the process of collecting these funds. Sources also revealed that MPs who own the suspected bank accounts were subjected to interrogation, but they did not provide convincing answers.

Several people who were at the Palace of Justice on Monday reported witnessing lawyers and representatives sent by MPs to inquire about the identity of lawmakers whose bank accounts were reported to the Public

Prosecution. In the meantime, sources familiar with the legal details explained that the cases lodged by NBK pertain only to certain deposit transactions as opposed to being filed to launch investigations on a lawmaker’s inflating bank account.

Yesterday, newspapers reported that a second bank has already referred cases pertaining with MPs’ accounts to the Public Prosecution.

According to an Annahar report quoting sources, the Kuwait Finance House - the state’s top Islamic bank - lodged cases regarding accounts of three lawmakers, while they are studying the possibility of doing the same with accounts of three other MPs. The sources who spoke anonymously explained that the KFH is suspecting the source of suspicious deposits, and that they weren’t convinced about justifications provided by owners of these accounts. The sources also confirm that two other banks, the Gulf Bank and Commercial Bank, are currently studying suspicious cases which mean that more cases could be lodged in the near future; especially since NBK is looking into other new accounts.

In a related development, a group of bankers released a joint statement on Monday, condemning an earlier statement released by the Group 26 who demanded for more legislations to be enforced to provide more security into banking operations. In their statement, the anonymous bankers said that the G26’s statement hinted on shortcomings on the part of local banks “while ignoring the real reasons behind corruption”. They further insisted that banks strictly implement the law against everyone, while calling for “change in the state’s political approach to eliminate corruption”. — Al-Qabas, Al-Annahar

Legal workers’ strike to hold up court cases ‘Opposing discrimination against legal staff’

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: Court cases and other legal transactions being processed by the Ministry of Justice will be delayed from next Sunday due to the upcoming strike by staff there, whilst the public will be unable to complete business at various ministries’ offices, said a legal official yesterday. Around 2,000 legal employees working at 52 public institutions are set to participate in the strike, which was organized by the Legal Personnel Union, the insider told the Kuwait Times: “This Union represents all the legal staff working in all public sector institutions,” said Ahmad Al-Kandari, the director of the union’s media campaign. “This strike is held legally as it’s organized by the union to pro-

tect [members’] rights. The union was founded to be the legal umbrella for the workers and to protect their rights and legal benefits in the first place.” Al-Kandari explained that the strike, being held under the motto ‘Opposing discrimination against legal staff,’ is being held to protest against the inequality between the union members and other members of the legal profession, as well as to highlight their unjust treatment, he added. “We aim to highlight the oppression of these employees rather than confronting the decision makers,” he explained.

“We will continue with strike until the Civil Service Commission or other representatives of the government meet with the board of the Legal Staff Union.’

Al-Kandari continued, “The union

and the strikers demand justice, freedom, and equality for all the staff represented by it according to the Constitution, which ensures equal rights for all citizens. Also the right to hold the strike demanding our rights is was set in the Constitution for the labor unions, and it’s among the human rights that can’t be denied.” Other employees have also decided to join the industrial action, with detectives from the Investigation Department, who are not affiliated to the union, pledging that they will participate in the strike, Al-Kandari revealed, adding that members of the MoJ’s own staff union will also be taking part in the strike action in order to support their colleagues.

According to Al-Kandari many members of the ministries’ legal staff

have been neglected, although the rights of those in other professions have been acknowledged.

Unfortunately, he continued, the responsible authorities follow an open policy of discrimination against some staff, stressing that this is unacceptable. Legal workers are unjustly treated compared to employees at the Fatwa and Legislation Department and Municipality, Al-Kandari added, saying that it’s unfortunate that some bodies prefer to take action against employees for striking, even going so far as to threaten dismissal, simply because these staff stand up for their rights. The union boss called upon any employees facing such attempts at intimidation inform the union in order to safeguard his or her rights.

Kuwait keen on protection of workers ISTANBUL: Kuwait has made proposals to the 19th World Conference of occupational health and safety to protect workers from working at noon times, said Assistant Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor Jamal Al-Dosari yesterday.

Al-Dosari said on the sidelines of the third day of the conference held in Istanbul that the Kuwaiti proposals in this regard were “unprecedented”, adding that the Gulf states have followed the lead of Kuwait in the application of the law on preventing work at noon times.

He said the prevention of outdoor work in the afternoon in the summer season is an

important step that is in the interest of protecting workers and promoting the concept of occupational health and safety during the work, referring to the commitment of employers in Kuwait to the decision of the prohibition pursuant to the principle of protection.

He said there were some minor violations of this decision, which was applied with the entry of the Labor Law No. 6 of 2010 into force, stressing that employers who violated the decision had been prosecuted.

He stressed that the Ministry of Affairs is keen to collaborate with business owners to apply the standards for occupational health and safety in the workplace. He also stressed

that Kuwait’s record in this area is distinctive in the region and has considerable experience in the field of labor protection laws and legislation governing the employment sector, referring to the role of the inspection teams of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, which monitor the implementation of the decision at the workplace. Al-Dosari said that all the countries participating in the Istanbul conference presented papers on their experiences and that Kuwait had submitted a working paper on its experience in the regulation of the labor and protection of employment and places of work, especially the establishment of work inspectorates. — KUNA

Kuwait seeks to boost commercial cooperation with Benin, Russia

Romanian gang busted

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Hawally detectives arrested a three-member Romanian gang for laundering money with copied ATM cards.

The trio were caught just before attempting to leave Kuwait with KD60,000 with them.

Asians caught Two Asians were arrested near a club with 900 pornographic CDs which they were planning to sell to cafe customers.

They were referred to the relevant authorities.

Car accidents A 49-year-old Egyptian woman was hit by a car in Hawally and sustained various bruises. Paramedics admitted her to Mubarak Hospital.

Four Kuwaitis and one Indian, all in their twenties suffered minor injuries and bruising during a car accident in

Fahaheel. Paramedics treated them at the scene. A 53-year-old Kuwaiti suffered a dislocated right ankle while a 48-year-old Kuwaiti was left with broken ribs during a car accident in Sabahiya. They were taken to Adan Hospital.

A 22-year-old Kuwaiti woman complained of pain in the right foot, a 21year-old bedoon complained of pain in the back, while a 43-year-old Kuwaiti complained of a pain in the knee. They were taken to Jahra and Farwaniya Hospitals.

A 20-year-old Syrian man suffered an open fracture to his right arm following a motorcycle accident in Salmiya. He was rushed to Mubarak Hospital.

A 21-year-old Kuwaiti fractured his right arm and suffered lacerations to his nose following a car accident on Seventh Ring Road. He was taken to Farwaniya Hospital. Two Indians were injured during a car accident on Sixth Ring Road. Both were taken to Farwaniya Hospital.

Window fall A 24-year-old Indian woman was rushed to Adan Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit after suffering fractures to her spine, pelvis and right arm when she fell from a window of a high-rise building in Mubarak Al-Kabeer area.

Official injured A senior Ministry of Interior (MoI) official suffered minor injuries when his vehicle was hit by another during a car chase yesterday. According to a ministry insider, Major General Dr. Mustafa Al-Zaabi, the Mol’s Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs, was involved in a high-speed pursuit of a suspect’s car on Cairo Street when the wanted motorist drove through a red light; this caused another vehicle which swerved to avoid the reckless driver to hit Maj. Gen. Al-Zaabi’s car.

The injured official was taken to the Amiri Hospital.

KUWAIT: A senior Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) official yesterday met with a visiting delegation from the Republic of Benin to discuss means of bolstering bilateral and economic ties between the two countries.

In a statement issued after the meeting, MCI Undersecretary Abdulaziz Al-Khaldi explained that during the discussions the Beninois delegation had presented information on a number of investment

opportunities in the West African nation in various sectors, including construction and communications.

The Beninois delegation includes high-level officials from the country’s foreign ministry, the Director General of Benin’s Ministry of Commerce, and a number of representatives of private sector firms, with delegates also briefing their Kuwaiti counterparts on the relevant legislation in Benin and the prospective investment enterprises.

The senior MCI official also revealed that on Monday he had chaired a meeting of the KuwaitiRussian Technical Commission’s cooperation committee, which includes representatives of the Russian ministry of oil, and of its foreign and financial affairs ministries.

During the talks, he said, the two sides had agreed on the need to encourage more Kuwaiti and Russian firms to launch enterprises in Russia and Kuwait. — KUNA

NA delegation concludes Algeria visit ALGIERS: Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Algerian community abroad in the Algerian National Assembly, Ibrahim Boulahya, extolled yesterday the generous invitation by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Kuwaiti National Assembly MP Mubarak Al-Khurainej to Algerian Parliamentarians to visit Kuwait.

Boulahya said in a statement before the departure of the Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation that this call will be an important factor in expanding the political and parliamentary relations between the two countries and expressed optimism about the quality of these relations in the future.

And on the work of AlgerianKuwaiti Friendship Group, Boulahya

explained that the work session between the two sides was rich particularly that the two sides touched on the many hot issues in the Arab countries that have contributed to broadening the scope of joint cooperation between the two sides.

He added that the discussion was frank after the presentation of ideas and views in light of changes taking place in some Arab countries.

He stressed that such meetings help parliamentarians to benefit from the experiences of other experiences, especially from the Kuwaiti parliament, as the Kuwaiti National Assembly is among the most powerful parliaments in the Arab world and has positions that must be followed.

For his part, Al-Khurainij said he delivered two letters from the Spealer

of the Kuwaiti National Assembly Jassem Al-Kharafi to the Algerian Parliament Speaker Abdelqader bin Saleh and Speaker of the Algerian popular council Abdelaziz Zyari.

He described his four-day visit as “successful and important by all standards”, especially in light of the circumstances surrounding Arab countries such as Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Syria. He also revealed that his meetings with the Presidents of the upper and lower chambers of parliament were “excellent”, saying they were dominated by openness and exchange of ideas. He added that the visit served to strengthen parliamentary relations with Algeria and contributed to broadening the scope of joint cooperation between the two sides. — KUNA

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kuwait digest

Letters to Muna Al-Fuzai

Failure, Corruption, The End

Muna Al-Fuzai

muna@kuwaittimes.net

By Nawaf Al-Fuzai id you fail? A question I hope that you still have the conscience to answer. The standards by which we measure failure or success are many, but when the director of any establishment admits that there was a critical problem which he did not act to remedy then he is either a collaborator or he has failed in his management.

Our reputation overseas at present is bad, with everyone talking about the corruption we are living with.

The number of serious corruption cases today in Kuwait means we can no longer keep up with them all; corruption is endemic, with Gulf and American citizens admitting this long before Kuwaitis will.

In a corrupt country, whistleblowers who reveal corruption or violations are penalized with termination, transfer, suspension or prison. Also in the corrupt country, however, we see individuals of genuine integrity who have stood against corruption and paid a high price because of that at the Audit Bureau. Such great characters are available in all state’s facilities, and we are here to remind people about them.

Here we will focus on three different instances in three different fields, all of which are well-documented with witnesses still alive to testify to them, and all of which reveal deep-rooted corruption.

In the orphanages run by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor there have been numerous and clear violations by some of the staff appointed to take care of the vulnerable children there. A number of honest and honorable employees who fear Allah have testified to them, but have since apparently disappeared from their posts or fallen silent; what happened to them and the memo that they submitted detailing these violations to the minister? The document mysteriously disappeared, then after pressure from the media, the minister formed a committee to examine the issue, some of whose members may be amongst those named in the memo as being responsible for the violations.

The Minister of Social Affairs and Labor should remember the warning from Allah: “Therefore, treat not the orphan with oppression” and remember it well. If even one person has been driven to the point of suicide by oppressive and bullying behavior from orphanages’ staff this could destroy the country with all its people, including the government.

The honest employees who reported the staff’s actions were moved to other departments because they knew what sort of punishment they would receive if they remained in the same department.

Now we move from the MSAL to the foreign ministry, with another case of oppression against an honest employee, this time in a Kuwaiti embassy, who revealed the administrative and financial violations perpetrated by the ambassador; what was his reward for this act of integrity in exposing corruption? His salary was suspended while he was out of the country and he was banned from reentering the embassy, kicked out of his residence, and banned from returning. He then had to live in a hotel for two months at his personal expense, and all because he wrote official letters to his superiors informing them of the violations that were going on. We tell him thank God because when we complained with secret letters they wanted to jail us.

Now let’s hear about a third case, in which a manager was appointed at the Dasman Diabetes Institute which receives an annual budget from the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science. Within three months this free Kuwaiti uncovered an alarming number of violations at the institute; whilst the KFAS’ annual budget was recently increased from KD9 million to KD16 million, this didn’t mean any increase in the research into diabetes undertaken there.

Instead, we heard, the institute had appointed a foreign secretary, turning a blind eye to the absence of this individual, the daughter of a former political activist, for 21 consecutive days with no justification.

This employee’s travel expenses to Geneva and elsewhere are all funded by the institute since this is apparently considered more important than its stated objective of researching diabetes, a condition that affects one quarter of all Kuwaitis.

As a reward for drawing the public’s attention to misuse of public funds, as well as revealing a number of other violations which we will discuss at a future date, the honorable whistleblower was dismissed from his job. So, employees are transferred, a diplomatic official and a manager lose their jobs, all three being punished for others’ sins. This confirms that the government in Kuwait is most certainly not silent on corruption, but is instead complicit and actively participating in it, and intent on fighting all those who have the courage and integrity to uncover the network of corruption that dominates all fields, the government included. — Al-Watan

Dear Sister Muna, Assalamwalaikum, all of us condemn the tragic 9/11 incident, but your column ‘In memory of 9/11’ was absolutely uncalled for. Muslims were being victimized in the name of terrorism without any proof. Why are you not remembering Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Palestine, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Chechnya, Gujarat, Mumbai etc?

Instead of begging warmonger America, let us all beg Allah the Almighty for His mercy and forgiveness. This is the only way to success. All others are just an illusion.

A reader

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kuwait digest

Will there be a Kuwait Spring?

By Mudhafar Abdullah ill there be a Kuwait Spring? Before answer- in areas such as constituency laws and the introducing this question, we will summarize by say- tion of political parties. Even more clear have been ing that nine Arab countries - Tunisia, the demands to stop ‘messing’ with public funds Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Algeria, and corrupting state bodies with appointments Morocco and Oman - have witnessed popular upris- made on the basis of nepotism and ‘wasta.’ It is no ings that were not manufactured by parties or exist- longer smart to comfort oneself by repeating the ing political powers, but broke out spontaneously saying that since Kuwait is a state of institutions on their streets, with changes at various levels of with a constitution there will be no spring or similar uprising. The problem today influence in the existing is in those institutions and regimes. On another level Kuwait will not be an the way we deal with the there have been less intense constitution. movements in other countries exception to popular The problem is in the - Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, demands, because the administrative failure, the Kuwait, Lebanon and Sudan change in the form and type sickness in ministries and the in which the people wanted to squandering of public funds improve living, or administraof popular movement has without any benefit, as well tive conditions and to reduce been obvious for some time, as the marginalization of levels of corruption. forsaking the traditional human resources; these are To say that cer tain Arab all issues which the varying countries (the oil and gas rich moderate political appeals but effectively identical cabicountries) will be immune and issuing demands that nets which have now run against the Arab spring is inachave become progressively Kuwait for over two decades curate for a simple reason; should be asked about after each country has its own “spegreater, extending to using the policy of buying cial spring”, and each spring demands that the Cabinet time as a strategy to stop has its own issues, and each and premier be elected many reform projects. people have their way of These are the issues of our expressing their anger, based members, as well as urging spring in Kuwait, clear and on the nature of the existing long overdue reforms in decided, and they will lead us political system, and the areas such as constituency along an unknown path; the degree allowed for expression, nature of things indicates in addition to the socio-politilaws and the introduction of that people can be patient cal structure of the society political parties. with corruption but they do components (tribal) such as not remain silent forever.

Libya and Yemen and In normal circumstances (Sectarian) such as Syria and they will use the tools availBahrain.

Kuwait, which is our topic here, will not be an able to them, such as electing parliamentary repreexception to popular demands, because the change sentatives, condemning the government in the in the form and type of popular movement has newspapers or holding public protests; when the been obvious for some time, forsaking the tradition- circumstances are extraordinary, however, they may al moderate political appeals and issuing demands surpass these usual and expected means of protest. that have become progressively greater, extending We must hope that real reforms are instituted so to demands that the Cabinet and premier be elect- that we don’t end up with ‘unexpected’ forms of ed members, as well as urging long overdue reforms protest as people grow tired of waiting. — Al-Jarida

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kuwait digest

A matter of principles

Hello Muna, I read your article in the Kuwait Times ‘In memory of 9/11’. Thank you for speaking kindly about the United States. It was a great honor to be able to live and work in Kuwait for two years. I really enjoyed it and will never forget it. I served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I am proud that the United States stood by our ally Kuwait in their time of need. Kuwait has a great friend and ally in the United States. We will never let anything happen to your country. I always tell people in America how nice and family-oriented the Arab people are. I would like to see the US government make it easier for Kuwaitis to get to come to the US to travel, go to school and to immigrate and become American citizens.

Regards, Lance Dear Muna, I appreciate your attention regarding the problem concerning the salaries of expatriates here in Kuwait. I think this issue should be discussed by officials who have the heart to help us. Imagine the people who have families here, and who have to manage their livelihoods with just KD150. I hope that the ministry will give us favorable attention regarding this matter some day.

Cecil

kuwait digest

Re-writing history

By Dahem Al-Qahtani he demand to form an elected government is not new. For many years now, talks have been on about it in legal opinions or in political releases. But lately this demand has shifted to become a slogan chanted by demonstrators in the streets of Kuwait, on the morning of the His Highness the Prime Minister ’s grilling last December, when demonstrators chanted “NA council... freedom... and popular government.”

Recently, 16th Sept youths issued a press release in which they announced their demand for an elected government. This is the first release issued with such a demand, and it also includes a call for demonstrations in order to achieve this goal apart from other goals. Political streams in Kuwait are not expected to support the youths of 16th Sept -

T

By Saad Al-Saeedi irst, we must salute the National Bank of one among them considering their costs despite ad Kuwait for their courage. The bank took a deci- revenues.

This might explain why some journalists try to sion to report the accounts of some MPs who make a quick buck here or are suspected of having there. This only reflects the received “suspicious paymisuse of the profession ments” from the public prosewhich is supposed to be cutor. This salute to NBK Revealing the financial straightforward and honcomes from all Kuwaitis who est. are aware of the pressure on statement of MPs who did not I would like the financial the bank to cover up the matsign it will speed up the end status of every journalist to ter to protect some MPs who of their political life. Their be revealed, regardless of cannot afford this kind of a whether they are in print or scandal. refusal will give us Kuwaiti electronic. I have a feeling But monitoring should not citizens the chance to get rid that corruption has now stop with the accounts alone of every corrupt person, who seeped into their profesnow; it should move on to sion and the dirty money another impor tant sector wants to make use of their which has played an imporprofession. So, is there any which was in the MPs accounts has percolated to tant role in the society. newspaper which will volunthe accounts of journalists.

This sector is the journalRevealing the financial ists and media. Their accounts teer and announce their statement of MPs who did should be monitored to names to the public? Or do we not sign it will speed up the reveal anyone who will have to keep silence till cor- end of their political life. attempt to make use of the media to manipulate the ruption goes on to destroy Their refusal will give us Kuwaiti citizens the chance truth and mislead public the entire nation? to get rid of every corrupt opinion. Definitely many person, who wants to make stand to fall from grace once use of their profession. So, their names and accounts is there any newspaper come under the spotlight. which will volunteer and It is common knowledge that the media sector in Kuwait does not pay much. announce their names to the public? Or do we have In fact, it may as well be the lowest in the private to keep silence till corruption goes on to destroy the sector though TV channels could also be counted entire nation? — Al-Aan

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Those who call for reforms and sacrifices will go down in histor y with those who cheat the public through empty declarations. Any strike against 16th Sept youths or misuse of law to put them in jail will turn the peaceful protests to violent ones and will be an unprecedented case in Kuwait.

though they may attend the demonstration sheepishly. But that is not the point; speeches are not good for those political streams.

Those who call for reforms and sacrifices will go down in history with those who cheat the public through empty declarations. Any strike against 16th Sept youths or misuse of law to put them in jail will turn the peaceful protests to violent ones and will be an unprecedented case in Kuwait.

People still have not got over the shock of beating citizens and MPs in Al-Harbash Deewan on the night of December 8 when demonstrations started in Tunis in protest of the oppression which the Tunisian youths have faced. We have already said it before: miscalculation of the youths activities is a dangerous thing. — Al-Aan

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KUWAIT: Dignitaries attending the conference on Information Sharing for Better Humanitarian Action 2011 yesterday.

Horn of Africa crisis tops Kuwait conference agenda KUWAIT: The second annual conference on Information Sharing for Better Humanitarian Action 2011, a high level event gathering major players in the humanitarian arena, opened yesterday at the headquarters of the International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) in Kuwait under the auspices of HH the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. The event, which ran for over two days (September 12 and 13) has been organized by the United Nations

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in cooperation with IICO and Direct Aid. “2011 has been an extraordinary year, presenting aid workers with unprecedented challenges -many of them in the Islamic world. Effective partnership means working closely together to identify needs and determine ways to best meet them for the benefit of the affected communities.

Kuwait has provided excellent leadership and built on the outstanding start made by Oman which hosted the meet-

ing that established the Regional Humanitarian Information Network,” Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos said at the conference which opened on September 12. In view of the worsening food crisis affecting 13.3 million people in the Horn of Africa, the conference devoted an entire day to raising awareness about the crisis and discussing ways of cooperation. It provided an opportunity to those directly involved in or affected by the East

African food crisis to brief participants on the situation on the ground and highlight the required coordinated response.

“Information sharing is extremely vital for humanitarian action. It guarantees better coordination and more effective response and helps overcome the risk of duplicating relief efforts,” said Dr Abdellah Maatooq Al-Maatooq, Chairman of IICO and Advisor to the Amir. During the workshop, participants from the United Nations, government entities and various local regional

and international organizations discussed information sharing and ways of strengthening partnerships between humanitarian organizations.

“This conference provided a useful platform for highlighting the importance of information sharing among various humanitarian stakeholders.

The recent emergencies in various areas of the world highlight the need for better coordination to ensure more effective response,” said Dr AbdulRahman Saleh Al-Muhailan, Vice Chairman for Direct Aid.

Kuwait hosts outstanding US students KUWAIT: The media department of foreign states in the external media sector at the Ministry of Information is currently hosting a number of outstanding students representing the US University of Los Angeles (UCLA), in a program organized in coordination with the Kuwaiti Consulate in Los Angeles.

The US delegation visit is aimed at educating the guests about various public and

KUWAIT: New section of the First Ring Road which opened on Monday.

— Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

New section of First Ring Road opens

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: Senior officials from the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) and the Ministry of Interior’s (MoI) traffic department on Monday jointly inaugurated a new section of the First Ring Road, part of the MPW ’s plan to expand and improve the quality of Kuwait’s road network.

Amongst the parts of the new section opened on Monday was the 681-meter Upper Bridge Number One, connecting the southern part of the First Ring Road with Jamal Abdul Nasser Road.

The project also includes minor roads on either side of the 540-meter Bridge Number 10 for pedestrians on AlShuhada Street, which connects AlShuhada Street to the street leading towards the Palace of Justice.

The opening of another of the new

bridges, linking the junction of the First Ring Road and Riyadh Road heading towards Jamal Abdul Nasser Street will ensure a smooth flow of traffic on First Ring Road heading towards Riyadh Road, according to the ministry.

The MPW also recently launched a small road network behind the Palace of Justice, as well as opening Bridges Four and Five beside the Jahra Gate Roundabout to help reduce traffic congestion.

The First Ring Road project has been planned to provide more access routes to and from the central areas of the capital, as well as providing more pedestrian bridges, in order to reduce traffic congestion at Jahra Roundabout. The project, which will cover a 15-kilometer area in all once finished has been divided into three parts, including 17 bridges for vehicles and a further seven for pedestrians.

Youth group promotes charity work in Kuwait KUWAIT: The field of voluntary work in Kuwait is booming, with innovative initiatives, such as ‘Spread the Passion’ introduced by youth groups which focus on charity work.

‘Spread the Passion’s chairperson and founder Fatima Al-Musawi explained that the group aims to encourage voluntary works and to allow volunteers to interact with charity bodies and projects.

The group, whose motto is ‘Giving: Part of Living,’ has already taken part in a number of activities, including fairs, awarenessraising events, beach clean-ups and fun runs for charity, she added. The group, which now has over 500 volunteers, has also previously held fundraising drives for the Bayt Abdullah hospice, which provides palliative care to children with terminal and chronic illnesses and their families and care providers.

‘Spread the Passion’ is also set to participate in a global ‘One Million Environmental Activities’ campaign, in which each country

seeks to document or register one million environment-related initiatives there, whether these originate from the public or private sector or from individuals, explained Al-Musawi, adding that it’s also participating in the ‘Journey of Hope’ project for mentally disabled children.

Civilizations are measured by their members’ charitable acts, Al-Musawi stressed, adding that Kuwait is remarkable for the number of charity projects it’s involved in worldwide.

She added that on a personal level too involvement in this field has benefited her, saying that working in this area has greatly boosted her self-esteem. Those wishing to find out more about ‘Spread the Passion’ can do so through both its Facebook page or Twitter account, she noted.

‘Spread the Passion’ was established on Feb 14, 2010, and its actions and initiatives are based on the values of caring for humanity and offering others all the help they need with ease and flexibly. — KUNA

Mubarak hails Kuwaiti lawyers KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti lawyer who is joined by other colleagues in defending former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak believes that half of the Egyptian people support their ousted president and wish he would return. Speaking in an interview published recently by Al-Rai, attorney Bashayer Al-Habeeb stated that Mubarak expressed his appreciation to the Kuwaiti team when he met them during his trial and told them that he will “never forget this stance”.

Reasserting that the Kuwaiti lawyers were defending Mubarak and his two sons, Jamaal and Ala’a, Al-Habeeb said that the ousted president ’s sons also expressed appreciation towards the team’s gesture, adding that they received a ‘go ahead’ from Jamaal to continue

defending their cause “until his father’s innocence is proven”.

Al-Habeeb further rejected claims that she and her colleagues were looking for fame.

“Kuwait has many cases which can place the spotlight on lawyers such as Al-Maimouni’s case”, Al-Habeeb said, referring to the case early this year in which a Kuwaiti citizen died owing to torture from police personnel.

She also argued with the notion that her team’s stance is giving a bad name to Kuwait and putting the government in an embarrassing position, arguing that the same thing could be said about the Egyptian lawyers and their country’s reputation. “Our step is fair and reflects Kuwait’s appreciation of Egypt” AlHabeeb said. — Al-Rai

private sectors, namely tasks in the political, economic, social and cultural fields, said the director of foreign media sector, Abdullah Zaid Al-Khaldi.

This department is organizing the schedule of the visit of these guests, such as a visit to the seaside headquarters of the National Assembly (Parliament), buildings and offices of ministries, government institutions and

welfare societies.

The UCLA delegation groups students of excellent grades. They are studying political sciences, international studies and Middle Eastern affairs.

Meanwhile, the visiting students expressed great admiration of Kuwait’s modernization and freedoms enjoyed by the citizens. — KUNA

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Asian in custody for stealing money from neighbor’s account Two muggers caught in Farwaniya

A PIC stand where donations were collected during the campaign.

PIC concludes successful Somalia aid campaign KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) has concluded its donations campaign to provide aid to victims of the ongoing famine and drought crisis in Somalia, which was launched at the beginning of Ramadan and run in cooperation with the International Islamic Charitable Organization.

“The campaign was organized following calls made by humanitarian aid organizations worldwide to provide immediate aid to thousands of people affected by the worst drought to hit the Horn of Africa in sixty years”, said the PIC’s communications and services manager Abdulhadi Al-Hajri in a press release.

The campaign was deemed a “huge success” seeing wide participation from PIC staff, Al-Hajri indicated.

Abdulhadi Al-Hajri

KUWAIT: An Asian man has been arrested for stealing his neighbor’s bank card and using it to withdraw KD500. The victim lodged a complaint at the local police station after discovering that the money had been stolen from his bank account in a transaction he had not conducted.

Detectives obtained the CCTV footage from the bank where the money was withdrawn, discovering that at the time when the illicit transaction was reported to have taken place, a masked man had been pictured withdrawing money. On seeing the footage, the victim identified the suspect as his next door neighbor since, despite the mask, part of the thief’s face was still visible. On being questioned, the crooked neighbor admitted to slipping into the next-door home and taking the card before committing the theft and returning the card back to his neighbor’s wallet.

He has been referred to the relevant authorities on charges of theft and improper use of bank facilities.

Tragic accident A baby boy died following a tragic accident at his parents’ home in Farwaniya. The baby’s distraught father apparently rushed his son to the local hospital after a gas cylinder fell on the infant from a high shelf where it had been left in the family’s home. Police are pressing negligence charges against the grieving mother who was apparently in the home when the accident took place.

Manic motorist Police are hunting for a male driver who intentionally drove his car directly at a traffic officer while escaping after being caught breaking the speed limit. The motorbike patrol officer was on duty in Hawally when he spotted a car being driven at high speed. He called for backup as he pursued the driver after the motorist ignored demands to pull over. During the resulting chase, the traffic officer had to drive his motorbike along the pavement at one point to avoid being intentionally hit by the reckless

Kuwait PM’s visit to Switzerland ‘historic’ BERN, Switzerland: Kuwait’s Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation Dr Suhail Khalil Shuhaiber underscored yesterday that the visit of His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad AlSabah to the Swiss Confederation is “historic.”

Shuhaiber said that the visit is the first of its kind for a high-level Kuwaiti official to the Swiss Confederation since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1961.

He said the diplomatic representation between the two countries began in 1966 with the appointment of His Highness as the first consul general of the State of Kuwait to the Swiss Confederation in Geneva as well as the Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva.

He added that Switzerland had opened an embassy in Kuwait in 1975 followed by a reciprocal step by Kuwait in line with the desire of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah which opened a Kuwaiti embassy in the capital Bern in April 2006.

The Kuwaiti Ambassador added that this visit comes in response to an invitation from the President of the Swiss Confederation and Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey who visited Kuwait in November of last year.

Shuhaiber pointed out that “the people of Kuwait would never forget the noble position of the Swiss People during the brutal invasion of Saddam Hussein’s forces which Switzerland had strongly condemned in international forums, in addition to granting Kuwaiti citizens present at the time in Switzerland the right of residence without restriction or condition, and opened doors of its schools for all Kuwaitis”.

He said that His Highness the Prime Minister is keen during this visit to translate the desire of HH the Amir in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two peoples, as HH the Premier would be heading a highlevel delegation of officials and a group of senior businessmen from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait.

He added that His Highness and his delegation will hold talks with the

President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations on all levels, especially after the State of Kuwait had ratified the Convention on the free trade between the GCC and the Swiss Confederation.

He said that Calmy-Rey will hold a luncheon in honor of His Highness the Prime Minister and the delegation accompanying him.

He added that HH the Prime Minister would also meet President of the Swiss Federal Council of Representatives, Jean-Pierre Germnier and Mayor of Bern. Commenting on the importance of Switzerland as a distinct European country, the ambassador said that “although the Swiss people do not exceed eight million, it encourages a dual creative education system because it combines academic and practical education.”

He added that this strategy has made Switzerland occupy first place in the innovation between countries of the world as it has in the last year earned the highest percentage among the world’s Nobel Prize winners compared to the number of its population. — KUNA

Kuwait, GCC ‘extremely generous’ to Somalia famine relief efforts KUWAIT: Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been extremely generous when it comes to offering financial support to famine relief efforts in Somalia, said the UN’s Undersecretary General and Emergency Relief Coordinator (USG/ERC) Baroness Valerie Amos yesterday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Second Annual Workshop on Information Sharing for Better Humanitarian Action, Baroness Amos said, “His Highness the Amir of Kuwait had really led the call in providing financial support with his personal donation of $1 million,” adding that the rest of Kuwait had followed suit, making the country one of the leading donors. “Part of the purpose of this visit is to thank peoples and governments for the support they’ve given us and shed more light on the situation in the drought-stricken Horn of Africa,” said the baroness.

On the horrific famine, Baroness Amos said, “Some 13 million people are hit by famine in the Horn of Africa, four million of which are in Somalia, scattered over seven regions.”

The two-day workshop, which began earlier yesterday under the auspices of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, was organized by the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and in cooperation with the International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) and Direct Aid. “Within Somalia, the security situation in the capital Mogadishu remains extremely fragile,” Baroness Amos went on.

“I was there about three or four weeks ago and saw large numbers of people moving in Mogadishu for food and aid. I was shocked to see the level of malnutrition in children. We’re facing enormous challenges, as the problem was not only the lack of food, but also the lack of other services, like healthcare and shelter.

The problems facing the people of Somalia are multifaceted, explained the senior UN official: “With Al-Shabaab movement controlling a number of major areas, they have banned some aid agencies, like the UN’s World Food Program, from practicing their activities.” Amos, who for the last 30 years was active on the promotion of human rights, social justice and equality on the African continent, pointed out.

Al-Shabaab is a group of Islamist militants fighting to overthrow the government of Somalia. As of 2011, the group controls large swathes of the southern parts of Somalia, where it is said to have imposed its own strict form of Sharia law.

Baroness Amos, who was made a life peer in the British House of Lords in 1997 and has worked for 30 years in the field

of promoting human rights, social justice and equality, also expressed her gratitude to the Islamic charities which were able to reach some parts of Somalia out of bounds to UN agencies, saying, “A number of Islamic charitable organizations have been operating in Somalia for a long time, and were able to get to some parts of Somalia that some UN agencies couldn’t. So, their contribution has been invaluable.”

On the other roles which Kuwait and the other GCC nations can play beside being financially supportive, Baroness Amos said, “On the political side, these countries can always operate within their UN memberships in a bid to help come up with a resolution to the situation in ‘complicated’ Somalia.”

In her opening speech at the conference, the senior UN official said, “Effective partnership means working closely together to identify needs and determine ways to best meet them for the benefit of the affected communities.”

She lauded Kuwait’s contribution, saying, “Kuwait has provided excellent leadership and built on the outstanding start made by Oman, which hosted the meeting that established the Regional Humanitarian Information Network.”

As a minister in the former British government, Amos worked with colleagues globally to tackle poverty in Africa by increasing aid flows through debt relief initiatives and promoting private-sector investment on the continent.

Another speaker at yesterday’s prestigious event, the Advisor to HH the Amir and IICO Chairman Dr Abdullah AlMaatouq, said “Information-sharing is extremely vital for humanitarian action. It guarantees better coordination and more effective response and helps overcome the risk of duplicating relief efforts.”

During the workshop, participants from the United Nations, government entities and various local, regional and international organizations discussed information sharing and ways of strengthening partnerships between humanitarian bodies.

Amongst the other prominent dignitaries taking in the opening session were GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani, Plenipotentiary Minister, Director of the Department of Health and Humanitarian Assistance at Arab League Ambassador Laila Najm and Assistant Secretary General and Spokesman of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ambassador Atta AlMannane Bakhit. The countries which sent representatives to the event included the GCC member states, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia. — KUNA

driver who intentionally targeted him. The manic motorist eventually escaped before the backup officers arrived, with police now using the car’s license plate numbers in order to trace the driver.

Thick thespian An amateur actor thought his nascent showbusiness career gives him carte blanche to break traffic laws and get away with it, but came down to earth with a bump when he was forced to pay a hefty fine before he could renew his car ’s registration. The thespian, who was unnamed in the news report, was apparently shocked when he was informed at a local traffic department office that he has to pay KD2,000 in traffic fines before his car’s registration could be renewed. Although he desperately tried to find a way out of his predicament by making a few calls to fellow thespians, the young man was eventually forced to pay the money. It was revealed that most of the penalties the actor had accrued took place at a ‘lover’s lane’ near the Second Ring Road where young people often gather to flirt and find partners.

Baby blues An Asian woman working as a housemaid is facing a number of charges after she gave birth to a baby following an illicit relationship.

Paramedics and police headed to a Kuwaiti man’s home when he reported that he was worried for the welfare of the family’s maid after she locked herself in her room and refused to open the door. On arriving and forcing the door open, emergency services personnel discovered that the woman was actually in labor, with paramedics helping to deliver a healthy baby boy before taking the mother and child to Mubarak Hospital. The maid subsequently told officers that she had been involved in an illicit relationship with a man of the same nationality. Police are now hunting for the new father.

Bootleggers busted Two people were arrested in Mangaf in possession of 188 bottles of homemade liquor they had prepared for sale. The two men were forced to stop at a street in the area following a car chase that ensued after they ignored orders to pull over. They were placed under arrest after the patrol officers found the hooch inside the vehicle, and referred them to the relevant authorities.

Muggers caught Police have arrested two men - a Kuwaiti and a bedoon (stateless) resident - who are suspected of being involved in numerous muggings in Farwaniya, in which they attacked and robbed Asian residents. An investigation was launched after one of their victims reported that he had been brutally mugged and robbed by two men who stole his cell phone and cash before driving way in an SUV. Police eventually traced the vehicle to the two men, who were caught on the Sixth Ring Road. During questioning they admitted that they had carried out at least 20 other similarly brutal attacks. They have been referred to the relevant authorities.

Drug busts Three men are facing multiple charges in relation to the possession of drugs and, in one case, a gun. The investigation began after the General Department of Drugs Control (GDDC) received a tip-off about the activities of an Iranian drug dealer.

The suspect was monitored and set up in a sting operation, with an undercover agent posing as a customer. The dealer was caught red-handed during the transaction, and quickly led the officers to his Egyptian supplier who was arrested at a Hawally apartment. The second man then informed officers about a third, Kuwaiti, supplier, who was later arrested in the same area in possession of a large quantity of hashish and a handgun. All three men were referred to the relevant authorities.

—Al-Rai, Al-Anbaa, Al-Qabas

Sinyar divers protect Kubbar coral reefs KUWAIT: The Sinyar Dive Team of the Kuwait Voluntary Work Center installed 20 buoys —lifted marine markers — around the coasts of the Kubbar Island, in order to protect coral reefs from fishing activities.

The location witnesses an average of 100 fishing boats visiting during weekends.

This operation is a part of the team’s comprehensive plan to protect coral reef locations in Kuwait’s territorial waters and increase awareness regarding their importance to the country’s marine environment, explained operations supervisor Jamaal Dashty in a recent press statement.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

Gunmen slay 22 Shiite pilgrims in Iraq’s West

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‘Day of anger’ against Russia Arab states seek end to violence in Syria DAMASCUS: Syrian activists held “day of anger” protests against Russia yesterday as a Western-led drive for UN sanctions over the regime’s deadly crackdown ran into new opposition from Moscow and Beijing.

Demonstrators burned Russian flags in the flashpoint protest hubs of Homs in the centre and Daraa in the south in protest at Moscow’s support for President Bashar Al-Assad, activists said.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Syria could plunge into “civil war,” as he began in Egypt a tour of Arab countries where uprisings have ousted autocratic leaders. He expressed frustration with Assad’s regime, with which he had built up close ties, for failing to “listen to the voice of the people,” who have been demanding democracy in almost daily protests for six months. “Do not support the killers,” activists urged Russia in a message announcing yesterday’s action posted on The Syrian Revolution 2011, a Facebook page that has been a driving force behind the protest movement. “We express our anger towards Russia and the Russian government.

The regime will disappear but the people will live,” the activists added.

Moscow has blocked Western-led efforts at the UN Security Council to impose sanctions against the Syrian regime and is promoting a rival draft resolution that simply calls on the government and the opposition to open direct talks. President Dmitry Medvedev defended the Russian position in talks in Moscow on Monday with British Prime Minister David Cameron even as the Syrian security forces pressed their deadly crackdown on dissent.

Yesterday, police and troops again deployed in force, carr ying out search and arrest operations in a string of towns, activists said. One person was killed during searches in Deir Ezzor province in the northeast while five more were wounded when troops went house to house in Houla in Homs province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in Cyprus. Also in Homs, two people were reported dead, one of whom was kidnapped four days ago and whose corpse was handed to the family and a second succumbing to

injuries suffered during security operations Saturday, the Observatory said.

ARAB LEAGUE Meanwhile, Arab League states want Syria to use dialogue, not arms, to address a five-month-old rebellion that Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has tried to crush with tanks and troops, the League’s chairman told a foreign ministers’ meeting yesterday.

But Arab ministers will also consider a call to reject unilateral US sanctions against Damascus, according to a draft resolution obtained by Reuters.

The United States, which has imposed limits on trade with Syria under its 2004 Syria Accountability Act-referred to in the draft as “a violation of international law ”, has stepped up sanctions to include Assad, several aides and businesses.

Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby said he had agreed a series of measures with Assad on Saturday after a visit to Damascus, and would present them to ministers at the meeting in Cairo that was called to discuss Syria and other Arab issues. “We think the solution must come through ending the use of arms, putting an end to bloodshed and resorting to wisdom and dialogue,” said Sheikh Hamad, who is also Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister.

MORE BLOOD SHED In one of Syria’s largest countrywide military assaults against prodemocracy protests, Assad forces shot dead five mourners yesterday when they fired at a funeral for villagers killed the day before near Hama, local activists said. Security police snipers began shooting from the roof of a school and a municipal water tank in the town of Kfar Nubouzeh, when hundreds of mourners began chanting slogans demanding Assad’s downfall, activists in contact with residents said. One of the activists said Kfar Nubouzeh was among the regions hardest hit by the assaults, which killed at least 15 villagers and drove thousands from their homes, because it is the hometown of Hama’s attorney general, who announced his defection ten days ago and has not been heard from since. “Kfar Nubouzeh has been

also a meeting point for protesters from surrounding villages,” he said.

The military operation focused on villages and towns north of Hama and on the Al-Ghab Plain, farmland to the east. The area has seen regular protests and serves as a supply centre for army deserters who took refuge in

the adjacent region of Jabal AlZawiya near the Turkish border, residents and activists said. Most of the deserters, who are estimated to number in the hundreds, are from the Sunni Muslim rank and file, which is dominated by an officer core from Syria’s minority Alawite sect, the same sect as Assad and the ruling hierarchy.

ARAB LEAGUE TEAM In his opening address, Sheikh Hamad also urged the international community to back a Palestinian bid for statehood, which Arabs will support at the United Nations this month. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Arab states had agreed to push for Palestinian membership of the United Nations despite a US threat to block such a move.

Arab foreign ministers, who began efforts in July to organize backing for the Palestinian bid, decided to set up a team comprising the Arab League head and six League members to further pursue the controversial application, due to be submitted when the UN General Assembly opens on Sept 19. Elaraby said Arab states were in contact with various parties to ensure widest recognition of a Palestinian state. The Palestinians decided to seek UN recognition of statehood after years of negotiations with Israel failed to deliver the independent state they want to establish in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem. —Agencies

Iran hangs 3 for drugs, 2 for murder TEHRAN: Iran hanged five people yesterday, three of them for drug trafficking and two in public for murder, local media reported. In the capital, a 25-year-old convicted of murder after he confessed to stabbing a fellow student to death in broad daylight in early July was sent to the gallows near the scene of the crime, a bridge in northwest Tehran, the state television website reported.

The man, who was identified only by his first name Kousha, had carried out the crime after the victim spurned him, the website added. In the southern town of Dashtestan, a man was hanged in public after being found guilty of murdering four members of a family a year ago, the Fars news agency reported. In the central shrine city of Qom, Fars said that three convicted drug smugglers it

identified by the initials of MM, AB and MD were hanged. It did not specify whether the execution was carried out in public or in prison.

The latest hangings bring to 197 the number of executions reported in Iran so far this year, according to an AFP tally based on media and official reports. Iranian media reported 179 hangings last year but international human rights groups say the actual number was much higher, ranking the Islamic republic second only to China in the number of people it executed in 2010. Tehran says the death penalty is essential to maintain law and order, and that it is applied only after exhaustive judicial proceedings.

Murder, rape, armed robbery, drug trafficking and adultery are among the crimes punishable by death in Iran. —AFP

Egypt’s ex-spy chief testifies CAIRO: Egypt ’s ex-intelligence chief Omar Suleiman testified yesterday in the trial of former president Hosni Mubarak who faces charges of involvement in the killings of protesters, state television said. There were no further details about the testimony which was held behind closed doors.

Trial judge Ahmed Refaat, at a September 7 hearing, ordered that Suleiman’s testimony and those of two senior militar y officials be held behind closed doors for reasons of “national security.”

Earlier television footage of the first two sessions of the trial which opened August 3 showed the ailing 83-year- old Mubarak , who faces charges of involvement in the killings of protesters and corruption, lying on a stretcher and in a cage in the cour troom. The charges against Mubarak, who has

Omar Suleiman pleaded not guilty, follow months of protests demanding justice for the roughly 850 people killed dur-

ing the revolt which ended his regime. The trial is being held in a police academy once named after Mubarak on Cairo’s outskirts. Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, Egypt’s military ruler, was due to take the witness stand on Sunday and chief of the general staff, Sami Anan, was to testify on Monday.

But their testimonies were postponed to S eptember 24 for Tantawi and September 25 for Anan, judicial sources said.

Tantawi, who is the de facto head of state since the fall of Mubarak to a popular uprising in February, faced a last minute difficult y which made him unavailable to testify as scheduled on Sunday, the sources said. Tantawi is one of the highest profile witnesses called to testify at Mubarak’s trial, which has grabbed widespread regional attention. —AFP

IDLIB: An image shows Syrian anti-regime demonstrators burning a Russian flag during “day of anger” protests against Russia yesterday. (Inset) Photo shows a Syrian anti-regime demonstrator holding a placard that reads in Arabic “We rely on God not on Russia and not on the rest of the world”. —AFP

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Palestinians’ UN gambit could spur changes JERUSALEM: Many Israelis are dismissing the Palestinians’ efforts to win international recognition of their independence at the United Nations this month as merely symbolic. But the Palestinians hope the high-profile maneuvering, on a grand global stage, might yield results that have eluded them through decades of peace talks, popular uprisings and violence campaigns. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is set to address the UN next week, planning to ask the world to recognize a Palestinian state.

The path to full membership seems blocked because it goes through the Security Council, the powerful 15-member body where the United States - still urging the Palestinians to back down - promises a veto. But the General Assembly, meeting next week in New York, seems likely to recognize Palestine as a nonmember observer state. This status, identical to that of the Vatican, requires only a simple majority of those present in the 193member body. Formally, General Assembly recognition would be mainly declarative. But in the Middle East, especially at this time, events could quickly spiral out of hand. The Palestinian gambit could have farreaching consequences. While it’s impossible to predict how things will unfold, here’s a look at some of the possible scenarios: RESUMPTION OF VIOLENCE Israelis fear a return to the violence that typified the first half of the previous decade, when Palestinian suicide bombings and

Rights in Israel noted that if the Palestinians join international conventions on torture, the rights of the child and the rules of engagement in war, they may themselves be exposed to charges by Israeli victims of suicide bombings, rocket barrages or other attacks.

less at will, regularly killing militants but leaving considerable collateral destruction in its wake. This arrangement will be much more difficult to sustain once the General Assembly has recognized Gaza to be part of a state, even if one that is a nonmember.

ISRAEL’S FREEDOM OF ACTION IN GAZA Israel claims it has no obligations to Gaza because its military occupa-

RETALIATORY STEPS Israeli Cabinet Minister Gilad Erdan said Israel has not yet decided how to react. But officials acknowledge they have a wide range of options. Some hard-line Likud members have said Israel should annex the West Bank in response to a Palestinian declaration of independence. Others have urged at least a partial annexation as well, perhaps of areas close to the pre-1967 frontiers where most settlers live. This is not likely anytime soon either, because the world reaction would be so hostile.

But more conceivable are steps it has enacted in the past, such as withholding Palestinian tax and customs duties that Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinians. Israel could ratchet up such tactics, or hamper Palestinian freedom of movement, or step up settlement building in areas of the West Bank it most badly wants to keep.

Palestinian officials occasionally rattle a saber right back: Should Israel push things too far, they could dismantle the Palestinian Authority, the autonomy government established under interim peace accords two decades ago. That would leave the Jewish state responsible for the welfare and policing of millions of unwanted Palestinian subjects.

Israeli retaliations were the order of the day. Israeli media have warned of mass marches into Jerusalem, the besieging of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, the storming of borders and attacking of army checkpoints. The Palestinians do plan demonstrations to coincide with the diplomatic activity, but they insist all will be peaceful and dismiss Israel’s fears, accusing it of heating up the atmosphere to discredit their efforts.

A senior Palestinian security official said the Palestinian president had given clear orders to prevent any friction with the Israelis at checkpoints and settlements. The PLO has formed a special committee to oversee the “field activities” but it does not include Hamas, the militant group that since 2007 has run the Gaza Strip, a coastal strip that has been a launching pad for persistent rocket fire at Israel. Israeli authorities also fear that unofficial activity, even a provocative act by a lone individual, could spark wider violence. Israeli security forces have been training and stockpiling riotcontrol equipment in anticipation of trouble.

adviser to Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

Shaath said the Palestinians will also appeal to the International Criminal Court “to protect our people from the Israeli crimes.” That court allows cases against individuals, whether members of the military or government. Although Israel - like the United States - is not a member, 116 countries, including most of Europe, are.

Israeli soldiers or officials could face threat of arrest in any of them.

ISRAEL UNDER LEGAL ASSAULT Senior Palestinian official Nabil Shaath says the Palestinians would use their upgraded status to seek full membership in UN bodies like the World Health Organization, UNESCO, and the International Court of Justice. That’s usually limited to full member states, raising the possibility of a challenge in each case.

“That will make life difficult for Israel because we will have to fight each one,” said Alan Baker, a former legal

GAZA: Cups designed as part of the campaign promoting the Palestinians’ bid for statehood are displayed in a souvenirs shop in Gaza City yesterday. —AP Former Israeli UN ambassador Gabriella Shalev also predicted a steadily increasing level of harassment for Israel - including possible economic sanctions, snags in trade agreements, and an increasing number of universities becoming inhospitable to Israelis. The flip side: A report from the Association for Civil

tion officially ended when in 2005 it unilaterally removed all settlers and soldiers from the coastal strip. But Israel maintains control of most points of entry and airspace, and blockades it from the sea in a policy meant to keep Hamas government in check. In response to attacks or threats, it bombards Gaza more or

RENEWED NEGOTIATIONS International recognition might give the Palestinians just enough confidence to try their hand again at talks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been offering this, but refuses their condition of a freeze on settlement-building. At the heart of the impasse has been a lack of faith on either side that a deal is reachable. The Palestinians hope that with recognition behind them, the world will pressure Israel more seriously to agree to their terms of a near-total pullout from the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Israeli officials fear international recognition of the Palestinian position will make the Palestinians intransigent in any future talks, decreasing the chances of success.

ISRAELI POLITICAL CHANGE New talks aren’t likely with the current Israeli government, but concern is rising in Israel about its isolation and mounting tensions with countries like Egypt, Turkey and even the United States.

Enough pressure could compel Netanyahu to jettison his nationalist coalition partners and ask the moderate Kadima opposition to form a government that will be more aligned with world opinion, and perhaps more amenable to the Palestinians. Public opinion could compel K adima to agree, even though its leaders would far prefer to bring Netanyahu down.

Although this would likely not yield peace on the Palestinians’ terms, it could create an Israeli government more inclined to seek creative solutions.—AP

Libyan rebels may be ‘guilty’ of war crimes Amnesty blasts rebels over unlawful killings, torture BRUSSELS: Rebels fighting to topple Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi committed unlawful killings and torture, Amnesty International said in a report released yesterday. The 100plus page report, based on three months of investigation in Libya, draws no equivalency between the crimes of Gaddafi loyalists and those of the former rebels, who now hold power in Tripoli: The Gaddafi forces’ crimes were greater, the list of them is longer, and they may have amounted to crimes against humani-

loyalists and security officials between April and early July. And just after the rebels took control of eastern Libya, the report said, angry groups of rebel supporters “shot, hanged and otherwise killed through lynching” dozens of captured soldiers and suspected mercenaries, with impunity.

Mohammed Al-Alagi, justice minister for Libya’s transitional authorities, said that describing the rebels’ actions as war crimes is wrong. “They are not the military, they are only

director of the Amnesty International European Institutions office said.

“But the NTC has not done a lot to curb that rumor and now there is a lot of retaliation against sub-Saharan Africans. Whether they were or they weren’t involved with the Gaddafi forces, they are at real risk of being taken from their work or their homes or the street to be tortured or killed.”

Beger also said abuses were continuing under the new government. “We have even spoken to guards who admit that they use force,” he said.

tiate political refugee status for members of the toppled leader’s regime, two officials involved in the negotiations said yesterday. The discussion began as soon as the convoy arrived after nightfall on Monday and continued throughout the day. It puts Niger in a difficult situation, caught between demands by Libya’s new government to hand them over and calls from Niger’s powerful Tuareg community to take them in. The visibility of the dilemma heightened after Al-Saadi Gaddafi, one of Gaddafi’s sons who was a Special Forces commander and is the subject of a United Nations travel ban, entered the country on Sunday.

Canada unlocks Libyan assets Canada has obtained UN approval to unfreeze $2.2 billion in Libyan assets for humanitarian aid and reestablished its diplomatic mission in Tripoli yesterday, government officials said. The released money will be used to rebuild infrastructure and to pay wages of police, teachers and essential services following Libya’s six-month uprising, Foreign Minister John Baird told reporters. Meanwhile, Canadian engineering giant SNC Lavalin Group Inc said it would still monitor the situation before returning to work on its Libyan projects, which include a prison, a water pipeline and an airport.

BANI WALID: A rebel fighter looks through the sights of a rifle, at the northern gate of Bani Walid, Libya yesterday. —AP ty, the report said.

But it said the crimes of the rebels were not insignificant. “Members and supporters of the opposition, loosely structured under the leadership of the National Transitional Council (NTC) ... have also committed human rights abuses, in some cases amounting to war crimes, albeit on a smaller scale,” the Amnesty report said. It said opposition supporters “unlawfully killed” more than a dozen Gaddafi

ordinary people,” Al-Alagi said. While he acknowledged that rebels have made mistakes, he said they cannot be described as “war crimes at all.” In addition, the report said both sides stirred up racism and xenophobia, causing sub-Saharan Africans to be increasingly attacked, robbed and abused by ordinary Libyans. “In February, there was this rumor about Gadhafi using black people as mercenaries; that’s wrong,” Nicolas Beger,

“They say, ‘Yeah we use force in order to get confessions, in order to force people to hand in their weapons.’ So this really needs to be controlled. This is one of the priorities that the new authorities have to really get a clear act on.”

3 Gaddafi generals in Niger Three of Gaddafi’s generals are in Niger’s capital after making a 1,000mile drive across the desert to nego-

World Bank recognizes rebels The World Bank said yesterday it recognizes the National Transitional Council as Libya’s official government, after the new regime promised moderate Islamic rule and to investigate alleged war crimes. Explaining its decision was based on “evolving events in Libya and the views of member countries,” the bank pledged to take a major role in rebuilding after seven months of an insurrection that ousted dictator Gaddafi. The move came as NTC negotiators sought the surrender of Gaddafi diehards who have been mounting attacks against its fighters in a few enclaves including the oasis town of Bani Walid, southeast of Tripoli. —Agencies

‘Arms cash’ found under Libyan battlefield bridge NEAR BANI WALID: In the middle of a sun-cracked desert valley at the foot of the contested Libyan oasis town of Bani Walid, new regime fighters found an unexpected boost at a makeshift bank under a bridge. A man armed with a suitcase full of fresh banknotes doled out a monthly stipend for fighters of the Awfiyah Brigade who are risking their lives in what is widely expected to be one of Libya’s final front lines. “This month we are handing out 250 Libyan dinars instead of 300 because our ranks have grown,” said Nasser Buzeid, a volunteer with the committee to support combatants on the front lines, which was formed in June.

A scribe diligently took notes of each fighter paid and registered requests for money transfers to the east of the country where many of the former rebels have relatives. “My family simply needs it

more than me,” said Rafit Abdullah Ibrahim, 21, a native of Al-Bayda, where the first demonstrations against strongman Muammar Gaddafi erupted in February. Before the war, Ibrahim was studying to become a veterinary surgeon, and drove a minivan for pocket money. Now he carries a Kalashnikov and offsets the routine army slacks worn by fighters in his brigade with a sharp cowboy hat.

His father, a teacher, has not seen a salary in months, so Ibrahim hopes that the unexpected handout received southeast of Tripoli will travel safely to his hometown to help feed his seven younger siblings. Ibrahim says he needs nothing but victory for the revolution. “I really don’t need anything because everything is available on the front: water, food, cigarettes, clothes... the NTC is providing us with everything,” he said of the coun-

try’s new leadership, the National Transitional Council. Many young men, including Uthman Mohammed, 17, who earned money by washing cars before the war, feel the same way.

“I am so happy to fight for my country and get a little bit of money to help my family,” said Mohammed, a native of Benghazi, wartime stronghold of the NTC and home base for the Awfiyah Brigade. “God bless our brothers for helping us,” said Mohammed, the eldest son in a family of eight, and the only one out fighting a war increasingly far from home. The wad of cash two thumbs thick is his first wartime payment, he said.

Mustapha Rajab, 41, stuffs a brown envelope with 100 dinars to send back to his wife and daughter in Benghazi, writing their home phone number. He puts the remainder in his back pocket. —AP

KARBALA: Mourners carry the coffins of slain Shiite pilgrims during their funeral in the holy city of Karbala yesterday. —AP

Gunmen slay 22 Shiite pilgrims in Iraq’s West KARBALA: Gunmen killed 22 Shiite Muslim pilgrims on their way to Syria as they were passing through a predominantly Sunni Iraqi province from the shrine city of Karbala, officials said yesterday. The group had all been passengers on a bus passing through Anbar province, long a stronghold of Sunni insurgents and Al-Qaeda’s front group in Iraq, when their vehicle was stopped by gunmen at 9:30 pm on Monday.

“Gunmen dressed in military and police uniforms set up a fake checkpoint, made the passengers get off the bus, separated the men from the women and children before killing the men and fleeing,” a Karbala official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “All of the bodies are now in the Karbala mortuary,” he added. A mortuary official, who also declined to be named, confirmed the toll.

The bus was one of the daily services departing from Karbala carrying Shiite pilgrims bound for Syria. On its way to Iraq’s western neighbor, it must pass through the desert region of Anbar. “Men in army uniforms boarded the bus and told us they had been attacked, and they asked us to hand over our mobile phones, which we did,” said Umm Thair, a survivor who claimed her husband’s body at Karbala’s morgue. “They then asked, again very politely, for the men to get off the bus to be searched, and they complied. Then we heard gunshots and a few

women who had gotten off the bus began screaming when they saw the bloodied bodies.”

At that point, two trucks burst through the fake checkpoint without stopping, she said. “The terrorists understood that the truck drivers would alert the security services to what was going on, and they fled. A short time later, the army and the police arrived.” Earlier, police General Haider Rzayj said the gunmen had stopped the bus, which he said was coming from Syria, and killed the men before laying their bodies on the ground. The attack took place in Nukhaib, about 200 kilometers west of Karbala, which lies south of Baghdad.

Since the US-led invasion of 2003, the mainly Sunni province of Anbar has been a stronghold of Al-Qaeda, whose members have killed numerous Iraqis and foreigners travelling the roads to Jordan and Syria. While tribal militia s have cracked down on the insurgents since 2007, they have not completely eliminated them. Violence is down across Iraq from its peak in 2006 and 2007, but attacks remain common. A total of 239 people were killed in violence in the country in August, according to official figures. A total of 1,860 Iraqis have been killed since the beginning of the year, according to an AFP tally based on government figures. —AFP

Turkey may launch ground raid in Iraq ANKARA: Turkey warned yesterday that it was preparing a possible ground operation against Kurdish separatist militants in northern Iraq, depending on the result of talks with Iraq. Turkey’s armed forces said last week that air and artillery strikes in August had killed 145 to 160 Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) fighters in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region. Air operations are continuing. “Given that a crossborder operation is being carried out by air, a ground operation can be launched at any time depending on talks with our neighbor,” Interior Minister Idris Naim Sahin told reporters, adding that an assessment for a ground operation was under way.

A senior Turkish diplomat has been in Iraq for talks with the government this week.

Ankara is seeking more cooperation against the PKK from Iraq, whose large Kurdish minority, concentrated in the north, is politically influential. Turkish media said Foreign Ministry undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu met Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, himself a Kurd, in Baghdad as well as Kurdish regional officials in Arbil. Speculation that a ground offensive could be launched imminently was fuelled on Monday when Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan met military chiefs before leaving on a visit to Egypt. Turkey has launched several cross-border air and ground operations in northern Iraq during a conflict that first erupted in the 1980s. The PKK is fighting for greater autonomy and Kurdish rights, having earlier sought a separate state. —Reuters

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US food anti-terror plans costly, unwieldy SAN FRANCISCO: One of the deepest fears sweeping a shattered nation following the Sept 11 attacks was that terrorists might poison the country’s food.

Hoping to ease people’s anxieties about what they were eating, President George W Bush vowed to draw a protective shield around the food supply and defend it from farm to fork. An Associated Press analysis of the programs found that the government has spent at least $3.4 billion on food counter-terrorism in the last decade, but key programs have been bogged down in a huge, multi-headed bureaucracy. And with no single agency in charge, officials acknowledge it’s impossible to measure whether orchards or feedlots are actually any safer.

Yesterday, a Senate subcommittee would hold a hearing to examine a congressional watchdog’s new report revealing federal setbacks in protecting cattle and crops since Sept 11. Just days after the 10th anniversary of the attacks, lawmakers are demanding answers about potential food-related threats and reports that the government could have wasted money on languishing agriculture anti-terror programs. “The truth is, nobody’s in charge,” said John Hoffman, a former senior adviser for bio-surveillance and food defense at the Department of Homeland Security, who will testify at the hearing.

“Our surveillance doesn’t work yet, our intelligence doesn’t work yet and we’re not doing so well at targeting what comes across the border.” Top US food defense authorities insist that the initiatives have made the food supply safer and say extensive investments have prepared the country to respond to emergencies. No terrorist group has threatened the food supply in the past decade, and the largest food poisonings have not arisen from foreign attacks, but from salmonella-tainted eggs produced on Iowa farms that sickened almost 2,000 people.

Seeking to chart the government’s advances, the AP interviewed dozens of current and former state and federal officials and analyzed spending and program records for major food defense initiatives, and found: The fragmented system leaves no single agency accountable, at times slowing progress and blurring the lines of responsibility. Federal auditors found one Agriculture Department surveillance program to test for chemical, biological, and radio-

logical agents was not working properly five years after its inception in part because agencies couldn’t agree on who was in control.

Efforts to move an aging animal disease lab from an island near New York City have stalled after leading scientists found an accidental release of footand-mouth was likely to happen at the new facility in America’s beef belt. Congress is questioning whether $31 million the Department of Homeland Security spent to create a state-of-the-art database to monitor the food supply has accomplished anything because agencies are not using it to share information.

Despite the billions spent on food defense, many of the changes the government put into place are recommendations that the private sector isn’t required to carry out. As a result, it’s difficult to track successes and failures, and the system’s accomplishments are largely hidden from public view.

“Everything that has been done to date on food defense in the private sector has all been voluntary,”

said LeeAnne Jackson, the Food and Drug Administration’s health science policy advisor. “We can’t go out and ask them what they have done, because they’re not obliged to tell us, so we don’t have a good metric to measure what’s been done.”

The food defense effort shifted into high gear in 2004 when Bush directed the government to create new systems to guard against terrorist attacks.

Agencies got money to assess risks, contain foreign disease outbreaks and help farms and food processing plants develop protection programs. The newly established Department of Homeland Security, which was charged with sharing information about federal food defense plans, also distributed grants among agencies, contractors and universities.

During the past nine years, it spent $467 million on food-related research alone.

A $6 million counter-terrorism network headquartered in Iowa that helps veterinarians stop viruses from spreading between herds is considered one of the successes. Another is a program

PT REYES STATION, California: John Taylor opens a keyed entry door to the dairy barn at the Bivalve Dairy in this Aug 17, 2011 photo. — AP

that gave California dairymen hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy high-tech locks for their milking barns. The department also spent $550 million to run its Office of Health Affairs, which coordinates bio-surveillance across federal agencies. In fiscal year 2008, that office set out to build a new database where food, agriculture, disease and environmental agencies could view each other’s surveillance information in real time.

But Jeff Runge, DHS’s former chief medical officer, said the other agencies did not want to hand over their data, and turf battles delayed the government’s progress in pinpointing a culprit as hundreds of people fell ill during a nationwide salmonella outbreak tied to peppers that summer. “FDA was going on its own track, DHS was on its track, and no one was talking to each other,” said David Acheson, who was then FDA’s assistant commissioner and is now a food industry consultant.

In June, Democratic Rep Bill Pascrell of New Jersey introduced a bill that would eliminate the database.

The Republican-led House Appropriations Committee also has questioned what Homeland Security has accomplished after spending $31 million running the program. “It just didn’t work,” said Runge, who oversaw the database. “Now Al Qaeda is headed by a physician who has expressed interest in biological attacks, and I don’t think we are putting enough brain cycles on this issue.”

The department is working to integrate data across federal agencies, and is trying to enhance the database’s effectiveness by reviewing the “challenges and opportunities of integrated bio-surveillance,” a DHS official said.

FDA and USDA have handled much of the onthe-ground work with farmers, ranchers and manufacturing plants. FDA has spent $1.3 billion on food defense programs since 2005, the most recent year available, said spokeswoman Patricia El-Hinnawy.

The USDA said it has spent $1.64 billion on food defense since 2003.

One top priority was setting up an animal identification system to track infected livestock.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently proposed a new system that would work whether animals were infected by accident or by terrorists. —AP

Republicans clash as US race heats up in Florida

BUENOS AIRES: Top view of the site of the crash of two passenger trains and a bus whose driver drove around barriers in an attempt to cross the tracks, at Flores railroad station in Buenos Aires yesterday. — AFP

7 die as bus, train crash BUENOS AIRES: An Argentine train slammed into a bus and was then struck by another train yesterday in a huge rush-hour crash at a suburban station that killed at least seven and injured 162, police said. Firefighters worked frantically to pull people out of the wreckage and rush the injured to hospitals, officials said. “Doctors have confirmed the deaths of seven people, but there still isn’t a definitive toll of the victims,” said federal police spokesman Fernando Sostre.

Officials said as many as 30 of the injured were badly hurt, suggesting the death toll could climb substantially.

Argentina’s transportation secretary Juan Pablo Schiavi said at least six of the seven fatalities were passengers who had been aboard the bus. The crash occurred at 7:00 am (1000 GMT ) as thousands of commuters were pouring into the Flores station, in southwestern Buenos Aires, on their way to work. “A train entering Flores station hits a bus from the 92 Line, drags it and smashes it against the platform,” said Gustavo Gago, a spokesman for the Buenos Aires train company.

“At that point, the train goes off the

track, invading other tracks in its path and is struck laterally by a train that was entering Flores,” from another direction, he said.

Fire chief Omar Bravo said at least 100 people were taken to area hospitals.

Firefighters “rescued people who were in the bus, in the train and on the platform,” including a two-year-old toddler who was found under the platform, Bravo said, calling the collision, one of the worst and saddest accidents of recent years” in Argentina.

Rescuers succeeded after two hours in freeing two people whose legs were trapped in the wreckage, one of whom was a conductor on one of the trains.

Sostre said the injured were taken to four Buenos Aires hospitals, which had been placed on high alert.

Authorities were investigating reports that the bus driver failed to heed a train crossing signal and breached the lowered barriers meant to signal that it is dangerous to cross the tracks. In February, a long distance train struck a suburban passenger train, leaving four dead and 120 injured. — AFP

TAMPA: Republican presidential front-runner Rick Perry clashed with his main rival Mitt Romney over entitlement programs as the party’s White House race heated up in Florida, a key battleground state. Eight candidates hoping to challenge President Barack Obama next year took to the stage Monday at the sprawling state fairgrounds in Florida, which has a huge proportion of elderly voters and looms large in the 2012 election.

Perry, the Texas governor who shot to the top of Republican polls the moment he entered the race late last month, has tarred Social Security as a failed “lie,” drawing fire from former front-runner Romney. “Listen, this is a broken system,” Perry said, referring to the US government-run retirement program. “It’s time to have a legitimate conversation” about entitlement reform, he said, referring to Republican fears that the system will soon go broke because of runaway government spending.

Romney, a millionaire businessman and exgovernor of Massachusetts, slammed Perry for alarming seniors. “The term Ponzi scheme (used

by Perry) is over-the-top,” Romney said, arguing that Perry’s view that Social Security was a “failure” and “unconstitutional” were out of the mainstream. “It has been called a Ponzi scheme by many people long before me,” Perry shot back.

“But no one’s had the courage to stand up and say, here is how we’re going to reform it.” “ We’re going to fix it so that our young Americans that are going out into the workforce today will know without a doubt that there were some people who came along that didn’t lie to them,” Perry stressed. A poll out Monday by CNN and ORC International showed Perry with a wide lead over Romney, with 30 percent of Americans saying they would support him to be the Republican nominee, compared to 18 percent for Romney. Asked which candidate has the best chance to defeat Obama, 42 percent of those polled said Perry, and 26 percent chose Romney.

As the largest state to host an early nominating contest, Florida-a stronghold of the growing bloc of Latino voters-could be the turning point in the Republican fight to challenge Obama in November 2012. “Florida will be the deciding factor in both the Republican primary race and the general election,” Javier Manjarres, editor of the Shark Tank, a conservative blog about Florida politics said. But the retirement haven also has the highest proportion of elderly voters in the country-as high as one in three, by some counts-so candidates’ words on Social Security will be carefully weighed.

Six others taking part in the debate-congresswoman Michele Bachmann, businessman Herman Cain, ex-House speaker Newt Gingrich, former Utah governor Jon Huntsman,

FLORIDA: Republican presidential candidates (from left) Utah Gov Jon Huntsman, businessman Herman Cain, Rep Michele Bachman, R-Minn, former Massachusetts Gov Mitt Romney, Texas Gov Rick Perry, Rep Ron Paul, R-Texas, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and former Pennsylvania Sen Rick Santorum, sing the National Anthem before a Republican presidential debate on Monday. — AP Representative Ron Paul and ex-senator Rick Santorum-sought to flex their political muscle to try to remain in the fight. In the so-called “Tea Party Republican Debate,” moderated by CNN at the invitation of the small government conservative movement, candidates slammed Obama’s health care law, criticized the Federal Reser ve and weak US dollar, and derided Obama’s effor ts at stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.

“I recognize that America’s economy is in crisis,” Romney said. “I spent my life in the private sector. I understand how jobs come to America and why they go.”

Huntsman tried to rally support with jabs at Perry and Romney, portraying them as failing to lead and insisting he could reform entitlement programs and get the economy back on track. “We are of no value to the rest of the world if our core is crumbling, which it is,” said Huntsman, who served as Obama’s envoy to China.

Four teen months before Elec tion Day, Democrats and Republicans are gearing up to conquer Florida, a state of 18.8 million people and 29 of the 270 electoral votes a candidate needs to win the White House. Here tourism is an economic pillar and lower-paying service jobs the norm, with the jobless rate hovering

at 10.7 percent, above the national average. As a sign of the state’s growing political sway, the Republican leadership decided to hold its national convention next August in Tampa.

Democrats outnumber Republicans by some 700,000 voters in Florida, but Manjarres said Republicans are a more organized voting bloc and can outnumber their rivals at the polls.

Perry says a massive fence along the USMexican border isn’t the answer to the nation’s immigration challenges and instead says Washington should send thousands of border agents and National Guard to patrol the area.

Perry faced tough immigration questions during Monday’s Republican presidential debate.

Perry says Texas offered incentives for illegal immigrants to contribute to their communities, including in-state tuition rates for those who wanted to pursue higher education. His rivals seized on his record, saying Perry was rewarding illegal behavior.

Rep Michele Bachmann of Minnesota says taxpayer dollars shouldn’t pay for benefits for those who have broken US laws. Former Utah Gov Jon Huntsman says Perry’s position on the border fence is “treasonous.” Former Massachusetts Gov Mitt Romney adds that immigrants don’t want government handouts. — Agencies

Obama picks females, minorities for judges WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama is moving at a historic pace to try to diversify the nation’s federal judiciary: Nearly three of every four people he has gotten confirmed to the federal bench are women or minorities. He is the first president who hasn’t selected a majority of white males for lifetime judgeships. More than 70 percent of Obama’s confirmed judicial nominees during his first two years were “nontraditional,” or nominees who were not white males. That far exceeds the percentages in the two-term administrations of Bill Clinton (48.1 percent) and George W Bush (32.9 percent), according to Sheldon Goldman, author of the authoritative book “Picking Federal Judges.”

“It is an absolutely remarkable diversity achievement,” said Goldman, a political science professor at the University of Massachusetts at

Amherst, who is only counting judges once, even if they fit more than one category. The White House recently has been touting its efforts to diversify the federal bench during Obama’s tenure, now approaching three years in office. The president won Senate confirmation of the first Latina to the Supreme Court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor. With the confirmation of Justice Elena Kagan, he has put three women on the high court for the first time. The Obama administration also nominated and won confirmation of the first openly gay man to a federal judgeship: former Clinton administration official J Paul Oetken, to an opening in New York City.

“All of us can be proud of President Obama for taking this critical step to break down another barrier and increase diversity in the

federal judiciary,” Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said upon Oetken’s confirmation. The first openly homosexual federal judge was Deborah A. Batts in New York City, a lesbian nominated by Clinton in 1994. Of the 98 Obama nominees confirmed to date, the administration says 21 percent are African American, 11 percent are Hispanic, 7 percent are Asian-American and almost half - 47 percent - are women. By comparison, of the 322 judges confirmed during George W. Bush’s presidency, 18 percent were minorities and 22 percent were female. Of the 372 judges confirmed during Clinton’s terms, 25 percent were minorities and 29 percent were women. In these figures, some judges fit into more than one category. —AP

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Danish populist party faces setback, bucking trend COPENHAGEN: The anti-immigration Danish People’s Party stands to lose ground in a general election tomorrow for the first time since its creation, bucking a populist surge across Europe as the economy overtakes immigration as the main campaign issue. Since its foundation in 1995, the Danish People’s Party has become a third force in parliament and for the past decade has wielded influence by backing a centre-right minority government in exchange for some of Europe’s strictest immigration rules.

But opinion polls since midAugust indicate the par ty has peaked, twice hitting a low of 10.7

percent compared to the 13.9 percent it scored in 2007 elections. “An explanation for that would be that immigration takes up a smaller role and the economy takes more (in the campaign),” said Rune Stubager, an election expert at Aarhus University.

If confirmed on polling day, the result would buck recent trends in European countries where support for populist, nationalist and antiimmigration movements has grown.

In Finland, nearly one in five Finns voted for Timo Soini’s populist, antiEU True Finns in April, and a recent poll showed it has become the country’s most popular party. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is supported by

Zuma offers olive branch to embattled youth leader JOHANNESBURG: South African President Jacob Zuma offered an olive branch yesterday to his party’s embattled youth leader Julius Malema, who risks expulsion from the ruling ANC this week. Malema, whose singing of an apartheid anthem called “shoot the white farmer” was deemed hate speech by a civil court on Monday, has roiled the ruling party with his calls to nationalize mines and expropriate whiteowned farms. He and five other top officials of the African National Congress’ youth wing have been hauled before party disciplinary hearings, accused of sowing divisions in the party and bringing it into disrepute.

The hearings opened two weeks ago with an explosion of violence, as thousands of angry supporters threw rocks at journalists and police and burned pictures of Zuma. But in his first comments since the disciplinary hearings began, Zuma struck a conciliatory tone, calling Malema a “very good” young man and a good communicator. Zuma said the youth leader’s need to be in the spotlight puts him “on the border of saying things that are radical and problematic”, but denied the party was trying to silence him. “No, I don’t think that should be the objective. I think the objective is how do you help Malema?

Because Malema has a lot of elements that are good in him,” Zuma told The Star newspaper.

The interview was published as disciplinary hearings resumed yesterday for Malema’s five deputies. The unrest last month prompted the ANC to move the hearings from party headquarters in downtown Johannesburg to a recreation centre on the southern outskirts of the city. Police were tightly controlling access to the area, with journalists kept several hundred meters away.

Officers were stopping and searching public transport vehicles that tried to enter the area. Malema arrived at the venue just after 9:00 am (0700 GMT), but the ANC said the disciplinary committee would deal with his deputies and would only resume Malema’s case tomorrow.

An ANC spokesman said the process, which has captured national attention despite the tight lid the ruling party has kept on the proceedings, was expected

to wrap up Saturday. “It will last for the whole day (Tuesday). It will adjourn tomorrow (Wednesday) and reconvene on Thursday until Saturday,” Keith Khoza said. With his racially charged rhetoric and calls to redistribute wealth to impoverished blacks, Malema has shown a talent for grabbing the spotlight since becoming president of the Youth League in 2008.

Yesterday he was found guilty of hate speech for his public singing of an

African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) leader Julius Malema anti-apartheid struggle song whose Zulu chorus, “dubula ibhunu”, roughly translates as “shoot the white farmer.” A civil court judge banned further singing of the song and ordered Malema to pay a portion of the costs for the case.

Khoza said the ANC will likely appeal the ruling. Malema’s radical rhetoric and high profile have also put him at odds with Zuma. The president rose to power with Malema’s backing, but has since lost the support of the Youth League, which is frustrated over his failure to embrace Malema’s economic policy proposals. Losing the Youth League’s backing could hurt Zuma’s effort to seek a second term at a party meeting next year that will choose a presidential candidate who is all but certain to become South Africa’s next leader. — AFP

Senegal, Congo deny Chirac-era kickbacks DAKAR: Senegal and Congo-Brazzaville yesterday denied allegations made by an influential French political adviser that they paid large sums of money in cash to the French presidency. Robert Bourgi, a long-time unofficial point man between France’s Elysee palace and the regimes in former African colonies, has rocked French politics with a raft of allegations on suitcases of illicit cash handouts.

Bourgi, insisting he was coming forward now because he wanted a “clean France”, said he took part in kickback payments between 1995 and 2005 involving former president Jacques Chirac, potential presidential candidate Dominique de Villepin and even retired far-right icon Jean-Marie Le Pen. Among the African officials alleged to have paid cash to the French presidency is Karim Wade-the son of Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade-who denied the accusations and vowed to sue Bourgi for defamation.

“I vehemently deny these astonishing claims, which are nothing but a figment of his imagination,” the president’s son said in a statement issued late Monday.

Karim Wade added that he had asked his lawyers to immediately lodge a complaint with the competent courts for slander and defamation. Bourgi said in an interview to the Senegalese daily L’Observateur published on Monday that Karim Wade had “handed over 500 million CFA francs (760,000 euros, one million dollars) to Villepin in front of me.”

Villepin was then President Jacques Chirac’s top aide. Among the string of African leaders alleged by Bourgi to have come to Villepin’s office with cash is Congolese President Denis SassouNguesso. “We reject with the utmost energy the allegations made by Robert Bourgi,” government spokesman

Bienvenu Okiemy told public radio yesterday. “Some like to think of Africa as an entity still under influence, which takes its orders from abroad and occasionally opens its coffers to feed cherry-picked politicians abroad,” he said.

Bourgi told a French radio Monday he would estimate at around 20 million dollars what he personally handed to Chirac and Villepin. Burkina Faso denied similar accusations while Gabon simply said it did not feel targeted by Bourgi’s accusations involving long-time president Omar Bongo, the father of current leader Ali Bongo. — AFP

right-wing eurosceptical Geer t Wilders’ Party for Freedom, which is third-biggest in parliament after elections last year. And in Denmark’s neighbor Sweden, the anti-immigrant Sweden Democrats won seats in parliament for the first time in 2010.

The Danish election campaign has centered on the rival plans of opposition Social Democrat leader Helle Thorning-Schmidt and Liberal Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on how to get Denmark back on its feet after the economic crisis.

Thorning-Schmidt’s “Red bloc”, comprising her Social Democrats, the Socialist People’s Party, the centrist

Social-Liberals and the Red-Green Alliance party, has led in opinion polls for months.

A Megafon survey yesterday gave the “Reb bloc” 51.3 percent, which would make Thorning-Schmidt Denmark’s first female prime minister, to 48.1 for the governing “Blue bloc”. Immigration did butt into the campaign in the closing stages when the Socialist People’s Party leader Villy Sovndal, Thorning-Schmidt’s main ally, said he wanted to soften some of Denmark’s tough immigration rules. Those include a rule that prevents people from being joined by a spouse if the husband or wife is under 24. Officials say it is meant to

curb arranged marriages.

Thorning-Schmidt said a “points system” that determines who gets into the country was too harsh and more immigrants should get residence permits, but she slapped down Sovndal on the spouse’s age policy. However well the Danish People’s Party performs, the current Prime Minister Rasmussen has said he will refuse to allow them to join his government should it be returned to office. “If the color of the government changes, they (the Danish People’s Party) will be out in the cold, and if it does not change, the situation will still be different,” Stubager said. — Reuters

Norway’s Labor Party wins big after attacks Right-wing Progress Party sinks to 11.8% OSLO: Norway’s ruling Labor Party won its best local election result in more than two decades and the anti-immigrant Progress Party plummeted in support two months after attacks by a right-wing fanatic killed 77 people. Riding a wave of sympathy, Labor won 33.2 percent of the vote while the Conservatives jumped to second place with 27.7 percent, with 99 percent of the votes counted yesterday in county and municipal elections. The right-wing Progress Party sunk to 11.8 percent from 18.5 percent in the 2007 election.

The Sunday-Monday election came seven weeks after an anti-Muslim extremist slaughtered 69 people at a Labor Party youth camp and set off a car bomb outside government offices killing another eight people. Anders Behring Breivik confessed to the July 22 killings but denies criminal responsibility, saying he’s in a state of war against Norway’s immigration policies, which he largely blames on the Labor Party.

Analysts said although the Progress Party’s support had started to wane in polls a few years ago, its election result was definitely impacted by the terror attacks. “The party feared it would become associated with Breivik,” said Anders Todal Jenssen, professor in political science at the Trondheim university. “The drop in their support is partly a result of July 22.” Breivik belonged to the Progress Party from 1999 to 2006 but said he grew disillusioned with the party and concluded that the only way to stop what he called the “Islamization” of Norway and Europe was through armed struggle.

After the terror attacks, the Progress Party moderated its anti-immigrant stance, which had one of its major election themes. Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg’s Labor Party gained from his deft handling of the terror crisis,

which was praised by supporters and critics alike. “Labor gained from a sympathy effect, but also the way Stoltenberg handled the terror tragedy,” Todal Jenssen said. Stoltenberg told jubilant supporters that Labor won

COPENHAGEN: Opposition leader and head of Denmark’s Social Democratic Party, Helle Thorning-Schmidt (left), talks with Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, leader of the Liberals, after a televised debate at the TV2 news station in Copenhagen. — AFP because it persevered through difficult times.

“We have been victorious because we have risen up and finished the race,” Stoltenberg said.

Labor’s traditional rival, the Conservative Party, increased its support the most, gaining nine percentage points to push ahead of the right-wing Progressive Party, which had eclipsed the Conservatives in parliamentary

4 due in UK court on slavery charges LEIGHTON BUZZARD: Four men charged with slavery offences following a British police raid on a Travelers’ caravan site were due in court yesterday over the treatment of four alleged victims. The accused, all from the same family, were to appear before Luton Magistrates’ Court charged with conspiring to holding a person in servitude and requiring them to perform forced labor.

They are Tommy Connors, 30, Patrick Connors, 19, James (Big Jim) Connors, 34, and James (Jimmy) Connors, 23, all from the Green Acres caravan site outside Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire, northwest of London.

More than 200 police officers entered the caravan site Sunday, removing 24 men thought to have been held against their will, including a number of foreign nationals from Eastern Europe.

“These charges relate to four victims who allege they have been held against their will and forced to live and work like slaves,” said Adrian Roberts of the Crown Prosecution Service. Police were continuing to investigate other possible offences relating to other potential victims, he added. Besides the four men, one woman was also arrested. She is heav-

elections two years ago. Turnout was almost 63 percent - the highest since the 1995 municipal elections. All parties had agreed to hold short, low-key campaigns after the July terror attacks rocked the Scandinavian nation,

ily pregnant and was released on bail Monday. She will be questioned once she has given birth, Bedfordshire Police said. Sunday’s operation followed months of investigation and detectives said they were looking for two other suspects. Of the 24, men removed, nine have left the medical reception centre and chosen not to support the police investigation.

“The remaining 15 continue to be assessed for medical and welfare needs,” Bedfordshire Police said in a statement. “It will take a number of days to establish exactly what has happened to them while living on the site.”

Those remaining include three Britons, three Poles, one Latvian, one Lithuanian and two men whose nationalities are yet to be confirmed, said police. The oldest is aged 50 and the youngest is 30. Of the men who chose to leave, seven were British and two were Romanian. The youngest was a 17-year-old Briton who has rejoined his family.

“Those people who we continue to help are appreciative of the support that is on offer, but it will take some time to work through with them what has happened,” said Detective Chief Inspector Sean O’Neil. — AFP

a prosperous and generally tolerant society.

Campaigning was postponed until midAugust. The local elections - for councils in 430 municipalities and 19 counties - are not expected to have a major impact on government policy in this nation of 5 million, which enjoys the benefits of oil wealth, a thriving economy and cradle -to - grave social services. — AP

Leading Irish cleric urges end to Catholic celibacy DUBLIN: One of the most prominent members of the Irish Catholic Church has called for an end to celibacy for priests, saying it is pushing new recruits away. Retired bishop of Derry Edward Daly, who rose to prominence during Northern Ireland’s decades of sectarian conflict, said the church should act urgently to address the lack of young clerics. “I feel now that celibacy is damaging to the church and I do feel now that we have to look at that issue very profoundly at this point in time and quite urgently,” Daly said in comments broadcast on Irish state broadcaster RTE yesterday. Daly said he was saddened by good men who reject the priesthood because of mandatory celibacy and had been disheartened by the rising average age of priests.

The number of people joining the priesthood in Ireland has fallen sharply in recent decades as a series of clerical sex abuse scandals undermined the church’s reputation and ended its dominance in the once devout country. “I just thought to myself, what is going to happen, where are the younger priests going to come from,” he said. “I am sure many people in the church feel this way.”

Daly became a symbol of peace in Ireland on “Bloody Sunday” in 1972 when television cameras captured him holding up a white handkerchief while ministering to the injured after British troops opened fire during a civil rights parade. A critic of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) that fought against British rule in Northern Ireland, and other paramilitary groups, Daly was a leading figure in the campaign to free six people wrongly imprisoned for an IRA bomb attack in the English city of Birmingham. They were acquitted in March 1991. Supporters of a married priesthood caused a stir earlier this year when they unearthed a 1970 appeal to ordain older married men signed by nine German theologians including the then Father Joseph Ratzinger, the present pope. — Reuters

IAEA adopts nuke safety action plan

Jacques Chirac

VIENNA: The UN atomic agency’s 35-nation board adopted an action plan yesterday to strengthen global nuclear safety following Japan’s Fukushima accident six months ago, despite criticism from several states that the proposals had been watered down. The board of governors approved by consensus the document put forward by Director General Yukiya Amano of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), setting out a series of measures meant to enhance standards worldwide.

A board debate on the issue underlined divisions between states seeking stronger international commitments and others

wanting safety to remain an issue strictly for national authorities. “There were a number of critical voices,” one diplomat said about the closed-door discussions, referring to countries that had made clear they wanted firmer action at the international level.

Japan’s Fukushima reactor disaster in March spurred a rethink about nuclear energy worldwide and calls for more concerted measures, including beefed-up safety checks of reactors, to make sure such an accident does not recur.

One group of nations-including Germany, France, Switzerland, Singapore, Canada and Denmark-voiced disappoint-

ment about the final draft of the safety action plan for not going far enough. The United States, India, China and Pakistan-all big nuclear countries-are among countries resisting any moves towards mandatory outside inspections of their atomic energy facilities.

Seeking the middle ground, the IAEA appeared to have gradually lowered its ambitions in a series of drafts. The one that was adopted on Monday placed more emphasis on the voluntary nature of the measures, also regarding the central issue of nuclear plant inspections organized by the IAEA- so-called peer reviews. — Reuters

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Rains cripple Karachi 270 killed; Businesses, schools, banks closed

KAPUK: Indonesian Forest Ministry officials and forest police burn pangolins during a destruction of the 763 kilogram of pangolin meat confiscated by Customs and Excise in Kapuk, Indonesia. — AP

Last stand in Asia for shy, defenseless anteater JAKARTA: As the 20 cardboard boxes bound for China rolled through the X-ray machine at Jakarta’s airport, Indonesian customs officials suspected what was inside didn’t match what was declared. Instead of fresh fish, a closer look revealed the meat and scales of the most illegally trafficked mammal in Asia: the pangolin.

Once widespread, the shy and defenseless anteater is being vacuumed up for sale largely in China, where many believe it can cure an array of ailments and boost sexual prowess. The last stand of the four Asian species has shrunk to Sumatra and K alimantan in Indonesia, Palawan in the southern Philippines and parts of Malaysia and India. From fields and forests to Chinese cooking pots and medicine vials, the industrial-scale trade is propelled along similar trafficking routes for tigers, turtles, bears, snakes and other mostly endangered species across Asia, all driven by a seemingly insatiable demand for often dubious medical remedies, tonics and aphrodisiacs.

“We are watching a species just slip away,” says Chris Shepard, who has tracked wildlife trafficking in Asia for two decades. He says a 100-fold increase is needed in efforts to save the pangolin, sometimes described as a walking pine cone. Eight tons of meat and scales, worth $269,000, were found in the boxes at Jakarta

airport and at a warehouse raided the following day. Four people were arrested. “I am trying hard to win the war,” says Brig Gen Raffles Brotestes Panjaitan, Indonesia’s top wildlife police officer, citing the July seizure.

But he lists a host of obstacles: poverty, corruption, an inadequate force and weak international cooperation.

Little studied and hardly an iconic species, pangolins are found in Asia and Africa. They are natural pest controllers, gobbling up ants and termites. Conservationists first took serious notice in the 1990s when massive harvesting in China and its borderlands, driven by skyrocketing prices, was sweeping southwards, decimating the slow-breeding animals in Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. “In many places, hunters tell us they don’t even look for them any more,” Shepherd says.

By the early 2000s, supplies in Thailand were dr ying up, as evidenced by the development of an unusual barter trade: Thai smugglers would give insurgents in Indonesia’s Aceh province up to five AK-47 rifles in exchange for one pangolin, according to the International Crisis Group, which monitors conflic ts globally. The pangolin trade - banned in 2002 by CITES, the international convention on endangered species resembles a pyramid. — AP

News

in brief

Arroyo to face trial MANILA: The Philippine government will file at least two major corruption complaints against the former president before the end of the year, senior officials said yesterday. Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the credibility of President Benigno Aquino III’s administration hinges on its ability to prosecute former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and other officials accused of corruption. He said authorities were building “airtight” cases and avoiding any leak of information to ensure convictions. He declined to give details about the cases, which are likely to be filed before Christmas.

Another Cabinet official, however, said at least two major complaints were being prepared against Arroyo. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. Aquino, the son of revered pro-democracy icons, won a landslide victory in May last year that was partly credited to his promise to battle endemic corruption in the Southeast Asian nation of 94 million people.

Australia to probe hacking SYDNEY: Canberra yesterday said it would hold an inquiry into the media following the British hacking scandal that sank Australian-born Rupert Murdoch’s best-selling tabloid News of the World. A spokesman for Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said the scope of the inquiry was yet to finalized but the ruling Labor party had decided that a probe was required. “What’s been agreed is that we’re going to have an inquiry into media and media ownership,” the spokesman said. “The terms of reference are still being negotiated. We’re going to make an announcement when we’re done, but it’s imminent.” Labor faced intense calls for an official review of Australia’s media after the phone hacking scandal, which saw News Corp chairman Murdoch drop his bid for satellite broadcaster BSkyB and face a grilling by British MPs. Prime Minister Julia Gillard warned Murdoch’s Australian arm News Limited, a dominant player in the press baron’s home nation, that it faced some “hard questions” following the British firestorm.

India urged to lift Maoist convictions KATHMANDU: Nepal’s new prime minister asked New Delhi yesterday to reverse the convictions of 10 Nepalese Maoist leaders found guilty in India of treason. A court in northern India sentenced the group, which includes a former minister and four lawmakers, to between three and six years in jail in absentia earlier this month on seven-year-old charges of plotting against India. Baburam Bhattarai, a Maoist leader who was elected prime minister last month, has appealed for clemency, his press adviser said, although it was unclear whether this would involve lifting the sentences or dropping the case altogether. “Prime Minister Bhattarai held talks with Indian ambassador Jayant Prasad regarding the cases of Maoist leaders.

KARACHI: Floods triggered by monsoon rains crippled Pakistan’s biggest city and commercial hub of Karachi yesterday, with few people able to make it to work or school, officials said.

Pakistan, regarded as one of the world’s most unstable countries, is haunted by memories of last year’s epic floods, which brought widespread criticism of the government because of its slow response.

Over 800,000 families remain without permanent shelter from last year’s country-wide floods, aid groups say, and more than a million need food assistance.

Pakistan’s already unpopular government now faces another crisis as monsoon rains which have killed 270 people. New flood waters have made about 280,000 homeless, destroyed or damaged 1.2 million houses and flooded 4.5 million acres since late August, disaster management officials and Western aid groups say.

In Karachi, the capital of Sindh, rain was forecast through today at least. Many streets were impassable, cars were stuck, several fuel stations were inundated and no visible effor ts were underway to drain water. “We have recorded 50-100 mm of rain in Karachi and the situation is pretty bad. Many main roads and areas are inundated at the moment and it can turn even worse,” said Mohammad Hussain Syed, the city’s district coordination officer.

He said no casualties had been recorded. Officials at Pakistan’s main stock market in Karachi said they will close early due to negligible attendance and thin trade volumes. But the decision was later reversed.

Many banks were also closed.

“I thought I would be able to make it to work, but it was a wrong decision. Now I am stuck.

My car has broken down and I can’t even find anyone for help,” said banker Khalid Hussain, standing knee-deep in water.

Testing times for East Timor DILI: East Timor’s fragile stability will be tested in coming months as the country’s political and business elite maneuver ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections in 2012. Some foreign businessmen are already talking quietly about quitting the country during the election build-up, amid widely held fears of turmoil and possible violence.

Festering anger over unpunished crimes committed during the Indonesian occupation, land disputes, corruption and rivalries in the security forces are simmering beneath the otherwise sleepy surface of East Timor’s seaside capital. Underlying everything is the potential for instability that stalks almost all energy-rich developing countries with billions of dollars in oil revenues accumulating in government coffers. The IMF calls East Timor the “most oil-dependent economy in the world”, with petroleum income accounting for around 95 percent of total government revenue in 2009.

“The reality is we are a post-conflict country, we’ve got a large chunk of young people who are unemployed... and a lot of conflict as a result of our history,” opposition Fretilin party spokesman Jose Teixeira said.

“I think we’ve taken some steps forward but we haven’t done that well.” The United Nations handed policing responsibilities to local police in March, more than a decade after UN-backed troops entered the country following East Timor’s historic 1999 vote to split from Indonesia. There are still around 1,200 UN police in East Timor, or Timor-Leste as it is formally known, in addition to about 500 Australian-led troops under a separate security mandate.

The UN mission is due to wind up after presidential polls slated for April and a parliamentary vote in June, with Libya looming as the world body’s next likely nation-building project. But analysts say East Timor’s police are still incapable of dealing with even minor unrest, and accuse them of having links to shadowy martial arts gangs responsible for frequent outbreaks of violence. Observers saw echoes of 2006 - when rioting and factional fighting brought the country to the brink of civil war-in gang-related violence last month in Zumalai, on the southern coast.

Mobs of martial arts gang members set fire to dozens of homes as they rampaged through the town after one of their number, a police officer and former independence guerrilla, was murdered. Gang leaders in Dili denied involvement in organized violence, but security analyst Nelson Belo said there was ample evidence that political factions were using martial arts groups as muscle. “In your country if something happens you immediately call the police. In East Timor you call ‘big brother’, which means the gang,” Belo said.

“There are a lot of ‘big brothers’ in the community. The police will come after everything has happened to pick up the dead bodies or evacuate the victims.”

He said a culture of impunity had developed in the country of around a million people under the leadership of President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who have put reconciliation before justice. As a result, East Timorese who joined proIndonesian militias during the bloodshed surrounding the independence referendum have started returning from exile in the knowledge they will not be prosecuted for their crimes. Belo describes the returnee issue as a “time bomb” and fears the election could act as a detonator. — AFP

Monsoon rains sweep the subcontinent from June to September and are crucial for agriculture. The 2010 floods killed about 2,000 people and made 11 million homeless in one

especially among children.

Karachi, on the Arabian Sea and the country’s main port, contributes about two-third of the government’s total tax revenue and 25 percent of Pakistan’s gross

killed more than 300 people and affected close to nine million since monsoon rains started in June, said the Indian Red Cross.

The Islamabad government, reliant on an $11 billion IMF loan

KARACHI: A Pakistani retrieves belongings from a flooded room of his home following heavy rainfall in Karachi yesterday. — AP of Pakistan’s worst natural disasters. One-fifth of Pakistan was then submerged in water-an area the size of Italy-and the government faced a $10 billion bill to repair damage to homes, bridges, roads and other infrastructure.

Aid workers expressed fears over possible outbreaks of diseases linked to the new floods,

domestic product, according to officials. Floods are the last thing the city of 18 million people needs. Political and ethnic violence, oArganized crime, drug gangs and Muslim militancy have destabilized Karachi, prompting recent calls for a military crackdown.

Neighboring India has also been hit by floods, which have

to keep the economy afloat, will face another major setback if floods cause heavy damage to the vital agriculture sector.

Pakistan may also have lost up to two million cotton bales, or about 13 percent of its estimated crop, due to heavy monsoon rains during harvesting in Sindh, government and industry officials said. — Reuters

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NEWS

WELLINGTON, New Zealand: A woman gets into her car during a hailstorm yesterday. —AFP

Oppn abandons request for emergency session Continued from Page 1 Also, deputy speaker Abdullah Al-Roumi said yesterday he has prepared a memorandum to be submitted to the public prosecutor calling on him to launch an investigation into the bank accounts of MPs who sign the document. Roumi said that he has signed the document and called on other MPs to sign in a bid to clear their names from allegations of corruption and receiving illegal payments.

Sawwagh said that the Reform Bloc has withdrawn the emergency session request, adding that all developments related to the issue will now be moved to the next parliamentary session which opens on Oct 25. He said that opposition MPs will demand to hold a special session to debate the corruption-related allegations

and money laundering suspicions.

Meanwhile, a number of opposition groups called for a gathering against corruption on Sept 21, less than a week after a rally called by several youth groups. The gathering will be organized to press the government to take necessary legal actions against rife corruption, according to a statement signed by several opposition political groupings. A new youth group, calling itself the justice youth group, declared its support yesterday to the September 16 Youths group in calling for the Friday rally and for the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. The group also supported calls for undertaking massive political reforms including adopting a parliamentary form of government, allowing political parties and turning Kuwait into a single constituency.

Turkish premier throws weight behind...

Continued from Page 1 “While Israel is trying to secure its legitimacy in our region on one hand, it is taking irresponsible steps which unsettle its legitimacy on the other,” Erdogan said. With the souring of relations between Turkey and Israel, military cooperation has been frozen and diplomatic ties downgraded.

Erdogan’s tour will include Tunisia and Libya, which have all witnessed the fall of entrenched leaders to grassroots revolts this year, challenging the old order across the region.

“Erdogan, Erdogan!” cheered a group of demonstrators as the Turkish prime minister left the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo where he had been speaking. They were calling for change in Syria, whose military is trying to stamp out popular unrest. Displaying a populist touch, Erdogan stopped and shook the demonstrators’ hands.

He told an Arab League ministers meeting that international recognition of a Palestinian state was “not an option but an obligation”. “It’s time to raise the Palestinian flag at the United Nations. Let’s raise the Palestinian flag and let that flag be the symbol of peace and justice in the Middle East. Let’s contribute to securing well deserved peace and stability in the Middle East,” he said. .

During his 30-minute speech at the Arab League, he was interrupted several times by foreign ministers’ clapping and applause.

Palestinians will bid for full membership of the United Nations later this month, a move opposed by the United States, which has a veto. Arab states endorsed it at the Cairo meeting. Erdogan said Turkey offered its help to Arab nations facing turmoil but, in an apparent reference to Syria, he said some had turned down the offer. “However, we continue to insist they meet their people’s demands.” Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby

introduced the Turkish prime minister saying: “All the Arab peoples appreciate what you are doing. We consider that there is a strong friendly state who is always standing on the side of justice.” Outside the League, Syrian protester Samer Zaher, 30, said: “Erdogan has turned into an Arab hero ... We have not found a leader as powerful as him addressing (Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad) and asking him to quit.”

Turkey expelled the Israeli ambassador last week in a row over an Israeli raid last year that killed nine Turks on a flotilla bound for Gaza, the Palestinian enclave controlled by the Islamist group Hamas and under blockade by Israel. While winning over ordinary Arabs, particularly because of non-Arab Turkey’s tough line towards Israel, Erdogan’s growing popularity and clout could be a headache for more cautious Arab leaders who could see their own influence overshadowed.

“Turkey wants to play a regional role, especially when Egypt is busy with the revolution. Turkey thinks it’s best placed to play this leadership role,” said Adel Soliman, head of Cairo’s International Centre for Future and Strategic Studies. Egypt has traditionally seen itself as the leading diplomatic player in the Arab region. But its position has been eroded by wealthy Gulf countries, such as Qatar, and lately overshadowed by Turkey, with its fast expanding economy.

Sharaf told a joint news conference they had agreed to raise the volume of bilateral trade from its current level of three billion dollars annually to five billion in the next few years. Sharaf said closer cooperation was also in the interest of the region, adding that Turkey can be “Egypt’s gateway to Europe” and Egypt can be “Turkey’s gateway to Africa.” Erdogan also met Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, who heads the military council that took over after Hosni

Mubarak was ousted by mass street demonstrations in February.

Later he said the revolution that ousted Mubarak in February had been a “historic” one, adding that Turkey supports Egypt “in good times and bad times”. “History was made at Tahrir Square and this means a lot to us,” he said of the central Cairo landmark where protesters camped for 18 days until they forced Mubarak to quit. “Each birth has complications... but we in Turkey believe that the Egyptian people will overcome successfully all the obstacles,” he added.

Egypt has also been embroiled in a dispute with Israel after Israel shot dead five Egyptian border guards in repelling cross-border raiders it said were Palestinian militants. But Egypt’s generals have faced popular criticism for not taking a firmer line. Cairo said it would expel Israel’s ambassador but did not follow through with threat. Protesters attacked Israel’s embassy in Cairo last week , prompting the ambassador to fly home and an embarrassed Egyptian government to affirm to Washington, its major aid donor, that it remained committed to a 1979 peace treaty with Israel.

Egypt has received billions of dollars in US military and other aid since mak ing peace with the Jewish state, so the military council faces a difficult balancing act responding to public calls for an assertive policy towards Israel.

Erdogan was cheered by a crowd when he arrived in Cairo and met by Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf.

Many appeared to be from Islamist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood, who approve of Erdogan’s bringing Islamists into mainstream Turkish politics.

“Erdogan, Erdogan - a big welcome from the Brothers!” one banner said.

“Hero Erdogan” was written on a photo of the prime minister. —Agencies

Zawahiri hails Arab uprisings Continued from Page 1 said in the audio message played over a still photograph of him brandishing a gun. Zawahiri called on Syrians to persevere in their struggle against the “corrupt and criminal” rule of President Bashar Al-Assad and welcomed the over throw of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, though he criticised NATO’s involvement.

The video also included a message from bin Laden, which Zawahiri said was being aired for the first time.

The exact date of the clip was not clear. In it, bin Laden warned Americans of the “tyranny” of capitalism and “falling as slaves” to the control of major corporations and “Jewish money capital”, which he said were a primary cause of war and had brought the United States to the brink of bankruptcy. He did not mention the “Arab Spring” of popular uprisings. Bin Laden recommended that Americans read the book “Obama’s War”

by Bob Woodward which details wrangles over US military decision-making, and told them that US President Barack Obama’s campaign slogan “Yes, we can” is

untrue. Zawahiri asked Muslims worldwide to focus their efforts on fighting the United States. “I encourage every Muslim who desires his nation’s freedom to undertake to hurt America for the more we put pressure on it, the freer we will be from its agents.” He also advised the Palestinian Authority against efforts to seek statehood status at the United Nations later this month, saying that such a move would amount to “losing even more of Palestine and recognising” the Israeli state.

Zawahiri lauded his predecessor bin Laden as a f i ghte r w ho ha d t a ke n on t he R us s i a ns i n Afghanistan as well as the Americans, and whom he said had sacrificed everything for his campaign.

“America is denying the fact that it is not facing individuals or groups but the whole ummah (Muslim community) of Islam. After the martyrdom of Sheikh Osama, the Islamic face of the revolutions was shown,” he said. “America’s arrogant nature will push it to deny the facts that it is facing a rising ummah and that it may be a cause of defeat and its fall, with permission from Allah.” —Agencies

Taleban target US Embassy in Kabul Continued from Page 1 Their ability to shower artillery around the diplomatic district was a clear show of strength at a time when NATO-led forces are claiming significant security gains and preparing for their exit by 2014. Although the Taleban have attacked multiple targets in Kabul in the past, this is the first time they have organised simultaneous assaults on such separate areas. “The scale of today’s attack is unprecedented,” said Andrew Exum, fellow at the Center for a New American Security.

“There was almost certainly either a breakdown in security among the Afghans with responsibility for Kabul or an intelligence failure.”

A squad of about five insurgents took over a shopping centre under construction on the outskirts of Kabul’s diplomatic district armed with rocket-propelled grenade launchers, AK-47s and suicide vests.

Explosions were interspersed with gunfire all afternoon and several rockets landed in upmarket Wazir Akbar Khan district, near the British and other embassies. One hit a school bus but it appeared to have been empty at the time. The gun battle around Abdul Haq square went on into the early evening, with three attackers killed and one or two still at large nearly eight hours after the assault began, the Interior Ministry said.

Four policemen and three civilians were killed in the attack and 17 people wounded, said Mohammad Zahir, head of the Kabul police’s Crime Investigation Unit.

Journalists from Radio Television Afghanistan and Iran’s English-language Press TV channel were among the wounded. Hundreds of students from two schools were stuck near the site of the attack and terrified parents rushing to rescue their children were stopped by security forces. Children cried as parents fought to get near, and two women fainted.

Four Afghans who had been waiting for visas were also wounded by rocket-propelled grenades during the attack on the US Embassy compound, embassy spokeswoman Kerri Hannan said. The US and British embassies and the NATO-led coalition said all their employees were safe. In western Kabul, a few kilometres away, a suicide bomber detonated explosives at a police building, killing a policeman and wounding two.

A second bomber killed a civilian at a regional police

centre and wounded four.

And at a road near the airport, a suicide bomber was killed by police and 7 kg of explosives were seized, the Kabul police chief said in a statement. The Taleban claimed responsibility, saying they aimed to support the attackers near the embassy district. “We attacked convoys of police as they were sending reinforcements to Abdul Haq Square,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said by phone from an undisclosed location.

Violence is at its worst since US-backed Afghan forces toppled the Taleban government in late 2001, with high levels of foreign troop deaths and record civilian casualties. The assault was the second big attack in the city in less than a month after suicide bombers targeted the British Council headquarters in mid-August, killing nine people. In late June, insurgents launched an assault on a hotel in the capital frequented by Westerners, killing at least 10. But Tuesday’s attack was even more ambitious.

“This incident is one of the rare occasions that militants have demonstrated the capability to get extremely close to the heart of the Western military and intelligence presence,” global intelligence consulting firm STRATFOR said. “The ability to get numerous operatives armed with explosives and heavy guns into this area could not have been possible without the Taleban obtaining aid from Afghan security personnel posted in high-security areas.”

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the assaults were aimed at thwarting plans to hand over security to Afghan forces but they would not succeed. US President Barack Obama has announced a plan to start pulling US troops out of Afghanistan and all foreign forces there have agreed to transfer security responsibilities to Afghan forces and head home by the end of 2014. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the attacks would not deter the United States and its Afghan allies. “We will be continuing with even greater commitment to doing all we can to give the Afghan people who have suffered so much a chance at a better future,” she told reporters. Afghan President Hamid Karzai said the attacks would only stiffen the resolve of Afghan security forces. “They will give...more determination to Afghan forces on their way toward taking on more responsibility,” Karzai said. —Reuters

14

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

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Issues

Greece on ropes as EU patience wearing thin

By Catherine Boitard reece is once again on the ropes, analysts said, after its embattled government ordered further controversial spending cuts and tax hikes to head off the disastrous prospect of a loan freeze from its irate EU-IMF creditors. As senior European politicians broached the possibility of an “orderly” default for debt-stricken Athens in spite of a huge bailout loan extended only last year, the Greek finance ministry announced new plans to slice an extra two billion euros ($2.7 billion) off the deficit.

The latest revision comes barely three months after a previous fiscal blueprint, designed to last until 2015, was agreed with the EU, IMF and ECB. “ This looks like patchwork,” noted Angelos Tsakanikas, head of studies at the Institute for Economic and Industrial Research (IOVE). Only days earlier, Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos had been confidently arguing that a recession deeper than what Greece’s ‘troika’ of creditors had anticipated would “automatically” impact on previously agreed fiscal targets. The Greek economy is now expected to contract by at least five percent of output against the previous forecast 3.5 percent.

But the government found the tide of European public opinion rapidly turning against it, just as the continent’s various parliaments began meeting to approve a new 159-billion-euro Greek rescue package set up in July. The 110-billion-euro bailout last year proved insufficient as Athens was unable to generate growth and return to money markets on its own. “They spent more time and energy looking at how not to apply the recovery plan than on actually doing the work,” Tsakanikas said of the ruling Greek Socialist party.

Reform laws voted months ago have yet to be put into practice, and a crash privatisation programme that is a condition of the new EU rescue package has made little tangible progress. Many Greeks fear that the state sell-off will be too cheap, and complain that some 20,000 state employees will be laid off and many others will have their wages cut amid unemployment that reached 16 percent in June. A ‘troika’ audit to determine whether Greece had made enough progress to merit a scheduled eightmillion-euro loan instalment was suspended in early September, and for the first time Athens was explicitly warned that the funds could be cut off.

“The message was that the pleasantries are over,” said political analyst Thomas Gerakis. “But the true question is whether the government is capable of carrying out the task at hand,” he told AFP, warning of a new flare-up of social anger. On Saturday, some 25,000 people demonstrated in the main northern city of Thessaloniki where Prime Minister George Papandreou gave a speech on the government’s economic policy. A new property tax is expected to cost home-owners hundreds of euros on top of existing wage cuts and sales tax hikes.

On Monday, Finance Minister Venizelos and his predecessor George Papaconstantinou were booed by finance ministry staff as they arrived for talks with European Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn. Leftist Eleftherotypia daily termed the new measures “a confession of failure” while even nominally pro-government newspapers Ta Nea and Ethnos spoke of a “new extortion” in the face of “blackmail”. “It is better to lose something than to lose everything,” Prime Minister George Papandreou said over the weekend while his finance minister Venizelos said two “hellish” months lay ahead for the country.

The finance ministry on Monday said the state budget deficit had jumped to 18.1 billion euros ($24.7 billion) as the debt-mired country had to pay more to service its loans and increased social outlays due to the recession. Financial markets fled to safety at signs that Germany is losing patience with Greece.

The euro sank to a 10-year low point against the yen and German bond yields fell to a record low level as investors sought safe-haven assets. — AFP

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Bachmann comes back to life in debate

By Steve Holland ichele Bachmann won a new lease on life for her fizzling presidential campaign by aggressively targeting Republican frontrunner Rick Perry and raising doubts about his conservative credentials. But whether Bachmann can save a campaign that is clearly on the ropes is very much in doubt, just a month after she enjoyed her best moment of the 2012 season by winning the Iowa straw poll, an important early test of strength. She has to prove to voters, and perhaps more importantly, her fund-raisers, that she would be more elec table than Perry. She must also show conservatives she is the better candidate to defeat Democratic President Barack Obama in Nov next year.

That may prove difficult. Bachmann, of Minnesota, is a member of the US House of Representatives with a rela-

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tively thin legislative record. Perry, by contrast, is the longest serving governor of Texas in history and, like him or not, has deep experience as an executive. But it is some of Perry’s record as an executive that Bachmann attempted to exploit in the Republican debate in Florida on Monday. This time, she seemed to come back to life after a nearly invisible performance at a similar gathering in California last week.

“Bachmann needed to make some noise tonight and she did,” said Republican strategist Scott Reed. “She challenged Perry in a very aggressive way. That is going to help her win more votes.” Looking to curry favor with antigovernment Tea Party conservatives who sponsored the debate and packed the room, Bachmann raised questions about Perry’s conservative record on two fronts: His executive order in Texas to require vaccinations for adolescent girls for sexually transmitted viruses

that cause cervical cancer, and his decision to sign a law that lets young people who are in the country illegally pay in-state tuition at public colleges. Both of these run against traditional conservative values, she argued.

Bachmann has to cover a lot of ground to catch up to Perry, perhaps an insurmountable climb. She polled only 4 percent in a CNN poll released before the debate, far behind Perry, who was at 30 percent and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney at 18 percent.

Her immediate challenge is to raise enough money to have a credible showing by the time third- quar ter fund-raising figures are released in midnext month. Beyond that, Bachmann must win the country’s first election contest of the Republican race to pick a presidential nominee, the Iowa caucuses on Feb 6.

Only a victory would springboard her to other conservative states like

South Carolina, since Romney seems poised to win the country’s first primary vote, in New Hampshire. “If her performance tonight impacts her polling in Iowa over the next seven or 10 days, then you can say it was a success,” said Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak.

“She has to either win Iowa or help Perry implode. Those are the only ways she can regain a credible path to the nomination.”

It has been a dramatic fall for Bachmann, who was riding high during the summer only to drop like a stone once Perry entered the race and took away the social conservatives who had flocked to Bachmann’s side. Bachmann is trying to take the long view. Interviewed

by CNN after the debate, she pointed out that the Republicans’ eventual nominee, John McCain, was in a similar dire situation four years ago and went on to win. “ We’re not at the end. This is a marathon,” she said. — Reuters

GOP foes seek cracks in Perry’s record

By Charles Babington ick Perry’s bid for the Republican presidential nomination will rise or fall on his 10-year record as Texas governor. In Monday’s crackling GOP debate, his rivals attacked that record as never before, led by a newly energized Mitt Romney and hardcharging Michele Bachmann. Perry, holding his own but looking besieged at times, defended himself vigorously on most fronts. He acknowledged mishandling a schoolgirl vaccination program, however, and asked for understanding about Texas’ need to work with illegal immigrants who seek citizenship and college educations.

As President Barack Obama might say: Welcome to the role of an incumbent with a complex record to defend from critics on all sides. The spirited exchanges showed that the top Republican candidates differ not merely in style but on key issues such as immigration, health policy and Social Security. For now, at least, Perry is the front-runner the others are hoping to catch. Romney, the former one-term Massachusetts governor running second in recent GOP polls, tried to blunt Perry’s strongest point - his Texas jobs record while exploiting what might be Perry’s most troublesome issue, Social Security.

The deeply conservative Tampa audience seemed to shift to and from Perry’s side during the two-hour forum, sponsored by CNN and the Tea Party Express.

On Social Security, Romney said, it wasn’t so bad that Perry has called the program “a Ponzi scheme”. The bigger problem, he said, is Perry’s writings that suggest Social Security is unconstitutional. “Does Gov Perry continue to believe that Social Security should not be a federal program, that it’s unconstitutional and it should be returned to the states?” Romney said.

The federal government made mistakes when Social Security was created decades ago, Perry said.

However, he said, “obviously we’re not going to take that program away” now that retirees have counted on it for 70 years. Each man accused the other of trying to frighten older Americans. Perry noted that Social Security’s long-term finances face problems, and asked, “Are there ways to move the states into Social Security for state employees or for retirees?”

As for Perry’s boast that Texas added more than a million jobs during his time in office, Romney suggested the governor was mostly lucky. “If you’re dealt four aces, that doesn’t make you necessarily a great poker player,” Romney said. He actually named five: Texas’s “zero income tax, low regulation, right-to-work state (status), oil in the ground and a Republican legislature”.

Perry essentially laughed off the suggestion that it’s easy to create a million jobs even with those advantages. He cited his efforts to reduce litigation, regulation and other perceived impediments to job creation that other states endure. The debate turned more emotional, and more problematic for Perry, on illegal immigration and child vaccinations. Perry again said

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he should have consulted the state legislature before ordering all Texas pre-teen girls to be vaccinated against a virus that can cause cervical cancer, unless their parents refused. “I am always going to err on the side of life,” he said.

Bachmann, a tea party favorite who has fallen back in recent polls, swung in forcefully. “Is it about life or was it about millions of dollars and potentially billions for a drug company” whose lobbyist was a former top Perry aide, she asked. Perry said the drug maker, Merck, gave his campaign $5,000 of the roughly $30

build a fence the entire length of the Texas-Mexico border. And he defended his decision to grant in-state college tuition to illegal immigrants seeking US citizenship. His approach to immigration is similar to that of his predecessor, President George W Bush. But like Bush, he found an unreceptive audience among conservative voters.

“Of course we build a fence, and of course we do not give in-state tuition credits to people who come here illegally,” Romney said. “That only attracts people to come here and take advantage of America’s great

Republican presidential candidates (left to right) US Rep Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney and Texas Gov Rick Perry are introduced for a presidential debate sponsored by CNN and The Tea Party Express at the Florida State fairgrounds on Monday in Tampa, Florida. — AFP million he raised. “If you’re saying that I can be bought for $5,000, I’m offended,” Perry said. The Minnesota congresswoman shot back, “Well, I’m offended for all the little girls and the parents that didn’t have a choice.”

It was perhaps the sharpest onstage exchange of the campaign so far. But Perry had more issues to defend. He brushed off Rep Ron Paul’s claim that he had raised taxes on Texas. Illegal immigration was a tougher discussion. Perry said it was not feasible to

beneficence.” Former Utah Gov Jon Huntsman agreed.

Perry asked for understanding. Mexico “has a clear and a long relationship with this state”, he said of Texas.

Illegal immigrants who go to college can become productive residents instead of staying “on the government dole” for the rest of their lives, he said. “It’s working well in the state of Texas,” Perry said. Over the next few weeks and months, his rivals seem determined to show that what works well in Texas might not work for the nation as a whole. — AP

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Longo’s husband and coach face charges PARIS: Veteran rider Jeannie Longo’s husband and coach Patrice Ciprelli is facing disciplinary action following allegations he bought erythropoietin (EPO) in 2007, the French cycling federation (FFC) said yesterday.

“Following allegations claiming Mr Patrice Ciprelli bought Chinese EPO, the FFC (French cycling federation) has decided to open disciplinary proceedings,” the FFC said in a statement.

The federation added that Ciprelli was provisionally suspended. FFC president David Lappartient is due to hold a news conference at 1500 GMT. Ciprelli, who also coached French rider Edwige Pitel in 2007, denied any wrongdoing.

“He says the documents are fake and reserved the right to sue for defamation,” Ciprelli’s lawyer Bruno Ravaz told Reuters. “It is easy to usurp one’s identity on the internet.” —Reuters

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

sp orts

Michael to join McLaren

NZ to host Champions Trophy MUMBAI: New Zealand will replace India as hosts of this year’s Champions Trophy in December, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) said yesterday.

The world governing body of the sport last week took away India’s hosting rights because of an administrative mess which may cost the country future events as well. “It is always tough to move an event out of any country, but I have to say that the silver lining is the bid from New Zealand,” FIH president Leandro Negre said in a statement.

“New Zealand will put on a first-rate Champions Trophy and has been extremely flexible and professional given the tough circumstances and tight

timeline. I know that they will do an excellent job hosting the event.” India will also lose their automatic spot in the eight-team event as the hosts and will have to play in November’s Champions Challenge in South Africa to qualify for the Dec. 3-11 tournament in Auckland.

The FIH rejected the Indian Sports Ministry-brokered peace agreement between rival factions Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), saying there could not be more than one federation running the game.

The IHF was disbanded in 2008 after its secretary was caught on camera taking a bribe to select a player before being revived by a court order last year. —Reuters

LONDON: Williams technical director Sam Michael will join McLaren as sporting director from next season, the Woking-based Formula One team said yesterday.

McLaren said Michael would join their senior management team as well as taking specific responsibility for the development and management of trackside operations.

“He’ll bring a very valuable blend of experience and expertise to our pitwall,” said McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh.

“I’m certain he’ll work extremely well with our senior technical management team, which I firmly believe will now become the strongest in all of Formula One.” Former world champions Williams had already announced in May that the Australian, who has been in the sport for 18 years and was a director of Williams, would be leaving them at the end of the year. However, they said in a separate statement that the Singapore Grand Prix in two weeks’ time would now be his last race with the team. —Reuters

D’backs close on NL West title LOS ANGELES: Arizona’s Gerardo Parra tied a career high with four RBIs as the Diamondbacks closed in on the National League West division title with a 7-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday.

The Diamondbacks reduced the magic number - the combined total of their wins and their closest rival’s losses - to seven games to clinch the NL West.

Arizona, vying for the fifth division crown in the franchise’s 14year history, has won 17 of its past 20 games to move 24 games over .500, matching its season best.

Diamondbacks starter Joe Saunders (11-12) allowed four hits and walked just one to take the win. Dodgers starter Ted Lilly (9-14) was charged with three runs in 5 1-3 innings.

CHICAGO: Detroit Tigers’ Ryan Raburn tosses his bat after hitting a single off Chicago White Sox starting pitcher John Danks during the third inning. —AP

Tigers rout White Sox CHICAGO: The Detroit Tigers extended their winning streak to 10 games in the American League by routing the Chicago White Sox 14-4 on Monday.

Jhonny Peralta and Ryan Raburn hit back-to-back homers in the second inning to put the Tigers en route to their first double-figure streak since 1968, when they won the World Series.

Raburn finished the game with four hits and three RBIs, and Peralta added two hits and three RBIs for the firstplace Tigers, who are now 11-1/2 games clear atop the AL Central with only 15 games to go.

Detroit starter Rick Porcello (14-8) coasted to an easy victory, allowing six hits in 6 2-3 innings. White Sox starter John Danks (6-12) lasted five innings and allowed eight runs.

Yankees 9, Mariners 3 In Seattle, Robinson Cano hit a threerun double to help New York defeat Seattle. Mark Teixeira and Chris Dickerson homered for the Yankees, who increased their lead in the AL East to a season-high four games over Boston.

New York starter Phil Hughes (5-5) pitched six strong innings, and the lopsided victor y meant Yankees closer Mariano Rivera didn’t need to leave the bullpen for a chance at his 600th career save. The Yankees did most of their damage against Seattle starter Felix

Hernandez (14-12), last year’s AL Cy Young Award winner. He worked six innings, giving up six runs - one fewer than his season worst.

Athletics 6, Angels 3 In Oakland, Josh Willingham hit a homer and drove in four runs to help Oakland beat Los Angeles. Willingham’s three-run shot in the first inning off Joel Pineiro (6-7) started a second straight brief outing for the Angels starter at the Coliseum.

Pineiro allowed four runs in threeplus innings as the Angels fell three games behind first-place Texas in the AL West. A’s starter Gio Gonzalez (13-12) struck out six and gave up two runs in 6 2-3 innings.

Rays 5, Orioles 2 In Baltimore, BJ Upton doubled twice and took two walks to set a Tampa Bay record by reaching base in nine straight plate appearances, and the Rays won their fifth straight by downing Baltimore.

Ben Zobrist had three hits and three RBIs for the Rays, who have won eight of nine to move within three games of idle Boston in the AL wild-card race.

Rays starter Jeff Niemann (10-7) gave up two runs in 7 2-3 innings. Orioles rookie Zach Britton (9-10) gave up five runs in five innings as Baltimore lost its third straight game. —AP

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

NY Yankees 11, Baltimore 10; Detroit 4, Cleveland 2; Washington 7, LA Dodgers 2; Toronto 1, Boston 0 (11 innings); Tampa Bay 5, Texas 1; Pittsburgh 3, Houston 1; Chicago White Sox 2, Minnesota 1; Chicago Cubs 4, Cincinnati 3; Arizona 10, Colorado 7; San Francisco 7, San Diego 2; Kansas City 11, Oakland 6; Milwaukee 4, St. Louis 1; Philadelphia 9, Atlanta 0; Florida 9, NY Mets 3; Chicago White Sox 4, Minnesota 0; LA Angels 7, Seattle 3.

American League National League Eastern Division Eastern Division Philadelphia 94 50 .653 W L PCT GB Atlanta 84 64 .568 12 NY Yankees 89 57 .610 NY Mets 71 76 .483 24.5 Boston 85 61 .582 4 Washington 68 77 .469 26.5 Tampa Bay 82 64 .562 7 Florida 67 79 .459 28 Toronto 74 73 .503 15.5 Baltimore 58 88 .397 31 Central Division Milwaukee 86 62 .581 Central Division St Louis 79 68 .537 6.5 Detroit 85 62 .578 Cincinnati 71 76 .483 14.5 Chi White Sox 73 73 .500 11.5 Pittsburgh 67 80 .456 18.5 Cleveland 72 72 .500 11.5 Chicago Cubs 65 82 .442 20.5 Kansas City 62 86 .419 23.5 Houston 50 97 .340 35.5 Minnesota 59 87 .404 25.5 Western Division Western Division Arizona 86 62 .581 Texas 83 64 .565 San Francisco 77 70 .524 8.5 LA Angels 80 67 .544 3 LA Dodgers 72 74 .493 13 Oakland 67 80 .456 16 Colorado 69 77 .473 16 Seattle 61 86 .415 22 San Diego 63 85 .426 23

Marlins 5, Braves 4 In Atlanta, Mike Stanton’s single in the 12th inning drove in the go-ahead run that lifted Florida over slumping Atlanta.

The Braves have lost four straight and their once iron grip on the NL wild card is looking increasingly shaky.

Atlanta rookie Anthony Varvaro (0-2) walked John Buck to lead off the 12th. Stanton, held out of the starting lineup due to a strained hamstring, lined a pitch into left field for the tiebreaking hit, which delivered the Marlins fourth straight win.

Florida’s Clay Hensley (4-6) pitched two scoreless innings and Leo Nunez worked the 12th for his 35th save, despite the Braves loading the bases in the bottom of the ninth with one out.

Pirates 6, Cardinals 5 In Pittsburgh, the hosts rallied with three runs in the eighth inning to edge St. Louis, dealing a blow to the Cardinals playoff hopes.

Ryan Doumit tied it 4-4 in the eighth with an RBI double off Marc Rzepczynski (0-2). With the bases loaded and two outs, the

little-used Pedro Ciriaco then hit a two-run double to put the Pirates ahead to stay.

Joel Hanrahan gave up a run in the ninth but held on for his 37th save, snapping Pittsburgh’s threegame skid. With runners at second and third, the All-Star closer struck out Corey Patterson to end it with Albert Pujols on deck as the next batter up.

Pujols earlier hit his NL-leading 35th homer and drove in three runs for St. Louis, which had won five in a row to climb within 41/2 games of Atlanta for the NL wild card. The Cardinals also began

time at Minute Maid Park since he was traded to the Phillies last year.

Despite the loss, Philadelphia’s magic number - a sum total of its wins and rivals’ losses - for gaining at least a wild-card spot dropped to one with St. Louis’ loss to Pittsburgh. The Phillies are trying to make the playoffs for the fifth straight year. Astros starter Brett Myers (5-13) allowed six hits in eight innings and took the win.

Giants 8, Padres 3 In San Francisco, Carlos

LOS ANGELES: Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Willie Bloomquist throws to out Los Angeles Dodgers’ James Loney at first during the first inning. —AP the day six games behind firstplace Milwaukee in the NL Central. Neil Walker went 3 for 4 with an RBI for the Pirates. Jason Grilli (2-1) worked a per fect eighth for the win.

Astros 5, Phillies 1 In Houston, Carlos Lee hit a two-run homer against his old teammate Roy Oswalt to lift Houston over Philadelphia.

Oswalt (7-9), who pitched 10 seasons for the Astros, faced his former teammates for the first

Beltran, Cody Ross and Pablo Sandoval homered in a rare show of power by San Francisco, beating San Diego.

Ross also singled, doubled and scored three times to back a solid outing by rookie Eric Surkamp (20), who pitched 5 2-3 innings for his second major league victory; both coming against San Diego.

San Francisco, the majors’ lowest-scoring team since the AllStar break, put up eight runs for the second straight game. It’s the first time the Giants have done

that this season.

Beltran went 2 for 4 and drove in two runs, Ross added a pair of RBIs and Sandoval capped the night with a three-run homer in the seventh. It’s also the first time the Giants have hit three home runs in a home game this year.

Padres starter Aaron Harang (136) allowed four runs in five innings.

Nationals 3, Mets 2 In New York, Stephen Lombardozzi made his first big league hit and RBI count, driving in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning as Washington edged New York.

Opposing starters Ross Detwiler of Washington and R.A. Dickey (8-12) of New York each gave up just one hit through four innings that took just 52 minutes.

The Nationals took a 1-0 lead in the fifth with help from Mets third baseman David Wright’s fourth error in three games.

Jayson Werth had three hits for Washington. Nationals reliever Todd Coffey (5-1) got one out in the sixth for the win and Drew Storen earned his 35th save in 40 chances. The Mets have lost five of six.

Cubs 12, Reds 8 In Cincinatti, Starlin Castro homered, scored four runs and drove in three while extending his career-high hitting streak to 13 games, leading Chicago over Cincinnati in the opener of a fourgame series.

Aramis Ramirez also had three hits, including a double and a homer, and Jeff Baker added a home run as the Cubs won their third consecutive game and matched a season high for runs.

Cubs starter Rodrigo Lopez (56) lasted 5 1-3 innings to earn the win despite allowing all four Cincinnati homers, and five runs.

Reds starter Dontrelle Willis (06) gave up three first-inning runs and eight in all, one shy of his career worst, as Cincinnati lost a third straight game. —AP

China regatta makes waves but no clear sailing yet QINGDAO: The rules of the sea are as unpredictable as the rules of the road in China, and more so when a yachting regatta involves dodging dimly-lit trawlers and fishing nets at night.

The hazardous journey north from the port city of Qingdao to deliver a yacht to Weihai, the starting point of the Mayor’s Cup regatta, was an unusual prologue to the international race staged as one effort by China, host of the 2008 Olympics, to boost its profile on the world sporting stage.

Without a moon, the only way forward was to steer by compass, guided by the stars and the faint grey light of the sky above the soot black ocean.

“Float at 2 o’clock,” a crew member belted out.

“It looks like a giant buoy, maybe it’s a rock. No, it’s a fishing boat.”

China’s yachting industry is still in its infancy but local government officials and enthusiasts are betting that interest in sailing as a sport and yacht ownership will expand along with the country’s growing consumption and rising incomes.

“At the moment our aim is to groom sailors for the Olympics but also to develop the sport for the general public,” said Yao Xinpei, Secretary General of the Chinese Yachting Association.

Just as car ownership has taken off along with rapid economic growth in China, he said there was huge potential to expand the boating industry.

Since the Olympics, China has poured investment into infrastructure, such as high-speed train links, as well as tourism and hosting major sporting events. Sailing has been one beneficiary.

The coastal province of Shandong, which has a 3,000-km long coastline, has an investment plan of $38.6 billion to develop an ocean economic zone. Other provinces, including Guangdong, may follow suit. Zhu Yuetao, vice director general of the Qingdao Development Office of Conference & Exhibition Industry, said that while sailing has existed in China for 600 years, there is no real cul-

ture of sailing for recreation.

“It has been the job of government to help promote this,” he said, noting it may take 30 years to get to the point where North America and Europe are today.

While China plans to host more international regattas and seeks to establish Qingdao as a sailing hub, growing legions of Chinese millionaires are also eyeing the chance to own luxury yachts as a mark of success.

China’s newly affluent are driving a new wave of lifestyle spending from luxury goods to sports cars and overseas holidays — and yachting is no exception.

“More people want to own yachts as a sign of success and to take their friends and family out on weekends,” said Loik Morgant, in charge of marketing yachts for Beneteau in Qingdao and who also teaches sailing at the local sailing school.

“But trying to convince yacht owners to get their children into the sport is another thing.

Chinese generally do not like being in the sun,” he said.

Sales remain small. The country accounted for about 1 to 2 percent of global yacht sales of $3.4 billion last year, industry estimates show-but with the worldwide yachting industry in a slump, China is a welcome bright spot. —Reuters

SAN FRANCISCO: In this photo provided by Rolex, sailboats in the Rolex Big Boat Series compete on San Francisco Bay with the San Francisco skyline in the background. The event, has been hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club for 47 years and is one of the best known regattas in the country. —AP

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Barrichello wins — in a virtual world LONDON: Rubens Barrichello can boast of being a race-winning championship leader with a contract for next seasonthe only pity being that he is not talking about Formula One. “This weekend I won my first virtual race, which was great. It’s amazing how competitive it is,” the 39-year-old Brazilian told reporters at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix where he finished 12th.

“It’s called STCC 2, which is the Swedish touring cars. I’ve done four races now and I’m leading the championship. That’s quite fun.

“I drive a Volkswagen Scirocco and I

am contracted for next year already,” he added. The picture in Formula One is less clear-cut.

Barrichello, who has started more races than any other driver in the history of the sport, intends to continue for a 20th successive season in 2012 at the age of 40 but Williams have yet to confirm his future.

“We are talking day by day. We just need to see. I wish we had done a deal already but it’s taking a little longer. I am just working hard to see if we can seal a deal as soon as possible,” he said. “The team is taking everything into perspective and they know what I can offer.”

Barrichello has won 11 grands prix with Ferrari and Brawn but former champions Williams have fallen on hard times and have gleaned just five points in 13 races this season. The Brazilian has scored four of them.

He said however that he had faith in the team to turn things around, with Renault engines coming next year and new staff appointments. Otherwise he would have no interest in continuing.

“To be working for another year like this, in my 20th year, I need something better,” he said. “I feel the team is doing better with the engine change, with the personnel change so I can see a

good light at the end of the tunnel. “I just want to continue because people want me to and because they know I can win. other than that I stay home and take care of my kids and winning my internet games.”

The virtual world of racing, against rivals such as compatriot and Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, has provided a welcome distraction from the problems on the real racetrack.

“It is so professional. You have to look into the wind, the track conditions, you might go to the grid and you cannot go back to the pit and it’s raining and you are on slick tyres. You have to

be so precise,” he said of the virtual world.

“It’s really unbelievable and its HD. “I am racing all against the guys from Brazil who race in stock cars. Massa is racing as well. there are 65 of us in the championship and then there are the guys who have been doing this for 10 years now. And you can watch live on a website.” “I love the internet.

I do poker games and people don’t know me, which is fun. But this one is just so damn professional,” added Barrichello, who also has more than 1.1 million followers on social network Twitter. —Reuters

Lawes banned, transport blamed as money rolls in AUCKLAND: England lock Courtney Lawes paid the price for striking an opponent with a twomatch ban and the first suspension of the rugby World Cup yesterday as the rumblings of discontent over chaotic transport on the opening night reached parliament.

Elsewhere, Argentina named a first-choice side to face lowly Romania, who almost beat Scotland in their opening match, and French coach Marc

upset by the verdict handed down to Lawes, who will be available to return for the clash against old rivals Scotland on Oct. 1 in Auckland.

“Disappointed to lose a good player for us obviously, we have the cover there but it’s not great,” Johnson bemoaned.

By the time the Scotland clash comes around rugby World Cup organisers will be hoping there will be no repeats of the chaotic scenes witnessed in the city on

World Cup minister Murray McCully said there would be no repeat after the next big match at Eden Park between Tri-Nations champions Australia and Ireland on Saturday. “We have been the victims of our own success,” McCully told Reuters.

“But we’ve also been criticised pretty roundly for not being proactive enough in our planning, I will be taking that on board and making sure we’ve learned our lessons.”

NAPIER: French rugby team player Dimitri Yachvili passes the ball during a training session, in Auckland. France will play Canada in their next Rugby World Cup match on Sunday. —AP Lievremont returned to his indecisive ways by changing most of his lineup for the clash with Canada.

Despite the suspension for the powerful Lawes, England will be relieved that the second row forward will only miss matches against Georgia and Romania, after the act of dropping a knee to the head of Argentine hooker Mario Ledesma was deemed a low-end offence.

England manager Martin Johnson, however, said he was

Friday’s opening night of the tournament when an estimated 50,000 people flooded the public transport system which ground to a halt.

That number was more than double what had been expected and Prime Minister John Key said in reply to a question in parliament that the local transport authority had to take responsibility for the overcrowded trains and lack of buses as it was not the government’s fault.

India struggling to unearth spin stars NEW DELHI: Harbhajan Singh’s lack of form and the poor quality of the other slow bowlers in the Indian Test team have raised fears that the nation’s long and glorious tradition of spin wizardry is under threat.

Harbhajan bagged just two wickets in two Tests at an average of 143.50 in England before heading home with an abdominal strain, sparking debate over whether he will ever fill the void left by retired spin partner Anil Kumble.

Fans hope Harbhajan’s slump is temporary as he has been India’s key tweaker since much-loved leg-spinner Kumble retired in 2008 with 619 wickets, the third-highest total in Test cricket.

Harbhajan, 31, has so far taken 406 Test wickets with his whiplash right-arm action, and he says he is now fighting fit and ready to return to his best.

India have tried leg-break specialist Amit Mishra and left-arm orthodox slow bowler Pragyan Ojha in recent years, but neither has cemented a Test berth as the cricket-mad nation searches for a match-winning performer.

Mishra, who replaced Harbhajan for the last two Tests of the four-match England series, took just three wickets at an average of 106.66 as India slipped to a crushing 4-0 defeat.

“There is so much negativism about spin bowling these days. A lot of bowlers are bowling flat,” India’s legendary former left-arm spinner Bishan Singh Bedi told AFP. Bedi, renowned for his smooth bowling action in the 1960s and 1970s, believes India will find it hard to find quality Test spinners in the one-day and Twenty20 era.

“How many overs does a bowler bowl in T20 or one-day cricket?” Bedi asked. “A spinner needs to attack and bowl long spells” if he hopes to succeed at Test level.

Bedi, who quit Tests in 1979 with 266 wickets in 67 matches, said the country needed a better system to produce world-class Test spinners.

“We had Kumble.... not because of the system, but despite it,” said Bedi. Traditionally, India’s dry, grassless wickets have bred a series of spin bowlers who have bewitched and bemused teams around the world. Vinoo Mankad, Ghulam Ahmed, Subhash Gupte and Bapu Nadkarni were much feared in the 1950s and 1960s. —AFP

While New Zealanders could probably put up with train delays and a long wait for a bus home, the one thing that would cause them great consternation is an injury to flyhalf Daniel Carter.

The standoff is key to New Zealand’s hopes of ending the All Blacks 24-year wait for another World Cup title and the news of a sore back, although minor, is still enough to cause a ripple of concern amongst supporters.

Carter will probably be rested

when coach Graham Henry names his side today to play Asian champions Japan in Hamilton on Friday with assistant coach Steve Hansen suggesting a rotation in team selection, much to the frustration of All Blacks fans desperate for a first-choice lineup be named.

“You know, we’re only one game into it and you just need to trust us that we’ll get this task done,” Hansen said. As priceless as many All Blacks fans think Carter is, the flyhalf is worth nothing in comparison to the value of hosting the seventh edition of the rugby World Cup, a report commissioned by tournament sponsors Mastercard revealed.

The largest sporting event to be hosted in New Zealand is projected to bring an extra $491 million directly into the local economy with a long-term figure predicted to be worth as much as $1.2 billion.

The figures would be welcome news to New Zealanders having to deal with the cost of rebuilding the city of Christchurch which suffered a huge earthquake in February.

The All Blacks match with Japan, who suffered an even deadlier earthquake and tsunami in March, will be marked with a minute’s silence for those who died in both disasters.

Today also marks the start of the tournament for Samoa, who have drawn a lot of attention following their last match two months ago-a win over Australia in Sydney.

The Pacific Islanders have been lumped in the ‘group of death’ with South Africa, Wales and Fiji but will begin their Pool D campaign against lowly Namibia and are confident of making the last eight once again.

Elsewhere today, Canada begin their campaign against Tonga in Pool A, Georgia kick off against Scotland in Pool B and Russia go through final preparations before their rugby World Cup debut against old cold war rivals the United States tomorrow. —Reuters

QUEENSTOWN: England rugby player Tom Palmer attempts to catch a ball as he takes part in a training session. England play their next Rugby World Cup game against Georgia on Sept. 18. —AP

Team tinkering starts at Rugby World Cup WELLINGTON: A flurry of team announcements at the Rugby World Cup yesterday revealed a divergent approach to selection policies between teams which value consistency and those prepared to tap the depth of their 30-man squads.

One change that wasn’t part of any team policy was the suspension of England lock Courtney Lawes for two matches for striking Argentina hooker Mario Ledesma with his knee in the 13-9 win on Saturday.

“It’s a fast-moving game and he’s started to make what he thought was a try-saving tackle, and we thought whatever contact with the knee was accidental,” said team manager Martin Johnson, who is yet to decide whether to appeal the verdict. “They saw things slightly differently.” Lawes will miss England’s Pool B games against Georgia on Sunday and Romania on Sept. 24 following the IRB disciplinary hearing in Auckland, but will be available for the final first-round match against Scotland.

France coach Marc Lievremont made 11 changes to his lineup for Sunday’s match against Canada, emphasizing the broad brush approach was “not a punishment” for France’s indifferent opening performance against Japan.

Tonga coach Isitolo Maka also made 11 changes to face Canada today following the Ikale Tahi’s better-than-expected performance against New Zealand in the tournament’s opening game.

But other coaches chose to tinker rather than disassemble their teams. The United States replaced three players for Thursday’s match against Russia, which will be making

Cook and Trott pick up main ICC awards LONDON: England batsmen Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott were named respectively test player of the year and player of the year at a ceremony hosted by the sport’s governing body the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday.

LONDON: England’s Jonathan Trott poses for photographers after winning the ICC Cricketer of the Year at the LG ICC Awards 2011. —AP Cook, the 26-year-old opener who was appointed one day captain after the World Cup this year - shone during the year peaking with a masterly 294 in the third Test victory over India in August, though, that fell outside the time frame for the award.

It was his third test century in six

matches and 19th in all and is now just three shy of England’s all-time record Test century total.

It represents quite a turnaround in the genial Cook’s fortunes as a year ago he was close to being dropped before reviving his career with a hundred against Pakistan at The Oval. It proved to be the springboard for a triumphant tour of Australia where he scored 766 runs, including three centuries, as England won the Ashes 3-1.

During the performance period, he played 12 Tests and in 18 innings, he compiled 1,302 runs at an average of 51.74, including six centuries and four half-centuries. His highest score of 235 not out against Australia at Brisbane helped his team towards series victory as it won the Ashes away from home for the first time since the 1986-87 season.

The independent voting academy of 25 cricket experts put Cook first, ahead of an impressive group of players that had been short-listed, including England team-mates Trott and James Anderson, as well as Jacques Kallis of South Africa, who previously won this award in 2005.

“I think the highlight of year was when we won in Sydney, to beat Australia and Chris Tremlett to take that final wicket it was truly a great year,” said Cook.

“This award is about the rest of the team not just me.” The ICC later named Trott as their cricketer of the year. “I never envisaged winning this award and it’s a brilliant feeling to be recognised,” Trott said.

Trott, who alongside Cook was a bedrock of England’s victory in Australia last winter with 445 runs, took the award ahead of fellow short-list nominees Sachin Tendulkar and Hashim Amla.

After receiving the award at a dinner, Trott spoke of his delight at an accolade

LONDON: England’s Alastair Cook poses for photographers after winning the ICC Test Crickerter of the Year at the LG ICC Awards 2011. —AP that honoured not just his but England’s achievements over the last 12 months.

Asked for his favorite memory, the South Africa-born batsman had no hesitation nominating not one of his innings but his run-out of Australia’s Simon Katich on the first morning of the second Test in Adelaide. —AFP

its World Cup debut. Argentina made two injury-enforced changes for its Pool B match against Romania on Saturday, drawing confidence from its courageous performance against England.

After two rest days, the World Cup will burst back to life today with three matches spread between New Zealand’s northernmost and southernmost major cities, Whangarei and Invercargill.

Tonga will meet Canada in Whangarei, Samoa will take on Namibia at Rotorua and, at Invercargill, Scotland will face off against a Georgian team also playing for the first time at this World Cup. The straight-talking Lievremont, noted for publicly taking players to task for on-field failings, hastened to assure reporters on Tuesday that his broad reorganization of the French team did not reflect any displeasure.

He said the changes were made with consideration of the matches ahead of his team, not those behind. “It’s down to the fact that, as you all know, there will be some matches that will probably be tough. Obviously it’s not a punishment,” Lievremont said. “In principal, we’ve got more difficult matches ahead. It’s important to get everyone involved.”

Lievremont has replaced scrumhalf Dimitri Yachvili with Morgan Parra and rested captain Thierry Dusautoir, bringing in flanker Fulgene Ouedraogo in his place.

Winger Vincent Clerc, hooker William Servat, flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc and outside back Aurelien Rougerie are the only players remaining from the 47-21 win against Japan.

Rougerie will captain the side in Dusautoir’s absence. —AP

ICC approve WCup qualifying system LONDON: Cricket’s governing body the International Cricket Council (ICC) approved a new system of qualifying for the 2015 World Cup here on Monday.

It is a result of a humiliating u-turn by the ICC after they had originally announced that the 2015 tournament would be just contested by the 10 Test-playing countries.

However, following a negative reaction to that they have decided to organise qualifying which will see four second tier countries end up fighting out the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

There will be a new 50-over League introduced which will serve as the qualifying programme for the World Cup. The top two teams in the eight team 50-over League will qualify automatically for the World Cup and the remainder of the teams will be joined by the teams finishing third and fourth in the World Cricket League Division 2.

The top two teams will compete in the new League to decide the remaining two qualifiers. The event will take place at a venue and on a date still to be decided.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons was delighted with the announcement as his side would be among the favourites to fill one of the spots - they have a rich recent World Cup pedigree having beaten Pakistan four years ago and then England this year in the group stages.

“It certainly gives all the one-day games in the league some extra spice, and there’s sure to be some high-pressure games as the league progresses,” said Simmons.

The competition has already begun, and Ireland are up and running. “We’ve got off to a good start beating Namibia twice, and we’ll be looking to add to that with wins against Canada,” said Simmons, a former West Indies opening batsman. —AFP

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

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Patriots shoot down Dolphins

MIAMI: Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) is tackled by New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty (32) during the first half of an NFL football. —AP

Monya keeps Russia on top VILNIUS: Russia stretched their perfect record at the European basketball championship to eight games and finished top of Group F in the second stage of the tournament with a dramatic 63-61 win against Macedonia on Monday.

The Russians, the only unbeaten team in the tournament, will play 2009 runners-up Serbia in Thursday’s second quarter-final, after France meet 2005 champions Greece.

Holders Spain and Slovenia, who clinched their berth in the last eight with a 67-60 defeat of Finland earlier on Monday, open the knockout stage in Kaunas on Wednesday followed by Macedonia’s clash with hosts Lithuania.

Russia were staring at defeat for the second time in the tournament but forward Sergey Monya again came to their rescue with a last-gasp three-pointer which beat the buzzer after it went in off the backboard.

It was a carbon copy of Monya’s game-winning shot against Slovenia in the preliminar y stage, when Russia edged the former Yugoslav republic 6564 having trailed throughout the contest.

The Macedonians looked like snatching a seventh straight win after romping to an early 8-0 lead but Russia turned the tide with strong defending and seemed to be in control after taking a 58-51 lead at the start of the fourth quarter.

They managed only one field goal in the following eight minutes and Macedonia, led by American-born pointguard Lester Bo McCalebb, took advantage.

McCalebb, who finished with a gamehigh 16 points, nailed a pair of free throws with four seconds left to give his team a 61-60 lead before Monya hit a difficult baseline jump-shot to beat the

clock.

Slovenia won their dogfight against Finland for the last remaining quarterfinal berth thanks to a more talented outfit which played in fits and starts and survived a late scare after they nearly blew an 11-point lead.

Having lost three games in a row after winning the opening four, Slovenia came out with purpose and appeared to be heading for a comfortable win after they earned a 60-49 advantage early in the final period.

Their offence then came to a screeching halt as the Finns cut the deficit to 6460 in the closing stages and missed a series of easy lay-ups before Goran Dragic sealed Slovenia’s victory with three free throws in the final minute.

“It wasn’t easy to deal with three defeats in a row and hence we have to be content with just beating Finland although our performance left a lot to be desired,” said Slovenia’s centre Erazem Lorbek.

Coach Bozidar Maljkovic added: “I don’t want to elaborate how difficult it will be to beat Spain because that would devalue the success of reaching the last eight.”

“Spain are the strong favourites to win the tournament but on the day anything can happen and we will face them with a lot of confidence,” said forward Uros Slokar.

Lorbek led the Slovenians with 14 points, Slokar added 13 and eight rebounds while point guard Jaka Lakovic scored 11.

Greece, who were already assured of finishing third in the group and playing France for a berth in the semi-finals, beat eliminated Georgia 73-60 as both teams went through the motions. —Reuters

VILNIUS: Andrei Kirilenko (left) from Russia tries to block Pero Antic (right) from Macedonia during the EuroBasket European Basketball Championship Group F match. —AP

MIAMI: Desperate to slow down Tom Brady, the Miami Dolphins tried playing 12 men on defense.

That didn’t work. They drew a penalty. Using only 11 defenders was even worse.

Brady threw for a team-record 517 yards and four touchdowns, including a 99-yarder to Wes Welker, and the New England Patriots opened their season Monday night by beating Miami 38-24.

Brady and the reigning AFC East champions picked up where they left off last season, when he was a unanimous choice for NFL MVP, and his team led the league in scoring. “He’s a great quarterback,” teammate Aaron Hernandez said, “and the world knows that.”

New England totaled 622 yards, the most in franchise history and the most allowed by Miami.

Brady’s performance overshadowed Miami’s Chad Henne, who threw for a career-high 416 yards.

The 906 net yards passing by both teams was an NFL record. “They made some plays on us,” Brady said. “We made a few more than them.” Even

by Patriots standards - they’re 1-0 for the eighth consecutive year this was a fast start.

Defensive end Jared Odrick picked off a deflected pass to set up a Miami touchdown and end Brady’s NFL-record streak of 358 passes without an interception. Otherwise Brady was close to flawless.

Brady went 32 for 48 and became the 11th quarterback to throw for at least 500 yards. Norm Van Brocklin set the record of 554 yards in 1951.

Brady thrived directing a no-huddle attack that kept the Dolphins on their heels. “I enjoy scoring points,” Brady said. “So whatever we need to do to score points, that’s what I want to do.”

The capper came with 5:44 left and the Patriots leading 31-17. After they stopped Miami on downs at the 1-foot line, Brady lined up in the shotgun on first down and threw from his end zone to Welker, who had slipped behind Benny Sapp near the 30yard line.

“When I saw the coverage as we lined up, I knew there was a strong possibility I could be getting the ball,” Welker said. “I just wanted to make the most of the opportunity.”

He did, catching the pass in stride and sprinting untouched for the score to complete the longest play in Patriots history. “Awesome,” Brady said. “I only threw it 25 yards. Wes did all the work.”

Brady also threw touchdown passes on consecutive plays. He hit Hernandez for a 31-yard score, and when a replay review determined the receiver was down at the 1, Brady threw to him again for a TD on the next play.

His other scoring passes covered 10 yards to Rob Gronkowski and 2 yards to Welker. “Some of their scores ended up looking like it was kind of easy,” Miami coach Tony Sparano said. Said Brady: “I wouldn’t say it was easy at all.”

He was sacked only once, and good protection gave his receivers plenty of time to work their way open. Newcomer Chad Ochocino was targeted three times and had only one catch for 14 yards.

But Welker made eight receptions for 160 yards against his former team, and tight ends Hernandez and Gronkowski combined for 189 yards on 13 catches.“It wasn’t a one-man band out there,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “We had a lot of contributions.”

The Dolphins’ defense returned virtually intact from last season and was expected to be the team’s strength, but Brady riddled them from the start. He completed his first eight passes for 127 yards on the Patriots’ first two possessions, and both ended with TDs. Brady’s first interception since Oct. 17

DENVER: Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton (8) is sacked by Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour (92) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game. — AP came early in the third quarter, when he tried to hit Julian Edelman in the flat. Sapp deflected the ball to the 304-pound Odrick, who rumbled 40 yards to the 9. Two plays later, Henne hit Brian Hartline with a 10-yard touchdown pass to make the score 14-all.

Brady was so rattled it took him 10 plays to put the Pats ahead to stay.

Raiders 23 Broncos 20 In Denver, Sebastian Janikowski figures his celebration over his long field goal will be short-lived.

After all, Matt Prater kicks at this altitude eight times a year to Janikowki’s one.

“He’s the only guy I’ve got to worry about if he’s going to break the record,” Janikowski said after his record-tying 63-yarder helped the Oakland Raiders beat the Denver Broncos 23-20 Monday night.

Janikowski said he dreamt of just such a historic field goal Saturday night and nailed a kick from 70 yards out during warmups.

His 63-yard kick tumbled above the crossbar near the left upright as the first half expired, giving Oakland a 16-3 lead. “To be honest, I didn’t hit it that good,” said Janikowski, ever the perfectionist.

“It barely got over the bar.”

Janikowski also was true from 37 and 21 yards.

Prater made a 28- and a 30-yarder but was wide right on a 56-yard attempt in the first half, just his fourth miss from 50-plus yards in 13 career tries.

That was the difference in a foul- and fist-filled night between the AFC West archrivals.

The Raiders (1-0) won in Denver for the fourth straight season in coach Hue Jackson’s NFL head coaching debut, and handed the Broncos (0-1) their first loss in a home opener since 2000. John Fox lost his debut as Denver’s coach, and he lost at least two playmakers in the process.

Pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil was relegated to situational duty for three quarters after irritating a left shoulder injury that he originally sustained during practice last week. And perennial Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey injured his left hamstring making a touchdown-saving tackle of Darren McFadden, who ran 22 times for 150 yards.

“It’s very disappointing because we talk about

having to stop Darren McFadden, and we don’t do everything to stop him,” said Bailey, who will go for an MRI Tuesday.

Without a ground game themselves, the Broncos went to the air and cut the deficit to 23-20 with just under four minutes left on Kyle Orton’s short TD toss to Lance Ball - with both his top target, Brandon Lloyd (groin), and top tailback, Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) on the sideline.

The Raiders, who ran for 190 yards, salted away the win by controlling the clock and were able to line up in victory formation after Michael Bush’s 12yard run to midfield for the first down at the 2minute warning.

Other than his late TD throw, Orton had a tough night. He completed 24 of 46 passes for 304 yards with an interception. As he left the field, fans were chanting, “Tebow! Tebow!” for second-year quarterback Tim Tebow, who had an awful camp and is probably the No. 3 quarterback behind Brady Quinn. Janikowski’s kick on the final play of the first half tied the NFL mark set by Tom Dempsey in 1970 and matched by Denver’s Jason Elam in 1998 at the old Mile High Stadium.

“I wanted to be 10 years in the league, break the record or tie the record and I want to win a Super Bowl,” Janikowski said. “Those are my three goals.

I’ve got two out of three.”

Janikowski’s teammate, punter Shane Lechler, added a 77-yard punt in the fourth quarter, tying a team record set by Wayne Crow a half century ago.

“It’s phenomenal, both of them,” Jackson said.

“What Sebastian did was unheard of. I think we have two of the best kickers in the league. I trust those guys, believe in them. What a kick. Obviously, a lot of people think that was the difference in the game.”

Lechler’s punt bounced into the end zone for a touchback, and that’s just what Jackson wanted out of his punter after watching Eric Decker return his previous punt 90 yards for a touchdown. It was the eighth TD on a punt or kickoff return on opening weekend, the most in a single week in NFL history. —AP

Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero signs For Puma GERMANY: PUMA announced yesterday it has signed a longterm contract with Sergio Aguero. The Argentinean international will wear PUMA’s speed line of boots over a long-term period, commencing with the v1.11 boots in the lead green colourway in Manchester City FC’s first UEFA Champions League game against Italian side SSC Napoli tomorrow.

Manchester City’s record signing will be a central figure in PUMA’s global marketing programmes in the coming years, and a key asset in the Sportlifestyle brand’s football communication. Aguero has been testing PUMA boots in recent weeks, the performance characteristics of the PUMA v1.11 Speed boot being a major reason for him signing this new contract with PUMA. Having a lightweight football boot with a K-leather composition that enables freedom of movement and speed on the pitch was an absolute requirement for the Argentinean international.

Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero said “I am really happy to sign with PUMA. It is clear to me that PUMA is a fantastic brand; they’ve made a great impression on me with their product designs, marketing plans and future intentions in football. I’ve been wearing the PUMA v1.11 boots on pitch recently, they give me a real edge and the confidence to play to the very top of my ability. This is a great stage of my life that I’m in now, I’m excited to be starting this next phase of my career with Manchester City, and my new partnership with PUMA is another step towards achieving my dreams.”

Christian Voigt, Senior Head of Global Sports Marketing at PUMA commented, “We are delighted to add Sergio Aguero to our global sports marketing portfolio. Signing a player of his status and reputation is another important step in the implementation of our football strategy. Sergio’s ability on the pitch makes him one of the most exciting strikers to watch in world football, and with his unfailing positive attitude I have no doubt he’ll go on to become a true legend of the game. He’s an exceptionally nice guy, a real pleasure to work with, and we’re thrilled to have him as a PUMA player.”

The PUMA v1.11 Speed Boot that Aguero will wear is amongst the lightest football boots PUMA has ever made. It is the third generation boot that uses the special UNI technology, where the upper material is stitched rather than glued to the sole, providing the perfect fit by perfectly replicating the unique PUMA Aptolast.

In addition, the v1.11 enables greater playing stability, through an external heel counter and a Pebax frame that provides support to the outsole. This increased stability also enables an optimal traction as well as manoeuvrability, provided through the pointed stud configuration featured on this new boot. The PUMA v1.11 also features a super soft premium lightweight microfiber upper material. A carbon fiber composite in the forefoot helps provide optimal pressure distribution, reactivity and flexibility.

Sheikh Sharqi visits Shooting Ranges

By Abdellatif Sharaa KUWAIT: HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al-Sharqi, the Crown Prince of AlFujaira Emirate visited Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting Ranges Complex early this week. The guest was received by President of Kuwait and Asian Shooting Associations deputy chairman of ISSF Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, secretary general of the Arab and Kuwait Shooting Federations and board members Mohammad Karam and Nidal Al-Sayyed Omar. Sheikh Salman took the guest on a tour of the complex facilities, before shooting at clay targets and rifles.

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Djokovic claims maiden US Open Third grand slam of 2011

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Al-Kuwait club player Rogerio Se Silva (left) is challenged by Dagno Siaka of Thailand’s Muang Thong United during their 2011 AFC Cup quarter-final football match. Kuwait defeated Muang Thong 1-0.

—Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

City are debutants with a big difference MANCHESTER: Manchester City begin their Champions League campaign as the debutants no one wants to face thanks to a dazzling start to their domestic season and a squad bursting with expensive talent.

Goals have flowed for City this season as easily as hundreds of millions of pounds have been spent and bookmakers have installed Roberto Mancini’s men among the favourites for European glory before their Group A opener at home to Napoli today. The group’s heavyweights, in terms of seedings in the draw, are Bayern Munich and Villarreal but the German club’s winger Franck Ribery summed up the issue by holding his head in his hands when hearing that the world’s richest club were in his group. “I saw Ribery’s reaction-and I think he is a clever man,” Mancini told local media.

“We are in a difficult group-but so are Bayern Munich, Villarreal and Napoli. The group we are in is very strong. It is so strong that there is a chance we could finish top and a chance we could finish in fourth position.”

Appearing in Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since 1968, City could, in theory, just enjoy the experience-or, in the case of goalkeeper Joe Hart, the famous Champions League music played at the start of matches.

“I’ll be humming along,” Hart said on the club’s website (www.mcfc.co.uk). “As a club, players and fans, we’re looking forward to it. It’s really exciting and we can’t wait.”

The reality is different as City owner Sheikh Mansour has pumped more than 600 million pounds ($950 million)into building a squad of players experienced in Champions League soccer who have gelled into a relentless attacking force.

Spearheaded by Argentina forward Sergio Aguero, they have already scored 15 goals in four league games to set the early Premier League pace along with more decorated neighbours Manchester United as the only teams still with per-

fect records intact.

Aguero, who has scored six league goals including a hat-trick in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Wigan Athletic, has a personal interest in Wednesday’s Italian visitors. Married to the daughter of Diego Maradona, Aguero will face the club his father-in-law helped to the 1987 and 1990 league titles, and while Maradona will not be at the game due to coaching commitments in Dubai he will provide inspiration.

“I hope I can help Manchester City do great things like Diego did with Napoli,” local media quoted Aguero as saying.

Mancini has said the main aim is to progress from the group and with the likes of Aguero and fellow striker Edin Dzeko, who was left on the bench against Wigan despite scoring four goals in the previous game, the Italian has the tools for the job.

Serie A side Napoli are also making their first appearance in the Champions League group stage, with their last European Cup appearance 21 years ago, and are also in high spirits.

Defender Hugo Campagnaro, who survived a car crash in which three people died in his native Argentina in June, scored the decisive goal as Napoli won 31 at 10-man Cesena in their opening league match of the season on Saturday.

Influential Slovakia midfielder Marek Hamsik was on the bench at Cesena but came on to score the third goal and will start for the Naples side in Manchester.

“Hamsik is recovering from two matches with his national team. I preferred it this way so that he could be refreshed for the match in Manchester,” coach Walter Mazzarri said. “Now begins a Champions League adventure. I’m curious to see how the team will do against a big club like Manchester City.

We’ve got into the European Cup after 20 years, we have a difficult group but also a fascinating one we want to play in.

For us it is a source of pride to be there.

Then we’ll see.” —Reuters

NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic provided irrefutable proof that he is the world’s best player right now and perhaps on his way to becoming one of the greatest ever with a 6-2 6-4 6-7 6-1 victory over Rafa Nadal in the US Open final yesteday.

XIn claiming his third grand slam title of an amazing season, Djokovic produced an incredible display of shotmaking and courage when his body started to wilt during a classic slugfest at Flushing Meadows that lasted four hours and 10 minutes.

The Serbian’s lower back and his ribs were aching and his legs were starting to cramp up, but he ignored the pain and focused all his energy on the muscular Nadal, who was threatening to mount a comeback.

The Spaniard won the third set in a tiebreaker to keep the match alive and the raucous crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium were screaming their lungs out in the hope that it might go to five sets.

Both players appeared on the brink of total exhaustion but Djokovic remained calm and composed. “In the big events and matches, the winner is decided by small margins, a couple of points,” he explained after claiming his first US Open title and fourth major overall.

“I guess the winner is the one that believes in victory more than the other.” The victories have been flowing thick and fast for Djokovic this year. He has won 10 titles this season, including the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, and no-one seems to know how to beat him, least of all Nadal.

Twelve months ago, the Spaniard was on top of the world after defeating Djokovic in New York to complete his own collection of grand slam titles, but now he can only look on as his rival has replaced him as the top dog in men’s tennis.

Djokovic has usurped Nadal as the world number one and beaten him in six finals this year, including at Wimbledon and the US Open.

“Six straight loses, for sure that’s painful but I’m going to work every day until that changes,” Nadal said. “So I have a goal. It’s going to be tough to change the situation, but the goal is easy to see.”

The pair produced a final of the highest quality, with some incredible rallies and shotmaking that whipped the centre court crowd into a frenzy. Nadal had his chances but it was

Cerezo aim to keep Japan interests alive HONG KONG: Asian Champions League debutants Cerezo Osaka take on South Korea’s Jeonbuk Motors today in the quarter-finals as they battle to keep Japanese interests alive in the continental showpiece.

Cerezo, who stormed back to record an extraordinary 5-4 win over Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the J-League on Saturday, are surprisingly the only team from Japan left in the competition as it reaches its climax. Coach Levir Culpi admits the Koreans will be favourites and will be hoping his young side makes the best of home advantage in the first leg at the Nagai Stadium in Japan’s second-biggest city. “I know that Jeonbuk are physically stronger than us,” said Culpi, who masterminded Cerezo’s third-placed finish in the J-League last season.

“But I believe that we are technically and strategically better and I think the

players proved that in Saturday’s match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. “We are expecting a victory on Wednesday. There are many young players in our team, but when they are given their chance to play, they want to win-whether in the ACL or the J-League.” Cerezo secured their place in the quarters after finishing second to the Koreans in the group stages before seeing off city rivals Gamba 1-0 in the round of 16. The Japanese will again be looking for attacking midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake to make a major contribution.

The free-scoring Japanese international played a major part in propelling his side, the lesser-known of the two teams from Osaka, into the last eight in their first Asian Champions League campaign.

With a place in the FIFA Club World Cup in December in Japan up for grabs for the continental winners, Kiyotake said there was all to play for. — AFP

ond. He broke back after a titanic third game that lasted more than 17 minutes and included eight deuces to lead 4-2. Nadal got back to 4-4 but another sloppy service game cost him the set. The third set was the longest, lasting

NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the trophy after winning the men’s championship match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the US Open tennis tournament. — AP he has all the instincts of a prize fighter to go with his sublime skill.

In the opening set, the defending champion jumped out to a 2-0 lead, only to be reined in by Djokovic, who kept the Spanish left-hander under constant pressure with some monster returns that landed right at his feet.

“It was a tough match, physically, mentally, everything,” Nadal said. “I fought until the last point. I tried my best at every moment. I am happy with a lot of things, much happier than the previous matches against him.”

Djokovic, mixing power with some delicate chip shots that often left Nadal in two minds, reeled off six straight games to take the opening set after 53 minutes but suddenly found himself down 2-0 again at the start of the sec-

84 minutes. Both players were broken three times but Djokovic led 6-5 and had the chance to serve out the match. To his credit, Nadal fought back and forced the match into a fourth set but he was drained by the effort.

Djokovic was tired as well and called for a medical timeout at the start of the fourth set but he recovered quickly and ran away with the set to seal his first U.S. Open title and the fourth of his career. Only the French Open remains missing from his trophy cabinet. “I still want to win many more events, many more major events,” Djokovic said.

“It would be unbelievable to be able to complete the grand slam, to win the French Open. It’s something that is definitely an ambition, but it’s going to take time.” —Reuters

Benfica baptism for United’s new breed LISBON: Manchester United’s new generation of players will bid to follow in some illustrious footsteps when they open their Champions League campaign against historic rivals Benfica here today.

Forty-five years ago, a United side spearheaded by George Best tore apart Benfica 5-1 to book their place in the European Cup semifinals and confirm the club’s re-emergence as a force on the continental scene.

Irrepressible on that March night in Lisbon, Best claimed a brace of goals inside the first 15 minutes but finished on the losing side in the semi-finals when United fell to Partizan Belgrade.

United would not be denied for long, however, and two years later Best was on target again as Matt Busby’s team beat Benfica 4-1 after extra time at Wembley to become England’s first ever European champions.

Busby’s triumph validated his decision to retain his faith in young players as he rebuilt

Matches on TV LONDON: Napoli players gather to train on the pitch at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. Napoli will play Manchester City in a Champions League soccer match today. —AP

Djokovic who won the key moments.

No matter how hard he tried, Nadal could not find a way to get on top of the Serbian, who had saved two match points in his epic semi-final win over Roger Federer to show that

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the club after the horror of the 1958 Munich air disaster, and the present-day United lineup reflects the same conviction in youth.

Despite only making three close-season signings, the English champions look a completely different team to the one that was outclassed by Barcelona in last season’s Champions League final in May. New signings Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea have adapted quickly, while Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck slipped seamlessly into the team following loan spells at Wigan and Sunderland respectively.

United have not been unduly inconvenienced by injuries either, with 21-year-old Chris Smalling and 19-year-old Jones smoothly plugging gaps in the back four left by the absences of more seasoned defenders. United have returned to Benfica’s iconic Estadio da Luz twice since that memorable night in 1966.

A 2-1 defeat in December 2005 dumped United out of the Champions League at the group phase for the first since 1994, marking the nadir of the transitional period that spanned the gap between United’s English titles in 2003 and 2007.

Revenge arrived the following season, however, with United consigning Benfica to an early exit of their own with a 3-1 win at Old Trafford after the teams were drawn together again at the same stage of the competition.

“Benfica are always a handful,” said United coach Sir Alex Ferguson, who has hinted that he may also call on some of his more experienced players for Wednesday’s game.

“We always expect a difficult game there and I watched a couple of their matches away from home and they were absolutely brilliant.”

United arrive in the Portuguese capital looking to extend an 18-month unbeaten record away from home in European competition and having thrashed Bolton Wanderers 50 on Saturday to remain top of the Premier League.

Ferguson’s men reached last season’s final without conceding a single goal on the road but Benfica are an intimidating prospect on their own turf and are chasing a seventh straight home victory in European competition. “When you start the match and hear the Champions League anthem, the player is already so charged with adrenaline because he feels he is playing with the very best,” said Benfica coach Jorge Jesus.

“So there isn’t much difference between Manchester United or, say, Basel; the players’ motivation is at the maximum for both.” Cast into the shadows by Andre Villas-Boas’ all-conquering Porto last season, Jesus’ side are currently second in the Portuguese top flighttwo points behind Porto-after winning 2-1 at home to Guimaraes on Saturday. — AFP

LISBON: Manchester United’s players warm up during a training session. Manchester United will play Benfica today in their Champions League Group C soccer match. —AP

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Don’t name and shame soccer’s druggies NEW YORK: Take a young soccer player, give him head-spinning success, wads of cash and an excess of spare time when he is not playing or training. Into that volatile mix, now add a nightclub, way too much champagne and a few vampirish hangers-on who pretend they are the rising star’s new best friends. One of them produces a wrap of cocaine or a stick of weed and the fatal words: “Try this.”

Invariably, some do. So, you ask, who are these foolish players and do they play for my team? To which the answer is: None of your business.

For years, England’s Football Association has subjected players to out-of-competition tests for so-called “social drugs” - cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana and suchlike. Unsurprisingly, it catches quite a few, too: 19 for cocaine, 22 for marijuana and 2 for ecstasy since 2003 - which only goes to show that soccer isn’t immune from the ills of the wider society in which all of us live.

The FA won’t say who these players are and this week took some heat in a documentary on English TV’s Channel 4 for keeping those names secret. But there are several reasons why its silence makes sense.

For starters, the international anti-doping rules that govern most sports only take issue

with these particular drugs when athletes test positive for them during competition. The reason for banning them in a sports event is that stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines can boost performance and because it is simply stupid, dangerous and against the whole notion of healthy endeavor to sprint, jump, drive, dive, kick, shoot or whatever if you’re high.

Soccer is bound by these regulations, too, and the FA says it has absolutely no compunction about naming players who violate them by testing positive in-competition for social drugs.

That was the case with Shaun Newton. Then with West Ham, he tested positive for cocaine after an FA Cup semifinal against Middlesbrough in 2006 and was suspended for seven months.

So, in Newton’s case and others like it, the use of a social drug by an athlete in-competition is and should be our business - because the anti-doping regulations that govern sport make it so and because we have a right to know if an event was skewed by a competitor with an unnatural advantage.

But, if these drugs are taken out of competition, the same rules do not apply. An athlete who snorts cocaine on vacation will most likely be breaking the law of the land but, as far as

sport is concerned, it’s not an anti-doping violation. For that reason, the United States AntiDoping Agency and its British counterpart do not test for these drugs out of competition.

Doing so would waste resources and there’d be no point. But, even though it is not obligated to, the FA does. In doing so, it is going the extra mile to protect players and the image of the game. Furthermore, in the dozens of out-ofcompetition cases involving cocaine and marijuana in English soccer in the past eight years, many of the players were suspended for several months - which, again, goes way beyond what the World Anti-Doping Agency’s code requires.

Since these are not violations of that WADA code, the FA isn’t obliged to name the players and chooses not to. The FA says players are offered drug counseling and assessed by treatment specialists. It argues that naming the players could hinder their rehabilitation and, if they are addicted, efforts to medically treat them.

“We go far beyond what we are required to do,” Jenni Kennedy, the FA’s head of off-field regulation, said in a telephone interview.

“We recognize that young men with high income and a job that gives them a lot of spare time are obviously at risk of social drugs in our society,” she added. “The majority of players who

test positive for social drugs out of competition are very young players, early on in their career, who have succumbed to peer pressure, usually after having had a few drinks and it’s a one-off mistake.”

If that is the case, then it’s hard to see what arguments could convincingly be made in these situations for naming and shaming them. Yes, these drugs are illegal, but being young, rich and stupid are not, so does the public really have the right to know?

Naming them might sell more tabloids that relish and sometimes feed such scandals. But that, given their sometimes intolerable methods, is as good a reason as any for protecting the players in these cases. There’s also the possibility that identifying vulnerable players could steer drug dealers in their direction.

Michele Verroken, the former director of anti-doping at UK Sport, said that in the 1990s, dealers specifically targeted soccer players at Charlton Athletic, grooming the “youngsters to use drugs because they had the money to buy.”

“There was a whole group that had attached itself to the footballers, the youngsters, the apprentices,” she said in a phone interview. “We did a big program around Charlton Football Club trying to get the players to really amend

their lifestyles, in order to ensure that they didn’t fall foul of people who seemed to be their best friends and really weren’t.”

There is at least one case where, perhaps, the FA should have named a player. He refused a drug test in the 2007-08 season. That is a violation of the WADA anti-doping code, and he was suspended for two years. But Kennedy says there was a “serious and significant risk” that the player might hurt himself if he was identified publicly and “a lot of medical evidence to support that and psychiatric evidence.” So, in that case, he wasn’t named.

But, otherwise, “the FA would have no problem at all naming any player that breaks that WADA code,” she said. As for the others, the social drug users caught out of competition and who don’t have to be named: “They are punished for that mistake and are subjected to two years of target testing so that we are aware should they ever make that mistake again,” she said. “It’s to allow them to get the necessary help that they need and usually it’s just advice and counseling on how to handle those risk situations that they sometimes find themselves in. And then they can return to the sport having served a sanction.” Unnamed and better for it.—AP

Arsenal hold Dortmund as sub Perisic equalizes

PRAGUE: Frantisek Rajtoral from FC Viktoria Plzen (left) challenges Mikhail Gordeychuk from BATE Borisov (right) during their Champions League Group H soccer match. —AP

Plzen draws 1-1 with Borisov PRAGUE: Renan Bressan scored a second-half equalizer to give BATE Borisov a 1-1 draw with Viktoria Plzen in their Champions League opener yesterday.

Striker Marek Bakos gave Plzen a 1-0 lead in first-half stoppage time, converting the first chance for the tournament newcomer.

With the visitors pressing for an equalizer in the second half, Bressan collected a through pass by Filipp Rudik in the 69th minute and steered the ball between the legs of Plzen goalkeeper Marek Cech.

The draw gave both teams a point in Group H. Barcelona and AC Milan also shared the points in the other group game.

“I’m a little bit disappointed,” Plzen coach Pavel Vrba said after the Champions League debut. “We were leading and BATE scored only due to our only mistake.”

Plzen applied early pressure, with David Bystron heading over the crossbar four minutes into the match from a cross by Pavel Horvath. BATE was solid in defense and threatening on the counterattack through Mateja Kezman. The Serbian striker, who pre-

viously played for Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and PSV Eindhoven, just missed the target with a right-foot shot from the edge of the area in the 22nd and again just shot wide eight minutes later.

A long-range drive by Aleksandr Volodko forced Plzen goalkeeper Marek Cech into a diving save in another chance.

But Plzen took the lead just before the break when Bakos tapped in a precise cross

by Petr Jiracek from the right to make it seven goals in Champions League play this season following six in three qualifying games.

Kezman finally found the back of the net in the 59th but the goal was disallowed for offside. At the other end, BATE goalkeeper Aleksandr Gutor denied Vaclav Pilar with a sharp save in the 63rd.

After Bressan’s equalizer, Plzen substitute Jakub Hora had a shot blocked and fired over the bar in the final minute.

The match was played at the Slavia Prague stadium because the arena in Plzen is under reconstruction. BATE hosts Barcelona next on Sept 28 while Plzen travels to Milan.—AP

GENK: Belgium’s KRC Genk player Jelle Vossen (left) challenges Valencia’s Adil Rami and goalkeeper Diego Alves during the Champions League Group E soccer match .—AP

Valencia held 0-0 GENK: Racing Genk held an attacking Valencia to a 0-0 draw in their opening Group E game in the UEFA Champions League yesterday.

Despite playing away from home, Valencia kept looking for victory in the knowledge the Belgian champion was the rank outsider in a group which also includes Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen.

Valencia came closest in the 72nd minute when Pablo Hernandez crossed to Rami and the defender saw his overhead volley hit the bar. Valencia brought goalkeeper Diego Alves back into the lineup and was grateful to him in the 84th minute when his spectacular save denied Jeroen Simaeys, Yet despite its offensive threat, led by Dani Parejo, Valencia only had one point to show for its efforts.—AP

DORTMUND: Dortmund’s Croatia midfielder Ivan Perisic came off the bench to score a late equaliser which grabbed the hosts a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in their opening Champions League clash yesterday.

After Arsenal captain Robin van Persie’s first-half strike had put the Gunners ahead, the 22-year-old Perisic came off the bench with 20 minutes left to finally convert one of Dortmund’s string of chances.

Despite passionate support at their 65,000 sold-out Signal Iduna Park stadium, it was not until the 88th minute that the hosts finally broke the visitors defence.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was banished to the stands as he serves the first of his two-match Champions League ban and his side defended doggedly as the hosts had 22 chances compared to the Gunners’ eight.

Dortmund are back in the Champions League after an absence of nine years while Arsenal are competing in the tournament for the 14th successive season and the difference in experience showed.

Wenger named three new signings in his starting line -up in Germany defender Per Mertesacker, who did not look comfortable, and Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta

GERMANY: Dortmund’s Ivan Perisic celebrates after scoring the 1-1 from the distance during the Champions League Group F soccer match against Arsenal. —AP with Israel’s Yossi Benayoun playing just behind van Persie.

Suprisingly, Russia midfielder Andrey Arshavin, who scored in the 1-0 Premier League win over Swansea last Saturday, started on the bench.

Arsenal have been plagued by injuries at the start of the season and their 8-2 hammering at Manchester United a fortnight ago

had dented confidence.

Likewise, Borussia came into the game lacking form after last Saturday Hertha Berlin inflicted Dortmund’s first home defeat in over a year. Dortmund’s teenage German star Mario Goetze came back into the midfield after being suspended for the Hertha defeat and put in some slick passing.

Despite dominating the first 25

minutes, Dortmund found themselves 1-0 down at half-time as Arsenal snuffed out the hosts early chances and then converted one of their few chances.

In the first 11 minutes alone, Dortmund’s Japan star Shinji Kagawa fired over with only the goalkeeper to beat and Polish striker Robert Lewandowski had a chance cleared off the line.

Having weathered the storm, Arsenal began to assert themselves and Van Persie had a good chance saved when he beat the defence and the flag stayed down on 33 minutes.

But there was no mistake when his second clear chance arrived as Theo Walcott’s pass split the defence and the Dutchman picked his spot perfectly to drill his shot past goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller on 42 minutes.

The hosts luck refused to improve over the break and with an hour gone they had racked up ten attempts on goal without testing Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny before Perisic spared their blushes.

Arsenal host Olympiakos at the Emirates Stadium on September 28 in their next Group F match, while Dortmund are at Marseille the same night.—AFP

APOEL beat Zenit 2-1 NICOSIA: Second-half goals from Gustavo Manduca and Ailton gave APOEL Nicosia a 2-1 win over Zenit St. Petersburg yesterday, the Cypriot side’s first ever victory in the Champions League group stage.

Konstantin Zyryanov put Zenit ahead in the 63rd minute when he picked up a pass from Danny and shot low past APOEL goalkeeper Dionisis Chiotis.

The hosts were rewarded for their attacking play 10 minutes later when Manduca pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted the ball into the Zenit net.

The winner came two minutes later when Brazilian striker Ailton evaded the Zenit defense and shot into the far corner past goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev.

Zenit was reduced to 10 men a minute later when Bruno Alves was shown a second yellow card for a foul on goalscorer Ailton, but the Russian side pushed hard for the equalizer and almost got it in the 84th when Chiotis fumbled a shot from Danny and only just managed to steer the rebound out of danger. APOEL picked up three points in Group G, which also includes Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk.

“We’re very happy that we’ve beat such a great team, I have a lot of respect for Zenit,” APOEL coach Ivan Jovanovic said. “We must remain grounded and serious because every success raises expectations.”

APOEL was not intimidated by the former Europa League winners, who initially struggled to find their rhythm. The hosts almost scored first in the 25th when a Helio Pinto through pass gave Ailton a clear chance, but he had his closerange shot well saved by Malafeev.

Zenit’s best chance in the first half came in the 45th when Danny went on a run from the halfway line before feeding a pass to an unmarked Roman Shirokov, whose poorly aimed shot from the edge of the box went well wide of the Cypriot goal.

After a flurry of three goals in 12 minutes put Zenit behind, the Russian side piled on the pressure in search of an equalizer. Viktor Fayzulin’s close range effort in the 87th bounced off the post and rolled into Chiotis’ arms.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov’s low shot from 20 yards in the 90th just missed the far post. “We’ll try to analyze the mistakes we’ve made in the match and we’ll try to correct them,” Zenit coach Luciano Spalletti said.—AP

ATHENS: Olympiakos’ Rafik Djebbour (left tries to score as Marseille’s Souleymane Diawara, closes in during a Group F Champions League soccer match. —AP

Lucho lifts Marseille ATHENS: Argentine midfielder Lucho Gonzalez’s second half goal lifted Marseille to a moraleboosting 1-0 Champions League win over Olympiakos here yesterday to give the French champions a surprise early lead in Group F. Marseille, France’s sole European Cup winners, turned up in Athens looking to revive their fortunes after a dispiriting start to the defence of their French league crown.

Didier Deschamps’ side are winless after five games, harvesting a meagre three points to leave them languishing two off the foot of the table.

And they regarded yesterday’s Greek run out as the ideal opportunity to belatedly kick start their season against opposition that had lost their last three home ties against French teams.

“After what we’ve experienced up to now winning is a nice feeling,” said Deschamps. And with Lyon waiting for them back in the league at the weekend the Marseille manager added: “Sunday it’s back to the league, it’s good to return home with a win.”

Olympiakos too went into the tie at their Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium handicapped by not having kicked a ball in anger since April.

The first half was a feisty free moving affair, and Marseille could count themselves unlucky not to return to their dressing room at the break in the lead.

They came out of the blocks fighting, with the first, squandered, chance falling to Souleymane Diawara in only the second minute when he failed to control a header.

Marseille’s Benoit Cheyrou proved problematic for the Olympiakos backline, the first of his

numerous attempts on Franco Costanzo’s goal coming with an early long range effort.

He turned provider on 24 minutes but Morgan Amalfitano was unable to capitalise. On 35 minutes Cheyrou’s header went fractionally over, as Olympiakos lived dangerously. Seconds later Costanzo was beaten by Loic Remy’s shot only for the ball to ricochet off the near post.

It was by no means all one way traffic in favour of the French with their Greek hosts and in particular their on loan from Saint Etienne Belgian striker Kevin Mirallas keeping Steve Mandanda on his toes from time to time.

Marseille got the goal they deserved six minutes after the restart when Jeremy Morel set up Lucho with a cross from the left side.

The Argentine midfielder, finding the finishing touch which had deserted his teammates in the first half, knocked the ball in through a narrow gap between Costanzo and the post.

On the hour, Mirallas picked up the first booking with Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca meting out the same treatment to Morel, the architect of Marseille’s goal, ten minutes later.

Proenca plucked out a red card in the first minute of injury time, the recipient Rod Fanni, the Marseille right back guilty of an ill judged late tackle on Mirallas.

Despite that late hiccup Marseille, appearing in their fifth successive Champions League campaign, held on to put them atop Group F after favorites Arsenal were held 1-1 at Borussia Dortmund.

The game had been preceded by scuffles between a group of Marseille fans and local police in the Greek capital.—AFP

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Chelsea down Leverkusen LONDON: Chelsea made a winning start to their latest bid for Champions League glory here yesterday as second half goals from David Luiz and Juan Mata secured a 2-0 win over Bundesliga side Bayer Levekusen.

Brazilian international Luiz fired the English Premier League giants ahead with a goal on 67 minutes, curling a low shot beyond Leverkusen keeper Bernd Leno after a neat lay-off from Fernando Torres.

Torres then set up Chelsea’s second of the night deep in injury time, accelerating clear of the Leverkusen defence before unselfishly cutting back for Mata who sidefooted home into an open goal.

With one eye on Sunday’s looming domestic battle with Manchester United, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas had taken a gamble by leaving Frank Lampard on the bench and omitting captain John Terry altogether.

Until Luiz’s superb strike however it looked as if Villas-Boas’s men were in for a frustrating evening against their compact German opponents, for whom former Chelsea star Michael Ballack started in midfield.

With Chelsea’s old guard missing, the stage was set for Torres to spearhead a pacy front three featuring Daniel Sturridge and Mata

on the flanks.

Torres had created headlines earlier in the week when he had appeared to blame his failure to shine at Stamford Bridge since his record £50 million move from Liverpool on a Chelsea attack which he branded “old and slow.”

Chelsea had served notice of their attacking intent within minutes of the kick-off, when the pacy Sturridge went speeding down the right flank and crossed for Torres, whose shot flew just over.

At the other end Chelsea suffered an early scare when Leverkusen captain Simon Rolfes headed home from a corner only for French referee Stephane Lannoy to disallow the effort for pushing.

Chelsea themselves had a goal disallowed only moments later.

Mata ghosted down the left wing and crossed for Torres who flicked on to Raul Meireles, who steered the ball home only to be adjuged offside.

Torres’ energetic start then saw him fall foul of Lannoy, who booked the Spaniard for a clumsy tackle on Rolfes in the ninth minute.

Torres came agonisingly close to giving Chelsea the lead a minute later, surging through the visitors defence only to be denied by the leg of Leno.

It was the closest Chelsea came

to scoring in the opening 45 minutes, where despite relentless pressure they were often let down by a lack of precision in the final third.

In fact Torres was outshone by the in-form Sturridge, who forced a good save from Leno on 32 minutes when he unleashed a wicked shot from 20 yards that the Leverkusen keeper batted away for a corner.

Shortly before half-time Sturridge let fly again, sending a rasping effort swerving just wide from near the edge of the area.

Chelsea continued to dominate in the second half but had goalkeeper Petr Cech to thank for a fine block on 57 minutes to deny Ballack.

On 64 minutes Sturridge saw his low shot clawed away by Leno as Chelsea went close again.

Villas-Boas then replaced the young attacker with Nicolas Anelka while introducing Lampard for Meireles.

Within three minutes Chelsea had scored the decisive goal. Luiz picked the ball up on halfway and surged forward before releasing Florent Malouda.

The Frenchman’s centre found Torres, who teed up the charging Luiz to score. In stoppage time, Torres set up the knockout blow, bursting clear down the right to set up Mata’s strike. —AFP

LONDON: Chelsea’s David Luiz celebrates his goal during the Champions League Group E soccer match between Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen. —AP

Late goal gives Milan a silver lining BARCELONA: A last ditch Thiago Silva header rescued a point for AC Milan who drew 2-2 against reigning Champions League winners Barcelona in their opening Group H encounter here yesterday.

With just 24 seconds on the clock Pato exposed Barca’s defensive frailties to score the fifth fastest Champions League goal ever in front of a stunned Nou Camp crowd.

Barca were on the back foot but bounced back with Lionel Messi more often than not at their heart of their best moves. It was he who jigged through the Milan defence to set up Pedro Rodriguez for the equaliser and then after 50 minutes Villa appeared to have given them the win with a fine 30-yard free-kick.

However in stoppage time Silva leapt highest to power home a corner to give Milan a share of the spoils. Barcelona had an experimental back-line with Gerard Pique injured and Carles Puyol not risked by coach Pep Guardiola. It meant two midfielders in Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano were at the heart of the defence while in midfield Seydou Keita came into the side with no place for summer signing Cesc Fabregas.

It took less than a minute for Milan to crack Guardiola’s tactical plan as Pato ruthlessly exposed the centre-halves lack of pace. The Brazilian burst passed both

Mascherano and Busquets before slipping the ball under keeper Victor Valdes.

After a sluggish draw against Lazio at the weekend, Milan approached the game cautiously with Massimiliano Allegri admitting a draw would be a good result.

Few believed him when he said his team would go out to attack as the best form of defence but they did just that in the opening stages, playing with a high tempo. Milan may have been without the injured forwards Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho but they continued to pose a threat with Pato’s acceleration the key.

Alves moved across from full back and was able to block him in front of goal and then in another raid right through the centre of the defence Pato laid the ball to Kevin-Prince Boateng who blasted over.

Barca hung on and as they gradually gained more possession, Milan struggled to cope with the incisive runs of their forwards. David Villa hit the side netting from an acute angle but it was really Messi who was making the difference as is so often the case. Messi had had a couple of shots well saved by keeper Christian Abbiati and then the woodwork saved the Italians midway through the half.

Milan’s ageing team were finding it hard to keep up their early pace and

movement and this was made worse with the loss of Boateng to injury just after the half hour mark.

Barca finally found the back of the net minutes later when Messi dribbled passed a couple of defenders on the left of the box and crossed for Pedro to knock the ball into an open goal.

The main concern for Barca going into the break was an injury to Andres Iniesta with the midfielder replaced by Fabregas. The home side maintained their pressure with Abbiati saving from Xavi Herandez but then the keeper could do nothing about a Villa freekick from distance which found the top corner. With the lead Barca were able to pass the ball around comfortably in the middle of the park. Much of the pre-match talk had been about Mark van Bommel’s confrontation with Iniesta after they last met in last year’s World Cup final but the Dutchman hardly saw the ball for much of the game as was the case for his midfield colleagues.

The Milan forwards had become little more than spectators in what was almost a recital in maintaining possession from the Catalans.

That was until the 91st minute when in a rare foray forward saw Milan win a corner, from which Silva pounced to equalise. —AFP

SPAIN: AC Milan’s Thiago Silva (center left) heads for the ball to score against Barcelona during a Champions League soccer match at the Nou Camp stadium. —AP

Porto beat 9-man Shakhtar 2-1 in Champions League

PORTUGAL: Shakhtar Donetsk’s Jadson Radzif from Brazil (right) challenges FC Porto’s Steven Defour from Belgium during their Champions League Group G soccer match. —AP

PORTO: Kleber scored a 51st-minute winner as Porto rallied to beat nine-man Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 yesterday in the Champions League.

Brazilians got all the goals in the Group G match at Porto’s Stadium of the Dragon where the home team missed an early penalty.

James Rodriguez broke down the left flank and crossed for the unmarked Kleber to poke in the ball as Porto mostly dictated the play against the Ukrainian team, hitting the woodwork three times.

Kleber’s goal completed the turnaround after a mistake by Porto’s goalkeeper gifted Shakhtar the lead in the 12th minute. Helton failed to hold a weak shot from outside the area by Willian, spilling the ball for Luiz Adriano to tap in.

Brazilian striker Hulk equalized just before the half hour with a spectacular free kick from 25 yards out before defender Yaroslav Rakitskiy was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Joao Moutinho just before halftime.

Dmytro Chygrynskiy was shown his second yellow card in the 80th.

Hulk had squandered an early chance to put his team ahead, hitting the woodwork from the penalty spot in the 10th, but Olexandr Rybka then barely got his fingers to Hulk’s powerful free kick.

“Our finishing was poor ... but we kept our cool, waited for our chances and got the three points,” Porto coach Vitor Pereira said.

Pereira was mak ing his Champions League debut after replacing Andre VillasBoas, who moved to Chelsea at the end of last season.

“We were up against a quality team today.

They tested us,” said Pereira, whose side must also face APOEL Nicosia and Zenit St. Petersburg in Group G. Shakhtar Donetsk, a Champions League quarterfinalist last year, won the UEFA Cup in 2009. Porto won the Europa League, Europe’s second-tier competition, last season.

Porto almost took the lead in the fifth minute when Hulk’s shot took a deflection, ballooned over the defense and bounced off the crossbar.

Porto poured forward, with Hulk leading the charge, and the visitor was pinned in defense for long periods. Eduardo breached the Porto defense in a rare foray before a sliding tackle by Fernando denied him a shot. Rodriguez also hit the post from outside the area in the final minutes. —AP

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Real estate sales in July remain steady

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

French banks in eye of euro-zone debt storm

KSE stocks bounce back Page 24

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FRANKFURT: Chairman of sports car maker Lamborghini, Stefan Winkelman, presents the new Lamborghini Gallardo car at the international car show IAA (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) in Frankfurt yesterday. (Inset) CEO of BMW Group Norbert Reithofer sits in the BMW i8 concept car. —AP/AFP (See Page 25)

IEA cuts oil demand forecasts for 2011, 2012 Libyan output capacity up l OPEC production rises 165,000 bpd in Aug LONDON: World oil consumption will increase more slowly than expected this year and next as the pace of global economic growth eases, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said yesterday. In its monthly oil market report, the Paris-based agency said financial and economic headwinds were gathering momentum and significant economic threats skewed the demand side risk to the downside.

David Fyfe, head of the IEA’s oil industry and markets division, said the oil market had been tight in

recent months but the balance could ease if there were no further disruptions to supply.

“It is possible that we could see an easing in the tightness of the market in the months ahead,” Fyfe said. Oil prices fell after publication of the IEA report, with Brent crude oil futures for October slipping by around 50 cents.

The contract traded around $112.00 by 1000 GMT, down 25 cents on the day. The IEA cut its estimate of global oil demand growth this year by 160,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.04 million bpd and trimmed its 2012

demand growth estimate by 190,000 bpd to 1.42 million bpd.

Oil supplies should get a major boost from the gradual return of Libyan oil to the market after more than six months of civil war following the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi. Libya’s Arabian Gulf Oil Company said yesterday production from the eastern oilfield of Sarir had reached 160,000 bpd and it was sending crude to an export terminal.

Libyan oil production capacity could reach 350,000 bpd to 400,000 bpd by the end of this year and 1.1 million

bpd by the last quarter of 2012, the IEA said. The agency raised its estimate of average Libyan oil output capacity during the fourth quarter of this year by 100,000 bpd to 300,000 bpd.

But Fyfe said the IEA was still cautious in predicting how fast Libyan oil output could recover. “We are using a fairly conservative assumption for Libya,” Fyfe told Reuters Insider television in an interview. “Until we see a resolution of the security situation on the ground, we would prefer to be cautious on the resumption of oil

US poor hit record 46 million in 2010 American reel from recession WASHINGTON: The number of Americans living below the poverty line rose to a record 46.2 million last year as the US economy struggled to recover from recession, the federal government said yesterday.

In a report that underscores the daunting economic challenges facing President Barack Obama and Congress, the US Census Bureau said the national poverty rate climbed for a third consecutive year.

It rose 0.8 percent to 15.1 percent from 2009, when there were 43.6 million Americans living in poverty.

The report said the number of poor Americans in 2010 was the largest in the 52 years that it has been publishing poverty estimates while the poverty rate was the highest since 1993.

Median US household income also fell 2.3 percent to an annual $49,445 while the number of Americans without health insurance hovered near the 50 million mark.

The economic deterioration depicted by the figures is likely to have continued into 2011 as

economic growth diminished, unemployment remained stuck above 9 percent and fears grew of a possible double-dip recession.

The report of rising poverty coincides with Obama’s push for a $450 billion job creation package, and deliberations in Congress aimed at cutting at least $1.2 trillion from the US budget deficit over the next 10 years.

Faced with flagging job approval ratings, the president is trying to convince Republicans in Congress to support his package.

Analysts said poverty-related issues have relatively little hold on politicians in Washington but hoped the new figures would encourage the bipartisan “super committee” to avoid deficit cuts that would hurt the poor.

The United States has long had one of the highest poverty rates in the developed world.

Among 34 countries tracked by the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, only Chile, Israel and Mexico have higher rates of poverty. —Reuters

Europeans ready Greece talks as markets see-saw

FRANKFURT: A bear sculpture symbolizing falling markets stands in front of the stock exchange in Frankfurt. German and European Union officials scrambled to calm jittery markets, as talk in Berlin of a Greek default fuelled fears the debt crisis was deepening. —AFP

BERLIN: Germany, France and debt-mired Greece agreed yesterday to hold a fresh round of talks on the euro crisis after US President Barack Obama urged Europeans to greater efforts to calm volatile markets. Markets cheered news that German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Nicolas Sarkoz y and Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou would hold a teleconference today regarding Athens’s debt emergency. “ The teleconference was decided in view of the upcoming EU meeting in Poland,” a Greek official told AFP, referring to informal talks between EU and euro-zone finance ministers and central bankers in Wroclaw on September 16-17. Merkel had earlier sought to soothe traders’ fears over Greece, stressing that everything would be done to avoid an “uncontrolled insolvency” and emphasizing the eurozone would remain intact. —AFP

supplies.”

The agency, which advises 28 industralized countries on energy policy, now sees world oil demand rising to 89.28 million bpd this year, increasing to 90.69 million bpd in 2012.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the US Department of Energy have both cut their forecasts for global oil demand growth this month.“We think that further downward revisions are possible,” said Olivier Jakob, head of oil consultancy Petromatrix.

Analysts at Commerzbank agreed,

saying current estimates for demand could “prove too optimistic given the swift economic cooldown in the West”: “We are therefore skeptical that the price of oil can sustain such strength under a worsening fundamental climate.” The IEA said OPEC oil production had increased in August by 165,000 bpd to 30.26 million bpd.

This was slightly below the IEA’s forecast for fourth-quarter demand for OPEC oil, which it estimated at 30.5 million bpd, down 200,000 bpd from its previous report. —Reuters

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business

Real estate sales in July remain steady Investment sector still leading KUWAIT: Kuwait’s total real estate sales for July reached KD 202 million. This was a KD 61 million, or 23%, drop from June, likely seasonal and vacation related. July was still a sizeable 72% above July of last year. The total number of real estate transactions in June was 423, down from last month but supported by a higher sales value per transaction. First half of 2011 averaged KD 269 million total sales per month, compared to KD 171 million for the same period in 2010, indicating a flourishing year for the real estate sector.

Sales in the residential real estate sector dropped for the third consecutive month to reach KD 84 million. The decrease was largely

Muneera Al-Mukhaizeem

Burgan Bank re-launches its Yawmi account ‘Yawmi better, easier and faster’ KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday the re-launch of its popular Yawmi account, with new key features that aim to provide customers more benefits, and an excellent opportunity to become daily winners of KD 5,000.

The account, with its new scheme, will be effective from today. Burgan Bank has introduced new changes to its new Yawmi account that aim to strengthen its offering, and allow it to become more convenient, easier, and faster for customers to benefit from. With the re-launch of the new Yawmi account, the minimum period for customers to become eligible to enter the draw is 48 hours only instead of one month. Customers will now be able to deposit KD 100 or equivalent only to enter the daily draw instead of KD 500, and the coupon value to enter the draw stands at KD 10 instead of KD 50. Yawmi is better, easier and faster than any day before.

Muneera Al-Mukhaizeem, Burgan Bank’s Chief Retail Banking Officer - General Manager said: “The Yawmi account has been designed to provide our customers more chances, and better opportunities to become part of the KD 5,000 daily draw.

This new initiative marks our continued commitment to offer convenient banking services for our customers.”

“The newly designed Yawmi account has been launched in response to the increasing market demand for highly innovative offerings which provide a higher frequency and incentive of winning for everyone. Today, the Yawmi account is a well understood product, where its popularity can be seen from the number of increasing account holders,” Al-Mukhaizeem.

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 customers deposit, the higher the chances they receive of winning the draw.

Opening a Yawmi account is simple, customers can visit their nearest Burgan Bank branch and receive all the details, or simply call the bank’s Call Center at 1804080 where customer service representatives will be delighted to assist with any questions on the Yawmi account or any of the bank’s products and services.

Customers can also log on to Burgan Bank’s www.burgan.com for further information.

Saudi Jubail refinery to open Dec 2013 RIYADH: Saudi Aramco Total Refinery and Petrochemicals Company (Satorp) expects its new refinery at Jubail in Saudi Arabia to be fully operational in December 2013, the joint venture’s chief executive said yesterday.

State-run Saudi Aramco and France’s Total are building the $14-billion Jubail facility as part of a push by the world’s top oil exporter to almost double its refining capacity. “Overall Engineering, Procurement and Construction work at the refinery is 68 percent complete,”

Fawwaz Nawwab, CEO of Satorp, told reporters in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

Nawwab said that although the refinery was designed to process 400,000 barrels per day (bpd), Saudi Aramco had committed to supply it with up to 440,000 bpd. Jubail will refine Saudi heavy crude into a range of fuels from gasoline to petroleum coke-for domestic consumption and export.

The joint venture is set to issue up to 3.75 billion Saudi riyals ($1 bln) in Islamic bonds to help pay for it. — Reuters

NBK ECONOPMIC REPORT due to a 31.1% decrease in the number of transactions, while the average transaction size stayed within the normal range at KD 258 thousand per transaction. The drop does not indicate any long-term trend as the residential sector enjoys a sustained demand from a growing Kuwaiti population.

The investment sector recorded KD 96 million in sales for July, a month-on-month decrease of 29.2%. Despite the drop, the investment sector still managed to hold the biggest share of total real estate sales, at 47%. This is down from 51% last month, but still a

high considering that its share has averaged 34.8% for the past year, and a similar 35.4% for the past five years. Healthy demand resulting in high occupancy rates, as well as lucrative returns for investors is driving this sector, which is composed of housing units mainly designed for rental. Attractive return-on-investment should keep this sector in good shape beyond the end of 2011.

The commercial sector is generally governed by a handful of large monthly transactions. July was no different, registering 7 transactions with an average size of KD 3.2 mil-

lion, an increase of 39.6% from last month. This sector has recovered from its 2009 lows. Further supply is expected to become available in 2011, sustaining or possibly increasing this sector’s share of total real estate sales.

215 loans were approved by the Savings and Credit Bank (SCB) in July. These loans totaled KD 10.7 million, up 68.3% year on year; while an additional KD 8.1 million were disbursed in previously approved loans, those being down 22.2% from July 2010. These loans go towards financing residential housing (new and additions/renovations) and are a good indicator of activity in this sector on the demand side.

Tanzania says Q2 2011 GDP slowed to 6.7%

Onam celebrations at Lulu Hypermarket KUWAIT: Lulu Hypermarket, the largest hypermarket and lifestyle shopping destination of choice in Kuwait, recently celebrated with great splendor the Indian festival of Onam, which is of particular significance to people from Kerala.

As part of its Onam celebrations a traditional floral decoration (pookkalam) competition was held on Saturday, 10th September, at Lulu Hypermarket’s Al Rai branch.

The competition, which began at 9.30am, involved competing teams trying to better each other in arranging multi-colored small petals and shredded floral parts in beautiful and intricate patterns on the floor. Following two and half hours of enthusiastic and meticulous contest, four teams were eventually selected as winners by the judges.

The first prize was awarded to Team Biju and family, who won a gift voucher for KD100; the second prize winner was awarded a gift voucher worth KD75, while the third and fourth prize

winners walked away with gift vouchers for KD50 each. Moreover, everyone who participated in the competition was rewarded with worthy consolation prizes.

In addition to the ‘pookalam’ competition, the Onam festivities at Lulu Hypermarket included the traditional Onam feast or ‘sadhya’ and a special ‘Payasa mela’ were 15 varieties of sweet dishes made with milk, rice, sugar and other sweet savories, were readily available at special counters set up for the celebration. Also, for those looking to do their own cooking at home, there were special offers on a large variety of Indian vegetables and other ingredients specially imported for the occasion.

The Onam celebration at Lulu is part of the hypermarket’s ongoing community engagement program that sees the retailer engaging with the community in celebrating various occasions marking social and religious festivities.

DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania’s economic growth slowed to 6.7 percent in the second quarter of 2011 versus a 7.2 percent expansion in the same period a year ago after mining slowed sharply, but the transport and communication sector mitigated the decline by rising solidly, data showed yesterday.

The National Bureau of Statistics said in a report that mining growth slowed to 5.8 percent in the second quarter of this year against a growth of 20.5 percent in the second quarter of 2010.

Tanzania, east Africa’s second-largest economy, has said it would target average economic growth of 8-10 percent annually over the next five years to revamp the agriculture, infrastructure and industrial sectors.

But the country’s heavy reliance on hydropower coupled with frequent power shortages during dry seasons make that unlikely.

The statistics body did not give a reason for the decline in mining. Tanzania is considering a tax on windfall profits on revenues earned from minerals as one of the ways of funding its five-year development plan to 2016.

Also slowing was the manufacturing sector, which grew by 6.2 percent from 7.5 percent, the statistics body said. The construction sector was steady at 25.4 percent from 24 percent previously.

The decline in mining was offset by growth in transport and communication sector which grew by 12.7 percent from 6.6 percent in the previous year. This was attributed to increased passenger and cargo haulage, and a rise in air time sales for mobile phones.

Agriculture, a key part of the economy which employs the majority of people, grew to 3.5 percent from 2.9 percent. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Philippine peso Egyptian pounds US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian dollars Danish Kroner Swedish Kroner Australian dlr Hong Kong dlr Singapore dlr Japanese yen Indian Rs/KD Sri Lanka rupee Pakistan rupee Bangladesh taka UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi Riyal/KD Omani riyals Philippine Peso

.2720000 .4310000 .3710000 .3070000 .2730000 .2800000 .0040000 .0020000 .0745370 .7261920 .3810000 .0700000 .7118990 .0040000 .0430000 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2745500 .4339950 .3732370 .3099280 .2759440 .0501160 .0407280 .2829650 .0351910 .2220920 .0035690 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0747790 .7285390 .0000000 .0732330 .7133950 .0000000

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co.

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

ASIAN COUNTRIES 3.609 5.886 3.155 2.506 3.694 224.300 35.460 3.692 6.468 9.178 0.271 0.273

.2790000 .4440000 .3810000 .3230000 .2830000 .2910000 .0072500 .0035000 .0752860 .7334900 .4010000 .0760000 .7190530 .0072000 .0530000 .2766500 .4373140 .3760920 .3122990 .2780540 .0505000 .0410400 .2851290 .0354600 .2237910 .0035960 .0058860 .0025220 .0031760 .0037390 .0753510 .7341120 .3913010 .0737930 .7188520 .0064790

GCC COUNTRIES 73.750 75.990 718.330 734.560 75.306

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

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 US dollars Yemeni Riyal

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 48.250 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 46.205 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.265 Tunisian Dinar 194.820 Jordanian Dinar 390.550 Lebanese Lira 185.500 Syrian Lier 5.970 Morocco Dirham 33.920 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 276.450 Euro 375.420 Sterling Pound 439.000 Canadian dollar 277.980 Turkish lire 153.450 Swiss Franc 312.370 Australian dollar 286.130 US Dollar Buying 275.250

Sterling Pound US Dollar

SELL CASH 290.300 734.840 3.870 279.900 542.700 36.700 54.200 167.800 47.350 379.000 36.110 6.330 0.034 0.242 0.240 3.680 392.000 0.187 95.790 47.700 4.250 232.400 1.873 52.600 717.690

314.600 5.700 9.380 75.240 276.300

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 440.500 276.300

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees 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

3.170 6.475 76.010 73.770 230.050 40.270 2.505 440.500

GOLD 1,918.670

10 Tola

GOLD 345.000 172.000 89.500

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

3.260 6.670 76.440 73.770 230.050 40.270 2.645 442.500 43.800 316.100 5.700 9.650 198.263 75.340 276.700 1.230

SELL DRAFT 288.800 734.840 3.705 278.400

230.100 46.229 377.500 35.960 5.895 0.033

390.530 0.186 95.790 3.700 230.900 717.510

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 Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

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 3.146 3.682 6.490 673.198 3.650 9.290 5.780 3.820 91.164

UAE Exchange Center WLL Currency Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro

Transfer Rate (Per 1000) 283.93 282.35 318.42 380.59

Sterling Pound Japanese Yen Bangladesh Taka Indian Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee Nepali Rupee Pakistani Rupee UAE Dirhams Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Jordanian Dinar Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

439.80 3.64 3.701 5.816 2.504 3.675 3.179 75.06 733.48 46.40 392.31 716.65 76.04 73.63

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. Currency US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Nepali rupee Yemeni Riyal Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Canadian Dollars

Rate per 1000 (Tran) 276.200 3.170 5.895 2.520 3.715 6.510 75.295 73.795 734.300 46.200 442.500 0.00003280 3.910 1.550 392.400 5.750 379.100 281.900

Al Mulla Exchange Currency US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal *Rates are subject to change

Transfer Rate (Per 1000) 275.350 379.800 439.800 280.100 3.600 5.805 46.380 2.501 3.693 6.440 3.153 733.475 75.075 73.575

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business Dinar rate stable against greenback KUWAIT: The exchange rate of the Kuwaiti dinar was unchanged against the US greenback, KD 0.275 per dollar yesterday and it traded at KD 0.376 per euro, said the daily bulleting of the Central Bank of Kuwait.

The rate was KD 0.436 against the sterling pound and KD 0.003 against the Japanese yen.

The dollar is recovering slightly against main currencies amid pessimism in monetary markets over Greece’s ability to cover its debts. Amid global economic fluctuation, US President Obama urged the Congress to pass a new jobs bill to lend the American economy a needed push, and also urged the public to show patience, as measures need time to show results.

As for the euro-zone, Portugal’s woes add to anxiety caused by Greek debt, even after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved euro 3.98 billion in urgent loan with three-year maturity for Portugal. —KUNA

TAIPEI: A man walks past a stocks display screen at a securities trading house in Taipei yesterday. Taiwan’s weighted index dived 219.2 points, or 2.88 percent at 7,391.37. — AFP

US equities mixed as investors eye Europe NEW YORK: US stocks were mixed as markets opened yesterday, with investors focused on the latest developments in Europe’s sovereign debt crisis. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 6.55 points (0.06 percent) to 11,054.57 in the first 20 minutes of trading.

The broader S&P 500 climbed 3.04 points (0.09 percent) to 1,165.31, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 13.19 points (0.53 percent) to stand at 2,508.28.

European stocks were higher after seesawing wildly amid rumors that Germany and France were preparing a new rescue plan for Greece-which were denied by Berlin and Paris-and following reports that China was in talks to buy Italian bonds.

“This is a market that is all over the map-literally-with headlines out of China, the US, and Europe in particular driving things,” said Patrick O’Hare, an analyst with Briefing.com.

In company news, shares of electronics retailer Best Buy slumped 6.2 percent after the company reported that its second-quarter profit fell 30 percent amid weak consumer spending and cut its earnings forecast. Best Buy has been assailed by doubts about how it will survive competition from online retailers like Amazon.com, which has been moving aggressively into the electronics market.

Meanwhile, Asian markets were mostly lower yesterday as optimism over reports that China was in talks to buy huge amounts of Italian bonds was outweighed by ongoing concerns about the wider euro-zone debt crisis.

The euro clawed back some of the heavy losses it suffered on Monday, when it hit a 10-year low versus the yen, but it remained under pressure as traders stayed riskaverse because of a lack of indicators to push it upwards.

Tokyo rose 0.95 percent, or 80.88 points, to 8,616.55 and Sydney was 0.85 percent, or 34.2 points, higher at 4,072.7.

Shanghai, which was closed on Monday, ended 1.06 percent, or 26.45 points, lower at 2,471.30 as it played catch-up with the previous session’s huge regional losses, while dealers were still jittery about the state of China’s economy.

Taipei, which was also closed on Monday for a holiday, tumbled 2.88 percent, or 219.20 points, to end at 7,391.37.

Hong Kong and Seoul were closed for the mid-autumn public holidays. Investors are likely to buy back shares following Monday’s sell-off in the absence of additional headlines showing further deterioration of the Greek debt crisis, said Kenichi Hirano, operating officer at Tachibana Securities.

But Greece-related concerns remain, Hirano told Dow Jones Newswires. “Nothing has fundamentally changed,” he said. Dealers took some solace from a report in the Financial Times that Beijing could buy bonds from Italy, which is considered one of the euro-zone economies that is in danger of needing a bailout-following Greece, Portugal and Ireland.

The news that China was “in discussions to purchase Italian debt has calmed the market; remember that China eased European tensions in the past by purchasing Spain’s debt back in January”, noted Emma Lawson at National Australia Bank.

The euro fetched $1.3621 early in Europe, from $1.3680 in New York late Monday but well up from the levels near $1.3500 the previous session. The common European currency was at 104.80 yen against 105.56 in New York after falling below 104.00 on Monday to a new 10-year low. The dollar Tuesday edged down to 76.98 yen from 77.15. The Dow saw a late rally to end up 0.63 percent on the ChinaItaly report, while the S&P 500 climbed 0.70 percent and the Nasdaq Composite rallied 1.10 percent. The US gains came despite a big sell-off in Asia and Europe on Monday caused by renewed fears that Greece-which was recently given the green light for a second bailout-could default on its debt repayments. — Agencies

Bourse faces liquidity crunch KAMCO KSE MONTHLY REPORT KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti bourse ended the month of August on significant further losses mainly due to the downgrade of US long term debt rating from AAA to AA+ by S&P, poor market conditions, fears surrounding the European sovereign debt crisis, weaker than expected 1H-11 earnings and tight liquidity conditions along with continued unrest in the Arab World. These factors could put further pressure on Kuwait’s investments abroad and expose local banks to further risk, weighing down on investors’ sentiments as the KSE Weighted and KAMCO TRW Indices continued their losing trend to shed 3.21 per cent and 2.16 per cent, respectively. Liquidity in the stock market remained weak due to the absence of market makers from the market scene which results from the uncertainty surrounding the implications of applying the CMA bylaws and regulations which forced such large investors to develop a wait and see approach. The average daily traded value retreated to nearly KD 13.3mn in August-11 as compared to KD 26mn recorded since the beginning of the year. Losses incurred during the month pushed the KSE Weighted Index and KAMCO TRW Index to extend their losses for the first eight months of the year to 16.92 per cent and 12.54 per cent, respectively, and ending the period as the GCC least performer since the beginning of the year. On the other hand, the number of shares exchanging hands during the month also plunged to 1.6 bn shares in comparison with an average monthly of 3.2 bn shares since the beginning of the year on the back of the unclear implications that the new CMA bylaws and regulations would have on the bourse.

Reflecting the performance of the market during August, the market breadth skewed towards the losers, with an advancer-to-decliner ratio 25-to-115, while 75 stocks remained unchanged from last month. Kuwait National Cinema Co ended as the month’s top gainer, advancing 38 per cent to close at KD 1.520 followed by Gulf Glass Manufacturing Co and Burgan Drilling Co. which gained 27.5 per cent and 22.9 per cent to close at KD 1.020 & KD 0.295, respectively.

the other hand, the real estate sector and the food sector aggregate earnings remained positive at KD 20.4mn and KD 26.8 mn during 1H-11 in comparison with KD 23.4 mn and KD 31.3 mn a year earlier.

H1-11 Earnings 171 companies announced their results for 1H-2011, with aggregate earnings rising 3.8 per cent to KD 694 mn (excluding a non-recurring gain of KD 265.5 mn resulted from the revaluation of NMTC investment in Tunisiana) as compared to KD 669mn for 1H-10 (excluding a non-recurring gain of KD 770.4mn resulted from the sale of Zain Africa). Banks’ profitability and capitalization have improved during 1H-2011, showing an increase of 14 per cent to record profits of KD 295mn in comparison with KD 258.7mn in 1H-10. Sectors’ performance remained mixed when it came to earnings where the aggregate investment sector earnings remained in the red, albeit less than 1H-10, reporting a loss of KD 29.9mn as compared to KD 33.8 mn loss a year earlier. Investment companies continued to incur losses in the first Half due to the challenging business environment, sharp decline in local and regional financial markets along with debt restructuring difficulties which remain the major unsolved problem for some ICs. The insurance sector reported a decline in earnings from KD 15.9 mn in 1H-10 to around KD 12.6 mn during 1H-11. On

day. Moreover, spending was at KD 16.2 bn ($59.5 bn), just 92 per cent of the budget projections of $ 64.3 bn. Kuwait has projected a deficit in each of the past 12 fiscal years but ended in surplus mainly for calculating oil income at a very conservative price. Oil income was $73.3 bn, more than twice the amount estimated in the budget, which was based on $43 a barrel compared to an actual price of more than $100 per barrel. The budget for the 2011/2012 fiscal year also projects a deficit of $22bn because of projecting a record spending of $71.5 bn.

Kuwait’s Budget Surplus Kuwait posted a healthy budget surplus of KD 5.3 bn ($19.5bn) in the last fiscal year on record revenues due to high oil prices. Revenues in the year ended March 31st, 2011 hit KD 21.5bn ($79 bn), the highest ever in Kuwait’s history, exceeding projections of $35.7 bn on the back of high oil prices throughout the year and producing over the OPEC quota of 2.2 million barrels a day. Kuwait’s current oil production is between 2.6 million and 2.7 million barrels a

IMF’s Outlook on the Economy According to the latest IMF report on the Kuwaiti Economy, the Fund expects stronger recovery in 2011 accompanied by larger fiscal and current account surpluses. The economy is expected to grow steadily in 2011 and over the medium term as the government implements the Development Plan and global recovery supports demand for oil. Real GDP is projected to increase by about 5 per cent, reflecting an increase in oil GDP of about 3.25 per cent and non-oil GDP of 6 per cent, spurred by govern-

ment spending. On the other hand, despite a projected growth of 12 per cent in FY11/12 expenditure, the fiscal balance is expected to improve by almost 5.5 per cent to 26 per cent of GDP on account of higher oil revenue. In addition, the outlook is subject to domestic downside risks where the overarching risk would be associated with a significant shortfall in meeting the Development Plan spending targets. Red tape, bureaucratic hurdles, and political gridlock could delay project implementation, discourage private sector participation, and limit progress on necessary legislative reforms.

Inflation Kuwait’s annual inflation slowed to a ten-month low of

5 per cent in June helped by a fall in food prices, but generous government spending is expected to keep levels above other GCC countries this year. Inflation has been hovering above 5 per cent since the beginning of this year, well below double-digit levels seen in 2008. It stood at 5.4 per cent year-on-year in May, after climbing to a nearly two-year peak of 6 per cent in December. On a monthly basis, consumer prices grew 0.2 per cent in June, which is below a 0.3 per cent rise in May. Food costs, which account for 18 per cent of the consumer basket, fell for the first time in four months by 0.6 per cent month-on-month.

Market Capitalization Total market capitalization during the month shed 3.12 per cent to reach KD29bn ($104.5bn) at the end of August, down from KD29.9 bn ($107.9 bn) recorded at the end of July. The Banking sector dropped 5.34 per cent to end at KD 12.8bn ($46bn) while the Investment sector incurred a loss of 8.37 per cent to record KD2.14bn ($7.7bn) at the end of the month. The Industrial sector also recorded a loss of 3.14 per cent to record KD2.23bn ($8.1bn).

Obama’s jobs plan complicates task of debt panel WASHINGTON: Its task complicated by the cost and politics of President Barack Obama’s $447 billion jobs plan, a special House-Senate deficit-cutting panel worked yesterday to find a bipartisan consensus on tackling the government’s fiscal woes. The panel got a sobering message about the budget deficit’s toxic effect on the economy over the long term from economist Douglas Elmendorf, the director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

“The nation cannot continue to sustain the spending programs and policies of the past with the tax revenues it has been accustomed to paying,” Elmendorf said in a statement. “Citizens will either have to pay more for their government, accept less in government services and benefits, or both.” Obama’s jobs plan calls for the opposite: a temporary boost in spending on roads, schools and blighted neighborhoods combined with cuts to the Social Security payroll taxes paid by workers and their employers. He would pay for the initiative with a tax increases on wealthier workers, oil companies and hedge fund managers - all proposals that are opposed by the GOP. “Getting Americans working again will not only help families who are struggling, but is also the most effective way to reduce the deficit in the short term,” panel member Rep. Chris Van Hollen, said Monday.

But every dollar spent stimulating the economy makes the supercommittee’s task that much more difficult. Co-chairman Rep. Jeb Hensarling, is clearly irked.

“This proposal would make the already arduous challenge of finding bipartisan agreement on deficit reduction nearly impossible, removing our options for deficit reduction for a plan that won’t reduce the deficit by one penny,” Hensarling said recently. “It’s not the role of this committee to spend more money we don’t have on jobs we don’t get.”

And the top Senate Republican, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, weighed in with a broadside yesterday that labeled Obama’s jobs plan a

transparently political exercise.

“Despite the president’s calls to pass this bill immediately, the real plan is to let it hang out there for a while so Democrats can use it as an issue on the campaign trail,” McConnell said, noting Democratic opposition to Obama’s proposals to increase taxes on charitable tax deductions taken by the wealthy. “The central tax hike included in this bill ... was already dismissed by a filibusterproof, Democrat-controlled Senate in 2009.” The supercommittee is charged with finding at least $1.2 trillion in deficit cuts over the coming decade, which would come on top of about $900 billion in savings wrung from the operating budgets of Cabinet agencies over the same period.

Recent CBO studies say the recent budget pact is just a starting point on the more draconian changes that would be needed to stabilize the national debt so it doesn’t spiral out of control and drag the economy down with it. Numerous lawmakers and deficit hawks outside the government are pressing the panel to exceed the $1.2 trillion goal and perhaps pick up elements of the $4 trillion “grand bargain” that Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, ROhio, were working on this summer. It combined higher tax revenues with sharper spending cuts.Elmendorf, a former Brookings Institution scholar initially named to the CBO post by Democrats, didn’t offer an opinion as to how much the panel should try to cut the deficit. But he said that simply meeting the 10-year, $1.2 trillion goal wouldn’t be enough because the national debt will continue to grow relative to the size of the economy. That growth, he said, likely will crowd out the ability of the government to keep pace with the new obligations.

“At a minimum, federal debt cannot continually increase as a share of the economy because the interest payments on that debt would then continually grow relative to the size of the tax base that would be available for generating revenues to cover those payments, and all of the other activities of the government,” Elmendorf said. — AP

LONDON: Shoppers rush into Westfield Stratford City shopping center in east London, Europe’s largest urban shopping center and gateway to the new Olympic Park, as it opened its doors to the public yesterday.—AP

WASHINGTON: Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf waits for the beginning of a hearing before the Joint Deficit Reduction Committee, also known as the supercommittee yesterday on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. —AFP

UAE cancelled $170bn worth projects: Report DUBAI: The amount of construction projects cancelled and delayed in the United Arab Emirates rose to $170 billion in August, Citigroup said in a report, signaling the battered sector in the Gulf state is still away from a recovery.

UAE accounts for 56 percent of the total cancelled and delayed projects for the main regional markets, the MENA construction projects tracker report by Citi showed. The cancellations are an increase of 13 percent since July. “Unsurprisingly cancellations in the UAE relate predominantly to real estate,” the report said. UAE’s property boom ended in 2008, with home prices in the Dubai emirate plunging by about 60 percent, forcing many developers to abandon projects.

Dubai developer Nakheel , which overstretched itself by building islands in the shape of palms and other ambitious projects, wrote off up to 78.6 billion dirhams ($21.4 billion) of its real estate assets due to a property crisis, according to a bond prospectus.

Meanwhile, projects cancelled and on hold across main MENA markets dropped slightly to $1.69 trillion in August from $1.7 trillion in July. In other markets, Saudi Arabia added $81 billion of preliminary projects to its pipeline since July, said the report, highlighting the growth potential in the market. Kuwait and Qatar also have projects worth $20 billion and $2 billion respectively that are in preliminary stages of construction. In contrast, UAE showed a $12 billion decline in preliminary projects to $118 billion.— Reuters

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business

KSE stocks bounce back GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) rebounded strongly yesterday backed by Investment sector.

September carried some good news for investment sector as some investment companies reported restructuring agreements. Blue -chip stocks witnessed heavy buying interest from investors and portfolios during the session. Agility still enjoyed the upward momentum since the beginning of this week.

The scrip closed the session as top value traded and reached the highest level since June 13, 2011.

Less impact on trading ring, official statement about Greece default. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday that Europe was doing everything in its power to prevent Greece from defaulting on its debt and cautioned that an exit from the euro zone would unleash “domino effects” and should be avoided at all costs.

Global General Index (GGI) ended the day up by 0.63 percent, at 185.06 point. Market capitalization was also up for the day, reaching KD30.28bn. On the other hand, KSE Price Index closed for the first time about 6,000 points level since August 04, 2011, adding 31.30 points (0.52 percent) and closed at 6,008.3.

Market breadth During the session, 117 companies were traded. Market breadth was skewed towards advancers as 77 equities advanced versus 14 that declined.

Trading activity was up during the session. Total volume traded was up by 46.69 percent with 337.86mn shares changing hands at a total value of KD47.37mn (8.82 percent higher compared to Monday’s session). Investment sector was the volume leader, accounting for 29.87 percent of

total shares exchanges. Abyaar Real Estate Development Company was the session’s most traded stock with 22.32mn shares exchanged.

The services sector was the value leader, having 36.27 percent of total traded value. Agility Public Warehousing Company was the most active in terms of value traded, with KD4.54mn

1.50 percent, recovering from some accumulated losses registered this year. This increase was mainly due to the gains registered in the stocks of Agility and Zain which grew by 6.25 percent and 2.06 percent, during the day, closing at KD0.340 and KD0.990, respectively.

Global Real Estate Index registered an increase of 1.31 percent

tered a 6.94 percent gain, while International Financial Advisors Company increased by 6.33 percent.

Global Large Cap Index continued its good performance and registered an increase of 0.41 percent. The index registered an increase of 3.11 percent since the beginning of September 2011.

Mashaer Holding has divested

worth of shares traded. In terms of top gainers, Al Mal Investment Company was the top gainer for the day, adding 8.93 percent to its share value and closing at KD0.061. On the other hand, Gulf Investment House shed 6.25 percent and closed at KD0.030, making it the biggest decliner in the market.

to close at 49.42 points on the back of the gains registered in Mabanee Company (+1.22 percent), Ajial Real Estate & Entertainment Company (+3.51 percent) and Arab Real Estate Company (+1.52 percent).

Global Investment Index registered an increase of 0.98 percent during the day to close at 81.76 points. The Index have witnessed a stable performance since the beginning of the month registering a monthly increase of 7.99 percent. Coast Investment & Development Company regis-

a land piece, owned with other investors, in Saudi Arabia for a total value of SAR312,527,475.

Accordingly, the company generated KD3,230,000 profit, which will be recorded in 3Q2011 interim financial statements upon collecting the deal’s total value.

Sectors Seven out of the eight sectoral indices witnessed gains for the day. Global Services Index registered the highest daily gains of

Oil news The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $107.86 a barrel on Monday, compared with $110.40 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

Oil pares gains on IEA’s weak demand forecast LONDON: Oil pared early gains af ter the I nternational Energy Agency (IEA) cut its estimate for demand growth and raised its supply forecast yesterday, countering support provided by rebounds in the euro and in stock markets. The IEA, which advises 28 industrialized countries on policy, said slowing economic growth had led the agenc y to cut its oil demand growth forecast by 160,000 barrels per day for 2011 and by 190,000 bpd for 2012.

Supply was also seen to rise more rapidly than previously forecast over the next year, with Libyan crude oil production capacity coming back sooner than expected and signs OPEC output was continuing to grow.

“It is possible that we could see an easing in the tightness of the market in the months ahead,” said David Fyfe, head of the IEA’s oil industry and markets division.Brent was flat at $112.25 a barrel at 0913 GMT, erasing gains of $1 a barrel in the early hours of trade. US crude was 34 cents higher at $88.53 a barrel, off an early high of $89.21.

The IEA’s revision followed a similar cut in another closely watched repor t on M onday by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Disappointing US data was the main worry, but a slowdown in China and India was also a concern. “Oil demand is weak going forward.

If we are going to rely on the global economy, then we have to rely on China, the only economy with decent numbers coming out,”

said Rob Montefusco, an oil trader at Sucden Financial.

The world’s top consumer, the United States, also lowered its projec tion for growth earlier this month, trimming the figure for demand in 2012 by 250,000 bpd.Stocks steadied and the euro rebounded from a seven-month low against the dollar after a report that Italy may get financial support from China, easing worries about defaults in the euro-zone. “ This is a shallow bounce because of Wall Street ending higher, so there is some confidence returning, but I don’t think anybody would be putting any big positions given the global situation,” said Victor Say, an analyst at Informa Global Markets in Singapore.

“You never know what is going to blow up in Europe next.” But an expected drop in US crude inventories was also supporting markets, with analysts estimating a 3 million barrel draw last week after Tropical Storm Lee disrupted oil production in the Gulf of Mexico, a Reuters poll showed.

Industr y group the American Petroleum Institute will release its weekly report on Tuesday at 2030 GMT, followed by government figures from the Energy Information Administration today. I n other news, executives at Reuters Russia Investment summit said Russian oil exports would jump and production rise as a result of changes to energy taxes designed to help the world’s largest oil producer keep its lead over OPEC heavyweight Saudi Arabia. — Reuters

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The new smart electric drive (right) and the smart concept car ‘forvision’ by German carmaker Daimler AG on display. —AFP

The new Volkswagen VW up! car with the Buggy version is on display. —AP

Porsche Chairman of sports car manufacturer Porsche, Matthias Mueller, poses near the new Porsche 911 during a press day at the international car show IAA (Internationale AutomobilAusstellung) in Frankfurt. —AFP

Compact cars in focus, new models excel FRANKFURT: Automakers are unveiling new models at the Frankfurt auto show as the industry heads into an uncertain year, with Europe’s debt crisis and worries about the economic recovery in the US casting a shadow over two major markets.

Prominent new models on display will include a new Porsche 911 Carrera sports car; Volkswagen’s Up, the latest entry in the market for tiny, fuel efficient “city cars;” and BMW’s small electric i3, which saves crucial weight with high-tech carbon reinforced plastic.

Fiat has a new, slightly longer version of its Panda small car, a mainstay that has sold 6 million since 1980, while Toyota has a new take on its familiar Prius, offering a plug-in hybrid version and a Prius+ seven-seater. Daimler AG’s Smart brand has an electric version of its tiny two-seater.

Ford Motor Co. is unveiling the Evos, a concept car that won’t make it into production but which shows design elements that will appear on Ford’s regular models soon. Those could include the car’s slender, LED

headlights. The mood ahead of this year’s show is mixed: upbeat thanks to recent strong profits from BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen and Porsche, but clouded by the European government debt crisis, which has depressed consumer optimism and growth forecasts for the year ahead.

Nonetheless, this year ’s 64th International Motor Show will be a

Frankfurt auto show much more cheerful place than the last show in 2009, which took place during the recession. Organizers say 1,007 exhibitors have signed up, compared with 781 last time, and the confidence of the home carmakers is such that VW luxury brand

The Evos concept car by Ford. —AFP

Audi is splashing out for its own test track that winds in and out of the exhibit building.

The show opens to journalists on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Frankfurt Messe exhibition center.

Chancellor Angela Merkel will open it to the general public on Thursday, after which it will run through Sept 25. Toyota’s Prius Plug-in is the first Prius to include a lithium ion battery giving about 20 kilometers (12 miles) of pure electric, zero-emissions driving. Beyond that range, the Prius runs as a conventional hybrid. The lithium battery recharges from a domestic source in just an hour and a half.

The Plug-in will be launched in the first half of next year, and will sell for below $50,590 (euro 37,000) in Germany. Currently in Europe, 10 percent of sales are hybrid vehicles.

Toyota Europe’s CEO Leroy Didier wants to raise that to 20 percent in two to three years. Toyota Europe expects to achieve profitability on

French banks in eye of euro-zone debt storm Executives scramble to reassure depositors PARIS: French bank stocks seesawed wildly yesterday as executives scrambled to reassure depositors that savings are safe and that the high street giants can weather the euro-zone debt storm.

After Societe Generale-which has lost 60 percent of its share value since July-it was the turn of the country’s largest bank, BNP Paribas, to slide, losing more than six percent in a single morning’s trading. The banking giant was forced to issue a formal denial after the Wall Street Journal quoted an anonymous executive warning that it was having difficulty securing dollar-denominated liquidity in the United States.

Whatever the truth of the report, the sudden plunge in BNP Paribas shares at one point they were down 10 percent-showed the markets are deeply nervous about French banks, which are seen as overexposed to eurozone debt. The Paris Bourse has been subject to wild swings for several months but banking shares have suffered the most from the panic. SocGen, for example, fell sharply on opening Tuesday but bounced back to plus eight percent. Traders have

had time to digest a probable Greek default on its loans, and the government insists that stress tests have proved that French institutions could withstand any

banks like BNP and SocGen are also carrying a lot of Italian debt, and markets are watching France’s trans-Alpine cousin for signs the euro-zone crisis is about

PARIS: A logo of the French bank Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP) is seen in Paris yesterday. French banks have been at the center of the European crisis because they hold a significant amount of debt from Greece. —AP “Greek scenario” in the coming weeks or months.

BNP Paribas holds four billion euros in Greek sovereign debt, and Societe Generale 1.1 billion, and both are seen as capable of withstanding such losses. But,

to pick off this far larger economy. BNP Paribas, for example, hold $21 billion in Italian debt, and rumors China has refused an invitation to buy up large quantities of Italian bonds in exchange for stakes in industry rattled the

French market. Now the various rumors, and the huge sums involved, have begun to raise concern beyond the trading floors and in the minds of savers in France’s real economy-where these banks are high street institutions.

“I’m reassuring our savers, reassuring our clients, everything is working, There is nothing to worry about. We are focusing, as usual, on providing them with the best service possible,” SocGen chairman Frederic Oudea said.

The ratings agency Moody has said it may downgrade French banks’ credit rating in the coming days to reflect their exposure, despite the insistence of President Nicolas Sarkozy’s government that it will stand by the euro-zone.

France’s more powerful partner Germany, however, now appears to accept that a Greek write-down, at the very least, is inevitable. In an interview with Germany ’s RBB radio station, Chancellor Angela Merkel said policy makers were now simply trying to avoid an “uncontrolled” slip, and her economy minister Philipp Rosler has admitted a default is possible. — AFP

Ashmore year lifted by emerging market

Euro-zone leaders must act on crisis, says Obama

LONDON: British fund manager Ashmore Group said clients were sticking with emerging markets and it planned to boost its presence in Latin America and Asia to latch on to the region’s growing middle class.

Ashmore reported a 13 percent rise in full-year pretax profit to 246 million pounds ($389 million) yesterday, in line with the 245 million forecast by Oriel Securities, after net management fees rose almost a third.

Ashmore stock was down 5.8 percent at 0825 GMT after a strong run-up in recent months. “We believe Ashmore remains relatively good value. However, reflecting the strong recent share price outperformance towards our target price, we expect to downgrade our recommendation to ‘hold’ (from ‘add’),” Numis anlysts said in a note. Ashmore, which recently entered Britain’s FTSE 100 blue-chip index, said it saw continued interest in emerging markets despite the rocky summer period.

“I do not think we have anything other than continued positive interest in the (emerging markets) asset class. That is certainly not seasonal, and it is long term in its nature,” finance director Graeme Dell told Reuters. Dell said performance fees had peaked in the current cycle and would fall for the next few years, though this should be expected as the absolute performance of emerging market assets fell.

Ashmore, which managed $65.8 billion at end-June, said it would focus on growing its retail business in the United States and Asia, and try to attract more clients from the growing middle class in emerging markets. “In the long term, to be in a position to take advantage of the growth in the underlying emerging markets we would like to develop a number of domestic asset management businesses on the ground,” Dell said. — Reuters

MADRID: The euro-zone’s leaders need to show markets they are taking responsibility for its debt crisis and work out how to tally monetary union with budget policy, Spanish press reported US President Barack Obama as saying.

Greece is the immediate concern, but an even bigger problem is what may happen should markets take another run at the larger economies of Spain and Italy, the EFE news agency reported Obama as telling a roundtable with Spanish-speaking journalists in Washington.

“It is difficult to co-ordinate and agree a common path when you have so many countries with different policies and economic situations,” Obama said, according to the report on the El Mundo newspaper website.(www.elmundo.es).

“In the end the big countries in Europe, the leaders in Europe must meet and take a decision on how to coordinate monetary integration with more effective co-ordinated fiscal policy,” the EFE Spanish-language report quoted Obama as saying.

US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is due to make an unprecedented one-day trip to Poland this week to meet with euro zone finance ministers as fears grow that Greece will soon default on its debt. Weakness in the global economy will continue so long as the euro zone crisis is not resolved, Obama said.

Greece is “the biggest immediate concern”, the report quoted Obama as saying, but the biggest problem will be “what will happen in Spain and Italy if the markets keep attacking these very big countries.” A long-term solution is possible if markets believe euro zone countries with budget surpluses are willing to back their partners in the monetary union, he said. — Reuters

Visitors crowd around a Mercedes F 125 Concept car. — AFP target next year despite the devas- of production due to the quake and tating impact of the earthquake and tsunami, Leroy told journalists.

“The strategy is to have growth tsunami in Japan and the uncertain financial conditions in Europe, in Europe, come back to growth in Europe. But to do it step by step to Didier said Monday.

Toyota and the luxury brand ensure at the same time we are Lexus expect to sell 830,000 cars in doing it in a profitable way. I am not Europe this year, up from 808,000 rushing for market share. I am not units in 2010, despite a first half lost rushing for volume,” he said. — AP

Fiat-Chrysler CEO sets goal of 6m cars a year FRANKFURT: Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne yesterday said the combined companies still aim to produce 6 million cars a year by 2014 despite the increased uncertainty in global financial markets.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Frankfurt Auto Show, Marchionne expressed frustration at Europe’s spiraling debt crisis, which threatens to engulf Fiat’s key market of Italy. It already is sapping consumer confidence with auto sales in Italy forecast at around 1.8 million this year, the lowest level since 1983.

“People don’t even know how to buy groceries for the weekend right now, and we are worrying about 2014,” Marchionne said with some irony.

“In the absence of a cataclysmic event the answer is yes, that is what we are trying too build,” he said, referring to the companies’ production goals.

Fiat SpA has a 53.5-percent majority stake in US automaker Chrysler Group LLC and is looking to combine the companies to create a global automaker.

Marchionne said Chrysler is in a better position because U.S. policymakers have done more to stimulate the economy. The Italian-Canadian CEO said there need to be serious discussions in Europe about promoting growth, and that governments across the continent need to reduce their costs to confront the crisis credibly. “Anybody who runs a

business knows, the only way to maintain a structure when you are under pressure is to reduce costs. ... I am talking about everyone in general. Tighten belts, remove all unnecessary expenditures and try to gear up these places toward growth,” Marchionne told the Associated Press.

Despite the weakening market, Fiat is premiering the third generation of the Panda city car, the best-selling car in the segment in Europe, at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The car is slightly longer, but retains much of the look of the original, which has sold more than 6 million units since its launch in 1980.

It is being challenged by Volkswagen, which is launching the Up, the latest entry in the market for tiny, fuel-efficient city cars. Marchionne said there was no choice but to go ahead with the launch. “It is never the right moment when the market is weak,” he said. But if the company had to follow volatile markets “then we close up shop and go home.” Production of the Panda will begin in November at the Pomigliano plant near Naples. But Marchionne has put other investments on hold - including plans to build Alfa Romeo and Jeep SUVs at a plant in Turin - while the crisis sorts itself out.

“Everything is on the table now because this uncertainty makes everyone concerned about what the future looks like,” he said. — AP

The new Fiat Panda is on display during the Frankfurt Auto Show IAA in Frankfurt yesterday. —AP

Libyan oil production may ramp up faster PARIS: The International Energy Agency says it expects Libyan oil production to ramp up faster than previously forecast but that the North African country still won’t be at full capacity at the end of next year. Fighting between rebels and supporters of strongman Moammar Gadhafi slowed production to a trickle in recent months.

The rebels have taken control of most

of the country, but damage to refineries, ports and pipelines has kept production at a standstill. The IEA said yesterday it now expects Libya to start pumping 350,000 to 400,000 barrels per day by the end of the year. It said by the end of next year, it expected production would rise to 1.1 million barrels per day. That’s still fewer than the 1.6 million it was pumping before the conflict. — AP

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Will Obama jobs bill force new debt ceiling fight?

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama’s goal of winning a big enough increase in the US debt limit to get him through the November 2012 election could be thwarted by his own job-creation proposal, budget experts said on Monday.

The $447 billion in new spending Obama wants to juice up a weak US economy would have to be spent quickly if it is to be effective. That would immediately pile more debt onto annual budget deficits of over $1 trillion, even though the president has promised to pay for his program in full.

The problem is that he proposes paying for it over a much longer period. It would be a decade before the Treasury Department would collect enough additional revenues to recoup the

stimulus money being spent.

“The irony of all this is that ... they may have to confront it (raising the debt limit) again soon because the deficit might be a great deal higher than we were anticipating,” said Robert Bixby, executive director of the Concord Coalition, a nonpartisan group pushing fiscal reforms.

The irony Bixby referred to is this: During the bitter fight this summer over raising the US debt ceiling, Obama held out for one major provision-enough of a debt limit increase, at least $2.1 trillion, to keep Treasury Department borrowing humming along until after the November 2012 elections.

Currently, the federal government is borrowing an estimated $125 billion a

month, or about $1.875 trillion between last month and November, 2012.

But with signs that the US economy is slowing from previous projections, some congressional aides already were privately worr ying that the hardfought debt limit increase would not be enough to see the country through to 2013. An additional $447 billion in spending could put borrowing over the top, budget specialists said.

The Obama administration disagreed. “We don’t foresee a need to increase the debt limit before December 2012 under current law or under the American Jobs Act,” Treasury spokeswoman Colleen Murray said. In its most recent outlook, the Obama administration forecast this year’s eco-

nomic growth to be 1.7 percent, down from its February estimate of 2.7 percent. Lou Crandall, chief economist at Wrightson ICAP, which analyzes Treasury ’s financing trends, told Reuters, “It’s probably a close call that could go either way” on whether a preelection debt limit hike will be necessary.

“It certainly increases the odds that the Treasury would have to resort to evasive maneuvers before the election.” The Treasury Department was forced to use extraordinary funding measures while Congress and the White House negotiated the debt ceiling deal.

Republicans in Congress are criticizing major portions of Obama’s jobs bill and his proposals for paying for it. That

means enough of the $447 billion plan could end up on the cutting room floor. That could reduce the pressure for another debt limit increase. Bixby and William Hoagland, a former highranking Republican Senate aide who specialized in budget issues, both speculated that Congress could take other steps to avoid an election year debt limit debate.

They said the “super committee” charged with finding at least $1.2 trillion in new government savings over the next 10 years could insert another debt limit increase into whatever deal it reaches by the end of this November.

“I’m sure there have been some discussions under the radar screen on that. It would really be an issue they’d have to confront,” Bixby said. — Reuters

Taiwan’s Fubon braves risks of China market Financial services firms see huge potential

Chinese volunteers chat with a staff member of a World Economic Forum meeting at an exhibition area ahead of the annual meeting of the New Champions “The Summer Davos” at the Dalian World Expo Center in Dalian, in northeast China’s Liaoning Province, yesterday. Officials and business leaders from countries around the globe will take part in the event, which focuses on global growth companies. —AP

Ireland debates the limits of austerity DUBLIN: Aisling McNiffe’s voice crackles when she talks about her son’s school prospects. Jack, a chirpy, fairhaired six-year old with a fondness for Toy Story movies, is the only person in the world known to have both Down’s Syndrome and CINCA Syndrome, a degenerative disease that causes crippling headaches, severe arthritis, skin rashes, deafness and blindness.

If Jack had started school four years ago, he would have been assigned a dedicated special needs assistant to help him through a full day. But government cuts since Ireland’s housing crash in 2008 mean he will only be able to attend for an hour a day, damaging his chances of learning to communicate through pictures or sign language.

“What do they see my son as?” asks the 38-year old former air hostess, struggling to be heard as Jack plays with a music box in the living room of their bungalow in the village of Ardclough.

“He obviously doesn’t mean anything to them.” In an age of austerity, Ireland is struggling to decide what is important. Dublin has pushed through nearly 21 billion euros ($29 billion) in spending cuts and tax increases, equivalent to more than 13 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Investors have been impressed by the calm in Ireland. In contrast to Greece, Britain and Spain, there has been little social unrest.

But as the cuts continue, it’s getting harder to decide what should go next.

The seven-month old coalition government, headed by Enda Kenny’s centreright Fine Gael party, needs to find another 12 billion euros in savings or increased tax receipts between 2012 and 2015 — probably more if global economic prospects worsen. The cuts are required by the European Union and International Monetary Fund in exchange for 67.5 billion euros in loans. Outgoing European Central Bank chief economist Juergen Stark told the Irish Times this week that the country should cut further. In its initial rush to shore up public finances, the previous centrist Fianna Fail government went after easy targets such as assistants for special needs children like Jack. The problem, as new Finance Minister Michael Noonan recently put it, is that “a lot of the low-hanging fruit has been picked.”

As other European countries are discovering, the next stage will require not just tough decisions, but a complete rethink. “We are in a situation where right across the developed world, fiscal policy is tightening and the population is going to have to get used to getting less from the government and paying more for what they do get,” says Eoin Fahy, chief economist at Kleinwort Benson Investors.

After four years of austerity, public patience in Ireland is wearing thin.

Teachers, nurses and council workers

have ended up with huge mortgages which are now worth more than their homes, while property developers and bankers have held on to gold-plated pensions and luxurious overseas holiday homes.

Many ordinary Irish see scope for more cuts. But they are also angry that the lean times have not brought a much bigger change of thinking from the go-go years of the “Celtic tiger” economy, when public spending more than tripled in a decade, while basic services barely improved. Take hospitals. Even on quiet days, emergency departments in large Irish hospitals can be chaotic. People on trolleys clog corridors, sometimes waiting days for a proper bed. Exhausted doctors dodge between them as they try to grab a few hours’ sleep, like medics in a disaster zone.

Emergency departments have got even busier since the financial crash because fewer people can afford doctors’ fees or private health insurance.

Staff reductions have forced some patients to wait twice as long to see specialists for non-emergency procedures. If their condition worsens, they too end up in the emergency ward. In Dublin, savings made on nursing homes mean elderly patients, who used to wait up to two months to be re-housed, can end up occupying hospital beds for longer than a year.

“It’s so unbelievably serious and it’s only going to get much, much worse,” said one Irish doctor, who declined to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the media. “We’re putting out fires constantly-there are more people who are coming in acutely sick and there is much less room to practice any kind of preventative medicine.”

Junior doctors’ overtime allowances have been cut, but the doctor said that isn’t the main problem. “What galls us are the inefficiencies that are being paid for while there are very important things that are not being paid for,” he said.

Hospital transport is just one example. A 2009 government-commissioned report into public expenditure recommended cutting 20 percent from the annual 50 million euro bill for nonemergency patient transport. But hospitals still pay for taxis and private ambulances.

Health Minister James Reilly, himself a doctor, has pledged to overhaul the health service. But health workers say he will struggle to overturn deeply entrenched trade union positions and navigate the politics. Changes have already raised hackles. Kenny’s Fine Gael party expelled one of its lawmakers last month after he voted against a government decision to close a hospital in his constituency. A party colleague from the same region who voted in favor of the measure was spat at outside parliament, and an anonymous caller threatened to shoot him in the head. — Reuters

TAIPEI: For Fubon, Taiwan’s second-largest publicly listed financial group, a gamble on the boom time in China is worth taking, even though it comes laden with political risks.

Financial services are sensitive areas for regulators anywhere in the world, but perhaps nowhere more so than in the relationship between China and Taiwan, which only now are slowly emerging from six decades of cold war. “We have to be careful. But on the other hand, it’s a huge potential,” said Fubon Financial Group’s president Victor Kung in an interview with AFP. “People who heeded the risk too much and therefore decided not to go to China-they must be regretting it now.” The company moved with lightning speed after the Chinafriendly Ma Ying-jeou was elected president of Taiwan in 2008, heralding a period of detente across the narrow straits separating the island from the mainland.

As early as December 2008, Fubon acquired a 20 percent stake in Xiamen City Commercial Bank, a lender located in Fujian province in the mainland’s southeast, home to billions of dollars of Taiwanese investment.

“Fujian province is a ver y good area for Taiwanese financial institutions to really focus on, mainly because the ancestors of most Taiwanese came from that province,” said Kung.

“We speak the same dialect. The food is very much the same. Culture-wise, we’re closest to Fujian province. Taiwanese people feel very comfortable in Xiamen and other parts of Fujian.” Fubon is part of a broader trend of bolder Taiwanese companies putting their money in the mainland. In 2010, the island’s enterprises invested $13.3 billion in China, up

nearly 120 percent from a year earlier.

In November last year, Fubon opened up a fully owned property and casualty insurance firm, also in Xiamen. Then in July this year, it set up an asset management company in Beijing with a local partner.

It has also sent an application to Chinese regulators for a life insurance venture with the Nanjing city government in eastern China, meaning securities is now the only financial industry it has still to enter on the mainland.

At the moment, Fubon’s revenues from China are “negligible”, according to Kung, but the ambition is that it could make up a much larger share in 10-20 years.

The plan is not just to cater to Taiwan investors on the mainland-”the low-hanging fruit”, according to Kung-but also to start servicing Chinese clients in a major way.

That all depends on whether Taiwan and China can expand on commitments made in the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, or ECFA, which they signed in mid-2010.

The pact has opened the way to lowering of tariffs and broadened access to each other’s markets, and sets the stage for further negotiations on reducing barriers in areas such as finance.

“We’d like to see ECFA moving faster, but like anything cross-strait, the beginning is always more difficult,” Kung said. High on Fubon’s wish-list is permission to increase the stake in the Xiamen bank from the current 20 percent. That is the maximum allowed for single foreign investors in Chinese banks, and what Fubon is really aiming for is “seminational” treatment on a par with local competitors, said Kung.

Fubon’s activities in China are “daring”, but so far it has not made a wrong move, according to Mars Hsu, a Taipei-based analyst for Grand Cathay Securities.

“It’s true Fubon has been very aggressive, but as of now, its major investments seem to be on the right track,” he said. While Fubon has been busily mopping up opportunities in China, cross-straits ties can shift markedly, and any change in the political temperature could quickly impact the company.

“It takes political negotiations of regulators of the two sides to agree on how to supervise the other side’s operations,” said Kung. And whenever politics becomes part of the equation, everything becomes more complicated.

Although Taiwan has ruled itself since 1949, China still considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.

Relations were particularly sticky in the period between 2000 and 2008, when the island was ruled by President Chen Shui-bian from the Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP. The DPP wants Taiwan to move towards formal independence from China-at direct odds with Beijing, which aims for reunification. The DPP is contesting elections in January next year raising the prospect of a change in the diplomatic tide if its candidate Tsai Ing-wen wins. But Kung is sanguine.

“If there should be a change of regime, at least initially there will be a shock, and that shock will maybe slow things down a little bit,” he said. “But at the end of the day, I think this closer cross-strait relationship is an irreversible trend. I don’t think either side wants to see a return to hostilities. It’s just impossible to imagine.” — AFP

Obama: Cuban economic reforms are not enough

SEOUL: A South Korean couple walks past a sale sign in a downtown shopping district in Seoul yesterday. South Korea’s finance minister has hinted at lowering the government’s forecast of next year’s economic growth rate, citing persistent downside risks. —AFP

Italy admits approach to China, bonds face pressure MILAN: Italy admitted yesterday that its finance minister met the head of the biggest Chinese sovereign wealth fund CIC last week, as the government looks desperately for buyers of its debt bonds.

But buyers took a hard line when Italy placed bonds worth close to 6.5 billion euros ($8.8 billion) yesterday, demanding record high returns for financing the hugely overburdened public finances.

The outcome of the bond auction showed a marked lack of investor confidence in Italian debt, which has been supported for the last six weeks by crisis purchases on the secondary market by the European Central Bank.

A ministr y spokesman said that Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti had met a Chinese delegation in the Italian capital last week. The Chinese side including Lou Jiwei, the head of the China Investment Corporation, the spokesman told AFP without giving details. Reports of the meeting, assumed on financial markets to be a pitch to obtain Chinese support for Italian bonds, pushed up stocks on Wall Street late on Monday, but the effect was short-lived and European markets fell again in morning trading yesterday.

Italian newspapers have reported that until now, Tremonti was reluctant to turn to China for help, fearing that this was a step towards inappropriate Chinese influence in Italian affairs. The delegation also met representatives from the statecontrolled CDP which manages funds destined for investment in “strategic” Italian companies.

“China has a lot of assets in dollars, it is now looking to diversify and is very interested in Italy,” Giuliano Noci, economics professor at Milan’s business school MIP, told AFP. “China is interested in the family jewels: it wants to invest in the environmental sector, in new technologies and particularly in fashion and household design,” he said. The fact that China’s ICBC, the world’s biggest bank by market value, opened branches in five European countries including Italy this year, was a sign of Beijing’s “willingness” to invest, he added. In August, the head of the Italian Treasury, Vittorio Grilli, travelled to Asia to meet investors over the possible purchase of Italian bonds. Grilli visited China, Hong Kong and Singapore to meet sovereign wealth funds and private investors. — AFP

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama criticized the pace of change in Cuba on Monday, saying the communist-run island has not been aggressive enough in opening its economy or its political system.

Speaking to Spanish-speaking reporters in Washington, the US president said Cuba’s government has expressed its intention to loosen up its economy to allow businesses to operate more freely, but US officials still are waiting to see sufficient results. “We have not seen evidence they have been sufficiently aggressive in changing their policies economically, and certainly have not been aggressive enough when it comes to liberating political prisoners and giving people the opportunity to speak their minds,” he said.

President Raul Castro has spearheaded changes to allow Cubans to work for themselves in almost 200 approved activities, hire employees and rent out rooms and cars. He has said the measures are crucial to rescuing Cuba’s cash-strapped economy. Many of the measures were announced in a Communist Party congress in April. Obama said the time has come for change on the island, referring to Cuba as “throwback to the 1960s.”

“Obviously it’s not working. The standards of living are not improving significantly. In fact, they are deteriorating,” he said. — AP

PARIS: A screen shows trading in a business bank in Paris yesterday. The latest bout of jitters in the markets were partly stoked by comments from German Vice-Chancellor, Philipp Roesler, that there should be “no bans on thinking” in how to resolve the euro crisis, including an “orderly insolvency.” — AP

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

TECHNOLOGY

year after first Android Malware emerged he experts at Kaspersky Lab present their monthly report about malicious activity on users’ computers and on the Internet. Out-of-thebox activity Malware and Bitcoin. As of late August, Kaspersky Lab’s analysts detected 35 unique malicious programs that targeted the Bitcoin system in one way or another. Realizing that their potential earnings largely depend on the number of computers they have access to, the cybercriminals have moved from stealing Bitcoin wallets to using Twitter and P2P networkbased botnets. Cybercriminals have resorted to this measure to counter the antivirus companies that may block the operation of a single botnet C&C server if no alternate servers exist in the malicious network. For example, a bot would send a request to a Twitter account, which provides commands that are left there by the botnet owner - i.e., where the Bitcoin-generating program is downloaded, along with instructions for which Bitcoin pools to work with. The use of Twitter as a botnet command center is not new; although this is the first time it has been used with the Bitcoin system.

Last month, Kaspersky Lab also discovered that one of the largest botnets conceals actual accounts as they can be deleted by server owners who take a proactive stance against unlawful mining programs. To achieve this, the botnet owners had to create a special proxy server that interacts with infect-

T

ed computers, and their requests are then transferred to an unknown Bitcoin pool. It is not possible to identify the specific pools that the botnet works with and thus block the fraudulent accounts. In this situation, the only means of intercepting such criminal activity is to gain full access to one of the proxy servers.

Ice IX: the illegitimate child of ZeuS. Almost a year after the original code of the most wide-spread threat targeting online banking users was leaked, Trojan ZeuS (Trojan-Spy.Win32.Zbot), Russian-speaking cybercriminals created its clone which became quite popular among fraudsters this summer. The new variant which emerged in the spring was dubbed Ice IX by its creator and sells for US $600-1,800. One of Ice IX’s most remarkable innovations is the altered botnet control web module which allows cybercriminals to use legitimate hosting services instead of costly bulletproof servers maintained by the cybercriminal community. This difference is meant to keep hosting costs down for Ice IX owners. The appearance of Ice IX indicates that we should soon expect the emergence of new “illegitimate children” of ZeuS and an even greater number of attacks against the users of online banking services.

Remote-access worm. The new network worm Morto is interesting in that it does not exploit vulnerabilities in order to self-replicate. Furthermore, it

spreads via the Windows RDP service that provides remote access to a Windows desktop - a method which has not been seen before. Essentially, the worm attempts to find the access

operating system Excluding the J2ME platform, 85% of the total number of smartphone threats detected during August 2010 targeted the Android system. In August, the Nickspy Trojan

password. Provisional estimates indicate that tens of thousands of computers throughout the globe may currently be infected with this worm.

stood out among the multitude of threats targeting mobile platforms. Its distinguishing characteristics include an ability to collect information about the phone’s GPS coordinates and any calls that are made from the device. It can also record all the conversations that the infected device’s owner has.

The audio files are then uploaded to a remote server managed by the malicious owner.

Mobile threats In early August 2010, the first-ever malicious program for the Android operating system was detected: the SMS Trojan FakePlayer. Today, threats designed for Android represent approximately 23% of the overall number of detected threats targeting mobile platforms.

The distribution of malicious programs targeting mobile platforms, by

Attacks against the networks of corporations and major organizations

August saw a number of really highprofile hack attacks. The victims of hack-

tivists included the Italian cyber police, a number of companies cooperating with law enforcement agencies in the US, and the military contractor Vanguard, who works under contract to the US Department of Defense.

However, these hack attacks were hardly surprising against the backdrop of this year’s events.

Nevertheless, the IT community was shaken by a news item from McAfee about their detection of what was potentially the largest cyber-attack in history, lasting over five years and targeting numerous organizations around the world, from the US Department of Defense, to the Sports Committee of Vietnam. The attack was dubbed Shady Rat. All would have been well and good, but the malicious user-run server that was allegedly “detected by researchers” had in fact already been known to the experts at many other antivirus companies for several months. Moreover, at the time of the article’s publication the server was still up and running and all of the information that McAfee used in its report had already been made public. What is more, the long sought-after spyware that had allegedly been used in the most complex and largest attack in history had already been detected by many antivirus programs using simple heuristics. In addition to these and other factors, the McAfee incident gives rise to many other questions, which were asked publically, including by Kaspersky Lab’s experts.

HP extends autonomy offer Analysts see limited scope for rival bidder LONDON: Hewlett-Packard has extended the deadline for its $11.2 billion takeover of British software company Autonomy , with analysts predicting the US firm is on course to succeed. HP has extended the deadline for the offer to Oct. 3 after gaining acceptances from shareholders representing 41.6 percent of shares. The company requires a further 33.4 percent suppor t from Autonomy investors to delist its target from the London Stock Exchange.

“I am very surprised that they have needed to extend it at all,” S&P equity research analyst James Crawshaw said yesterday. “I would have expected Autonomy shareholders to be all pretty much happy with the takeout price.”

Although it is rare for takeover offers to gain more than a handful of acceptances at the first closing date, some analysts said they had expected more investors to take up the TOKYO: A model displays Japanese electronics giant Sony’s new Android OSbased multimedia player “Walkman Z series”, equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra2 processor and a 4.3-inch LCD display with Google’s Android 2.3 OS in Tokyo yesterday. Sony will put it on the market in December. — AFP

Boston Globe launches subscription web site NEW YORK: The Boston Globe, New England’s largest regional newspaper by circulation, has launched its new web site, BostonGlobe.com, marking its official entrance into the digital subscription market. Prior to Monday, when the site launched, readers looking for the Globe’s content online went to Boston.com, a free web site that generates revenue through advertising. In addition to journalistic content, Boston.com offers features like events listings and e-retail, making it a more then just the newspaper’s digital doppelganger.

While Boston.com has been extremely popular, the Globe’s brain trust has devoted this new site, which it announced last year, entirely to the newspaper’s content. It was a decision sparked by its research into Boston.com’s audience.

“What we noticed was that there were really two audiences going to Boston.com,” said publisher Chris Mayer. “One type of reader was looking for general news and information, breaking news, anything that was happening, things to do and e-commercewhat you’d use a community portal for.”

The other wanted the more typical journalistic experience.

That realization was just part of the motivation for the new site. Other factors include the continued migration of readers from the print space to the digital one and the constant search for new revenue streams. Hence a subscription site. All readers will be able to access the new site’s content free of charge until the end of September, at which point the paywall will go up.

Consumers can pay $3.99 a week ($208 a year) for a digital subscription while print subscribers are granted free access.

“There’s an increased willingness to pay for quality content,” Mayer said.

“You can see that with what the New York Times experience has bee in terms of the adoption of a digital only subscriber base.” The Times, whose parent company owns the Globe, has lured in more digital subscribers than expected since launching in March.

The difference between Boston.com

and the new site is substantial.

Boston.com will continue to get a certain amount of the Globe’s content, but its main purpose will be as the community portal Mayer referred to. The vast majority of the journalistic contentabout 75 percent says editor-in-chief Marty Baron — will be exclusive to BostonGlobe.com. One of the notable exceptions is with sports news and analysis, a result of the intense competition in that market.

“The user of BostonGlobe.com is a person who wants the full range of coverage we have, who likes to read, likes to read stories in depth and likes the reading experience of a newspaper,” Baron said.

That is why emphasis of the new site will be on the content both written and visual-which means that advertising plays a much smaller role. That makes for a cleaner site with a flexible reading interface, particularly when it comes to different devices. Rather than create a native application, the Globe opted to create a site that could be adapted to a computer, a tablet or a phone. “ We believe mobile and tablet devices will be the bulk of our readership,” said Jeff Moriarty, Vice President of Digital Content. “We wanted to build a site that had that in mind.”

It has applike features, such as the ability to save stories and read them offline and an emphasis on photos and other multimedia, but it is still distinctly a web site. “We wanted it to work somewhere between web site and app,” Moriarty said. Despite all of the optimism emanating out of the Globe camp, the new site does raise some questions. Given that print subscribers will be able to access the new site for free and that the Globe considers itself a regional paper, who will buy the digital subscriptions? And despite research indicating two audiences, will removing a large chunk of the newspaper’s content from Boston.com affect its large readership?

Mayer does not seem a problem, citing the university-centric city’s large expat population and a broad market for subjects like Boston sports and its key industries. — Reuters

offer because HP is offering a hefty 79 percent premium. HP offered an agreed 2,550 pence per Autonomy share on Aug. 18, which it said valued the enterprise search software company’s fully diluted share capital at 7.09 billion pounds ($11.2 billion).

Panmure Gordon analyst George O’Connor said investors that had not yet accepted the offer would hang on to the end for a competitive deal. “You have got a very decent bird in the hand, but there might be another two in the bush. My own view is that the bush is empty. HP is paying a very decent price. I do not see a competitive bid approaching.”

Analysts and bankers are sceptical that a rival offer will emerge to create competitive tension and boost the price. “I do not think anyone else has the same urgency to buy Autonomy as HP,” Tom Gidley-Kitchin at Charles Stanley said.

“I guess that a lot of professional investors are holding onto their shares until late on, against some miniscule chance of some better offer.” A top 50 Autonomy shareholder expressed satisfaction with the offer. “To be honest we would be quite surprised if there was anything else out there. I wouldn’t put us down as being majorly unhappy,” the shareholder said.

Gidley-Kitchin said sentiment in the technology sector, hardware and even software, was a bit negative. Autonomy investors may be hanging on because there was nowhere better for them to put their money.

Autonomy shares were steady, up 0.32 percent at 2,525 pence at 0945 GMT. The offer is conditional on regulatory clearance. HP said yesterday that filings have been made in the United States, Austria, Germany and Ireland. — Reuters

Nintendo seeks to rev up 3DS with holiday games TOKYO: Nintendo is readying an array of video games for the holidays in an aggressive attempt at catch-up for lost time from the sales delay of the 3DS portable machine last year. Nintendo Co., which makes the Wii home console and Super Mario and Pokemon games, showed some of the gaming titles featuring glasses-free three-dimensional technology at a packed Tokyo event hall yesterday.

The year-end holidays and the New Year’s gift-giving season will be a key test for the 3DS portable. Game companies make up more than half their annual sales during those months. Analysts say it cost the Japanese video game maker potential momentum when the 3DS was not ready for Christmas last year. It did not go on sale until February in Japan, and March in the US and Europe, forcing Nintendo to slash its profit forecasts by more than half.

Adding to the woes, the overall gaming business has hit the doldrums recently, as the initial momentum wore off from the Wii and DS handheld, both megahits from Kyoto-based Nintendo - partly because of a scarcity of hit game software, but also because of the advent of other mobile entertainment, such as cellphone gaming and social networking like Twitter.

President Satoru Iwata showed video footage of games in the works, including the popular Super Mario series, that were for 3-D playing without the special glasses usually required for 3-D TVs. Iwata said

the company was doing its utmost to offer a satisfying selection of games to play on 3DS. He has always said machines never become a hit unless there are hit games people are going to want to play on them. “We know the hurdle is high,” he said. “We will do our utmost to make the 3DS as widespread as its predecessor DS machine.”

Iwata noted the DS and Wii had proved popular with women - a characteristic he seemed to think was unique for Nintendo products, unlike offerings from rivals Sony Corp. with its PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable and Microsoft Corp. and its Xbox 360.

But he said the 3DS had not been so far as popular with women. He said a pink-color model was going on sale later this year in an effort to woo women.It was perhaps telling of Nintendo’s fading confidence in its in-house games that the climax of the demonstration was for a game by Capcom Co. Capcom, a Japanese game developer also behind the “Biohazard” games, is readying a spectacular 3DS version of its popular “Monster Hunter ” game.

Nintendo usually pushes its own games, but Iwata showered Capcom with praise as bringing out the best in 3-D features.

Sony is scheduled to outline its strategy for portable gaming today, ahead of the Tokyo Game Show in a suburb, opening to media Thursday. Nintendo generally does not take part in the Tokyo Game Show. — AP

TOKYO: Nintendo President Satoru Iwata, standing in front of an image of a pink-color model of the 3DS portable to woo women users, speaks during a news conference at a convention center in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. — AP

JAKARTA: An Indosat employee displays a new Blackberry Bold 9900 (a.k.a Dakota) during its first day on sale in Jakarta yesterday. RIM is the world’s fourth biggest smartphone platform, with global sales of 11.9 million units, according to research firm Gartner, and Indonesia is one of RIM’s most important markets, with more than two million BlackBerry devices sold. — AFP

US universities hit with copyright infringement suit NEW YORK: The Authors Guild and writers from Australia, Britain and Canada filed a copyright infringement suit yesterday against five US universities and the HathiTrust digital library project. The complaint submitted in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York claims the universities obtained unauthorized scans from Internet giant Google of an estimated seven million copyright-protected books.

It said the universities, through the HathiTrust consortium, plan to allow unlimited downloads by students and faculty members of so-called “orphan” works-copyright-protected books whose authors cannot be located. “By digitizing, archiving, copying and now publishing the copyrighted works without the authorization of those works’ rights holders, the universities are engaging in one of the largest copyright infringements in history,” the lawsuit said.

“This is an upsetting and outrageous attempt to dismiss authors’ rights,” Angelo Loukakis, executive director of the Australian Society of Authors, said in a joint statement with the Authors Guild and other plaintiffs. “This group of American universities has no authority to decide whether, when or how authors forfeit their copyright protection,” Loukakis said. “These aren’t orphaned books, they’re abducted books.”

Other parties to the complaint are the Quebec Writers Union, children’s book author Pat Cummings, novelists Loukakis, Roxana Robinson, Daniele Simpson and Fay Weldon, poet Andre Roy, Shakespeare scholar James Shapiro, and Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer T.J. Stiles. The universities named in the lawsuit are the University of Michigan, the University of California, the University of Wisconsin, Indiana University, and Cornell University. — AFP

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

health & science

Testosterone drop helps men do dad-duty: Study WASHINGTON: Men experience a drop in testosterone after the birth of their children, a phenomenon that may help them meet the challenges of caring for their offspring, said a study released on Monday.

Testosterone is a hormone that fuels male sexuality, aggression and physical robustness, and is typically highest in young, single men with no children, said the research in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

With less testosterone coursing

through their veins, men are more likely to adopt fatherly roles and help nurture their children, a particular need among humans who have much longer dependent childhoods than other mammals.

“Raising human offspring is such an effort that it is cooperative by necessity, and our study shows that human fathers are biologically wired to help with the job,” said co-author Christopher Kuzawa of Northwestern University in Illinois. The research was based on 624 men, age 21-26, in the

Philippines who were tracked for nearly five years-a period in which some of them entered stable relationships and became new fathers.

Of those who started the study single and became fathers by the end of it, the men with the highest initial testosterone levels were more likely to have become dads. This distinction was impor tant because previous studies had not been able to establish whether a testosterone dip observed in newly married men was a trait that made men more likely to

marry, or if it resulted from the act of partnering.

“The men who started with high testosterone were more likely to become fathers, but once they did, their testosterone went down substantially,” said co-author Lee Gettler, a doctoral candidate in anthropology at Northwestern. “Our findings suggest that this is especially true for fathers who become the most involved with child care.”

Men who became fathers during the study showed a median 26 to 34

percent drop in testosterone levels, which was significant compared the normal age-related decrease seen in single men who were not fathers (1214 percent). The steepest declines were seen in fathers of newborns, one month old or younger.

“Fatherhood and the demands of having a newborn baby require many emotional, psychological and physical adjustments,” Gettler said. “Our study indicates that a man’s biology can change substantially to help meet those demands.” —AFP

New products like hearing aid, motorcycle ambulances help poor

LONDON: In this photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011, designer Andrew Carr poses for photographs with one of his hearing-aid prototypes for sub-Saharan Africa at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in London. —AP

Green-glowing cats are new tool in AIDS research CHICAGO: US scientists have developed a strain of green-glowing cats with cells that resist infection from a virus that causes feline AIDS, a finding that may help prevent the disease in cats and advance AIDS research in people.

The study, published on Sunday in the journal Nature Methods, involved inserting monkey genes that block the virus into feline eggs, or oocytes, before they are fertilized. The scientists also inserted jellyfish genes that make the modified cells glow an eerie green color-making the altered genes easy to spot.

Tests on cells taken from the cats show they are resistant to feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, which causes AIDS in cats. “This provides the unprecedented capability to study the effects of giving AIDS-protection genes into an AIDS-vulnerable animal,” Dr. Eric Poeschla of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, who led the study, said in a telephone interview.

Poeschla said that besides people, cats and to some extent, chimpanzees, are the only mammals that develop a naturally occurring virus that causes AIDS. “Cats suffer from this all over the world,” he said.

Just as the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, does in people, FIV works by wiping out infection-fighting T-cells.

FIV infects mostly feral cats, of which there are half billion in the world, Poeschla said.

It is transmitted by biting, largely by males defending their territory, but companion cats are affected as well. In both humans and cats, proteins called restriction factors that normally fight off viral infections are defenseless against HIV and FIV because the viruses evolved potent counter-weapons. But certain monkey versions of these restriction factors are capable of fighting the virus and the team used one such gene from the rhesus monkey.

For the team, which included collaborators in Japan, the trick was to get the monkey gene for the restriction factor- known as TRIMCyp-into cats to block cells from becoming infected

with the virus.

To do that, they used a harmless virus to insert the genes into the eggs, a process that has already been done in other mammals including mice, pigs, sheep and marmoset monkeys. To make it easier to check which cells had the monkey gene, the team also inserted a green fluorescent protein gene from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria that makes them glow green.

“We did it to mark cells easily just by looking under the microscope or shining a light on the animal.” The method worked so well nearly all offspring from the modified eggs have the restriction factor genes. And these defense proteins are made throughout the cat’s body.

The team has mated two of the three original green-glowing cats, which have produced litters totaling eight kittens which make glowing cells as well. But the point is not to breed generations of disease-resistant, glowing cats. Rather, the team plans to study these felines as a new way to develop treatments for HIV and the feline version of the disease.

Researchers said the work has several potential uses. “This technology can be applied to a wide range of species, for many of which there are clear applications and potential benefits,” Dr. Laurence Tiley of the University of Cambridge said in a statement.

“It will be interesting to see how enthusiastically this capability in cats is received and adopted by the HIV and neurobiological research communities and what other research opportunities it offers. A representative non-primate animal model would be a fantastic new tool for studying HIV pathogenesis.”

So far, Poeschla’s team has only tested cells taken from the animals and found they were resistant to FIV. But eventually they plan to expose the cats to the virus and see if they are protected. “If you could show that you confer protection to these animals, it would give us a lot of information about protecting humans,” Poeschla said. For cats, this may eventually lead to gene therapy or new drug treatments for FIV, he said. —Reuters

LAHORE: A Pakistani patient affected by dengue fever lies on her mother’s lap in an army ambulance outside a medical camp in Lahore yesterday. According to unofficial estimates, more than 4,000 people have been affected by the dengue virus in Lahore. —AFP

LONDON: A bit of creativity never hurts, especially when it comes to solving health problems in developing countries. Instead of the usual donated medicines and health equipment, some experts are inventing new products for the poor, like a solar-powered hearing aid or a motorcycle ambulance. Both inventions were showcased at an engineering conference in London.

And in a new report published online in the journal Lancet, the United Nations highlights innovations like using text messages in South Africa to remind women with HIV to get their babies tested and tucking medicines into Coca-Cola crates to reach remote villages. Hundreds of thousands of replacement joints, surgical tools and other medical devices have been sent to poor countries over the years. But according to the World Health Organization, about 75 percent of the donated goods sit unused, either because they’re broken or no one knows how to use them.

“In the past, there’s been a lot of good will and bad judgment in the West,” said Chris Lavy, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Oxford who previously worked in Africa. Lavy said many African hospitals get dozens of different types of hip or knee replacements that are often unusable. “It’s like you need a spare tire for your Volkswagen but they send you a Mercedes radiator instead,” he said.

He said inventions like the solar-powered hearing aid could make a big difference in Africa.

Experts estimate two-thirds of the 250 million people worldwide who have a hearing disability live in poor countries. The solar-powered device was designed by Andrew Carr, a mechanical engineer in Cambridge, who noticed most hearing aids donated to Africa don’t help because they treat a different type of hearing loss more prevalent in the West.

The hearing aid Carr developed

must be held close to the ear to work, but doesn’t have to be worn inside.

Carr’s device has an internal solar-powered battery and can be looped into a necklace or attached to a hat so it’s next to the person’s ear. “It blends in with local tribal cultures better than the light pink hearing aids for

Cola’s) distribution system is a great opportunity for medicines,” said Tore Godal, a health adviser to the prime minister of Norway, who led the U.N. report. He said officials are also interested in using the soft drink crates to deliver ivermectin, a pill given to many Africans once a year to prevent river blindness.

So far, Guinea, Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa have bought the ambulances, which sell for about $6,200. Last year, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and others donated $250,000 to UNICEF in Southern Sudan specifically to buy the vehicles. Norman says health officials have focused on using them to get pregnant women to

LONDON: In this photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011, designer Mike Norman poses for photographs on one of his eRanger motorcycle ambulances at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in London. —AP Caucasians that get donated,” Carr said. Carr is in talks with some charities about testing the hearing aid in Africa and hopes to secure more funding to mass produce the device.

The UN report calls for more unorthodox health solutions, and details how health officials are now using Coca-Cola’s supply chain to deliver anti-diarrhea treatments in Zambia. The medicine is sent in a special pod that sits in the unused space inside Coca-Cola crates. “ To piggyback onto (Coca-

Other experts agreed new innovations can help and even create a sustainable market for health products, as long as researchers do their homework first.

That was the idea behind the eRanger, a motorcycle ambulance with a sidecar stretcher capable of driving through the African bush terrain. “The donated ambulances (from the West) won’t do 100 yards in Africa,” said Mike Norman, a British engineer who designed the motorcycle ambulance.

Diabetes ‘massive challenge’ as cases hit 366 million LONDON: The number of people living with diabetes has soared to 366 million, and the disease kills one person every seven seconds, posing a “massive challenge” to healthcare systems worldwide, experts said yesterday.

The vast majority of those with the disease have Type 2 — the kind linked to poor diet, obesity and lack of exerciseand the problem is spreading as people in the developing world adopt more Western lifestyles.

Diabetics have inadequate blood sugar control, which can lead to serious complications like heart disease and stroke, damage to the kidneys or nerves, and to blindness. Worldwide deaths from the disease are now running at 4.6 million a year.

The latest figures, unveiled at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) congress in Lisbon, underline the need for urgent action by governments at a UN meeting next week, according to top doctors in the field. The high-level United Nations meeting in New York on Sept. 19-20 — only the second to focus on disease after one on AIDS in 2001 — will consider what should be done to counter the growing problem of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes.

Food, drinks and tobacco companies are in the firing line for selling products linked to cancer, heart disease and diabetes, but health campaigners fear politicians may not set firm targets or provide funds for a decent fight. The NCD Alliance, which groups 2,000 health organisations from around the world, argues that spending $9 billion a year on tobacco control, food advice and basic treatments would avert tens of millions

of untimely deaths this decade.

Cash-strapped governments, however, have baulked at finding new money, though the cost of inaction may be even greater, with annual healthcare spending on diabetes alone now put at $465 billion. The new figures on the prevalence and cost of diabetes are to be published in the fifth edition of the Diabetes Atlas, the authoritative guide to the disease issued by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

The previous edition in October 2009 had estimated the number of diabetics at 285 million for 2010, although a separate study published in the Lancet medical journal in June this year had already put the figure at a much higher 347 million.

“The IDF’s latest Atlas data are proof indeed that diabetes is a massive challenge the world can no longer afford to ignore. In 2011 one person is dying from diabetes every seven seconds,” said IDF President Jean Claude Mbanya.

Mbanya and EASD Vice -President Andrew Boulton said more research was needed into strengthening health systems around the world to deal with diabetes.

Many older classes of diabetes drugs are now available as cheap generics, but global drugmakers-including Sanofi , Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk — aim to introduce new classes of drugs that could further extend treatment options.

Global sales of diabetes medicines totaled $35 billion last year and could rise to as much as $48 billion by 2015, according to research firm IMS Health, driven by increased prevalence and treatment, especially in countries such as China, India, Mexico and Brazil. —Reuters

health clinics to deliver their babies. Since the motorcycle ambulances were introduced in one district of Malawi several years ago, death rates among mothers have dropped 60 percent.

“What really matters is if it’s acceptable to people and if they will pay for it and use it,” said Ted Bianco of the Wellcome Trust, who was not linked to any of the inventions or the UN report.

“Because you could have a really fantastic invention, but if it’s sitting on a shelf somewhere, it won’t do any good.” —Reuters

Impotence may point to heart problems NEW YORK: Failing erections may be a harbinger of heart disease in some men, according to a review of a number of studies-but heart-healthy lifestyle changes or cholesterol-lowering drugs could have a positive impact on men’s sexual health.

Scientists have long known about the link between impotence, or erectile dysfunction, and heart health. Although there is no proof so far, a common theory is that arteries supplying the penis with blood during erections may clog up earlier than those in the heart, which are larger, thus providing an early warning of possible later coronary artery disease.

To address the connection between the two, Jia-Yi Dong of Soochow University in Suzhou, China, and colleagues combined twelve earlier studies of impotence and heart disease, covering nearly 37,000 men.

“This meta-analysis ... suggests that erectile dysfunction significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, stroke and all-cause mortality, and the increase is probably independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors,” they wrote in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

They found that men with erectile problems had a 48 percent increase in their risk of developing heart disease, and also had higher death rates than men who didn’t have sexual problems. Traditional risk factors such as smoking, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure didn’t explain the link, strengthening the case that impotence, when it isn’t due to partnership problems or other psychological issues, is a risk factor for heart disease in its own right.

But another study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that both lifestyle changes and cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins appeared to improve men’s erectile problems-but only a little. Men who exercises more or were put on a Mediterranean diet rich in whole grain, fruits, vegetables nuts and olive oil, for instance, reported a 2.4 point improvement on a 25-point scale of erectile problems.

Those put on statins saw a similar improvement of 3.1 points, said Bhanu Gupta and colleagues at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The results were based on six trials with 740 participants. —Reuters

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

H E A LT H

Enfants terribles of the environment hit middle age PARIS: We sort our rubbish. We recycle our rainwater. We worry about depleted oceans, ravaged rainforests, threatened species. If we fly abroad, buy a car, crank up the heating or air-conditioning-or even purchase bottled water-we may think about how we add to the greenhouse effect.

These reflexes are now anchored among consumers in many parts of the world. Yet 40 years ago, when environmentalism was limited to a tribe of academics and quirky visionaries, such actions would have triggered bewilderment, even a laugh. Back then, whales were slaughtered commercially on a massive scale. France and China conducted nuclear tests in the atmosphere. People sprayed their armpits with deodorants that gobbled up Earth’s ozone layer. Oil was so cheap that the term “gas guzzler” had not even been invented, any more than “carbon footprint.”

Yet it was also in September 1971 that the blithe belief in Earth as a planet of boundless resources began to shrink, thanks in large part to green activism. Born within days of each other, Greenpeace and Friends of the Ear th International launched a mix of grassroots campaigning, provocative or humorous stunts or civil disobedience, jolting a movement that until then had been sedate.

“The 1960s and 70s were the beginning of large-scale environmental breakdown, and people were aware of it,” author Rex Weyler, also co-founder of Greenpeace International, said in a phone interview with AFP. In 1985, Greenpeace’s vessel, the Rainbow Warrior, was blown up by French agents to prevent it nearing the Mururoa test site in the South Pacific.

The scandal propelled Greenpeace to global prominence, a status strengthened the following year by the Chernobyl disaster. Today, with a presence in 43 countries, 2.8 million members or donors, and a budget last year that rose 15 percent to 226 million euros (310 million dollars), it is a force that few governments or corporations can readily ignore.

Its 1,200 staff range from “direct action” activists to scientific researchers, policy wonks and iPad-clutching smoothies who twist the arms of policymakers, executives and journalists. Friends of the Earth boasts 76 member groups and two million members. The list of exploits is long.

Green militancy helped seal the Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer, blocked Monsanto’s transgenic seeds in Europe, made Shell scrap plans to dump a disused oil rig in the sea and pressured Nestle over palm oil sourced from Indonesian rain forests (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV1t-MvnCrA).

But such clout is strongest in Europe and North America and is far weaker in Asia and Africa, where the environment is fast degrading. And on climate change-where the biggest bucks are at stake-campaigning “has met with a bloody nose,” as a veteran UN observer put it.

The NGOs agitated massively for a worldwide treaty at the Copenhagen Summit in December 2009. They were stunned when the summit became a fiasco, leaving climate change in a limbo that is unchanged today. “The strategy for Copenhagen was really ‘Copenhagen or bust’,” Paul Horsman of the London-based Global Campaign for Climate Action told AFP in June. “Well, Copenhagen bust.”

After celebrating its 40th bir thday on Thursday, Greenpeace next month launches Rainbow Warrior III-a tailor-made engine-assisted sailing ship, complete with helicopter pad and accommodation for 32 eco-warriors. Like the grey-haired man who buys a Porsche, is this a luxury purchase to boost the testosterone levels, to remind a middle-aged organisation of its youth? One such critic is Paul Watson. He helped launch Greenpeace but split to set up the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which is claiming more and more successes in confronting Japan’s whalers on the high seas. In his view, the big NGOs have ignored the crisis of human over-population and become gentrified, cosying up to politicians who have no interest in fixing environment problems as it would cost them their career to

Farewell to Pain…

do so. “Anger, which was a very important part of (the environment movement), has left it,” Watson said in an interview. Greenpeace, he quipped, “are the Avon Ladies of the environmental movement.

They’re just knocking on doors and asking for money.”

Greenpeace retorts that it still uses non-violent “direct

action,” but in a mix of smart campaigning, with viral videos, petitions and pressure on culprit corporations and lobbying for policy change. Asked to look back, Greenpeace’s Mike Townsley, said: “The last 40 years haven’t been without benefit or purpose. But the failure is that we are still here. It shows that the job’s not done yet.” — AFP

GSK partner advances muscle disease study AMSTERDAM: Dutch biotech Prosensa has advanced a partnership with GlaxoSmithKline aimed at developing a treatment for a rare muscular disease, unlocking up to 31 million euros ($42 million) in milestone and operating payments.

Prosensa and GSK entered into a global alliance in October 2009 to develop a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in a deal that had involved a total of up to 441 million euros in possible milestone payments.

Yesterday, Prosensa said it had agreed to progress three potential treatments by intensifying clinical studies of one compound and tak ing two other pro grammes into the clinic. “There is strong commitment confirmed again by both partners to push this programme through to as many patients as possible,” Prosensa chief business officer Luc Dochez said.

“This helps us move all of these prgrammes forward and move ahead on a swift path, which is good news for patients.” DMD is a disease characterised by progressive muscle degeneration, affecting young chil-

dren, almost exclusively boys. It leads to paralysis and death in young adulthood.

Prosensa is currently developing six treatments for DMD and, under yesterday ’s deal, it will escalate dosage tests for one treatment, while taking two other compounds into clinical trials involving testing on patients in the first half of 2012. It has not disclosed how many patients were involved in the dose escalation trial.

Together with Prosensa’s lead compound which entered phase III studies in January, the privately owned Dutch company will now have four potential treatments in clinical trials. These treatments target about 35 percent of all Duchene patients.

DMD is caused by a mutation or a deletion of a gene and Prosensa’s treatments aim to correct the gene expression, enabling the production of a necessary protein. Under terms of the alliance, GSK has an option to licence Prosensa’s products for later stage development and commercialisation, with Prosensa retaining limited commercialisation rights. — Reuters

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NECK to host preschoolers’ motivation program

IKEA Kuwait to Launch Catalogue 2012

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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.

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KEA Kuwait is set to launch its signature annual publication the ‘IKEA Catalogue 2012’. The much awaited catalogue will feature a wide range of detailed pictures and descriptions of products and prices designed for the convenience of the buyers. IKEA, known worldwide, offers quality, functional and affordable designer items as well as an array of branded home, office and store furnishings that suit the taste, budget and living situations of individuals and families.

The IKEA 2012 Catalogue has arrived with a new theme titled “foldable, stackable, movable, beautiful” that grants shoppers at IKEA access to innovative as well as unique design elements while aiming to create space. The “foldable, stackable, movable, beautiful” Catalogue also provides prices reduced to 15%, an initiative that reflects a token of appreciation and a price investment around 50% of the IKEA product range. The catalogue contains 12,000 products and features an extensive buying guide to help shoppers with information on guarantees and services.

The IKEA Catalogue has also been designed and structured to help shopper’s shortlist their different products along with price information. IKEA Kuwait will officially launch its IKEA 2012 Catalog on 28th September at its store located in the Avenues mall and a total of 500,000 copies of the IKEA 2012 Catalog will be distributed to households across Kuwait between the 6th and the 28th of September 2011. Printing approximately 175 million copies annually, the IKEA Catalogue is published in 27 languages across 35 countries. The Catalogue is also available for download as an application via Iphone and android for added convenience.

Announcements DYINA seeks new members 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 Joseph97200915; Babu Thomas - 99240368; Shaji 55042540; Jose Payappilly - 99809603; Reason 97286904 Indian music album wants talents A Malayalam musical album that has song writers from Jnanpith award winner ONV to the popular Rafeeq 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 use 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 Dsouza60035824, Shalini Alva- 23726164, Suma Bhatt97834578 Salmiya & Hawally: Swarna Shetty99006934, Kripa Gatty- 66044194 Kuwait City, Jahra, Sharq : Rekha Sachu65044521,97862115 Farwaniya, Abbassiya, Shuwaikh & Khaitan: Sathyanarayana66585077 Sanath Shetty- 67712409.

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.

Kala Onam celebrations

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nam Celebrations along with the closing ceremony of the free Malayalam Education Program of Kerala Art Lovers Association (Kala, Kuwait) will be held on September 30th, 2011 Friday at Indian Community School, Khaithan. Dance, Art and Cultural programs including Athapookalam Competition, Thiruvathira dance, Nadanpattugal, Onapattugal, Vallom kali will capture the day till 4pm in the evening.

By 5pm, closing ceremony meeting of Malayalam classes will begin which will include cultural meeting, honoring of the teachers and representatives who provided spaces to take Malayalam classes and finally presentation of trophy’s to winners of the quiz competitions held at different zones in Kuwait. Chief guests from India as well as prominent guests from Kuwait will also attend the function. For more details please contact: 24317875, 97817100 or 66656642.

ESF flying high

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he English School Fahaheel Kuwait, now in its 44th year welcomed back students from Years 1 to 13 this week. Kindergarten and Reception classes commence in a few days.

After excellent IGCSE, A/S and A Level results once again this year staff and stu-

dents were ready to get on with what they are sure will be another active and successful academic year.

Year 10 IGCSE candidates scored a near 100 per cent pass rate in Sciences and Maths. 90 per cent pass rate was recorded for English First Language and A/s Level English Language achieved a

100 per cent pass rate.

Some of the High achievers were Ioana Medelet, Sara Saleh, Asmaa El Sefy, Hani Salem, Majed Nayef, Moustaf Ibrahim and Marwa Salem.

Year 12 student Karl Bautista scored an outstanding 98 per cent in As Physics.

Congratulations to all at ESF!

Kanajar Welfare Association to celebrate Monthi Fest

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anajar Welfare Association, Kuwait - is delighted to announce the celebration of Monthi Fest 2011 with Kanajar Parishioners on September 16th at residence of Lancy Mendonca and Rose Mary Mendonca at Farwaniya.

Monthi Fest (Nativity) has always been of special significance to us, the people of South Canara, as we celebrate the Birthday of Mother Mary this day which coincides with the Harvest festival. As

per the tradition, first fruit of a farmers labour will be blessed and then distributed to all the family members.

Kanajar Welfare Association, Kuwait is inviting all the members along with the Family and Friends to come together and celebrate this occasion as one family.

This is an opportunity for all of us to show our love & gratitude to our heavenly mother.

All are invited to come and share this

joy by celebrating this feast in a traditional way. Showering the flowers to the honor of mother Mary will cherish the childhood memories for all of us. The day will be filled with activities, presenting lot of Games and fun. The program will start at 10 am. For more details please contact: Henry Britto 97947098, Edward Prakash D’souza 55488023.

Art salon Bouhshari Art Gallery Exhibition runs till tomorrow 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 attractions like athappookkalam, 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.

Kuwait KMCC Eid program

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uwait Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre organized “Eid Sangamam” on the auspicious occasion of Eid ElFitr at Central School Abbasiya.

Indian Embassy First Secretary H. K. Mohan inaugurated the function. He spoke about the importance of Eid and the great message that it represents. He commented that after the culmination of Holy month of total submission to Almighty during Ramadan, the gathering provides

with opportunity for exchanging greetings to each other.

Kuwait KMCC President Sharafudheen Kanneth presided over the function. Kuwait KMCC Chairman Sayed Naser Mashhoor Thangal, UAE Exchange country head Pancily Varkey, OICC General Convener Varghese Puthukulangara, Malabar Gold Manager Afsal Khan, Gulf Mart representative Majeed, Jaihind TV Kuwait Representative Nixon George, Peter (Kerala association),

made felicitation speeches. Acting General Secretary Razak Munniyyoor welcomed the audience and Secretary Habeeb Muttichoor rendered vote of thanks. There was orchestra led by Basheer Quilandy after the official event.

Habeeb Muttichoor, Abid Kannoor, Fazil Kollam, Ansar Kollam, Gayathri sung songs. Nazeer Khan, Basheer Ahmed, Azeez Thikkodi and P.K. Haidarali coordinated “Eid Sangamam”.

Frontline Onam

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rontline Group celebrated Onam.

B.P Nassar, Regional Manager-Sales & Marketing inaugurated the program. Chandra Mouli delivered Onam message. Ona Pookalam designed by Shreeshanth, Jabir & team, that heralds artistic creativity and uniqueness of theme was the star attraction of the celebrations. Singers including Mustafa Kari, Afsal Ali, Muhamed Sabu, Shreeshant

and team set the rhythm for the celebrations. Ona Sadya,the feast of taste too served. Ayyoob, Imran and their team coordinated the arrangements for OnaSadya. Sajitha Anil welcomed the gathering and Mohamed Sabu proposed a vote of thanks. Sathar Kunnil was master of ceremonies.

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Embassy Information EMBASSY OF ARGENTINA In order to inform that 23rd of October 2011, will be Argentine national election where all Argentinean citizen residents permanently in Kuwait can vote only if they are registered at the Electoral Register of the Argentine Embassy. The procedure of inscription ended on 25 of April 2011. To register it is necessary that Argentinean citizens should come personally at the Argentinean Embassy (Block 6, street 42, villa 57, Mishref ) and present the DNI and four personal photos (size 4x4, face should be front on white background). For further information, contact us on 25379211. nnnnnnn

Joud, Malak, Sara and Salma.

Joud

Back to school Joud, Malak, Sara and Salma at Fajra Sabah School in Jabriya on first day of school yesterday.

FOCC chess tournament

Onam, Eid gathering

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ozhikode District NRI Association (KDNA) is organizing a gathering to celebrate auspicious Onam-Eid on Thursday 15th September at Kohinoor Hall in Souk Saba, Fahaheel at 7pm. The program will have a formal function followed by some entertainment programs.

Medical seminar

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ahila Vedi of Kozhikode District Association organises Medical Seminar at United Indian School Abbasiya on 16 Sept 2011 at 6.00pm. Eminent Doctor Saritha.P (German Clinic, Abbasiya) will talk on the subject ‘ Gynaecological Problems’ and the audience will get a rare opportunity to get their doubts clarified during the seminar. Free tests for blood pressure and sugar will also be available at the venue. Mahila Vedi President Sreeja Santhakumar and Secretary Asma Abdulla requested all Kozhikode natives to avail of this opportunity.

Free Arabic courses provided by Islam Presentation Committee

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riends of CRY Club (FOCC), Kuwait announces the date of the hugely popular Chess Tournament for children. It doesn’t matter if you are an amateur or a professional, come play with other enthusiasts and support a good cause. “CRYchess 2011” will be held on Friday, 18th November 2011 at the Indian English Academy School (IEAS) - Don Bosco, Salmiya.

The players will be divided into age based groups to play in the Swiss pairing format and the lucky winners will walk away with the Trophies and all participants will receive certificates and medals from Child Rights & You (CRY). The much awaited annual CHESS tournament will commence at 1:00 pm sharp. Players are to report at the venue by 12 noon for the tournament briefing and inaugural pres-

entation.

Parents, accompanying the children, will also be kept informed of the CRY activities and FOCC’s involvement and are required to be present at the Quadrangle to view the presentation throughout

Chess Players.

The last date for receiving the registration form is 10th November, 2011. Child Rights and You (CRY) is an Indian NGO that catalyses change in the lives of underprivileged children in India

the afternoon. For more details, registration forms, Rules of CRYChess 2011 and participation fees, please visit www.focckwt.org or contact FOCC members via email: focckwt@yahoo.com Sponsors are also welcome to encourage the participating Young

by restoring their rights. FOCC in its thirteen year of presence appreciate the cooperation and support extended to carry on the activities for the cherished ideals of nourishing the talents of the children, predominantly among the Indian expatriate community and schools

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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.

Konkani drama

K’S PATH WEEKLY ADOPTION

Elsa the Desert mix

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lsa is a gentle and affectionate nine-month-old Desert mix female. Elsa is shy and takes her time to get to know you before jumping around you to play. This pretty girl loves to roll for a belly rub. Elsa will fit in great in a family with children aged 8 and above.

To adopt Elsa, contact K’S PATH at (+965) 6700 1622 or visit the website www.kspath.org

Eddie the DSH

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ddie is a friendly, playful and observant two-yearold Domestic Short Haired (DSH) male. Eddie loves to take a nap on laps and play with suspended toys. He likes attention and will greet you with a welcoming purr. Eddie will go well in a family with children aged over 8. To adopt Eddie, contact K’S PATH at (+965) 6700 1622 or visit the website www.kspath.org

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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/IMM5257 E.PDF. A guide explaining the process can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5256E.PDF. nnnnnnn

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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

K’S PATH holds volunteer orientation K’S PATH (Kuwait Society for the Protection of Animals and Their Habitat) held its monthly volunteer orientation on 10th S eptember at the K ’S PATH Shelter in Wafra. The orientation was attended by 13 volunteers across different age groups and nationalities. They were acquainted with K’S PATH’s policies and procedures, followed by a Shelter tour.

“We are a growing organization with diverse operations. Our dedicated volunteer community works closely with our staff members on day-to-day activities and special projects. We owe much of

our success to our long-standing and new volunteers who’ve committed their time, skills and energy to make a difference in the lives of animals”, says K’S PATH Chairman Ayeshah Al Humaidhi.

“It’s encouraging to see our volunteer base grow, which enables us to make a meaningful impact beyond the shelter through community activities and habitat protection.”

K’S PATH has a host of exciting volunteer opportunities such as socializing and grooming animals, training dogs, adoption counselling, IT and website support, communications and public

relations, fundraising and events, volunteer mobilization, translation and marine conser vation.

Special creative projec ts are scheduled for volunteers every weekend. S ome of the recent ones included upgrading the avian and baboon enclosures, painting projects and an equine care workshop. While some activities require volunteers to head out to the shelter, others such as fundraising and media support can be worked on remotely.

To sign up for K’S PATH’s next volunteer orientation to be held Saturday, 8th October 2011, email volunteers@kspath.org

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. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF KENYA

AWARE orientation for newcomers

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hese orientations are free of charge and provide an opportunity for newly arriving Western guests to learn more about the programs on offer at AWARE. Our staff will be available to answer further questions related to life in Kuwait. If you are new to Kuwait or new to AWARE, we welcome your participation in one of the following presentations: Monday, 26 September 2011 Thursday, 29 September 2011 Monday, 03 October 2011 Thursday, 06 October 2011 Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm Venue: AWARE Center Dinner Buffet is included RSVP to info@aware.com.kw For a free ‘Orientation to Kuwait’ packet, or to ask a question, send an email to info@aware.com.kw

Weekly diwaniyas The AWARE Center hosts a weekly diwaniya every Tuesday during which different topics are discussed.

“We discuss topics ranging from culture, legal tips, health, current affairs, religion and issues concerning development in the region”, says Hassan, AWARE Educational Dept.

Manager. Hassan further states, “The aim of the diwaniya is to help Westerners and other expatriates in receiving firsthand information about Kuwait while providing an opportunity to interact with locals.

It is through these diwaniyas that we have been able to clear misconceptions about Islam, Muslims and Arabs.” AWARE Diwaniyas are held weekly on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm. Here are what our guests are saying: “The diwaniya presentations at the AWARE Center are attended by

people from all over the world and are a pleasant venue where locals and expats can meet and exchange ideas. Because of the casual, friendly atmosphere, participating in the discussion is not at all intimidating! The diwaniyas cover a very wide range of subjects and I have really enjoyed them, both as a guest and as a presenter.” Claudia Farkas Al Rashoud “In our experience, the weekly AWARE Diwaniya can almost be guaranteed to provide a stimulating and entertaining evening. However, it is the people, coming as they do from most corners of the globe, who really make these events as fascinating as they are. Newcomers are always welcomed. Contrary opinions and different viewpoints are shared with mutual respect and dignity. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have become involved in these events.”

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 SLOVAK REPUBLIC The Embassy of the Slovak Republic to Kuwait would like to inform the public that on the occasion of the Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows Holiday, the Embassy will be closed tomorrow, September 15, 2011, and will resume its normal duties on Sunday, September 18, 2011.

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Untamed & Uncut Shark Attack Survival Guide Ocean’s Deadliest I’m Alive Dogs 101 Animal Cops Houston Project Puppy Meerkat Manor The Really Wild Show Animal Crackers Safari Sisters Breed All About It Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 Dogs 101 Animal Cops Houston E-Vets: The Interns Wildlife SOS Animal ER Crocodile Hunter Shark Family Escape To Chimp Eden The Really Wild Show Animal Crackers Safari Sisters Dogs 101 Breed All About It Crocodile Hunter Cheetah Kingdom Dogs 101 Black December

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Last Of The Summer Wine The Weakest Link Holby City The Weakest Link Eastenders Doctors 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 Dalziel And Pascoe Doctors Eastenders Holby City Last Of The Summer Wine Dalziel And Pascoe The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Holby City Dalziel And Pascoe The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Holby City Kiss Of Death

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Come Dine With Me What Not To Wear Come Dine With Me Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers The Naked Chef New Scandinavian Cooking Sweet Baby James Holmes On Homes Antiques Roadshow New Scandinavian Cooking Come Dine With Me Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers The Naked Chef New Scandinavian Cooking Sweet Baby James

00:00 BBC World News 00:30 World Business Report 00:45 Sport Today 01:00 BBC World News America 01:30 Asia Business Report 01:45 Sport Today 02:00 BBC World News 02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Sport Today 03:00 Newsday 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 Newsday 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 Newsday 05:30 Asia Business Report 05:45 Sport Today 06:00 Newsday 06:30 Hardtalk 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 World Business Report 07:45 BBC World News 08:30 World Business Report 08:45 BBC World News 09:30 World Business Report 09:45 Sport Today 10:00 BBC World News 10:30 World Business Report 10:45 Sport Today 11:00 BBC World News 11:30 Hardtalk 12:00 BBC World News 12:30 World Business Report 12:45 Sport Today 13:00 BBC World News 13:30 World Business Report 13:45 Sport Today 14:00 GMT With George Alagiah 15:00 BBC World News 15:30 World Business Report 15:45 Sport Today 16:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 17:30 World Business Report 17:45 Sport Today 18:00 BBC World News 18:30 Hardtalk 19:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 20:30 World Business Report 20:45 Sport Today 21:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 22:30 World Business Report 22:45 Sport Today 23:00 BBC World News America 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 09:32 Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy 09:40 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

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

TV PROGRAMS 13:30 Skunk Fu! 13:50 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 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

00:00 00:25 01:15 02:00 02:50 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 16:10 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 22:50 23:15 23:35

Kim Possible Fairly Odd Parents Stitch Replacements Emperor’s New School Stitch Replacements Fairly Odd Parents 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

00:15 01:10 02:05 03:00 03:55 04:20 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:45 09:10

Gold Rush: Alaska River Monsters Dirty Jobs Ultimate Survival Wheeler Dealers Mythbusters How Do They Do It? How Stuff’s Made Dirty Jobs Wheeler Dealers Fifth Gear Gold Rush: Alaska How Do They Do It? Mythbusters

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 Fish Hooks Shake It Up 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 Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Jonas Los Angeles

DRUMLINE ON OSN MOVIES HD

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 18:45 19:10 19:40 20:05 20:35 21:00 21:30 22:25 23:20

Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings Animal Cops South Africa LA Ink Ultimate Survival River Monsters Sons Of Guns Cash Cab Us Wheeler Dealers Fifth Gear Mythbusters Gold Rush: Alaska Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings How Stuff’s Made How Do They Do It? Cash Cab Us LA Ink Animal Cops South Africa Pit Bulls And Parolees

00:05 00:55 01:45 02:35 03:25 04:15 04:45 05:40 06:10 07:00 07:55 08:50 09:40 10:35 11:30 11:55 12:25 13:15 14:05 14:30 14:55 15:45 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:15 18:40 19:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

Smash Lab Superships Mighty Ships Kings of Construction Thunder Races How Does That Work?

Superships One Step Beyond Nextworld Thunder Races Space Pioneer The Gadget Show Smash Lab Brainiac Sci-Fi Science How Does That Work?

Mighty Ships Kings of Construction One Step Beyond Stunt Junkies Superships Weird Connections Thunder Races Space Pioneer Sci-Fi Science The Gadget Show Stephen Hawking’s Universe How the Universe Works Smash Lab The Gadget Show Stephen Hawking’s Universe How the Universe Works The Gadget Show

00:05 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:55 Paula’s Party 01:45 Chef vs Britain 02:35 Lidia’s Italy 03:00 Lidia’s Italy 03:25 Boy Meets Grill 03:50 Boy Meets Grill 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 Guy’s Big Bite 20:45 Guy’s Big Bite 21:10 World Cafe Asia 21:35 World Cafe Asia 22:00 Food Network Challenge 22:50 Barefoot Contessa 23:15 Barefoot Contessa 23:40 World Cafe Asia

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 12:40 13:05 13:15 13:25

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 Art Attack Imagination Movers Jungle Junction Lazytown Handy Manny Jake & The Neverland Pirates Imagination Movers The Hive Special Agent Oso Little Einsteins

13:50 14:15 15:05 15:30 15:40 15:55 16:20 16:45 17:10 17:15 17:30 17:55 18:25 18:50 19:05 19:50 20:10 20:20 20:28 20:30 20:55 21:20 21:35 21:50 22:15 22:25 22:40 22:55 23:20 23:50

Lazytown Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny The Hive Jake & The Neverland Pirates Imagination Movers Lazytown Art Attack The Hive Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Little Mermaid Special Agent Oso Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Hive Timmy Time Animated Stories 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

00:55 The Soup 01:25 E!es 02:20 THS 03:15 25 Most Stylish 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Extreme Hollywood 06:00 THS 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 10:15 15 Most Infamous Child Star Mugshots 12:05 E! News 13:05 The Dance Scene 14:05 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 14:35 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 15:30 E!es 16:25 Behind The Scenes 16:55 Khloe And Lamar 17:55 E! News 18:55 E!es 19:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 20:55 Chelsea Lately 21:25 Giuliana & Bill 22:25 E! News 23:25 Chelsea Lately 23:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

00:15 From Romania With Love 00:40 Carpocalypse 01:30 World Combat League 02:20 Final Fu 02:45 From Romania With Love 03:10 Aiya TV 04:00 Untracked 04:50 Carpocalypse 05:40 World Combat League 06:30 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2009 07:30 Ride Guide Snow 2009 08:00 X-Traordinary 08:25 FIM World Motocross MX1/MX2...

09:15 LG Action Sports World...

10:05 IFMXF 2010 10:55 Fantasy Factory 11:45 Eds Up 12:35 Fight Girls 13:25 Carpocalypse 14:15 World Combat League 15:05 Fantasy Factory 15:55 Eds Up 16:45 X-Traordinary 17:10 FIM World Motocross MX1/MX2...

18:00 LG Action Sports World...

18:50 IFMXF 2010 19:40 Carpocalypse 20:30 Fight Girls 21:20 Untracked 22:10 World Combat League 23:50 Fight Girls

00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:25 03:50 04:45 05:15 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:05 09:30 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:40 14:30 14:55 15:20 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:05 19:55 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50

The Haunted A Haunting Nightmare Next Door Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Dr G: Medical Examiner Crime Scene Psychics The Haunted Mystery Diagnosis Murder Shift Forensic Detectives Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Mystery Diagnosis Disappeared FBI Files On The Case With Paula Zahn I Almost Got Away With It Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Disappeared FBI Files Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Real Emergency Calls Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol On The Case With Paula Zahn I Almost Got Away With It Deadly Women Couples Who Kill

00:00 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 01:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 02:00 Word Travels 02:30 Market Values 03:00 Cycling Home From Siberia With Rob Lilwall 03:30 Madventures 04:00 Which Way To 05:00 Word Travels 05:30 Market Values 06:00 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 07:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 08:00 Word Travels 08:30 Market Values 09:00 Cycling Home From Siberia With Rob Lilwall

THE ORDER ON OSN ACTION HD 09:30 Madventures 10:00 Which Way To 11:00 Word Travels 11:30 Market Values 12:00 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 13:00 Warrior Road Trip 14:00 Banged Up Abroad 15:00 Going Bush 15:30 Bluelist Australia 16:00 Weird & Wonderful Hotels 16:30 The Frankincense Trail 17:30 The Best Job In The World 18:00 A World Apart

00:30 02:15 04:45 06:30 08:15 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Killshot-18 Bad Boys II-PG15 Killshot-18 Echelon Conspiracy-PG15 The Order-PG15 Courage Under Fire-PG15 The Marine 2-PG15 The Order-PG15 Ghost Town (TV Movie)-PG15 The Marine 2-PG15 Triassic Attack-PG15 I, Robot-PG15

01:00 Harry Brown-18 03:00 Remember Me-PG15 05:00 Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea-FAM 07:00 My Son, My Son, What Have You Done?-PG15 09:00 The Sorcerer’s ApprenticePG15 11:00 The Sunset Limited-PG15 13:00 Who Is Clark Rockefeller-PG 15:00 Good Hair-PG15 17:00 Bustin’ Down The Door-PG15 19:00 The Maiden Heist-PG15 21:00 Tron: Legacy-PG15

00:00 Seinfeld 00:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 01:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 01:30 Bill Maher... But Im Not Wrong 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 Traffic Light 10:00 Cougar Town 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 Traffic Light 15:00 Cougar Town 15:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 16:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 16:30 The Drew Carey Show 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Friends 18:30 Friends 19:00 Cougar Town 19:30 Raising Hope 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 The Cleveland Show 22:30 The Big C 23:00 The Ricky Gervais Show

01:00 03:00 05:00 06:45 PG15 08:30 10:30 13:15 15:15

Assassination Tango-PG15 Blood And Bone-18 Deadtime Stories-R Beyond A Reasonable DoubtArlington Road-PG15 2012-PG15 The Box-PG15 Arlington Road-PG15

17:15 19:30 21:00 23:00

Bugsy-PG15 Armored-18 I, Robot-PG15 Bad Guys-18

07:00 Golfing World 08:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 09:00 ICC Criket World 09:30 FEI Equestrian World 10:00 SPL Highlights 10:30 Spirit of Yachting 11:00 Trans World Sport 00:00 Tom And Huck-PG15 12:00 Futbol Mundial 02:00 Moon Over Parador-PG15 12:30 RWC Highlights Weekly 04:00 Aliens In The Attic-FAM 13:00 Golfing World 06:00 Hey Hey Its Esther Blueburger- 14:00 AFL Highlights PG15 15:00 World Hockey 08:00 Napoleon Dynamite-PG 15:30 NRL Premiership 10:00 The SpongeBob SquarePants 17:30 RWC Highlights Weekly Movie-PG 18:00 NRL Full Time 12:00 A Pyromaniac’s Love Story- 18:30 Golfing World PG15 19:30 SPL Highlights 14:00 Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past-PG15 20:00 Beach Volleyball 16:00 Tom And Huck-PG15 20:30 Futbol Mundial 18:00 Fools Rush In-PG15 21:00 AFL Premiership 20:00 13 Going On 30-PG15 22:00 The Broken Hearts Club-18

01:00 Pelican Blood-18 03:00 Adam-PG15 05:00 Drumline-PG15 07:00 Old Dogs-PG 09:00 Imagine That-PG 11:00 Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time-PG15 13:00 At Risk-PG15 15:00 Valentine’s Day-PG15 17:00 Imagine That-PG 19:00 Precious-18 21:00 13 Going On 30-PG15 23:00 All Good Things-18

00:00 True Story Of Puss’n Boots-PG 02:00 Tom Tom & Nana-FAM 04:00 The Three Musketeers-FAM 06:00 Lego: The Adventures Of Clutch Powers-FAM 08:00 Pollyworld-FAM 10:00 Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Jr.PG15 12:00 True Story Of Puss’n Boots-PG 14:00 Dark Crystal-PG 16:00 The Amazing Zorro-FAM 18:00 Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Jr.PG15 20:00 Tooth Fairy-PG 22:00 Dark Crystal-PG

00:30 RWC Weekly Highlights 01:00 Speedway FIM World Championship 02:00 UFC 134 05:00 Trans World Sport 06:00 Speedway FIM World Championship 07:00 Rugby World Cup 09:15 Rugby World Cup 11:30 Rugby World Cup 13:45 Rugby World Cup 16:00 Live Cricket One Day International

01:30 Scottish Premier League Highlights 02:00 Golfing World 03:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 04:00 Spirit of Yachting 04:30 Rugby Union Currie Cup 06:30 ICC Cricket World 07:00 RWC Weekly Highlights 07:30 Futbol Mundial 08:00 Scottish Premier League 10:00 AFL Highlights 11:00 AFL Premiership 13:30 Scottish Premier League Highlights 14:00 Trans World Sport 15:00 RWC Weekly Highlights 15:30 ICC Cricket World 16:00 Live Cricket One Day International

00:00 AFL Highlights 01:00 PGA European Highlights 02:00 Masters Football 05:00 AFL Highlights 06:00 PGA European Highlights

Tour

Tour

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 08:00 10:00 11:30 12:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Speedway WWE Tough Enough WWE Vintage Collection WWE SmackDown UFC Unleashed UFC Unleashed WWE NXT Powerboats F1 Highlights WWE SmackDown Speedway V8 Supercars Extra Le Mans Speedway V8 Supercars Championship WWE Vintage Collection UFC Wired UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC 134 Prelims

00:00 Conspiracy?

01:00 Ice Road Truckers 02:00 Ax Men 03:00 Lock N’ Load With Ermey 04:00 IRT: Deadliest Roads 05:00 Ax Men 06:00 Conspiracy?

07:00 Ice Road Truckers 08:00 Ax Men 09:00 Lock N’ Load With Ermey 10:00 IRT: Deadliest Roads 11:00 Ax Men 12:00 Conspiracy?

13:00 Ice Road Truckers 14:00 Ax Men 15:00 Lock N’ Load With Ermey 16:00 IRT: Deadliest Roads 17:00 Ax Men 18:00 Conspiracy?

19:00 Ice Road Truckers 20:00 Pawn Stars 20:30 Pawn Stars 21:00 Pawn Stars 22:00 American Pickers 23:00 Lock N’ Load With Ermey

R. Lee

R. Lee

R. Lee

R. Lee

00:00 Jerseylicious 01:00 Videofashion News 01:55 Big Boutique 02:25 How Do I Look?

03:20 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

05:10 Homes With Style 05:35 Area 06:05 Clean House 07:00 Big Boutique 08:00 Videofashion News 09:00 Open House 09:55 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 Clean House Comes Clean 18:25 Top 10 18:55 Top 10 19:25 Open House 21:15 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

22:10 Jerseylicious 23:05 Big Rich Texas

Classifieds WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

I The International Olympic Committee chose Pyeongchang, South Korea, to host the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Pyeongchang beat out Munich, Germany, and Annecy, France.

I Seoul, South Korea, hosted the 1988 Summer Games, but this is the country’s first time hosting the Winter Games.

“I don’t believe an accident of birth makes people sisters or brothers.

It makes them siblings, gives them mutuality of parentage. Sisterhood and brotherhood is a condition people have to work at.”

— Poet Maya Angelou, on quotegarden.com

— MCT

Phineas and Ferb Live!

Adventurous inventors Phineas and Ferb — along with Candace, Perry the platypus and others — take to the stage in “Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever!” The musical includes everything that makes the TV show a hit: crazy inventions, an evil scientist, clever songs (such as “Squirrels in My Pants” and “Busted”), and, of course, a pet platypus who’s a secret agent. The tour begins in August and will make more than 80 stops across the United States. Visit phineasandferblive.com for more information.

— Disney FamilyFun magazine

ACCOMMODATION

Perry the Platypus Cap ummertime and the living is easy for Alex B., of River Grove, Ill. During the school year, his schedule is packed with homework and sports practices. But summer means more free time — and that means more time with his two older siblings, especially his older brother.

“We go swimming in our pool and play out in the field behind our house,” he says. “We just hang out with each other.”

For most kids, more time with the sibs means more time to squabble. But Alex says he avoids arguments by trying to be agreeable. “I just listen to what (my brother) says and wait until he’s done. Then I say what I want to say,” he says.

Sibs often spat because they are angry about something else.

A brother or sister is a “very convenient target,” says Peter Goldenthal, pediatric and family psychologist in Wayne, Pa., and author of “Why Can’t We Get Along?” (Wiley, $17.95).

BY EMILIE LE BEAU Chicago Tribune

Happier kids fight less. But siblings are more likely to squawk if they feel their parents are unfair, says Goldenthal.

Feeling like second fiddle can really burn a kid up.

Comparison also can cause kids to clash. “Sometimes parents aren’t especially smart in the way they try to encourage each child to do what they want them to do,” Goldenthal says. “Parents will say, ‘It really could be better if you were more like your sister.’”

Problems with parents can be a big reason why siblings spat.

So kids need to go straight to the source and talk to their par-

Give Perry, the unsung hero of Phineas and Ferb, the recognition he deserves by making this platypus cap you can wear to the show.

Start with a plain, aqua-blue baseball cap (or paint a white cap with fabric paint). Trace the cap’s bill onto a sheet of orange craft foam, then cut out the shape, leaving a bit of overhang.

With an adult’s help, attach the bill to the cap with hot glue and use a serrated knife to halve a small Styrofoam ball.

Place dabs of hot glue onto two black buttons and attach them to the halves. Dab the hat with hot glue and attach the eyes. (Note: putting hot glue directly onto Styrofoam may cause it to melt.) Cut out a sprig of hair with three points from black craft foam, then cut a half-inch slit in the center of the base. Cut a slit at the top of the cap and insert the hair. Fold over and glue the two flaps in opposite directions, as shown above.

ents. “Approach it like it’s business,” Goldenthal says. “Say, ‘I’d like 15 minutes alone with you, Mom and Dad, in private.”

Once you have your parents’ attention, don’t be pouty or whiney. Give them specific examples of when they compared you to your sis or treated you unequally. But don’t diss your sibling, have a temper tantrum or stomp off, Goldenthal says.

If parents still can’t see the big picture, kids shouldn’t react with anger. Instead, show that your feelings are hurt. Respond to “Sorry, we can’t come to your violin recital because we have your sister’s swim meet” by saying, “Ouch.”

“You will get their attention more than if you say ‘Fine!’ and slam the door,” Goldenthal says.

Even if parents don’t improve, don’t take it out on your brother or sister. Goldenthal says now is the time for siblings to start getting along. If you wait until you’re grown up, it might be too late.

— Disney FamilyFun magazine

I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y R I C K N E A S E / D E T R O I T F R E E P R E S S / M C T

Needed: Attitude adjustments DEAR AMERICAN GIRL: I am a perfectionist. When my friends and I work on a group project, if something isn’t how I think it should be, I can get bossy. Then we argue. Help! — Perfect I It’s good to be a leader, but no one likes to feel bossed around. On a group project, each person should have some of the responsibility. Worry about your part of the project first.

Then, if you have time, offer to help the others, but remember that you are not in charge of their parts. If you are supportive and helpful instead of bossy, you’ll win your friends’ respect — and turn in a good project.

P H O T O G R A P H B Y T I M M A C K AY / D I S N E Y FA M I LY F U N M A G A Z I N E

Civil War battle States

DEAR AMERICAN GIRL: I’ve been really moody lately. At school I feel fine, but when I’m home my “moody meter” goes to grumpy! What can I do? — Moody I Moodiness often happens when your energy level is low. That can be because you’re growing, feeling stressed, or just worn out. Try to spend a few minutes relaxing when you get home. Try to eat right and get plenty of sleep, too. If you still find you’re feeling cranky, talk to your parents about how to reduce stress in your life.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Historians say 384 big battles were fought during the Civil War. Fighting took place in 25 states and territories, and Washington, D.C. The South was especially hard-hit. These states had the most battles.

1. Virginia: 123 battles 2. Tennessee: 38 3. Missouri and Georgia: tie with 27 4. Louisiana: 23 5. North Carolina: 20

Visit “Fun for Girls” at americangirlmagazine.com to get or give advice. © 2011 American Girl, LLC. All rights reserved.

© 2011 Time Inc. All Rights Reserved.

TIME FOR KIDS and Timeforkids.com are registered trademarks of Time Inc.

S O U R C E : N AT I O N A L PA R K S E RV I C E

L I B R A RY O F C O N G R E S S

The 1862 Battle of Chantilly (Ox Hill), Va.

Accommodation available in Salmiya, Amman St, CA/C new building, for two Indian/ Sri Lanka bachelors with another Indian.

Contact: 99467432.

(C 3622) Accommodation available from 1-10-2011 or before for a small family or one or two decent non-smoking / non-drinking bachelors in a two bedroom flat near Paradise Restaurant, Abbassiya. Tel: 97669236/ 24315927. (C 3623) 14-9-2011 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 WANTED

FOR SALE Toyota Corolla model 2006, 1.8 engine, excellent condition, registration 2007-2012, price KD 2,400.

Contact: 66396517.

(C 3621) 14-9-2011 Toyota Corolla 2009 model, excellent condition, wellmaintained, low mileage, lady driven. Price KD 3400.

Contact: 60951195.

(C 3620) 13-9-2011 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

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 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

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

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines RJA JZR THY ETH UAE DHX MSR FDB GFA QTR JZR JZR THY THY JZR FCX JZR KAC BAW BBC JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC UAE QTR ABY IRA ETD GFA FCX MEA JZR JZR SVA IRM JZR RBG KAC MSR IRC UAL RJA MSR FDB KAC KAC

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 14/9/2011 Flt Route 643 AMMAN 267 BEIRUT 772 ISTANBUL 620 ADDIS ABABA 853 DUBAI 370 BAHRAIN 614 CAIRO 67 DUBAI 211 BAHRAIN 138 DOHA 529 ASSIUT 241 AMMAN 770 ISTANBUL 770 ISTANBUL 503 LUXOR 201 DUBAI 555 ALEXANDRIA 412 MANILA/BANGKOK 157 LONDON 45 DHAKA 1541 CAIRO 206 ISLAMABAD 382 DELHI 284 DHAKA 302 MUMBAI 53 DUBAI 352 COCHIN 362 COLOMBO 344 CHENNAI 855 DUBAI 132 DOHA 125 SHARJAH 603 SHIRAZ 301 ABU DHABI 213 BAHRAIN 203 DUBAI 404 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 121 BAHRAIN 9533 JEDDAH 5066 MASHAD 561 SOHAG 3557 ALEXANDRIA 672 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 6791 MASHAD 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 640 AMMAN 621 ASSIUT 57 DUBAI 802 CAIRO 790 MEDINAH

Time 0:05 0:35 1:15 1:45 2:25 2:55 3:05 3:10 3:15 3:20 3:35 3:55 4:10 4:10 5:15 5:25 6:10 6:15 6:30 6:45 7:10 7:15 7:20 7:40 7:50 7:55 8:05 8:20 8:20 8:25 9:00 9:10 9:25 9:30 9:35 10:30 10:55 11:10 11:15 11:30 11:50 12:30 12:55 13:15 13:20 13:25 13:30 13:35 13:40 13:50 14:00 14:05

QTR SVA CLX QTR KAC JZR JZR KNE SYR ETD UAE GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY KAC KNE JZR ALK JZR IYE KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC AIC JAI FDB JZR OMA VOS MEA MSR DHX UAE GFA QTR UAL JZR JZR MSR DLH SAI AXB JZR KLM PIA

140 500 792 134 546 201 535 701 341 303 857 215 510 777 239 127 550 745 481 227 177 824 166 502 542 618 786 614 674 774 102 774 102 975 572 61 787 647 81 402 618 372 859 217 136 981 135 185 612 636 441 393 539 447 215

DOHA JEDDAH LUXEMBOURG DOHA ALEXANDRIA DAMASCUS CAIRO RIYADH DAMASCUS ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH JEDDAH AMMAN SHARJAH SHARM EL SHEIKH/SOHAG JEDDAH SABIHA COLOMBO/DUBAI DUBAI SANAA/DOHA PARIS/ROME BEIRUT CAIRO DOHA JEDDAH BAHRAIN DUBAI RIYADH NEW YORK/LONDON RIYADH NEW YORK/LONDON CHENNAI/GOA MUMBAI DUBAI RIYADH MUSCAT BAGHDAD BEIRUT ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DUBAI CAIRO FRANKFURT LAHORE KOZHIKODE/COCHIN CAIRO AMSTERDAM/BAHRAIN KARACHI

14:15 14:30 14:50 15:15 15:30 15:45 15:50 16:00 16:30 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:25 17:35 17:40 17:45 17:50 17:50 18:00 18:00 18:40 18:40 18:45 18:50 18:55 19:00 19:20 19:25 19:25 19:25 19:25 19:25 19:30 19:35 20:00 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:15 20:55 21:00 21:15 21:25 21:35 22:00 22:10 22:35 22:50 23:00 23:05 23:15 23:30 23:35 23:55

Airlines JZR AXB DLH AIC PIA THY ETH UAE FDB DHX MSR QTR THY JZR JZR RJA GFA KAC BBC JZR BAW KAC FDB JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY KAC QTR JZR ETD GFA JZR IRA FCX MEA KAC JZR JZR KAC SVA KAC IRM KAC RBG JZR MSR IRC RJA

Departure Flights on Wednesday 14/9/2011 Flt Route 1540 CAIRO 390 MANGALORE/KOZHIKODE 637 FRANKFURT 982 AHMEDABAD/CHENNAI 206 LAHORE 773 ISTANBUL 621 ADDIS ABABA 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 371 BAHRAIN 615 CAIRO 139 DOHA 771 ISTANBUL 560 SOHAG 164 DUBAI 643 AMMAN 212 BAHRAIN 801 CAIRO 46 DHAKA 120 BAHRAIN 156 LONDON 545 ALEXANDRIA 54 DUBAI 534 CAIRO 177 FRANKFURT/GENEVA 671 DUBAI 117 NEW YORK 789 MEDINAH 856 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 549 SHARM EL SHEIKH/SOHAG 133 DOHA 480 SABIHA 302 ABU DHABI 214 BAHRAIN 200 DAMASCUS 602 SHIRAZ 204 DUBAI 405 BEIRUT 541 CAIRO 776 JEDDAH 238 AMMAN 103 LONDON 2333 JEDDAH 501 BEIRUT 5065 MASHAD 785 JEDDAH 3558 SOHAG/ALEXANDRIA 176 DUBAI 611 CAIRO 6792 MASHAD 641 AMMAN

Time 0:20 0:25 0:40 1:05 1:10 2:15 2:30 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 5:00 5:10 5:55 6:55 7:00 7:10 7:20 8:00 8:20 8:25 8:35 8:40 8:50 8:55 9:00 9:05 9:25 9:40 9:50 9:55 10:00 10:05 10:15 10:20 10:20 10:25 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:00 12:10 12:30 12:55 13:00 13:20 13:30 13:35 13:40 14:20 14:25 14:30

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

FDB MSR UAL KAC KAC SVA KAC QTR CLX KAC JZR JZR KNE SYR ETD QTR UAE GFA ABY JZR JZR KNE SVA JZR JZR ALK JZR IYE KAC KAC JAI FDB KAC KAC OMA MEA MSR DHX UAE GFA KAC FCX QTR KAC KAC JZR JZR JZR UAL MSR KAC SAI

58 622 982 673 617 503 773 141 792 613 786 538 704 342 304 135 858 216 128 184 266 746 511 204 134 228 134 824 283 361 571 62 331 351 648 403 619 373 860 218 381 102 137 301 205 502 554 268 981 613 415 442

DUBAI ASSIUT BAHRAIN DUBAI DOHA MEDINAH/JEDDAH RIYADH DOHA HONG KONG BAHRAIN RIYADH CAIRO MEDINAH DAMASCUS ABU DHABI DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH DUBAI BEIRUT JEDDAH RIYADH DAMASCUS BAHRAIN DUBAI/COLOMBO BAHRAIN SANAA DHAKA COLOMBO MUMBAI DUBAI TRIVANDRUM COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN DELHI BAHRAIN DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD LUXOR ALEXANDRIA BEIRUT WASHINGTON DC DULLES CAIRO KUALA LUMPUR/JAKARTA LAHORE

14:35 14:40 14:45 15:10 15:35 15:45 16:05 16:15 16:20 16:20 16:35 16:40 16:45 17:30 17:35 17:45 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:25 18:30 18:35 18:35 18:55 19:10 19:10 19:10 19:40 20:00 20:20 20:35 20:40 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:55 22:00 22:25 22:30 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:05 23:10 23:25 23:40 23:50 23:50 23:59

34

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

stars CROSSWORD 438

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) Community concerns may come to your attention this morning and you may find yourself thinking of ways to improve conditions.

After the workday is over you will make time to phone the people that can help you with this project. Others value you for your ability to make practical decisions concerning group issues. You have a natural sense of what the public wants because you are observant and you listen. Your general outlook on life is attractive and people seek you out to help them with their problems. You are a natural guide. This afternoon you will find a social gathering quite enjoyable. You are at your most elegant, particularly in social situations. You have a grasp for abstract and spiritual ideas and the ability to present them to others.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You seem to be handling your financial situation much better than in the past. Make important overtures, communicating your intentions and requirements in business situations. Your direct manner and clear thinking can surprise those who are more guarded. Close relationships offer a lot of potential for growth and good advice toward future investments is yours for the asking. A marriage or other partnership can raise high hopes and give your spirits a boost.

People close to you are optimistic and have good prospects. Faith, optimism and a yearning to explore all kinds of new horizons are some of the focal points in your life at this time. Travel, education and other ways to stretch your horizons open new doors of opportunity.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. Tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar.

4. An intersection or crossing of two tracts in the form of the letter X. 10. God of the earth.

13. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism.

14. A Christian Bishop who translated the Bible from Greek into Gothic (311-382).

15. Used of a single unit or thing.

16. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

18. A state in northwestern North America.

20. Situated at an apex.

23. An ester of adenosine that is converted to ATP for energy storage.

25. South American wood sorrel cultivated for its edible tubers.

26. A deep prolonged loud noise.

29. The compass point that is one point east (clockwise) of due north.

30. According to the Old Testament he was a pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel (9th century BC).

33. Divulge information or secrets.

34. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle where driver sits.

37. An intensely radioactive metallic element that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores.

38. 4-wheeled motor vehicle.

41. 1 species.

44. Relating to or characteristic of or occurring in the air.

45. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group.

46. A mountain peak in the Karakoram Range in northern Kashmir.

49. Any of a number of fishes of the family Carangidae.

51. A naturally occuring glyceride of oleic acid that is found in fats and oils.

52. The local time at the 0 meridian passing through Greenwich, England.

54. A short labored intake of breath with the mouth open.

57. A rechargeable battery with a nickel cathode and a cadmium anode.

58. A tiny or scarcely detectable amount.

61. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar.

62. United States musician (born in Japan) who married John Lennon and collaborated with him on recordings (born in 1933).

63. Anneal or toughen by a process of gradually heating and cooling.

65. A light touch or stroke.

66. A widely distributed system consisting of all the cells able to ingest bacteria or colloidal particles etc, except for certain white blood cells.

67. Shrub bearing oval-fruited kumquats.

68. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

DOWN 1. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh.

2. A city in northwestern Syria.

3. A sock with a separation for the big toe.

4. A communist state in the Caribbean on the island of Cuba.

5. A metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 100 liters.

6. A United Nations agency that invest directly in companies and guarantees loans to private investors.

7. The branch of computer science that deal with writing computer programs that can solve problems creatively.

8. Speaking a Slavic language.

9. Celebes megapode that lays eggs in holes in sandy beaches.

10. The quarter of many North African cities in which the citadel is located.

11. (Sumerian) Water god and god of wisdom.

12. A small ball with a hole through the middle.

17. Sour or bitter in taste.

19. Type genus of the family Arcidae.

21. A person who lives and works on land.

22. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

24. A logarithmic unit of sound intensity.

27. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in India for writing paper.

28. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

31. An Arabic speaking person who lives in Arabia or North Africa.

32. A small cake leavened with yeast.

35. By bad luck.

36. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the Dali region of Yunnan.

39. Of or relating to or characteristic of Uganda or its people.

40. Given to quarreling.

41. The branch of computer science that deal with writing computer programs that can solve problems creatively.

42. (informal) Exceptionally good.

43. The largest continent with 60% of the earth's population.

47. Place in a line or arrange so as to be parallel.

48. A tributary of the Rio Grande.

50. (Irish) Chief god of the Tuatha De Danann.

51. (Sumerian) Goddess personifying earth.

53. 100 toea equal 1 kina.

55. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

56. A metabolic acid found in yeast and liver cells.

59. A woolen cap of Scottish origin.

60. American prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942).

64. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Speculative ventures pay off by the end of this week. Law, politics, education, travel or religion is one of the areas where some emotionally charged drama could be expressed. You may excessively worry about one or more of these subjects. You probably should not get into a conversation regarding these subjects unless you have done your research. Good fortune and just plain old luck surrounds you today. It is easy for you to have your needs met. Allow yourself to receive and enjoy the benefits coming your way. You are still working on your physical image this fall—have you chosen the body you want? Do not give up . . . changes that happen in little steps are more permanent. Feelings of compassion can deepen your bond of love.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

Individual competitiveness does not seem to work as well as projects that have a cooperative effort. Address the need to improve working conditions. Remember that the bottom line is to increase productivity, not to cater to the whims of others. Investments are best for you at the first of next month; financial advice is a good thing. Charisma, self-transformation and the development of personal power are the things that play a big role in your life now. Remember that tiny causes can lead to big effects. There are profound changes on the personal level—psychological and perhaps physical as well—as if you are transforming into an entirely new person. Think about what a relationship means . . . a relationship has some reflection on you.

Leo (July 23-August 22) It seems as if everyone is asking for a handout today. Perhaps it is payback time or perhaps you did not realize that you had more than you really needed? Once you begin to look around, you may decide that tonight is going to be a good time to set aside for getting rid of the old and making room for the new. The universe has a way of making us all create a balance; we either move to get rid of things or decide we need room for new things in our lives. Do not take chances or risks just now—be satisfied with the ordinary. Your home environment, friends and surroundings in general receive encouragement this evening. Young people study and adults dive in to contribute toward a garage sale or charity. Enjoy some fun communication with loved ones.

ZITS

Virgo (August 23-September 22) You have a tendency to be too strict with yourself, to insist that whatever does not contribute to security and other longterm goals is trivial. Unconventional approaches to philosophy, religion, law and politics come to play now. Developments in these fields can have a big impact on you. You may decide to join a missionary group this fall. You are ready to travel and you enjoy helping others and you enjoy learning about new places. Travel sets you apart, giving you a new, and in some sense, revolutionary perspective.

This is a rewarding day—whatever you want to achieve today is yours for little effort. Higher education, publishing, broadcasting or advertising could play an unexpected role in setting new directions.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) A misunderstanding with a loved one this morning needs cooling off—do not push an issue. Outside repairs and working in the yard today may bring the neighbors to your attention. There may be an opportunity to plan an outdoor meal this weekend with friends; you are in a planning mood.

Obtaining and exchanging information takes on more emotional significance for you.

Being more involved with neighbors or sibling(s) satisfies a deep emotional need. A family member or relative may have an idea that you will be able to use this afternoon.

Take some time to show thankfulness for another’s contribution to a particular project. Young people need guidance and the rest of the day may be spent in doing just that—helping young people.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You look for new avenues to improve working conditions. Your direction becomes very clear this week. Put your mind to work and take care of any details that you may have, for mental discipline should come easily.

You enjoy improved productivity. You avoid wasting resources by finding ways to invest your time and energy in building a firm financial foundation for you and your family’s future growth. You are extremely resourceful and can find a way to make money with practically anything. Repairs and shopping may help you feel more organized. A family member or old friend may be visiting you this evening. There is a natural breaking-point in your life now—a time to let go of the past and assume a new attitude.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

To

Yesterday’s Solution

You are most imaginative when it comes to anything spiritual, or psychological. Others find you entrancing and always able to draw them into your world of dreams. No one has any doubt that you are a high floater—a full-blown dreamer, complete with built-in psychic abilities and probably given to visions. Your creative side is in full swing and others may help you decide if you can pull in some money for your creative ideas. You may be learning all about art shows, exhibitions, etc. You can inspire others with spiritual insights through your art.

This could involve cooking, sculpting, writing, music, etc. A little surprise this evening brings new ideas your way; there are answers to some sort of educational problem.

This problem could be focused around finances.

Setting a reasonable pace is as important in a physical exercise routine as it is in keeping up a pace in cognitive shores. You work hurriedly now to complete tasks that are difficult to complete in one day’s time. Slow down a bit and proof your work before trying to beat-the-clock, so to speak. Review contracts and reconsider legal actions for now. At home, you will find today a good time for meditation, whether it is a study time or whether you are thinking about future plans. You have a real appreciation for creative as well as common sense thinking. A sporting activity later this afternoon will have positive results and help balance energies. This evening you may find yourself reading, enjoying a long conversation or writing a letter.

Yesterday’s Solution Yester

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You find yourself in a very practical mood and may have some serious or contemplative moments today. Listen to your creative impulses, which may require you to spend more time working alone or drawing up plans. The desire to grow and enlarge your scope of professionalism will benefit by making a careful assessment of your past successes. Let this help guide you in any future professional choices. Your future is created in your mind. Schedule important meetings or make presentations. Your attention this afternoon is in helping a young person understand his or her school or family responsibilities. You are a revolutionary when it comes to the domestic scene. You have very special insights into home, family and surroundings.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

A meeting or planned event has been canceled and most of the day is yours. You like to become positively connected to the professional associates around you so you may find a way to share the noon meal and have a meeting at the same time. It is easy to gain support for your ideas. Close relationships take on emotional depth and importance now. Nobody makes demands on your time today and life just seems to flow along very smoothly. Time involved in fun activities with your loved ones later today is a good investment of your time: bonding.

Building good memories bonds the family together. You are able to reflect and understand your own situation, just how you feel about yourself and others. Perhaps you could work on a picture album tonight.

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

i n f o r m at i o n

FIRE BRIGADE

112

Al-Madena

22418714

Al-Shohada’a

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Fayhaa

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

24812000

Al-Jahra

25610011

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128

Hospitals Sabah Hospital

POLICE STATION Al-Madena Police Station Al-Murqab Police Station Al-Daiya Police Station Al-Fayha’a Police Station Al-Qadissiya Police Station Al-Nugra Police Station Al-Salmiya Police Station Al-Dasma Police Station

Clinics Rabiya

4732263

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

Al-Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W.Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Al-Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Al-Omariya

24719048

N.Kheitan

24710044

Fintas

3900322

22434064 22435865 22544200 22547133 22515277 22616662 25714406 22530801

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

PHARMACIES

AIRLINES

ON 24 HRS DUTY GOVERNORATE

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

PHONE

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Hawally

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Kuwait Airways Jazeera Airways Jet Airways FlyDubai Qatar Airways KLM Air Slovakia Olympic Airways Royal Jordanian Reservation British Airways Air France Emirates Air India Sri Lanka Airlines Egypt Air Swiss Air Saudia Middle East Airlines Lufthansa PIA Alitalia Balkan Airlines Bangladesh Airlines Czech Airlines Indian Airlines Oman Air Turkish Airlines Aeroflot

22433377 177 22924455 22414400 22423888 22425747 22434940 22420002/9 22418064/5/6 22433388 22425635 22430224 22425566 22438184 22424444 22421578 22421516 22426306 22423073 22422493 22421044 22414427 22416474 22452977/8 22417901/ 2433141 22456700 22958787 22453820/1 22404838/9

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

lifestyle G O S S I P

DJ Mehdi dies at 34 elebrated French producer and disc jockey “DJ Mehdi” has died aged 34, his promoter Phunkster confirmed yesterday, as reports online suggested he had been killed in a fall during a party. The company was not able to confirm the cause of Mehdi Faveris-Esaadi’s death, but the French freesheet 20 Minutes reported on its website that he had been killed when part of his home collapsed as he celebrated with friends. Born in the Paris suburbs to a family of Tunisian origin, DJ Mehdi was best known for staging nights of dance hip-hop crossover music and for producing records with French rappers MC Solaar and Akhenaton.

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JLo and her Cabrio:

Lopez pitches Fiat in new ads

ennifer Lopez is promoting Fiat cars in a new commercial and music video. The 30-second commercial, set to air during Monday Night Football, features Lopez driving a Fiat 500 Cabrio convertible. At the end, two muscular men pull her out through the open top and she dances in the street. The Cabrio also appears in the video for Lopez’s new single, “Papi. Olivier Francois, marketing chief for Fiat and Chrysler, says Lopez is passionate and determined to stand out. He didn’t say how much Fiat is paying her. It’s a second high-profile ad for the Fiat-Chrysler alliance, which featured rapper Eminem in an acclaimed Super Bowl ad. The Cabrio went on sale in the US earlier this summer.

Sales have been sluggish, partly due to delays in opening dealerships.

Bono banned from Edun creative process

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ono is banned from getting involved in the creative process at Edun. The U2 rocker is a member of the board in his wife Ali Hewson’s company - a for-profit fashion brand with a mission to encourage trade with Africa and raise awareness - and while his spouse values his advice, she forbids him from getting involved with the hands-on aspects of the business. Ali said: “We don’t let him near the clothes.

That’s the only stipulation. But he’s an amazing sounding board. It’s always great to get his opinion.” Bono - who is renowned for his aid work instead advises the company on their campaign and awareness efforts and he says he is proud of what they have achieved so far. He told WWD: “I’m on the board. I look over the mission stuff.

Ali told me that 37 percent of the collection you saw today is made in Africa. And that’s real fashion pieces, not jeans and T-shirts. That’s a massive achievement.” Ali believes it is important to make people aware that Edun is not a charity in order to inspire others to achieve similar things.

She said: “This is not a charity. It’s a business. This is a for-profit company. A lot of people don’t get that about Edun. This is trade. We can do this, and everybody can do this in Africa. “The fashion industry is often considered superficial, but it’s actually a huge employer as an industry. It’s the first industry in any country that is developing, so it’s very important. And it’s important that we do it right.”

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David puts cat ban on Victoria D

avid Beckham has banned wife Victoria from getting a cat. The singer-turned-designer is a feline fan and would love to add a moggy to the family’s brood of pets - which already includes dogs Coco and Scarlett - but the soccer star has put his foot down. The handsome athlete isn’t keen on pussies and doesn’t want one in their Los Angeles home in case it brings in a mouse. Victoria - who has four children, Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, nine, Cruz, six, and nine-weekold Harper, with David - told The Guardian newspaper: “I want a cat but David won’t let me have one he doesn’t want them bringing mice in the house.

He’s a dog person.” While she isn’t allowed a cat, Victoria couldn’t be happier following the arrival of much longed-for daughter Harper in July and says she’s so besotted, she can’t bear to be apart from the adorable tot. Speaking at the launch of her new Victoria

by Victoria Beckham clothing line at New York Fashion Week, she told ELLE: “I can’t leave her alone for a minute, I haven’t been out without her since she was born nine weeks ago, she’s too wonderful to leave.” And it seems baby Harper is set to follow in her mother’s fashionable footsteps after a trip to Prada in New York on Sunday (11.09.11) The 37-year-old star revealed: “We went in to Prada yesterday and she loved it. It was as if she was saying, ‘Mummy I’m home.’ “

Paltrow is obsessive about germs wyneth Paltrow admits she is “a little bit borderline” obsessive about germs. The 38-year-old actress stars in new epidemic thriller ‘Contagion’ as a woman who contracts a deadly disease, and she admits the storyline had a worsening effect on her fear of nasty microbes. When asked if starring in the film gave her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) on UK TV show ‘Lorraine’, Gwyneth replied: “There was actually a New York Observer article - they sent a microbiologist out in New York City to swab surfaces, like a clean glass in a five star restaurant, the subway, handles, and it was so disturbing what they found, and since that article I’ve been a hand washer. “So this movie didn’t make me any worse, but it was already a little bit borderline.” The health conscious star - who runs the website Goop about healthy and ethical eating - has previously revealed she uses a handset which she plugs into her cell phone in order to minimize “radiation”. Gwyneth - who raises two children, Apple, seven, and fiveyear-old Moses, with her husband, Coldplay singer Chris Martin - said: “A handset cuts down on cell phone radiation. I use the YUBZ Retro Handset for my BlackBerry calls.”

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Perry tops list of highest paid men in entertainment yler Perry, Jerry Bruckheimer and Steven Spielberg have been named the highest paid men in entertainment. Tyler - who is an actor, director, screenwriter, producer and author - tops the list, compiled by Forbes.com, grossing $130 million in the financial year 2010 to 2011.

During this time Tyler made money from his TV shows ‘Meet the Browns’ and ‘House of Payne’ and wrote, directed, produced and starred the in films ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family’ and ‘Why Did I Get Married Too?’ and adapted, directed and produced another film, ‘For Colored Girls’. The 42year-old star’s ambitions don’t end with having his own projects, however, and he has previously talked about starting his own network. He said in 2009: “As I grow it from ‘House of Payne’ to ‘Meet the Browns’ and spread out with more and more shows, who knows? I’m working on anchoring my own network.” Second on the list is Jerry Bruckheimer who - despite the fact two of the films he produced, ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ and ‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’ underperformed at the box office - made an estimated $113 million. This is largely thanks to the success of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’, which earned $1 billion at the global box office and the success of various TV projects he worked on including the ‘CSI’ franchise. Returning director Steven Spielberg takes third place with $107 million, earned in part from his upcoming pair of big-budget films, ‘War Horse’ and ‘The Adventures of Tintin’. In fourth spot is Sir Elton John, the only musician to make the list, who banked an estimated $100 million from his world tour. The top five is completed by television mogul Simon Cowell, who earned $90 million from his involvement with ‘American Idol’ in 2010 and UK pop star search show ‘The X Factor’ - which has now been launched in the US.

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Houston, Sparks in ‘Sparkle’ remake hitney Houston is negotiating to return to the big screen in Sony’s remake of the 1976 film “Sparkle,” TheWrap has confirmed.

Jordin Sparks will make her feature film debut in the movie. Mike Epps also stars. Houston hasn’t been in a movie since she traveled to Portland, Maine to make Penny Marshall’s 1996 “ The Preacher’sWife.” She starred opposite Denzel Washington in that film.

“Sparkle” focuses on three sisters who form a musical group and then have to contend with the ups and downs of stardom. Think the Supremes. Mara Brock Akil wrote the script and her husband, Salim Akil is directing. The latter worked with Epps on Sony’s “Jumping the Broom.” Debra Martin Chase is producing the Sony project. Production is scheduled to begin next month. Tri-Star Pictures is distributing in association with Stage 6 Films. The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.

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Entertainment’s Highest Paid Men, according to Forbes for financial year 2010-2011, top 10: 1. Tyler Perry, $130 million 2. Jerry Bruckheimer, $113 million 3. Steven Spielberg, $107 million 4. Sir Elton John, $100 million 5. Simon Cowell, $90 million 6. James Patterson, $84 million 7. Dr. Phil McGraw, $80 million 8. Leonardo DiCaprio, $77 million 9. Howard Stern, $76 million 10. Tiger Woods $75 million —Bang Showbiz

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Years

lifestyle

Madonna to critics: Review my movie, not me

From left, actress Andrea Riseborough, director Madonna and actress Abbie Cornish attend the gala screening of the film ‘W.E.’ during the Toronto International Film Festival. —AP

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adonna Monday said she said she doesn’t mind any criticism of her filmmaking abilities, so long as it is directed at her movie and not at herself. The pop star told reporters at the Toronto International Film Festival, where she is promoting her second film “W.E.”, she had to earn her reputation as a musician and she expected to do the same as a film director.

“I had the same kind of pressure when I began my music career,” Madonna told reporters. “I was nervous, and I didn’t know what to expect, and people didn’t know what to expect.” The film, which premiered at the Venice film festival and is screening at Toronto, has been characterized by critics as visually stunning, but lacking in focus and burdened by weak performances.

“I can tell when people are reviewing my film and when they’re reviewing me personally,”

Madonna said when asked whether she cared about what critics thought. “So when they stick to the film, then I do care.” “W.E.” stars Abbie Cornish as a young New Yorker in the 1990s who becomes infatuated with the 1930s marriage of King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson, played by Andrea Riseborough. It follows Madonna’s first feature, 2008’s “Filth and Wisdom,” which performed poorly at the box office.

Britain’s The Guardian newspaper was the harshest among the critics, giving the film just one star out five, while the Daily Telegraph gave a more positive three star review.

The budget of W.E. is estimated to be around $15 million, and it hits movie theaters in the United States in December, prompting one journalist to ask Madonna about her Oscar hopes for the film. “My legs and my fingers are crossed,” she quipped. —Reuters

Putin found funds for Venice-winning ʻFaustʼ: Director

Spanish Actress Penelope Cruz walks through the crowd as she arrives on the movie set, at Sarajevo International Airport, yesterday, on second day of the movie shoot. Cruz plays the main role in ‘Venuto al Mondo’ (Into the World), a film directed by Italian director Sergio Castellitto, based on the bestseller book by Margaret Mazzantini. The movie tells the story of a single mother, portrayed by Cruz, who returns with her teenage son to present day Sarajevo, where the boy’s father died during the 1992-1995 war. — AFP

Music and spit:

Neil Young gets extreme close-up

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eil Young’s latest concert film is so up close and personal it leaves the audience viewing the rocker through his own spit. ”Neil Young Journeys” premiered Monday night at the Toronto International Film Festival. Afterward, Young joked with the audience that a tiny camera mounted on his microphone for the concerts “scared the hell out of me.” The camera was so close that it caught a glob of the singer’s spittle, creating a blotch on the lens that gives the footage a bit of a psychedelic tinge. Director Jonathan Demme told the audience he decided to include that sequence in the film, quipping that it was like a “hundred-thousand-dollar special effect.”

The evening was a homecoming for Young, who grew up in Ontario north of Toronto. It also allowed Young and Demme, the Academy Award-winning director of “The Silence of the Lambs,” to reflect on their nearly 20-year association, which includes the previous concert films “Neil Young: Heart of Gold” and “Neil Young Trunk Show.”The two first came together as Demme was finishing his 1993 drama “Philadelphia,” starring Tom Hanks as a gay lawyer dying of AIDS. Demme said he cut the film’s title sequence to Young’s angry rock anthem “Southern Man,” then sent it to Young hoping he would write a similarly blazing tune to insert in its place.

The filmmaker said he wanted a seal of approval to pitch the film to “homophobic young white men” and that an anthem from Young would reassure them because “Neil thinks this is OK.”Young sent back the

Musician Neil Young arrives for the film ‘Neil Young Journeys’ at the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto. —AP slow, melancholy heart-wrencher “Philadelphia.”“It was so not a rock anthem,” Demme said. “It fit the end of the movie so well.” That’s where he inserted the song, and Demme then turned to Bruce Springsteen for an opening anthem. Springsteen sent back another slow weeper, “Streets of Philadelphia.”Demme conceded that maybe the musicians had nailed the soul of the film better than he had and put Springsteen’s song at the opening. Springsteen won a songwriting Oscar for his, while Young’s earned a nomination.

“Neil Young Journeys” captures the singer at

Toronto’s historic Massey Hall last May for the closing two shows of his “Le Noise” tour. Young’s music thunders through the hall as he plays solo on acoustic and electric guitar, harmonica, piano and organ. The songs are intercut with a long drive Young took at the wheel of a 1956 Ford Crown Victoria from his hometown of Omemee, Ontario, to Massey Hall for one of the shows.

Along the way, Young comments on the people he knew and the places he lived growing up, recalling a boyhood friend who convinced him to eat road tar because it tasted like chocolate and pointing out a spot where he killed a turtle with a firecracker.”So my environmental roots are not that deep,” Young jokes in the film. Young marvels pensively how his childhood region has changed, buildings vanished and new developments grown up all around.”It’s all gone,” Young says.

“It’s in my head. That’s why you don’t have to worry when you lose friends. ‘Cause they’re still in your head.

Still in your heart.”Young remembers departed friends in the film’s performances, which lean heavily toward material from recent albums. But the film also features solo renditions of Young classics such as “Down by the River,” “After the Gold Rush” and “Ohio,” a protest tune about the National Guard shootings at Kent State in 1970 which is accompanied by archival footage of the tragedy and photos of the four students slain there.

After the film, Young recalled his early days as a failed musician in Toronto and summed up his long collaboration with filmmaker Demme. “He loves music,” Young said. “And I love movies.”—AP

Lady Antebellum too lady-like on third album

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Director Aleksandr Sokurov holds the Golden Lion for best film for Faust, during the winners’ photo call of the 68th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy. —AP

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he Russian film “Faust”, which won the Golden Lion award at the Venice film festival came out thanks to the help of powerful Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, director Alexander Sokurov said yesterday. “The film would not have seen the light if Putin had not found the funding,” the Russian arthouse filmmaker, 60, told AFP by telephone. In autumn 2009, as the global economic crisis hit Russia and froze film productions, the director showed his plans for the film based on Goethe’s tragedy to Putin, who had invited him to his country house outside Moscow.

“He listened to me very attentively, asking precise questions about the actors and the costumes,” the director said. The prime minister, who served in East Germany as a KGB agent, showed “astonishing affinities with German culture” and “expressed only one wish: that the feature film shot in German should be a Russian production,” Sokurov said. A month later, a little-known charitable foundation called the Fund for the Support of the Development of Mass Media in Putin’s hometown of Saint Petersburg earmarked 8 million euros ($10.9 million) to make “Faust,” Sokurov said.

The rest of the film’s budget-one million euros ($1.36 million) — was contributed by a Foundation to Support Russian Cinema, created recently on Putin’s initiative, he said. On Saturday, Putin phoned Sokurov to congratulate him just seven minutes after the prize was awarded, the director said. “I was astonished and never understood why Putin, who has never been a friend of mine, decided to support the film,” said the director, whose films are far better known in Europe than in his native country. “Faust” is the final part of a four-part series of films about the corrupting influence of power, which began in 1999 with a fictional portrait of Adolf Hitler, followed by portraits of Vladimir Lenin and Emperor Hirohito. It follows Dr Faust (played by Johannes Zeiler) as he pursues his basest instincts in a frantic search for power and love. Putin praised the film as “grandiose” in a message of congratulations to Sokurov.—AFP

ady Antebellum was never, ever going to be the most testosterone-driven band in music. But the multi-platinum country-pop trio is still a little too lady-like for its own good on the group’s third album, “We Own the Night,” which mostly aims for ownership of the market for old-fashioned adult-contemporary balladry.

The act’s last album was a hard hat trick to top. The title track of “Need You Now” quickly established itself as one of the greatest pop singles of our stillyoung century, and went on to sell 5 million downloads, not to mention scoring Record and Song of the Year wins at the Grammys.

The craving for an ex in that song (which also got its inevitable “Glee” cover) translated to a craving for the bravura tune itself, and proved America to be one very needy nation.

No one would blame Lady A for taking stabs at repeating that triumph here, but it’s as if the threesome figured what we loved most about that breakout smash was the plodding tempo and production slickness, not the emotional rawness and relatable references to drunk-dialing that cut right through the sheen.

You may hesitate to look a gift horse in the mouth, when Lady A is one of the few country acts around offering such gentlemanly counterpoint to the genre’s redneck strains. It’s still a pleasure hearing a group whose very foundation is neatly balanced male/female duets. When it comes to audience demographics, though, the band is inviting inequity, as there won’t be an overabundance of dudes

crawling over one another to hear a succession of orchestrated ballads idealizing past and present perfect loves.

You certainly won’t find any odes to one-night-stands (like the debut album’s rascally “Lookin’ for a Good Time”) making their way into the current material. The not terribly rowdy “Friday Night” represents the album’s token attempt at an up-tempo, goodtime anthem, as if they suddenly remembered they needed something new that wouldn’t drag their usually robust concerts to a halt.

Coming off an album that had three singles as great as “Need You Now,” “American Honey,” and “Hello World” (last heard stirring TV fans at the climax of an “NCIS”), Lady A’s new weepers can’t help but suffer by comparison. “Just a Kiss,” the album’s first single, has front-people Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley treating the beginning of a relationship with kid gloves and agreeing: “I don’t want to mess this thing up/I don’t want to push too far.”

Those words could serve as the mantra for “We Own the Night,” which is all about not messing with monstrous expectations. Occasionally, the songs speak in something more than chick-flick cliches. Hillary Scott has said the starkest number, “As You Turn Away,” was written about an ex abruptly breaking up with her (presumably not the fellow to whom she’s now happily engaged).

Even if you haven’t read that, you’ll recognize the real-life hurt when she informs the guy nonchalantly dumping her that staying friends will

not be in the cards. In most of the other songs, though, it’s hard to tell if the threesome and their songwriting collaborators are writing out of personal passion or just a passionate need to avoid the junior jinx.

On “Dancin’ Away With My Heart”which you can guess, given the predominance of down-tempo material, will reference a slow dance-Kelley and Scott remember romantic glories past and muse, “I can still feel you lean in to kiss me/I can’t help but wonder if you ever miss me.” But “losing all control”?

Not gonna happen, this time.

In this CD cover image released by Capitol Records Nashville, the latest release by Lady Antebellum, “Own the Night,” is shown. —AP

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

lifestyle F A S H I O N

Europe’s biggest mall opens in London

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urope’s biggest urban shopping centre opened yesterday in a deprived area of east London where it will act as the gateway to the 2012 Olympics. Westfield Stratford City, which has risen from derelict wasteland in one of the poorest areas in Britain, houses more than 300 shops, 70 restaurants, a 14-screen cinema, three hotels and Britain’s largest casino. Hundreds of people queued outside the £1.45 billion ($2.3 billion, 1.7 billion euro) mall before the doors even opened on and 100,000 people were expected to turn up on the first day.

The Australian owners of the centre are confident they can defy the retail gloom as the British economy stutters.

Westfield’s sister site in Shepherd’s Bush, west London-pre-

viously the biggest mall in Europe-opened in the depths of a recession in 2009 yet attracted 23 million visitors in its first year. The giant Stratford site is a cornerstone of the Olympic Park and spectators arriving for next year’s Games will have to walk through the shopping centre to reach the sports venues. A high-speed train will bring 25,000 Olympics spectators an hour to Stratford International station where they will be greeted by a row of shops and restaurants.

Crucially for an area with unemployment levels far above the national average, the centre has created 10,000 new jobs. Local politicians believe it is another part in the jigsaw of regeneration which they hope will create a thriv-

ing community once the Olympic flame goes out.

“Westfield represents more than just bricks, mortar and fabulous shops and restaurants, it has been instrumental in helping us to transform the lives of our residents by providing them with employment and jobs that they can turn into fulfilling and rewarding careers,” said Robin Wales, the mayor of the borough of Newham.

But the site’s proximity to the Olympic park has required additional security precautions. The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) said it will be operating checks on vehicles entering the public car park at the shopping centre until the Games end in September 2012. Paul Deighton, LOCOG chief exec-

utive, said: “With Westfield so close to the Olympic Park and with vehicle access to it directly accessed from the park, it is an obvious and important part of our security plans. “We will make the checks as quick and unobtrusive as possiblewe are confident that shoppers will recognize the need for us to be vigilant and carry out these checks.”—AFP

Easy elegance, deceitfully simple, on NY runways A

men’s style, white-canvas pantsuit with a yellow tie-collar blouse, a halter-neck, allbeaded shift dress and an off-theshoulder long dress in a Matisse-inspired floral print in black, yellow and white that she styled with a floppy hat.—AP

n easy spring elegance, deceitfully simple but never sloppy, brought a bit of good clean fun to New York Fashion Week as the twice-annual round of frenzied runway shows moved into the fifth day Monday. The secret, Carolina Herrera said, is in the details. Look to tailoring that appears simple, when it really isn’t, or loose without crossing into ‘70s redux or boho slouch. “Fashion has to have details and it’s a way of doing them in a very simple way that they look effortless,” she said. “That’s what fashion should be: effortless and fun.”

Rachel Roy reimagined the easy elegance of the 1992 film “The Lover,” set in steamy, 1929 French Indochina.

She wondered, with the sound turned down, how the teen lover would have looked in the summer suits of her wealthy paramour.

“I wanted the look to be loose but not sloppy,” she said.

“Something felt classy about how he put himself together but it was never too buttoned up.” She offered pajama pieces, like the Olsen twins at The Row, and loose trousers as many designers did this time around. Roy also offered cascading skirts that looked as if the fabric was wrapped around the body and pinned ever so lightly at the waist. Fashion Week moves to London, then Milan and Paris when it wraps up in New York on Thursday.

CAROLINA HERRERA Herrera, who seems to never have a wrinkle in her skirt, not a hair out of place, has a playful side, too. A shirtdress got oversized pockets and a delicate red cocktail dress was made of seersucker silk. It’s not Herrera’s way to make things too fussy, even when there’s a lot going on.

A black-and blue gown was as soft and pretty as you’d expect from the designer, even though it was covered in sharp-edge embroidery. Making things look simple can be one of the hardest things to do, she said.

RACHEL ROY There’s something romantic

Tailored menswear styles ooze power, she said, and she likes that. For evening, there was a sculptural, folded gown with an open neckline in a floral print that was feminine without being prissy. Roy’s life as a working mother requires work clothes, weekend wear and black-tie gowns. She tries to offer all of that to her customer. “In doing so I really want the woman to feel comfortable,” she said. “If you’re not comfortable, you’re not confident, and if you’re not confident, you’re not looking powerful and smart, and, ultimately I want to look powerful and smart.”

about women in men’s clothes. Even more so with an unexpected feminine touch. That’s what Roy set out to do.

RACHEL ZOE A little Brigitte Bardot. A little St. Tropez. A little easy chic. It all adds up to “a lot of “effortless glamour,” according to Rachel Zoe. The red carpet stylist-turneddesigner said she’d like to dress the woman “who wants to stand with the attitude of ‘I’m chill.’ ‘I’m relaxed,’” Zoe herself wore a long black maxi dress that’s part of her line. There was a similar black mousseline ribbon dress with cascading strips at the hemline. Other looks include a

The Spring 2012 collection of Carolina Herrera is modeled.

—AP/AFP photos

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

lifestyle F E A T U R E S

The last

pinball wizards keep game alive

G

ary Stern has a quick answer for anyone who says he runs the last pinball machine company in the world: it’s not the last — it’s simply the only pinball company. Stern, 58, was born into the pinball business and is determined to keep it alive.

His father ran a top pinball manufacturer back in the day when the flipper machines were banned in Chicago, New York and other US cities as gambling devices. Stern saw the machines become cultural icons as generations of kids with a quarter or two burning a hole in their pockets slapped at flippers to keep a shiny silver ball spinning around the tilted play field.Even when the arcades started to get crowded with video games like PacMan, pinball was able to hold its own. But computer games, home game systems like Nintendo and finally cell phone apps emp-

The interior of a Rolling Stones pinball machine in the midst of assembly at Stern Pinball in Chicago on August 15, 2011. — AFP photos

Pinball wizards Joshua Henderson and Josh Sharpe play.

Workers at Stern Pinball assemble Rolling Stones pinball machines .

Pinball wizards Joshua Henderson and Josh Sharpe play in Sharpe’s basement, which houses 17 pinball machines. tied the arcades. One by one, Stern’s competitors failed or simply walked away from pinball. Annual sales of new pinball machines have plummeted from a peak of about 100,000 in the 1990s to the 6,000 or so machines that Stern Pinball sells worldwide.

A core group of enthusiasts has kept the iconic machines from the scrap heap and Stern is confident his $30 million a year business will remain strong and profitable-for years to come.

Pinball technician Laurie Willis servicing a rare 1947 Humpty Dumpty pinball machine.

‘The ball is wild’ “We make good games. Our games are

From hunger to honour

Top Taiwan baker thanks mum A

s a boy in Taiwan’s countryside Wu Paochun often had to eat leftovers, but today he is a world-famous baker and a driving force in a culinary revolution sweeping the island.

Wu, 42, won the bread section in the prestigious Bakery Masters in Paris last year, too much fanfare back home, and now his loaves sell like hot cakes in a society more accustomed to steamed buns. “I have very strong attachment to baking. To me, bread is art, much more than just food,” Wu said in an interview with AFP. It is an art with a growing number of connoisseurs on this island of 23 million, judging from sales at his bakery in south Taiwan’s Kaohsiung city. Every day he and his assistants bake 300 loaves of his trademark bread filled with the popular fruit lychee, and a similar amount of bread with longan fruit. They are snatched up before they grow cold. Wu, who has written two books, is featured in several TV programs shown on lifestyle channels across the world and customers from as far away as United States ask to have their pictures taken with him.

It is a success that has not come easily to Wu, whose father’s death in a traffic accident forced his mother to bring up eight children in abject conditions. “Very often, when she was hungry, she would get vegetables or leftovers from family and neighbors,” Wu said, the memory bringing tears to his eyes. At the age of 15, Wu went to Taipei to start an internship at a bakery, but found life hard and unrewarding, as his school had left him a functional illiterate with not even basic calculating

skills. The turning point came when he joined the army as a conscript and a friend taught him how to read. This kindled a thirst for knowledge, and he travelled to Japan to hone his baking skills with masters in the field.

Japan ran Taiwan as a colony for 50 years after 1895 and introduced the island to bread, albeit in a soft version without hard crusts. “For decades, people in Taiwan preferred soft bread rather than the European-style hard-crusted bread. But the taste has gradually changed,” he said. Hard-crusted bread now accounts for about 30 percent of the bread consumers buy in Taiwan-a transformation that Wu has done his bit to help bring about. The path from illiterate farm boy to world-class baker was not an obvious one given his backgroundmost of Wu’s siblings are factory workers or housekeepers-and he knows exactly who to thank for his success. “The most important influence bringing me where I am today is my mother. She never gave up and never bowed to pressure, no matter how poor our family was,” he said. Wu’s bond with his mother is a captivating story in a society where respect for the elderly may be dwindling, and famed local movie director Lin Cheng-sheng plans to shoot a film about the baker and his mother next year. Despite having made it further than most in his profession, Wu sees no reason for complacency. And having no obvious rivals does not relieve him of the pressure to perform. “My real competitor is myself. I know if I want to keep growing, I have to force myself to think in new ways all the time,” he said. — AFP

Williams, the same company Stern’s father used to run. Though Sharpe is a tad embarrassed by the machine that has his mother’s face superimposed on a scantily clad damsel in distress and his father’s visage on the knight about to rescue her. Sharpe ranks sixth in the cumulative world rankings and his brother Zach is ranked seventh. “Any one that doesn’t know what they’re doing plays in fear of the ball going down,” Sharpe said.

Competitive players approach the game in a totally different way, Sharpe said. They learn where to shoot for higher points. They develop a strategy that he describes as a combination of chess and golf. “When I play a game of pinball I’m looking at the play field for areas where I want to be and where I don’t, whereas a casual player just doesn’t want the ball to go down,” he said.

‘A pinball machine is like a movie’ There are rumors flying around the pinball world that someone’s going to try to start up a new pinball company. Sharpe-who works as an accountant at a gaming company-doesn’t think they’ll have too much luck. The start-up costs are just too high. The engineering too complex. The market too small and too demanding. Walking through the Stern factory it’s easy to see why Sharpe is skeptical.

Each machine uses over a half a mile of wire it takes more than 30 hours to assemble the 3,500 or so parts. Stern spends about $750,000 designing each game and puts out three or four new ones every year. They all use licensed themes to draw in the fans-Tron, the Rolling Stones, Iron Man, Avatar, and Shrek are the current titles-and the goal is to make each game a different experience from the next. —AFP

Van Cleef & Arpels The charm of pink gold intage Alhambra and Sweet Alhambraís refined elegance is timeless. Since 1968, women have loved the enchanting contours of this lucky-charm motif. These icons of luck, good health, fortune and love now glow with a new color: pink gold.

V

Pink gold: Iridescent and warm Pink gold adorns Vintage Alhambra and Sweet Alhambra with a new femininity: warm, intense and mysterious. A delicate material to craft, pink gold demands specific savoir-faire. The Maisonís Mains díOr weave a fine chain and enhance it with the pearl contoured motif in pink gold at regular intervals.

For decades, Van Cleef & Arpels has been using a special alloy that combines gold, copper and silver. The presence of copper gives the precious metal subtle pink highlights which make the jewel glow with warm light.

This new interpretation of Vintage Alhambra offers five jewels: The long necklace with 20 motifs adorns the bust.

The necklace with 10 motifs and a pendant sits perfectly around the neck.

The bracelet with 5 motifs enhances the wrist.

The earrings with 1 motif light up the face.

The ring with 1 motif enhances the beauty of the hand.

Sweet Alhambra in pink gold Miniature, totally charming and absolutely individual, pink gold Sweet Alhambra infuses this timeless symbol with carefree freshness. The delicate, sweet clover motif now dresses in the most romantic of colors : pink.

File photo shows Taiwanese baker Wu Pao-chun displays his bread during an interview in the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung. —AFP

fun,” Stern said during a tour of his factory in an industrial park near Chicago’s main airport. “The ball is wild. It’s not programmed.

You can play pinball on a computer, a simulation of it, but that’s not (real) —- it’s all programmed.” Joshua Henderson, 14, got into pinball the old fashioned way. He watched his dad play a round on a machine at a bowling alley and started bugging him for quarters. Henderson’s father signed him up for a tournament near their Plainfield, Illinois home because it seemed like a good deal-the $10 registration fee was all it would cost for Joshua to play all day.

That’s where they discovered that Henderson is a pinball wizard. He placed fifth at the PAPA World Pinball Championships in Pennsylvania last month and has used nearly $10,000 in winnings to buy a Spidermanthemed pinball machine and build up a college savings fund. Like most kids his age, Henderson likes video games. But there’s something different about pinball, he says, something that keeps him engaged. “One of the main quirks about it is that you can use your physical strength to control the ball.

You’re in control,” he told AFP. “It has a little more strategy than video games and is nonlinear too, so every ball is different.”

Henderson is part of a growing number of pinball enthusiasts who see the game as a competitive sport. “It’s never been bigger than it is now,” said Josh Sharpe, president of the International Flipper Pinball Association.

Sharpe, 31, revived the association in 2006 and has helped it grow to more than 10,000 ranked players in just five years. Like Stern, he was born into pinball. Three of the 17 machines in Sharpe’s basement were designed by his father when he worked at

presents pink gold vintage Alhambra

The last pinball wizards keep game alive

39

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

Miss Angola Leila Lopes is crowned Miss Universe 2011

by Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete, of Mexico.

Miss Universe 2011 top ten contestants stand on stage during the 60th annual Miss Universe beauty pageant.

—AP/AFP photos

Leila Lopes

of Angola

crowned Miss Universe N

ewly crowned Miss Universe Leila Lopes wants to help her native Angola further escape a history of war and impoverishment and said she plans to focus on combating HIV around the globe. Speaking in a timid voice early Tuesday shortly after taking the crown in South America’s largest city, the 25-year-old Lopes said that “as Miss Angola I’ve already done a lot to help my people.”

“I’ve worked with various social causes. I work with poor kids, I work in the fight against HIV. I work to protect the elderly and I have to do everything that my country needs,” she said. “I think now as Miss Universe I will be able to do much more.”

Responding to questions, Lopes said that she has never had cosmetic surgery of any kind and that her three tips for beauty were to get a lot of sleep, use sunblock even when it’s not sunny and to drink lots of water. She said her smile was her best weapon in the competition. Asked about racism in light of the fact that she’s one of the few blacks ever crowned Miss Universe, Lopes said that “any racist needs to seek help.” “It’s not normal in the 21st century to think in that way.” Lopes is Angola’s first winner.

She beat out 88 other competitors to win the title during the 60th anniversary of the world’s biggest beauty pageant. She replaces last year’s winner, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico.

She deftly handled the interview question that is asked of the

Miss China 2011 Luo Zilin

Miss Ukraine 2011 Olesia Stefanko

remaining top five contestants. She was questioned about what physical trait she would change if she could. “Thank God I’m very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn’t change a thing,” Lopes said. “I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life.” The first runner-up was 23-year-old

The top three finalists at the Miss Universe pageant, Miss Ukraine Olesia Stefanko, left, Miss Brazil Priscila Machado, center, and Miss Angola Leila Lopes wait for the final announcements.

Miss Philippines 2011 Samcey Supsup included for the top five.

Miss Australia 2011 Scherri-lee Biggs

Olesia Stefanko of Ukraine and the second runner-up was Priscila Machado of Brazil. The third was Miss Philippines and the fourth Miss China. Contestants spent the past three weeks in Sao Paulo, trying to learn samba dance steps, visiting impoverished children and kicking a football around for cameras as the Miss Universe pageant came to Brazil for the first time. Despite battling against a home-country favorite, Lopes won over the audience, speaking in the shared language of Portuguese. Angola, like Brazil, is a former Portuguese colony. “She captivated the crowd and we were all behind her,” said Brazilian Natalie Bursztyn, 20, who was in the crowd inside Credicard Hall where the event took place. “It was great that the judges also saw what the fans saw and gave her the crown. Her dress was beautiful and she knew exactly what to say when they asked her the question about her looks.”

Another fan in the audience, Carolina Rocha, said Lopes’ win was “well deserved, we were cheering for her all along.” “Her smile and her friendliness was what set her apart from the others,” Rocha said. “She also answered her question very well. That likely helped her a lot.” US broadcast journalist Connie Chung was one of the celebrity judges, and said before the competition that she was taking the contest seriously. “I know my job and I’ll be tough, but fair,” Chung said. “You have to keep in mind that these women are not objects just to be looked at. They’re to be taken seriously. I want to choose somebody I take seriously and the world takes seriously, too.”

Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe organization, was hyped-up for the night. “It’s our 60th anniversary, it’s a very big show,” she said. “We’re anticipating close to a billion viewers from around the world.” Shugart said it was fitting the globe’s biggest beauty pageant be held in Brazil at this time, as the nation prepares to host some major events in the coming years. “I don’t think there is any doubt in the rest of the world’s mind that Brazil is the place, between hosting the Olympics and hosting the World Cup,” she said. “I love the fact we’re going to kick it off. I always say we’re the ‘World Cup’ of beauty.”

The contestants must never have been married or had children and must be at least 18 years of age and under 27 years of age by Feb. 1 of the competition year. The pageant, hosted by NBC “Today” anchor Natalie Morales and the Bravo network’s Andy Cohen, was broadcast live on NBC and distributed to about 170 countries. The contest is coowned by Donald Trump and NBC, and the celebrity judges included Chung and two prominent Brazilians, supermodel Isabeli Fontana and Indy race car driver Helio Castroneves. Morales, who is half Brazilian, said that “what’s most important is for the women to be beautiful inside and out.”

For Cohen, the task of hosting was an easy one. “It’s a fun job. All I have to do is stand there, smile and scream the names of countries,” he said. Sharply dressed women and men jostled for chances to have their photos taken with stars on the red carpet. Some traveled from across the globe to support contestants. There were no headlinegrabbing gaffes going into this year’s competition, as opposed to past years, which have seen controversies of various stripes. The show itself went off without a hitch. Miss USA Alyssa Campanella, from California, failed to end a long losing spell for the US in the competition. An American has not been named Miss Universe since Brook Lee won the title in 1997. The pageant started as a local bathing suit revue in Long Beach, California, organized by a swimwear company.—AP