BEIRUT: Coalition warplanes pounded theIslamic State group’s self-proclaimed capital inSyria yesterday as uncertainty surrounded thefate of a US hostage the jihadists claim waskilled in an earlier raid. The parents of aidworker Kayla Jean Mueller said they were“hopeful” she was still alive, after IS claimedshe had been buried under rubble following astrike by a Jordanian plane on their strong-hold Raqqa. The United States said there wasno proof that the 26-year-old from Arizonahad been killed.

Mueller’s parents appealed to her captorsto contact them and for her safe return, in astatement carried by NBC News. “This newsleaves us concerned, yet, we are still hopefulthat Kayla is alive. We have sent you a privatemessage and ask that you respond to us pri-vately,” said Carl and Marsha Mueller.According to the Syrian Observatory forHuman Rights, the US-led coalition fighting ISbombarded the Raqqa area yesterday for asecond consecutive day. The Britain-basedmonitor said more than 30 IS fighters hadbeen killed in raids Friday around Raqqa.

A coalition statement said it had carriedout a total of 11 airstrikes against IS in Syriaand 15 in Iraq during a 24-hour period up toyesterday morning, including in Raqqa.Jordanian state media said its warplanes had

launched new anti-IS raids yesterday, withoutsaying where. An activist in Raqqa who didnot want to be named said he had heardunconfirmed reports that Mueller had beenmoved recently from a women’s prison in the

city to an IS camp east of the city. The camp“has recently been the target of intense coali-tion raids,” he said. “At the moment, we cannotconfirm whether she was killed in the raids.”

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4Kuwaiti horse breeders grab bulk of medals at int’l festival 7

West presses Putin to back ‘last-chance’ Ukraine deal 11

Exit polls forecast Modi party defeat in Delhi election 18

Atletico thrash woeful Real 4-0 in Madrid derby

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Gulf nations denounce

militia ‘coup’ in YemenRebel leader defends takeover as Houthis tighten grip

RIYADH/SANAA: Yemen’s Gulf neighbors yesterdaycondemned what they termed a “coup” in Sanaa afterthe Shiite Houthi militia dissolved parliament andinstalled a presidential council to run the country. “TheHouthi coup marks a grave and unacceptable escala-tion... and endangers the security, stability, sovereigntyand territorial integrity of Yemen,” the six-nation GulfCooperation Council said in a statement from its Riyadhheadquarters.

The Saudi-led GCC, which also includes Bahrain,Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, hadurged the Houthis to pull out of Sanaa, which the militiaoverran in September. Yesterday, the Sunni monarchiessaid their own security was linked to that of Yemen andvowed to take “all the necessary measures to defendtheir interests”, without elaborating. The GCC called onthe UN Security Council to intervene and put an end tothe “coup which has placed Yemen and its people in adark tunnel”. The turmoil has raised fears that Yemen,which lies next to oil-rich Saudi Arabia, could become afailed state.

In a defiant speech yesterday, rebel leader Abdel-Malak Al-Houthi defended the formation of a “presiden-tial council” which consolidates his power as serving theinterests of all Yemenis, despite street protests and Gulfcondemnation. “This historic and responsible initiativeis in the interest of the country... because it fills a politi-cal vacuum,” Houthi said in a televised address to hissupporters gathered in a northern Sanaa stadium. Hesaid it was “in the interest of all Yemenis without excep-tion”, including the separatists of southern Yemen.

Continued on Page 13

SANAA: Supporters of Shiite Houthi movement gather in a northern Sanaa stadium to watch to a televisedaddress by their chief Abdel Malek Al-Houthi yesterday. — AFP

ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates yesterdayordered a squadron of F-16 warplanes to be sta-tioned in Jordan to support it in strikes against theIslamic State group. The federation’s official WAMnews agency said Abu Dhabi Crown PrinceMohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahayan, deputy headof the UAE armed forces, had ordered the move.“The initiative... reaffirms the UAE’s unwaveringand constant solidarity with Jordan and its leadingrole and immense sacrifices for the security andstability of the region as embodied by martyr andhero Muath Al-Kassasbeh,” the Jordanian pilotburned alive by IS, the agency reported.

WAM said the deployment was aimed at sup-porting Jordan’s military in the fight against “thebrutal terrorist organisation” IS, without specifyingthe number of aircraft involved or their role. It saidthe jihadist organisation “showed all the world itsugliness and violation of all religious and humanvalues through abominable crimes” that caused“outrage and disgust” among Arab peoples. AfterKassasbeh’s warplane crashed in Syria in Decemberand following his capture by IS, the UAE withdrewfrom the US-led coalition’s strike missions overfears for the safety of its pilots.

Continued on Page 13

UAE sends F-16s to

Jordan to fight IS

Coalition bombs IS ‘capital’

Parents of US hostage appeal to captors

BAGHDAD: Iraqis clean up the site of a suicide bombing that targeted a streetfilled with hardware stores in the Iraqi capital’s southeastern neighborhood ofNew Baghdad yesterday. — AP

BAGHDAD: Ahead of Baghdad ending adecade-old nightly cur few, bombsexploded across the Iraqi capital yester-day, killing at least 40 people in a starkwarning of the dangers still ahead in thiscountry torn by the Islamic State group.The deadliest bombing happened in thecapital’s New Baghdad neighborhood,where a suicide bomber detonated hisexplosives in a street filled with hardwarestores and a restaurant, killing 22 peopleand wounding at least 45, police said.

“The restaurant was full of young peo-ple, children and women when the sui-cide bomber blew himself up,” witnessMohamed Saeed said. “Many got killed.”After the blast, bloody water mixed witholives and other debris from the restau-rant as authorities tried to clean. A sec-ond attack happened in centralBaghdad’s popular Shorja market, wheretwo bombs some 25 m apart exploded,killing at least 11 people and wounding26, police said.

Another bombing at the Abu Cheeroutdoor market in southwesternBaghdad killed at least four people andwounded 15, police said. In Tarmiya, aSunni town 50 km north of Baghdad, a

bomb blast killed at least three soldiersin a passing convoy, authorities said.Hospital officials confirmed the casualtyfigures. All officials spoke on condition ofanonymity as they weren’t authorized tobrief journalists. No group immediatelyclaimed responsibility for the attacks,though the Islamic State group haslaunched attacks on Baghdad in the past.The extremist group now holds a third ofboth Iraq and neighboring Syria in itsself-declared caliphate.

The attacks came as Iraq prepared tolift its nightly midnight-to-5 am curfewtoday. The curfew largely has been inplace since 2004, in response to thegrowing sectarian violence that engulfedIraq after the the US-led invasion a yearearlier. There was no immediate com-ment yesterday from Prime MinisterHaider Al-Abadi, who announced theend of the curfew on Thursday by decree.He also ordered that streets, longblocked off for security reasons, reopenfor traffic and pedestrians. Iraqi officialsrepeatedly have assured that the capitalis secure, despite Sunni militant groupsoccasionally attacking Baghdad’s Shiite-majority neighborhoods. — AP

Kenya lawmaker

killed in Nairobi

PAGEThird time on target

for ‘Sniper’ Cooper?

PAGE

Baghdad blasts kill

40 as curfew lifted

AMMAN: Women hold a portrait of King Abdullah II of Jordan with English writing whichreads ‘Don’t mess with our King’ as they take part in a candlelight vigil in the capital yes-terday to express solidarity with the Jordanian pilot recently murdered by the IslamicState group. — AFP

NEW YORK: One of America’s most prominent TVanchors, Brian Williams, faced calls for his resignationFriday for embellishing an Iraq war story from 2003.Williams, 55, who reportedly earns $10 million a yearand is watched by an estimated nine millionAmericans a night, admitted that a story he oftenrepeated on air about coming under fire was not true.“I made a mistake in recalling the events of 12 yearsago,” Williams said in an apology broadcast liveWednesday on the “NBC Nightly News” program hehosts each evening. “I want to apologize. I said I wastraveling in an aircraft that was hit by RPG fire. I wasinstead in a following aircraft.”

He apologized to colleagues again on Friday morn-ing, according to a leaked memo purportedly fromNBC News president Deborah Turness. The memo saidNBC has appointed a team to investigate the facts and“help us make sense of all that has transpired”. Theprobe by the network’s investigative unit is beingheaded by Richard Esposito, who was formerly an edi-tor at the Daily News newspaper of New York, accord-

ing to media reports. On Facebook, Williams said thathe had “conflated” the two events, which happenedwhile he was covering the US invasion of Iraq.

A hugely respected journalist in the United States,he has anchored “NBC Nightly News” since 2004.Williams is a former chief White House correspondent,was celebrated for his coverage of Hurricane Katrina in2005 and has collected more than two dozen industryawards. The embellished tale dates back at least to aninterview with US chat show king David Letterman in2013. At the time of the incident in 2003, Williams saidit was the Chinook ahead that was “almost blown outof the sky.”

He repeated the story on television as recently aslast Friday, in an elaborate tribute to a retired soldierwho helped provide ground security for the groundedaircraft and crew. But crew members of the Chinookhelicopter and Williams’s aircraft told Stars and Stripes,a US publication that covers the armed forces, that theanchor had been nowhere near the helicopter that

Continued on Page 13

Accusations mount against US anchor

Brian Williams

L O C A LSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

CrimeR e p o r t

Kuwaiti arrested with illicit drugs

A citizen went to Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh to buy locallymade liquor, but was arrested with a blister pack ofTramadol tablets. The suspect, who was driving aHummer, seemed scared and confused, then policenoticed the tablets next to him. When they asked himwhy he was in the area, he said he wanted to buyliquor. The suspect was sent to concerned authorities.

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: A Gulf national was killed instantly and four citi-zens were injured during a horrific car accident on SalmyRoad Friday night. Firemen freed the trapped people andhanded them over to paramedics, while the body of thedeceased was recovered by the coroner.

Bedoons detained Jahra security director referred three bedoons to narcot-

ic authorities to be later sent to other concerned authori-ties for cross-dressing. The three men were arrested withfour bottles of local liquor, a knife and an axe.

Horrific car accident

kills one, injures four

Newsi n b r i e f

Kuwait envoy meets Cuba’s deputy PM

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Cuba Bader Al-Awadhidiscussed with Cuba’s Deputy Prime Minister RicardoCabrisas the ways of promoting common cooperationbetween the two countries. The meeting tackled topicsrelated to enhancing Kuwait-Cuba cooperation in differentdomains, notably economic, health and developmentones, the Kuwait embassy in Cuba said in a statementreceived by KUNA yesterday. The two sides also focused onfollowing up the plans set for promoting cooperation rela-tions in various fields aiming at cementing further the dis-tinctive bilateral relations bonding the two countries, itnoted. Ambassador Al-Awadhi expressed his satisfactionwith the level of the Kuwait-Cuba cooperation relations,referring to the significant projects being carried by theKuwait Fund for Arab Economic and Development in Cuba.

Kuwait to overhaul emergency services

KUWAIT: In the framework of Ministry of Health’s efforts toset up a complete program to improve the emergencyservices, a Canadian delegation has recently visited severalKuwaiti institutions and listened to scores of proposalssubmitted by specialists in this regard. In a statement toKUNA, Ministry of Health’s Assistant Undersecretary forMedical Services Dr Jamal Al-Harbi said that this move aimsto reduce mortality rate among victims of accidentsnationwide. He noted the ministry will send a number ofKuwaiti medics to Canada and receive a number ofCanadian experts in Kuwait for training emergency teams,nurses and doctors on the best practices in the domain.

Kuwait’s investments in Sudan hit $9 billion

KHARTOUM: Kuwait’s total investments in Sudan, mainlyin industry, farming and services, are estimated at over $9billion, a Sudanese official said yesterday. Kuwait primarilyinvests in sugar and communication projects in Sudan,Secretary-General of the Sudanese Investment AuthorityAhmad Shawar said in a news statement. The joint Kuwaiti-Sudanese higher committee is set to convene on Mondayand Tuesday. Shawar said during the committee meetinghis country will seek to promote and develop Sudanese-Kuwaiti economic and investment partnership with a viewto creating a strategic partnership in the fields of foodsecurity, banks and services. Also during the meeting, anexecutive program is to be set for putting a mutual invest-ment promotion agreement in place, he added.

QPIC celebrates 10 years of partnership with KPC KUWAIT: Qurain Petrochemical IndustriesCompany (QPIC) celebrated onWednesday, 4 February 2015, ten years ofsuccessful par tnership with KuwaitPetroleum Corporation (KPC) - its sub-sidiaries and affiliates. The event was heldin Chairman’s Club in KipcoTower, andbrought together leading decision makersand executives in Kuwait’s oil, gas andpetrochemical sectors. The guest of honorwas HE Dr Ali Saleh Al-Omair, Kuwait’sMinister of Petroleum, State Minister ofNational Assembly Affairs, and KPCChairman.

At the commencement of the event,Sheikh Mubarak Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, QPIC Chairman, welcomed theguests and said: “It gives me great pleas-ure to welcome you all to celebrate oursuccessful partnership of ten years alongwith KPC, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Apartnership that started since the estab-lishment of QPIC in November of 2004 asan initiative by the Kuwaiti government toengage the private sector into petrochem-icals through KPC’s petrochemical arm,Petrochemical Industries company in thelargest Initial Public Offering the countryhad seen at that time, and through whichthe shareholding agreement was put inplace with EQUATE, The Kuwait OlefinsCompany and Kuwait Aromatics.

Today, ten years have passed, and weare proud to be here to celebrate ourachievements with you, with wishes ofanother decade and more of successfulpartnership.” On his part, Sadoun Ali, QPICVice Chairman and CEO, said: “QPIC con-

tinuously aspires to forge partnershipsthat enhance its presence in the petro-chemical sector and push forward thecountry’s economic development. A goodexample is the model of EQUATEPetrochemicals, and later, The Kuwait

Olefins Company - considered one of themost successful Public Private PartnershipKuwait has witnessed in the petrochemi-cal sector.” He added: “I would like toexpress our appreciation and gratitude forall the efforts to set the Paraxylene project

back on track, and we look forward to fur-ther positive steps to be taken throughoutthe current year, especially with recentmarket developments. I would also like towish you all many more years of success inwork and partnerships.”

US rate rise ‘good

news’ for Kuwait

KUWAIT: EQUATE PetrochemicalCompany’s Environment, Health & Safety(EH&S) Leader Mohammad Al-Shamary saidthe company continuously implements thehighest standards of EH&S throughout allpetrochemical plants being operated by it.Al-Shamary announced EQUATE’s partner-ship with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation(KPC) & Subsidiaries in sponsoring theKuwait International Health, Safety &Environment (KIHSE 2015) Conference &Exhibition during 16-18 February, entitled“We can make a difference to our world,”under the patronage of Minister of Oil andState Minister for National Assembly AffairsDr Ali Saleh Al-Omair.

EQUATE will participate in KIHSE 2015through its President & CEO MohammadHusain as a speaker during the openingceremony, Vice President OperationsRobert as a panelist, as well as a number ofEQUATE employees as presenters. Al-Shamary, who is also a member of KIHSE’ssteering committee, noted that EQUATEensures close coordination with relevantgovernmental, civic and private organiza-tions in EH&S fields through exchangingexpertise, mutual training courses, routinemeeting and forming joint teams to applyits tagline of “Partners in Success.”

Al-Shamary added that EQUATE annual-ly holds and organizes various trainingcourses for its employees, contractors andplant visitors; adding that such coursesinclude over 50 different programs withdirect relevance to overall awareness, basicknowledge and specialized practices in the

fields of EH&S. Al-Shamary said, “EQUATEimplements and adheres to all guidelines,standards and regulations relevant topetrochemical plants as set by theEnvironment Public Authority (EPA) andPublic Authority for Industry (PAI) inKuwait, as well as what is endorsed byinternational bodies, such as ResponsibleCare (RC), American Society of SafetyEngineers (ASSE) and others.

In all sectors, EQUATE ensures applyingall international standards in accordancewith the systems endorsed by our share-holders to sustain the company’s interna-tional status in every field.” Al-Shamarystressed, “EQUATE believes that realizingEH&S objectives should be based on clearand tangible foundations in terms of inte-gration with the company’s strategy as partof its systems and plans, which is embodiedby qualified employees who recognize thevalue of such standards and how to applythem realistically to guarantee the bestresults. Achieving safe work hours, prevent-ing incidents and performing all taskssmoothly are some of the results. In addi-tion, sustainable development, within aframework of innovation and growth, isnecessary.

EQUATE implements all practices andstandards with utmost strictness in align-ment with serious efforts to reward positiveresults and achievements, while rectifyingany shortcomings, as well as continuouslydeveloping the skills and competencies ofindividuals handling those fields. In addi-tion, all levels of leadership at EQUATE

always ensure being role models andexemplifying EH&S principles.”

Al-Shamary explained, “EQUATE EH&SDepartment handles supervising, execut-ing, organizing and implementing severalmeasures relevant to the health of employ-ees and their safety; drafting guidelinesand procedures; periodical medical examsfor employees; issuing permits and IDs.Other matters include developing profes-sional methods; keeping track of latest bestpractices; monitoring all emissions; coordi-nating with company departments and rel-evant government authorities; as well asthe security of all employees and contrac-tors at all EQUATE facilities.”

Al-Shamary said, “Throughout the years,EQUATE has introduced several initiativesrelating to EH&S, especially for our employ-ees and contractors. In addition, the com-pany has launched a number of campaigns,which targeted the company’s workforceand their families. For example, EQUATEorganized Safety at Every Home Campaign(Safe) in partnership with the Kuwait FireService Directorate (KFSD) to create aware-ness on how to handle fires, emergencieswithin and outside the household, theimportance of having a fire extinguisher,the role of smoke alarms, as well as safelyusing gas cylinders and other critical mat-ters.”

Al-Shamary noted, “Recently, for itsglobal achievements, EQUATE received thePresident ’s Award from the AmericanSociety of Safety Engineers (ASSE), as wellas BGreen’s Lifetime Achievement Award

for sustainability related achievements.” Al-Shamary added, “EQUATE launched theMiddle East’s First Plant Water RecycleProject and Kuwait’s First CO2 RecoveryProject. In addition, it established Kuwait’sFirst Seawater Cooling Towers and Kuwait’sFirst Industrial Fugitive EmissionsReduction Project.

Along those lines, EQUATE has executeda number of schemes to decrease energyconsumption, such as fuel, water and elec-tricity, as well as a number of alternativeenergy initiatives such as solar power.” Al-Shamary concluded, “EQUATE enjoysstrong ties with EPA and PAI in Kuwait, aswell as RC and ASSE globally. Also, there areother entities, such as PetrochemicalIndustries Company (PIC) and The DowChemical Company (Dow) with theirexpertise and proficiency in various fields.”

EQUATE to sponsor KIHSE

2015 with KPC & Subsidiaries

KUWAIT: Current robust rise of the US dollarvis-a-vis other major currencies is positivenews for the Kuwaiti economy which mainlydepends on trades in petroleum and oil deriv-atives, mostly done in the greenback. “Kuwaitis mainly an importing country, thus it is in itsinterest to make external trade transactions inexternal trade partners’ currencies, which haverelatively dropped against the American dol-lar,” Economics Professor at Kuwait UniversityDr Ahmad Najjar said. He cited as an exampleJapan and the EU states, Kuwait’s major exter-nal partners, currencies of which, the yen andthe euro, have dropped against the US dollar.

However, Dr Najjar noted that the curren-cies’ rates are not the sole factor that should betaken into consideration in this respect, notingthat Kuwait’s benefits turn limited if thesecountries suffer from soaring prices of com-modities and inflation. As to the United States,a robust dollar trims imports’ costs but increas-es those of its exported products, therefore, “itis necessary to determine the structural bal-ance of the American trade balance to specifyextent of benefits from the dollar status.” Healluded the US dollar bullish trend to relativerecovery of the US economy, in addition toadoption of tight-belt monetary policies thathave been recently adopted.

Regarding impact of the oil price on theKuwaiti imports, Dr Najjar indicated that thereshould be comparison between short andlong term transactions, alluding to the dealsstruck when the crude price was at $90-110per barrel. Elaborating, he advised that thereshould not be “phobia as a result of the oilprice fall, due to wise economic policiesmarked with long-term deals for securing oil atconsensual prices with the commercial part-ners.” Elaborating on the national policies, hepraised the Kuwaiti Government decision toraise deductions from the national income forthe next generations fund, from 10 to 25 per-cent, during the past two years when the oilprices were high.

Crude oil prices are forecast to reboundand rise again in the foreseeable future due toproduction high cost in other major oil-pro-

ducing regions, namely the North Sea and theUnited States. Asked about means to minimizebudget deficit, in case the oil prices main-tained the current low level, Dr Najjar opinedthat expenditure rationing constitutes one ofthe solutions in this regard. While acknowledg-ing that the concerned authorities might notbe able to trim civil services’ payments, he not-ed that the government could adopt a stricterpolicy concerning allowances.

He also mentioned alternatives to copewith the problem, such as seeking loans, issu-ing bonds and withdrawal from the next gen-erations’ fund. As to prospected taxes, he not-ed that “taxation will boost rationalization butwill not be an income source due to the limit-ed proportion of those to be taxed, as com-pared to the gross domestic product and limit-ed private sector.” Delving further into theissue, he asserted necessity of diversifyingincome resources; however such an approachmust not be restricted to the highly risky finan-cial investments. The US dollar has reachedKD0.295, the highest level since 11 years agoand price of the Kuwaiti oil has increased to$51.41 per barrel. — KUNA

Dr Ahmad Najjar, economicsprofessor at Kuwait University

MADRID: Undersecretary of the Ministryof State for Youth Affairs Sheikha Al-ZainAl-Sabah lauded yesterday Kuwait’s pio-neering experiment in the field of youth,citing the youth ministry as a paradigmin this regard. The fact that Kuwait is oneof the few countries that have a youthministry shows its interest in young peo-ple’s affairs and its trust in their capabili-ties, she told KUNA on the sidelines ofan annual entrepreneurs conferencehosted by Spain’s IE Business School.Kuwait’s participation in the conferenceis primarily intended to promote itsunique experiment in caring for youthand developing their capabilities andskills, she said. She added that she hadelaborated on the Kuwaiti government’sresponse to the needs, expectations andhopes of Kuwaiti young people, togeth-er with keenness on boosting their effi-ciency and sponsoring their projects.The Kuwaiti official noted that her min-istry was established mainly to fulfill theambitions of young people and to pro-vide them with integrated and high-quality services. The annual entrepre-neurs conference has attracted the rep-

resentatives of over 30 internationalcompanies, together with entrepreneur-ship experts and specialists.

Kuwait’s interest in

youth affairs hailed

Undersecretary of the Ministry ofState for Youth Affairs Sheikha

Al-Zain Al-Sabah

Kuwaiti Ambassador to Cuba Bader Al-Awadhimeets with Cuba’s Deputy Prime Minister RicardoCabrisas.— KUNA

IRBID: Volunteers of the Kuwait RedCrescent Society (KRCS) distributed aidto about 600 Syrian families who are liv-ing in the Jordanian northern gover-norate of Irbid. In a statement to KUNA,the KRCS’s Director General AbdulRahman Al- Oun said that the aid deliv-ered included clothes, blankets andfoodstuff from which about 4,000 peoplebenefited. This aid is part of the KRCS’scampaign tasked with handing out aid of80 tons to the Syrian refugees living in

some Jordanian areas. He underlined theimportance of the campaign that meetsthe directions of His Highness the AmirSheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah that aimed at supporting Syrianssince the outbreak of the crisis. Al-Ounalso underscored the significance of theKuwaiti aid dedicated to the displacedSyrians in order to alleviate their suffer-ings. He expressed his gratitude to theJordanian Red Crescent Society for itshelping role. — KUNA

KRCS hands out aid to

Syria refugees in Irbid

L O C A LSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

KUWAIT: The National Guard participated in the 4th conference of Distinguished Practices in Strategic Planning, under the title: ‘The Applied Role of Islamic, government and development establishments’. The conference was heldunder the patronage of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah from Feb 2 to Feb 4.

MUNICH: Kuwait ’s First Deputy Prime Minister andForeign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah held talks here with Norwegian counterpartBorge Brende. The talks, held on sidelines of the MunichSecurity Conference (MSC), tackled bilateral relationsand issues of common concern. During the meeting,Sheikh Sabah Khaled lauded the constructive roleplayed by the Norwegian government to help jumpstartthe currently-stalled Middle East peace process as wellas its efforts to ensure the success of the Gaza rebuild-ing conference, recently held in Cairo. The meeting wasattended by Ambassador Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser

Mohammad Al-Sabah, Director of Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled’s office, and Kuwait’s Ambassador to GermanyMunther Al-Essa.

FM meets UN Envoy Also, Sheikh Sabah Khaled met with the United Nations

Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura. During the meet-ing, held on the sidelines of the Munich SecurityConference (MSC), the UN official applauded Kuwait’sacceptance of the UN invitation to host the third interna-tional aid pledging conference for Syria. The meeting wasalso attended by Ambassador Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser

Mohammad Al-Sabah, Director of Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled’s office, and Kuwait’s Ambassador to GermanyMunther Al-Essa.

FM with Georgian FMIn another development, Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime

Minister also held talks with Egyptian Foreign MinisterSameh Shoukry, Romanian and Georgian counterpartTamar Beruchashvili. The talks tackled means to strengthenbilateral relations in different domains. It also touchedupon the latest regional and international developmentsof common concern. — Agencies

KUWAIT: The third Arab Blind Forum kicked off yesterdaywith a large Arab participation. The forum sheds light ontheir problems and ways of solving them, Chairman ofKuwait Association of the Blind (KAB) Fayez Al-Azmi said yes-terday at the forum’s inaugural speech. The forum coincideswith the country’s national celebrations and affirms thegreat status that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah enjoys due to his care for peoplewith disabilities, including the blind, Al-Azmi said.

Due to such care and humanitarian efforts, the Amir washonored by the United Nations which proclaimed him a

“Humanitarian Leader”, he added. Since the KAB’s establish-ment in 1972, it has been working on integrating blind peo-ple into the Kuwaiti society and easing difficulties they arefacing, he noted. The association took part in all eventsorganized either inside or outside Kuwait in order toimprove the services offered to blind people and to helpthem cope with technological revolution the world is wit-nessing, he said.

The forum, which runs until February 12, is an oppor-tunity to tackle challenges facing blind people in Kuwaitand in all Arab countries, he pointed out. The event

focuses on upgrading and improving technological,financial and cultural levels of the blind, he said, notingthis move has a positive impact on their creative capabil-ities. On his part, president of the Arab association of theblind Ahmad Allouzi voiced his gratitude to the Kuwaitigovernment and people for their support to blind peo-ple in the Arab region. The event, he said, focuses onfinding solutions to meet the aspirations and hopes ofthe blind people in Arab countries. A documentary wasdisplayed during the event on the KAB’s achievementsmade for Kuwait’s blind. — KUNA

Kuwait FM discusses bilateral

ties with Norway counterpart

Skating rink opens

for business: TEC

MUNICH: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh SabahKhaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah held talks with Georgian counterpart TamarBeruchashvili.

MUNICH: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh SabahKhaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meets with Egyptian counterpart . — KUNA photos

Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and ForeignMinister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah heldtalks with Austrian counterpart Sebastian Kurz.

Arab Blind Forum kicks off in Kuwait

KUWAIT: Head of Public Relations and InformationDepartment at Kuwait Touristic Enterprises Company SaqerAl-Bader said that ice was restored in the main skating rink,and all maintenance have been completed as HalaFebruary activities begins. Al-Bader said, as the rink is oper-

ational with programs andactivities once again. He saidthat no change was made onthe rinks operation system. Al-Bader added that the rink isopen from 8:30 am until 10:00pm daily - over seven periodseach day. Training fees (fromthree years old) start fromKD10 per month - coveringfour 1.5 hours lessons each bya specialized trainer. Entry tick-ets cost KD1.5 per person andskating shoes will be providedwhile monthly subscription isKD40 per individual.

Saqer Al-Bader

LO C A LSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

VIENNA: The Kuwaiti embassy in Hungary has inaugurated an art fairin Budapest to mark the 50th anniversary of forging diplomatic rela-tions between Kuwait and Hungary. The inaugural ceremony wasattended by Kuwaiti Ambassador in Budapest Hamad Borhamah, and anumber of Hungarian officials, mainly the minister of culture, anddiplomats. The Kuwaiti art fair embraces five key stalls, including onefor His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’shumanitarian activities.

The two-day fair was held at a famous arts museum in centralBudapest, with 110 portrait paintings and photo posters being put ondisplay. The other stalls are allocated for Kuwait’s sea environment, his-torical monuments, folk games and modern image. Addressing theceremony, the Kuwaiti ambassador stressed the significance of thisevent as Kuwait was the first Gulf country to have forged diplomaticrelations with Hungary 50 years back. He voiced happiness at the factthat the art fair coincides with Kuwait’s festivals marking the UN hon-oring of His Highness the Amir as a “Humanitarian Leader” and Kuwaitas a “Humanitarian Center”, together with National Day and LiberationDay celebrations. — KUNA

Visa fees up again

The Ministry of Social Affairs is consid-ering increasing all fees related toissuance of work permits, visa renew-

al and visa transfers for expatriates.Formalities are been finalized with theFatwa and Legislation Department, and thedecision can be implemented without priorapproval by the National Assembly. Thedaily census by PACI authorities confirmedthe total population in Kuwait yesterdaywas 4,132,195, of whom a 1,278,963 are cit-izens and 2,853,232 are expatriates.

It is clear that Kuwait suffers from adefect in its demographic structure, wherethe number of expats exceeds the numberof citizens. This increase often means alarge presence of marginal workers thatdoes not benefit the country’s economy.We in Kuwait have a large number of maidsand house workers in general that we don’tactually need. It will never be possible to letgo of professional expats such as engi-neers, teachers and doctors, but the prob-lem is with those who are non-profession-als.

Indeed, it is the right of any state todetermine the appropriate laws and regula-tions for foreign workers, but at the same

time, it must develop a clear-cut employ-ment policy on the numbers of workersand experiences required. It is the obliga-tion of every government to ensure thatthere is no imbalance in the demographicsof the country, which affects the servicesprovided to residents, whether they are cit-izens or expats.

We are a small country in need of for-eign workers, but we must ensure there isno prejudice against expats, bearing inmind the high cost of living in Kuwait now.We must consider the fact that a potentialincrease in transaction fees for expats maybe a trivial matter for us, but not for manyof them, especially for families with chil-dren.

Oil prices now are unstable, and thegovernment is trying to figure out solu-tions to overcome the possible deficit.Dealing with the financial situation shouldnot necessarily be at the expense of for-eigners, but through long-term nationalpolicies based on the diversification ofincome sources and refurbishment andlooking at the causes of financial waste,either by the government or lack of aware-ness by individuals.

Kuwait Embassy in Hungary

inaugurates 2-day art fair

KUWAIT: The Pearl Hall at Safir International Hotel hosted thebiggest and most prestigious cat contest in the Middle East thatsaw the participation of 125 cats. The event was organized by theKuwait Cats Club in cooperation with the American Cat LoversSociety. An official at Kuwait Cats Club said the event is enjoyingsuccess for the fourth consecutive year and receives wide interestfrom several establishments, apart from those who are into thishobby, bearing in mind that this is the largest contest of its kind inthe Middle East held in cooperation with the most prestigious inter-national society established in 1906. He said the event attracted125 purebred cats registered and authenticated by the Americansociety. There were 10 sponsors this year, in addition to the partici-pation of the Kuwait’s Children Joy voluntary team led by Talal Al-Assi and supervised by Mariam Al-Khamis. Medical supervision wasby vet Obaid Al-Azmi. —Agencies

Biggest cat contest

KUWA IT: Kuwaiti Ambassador toVenezuela Mohammad Al-Shabo took partin a meeting to establish an OPECAmbassadors Group held in the BolivarianRepublic of Venezuela on February 5th.The OPEC Ambassadors Group will bemeeting on a regular basis to coordinateefforts within the framework of OPEC and

other matters concerning oil production.The meeting was headed by VenezuelanForeign Minister Delcy Rodriguez andMinister of Petroleum and Mining AsdrubalChavez and attended by diplomats fromthe Qatari, Saudi, Iraqi, Angolan, Nigerian,Ecuadorian, Iranian, Algerian, and Kuwaitiembassies. —KUNA

OPEC Ambassadors group

Conference to update doctors

KUWAIT: The annual diabetes conferencefocuses on updating and training doctors onthe latest treatment methods of diseases, saida physician yesterday. Head of the diabetescommittee at Al-Farwaniya medical district DrAbeer Al-Fadhel said during the opening ofthe conference that the annual conferencewill introduce the latest methods of treat-ment and global medical techniques related

to diabetes, adding that various seminars andworkshops would be held on the sidelines ofthe event to highlight such methods. SinceKuwait is placed second in the global chartsof most states affected by diabetes, it isimportant to continue spreading awarenessover the disease, said Al-Fadhel, adding thatthe conference was a vital part of the fightagainst diabetes. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The registration for National Bank ofKuwait’s (NBK) 21st Annual Walkathon startedyesterday at the registration location next tothe Scientific Center daily from 9:00 am to1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm andonline through www.nbkwalkathon.com.Titled “Let’s Walk Together”, the Walkathon willtake place on the 7th of March 2015. NBK willbe giving away three Renault 2015 cars asgrand prizes from Al Babtain Group duringthe Walkathon along with many other valu-

able prizes. Abdul Mohsen Al Rushaid, NBKPublic Relations Manager said “the participa-tion in NBK’s Walkathon is increasing yearafter year, and weare extremelythrilled to take ourinvolvement withthis exciting eventto a new level.”

“Our commit-ment towardsbeing connectedwith the commu-nity is the reasonwhy we feel it isimpor tant for usto maintain theWalkathon annu-ally.” Al Rushaid added. This year, NBK’sWalkathon is marked by a variety of fun,entertainment filled and health aware-ness-raising activities.

NBK strongly suppor ts spor t ingevents and encourages various sportingactivities as means to promote a healthi-er and more active lifestyle for membersof the community. Throughout the years,NBK also organizes several social aware-ness programs including Educational,Environmental, Health and many otheractive initiatives.

L O C A LSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

NBK’s Walkathon

registration starts

Abdul Mohsen Al Rushaid

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Ambassador to MexicoSameeh Johar Hayat and Governor of theState of Mexico Eurviel Avila Villegas held ameeting yesterday, discussing means tobolster bilateral relations. A statement bythe Kuwaiti Embassy in Mexico said thatVillegas took the chance to congratulateKuwait’s Amir His Highness Sheikh SabahAl-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on being cho-sen by the UN as a humanitarian leader,

adding that choosing Kuwait as a humani-tarian center was also a befitting gesture.On relations, Villegas called for bolsteringties within all possible domains especiallywithin the commercial and economicspheres. Hayat, on his part, affirmed thatthe state of Kuwait welcomed cooperationwith Mexico, noting that the two nationswere eager to addressing all issues for thesake of bolstering bilateral ties. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti horses’ breeders grabbed bulk of medalsat the open breeds competition of the Fourth InternationalArabian Horse Festival that was concluded late on Friday. Upto 560 Arabian horses took part in the competition lastnight, held at Kuwait Equestrian and Hunting Club, underpatronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-AhmadAl-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The mare, “NA Najwa,” of Al-Mutairat won the gold medalin the year age category, ahead of “Najd Al-Bairaq” of Al-Faisal breeders, followed “Amani A-Makinan.” In the foals’contest, Kuwait’s “Taj Al-Fayad” won the gold medal, fol-lowed by “SJ Moon,” and then CAME “Ezz Nader Al-Sayed.”The female foal, “Di Nashwa, “ won the gold for the 2-3 yearcategory, followed by “Zenata,” while third was “Al-Ilyata”.Saudi contestants won the gold in the colts’ category, withthe horse “Munawaer Athba” coming first, ahead of “RasingCS.” Third was “Bala Blue Jamal.”

In the female horses’ category, “Alya EA,” was crowned thenumber-one beautiful horse, followed by “Camillia Al-Badayer,” and third came “Special Alba.” The Kuwaiti breeder,Ali Al-Wawan, said in a statement he was proud of grabbingmajority of the medals, adding that he along with the otherfellow national breeders “have become the hard number” atthe international horses’ beauty competitions, partly due tolocal breeding of horses. The tournament was held undersupervision of the World Arabian Horse Organization(WAHO). Referees are certified by the European Conferenceof Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO). The tournament fol-lows rules and regulations of the European body. —KUNA

Kuwait envoy and Mexico’s

state governor discuss ties

Kuwaiti horse breeders grab

bulk of medals at Int’l festival

KUWAIT: Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah pictured during the Kuwait’s Fourth International Arabian HorseFestival. —KUNA

College of Architecture

addresses architectural

problems in KuwaitKUWAIT: Dean of the College of Architecture at theUniversity of Kuwait, Dr Omar Khattab hasannounced the college’s contribution in a study toaddress architectural problems in the country in col-laboration with the Municipal Council. Khattab said ina press statement yesterday that the college and theMunicipal Council have agreed on the need for amechanism for cooperation between them to achievethe desired goal in the field of engineering and archi-tectural consulting through the use of works made bythe college’s architects, in addition to projects anddesigns made by students.

He added that the college has a plan for the devel-opment of Master’s program to comprise a new spe-cialization in “urban design”. He pointed out that ameeting was held in this regard between the collegeand the Municipal Council represented by member ofthe Municipal Council and Chairman of the capitalcommittee, Dr Hassan Kamal, member of theMunicipal Council and Chairman of the Committee onEnvironment Attorney Abdullah Al-Kandari in the pres-ence of Assistant Dean of the College for AcademicAffairs Dr Adel Al-Mo’amen and architect Fareed Abdal.Khattab extended thanks and appreciation to theMunicipal Council for this cooperation. —KUNA

F r om A r a bic pr e s sSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Al-Rai newspaper published an item on itsFront Page on Feb 2 about farmers of Zubairin Iraq holding a sit-in in front of the Safwan

border post, objecting allowing Kuwaiti fruits andvegetables, which are cheaper than their productsinto Iraq, which causes them losses. A securitysource at Abdaly border post said that 550 trucksenter Iraq from Kuwait daily, carrying Kuwaiti or Gulffruits and vegetables.

What does such news means for Kuwait and Gulfcountries? This simply means that the bounty ofsecurity and stability we enjoy in this small countrymade us export vegetables to a country like Iraqwhich has fertile lands, the Euphrates and Tigrisrivers, and move seasonal rains than Kuwait and itsdesert. Kuwait, a small country with a small popula-tion, pays attention to farming in the desert wheresummer temperatures reach 45-50 degrees Celsius,along with poor water and labor resources. But thehuman will, stability and continued governmentsupport made Kuwait export vegetables to Iraq. Wewere spending our summer vacations in the ‘50s inIraq’s Basra to enjoy the nature and abundance offresh water, vegetables and fruits, while Basra peo-ple used to welcome their Kuwaiti neighbors.

Iraq, following the 1958 coup and the fall of themonarchy, did not enjoy security or stability as thetyrannical military regimes during the reigns ofQassem and Saddam exhausted its resources. Iraqwas liberated from dictatorship in 2003 by theAmerican administration, but it did not put forth avision about Iraq after Saddam and handed authori-ty to sectarian and corrupt politicians, who madeIraq 10 years after the fall of Saddam a country dom-inated by civil wars between Sunni and Shiites, acorrupt parliament and a political leadership of par-ties that trade in religion and sectarianism withstrong support from Iran.

We return to banning Kuwait vegetables fromentering Iraq, because they are cheaper. This issomething good and healthy for the Iraqi farmer,because it allows him to compete with others inKuwait and the Gulf in supplying vegetables andfruits for lesser prices to the Iraqi consumer, but poli-tics and interference of politicians in Iraq or maybeIran, do not want to expand relations between Iraqisand their brothers in Kuwait and the Gulf for politi-cal considerations, which is keeping Iraq away fromArab surroundings. Kuwait’s ambassador to Iraq isrequired to ease all obstacles in the way of the flowof products between the two brotherly countries, asfree trade is what will reduce prices, which will be inthe interest of Kuwait and Iraq people.

Kuwait exporting fruits and vegetables to Iraq?

Al-Watan

By Dr Shamlan Y Al-Essa

Mr Ahmad Al-Saadoun is reviewing hisstands and is examining those around him- both proponents and opponents - and

he is making judgments on political parties andgroups out of his dealing with them and throughhis personal observations. All this is happeningafter increasing differences between Saadoun andhis followers and allies, be them the majority groupor Hashd. It is not clear so far whether these reviewsand evaluations are the reason for the differencesor a result of it. Yet, it remains as we understand it anecessity, a fact and a stand that was supposed tobe taken place a long time ago. Saadoun’s groupand his supporters are destroying the politicalprocess and the history of its men under falsenational claims and empty slogans to protect publicfunds and confront the corrupt.

Saadoun said it more than once that corruptionis what he claims to confront, and that large parts ofthe opposition are more corrupt that those theyconfront. In his latest comments in this regard a fewdays ago, he said that there is no difference whatso-ever between many opposition members and thegovernment. All, in the view of Mr Saadoun, violatethe constitution and have their hands smeared withprofiteering and corruption.

What Saadoun is doing as the leader of Hashd isnecessary and a calculated step in view of the con-fusion and lies that went beyond the limit. ButSaadoun, with regret, is doing this on a personalbasis in a personal and limited field. Though wetrust and respect Mr Saadoun’s stature, a mattersuch as this should not be taken by an individualand should not be limited to seminars anddiwaniyas.

We all know that the person who gave the tribal-religious movement patriotism and popularity is MrSaadoun in particular. Some national personalitiescontributed to this in the beginning, but they cameback and declared their boycott of the gatheringsand activities of the tribal-religious movement.

Since the launch of the so called Hirak move-ment, we announced that it is a religious-tribalmovement without aim or a certain vision, and doesnot have credibility or even fixed goals. Today,Saadoun is declaring this openly, but too late. This isnot so important - what is important is that givingsupport, legitimacy and patriotism to the move-ment was done publicly and clearly. Criticism of MrAhmad Al-Saadoun and his condemnation of thegathering is done silently and shyly and not in theopen. A deliberate manner is required and sup-posed to be.

Al-Saadoun reviewing his stands

Al-Qabas

By Abdellatif Al-Duaij

Maintaining security is a basic state func-tion. States will no longer exist unlessthey achieve domestic and foreign securi-

ty to maintain political and social stability.However, security is a tool with limitations definedby law that should not be violated. Otherwise, itwill turn into one used to oppress liberties and vio-late human rights, which will then undermine thestate’s functions and have reversed results withregard to sociopolitical stability needed to achievedevelopment and progress.

At the same time, those who believe that securi-ty and liberties contradict cannot be more wrong.On the contrary, the more liberty people enjoy, themore they feel secure and reassured about theirlives and future, and thus only resort to peacefulmethods to sound objections or dissatisfactionwith government decisions. On the other hand,oppression and suppression of liberties never stophumans from thinking nor do they alleviate theirdiscontent and rejection to public policies. Theymost often lead to more extremism, violence orrevenge.

The history of mankind has proved that therewould be no real security in view of oppressionand violating human rights. Oppressive and tyran-nical totalitarian regimes that monopolize nationalfortunes and violate human rights and liberties arein fact very fragile from within no matter howstrong they may appear, because they actually lackreal public support. Therefore, they soon collapsewith any ‘public quake’ or revolt after long periodsof corruption and destruction to state pillars likewhat we have seen in recent years in Libya, Yemenand Iraq, for instance.

Unfortunately, GCC security fears in recentyears, namely after the so-called Arab Spring revo-lutions, have dominated all due political solutionsdemanded to solve domestic demonstrationsresulting from socioeconomic and political prob-lems that had been ignored for long years and sud-denly came to surface once substantial circum-stances were suitable enough.

As we have said so many times, having a strictersecurity grip and violating liberties like freedom ofspeech and expression will never eliminate extrem-ism and profligacy. The opposite is absolutely truebecause oppressing liberties, critical thinking andviolating rights would only increase public rageand anger and create a perfect environment forextremism, extravagance and social hatred, andconsequently, sociopolitical instability!

Security, liberty no contradiction

Al-Jarida

By Dr Bader Al-Daihani

All forms of terrorism are absolutely rejected nomatter what justifications are made. Terrorizingand horrifying secure and innocent people, and

maybe killing them, is totally unacceptable, regardless ofits motives and doers, be them groups, organizations orstates. This introduction is important to prevent somepeople from believing that criticizing terrorism fightingsystems and methods means supporting terrorism andterrorists.

Well, if this is the situation, and it is, then security bod-ies’ responsibility to protect people from terrorism andterrorists becomes inevitable and imperative providedcombating terrorism does not turn from a legitimateaction into one that violates innocent and peaceful peo-ple’s rights and deviate from focusing on real criminals tofocus on opposition members who peacefully expresstheir views and opinions. Ever since the 9/11 attacks inthe US, countries have created new formations to fightso-called terrorism both locally and internationally, and itis obvious that such endeavors have so far not provedsuccessful. Terrorism is increasing and its victims areeverywhere, mainly comprising of innocent people.

Modern history has never witnessed the formation of

an international body to fight terrorism the way it doestoday. The UN alone has over 7 bodies working in thisarea, mostly incompetently and with endless generaliza-tions. Parallel to this, there are dozens of other interna-tional bodies and organizations operating with varyingdegrees of efficiency and competence. There are morethan 13 agreements or protocols directly or indirectlyrelated to combating terrorism, an endless number ofregional treaties and over 230 comprehensively and par-tially specialized research centers studying terrorism.

Naturally enough, results have so far been disappoint-ing in view of the momentum to fight terrorism. The rea-son might be attributed to the fact that those who claimto be fighting terrorism do, directly or indirectly, practiceit themselves. On one hand, they are only interested infighting terrorism directed to them while they do notmind that directed to others and find no harm in revivingand supporting it. On the other hand those fighting ter-rorism do not mind violating innocent people’s dignityand deem that as a price worth to be paid, and therefore,fighting terrorism will only remain nominal slogans forthe sake of which many scapegoats are sacrificed hereand there.

Undelivered messagesAl-Jarida

By Prof Ghanim Al-Najjar

Al-Jarida

Yemen

CrimeR e p o r t

Kuwaiti man duped by Afghani, Bangladeshis

KUWAIT: A citizen complained to Adan policestation that he was conned by an Afghannational and two Bangladeshis, when theyagreed to haul his home furniture. He said thethree men removed the furniture from the oldhouse but did not deliver it to the new house.He attempted to call them several times butthey did not answer so he decided to complainto police.

‘Breach of trust’

An Egyptian man complained againstthree of his compatriots for breach oftrust, as he agreed with them to deliverproducts to Egypt through an office. Hesaid he gave them the products in monthof June and July 2014, and some of thegoods were delivered damaged and oth-ers were not. The accused are being sum-moned for questioning.

Two Egyptian suspects arrested, drug seized

Jahra police arrested a youth with drugsand paraphernalia. The arrest was madeduring a campaign. The suspect was sentto narcotics authorities. Meanwhile Jahradetectives arrested two Egyptians sellingTramadol tablets. The arrest was madeduring an exchange with an undercoversource in Salmiya area.

Kuwaiti swindled by Indian, loses KD550

An Indian expat tricked a citizen, after agreeingto bring a domestic helper for KD550. The citi-zen who complained at Mubarak Al-Kabeerpolice station said the Indian took the moneyin June, but kept avoiding him and giving himsilly excuses. Meanwhile, a citizen told Fahaeelpolice station that a domestic help officerreceived KD1000 from him to bring a helper,but the office did not complete the transac-tions. Police are investigating.

MUNICH: German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterdaypushed a new peace bid to end the Ukraine conflict, warn-ing that sending weapons to government forces fightingpro-Russian rebels would not stop the bloodshed.

Fresh from overnight talks in Moscow with FrenchPresident Francois Hollande to thrash out a new peaceplan, Merkel said success was far from assured but it wasessential to try. “It is uncertain whether it will lead to suc-cess but from my point of view and that of the French pres-ident it is definitely worth trying,” she told the MunichSecurity Conference (MSC).

“I believe we owe that much to those who are affectedin Ukraine.” Europe had had enough of war, the chancellorsaid, blaming Russia for breaching the international normswhich had preserved peace in Europe for so many years.

Hollande for his part said that the Franco-German planwas “one of the last chances” to stop the 10-month-oldconflict that has claimed some 5,400 lives.

“If we fail to find a lasting peace agreement, we knowthe scenario perfectly well-it has a name, it is called war,” hesaid. Time is pressing to find a solution to the crisis before itturns into a major East-West confrontation, as recent gainsby the Russian-backed and increasingly well-armed rebelsdrive calls for the West to supply weapons to Kiev.

Supporters in Washington argue Western sanctionshave failed to get Russia to reverse course in a conflict, sothe time has come to take the gloves off.

But Merkel rejected that idea outright as dangerouslyunrealistic and unlikely to impress Putin. “I can’t conceive ofa situation where better armaments for the Ukrainian armyso impress President Putin that he believes he will militarilylose. I have to be that blunt,” she said.

“I am of the firm conviction that there is no militarysolution to the conflict.” Merkel was due later yesterday to

meet US Secretary of State John Kerry, his Russian counter-part Sergei Lavrov, Ukraine President Petro Poroshenkoand US Vice-President Joe Biden.

The meetings on the sidelines of the Munich SecurityConference will focus on a new blueprint agreed inovernight talks in Moscow between President VladimirPutin, Merkel and Hollande.

Reviving Minsk peace accords No details were released of the Moscow talks Friday but

the new plan is likely to be based on the failed SeptemberMinsk ceasefire and peace accords which the West saysMoscow never lived up to despite signing them.

“Work is under way to prepare the text of a possiblejoint document to implement the Minsk agreements,”Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, describing theMoscow talks as “substantial and constructive.”

Putin, Merkel and Hollande were to discuss the planagain with Poroshenko by telephone today. On Friday inBrussels, Biden said Ukraine was battling for its very sur-vival and had to be supported. “Russia cannot be allowedto redraw the map of Europe,” he warned.

Fresh attacks reported The West and Kiev accuse Russia of sending troops and

sophisticated weapons across the border to help the rebelsbut Moscow rejects the charge and says it is not a party tothe conflict. Fighting across the conflict zone in eastUkraine claimed the lives of five civilians in the past 24hours, government and rebel officials said Friday.

After a limited truce to allow civilians to escape thefighting offered some hope on Friday, the Ukraine govern-ment said missiles hit the embattled town of Debaltseveyesterday. — AFP

Exit pollsforecast Modi party defeatin election

Page 11

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Merkel leads last chance Ukraine peace drive

MUNICH: From left: Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US VicePresident Joe Biden pose for the media prior to a meeting during the 51 Munich Security Conference in Munich,Germany, yesterday. The conference on security policy takes place from Feb 6 until Feb 8, 2015. — AP

ANKARA: This file picture taken on December 19, 2014shows the head of Turkey’s intelligence agency HakanFidan (C) standing in Ankara. The powerful head ofTurkey’s intelligence agency, one of the most loyalallies of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has resignedto stand for election as a lawmaker, the official Anatolianews agency said yesterday. — AFP

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s powerful intelligence chief, one of themost steadfast allies of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, hasresigned to stand for election as a lawmaker in upcomingelections, the official Anatolia news agency said yesterday.

The resignation of Hakan Fidan, who has headed theNational Intelligence Agency (MIT) since 2010, could herald amajor reshuffle of the Turkish government after June 7 leg-islative elections.

Turkey’s press have in recent days speculated feverishlythat Fidan’s standing as an MP would set him up to becomethe new foreign minister, a move that would give a higherprofile to Turkish diplomacy.

His resignation has been accepted by Prime MinisterAhmet Davutoglu and will take effect on Tuesday, Anatoliaadded.

The move came after Fidan, believed to be in his late 40sand formerly and advisor to Erdogan, held several hours ofclosed door meetings with Erdogan and Davutoglu in Ankaralast week.

Up until the election, Fidan will work as an advisor toDavutoglu, the Radikal online daily said.

Marc Pierini, visiting scholar at the Carnegie Centre, saidFidan could boast links with the president, a powerful past ashead of MIT and also sheer name recognition.

“Hakan Fidan, if elected, will rank among the very topnames of the ruling party in the new legislature and will bepart of the closest circle of power,” he told AFP.

‘Bold and brave’ Davutoglu had in a television interview last week lavished

praise on Fidan, describing him as “brave and bold and notgoing back once a step is taken.”

Seen only occasionally in public and rarely making publiccomments, Fidan has emerged as one of the most powerfulmen in Turkey under Erdogan.

As head of the MIT, he has led negotiations with Kurdishmilitants for an end to a decades-long insurgency and hasbeen a key player in Turkey’s policy on the Syria crisis.

He was also instrumental in controversial talks thatsecured the release in September of almost 50 Turkish diplo-mats, staff and their families who were kidnapped by IslamicState (IS) jihadists at the Turkish consulate in Mosul in Iraq.

They were reportedly released in exchange for jihadistprisoners but the details have remained unclear due to amedia blackout typical of Fidan’s behaviour.

A Turkish prosecutor sought to summon him in February2012 for holding secret talks with Kurdish militants in Oslo, anepisode that started Erdogan’s long running battle with US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen.

‘MIT superman’ Under Turkish law, state officials wishing to stand in the

elections must resign their posts by February 10. The elec-tion is seen as a critical moment in Turkish modern politicalhistory, with Erdogan seeking a crushing majority for the rul-ing Justice and Development Party (AKP) that he co-founded.

This would allow the AKP to change the constitution togive Erdogan, who became president in August after over adecade as premier, sweeping new powers as head of state.

Erdogan said on Friday that he wanted 400 supportivelawmakers in the 550-MP parliament to create the “newTurkey” that he plans. — AFP

Erdogan’s loyal

spy chief quits

to enter politics

I N T E R N AT I O N A LSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

ALGIERS: Novelist Assia Djebar, anardent defender of women’s rights in hernative Algeria, has died aged 78, stateradio said yesterday.

The French-language author andfilm-maker, who was seen as a con-tender for the Nobel literature prize inrecent years, died on Friday in a hospitalin Paris.

She will be buried in her native homeof Cherchell, a Berber coastal town westof Algiers, the radio said. FrenchPresident Francois Hollande paid tributeto Djebar, describing her as a “woman of

convictions”, a statement from theElysee palace said.

Djebar, whose real name was FatimaZohra Imalyene, was elected in 2005 tothe Academie Francaise, becoming thefirst figure from the Maghreb to enterFrance’s top literary institution.

She wrote more than 15 novels inFrench as well as poetry and short sto-ries, receiving widespread acclaim forher treatment of Muslim women andtheir struggle for emancipation.

Her books have been translated into23 languages, including English, and she

divided her time between Paris and theUnited States where she taught gradu-ate studies at New York University.

She moved to France to study at theage of 18 and became the first Muslimwoman to be admitted to the country’stop literary university, the Ecole NormaleSuperieure.

Djebar rose to fame after publishingher first book in 1957. The novel, “LaSoif”-literally “the thirst” but translatedinto English as “The Mischief”-was com-pared favourably to its best-selling con-temporary, Francoise Sagan’s “Bonjour

Tristesse”.It was published under her real name

before she adopted Assia (consolation inArabic) Djebar (intransigence) as herpen name.

La Soif’s protagonist Nadia is a west-ernised French-Algerian girl who lives acarefree life, and tries to seduce herfriend’s husband in order to make herown boyfriend jealous.

The book was condemned in Algeriafor ignoring the politics of the day.Djebar, who also taught history and cin-ematography at the university of Algiers,

was also an award winning film-maker.In 1979 she won the International

Critics’ Prize at the Venice Biennale forher first film, “La Nouba des femmes dumont Chenoua”, ( The Song of theWomen of Mount Chenoua) about afemale engineer who returns to Algeriaafter many years in Western exile.

Her documentary film chronicling lifein North Africa during the first half of the20th century, “La Zerda ou les chants del’oubli”, (Zerda or the Forgotten Songs)won the special prize for the best histori-cal film of the Berlinale in 1982. —AFP

Algerian novelist Assia Djebar dead at 78

WASHINGTON: In this March 23, 2010 file photo, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, flanked by then-House Minority LeaderJohn Boehner of Ohio and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., speaks to the media on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Israeli prime minis-ter’s upcoming speech to Congress without President Barack Obama’s blessing has angered Democratic lawmakers. — AP

WASHINGTON: The Israeli prime minister’s upcom-ing speech to Congress without President BarackObama’s blessing has angered Democratic lawmak-ers, but they see little remedy except to hope forminimal damage to their party and US-Israel rela-tions. Democrats simmered in frustration as theyfaced a thankless choice between defending theirpresident and defending a country they consider avital ally.

Some gleeful Republicans predicted Democrats’complaints about Benjamin Netanyahu’s March 3speech will drive Jewish voters to the GOP.

Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., a member of the HouseArmed Services Committee, said Democrats aremaking a “catastrophic mistake” by protestingNetanyahu’s plans. “Traditionally, supporters ofIsrael have been really evenhanded in supportingcandidates of both parties,” Wilson said, but now“Democrats are slapping the friends of Israel in theface.” Democrats reject such talk, sayingRepublicans repeatedly have overstated theirappeal to Jewish voters. Obama got 78 percent ofthe Jewish vote in 2008, and 69 percent in 2012,according to exit polls. Congressional Democratswon two-thirds of Jewish votes in last fall’s elec-tions, an especially bad year for their party.

Republicans want to portray Democrats as lesssupportive of Israel, “but no matter how much theytry, they can’t move Jewish voters on this issue,”said Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of the liberal pro -Israel group J Street.

House Democrats say Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, showed disrespect to the president - and per-haps cynical political goals - when he invitedNetanyahu. Presidents can’t veto congressionalspeakers, but they usually are consulted.

Many Democrats object for three reasons. Theinvitation rebukes Obama. The speech, scheduledthree weeks before Israel’s elections, might bedesigned to boost Netanyahu’s re-election hopes.And Netanyahu is certain to back new penaltiesagainst Iran that the Obama administration andWestern powers argue could scuttle sensitive

negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.The speech is set for three weeks before the

deadline for the US and its international partners toreach a framework agreement with Iran that couldprovide an outline for a more comprehensive dealto be finalized by late June.

Netanyahu says an accord could make it easierfor Iran eventually to develop nuclear weapons.Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful pur-poses only. Obama says he will reject any deal thatdoesn’t safeguard Israel and other countries.

Tough sanctionsStill, some Democrats favor tougher sanctions.

But they weren’t pleased by Netanyahu’s accept-ance of Boehner’s invitation. Soon after the speak-er’s announcement, several Democratic senatorspostponed their sanctions push, giving Obama andthe negotiators more time.

Obama’s chief concern about the break in pro-tocol, his spokesman Josh Earnest said, “is to ensurethat the strong relationship between the UnitedStates and Israel is protected from partisan politics.”In the House, some Democrats say they won’tattend Netanyahu’s address. The way it was sched-uled was “an affront to the president and the StateDepartment,” said Rep. John Lewis of Georgia.

Rep. G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina calledBoehner ’s actions unprecedented, and thatNetanyahu has “politicized” his U.S. visit.

The speaker of the House and the vice presidenttraditionally sit behind the featured guest during acongressional address. But the White House saidFriday that Vice President Joe Biden will be abroadthat day. Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York, Congress’only Jewish Republican, said if lawmakers boycottNetanyahu’s speech, “it’s a horrendous, irresponsi-ble message to send to Israel.” He called Israel “afree, democratic society thriving in an area of theworld where radical Islamic extremism is growingmost rapidly.” Zeldin predicted many more Jewishvoters will embrace Republicans because ofObama’s policies regarding Israel.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi ofCalifornia, another critic of the speech’s arrange-ments, said she will attend. Lawmakers often skipsuch addresses for different reasons, she said, soeven if some seats are empty, “don’t even think interms of the word ‘boycott.’ Members will go orthey won’t go, as they usually go or don’t go.”

Ties damagedPelosi and other top Democrats have hinted

they want Netanyahu to postpone his speech untilafter Israel’s elections, and - or - hold it somewhereother than Congress.

Conservatives see little incentive to do that.Boehner is happy to have Democrats grouse whileIsrael’s leader addresses a Republican-runCongress, they say. Netanyahu probably benefitspolitically by speaking to Congress and criticizingIran. Yesterday, Israeli opposition leaders said thecontroversy had damaged ties with the UnitedStates and they urged Netanyahu to cancel.

Obama and Netanyahu have clashed repeatedlyover the years, even though both say a close U.S.-Israel alliance is essential. Only days ago, the WhiteHouse again criticized Israel’s policy of buildingJewish settlements on West Bank and EastJerusalem areas that Palestinians claim.

Obama says a Mideast peace deal must includea Palestinian state based on territory Israel cap-tured in 1967, with “mutually agreed upon swaps”to ensure Israel’s security. Netanyahu rejects areturn to those borders, and the Jewish settle-ments complicate efforts to divide territory. Obamahas no plans to meet with Netanyahu during his UStrip. Numerous US activists and lawmakers predictthe quarrel over the March 3 speech will die downsoon. There’s no need “to pile on,” even though thespeech’s arrangement was a mistake that triggered“a lot of blowback, both in Israel and here,” saidDemocratic Rep. Peter Welch of Vermont.

Josh Block of the Israel Project said Israelremains broadly popular in America, and “it’s likelywe’ll see folks calm down.” — AP

Ire over Netanyahu’s speech,

Dems hope to limit fallout

Presidents can’t veto congressional speakers

ANKARA/NEW YORK: Iran’s foreign minis-ter has warned the United States that fail-ure to agree a nuclear deal would likelyherald the political demise of pragmatistPresident Hassan Rouhani, Iranian officialssaid, raising the stakes as the decade-oldstand-off nears its end-game.

Mohammad Javad Zarif pressed theconcern with US Secretary of State JohnKerry at several meetings in recent weeks,according to three senior Iranian officials,who said Iran had also raised the issuewith other Western powers. Zarif’s warninghas not been previously reported.

Western officials acknowledged thatthe move may be just a negotiating tacticto persuade them to give more ground,but said they shared the view thatRouhani’s political clout would be heavilydamaged by the failure of talks.

The warning that a breakdown in talkswould empower Iran’s conservative hard-liners comes as the 12-year-old stand-offreaches a crucial phase, with a Marchdeadline to reach a political agreementahead of a final deal by June 30.

The agreement aims to end sanctions inexchange for curbs on Tehran’s nuclearprogram, though hard-to-bridge differ-ences remain, particularly on the timing ofthe relief on economic sanctions and theduration of the deal.

Both US President Barack Obama andRouhani, who Iranian officials say hasstaked his career on the deal, are facingstiff domestic opposition to an agreement,narrowing the scope for compromise.

A senior US official denied that any suchwarnings had been received from theIranians. “We’ll leave assessment of Iranianpolitics to the Iranians but this rumor isuntrue,” the official told Reuters on condi-tion of anonymity.

But the Iranian officials insisted thatZarif had raised the concern with Kerry.The two have met repeatedly in recentweeks in an attempt to break the impasse,most recently on Friday when they talkedfor over an hour on the sidelines of theMunich Security Conference.

“As Rouhani is on the frontline, naturallyhe will be more harmed,” said one of theofficials, who has direct knowledge ofZarif’s discussions with Kerry.

Other Western officials said the Iraniandelegation had raised the same concern intalks recently. If the talks fail, Rouhaniwould likely be sidelined and his influencedramatically reduced, giving hardliners likeIran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps an upperhand, Iranian officials and Western analystssay.

A comprehensive nuclear deal is seen ascrucial to reducing the risk of a wider

Middle East war, at a time when Iran isdeeply involved in conflicts in Syria andIraq. After nearly a year of talks, negotia-tors failed for the second time inNovember to meet a self-imposed dead-line for an agreement.

Iran rejects allegations it is developingthe capability to produce atomic weapons.But it has refused to halt uranium enrich-ment and other sensitive atomic work,leading to US, European Union and UNsanctions that have hobbled its economy.

The key sticking point in the talks at themoment is Iran’s demand that Westernpowers agree to the quick end of oil andbanking sanctions, Western and Iranianofficials say.

One of the Iranian officials, who alsohad direct access to the talks, said theAmericans were talking in terms of yearsfor the sanctions relief while Iran wantedcurbs on oil and banking to be lifted with-in six months.

Power struggleRouhani was elected in 2013 on promis-

es of ending the crippling Western sanc-tions, improving the economy and reduc-ing the country’s diplomatic isolation.

But he faces a worsening power strug-gle with Iran’s Supreme Leader AyatollahAli Khamenei, who has said Iran shouldimmunize itself against sanctions, suggest-ing that he is prepared to live with them.Khamenei has the final word on any deal.

Rouhani has warned that the IslamicRepublic needs to end its isolation to helpits economy, which has also been hit hardby plunging oil prices.

Just as Iranian negotiators say privatelythat their room for compromise is narrow-ing, so too is that of the United States andEuropean delegations, Western officialssay.

Both Israel and Saudi Arabia are suspi-cious of the U.S. decision to engage withIran on the nuclear issue. Israel has threat-ened to use military force against Iraniannuclear sites if diplomacy fails to containthe threat it feels Tehran poses.

The United States, officials familiar withthe talks say, has already compromised onthe issue of how many centrifuges Iranwould be allowed to operate.

Obama could temporarily suspendmany of the harshest unilateral U.S. sanc-tions against Iran but permanent removalwould have to be approved by theRepublican-controlled Congress, wherethere is little appetite for sanctions relief.

The Senate is finalizing a bill for toughersanctions if there is no final nuclear deal byJune 30. Obama has vowed to veto anynew Iran sanctions bill.— Reuters

Iran warns West that pragmatist

Rouhani at risk from talks failure

MUNICH: In this Feb. 6, 2015 picture German foreign minister Frank-WalterSteinmeier, left, shakes hands with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarifat the security conference in Munich Germany. — AP

UNITED NATIONS: The leaders of theUnited Nations and the Arab League madean urgent appeal to international donorsFriday to expedite aid promised to the peo-ple of Gaza, following last year’s devastat-ing war.

In a joint statement, Ban Ki-moon andNabil al-Arabi expressed their “deep con-cern” over limited resources to improve thesituation in Gaza. They “urgently appeal todonors to honor and disburse as soon aspossible their financial commitments madeat the October 2014 Cairo Conference,” thestatement said.

Those funds include money for UNagencies in Gaza to “prevent a further dete-rioration in the already dire humanitariansituation.” The international communitypromised $5.4 billion to the Palestinians,

half of which is to help rebuild Gaza afterdevastating Israeli bombing aimed at stop-ping Hamas rocket attacks in July last year.

The two leaders pointed out reconstruc-tion has been slow in Gaza and aid is neces-sary to ensure stability for the people.

Short on money, the UN announced inJanuary they had suspended housingfinancial aid to tens of thousands ofPalestinians in Gaza. The United NationsRelief and Works Agency, responsible fordistributing much of the aid, has said noneof the promised aid had arrived to Gaza.

Qatar made the largest aid promise, abillion dollars, during the Cairo conference.

Washington announced $212 millionadditional aid and the European Unionpledged about 450 million euros at theconference. — AFP

UN and Arab League

appeal to Gaza donors

Sexual abuse victim criticises

pope over spanking remarkVATICAN CITY: A victim of child sexual abuse byclergy criticised Pope Francis yesterday forappearing to endorse parents who spankedtheir children.

“Children don’t need to be hit. We need totalk about positive parenting ... physical vio-lence has no part in modern-day child upbring-ing,” said Peter Saunders, who is advising theVatican on how to deal with its abuse crisis.

“I was hit throughout my childhood and it didme a lot of harm,” said Saunders, who wasabused by a priest when he was a teenager andis one of 17 members of a Vatican commissiontasked with recommending reforms in the 1.2billion-member Church.

During a talk on fatherhood at his generalaudience last Wednesday, Francis departed fromhis prepared text to recount a conversation heonce had with a father at a family encounter.

He quoted the man as telling him: “I some-times have to hit the children a bit but I neverslap them in the face so as not to demoralisethem.” The pope then added in his own words:“How beautiful! He has a sense of dignity. Hemust punish. He does it in the right way and

then moves on.”The pope came under heavy criticism in

social media for the comments.Speaking at a news conference on the

Catholic Church’s sexual abuse crisis, Saunderssaid he was taken aback when he heard aboutwhat he called “the apparent endorsement ofhitting children”. He added that he planned totalk to the pope about it when they next met.

“He comes up with some howlers and thatproves his humanity, but we need to talk to thepope about this issue because there are millionsof children around the world who are physicallybeaten on a daily basis,” he said.

“It might start off as a light tap, but actuallythe whole idea of hitting children is about inflict-ing pain,” said Saunders, head of Britain’sNational Association for People Abused inChildhood.

Marie Collins, a victim of sexual abuse by cler-gy in her native Ireland, said she was also sur-prised.

“The good thing about the Holy Father is hespeaks without thinking, which in many ways Ithink is good because it is refreshing,” she said.

“Maybe sometimes he sort of puts his foot in it,but he’s an honest man and I respect him forthat. It’s not an opinion I would hold.” — Reuters

VATICAN: Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malleyarrives for a meeting of a Vatican commissionon sex abuse, at the Vatican, yesterday. — AP

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I N T E R N AT I O N A LSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

SALEM: Oregon’s governor is strugglingto deal with allegations that his fianceeused his position to land clients for herenvironmental consulting business,claims that have drawn an ethics investi-gation and the scrutiny of the state’sattorney general.

Although his role in arranging thedeals isn’t clear, the scandal has posed athreat to the decades-long politicalcareer of four-term Democrat JohnKitzhaber, Oregon’s longest-serving gov-ernor.

The editorial board at the state’slargest newspaper, The Oregonian, calledfor him to resign this week, saying thecontroversy has become such a distrac-tion that he can’t effectively lead. Twoadvisers to the Republican he defeatedlast year took early steps Friday to begina recall effort.

A series of newspaper reports sinceOctober have chronicled Cylvia Hayes’work for organizations with an interest inOregon public policy. During the sameperiod, she worked as an unpaid adviserin the governor’s office. The spotlight on

Hayes led to her revelation that sheaccepted about $5,000 to illegally marryan immigrant seeking immigration ben-efits in the 1990s. Later, she admitted shebought a remote property with theintent to grow marijuana.

“Recent allegations relating to Gov.Kitzhaber and Ms. Hayes are very serious- and troubling,” Attorney General EllenRosenblum said in a statement. “Myoffice is considering all of our legaloptions to ensure that we are best serv-ing the state.”

Rosenblum’s spokeswoman, KristinaEdmunson, would not elaborate onwhich allegations troubled the attorneygeneral, who is a Democrat. UnderOregon law, the attorney general’sauthority to investigate and bring crimi-nal charges is limited, but her officesometimes assists district attorneys withcomplex cases.

Kitzhaber has repeatedly declined toappoint a special prosecutor, saying it’sunnecessary. He has refused to stepaside, no doubt emboldened by his re-election victory three months ago. Even

after the first strands of scandal becamethe centerpiece of his rival’s campaign,Kitzhaber won by a larger margin thanhe managed four years earlier.

“I was elected by the people of thisstate to do a job, and I’m going to do it,”Kitzhaber said in a Jan. 30 news confer-ence that failed to quell the growingstorm. A fiercely private person, Kitzhaberhas been forced to answer embarrassingand personal questions about his rela-tionship. In response to questions at thenews conference last week, Kitzhabertold reporters that he’s in love with Hayes,but he’s not blinded by it.

Serious chargesSome state leaders from his party

have openly criticized him. Others havenotably avoided defending him. “Thegovernor is facing serious challenges andhe’s hurting,” said Democratic SenatePresident Peter Courtney of Salem, alongtime legislator who has worked withKitzhaber for decades. “I want to be fair. Iwant to be compassionate. I want to domy job the best I can. I will not speculate

on his future.” Kitzhaber met Hayesbefore the 2002 election, when he wasgovernor and she was a candidate forthe state Legislature. She lost her race,but they later reconnected afterKitzhaber’s term ended. After eight yearsout of office, Kitzhaber was elected gov-ernor again in 2011. Hayes used the title“first lady,” though the couple has nevermarried, and she took an active role inhis administration. They were engagedlast summer.

Media reports have accused Hayes ofusing her position to get private consult-ing work; earning money from compa-nies that wanted to influence the state;and directing taxpayer funded staff tomake travel arrangements on behalf ofher private business.

Last month, EO Media Group andPamplin Media Group reported thatHayes earned $118,000 over two yearsfor a fellowship with a green energygroup. The Oregonian reported that themoney didn’t match her earnings report-ed on her tax returns, which she’d previ-ously given to the newspaper. Kitzhaber

said the couple files taxes separately andrefused to answer questions.

The Oregon Government EthicsCommission has opened an inquiry andwill decide in March whether a formalinvestigation is warranted. The commis-sion enforces conflict of interest laws forgovernment officials and can impose civ-il penalties, but can’t levy criminalcharges.

Expensive taskKitzhaber has said he and Hayes rec-

ognized the potential for conflictsbetween her public and private workand tried to avoid them. He said lastweek it’s up to the ethics commission todecide whether they were successful.

The recall effort, filed by the formercampaign manager and policy directorfor Republican Dennis Richardson, wouldrequire 220,000 signatures within 90days - a difficult and expensive task.

Oregon’s chief elections official,Secretary of State Kate Brown, said Fridaythat the recall must wait until Kitzhaberis six months into his term. —AP

Oregon governor faces ethics allegations, calls to resign

Mexico seeks crematorium

owner after 60 bodies found

ACAPULCO: Members of the forensic medical service work at a private crematorium, where ten corpses in anadvanced state of decomposition were found in Acapulco, Guerrero State, on Friday. — AFP

Dead bodies piled on top of each other

ACAPULCO: Mexican police launched a manhunt Friday forthe owner of an abandoned crematorium after 60 bodies,including children, were found rotting in the Acapulco facilitythat closed a year ago. Authorities made the grim discoveryof bodies covered in white sheets, some piled on top of eachother, late Thursday after neighbors called police to complainabout the stench coming from the “Cremations of the Pacific”building. The fading resort of Acapulco has been plagued bydrug gang violence whose victims are regularly found aroundthe city, but this time, authorities indicated that they wereinvestigating a macabre case of funerary fraud. The bodies ofmen, women and children were found “perfectly embalmed”in the crematorium, officials said.

Guerrero state chief prosecutor Miguel Angel Godinez saidauthorities had requested assistance from federal agenciesand Interpol to find the owner, Guillermo Estua Zadai.

“It could be a possible fraud by the owner of the buildingagainst the people who thought the remains of their relativeswould be cremated,” he later told Radio Formula, adding thatofficials are investigating whether people were given thewrong ashes. The bodies were covered in white sheets thatwere brown from what appeared to be fluid from the decom-

posing corpses. Lime was scattered on the bodies and aroundthe crematorium in an apparent bid to mask the stench, butneighbors said they began to detect a nauseating smell twodays ago.

Authorities said the crematorium stopped paying taxesthree years ago and closed last year after either going bank-rupt or failing to pay back loans.

Anxious families Worried relatives who had used the crematorium’s services

went to Acapulco’s morgue, asking authorities to checkwhether their loved ones were among the abandoned bodies.

David Jaimes, who had hired the crematorium ninemonths ago after his mother died, asked officials to analyzethe ashes that were handed to him. “I saw the furnace turnedon and my mother lying there, but I never saw them put herinside,” Jaimes told AFP. “The gentleman who was there told us‘get out if you want because this place is dangerous.’ We leftbut we never saw the body go in, so we have this doubttoday.” Karina Garcia Jacinto, who paid around $400-$470 inDecember 2013 to cremate her father’s body, went to themorgue with his death certificate. “It’s a concern that we have,

as family members, to see ifour relatives are there,” shesaid. Prosecutors were investi-gating crimes, including thedesecration of bodies andviolations of burial and exhu-mation regulations.

‘Unbearable’ stench Forensic experts are exam-

ining the bodies to determinethe cause and date of death.Investigators have askeddirectors of local funeralhomes to indicate whetherthey sent any corpses to thecrematorium since 2013 inorder to identify the bodies.

Local residents said theynever noticed any suspiciousactivity around the building.“We called (the emergencynumber) 066 because thesmell became unbearable,”said one neighbor whorequested anonymity.“Everything is calm here. Ididn’t know the crematoriumwas closed but we hadn’tseen people go in and out.”The case added another grue-some chapter in a state thathas been the scene of horrificviolence.

In a case that has drawnglobal condemnation,authorities say 43 college stu-dents were abducted in thecity of Iguala in September bycorrupt police and handedover to the Guerreros Unidosdrug gang, whose henchmenkilled and incinerated the vic-tims.— AFP

Storm in California knocks

out power, delays flightsSAN FRANCISCO: A windy stormsweeping down the West Coastknocked down trees, ripped throughfreeway and street signs, delayed hun-dreds of flights and knocked out powerfor thousands of people in Californiaand Nevada.

Up to 10 inches of rain is expectedthis weekend in parts of the drought-stricken region, but the rainfall won’tmake a significant dent in California’shistoric drought.

Still, the storm is a welcome changeafter six dry weeks in the Bay Area. Forthe first time in recorded history, therewas no measurable rainfall in down-town San Francisco in January, whenwinter rains usually come.

It would take 150 percent of theaverage rainfall for California to recoverfrom the dry period, state waterresource officials say. But snow is moreimportant than rain because snowpacksupplies about a third of the waterneeded by residents, agriculture andindustry.

About 26 miles west of Seattle, anoverflowing river inundated at least ahalf dozen homes on the OlympicPeninsula. Rescuers went door to door

in Brinnon to check homes on a roadpartially blocked by a mudslide,Jefferson County EmergencyManagement spokeswoman KeppieKeplinger said. Three people were res-cued from a flooded pickup truck Fridaymorning, but none was injured, shesaid. The threat of landslides will persistinto the weekend, and weather officialswarn of flooding in several rivers inwestern Washington. Oregon also sawflooding on roadways.

Drivers blindedIn the Sierra Nevada spanning

California and Nevada, strong windsblinded drivers, causing multiple carcrashes. The wind snapped massivetrees, closed ski resorts around LakeTahoe and knocked out power to thou-sands. A 134 mph gust recorded earlyFriday near the Mount Rose Ski Resortsoutheast of Reno led the facility andtwo others to close.

At least a dozen people were hurt inmultiple crashes on Nevada highways.No deaths were reported, but nine peo-ple were hospitalized in a crash on astretch of US Highway 95A that involvedat least eight vehicles. Three other peo-

ple were hospitalized with minorinjuries after five cars crashed on US 395north of Reno near the California line.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, powerlines were snapped by falling trees andthe wind ripped through freeway andstreet signs. More than 60,000 peoplelost power. By Friday evening, 9,000 cus-tomers remained without power, PacificGas & Electric said.North of SanFrancisco, businesses in Marin, Napa,Solano, and Sonoma counties stackedsandbags to prepare for possible flashflooding from swollen waterways as rainstarted falling in the North Bay.

Winds of up to 15 mph were record-ed east of the city Friday morning, andthe blustery weather knocked downtrees and caused power outages, theNational Weather Service said.

Heavy downpourSan Francisco International Airport

saw delays of up to 90 minutes andabout 175 flights canceled Friday. Thestorm is expected to drop rain throughtoday, and the National Weather Serviceissued a heavy-rain, high wind-gust andflash-flood warning for the regionthrough tomorrow.—AP

I N T E R N AT I O N A LSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

NAIROBI: A prominent Kenyan MPwas shot dead along with two body-guards and a driver in the centre ofthe capital Nairobi in the early hoursof yesterday, police and medics said.

Detectives said George Muchai, amember of Kenyan’s governingJubilee coalition, was returning homeafter meeting family members in arestaurant when the execution-styleattack by masked men with assaultrifles took place close to Nairobi’s cen-tral business district.

Police sources said they were tryingto establish a motive for the attack.Kenya has suffered a wave of violencelinked to Islamist militants andSomalia’s Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab mil-itants, but mafia-style attacks linked tobusiness and politics also occur in theeast African nation.

“The MP was coming from a familymeeting in Westlands and was headedhome,” a police officer said, adding the

MP’s car, a four-wheel drive, hadslowed down at a roundabout whenanother car rammed it from the side.

“Masked gunmen emerged andopened fire at them, killing all of themat once. They also stole a briefcase andtwo pistols from the bodyguards,” theofficer said.

Central Police chief Paul Wanjamasaid the car carrying the attackerssped off after the shooting. Accordingto Capital FM radio, the gunmen weremasked and the license plate of theirvehicle covered up, and the Standardnewspaper said the attackers werearmed with AK-47 assault rifles.

“Our medics who responded to theearly morning cold-blooded murderfound no signs of life in all the four,”said Fred Majiwa, a spokesman for StJohn Ambulance.

A senior police officer said thekilling looked like an execution-stylehit. “It is something we can’t rule out

at all. It seems to us like somethingthat was well planned,” said the officer,who asked not to be named.

President Uhuru Kenyatta said hewas “deeply shocked and saddened”by the murder. “I expect the police tomobilise all resources to ensure thecriminals who murdered Hon. Muchai,his two bodyguards and driver arespeedily apprehended and made topay for their heinous act,” the presi-dent said in a statement. Oppositionleader Raila Odinga also condemnedthe killing, but said it was part of awider pattern of political violence andinsecurity in Kenya. “Our country isbleeding and an atmosphere of fearand hopelessness is spreading fromthe unresolved murders and deaths,”Odinga said. “Our citizens need reas-surance that they can go about theirdaily routines without fear and thatthe government has the will and abili-ty to provide protection.” —AFP

Kenyan MP gunned down in centre of Nairobi

NAIROBI: A police officer stands near the blood stained vehicle of prominentgovernment MP Hon George Muchai after he was shot dead by gunmen earlymorning in Nairobi, yesterday along with his two bodyguards and driveraccording to a senior police official as he stopped to buy a newspaper. — AFP

MAIDUGURI: People stand with the belongings as they leave the homes traveling by bus after recent fighting between Nigerian governmentforces and Boko Haram militants in Maiduguri, Nigeria, yesterday. Nigeria’s electoral commission will postpone Feb 14 presidential and legisla-tive elections for six weeks to give a new multinational force time to secure northeastern areas under the sway of Boko Haram. — AP

ABUJA: Nigeria’s knife-edge presidential elec-tions were thrown into increasing doubt yester-day, as the country’s electoral commission metto discuss a minimum six-week delay to voting.

Lawmakers who attended the meeting at theIndependent National Electoral Commission(INEC) said the talks about postponement cameafter a recommendation from national securityadvisor Sambo Dasuki.

PDM party chairman Bashir Yusuf said Dasukihad told INEC that operations against BokoHaram militants meant the military “will beunable to provide adequate security” for theFebruary 14 vote. “On the basis of that thenational security advisor has requested INEC toconsider rescheduling the elections for at least aperiod of six weeks,” the opposition lawmakeradded.

INEC chairman Attahiru Jega has been undermounting pressure to delay polling because ofincreased fears about the distribution of perma-nent voter cards to 68.8 million registered electors.But he has repeatedly ruled out a date change,even after the issue was raised this week at ameeting of the powerful council of states, com-prising the current and former presidents. Theelectoral body has scheduled a news conferencefor later yesterday. The national secretary ofPresident Goodluck Jonathan’s ruling PeoplesDemocratic Party (PDP), Wale Oladipo, said theywould “abide by any decision taken by INEC”. ButYusuf said that some parties present at the meet-ing, including the main opposition All ProgressivesCongress (APC), were against any delay.

Violence fears Jonathan, battered by criticism over his han-

dling of the Boko Haram crisis, corruption andthe economy, is seeking a second four-year termof office. But seven days out, the result is seen astoo close to call, even if the APC’s MuhammaduBuhari, a former military ruler, has predicted hewill secure a “landslide victory”.

Dawn Dimowo, from the africapractice con-sulting firm, said on Friday that any delay “couldlead to enhanced stability” and allow logisticalproblems with voting to be resolved.

But it could also prompt a violent reactionfrom angered opposition supporters, who arehoping to inflict a defeat on the PDP for the firsttime in 16 years.

In 2011, some 1,000 people were killed inpost-poll rioting. This year Boko Haram’s controlof territory in three northeastern states hasmade voting impossible for hundreds of thou-sands of people.

Since the turn of the year, the militant grouphas increased the intensity of its campaign, inpart to further undermine the democraticprocess, which it views as un-Islamic.

The APC has already said the overall resultwill be in doubt if displaced people in its north-eastern stronghold are disenfranchised.

Commentators have also raised the prospectof a legal challenge from either side after theresult and even a run-off, which would also likelyinflame tensions.

Boko Haram excuse Ryan Cummings, chief Africa analyst at Red24

risk consultants, said it would be surprising if thesix-year Boko Haram insurgency was used as areason for postponement rather than voter cardproblems.

He said it was “extremely optimistic” to sug-gest that the military coalition of Nigeria, Niger,Chad and Cameroon would make significantgains against the militants before the end ofMarch.

“To date, Boko Haram is claimed to control(partially or fully) 20 out of the 27 local govern-ment areas in Borno State, and two each in Yobeand Adawama,” he said in an email exchange.

“As far as I know, Gamboru has been the onlymajor town to be secured by Nigeria and itsinternational partners since the launch of multi-national counterinsurgency operations.

“To dislodge Boko Haram from all of theseareas in a period of six weeks would be anunprecedented feat. “But even if achieved,securing liberated territories would be a task inits own, particularly if multinational forces with-draw their presence from Nigeria.”

The election, scheduled to be held simultane-ously with polling for a new national assembly,involves 14 presidential hopefuls, althoughJonathan and Buhari are the only realistic con-tenders.

The PDP, which has been in power sinceNigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999, hasmounted a series of personal attacks on Buhari’shealth, religious views and even his eligibility tostand. He and his party have dismissed thesmears as a diversionary tactic intended todeflect attention away from scrutiny of the gov-ernment’s record in power.

The PDP meanwhile has played up its pur-ported achievements in office, from oversee-ing Nigeria’s emergence as Africa’s leadingeconomy to attempts to decrease reliance onoil revenue. —AFP

Nigeria weighs six-week

presidential poll delayJonathan seeking a second four-year term of office

NIAMEY: Boko Haram launched its firstmajor attack in Niger on Friday, triggering aforceful response from regional troops whoclaimed to have killed more than a hun-dred of the Islamists.

The clashes in Bosso and Diffa, along theborder with Nigeria, marked yet anotherexpansion of violence attributed to BokoHaram, but it seemed to have come at aheavy cost.

Niger’s defence minister reported that109 of the Islamists were killed, along withfour soldiers and a civilian. Seventeen othertroops were wounded.

Chadian forces, who have taken a leadrole in battling Boko Haram in recent days,fought alongside Niger’s troops on Friday.Chad’s commander in Niger, General YayaDaoud, was also wounded with a gunshotto the stomach, a security source said.

Niger’s Defence Minister MahamadouKaridjo said calm had been restored toboth Bosso and Diffa. The clashes in Nigercame as regional efforts intensified to bat-tle Boko Haram, which has waged a six-yearinsurgency centred in northeastern Nigeria,where the Islamists have seized swathes ofterritory.

The conflict has killed at least 13,000people and forced more than a millionfrom their homes since 2009. Nigerannounced Thursday that on Monday itwould ask its parliament to approve send-ing troops to Nigeria to fight the militantsalongside Chadian and Cameroon soldiers.

The United States condemned the freshBoko Haram attacks in “strongest possibleterms” and pledged support for regionalforces.

“This unchecked killing must stop,” StateDepartment spokeswoman Marie Harf said.“We continue to provide support to gov-ernments in the region, including throughintelligence sharing and are increasing oursupport for these efforts.”

US intelligence officials said Friday thatwhile Boko Haram is flush with cash andweapons after a string of battlefieldadvances, the militants could face atougher fight with Nigeria’s neighbours.

The military intervention of neighbour-ing powers could potentially be a “gamechanger in a positive way,” one intelligenceofficial said.

Heavy gunfire Local radio reports said Friday’s fighting

in Bosso broke out in the morning andresulted in heavy clashes. “We could hearthe sound of weapons all around the town,often very near our windows. There was thenoise of heavy weapons and of light arms,making our houses shake,” one residenttold AFP.

Chadian forces have been stationed in

Bosso since Monday, a humanitarian work-er said, adding that Boko Haram “took themunicipality” for a time before being “dri-ven back to Nigeria”. However, a localleader said only that Niger’s troops foughtback the raid, while the Chadians were sta-tioned at a distance.

A resident who spoke on condition ofanonymity said soldiers from Chad andNiger “were all over the streets” of Bosso. “Itwas like a race across the town,” one resi-dent said. “As the fighting drew near, weheard cries of ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is great-est). We heard an aircraft fly over the town.

“We even saw smoke coming up fromthe town hall and the prefect ’s office,where heavy gunfire was heard,” he addedin the Hausa language, asking not to benamed. “It’s quiet now, but we’re stayinghome.”

Nigerian military under fire Other clashes broke out some 10 kilo-

metres (six miles) from Niger’s Diffa, whichis on the border with Nigeria near a bridgethat links the two countries. Its control isessential for transporting troops and sup-plies. Little more than a stream, theKomadougou Yobe marks the frontierbetween Niger and Nigeria, and the waterlevel has recently dropped considerably,making it easy to cross.

A large number of refugees fleeing theviolence in Nigeria have also crossed intoDiffa. Yacouba Soumana Gaoh, Diffa’s gov-ernor, told local reporters that close to3,000 of Niger ’s troops are massed ingroups every 10-15 kilometres (six to ninemiles) along the border with Nigeria.

Nigeria’s military has drawn fierce criti-cism for failing to rein in the insurgents,who have intensified attacks ahead of pres-idential and parliamentary elections set forFebruary 14. Nigerian election authoritiessaid they will announce on Saturdaywhether the polls will be delayed as prob-lems mount with distributing identity cardsto 68.8 million registered voters.

The United States called Friday for theelections to be held on time, with Harf say-ing that Washington was renewing its callson “all candidates, their supporters andNigerian citizens to reject election-relatedviolence”.

Earlier this week, Chad launched aground assault across the frontier to battlethe jihadists and recapture the Nigeriantown of Gamboru after having bombed thearea beforehand. Chad’s army said it hadkilled more than 200 Boko Haram fightersin the clashes.

In response, Boko Haram launched abloody counter-attack on the Camerooniantown of Fotokol, killing 19 soldiers and atleast 81 civilians.— AFP

‘109 Boko Haram fighters dead’

after first attack on Niger

Police seize Brazil tycoon

Batista’s cash and cars

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: The 18th-cen-tury Franciscan missionary JuniperoSerra is expected to be elevated to saint-hood this fall in Washington, DC.

Serra’s impending sainthood hasgenerated protests from NativeAmericans who say the priest spreaddisease, wiped out native populationsand enslaved converts as he built aCatholic mission system throughoutwhat is now California.

A primer on becoming a saint:THE ROAD TO SAINTHOOD:

Becoming a saint in the CatholicChurch is a long process that can takedecades or even centuries. A candidatemust first be recognized as “venerable”by the pope for being a Catholic wholived out heroic virtues. The personmust next attain beatification - the finalstep before possible sainthood - thatrequires the Vatican confirm a miracleattributed to the candidate’s interces-sion. Sainthood - also called canoniza-tion - comes last and requires (in mostcases) confirmation of a second miracle.

WHO DECIDESWithin the Vatican, the Congregation

for the Causes of Saints makes recom-mendations to the pope on candidatesfor beatification and canonization.

Martyrs, or those who were killed outof hatred for the faith, don’t need a mir-

acle to be beatified though they needone to be canonized. In rare cases, suchas Serra’s, the pope can also fast -trackthe candidate to sainthood without theusual second miracle. These so-called“equipollent” canonizations are rare, butPope Francis has done several to honorwhat he’s called “great evangelizers.”

In his announcement last month, hesaid Serra fit that category.

A STICKY DECISIONDecisions about who to elevate to

sainthood in the Catholic Church areoften political and can sometimes beheld up for decades or centuries.

Many people were opposed to saint-hood for St. John Paul II, for example,because of his mishandling of the sexabuse scandal.

Jewish opposition to Pope Pius XIIhas held up his beatification - the laststep before possible sainthood - fordecades. It’s extremely rare for a beauti-fication or canonization to be canceledafter it’s been publicized, however.

In one of the only such cases inrecent times, a newly elected PopeBenedict XVI suspended the plannedbeatification of a French priest in 2005so the Vatican could investigate allega-tions of anti -Semitism in his writings.The process for canonizing that priest,the Rev. Leon Dehon, had begun morethan 40 years earlier. — AP

How Catholic Church

names its saints

RIO DE JANEIRO: Police on Friday seized a piano,the equivalent of $45,700 in cash, six cars and otherpossessions from the home of Brazilian tycoon EikeBatista, once Brazil’s richest man, who is on trial forinsider trading.

“They’ve left him without even enough moneyto buy bananas for his three-year-old son,” Batista’sattorney Sergio Bermudes told the Globo G1 newssite, describing the confiscations as “an act of sav-agery.” The seized cars included a Lamborghini anda Porsche. Police also carted off a century-old jew-eled Faberge egg, 16 watches and a sculpture, aswell as computers and cell phones. The Wall Street

Journal reported Friday that Judge Flavio Robertode Souza said in an interview that he is looking forevidence that Batista has sent money abroad.

In September, authorities froze $635 million instocks belonging to Batista. This week it alsoblocked funds belonging to his close family mem-bers and took even more of his possessions, seizingcomputers, cellphones, watches and other items ofvalue from the business tycoon.

Batista, who has denied any wrongdoing, isaccused of stock-market manipulation by usingprivileged information last year to sell off companystock. The former magnate, once among the

world’s richest men, made his fortune from miningand oil, amassing some $30 billion.

He faces up to five years in jail for allegedlydeceiving investors by shelving a plan to invest $1billion in his oil company OGX, whose productiontargets proved wildly over optimistic after severalwells came up dry.

OGX filed for bankruptcy protection in Octoberlast year amid debts of a reported $5 billion. Thecase comes with Brazil reeling from another majorcorruption scandal, allegedly involving billions ofdollars of kickbacks at state-owned oil giantPetrobras. — AFP

p10 2_Layout 1 2/7/15 10:04 PM Page 1

I N T E R N AT I O N A LSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

KABUL: Thousands of Afghan families are fleeingPakistan to escape harassment after a deadly Talebanattack on a school in Peshawar last December, thehead of the International Organization for Migration(IOM) in Afghanistan said yesterday.

More than 22,000 undocumented Afghansflocked across the border at Torkham in January,more than twice the figure for the whole of 2014,said Richard Danziger, the IOM’s mission chief inAfghanistan.

Almost 1,500 others were deported in the samemonth, double the number of deportees inDecember.

“It all started with the attack on the school in

Peshawar,” Danziger told Reuters. “When somethinghorrible happens, people start taking it out on for-eigners.” Taleban militants attacked a school in thenorthwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar inDecember, killing more than 130 children andprompting Pakistan to step up operations againstinsurgent hideouts along the border withAfghanistan. Cooperation between Afghan andPakistani security forces has also improved since theattack and has led to the arrest of suspects inAfghanistan, where officials believe it was plannedby the Pakistani Taleban.

However, Afghans living in Pakistan are reportingincidents of harassment such as raids on their homes

and police coercion, the IOM and other officials said.Most of the Afghan families settled in Pakistan

decades earlier and have nowhere to go once theyreturn, Danziger said. “Their lives are in Pakistan,” hesaid, adding it was unclear how long they wouldremain in Afghanistan. The flow of undocumentedreturnees increased steadily in January, from around350 in the first week to 1,400 in the final week of themonth.

Danziger said it was difficult to predict when thenumbers of refugees would ease. The unexpectedarrival of thousands of people is pressuringAfghanistan’s limited resources and only the mostvulnerable are receiving assistance.

“We are down to helping the most desperatethere,” Danziger said, adding that resources had beendiverted from the Iranian border.

Families lucky enough to qualify for help receivemedical care, food and temporary shelter, but theIOM says it needs another $1.6 million to cope withan additional 17,000 vulnerable returnees this year.

Most refugees are moving to nearby provincesincluding Kunar, the IOM said, where fightingbetween Afghan forces and Taliban militants hasrecently intensified. Others are heading for Kabul,where resources for thousands of internally dis-placed people settled there are already seriouslystrained. — Reuters

Afghan families flee persecution in Pakistan after school attack

NEW DELHI: India’s Narendra Modi was forecast tosuffer the first major setback of his premiershipyesterday as exit polls showed his party had beendefeated in elections to Delhi’s state assembly by aself-styled anarchist.

Five exit polls released after voting ended at6:00 pm (1230 GMT) indicated that the capital’s for-mer chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam AadmiParty (AAP) had comfortably beaten Modi’s Hindunationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with four ofthem forecasting an overall majority. While pollshave been wide of the mark in the past, victorywould be particularly sweet for the anti-corruptionchampion, trounced by Modi when they both bat-tled for the seat of Varanasi in May’s general elec-tion.

Local TV showed scores of AAP workers cele-brating and distributing sweets at the party officeas Kejriwal thanked the voters in a series of tweetshours after exit polls projected him as the newchief minister.

“My gratitude to people of Delhi for their sup-port. You are so amazing. You rejected politics ofcaste and religion. Hope final results are as per exitpolls,” Kejriwal tweeted.

Most pundits had written off Kejriwal after heresigned following a chaotic 49-day spell in chargeof the Delhi state government last year and thensaw his party win just four seats in the general elec-tion.

But after apologising for leaving voters withoutan elected government for a year, Kejriwal hasbeen the star of the campaign, outshining formerpolicewoman Kiran Bedi who was the BJP’s pick forchief minister. A steady stream of voters could beseen outside polling booths throughout the dayand the electoral commission put the provisionalfigure for final turnout at an impressive 67 percent,a new record.

“People want a corruption free and bribery freeDelhi and I’m hopeful they will vote accordingly,”Kejriwal told reporters as he went to vote. “I amconfident the people will win and that the truthwill win.”

Rattled by Kejriwal’s popularity, Modi headlinedseveral major rallies, portraying his rival as a “back-stabber” who betrayed voters last time round byquitting so early. Having invested an unusuallylarge amount of political capital in a state election,observers say a defeat will be a significant setbackfor a prime minister who has enjoyed an extendedhoneymoon with voters since his landslide generalelection victory.

“It (Aam Aadmi) appears to be a credible chal-lenger to the Modi juggernaut,” said an editorial inThe Hindu newspaper yesterday. Bedi, who hadbeen hoping Modi’s strong support would be deci-sive, refused to throw in the towel after the exitpolls were released.

“We must wait until February 10 for the results. Ican assure you truth will win and the exit pollresults will change,” she told reporters.

A former reality TV show host, Bedi is a sea-soned media performer. But Kejriwal has provedhis pulling power among working class and minori-ty voters, with impromptu appearances drawingthousands.

‘Free wi-fi’ pledge Kejriwal’s campaign has been based around

promises of lower utility bills and free wifi forDelhi’s 17 million residents, as well as pledges tocounter corruption.

“Prices have gone up, water and electricity are

becoming costlier. We need a government thatbrings some relief to the poor people,” said 24-year-old Pranav Singh as he voted in the Saket district.

Kejriwal famously declared himself an anarchistduring his brief tenure last year and staged severalprotests outside government offices.

After winning plaudits for taking the metro tohis inauguration, his administration soon lost itssheen, with a raid on a largely African neighbour-hood sparking claims of racism.

In a press conference Friday, Modi’s finance min-ister and top lieutenant Arun Jaitley said AamAadmi’s rule had been “nightmarish”.

“Delhi needs an administrator and not an anar-chist,” he said. The BJP won most seats in the lastelection in December 2013, but fell short of amajority in the 70-seat assembly, enabling Kejriwalto form a government with the help of the centre-left Congress party.

It was the last real setback for the BJP, which hassince stormed to victory in a string of state polls aswell as the general election. Defeat would alsopresent Modi’s government with a headache asAam Aadmi is likely to try and stop it pushingthrough reforms on issues such as land acquisitionand foreign direct investment in the capital. — AFP

Exit polls forecast Modi party defeat in election

NEW DELHI: India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi stands with an unidentified woman on top of a car anddisplays the victory symbol after casting her vote, outside a polling station in New Delhi, India, yesterday. — AP

DHAKA: People carry a youth who suffered burn injuries after a petrol bomb attack on abus on Gaibandha some 285 km from Dhaka yesterday, during an ongoing blockadecalled by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led alliance. Four people, including achild, have been killed and 30 others burnt in a petrol bomb attack on a bus escorted bypolice in Gaibandha. — AFP

Lower utility bills, free wi-fi for Delhi’s residents

DHAKA: New firebomb attacks killedanother nine people in Bangladesh, policesaid yesterday, amid growing internationalcalls for an end to the spiralling politicalviolence.

At least three people burned to deathwhen suspected anti-government protest-ers petrol-bombed a truck in the southerntown of Gournadi yesterday morning, localpolice chief Sazzad Hossain told AFP. Thedeath toll from a similar attack late Fridayon a bus in the northern Gaibandha dis-trict rose to six after two more passengersdied from their injuries yesterday, policeadded.

One anti-government protester was alsoshot dead in a shootout with officers in thecoastal town of Swarupkathi, police said.The latest deaths brought the overall toll inthe month-long unrest to at least 76, most-ly victims of fire-bombings of buses andtrucks. The violence began after the gov-ernment confined opposition leaderKhaleda Zia to her office when she threat-ened to lead a mass rally on January 5, thefirst anniversary of a disputed polls.

Zia then called a nationwide blockadeof transport to topple the government of

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and pave theway for new polls under a neutral govern-ment.

The protests have become increasinglyviolent and nearly 1,000 vehicles havebeen torched or vandalised.

The security forces have in turn arrestedmore than 10,000 opposition supporterswhile more than a dozen protesters havebeen shot dead, prompting allegations of ashoot-to-kill strategy.

After a plea from the US StateDepartment for an end to the “uncon-scionable” firebombings, Human RightsWatch issued a plea for a halt to the “blood-letting”.

“All parties should cooperate to stop thecycle of violent crimes and ensure thoseresponsible for all crimes are arrested andprosecuted,” said the New York-basedwatchdog’s Asia director Brad Adams. “Theviolent crimes being committed by somemembers of the opposition cannot justifykillings, injuries, and wrongful arrests bythe government.”

Zia has vowed to continue protests butHasina has ruled out any polls until the endof her tenure in early 2019. — AFP

Bangladesh firebombings kill 9 amid pleas for calm

PESHAWAR: Pakistani relatives of schoolchildren killed in a Taliban attack on the ArmyPublic School (APS) protest against delays in the investigation in Peshawar yesterday.Hundreds of parents, students and civil society members yesterday protested outside aPakistani school over “sluggish” investigation into a massacre in which 153 people werekilled, witnesses said. — AFP

BELFAST: British Army technical officers and police attend the scene of a bomb alert at St Mary’sCatholic Church, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Friday, Feb. 6, 2015. The security forces attended sus-pect bomb alerts at two Catholic churches Friday. This follows four viable devices in a 24-hour peri-od with several under car bombs with one exploding in West Belfast. — AP

WASHINGTON: The United States pledgedon Friday to assist Sri Lanka’s new govern-ment in creating a more open and democrat-ic society.

In a speech laying out President BarackObama’s updated national security strategy,U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Riceincluded Sri Lanka alongside Myanmar -which is also known as Burma - and Tunisia asa country “in transition.”

“We’ll help countries in transition - likeBurma, Tunisia, and Sri Lanka - become moreopen, more democratic, and more inclusivesocieties,” Rice said in a speech at theBrookings Institute.

Earlier, State Department spokeswomanMarie Harf said the United States had com-mended steps by new Sri Lankan PresidentMaithripala Sirisena to address post-war rec-onciliation and long-standing issues such asgovernance and accountability.

“Certainly have seen some positive stepshere,” she told a regular news briefing. OnThursday, Nisha Biswal, the US StateDepartment’s senior official for South Asia,who visited Sri Lanka last week, told reporters

Sri Lanka still faced “big challenges” dealingwith issues such as reconciliation.

“But there’s such a strong commitmentthat’s visible in this government to want toaddress these issues that we very much wantto work with them to see that happen,” shesaid. The United States is keen to bolster tieswith countries throughout Asia as part of itseffort to counterbalance an increasingly pow-erful and assertive China, which has soughtstrategic influence in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan government said this weekit was planning a new investigation into accu-sations of human rights abuses in the finalstages of a 26-year civil war that ended in2009, amid international frustration at thefailure of former president MahindaRajapaksa to look into numerous civiliandeaths.

Rajapaksa had refused to cooperate withany United Nations investigation into claimsthe army committed atrocities in the war. Hewas ousted in a surprise election defeat lastmonth. Sri Lanka’s new Foreign MinisterMangala Samaraweera is expected to visitWashington next week. — Reuters

NEW DELHI: One of India’s biggest states wasplunged into political turmoil yesterday whenBihar’s chief minister was sacked by his own par-ty leader after street clashes between their rivalsupporters. After being booted out of the JanataDal (United) party by his one-time mentor NitishKumar, Jitan Ram Manjhi is almost certain to beousted as chief minister of India’s third mostpopulous state.

Manjhi, who hails from India’s rat-catchingMusahar caste, was expelled from the JD(U) aftertrying to defy pressure to vacate his position andallow Kumar to stage a comeback after his sur-prise resignation last year.

Soon after Manjhi was formally expelled,Kumar was unanimously elected as leader of hisparty’s assembly faction. Although Manjhi hasrequested a dissolution of the assembly, Bihar’sgovernor is more likely to first ask Kumar to forma new administration ahead of elections whichare anyway due later this year.

Matters came to a head after Manjhi sackedtwo Kumar loyalists from his cabinet and thensupporters of the two men came to blows on thestreets of the state capital Patna on Friday night.

“The entire party supported Manjhi when we

decided to make him the chief minister but thepeople of Bihar are upset with the way he hasbeen functioning,” Kumar told party workers intelevised comments yesterday.

The 63-year-old Kumar had been chief minis-ter until he resigned in the aftermath of lastMay’s general election when the JD(U) saw itsshare of seats in the national parliament col-lapse. Kumar had been generally popular afterpresiding over the highest economic growthrates in the country but he made a major errorby ending an electoral alliance with theBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after falling out withits leader Narendra Modi.

The BJP took its revenge by winning 22 of thestate’s parliamentary seats, while the JD(U) wasleft with just two. With his nemesis Modiinstalled as prime minister, Kumar was left to lickhis wounds.

Manjhi, who has a history of defectingbetween parties, was the first member of his for-merly “untouchable” class to become chief minis-ter of any state.

Bihar has a population of around 100 million,making it the third largest state after UttarPradesh and Maharashtra. — AFP

US security adviser Rice pledges help for Sri Lanka ‘transition’

Leader of Bihar axed by party after clashes

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers his speech during a nationalrally to demand the return of Russian-held four islands floating off the northernmostmain island of Hokkaido, in Tokyo, yesterday. Japan has designated yesterday as“Northern Territories Day.” — AP

I N T E R N AT I O N A LSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe yester-day pledged to resolve a row with Russia over anisland chain claimed by both nations and sign abilateral peace treaty delayed since WWII.

Relations between Moscow and Tokyo have beenstrained for decades over of the status of four Pacificislands near Japan’s north coast, known as the

Southern Kurils in Russia and the NorthernTerritories in Japan. “As I have agreed with (RussianPresident Vladimir) Putin, it is abnormal that Japanand Russia have not concluded a peace treaty,” Abetold an annual gathering in Tokyo to demand thereturn of the territories.

“I am determined to continue working tenacious-

ly on this issue... in full accordance with the govern-ment’s fundamental policy of resolving the issue...and concluding a peace treaty with Russia.”

Soviet troops seized the islands just after Japansurrendered in World War II and Tokyo says theislands are now illegally occupied by Russia.

The seven-decade dispute over their ownership

has kept Moscow and Tokyo from signing a post-warpeace treaty. Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told thesame rally issue is the biggest stumbling block hin-dering relations between the two nations.

Japan holds a demonstration on February 7 everyyear to mark a 1855 bilateral treaty that set its bor-der with Russia. — AFP

Japan PM pledges to resolve island row with Russia

SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbottsaid yesterday that he expected a challengeagainst his leadership to fail and stressed hisgovernment would not repeat the “chaos andinstability” of previous administrations.

With dismal ratings in opinion polls and abackbench disgruntled by policy backflips, twoof Abbott’s MPs have said they will call for achallenge to his stewardship of the nation at ameeting of the governing Liberal Party onTuesday. But the conservative leader said he wasexpecting the so-called “spill motion”, aimed atremoving him and deputy Julie Bishop fromtheir positions, to fail.

“Should this spill motion be defeated, as Iexpect, I will be taking that as a strong endorse-ment of the existing leadership team, as a voteof confidence in the existing leadership team,”Abbott told reporters. “The last thing any of usshould want to do is to reproduce the chaos andthe instability of the Labor years,” he said withBishop by his side.

No ‘Game of Thrones’ circus Labor switched prime ministers twice in their

last turn in government, first in 2010 when JuliaGillard removed prime minister Kevin Rudd in aparty room coup, and then in 2013 when theychanged back to Rudd. “We are not Labor... and

this “Game of Thrones” circus which the LaborParty gave us is never going to be reproducedby this coalition,” Abbott said in reference to themedieval fantasy drama in which characters viefor power. Abbott said the two Liberal back-benchers who had called for the challenge to hisleadership were entitled to do so.

But he said the “spill” motion, which if suc-cessful would remove him and Bishop from theirroles and trigger a new vote among Liberal Partyparliamentarians for those positions, would like-ly fail. So far no one has stepped forward to con-test the leadership should the backbencherssucceed in their push for a vote, likely to bedecided in a secret ballot.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull,a millionaire former lawyer who supportsAustralia becoming a republic, is considered afront runner while Bishop could also throw herhat into the ring.

Foreign Minister Bishop said yesterday shewould not support the spill motion to challengeAbbott’s leadership. “My role as deputy is to sup-port the leader, not to change the leader and Idon’t support a spill motion,” she said.

Asylum-seekersAbbott successfully ousted the centre-left

Labor government from power in September

2013 elections.Since then his government has stemmed the

flow of asylum-seekers risking their lives onboats to get to Australia, finalised landmarktrade agreements with China, Japan and SouthKorea and abolished a divisive carbon taxdesigned to tackle climate change.

But Abbott’s leadership has been under pres-sure following an unpopular budget and hischanged positions on several issues, includingpaid leave for new parents.

A recent poll put Abbott’s ruling Liberal-National coalition behind the opposition LaborParty 46 to 54 percent while Abbott’s personalrating has tumbled to just 34 percent.

His decision to award Britain’s Prince Philip aknighthood on Australia Day late last monthunleashed ridicule and left even supportersquestioning his judgement. “The reality is peo-ple have stopped listening to the prime minis-ter,” Liberal MP Luke Simpkins, who called for thechallenge to Abbott’s leadership, said Friday.

Trade Minister Andrew Robb said his feelingwas that the prime minister had beenambushed, but that Abbott would nonethelesssurvive as leader. “I think there are a majority ofcolleagues who feel that all of this has beensomewhat of a panicked move, that it’s makingus look like a circus,” he told Sky News. — AFP

Embattled Australian PM says challenge against him will fail

Bishop may throw her hat into the ring

TAIPEI: TransAsia Airways can-celled dozens of flights yesterday,the first day of a pilot retrainingprogramme, as rescuers retrievedfive more bodies from the river inTaiwan where the plane crashed.Taiwan’s Civil AeronauticsAdministration (CAA) ordered allthe airline’s staff who fly ATR planesto take tests on operating the air-craft after it emerged the pilotsmay have inexplicably shut off oneof the engines before Flight GE235went down last week.

“Starting today, all of TransAsia’s71 ATR pilots will undergo tests tobe carried out by the CAA andthird-party professional units for anestimated period of four days,” thecarrier said in a statement. “As aresult, some of our domestic flightswill be adjusted,” it said, explainingthat 90 domestic flights will be can-celled by Monday. Pilots who failthe tests will be grounded immedi-ately for an indefinite period oftime pending further qualificationtraining, according to the CAA. OnWednesday, a TransAsia ATR 72-600plane plunged into a river in Taipeiwith 53 passengers and five crewmembers on board. Forty peoplewere killed, fifteen survived andrescuers are stil l searching foranother three who remain missingin the airline’s second deadly crashin seven months. Five bodies werefound downstream of the crashsite, including one in flight atten-dant’s uniform, during a blanketsearch of the river by hundreds ofrescuers and divers on Saturday,Taipei city fire department said.The airline said it has scheduledfour memorial services for the vic-tims next week.

The latest accident comes afteraviation authorities said TransAsiaAirways had failed to meet arounda third of the regulatory require-ments imposed after another fatalcrash in Taiwan’s western Penghuislands in July.

‘Let them investigate’ Investigators are still trying to

establish what caused Wednesday’scrash, but initial reports from theplanes black boxes found the rightengine had “flamed out” about twominutes after take-off. Warning sig-nals blared in the cockpit and theleft engine was then shut downmanually by the crew for unknownreasons, Taiwan’s Aviation SafetyCouncil said Friday.

“The pilot tried to restart theengines but to no avail. That meansthat during the flight ’s finalmoments, neither engine had anythrust,” said the council’s directorThomas Wang. “We heard ‘Mayday’at 10:54:35.” Analysts have said thepilots may have caused the crashby turning off the wrong engine.

The plane crashed shortly aftertake-off during a domestic flight toan outlying island.

Startling amateur footageshowed it hitting the road as itbanked steeply away from build-ings and into the Keelung River,leaving a trail of debris including asmashed taxi.

Chief pilot Liao Chien-tsung hasbeen hailed as a hero after reportsemerged that his body was foundstill clutching the joystick, after heapparently battled to avoid popu-lated areas. His father has said it istoo early to speculate as to his rolein the crash. —AFP

TransAsia startspilot retraining

after crash

WASHINGTON: The United States hasinvited the leaders of China and Japanfor prestigious state visits, PresidentBarack Obama’s top security adviser saidFriday, signaling a deepening of his “piv-ot to Asia.”

“In furtherance of our relationshipsthroughout this vital region, I’m pleasedto announce today that we have invitedPrime Minister (Shinzo) Abe of Japan andPresident Xi Jinping of China for state vis-its,” said National Security Adviser SusanRice.

Rice also said that President JokoWidodo of Indonesia and President ParkChung-hee of South Korea would visitthe United States this year as well. Earlyin his presidency, Obama put forwardplans to withdraw US military, economicand human resources from Middle Eastwars, deploying them to emerging Asiainstead.

But he has sometimes struggled tokeep the strategy on course given theArab Spring, wars in Syria and Ukraine,and the economic crisis in Europe. Thevisits-which come on the back of a three-nation trip Obama made to Asia inNovember-are designed to underscorethat the strategy remains on track.

The announcement comes as theUnited States and Japan approach thefinal stage of talks on a vast trade agree-ment that would link a dozen countrieson either side of the Pacific Ocean.

The timing of the state visits was not

clear, but Abe’s arrival is only expectedafter the conclusion of the trade deal,which still faces major hurdles.

President Obama has yet to askCongress to give him authority to sign adeal, amid opposition from within hisown Democratic party. His negotiatingpartners want to see that authority inplace before putting the final touches onan agreement, but issues like agricultureand auto tariffs are potential stumblingblocks.

Earlier on Friday, Obama’s administra-tion unveiled its National SecurityStrategy, which set out measures to“advance our rebalance to Asia and thePacific.”

“The United States has been and willremain a Pacific power. Over the next fiveyears, nearly half of all growth outsidethe United States is expected to comefrom Asia,” it added. The document alsowelcomed the rise of a “stable, peacefuland prosperous China.”

“While there will be competition, wereject the inevitability of confrontation.At the same time, we will manage com-petition from a position of strength whileinsisting that China uphold internationalrules and norms,” the strategy documentsaid. Beijing has seen Obama’s “pivot” toAsia as a possible attempt to containChina’s meteoric rise, a claim Washingtondenies. Xi’s visit to the White Housewould be the first since becomingChinese leader in 2013. — AFP

US invites China’s Xi, Abe for state visits

ZAMBOANGA: Eight members of an Al-Qaeda-linked group of Philippine militantshave been killed in clashes with securityforces in the country’s south, the militarysaid yesterday. Thirteen members of acounter-terrorism task force were alsowounded in the fighting with the AbuSayyaf group on the remote island of Joloon Friday, said the government unit ’sspokesman Ensign Chester Ramos.

He said the eight Abu Sayyaf dead werefollowers of Radullan Sahiron, a one-armedmilitant who has a $1 million bounty on hishead put up by the US government, whichconsiders the group a “foreign terroristorganisation”.

Ramos said Sahiron’s group of about 100gunmen had been skirmishing with thecounter-terrorist task force around the Jolotown of Patikul over the past week, duringwhich six other soldiers were earlier wound-ed.

The Abu Sayyaf, set up with seed fundsfrom Al-Qaeda in the early 1990s, has beenblamed for many of the deadliest militantattacks in the Philippines, including the

2004 firebombing of a ferry on Manila Baythat claimed more than 100 lives.

The group, mainly based in the Muslim-populated areas of the southernPhilippines, has also been involved in high-profile kidnappings of foreign tourists andChristian missionaries. Another key leaderof the group of several hundred militantsposted video footage of himself and othergunmen last year pledging allegiance toIslamic State fighters in Syria and Iraq.

US military advisers have been providingtraining and intelligence inputs on Jolo andnearby areas since 2002 to Filipino troopsfighting the Abu Sayyaf. The latest violencecomes after 44 police commandos werekilled by other Muslim guerrilla groups inanother area of the southern Philippineslast month while on a mission to catch twotop militants, Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir andFilipino Abdul Basit Usman. The US FederalBureau of Investigation reported earlier thisweek that samples collected by the Filipinoforces from one of the dead bodies in thefighting matched those of a relative ofZulkifli. — AFP

TAIPEI: Divers on boats look for missing passengers of crashedTransAsia Airways Flight 235 in a river in Taipei, Taiwan, yesterday. All71 pilots who operate TransAsia Airways’ ATR propeller-jets beganproficiency tests yesterday, three days after one of the carrier’s ATRscrashed into the river. — AP

Eight militants deadin Philippines clash

MANILA: A protester places cutout shadows of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III onthe barbed wire barricade during a rally near the Presidential Palace on the eve of thepresident’s 55th birthday yesterday in Manila, Philippines. — AP

China seizes toiletpaper with image ofHong Kong leader

BEIJING: Chinese authorities have seized about 8,000 rolls of toiletpaper and another 20,000 packages of tissue paper printed withunflattering images of the territory’s pro-Beijing chief executive,Leung Chun-ying, according to an official of the small political partywho placed the order.

The items were to be sold at a market during Chinese New Year’slater this month, said Lo Kin-hei, a vice chairman of the Hong KongDemocratic Party.

The seizure comes after Hong Kong was shaken by a massive pro-democracy movement in which demonstrators demanded greaterelectoral freedom than Beijing is willing to grant. During the move-ment, protesters expressed anger at Leung, calling him a puppet ofBeijing.

No reason was given for the seizure of the $12,900 worth ofgoods, Lo said. “I guess (the Chinese authorities) don’t like peoplemocking government officials, especially high-ranking governmentofficials after the movement. They have become more cautiousabout criticisms about them,” he said.

The party’s 4,000 rolls of toilet paper with Leung’s images sold outat last year’s seasonal market and decided to get more this year froma factory in the Chinese city of Shenzhen, Lo said. The images ofLeung were cartoonish and unflattering. One image has him bearingtwo fangs, and another has the word “lying” on his forehead. Thesickle-and-hammer symbol of the Communist Party of China alsowas printed on some products.

The order was placed under the name of a friend to obscure theparty as the true buyer, and all communications were done throughthe friend instead of the party, he said.

Citing the need to protect the manufacturer, Lo declined to revealthe factory’s name and said he has no information on the where-abouts of the factory owner. “We are worried about what has hap-pened to him,” Lo said. Calls to Shenzhen police rang unanswered onSaturday, and there has been no official report about such a seizureof toilet paper.

Lo said he found the act worrisome as it indicates further tighten-ing by Chinese authorities on freedom of speech that is guaranteedin Hong Kong’s constitution. “Many productions in Hong Kong relyon the mainland. This kind of tightening means in the future it willbe more difficult to make products in the mainland,” Lo said. “It’salarmful for Hong Kong people that they keep suppressing freedomin Hong Kong. We will become the mainland if this kind of mockingwill be not allowed in Hong Kong.” — AP

HONG KONG: This photo taken on December 23, 2014 shows anovelty toilet paper roll with the image of Hong Kong’s ChiefExecutive Leung Chun-ying (R) in a flat turned into a recreationof the main pro-democracy protest site in Hong Kong. Chinahas wiped the smile off pro-democracy activists’ faces by seiz-ing 7,600 rolls of toilet paper featuring Hong Kong’s pro-Beijingleader Leung Chun-ying pulling a series of ridiculous expres-sions. — AFP

N E W S

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Continued from Page 1

was fired upon or other Chinooks in its forma-tion. He instead arrived later in a separate helicop-ter, which landed due to an oncoming sandstorm.

But instead of calming the controversy, Williams’on-air apology appears to have inflamed criticsspeaking on rival TV channels, who refuse to acceptit was an honest mistake. He also faces fur therscrutiny for his coverage of Katrina, in particular anaccount of seeing a body float face down in theFrench Quarter, the historic district of New Orleans.

In a 2006 inter view with former Disney CEOMichael Eisner, Williams twice referenced seeing abody float down a street in New Orleans. “When youlook out of your hotel room window in the FrenchQuarter and watch a man float by face down, whenyou see bodies that you last saw in Banda Aceh,Indonesia and swore to yourself that you would nev-er see in your country,” Williams said. Several min-utes later, Williams again talked about seeing thebody as he discussed how it felt to cover the storm.“I felt something get dislodged that changes theusual arm’s length relationship between me and thestories I cover. These are Americans. These are mybrothers and sisters. And one of them was floatingby.”

The remarks drew suspicion because duringKatrina, there was relatively little flooding in NewOrleans’ French Quarter. Williams was staying at theRitz-Carlton hotel in New Orleans, according to anNBC source who requested anonymity because theperson was not authorized to speak on personnelmatters. Capt James Scott, who was a police com-mander in the downtown area at the time of Katrina,said he saw a body floating along Rampart Street onthe edge of the French Quarter. “It was floating withthe water,” he said. The body Scott saw was aboutfour blocks from the Ritz-Carlton, which was sur-rounded by up to three feet of water, he said.

The story originally called into question aboutWilliams’ wartime reporting experience has madehim a subject of mockery, including a New York Postf ront cover that depic ted h im with a longPinocchio’s nose, over the headline “A Nose forNews”. On Friday, the Iraq story was also splashedacross the front pages of The New York Times andUSA Today, the latter with the headl ine “Br ianWilliams loses credibility with ‘mistake’.” “Hard to seehow anchor will survive as face of NBC News,” USAToday sniffed on the front page. On NBC’s rival chan-nel Fox News, media commentator Howard Kurtzsaid: “The admission raises serious questions abouthis credibility in a business that values that qualityabove al l e lse.” CNN televis ion journal ist ChrisCuomo stressed that “memory is either right or it iswrong and we are in the business of being right”. Hepredicted that the Internet would “eat him alive”.

Williams was a near-constant fixture on T V asAmerica’s world turned upside down in the wake ofthe 9/11 attacks. He reported frequently from Iraqduring the invasion. Besides Katrina, he covered thedevastating tsunami in Asia in 2004 and last yeargot the scoop with the first US television interviewwith whistleblower Edward Snowden in Russia. InDecember, he renewed his contract with NBC forfive years. But critics have now rounded on his on-air apology, also posted on his Facebook page.

“I’m a C-130 pilot who had a surface-to-air missileshot at me in Iraq. Trust me. You will never EVER for-get being shot at or ‘misremember the events,’”wrote John Jacob Hunt. Another, Mike Violette, said:“He’s an out and out liar. How NBC can keep him onair is beyond me.” But prominent allies also leapt tothe television star’s defense. “Revealing how somejournalists, like a pack of wolves, are trying to takedown Brian Williams. He apologized and set therecord straight,” wrote actress Mia Farrow on Twitter.Former CBS anchor Dan Rather agreed. “He is asuperb pro and a gutsy one,” he said.— AFP

Accusations mount against US anchor

Continued from Page 1

The formation of the council, announced on Friday,would also head off the threat from Al-Qaeda which hasa strong presence in east and south Yemen, Houthi said.“If Al-Qaeda takes control of the country, it will plotagainst our brothers in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf,” hewarned, following Gulf condemnation of his Shiite mili-tia’s actions.

The Shiite militia overran Sanaa in September andseized the presidential palace and key governmentbuildings last month, prompting Western-backedPresident Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi and Prime MinisterKhalid Bahah to tender their resignations. In anannouncement yesterday, the Houthis said Hadi’sdefence minister, General Mahmud Al-Subaihi, wouldchair a newly formed “security commission”, which alsoincluded the outgoing interior minister. Influential triballeaders in the oil-rich eastern province of Marib havesaid they “rejected the authors of this coup”.

And a US official at a security conference in Munichsaid Washington and its GCC allies “don’t agree” with theHouthi “presidential council”. UN Security Council presi-dent Liu Jieyi said its 15 members were ready to “takefurther steps” if UN-brokered negotiations to resolveYemen’s political crisis were not resumed “immediately”.The task of the Houthi-declared “security commission”announced yesterday is to “lead the country’s affairsuntil the establishment of a presidential council”, theShiite militia said.

The declaration was followed by a blast outside the

Houthi-controlled presidential palace, and protests bythousands of people on the streets of Yemeni cities, wit-nesses said. Gunmen loyal to the Shiite militia fired intothe air to disperse demonstrators in Sanaa and detained17 of them, in what was a second successive day of anti-Houthi protests. On Friday, the Houthis said they wouldset up a national council of 551 members to replaceparliament in the violence-wracked country, a key USally in the fight against Al-Qaeda. The five-member“presidential council” would form a transitional govern-ment to run Yemen for two years, they announced.

The announcement came after a Wednesday dead-line set by the militia for political parties to resolveYemen’s crisis passed with no agreement, and alsoincluded the creation of a “revolutionary council”. UNenvoy Jamal Benomar, who has been striving to seek anegotiated solution to the crisis, was back in Sanaa onSaturday and expected to meet members of the revolu-tionary council, the Houthi-controlled state newsagency Saba reported. Friday’s declaration by theHouthis bore the signature of Mohammad Ali Al-Houthiand described him as “president of the revolutionarycouncil”.

Yemen, which is also fighting an Al-Qaeda insur-gency, has been riven by instability since the ArabSpring-inspired uprising that forced autocratic presi-dent Ali Abdullah Saleh from power in 2012. There hasbeen no early reaction from Saleh to the Houthiannouncements, although he has been accused ofbacking the militia, as has Shiite-dominated Iran whichalso has not reacted. — Agencies

Gulf nations denounce militia ‘coup’...

Continued from Page 1

Jordan - still reeling from the brutal murder of one ofits pilots by IS rejected the jihadists’ claim that its war-planes killed Mueller, calling it an “old and sick trick” todeter coalition strikes. IS said none of its fighters waswounded in the raid, and it did not publish any picturesof her body. Its claim came as Amman said its fighter jetshad launched dozens of strikes Thursday against IS,widening their campaign from Syria to include targets inneighboring Iraq.

Interior Minister Hussein Majali said in remarks pub-lished yesterday that the burning alive of a Jordanianpilot by IS was a “turning point” in the kingdom’s fightagainst extremism. US authorities have never given fig-ures on the number of Americans kidnapped in Syria,

sticking to a policy of complete silence. Mueller travelledto the Syrian-Turkish border in 2012 to help refugeesfleeing the civil war and was captured in Aleppo afterleaving a Doctors Without Borders hospital.

The kingdom’s airstrikes are “the beginning of anongoing process to eliminate” IS, Majali was quoted assaying by government newspaper Al-Rai. “The day of thehero, martyr pilot’s assassination is a turning point inJordan’s history in order to face this horrific crime thatwas committed by the cowardly terrorist organisation,”he said. Amman’s government spokesman MohammadAl-Momani dismissed the jihadists’ claim of theAmerican’s death as “criminal propaganda”. “They havelied that our pilot is alive and tried to negotiate claiminghe is alive while they had killed him weeks before,”Momani said. — AFP

Coalition bombs IS ‘capital’

Continued from Page 1

However, a US official said on Friday, after Secretary ofState John Kerry met Gulf ministers in Munich, that UAEflights were likely to resume “in a couple of days”. Abu Dhabihad also “reaffirmed its commitment to the coalition” brought

together by the United States to try to defeat the militantswho have taken over a swathe of territory in Iraq and Syria.Another US official said that among all the Gulf countries thepilot’s brutal immolation by IS “has been a unifying eventdoubling their resolve to take the fight to Daesh”, using anArabic acronym for the militant group. — AFP

UAE sends F-16s to Jordan to fight IS

Switzerland’s first-placed Fanny Smith jumps as she competes in the Women’s Snow Ski Cross Quarter Final at the FIS World Cup in Arosa, Switzerland yesterday. — AFP

By Tim Cocks and Joe Brock

In late 2013, Nigeria’s then central bank gover-nor Lamido Sanusi wrote to PresidentGoodluck Jonathan claiming that the state oil

company had failed to remit tens of billions of oilrevenues it owed the state. After the letter wasleaked to Reuters and a local news site, Jonathanpublicly dismissed the claim and replaced Sanusi,saying the banker had mismanaged the centralbank’s budget. A Senate committee later foundSanusi’s account lacked substance.

Sanusi has since become Emir of Kano, thecountry’s second highest Islamic authority, andhas smoothed over relations with the president.He declined to discuss his earlier assertions.Before he was sacked, though, the central bankersubmitted to Nigeria’s parliament more than 300pages of documentation in support of his claim.Reuters has reviewed that dossier, which offersone of the most comprehensive studies of waste,mismanagement and what Sanusi called “leak-ages” of cash in Nigeria’s oil industry. Detailedhere, the dossier includes oil contracts, confiden-tial government letters, private presidential corre-spondence and legal opinions.

Sanusi’s letter and documents do not statewhether he thinks the money was stolen or lostthrough mismanagement. Nor did he make alle-gations of illegal acts against any specific individ-uals or entities. Both corruption and bad gover-nance are perennial problems in Africa’s mostpopulous nation, and central issues in electionsdue on Feb 14.

Nigeria’s oil industry accounts for around 95percent of the country’s foreign exchange earn-ings. If Nigeria continued to leak cash at the ratedescribed in his letter to the president, Sanusi saidat the time, the consequences for the economywould be disastrous. Specifically, the failure ofstate-owned Nigerian National PetroleumCorporation “to remit foreign exchange to theFederation Account in a period of rising oil priceshas made our management of exchange ratesand price stability ... extremely difficult,” he wrote.“The central bank of Nigeria is always blamed forhigh rates of interest,” but “given these leakages,the alternative is a devalued currency ... and finan-cial instability.”

That is exactly what has happened. As oilprices have plummeted to around $55 a barrel,half their level at the beginning of 2014, Sanusi’ssuccessor Godwin Emefiele has devalued thenaira, Nigeria’s currency, by 8 percent, and raisedinterest rates for the first time in more than twoyears.

Nigerian foreign exchange reserves are downaround 20 percent on a year ago, while the bal-ance in the country’s oil savings account has fall-en from $9 billion in December 2012 to $2.5 bil-lion at the start of this year, even though oil priceswere buoyant over much of that period. FinanceMinister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told reporters at apress conference in November that a significantportion of that money was distributed to thepowerful governors of Nigeria’s 36 states insteadof being saved for a rainy day.

Nigerians are rarely shocked by stories of bil-lions going unaccounted for, or ending up withpolitically powerful individuals. Africa’s largest oilproducer has for years consistently rankedtowards the bottom of TransparencyInternational’s Corruption Perceptions Index.Sanusi handed his documents to a parliamentaryinquiry set up last February to investigate theassertion in his letter that billions of dollars in oilrevenue had not reached the central bank. Hetold the inquiry that state oil group NNPC hadmade $67 billion worth of oil sales in the previous19 months. Of that, he said, between $10.8 billionand $20 billion was unaccounted for.

A spokesman for the president declined tocomment on the specific contents of Sanusi’sdossier. He referred to a statement made at thetime the banker was pushed out. It said the gov-ernment “remains committed to ensuring integri-ty and accountability and discipline in every sec-tor of the economy ... And indeed we look for-ward to a situation whereby Mr. Sanusi will con-tinue to assist the legislature in their investiga-tions.”

Those investigations include a “forensic audit”of the oil industry set up by Okonjo-Iweala. The

audit was given to Jonathan on Feb 2 and he saidhe would hand it on to Nigeria’s auditor general.NNPC said on Feb 5 it had received a copy of theaudit, before it was made public. The firm said theaudit cleared it of wrongdoing, although it foundNNPC owed the government $1.48 billion for aseparate shortfall.

A spokesman for NNPC rejected Sanusi’s alle-gations and referred Reuters to last August’sSenate inquiry. The inquiry expressed satisfactionthat most of the money not remitted was with-held for legitimate reasons. But it urged the NNPCto remit $700 million that the committee said itcould not account for. Diezani Alison-Madueke,the oil minister who oversees NNPC, did notrespond to a request for comment. She told theinquiry at the time that the correct sum for mon-ey not remitted was $10.8 billion, which was topay for subsidies.

The NNPC has consistently said it did nothingwrong. The oil company said last year thatSanusi’s allegations came from his “misunder-standing” of how the oil industry works. The cen-tral bank is “a banking outfit ... how will theyunderstand petroleum engineering issues?” thenmanaging director Andrew Yakubu asked journal-ists. “They are not auditors.”

Sanusi’s claims were seen by some Nigeriansas part of the historic tensions between the coun-try’s mostly Christian south and poorer, mostlyMuslim north. Jonathan and oil minister Alison-

Madueke are Christians from the oil-producingNiger Delta in the south. Sanusi is a Muslim fromthe country’s north, as is Muhammadu Buhari, aformer military ruler of Nigeria who is the mainpresidential candidate running against Jonathan.The two regions have historically taken it in turnsto hold the presidency. Since 2009, though,Jonathan has broken with this tradition.

Sanusi has said any notion there were reli-gious or ethnic politics behind his allegations isabsurd. He has declined to be interviewed sincebecoming the Emir of Kano. But last April, twomonths after he was sacked but before he tookon his new role, Sanusi told Reuters he worriedthat the sheer quantities of cash going missingwere “unsustainable”. “You are taking what doesn’tbelong to you and transferring it to private hands,”he told Reuters. “The state is captive to vestedinterests.”

No-Bid ContractsSanusi’s documents identify three key mecha-

nisms through which Nigeria has allegedlyallowed middlemen to channel oil funds awayfrom the central bank. Among the recipients,Sanusi alleges, are government officials and high-flying society figures. The three mechanisms are:contracts awarded non-competitively to twocompanies that did not supply services but sub-contracted the work; a kerosene subsidy thatdoesn’t help the people it is meant to; and a series

of complex, opaque “swap deals” that might beshort-changing the state.

Sanusi’s concerns around the first of thesemechanisms centre on the 2011 sale by RoyalDutch Shell of its interests in five oil fields. Theblocks were majority-owned by NNPC. The gov-ernment, keen to end the domination of the oilindustry by foreign oil majors, had been encour-aging Shell and others to sell to local firms. Shellsold its interest in the fields to companies inPoland and Britain. But the new owners did notget the same rights Shell had. To promote localcontrol, the NNPC gave the right to operate thefields to its own subsidiary, the NigerianPetroleum Development Company (NPDC).

Without soliciting bids, the NPDC signed“strategic partnership agreements” worth around$6.6 billion with two other local firms to managethem. One firm, Seven Energy, signed for threefields; another, Atlantic Energy, for two. SevenEnergy was co-founded in 2004 by Kola Aluko, anoil trader and Christian southerner. Aluko also co-owned Atlantic with another southerner, formeroil trader Jide Omokore. Atlantic was incorporat-ed the day before it signed the deals.

Geneva-based Aluko is a high-profile memberof Nigeria’s elite. He owns a fleet of supercars,including a Ferrari 458 GT2 that he races withSwiss team Kessel Racing. He also owns a $50 mil-lion yacht, according to Forbes magazine, anddivides his time between a $40 million home in

Los Angeles, an $8.6 million duplex on FifthAvenue in New York, and homes in Abuja andGeneva. A colleague describes him as a “workhard, play harder kind of guy. He’s extravagant.That’s just his style.”Aluko, whose stake in Seven isnow minimal, did not respond to emailed ques-tions.

Omokore has also become rich from oil andgas. Forbes has estimated annual revenue atanother of his companies, Energy ResourcesGroup, at $400 million. His jet-setting lifestyle is aregular feature in the local press. Omokore couldnot be reached for comment. Reuters hasreviewed the contracts the firms signed withNPDC. They give Seven Energy 10 percent ofprofits in the three oil blocks it operates, whileAtlantic gets 30 percent of profits in its twoblocks. The contracts also show that, unlike Shell,neither firm pays royalties, profit tax or duties tothe state.

Both companies quickly sub-contracted pro-duction work to other operators, according toSanusi’s submission to parliament and severalmarket sources. The companies did not discloseterms of these contracts. Atlantic does not pub-lish accounts, but Seven’s 2013 annual reportshows its deal with NPDC helped its revenuemore than triple to $345 million. In May 2013,Nigeria’s parliament threatened to investigatethe NPDC contracts because they were notissued through competitive tender. But the

NNPC argued no tender was needed becausethe contracts involved no sale of equity in the oilfields; the probe did not go ahead.

Sanusi did not accuse Seven and Atlantic ofany illegalities, but he did question why theNPDC chose those companies. His report said thedeals’ only purpose seemed to be “acquiringassets belonging to the federation (state) andtransferring the income to private hands”. Askedabout this, NNPC referred to the Senate report,which found that no-bid partnership agreementsare not new. It also said that “it may be good poli-cy to encourage indigenous players by givingthem greater participation,” but called for suchdeals “to be conducted in a transparent and com-petitive manner.”

Seven did not comment. It says on its websiteits agreement with NPDC pre-dated theJonathan administration and included anallowance for taxes. The company says it hasinvested more than $500 million, more than dou-bled production from its three blocks, and paid$48.8 million in taxes in 2013. Atlantic did notcomment.

Kerosene SubsidiesThe second mechanism Sanusi’s report iden-

tifies as problematic is a decades-old state sub-sidy provided to retailers of kerosene, the fuelmost Nigerians use for cooking. Nigeria lacks therefining capacity to make kerosene, so imports itinstead. The government then sells the keroseneto retailers at a cheaper price than the importprice. This subsidy is meant to make keroseneaffordable for the poor. In reality, though, retail-ers have long hiked prices so consumers paymuch more than official levels.

In June 2009, Jonathan’s predecessor, UmaruYar’Adua, ordered a halt to the scheme on thegrounds that it was not working. But the subsi-dies carried on regardless. The NNPC told parlia-ment last February that it still deducts billions ofdollars a year from its earnings to cover it. In hisreport, Sanusi called the kerosene subsidy a“racket” that lines the pockets of private keroseneretailers and NNPC staff. The report estimated thecost of the subsidy at $100 million a month. Itsaid kerosene retailers - there are hundreds ofthem around the country - routinely chargedcustomers much higher prices than the govern-ment pays to import the fuel.

Sanusi’s report included an analysis ofkerosene prices across Nigeria’s 36 states overtwo years. It found that the government buyskerosene at 150 naira per litre from importersand then sells it to retailers at just 40 naira perlitre. Sanusi’s analysis found consumers pay anaverage of 170-200 naira per litre, and sometimesas much as 270 naira. “The margin of 300 percentto 500 percent over purchase price is economicrent, which never got to the man on the street,”Sanusi wrote. NNPC said in a statement last yearthat it can’t force retailers to sell kerosene at thesubsidised price.

Swap DealsThe third mechanism Sanusi identified

involves other types of refined petroleum prod-ucts, such as gasoline. Like kerosene, these arealso imported. Nigeria is Africa’s biggest oil pro-ducer but it depends on imports for 80 percentof its fuel needs because its refining capacity istiny. To pay for the imported products, Nigeriabarters its crude oil. Sanusi’s dossier focuses onthese barter exchanges, which are known as“swap deals.” The idea is that importers who bringin refined fuel worth a given amount receive an“equivalent value” in crude oil.

How that equivalent value is determined isunclear. Sanusi said he was uncertain how much, ifanything, is lost in these deals. But he expressedconcern at the sheer value of oil that changeshands and the lack of oversight. His report esti-mated that between 2010 and 2011, tradersinvolved in swap deals effectively bartered200,000 barrels of crude a day - worth nearly $20million at average crude prices over the period -for a loosely determined equivalent value inrefined products. It is impossible to tell, he said, ifall the refined products were delivered, let alone ifthe terms were fair. “It was clear to us that thesetransactions ... were not properly structured, moni-tored and audited,” he wrote. —Reuters

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A N A L Y S I SSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

The Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II speaks shortly after receiving thestaff of office during his coronation as the 57th emir of the ancient Kanoemirate yesterday at the newly built Coronation Hall near the Kano stategovernor’s office. —AFP

As Berlin and Athens lock horns over debt relief,Greece’s claim that Germany has never compensat-ed it for all the damage wrought by the Nazis dur-

ing World War II is again straining ties. Greece’s new PrimeMinister Alexis Tsipras, whose radical left party swept topower last month promising to reverse spending cutsimposed under the indebted country’s rescue package,has vowed to tackle the long-simmering dispute. But he islikely to run up against a firm “no” from Europe’s biggesteconomy, which argues that Berlin does not owe it a centand that the historic issue has long been closed.

“Nearly 70 years after the end of World War II, the ques-tion of reparations has lost legitimacy,” a German financeministry spokesman said recently. The issue of wartimereparation claims over Germany’s four-year occupation ofGreece, which ruined the country financially and left thou-sands dead, has complicated relations between Athensand Berlin for decades.

Now, with Greece struggling under more than �300billion ($340 billion) of debt, calculations that Athens isstill owed just over half that amount, or �162 billion leftover from the war, is sure to touch a nerve. Tsipras’s Syrizaparty and its unlikely coalition partner, the nationalistIndependent Greeks party led by Panos Kammenos, planto re-open the claim, whose impact is highly symbolic inGermany for harking back to its darkest chapter.

Haunted by its Nazi past, Germany prides itself on itsefforts to come to terms with its history. Tspiras, a formerCommunist, lost no time after his election victory in layingflowers at a memorial near Athens where dozens of Greekleftists were executed by German occupation troops in1944. His finance minister, Yanis Varoufakis, during a bruis-ing first visit last week to Germany, stressed that it had notbeen “a sign towards Germany” but rather was targetedagainst Greece’s neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party, now thecountry’s third-biggest political force. During his electioncampaign, Tsipras said he would press the “unfulfilledright” to reparations for a “people who bled and paidheavily for the brutality of Nazism”.

20th Century’s ‘Worst Debt Payer’ Greece’s occupation by the Nazis from 1941 was one

of the most bloody in Europe, with Hitler’s forces ram-paging, pillaging and shooting, and encountering anation that fiercely resisted. The Nazi regime ended upbleeding Greece dry. The Third Reich forced the Greekcentral bank to loan it 476 million Reichsmarks whichhas never been reimbursed. A German Bundestag lowerhouse of parliament report in 2012 put the value of theloan at $8.25 billion.

In Greece, its estimated value is higher, at �11 billion,according to a confidential report to the finance ministryand reported by the To Vima newspaper in January. AfterGermany’s capitulation and the end of the war, the UnitedStates’ main concern was to halt any advance by the com-munists in Greece’s civil war. It asked the Greek govern-ment, keen for economic support under the Marshall Plan- the US aid package to rebuild Europe after World War II -to drop its reparation claims until the signing of a peacetreaty.

Germany rebuilt itself and paid practically nothing toits former enemies “which obviously helped the Germaneconomic miracle hugely” in the post-war period,according to an analysis by Rabobank. Albrecht Ritschl,a professor of economic history, said in an interviewwith Germany’s Spiegel news weekly in 2011 that“Germany has been the 20th century’s worst payer ofdebts”. Just before German reunification in 1990, thetwo former Germanys signed a treaty with the Allies,considered as the formal end of World War II. Althoughthe document, which was approved by Greece amongothers, was not officially termed a peace treaty, forBerlin it effectively drew a line under possible futureclaims for war reparations.

Not so, though, for former resistance icon ManolisGlezos, who has been pressing for Germany to settle upfor decades. The issue has a “political and moral dimen-sion”, says the nonagenarian who, at the age of 18, tookdown the Nazi flag from atop the Acropolis. And last year,Greek President Karolos Papoulias, another veteran of theGreek resistance, took the opportunity during a visit byhis German counterpart Joachim Gauck to call for negoti-ations on the issue to be opened quickly. “You know that Ican’t give you any other response than to say that thelegal path is closed,” Gauck said, before solemnly askingGreece to forgive Germany for a heinous Nazi crime com-mitted at the height of the war. —AFP

By Yannick Pasquet

Focus

WWII reparations:

Greece’s other

row with Germany

Anatomy of Nigeria’s $20bn ‘leak’

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

CHENNAI: Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has been cleared to bowl afterpassing biomechanic tests on his remodelled action, the InternationalCricket Council (ICC) said yesterday. A week before the start of the WorldCup, the ICC said Ajmal and Bangladesh spinner Sohaq Gazi had been re-

tested in Chennai last month and cleared to resume bowling ininternational cricket. “At the retests, it was revealed that the

amount of elbow extensions in both the off-spinners’ bowl-ing actions for all their deliveries was within the 15-degreelevel of tolerance...” the world governing body said. “Theumpires are still at liberty to report Saeed Ajmal and SohagGazi in the future if they believe they are displaying a sus-

pect action and not reproducing the legal actions from theretests.” Spin spearhead Ajmal pulled out of Pakistan’s World

Cup preliminary squad in December with the board rulingout any chance for the 37-year-old to get his remod-

elled action cleared before the Feb. —Reuters

Ajmal cleared to bowl a

week before World Cup

LONDON: Briton Mark Cavendish won the Dubai Tour after sprinting to vic-tory in the fourth and final stage yesterday. The Etixx-Quick-Step riderbegan the day four seconds adrift of leader John Degenkolb butclaimed 10 bonus seconds as he raced to win the stage, which fin-ished at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Cavendish, who has won 25 Tour de France stages, finished in15 hours 22 minutes and 38 seconds, six seconds ahead ofGermany’s Degenkolb, who rides for Team Giant - Alpecin, and10 in front of Movistar’s Juan Jose Lobato.

The 29-year-old Isle of Man rider, who won the first stagein Dubai on Wednesday, savoured the victory after a tough2014 season in which he was hampered by a shoulder injurysustained when he crashed out on the first stage of the Tourde France.—Reuters

BARCELONA: Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero said Barcelonaare not the formidable force of recent seasons and the English PremierLeague side will face them without fear in their Champions League last 16clash. The Argentine says that the reported problems at the Catalan clubafter the Christmas break, including an alleged bust-up between coachLuis Enrique and Lionel Messi, has given the City players confidence. “Ithink we have (lost any fear), especially as a result of what happened atBarcelona this winter that everyone is talking about in Spain,” Caballerotold Spanish newspaper Marca.

“They are not as strong a side as in recent years. That is going to help usand make us feel stronger.” Barca sports director Andoni Zubizarreta wassacked last month and president Josep Maria Bartomeu decided to bringforward elections to the end of this season. “These club problems can alsohelp us although you win games on the pitch and we need to concern our-selves about that,” said Caballero, who joined City from Malaga ahead ofthis campaign and has generally been an understudy to Joe Hart.—Reuters

Caballero: City have

no fear against Barca

S P O RT S

Cavendish sprints to

victory at Dubai Tour

ATLANTA: Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) knocks the ball away from Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the first half of anNBA basketball game. —AP

ATLANTA: Jeff Teague scored 23 points and theAtlanta Hawks overcame Golden State’s one-twobackcourt punch with balance, beating theWarriors 124-116 on Friday night in a showdownbetween the NBA’s two conference leaders.

It was tied at halftime and Atlanta led by fourentering the final period. Back-to-back 3-point-ers by Mike Scott and Kyle Korver, who each had17 points, helped stretch the lead.

Al Horford had 12 points and 14 rebounds forAtlanta. Golden State’s one-two punch ofStephen Curry and Klay Thompson did do somedamage. Thompson scored 29 points and Curryhad 26 for Golden State, which had its three-game winning streak snapped. Atlanta improvedto 42-9, and Golden State dropped to 39-9.

PELICANS 116, THUNDER 113Anthony Davis scored 41 points and hit a 3-

pointer as time expired to lift New Orleans pastOklahoma City. Davis also grabbed 10 reboundsand outdueled Thunder guard RussellWestbrook, who had a career-high 48 points togo with 11 assists and nine rebounds.Westbrook, who scored 45 points as part of atriple-double Wednesday night in a win at NewOrleans, made three free throws with 1.2 sec-onds left to tie it.

Davis took the inbounds pass from TyrekeEvans and, with Kevin Durant running at him, hitthe shot to silence the raucous crowd.

PACERS 103, CAVALIERS 99CJ Miles had 26 points, George Hill converted

a key four-point play and the Indiana endedCleveland’s winning streak at 12 games.

With Indiana down by one with 1:26 to play,Hill hit an off-balance, one-handed 3 and wasfouled taking the shot. He made the free throwto extend Indiana’s lead to three points.

Hill finished with 20 points, and David Westhad 20 points and 13 rebounds. Cleveland led byas many as 13 points, but Indiana closed thethird quarter on a 14-2 run to cut it to three.Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers with 29 points, andLeBron James had 25.

SPURS 98, HEAT 85Kawhi Leonard had 24 points and San

Antonio beat Miami in their first meeting sincethe Spurs’ victory in the NBA Finals.

Tony Parker added 21 points and Tim Duncanhad 10 points and 12 rebounds for his 24th dou-ble-double of the season. Luol Deng had 17points and Chris Bosh added 14 points for theHeat.

TIMBERWOLVES 90, GRIZZLIES 89Ricky Rubio shook off an ankle injury in the

fourth quarter to score eight points in the final1:47 and Minnesota snapped Memphis’ winningstreak at eight.

Rubio appeared to re-injure the ankle thatkept him out for 42 games earlier in the season

on a driving layup with 6 minutes to play. Hecame back a minute later, hit two big 3-pointersand then knocked down a pair of free throwswith 10.2 seconds to play.

Rubio finished with 17 points and five assists,and Andrew Wiggins had 18 points. Mike Conleyhad 15 points and seven assists for the Grizzlies.

RAPTORS 123, CLIPPERS 107DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points, Kyle Lowry

had 21 and Toronto overcame a 20-point deficitto hand Los Angeles its fourth loss in five games.

Lou Williams had 18 points, Greivis Vazquezscored 12 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter,and James Johnson returned from a four-gameabsence to add 16 for the Raptors.

Blake Griffin scored 26 points for Los Angeles.Chris Paul had 22, and Jamal Crawford 18. TheClippers are 2-4 on an eight-game trip that willfinish with stops in Oklahoma City and Dallas.

ROCKETS 117, BUCKS 111NBA scoring leader James Harden had 33

points and hit three of Houston’s 15 3-pointers inthe Rockets’ victory over Milwaukee. Trevor Arizaadded 24 points for the Rockets, going 6 of 10from 3-point range. Giannis Antetokounmpohad 27 points and 15 rebounds for Milwaukee.

SUNS 100, JAZZ 93Marcus Morris scored 24 of his career-high 34

points in the first half and had a career-best 12rebounds in Phoenix’s victory over Utah.

Morris was one point shy of his career best byhalftime, making 5 of 6 3s off the bench in thefirst two quarters. Eric Bledsoe added 15 pointsto help the Suns snap a three-game losingstreak. Gordon Hayward scored 24 points forUtah.

NETS 92, KNICKS 88Brook Lopez had 22 points and nine

rebounds, and Jarrett Jack made a clutch 3-pointer with 13.8 seconds left to help Brooklynbeat visiting New York.

The Nets secured the city series by beatingthe Knicks for the third time in three meetingsthis season, clinching it for the first time sincesweeping all four games in 2006-07. Jack fin-ished with 20 points and eight assists. CarmeloAnthony had 21 points for the Knicks.

MAGIC 103, LAKERS 97Tobias Harris had a career-high 34 points and

Orlando snapped a 10-game losing streak withthe victory over Los Angeles.

Nik Vucevic added 25 points and 13rebounds. It was the Magic’s first victory underinterim coach James Borrego. He took over afterJacque Vaughn was fired on Thursday. Ryan Kellyled Los Angeles with 20 points, connecting onfive 3-pointers.

CELTICS 107, 76ERS 96Jared Sullinger had 22 points, eight rebounds

and seven assists to help Boston beatPhiladelphia for its third straight victory. AveryBradley added 18 points, and Marcus Thorntonand Tyler Zeller each had 16 for Boston. LucMbah a Moute led Philadelphia with 18 points.

PISTONS 98, NUGGETS 88Greg Monroe had 21 points and a career high

21 rebounds and Detroit cruised past slumpingDenver. DJ Augustin added 22 points and 11assists, and Andre Drummond had 13 points and13 rebounds for Detroit. Ty Lawson had 20points and nine assists for Denver. The Nuggetshave dropped 12 of 13. —AP

Hawks defeat Warriors

Eastern ConferenceAtlantic Division

W L PCT GB Toronto 34 17 .667 - Brooklyn 21 28 .429 12 Boston 19 30 .388 14 Philadelphia 11 40 .216 23 NY Knicks 10 40 .200 23.5

Central DivisionChicago 30 20 .600 - Cleveland 31 21 .596 - Milwaukee 27 23 .540 3 Detroit 20 31 .392 10.5 Indiana 19 32 .373 11.5

Southeast DivisionAtlanta 42 9 .824 - Washington 31 20 .608 11 Charlotte 22 27 .449 19 Miami 21 29 .420 20.5 Orlando 16 37 .302 27

Western ConferenceNorthwest Division

Portland 34 16 .680 - Oklahoma City 25 25 .500 9 Denver 19 32 .373 15.5 Utah 17 33 .340 17 Minnesota 10 40 .200 24

Pacific DivisionGolden State 39 9 .813 - LA Clippers 33 18 .647 7.5 Phoenix 29 23 .558 12 Sacramento 17 31 .354 22 LA Lakers 13 37 .260 27

Southwest DivisionMemphis 37 13 .740 - Houston 35 15 .700 2 Dallas 34 18 .654 4 San Antonio 32 18 .640 5 New Orleans 27 23 .540 10

NBA results/standingsBrooklyn 92, NY Knicks 88; Indiana 103, Cleveland 99; Orlando 103, LA Lakers 97 (OT); Toronto 123, La Clippers 107;Atlanta 124, Golden State 116; Boston 107, Philadelphia 96; Detroit 98, Denver 88; Houston 117, Milwaukee 111;Minnesota 90, Memphis 89; New Orleans 116, Oklahoma City 113; Phoenix 100, Utah 93; San Antonio 98, Miami 85.

LA JOLLA: Local favorite Phil Mickelson hasjoined Tiger Woods as a weekend casualtyas the five-time major winner failed tomake the cut at the Farmers InsuranceOpen at Torrey Pines on Friday.

Mickelson backed up his 74 on theSouth course from round one with an even-par 72 on the easier North Course on Fridayto be left at two-over and headed for theexit door Woods went through on Thursdaywith a back injury.

The San Diego native was 12 shots offthe pace of fellow American Harris English,who put together a six-under 66 on theNorth course to push out to 10-under 134and a two-shot lead late in the secondround. “I take a lot of positives from today. Ihit the ball well, made some really goodputts and hit some good wedge shots,”English said.

He is bogey free through two rounds,the first time a player has accomplished thefeat at the tournament in four years. “I wasvery excited about that yesterday,” Harrissaid. “Especially coming out this morningand having to finish some holes (from thefirst round) kind of in the cold and it’s goodto make some of those six-footers comingout for par.”

American Nick Watney put together a 65on the North and Venezuelan Jhonattan

Vegas a solid 69 to move to eight-underand a share of second with Briton MartinLaird (68).

But for Mickelson it was a day to forgetwith two bogeys in his first five holes.Hepegged them back with back-to-backbirdies on the 16th and 17th, his seventhand eighth holes, and gave fans hope witha birdie on the second, his 11th.

But he played the last seven holes oneover, joining Woods, world number fiveJustin Rose, the returning Dustin Johnson,Luke Donald and Jordan Spieth as highprofile casualties.

“It’s very frustrating for me right now,”Mickelson said.“I felt really ready to startthe year and these first few weeks havebeen very poor.

“I feel like I’m hitting the ball tee togreen quite well, really well, but my puttingis beyond pathetic and if I can’t get back tothe levels of 2013, I’m not sure what I’mgoing to do, because this is very frustrat-ing.” Johnson, who spent six-months on avoluntary leave of absence for personalrehabilitation, missed the cut by a shot. “Iwas just a little bit off but I still played pret-ty well,” Johnson said. “I had a lots of puttsthat could have gone in, but didn’t. But Ihung in there and fought pretty hard. Just alittle rusty that’s all.”—Reuters

English takes charge

as Mickelson exits

Qatar’s Al-Neama and

Al-Nasser excel in UIM

powerboat Qatar Cup

DOHA: Respective race one victories in theSuperCat Lite, SuperVee and SuperCat cate-gories at the inaugural UIM Qatar Cup fellto Victory S-3, Outerlimits and Spirit ofQatar 20 in Doha Bay on Thursday after-noon. Qatar’s Mohammed and Nasser Al-Nasser reached the chequered flag infourth position in their Supercat Lite race,but Ali Al-Neama and Billy Moore were insuperb form to win the SuperCat race.

Victory S-3’s Arif Saif Al-Zafeen andNadir bin Hendi qualified on pole for the10-lap SuperCat Lite race and managed tofend off a strong field to pass the che-quered flag seven seconds ahead of even-tual race runners-up, Robert Nunziato andDan Lawrence, in The Hulk.

Team Abu Dhabi’s Faleh Al-Mansooriand Rashed Al-Tayer qualified third androunded off the podium positions, whileMohammed and Nasser Al-Nasser climbedfrom fifth - at the expense of GrantBruggemann and Gary Ballough in SmartMarine - to snatch fourth place. LA Marineretired on the last lap and Smart Marinesuccumbed one lap before.

Spirit of Qatar 20’s Ali Al-Neama andBilly Moore had claimed pole for theSuperCat race on Wednesday and theywere not to be denied an emphatic victoryon home waters. They brought their MTi tothe finish of the 12-lap race 16 seconds in

front of the Outerlimits crew of Joe Sgroand Steve Curtis - the winners of theSuperVee category.

The Kiwi crew of Wayne Valden andChris Hanley were third in Pro Floors Racingand Jay Cooke and Randy Sweers werefourth. Twisted Metal’s Brett Furshman andBilly Glueck retired on lap six.

Pole Position qualifying for Saturday’sQatar round of the 2015 UIM WorldOffshore 225 Championship took place atlunchtime on Doha Bay. EFE Project toppedthe times with a quickest lap of 1min57.671sec. Bigchefs-EFE Project qualifiedsecond albeit over two seconds behind.

The first C1 and C2 races for an impres-sive array of Qatari. Kuwaiti and Bahrainiteams took place on Thursday morning onthe shorter Inshore course.

Ten laps were on the agenda for the C1fleet and Kuwait’s Mohammed Turki Jumaasnatched a 3.12 second victory from Qatar’sJassim Abdullah Al-Buainain. An impressive10 boats took the start and Kuwait’s KhaledAhmed Al-Hassan rounded off the podium.

Six C2 boats ran for nine laps in theiropening race and the Kuwaiti AhmedSulaiman Al-Fassam reached the che-quered flag with a margin of just under sixseconds from fellow countryman AhmedFouad Abul. Qatar’s Rashid Al-Muhannadiwas third.

SuperVee and SuperCat boats take off from the start of race one at the Qatar Cup.

C2 race one was staged with the stunning backdrop of the Doha skyline.

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S P O RT SSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

NEWARK: Richard Panik No. 18 of the Toronto Maple Leafs falls to the ice during the game against the New Jersey Devils at the PrudentialCenter. —AFP

COLUMBUS: Nick Foligno set a career high withhis 19th and 20th goals of the season and alsohad an assist to lead the Columbus Blue Jacketspast the St. Louis Blues 7-1 on Friday night.

The defeat ended the Blues’ seven-gamewinning streak and franchise-record 13-gamepoints streak (12-0-1) - and the Blue Jackets’three-game skid.

Ryan Johansen scored his first NHL short-handed goal, Corey Tropp tallied for the firsttime in 66 games and Cam Atkinson, MattCalvert and Scott Hartnell also scored forColumbus. Curtis McElhinney had 32 saves andBrandon Dubinsky had two assists. Johansenalso had two assists and Tropp and Hartnelladded helpers. Paul Stastny scored a power-playgoal for the Blues. Brian Elliott was pulled aftergiving up four goals on 14 shots with Jake Allensurrendering three on 19 shots. The seven goalswere a season high for the Blue Jackets.

DEVILS 4, MAPLE LEAFS 1Patrik Elias scored his 400th career goal and

the Devils sent the Maple Leafs to a franchise-record 11th straight loss. Cory Schneider had 33saves, giving up a third-period power-play goalto Tyler Bozak. Tuomo Ruutu, Steve Bernier andJaromir Jagr also scored as the streaking Devilswon their third straight for the first time sincethe start of the season and improved to 8-2-2 inthe last dozen games.

The Maple Leafs’ skid breaks the old mark setby the 1966-67 team. That group reboundedwith a 10-game unbeaten streak (eight wins,two ties) and won the Stanley Cup, the last timeToronto was in a Cup final. The Maple Leafs willhave a chance to end the streak Saturdayagainst Edmonton, the NHL’s second-worstteam.

CAPITALS 3, DUCKS 2Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom

scored shootout goals, Phil ipp Grubauerstopped 23 shots in his first NHL action of theseason and the Washington Capitals defeatedthe Anaheim Ducks.

After Alex Ovechkin, Washington’s third

shooter, failed to score, Anaheim had a chanceto extend the game. But Grubauer stoppedRyan Kesler. Jakob Silfverberg scored the Ducks’lone shootout goal.

Jason Chimera had a goal and an assist inregulation for Washington, and Kuznetsovadded two assists. Kesler had a goal and anassist for Anaheim, the NHL points leader, whichhad won eight of 10.

BLACKHAWKS 2, JETS 1Brandon Saad scored in overtime to lift

Chicago. Patrick Kane also scored for theBlackhawks, while Corey Crawford made 20saves. Mark Scheifele scored for the Jets, whoentered on an 0-4-1 skid since the All-Star breakand were outscored 23-11 during that span.

Winnipeg announced before the game thatEvander Kane, a healthy scratch in Vancouver onTuesday night, will undergo left shoulder sur-gery and be out of the lineup for four to six

months. With Kane out and options limited atforward, coach Paul Maurice moved All-Stardefenseman Dustin Byfuglien back to the wing,where he started the season.

PENGUINS 4, FLAMES 0Marc-Andre Fleury got his NHL-leading

eighth shutout of the season and Sidney Crosbycontributed two goals and an assist. DavidPerron and Brandon Sutter also scored forPittsburgh, which moved past the Islandersatop the Metropolitan Division.

Mired in a mini-slump with two assists in hislast six games, Crosby was the best player onthe ice - along with Fleury, of course. Crosbymoved into fourth place in NHL scoring with 56points.

The Penguins outplayed the Flames, whoentered having won eight of their last 10, andFleury made 21 saves to surpass Tom Barrasso’sclub record for shutouts in a season.—AP

Blue Jackets, Devils progress

Western Conference

Pacific Division

W L OTL GF GA PTS

Anaheim 34 12 7 159 143 75 San Jose 28 18 7 149 144 63 Calgary 29 21 3 152 136 61 Vancouver 28 19 3 135 131 59 Los Angeles 21 18 12 136 139 54 Arizona 19 26 7 121 173 45 Edmonton 14 29 9 120 172 37

Central Division

Nashville 33 12 6 155 123 72 St. Louis 34 14 4 166 128 72 Chicago 32 18 2 157 119 66 Winnipeg 26 18 10 147 142 62 Colorado 22 19 11 134 146 55 Minnesota 24 20 6 138 140 54 Dallas 23 20 8 162 167 54

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Tampa Bay 33 15 5 172 138 71

Detroit 30 12 9 152 129 69 Montreal 32 15 3 132 114 67 Boston 27 17 7 136 127 61 Florida 23 17 10 125 142 56 Ottawa 20 21 9 138 140 49 Toronto 22 27 4 148 164 48 Buffalo 15 34 3 97 184 33

Metropolitan Division

Pittsburgh 30 14 8 151 129 68 NY Islanders 33 17 1 163 145 67 Washington 28 15 10 156 132 66 NY Rangers 30 15 4 148 117 64 Philadelphia 22 22 8 142 154 52 New Jersey 21 22 9 119 140 51 Columbus 22 25 3 128 156 47 Carolina 18 26 7 111 135 43 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in thestandings and are not included in the loss column (L).

NHL results/standings

New Jersey 4, Toronto 1; Washington 3, Anaheim 2 (SO); Columbus 7, St. Louis 1; Chicago 2, Winnipeg 1 (OT);Pittsburgh 4, Calgary 0.

CARDIFF: England extinguished earlyWelsh fire with a dominant second half per-formance to secure a 21-16 victory in anabsorbing Six Nations Championship open-er on Friday that struck the first blow inWorld Cup year.

Wales, starting with 11 of the side thatpounded England into submission in arecord 30-3 win two years ago in Cardiff,roared into a 10-0 lead after seven minuteswith scrumhalf Rhys Webb dashing over forthe first try.

England, forced into six changes fromtheir November victory over Australia, hitback with wing Anthony Watson sliding inbut coughed up too many turnovers andWales led 16-8 at halftime.

Stuart Lancaster’s side, who will meetWales in September in the pool stage ofthe World Cup which both countries co-host, ran out a different side after thebreak.

Six Nations debutant Jonathan Joseph’stry in the early minutes of the second halfturned the tide and with their forwardsasserting themselves, George Ford kickedEngland ahead while Wales were down to14 men.

England thought they had made thegame safe in the dying minutes when lockDave Attwood touched down but the trywas ruled out for an infringement. Fordthen landed another penalty to seal amorale-boosting win.—Reuters

England extinguish Welsh fire

Six Nations opener

UAE old guard seek

new breakthroughDUBAI: Skippered by a 43-year-old andwith a 15-man squad featuring nine playersover 30, the United Arab Emirates believetheir status as no-hopers could work intheir favour at the World Cup.

The last of the 14 finalists to book theirplace at the showpiece event, the Gulf sideare playing in just their second World Cupand first since 1996.

Now, two decades on, the expat-drivensquad hope to capitalise on their lowly sta-tus although the odds are stacked againstthem with defending champions India,1992 winners Pakistan, two-time champi-ons West Indies and favourites South Africaall in their group.

Realistically, the best the UAE-whoseplayers are all part-time and drawn mostlyfrom Pakistan and India-can hope for is totry and scratch out a result againstZimbabwe and Ireland, their opponents intheir first two games.

Mohammed Tauqir, one of just threeEmirati-born players in the squad, has beeninstalled as captain replacing fellow 43-year-old, Pakistani Khurram Khan who hadled the side for six years.

Tauqir has played in 50 internationalmatches, but just five ODIs. On his ODIdebut, in the 2004 Asia Cup against India,he scored 55 off 73 balls and claimed 1-46with his tidy right-arm off-spin.

“If we put on a good show againstPakistan and India, that would be the icingon the cake,” said Tauqir, who has seen

cricket develop in the Gulf state from asport played on concrete wickets on wasteground to international arenas in Dubai,Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

“We are also targeting one or two wins.It’s a challenging but a realistic target.These players are capable of causing anupset.” Khurram Khan, who hails fromPunjab and was born on the same day in1971 as the captain, will be key to histeam’s chances.

Vice-captain Khurram has played 10ODIs in his 11-year career but boasts anaverage of 53.37, a figure boosted by hisundefeated 123 in a six-wicket win over fel-low World Cup qualifiers Afghanistan inDubai in November. The UAE won thatseries 3-1. Khurram’s score allowed him tosurpass Sanath Jayasuriya as the oldest ODIcenturion in the history of the game. TheUAE are coached by former Pakistan fastbowler Aqib Javed, who played in the 1992World Cup winning team.

His input will be crucial for a sideexpected to struggle on the hard, bouncypitches, particularly in Australia. FormerIreland captain Trent Johnston, who knowshow to engineer a World Cup shock afterhis side defeated Pakistan in the 2007 tour-nament, believes the UAE attack will toil.

“The bowling is a concern with only onetrue paceman in Mohammad Naveed,” saidJohnston. “However, Manjula Guruge willswing the new ball and bowl well at thedeath.”—AFP

NEW DELHI: Loaded with free-strokingbatsmen but missing match-winningbowlers, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s India willlook to chase down-rather than defend-theWorld Cup title they won four years ago.But a miserable bilateral tour of Australiawhere India lost the Test series 2-0 andfailed to win a match in the tri-series thatalso featured England, leaves the defend-ing champions on shaky ground.

Millions of fans will hope that Dhoni’smen turn their fortunes around-as theyhave done in the past-when they clash witharch-rivals Pakistan in their World Cupopener in Adelaide on February 15.

India went into the 2003 World Cupafter a bad tour of New Zealand and stillreached the final. In 2011, they won thetournament despite a lacklustre perform-ance in South Africa.

In Rohit Sharma, the only batsman withtwo 200s in one-day internationals, ViratKohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina and theexplosive Dhoni, India possess destructivebatting firepower.

But the frail bowling attack remains aworry, as was evident during the recentTest series where the hosts piled up 500-plus totals in each of the four matches.

The same seam attack comprising IshantSharma, Mohammed Shami, BhuvneshwarKumar and Umesh Yadav, will feature in theWorld Cup alongside three frontline spin-ners in off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwinand left-armers Ravindra Jadeja and youngAkshar Patel.

“Big totals are needed to win,” India’sfirst World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev

told AFP. “We will be better off chasing tar-gets rather than giving bowlers a target todefend.”

India won the title under Dhoni in 2011with an experienced squad that includedseasoned campaigners like SachinTendulkar, Virender Sehwag, GautamGambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan andHarbhajan Singh.

The present side has just four players-Dhoni, Kohli, Raina and Ashwin-who werepart of that winning combination, leavingthe team short of World Cup experience.

The nucleus of the squad is the samewhich helped India win the ChampionsTrophy one-day tournament in England in2013, but a power-packed batting display isneeded to succeed again.

Rohit Sharma, who followed his one-day209 against Australia in 2013 with a scintil-lating world record score of 264 against theWest Indies last year, is expected to fire atthe top of the order despite a poor Testseries. Kohli, recently appointed Test cap-tain after Dhoni quit the longer format, isone of the finest batsmen in the moderngame with 21 one-day centuries in the lastfive years, a testimony of his hunger for bigscores.

Dhoni, the peg around whom India’s for-tunes will revolve, is a leader and batsmantailor-made for limited-overs cricket whoseimprovised big-hitting has won many abattle for India.

A win over Pakistan in their openingmatch-India have never lost to their arch-rivals in the World Cup-will be the tonicDhoni needs to revitalise the side.—AFP

Winless tour leaves

India vulnerable

MUMBAI: Former Indian cricketer and brand ambassador of the International CricketCouncil (ICC) Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2015 Sachin Tendulkar poses for a photographwith the ICC CWC 2011 trophy during a promotional event in Mumbai.—AFP

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh will need a dramaticturn in fortunes to ensure another World Cupdoes not cause more misery after the Tigersendured a morale-sapping year in which theyslumped from one defeat to another.

Bangladesh failed to register wins for most of2014 till fellow wooden-spooners Zimbabwecame calling at the end of the year and wereduly thrashed 3-0 in Tests and 5-0 in the one-dayers.

It was only Zimbabwe the Tigers had beaten,but fanatical fans in the South Asian nation cele-brated as if the World Cup itself had been won.

Bangladesh have struggled at Test level-win-ning just seven of their 88 Tests since their debutin 2000 — but have always appeared more suit-ed to the shorter format where they haverecorded creditable wins. A five-wicket win overAustralia at Cardiff in 2005 was their moment ofglory till they knocked India out of the 2007World Cup to move beyond the first round forthe only time in the tournament.

Bangladesh must beat at least one of the bigfour in pool A-co-hosts Australia and NewZealand, Sri Lanka and England-and also winagainst both Afghanistan and Scotland to keeptheir quarter-final hopes alive. A must-win sce-nario awaits them in the first match itself-againstAfghanistan in Canberra on February 18 —because a loss like the one they suffered againstthe same rivals at the Asia Cup at home a yearago could prove costly.

“The kind of squad we have, I am confidentwe can reach the quarter-finals,” MashrafeMortaza, who replaced Mushfiqur Rahim as one-day captain last year, told AFP.

Former captain and current selector HabiburBashar wanted Bangladesh to aim big, saying itwas not enough to target just Afghanistan andScotland.

“We should aim for winning at least three tofour matches,” Bashar told AFP. “The playersshould believe they can defeat any team in the

group. On those true pitches Down Under, anytotal can be chased down.” The focal point ofBangladesh’s campaign will be the skillful 27-year-old all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who hasbeen the team’s mainstay ever since his interna-tional debut eight years ago.

The left-hand batsman and left-arm spinnergoes into his third World Cup as the top-rankedall-rounder in all three formats, a tribute to hisconsistency with both bat and ball over theyears.

Shakib is the only player in the team who hasexperienced Australian conditions recently, hav-

ing turned out for Melbourne Renegades in theBig Bash Twenty20 tournament.

Another player to watch is 22-year-old left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, who grabbed eight for39 against Zimbabwe in Dhaka in only his thirdTest to record the best Test figures ever by aBangladeshi bowler.

Soon after, he became the first bowler in his-tory to claim a hat-trick on his one-day debut,against the same opponents at the same venue.Competition will be tougher at the World Cup,but the exciting young talent could spring a fewsurprises.—AFP

Tamed Tigers hope to bite at World Cup

AUSTRALIA: England cricket captain Eoin Morgan speaks at a press conference ahead of theCricket World Cup in Sydney. The 2015 Cricket World Cup will be jointly hosted by Australiaand New Zealand from February 14 to March 29 2015.—AFP

p16_Layout 1 2/7/15 10:03 PM Page 1

S P O RT SSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

KUWAIT: Zain Group, the pioneer ofmobile telecommunications in eightmarkets across the Middle East andAfrica, announces its participation inthe 2015 EFG Sailing Arabia-TheTour (SATT) competition, the Gulfregion’s leading offshore race organ-ized by Oman Sail. Zain has part-nered with global technologyprovider Huawei and global law firmClifford Chance to race a high per-formance fully branded racing yacht- a ‘Farr 30’- that will carry the logosof all three partners. The 700 nauti-cal-mile sailing route will start inMuscat, Oman on Feb 15, passthrough Sohar, Ras Al Khaimah, AbuDhabi, Dubai, Doha, and will end inManama, Bahrain on Feb 26.

The 12 man crew will be led bytwo sail ing veterans, CedricPouligny, the skipper, and GeraldVeniard, the navigator, who are pre-vious winners of the EFG Sailing

Arabia - The Tour race. Betweenthem these two veterans of thesport have competed in this sailingrace in virtually every year since itsestablishment, and they are bothhighly accomplished offshore sailors,with numerous Transat races, Tour deFrance a la Voile, and Route du Rhumachievements to their credit.

The crew also includes Bader AlKharafi, Deputy Chairman of ZainGroup, and several other sailingamateurs from Zain’s managementranks, together representing a verymixed level of sailing experience.Commenting on Zain’s participationin this annual event for the first time,Zain Group CEO Scott Gegenheimersaid, “We recognize that sailing hasan important cultural legacy in theregion and we are a keen supporterof promoting this. As a leading tele-com brand who values team work,cooperation, and a sense of adven-

ture, we strongly believe that wemust play a leadership role in oursocieties, and sailing, with its envi-ronmentally friendly image, promo-tion of physical activity, technicalprecision, and coordination is an ide-al way for us to showcase a numberof our core values.”

Furthermore Mr Gegenheimernoted, “The SATT really is a world-class event, and a massive challengefor an amateur crew. It will give usexposure to racing against genuine-ly world-class opposition, in a beau-tiful sailing area. This is the fifth edi-tion of the sailing race, and the Zainteam plans to be a fixture in theevent for many years to come. I wishour Deputy Chairman and the rest ofthe crew safe sailing and good luck.”

On his part, Oman Sail CEO DavidGraham said, “It is pleasing to seeestablished corporate entities likeZain, Huawei, and Clifford Chance

join many other corporations fromthe region in this world-class sailingrace. SATT has grown in stature overthe past five years because it is awell-run event in beautiful scenerythat offers sailors, both professionaland amateur from all over the world,the chance to train and compete infantastic conditions during the win-ter. It also provides an outstandingplatform to grow regional talent rais-ing the standard of our home-grownsailors”.

The 2015 EFG Sailing Arabia raceis expected to throw up a number ofunique challenges. As the traditionalroute has been reversed with a newstarting point, it will create a moreexacting test for the boat and crewin the form of strong and sustainedheadwinds in the early stages. Inaddition, the crew will have to over-come the difficult currents aroundthe Straits of Hormuz, as well as the

many obstacles (fishing nets, unlitoil installations, etc.) and all theshipping traffic in one of the world’sbusiest water ways. Suppor tingZain’s participation in the sailingrace are two key strategic businesspartners. Huawei, one of the world’sleading suppliers of mobile telecomequipment and smartphones, is cel-ebrating its 15th year in the MiddleEast.

The company is a major support-er of sport across the GCC, and has astrong interest in promoting sus-tainable business around the world.Clifford Chance is a leading globallaw firm, which has worked withZain for decades. This year CliffordChance celebrates 40 years in theMiddle East, having so far advisedon many high-profile deals includ-ing several large sporting events.

More information on the EFGSailing Arabia - The Tour 2015 can

be found on the dedicated website:www.sailingarabiathetour.com or onwww.omansail.com.

Zain Sailing Boat A fleet shot of the Farr 3

Zain to participate in 2015

EFG Sailing Arabia - The TourRacing crew includes Zain Group Deputy Chairman Bader Al Kharafi

Bader Al Kharafi

BEAVER CREEK: The challenging Raptorcourse has been a difficult study for TinaMaze over the years but the Slovenianproved she could conquer its demandswith a brilliant win in the women’s down-hill on Friday.

Well aware that her good friend AnnaFenninger had posted the likely time tobeat in the blue riband event at the alpineski world championships, Maze attackedthe plunging layout in impressive style totriumph by a wafer-thin 0.02 seconds.

The victory, which followed her silver-medal display in Tuesday’s Super-G, keptalive the Slovenian’s hopes of completing afull haul of five medals at the same worlds,a feat previously achieved by only three skiracers. “This is very special,” Maze toldreporters after winning her first downhillgold at the world championships with atime of one minute, 45.89 seconds to beatsecond-placed Austrian Fenninger andSwiss speedster Lara Gut, who finishedthird. “As the world championships are themost important races of the season, I reallycame here with a big wish and will to winthe downhill,” Maze said. “I just realisedyesterday I really liked it here.

“It wasn’t easy for me to understand theRaptor course at first, but when I under-stood the timings of the turns and whereyou should start the turn, it was much easi-er for me. It’s a hard hill to ski but whenyou ski like I did, it’s so much fun.”

World Cup leader Maze, who at the ageof 31 eclipsed Swiss Roesli Streiff as theoldest women’s alpine ski world champion,was especially pleased to remain on trackfor a five-medal haul at Beaver Creek. OnlySwede Anja Parson (in 2007), AustrianBenjamin Raich (2005) and Norway’s LasseKjus (1999) have claimed five medals at asingle world championships.

“I know I can do this,” said Maze, whohas already piled up eight world champi-onship medals, including three golds, dur-ing her stellar career. “I knew that before Icame here so it’s of course in my mind butthinking about it makes no sense. You haveto go day by day, turn by turn, from disci-pline to discipline. “It is important that Iget the timing right. Hopefully I can dothat here,” said the Slovenian, who sharedOlympic downhill gold at the 2014 SochiWinter Olympics with Switzerland’sDominique Gisin.—Reuters BEAVER CREEK: Winner Tina Maze of Slovenia poses on the podium after the women’s downhill at the alpine skiing world championships. —AP

Maze finally

conquers Raptor

GulfRun honors Zain

for main sponsorship

Company awarded first place winner

of final race held in Bahrain

KUWAIT: GulfRun, the region’s mostpopular motorsport activity, honoredZain, the leading telecommunicationscompany in Kuwait, for its main sponsor-ship of the event. GulfRun attracted largenumbers of motorsport enthusiasts dur-ing the recently concluded 10th editionthat witnessed the organization of manyexciting activities in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Zain participated in the conclusionceremony that was recently held inRadisson Blu hotel, where it awarded thefirst, second, and third place winners ofall categories of the final race that tookplace recently at Bahrain InternationalCircuit. The race witnessed immense par-ticipation of motorsport enthusiasts,both amateur and professional.

Zain’s sponsorship of the latest editionof this unique motorsport event is in linewith the company’s belief in supportingthe youth and sports sectors, andencouraging the various sporting initia-tives that cater to young people in

Kuwait. GulfRun activities included thelatest final race in the Kingdom ofBahrain, which was considered as a truetest of participants’ motorsport skills, inaddition to the sport cars show that tookplace at 360 Mall, where participantsshowcased their exquisite high-speedcars and thrilled visitors. Additionally, aKarting Endurance race was held atKuwait’s SIRBB Circuit over a straight 24-hour period that attracted a large, thrill-seeking crowd.

GulfRun is considered an ideal andsafe alternative to street racing, whichthreatens the lives of many people, manyof them young drivers, every year.Through GulfRun, motorsport enthusi-asts were able to showcase their talentswithin professional and certifiedgrounds. By sponsoring this event, Zainalso looks to highlight its dedication toapplying safety measures while drivingon the roads of Kuwait, especially for thecountry’s youth. GulfRun, honored Zain, the leading telecommunications company in Kuwait.

p17 2_Layout 1 2/7/15 10:08 PM Page 1

S P O RT SSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

SPAIN: Real Madrid’s French defender Raphael Varane (left) vies with Atletico Madrid’s forward Fernando Torres during the Spanish Leaguefootball match. —AFP

MADRID: Atletico Madrid blew the La Liga titlerace wide open by extending their unbeaten runover Real Madrid to six games this season with a4-0 thrashing of the European champions yester-day. First-half goals from Tiago and Saul Niguezput Atletico in command before AntoineGriezmann and Mario Mandzukic sealed a firsthome league win over Real since 1999 just afterthe hour mark.

Atletico have now beaten their city rivalstwice in La Liga and over two-legs in the SpanishSupercup and Copa del Rey this season tobounce back in fine style from their heartbreak-ing loss in the Champions League final last sea-son.

Real still lead Los Rojiblancos by four points,but Barcelona can move to within a point of theleaders should they beat Athletic Bilbao today.

World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldoreturned from a two-game ban, but the visitorswere otherwise depleted without the injured

Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Luka Modric, JamesRodriguez and suspended Marcelo. Atletico suf-fered an injury blow of their own after just 10minutes when Spanish international Kokelimped off, but that curse turned into a blessingas he was replaced by Saul.

The hosts went in front on 13 minutes whenMandzukic laid Juanfran’s cross from the rightinto the path of Tiago on the edge of the areaand the Portuguese’s low effort had too muchpower for Iker Casillas, who will feel he shouldhave kept it out.

Four minutes later Atletico doubled their leadwith a move of real quality as GuilhermeSiqueira hurtled down the left and his cross wasacrobatically turned home by Saul with an over-head kick.

Atletico’s advantage at the break could havebeen even greater as Griezmann had a goal mar-ginally ruled out for offside and strong claims fora penalty against Sami Khedira were waved

away after he blocked Diego Godin’s effort withhis hand.

Real offered barely anything as an attackingthreat in the first period and coach CarloAncelotti responded by introducing JeseRodriguez for Khedira at the break. However, itmade little impact as Real failed to muster a sin-gle shot on target during the 90 minutes.

Griezmann came close twice more with apowerful shot that Casillas parried before alsotrying his luck with an overhead kick that flewinches over.

The Frenchman did get the goal his perform-ance deserved 24 minutes from time when Saulheaded Arda Turan’s cross back across goal andhe outmuscled international teammate RaphaelVarane to prod home from a yard out.

And Real’s embarrassment was complete aminute from time when substitute FernandoTorres crossed for Mandzukic to power home aheader into the far corner.—AFP

Atletico thrash woeful

Real 4-0 in Madrid derby

BATA: Ivory Coast face what is likely tobe their sternest test of the 2015 AfricaCup of Nations when they tackle Ghanatoday in what has been dubbed the‘dream’ final.

Two of Africa’s football powerhousesare in dire need of a continental trophyafter long, frustrating waits. Ghana havewon the Cup of Nations four times buttheir last conquest was 33 years ago,while the Ivorians only triumph was in1992 and, ironically, it was at theexpense of Ghana.

Ivory Coast beat their west Africanneighbours 11-10 on penalties after 120minutes of action did not produce anygoals in Dakar.

In the absence of defending champi-

ons Nigeria and record seven-time win-ners Egypt, two of the continent’s mostconsistent teams will clash for Africanfootball’s biggest prize.

Both started this tournament slowly -the Ivorians needed to win their lastgroup game against Cameroon to reachthe knockout stage, while Ghana foughtback from an opening-day loss toSenegal to make the final.

Former Nigeria skipper SundayOliseh, who won the Cup of Nations in1994 and came close to another title in2000, has tipped Ivory Coast to win, butalso warned Ghana are capable of caus-ing an upset.

“Ivory Coast is clear favourite to winthe final,” said Oliseh on his website.

“Player for player, Ivory Coast has betterindividuals than Ghana and they areplaying better as a team now, especiallywhen not in possession. “Ghana are quiteimpressive and, with (Christian) Atsu andthe Ayew brothers (Andre and Jordan),are becoming unpredictable and cham-pion material.

“They go into this final as underdogsbut with less pressure, unlike Ivory Coast,due to the fact that not many wouldhave bet on them coming this far whenthe tournament kicked off.”

The “new generation” Black Stars haveflourished under former Chelsea manag-er Avram Grant and displayed strongcharacter throughout this campaign.

“The boys do not give up, they have

fought till the end of every match,”remarked skipper Asamoah Gyan, whoremains an injury doubt after sustainingan abdominal injury in the quarter-finalagainst Guinea. Ivory Coast, on the otherhand, have been tactically shrewd andwell organised when they do not havethe ball.

They have been able to combine tal-ented stars like Yaya Toure and Gervinhowith hard-working team-mates.Gervinho said they are gunning for his-tory against Ghana.

“It has been a long time since wehave had a final between Ghana andIvory Coast and we want to write our his-tory too. This is our chance and we hopeto take it,” the Roma forward told AFP.

“We are very motivated. From thebeginning of this competition, we saidwe have six games to play-we haveplayed five and there is one remaining.”

Tallo Gadji Celi was born in 1992, theyear his uncle Gadji Celi led theElephants to Cup of Nations glory andnow hopes he can write his own nameinto history.

The Bastia striker said victory in thefinal will be dedicated to Ivorian legendDidier Drogba, who retired from interna-tional football last year.

“Didier Drogba, our model, ourstrength, we love you. It will also be foryou if we make it,” said the player whowears the No.11 shirt worn with distinc-tion by Drogba. —AFP

Ivory Coast face Ghana in ‘dream’ final

BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund climbed off the bot-tom of the Bundesliga yesterday with their first winin seven matches as Pierre-Emerick Aubemayangscored twice in their 3-0 win at Freiburg.

German star Marco Reus gave Dortmund anearly lead before Gabon winger Aubemayangadded two second-half goals in Borussia’s first winsince the start of December. Dortmund now facemid-table Mainz and strugglers Stuttgart in theleague before Italian league leaders Juventus awayin the last 16 of the Champions League onFebruary 24.

“We must keep believing things will move for-ward after three or four months in which theydidn’t. Today was a step in the right direction,” saidrelieved Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp.

The result lifted Dortmund to 16th, whileFreiburg drop to 17th, still leaving both teams inthe relegation places. Freiburg got off to the worstpossible start when midfielder Mike Frantz playeda poor back pass which was snapped up byAubemayang. The fleet-footed winger drewFreiburg goalkeeper Roman Buerki and squared forReus to tap into an empty net with nine minutesgone. Aubemayang then darted onto I lkayGundogan’s superb through ball and planted hisshot past Buerki on 56 minutes.

His second followed on 72 minutes when hefired home after some superb passing fromDortmund’s midfield trio of Reus, Shinji Kagawaand Jakob Blaczszykowski. Leaders Bayern Munichcontinued their march to a third straight title with a2-0 win at VfB Stuttgart, which saw Huub Stevens’side drop to bottom of the table.

“It was very important to score just before half-time. I’m happy for both myself and the team - itwas important to get a win today,” said Bayerngoal-scorer Arjen Robben.

Bayern’s win was their first in three matcheshaving been thrashed 4-1 at Wolfsburg just over aweek ago. Robben scored his second goal in asmany games when he fired home from 13 metres

out just before the half-time break to give PepGuardiola’s side the lead. Left-back David Alabathen drilled home a superb free-kick from 30metres out to make it 2-0 with 50 minutes gone.Bayern stay eight points clear of second-placedWolfsburg who gave Germany winger AndreSchuerrle his debut after he moved from Chelseain a 3-0 win at home to Hoffenheim.

Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne claimedtwo goals in the impressive display. Schuerrleneeded just three minutes to make his mark whenhis pin-point accurate cross was met by Bas Dostfor the Dutch striker to fire home his fourth goal infour games. Schuerrle clattered the crossbar with ashot on 28 minutes, but De Bruyne headed home

the rebound. Dost then turned provider for DeBruyne to claim his eighth goal of the season-hisfifth in the last three games-in what is proving aproductive campaign for the 23-year-old.

Hertha Berlin bounced back from the sacking ofcoach Jos Luhukay on Thursday with an impressivedisplay which lifted them out of the bottom threeafter their 2-0 win at ten-man Mainz 05. WithHungary national team coach Pal Dardai now atthe helm, the visitors took the lead when JensHegler netted a 35th-minute penalty after formerManchester City goalkeeper Loris Karius was sentoff. Hertha doubled their lead on 43 minutes whenRoy Beerens slotted home after Valentin Stockerhad hit the post to leave Berlin 13th.—AFP

Dortmund down Freiburg

GERMANY: Freiburg’s striker Nils Petersen (right) and Dortmund’s defender Mats Hummels viefor the ball during the German First Division Bundesliga football match. —AFP

LONDON: With 15 games of the PremierLeague season remaining ahead oftoday ’s trip to West Ham United,Manchester United know that the timefor experimentation is at an end.

United went into the weekend in thirdplace in the table, but their rivals forChampions League qualification allappear to be finding form and Louis vanGaal’s side continue to impress only infits and starts. After a run of only one winin five league games, culminating in a 1-0 loss at home to Southampton, Unitedhave got back on track, winning their lasttwo games and scoring six goals in theprocess. But both of those victories camewith caveats.

Leicester City, who United beat 3-1last weekend, are bottom of the table,and Cambridge United, beaten 3-0 in theFA Cup on Tuesday, play in the fourth tier.Double-edged statistics become a recur-ring theme when United’s recent form issubjected to scrutiny.

Van Gaal’s side have not lost awayfrom home since a 1-0 reverse atManchester City on November 2, but intheir last four away matches they havewon only once, and that at second-bot-tom Queens Park Rangers.

And while last weekend’s resultsenabled United to hold on to third placeand close to within five points of second-placed Manchester City, the teams belowthem-Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur andLiverpool-seem to be slipping into gear.

Van Gaal’s tactical experimentationsmean that United still have the look of awork in progress and in West Ham, theyface opponents who have lost only oncein their last 10 home matches.

“I said before the game againstLeicester City that this is an importantweek and we have to win all threematches,” said Van Gaal, who has vowedto contest a Football Association chargeover remarks he made about the refereefollowing last month’s 0-0 draw atCambridge.

“After we beat Leicester, we were third

in the league. After that, we beatCambridge and we are in the next roundof the FA Cup.

“Now, we have to continue and all ofthe players know that it’s true, but it’s notso easy because we have to play away inLondon against West Ham and it was atough game in Manchester. “It shall notbe easy, but we want to continue. Wehave to win in London.”

United can at least call on a close tofully fit squad, with Michael Carrick (calf )the only doubt for the trip to Upton Park,where they won 2-0 last season in agame that saw Wayne Rooney score anoutrageous lob from the halfway line.

Rooney was sent off in this season’sreverse fixture for hacking down StewartDowning after opening the scoring in a2-1 win. West Ham’s infirmary, in starkcontrast, is full to bursting, with ham-string injuries to Winston Reid and JamesCollins likely to see Cheikhou Kouyatepressed into action as an emergencycentre-back.

Record signing Andy Carroll, mean-while, is a doubt after injuring his ankleduring the 2-0 loss at his former clubLiverpool last weekend.

“I’ve had to bring a list of the injurieswith me,” West Ham manager SamAllardyce told his pre-match press con-ference. “James Collins, Winston Reid,Guy Demel, Diego Poyet, Doneil Henryand Andy Carroll lie in our medical roomat the moment.

“We’re not sure how many of thosewill make it for today. With such a bigweek coming-three games in a week-there’ll be very few risks taken, unlessthey’re 100 percent fit.”

The injury blight has contributed to areturn of only two wins from eightleague matches-against bottom-threesides Leicester and Hull City-which hasseen West Ham slide to eighth place inthe table. But they have shown them-selves capable of rising to the occasionon home soil this term, notably beatingLiverpool and Manchester City. —AFP

PARIS: Marseille stretched their undefeat-ed run at Rennes to seven games yesterdaybut a labored 1-1 draw meant they squan-dered the chance to go top in France.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side are one pointbehind leaders Lyon who tackle championsand third-placed Paris Saint Germain in theweekend’s standout fixture today. In adepressing summary of Marseille’s after-noon, they finished the game in Brittanywith 10 men after Mario Lemina was red-carded for a foul on Ola Toivonen. Swedishstriker Toivonen was a thorn in Marseille’s

side all afternoon.The 28-year-old gave Rennes the lead

after 26 minutes, smartly chesting down aloose ball to score past Steve Mandanda inthe visitors’ goal.

Marsei l le were saved when LucasOcampos, the Argentine signed on loanfrom Monaco in the last moments of thetransfer window, found the net in the59th minute after coming on as a half-time substitute. The winger was handilyplaced to score from a corner taken byDimitri Payet. —AFP

FRANCE: Rennes’ Senegalese forward Fallou Diagne (left) vies with Marseille’s Frenchdefender Jeremy Morel during the French L1 football match. —AFP

Marseille squander

chance to go top

Preview

United seek rhythm at

battle-worn West Ham

S P O RT SSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Chelsea 24 17 5 2 54 21 56Man City 24 14 7 3 47 24 49Southampton 24 14 3 7 38 17 45Man Utd 23 12 7 4 39 22 43Tottenham 24 13 4 7 37 31 43Arsenal 24 12 6 6 45 27 42Liverpool 23 11 5 7 33 27 38West Ham 23 10 6 7 35 27 36Swansea 24 9 7 8 28 31 34Stoke 23 9 5 9 26 28 32Newcastle 23 8 6 9 29 35 30Everton 23 6 8 9 31 34 26Crystal Palace 24 6 8 10 26 34 26Sunderland 24 4 12 8 22 34 24West Brom 23 5 7 11 20 32 22Aston Villa 24 5 7 12 12 32 22Hull City 24 4 8 12 21 34 20Burnley 23 4 8 11 21 38 20QPR 24 5 4 15 24 43 19Leicester 24 4 5 15 21 38 17

EPL results/standingsAston Villa 1 (Okore 48) Chelsea 2 (Hazard 8,Ivanovic 66); Everton 0 Liverpool 0; Leicester 0Crystal Palace 1 (Ledley 55); Manchester City 1(Milner 90) Hull 1 (Meyler 35); QPR 0 Southampton1 (Mane 90); Swansea 1 (Ki 66) Sunderland 1(Defoe 42); Tottenham 2 (Kane 56, 86) Arsenal 1(Ozil 11).

Playing todayBurnley v West Brom, Newcastle v Stoke, West Hamv Manchester United (1615 GMT)

English Premier League table after yesterday’s1500 GMT matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goalsfor, goals against, points):

LONDON: Tottenham’s Harry Kane (second right) heads the ball to score his side’s second goal during the English Premier League soccer matchagainst Arsenal. —AP

LONDON: Harry Kane scored twice asTottenham Hotspur claimed the north Londonbragging rights by storming from behind to sinkArsenal 2-1 in the Premier League yesterday.

Kane’s headed 86th-minute winner tookSpurs above their arch rivals in the race forChampions League football as Arsenal paid theprice for failing to build on Mesut Ozil’s earlyopener.

Kane rewarded the home side’s persistencewhen he equalised early in the second half andthe darling of White Hart Lane continued thefine form of his breakthrough season by repeat-ing the feat late on.

The 21-year-old’s match-winning brace,which came after he scored twice in a 5-3 rout ofChelsea, left Spurs a point above Arsenal in thetable with 14 matches of the season remaining.

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino opted toleave out former Arsenal striker EmmanuelAdebayor, who might have been in danger ofbeing jeered by both sets of supporters.

The Togolese forward’s absence increased thepressure on top scorer Kane, but the in-formstriker was inches away from opening the scor-ing in the fifth minute.

A quick break saw Kane curl a 20-yard shottowards goal and only the fingertips of Arsenalgoalkeeper David Ospina kept it out.

The atmosphere was red hot on a freezingday in the English capital, but White Hart Lanewas stunned into silence when Ozil drew firstblood in the 11th minute. Danny Welbeck, backafter injury, stormed down the right andalthough Olivier Giroud mishit his shot, the ballflew to the unmarked Ozil, who coolly volleyedhome.

The early setback did not deter a Spurs sidewho were intent on testing Ospina, whoappeared to be struggling with a finger injurypicked up in making the save from Kane.

Danny Rose twice drilled efforts across hisgoalmouth, before Ospina was forced intoanother save on the half-hour mark. PerMertesacker played his side into trouble andRyan Mason saw his 25-yard shot turned aroundthe post by the busy Colombian.

Tottenham did not deserve to be trailing, butthey were facing a stubborn Arsenal side whohad gone over six hours without conceding agoal. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s biggestworry was ensuring a fired-up Welbeckremained on the pitch. Having received a yellowcard for a foul on Rose, the former Manchester

United forward remonstrated with the Spursleft-back as the pair headed down the tunnel athalf-time.

Their running feud continued in the secondhalf and Welbeck strayed close to being sent offafter a clumsy push sent Rose sprawling.

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla forced HugoLloris into a low save early in the second half, butthe hosts drew level in the 56th minute andArsenal could have no complaints.

Erik Lamela’s corner saw Mousa Dembele’sheader palmed up, but not away, by Ospina andthe lurking Kane mopped up the rebound at theback post.

Tottenham were thundering into tackles, butthey needed to keep their concentration andtwo lapses obliged Lloris to bail them out.

Welbeck’s curling effort looked to be headinginside the far post before the Frenchman inter-vened with a brilliant flying save. From theresulting corner, Laurent Koscielny should havedone better than head straight at Lloris afterbeing left unmarked on the penalty spot.

But it was Tottenham who were in the ascen-dancy, with Ospina keeping out efforts fromKane and Nabil Bentaleb as the home sidepushed for all three points.

In a rare foray forward, Giroud headed Ozil’scross wide, which summed up the striker’s after-noon. It looked to to be the final act until Kanerose to power a glorious header past Ospinafrom Bentaleb’s deep left-wing cross.—AFP

Kane the bane of Arsenal

with derby double

Tottenham 2

Arsenal 1

LONDON: QPR suffered a dispiriting startto the post-Harry Redknapp era as SadioMane’s last-gasp goal gave Southamptona 1-0 win at Loftus Road yesterday.

After seven games without a win andfour successive defeats, a frustratedRedknapp quit in midweek followingQPR’s failure to strengthen his squad inthe transfer window.

Former Tottenham manager TimSherwood has been strongly linked withthe job, but it was Chris Ramsey who tookcharge on a caretaker basis againstSouthampton.

Ramsey coaxed a battling display fromhis team, but Mane’s stoppage-time strikecondemned the west Londoners to a frus-trating loss that leaves them second frombottom of the Premier League.

Southampton climbed up to third placeafter a victory was the perfect response toTottenham’s win over Arsenal earlier in theday, which had temporarily knocked themout of the top four.

At the start of what may prove a briefreign, Ramsey recalled Moroccan forwardAdel Taarabt, who had fallen out withRedknapp over his f itness, and alsobrought in Steven Caulker, Armand Traoreand Matt Phillips.

But Ronald Koeman’s made a bright

start and Graziano Pelle’s long-range strikebrought QPR goalkeeper Rob Green intoaction for the first time in the fifth minute.

Green almost gifted Saints the leadwhen he needlessly rushed off his lineafter Victor Wanyama sent Mane through,but the Senegal winger’s chip drifted wideof the far post.

There was a serious blow for Saintswhen Matt Targett was stretchered offwith his neck in a brace following lengthytreatment after the left-back was injuredgoing for a high ball with Matt Phillips.

Southampton went close whenPortuguese defender Jose Fonte hit thebar with a volley from a corner, whileEljero Elia took a painful kick in the groinfrom QPR’s Richard Dunne as the burlydefender tried to hack clear. Mane washarshly ruled offside when he would havebeen clean through early in the secondhalf and at the other end QPR defenderArmand Traore headed into the side-net-ting as the hosts finally showed signs oflife.

QPR were pressing harder and Phillipspicked out Mauro Zarate at the far post,but the substiute’s shot was straight atSaints goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

Charlie Austin almost broke the dead-lock in the 73rd minute when he divertedJoey Barton’s shot goalward from closerange but Forster pushed the ball over.

I t was Southampton who stole thepoints deep into stoppage time whenMane wriggled around Steven Caulker anddrilled his shot into the top corner.

There was time for more late drama asQPR had the ball in the net before the finalwhistle blew, but a linesman’s flag ruledout the goal. —AFP

Mane’s late strike

adds to QPR misery

QPR 0

Southampton 1

SWANSEA: South Korean Ki Sung-yueng’ssecond-half header secured Swansea a 1-1draw against Sunderland, where he spent lastseason on loan, in a lively Premier Leagueencounter at the Liberty Stadium yesterday.

Ki, who was playing his first game sincereturning from the Asian Cup where Korealost to Australia in the final, had a goal ruledout in the first half but made no mistake withhis second opportunity after Jermain Defoehad scored his second goal in as manyPremier League games for the visitors.

The draw, Sunderland’s 12th this season,leaves Swansea comfortable in ninth whilethe Black Cats are just four points above therelegation places.

It means Sunderland are still without a winat Swansea since a second tier game the dayafter US President John F Kennedy was assas-sinated in November 1963.

French striker Bafetimbi Gomis, who hasthe onerous responsibility of replacingManchester City-bound Wilfried Bony, hadSwansea’s best early chance, firing in a fierceeffort which curled just wide. Jordi Gomezmissed a chance for Sunderland shortly after-wards but it was Gomis again who nearlybroke the deadlock after a neat dummy byMo Barrow teed him up but formerManchester City goalkeeper CostelPantilimon did well to prevent the ex-Lyonstriker from scoring. Swansea eventually gotthe ball into the net, Ki beating Pantilimon,only for it to be ruled out for offside and theirdisappointment was doubled as Defoe wenton a superb solo run from just inside theSwans’ half to score. The goal was anotherlandmark for the England striker as it meanthe had scored against all 20 teams presentlyin the Premier League.

Swansea, though, kept pressing and pro-duced the more creative and flowing footballwhich was eventually rewarded with Ki nip-

ping in to plant a diving header pastPantilimon with just under 25 minutesremaining. —AFP

Korean key to

Swans draw

Swansea 1

Sunderland 1

English Premier League

Burnley v Bromwich 15:00beIN SPORTS 1 HDbeIN SPORTS 11 HDNewcastle v Stoke City 17:05beIN SPORTS 11 HDWest Ham v Man United 19:15beIN SPORTS 1 HDbeIN SPORTS 11 HD

African Nations Cup

Ivory Coast v Ghana 22:00beIN SPORTS 6 HD

Spanish League

Cordoba v Almeria 14:00 beIN SPORTS 2 HDGetafe v Sevilla 19:00beIN SPORTS 2 HDbeIN SPORTS 14 HDbeIN SPORTS 2 HDEspanyol v Valencia 21:00beIN SPORTS 9 HDbeIN SPORTS 14 HDbeIN SPORTS 2 HDBilbao v Barcelona 23:00 beIN SPORTS 2 HDbeIN SPORTS 13 HDbeIN SPORTS 1 HD

Italian Calcio League

Fiorentina v Atalanta 14:30 beIN SPORTS 3 HDbeIN SPORTS 14 HDbeIN SPORTS 2 HDCalcio v AS Roma 17:00beIN SPORTS 3 HDSampdoria v Sassuolo 17:00beIN SPORTS 9 HDNapoli v Udinese 17:00beIN SPORTS 2 HDbeIN Sports Max 4Internazionale v Citta 22:45beIN SPORTS 3 HDbeIN SPORTS 14 HDbeIN SPORTS 2 HD FRbeIN SPORTS 2 FR

German Bundesliga

Werder Bremen v Bayer 17:30beIN SPORTS 4 HDAugsburg v Eintracht 19:30beIN SPORTS 4 HD

French League

Guingamp v Monaco 16:00beIN SPORTS 5 HDbeIN SPORTS 13 HDbeIN SPORTS 1 HDNice v Nantes 19:00 beIN SPORTS 5 HDbeIN SPORTS 13 HDbeIN SPORTS 1 HDLyonnais v PSG 23:00 beIN SPORTS 5 HDbeIN SPORTS 11 HD

Matches on TV (Local Timings)

LIVERPOOL: Everton’s James McCarthy (top) and Liverpool’sPhilippe Coutinho go for a header during their English PremierLeague soccer match at Goodison Park. —AP

LIVERPOOL: Liverpool extended theirunbeaten run in the Merseyside derby to10 games but departing captain StevenGerrard had to content himself with a 0-0 draw at Everton yesterday.

Gerrard was playing in his 33rd andlast Premier League game againstEverton, who he will not line up againstagain unless the two sides meet in theEuropa League.

But an 18th victory proved beyondhim as Liverpool’s climb towards the topfour was slowed on a lacklustre eveningat Goodison Park.

Brendan Rodgers’s team had wontheir previous three league games, butEverton, without a victory in this fixturesince October 2010, proved unyieldingopponents to leave Liverpool four pointsbelow the Champions League places.

In contrast to Gerrard, 19-year-oldwinger Jordon Ibe made just his secondPremier League start for Liverpool afterbeing recalled last month from a loanspell at Championship club DerbyCounty.

Almost inevitably, though, it wasGerrard who had the first effort on goalwith nine minutes gone. The formerEngland captain-second only to Ian Rushas his club’s highest scorer in derbymatches with 10 goals-saw a 25-yardfree-kick touched over the bar byEverton goalkeeper Joel Robles.

Robles had to be alert moments laterto deny Ibe his big moment as he savedat the youngster’s feet after RaheemSterling had found room to direct theball across goal from the left. But Robleswas nowhere near a stinging long-rangeeffort from Ibe in the 27th minute thatcrashed against the post following asurging run forward as Everton felt theabsence of injured left-back LeightonBaines.

The home side did have JamesMcCarthy back for the first time sinceChristmas following hamstring troubleand the midfielder was instrumental intrying to drive Everton forward inresponse. Seamus Coleman and KevinMirallas were also productive downEverton’s right flank and from oneColeman cross, Steven Naismith shouldhave done better than head the balltamely into the ground.

More of the threat came fromLiverpool, though, and they turned upthe pressure at the start of the secondhalf. Philippe Coutinho twice slipped inSterling for efforts that were saved byRobles and Gerrard saw a spectacularvolley deflected just over his own bar byNaismith.

Rodgers looked to press home thatadvantage as just 10 minutes after thebreak he sent on striker Daniel Sturridge,who netted a late equaliser at Goodisonlast season in a 3-3 draw.

Everton manager Roberto Martinezcountered by replacing Mirallas withnew loan signing Aaron Lennon in a bidto take the initiative away from the visi-tors. The England international, recruitedon loan from Tottenham Hotspur ontransfer deadline day, did help stem thetide with some positive early touches.Decent chances remained elusive, how-ever, as Everton looked for a first homewin in four games and only a secondleague victory in eight after stoppingthe rot with three points at CrystalPalace a week ago. Top scorer RomeluLukaku looked an isolated figure, butLiverpool could not force a break-through themselves as Phil Jagielkablocked an effort from Sturridge.Frustrations surfaced in the 77th minutein a flare-up that yielded bookings forNaismith and Muhamed Besic andLiverpool’s Jordan Henderson. Naismithmade way for Ross Barkley moments lat-er and the substitute almost created alate winner for Everton as he helped thehome side finish strongly. The Englandplaymaker perfectly teed up the ram-paging Coleman, but the Irishman’sangled drive was well saved by SimonMignolet to leave the honors even forthe fifth time in six meetings. —AFP

Everton deny Gerrard victorious final derby

Everton 0

Liverpool 0

17Zain to participatein 2015 EFG SailingArabia - The Tour

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 201518

Atletico thrashwoeful Real 4-0in Madrid derby

Kane the bane of Arsenal with derby double Page 19

BIRMINGHAM: Chelsea’s Willian (left) is tackled by Aston Villa’s Fabian Delph during the English Premier League soccer match. — AP

BIRMINGHAM: Branislav Ivanovic’s second-half goal earned Chelsea a 2-1 victory at AstonVilla as the Premier League leaders moved sev-en points clear at the top yesterday.

Manchester City ’s draw against Hullenabled Jose Mourinho’s side to extend theirlead in the title race as the Blues boss finallyclaimed a first ever win at Villa Park in sixattempts. Villa’s goal drought had ended at

precisely the 11-hour mark after Jores Okorehad cancelled out Eden Hazard’s opener, yetSerbia defender Ivanovic had the final say withhis winner midway through the second half. Itwas not until that goal had gone in that Villamanager Paul Lambert opted to introduceChristian Benteke, whom he dropped from hisstarting line-up, but the Belgian strikercouldn’t stop his team sliding to within twopoints of the relegation zone.

A positive afternoon for Chelsea was com-pleted when deadline day signing JuanCuadrado, a Colombia international, washanded a 79th-minute debut as a substitute.The corresponding fixture between thesesides last term was a tempestuous affair - twoChelsea players, Willian and Ramires, andMourinho were all dismissed - and this contestwas much the same.

Villa, of course, won that contest after a dis-

play of discipline culminated in Fabian Delph’slate strike. If Lambert had a similar game planthis time, however, it had imploded by theeighth minute as Chelsea moved ahead.Chelsea’s two Brazilian midfielders, Oscar andWillian, were at the heart of it, the latter mov-ing menacingly towards goal before his cross-shot was seamlessly swept home by Hazard.

It was a 13th strike of the campaign for theBelgium international and only the secondgoal Mourinho had seen his side ever score atVilla Park.

Villa supporters struggled to contain theirmounting frustrations and a cluster of fansheld up placards with big arrows which theypointed towards Thibaut Courtois’ goal.Lambert expressed his bitter disappointmentat the manner in which his team “threw thetowel in” during their 5-0 thrashing at Arsenallast weekend.

There was no repeat of that lethargy in thisfeisty encounter. While Villa struggled to cre-ate clear cut openings, Chelsea defender GaryCahill could count himself somewhat fortu-nate to escape when Gabriel Agbonlahor’sshot appeared to strike his arm inside thepenalty area.

Mourinho’s team lacked their early fluencyand it was Villa who made the more purpose-ful opening to the second half, with AndreasWeimann driving a shot narrowly over thecrossbar.

Then, finally, came the moment Lambertand Villa’s beleaguered support had beenwaiting for. Carles Gil hoodwinked Oscarbefore accelerating down the left channel tocross to the far post where Okore escaped hismarker to head home.

Cue delirium at Villa Park as what will godown as the worst run in the club’s 141-year

existence finally came to an end. Mourinhohas had few fond memories to previouslyrecall at this stadium, yet his side at least hadtime on their side.

Swiftly, they reasserted their authority onthe match with Willian twice seeing effortsflash agonisingly wide before the break-through arrived in the 66th minute.

Okore, having failed to clear his lines,turned from hero to villain as possession wasgifted back to Cesar Azpilicueta, whose crosswas emphatically converted by Ivanovic’s fineleft-footed half-volley.

Within two minutes Benteke had beencalled upon, but he couldn’t make a differ-ence. Instead it was left, predictably, toMourinho to take centre stage at the finalwhistle as he ventured onto the pitch toorchestrate the visiting Chelsea supporters’celebrations. — AFP

Chelsea extend lead at the topAston Villa 1

Chelsea 2

LEICESTER: Joe Ledley’s second-half winnerleft luckless Leicester City firmly rooted tothe foot of the Premier League table asCrystal Palace continued their revival underAlan Pardew with a 1-0 victory at the KingPower Stadium yesterday.

In a lacklustre match with little to com-mend it to the uncommitted, Palace survivedan early onslaught which saw David Nugentdenied by the crossbar, to come away with allthree points.

Ledley struck with a header from closerange in the 56th minute after BredeHangeland headed on a corner, to leaveLeicester reflecting on what might have beenhad they taken their earlier chances.

The home side had by far the majority ofpossession but failed to convert the few

chances they created and paid the price asPalace eased their own relegation worries tomove into 13th place, six points above thedrop zone.

Leicester are bottom, two points behindsecond-from-bottom QPR, who lost 1-0 ininjury time to Southampton, but five pointsadrift of safety.

Palace, who have shown an impressiverun of form since former player Pardew tookover from the sacked Neil Warnock, hadchances aplenty to increase their advantage,but Jason Puncheon in particular spurnedmore than one scoring opportunity. In theclosing stages, Leicester rallied and nine min-utes from time were denied an equaliserwhen two chances went begging. First, sub-stitute Jamie Vardy’s header across goal wassaved low by Julian Speroni and MarcAlbrighton shot wide from EstebanCambiasso’s free kick.

Leicster now enter a crucial period fortheir Premier League survival, with trips toArsenal, Everton and Manchester City com-ing up in quick succession and that demand-ing schedule may well determine their fate,leaving manager Nigel Perason to rue themissed opportunities against Palace. — AFP

Ledley strike leaves

Leicester struggling

Leicester 0

Crystal Palace 1

MANCHESTER: Manchester City’shold on the Premier League titleweakened further as JamesMilner ’s injury-time free-kickearned his side a 1-1 draw athome to Hull City yesterday.

Substitute Milner struck with amagnificent direct shot from theedge of the penalty area afterTom Huddlestone had broughtdown Sergio Aguero.

The result not only saw City fallseven points below leadersChelsea, but also representedtheir fourth consecutive leaguegame without victory-the club’sworst such sequence for over fiveyears.

The loss of two points also

underlined just how much theyhave missed midfielder YayaToure, currently on Africa Cup ofNations duty with the Ivory Coast,who face Ghana in Sunday’s final.

In six league games withoutToure, City have drawn five andlost one, and the club havealready declared that they do notexpect him to return to Englandin time for their visit to Stoke Cityon Wednesday. Hull shocked thehosts with their 35th-minuteopening goal, but in terms ofchances if not possession, theyhad enjoyed by far the more pro-ductive first half even beforeDavid Meyler struck.

While City had enjoyed a glutof possession, Steve Bruce’s sidehad defended soundly andlooked threatening on the count-er-attack.

Ahmed Elmohamady soundeda warning after just a quarter ofan hour when he rose to meetRobbie Brady’s hanging cross andthundered a header against thecrossbar with Joe Hart beaten.

The woodwork also played apart when Hull eventually didtake the lead following a cata-logue of City errors. Hart andVincent Kompany dithered indefence and Martin Demichelismade a poor clearance straight toJake Livermore, whose 20-yardshot was well saved by Hart.

The ball fell to Gaston Ramirez,whose follow-up shot struck the

City post, and Meyler slammedthe rebound past the strandedHart. It was a dismal start to pro-ceedings for a City side who hadimpressed in a 1-1 draw atChelsea last weekend. City strikerEdin Dzeko, starting for the firsttime since October, had a coupleof half-chances; notably an earlyheader that Allan McGregor heldcomfortably. — AFP

Man City lose ground

Man City 1

Hull 1

MANCHESTER: Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko (centre) attempts toscore during the English Premier League soccer match againstHull at the Etihad Stadium. — AP

BusinessSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Libya risks bankruptcy as oil slumps: US, EU

Page 22

Bahrain’s growth to remain steady; budget worries linger

Page 23Qatar Airways launches‘the FCB Holiday’

Page 26KSE indices rise on buying interest

Page 24

ATHENS: A woman uses an ATM machine in central Athens yesterday. Greek Premier Alexis Tsipras and his Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis received a warm reception on some stops, of their European tour, but not in lead lender andbailout enforcer Germany. — AP

ATHENS: Greece said yesterday it had noshort-term cash problem and that it will handits European Union partners a comprehensiveplan next week for managing the transition toa new debt deal. The EU has warned time isrunning out to avoid a financing crisis inGreece.

The new left-wing government in Athenshas rejected the austerity that was forced uponthe country by an EU/International MonetaryFund bailout and instead says it wants a“bridge agreement” until it has negotiated anew deal. “We will present a comprehensiveproposal on Wednesday,” Finance MinisterYanis Varoufakis said, referring to a meeting ofeuro-zone finance ministers in Brussels on thatday. Varoufakis was attending a cabinet meet-ing called to prepare the government’s overallpolicy program, which Prime Minister AlexisTsipras will present to parliament today.

On Friday, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who chairsthe Eurogroup of euro-zone finance ministers,told Reuters that Greece had to apply for anextension of its reform-for-loans plan by Feb.16 to ensure the euro zone keeps backing itfinancially. This is essentially an extension ofthe current bailout, something Greece has saidit does not want and will not accept. It is due a7.2 billion euro trance from the EU/IMF bailout,which it says it does not want because of theausterity strings attached.

Instead, Athens wants authority from theeuro zone to issue more short-term debt totide it over until a new deal is agreed, and toreceive already-agreed profits that theEuropean Central Bank and other central bankshave gained from holding Greek bonds.

Greece faces interest rate payments ofaround 2 billion euros over February andshould repay a 1.5 billion euro loan to the IMF

in March. That has raised concerns the countrymay suffer a cash crunch, but this was dis-missed yesterday by the Greek official incharge of the government’s accounts.

“During the time span of the negotiationsthere is no problem (of liquidity). This does notmean that there will be a problem afterwards,”Deputy Finance Minister Dimitris Mardas saidon Mega TV.

Asked whether the state may suffer a cashcrunch if talks drag on until May, the ministersaid he did not expect the negotiations over anew deal to last that long.

High risk talksThe hard-left government was to fine tune

its economic program today ahead of a weekof high-risk international talks but with no signso far of an imminent deal with its creditors.

Days before an extraordinary meeting of

euro-zone ministers and an EU summit, thenew Greek cabinet was to meet for the thirdtime in two days to thrash out details of a keypolicy speech being delivered today by PrimeMinister Alexis Tsipras.

With Tsipras and his ministers still adamantthat Athens be given more time by creditors torenegotiate its controversial bailout, thespeech outlining the new government’s leg-islative agenda will be closely watched aroundthe globe.

The government that took office January 26promising to end austerity and slash Greece’sdebt mountain on Friday called for temporaryfunding from its EU partners, saying it wantedto negotiate a new deal “without pressure andblackmail”.

The European portion of Greece’s massive240-billion-euro ($275-billion) EU-IMF bailoutis due to expire at the end of the month and

Athens is under pressure to do a quick deal orask for an extension.

With neither move looking likely, credit rat-ings agencies warned Friday that Greece washeading closer to defaulting on its loans, amove that could see it exit the euro-zone.

Germany says it expects Athens to present aplan dealing with debt repayment and eco-nomic reforms to a meeting of euro-zonefinance ministers on Wednesday. ItalianFinance Minister Pier Carlo Padoan said thegoal at the Eurogroup meeting was not to setup a confrontation with Greece but to “look forshared solutions”.

Greece will also be on the agenda of theG20 finance ministers meeting in Istanbultoday, while Tsipras will have his first face-to-face talks with German Chancellor AngelaMerkel at a European summit in Brussels onThursday. — Agencies

Greece denies cash crisis, to present plan

Cabinet prepares high-risk talks amid default fears

FRANKFURT: German airport operatorFraport expects Greece’s new governmentto honor a $1.4 billion deal for Fraport torun 14 regional airports, its finance chiefsaid yesterday, in contrast to other key pri-vatization projects halted by Athens. WhenGreece’s leftist-led, anti-austerity govern-ment took power in January, it stopped thesale of the country’s biggest port, spookingmarkets and alarming foreign investors.

Its new leaders are also trying to rene-gotiate Greece’s huge loans before itsbailout expires at the end of the month,and there are growing fears it could beforced out of the euro zone, which somepredict will be a catastrophe for the coun-try. But Fraport believes a possible exitfrom the euro could benefit the Greekeconomy in the long term as it wouldboost tourism, Matthias Zieschang toldGerman financial paper Boersen-Zeitung inan interview. Zieschang said Fraportexpects to close its agreement with Athensas planned in October, under which it willlease and operate 14 regional airportsalong with Greek energy firm Copelouzos.

Fraport ’s 1.2 bill ion euro deal withCopelouzos, agreed with the Greek privati-zation agency in 2014, to run airports inpopular tourist destinations like Corfu, was

one of Greece’s biggest privatization dealssince the crisis. “There is a clear timelinewith the goal that we close in October thisyear,” Zieschang told German financialpaper Boersen-Zeitung in an interview. “Weexpect that we will conclude this contract.”

Should Greece leave the euro, it wouldbe difficult at first, Zieschang said. But inthe long term, assuming that the Greeknational currency would be devalued ver-sus the euro, Greece could gain a competi-tive pricing advantage, he said. Final detailsof the Greek airport contract have yet to beconcluded, he said. Fraport expects to holdat least a two-thirds stake in the project, hesaid.

Weakness in the Russian ruble resultingfrom that country’s conflict in Ukraine hashit Fraport’s operations in St Petersburgand in popular Russian destinations likeBulgaria and Turkey, Zieschang said, asonce big-spending Russian tourists exercisemore caution.

Fraport has no current plans for majoracquisitions, he added. Greece has signedprivatization deals worth about 5.4 billioneuros, raising about 3 billion euros in cash,since it was bailed out four years ago bythe European Union and InternationalMonetary Fund. — Reuters

Fraport expects Greece

to honor airport dealCOLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s new government cleared its firsttest in parliament yesterday, securing a crushing majori-ty for a welfare budget unveiled last month. Legislatorsvoted 164-1 to approve the January 29 budget thatraised salaries of 1.6 million public servants, slashedfood and fuel prices while slapping new taxes on themost profitable private companies.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the nearunanimous vote augured well for the country, whichvoted Mahinda Rajapakse out of office at January 8elections after a decade of autocratic rule.

“This is a first step towards a new political culture inthis country,” Wickremesinghe said adding that the votedemonstrated they were working as a unity govern-ment.

Wickremesinghe’s United National Party (UNP), thethen biggest opposition party, backed the election ofPresident Maithripala Sirisena who defected fromRajapakse’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to emergethe common opposition presidential candidate.Although the UNP had only 41 seats in the 225 memberparliament at the time, Wickremesinghe has securedthe support of many SLFP legislators after Sirisena’s vic-tory.

Yesterday’s vote is the first demonstration that thenew government enjoys a majority in the house.

Although Wickremesinghe was elevated from theposition of opposition leader to prime minister a dayafter Sirisena’s victory, he had not proved his majority inparliament before yesterday’s vote. — AFP

New Sri Lanka govt

passes budget test

(Left to right) French President Francois Hollande sits next to French construction,motorway and car park group Vinci chairman Xavier Huillard and president of VinciAutoroutes Pierre Coppey during the inauguration of part of a highway betweenBrive and Tulle, yesterday, in Saint-Germain-les-Vergnes. — AFP

It’s already February and for many of us New Year’sresolutions have been dusted, edited and reviseda few times, not to mention implored to stop star-

ing at us so accusingly. If you are contemplating cov-ering your list with a heavy encyclopedia or deletingit altogether perhaps this is the time to pull out thatpencil again and make changes you can really behappy with.

Here, the career experts at Bayt.com - the MiddleEast’s leading job site - suggest five ways to help youmake a real difference this year:

1. Improve your relationships with other peopleBad relationships are one of the most significant

causes of stress in life and can sabotage careers,lifestyles and livelihoods. When hiring, 16 percent ofemployers in the Middle East said they are lookingfor team players, as per the Bayt.com ‘WorkplaceDynamics in the Middle East and North Africa’ poll,so make a decision to constructively deal with prob-lem relationships this year and address root causesbeginning with yourself. Take this year as a newstarting point and try to forgive others past per-ceived trespasses and resolve to be a better listener,peer, neighbor, role model, coworker, and friend.

2. Be more productiveHave you plodded through the last year just bare-

ly living up to your potential? Don’t you feel you oweit to yourself, your company and the world to reallyexplore and realize your full potential? How muchricher the world would be if we each really gave ourwork our all! This year is the perfect time for puttingthe daydreaming and negative work attitudes asideand burying that subtle arsenal of tricks you haveamassed to postpone, delay, divert, or beat the sys-tem.

3. Learn something newIf you are not committed to being a lifelong learn-

er yet, perhaps this is the year to start. Try to acquirelearning in any areas that interest you no matter howremoved from your daily workload some of your truepassions may be; and choose to learn in the mannerthat appeals to you whether by reading independ-ently, practicing a new craft, taking formal online orclassroom courses, finding a mentor, or all of thesemethods. 69.6 percent of respondents in theBayt.com ‘Career Advancement in the MENA’ pollstated that reading relevant literature regularly wasimportant for their career advancement.

4. Choose a positive attitudeRemember only you are responsible for the ener-

gy you put into a space or situation, so choose a pos-itive and constructive attitude always. Try to mitigatenegative thoughts and situations rather than esca-late them. Choose your thoughts and reactions care-fully. Next time the mirror scowls at you smile backinstantly and remind yourself of every blessing inyour life - big and small. An attitude of gratitude isthe best gift you can give yourself this year and isguaranteed to perpetuate further good things.

5. Give backLittle on earth compares to the joy of altruism.

Giving back doesn’t need to be confined to spendingtime and money on your favorite charities. It is amentality that can be built into your daily routine.Someone struggling at work? Help them! A situationgetting out of hand? Be a peacemaker. A problemthat begs solving and can easily be solved? Solve it!Give back by remembering the office cleaners andthose less fortunate at holiday times, and by remem-bering your smiles, good mornings, manners, andetiquette.

5 ways to help you make a difference

Bayt.com weekly report

EXCHANGE RATES

Bahrain Exchange Company

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co.

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd

ASIAN COUNTRIESJapanese Yen 2.527Indian Rupees 4.798Pakistani Rupees 2.918Srilankan Rupees 2.217Nepali Rupees 3.002Singapore Dollar 219.200Hongkong Dollar 38.133Bangladesh Taka 3.793Philippine Peso 6.706Thai Baht 9.101Irani Riyal transfer 61.555Irani Riyal cash 121.740

GCC COUNTRIESSaudi Riyal 78.811Qatari Riyal 81.270Omani Riyal 768.650Bahraini Dinar 785.700UAE Dirham 80.561

ARAB COUNTRIESEgyptian Pound - Cash 39.065Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.822Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.381Tunisian Dinar 153.610Jordanian Dinar 417.130Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.985Syrian Lira 2.108Morocco Dirham 31.291

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIESUS Dollar Transfer 295.700Euro 336.800Sterling Pound 445.692Canadian dollar 234.870Turkish lira 121.540Swiss Franc 321.410Australian Dollar 231.090US Dollar Buying 294.500

GOLD20 gram 238.10010 gram 121.7405 gram 61.560

COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFTEurope

Belgian Franc 0.007709 0.008709British Pound 0.445432 0.454432Czech Korune 0.004244 0.015244Danish Krone 0.041547 0.045547Euro 0.330438 0.338438Norwegian Krone 0.035564 0.040764Romanian Leu 0.084862 0.084862Slovakia 0.008702 0.018702Swedish Krona 0.031890 0.036890Swiss Franc 0.314815 0.325015Turkish Lira 0.120479 0.127479

AustralasiaAustralian Dollar 0.222955 0.234455New Zealand Dollar 0.211821 0.221321AmericaCanadian Dollar 0.231309 0.239809US Dollars 0.292250 0.296450US Dollars Mint 0.292250 0.296450AsiaBangladesh Taka 0.003499 0.004099Chinese Yuan 0.046028 0.049528Hong Kong Dollar 0.036059 0.038809Indian Rupee 0.004452 0.004853Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025Japanese Yen 0.002439 0.002619Kenyan Shilling 0.003285 0.003285Korean Won 0.000262 0.000277Malaysian Ringgit 0.079612 0.085612Nepalese Rupee 0.003024 0.003194Pakistan Rupee 0.002692 0.002972Philippine Peso 0.006574 0.006854Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071

Singapore Dollar 0.215630 0.221630South African Rand 0.020205 0.028705Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001880 0.002460Taiwan 0.009300 0.009480Thai Baht 0.008750 0.009300

ArabBahraini Dinar 0.778287 0.786287Egyptian Pound 0.035724 0.038824Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083Iraqi Dinar 0.000196 0.000256Jordanian Dinar 0.413228 0.420728Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000Lebanese Pound 0.000147 0.000247Moroccan Dirhams 0.021925 0.045925Nigerian Naira 0.001206 0.001841Omani Riyal 0.762422 0.768102Qatar Riyal 0.080552 0.081765Saudi Riyal 0.078257 0.078957Syrian Pound 0.001755 0.001975Tunisian Dinar 0.150752 0.158752Turkish Lira 0.120479 0.127479UAE Dirhams 0.079568 0.080717Yemeni Riyal 0.001336 0.001416

UAE Exchange Centre WLL

COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Australian Dollar 223.53 220.53Canadian Dollar 241.86 242.86Swiss Franc 323.96 321.96Euro 342.08 343.08US Dollar 295.80 298.80Sterling Pound 451.08 454.08Japanese Yen 2.55 2.57Bangladesh Taka 3.795 4.065Indian Rupee 4.785 5.085Sri Lankan Rupee 2.216 2.651Nepali Rupee 2.992 3.527Pakistani Rupee 2.920 2.790UAE Dirhams 80.38 80.85Bahraini Dinar 785.09 787.16Egyptian Pound 38.70 39.30Jordanian Dinar 420.29 425.94Omani Riyal 767.11 774.41Qatari Riyal 81.45 82.00Saudi Riyal 78.79 79.19

Rate for Transfer Selling RateUS Dollar 295.550Canadian Dollar 240.655Sterling Pound 449.025Euro 340.430Swiss Frank 273.960Bahrain Dinar 786.160UAE Dirhams 80.845Qatari Riyals 82.005Saudi Riyals 79.005Jordanian Dinar 417.165Egyptian Pound 38.659Sri Lankan Rupees 2.217Indian Rupees 4.791Pakistani Rupees 2.920Bangladesh Taka 3.792Philippines Pesso 6.709Cyprus pound 725.450Japanese Yen 3.505

Syrian Pound 2.565Nepalese Rupees 3.990Malaysian Ringgit 83.725Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.705Thai Bhat 10.050Turkish Lira 123.380

Al Mulla Exchange

Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000)US Dollar 294.250Euro 348.000Pound Sterlng 448.650Canadian Dollar 247.700Indian Rupee 4.738Egyptian Pound 41.135Sri Lankan Rupee 2.222Bangladesh Taka 3.770Philippines Peso 6.590Pakistan Rupee 2.928Bahraini Dinar 783.450UAE Dirham 80.150Saudi Riyal 78.600*Rates are subject to change

B U S I N E S SSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Libya risks bankruptcy as oil slumps: US, EU

Country on brink of economic implosionROME: The United States and five of its European alliesyesterday warned that Libya could face bankruptcy if its oiloutput and prices on international markets continue to fall.Voicing alarm at the deteriorating security situation in theNorth African state, the allies said Libya was on the brink ofeconomic implosion because of a collapse in its productionand the sliding value of crude.

“We remain deeply concerned about the economicimpact of the political and security crisis on Libya’s futureprosperity,” said the statement from Britain, France,Germany, Italy, Spain and the United States.

“In light of low oil production and prices, Libya faces abudget deficit that has the potential to consume all of itsfinancial assets if the situation does not stabilize.” Global oilprices rallied this week having fallen 60 percent in sixmonths. The joint statement comes after an attack Tuesdayon an oil field partly owned by France’s Total killed at least11 workers. Most had their throats slit.

It said: “We share the UN’s assessment that these attacksconstituted a major break in the public pledges made by

the main commanders to refrain from actions that couldharm the political process. There can be no military solu-tion to Libya’s problems.”

It said the Tuesday’s assault was “carried out by forcesoperating under the Alshuruq Operation”. Alshuruq(Sunrise) is the name of an offensive launched by theIslamist-backed Fajr Libya militia alliance in December totry to capture eastern oil facilities from forces loyal to theinternationally recognized government.

Libya’s oil output has collapsed since the operationbegan.

‘Growing terrorist presence’ The allies urged the warring factions to agree a ceasefire

and a national unity government through the UN-led talks.“The only people who ultimately benefit from continuedfighting over Libya’s oil terminals and cities are terrorists,”said the statement.

“We are concerned by the growing presence of terroristorganizations in Libya, and by the attacks on the Corinthia

last week and on the Mabruk oil field earlier this week.”The attack on the luxury Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli, which

killed nine people, including five foreigners, was claimedby the Islamic State group. IS, which has seized chunks ofIraq and Syria, is growing “exponentially” in Libya, thecountry’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Aref AliNayed, told AFP on Thursday.

Libya has been plunged into chaos since a 2011 revo-lution that toppled longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi.The country has two rival governments and parliaments,as well as heavily armed militias battling for control of itscities and oil wealth. Its internationally recognized gov-ernment is based in the country’s far east, near theEgyptian border, while the Fajr Libya (Libya Dawn)alliance took control of Tripoli last summer. Oil is Libya’smain natural resource, with a pre-revolt output of about1.6 million barrels per day (bpd), accounting for aboutthree-quarters of budget revenues. But production fell toabout 350,000 bpd in December when Fajr Libya attackedthe terminals. —AFP

QUIMPER: An activist puts stickers on packets of meat on display in a cold fridge at a super market inQuimper, western of France yesterday to make customers aware about the origin of the meat they arebuying, as consumers are growing more and more concerned with the origin and the fabricationprocess of what they eat. —AFP

PARIS: The top credit rating agencies piledmore pressure Friday on Greece as thecountry scrambles to negotiate a new debtdeal with its European creditors. Expressingconcerns that Athens can win an agree-ment to lighten its debt burden and avoid anew default on hundreds of billions ofeuros worth of loans, Standard and Poor’sdealt the country a fresh downgrade, whileMoody’s put it on review for the same.

“The liquidity constraints weighing onGreece’s banks and its economy have nar-rowed the timeframe during which thenew government can reach an agreementon a financing program,” S&P said.

“A prolongation of talks with officialcreditors could also lead to further pressureon financial stability,” it warned, with the“worst-case scenario” leading to the coun-

try’s exclusion from the euro-zone.Moody’s cited “considerable uncertainty”

over the ability of Greece and its EU bailoutlenders to reach an agreement that willstrengthen the country’s financial position.“If the Greek government is unable tosecure an agreement with official creditorsin the next few weeks, the probability ofdefault on debt issued to the private sectorwould rise sharply,” it warned.

S&P reduced Greece’s credit grade byone step to B-, deep in junk-bond territory,and Moody’s put the country on warningthat it could cut its slightly lower Caa1 rat-ing on Greek government debt.

Greece and its key creditors in Europeappeared still far apart over Athens’sdemands to renegotiate its 240-billion-euro($275-billion) bailout with the European

Union and the International MonetaryFund.

The EU portion of the program is due toexpire February 28, leaving just weeks forAthens and Brussels to reach a compro-mise or risk a default that could sendGreece crashing out of the euro.

While the EU has offered an extensionof its expiring program to help make timefor negotiations, Greece was demanding atemporary bridge loan to cover the talks.

“We don’t do bridging loans,” JeroenDijsselbloem, the head of the euro-zonegroup of finance ministers, told reportersin The Hague, according to Bloomberg. Buta Greek government source told AFP thatthe bridge program would be “an officialexpression of the will of all sides to negoti-ate without pressure and blackmail.”

Both rating agencies pinpointed thevulnerability of Greek banks to the dryingup of their liquidity line from the EuropeanCentral Bank. The ECB this week cut off oneroute of the banks’ access to its funding. Itsaid Wednesday that it would no longeraccept Greek government bonds as collat-eral for loans, because of doubts the coun-try could meet its current obligationsunder the rescue program of theInternational Monetary Fund andEuropean Union.

“We see the uncertainties connected tothe provision of liquidity to Greek banks aspotentially exacerbating deposit outflows,depressing investment and weakening taxcompliance, which are already deteriorat-ing Greece’s economic and fiscal profile,”S&P said. —AFP

KSE remains positive, outlook

upbeat: ReportKUWAIT: Benchmark of Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) rose onepercent in the past week trading and most of the sessions closedin a bullish manner. Oula Wasata company said in a reportreleased yesterday that the past week sessions were distin-guished with speculations, targeting in particular cheap chips,with emphasis on operational shares. The KSE benchmark, atThursday’s closing, settled at 6,700-point level, losing 8.3 points,while the weighted index and KSX 15 rose, respectively 0.2 and0.3 points.

Financial disclosures, covering the past year, by the listed com-panies, including seven banks and two telecommunication com-panies, Zain and Viva, fuelled market activity, though it remainedunstable. In the past week second session, price index closed withmarginal increase, while the weighted and the Kuwait 15 indexesmoved down, amid profit generation covering most blue-chips. Inthis session, as well as in most of the week sessions, speculationson “popular chips” contributed to spurring trading. The report indi-cated that the benchmark crossing of the 6,700-point level, onTuesday, impacted positively on trades. Trade value on Tuesdayrose to a record level, KD 43.4 million, done in 8, 006 transactions,through 364.5 million shares. Some shares of the services sector,namely telecommunications, posted remarkable performance,buoyed by growth of annual earnings, posted as forecast.

Selective buying by financial portfolios intensified onWednesday, covering general shares including the blue-chips,thus contributing to the push that enabled the price index crossthe 6,700-point-level. The report forecast further performance atthe Kuwaiti stocks market, partly due to more expected financialrevelations. —KUNA

Bond raters S&P, Moody’s pile pressure on Greece

B U S I N E S SSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

KUWAIT: Bahrain’s economic activity is expected toease to 2.4 percent in 2014, following a major correc-tion in oil GDP growth and amid soft non-oil sectorgrowth. Oil sector growth is set to post a mere 0.1 per-cent in 2014. This is markedly lower than the 15.3 per-cent growth rate of 2013, when the restoration of oilproduction at the Abu Safa major oil field bolstered oilproduction.

Overall growth should remain around the 2.4 per-cent mark over the next two years, as oil GDP growthremains constrained by weak global demand, anabundantly supplied global oil market and relativelylower oil prices. Non-oil sector growth is set to remainsoft, but steady over 2015-2016 at around 3.0 percent,mostly on the back of a recovering financial sector(thesecond largest contributor to GDP).

Construction is also projected to get a boost, afterauthorities announced they will be investing $22 bil-lion in infrastructure projects over the next four years.The projects include the modernization of the currentairport and the expansion of the Aluminium Bahrainsmelter, one of the largest in the world. Furthermore,Bahrain will be benefiting from a 10-year GCC-fundedpackage worth $10billion.

Macroeconomic outlook Headline inflation remained steady for most of

2014, as gains in housing inflation were offset by low-er food inflation. Overall inflation was at 2.5 percentyear-on-year (y/y)in August, while housing and foodinflation were at 5.2 percent y/y and 1.8 percent y/y,respectively. (Chart 2).

Modest food inflation and a further moderation inhousing rent inflation, should help keep the overallinflation rate in check. With economic activity set toremain rather subdued, the headline inflation rate isexpected to remain moderate and steady in 2015and2016, at around 3.0 percent per year.

Budget deficit The fiscal deficit is expected to widen to 4 percent

of GDP in 2014and to 8 percent during 2015, on loweroil earnings and high-levels of spending. Potentiallylower oil prices over the next two years are set to fur-ther pressure Bahrain’s fiscal position, especially with afiscal breakeven oil price near $120 per barrel in 2014

and one slightly lower in 2015.The potential for much needed fiscal reform

remains remote. The political status quo is making itdifficult to implement any significant reforms, particu-larly in the area of subsidies and public wages, whichaccount for 7 percent and 10 percent of GDP respec-tively.

Current account surplus The current account surplus is expected to narrow

from 8 percent of GDP in 2013 to around 6 percent in2014, due to lower oil export receipts. The surplus isexpected at 5 percent in2015and2016, as oil exportgrowth remains weak.

Bank credit growthCredit growth was showcasing a healthy recovery

in 2014, logging in a rate of 7.3 percent y/yin April, justbefore the Central Bank of Bahrain reclassified some ofits financial institutions. Credit data have been distort-ed ever since. Making adjustments for the break in thedata, credit growth appears to be around 7 percenty/y for September.

Compared to the growth in personal loans, busi-ness loans growth was more affected by the centralbank’s reclassification. Adjusting for the reclassifica-tion, business loans growth appears to be in recovery.Growth in this segment is expected to continue toedge further into positive territory in the near-to-medium-term, thanks to improving business senti-

ments and the execution of new projects.Recent growth in the broad M2 money supply

measure has remained modest and range-boundbetween 7 percent and 8 percent y/y since the end of2014. Growth in M1 was on the rise for most of 2014,reflecting the relatively accommodative monetarypolicy. The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has main-tained its one-week policy rate at 0.5 percent, slightlyabove the US Federal Fund’s target rate of 0.25 per-cent.

The banking sector saw some impressive gains inSeptember. Total commercial banks asset growthclimbed back into positive territory, logging in a rateof 3.5 percent y/y. Growth in wholesale bank assets,which made up around 60 percent of total assets as of

2014, bottomed out and rebounded during the sameperiod. Meanwhile, asset growth in the more domesti-cally-orientated retail banks has fared quite stronglyin2014. In September, it was up 8.2 percent y/y.

Stock market rallyThe Bahrain All Share Index was up 14 percent

between January and December of this year. InAugust the index climbed to its highest level in fouryears. The continued improvement in the stock mar-ket’s performance is a further indication that businessconfidence is gradually being restored. However, likethe other major regional markets, the Bahrain stockmarket suffered a correction in 4Q14 following theabrupt and sustained drop in oil prices.

Bahrain’s growth to remainsteady; budget worries linger

NBK ECONOMIC REPORT

WASHINGTON: As the US economy has steadily recovered fromthe Great Recession, the critical missing piece has been a painfullack of pay raises for many Americans. Their pain may be easing.Friday’s jobs report signaled that raises have finally begun to flowthrough an economy in which, once you factor in inflation, mostpeople earn less than when the Great Recession struck in 2007.

The average hourly wage jumped 0.5 percent betweenDecember and January - the sharpest monthly gain since 2008 -the government’s survey of businesses found. The average hasnow risen 2.2 percent over the past 12 months to $24.75, comfort-ably above inflation. So if you’ve gone without a meaningful raise,should you expect one? Skeptics still have doubts. But the quick-ening rate of hiring provides reason to hope. The government’sfigures don’t pinpoint which occupations have benefited mostfrom rising pay. Wages have risen at a slightly slower pace for non-managers, indicating that bosses are pocketing much of thegains. Still, corporate announcements and job postings indicatethat wage growth has been extending to a broad range of indus-tries and professions.

Job listings on Indeed.com, for example, show strongerdemand for truckers, health care professionals and technologyworkers, all of which points to higher wages, said Tara Sinclair,chief economist at Indeed.com and a professor at GeorgeWashington University. “America is really getting back to work,and that’s the first step to getting better paychecks,” Sinclair said.The pace of hiring has accelerated 34 percent since 2013. Thatgrowth has reduced the number of job seekers and made it hard-er for employers to find talented employees. The trend, the theorygoes, has finally forced companies to loosen their grip on pay toattract and keep the best workers. Employers have added 3.2 mil-lion jobs over the 12 months - including 257,000 in January,329,000 in December and a sizzling 423,000 in November.

Some economists note that pay figures tend to be volatilefrom month to month and that January’s blowout averageincrease might be unsustainable. Still, each additional job increas-es the number of paychecks in the United States, which drivesgreater consumer spending. And that tends to fuel further hiringand higher wages.

Ford Motor Co. has announced that up to 500 of its lowest-paid factory workers will receive a 48 percent pay raise to $28.50an hour. Only 20 percent of its employees can be in the lowest tier,so Ford had to raise wages to hire 1,550 workers to make pickuptrucks in Missouri and Michigan. Other major companies, includ-ing Aetna and the Gap, have also announced pay increases.

Some smaller firms are enjoying a level of growth that hasbegun to deliver year-end bonuses and raises. ChristopherFalcone is among the beneficiaries. Falcone, 32, has been working

as an accountant at a Chicago real estate investment company forthe past six months. He said he just received a 3.5 percent salaryincrease and a 4 percent cash bonus - enough to plan a visit toDisney World to celebrate with his family.

“It’s our 10-year wedding anniversary,” Falcone said. “We gotmarried there, so we’re going back and we’re taking our kids.”Other workers are negotiating higher salaries after reviewing thepay levels advertised on job sites. David Castaneda felt that the 3percent raise he recently received didn’t fully value his perform-ance as a financial analyst at a cemetery and mortuary outside LosAngeles. So the 27-year-old Castaneda researched other jobopportunities and presented the findings to his boss. The result? A31 percent pay increase to $85,000.

Opportunities“The opportunities are out there and wages are being pushed

up,” Castaneda said. “If everyone were to do this, they would get it.But most people are afraid that their boss would say no and

let them go.” Many Americans, of course, have yet to enjoy paybumps regardless of a tightening labor pool. The wage figuresfrom the Labor Department are averages. So even when the aver-ages improve, millions of workers continue to endure stagnantincomes and rising expenses. For example, in the mining and log-ging sector of the economy, which has been pummeled by plung-ing oil prices, average wages actually fell in December.

Economists also note that average wages can gyrate frommonth to month. Wages had dipped in December, leading DeanBaker of the liberal Center for Economic Policy and Research toconclude that there’s “no real evidence” of accelerating pay. Wagesgenerally rise at a pace of more than 3 percent in a healthy econo-my. Still, the year-over-year average wage increase of 2.2 percentcan feel a lot better than it might sound given today’s historicallylow inflation. Thanks to sinking prices at the gasoline pump, con-sumer prices have edged up just 0.8 percent over the past 12months. That means wages have risen a solid 1.4 percent afterinflation.

“That’s a step in the right direction,” said Bill Hampel, chiefeconomist at the Credit Union National Association. Hampelstressed that job growth must continue at the current solid ratefor a couple more years to make up for the plunge in incomes thataccompanied the recession and then persisted during most of the5-1/2-year-old recovery.

Even so, some younger Americans who clung to their jobs dur-ing the meager recovery are now enjoying a novel experience: apromotion. Mark Andre, a designer at the commercial architecturefirm LSM in Washington, just received a 15 percent raise afterbeing elevated to a new position.—AP

SHANGHAI: Chinese bankers welcomed Beijing’s decision tocut the level of reserves they must hold, hoping they can putthe freed-up cash to profitable use, but struggling Chinesecompanies hoping it will mean more and cheaper loans arelikely to be disappointed.

After a slew of gloomy economic data, the People’s Bankof China (PBOC) cut banks’ reserve requirement ratios (RRR)by 50 basis points on Wednesday, freeing up an estimated600 billion yuan ($96 billion) into the money supply. Newlending in December was lower than expected, and that wasfollowed by a surprise shrinking in the factory sector inJanuary and weakening data for the services industry, oncea lonely bright spot in the world’s second largest economy.

However, economists who spoke to Reuters viewed theRRR cut as a defensive attempt to offset the impact of capitalflowing out of yuan assets as the currency slides against thedollar, not stimulative. Government economists have pub-licly made similar statements.

“Foreign exchange management is not an effective long-term liquidity tool, so you must use other delivery channels,”said Ma Jun, central bank chief economist, in a commentarypublished by the official China Securities JournalWednesday. Lu Lei, head of the PBOC’s research department,also played down the significance of the move, saying it wasnot a strong stimulus measure or a policy shift but an ordi-nary operation based on liquidity conditions, including aspike in demand for cash for the upcoming Chinese NewYear holidays.

SO WHAT?Bankers who spoke to Reuters said the move was not

enough to encourage them to lend more, or lend morecheaply, given the dearth of demand from creditworthy bor-rowers, an assertion supported by independent surveys ofChinese executives. “There are too few good clients if yourbank is prioritising risk; indeed there are times when youhave money, but you can’t find ways to lend it out,” said aloan officer from one of China’s top five banks, who added

that his bank frequently found itself with cash in hand andnobody worth lending to. The move will mean more fundsavailable for investment in higher-yielding money marketproducts, analysts say, and some bankers said they mightsteer more credit to the safer state-owned enterprises(SOEs). Chinese state-owned banks are often criticized forpreferring to lend to SOEs regardless of their businessprospects, because they are guaranteed by the government,which starves the more efficient private sector of capital.

The problem facing banks’ loan officers is that smallercompanies - both private and local-level SOEs - tend to belighter on assets that can serve as collateral and their finan-cial statements are less reliable.

STILL RESTRICTEDAlso, for many lenders, especially smaller banks, the relax-

ation of the reserve requirement doesn’t free up capital forloans because they still have to maintain a loan-to-depositratio of 75 percent.

And in China’s tightly controlled financial system, lendingquotas set by the central bank are more significant determi-nants of loan volumes. “For banks, the RRR reduction basical-ly means they can convert some of the loss-making posi-tions (PBOC pays 1.6 percent p.a. on reserve vs banks’deposit cost of 2 percent or more) into bonds or interbankassets with 4-5 percent yields,” wrote Credit Suisse analystsVictor Wang and Steven Zhu in a research note, adding thatthe change alone could bump bank profits up 0.9 percent in2015.

“However, (the) RRR cut has little to do with loan under-writing, which is controlled by PBOC’s loan quota.”Economists believe more easing is in the pipeline, and thedebate now is over timing and manner. Since an RRR cutdelivers cash, while the cuts to guidance lending rates riskssqueezing profit margins, many bankers are hoping for theformer, not the latter, said one loan officer.

“From the bank’s perspective, we hope they cut thereserve ratio again, but not interest rates!” — Reuters

China’s reserve ratio cut more help to banks than borrowers

SAN JUAN: An aerial view of the south side of the Puerto Rico’s Capitol building in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A federal judgeruled late Friday that a Puerto Rico debt-restructuring law that aims to protect the government from bankruptcy andmake public corporations self-sufficient is unconstitutional. Gov Alejandro Garcia Padilla approved the Recovery Act inJune of 2014 after submitting a last-minute bill to legislators, urging them to approve it amid concerns that certain pub-lic agencies might collapse financially. —AP

WAYNE: A line worker assembles a 2012 Ford Focus at the Ford Michigan Assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan. The jobsreport on Friday signaled that raises have finally begun to flow through an economy in which, once you factor in infla-tion, most people earn less than when the Great Recession struck in 2007. — AP

Americans are finally seeing something new: A pay raise

B U S I N E S SSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

BAYAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT

WALL STREET WEEKLY REPORT

KSE indices rise on buying interest

KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended last weekin the green zone. The Price Index closed at 6,700.06points, up by 1.94 percent from the week before closing,the Weighted Index increased by 1.34 percent after clos-ing at 447.77 points, whereas the KSX-15 Index closed1,085.81 points up by 1.22 percent. Furthermore, lastweek’s average daily turnover increased by 24.03 percent,compared to the preceding week, reaching KD 33.01 mil-lion, whereas trading volume average was 270.06 millionshares, recording an increase of 3.95 percent.

The stock market indicators were able to end the weekin the green zone, supported by the purchasing trendthat included many stocks in different sectors, to com-pensate all its previous week’s losses. This performancecame during an increased traded liquidity compared tothe preceding week trading, and in contrary with theimproved oil prices, and the positive disclosures of somelisted companies for its financial results, which con-tributed to improving the traders’ morale.

By the end of last week, the number of companiesthat disclosed its 2014 financial results reached 26 com-pany, realizing almost KD 167.70 million in gains, withincrease of 5.25 percent for the results of the same com-panies for the same period of year 2013. On the otherhand, the capital value of the 192 listed companies in theofficial market reached KD 28.60 billion, increasing by1.37 percent of its value in the preceding week, whichreach then KD 28.21 billion.

Moreover, the stock market initiated its first session ofthe week with good gains for its three indices, benefitingfrom the purchasing power that targeted many stocks,especially the blue-chips in the telecommunications, andoil & gas sectors; whereas the market witnessed a mixedperformance in the following two sessions, as profit col-lection operations were executed on some blue-chipstocks of previous gains, which limited the gains of theWeighted and KSX-15 indices, to record limited losses

due to such operations, whilst the Price Index was able torealize limited gain supported by the random purchasingoperations that concentrated on some small-cap stocksin the Financial Services and Real Estate sectors.

On Wednesday’s session, the stock market indicatorswere able to close in the green zone once again, support-ed by the return of the quick speculative operations incontrolling the trading activity, among a fluctuated per-formance, in light of a relatively decreased liquidity levels.However, in the end of week session, the stock marketwitnessed a mixed performance to its indices’ closings,whereas the profit collection operations executed onsome small-cap stocks were able to push the Price Indexto end the session with slight loss, whilst the Weightedand KSX-15 indices recorded limited gains by the end ofthe session as a result to the purchasing operations wit-nessed by some large-cap stocks.

For the annual performance, the price index endedlast week recording 2.51 percent annual gain comparedto its closing in 2014, while the weighted index increasedby 2.03 percent, and the KSX-15 recorded 2.44 percentgrowth.

Sectors’ indicesEight of KSE’s sectors ended last week in the green

zone, while the other four recorded declines. Last week’shighest gainer was the Telecommunications sector,achieving 6.84 percent growth rate as its index closed at623.76 points. Whereas, in the second place, the RealEstate sector’s index closed at 1,162.70 points recording2.92 percent increase. The Financial Services sector camein third as its index achieved 2.46 percent growth, endingthe week at 848.49 points.

On the other hand, the Technology sector headed thelosers list as its index declined by 1.85 percent to end theweek’s activity at 911.06 points. The Health Care sectorwas second on the losers’ list, which index declined by

1.64 percent, closing at 907.07 points, followed by theInsurance sector, as its index closed at 1,161.63 points ata loss of 1.41 percent.

The Financial Services sector dominated a total tradevolume of 627.83 million shares changing hands duringlast week, representing 46.50 percent of the total markettrading volume. The Real Estate sector was second interms of trading volume as the sector’s traded shareswere 19.25 percent of last week’s total trading volume,

with a total of 259.91 million shares. On the other hand, the Telecommunications sector’s

stocks were the highest traded in terms of value; with aturnover of KD 42.74 million or 25.90 percent of lastweek’s total market trading value. The Financial Servicessector took the second place as the sector’s last weekturnover was K.D 36.25 million represented 21.97 percentof the total market trading value. — Prepared by theStudies & Research Department, Bayan Investment Co.

NEW YORK: Wall Street stocks scored their best week of2015 so far following a rally in oil prices, good US jobs dataand some significant corporate acquisitions. For the week,the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 659.34 points(3.84 percent) to 17,824.29.

The broad-based S&P 500 jumped 60.48 (3.03 percent)to 2,055.47, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Indexadvanced 109.16 (2.36 percent) to 4,744.40. Analysts citedhigher oil prices as a source of investor relief. After retreat-ing about 60 percent over six months, the US oil bench-mark contract surged more than 16 percent over the lastsix sessions to finish the week at $51.69 a barrel.

“While the price of oil is not a primary driver of themarket as a whole, the stability of the oil market is veryimportant to the stability of the (stock) market,” said DavidLevy portfolio manager at Kenjol Capital Management.

“With the stability in the oil market, investors are ableto focus on other things that are perhaps more important.”The week’s most closely-watched economic report,Friday’s US jobs report for January, bested expectations bya wide margin.

The Labor Department said the US economy added257,000 jobs in January, better than the 235,000 projectedby analysts.

The report also included large upward revisions to jobsgrowth in November and December, making the mostrecent stretch the best three-month hiring period in theUS since 1997.

The report also said hourly wage growth gained 0.5percent, a big improvement after a December drop in acategory that has been closely tracked by the US FederalReserve as a gauge of economic strength. “It was a greatnumber, and it really was a multidimensional report,” said

Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at BMO Private Bank.“The revision of previous months was strong, and final-

ly we had a good number on wages. It appears the jobmarket is tightening up.”

Ironically, US stocks retreated Friday after the jobsreport. Analysts attributed the drop to profit-taking.

Deals lift stocks US stocks also were propelled following a stream of

acquisitions from across different sectors, suggesting 2015could be another strong year of dealmaking after a robust2014. US office supplies giant Staples announced plans tobuy rival Office Depot in a deal valued at $6.3 billion. Thetransaction is expected to get a close once-over fromantitrust regulators after the US Federal Trade Commissionrejected a marriage between the companies in 1997.

Executives from the two firms said they were encour-aged by the FTC’s 2013 approval of a buyout of OfficeMaxby Office Depot that observed big changes to office sup-plies with the rise of online shopping and the expansionof Wal-Mart Stores and other chains into the market.

Pharma giant Pfizer returned to the forefront inannouncing a $17 billion takeover of Hospira, which willadd a portfolio of sterile injectable treatments and biosim-ilar drugs to Pfizer’s broad pharma offerings. Analystsexpect more deals from Pfizer after its proposed takeoverof British giant AstraZeneca failed last year. On Friday,Harris, a supplier of military radios, announced it wouldacquire fellow defense contractor Exelis for $4.8 billion.Next week’s calendar includes a handful of big earningsreports, including from Dow member Coca-Cola, CiscoSystems and Time Warner. The most closely-watched eco-nomic data will be the January retail sales report. — WALL

NEW YORK: The statue of George Washington on the steps of Federal Hall faces the facade of the New YorkStock Exchange. — AP

Big week for US stocks

B U S I N E S SSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

MIAMI: Debbie Ramsawak, Director of Operations at the Hilton BentleyMiami Beach hotel (center), talks with job applicant Zikey Cook, 24 (left)during a job fair at the Hospitality Institute, in Miami. The job marketremains a frustrating place for America’s 8 million unemployed even at atime when employers are adding jobs and hanging out the most help-want-ed signs in 14 years. — AP

WASHINGTON: A resurgent job market inJanuary signaled that the US economy isfinally regaining the kind of strength typicalof a healthy recovery - with hiring accelerat-ing, wages rising and people who had givenup their job hunts starting to look again.Freer-spending consumers and steady eco-nomic expansion have boosted hiring forthe past three months to the most robustpace in 17 years.

In January, employers added 257,000jobs, after 329,000 in December and a siz-zling 423,000 jobs in November, the govern-ment reported Friday. The November andDecember gains were much higher than thegovernment had first estimated.

“The labor market was about the lastthing to recover from the Great Recession,and in the last six months it has picked upsteam,” said Bill Hampel, chief economist atthe Credit Union National Association. “Thebenefits for the middle class are now solidi-fying.”

The average hourly wage rose 12 cents to$24.75 in January, a jump of 0.5 percent - thesharpest since 2008. In the past year, hourlypay, which has long been stagnant, has risen2.2 percent. That’s well above inflation,which rose just 0.8 percent in 2014. Theaccelerating job and pay growth now makeit more likely that the Federal Reserve willbegin raising the short-term interest rate itcontrols by midyear.

Paul Ashworth, chief US economist atCapital Economics, predicts that the Fed willraise rates from record lows in June.“Employment growth is clearly on fire, and itis beginning to put upward pressure onwage growth,” Ashworth wrote in a researchnote. “The Fed can’t wait much longer inthat environment, particularly not wheninterest rates are starting at near zero.”

Indeed, investors responded to the bet-ter-than-expected figures by selling USTreasurys, sending yields up, a sign thatmany think a Fed rate hike might be moreimminent than they thought before. Theyield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to1.94 percent from 1.81 percent shortlybefore the jobs report was released.

Stock investors appeared nervous abouta Fed rate increase, which could pull downstock prices. The Dow Jones industrial aver-age closed down 60 points, or 0.3 percent,to 17,824. The unemployment rate rose lastmonth to 5.7 percent from 5.6 percent. Butthat occurred for a good reason: More than700,000 Americans - the most in six years -began looking for jobs. Not all of themfound work, which swelled the number ofunemployed. The influx of job hunters sug-gested that Americans have grown moreconfident about their prospects.

Fueling the burst of hiring has been apickup in economic growth and falling gasprices that offered Americans more moneyto spend. The economy expanded at a 4.8percent annual rate during spring and sum-

mer, the fastest six-month pace in a decade,before slowing to a still-decent 2.6 percentpace in the final three months of 2014.

There are now 3.2 million moreAmericans earning paychecks than therewere 12 months ago. That additional cashtends to boost consumer spending, whichdrives about 70 percent of economicgrowth.

Americans are feeling better about theeconomy. Consumer confidence jumped inJanuary to its highest level in a decade,according to a survey by the University ofMichigan. And consumers increased theirspending during the final three months oflast year at the fastest pace in nearly nineyears.

A more confident, free-spending con-sumer could lend a spark that had beenmissing for most of the 51/2-year-old recov-ery. Americans have been largely holdingthe line on spending and trying to shrinkdebt loads. Signs that they’re poised tospend more have boosted optimism thatthe economy will expand over 3 percent thisyear for the first time in a decade.Companies that benefit most directly fromconsumer spending have ramped up hiringsince the fall, when gas price savings beganto pile up in Americans’ bank accounts.Retailers added 45,900 jobs in January,hotels and restaurants 37,100.

Though jobs in those industries typicallyoffer lower wages, companies have boostedpay as they have scrambled to fill openings.Hourly pay has risen 3 percent in the pastyear for retailers and 3.4 percent for hoteland restaurant employees. When the yearbegan, 20 states raised their minimumwages, a trend that might have contributedto January’s sharp overall pay gain. Somecompanies, including Aetna and the Gap,have also announced wage increases fortheir lowest-paid employees.

Construction companies have been asource of big job gains. They’ve added308,000 jobs in the past 12 months, nearly10 percent of the overall gain. Hiring isunlikely to remain at the blistering pace ofthe past three months, economists said,though it should stay solid.

Mark Vitner, an economist at Wells Fargo,says shifts in how Americans shop mighthave given the job market a temporary lift.

Online shopping has boosted warehous-ing, shipping and trucking jobs during thewinter shopping season, Vitner said. Thegovernment tries to adjust for those season-al changes, but its accuracy may be off, par-ticularly because the trends are so recent.Michael Gapen, chief US economist atBarclays, forecasts that monthly job growthwill fall back to a still-healthy average of225,000. That should lift wage gains to anannual rate of 3 percent by year’s end. “Wedo appear to have hit a new stride,” saidDiane Swonk, chief economist at MesirowFinancial. —AP

January job gains show US

recovery gaining strength

NEW YORK: When Marc Schwartzheard that many of America’s lasttrading pits were closing down, theveteran commodities trader washardly surprised. He spent 17 yearsyelling in the New York pits, butgave it up, like so many colleaguesbefore him, to work in an office.

Still, he felt a blow and a pang ofnostalgia when he heard the news.“I liked the energy, I liked the roar,”said Schwartz, 45, as he sat before abank of six computer screens in anoffice at DV Trading in Chicago.“There is no more roar.”

Traders are calling it an “end ofan era” after news late Wednesdaythat CME Group, the parent compa-ny of the Chicago Board of Tradeand other exchanges, is shuttingdown most trading in its 21 pits inChicago and New York. Those sitesare where people establish pricesby flashing hand signals and shout-ing at each other on a trading floor.

But that shoulder-to-shouldertussle is coming to an end with awhimper, not a bang. Futurestraders and clerks in CME pits havedwindled to about 475, and manyof them work remotely using com-puters and don’t come to the floorevery day.

Blame technology. Faster,cheaper, computers have takenover the process of establishingprices on everything from ExxonMobil shares on stock exchanges,to hogs and cattle on commodityexchanges. Floor trading hasshrunk to a fraction of its volumefrom two decades ago. In total, 2.8billion futures were traded on CMEexchanges last year, but nearly allelectronically. Only 31 millionfutures changed hands on tradingfloors — 1 percent of the total.

Jim Bower, a 40-year trading vet-eran, calls the current computerizedenvironment “austere,” and missesthe verbal cues that helped himsense where prices were headed. “Icould tell whether the market wasbullish or bearish just by the tone inthe pits,” he said. “It’s not as muchfun as it used to be.”

But the global nature of markets

today, combined with the informa-tion flooding traders every second,makes technology necessary, hesaid. “The market is essentially mov-ing around the clock around theworld at breakneck speed,” saidBower, 65, president of BowersTrading, a commodities brokeragein Lafayette, Indiana. “You have tohave the technology to keep upwith it.”

Last bastionTo many, the romance of the pits

was best captured in “Trading

Places,” the 1983 film starring DanAykroyd and Eddie Murphy. In onescene, before entering the pit,Aykroyd famously declares, “Well,this is it, the last bastion of purecapitalism left on earth.”

Schwartz, the Chicago trader,recalled the line with a chuckle,adding his own color about theplace: “It didn’t matter who youwere, what your education, every-one was equal in the pit.”

For all the technologicalprogress since, it can help to have ahuman around. In the Flash Crash

of 2010, an algorithm gone wrongcaused the Dow Jones industrialaverage to fall 600 points in lessthan five minutes. And Facebook’sinitial public offering in 2012 wasbeset by technical difficulties onthe Nasdaq Stock Market, whichunlike the New York StockExchange does not use humanintermediaries. The Nasdaq had topay $10 million in fines for the com-puter failures.

When Twitter decided to gopublic the next year, it was said thesocial media company chose the

NYSE to avoid a Facebook-likedebacle. Its first day of trading wentoff without a hitch, a rare momentof glory for the iconic trading floor,which is sleepy most days.

Steve Quirk, a senior vice presi-dent at broker TD Ameritrade whogot his start in the Chicago pits,said he doesn’t think closing trad-ing floors is likely to make marketsmore dangerous. If anything, com-puters have allowed more peopleto fill the role of floor trader, actingas a middle man bringing buyersand sellers together.

“You’ve essentially just made it avirtual trading pit for the world,”Quirk said. “That’s probably thebiggest benefit.” The shutdown ofmost CME pits means no morepeople physically trading futureson a vast and varied list of items.At CME exchanges, bets are madeon future prices of heating oil, pal-ladium, live cattle and lumber,along with dozens of other com-modities.

The CME said it will keep trad-ing pits open for Standard & Poor’s500 index futures and options on

futures. The CME says about 60jobs will be lost in New York andChicago by July 2.

Schwartz, who trades heatingoil now, had long packed away histrading jacket in a closet in hishome, but the memories are stillfresh. The challenge of the tradingin the pits, he said, was like “play-ing basketball while doing math inyour head.”

“You knew it was coming,” hesaid of CME’s decision. “But toactually hear they were closing thepits, it’s sad.” —AP

As trading pits close, traders

yearn for ‘roar’ of old

CHICAGO: Damon Federighi shouts orders in the euro dollar futures pit at the ChicagoMercantile Exchange. Floor trading has shrunk to a fraction of its volume from two decades agoas faster, cheaper, computers take over the process of establishing prices on everything. —AP

NEW YORK: The dollar surged higherFriday after a surprisingly upbeat USjobs report fueled speculation that theFederal Reserve would stay on track toraise interest rates in mid-year.

The Labor Department reported theUS economy added 257,000 jobs inJanuary and revised upward alreadyhealthy growth in the prior two months,showing the best gains over threemonths since 1997.

The unemployment rate edged up to5.7 percent from 5.6 percent, but thatwas in part because more people wereactively seeking jobs. Most economistssaid the fresh data showed real signs ofthe economy gaining traction after abumpy 2014 during which it grew amodest 2.4 percent, and could reinforcethe Federal Reserve’s plan to lift interestrates that have been pegged near zerosince late 2008.

“ With three -month average jobgrowth of 336,000, the Fed may startthinking about liftoff before June,” said

Chris Low of FTN Financial.Barclays analysts, however, noted

some data weaknesses that could staythe Fed’s hands to even later in the year.“Modest wage gains and a decelerationin underlying inflation skew the riskstoward a later than mid-2015 liftoff,”they said in a research note.

Greece cast a cloud of uncertaintyover the euro, as the country’s efforts torenogotiate an international bailoutappeared to go nowhere. Greece’s newgovernment put itself back on a colli-sion course with the European Union bydemanding temporary funding beforerenegotiating its foreign

loans, prompting fresh warnings of adefault, Credit rating agency Standardand Poor’s downgraded Greece a notch,and warned of the renewed prospect ofa Greek exit from the euro-zone. Andrival Moody’s placed Greece’s credit rat-ing on review for a downgrade, citing“high uncertainty” about the country’stalks with creditors. —AFP

Robust US jobs

report pushes

up dollar

B U S I N E S SSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

DOHA: Qatar Airways officially launchedtheir new marketing campaign support-ing the three-year partnership betweenthe airline and FC Barcelona at a pressconference held in Doha, Qatar.

After the huge success of the first TVspot, The Land of FC Barcelona, depictingthe imaginary world of FC Barcelonawhere Messi taught football skills andIniesta was an artist, the five-star airlineunveiled their second campaign at a pressconference held today at the Four SeasonsHotel in Doha, Qatar. In attendance wereleading representatives of both organiza-tions, Qatar Airways Group ChiefExecutive, Akbar Al Baker, and VicePresident Economic and Strategic Area of

FC Barcelona, Javier Faus. Also, joining thehead table, were two of FCB’s First Teamplayers, Gerard PiquÈ and Neymar da Silva,who flew to Doha for the event. Also, inattendance was Manel Arroyo, VicePresident Media Area of FC Barcelona.

Starring FC Barcelona starsLionel Messi,Neymar Jr, Gerard Piqué, Andrés Iniestaand Luis Suerez, Qatar Airways’ new com-mercial has the players visiting a numberof destinations within the airline’s exten-sive network including the Maldives,Dallas, Paris and Seoul. The spot which willbe aired in English, Arabic and Catalantakes a humorous look at the players par-ticipating in a number of different activi-ties at each destination.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive,Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are pleased tolaunch our new campaign, featuring someof the FCB stars and football greats. Wehope that our passengers and footballfans around the world enjoy this heart-feltjourney as the players travel to a few ofQatar Airways’ destinations.”

In the year and a half since the partner-ship took effect, Qatar Airways haslaunched the hugely successful The Landof FCB campaign, officially sponsored theFC Barcelona Asia tour, introduced the FCBarcelona custom-designed Boeing 777and launched unique tour and matchpackages for fans looking to visitBarcelona through the Qatar Airways

Holidays Division. The airline also recently launched the

Join The Club, social media contest, cele-brating the first anniversary of the part-nership, while giving the opportunity tomillions of fans to win exciting prizes,including Qatar Airways flights to attendan FCB match in Barcelona.

Operating to Barcelona since 2010,Qatar Airways recently announced plansto increase Doha-Barcelona flights to adouble-daily service, bringing the fre-quency up from 10 to 14 flights per week.The increase in service will meet thedemand from both cities and give passen-gers the opportunity to connect withmore than 140 destinations in Qatar

Airways global network through its state-of-the-art hub in Doha, the HamadInternational Airport.

Additionally, Qatar Airways signed aninterline agreement with Vueling lastSeptember, which is helping to increasethe number of passengers to and fromEurope, in addition to improving trans-European traffic, and long-haul connec-tions.

Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth injust 18 years of operation, to the pointwhere today it is flying a modern fleet of146 aircraft to more than 140 key businessand leisure destinations across Europe, theMiddle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, NorthAmerica and South America.

Qatar Airways launches ‘the FCB Holiday’

SHARJAH: The Sharjah Investmentand Development Authority(Shurooq) is delighted to announcethat a panel of distinguishedexperts in the financial servicesindustry will lead a session on cross-border financing options for FDI atthe twelfth World Forum for ForeignDirect Investment, to be held inSharjah.

The panel - titled: ‘VanishingFrontiers: Cross-border FinancingOptions for FDI’ - will be the third offive panels in the forum, to be heldat 3.30 pm on February 9 at Al-Jawaher Reception and ConventionCentre Moderating is Mark Beer,OBE, Chief Executive Officer &Registrar of the DIFC Courts. He willbe joined by panellists Mohsin AliNathani, Chief Executive Officer ofStandard Chartered Bank UAE,Muzaffar Hisham, Group Head ofIslamic Banking and Chief ExecutiveOfficer of Maybank Islamic Berhad,and Julio de Quesada, Head ofCorporate and Investment BankingGroup at Mashreq bank PSC.

In a climate where stress-testedbanks are becoming increasinglycautious in their lending, the ses-sion will explore alternative sourcesof finance for overseas projects.

The variety of avenues to beexamined will include financingfrom multilateral agencies anddevelopment banks, public-privatepartnerships, sovereign wealthfunds, venture capital, and busi-ness angels. As part of this, therewil l also be a special focus onIslamic finance.

These topics are highly relevantin the current global financial envi-ronment. Global sovereign wealthfunds, for example, have recordednew records of activity over thelast couple of years, with one ofthe most active being the UAE’sAbu Dhabi Investment Authority.The New Development Bank,focussing primarily on lending for

infrastructure projects, was estab-lished in July last year by the BRICSstates: Brazil, Russia, India, Chinaand South Africa. Meanwhile,recent studies show that theIslamic f inance market is nowworth more than $2 trillion, havingdoubled in size over the past fouryears.

Marwan bin Jassim Al-Sarkal,CEO of Sharjah Investment andDevelopment Authority “Shurooq”said: “With traditional sources offinancing facing fresh challengesall around the globe, the WorldForum for FDI’s session on cross-

border finance is a remarkableopportunity to explore the mostpressing issues facing the industrywith some of the world’s leadingexperts. We are delighted thatSharjah, with its rapidly growingand robustly regulated financialservices sector, will host this clear-ly vital discussion”.

The World Forum for ForeignDirect Investment, considered to bethe world’s premier FDI platform, isbeing held in the region for the firmtime from February 8th - 10th .Underthe theme: ‘Where East Meets West’,itwill be attended by CEOs and senior

executives from local and internation-al organizations, investment promo-tion agencies and economic develop-ment organizations. Internationalguest speakers at this year’s event willinclude Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inven-tor of the World Wide Web, and The RtHon. the Lord Mandelson, a formerlong-serving British cabinet memberand European Commissioner forTrade. In previous years the Forum hasbeen held in many of the world’s lead-ing investment centres, includingAmsterdam, Brussels, London,Valencia, Bologna, Vilnius, Tallinn,Shanghai, and Philadelphia.

World Forum for FDI to explore cross-border finance options Shurooq to host panel of leading global experts

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunica-tions company in Kuwait, announced yester-day Yousef Gholoum Haaji winner of the$10,000 cash prize in the first weekly draw thatwas launched this month. The daily and weeklydraw campaign is running until the 28th ofFebruary, 2015, withthe grand prize drawbeing held on 1 March,2015.

Zain furtherannounced the namesof the daily draw winnersfor the first week: SuhaMusaad Al-Haddad,Jaber Saad Al-Hadhairi,Saleh MohammedSaleh, MohammedSaleh Ibrahim, AamerGhazzai Al-Enzi, LayilaMohammed Bahbahani,and Fahad Khalaf Al-

Daas. Any eligible customer wishing to enterthe draw may do so by simply subscribing toany of Zain’s selected Internet or smartphonepostpaid bundles, where they will receive a cer-tain amount of points that they can collect tobe entitled to enter either the daily, weekly, or

grand draws. Today’s announce-

ment is a testament ofZain’s tireless efforts inrewarding its customerbase, the largest in thecountry. The promo-tion further demon-strates Zain’s pivotalrole in Kuwait’s tele-com sector, sparing noeffort in introducingexceptional offeringsfor technology andsmartphone enthusi-asts.

Yousef Haaji winner of Zain’s $10,000 cash prize

KUWAIT: Due to the great success of the wintercampaign in previous years, Bumper-to-Bumperservice centers part of Yusuf A Alghanim & SonsAutomotive Group announced that it will re-launch the free car checkup campaign for all carmakes until 20 March 2015. The offer is part ofBTB commitment to provide high quality prod-ucts and services to help ensure the safety of itscustomers especially during the winter season.

This offer applies to all car makes and avail-able in the main BTB branches includingShuwaikh, Jahra, Fahaheel and Sharq andincludes checkup of tires, brakes, head lightsand signal lights, windshield wipers, battery, tirepressure and the suspension system. On top ofthat, customers can get a KD- 5 coupon forevery KD 50 spent on needed repairs. Thecoupons can be redeemed across all BTBbranches.

Founded in 1980, BTB started as quick-serviceshops that specialized in replacing and repairingexhaust systems. Five years later, in 1985, thebrand BTB was created as a unique concept inthe Kuwaiti market. Today, BTB’s clear mission isto exceed expectations by offering the best incar maintenance and spare-parts services, forboth individual customers and corporate own-

ers. But what makes BTB truly stand out is thehighly-trained crew of technicians and profes-sionals, who collectively provide an unprece-dented level of support through state-of-the-artequipment and auto maintenance knowledge.

As one of the strongest local brands in thecountry, with more than 150,000 vehicles serv-iced each year, in one of 150 service platforms in8 service centers throughout the country,Bumper to Bumper provides customers withtotal convenience and peace of mind, dealingwith all makes and models of cars. At Bumper toBumper, the customer comes first and each cen-ter is designed with the customer’s comfort inmind, including free wireless access, a spaciouslounge area, a cafÈ, a playroom and much more.

Indeed, choosing Bumper to Bumper servicecenters means turning over your car to a crew ofspecialized technicians which operates the mostadvanced equipment and analyzing tools toproduce a highly detailed report and an accu-rate estimate of total cost of repair. To top it off,Bumper to Bumper service centers offer gen-uine spare parts for all car models, as well aswarranties for parts and labor. BTB service cen-ters also offer easy finance solutions such asinstallments and other payment plans.

BTB service centers are strategically locatedthroughout Kuwait including Sharq, Fahaheel,Shuwaikh and Jahra, and are also integrated inAlfa Petrol Stations in Shaab, Agaila, Shuwaikhand South Surra.

B-to-B Service Centers launches winter free car checkup campaign on all car makes

KUWAIT: Burgan Bank in collaborationwith VIVA Telecom; announced the launchof special tailored packages to suit PremierBanking customers’ lifestyles. PremierBanking customers can now avail excep-tional rates of specially tailored packages.

Burgan Bank’s Premier Banking cus-tomers can now subscribe to any of thetwo VIVA packages depending on their dai-ly telecommunications’ need. The first pack-age entitles customers to 3000 minutes oflocal calls, 60 minutes of International calls ,1000 local and international SMS’s, as wellas unlimited local data usage for a subsi-dized rate of KD 36 per month. The secondpackage entitles customers to unlimited

VIVA to VIVA local calls and 5000 minutes oflocal calls, unlimited VIVA to VIVA SMS’s and1000 local SMS’s, as well as unlimited localdata usage for a subsidized rate of KD 49per month.

Upon subscribing to either packages,customers will avail multiple features likeunlimited internet access, a vanity number(Gold and Platinum), opportunity to receiveup to 3 devices in a single commitment, 5extra lines in one contract under VIVA’sFamily Share Services, receive 130 points inVIVA’s loyalty program including as a wel-come registration gift.

Burgan Bank’s customer-centricapproach aims at providing customers withrewarding opportunities and matchlessservices to exceed their expectations. It isworth mentioning that the bank has previ-ously partnered with VIVA Telecom to offerbank customers who own a VIVA line a con-venient and an instant method of mobilebill payment.

For more information about BurganBank services as well as its latest promo-tions, customers are required to visit theirnearest Burgan Bank branch or contact thecall center on 1804080.

Burgan Bank partners with VIVA Telecom to offer special packages

ROME/PARIS: In Paris and Rome, it was sug-ar coated; in Berlin and Frankfurt unequivo-cal. But the message from European capitalsto Greece’s new leaders was the same atevery stop on last week’s tour - stick to yourcommitments.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will head tohis first European summit on Thursday dulywarned that it will be near impossible, asAthens wants, to rip up pledges made dur-ing the country’s four-year internationalbailout. Tsipras and his aides were alsoadvised to learn the ways of diplomatic cus-tom. “Friendship requires telling things asthey are,” French Finance Minister MichelSapin told Reuters after meeting his Greekcounterpart Yanis Varoufakis last Sunday.“We must avoid misunderstandings andmake sure all, and especially the Greek side,understand how things are.”

The positions taken this past week raisepressure on Tsipras to abandon the rhetoricthat got him elected. Other European capi-tals must decide how much they are willingto compromise to keep Greece in the euro.France and Italy, widely perceived asGreece’s natural allies, will have to think howfar they want to go to facilitate a deal. “I

hope that this European tour has helpedthem see what others are prepared to do -and not do,” said one European official inBrussels. Tsipras and Varoufakis declined tocomment for this article. There isn’t muchtime. Greece’s bailout ends on February 28.Athens says it doesn’t want an extension,rather a bridge loan from Europe while itcomes up with a new plan for the country.So far, the answer has been no. Yet withoutnew aid, the Greek state will be starved offunds. Nine billion euros were slated toarrive this year, largely from the InternationalMonetary Fund. Tax revenues are shrinking,and privatizations have been halted.Analysts at Unicredit say the state could runout of money by March.

Balancing actThe clearest message to Greece this

past week came, as expected, fromGermany. During a news conference withGreek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis inBerlin, German Finance Minister WolfgangSchaeuble dismissed Greece’s request forany bridge funding and insisted thatAthens implement existing bailout agree-ments. —Reuters

Different delivery, one message to Greece

t e c hnolo g ySUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

DUBAI: Canon Middle East announced that its parentcompany, Canon Inc, world-leader in imaging solutions,again ranked first among Japanese companies and thirdoverall for the number of US patents awarded in 2014,according to the latest ranking of preliminary patentresults issued by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services in January2015.

As part of its research and development efforts, Canonactively pursues patents in a number of countries andregions, while taking into consideration local businessstrategies and technology and product trends. Amongthese, the United States, with its many high-tech compa-nies and large market scale, represents a particularlyimportant region in terms of business expansion and tech-nology alliances.

Technological innovation continues to be a high priori-ty for Canon. The company is focused on building power-ful tools for a visual world across its existing core businessareas, as well as on ongoing research and development ina wide variety of areas within new fields.

Through close cooperation between Canon’s technolo-gy and intellectual property divisions, the Company aims

to improve its technological capabilities while furtherenhancing its intellectual property rights. Canon hasranked in the top five patent holders for 29 consecutiveyears.

Canon Emirates, a leader in imaging solutions, hasbeen re-certified to the ISO 14001 environmental man-agement standard following an external environmentaudit reporting no ‘non-conformities’. The recertificationhighlights Canon’s ongoing commitment to meet all appli-cable environmental regulations while continuouslyimproving its environmental performance in the localcommunity.

The internationally recognized ISO 14001 standard, towhich more than 800 Canon sites worldwide are certified,is a strong reflection of the successful integration of envi-ronmentally responsible practices across all aspects of thebusiness. The Canon Group is one of very few organiza-tions that has achieved consolidated ISO 14001 certifica-tion covering all operations globally.

Shadi Bakhour, General Manager, Canon Emirates said:“At Canon, we aim to reduce the environmental impact ofour products throughout their lifecycle from design con-

cept to end of life. In 2014, our goal was to improve lifecy-cle CO2 emissions per product by 3 percent. Additionally,we looked at reducing waste per unit by 1 percent for theyear, both compared to 2013. These efforts are in line withCanon’s clear targets to manage the environmental impact

of its products and operations across the region. “Canon supports and implements sustainability initia-

tives as part of the organization’s Kyosei philosophy, whichis a Japanese word meaning living and working togetherfor the common good. Our dedication to responsible busi-ness is deeply embedded within our culture and is valuedby our customers, partners and stakeholders alike. “

Canon Middle East & Canon Emirates continues toinvest heavily in sustainable best practices with environ-mental initiatives at the core of Canon’s CSR commitment.

The ISO 14001 environmental management system pro-vides a framework for employees in Canon Middle East &Canon Emirates to identify and control the environmentalimpact of operations in line with regional regulations. ACSR and environment coordinator is appointed in eachcompany department and every employee receives envi-ronmental awareness training.

Canon was recently recognized for its environmentaland CSR efforts by the Dubai Chamber and received theCSR Label for the third consecutive year. Additionally,Canon was awarded ‘Best Environmental Practices in theArab World’ in 2014 by the Arab Organization for SocialResponsibility as well as being recognized at the GECAwards for its wide range of community activities thataddressed the environment, healthcare, sports and per-sonal development. Currently, Canon holds the 26th posi-tion on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands list.

Canon Middle East & Canon Emirates serves as anactive partner in the communities it operates in, by work-ing with governments, academic, humanitarian, and artsand culture organizations, to integrate corporate socialresponsibility across all elements of the business.

TOKYO: Japan’s camera giant Canon unveils the new digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera “EOS 5DS” and “5DSR” at the company’s showroom in Tokyo on Friday while 5DSR model is the low pass filter cancellation model. The EOS5DSand 5DSR have the ultra high resolution 50.6 mega-pixel full-frame CMOS image sensor and enables to shoot 5 frames per second. Canon will put it on the market in June. — AFP

Canon top Japanese firm for US patents for 10th consecutive year

TOKYO: A cyber security competition began yes-terday in Tokyo, with organizers aiming to showoff the skills of young Japanese hackers by test-ing them against international rivals. The finalrounds of the Security Contest 2014, or SECCON,brought together 90 participants in 24 teamsfrom seven nations and regions: China, Japan,Poland, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, and theUnited States.

The winners of the Tokyo competition willadvance to the prestigious Def Con CTF (Capture

the Flag) competition, slated for later this year,organizers said. SECCON was designed to allowyoung Japanese technology engineers to show offtheir skills on the world stage, while also encour-aging more to get into the field of cyber security.Teams compete for points by hacking six virtualservers to discover particular keywords, and canalso intervene to stop their rivals’ cyberattacks.

“There is a need for a forum where fledgling,young... hackers can grow and gain understand-ing of their families, schools and the outside

world,” said Yoshinori Takesako, the head of theSECCON organizing committee. “This is impor-tant in order to keep them away from beingpulled into the underground world,” he said in astatement to AFP. The Japan-based event hasdrawn a total of 4,186 participants from 58 coun-tries through various qualifying rounds. Takesakosaid the organizers, supported by governmentagencies, tech firms, and scholars, also want tochange the media image that Japan lags othernations in the cyber security field. — AFP

TOKYO: Some 90 participants in 24 teams from seven nations and regions from China, Japan, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, and the UnitedStates compete in their hacking skills at the final rounds of the Security Contest 2014, SECCON yesterday. A cyber security competition began in Tokyo,with organizers aiming to show off the skills of young Japanese hackers by seeing how they fare against foreign rivals. — AFP

Cyber security competition

in Tokyo draws 90 hackersOrganizers aim to show off skills of young hackers

WASHINGTON: Uber is launching a “pan-ic button” and other safety features forusers in India, following news thatMumbai was readying a ban on the ride-sharing service. The move also followsconcerns about Uber’s practices in thewake of rape allegations against a driverin New Delhi last year. Uber said in a blogpost that starting February 11 riders inIndia would have an “in-app panic (SOS)button that allows a rider to alert thelocal police at the push of a button incase of an emergency.”

Riders will also have a “safety net” fea-ture allowing them to share their tripdetails and real-time location with up tofive friends and family members. Aspokeswoman for Uber said these initia-tives were “specific to India.” Uber said itfaced “some misconceptions” about itssafety initiatives in India. It noted that italready conducts background checks ondriver applicants and this week launcheda “third party driver screening program”which goes beyond the standard trans-

port licensing process.The California-based startup which

operates in more than 50 countries saidthat it had established in India “a dedicat-ed team and process to manage emer-gencies” if anyone uses the panic button.The team will be available 24 hours a dayand can notify police.

Uber said it is not recommendingphysical panic buttons, saying they“cause confusion and are prone to wearand tear, but will allow independent driv-ers to install them with safeguards.

“We have expressed willingness toinstall physical buttons provided that...there is only one physical panic buttonper car... (and) pressing the button callsthe local police directly, since they arebest positioned to react to a law andorder situation.”

Uber has faced regulatory issues inmany locations as it expands to over 200cities, but claims it offers choices for con-sumers who face a taxi sector protectedby regulators. — AFP

PARIS: The terrifying footage of a plane clipping abridge in Taiwan and crashing into a river this weekhighlighted the popularity of “dashcams” that are cap-turing everything from crime to natural disastersthrough the windscreen.

The TransAsia accident, which left least 35 peopledead and several others still missing, was filmed by atleast two cars carrying dashboard cameras which havebecome common in Taiwan-mostly to guard againstdisputes after accidents.

The footage showed the plane banking steeply,apparently to avoid city buildings, and striking a pass-ing taxi before crashing into a river from where 15 peo-ple made miracle escapes from the wreckage. With thegadget catching on in parts of the world, particularlyRussia and Asia’s more developed nations like SouthKorea and Singapore, it was far from the first time anastonishing event has been captured in this way.

In February 2013, a car-camera caught a meteoriteplummeting to Earth in Chelyabinsk, Russia, injuringmore than 1,000 people. And last summer, a dashcamfilmed a missile landing on a motorway just a few

metres ahead of a speeding car in eastern Ukraine.The cameras have become particularly popular with

Russians and South Koreans as a deterrent for scam-mers who throw themselves onto the windscreens ofslow-moving cars in a bid to claim insurance money.

The trend has spawned an amusing genre of videosof people jumping onto the bonnets of stationary vehi-cles and pretending to be hurt. Dashcams have beenpopular for years in South Korea where they are knownas “black boxes” and range from simple front-pointingcams which cost around $150, to four-way cams thatcover every angle and cost upwards of $400.

The vast majority of South Korean car owners usethem-primarily for insurance purposes. As in othercountries, they are used as evidence in the event of acrash, and insurers offer discounts on monthly premi-ums to car owners who use them.

‘Major shift’ among consumers Across the rest of Asia, the gadget’s uptake is a mixed

picture: fairly popular in affluent Hong Kong andSingapore, burgeoning sales in Australia and China, and

relatively unknown elsewhere. Singapore’s largest taxifirm has installed cameras in all 16,600 of its vehicles toprovide evidence after an accident, but also to encour-age prudence from drivers in a society which strictlyadheres to rules.

The gadgets hit the headlines in 2012, when shock-ing images emerged of a speeding Ferrari driven by aChinese expatriate running a red light and smashinginto a taxi at an intersection, killing the two drivers anda passenger. While dashboard videos are mainly used tosettle insurance claims, they are also fed to activist web-sites which shame reckless drivers by posting videos oftheir acts online.

Dashcams are still relatively new to Australianmotorists, but are gaining popularity for their use incombating road rage. Police have urged caution, how-ever, and warned the cams can pose a distraction onthe road. Papago, a Taiwanese manufacturer which sup-plies around 20 percent of the global market, said itsells around 1.0 million dash cams a year with China,Japan, the United States, Russia and Australia its maindestinations.

“Sales in China has been up around 20 percent inrecent years due to growing demand as there havebeen many fake car accidents to scam money, “ chiefmarketing officer Jericho Hsiao said.

“With the recent news on the dashcam footage ofthe crash, the world is talking about them and... theexposure will help promote the product,” he added. Thehabit has also started to catch on in Europe. Sales wereestimated to have reached 370,000 in France by early2014 according to magazine UFC-Que Choisir.

“We are seeing a major shift, with people equippingthemselves more and more with cameras in their cars,first of all for use after accidents, but also in case of a hit-and-run,” said a spokesman for France’s Allianz andAmaguiz insurance firm, which has tied up with dash-cam manufacturer Coyote.

Pierre Chasseray, head of a French drivers’ associationcalled 40 Millions d’Automobilistes, said dashcamsshould become standard. “It’s an extremely positivedevelopment in terms of road safety and it’s good interms of ensuring drivers act responsibly,” he said. “Thecamera never lies.” — AFP

SAN FRANCISCO: An update toGoogle’s free online map service onFriday let users become local guideswho post reviews of businesses andvenues in a challenge to Yelp. LocalGuides was described by Google as aglobal community of the top reviewerswho reap benefits based on how muchthey post about businesses they visit.

Perks promised Local Guides rangedfrom access to a monthly news letter tobeing featured on the Internet titan’sFacebook, Twitter, and Google+ pages

along with being sent an annual giftfor “high-quality contributions” toGoogle Maps. The move came as achallenge to “Yelp’s Elite” program thatrewards people for getting into theupper echelon of voices at the crowd-sourced reviews service.

Facebook last month launched anew feature that automatically pro-vides tips about places where mem-bers of the social network might be,potentially challenging Yelp and otherreview websites. — AFP

Google free mapping

service adds local guides

Uber to launch ‘panic

button’ for users in India

Dashcams catching everything from scammers to disasters

H E A LT H & S C I E NC ESUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

NEW MEXICO: One of New Mexico’s largestpublic school districts, reacting to a measles out-break in California that has infected about 100people, is redoubling its enforcement of studentvaccination rules this month, the school boardpresident said.

The Santa Fe district notified parents thisweek that any students who lack up-to-datevaccinations or valid state waivers for medical orreligious grounds will be barred from class start-ing on Feb. 17, board president Steven Carrillosaid.

District officials have not determined howmany of Santa Fe’s 14,000 public school childrenare unvaccinated and how many have already

obtained waivers. Some schools are known tobe at 100 percent compliance, others at 60 per-cent, Carrillo said.

The board’s action comes as New Mexico hasdocumented a steady rise in the number of vac-cine exemptions obtained by school-aged chil-dren during the past two years, up 17 percentfrom 2012 to 2014 to a total of 3,335 waivers.

Kenny Vigil, a spokesman for the New MexicoDepartment of Health, said the total still repre-sents less than 1 percent of school-aged chil-dren statewide, though the department hasvoiced concern over the trend.

“An increase in vaccination exemptions canincrease the risk for outbreaks of vaccine-pre-

ventable diseases, such as measles,” the depart-ment says on its website.

Only one case of measles has been confirmedin New Mexico so far this winter, an unvaccinat-ed baby who was hospitalized with the highlycontagious disease in December and has sincerecovered, Vigil said. It was the first case since2012.

The origin of the child’s infection is unknown,he said, but the case was unrelated to theCalifornia outbreak because the onset occurredin late November, before the first infection inCalifornia’s Disneyland resort is believed to haveoccurred.

Even so, “the impetus (for Santa Fe’s action)

was obviously the measles outbreak inCalifornia,” Carrillo said, adding that other NewMexico districts would likely follow suit.

California public health officials report 99people have been diagnosed with measles inthe state, many of them linked to exposure to aninfected person from outside the country whovisited Disneyland in late December.

More than a dozen other cases have been con-firmed in 19 other U.S. states and Mexico, renew-ing debate over the anti-vaccination movement,in which fears about potential side effects of vac-cines, now debunked by the latest science, haveled a small minority of parents to refuse to havetheir children vaccinated. — Reuters

Measles outbreak prompts vaccine crackdown in New Mexico schools

CHICAGO: Measles is in the news, but it’s justone of more than a dozen preventable - andsometimes forgotten - diseases targeted byvaccines for children.

Most immunizations start in infancy andsome include multiple doses over severalmonths or years. The government recom-mends 13 vaccines against 16 diseases,through age 18.

The guidance comes from a Centers forDisease Control and Prevention committee ofpublic health experts who review scientificevidence. And most parents do get the shotsfor their kids.

The measles outbreak traced to Disneylandincludes unvaccinated children and adults,many of whom didn’t get the shots “due topersonal belief exemptions,” according to theCDC’s Dr. Anne Schuchat.

Vaccinations can cause minor side effectsincluding redness at the injection site andsometimes mild fever, but medical experts sayserious complications are rare and much lessdangerous than the diseases that vaccinesprevent.

Some question the need for vaccinatingagainst diseases that are rare or unheard of inthe United States, but the CDC argues that it’sbecause of vaccinations that these diseaseshave become rare. Most U.S. cases are linkedto travel overseas, where many of these mostlycontagious diseases are still common.

DiseasesA look at some of the diseases that vaccines

can prevent: Measles, a viral respiratory dis-ease, typically causes a fever, cold-like symp-toms and a body rash. Young children aremost vulnerable to serious complications that

include pneumonia, deafness, permanentbrain damage and death. The disease sickensabout 20 million people worldwide each year.A vaccine was licensed in the U.S. in 1963;before that up to 4 million illnesses and 500deaths occurred annually. Measles cases havetypically numbered 100 or less in recent years,although last year there were more than 600,fueled by an outbreak in an Ohio Amish com-munity.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, can causeviolent, uncontrollable coughing. Vaccine pro-tection sometimes wanes and booster shotsare recommended. US outbreaks are common;more than 28,000 cases and 13 deaths in chil-dren were reported in 2013. Before wide-spread vaccination began in the 1940s, about200,000 children were sickened each year and9,000 died.

Mumps, best known for causing swollensalivary glands, is a usually mild illness thatmay include fever and muscle aches.Complications, including deafness and menin-gitis, are more common in teens and adults.Before U.S. vaccination began in 1967, nearly200,000 annual cases occurred nationwide;last year about 1,100 cases were reported - themost in two decades.

Rubella, or German measles, can cause arash and fever but is most dangerous if caughtduring pregnancy - raising risks for birthdefects. US vaccination began in 1969 andrubella has been mostly wiped out. An epi-demic in the early 1960s caused more than 12million US cases, thousands of miscarriagesand more than 2,000 infant deaths.

Flu-like symptomsDiphtheria, a bacterial disease, can result in

neck-swelling and thickening in the throatthat can cause breathing problems. Diphtheriawas a common cause of death and illness inUS children before vaccination began about80 years ago. There have been only a few casesin the past decade.

Polio, a potentially life-threatening disease,can cause flu-like symptoms and permanentparalysis. It has been mostly eliminated world-wide. A vaccine first became available in theU.S. in 1955; before that the disease paralyzedmore than 15,000 people each year in thecountry.

Tetanus, or lockjaw, is a potentially deadlydisease that can cause tightening of the neckand jaw muscles that makes swallowing diffi-cult. A vaccine was introduced in the 1930s.U.S. cases are rare; just 9 people were sickenedin 2011.

Hepatitis B, a liver-attacking virus, can leadto liver failure or death. Almost 3,000 caseswere reported in 2012. Vaccination recom-mendations were first issued in 1982.

Varicella, or chickenpox, sickened an annualaverage of 4 million people nationwide andcaused at least 100 deaths each year before avaccine was introduced in 1995. Cases havedeclined but outbreaks still occur; about12,000 were sickened nationwide in 2012.Symptoms include an itchy blister-like rash;complications can include dehydration andpneumonia.

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the mostcommon sexually transmitted infectionnationwide. Some types of HPV virus cancause cervical cancer, anal cancer and oralcancer. A vaccine was licensed in 2006 for girlsand women aged 9 to 26, and in 2009 for boysin that age range. — AP

Measles cases turn attention to bounty of childhood vaccines

Immunizations start in infancy

PORTLAND: The federal government hasplans to kill nearly 11,000 double crestedcormorants on a small Oregon island overfour years in an effort to save embattledsalmon, The US Army Corps of Engineers saidon Friday.

The plan, in the form of a finalEnvironmental Impact Statement, is underreview. If it gets final approval, state agricul-ture workers could be shooting birds and oil-ing nests, a process used to keep chicks fromhatching, by spring.

The plan is preferred over another alter-native that calls for the killing of 18,000 birdsby 2018, US Army Corps spokeswomanDiana Fredlund said.

“This is a difficult situation,” she said. “Weare trying to balance the salmon and steel-head vs. the birds. It’s very difficult to find theright answer and so it’s taken us a long time.We’ve had a lot of experts working on it.”

The corps also looked at alternatives thatincluded hazing the birds to get them off theisland, but Fredlund said that would just shiftthe problem elsewhere.

“We don’t want to just shoot them off theisland and let them be somebody else’sproblem. This is a regional problem,” she said.

The corps’ action came after the NationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administrationreleased a Biological Opinion last year, call-ing for a decrease of the bird populationfrom about 13,000 breeding pairs now tojust under 6,000 or fewer by 2018.

Federal officials say the birds are eatingthe juvenile salmon and putting the fishpopulation at risk. Many juvenile salmon andsteelhead are listed as threatened or endan-gered under the Endangered Species Act.

But the Audubon Society of Portland saysthe real threat to the salmon population ishabitat loss, fish hatcheries and dams.

“We feel the birds are being scapegoatedwhile the primary causes of salmon declineare not being adequately addressed,” sadBob Sallinger, the local Audubon Society’sconservation director. “Although it’s beenreduced, the level of proposed take is stillreally historic and horrific.”

Sallinger said the society plans to fightthe corps’ decision, which could be finalizedas early as mid-March, and was prepared togo to court to try to stop it. In addition tokilling thousands of the birds over four years,the plan calls for the destruction of up to26,000 nests. — Reuters

US govt plans to cull 11,000 Oregon

birds to save salmon

CHEYENNE: Warm weather has helpedgrant a reprieve this year to a homely,eel-like and especially slimy fish pursuedby anglers as they compete for big mon-ey in two annual ice-fishing tournamentsat a reservoir on the Wyoming-Utah line.

The goal of both events is to removeinvasive burbot from Flaming GorgeReservoir. Among other things, burbot(pronounced BUR’-but) are known forbeing best caught during the winter, forwrapping their slippery bodies aroundfishermen’s arms - and for being deli-cious. Some call them “poor man’s lob-ster.”

But wind and highs in the 50s havekept the reservoir mostly ice-free lately.Much of the remaining ice near shore isgetting dicey to walk on.”It’s still about 6inches thick, but we don’t recommendgoing out on it now,” said Les Tanner,owner of the Buckboard Marina and hostof the Burbot Classic tournament. Lackof ice cancelled the Jan. 23-25 BurbotBash tournament. This weekend’s BurbotClassic is still on, but has been opened tofishing by boat and from shore.

Both events were coordinated withthe Wyoming and Utah state game andfish agencies. In each tournament,anglers can win up to $10,000 for catch-ing one of 50 burbot previously nettedand released with electronic tags. Othercash prizes reward the biggest and themost burbot caught.

The problem is that burbot - whichare native in Wyoming east of theContinental Divide and parts north -somehow got introduced to the GreenRiver drainage west of the divide in the1990s. In Flaming Gorge, the voraciousand prolific predators are eating the eggsand spawn of kokanee salmon and othergame species that make the reservoir arenowned angling destination.

In Canada, burbot can top 25 poundsand 3 feet long. They don’t get quite sobig in Flaming Gorge but pose a risk to

endangered species such as theColorado pikeminnow if they continue tospread down the Colorado River system.

A couple burbot have been caught inthe Green River below the FlamingGorge dam. “ That ’s an endangeredspecies core habitat,” said Joe Skorupski,a Wyoming Game and Fish Departmentfisheries biologist. “It’s just another non-native they don’t need in that system. It’sa definite, major threat.”

Many fishermen out West wouldmuch rather flip dainty flies into the bab-bling lairs of trout than sit around in thecold and dark with a bloody hunk of baiton their line. But that’s how you go forburbot: Ice fishing is best, hands-down.

Burbot can be found from a few feetto more than 70 feet deep and typicallyare most active around dusk. Cut-upsucker fish hooked on glow-in-the-darkjigs make good bait.

Once caught, the bigger ones areknown to wrap their slender bodiesaround the arm of whoever’s removingthe hook. Yuck. What fish is worth that?

“They’re definitely really good to eat.They ’re a white, fleshy meat,” saidSkorupski, adding they can be fried oreven boiled up as “poor man’s lobster.”

Fishermen not only can keep as manyburbot as they can catch from FlamingGorge, they must. All burbot caught fromthe reservoir must be killed under stateregulations.

Several hundred anglers have takenpart in past Burbot Bash and BurbotClassic tournaments and participants inlast year’s events caught more than 6,000burbot. Biologists credit the Burbot Bash,started in 2009, and the Burbot Classic,begun last year, for having a big effect.Studies show burbot numbers in FlamingGorge are down substantially in the pastcouple years.

“The fish are susceptible to angling,”Skorupski said. “Without anglers, wewould not be where we are today.” — AP

Britain storeswarn mix up offlowers, food

LONDON: Health officials in Britain havea message: Daffodils can make you ill.Authorities have asked supermarkets tokeep flowers far from fruit and vegeta-bles, in case customers mistake poison-ous blooms for food.

Public Health England says it has seencases of consumers mistaking daffodilbulbs for onions and the stems for a pop-ular Chinese vegetable. It has sent super-markets a letter headed: “Steps to avoiddaffodil poisonings this spring.”

Eating daffodils can cause vomitingand diarrhea. In 2012, several people inEngland were hospitalized after eatingdaffodil stems. The agency says it hasreceived 63 inquiries about daffodil poi-soning in the last six years.

Agency director Paul Cosford said yes-terday that separating daffodils from pro-duce or using warning labels were “verysensible” precautions. — AP

LONDON: A Friday, March 28, 2014 file photo showing a duck walking past daffodils in bloomat Kew Gardens in London. Health officials in Britain have a message: Daffodils can make youill. Authorities have asked supermarkets to keep flowers far from fruit and vegetables, in casecustomers mistake poisonous blooms for food. — AP

SAGINAW RIVER: Isaiah Knight takes a break from ice fishing outside of a shanty tenton the Saginaw River, Jan. 7, 2015 in Bay City, Mich. The Michigan Department ofNatural Resources is advising anglers to be careful while fishing in the state’s riversand streams this winter. The department wants to remind anglers that colder tem-peratures can cause more sudden and significant changes in waterways. — AP

Lack of ice hampersefforts to net

homely invasive fish

GREENBRAE: A poster educating parents and children about measles is displayed at the Tamalpais Pediatrics clinic, in Greenbrae,California. — AP

H E A LT H & S C I E NC ESUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

DENVER: Colorado lawmakers rejected a pro-posal to give dying patients the option to seekdoctors’ help ending their lives, concluding along day of emotional testimony from morethan 100 people.

For one lawmaker who voted no, the issuewas personal. Tearfully telling her colleaguesshe was a cancer survivor, Democratic Rep.Dianne Primavera recalled how a doctor toldher she wouldn’t live more than five years.

But she found a doctor who gave her a dif-ferent opinion. “And he took me in his care, andI am here today 28 years later,” she said. Doctorswho opposed the measure told lawmakers ear-lier that allowing dying patients to seek life-ending medications from a physician closed offthe possibility of a recovery when a prognosiscan sometimes be wrong.

A House committee considering the bill vot-ed 8-5 against it after dozens of people withserious illnesses and others who have seen rela-tives suffer packed the Colorado legislativehearing.

The vote comes as a handful of other states,including California and Pennsylvania, considerlaws to allow the terminally ill get doctor-pre-scribed medication to die.

Five states allow patients to seek aid indying: Oregon, Washington, Montana, Vermontand New Mexico. “This bill represents a verypersonal freedom that for some is taken awayin the final stages of their illness,” saidDemocratic Rep. Joann Ginal, one of the bill

sponsors. “Physicians give patients the bestpossible care. But there comes a time when aphysician is no longer able to heal.”

Religious organizations opposed the meas-ure, saying it facilitated suicide. But supportersargued that terminally ill patients should con-trol when they die.

The story of Brittany Maynard last year spot-lighted the debate over whether doctorsshould be able to prescribe life-ending medica-tion to patients. Maynard, 29, moved fromCalifornia to Oregon after being diagnosedwith terminal brain cancer so she could usethat state’s law. She died Nov. 1.

Colorado’s bill was modeled after Oregon’s.It would have required dying patients to gettwo doctors to sign off on their oral and writtenrequests to end their lives. The patients alsowould have needed to be found to be mentallycompetent and be able to administer the life-ending medication themselves.

Neuromuscular diseaseOne of the opponents to the bill, Carrie Ann

Lucas, spoke on behalf of Not Dead Yet, a New-York based disability rights group.

Lucas uses a wheelchair and ventilatorbecause of a neuromuscular disease. She toldlawmakers that she worries the proposal wouldmake it easy for a disabled person who isdepressed to get medication from a doctor.Without her ventilator, Lucas told lawmakers,she would have only hours to live. And, she

said, if she were to get depressed, she thinksshe could go to a doctor who doesn’t know herwell to get the drugs.

“And they probably would give me thatlethal prescription instead of referring me tomental-health treatment that I would so des-perately need,” said Lucas, 43.

Boulder resident David Hibbard, 77, toldlawmakers that as a hospice physician for thepast 15 years, he knows what to expect oncehis Parkinson’s disease and leukemia advance.

“I will be hunched over, either bed-bound orin a wheelchair,” he said, his hands shaking ashe spoke. He would be unable to talk and feedhimself, Hibbard told lawmakers.

“I don’t want to endure this scenario, and Icertainly don’t want to have my family, my wifeand my three children, have to endure watch-ing me go through this rapid deterioration,” hesaid.

Lawmakers hearing the bill raised concernsabout whether there are enough safeguards toprevent abuse, such a family member advocat-ing for life-ending medications on behalf of adying relative. Lawmakers also wondered whatwould happen if the medications are not used,and whether someone other than the patientcould then take them.

One lawmaker, Rep. Jon Keyser, R-Morrison,said he worries Colorado could become a stateknown for “suicide tourism” if the bill passes.

The Colorado legislation was inspired byCharles Selsberg, 77, who urged legislators to

take on the issue with an editorial published inThe Denver Post shortly before his death a yearago. Selsberg died of ALS, or amyotrophic lat-

eral sclerosis. His daughter, Julie Selsberg,wiped away tears after the vote. She supportedthe bill. — AP

Colorado rejects right-to-die legislation

DENVER: Carol Stork of Delta, Colo. listens to debate during a Colorado legislative hearingon a proposal that would give dying patients the option to seek help ending their livesFriday, in Denver. Stork testified about the death of her terminally-ill husband Albert, whodied last month, at the hearing. — AP

TORONTO: Canada’s highest court struck down a ban on doc-tor-assisted suicide for mentally competent patients with ter-minal illnesses Friday, declaring that outlawing that optiondeprives dying people of their dignity and autonomy.

The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision reverses its owndecision two decades ago and gives Parliament and provinciallegislators a year to draft new legislation that recognizes theright of consenting adults who are enduring intolerable suf-fering to seek medical help ending their lives. The current banon doctor-assisted suicide stands until then.

The judgment said the ban infringes on the life, liberty andsecurity of individuals under Canada’s constitution. It hadbeen illegal in Canada to counsel, aid or abet a suicide, anoffense carrying a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

The ruling immediately triggered emotional responsesfrom both sides of the debate, and Justice Minister PeterMacKay said the conservative government will take its time toact on it. “This is a sensitive issue for many Canadians, withdeeply held beliefs on both sides. We will study the decisionand ensure all perspectives on this difficult issue are heard,”MacKay said.

The decision was spurred by cases brought by the familiesof two British Columbia women, who have since died. In itsruling, the court quoted one of the women’s wishes: “What Ifear is a death that negates, as opposed to concludes, my life,”Gloria Taylor said. “I do not want to die slowly, piece by piece. Ido not want to waste away unconscious in a hospital bed. I donot want to die wracked with pain.”

Taylor was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, a degener-ative neurological illness. She had won a constitutionalexemption at a lower court for a medically assisted death in2012, but that decision was overturned in subsequentappeals. She died of an infection later the same year.

Intolerable sufferingThe court stated that “by leaving people like Ms. Taylor to

endure intolerable suffering, it impinges on their security ofperson.” The decision reversed a Canadian Supreme Court rul-ing in 1993. At the time, the justices were primarily concernedthat vulnerable people could not be properly protected underphysician-assisted suicide.

The top court said Friday that doctors are capable of

assessing the competence of patients to consent, and foundthere is no evidence that the elderly or people with disabilitiesare vulnerable to being talked into ending their lives.

“The law allows people in this situation to request pallia-tive sedation, refuse artificial nutrition and hydration, orrequest the removal of life-sustaining medical equipment, butdenies the right to request a physician’s assistance in dying,”the ruling noted.

The other woman whose case helped spur Friday’s ruling,Kay Carter, was diagnosed with a degenerative spinal cordcondition. At age 89, Carter travelled to Switzerland, whereassisted suicide is allowed.

Her family rejoiced at the ruling Friday. “Justice, dignity andcompassion were the defining qualities of my mother,” Kay’s

daughter, Lee, told reporters. Canadian law defines assistedsuicide as “providing another with the knowledge or means tointentionally end his or her own life.”

Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, Germany, Albania,Colombia, Japan and in the US states of Washington, Oregon,Vermont, New Mexico and Montana. The Netherlands,Belgium and Luxembourg allow doctors, under strict condi-tions, to euthanize patients whose medical conditions havebeen judged hopeless and who are in great pain.

It has been more than 20 years since the case of anotherpatient with Lou Gehrig’s disease, Sue Rodriguez, gripedCanada as she fought for the right to assisted suicide. She losther appeal but took her own life with the help of an anony-mous doctor in 1994, at the age of 44.—AP

Canada court rules doctors can help ill patients die

Ruling triggers emotional responses from both sides

Florida mom delivers14.1-pound baby

TAMPA: A Florida woman who delivered a 14.1-poundbaby says she didn’t know she was pregnant until her thirdtrimester. Officials at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital inTampa say Maxxzandra Ford delivered her son, Avery, onJan. 29. The hospital says the infant is the heaviest born atthe hospital, and one of the largest-ever born in the state.

Ford tells television stations WFLA and WFTS that afterrapidly gaining weight last fall, doctors confirmed she was35 weeks into her pregnancy. Ford said she initiallythought she was having twins.

After 18 hours of labor, Ford naturally delivered Avery,who remains in neonatal intensive care but is expected togo home soon. Ford, who also has a 1-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter, says she “just melted” when she finallyheld Avery. — AP

OTTAWA: Lee Carter, left, and Grace Pastine, litigation director of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association,smile inside The Supreme Court of Canada, Friday morning, in Ottawa, Ontario. Canada’s highest court Friday, unani-mously struck down a ban on doctor-assisted suicide for mentally competent patients with terminal illnesses. — AP

TAMPA: This photo provided by the St. Joseph’s Women’sHospital shows, clockwise, Maxxzandra the baby’s fatherFord Allen Denton and Avery Denton, the 14.1-poundbaby born at the hospital in Tampa on Jan 29, 2015. Thehospital says the infant is the heaviest born at the hospi-tal, and one of the largest born in the state. — AP

W H AT ’ S ONSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

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Indian expat enters Asia Book of Records

By Sajeev K Peter

KUWAIT: Indian expatriate Johnarts has set a new recordand entered the prestigious ‘Asia Book of Records’ by creat-ing most caricatures of prominent persons, a citation bythe Asia Book of Records said. Confirming Johnarts as theholder of the record which is highest in 49 countries, thecitation said the well-known artist from Kerala state, Indiahas created 322 caricatures in water colors of prominentpersonalities including politicians, artists, writers andcelebrities, each with a dimension of 100cm X 70cm.

He has already the holder of ‘India Book of Records’which was conferred on him in May 2014. Hailing fromAlleppy district of Kerala, Johnarts has carved a niche forhimself as a caricaturist by creating a distinct style of hisown. In his own inimitable style, Johnarts portrays celebri-ties with a touch of humor at times bordering on sarcasm.Equally well versed in oil painting, water color and temperapainting, Johnarts has completed several mural paintingsin Kuwait. Recipient of several honors and accolades, Johnhas drawn more than 500 caricatures of prominent per-sonalities. Johnarts, who believes that drawing is the art ofcopying the artist’s mind onto a canvas, is currentlyimparting the art of drawing and painting to hundreds ofchildren in Kuwait.

The Indian Doctors Forum (IDF) a pre-mier socio-cultural organizationknown for its services to the commu-

nity celebrated DOCFEST - the annual eventto mark the release of Health Guide VolumeXI with tremendous zeal and enthusiasm ina glittering ceremony on 3rd February 2015at The Regency Hotel . The Chief Guest ofthe event was HE Shaikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, the Deputy Minister of Amiri DiwanAffairs. Dr Jamal Al-Harbi the AssistantUnder Secretary of Medical Services ofMinistry Health and Sunil Jain theAmbassador of India to Kuwait were theGuests of Honor. Dr Mohammad Al-Mutairithe President of Kuwait Medical Association,Anwar Al-Mulla of Al-Mulla Group of com-panies and Mubarak Al-Naser of Toyotawere also the dignitaries on the dais.

Dr Jaffer Ali the General Secretary of theIDF welcomed the gathering. Dr VinodGrover the President of the IDF in his presi-dential address explained various activitieslike health camps for poor people, healthseminars, meet the specialist program andpublication of Health Guide for the benefitof public. HE Shaikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah inhis inaugural address praised the IDF for itsyeoman service to the community andpledged his support to the IDF in all itscommunity activities.

Dr Jamal Al-Harbi praised the Indiandoctors for their dedicated service to thecommunity and conveyed the best wisheson behalf of HE Dr Ali Al-Obaidi the Ministerof Health, Kuwait. Sunil Jain theAmbassador of India to Kuwait lauded theservices of IDF and its in strengthening theties between Kuwait and India. Dr Arijit theChief Editor of the Health Guide Volume XIspoke about subject of Geriatrics. HE ShaikhAli Jarrah Al-Sabah released the HealthGuide and handed over the first copies toDr Jamal Al-Harbi Assistant Under Secretaryof Medical Services of Ministry Health andHE Sunil Jain the Ambassador of India toKuwait.

Dr Grace Alex the Vice President of theIDF facilitated the release of the HealthGuide volume XI. The IDF celebrated theconferring of Humanitarian Leadershipaward by the United Nations on 9thSeptember 2014 on the beloved Amir ofKuwait, Shaikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in a show of its commitment to thepeople of Kuwait and its Amir. The celebra-tion started with Ex President of IDF DrAmer Ahmed giving a brief account ofachievements of Shaikh Sabah Al-Ahmed

Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in which he lauded theleadership of Amir of Kuwait, be it in medi-ating between various Arab and Gulf coun-tries in times of crisis, organizing two inter-national conferences consecutively in thelast two years to raise funds for Syria orextending financial help to many Africanand Asian countries to help developmentprojects and to help in times of natural dis-asters.

As a token of its deep appreciation,respect and joy on account of conferring ofthe Humanitarian Leadership award on thebeloved Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the IDF present-ed a lovely memento Sheikh Jarrah Al-Sabah. The memento was presented by thePresident of IDF Dr Vinod Grover alongwith the Ex Presidents Dr Nampoory, DrPandita and Dr Ameer Ahmed. The gestureof honoring the Amir of Kuwait wasapplauded by all the Kuwaiti and Indian

audience through applause that reverber-ated through the huge hall. The IDF felici-tated Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, Dr JamalAl-Harbi, Dr Mohammad Al-Mutairi, AnwarAl-Mulla and Mubarak Naser Al-Sayer fortheir support to the IDF. The felicitationwas done by Dr Vinod Grover, Dr VivekWani, Dr Sameer Humad, Dr Jaffer Ali, DrNazim Parker, Dr Sunil Yadav, ManishRizvani and Dr Sunil Kodali the office bear-

ers of IDF. Dr Vivek Wani the Vice Presidentof IDF proposed vote of thanks. DrJaganath Chodankar as anchor of the pro-gram of releasing of the Health Guide did amarvelous job .

In the second part of the program theIDF presented a scintillating cultural pro-gram titled ‘INCREDIBLE INDIA’ conceptual-ized by the Cultural Secretaries of the IDFDr Ambalavanan and Dr Anantapriya. Afteran introduction to the program by DrAmbalavanan, the program was inaugu-rated by lighting of the lamp by SheikhaSharzada Al-Sabah and Dr Gargi Jain, thewife of Sunil Jain.

The ‘Incredible India’ presented a tapes-try of life and its celebration in differentgeo graphical areas of India. It covered thelife in mountains, forests, plains whereagriculture is the main occupation, desert,coastal region and space as a tribute to therecent Mangalayana space venture to Marsby India. The life, customs and moods ofeach region were brilliantly portrayed inthe form of dances performed with gustoand gaiety by the members of IDF family.The dances set to tilting music ofBollywood and Kollywood hit songs, mes-merized the audience and won wideacclaim by everyone.

The panoramic scenes of relevantregions that were projected on LED screenin the backstage transported the audienceto different regions of the Incredible India.The cultural program was superbly com-peered by Dr Maran and Priya Ambavanan.The audio video direction was done by Dr.Diwakar and the technical support was giv-en by Telly group. The Incredible India ofDOCFEST 2015 was appreciated by theaudience that comprised senior Kuwaitiofficials and doctors of Ministry of Health,senior officials of Al-Mulla group of compa-nies and Toyota company, members ofIndian business community, leaders of vari-ous Indian Cultural associations and thefamilies of IDF.

Indian Doctors Forumcelebrates Docfest 2015

Mar Yulios guestat St Stephen’s Harvest Fest

Dr Geevarghese Mar Yulios, the diocesan metropoli-tan of the Diocese of Ahmedabad will arrive inKuwait on the 11th of this month. His Grace is the

Chief Guest for the 2nd Harvest Festival of the newlyformed St Stephen’s Orthodox Congregation, Kuwait. MarYulios portrays the youthful image and face of the ancientChurch. The Church which has a tradition that lasts cen-

turies or from the timeSt Thomas stepped into India to preach theGospel of Jesus Christ.His Grace is also aVeteran Educationist,Orator, Writer, Author,Publisher, Theologian,Spiritual Teacher andResearch Guide whowas awarded PhDfrom Friedrich-Alexander Universityof Erlangen, Germany.His Grace was one of

the few invited to represent the Malankara OrthodoxChurch in the swearing-in ceremony of Prime MinisterNarendra Modi.

On 12th of February, 2015, His Grace will celebrate theHoly Qurbana, a day before the celebration, to ensure theblessed success of the Harvest Festival. On Friday the 13thFebruary, 2015, the parish celebrates its 2nd HarvestFestival at the Indian Community School, Khaitan. TheHarvest Festival will commence with variety entertainmentprograms performed by the prayer groups, Sunday Schooland other spiritual organizations of the parish.

The public meeting will begin at 11.30. The event will beattended by the Ambassador of India to Kuwait, His GraceYulios, and other major dignitaries representing the variousapostolic Churches of Kuwait. The major attraction of theday will be a devotional musical session led by the famousplayback singer KG Markose who is also a proud son of theMalankara Orthodox Church. The musical session will beadded more color by the presence of yet another playbacksinger Sicily Abraham.

W H AT ’ S ONSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Arab Open University organizes Open Day

The Arab Open University (AOU) organized Open Day in collaboration with Public Authority for Youth and Sport (PAYS) and under the patronage of Dr Naif Al-Mutiri, Director of the Arab Open UniversityKuwait Branch in the camp of the PAYS. This event came to strengthen the relationship of AOU staff between each other and provide them recreation away of the atmosphere of work, Dr Naif Al-Mutirisaid. Dr Naif added that the university is keen on organizing such events yearly to stress the solid bonds among the staff of AOU, pointing out after a semester full of hard work, the administrative and

academic staff need to take rest. Head of Public relations and media at the AOU Kuwait Branch, Ghazi Alenezi said that we are always trying to invite our staff with their family members in such events full ofentertaining activities and competitions for all attendees, adding “our thanks to Public Authority for Youth and Sport for its collaboration to organize this event”.

On Friday January 30th, 2015, 700 Urdu poet fans,Indian and Pakistani expats, packed the auditoriumat Salmiya Indian School on the occasion of Indian’s

66th Republic Day an in memory of the late, MajazRudaulvi. This event was conducted by none other than AllIndia Cultural Association (AICA), making it the 2nd success-ful “Mehfil-e-Mushaira”. AICA president Usman Siddiqui,Mohammad Aamir Siddiqui (Convener), Sanjay Saxena(Vice-President) and Usama Faruki (General Secretary) wel-comed the guests and poets. The chief guest of the eveningwas the second secretary-Community Affairs & Education ofIndian Embassy of Kuwait, Shiv Sagar.

Other prominent figures amongst India’s well-knownpoets who took part in the event were:Dr. Wasim Barelvi, Dr

Nawaz Deobandi, Tahir Faraz, Hasan Kazmi, ShabeenaAdeeb, Mumtaz Naseem, Sikandar Hyat Gadbad, NadeemFarrukh, Usman Minai, Farooq Adiland A M Turaz, SamiFaruki ex-Urdu service radio Kuwait graciously accepted the“Sadarat” which is typically given to a senior, although hewas honored for other services. Tahir Faraz took the audi-ence on an emotional roller coaster when he recited hisfamous poem “Maayi” bringing back loving memories.These poets made a lasting impact on the audience, formedby people living a life away from home in a constant strug-gle with daily challenge.

Dr Wasim Barelvi pleasantly surprised the audience withhis touching rhymes on day to day issues of life. His select-ed lyrics and his deliverance were equally appreciated and

appraised. Dr Nawaz Deobandi, Shabeena Adeeb, FarooqAdil, Hasan Kazmi, Mumtaz Naseem and A M Turaz wereunique in their styles. They had to return to the podium fora third time on audience demand. Sami Faruki in his speechsaid this event “Poet Meet” was the best event after a long-time in Kuwait and AICA team would continue this traditionevery year.

In order to achieve this we invite everybody to be a partof this association so that we can make each and everyoccasion an event greater success in the future. The emi-nent guests who blessed the evening were B K Upadhyay,Counsellor of Indian Embassy of Kuwait, Umair Beg, DrWaseem Siddiqui, M Hameed Uddin, Riyasat Husain, Dr AnisAhmad-Director Salmiya Indian Model School, Sunil Sonsi,

Hasan Kidwai, Salahuddin Ahmed and Mubashshir Alam.Syed Iqbal all the way came from India to attend theMushaira. All of them expressed their appreciation towardsAICA efforts and congratulated it for organizing anotherexcellent Mushaira with the participation of such a largenumber of highly ranked poets.

The AICA President Usman Siddiqui expressed his grati-tude to all executives of AICA Mr. Dawood Khan, Ali Memon,Shanawaz Nilgiri, Shadab Kazi, Danish, Kamal Ansari, SuhailSheikh and special thanks to Mohammad Aamir Siddiqui forworking shoulder to shoulder, day and night for makingthis event such a great success. The poets were introducedto the audience by Shahjahan Jaffery (senior poet inKuwait).

AICA celebrates India’s 66th Republican Day in Kuwait

Unique Ebola

awareness at ESF

The English School Fahaheel recently had an event-ful week which involved fund raising, serving thecommunity and of course learning! The Sixth Form

students professionally organized a very colorful and funfilled “Couples Dress up Day” for Ebola Awareness- thefirst of its kind in a school in Kuwait. All funds raised fromthe charitable function will be given to the UnitedNations Ebola Fund. The Middle School held their annualHistory Day where students dress up to compliment theirHistory studies. The Lower School at ESF held a“Character Day” to mark “Book Week” and encouragereading at ESF.

00:50 Gator Boys01:45 Wild Things With DominicMonaghan02:40 Tanked03:35 Gangland Killers04:25 Wild Things With DominicMonaghan05:15 Treehouse Masters06:02 Call Of The Wildman06:25 Call Of The Wildman06:49 Gangland Killers07:36 The Wild Life Of TimFaulkner08:00 The Wild Life Of TimFaulkner08:25 Tanked09:15 Tanked10:10 Tanked11:05 Tanked12:00 Tanked12:55 When Dinosaurs Roamed13:50 Shamwari: A Wild Life14:15 Shamwari: A Wild Life14:45 Gangland Killers15:40 Wildest Africa16:35 Safari Sisters17:00 Safari Sisters17:30 Echo And The Elephants OfAmboseli17:55 Echo And The Elephants OfAmboseli18:25 Shamwari: A Wild Life18:50 Shamwari: A Wild Life19:20 Gangland Killers20:15 Wildest Africa21:10 Shark Of Darkness: Wrath OfThe Submarine23:00 Treehouse Masters23:55 When Dinosaurs Roamed

08:50 Masterchef: TheProfessionals09:45 Masterchef: TheProfessionals10:35 Masterchef: TheProfessionals11:05 Masterchef: TheProfessionals11:55 Come Dine With Me12:20 Come Dine With Me12:45 Come Dine With Me13:10 Come Dine With Me13:35 Come Dine With Me14:00 Antiques Roadshow14:50 Antiques Roadshow15:45 Bargain Hunt16:30 Bargain Hunt17:10 Bargain Hunt17:55 Come Dine With Me: SouthAfrica18:50 How To Cook Like Heston19:15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent20:05 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill20:30 Rick Stein’s India21:20 Masterchef: TheProfessionals22:15 Masterchef: TheProfessionals23:05 Masterchef: TheProfessionals

T V PR O G R A M SSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

00:00 Fantasy Homes By The Sea00:45 How To Cook Like Heston01:10 Come Dine With Me: SouthAfrica02:00 Masterchef: TheProfessionals02:55 Bargain Hunt03:35 Come Dine With Me04:00 Fantasy Homes By The Sea04:45 Come Dine With Me: SouthAfrica05:35 Bargain Hunt06:20 Masterchef: TheProfessionals07:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea08:00 Masterchef: TheProfessionals

COSMOPOLIS ON OSN MOVIES DRAMA

00:00 Violetta00:45 The Hive00:50 Art Attack01:15 Art Attack01:40 Jungle Junction01:50 Jungle Junction02:05 Jungle Junction02:15 Jungle Junction02:30 Violetta03:10 The Hive03:20 Art Attack03:45 Art Attack04:10 Jungle Junction04:20 Jungle Junction04:35 Jungle Junction04:45 Jungle Junction05:00 Art Attack05:25 Art Attack05:50 Mouk06:00 Kim Possible06:25 Liv And Maddie06:50 Girl Meets World07:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place07:40 Jessie08:05 Liv And Maddie08:30 Binny And The Ghost08:55 I Didn’t Do It09:20 Dog With A Blog09:45 Girl Meets World10:10 Gravity Falls10:35 Snow Buddies12:15 Dog With A Blog12:40 Wizards Of Waverly Place13:05 Binny And The Ghost13:30 Girl Meets World13:55 I Didn’t Do It14:20 Sabrina: Secrets Of A

00:40 The Hungry Sailors01:30 Paul O’Grady: For The LoveOf Dogs02:00 The Chase: CelebritySpecials02:55 Emmerdale03:20 Emmerdale03:45 Emmerdale04:10 Emmerdale04:35 Emmerdale05:00 Coronation Street05:25 Coronation Street05:45 Coronation Street06:10 Coronation Street06:35 Coronation Street07:05 Paul O’Grady: For The LoveOf Dogs07:30 Paul O’Grady: For The LoveOf Dogs08:00 Keep It In The Family08:50 Get Your Act Together09:55 The Chase10:30 The Chase11:35 Endeavour13:15 The Jonathan Ross Show14:05 The Chase: CelebritySpecials15:00 Keep It In The Family15:55 Get Your Act Together17:00 Midsomer Murders18:30 Paul O’Grady: For The LoveOf Dogs19:00 Keep It In The Family19:55 Get Your Act Together21:00 Midsomer Murders22:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes23:15 Coronation Street23:40 Coronation Street

00:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills00:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills00:55 Extreme Close-Up01:25 THS02:20 E! News03:15 Kourtney And Khloe TakeThe Hamptons04:10 THS05:05 Beyond Candid WithGiuliana06:00 Kourtney And Kim TakeMiami06:55 Kourtney And Kim TakeMiami07:50 Style Star08:20 E! News09:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills09:45 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills10:15 E!ES11:10 The E! True Hollywood Story12:05 E! News13:05 Giuliana & Bill14:05 Christina Milian Turned Up15:00 Fashion Bloggers15:30 Fashion Bloggers16:00 House Of DVF17:00 House Of DVF18:00 E! News19:00 E!ES20:00 Kourtney And Khloe TakeThe Hamptons21:00 Fashion Police22:00 E! News23:00 The Soup23:30 House Of DVF

00:30 My Family01:00 Doctors01:25 Casualty02:15 Lead Balloon02:45 Zen04:15 The Weakest Link05:00 The Green Balloon Club05:25 Mr Bloom’s Nursery05:45 Charlie And Lola05:55 Gigglebiz06:10 The Green Balloon Club06:35 Mr Bloom’s Nursery06:55 Charlie And Lola07:10 The Weakest Link07:55 Sinbad08:40 Hustle09:30 Doctor Who: The Time OfThe Doctor10:35 Blackadder II11:05 My Family11:35 Sinbad12:20 Hustle13:10 Casualty14:00 Eastenders14:30 Eastenders15:00 Eastenders15:30 Eastenders16:00 Watson & Oliver16:30 Watson & Oliver17:00 Watson & Oliver17:30 Sinbad18:15 Hustle19:05 Doctor Who: Planet Of TheDead20:00 Live At The Apollo20:45 Watson & Oliver21:15 Threesome21:35 Him & Her22:05 Moone Boy22:30 The Omid Djalili Show23:00 The Weakest Link23:50 Sinbad

00:20 Fast N’ Loud01:10 Overhaulin’02:00 Kindig Customs02:50 Fantomworks03:40 Auction Hunters04:05 The Liquidator04:30 Auction Hunters05:00 How It’s Made05:30 How It’s Made06:00 The Big Brain Theory06:50 You Have Been Warned07:40 The Carbonaro Effect08:05 The Carbonaro Effect08:30 Bear’s Wild Weekend WithStephen Fry09:20 Dive Wars Australia10:10 Survive That!11:00 Street Outlaws11:50 Street Outlaws12:40 Street Outlaws13:30 Street Outlaws14:20 Street Outlaws15:10 Street Outlaws16:00 Gold Rush17:40 Alaska: The Last Frontier18:30 Bear’s Wild Weekend WithStephen Fry19:20 Dive Wars Australia20:10 Survive That!21:00 What’s In The Barn?21:25 What’s In The Barn?21:50 Auction Hunters22:15 Auction Hunters22:40 Auction Hunters23:05 Airplane Repo23:55 Street Outlaws

Teenage Witch15:00 Girl Meets World15:20 Girl Meets World15:45 Jessie16:10 Austin & Ally16:35 Girl Meets World17:00 Liv And Maddie17:25 I Didn’t Do It17:50 Dog With A Blog18:15 Good Luck Charlie18:40 Girl Meets World19:05 Girl Meets World19:30 Binny And The Ghost19:55 Gravity Falls20:20 Kim Possible20:45 Spooksville21:10 I Didn’t Do It21:35 Gravity Falls22:00 Suite Life On Deck22:25 A.N.T. Farm22:50 Shake It Up23:10 Wolfblood23:35 Wolfblood

04:00 Mega Breakdown05:00 Live Free Or Die06:00 Hunter Hunted07:00 Breakout08:00 Fight Science09:00 Ancient Secrets: WitchHunter’s Bible10:00 Megacities11:00 Street Genius11:30 Street Genius12:00 Diggers12:30 Diggers13:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest14:00 Chasing UFOs15:00 Street Monkeys16:00 Wild Australia17:00 Going Deep With DavidRees17:30 Going Deep With DavidRees18:00 Car SOS19:00 Street Monkeys20:00 Wild Australia21:00 Going Deep With DavidRees21:30 Going Deep With DavidRees22:00 Car SOS23:00 Street Genius23:30 Street Genius

00:30 The Daily Show With JonStewart01:00 Modern Family01:30 Silicon Valley02:00 Silicon Valley02:30 South Park03:00 New Girl03:30 How I Met Your Mother04:00 Raising Hope04:30 The Tonight Show StarringJimmy Fallon05:30 My Boys06:00 The Goldbergs06:30 Better Off Ted07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers08:00 Raising Hope08:30 My Boys09:00 New Girl09:30 Community10:00 Hot In Cleveland10:30 Better Off Ted11:00 The Tonight Show StarringJimmy Fallon12:00 The Goldbergs12:30 Raising Hope13:00 My Boys13:30 Better Off Ted14:00 How I Met Your Mother14:30 Community15:00 Hot In Cleveland15:30 The Daily Show With JonStewart16:00 Modern Family16:30 The Goldbergs17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers18:00 Enlisted18:30 How I Met Your Mother19:00 2 Broke Girls19:30 Cougar Town20:00 The Tonight Show StarringJimmy Fallon21:00 The Daily Show GlobalEdition21:30 Modern Family22:00 Saturday Night Live23:00 South Park23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers

00:00 Covert Affairs01:00 American Idol03:00 Grimm04:00 American Idol05:00 Grey’s Anatomy06:00 Covert Affairs07:00 The Fosters08:00 Parenthood09:00 American Idol10:00 Grey’s Anatomy11:00 Once Upon A Time13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show14:00 Parenthood15:00 Covert Affairs18:00 Parenthood19:00 Graceland20:00 The Blacklist21:00 The Strain22:00 Salem

01:00 The Happets02:45 Back To The Sea04:30 Ploddy Police Car06:00 From Up On Poppy Hill08:00 Kong Return To The Jungle09:45 Astro Boy11:30 Space Dogs13:00 Back To The Sea14:45 Renart The Fox16:30 Eleanor’s Secret18:00 Astro Boy20:00 Garfield’s Pet Force21:45 Renart The Fox23:30 Eleanor’s Secret

END OF DAYS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD

01:00 Good Morning America05:00 Good Morning America11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show

00:00 Lockout02:00 End Of Days04:15 Recoil06:00 The Peacemaker08:15 Iron Man10:30 Recoil12:15 Haywire14:00 Hunt To Kill15:45 Iron Man18:00 The Peacemaker20:15 Haywire22:00 Flightplan

00:00 End Of Days-1802:15 Recoil-PG1504:00 The Peacemaker-PG1506:15 Iron Man-PG1508:30 Recoil-PG1510:15 Haywire-PG1512:00 Hunt To Kill-PG1513:45 Iron Man-PG1516:00 The Peacemaker-PG1518:15 Haywire-PG1520:00 Flightplan-PG1522:00 Battle Of The Damned-PG15

00:00 Bad Milo!-1802:00 In A World...-PG1504:00 Son Of The Mask-PG06:00 Held Up (1999)-PG1508:00 It’s A Disaster-PG1510:00 The Incredible BurtWonderstone-PG1512:00 In A World...-PG1514:00 Jesus Henry Christ-PG1516:00 It’s A Disaster-PG1518:00 Bringing Down The House20:00 Mental-PG1522:00 Knocked Up-18

01:00 The Butler-PG1503:15 The Pact-PG1505:00 Playing For Keeps-PG1507:00 Love And Honor-PG1509:00 The Past-PG1511:15 Playing For Keeps-PG1513:00 Won’t Back Down-PG1515:00 Everything Must Go-PG1516:45 The Past-PG1519:00 The Tall Man-PG1521:00 White Bird In A Blizzard-23:00 Cosmopolis-18

00:00 The Happening-PG1502:00 Reviving Ophelia-PG1504:00 Texas Killing Fields-PG1506:00 Tales Of The Night-PG08:00 My Piece Of The Pie-PG1510:00 Too Big To Fail-PG1511:45 The Great Train Robbery-PG13:45 The Armstrong Lie-PG1516:00 My Piece Of The Pie-PG1518:00 The Perks Of Being AWallflower-PG1520:00 Dangerous Minds-PG1522:00 Carrington-PG15

00:45 Pawn-PG1502:45 Oggy & The Cockroaches:The Movie-PG04:45 A Family Reunion-PG1506:45 Grace Of Monaco-PG1509:00 The Mortal Instruments: CityOf Bones-PG1511:15 Ender’s Game-PG1513:15 Tinker Bell And The PirateFairy-FAM14:45 Getaway-PG1516:45 The Mortal Instruments: CityOf Bones-PG1519:00 Labor Day-PG1521:00 Diana-PG1523:00 CBGB-18

00:00 Transformers-PG1502:30 The Great Ghost Rescue-PG04:15 Dark Tide-PG1506:00 Epic-PG08:00 Peace, Love &Misunderstanding-PG1510:00 Lakeview Terrace-PG1512:00 Dark Tide-PG1514:00 Lego Batman: The Movie -DC Super Heroes Unite-PG16:00 Peace, Love &Misunderstanding-PG1518:00 A Common Man-PG1520:00 Lone Survivor-PG1522:15 Insidious: Chapter 2-PG15

01:00 Total Rugby 03:00 IRB Sevens World Series12:30 Top 14 Highlights

00:00 Live PGA Tour03:30 Top 14 Highlights04:00 Golfing World06:00 Live PGA European Tour11:00 NFL Gameday12:00 Champions Tour 16:00 Dubai World Cup Carnival 19:30 HSBC Sevens World Series 22:30 PGA European Tour

00:30 New Zealand v Pakistan ODIH/L03:30 ICC Cricket 36004:00 New Zealand v Sri LankaODI H/L05:00 Mid-ODI Tri-Series H/L06:00 Big Bash League T20 H/L07:00 Live Ranji Trophy14:00 ICC Cricket 36014:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales16:00 Big Bash League T20 H/L17:00 ICC Cricket 36017:30 New Zealand v Pakistan ODIH/L20:00 ICC Cricket 36020:30 New Zealand v Sri LankaODI H/L21:30 Mid-ODI Tri-Series H/L22:30 Big Bash League T20 H/L23:30 ICC Cricket 360

00:00 Fight Science01:00 Ancient Secrets: WitchHunter’s Bible02:00 Megacities03:00 Mega Factories: Supercars

16:00 Live Good Morning America19:00 Drop Dead Diva20:00 Chicago Fire23:00 Justified

13:00 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights13:30 Total Rugby 14:00 NFL Gameday14:30 PGA European Tour20:00 Golfing World21:00 Live PGA Tour

00:00 HSBC Sevens World Series03:30 Dubai World Cup Carnival 20:00 Dubai World Cup Carnival

00:00 WWE Main Event01:00 NHL03:00 Live NHL07:00 WWE Vintage08:00 WWE Smackdown10:00 WWE Bottomline12:00 NHL14:00 WWE Superstars15:00 WWE Main Event16:00 V8 Supercars Highlights18:30 NHL20:30 WWE Bottomline21:30 WWE Superstars22:30 WWE Main Event

00:45 The Face Australia01:35 Bizarre ER02:00 Bizarre ER02:25 What Have I Got02:50 What Have I Got03:15 Cyber Stalkers04:05 What Not To Wear05:00 What Not To Wear06:00 Something Borrowed,Something New06:25 Hoarding: Buried Alive07:15 Hoarding: Buried Alive08:05 Secret Eaters08:55 Secret Eaters09:45 Cake Boss

ClassifiedsSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

112

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Sunday 8/2/2015Airlines Flt Route TimeKAC 504 Beirut 00:05JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10JZR 239 Amman 00:25JZR 267 Beirut 00:30JZR 539 Cairo 00:40THY 772 Istanbul 00:45FDB 069 Dubai 00:55QTR 1084 Doha 01:00RJA 642 Amman 01:05PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30UAE 853 Dubai 02:35JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50FDB 067 Dubai 02:55MSR 612 Cairo 03:10ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10CEB 7694 Manila 03:10KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20OMA 643 Muscat 03:25QTR 1076 Doha 03:45MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05JZR 555 Alexandria 04:25THY 770 Istanbul 05:35DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40QTR 8632 Doha 06:25BAW 157 London 06:40KAC 544 Cairo 06:40KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10FDB 053 Dubai 07:45QTR 1086 Doha 07:50SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55KAC 352 Kochi 08:10KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30UAE 855 Dubai 08:40KAC 362 Colombo 08:45KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20FDB 055 Dubai 09:40QTR 1070 Doha 10:00GFA 943 Bahrain 10:15GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40IRA 665 Shiraz 10:50UAE 873 Dubai 11:00SYR 341 Latakia 11:10MSC 405 Sohag 11:25JZR 165 Dubai 11:30MEA 404 Beirut 11:55UAE 871 Dubai 12:50MSR 610 Cairo 13:00KAC 514 Tehran 13:10IRC 528 Ahwaz 13:15BDR 601 KSL 13:30JZR 561 Sohag 13:45KAC 382 Delhi 13:45KAC 672 Dubai 13:55

QTR 1078 Doha 14:05KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30FDB 057 Dubai 14:30IRC 6507 Shiraz 14:50GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10OMA 645 Muscat 15:25UAE 857 Dubai 15:45ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45FDB 051 Dubai 16:00JZR 535 Cairo 16:10KAC 562 Amman 16:20JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25RJA 640 Amman 16:55ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30KAC 742 Dammam 17:45GFA 944 LCA 17:50JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55UAL 982 IAD 17:55UAE 875 Dubai 18:00JZR 177 Dubai 18:20KAC 542 Cairo 18:25ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40FDB 063 Dubai 18:40KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45QTR 1080 Doha 18:50KAC 618 Doha 19:15AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15KAC 674 Dubai 19:25GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30JZR 483 Istanbul 19:35KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:40KAC 502 Beirut 19:50KAC 102 New York/London 19:55JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00KAC 774 Riyadh 20:00OMA 647 Muscat 20:20FDB 061 Dubai 20:20MSR 606 Luxor 20:45DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:50ALK 229 Colombo 21:10MEA 402 Beirut 21:20ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30FDB 073 Dubai 21:35UAE 859 Dubai 21:40GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45QTR 1074 Doha 21:55JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:15ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15KAC 172 Frankfurt 22:20FDB 059 Dubai 22:30AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:30UAL 981 Bahrain 23:10BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10JZR 185 Dubai 23:15THY 764 Istanbul 23:35PIA 205 Lahore 23:40FDB 071 Dubai 23:45

Departure Flights on Sunday 8/2/2015Airlines Flt Route TimeAIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05AGY 681 Alexandria 00:15FDB 072 Dubai 00:45UAL 981 IAD 00:55JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:15ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45THY 773 Istanbul 02:55PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25KAC 381 Delhi 03:40UAE 854 Dubai 03:50FDB 068 Dubai 03:55ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05MSR 613 Cairo 04:10KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10OMA 644 Muscat 04:25QTR 1085 Doha 04:30CEB 7695 Manila 04:40MSC 406 Sohag 05:05QTR 1077 Doha 05:15THY 765 Istanbul 05:40FDB 070 Dubai 06:30JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35JZR 164 Dubai 06:55RJA 643 Amman 07:05JZR 560 Sohag 07:10GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15THY 771 Istanbul 07:30QTR 8632 Doha 07:55FDB 054 Dubai 08:25BAW 156 London 08:45QTR 1087 Doha 08:50SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55KAC 513 Tehran 08:55KAC 171 Frankfurt 09:05JZR 534 Cairo 09:15KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25KAC 671 Dubai 09:25ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40UAE 856 Dubai 09:55KAC 117 New York 10:05ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20KAC 561 Amman 10:25FDB 056 Dubai 10:35JZR 482 Istanbul 10:35QTR 1071 Doha 11:00GFA 943 LCA 11:00KAC 541 Cairo 11:05GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25IRA 664 Shiraz 11:50KAC 501 Beirut 12:00SYR 342 Latakia 12:10KAC 103 London 12:20JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25UAE 874 Dubai 12:30MEA 405 Beirut 12:55KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10

JZR 176 Dubai 13:45MSR 611 Cairo 14:00UAE 872 Dubai 14:15IRC 529 Ahwaz 14:15KAC 741 Dammam 14:45KAC 617 Doha 15:00KAC 673 Dubai 15:00QTR 1079 Doha 15:05FDB 058 Dubai 15:10KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20SVA 503 Jeddah/Madinah 15:45GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45IRC 6508 Shiraz 15:50KAC 773 Riyadh 16:20OMA 646 Muscat 16:25ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25FDB 052 Dubai 17:00JZR 266 Beirut 17:05UAE 858 Dubai 17:45JZR 538 Cairo 17:45ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50RJA 641 Amman 17:55SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20BDR 602 KRT 18:30GFA 944 Bahrain 18:35JZR 184 Dubai 18:40JZR 238 Amman 18:50JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10UAL 982 Bahrain 19:15ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20UAE 876 Dubai 19:40QTR 1081 Doha 19:50FDB 064 Dubai 19:55AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15KAC 361 Colombo 20:50KAC 281 Dhaka 20:55KAC 343 Chennai 20:55JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00KAC 351 Kochi 21:15FDB 062 Dubai 21:20OMA 648 Muscat 21:20DLH 636 Dammam 21:35MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50ALK 230 Colombo 22:10KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15MEA 403 Beirut 22:20FDB 074 Dubai 22:30GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30UAE 860 Dubai 22:50KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00QTR 1075 Doha 23:05JZR 502 Luxor 23:05KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15KAC 415 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 23:25KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30FDB 060 Dubai 23:55

SHARQIA-1A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 12:00 PMA MOST VIOLENT YEAR 2:30 PMTAKEN 3 5:00 PMAMERICAN SNIPER 7:15 PMA MOST VIOLENT YEAR 9:45 PMA MOST VIOLENT YEAR 12:15 AM

SHARQIA-2JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 11:45 AMJUPITER ASCENDING 2:15 PMTHE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 4:45 PMJUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 7:30 PMJUPITER ASCENDING 10:00 PMJUPITER ASCENDING 12:30 AM

SHARQIA-3THE GAMBLER 11:30 AMPlan B (ARABIC) 1:45 PMTHE GAMBLER 3:45 PMPlan B (ARABIC) 6:00 PMPlan B (ARABIC) 8:00 PMROBOT OVERLORDS 10:00 PMTHE GAMBLER 12:05 AM

MUHALAB-1THE GAMBLER 11:45 AMTHE GAMBLER 2:00 PMPlan B (ARABIC) 4:15 PMTHE GAMBLER 6:15 PMPlan B (ARABIC) 8:30 PMPlan B (ARABIC) 10:30 PMTHE GAMBLER 12:30 AM

MUHALAB-2SON OF A GUN 11:30 AMSON OF A GUN 1:30 PMTAKEN 3 3:30 PMSON OF A GUN 5:45 PMAMERICAN SNIPER 7:45 PMTAKEN 3 10:15 PMSON OF A GUN 12:45 AM

MUHALAB-3JUPITER ASCENDING 11:30 AMJUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 2:00 PM

THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 4:30 PMJUPITER ASCENDING 7:15 PMJUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 9:45 PMJUPITER ASCENDING 12:15 AM

FANAR-1A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 12:45 PMA MOST VIOLENT YEAR 3:15 PMROBOT OVERLORDS 5:45 PMPlan B (ARABIC) 7:45 PMPlan B (ARABIC) 9:45 PMA MOST VIOLENT YEAR 11:45 PM

FANAR-2THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 12:30 PMTHE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 2:15 PMTAKEN 3 4:00 PMAMERICAN SNIPER 6:15 PMTAKEN 3 8:45 PMTHE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 11:00 PMTHE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 12:45 AM

FANAR-3THE GAMBLER 12:15 PMTHE GAMBLER 2:45 PMTHE GAMBLER 5:00 PMTHE GAMBLER 7:15 PMBLACKHAT 9:30 PMTHE GAMBLER 12:15 AM

FANAR-4JUPITER ASCENDING 11:45 AMJUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 2:15 PMTHE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 4:45 PMJUPITER ASCENDING 7:30 PMJUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 10:00 PMJUPITER ASCENDING 12:30 AM

FANAR-5SON OF A GUN 11:30 AMSON OF A GUN 1:30 PMSON OF A GUN 3:30 PMDILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE (Hindi) (Re-Release)5:30 PMSHAMITABH (HINDI) 9:00 PMSON OF A GUN 12:05 AM

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TOWEDNESDAY (05/02/2015 TO 11/02/2015)

CHANGE OF NAME

ACCOMMODATION

I, Cecilia Mendonca ECamelo, R/O H. No. 982(1),Nova Palmar, Cortalim,Mormugao, Goa, SouthGoa, holder of IndianPassport No. J6280192,would like to state that Ihave changed my namefrom Cecelia Mendonsa ECamelo to CeciliaMendonca E Camelo. (C 4923)

I, Martinha TrindadeFerrao, R/O H. No. 244/A,near Rebello’s hospital,Madel Pequeno, Margao,Salcette - Goa would like tostate that I have changedmy name from TrindaddeMendonsa to MartinhaTrindade Ferraro. (C 4924)

I, Luis Francisco De FatimaDe Menino Jesus

Ideal for working ladies, asemi furnished room avail-able for a single to sharewith a small family in a 2BRcentral AC flat with sepa-rate bathroom. Nice loca-tion building on main road,very close to a garden andbus stop. Contact:67060429. (C 4922)7-2-2015

Mendonca, R/O H. No.244/A, near Rebello’sHospital, Madel PequenoMargao, Salcette - Goawould like to state that Ihave changed my namefrom Francisco Mendonsato Luis Francisco De FatimaDe Menino JesusMendonca. (C 4925)7-2-2015

I, Makela Suresh (oldname) holder of Indian

Passort No: F4198356,Gundampalli (V), Mallapur(M), Karimnagar Dist (A.P)changed my name asMakela Shirish Kumar. (C 4921)4-2-2014

Friendships are a source of great pleasure and you should be quite popularwith your friends today. A wonderful type of harmony that is present now should be veryuseful in easing past tensions in a relationship or in concluding some difficult financial mat-ters. New technology grabs your attention and you may find yourself looking through thecurrent technical magazines, in a bookstore or library. You are at your mental best with sharpideas and clear thoughts. This is an excellent time to make decisions and take care of mentalwork. Law, politics, education, travel and religion are some of the areas where an emotional-ly charged drama could be played. This evening should settle down enough for you to enjoytime with a loved one, perhaps a play.

This is definitely a day to get a lot of things done. Your drive is strong, yourmind is clear and communication should not be a problem. You may find yourself involvedin some volunteer program for the youth in your city or neighborhood. This is a commend-able involvement for you and may bring you as much pleasure as you bring others. This is atime when your path of self-development and expression becomes more unique–settingyou apart from the crowd and from all that is traditional. The new, the futuristic, the hightech are the hallmarks of your lifestyle as the cycle gets underway. Ideas and technologiesthat change the way people live are major new focuses in your life. Foreign born or well-trav-eled people have a lot of information for you today.

Your mind takes an introspective turn now and the needs and desires of otherstake precedence over your own today. There could be a wedding or some oth-

er celebration taking place within your family or your friendship circle and you could be theone in charge of some duty. You are a meticulous worker, no matter what you have agreed tohandle. You will not have any problem carrying out your duties. This is also a favorable day forcreative pursuits. Painting the scenery of a popular park may be pleasing. You may find your-self coaching or counseling young people this afternoon. Consider this a good time for anadventure through travel, educational pursuits, a bit of writing and publishing, legal affairs andperhaps, a new spurt of spiritual growth.

This is a great day to get things done, whether you are alone or with others,especially if you lead. State your agenda logically and even those who may disagree willrespect your enthusiasm. Strong-minded persons are attracted to you. Self-discipline and asense of self-worth become important issues in your life now. This could mean resisting abeautiful chocolate cake, beginning an exercise program or a stop-smoking program, etc. Animportant relationship, perhaps to an older person or someone in authority, may come intofocus today. There could be some tension or sense of opposition requiring compromise ornegotiation on your part. There is an opportunity for understanding and even growth. Youmight consider a business of your own.

You may be hungry for emotional excitement today. You may be seeking outnew and different kinds of people or maybe new and different kinds of places to spend theday or evening. Just do not become involved in any project that may require a later follow-through. You can demonstrate great understanding of the needs of others just now and mayfind that your close relationships will deepen during this time. You are in a good position tohelp others–they may even ask for your advice before you think to offer advice. Your life takeson a kind of mystical quality at the instinctive levels now. The past and the future intermingle,and the barriers between people dissolve–there is the key to the greater psychic and spiritualsensitivity you feel now.

Group activities are fun, even if you find yourself mending a fence, fixing aroof or perhaps darning socks. When families or friends are close they help each other.Today there is much eating, laughter, and sharing of advice, etc. Anything you want to do,accomplish, or celebrate is easily achieved. Your intuition is sharp–use it to guide you. Whenyou have a hunch, it is probably right. Any involvement in winter sports can be a lot of funand this afternoon you will find yourself involved in some way. If you are not involved insports you will be planning your next adventure. This is a time when you can expect recog-nition from those around you. In turn, you show your appreciation of others for a strongteam spirit.

If you are involved in a move, others may be fascinated by your ability toquickly make an empty, dull looking place look presentable. Your imagination soars!Awareness and insight into others’ minds and into spiritual matters are especially acute.Leave any task requiring close scrutiny for another day. Escape the rigors of the daily grindwith a good fantasy or romance novel–perhaps you could write a novel. Do not worry–reali-ty always returns, but today you need a rest. Your good taste and your artistic abilities maygrow into either a full-time business for yourself or at the least, a very fine hobby. The perfectmate may show up tonight–even if you are not looking. There are opportunities thisevening to date, go to parties, dance, etc.

You may not have to work today but your choice may be to use this day tomake a trade or a sale anyway. This may mean that you decide to take your art to a consign-ment store. Perhaps you will advertise an appliance or piece of furniture. Whatever the caseyou will have good luck with this endeavor. You are an excellent shape-changer. Moving orchanging the past into something very pleasant for the future is a common occurrence inyour life. Respect others and ask before making changes in someone else’s area of living. Thisis a time to broaden your horizons–intellectually and spiritually. A new bookstore may beappealing to you and your family; seek and find. A fun time this evening may be enjoyed bythe fireplace.

This morning is a time for you! Concentrate on your own goals–firm up ongo-ing projects or begin new ones. Work alone, if possible, because the encouragement oradvice of others is not really necessary now. Today is your chance to be yourself for yourself!Do not forget to include some physical activity that you will enjoy. A friend in need–perhapssomeone moving–could use your help this afternoon. You may be called upon to lend ahelping hand. You may find that you had more in common with this friend than you thought.It may happen that you remember things from your youth and the two of you talk over oldtimes or view school pictures. You draw emotional sustenance and a sense of security fromyour ideals and friends.

If you are working today it may only take up a half-day effort. There are opti-mism and cooperation at every turn. This is an excellent time for a deeper understanding ofthe forces that move the world and each other. It also may be time to reflect on the directionyour life has taken. Watch the budget this afternoon; your thinking on such a large scale couldbe disastrous while shopping. Do not turn down any party invitations today. If none havearrived, plan a small gathering–it could be a blast! Charisma rides high! Loved ones generateamorous feelings. Create some warm, fuzzy feelings of your own and pull closer to a lovedone, or perhaps open a positive conversation within your group of friends.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Aries (March 21-April 19)

STAR TRACK

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

CROSSWORD 809

ACROSS1. A form of rummy using two decks andfour jokers.5. Regional and archaic.11. The sixth month of the civil year.15. Evergreen trees and shrubs having oilyone-seeded fruits.16. No longer active or practicing.17. A floor covering.18. The length of a straight line passingthrough the center of a circle and connect-ing two points on the circumference.19. True firs.20. (psychoanalysis) An idealized image ofsomeone (usually a parent) formed in child-hood.21. Food mixtures either arranged on aplate or tossed and served with a moistdressing.23. Small tropical American tree bearingedible plumlike fruit.25. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christianmythology.26. A island in the Netherlands Antilles thatis the top of an extinct volcano.28. The state of being without clothing orcovering of any kind.30. The police sergeant on duty in a policestation.33. The most common computer memorywhich can be used by programs to performnecessary tasks while the computer is on.34. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods.35. A silvery ductile metallic element foundprimarily in bauxite.41. In or relating to or obtained from urine.43. Someone who works (or provides work-ers) during a strike.44. A radioactive element of the actinideseries.46. When dried yields a hard substanceused e.g. in golf balls.48. Flower arrangement consisting of a cir-cular band of foliage or flowers for orna-mental purposes.50. Essential oil or perfume obtained fromflowers.52. Attempting to get personal recognitionfor yourself (especially by unacceptablemeans).53. (of molten metal or glass) Formed bypouring or pressing into a mold n 1.55. A river in north central Switzerland thatruns northeast into the Rhine.56. The deep vascular inner layer of theskin.58. The Arab prophet who founded Islam(570-632).60. Type genus of the family Arcidae.62. A sock with a separation for the big toe.63. Used as an Italian courtesy title.67. An officer who acts as military assistantto a more senior officer.71. Title for a civil or military leader (espe-cially in Turkey).72. Jam-spread sponge cake soaked in wineserved with custard sauce.75. Not in good physical or mental health.76. A cut of pork ribs with much of the meattrimmed off.78. Being two more than fifty.79. Owed and payable immediately or ondemand.80. (ophthalmology) Impaired eyesightresulting usually from irregular conforma-tion of the cornea.

81. The rate at which red blood cells settleout in a tube of blood under standardizedconditions.

DOWN1. A youth subculture that began in Londonin the early 1960s.2. English essayist (1775-1834).3. (archaic or Scottish) Faithful and true.4. Having a woven pattern.5. A flat wing-shaped process or winglikepart of an organism.6. Of or relating to Fabianism.7. Surpassing the ordinary especially in sizeor scale.8. An association of nations dedicated toeconomic and political cooperation insoutheastern Asia.9. Recovery or preservation from loss ordanger.10. A doctor's degree in religion.11. An annual publication including weath-er forecasts and other miscellaneous infor-mation arranged according to the calendarof a given year.12. An ornamental jewelled headdress sig-nifying sovereignty.13. A Chadic language spoken in northernNigeria and closely related to Hausa.14. Apartment consisting of a series of con-nected rooms used as a living unit (as in ahotel).22. Fallow deer.24. A doctor's degree in optometry.27. Any seed plant yielding balsam.29. Any plant of the genus Erica.31. Put into a rage.32. Any member of a ship's crew.36. A fine grained mineral having a softsoapy feel and consisting of hydrated mag-nesium silicate.37. At right angles to the length of a ship orairplane.38. An informal term for a father.39. Thin and fit.40. Having the head uncovered.42. Alligator-like reptile of Central andSouth America having a more heavilyarmored belly.45. Adopted in order to deceive.47. The wife or widow of a czar.49. An isogram connecting points havingthe same temperature at a given time.51. Chipmunks of eastern North America.54. Of or relating to or characteristic ofThailand of its people.57. A long noosed rope used to catch ani-mals.59. The blood group whose red cells carryboth the A and B antigens.61. An army unit usually consisting of twoor more divisions.64. An Eskimo hut.65. A strong wind moving 45-90 knots.66. Large swift fly the female of which sucksblood of various animals.68. A small island.69. A platform raised above the surround-ing level to give prominence to the personon it.70. An independent ruler or chieftain (espe-cially in Africa or Arabia).73. The sixth day of the week.74. A loose sleeveless outer garment madefrom aba cloth.77. Being one more than one.

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

WORD SEARCH PUZZLE

34s t a r s

Daily SuDoku

There are stimulating opportunities now to change your life in positive ways.Reading, research, writing–everything seems to lead you to where you want to go. You mayconsider taking a couple of classes in an interesting subject. You could be learning about adifferent culture from your own. Perhaps you will want to travel and visit places where thisculture lives. If you are involved in legal matters, legal matters are developing in positiveways. Although one enjoys independence, there is nothing like positive feedback from thepeople that know and love you the most–family. This evening give some thought as to whereyou want to be five years from now and then ask yourself what three things you could donow to move forward, toward that goal.

This is an easy-flow day. You seem resigned to the way things are at this time.You may even find that people want to know how you are. This relaxed state is a change foryou–and a good one to continue. You have plenty of energy, perfect for finishing what youstarted last weekend or for doing some sort of improvements around your living area. Youlove people today! Any excuse for a get-together to make new friends will be welcomed. Youfeel chiefly close to your loved ones as well–your desire to nurture and protect them is strong;careful not to do too much. You also may enjoy reminiscing with old friends about pleasantmemories of the past.

inf or m at ionSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558

Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622

Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967

Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638

Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241

OphthalmologistsDr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223

Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426

General PractitionersDr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501

UrologistsDr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427

For labor-related inquiries and complaints:

Call MSAL hotline 128

Sabah Hospital 24812000

Amiri Hospital 22450005

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

Kaizen center 25716707

Rawda 22517733

Adaliya 22517144

Khaldiya 24848075

Kaifan 24849807

Shamiya 24848913

Shuwaikh 24814507

Abdullah Salem 22549134

Nuzha 22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764

Qadsiya 22515088

Dasmah 22532265

Bneid Al-Gar 22531908

Shaab 22518752

Qibla 22459381

Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082

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

Ardhiya 24884079

Firdous 24892674

Omariya 24719048

N Khaitan 24710044

Fintas 23900322

GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE

Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700

Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60

Family Doctor

Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists

Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians

DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272

Dr. Salem soso 22618787

General Surgeons

Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart

Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939

Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300

Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3

Paediatricians

Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282

Dermatology

Dr. Mohammed Salam Bern University 23845955

Dentists

Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111

Neurologists

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875

Gastrologists

Dr. Sami Aman 22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135

Endocrinologist

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888

Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924

Physiotherapists & VD

Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288

Rheumatologists:

Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart

DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667

Consultant Cardiologist

Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

Soor CenterTel: 2290-1677Fax: 2290 1688

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36L I F E S T Y L ESUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

G o s s i p

The ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ actress, who previouslyromanced assistant director Tom Ackerley, thinksbeing in a high profile relationship would be too

stressful despite rumors she is now dating former ‘TrueBlood’ star Alexander Skarsgard. The 24-year-old beauty toldthe March issue of Marie Claire magazine: “I am officially offthe market. I made a conscious decision not to date actors,but not because I hate actors. That’s a nasty generalizationto make, and that’s not the case. People take such an interestin your love life when you have a profile that it puts a lot of

stress on a relationship. So, two people with profiles, I figureit’s just double the amount of scrutiny, and I’d like to avoidthat at all costs.” But the Australian actress was spotted kiss-ing Swedish heartthrob Alexander, 38, at the Sundance FilmFestival in Park City, Utah last month ahead of the release oftheir upcoming movie, ‘Tarzan’. An eyewitness previouslytold PEOPLE.com: “They came separately but left together ina big group. Alex told the girl at the door he was coming tosee his ‘friend.’ They asked who his friend was and he saidMargot Robbie, he came to see her.”

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The once ‘Pop Princess’ is reported-ly embracing the ancient relax-ation technique after being

encouraged to chill out more by herboyfriend Charlie Ebersol. A sourcesaid: “Britney seems more at peacesince she started meditating. “Charlie isa meditation enthusiast. He’s alwaysbeen interested in self-help and a cleanlifestyle, so he’s a really good influenceon Britney.” The 33-year-old beauty -who has sons Sean, nine, and Jayden,eight, with ex-husband Kevin Federline- has already started practicing aloneon a daily basis before her concerts inLas Vegas. The insider added to Life &Style magazine: “She has a mantra andshe meditates for 15 minutes beforeperformances to centre herself andcalm her nerves.” Charlie - whose par-ents are NBC executive Dick Ebersoland actress Susan Saint James - recent-ly admitted he and Britney are home-bodies. The 32-year-old TV and filmproducer explained: “The thing that Ilearned from my parents was no matterhow busy you are, home base is thesingle most important thing. As long asyou’re centering back to home baseand that’s the strongest magnet in yourlife, that everything else is OK.”

Britney Spears has started meditating

The international hitmaker - who has two-year-old son Milan with FC Barcelona footballer Gerard Piqué -welcomed another baby boy, Sasha, into the world last week and is relishing her time at home with herfamily. A source said: “Shakira’s always working on new projects, but she’s taking a break to enjoy her

beautiful family. Milan is excited to have a brother, and Shakira is beyond happy with her two little guys.” The38-year-old star - who previously said she would love to have eight or nine children - is said to be thrilled thatSasha looks like her 28-year-old partner. The insider said: “He has blonde hair. [But] he looks like Gerard!” TheColombian singer gave birth to the tot at the upscale Hospital Quiron Teknon in Barcelona and insisted shehad an all-female medical team to help her through the pregnancy. The source added to Us Weekly magazine:“They took over the entire floor of the clinic. Shakira requested an all-female medical team. She wanted Gerardto be the only man in the room.” In lieu of baby gifts, the couple asked their fans, friends and family membersto donate to UNICEF’s World Baby Shower campaign.

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Kim K supportive ofJenner’s gender change

The ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ star is “very sup-portive” of her stepfather, who is reportedly transition-ing to a woman, and has enlisted the help of her own

“glam squad” to tackle his hair and make-up.”Kim has beenvery supportive of Bruce and has even been actively involvedin his transformation and changing looks a source said. “She’senlisting her hair colorist, Tracey Cunningham, to do his high-lights and her glam squads, including Mario Dedivanovic, areon hand to give him make-up tips.”She’s always been on hisside and feels he should be free to express himself howeverhe wants.” Last week, Kim spoke out in support of Bruce,adding he would speak about his “journey” when he wasready and it has been claimed her remarks were carefullyplanned by her mother, the Olympian’s ex-wife Kris Jenner.The source added to Grazia magazine: “Kim was visiting Bruce[afterwards], to make sure he was happy with her appearanceon the show.”Everything the Kardashians do is pre-plannedand carefully orchestrated and Kim’s comments were no dif-ferent.”She was briefed by her mother not to deny anythingthat could come back to bite them and at the same time notto confirm anything that could be monetized at a later date.”

Evans wants to ditch playboy image

The 33-year-old actor is reportedly keen to ditch his playboyreputations and wants to be seen as a family-friendly guy. Asource said: “Chris wants to be seen as family-friendly and has

started doing a lot of charity work.” The ‘Captain America’ star, whopreviously dated Minka Kelly, hopes that revamping his image willalso help him meet a nice girl, as well as boosting his career. Theinsider told America’s OK magazine: “Chris thinks being in a relation-ship will make him a more appealing leading man.”Chris has told hisfriends and his business team that he wants to be set up on dateswith smart, accomplished women. He’s been on his best behaviourover the last few months to prove that he’s serious about findinglove.” The actor recently paid a surprise visit to a sick young fan,Kenny Botting, who is battling cancer in Boston and admitted hedrew strength from the experience. He said: “It’s their strength thatgives me strength. No matter what hurdles are in my life, it’s nothingcompared to what these families go through, so any way I can bringa smile, it’s worth it.”

Lovato happy with God at her side

The ‘Neon Lights’ singer - who entered rehab in 2010 for treat-ment for an eating disorder, drug and alcohol addictionand self-harm - is proud she will mark three years sober

next month and feels “blessed” to have love and supportaround her. She tweeted: “Sometimes I look at how farI’ve come in my personal journey and I’m like, I con-quered that like a boss!!”3 years sober next month...Hell yeah!!! God is so good. My best friend createdthe universe and still takes time to love me. #sob-lessed”. Demi also suffers from bipolar disorder andhas previously admitted managing her condition isa daily struggle. She has said: “It’s a daily thing. Itreat it with medication. Not everybody does that,but for me it works. That’s what works for me -medicating, checking in with people, being hon-est, and being grateful for things.” The 22-year-oldstar previously revealed her 21st birthday was aturning point in her life because she was happilysober for the first time in years. She explained: “I wasused to drinking and doing drugs on my birthday. Ialways imagined my 21st being a huge party where I’dget drunk and go crazy. But I realized that there’s somuch more to life than that.” —Bang Showbiz

Tatum felt more like a mechanic than a dad

The Hollywood hunk’s wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum gave birth to theirdaughter Everly in May 2013 but he didn’t find fatherhood much “fun”during the youngster’s first year and joked he felt more like an “assis-

tant”. He said: “The only think that guys can really do in the beginning isjust be assistants, like, ‘Diaper? Give it to me - got it’. And it’s like doing atire change during a NASCAR race. You do it, then you just hand her back.“For the first year, that’s pretty much all guys are - they are just assistants.”

But now the tot is 20 months old she is starting to walk and talk, much to the joy of the ‘Jupiter Ascending’ actor.He added: “But now it’s starting to get fun. Everly’s starting to say “Dada” and really recognize me. She’s also start-ing to walk and everything, so it’s getting really cool.” While the 34-year-old star has now settled into his role as aparent, he praised his wife for being a “superwoman” and raising their baby at the same time as juggling her act-ing schedule. He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “We had the baby while we were on ‘Jupiter Ascending’ and Idon’t ever recommend doing four movies and trying to have a kid. It was not such a good idea. But my wife is asuperwoman. I don’t know how she did it. She went to work six weeks after she had the baby.”

37L I F E S T Y L ESUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

M u s i c & M o v i e s

Antonio Banderas, 54, is on form. TheSpanish star will shortly play PabloPicasso in “33 Dias,” and will be in

Terrence Malick’s next film, “Knight of Cups.”Relaxed, the actor sat down with a few jour-nalists to discuss playing a pirate in the new“Spongebob Squarepants” movie, as well ashiking to Machu Picchu with his daughter,and why he wants to leave Hollywood.

Q. You play a pirate in “The SpongeBobMovie: Sponge Out of Water.” What wasthat like?

A: “Pirates are very interesting to play.There’s a paradigm with them, in terms offreedom, people playing out of the box.Everybody loves that. There is something veryinteresting about them. “That particularpirate... is a character inside his own narration,not only a pirate but a cook. And it’s fun tosee how this can connect with a kid’s mind. “Itwas fun, imaginative and physically verydemanding. It looks nothing like me. To getthere every day at 8:00 am to get that beard...it was like a raccoon attacked you. The happi-est moment of the day was when I could takeit off and scratch.”

Q. “Shrek,” “Puss in Boots,” “SpongeBob”-you are in a lot of children’s movies. Do youhave a kid’s mind too?

A: “I guess so. When you’re 25, you don’twant to say you have a kid’s mind. You wantto be the man. But I’m 54, so then it’s good tosay you have a kid’s mind. So I do, in a way, inthe perception I have of life. I believe a lot insenses. I’m not a cerebral guy-what I touch,what I feel, what I smell, what I eat. It’s veryimportant, sensuality. I like the smell of theocean, Malaga (Spain), the springtime. “I havea house in Marbella (Spain) and two smallapartments in the middle of Malaga. But tolive there again... no. I will probably move toNew York (from Los Angeles).

Q. You travel a lot. Is that important to you?A: “Yes. This year, I’ve been shooting in

Argentina, then before that in Colombia and

I’ve been with my daughter to Peru to visit theInca trail, Machu Picchu. That was fantastic. It’shard. It’s not an easy thing. It’s 4,000 metersbut spiritually it was an amazing experienceat this particular time of my life. We made adeal that each year, just her and me we gosomewhere in the world. “I have to get herout of Hollywood because this is not real...Hollywood is not a place anymore, it becamea brand.

Q. Why do you love New York?A: “Because it is more European. You can

walk. You don’t know who’s rich, who’s not. InLos Angeles, it is what you have. In New York,it is what you are. I love theater and there are50 theaters there at your disposal. Cultural lifeis enormous, even in the conversations, inbars, restaurants, clubs, museums. At the

same time, it is in the middle. I have Spain insix hours, Hollywood in five. “Los Angeles forme (is) beautiful, but I don’t understand. Thisis a quintessentially American city and I amvery European. I need sidewalks. Everywhereyou go, you need a car. In New York, I don’twant to have a car.”

Q. Would you like to live in Malaga againone day?

A: “Absolutely. I’m a professional Malagan.Not that is it the best in the world. It is goodfor me. I love it. Overall, it is impossible for meto stop loving Malaga. It’s like Spain. I’m notlike a patriot but I know that I love my coun-try, because when things are going bad, I suf-fer. And when things are going good, I enjoyit. It is that simple.” —AFP

Hollywood is a brand, not a place: Banderas

Actor Antonio Banderas attends “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water”world premiere at AMC Lincoln Square in New York City. —AFP

Fantasy fare dominated at the D.I.C.E.Awards with “Dragon Age: Inquisition”winning game of the year, and

“Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor” takinghome eight major prizes. Hosted by comedi-an and podcaster Pete Holmes, the awards,produced by the Academy of InteractiveArts & Sciences, are considered theOscars of the videogame industry. Bioware’s“Dragon Age” also won outstandingachievement in game direction and role-playing, and massively multiplayer game ofthe year. Game was published and releasedby Electronic Arts. Monolith Prods’ “Shadowof Mordor,” that introduced a new characterto JRR Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” and “TheHobbit” universes, won adventure game ofthe year, outstanding achievement in gamedirection, and technical achievement, ani-mation, story, overall game and characterdesign, and outstanding innovation in gam-ing. The game, published by Warner BrosInteractive Entertainment, won eight of thenine categories in which it was nominated.

Among other top winners, Activision andBungie’s “Destiny” won four D.I.C.E. Awards,including action game of the year, outstand-ing achievement in online gameplay, origi-nal music composition, and sound design.Ustwo’s “Monument Valley” received out-standing achievement in art direction,Blizzard’s “Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft”took home mobile game of the year andstrategy-simulation game of the year.

Nintendo’s “Super Smash Bros.” franchisereceive handheld game of the year andfighting game of the year, while the compa-ny’s “Mario Kart 8” received racing game ofthe year. Sony’s “LittleBigPlanet 3” won fami-ly game of the year, while Electronic Arts’“FIFA 15” won sports game of the year. AndSupergiant Games’ “Transistor” was the firstrecipient of the inaugural D.I.C.E. SpriteAward.

“On behalf of the Academy staff andBoard I’d like to thank everyone who con-tributed to make the 18th D.I.C.E. Awards asuccess-it wouldn’t be possible without ourpartners,” said Martin Rae, president,Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. “Aspecial thank you to the hundreds of artistswhose inspired drawing and doodles wereat the very core of our show - the outcomewas collaboration at its best. Please join us incongratulating all the D.I.C.E. nominees andwinners, who have made an indelible markon our industry while providing endlesshours of entertainment for gamers every-where.” Established in 1996, the awards rec-ognize outstanding games, individuals anddevelopment teams that push the bound-aries of technology, creativity and artisticexpression in the worldwide interactiveentertainment industry. Titles were playedand evaluated by members of theAcademy’s peer panels, with recipientsdetermined by a vote of qualified Academyand IGDA members. —Reuters

‘Dragon Age: Inquisition’ wins big at D.I.C.E. Awards

Over a January weekend in 2010, AmyPascal made one of the most auda-cious decisions of her long tenure as

Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chair, anine-year run that has come to a tumultuousend. When “Spider-Man” director Sam Raimivoiced his unhappiness with plans for afourth installment of the $2.5 billion fran-chise Pascal had shepherded, she abruptlychanged course, ordering up one of thefastest reboots in blockbuster history.

“I wasn’t troubled by it,” Pascal matter-of-factly said at the time. “The AmazingSpider-Man,” with Andrew Garfield andEmma Stone, would hit theaters less thanfive years after “Spider-Man 3.” The episodeepitomized Pascal’s boldness, a trait thatserved her well as the most powerfulfemale executive force in the industry, astudio head widely respected for champi-oning women filmmakers (like Nora Ephronand Nancy Meyers), producing ambitiousawards-winners (“The Social Network”),churning out sharp comedies (“21 JumpStreet”) and creating some major block-busters (“Skyfall”).

Hack the final blowBut that same daring also contributed to

her undoing. “The Interview,” the film thatprovoked the North Korean hacking attackthat precipitate Pascal’s departure, was thekind of adventurous, star-driven film sheloved to make, the kind other, less colorfulexecutives would have surely balked at. OnThursday, Sony announced that Pascal willstep down in May, transitioning to a newproduction venture at the studio with afour-year contract. Pascal’s contract wasdue for renewal in March, and her ousterwas possible, maybe even likely (the“Spider-man” turnaround, for one, hasunderperformed and franchise-making iseverything in studio-land). But the timingwas obvious enough.

Coming just a few months after themassive hack hit Sony, Pascal’s exit is thefinal blow in the messy fallout of the“Interview” scandal kicked off by hackerthreats and fueled by embarrassing emailleaks. It turned Pascal into a tabloid figure,tailed by TMZ cameras and pleading for for-giveness for racial remarks in emails inwhich she joked about President Obama’spresumed taste in movies. “In recentmonths, SPE faced some unprecedentedchallenges, and I am grateful for Amy’sresilience and grace during this period,” saidSony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton, who fornow becomes the temporary film produc-tion head.

Conjecture immediately began swirlingat who may succeed Pascal, a Sony execu-tive for nearly 20 years. The parent compa-ny in Japan, which has struggled in recentyears, may look to shake up its movie busi-ness, or it could promote from within. Thereare several strong candidates already on

Sony’s Culver City lot. Among them:Columbia Pictures president Doug Belgrad,TriStar Pictures head Tom Rothman (headof Fox until 2012), former DreamWorksexecutive Michael De Luca; and JeffRobinov, the former Warner Bros Chiefwhose production company Studio 8resides at Sony. No matter who gets thejob, a new studio head will have to: Set aplan for “Spider-man” (Sony most recentlypostponed a third installment to insteadready a “Sinister Six” spinoff for next year).

Years of struggle Decide on the fate of Angelina Jolie’s

costly “Cleopatra.”Sort out the studio’s rela-tionship with producer Scott Rudin (whofamously tussled with Pascal in leakedemails over his Steve Jobs film). SonyPictures will finance Pascal’s new produc-tion company for four years and retain alldistribution rights worldwide. “I have alwayswanted to be a producer,” said Pascal in astatement. “Michael (Lynton) and I havebeen talking about this transition for quitesome time and I am grateful to him for giv-ing me the opportunity to pursue my long-held dream.” Though the hacking scandalsurely contributed, some viewed Pascal’sdeparture as inevitable more because someof her biggest releases (“White HouseDown,” Will Smith’s “After Earth”) have strug-gled in recent years, and because timeinevitably catches up to all studio heads.

Under Pascal’s watch, Sony Pictures hasamassed over $46 billion in global theatri-cal box-office revenue and 315 AcademyAward nominations. But Pascal’s ways havesometimes seemed outdated, as Sonystruggled to build new franchises. Theunspectacular $202.8 million domesticgross for “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”caused considerable consternation. “AndThe Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” failed tospawn sequels. Poland noted that manylongtime standbys for Pascal (AdamSandler, Judd Apatow, and CameronCrowe) have either moved on or faded inpopularity. “Her base, the power that shehad in terms of filmmakers, kind of thinnedout,” he said. Still, Damian Thong, an ana-lyst at Macquarie Capital Securities inTokyo where Sony Corp is based, believesPascal’s future is bright.

“She’s a woman of many talents,” Thongsaid. “She has great relationships that arevaluable to Sony in the future.” “Shake-upsare tough but sometimes they’re neces-sary,” said Paul Dergarabedian of box officetracker Rentrak. “This might open the doorfor a really tremendous future for the com-pany.” The future of the corporatized moviestudios, though, appears to be increasinglyrisk-adverse management, overseeing thecareful global rollouts of franchises.Perhaps the only things that could havesaved Pascal were a few more superheroesbesides the web-slinger.” —AP

Pascal’s exit concludes the ‘Interview’ sagaChris Pratt was teased about his early acting

roles while being roasted Friday night atHarvard University, where he received the

Hasty Pudding Man of the Year award byAmerica’s oldest undergraduate drama troupe.Pratt walked to the stage while a band played aninstrumental version of “Everything Is Awesome,”the central song in “The Lego Movie,” in which hevoiced the character Emmet. He also starred in“Guardians of the Galaxy.” They were two of thefive highest-grossing films of last year. Producersof Hasty Pudding’s production teased Pratt aboutsome of his earlier TV roles before his current gigon NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” such as his por-trayal of Winchester “Che” Cook on “The O.C.” “OurMan of the Year played a minor character whohad a major role in getting the show canceled,”Friedman joked.

Rosenthal and Friedman also made fun ofPratt for his role in the film “Deep In The Valley,”saying audiences asked for refunds after watch-ing it. “Joke’s on you: It didn’t even open in the-aters,” Pratt quipped. During a brief performance,Pratt was asked to break planks of wood with hishands and head, a reference to his character AndyDwyer’s “Johnny Karate” gimmick on “Parks andRecreation.” He also responded to rumors that hemay be playing Indiana Jones in a future movie,saying he knows as much as anyone else aboutthe rumors, but that it would be an “awesomeopportunity” to play the iconic character.

At the end of the roast, Pratt was presentedwith the traditional golden Pudding Pot. Hecalled his day in Cambridge “truly remarkable”and thanked the crowd, then shared with the

audience that he owned a Harvard sweatshirt infifth grade. “I only could have owned that at thetime if it was for sale at Kmart for $5 or less,” hesaid. “So I would say you’ve come a long way,

Harvard.” Earlier in the day, Pratt visitedChristopher’s Haven, a Boston home for childrenfighting cancer. He showed up dressed as Star-Lord, his “Guardians of the Galaxy” character, tomake good on a Super Bowl bet. Pratt, a Seattle

Seahawks fan, lost the bet with fellow Marvelsuperhero Chris Evans, a New England Patriots fanwho plays Captain America. At a news confer-ence after the Harvard ceremony, Pratt said he

enjoyed his time cheering on his favorite team,even though Seattle lost to New England in dra-matic fashion. “I’m a big fan of Russell Wilson,”said Pratt, referring to the Seahawks’ quarterback.“He’s a great leader.” —AP

Chris Pratt roasted at Harvard

Actor Chris Pratt gets ready to break a board with his head during a roast at HarvardUniversity. —AP

Rosie O’Donnell is leaving ABC’s “The View’ fora second time, sources confirm. She will exitthe daytime talkshow next week to concen-

trate on her family, following a split from wifeMichelle Rounds, according to her publicist. “I canconfirm that Rosie and her wife Michelle split inNovember. Rosie has teens and an infant at homethat need her attention,” O’Donnell’s rep, CindiBerger, said in a statement. “This has been a verystressful situation. She is putting her personalhealth and family first. ABC has been wonderfullyunderstanding and supportive of her personal deci-sion to leave ‘The View.’ Next week will be her last.”

“The View” has been in a state of turmoil sincelast May when founding anchor Barbara Walterssigned off of the roundtable 11 a.m. talker andJenny McCarthy and Sherri Shepherd also left thepanel. O’Donnell was recruited back to the show,which she co-hosted in the 2006-07 with much tur-moil behind the scenes, along with newcomersRosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace. Whoopi Goldberg,the show’s moderator and only returning memberof the panel this season, is said to have butted headswith O’Donnell behind the scenes, as well as on-air.

Sources close to the situation said O’Donnellhad been struggling with the stress related to herdivorce as well as the pressure on “The View” set.The show’s lineup opened strongly in the ratings inSeptember but viewership quickly tailed off. There

has been much discussion at ABC about makingfurther changes or additions among the hosts.Sources close to the situation suggested thatO’Donnell decided to jump, citing her personal rea-sons, before she had to face the prospect of get-ting pushed.

Backstage tension O’Donnell was caught off-guard, sources say,

when she learned last month that Perez was aboutto be eased out of the show. The plan for Perez toleave “The View” after taking a leave of absence forrehearsals for Larry David’s upcoming Broadwayplay “Fish in the Dark,” was tabled last month afterVariety exclusively reported on her departure. “Nomatter what you read anywhere, Rosie Perez iscoming back,” O’Donnell said on the program thenext day. But the tension quickly mounted back-stage, according to insiders.

Senior ABC executives strongly denied thePerez exit strategy ever existed. With O’Donnell’sdeparture, ABC gets the chance to experimentagain with the mix of personalities around thetable. In a statement, ABC sought to put a positivespin on the latest sign of strain at “The View.” “Rosieis an immensely talented star who comes in eachand every morning brimming with ideas, excite-ment and passion for the show,” ABC said in a state-ment. —Reuters

Priyanka Chopra poses on arrival for the 2015MusiCares Person of the Year annual benefit galadinner and concert in Los Angeles, California onFebruary 5, 2015, which honored on the event’s25th anniversary Bob Dylan. —AFP

Rosie O’Donnell will exit ‘The View’ again

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

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The civil rights drama “Selma” won top honors at theNAACP Image Awards in a ceremony that tooksharp notice of snubs of African-American artists

and their work by the Oscars. “This is more than a movie,”Oprah Winfrey, who was a “Selma” producer andappeared in it, said Friday in accepting the trophy foroutstanding motion picture. “It’s important that we allknow who we are so we know where we’re going, andclaiming the glory.”

“Selma,” which dramatizes events surrounding the1965 Alabama voting rights marches led by the Rev. DrMartin Luther King, Jr, also captured best actor honorsfor David Oyelowo, who played King. “I want to take thisopportunity to say I thank the Lord I was able to playone of the most transcendent human beings who everwalked the planet,” Oyelowo said. Awards host AnthonyAnderson, the “black-ish” star whose freshman ABC sit-com was a big TV winner Friday, opened the night with ajab at the Academy Awards, which this year has an all-white slate of acting nominees.

‘Forget the Oscars’The critically acclaimed “Selma,” although a best-pic-

ture and best-song nominee at the Feb 22 Oscars, failedto garner bids for Oyelowo or director Ava DuVernay. InJanuary, it received a Golden Globe award for best song.

“People are up in arms because they feel the otheraward shows have snubbed us. So what? We’ve got ourown show, right?” Anderson said. He then launched intoa number that included the lyrics: “Writing, directing, norespect from this city,” and a refrain, “Forget the Oscars,hallelujah,” the Emmys and Golden Globes.

Taraji P Henson was a double winner: she was namedbest actress in a movie for “No Good Deed” and enter-tainer of the year. Henson, star of the new Fox midsea-son hit “Empire, is enjoying an especially good 2015. Onthe TV side, Anderson won the award for best comedyseries actor for “black-ish,” which was honored as bestcomedy series and captured a best actress trophy forTracee Ellis Ross. “To be able to do show about raisingour black families every day is a blessing,” said “black-ish”creator and producer Kenya Barris.

“How to Get Away with Murder” was named best dra-ma series, with star Viola Davis named best actress in adrama. “Criminal Minds” star Shemar Moore was namedbest actor in a drama series. Spike Lee received theNAACP President’s Award, which recognizes those whohave combined career success and public service. In hisspeech, the filmmaker addressed the obstacles facingblacks. “This stuff is rigged. It’s not set up for us to win.It’s always been like that. Since we were stolen frommother Africa, we always find to make a way,” he said,

lifting his trophy. US Attorney General Eric Holder, thefirst African-American to hold that office, accepted theNAACP Chairman’s Award honoring distinguished publicservice. He said he was honored to carry on the JusticeDepartment’s legacy that included ensuring “the mostsacred of American rights, the right to vote.” Holder, whois leaving the job after six years, called on the nation to“reject the forces of hate and division.”

Veteran music industry executive Clive Davis, whonurtured the careers of artists including WhitneyHouston, Aretha Franklin and Alicia Keys, received theVanguard Award, which recognizes work that increasesunderstanding of racial and social issues. He realized ear-ly in his career that African-Americans were being“pigeon-holed” as R&B artists and losing out on financialand career opportunities because of that, Davis said. Hesaid he was proud to be honored for his efforts to helpblack artists reach their full potential. The 46th NAACPImage Awards, given by the National Association for theAdvancement of Colored People civil rights group, airedon TV One. — AP

(From left) Tessa Thompson, Ava DuVernay, and Common pose in the press room with the awardfor outstanding motion picture for ‘Selma’, at the 46th NAACP Image Awards.

The cast of ‘Black-ish’ pose in the press room with their award for outstanding comedy series. — AP Photos

Taraji P Henson, winner of the award for outstandingactress in a motion picture for ‘No Good Deed’, poses inthe press room.

‘Selma,’ ‘Black-ish,’ among big NAACP Image Award winners

Alongtime friend who visited “To Kill aMockingbird” author Harper Lee the daybefore the world learned she would

release a sequel says she was feisty but didn’tmention her new book. Historian Wayne Flynt,a friend of the famous author, said he believesLee was capable of giving permission for thepreviously unpublished manuscript to bereleased.

“This narrative of senility, exploitation of thishelpless little old lady is just hogwash. It’s justcomplete bunk,” historian Wayne Flynt said inan interview with The Associated Press. Flyntvisited with Lee on Monday at the assisted-liv-ing facility where she lives in her hometown ofMonroeville, Alabama. That was a day before adivision of HarperCollins Publishers announcedthe publication of “Go Set a Watchman.” Thepublisher said Tonja Carter, an attorney whopracticed with Lee’s sister, found the manu-script, which will be released in July as a sequelto the beloved novel.

She did not mention the “Mockingbird”sequel that was about to make internationalnews during the visit. Flynt said he believes Leemight have planned to tell him about her newnovel, but didn’t get the chance because hemonopolized the first part of the conversationby showing her that “To Kill A Mockingbird” wasstill on the best-seller list more than 50 yearsafter its first publication. She was “deeplytouched” and surprised by that fact, he said.They then talked about their families. Flynt saidLee is capable of giving consent, although he

acknowledges he doesn’t know what the con-sent looked like. Lee is hard of hearing and usesa magnifying machine to enlarge print so shecan read.—AP

There was hardly a louder outcry on Oscar nominationmorning than when “The Lego Movie,” arguably themost popular animated film of 2014 with $258 million in

box office receipts, did not receive an Academy Award nomi-nation for animated feature. The various reasons why havebeen debated ad infinitum, but when looking at the films thatmade the cut, it’s clear that the competition was fierce.

The five nominees are all high-quality films worthy of con-sideration. They run the gamut from big-budget studio filmsto hand-crafted independent fare. They all tell heartfelt, com-pelling stories with stunning visuals of varying styles, andtouch on similar themes. Take a look at some of the ground-breaking animation films that are running for the prestigiousAnimation Oscar:

‘Big Hero 6’(Disney)Disney Animation’s first foray into Marvel’s treasure vault

has all the earmarks of an action-packed heroic origins story: atroubled boy genius (conveniently named Hiro) strugglingwith a tragic loss, his intelligent and industrious friends, afiendish and equally troubled villain, and a city in peril. Oh,and a hugable health-care robot that looks a little like the StayPuft Marshmallow Man without the sailor’s hat. That robot,deceptively simple in design, is the complex beating heartand soul of the film. The story, which touches on grief, friend-ship and family, is supported by gorgeous production designthat blends the best parts of San Francisco and Tokyo into SanFransokyo.

‘The Boxtrolls’ (Focus Features)Laika keeps pushing the envelope with stop-motion ani-

mation, and that’s evident in “The Boxtrolls.” Every puppet,prop and backdrop is built and manipulated by hand, and yet,everything moves so fluidly, it’s hard to believe its stop-motion. The story of a boy adopted by a strange race of trollsthat live within individual boxes is unique and touches on

themes of nontraditional families, discrimination and accept-ance. And Ben Kingsley’s turn as the villain Snatcher is a tourde force that’s worth the price of admission alone. But it’s theartistry that really drives this film. “The Boxtrolls” builds oneverything Laika has done before in “Coraline” and“ParaNorman,” which also picked up Oscar nominations. Socould third time be the charm for the Portland, Ore.-basedindependent animation studio?

‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ (DreamWorks Animation)DreamWorks Animation’s sequel to its popular “How to

Train Your Dragon” didn’t reach the domestic grosses of thefirst movie, but it did succeed in taking hero Hiccup and hisfriends into young adulthood, touching on serious themessuch as anger and loss, and adding a twist that showed howHiccup came to have his great affinity for dragons. The risk ofmaturing those beloved characters paid off. The visuals arestunning, and when Hiccup and Toothless fly together, it stillfeels as if you’re flying yourself.

‘The Song of the Sea’ (GKids)One of two hand-drawn films that received nominations,

Tomm Moore’s follow-up to “The Secret of Kells” is based on anIrish folk tale. The Cartoon Saloon production tells the story ofa boy and his strange little sister who cannot speak and who ismore than she seems. While the themes are dark-the boyresents his sister because he blames her for their mother’sdeath, and their father still mourns the loss of his wife bydrinking at the local tavern-the toon is colorful and whimsicalin its look. It has a pleasing cartoony style that’s easily digest-ed by kids and adults alike. The design is reminiscent of MaryBlair’s “It’s a Small World” concept drawings.—Reuters

John Irwin, the mastermind behind reality hits “CelebrityRehab” and “Couples Therapy,” is venturing into the sportsarena with a familiar topic-therapy. “Coaching Bad,” pre-

miering Feb 8 on Spike TV, centers on the widespread and ever-growing epidemic of athletic coaches with anger-managementissues.

“What made this interesting to us is that one out of fourpeople struggle with anger management in this country andleading the charge in that category are athletic coaches,” saidIrwin who serves as an exec producer on the original series.“Flying under the radar are literally tens of thousands of coach-es out there who, if they’re not screaming at the kids, they’re lit-erally beating them up or beating up their parents. It really feltlike this was something that needed to be cracked open.”

In each episode, NFL legend Ray Lewis teams up with angermanagement specialist Dr Christian Conte to help fix ninecoaches whose methods are detrimental, impacting youth ath-letics around the country. “The deeper we got into this, themore we realized how out of control this epidemic is and how

severe the stuff is that’s actually going out there, with respectto coaches mistreating kids,” Irwin explained, adding that theseries will be an “eye-opener” to anyone who works with chil-dren, and especially parents. “In a lot of situations, parents arealmost as much to blame because they don’t want to see it. Alot of these parents want to see their kid excel in sports, so a lotof it gets swept under the rug. Hopefully, it’ll pull back the veilon a big problem that we have right now.”

Irwin, who heads Irwin Entertainment, says “Coaching Bad”is much more than a sports show-it hits a chord in all of us, justlike his other reality hits on VH1. “It’s not too dissimilar from‘Celebrity Rehab’ from the standpoint of the program so tospeak, even though it’s completely different because we’retreating a totally different situation. The reality is therapy istherapy...at the end of the day, most of us, if not all of us, strug-gle with a lot of the same core issues.” — Reuters

Harper Lee was fine the day before sequel announced

‘Celeb Rehab’ creator tackles sports in new ‘Coaching Bad’

Strong storytelling key for Oscar animation nominees

Picture shows NelleHarper Lee, author

of “To Kill AMockingbird,” in herassisted living room

in Montoeville,Alabama.— AP

A screen grab from the Oscar nominated animated film ‘The Song of the Sea’.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

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Bradley Cooper could make it third time lucky at theOscars this month, after being nominated a rare threeconsecutive times for Hollywood’s highest awards. The

40-year-old is shortlisted for best actor for his role in the con-troversial blockbuster “American Sniper” as former Navy SEALChris Kyle, one of America’s most famous warriors in the sec-ond Iraq war.

It follows his nod in the same category for “Silver LiningsPlaybook” in 2013, and one for best supporting actor for“American Hustle” last year-a three-time feat last achievedmore than a decade ago by Renee Zellweger (2001-2003). Formany critics, the best actor race this year is between Britain’sEddie Redmayne (“the Theory of Everything”) and veteranBatman star Michael Keaton (“Birdman.”) But Cooper is hopingto sneak up on the two frontrunners to pick off the prize at theFebruary 22 Academy Awards. “I think this is Bradley Cooper’sbest performance and it’s his third consecutive nomination,”Tim Gray, awards editor at industry journal Variety, said.

“I still think Keaton and Redmayne are the frontrunners,but it’s been a crazy year, so anything is possible.” And headded: “With five nominees, you don’t need a majority to win-you just need enough voters who are passionate about the

work, and ‘American Sniper’ seems to be inspiring a lot of pas-sion.” Born in Philadelphia and the son of a stockbroker,Cooper graduated from Washington’s Georgetown Universityin English in 1997, before heading to New York to enroll at theActors Studio Drama School at New School University.

Small screen start He focused on stage work, with his final thesis perform-

ance in Bernard Pomerance’s “The Elephant Man,” whilelaunching his television career opposite Sarah Jessica Parkeron “Sex and the City.” He missed his own graduation ceremonybecause of his first big-screen role, “Wet Hot AmericanSummer” in 2001, followed by “Bending All the Rules” the fol-lowing year.

After moving to Los Angeles to pursue his Tinseltowndreams, he starred mostly on the small screen, before hittingthe big time with 2009’s “The Hangover,” about four guysbachelor partying a little too much in Vegas. Cooper, who wasbriefly married in 2006-2007 and has dated “Bridget Jones”actress Zellweger, repeated the trick with “The Hangover PartII” in 2011, the same year he was named “Sexiest Man Alive” byPeople magazine. “Silver Linings Playbook” was a clear

attempt to add some acting heft to his celebrity status, withCooper playing a character battling bipolar disorder in theromantic comedy. In “American Hustle,” in which he co-starredwith Jennifer Lawrence and Christian Bale, he played a FederalBureau of Investigation agent in a story based on a 1970s FBIsting operation known as ABSCAM.

Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper” has broken box officerecords since opening across the United States last month.But the film reignited a bitter debate about the US invasion ofIraq, with conservatives hailing it as a long overdue tribute toveterans, while critics slammed the movie as an attempt towhitewash the US occupation. Cooper was modest whenasked about his Oscars chances at the traditional OscarNominees’ Luncheon on February 2. “I’m just so fortunate theAcademy has noticed it three times, it’s insane... You neverthink about whether you will wind up here but you hopepeople will watch it and it will somehow have an impact,” hesaid. — AFP

Third time the charm for ‘Sniper’ star Cooper?

It’s not unknown that individual style is ruled by pow-erful star signs so this 2015, the Splash Calendarblends the world of the celestial and fashion. Titled

‘In Love with Fashion’ Volume II, the Calendar wasunveiled by Mr Micky Jagtiani, Chairman, LandmarkGroup, Mr Raza Beig, CEO, Splash and ICONIC alongwith the gorgeous Splash Brand Ambassador andBollywood actress Esha Gupta at the Viewing Deck,Palace Downtown. Shot creatively through the fashionlens of Tejal Patni the Calendar explores the dominantcharacteristics associated with each zodiac sign andconnects that with the style sensibilities of Furne One @Amato. As we flip through the 12 pages, the Calendartastefully blends styles and silhouettes, timeless fabricsand design aesthetics with a fashion editorial eye tovisually express the signs.

While each month is an individual story broughtalive by dramatic sets and lavish props, the Calendar isbound by an invisible thread of the brand’s philosophyof ‘In Love with Fashion’ and each image evokes a broadrange of expressions. Bound to delve into the nuancesof the most popular trends these vivid images promisesto capture your attention the moment you set your eyeson it. The trends have been highlighted and brought inthe forefront by marrying two diverse worlds through astory that defines their relationship. A Cancer signknown to be simple, loving and protective is dressed inthe Mod trend with scissor hands to signify the domi-nant characteristics while Leo is motivated, ambitiousand majestic and suitably dressed in pure opulence tobring reflect Safari Glam. Virgo is aptly portrayed in theFloral trend as it brings out characteristics like faithful,sensual and loving and the color white symbolizes puri-ty and so on and so forth. Each trend lends itself wellwith the signs and identifies and enhances the traitsassociated with it.

Combinations of art, vision and fashion

“Sometimes the simplest and straight forward ideasare truly the best direction which is seen in this calen-dar. Our calendar tastefully blends styles and silhou-ettes, timeless fabrics and design aesthetics to visuallyexpress these 12 signs. As you flip through the months,each image will tickle the creative urge that this fasci-nating combination of art, vision and fashion has tooffer,” said Raza Beig, CEO, Splash & ICONIC. Speaking onhis association with the Calendar, Furne OnÈ said “It isalways a pleasure and honor to collaborate with Splashand work on this calendar along with talented photog-rapher Tejal Patni the one and only Raza Beig. A brandthat supports an artist’s vision is a dream and after somany hours of planning, conceptualizing, creating thelooks and being part of the shoot itself, I am very proudand every second spent has been worth it.”

“I have had the privilege of being a part of this proj-ect since its inception and the experience just gets bet-ter. It’s now a family with Raza and Furne and the team

at Splash which makes the calendar all the more special.In this 5th edition, I explore Zodiac signs and infusethem with a high fashion twist. Each photograph in thecalendar represents a star sign and narrates its traitsusing visually compelling stories, styling and set design.The result, like always, is a vibrant and eclectic calendarthat delights the eye, heart and imagination,” said Tejal.A numbered 500 piece limited edition calendar; it willbe gifted to the region’s movers and shakers whichinclude media, opinion makers, partners and VIPs. Alsowith a vision to make the calendar a part of everconsumer’s living space, the calendar will be avail-able in a desktop version, across all Splash Stores inCentrepoint .

Splash in Love with Fashion - Volume II5th edition of the Splash Calendar unveiled by Esha Gupta

38‘Selma,’ ‘black-ish,’among big NAACP

Image Award winners

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015

Rome’s homeless are about to get some TLC. TheVatican said Friday it had finished renovations onpublic restrooms just off St. Peter’s Square that

will include three showers and a free barber shop forthe city’s neediest. Each “homeless pilgrim,” as theVatican called the clients, will receive a kit including atowel, change of underwear, soap, deodorant, tooth-paste, razor and shaving cream. The showers will beopen every day but Wednesday, when the piazza is fullfor the pope’s general audience. Haircuts will be avail-able Mondays.

Barbers volunteering on their days off - Rome’s bar-ber shops are closed Mondays - as well as students froma local beauty school will be donating their time, as wellas some sisters from religious orders and other volun-teers. The bathrooms were made with high-tech, easy-to-clean materials to ensure proper hygiene, the Vaticansaid in a statement. The walls are grey, with white wash-basins and a high-tech looking barber chair. Francis’chief alms-giver, Monsignor Konrad Krajewski, has said

the project is needed since homeless people are oftenshunned for their appearance and smell. The initiative isbeing funded by donations and sales of papal parch-ments sold by Krajewski’s office.

Francis has stepped up the role of the Vatican“elmosiniere” as part of his insistence that the churchlooks out for the poorest. In addition to small acts ofcharity, Krajewski’s office handed out 400 sleeping bagsto the homeless over Christmas, distributed 1,600phone cards to new migrants on the island ofLampedusa, and this past week gave away some 300umbrellas that had been left behind at the VaticanMuseums to help the homeless cope with days of heavyrain in the capital. — AP

Police have opened a criminal investiga-tion of the boyfriend of Bobbi KristinaBrown, US media reported, one week

after the 21-year old daughter of late singinglegend Whitney Houston was pulled uncon-scious from a bathtub. CNN and TMZ report-ed Saturday that a criminal investigation hasbeen launched against Nick Gordon, whoreportedly said that he found Brown non-responsive in the bathtub of their home nearAtlanta, Georgia.

The incident appeared to have eerieechoes of Houston’s fatal accidental drown-ing nearly three years ago in a Los Angelestub. But news reports said yesterday thatBrown, who is in the hospital in a medicallyinduced coma, sustained unexplained injuriesprior to the incident. The reports, which pro-vided no details as to the nature of theinjuries the young woman is said to have, sayauthorities reportedly are also suspiciousbecause she was found face down in thebathtub.

TMZ wrote that it was told by multiplesources that there is a history of violencebetween Brown and boyfriend Gordon andthat police are looking into a possible alterca-tion more than an hour before Brown wasfound. Reports call Gordon Brown’s boyfriend,saying there are no official documents show-ing they were ever legally married, althoughthe couple presented themselves in public ashusband and wife. Singing star WhitneyHouston died in February 2012 when she wasfound in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotelin Los Angeles on the eve of the music indus-try’s annual Grammy Awards show. Coronersconcluded that the singer died by accidentaldrowning, with cocaine use and heart diseaseas contributing factors. — AFP

Boyfriend under investigation in Kristina Brown drowning

Bobbi KristinaBrown (right) andNick Gordon arriveat Tri-Star Pictures’“Sparkle” premiere atGrauman’s ChineseTheatre in thisAugust 16, 2012,file photo. — AFP

A view of the public restrooms built for the homeless near St Peter’s Square at the Vatican. — AP

Vatican to open showers, barber shop for homeless

Artists from Brazilian troupe “Na Esquina” perform in Marseille on Friday, as part of the “Biennale international des arts du cirque” (“International Biennial of Circus Arts”). The Biennial takes place in 45 places in and around Marseilleuntil February 22. — AFP