KT 7-2-2013_Layout 1 - Kuwait Times

SUBSCRIPTION
Thousands
join Bahrain
protest rally
before talks
8
40 PAGES NO: 15712 150 FILS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013 RABI ALAWAL 26, 1434 AH www.kuwaittimes.net
Kuwait make
Thailand suffer
at home with
3-1 victory
18
Barrak drops bombshell:
Court ruling has no date
Oppn forming broader alliance • MPs to probe two mega projects
US operating
drone base in
Saudi Arabia
WASHINGTON: The CIA conducts lethal drone
strikes against Al-Qaeda militants inside Yemen
from a remote base in Saudi Arabia, including the
strike that killed the US-born Al-Qaeda operative
Anwar Al-Awlaki. The location of the base was first
disclosed by The New York Times online Tuesday
night. The AP first reported the construction of the
base in June 2011 but withheld the exact location
at the request of senior
administration officials. Any
operation by US military or
intelligence officials inside
Saudi Arabia is politically
and religiously sensitive. Al-
Qaeda and other militant
groups have used the Gulf
kingdom’s close working
relationship with US coun-
Anwar Al-Awlaki
terterrorism officials to stir
internal dissent against the
Saudi regime.
The base was established two years ago as part
of US efforts to intensify the pursuit of Al-Qaeda in
the Arabian Peninsula, a grouping of the Yemeni
and Saudi offshoots of the global terror network,
the Washington Post reported yesterday. The disclosure
of Saudi Arabia’s role in the drone program
Continued on Page 13
US seeking
Abu Ghaith
extradition
ANKARA: The United States has asked Turkey to extradite
Osama bin Laden’s son-in-law Sulaiman Abu Ghaith after
his detention in Ankara last week, a Turkish newspaper
reported yesterday. Abu Gaith, the former spokesman of
the Al-Qaeda terror network, was seized last week at a luxury
hotel in Ankara after a tip-off from CIA, and is being
held there by police, the Hurriyet newspaper said. Ankara
police declined to comment on the report while a
spokesman for the US embassy in Ankara said it would not
comment on terror-related cases. “All I can tell you is that
we cooperate with the Turkish authorities on various fields,”
spokesman TJ Grubisha told AFP.
The United States wants Abu Ghaith extradited over his
alleged connection to the Sept 11, 2001 attacks on New
York and Washington and Ankara is considering the
request, Hurriyet added. Abu Ghaith’s detention after he
allegedly entered the country illegally from Iran came in
the same week that the US embassy in Ankara was targeted
in a suicide bombing claimed by a radical anti-US leftwing
group. Ankara considers Ghaith a “stateless” person as
he was stripped of his Kuwaiti nationality after appearing in
videos defending the 9/11 attacks and threatening further
violence. He appeared in a propaganda video in the aftermath
of 9/11, standing beside bin Laden, who was killed in
May 2011 in Pakistan in a covert US operation. — AFP
KUWAIT: Former MP and opposition member Falah Al-Sawwagh holds up a copy of a ‘dateless’ court ruling
ordering to arrest him along with two other former MPs during a protest gathering at opposition leader
Musallam Al-Barrak’s diwaniya in Andalus late yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat
By B Izzak
Max 22º
Min 10º
High Tide
10:23 & 20:25
Low Tide
03:33 & 14:44
KUWAIT: Former MP and leader of the opposition
Musallam Al-Barrak said yesterday that a verdict jailing
three former opposition lawmakers was issued without
a date, which means it is “null and void” and must not
be implemented. Speaking to thousands of opposition
supporters at his diwaniya in Al-Andalus following a
meeting of the opposition, Barrak insisted that the jail
sentence cannot be implemented now because the ruling
is illegal as it does not carry a date. He called on the
public prosecution to start legal procedures over the
case.
Before he spoke, a large number of youth movements,
trade unions, political groups and former opposition
MPs held a meeting at his house to discuss forming
a broad alliance of the opposition to coordinate its
actions in the coming weeks. Barrak called on representatives
of such organizations to meet at his diwaniya
today to officially announce the formation of the
“Kuwaiti Opposition Alliance” and to announce future
protests against the government.
The new opposition moves came after the criminal
court on Tuesday sentenced former MPs Falah Al-
Sawwagh, Khaled Al-Tahous and Bader Al-Dahoum to
three years in jail each for allegedly insulting HH the
Amir and undermining his status and authorities. They
were charged after they made remarks at a public rally
held on Oct 10 in which the former MPs warned against
amending the electoral constituency law.
Barrak himself is on trial on similar charges and he
expected that the sentence against him will be harsher.
The lawmaker called on supporters to stage a procession
between Firdous and Sabah Al-Nasser for the second
straight night in solidarity with the three former
MPs. He said that the procession will be peaceful but
Continued on Page 3
Morsi urges Syria unity at OIC summit
CAIRO: Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi (center) poses for a group photograph with leaders of nations taking part in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s
two-day summit yesterday, including HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah (to Morsi’s right). — AP
Tunisia oppn chief shot dead
TUNIS: A Tunisian protester jumps amid smoke after police fired tear gas during
a protest outside the interior ministry after Tunisian opposition leader
Chokri Belaid was shot dead yesterday. — AFP
TUNIS: Prominent Tunisian opposition leader Chokri
Belaid was gunned down outside his home in Tunis
yesterday, sparking angry protests by his supporters
and attacks on offices of the ruling Islamist Ennahda
party. Furious protesters built barricades in central
Tunis and clashed with police who fired tear gas to
disperse them, and four
opposition groups including
Belaid’s Popular Front bloc
said they were pulling out of
the national assembly. A
policeman was killed in the
clashes. President Moncef
Marzouki denounced the
killing of Belaid, an outspoken
critic of his government,
as an “odious assassination”,
while Ennahda chief Rached
Chokri Belaid
Ghannouchi told AFP the killers wanted a “bloodbath”.
Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali said late
yesterday he would form a government of technocrats
without political affiliations, after the murder
of Belaid sparked violent protests. “I have decided to
form a government of competent nationals without
political affiliation, which will have a mandate limited
to managing the
Continued on Page 13
CAIRO: Egyptian President Mohamed
Morsi yesterday urged Syrian opposition
groups to unify, as he addressed leaders
of Islamic states at a summit that also
focused on the battle against militants in
Mali. “The Syrian regime must draw lessons
from history: it is the people who
remain. Those who put their personal
interests above the interests of their people
will end up leaving,” Morsi told heads
of state and representatives of the
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in
Cairo. Among them was Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad, in the first visit to Egypt by
an Iranian president since Iran’s 1979
Islamic revolution. Iran is the chief
regional backer of Syrian President
Bashar Al-Assad, while Egypt and Gulf
powerhouse Saudi Arabia bitterly
oppose Assad and support rebels seeking
his ouster.
Morsi called on opposition parties not
allied to Syria’s National Coalition, which
is recognised by the international community,
“to coordinate with this coalition
and support their efforts for a unified
approach... for democracy”. The meeting
gathers leaders of 26 of the OIC’s 57
states, with Morsi, Egypt’s first Islamist
president, assuming the organisation’s
rotating presidency.
Though Syria is not represented at
the conference, much of the debate was
expected to focus on the conflict which
the United Nations says has killed more
than 60,000 people in less than two
years. According to a draft resolution
obtained by AFP, the gathering will call
for “serious dialogue” between the
Syrian opposition and government officials
“not directly involved in oppression”.
The call for dialogue, drafted by
foreign ministers after two days of
preparatory meetings, will pile pressure
on Assad to respond to a surprise offer
of talks by Ahmed Moaz Al-Khatib,
leader of the National Coalition.
The document stresses the need to
maintain “Syria’s territorial integrity and
sovereignty,” while underlining that “the
main responsibility for the continued
violence falls on the Syrian government.”
The Syrian regime is committing “odious
crimes... over which we cannot be silent,”
said Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin
Abdul Aziz. He urged the summit to support
“a transfer of power” in Syria,
adding that “the support by certain
(states) of the Syrian regime is not helping
resolve the situation,” in apparent
reference to Iran.
Continued on Page 13

By Nawara Fattahova
KUWAIT: Disabled children, adult patients, or
people who are generally depressed can
improve their physical and mental condition by
riding horses and taking care of them. Equine
Assisted Coaching and Healing ( EACH), a nonprofit
center providing horseback riding for
people with special needs and disabilities, actually
makes possible for people to experience
this treatment through the courses it runs.
Riding therapy has been around since the
1950s, and has grown rapidly. “Many programs
have been developed over the years to help
children of all ages in dealing with different
problems. From behavioral issues to medical
problems, riding therapy has had an inspiring
and powerful effect on these children, giving
them opportunities for living quality and
enriched lives that they may have never had,”
Dr. Raghad A. Al-Motabbagani, Founder of
EACH and a trainer, told the Kuwait Times.
Dr. Raghad A. Al-Motabbagani, started this
venture about eight year ago. She founded the
Warfield Riding Center for the Disabled in the
United Kingdom, and then opened the
Therapeutic Riding Stables in Jordan. Currently,
she is providing her services at the EACH in
Kuwait, starting last month at the Mesial Club in
Sabhan. Currently she has 11 students, mostly
children, including the disabled.
“The Therapeutic Horseback Riding course
teaches the children and adults self-esteem and
self-confidence. It is available for children and
adults from 5 to 50 years old from both genders.
Before starting the course, the student has
to provide a medical certificate about being
able to ride a horse as in certain cases they cannot
qualify to join the course, such as in cases
with a broken hip, a fractured neck etc.,”
stressed Dr. Raghad.
Therapeutic Horseback Riding is a form of
physical therapy for children or adults who
have unfortunately experienced any disability,
whether physical, emotional, cognitive or
social. “The horses provide a pleasurable and
uplifting therapy for physical and emotional
growth besides cognitive improvement. Many a
times, adults and children develop a connection
with the horse, and this horse can then literally
change a person’s entire perspective on
life,” she explained.
“It is also a profound therapy for children
and helps those suffering from emotional problems
feel important and loved. And, for children
with medical problems, the strong bond
between a horse and a person will keep them
motivated and in high spirits, which will help in
avoiding depression that is very common in
anyone with disabilities of any kind,” stated Dr.
Raghad. There are many children and adults
who can benefit from the serene therapy of a
horse. “It is amazing the effects a horse can
have on someone with disabilities. The following
are just some of the disabilities that this
type of therapy can assist.
Amputation - Anxiety attacks and Phobias-
Autism- Brain Injury - Cardiovascular disabilities,
Cerebral Palsy - Chemical and Alcohol
Abuse -Developmental Delay -Down’s
Syndrome , Emotional disabilities -Extended
Grief- Learning Disabilities- Multiple Sclerosis -
Muscular, Dystrophy -Parkinson’s Disease -Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder - Seizure Disorders -
Speech, Impairments - Spinal Cord Injury -
Stroke patients -Visual and Hearing
Impairment, and many others,” she pointed
out.
She also explained the way a horse can benefit
persons with disabilities. “A horse is gentle
and repetitive in movement. It moves the rider’s
body in a way similar to a human. A person
with physical disabilities can attain better flexibility,
stronger muscles and balance. People
with emotional problems, such as emotional,
cognitive, behavioral or social, can benefit and
attain improved stability, attitude and mobility.
It can simply help them through these emo-
tional areas in their lives,” noted Dr. Raghad.
“The horse and its rider tend to develop a
strong connection. A person who cannot walk
tends to rely on his horse for transport. Plus, a
bond with the horse will likely increase confidence,
self-esteem and patience,” she added.
Dr. Raghad hoped that the government here
pays more attention to this kind of therapy. “As
this type of therapy can be expensive for some
LOCAL
people, there are some charitable organizations
in the USA and Europe that are realizing the
benefits of this therapy and are donating what
they can to help these children. But, we still
have a long way to go. The connection that a
person has with a horse is so deep that water
therapy, traditional therapy or a psychologist
are no comparison,” she further said.
Therapeutic Horseback Riding has literally
changed the quality of life for thousands of children
and adults with physical and/or emotional
disabilities. It is amazing how these gentle creatures
can have such an impact on a person’s
entire being. The connection that a rider has
with his horse can literally change his entire
outlook on life.
According to Dr. Raghad, Therapeutic
Horseback Riding is important for children with
disabilities. “It has been proven that the bond
between a horse and its rider is unique and will
be the motivation these children need to continue
with their therapy. This connection with
the horse can help the body heal, and buck up
the child’s spirit, helping to heal the mind. The
benefits of this therapy are powerful in changing
the quality of life for a child with disabilities,”
she explained.
This course has physical benefits. “This therapy
helps to develop coordination and strengthen
muscle tone. It will also help to relax the
spastic muscles. Posture and sitting and standing
balance will be improved. The child’s gross
and fine motor skills will be enhanced. A child’s
functional range will actually increase. The cardiovascular
function will improve, along with
stamina,” she noted.
The cognitive benefits are “tapping into the
thinking skill and push the child to concentrate
and pay attention to the trainer, which will
increase their vocabulary. Therapeutic
Horseback Riding will improve flexibility in
thinking skills, sequencing and planning skills,
and judgment and critical thinking skills,” she
said.
Furthermore, it has psycho-social benefits.
“Therapeutic Horseback Riding can save a
child’s life. Children with disabilities tend to
become depressed and some will shy away
from the rest of the world. A horse can become
a child’s best friend and loyal companion. A
horse never judges and actually needs the
child’s love. This helps children feel needed and
loved,” she pointed out.
“The goal of EACH centre is to do a unique
form of Life Coaching, Teaching Methods, Color
Therapy and Physical Therapy on horseback for
people with special needs. I provide monthly
courses including two lessons a week, each
being 40 minutes long. Also, I only do one-toone
lessons, as each student has special needs
and has to receive full attention,” concluded Dr.
Raghad. People can contact on e-mail:
eachkuwait@gmail.com
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Higher Education
plans to increase the number of scholarships
next year in a bid to ease the pressure
on the Kuwait University following
announcement of high school results, a
local newspaper reported yesterday quoting
sources with knowledge of the issue.
The ministry has been dealing each summer
with the challenge to provide college
education to thousands of Kuwaiti high
school graduates who are entitled under
the constitution to state-backed free higher
education.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Riding therapy helps disabled children
Expert provides services at the EACH
A child during the course with Dr Raghad.
KUWAIT: One of the children riding the horse during the therapeutic horseback riding
course.
Scholarship seats up to 4,500
Last year, the number of students sent
abroad with paid scholarships had to be
increased up to 3300, given the limited
capacity available in the overcrowded
Kuwait University, the country’s sole public
university.
Given the lack of expansion projects at
the KU as well as the modest capacities of
private universities in Kuwait, the ministry is
expected to increase the number of scholarship
seats to 4,500 this summer, according
to the sources who spoke to Al-Qabas
on the condition of anonymity.

BEIRUT: Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri pictured with Abdulwahab Al-Bader and other officials.
Retired servicemen
to be recalled
KUWAIT: Retired servicemen from the
Interior and Defense ministries as well as
the National Guard could be recalled to
enroll in the police force in lieu of a
monthly honorarium ranging between
KD 300 and 500 in a bid to overcome
shortage projected due to demographic
growth.
According to sources familiar with the
ongoing discussions about the issue, the
Ministry of Interior would require nearly
15,000 security officers by 2015.
Reassignment of the retired servicemen
would be carried out as per a clause in
the police law which allows the Interior
Minister to hire Bedoon (stateless) and
Gulf nationals who are children of
Kuwaiti mothers to serve in the police
KUWAIT: The preparation committee
for organizing the unified GCC traffic
week continued with its meetings in the
run up to the launch of its activities slated
for the month of March under the
slogan “Our Aim Your Safety.”
The director of the specialized training
center, Col Hisham Yaseen Abdullah,
who is also the deputy chairman of the
committee, chaired the meeting which
was held yesterday morning.
Welcoming the participants, he conveyed
to them the greetings of the
assistant undersecretary for traffic
affairs, Lt Gen Mustafa Al-Zaabi, before
taking up the agenda and enumerating
the work done by the sub committees.
Continued from Page 1
warned police against resorting to
the use of force and called on activists
to retaliate. Barrak said the liberal
National Democratic Alliance will take
part in the new opposition alliance.
Turning to Prime Minister HH Jaber
Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Barrak cited him
as saying that he was against the
amendment of the electoral law to
what is known as the single vote law
and that he had told seven former MPs
that he feared that supporters of former
speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi and former
premier Sheikh Nasser Al-
Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah would
oust him. Barrak said that the solution
to Kuwait’s ongoing political crisis is
through forming an elected popular
government which must be chosen by
the elected National Assembly.
Speaking at the rally, head of the
Progressive Movement Ahmad Al-
Dayeen said the goals of the opposition
must be very clear. “Our aim is not
to abort the single vote law but to
press for a full parliamentary system
with a popular government and not a
government comprised of sheikhs,” he
said.
In Assembly news, MPs yesterday
defied government objections and voted
to form a special committee to
investigate the awarding process of
two mega contracts worth more
around KD 1.5 billion to build the
Sheikh Jaber Causeway and the Al-Zour
North power plant. Several MPs said
there were reports of political deals in
force through private contracts.
Meanwhile, the insiders who spoke to
Al-Rai on the condition of anonymity said
that the idea to increase policemen’s
salaries to attract new recruits was not
discussed “because the current wage is
considered the highest in the region.”
Meanwhile, the sources suggested
allowing policemen to pursue part-time
jobs or studying in a bid to bring down
the attrition rate of officer cadre.
Increasing awareness about police services
through the media and women’s
recruitment were also suggested. The
sources did not provide a date as to
when the recommendations would be
referred to top ministry officials to take
necessary measures.
Stage set for traffic week
He also reviewed all the suggestions
made by committee members during
earlier meetings. Also, the details of the
information campaign came in for a
review. Al-Yaseen emphasized that the
GCC’s unified traffic week exercise was
an annual event aimed at underlining
the informative role of the department
to protect the life and property of people,
and cooperate and coordinate with
the fraternal GCC states.
He emphasized that the Ministry of
Interior will do everything in its power
to make this event successful. The committee
is expected to hold still more
meetings to follow up on certain other
issues connected to this event.
Barrak drops bombshell: Court...
the two contracts which were awarded
last year. Twenty-three MPs voted for
the proposal, which was rejected by
the government, against 20 members
who opposed it. The five-MP panel
must conclude its probe within three
months.
The first contract, awarded to South
Korea’s Hyundai Engineering and
Construction Co and the local
Combined Group Contracting Co, calls
for building a 37.5-km causeway to link
Kuwait City with Subbiya at a cost of
$2.6 billion. The second is for building a
power and water desalination plant in
Al-Zour for $2.5 billion to produce
1,500 megawatts of electricity and over
100 million gallons of drinking water
daily. The contract was awarded to
Japan’s Sumitomo Corp, France’s
International Power-GDF SUEZ and
Abdullah Hamad Al-Sager and
Brothers.
Minister of Electricity and Water and
Public Works Abdulaziz Al-Ibraheem
warned the Assembly that stalling the
power plant project will force the ministry
to resort to power cuts. He said
that at present Kuwait has a production
capacity of 13,000 MW and consumption
grows between 800-900 MW every
year and as last year’s consumption
reached 12,000 MW, there will be no
spare capacity next year and “we will be
forced to impose power cuts in the
summer unless new capacity is added”.
The Assembly also postponed for two
weeks the debate on a draft law to
write off the interest on the banking
loans of Kuwaiti citizens.
LOCAL
KUWAIT: Cooperation between the legislative
and executive powers is vital for the
state development plan, said Minister of
State for National Assembly Affairs Dr Rola
Dashti here yesterday. Minister Dashti’s
statement came during the regular supplementary
session of the National Assembly
which was designated for the discussion of
the government’s agenda of the 14th legislative
term for the years (2012-2013) and
(2015-2016)
The Minister said that the government’s
program could not be carried out without
the cooperation of parliament, affirming that
the Kuwaiti people were eager to witness
such kind of cooperation to see their nation
even prosper more. Meanwhile, the National
Assembly formed here yesterday a committee
to look into the case related to a Kuwait
Airways Corporation’s (KAC) pilot. During the
regular session, the parliament assigned the
committee to investigate an incident in
which a pilot from Kuwait Airways had flown
a plane to Tehran on March 20, 2012 while
KAC’s employees were on strike. The committee
will have three months to investigate the
incident. The parliament also formed a committee
to look into violations at the ‘abroad
treatment department’ at the the Ministry of
BEIRUT: Lebanese Parliament
Speaker Nabih Berri expressed yesterday
his thanks and appreciation
for the unlimited support provided
by the State of Kuwait to Lebanon.
This came during a meeting with
the delegation of the Kuwait Fund
for Arab Economic Development
(KFAED), headed by its Director
General Abdulwahab Al-Bader during
which both sides reviewed
development projects carried out by
the Fund in Lebanon. Berri stressed
during the meeting the importance
of the vital projects carried out by
the Kuwaiti Fund in Lebanon, affirming
that they contribute to the service
of the Lebanese people and in
advancing economic and social
cycle in the country.
For his part, Regional Director for
the Arab countries in the Kuwaiti
Health in the last two years. A committee
looking into the contracts for the Jaber
Bridge and Al-Zour station was also formed
by the National Assembly.
The parliament referred to the government,
during its yesterday’s regular supplementary
session, a draft law on combating
human trafficking and migrants smuggling
to be discussed and voted on.
The voting process gained the approval of
34 members of the Parliament (MPs) out of
38 MPs who were present at the session; four
MPs abstained. The explanatory memorandum
of the draft law pointed to the United
Nations General Assembly’s agreement on
combating organized crime where the latter
stressed the importance of eliminating
human trafficking, especially of women and
children, and smuggling of migrants via
land, sea and air exist points.
The memorandum explained that the
state of Kuwait had signed the UN agreement;
therefore, it has become obligatory to
take necessary steps to stop and punish
these crimes according to the draft law submitted
today at the parliament.
Today’s draft law consisted of a number of
articles that explained some of the criminal
definitions and terms of human trafficking
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Lebanese House Speaker
praises Kuwait for support
Fund Marwan Al-Ghanim said in a
statement to Kuwait News Agency
(KUNA) that both sides reviewed the
numerous projects implemented by
the Fund in various regions of
Lebanon.
Al-Ghanim deeply praised
Kuwaiti-Lebanese relations, expressing
at the same time his appreciation
for the positions of Lebanon
towards Kuwait. —- KUNA
Cooperation of Legislative,
executive powers ‘vital’
NA panel to investigate case related to KAC
and migrant smuggling and described the
punishment deserved for the people
involved in these crimes and their accessories.
The draft document also stressed the
importance of providing the victims of these
crimes with temporary treatment and shelter.
In another development, Parliament
Speaker Ali Fahad Al-Rashed hailed here yesterday
the prospective national dialogue in
the Kingdom of Bahrain next week under the
auspices of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Al-
Rashed said in a press statement issued by
the Information Department of the National
Assembly today that the move “will have a
positive impact on the brotherly Bahraini
people and reveal the sincere desire of all
parties to overcome repercussions of the
previous phase”.
He expressed hope the national dialogue
in Bahrain would achieve the desired goals
in promoting security and adhering to constitutional
underpinnings approved by the
brotherly Bahraini people, calling on the parties
concerned to effectively and positively
participate for the success of the dialogue
and the achievement of its objectives. Al-
Rashed is expected to head a delegation to
Bahrain next Saturday. — KUNA

KUWAIT: As part of its ongoing campaign to preserve heritage, the Commercial
Bank of Kuwait participated in a two-hour radio show focusing on Kuwait’s culture.
It is the second such consecutive year that the bank backed this campaign.
The Assistant General Manager of Public Relations and Media Department,
Amani Al-Waraa, led the bank’s team which provided information about
Kuwait’s heritage, and explained various facets of the bank’s campaign which
also included many competitions. The show was broadcast last Sunday between
1pm and 3pm on the Arab Music Channel 103.7 FM. There will be two more
episodes scheduled for the upcoming two Sundays in a row.
SMEs play a vital role in
economic development
KUWAIT: The economic past experience
of industrial countries, has
shown that the Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in
the economic development of all
industrial countries, through their
perceived role in transferring innovative
ideas into reality.
It is important to note that the economic
system of Kuwait, being capitalism,
is based on two important pillars.
First is an advanced banking system,
and second, a credible framework of
SMEs support. As the Kuwaiti banking
system enjoys an advanced level of
professionalism, praiseworthy SMEs
support system is rather lagging as,
until this moment, no SME-related law
has been approved, as is the case in
most countries in the world.
Nevertheless, Ministry of Social
Affairs and Labor, with a vital assistance
from the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP-
Kuwait), has established the first “distinctive
business incubator that is spe-
cialized for Kuwaiti women, as part of
a development program, Women
Economic Empowerment project
(WEE project). The project aims to
strengthen the institutional capacity
of MOSAL in order to provide superior
economic assistance to Kuwaiti
women in terms of launching several
business incubators for Kuwait
women. After several building capacity
activities. MOSAL was able to
launch the first incubator in the commercial
zone at Alsalam residential
area in South Surra. The choice of this
area was intended due to its high
intensity of population, a factor that is
critical in making this endeavor a successful
and encouraging experience.
The incubator was given a commercial
name as “33 Boutiques”. It hosts 36
projects and about 10 other projects
in terms of continuous exhibitions
throughout the year and during different
local distinct social occasions.
The incubator is supposed to provide
professional technical, legal,
LOCAL
KUWAIT: Two policemen narrowly escaped death
when a landmine exploded underneath their
patrol vehicle near the northern border on
Tuesday. Both the border security officers remained
unharmed even though the patrol vehicle was
severely damaged in the blast that happened in an
area between Ritqa and Tahrir stations. Preliminary
investigations indicated that the landmine was a
remnant from the 1990/91 Iraqi Invasion era. The
case was reported at the Qash’aniya police station.
Sexual assault
A teenager was arrested for sexually assaulting
a child in Um Al-Haiman recently. The sixyear-old
boy reportedly left his house for a nearby
grocery store when the suspect caught hold
of him and assaulted him before escaping.
Police managed to arrest the 16-year-old suspect
after the victim’s father filed a case naming
him at the area’s police station. The teenager
was referred to the Juveniles Prosecution
Department to face charges after confessing to
his crime during interrogation.
Deportee caught
Authorities at the Kuwait International
Airport arrested an Asian man trying to enter
Kuwait using a forged passport. After the man’s
true identity was discovered, police learnt that
he was deported earlier after being caught running
a network suspected of indulging in
human trafficking in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. The
man admitted during investigations that he literally
bought a new identity by paying an
amount equal to KD250 to a man who had left
Kuwait for good, in exchange for his passport
that carried a valid Kuwaiti visa. The man
forged the passport and tried to re-enter
Kuwait but was caught. He was referred to the
Criminal Investigations General Department for
further action.
Drug addict
A woman filed a case with local police after
her drug addict son disappeared with her rented
vehicle. The Saudi woman told officers at Al-
Adan police station that she reported the case
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Officers unharmed in
landmine explosion
Teenager arrested for rape
financial, secretarial and logistical
services to the incubatees, who have
diverse projects that range from
women-specialty projects to a widerange
projects such as computer-andmedia-
related projects. The incubator
also will indulge into some virtual
incubation activities to entrepreneurs
affiliated with “Own-Efforts” project,
another ambitious project run by
MOSAL to a special group of Kuwaiti
women, who have some prominent
business ideas.
MOSAL has assigned a steering
committee from its high-command
employees as a sign in stressing its seriousness
towards this project. The committee
shall take this project forward,
until several other incubators are
kicked off in the future. It is a hope that
the consequence of opening several
incubators will be a stunning inspiration
and eye-catching to many officials
in Kuwait. This, most likely, would spark
the plug to a further awareness of the
SMEs role in Kuwait economy.
KUWAIT: The General Secretariat of Sheikh Mubarak Al-
Hamad Al-Sabah’s Journalism Excellence Award Contest,
patronized by HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak
Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, announced yesterday that the final ceremony
of the fifth session of the award would be held on Feb
17 at headquarters of Kuwait News Agency.
A special panel has examined the contestants’ forwarded
works, according to specific criteria and terms, said the head
of the committee, Ayman Al-Ali, also the Deputy Chairman of
KUNA Workers Union. After exempting those that failed to
meet the set conditions for taking part in the contest, the rest
were handed over to members of the judging committee.
The supreme commission devoted special attention to
Kuwaiti media personnel in this process, in line with instructions
of the patron of the award, HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak.
Special awards would be also granted to young personnel in
the profession. Moreover in this vein,three acquaintance
meetings were organized for students of Kuwaiti, Gulf and
American universities.
Number of the contestants in this session, that got underway
on Oct 17 under the theme, “Be an Excellent Journalist,”
has significantly increased, as compared to the number of participants
in the previous sessions-particularly the number of
contesting youth. Awards are due to be distributed to the winners
at the final ceremony, he said, indicating that they would
be granted for the best interview, news feature and photo.
The top winner will be awarded KD 800, the second KD 600
and the third KD 300.— KUNA
because she feared her son might use the vehicle
to carry out illegal activities. She called her
son to convince him to return but it did not
work, she approached the police. Investigations
are on.
Stabbers in custody
Two men, both friends, were arrested after
they stabbed a man who had gleaned the
phone number of one of the suspect’s girlfriend
by snooping into his phone and later sent her
flirtatious text messages, as per details provided
to the police by none other than the victim.
After his girlfriend received the unsolicited messages,
the ‘betrayed’ man went with a friend to a
location in Salwa where they met the sender of
these texts and stabbed him before escaping.
The stabbed man explained his case to officers
summoned to the Mubarak Hospital where he
was hospitalized. The two were arrested shortly
afterwards and referred to the proper authorities
to face charges after they admitted stabbing
him.
KUWAIT: The Swimming Pool Complex organized
the first ever swimming competition last
Friday which featured participation of 50 children
who were trained by the facility’s training
staff. The winners were rewarded at the
end of the event by Touristic Enterprises
Company officials. The Swimming Pool
Complex supervisor Mohammad Al-Ablani
announced that many programs and entertaining
activities are set to be organized
throughout the week.
Winners of Sheikh Mubarak
Al-Hamad award to be honored

KUWAIT: The Supreme Advisory
Committee for the Completion of the
Implementation of Shariah (Islamic
Jurisprudence) held a ceremony
Tuesday evening marking the launch
of its “Family Encyclopedia”, under aegis
and in presence of Deputy Minister of
Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-
Sabah. The ceremony marking one of
the most prestigious accomplishments
of the committee, which branches out
under the Amiri Diwan, was held at
Kuwait Foundation for the
Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) ceremony
hall in Sharq.
Patron of the ceremony Sheikh Ali
Jarrah Al-Sabah in his inaugural
address stressed the care Islam urges to
family unity and family affairs. He said
“our faith has provided us with guidelines
that ensure rights of all individuals
are protected, be they husbands or
wives, fathers or sons, mothers or
daughters, and so on.
It is out of this belief in the role of
the family unit in the overall function
and advancement of society that we
announce issue of this encyclopedia ...
“an exceptional feat made possible
through much time and ceaseless
effort”. And we hail committee and
KFAS staff who collaborated on this
colossal project,” he added.
Also addressing those gathered for
the event, Committee Chairman Dr.
Khaled Mathkour Al-Mathkour said the
family unit is a main concern for the
committee. He recalled that the late
Amir His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-
Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah had urged
greatest care to preserve this unit and
urged cooperation among all state
bodies to conduct studies and issue
reference works in this area.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh
Sabah Al-Ahmad later gave the same
stress and directives and so continued
the project and the first few volumes
were viewed by the Amir and the
Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad
Al-Sabah. ‘The cooperation and coordination
between the committee and
KFAS was initiated through directives
of His Highness the late Amir.
‘Dr Al-Mathkour expressed appreciation
for the support and cooperation
of KFAS former chairman Dr
LOCAL
Islam provides guidelines to
protect rights of all people
‘Family Encyclopedia’ launched
Ali Al-Shamlan and present
Chairman Adnan Shihab-Eldin,
under whose care the project was
completed. ‘Deputy KFAS
Chairman Mahmoud Yusuf
Abdulrehim also addressed those
attending and a speech was also
given by Awqaf Public Foundation
Secretary General Dr. Abdelmihsin
Abdullah Al-Kharafi. — KUNA
KUWAIT: The newly-promoted officers in the traffic department met assistant undersecretary for traffic affairs, Lt Gen Dr Mustafa Al-Zaabi, in
his office yesterday morning. Top traffic department leaders were also present on the occasion. Al-Zaabi congratulated the officers and conveyed
to them the greetings from First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interor, Sheikh Ahmad Al Hmoud, and the undersecretary general,
Ghazi Al Omar, and wished them success.
A helping
hand to
Syrians
JEDDAH: Eminent Saudi figures
have praised Kuwait’s
recent hosting of the international
donors for Syria conference
affirming that its outcome
contributed to alleviating
hardships of the Syrian
people. Dr. Anwar Majid
Ashqi, President of the Middle
East Center for Strategic and
Legal Studies, expressed his
belief that the convention
paved the way to thrashing
out some of the political differences
among the powers
following up on events in
Syria, namely the US and
Russia. The conference constituted
a step forward on the
path of resolving the strife, he
opined, hailing the pledge
among the donors to aid the
Syrian people with more than
$one billion. He called for
capitalizing on results of the
convention to push for a settlement
to the crisis and spare
the Syrian people further
blood-spilling and the whole
Middle East looming dangers,
noting the current mounting
tensions in various countries
of the region.
Dr. Habibullah Al-
Terkestani, a professor at King
Abdul Aziz University, said the
holding of the conference
underlined Kuwait’s sympathy
with the Syrian people
and international unanimity
to support them with diverse
means. Moreover, it paved
the way for facilitating delivery
of relief supplies to the
Syrian refugees on the borders
of Syria’s neighboring
countries.
The Syrian crisis has resulted
in diverse negative consequences
at the regional level,
namely at the level of regional
inter-trade, as well as prices
of shipping, insurance, services
and commodities, opined
the professor. —KUNA
On Feb 10 Russian diplomats mark their
professional day - Diplomats’ Day,
which was established by a
Presidential Decree in 2002 to commemorate
the founding of the Russian Diplomatic
Service in 1549.
The date itself is closely associated with
the history of Russia’s first foreign affairs
agency - the Ambassadorial Department (or
“Posolsky Prikaz” in Russian). On Feb 10, 1549
the Ambassadorial Department, established
by Czar Ivan IV, was first mentioned in official
chronicles. Of course, the Russian diplomatic
traditions date back to more distant times.
For instance, the “Agreement on Peace and
Love” between Ancient Russia and Byzantine
Empire was signed in 860, and the envoys of
Russian principalities were frequent guests in
the states of the Medieval Europe.
But in 1500s, after the creation of a strong
united Russian State, the necessity of a special
diplomatic department to implement foreign
policy became vital. Since 1549 the
diplomatic service was made into an office of
the State and received a special status.
The Ambassadorial Department successfully
managed the Russian foreign policy
throughout XVI-XVII centuries (with first permanent
Russian diplomatic missions abroad
opening in 1600s), when in 1718-1720 it was
gradually transformed into the Collegium of
Foreign affairs by Emperor Peter the Great.
This marked the emergence of the
Russian Empire and the establishment of
Russia as a Great European power. The constellation
of talented diplomats serving within
the Collegium laid down the basic principles
and methods of the Russian diplomacy.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Diplomats’ Day in Russia
Finally, in 1802, the modern form of foreign
policy management - the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs - was created by the manifesto
ofEmperor Alexander I.
By 1914 Russia had a wide network of
diplomatic and consular representations all
over the world. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(in 1917-1946 - the Peoples Commissariat for
Foreign Affairs) upheld state interests at every
turning point of Russian and world history.
Our diplomacy made crucial contributions to
the strengthening of the anti-Hitler coalition
during World War II and creation of the
United Nations Organization, bolstered the
UN authority in governing international relations,
fought for peace and disarmament.
Today the Russian diplomacy plays a significant
role within the UN, G8, G20, APEC
and other world and regional forums, promotes
ties of friendship and cooperation with
other states.
A diplomat of our times is completely different
from the one of the past centuries.
Modern diplomacy has become by far diverse
and dynamic. It requires a wider range of
knowledge in various fields such as environmental
issues, climate change, fighting terrorism
and many others. While its method
evolves towards multi-vector net-working,
the chief task remains the same - security
favourable external conditions for the national
development.
But the best fundamental traditions of the
Russian diplomats are still going strong, and
among them - high professional culture, profound
knowledge of international relations,
commitment to their own country and
respect for the countries of posting.

In my view
Smartphones
and privacy
By Labeed Abdal
local@kuwaittimes.net
Afew years ago, we coined the phrase ‘Google it’
whenever we wanted to find an answer to any
query. We were forever online, at least most of
the hours when we were not asleep and at times even
when we were dozing off, right till the time our heads
rested on a soft pillow.
Nowadays, there is competition between smart
phones, processors and browsers about which one is
smarter than the rival.
It is time for us to admit that after various domains of
knowledge, like biology, chemistry, literature, algebra,
etc., we have some new streams coming up, and can
safely add iphonology, Androidology, Instagramology
and many more to that list.
Even the spell checkers embedded into many a software
have still to learn to recognize these new terms
becoming part of our daily life. The trend is across ages,
sexes or origins.
Although we like to store things that we adore, like
pictures, songs and SMSes on our smartphones, and
keep a backup on applications like Open Skies, My
Space and Cloud, yet it is important that we guard our
privacy.
The regular and widely prevalent habit of quickly
accepting the long-winded contractual obligations presented
as ‘terms and conditions’ as a necessary step to
use any software, device or application should not turn
into a blind approval for everything.
Even though we are very pleased with free and quick
results and the predictive and magically quick answers
that our devices throw up, yet it should not be reason
enough for us to be deprived of our right to privacy. It
should not be a case of privacy vis-a-vis sale of information
to the giant companies which collect data from billions
of users to understand their wants and needs
through tiny search engines.
kuwait digest
Irresponsible
govt doctors
By Thaar Al-Rashidi
Date: Feb 1, 2013, time: 12:35 pm, place: Mubarak hospital
emergency. Situation: Two doctors, a Kuwait and an
Egyptian, on duty with about 30 patients waiting their
turn at clinic no. 3.
A female patient suffering from high blood pressure
was sent from observation room to the “bones” room,
where a Palestinian doctor was on duty. What needs to
be noticed is that neither the Kuwaiti doctor, nor the
Egyptian or the Palestinian agreed to treat the patient
suffering from high blood pressure when she was sent to
the bone room. The Palestinian doctor refused to treat
her on the ground that she did not have any papers from
the health clinic. The other two doctors administered an
injection but when she asked what kind of injection it
was, the Kuwaiti doctor told her to “take the injection in
silence.”
They have no respect for the
oath and no scruples that they
need to earn their salaries,
they neglect the patients and
must be held accountable.
Had they been working in a
private hospital, they would
treat the patients with deference,
with a smile pasted on
their faces all the time, but
since they were working in a
government hospital where
treatment is free of charge, it
seems they can deal with
patients as per their whims
and fancy.
This was a brief account of what happened to a
patient who entered the emergency room of Mubarak
hospital on February 1st, and you wonder why patients
die in our hospitals. Did the three doctors respect the
oath they were sworn to when they graduated? If they
had, they would have done their duty differently, and
admirably.
They would have done so not just in case of this
patient, but for all those who came to them, but because
they have no respect for the oath and no scruples that
they need to earn their salaries, they neglect the patients
and must be held accountable. Had they been working
in a private hospital, they would treat the patients with
deference, with a smile pasted on their faces all the time,
but since they were working in a government hospital
where treatment is free of charge, it seems they can deal
with patients as per their whims and fancy.
To the Minister of Health, I have this to say. These government
hospital doctors deal with patients in such a
non-serious fashion, playing with their lives. Please apply
the law to them, and if someone does not like working at
a government hospital, he or she should resign and go
to any private hospital. I know that your public relations
personnel will ask me the name of the patient and the
nature of complaint, but even you are well aware that
even if I send them the details, they will only cover up as
they do every time I publish a complaint about one of
your hospitals. Therefore, I will directly address His
Highness the prime minister to set right the dilapidated
infrastructure and poor administration of the government
hospitals where most of the doctors deal with the
patients as if they have come to seek alms. — Al-Anbaa
We live in a crazy world that
does not, and is never
going to, stop evolving. In
every category, there are creative
specialists whose work changes our
lives and lifestyles. The technology
we use today is different than that of
yesterday, so are the medical methods
and inventions in the field of
energy and others.
As long as creativity continues,
the world will continue to evolve in
all fields, including how power is controlled.
The concept of how power is
controlled has already changed in
the modern world. After a time when
military and economic power was
limited only to some countries, the
concept of soft power took root,
thanks to creative minds. Soft power,
as defined by Harvard University
Professor Joseph Nye, is the ability to
attract and co-opt rather than to
coerce, use force or give money as a
means of persuasion.
Soft power contributes significantly
in forming relationships
between countries. The United States
of America, for example, pays extra
attention to improve its sources of
soft power such as Hollywood, which
has permeated into every household
around the world, as well as education
by attracting a large number of
students from all over the world to its
colleges every year. These students
go back home with a better appreciation
of the American values and institutions,
something which only fuels a
good intentions towards the US.
When the Taliban government in
Afghanistan was overthrown in 2001,
LOCAL
The GCC and soft power
India’s foreign minister arrived there
to welcome the new Afghani government.
His plane was not carrying
money or food, but video and audio
tapes from Bollywood to be distributed
all over Afghanistan.
Countries can use their varied soft
power reservoirs to attract a large
number of people worldwide. France,
for example, is the world’s number
one country in perfume making, winning
Nobel prizes in literature and
tourism, whereas the United
Kingdom is the world’s top country in
accepting political asylum seekers,
and the fifth in website hosting. Have
you ever asked yourself why the UK
pays so much attention to its own
football league? Yes, football is a soft
power resource that the UK uses.
If you move towards the Far East,
you find that Japan is Asia’s top country
in understanding the concept of
soft, power given how much attention
it gives to resources of this power.
Japan is the world’s number one
country in patents, number two in
website hosting, and number one in
giving developmental aid as well as
the video game industry. We cannot
ignore the Vatican either whose
source of soft power depends on it
being the world’s center of spiritual
leadership for the Catholic Church.
All these are examples for
resources of soft power which countries
utilize to attract others. But this
begs the question: are the governments
of Gulf Cooperation Council
states aware of today’s concept of the
development of soft power?
The GCC countries combined have
Private tutoring
With the focus on improving education, efforts are
on to diagnose the main problems marring the
educational system and resolve them to avoid
further complications. When students routinely fail in a
class, it results in a waste of both money and efforts, and
negatively impacts various other
components of the educational
system.
For example, failing classes
leads to wastage of human
resources and disruption of educational
goals, not to mention the
financial losses which were estimated
at KD 62.5 million for the
educational year 2003/2004. This
came to nearly ten percent of the
ministry’s total spending that
stood at around KD600 million at
the time. You can only imagine
how much money was wasted in
2012 when the ministry’s spending
was estimated at more than
KD1.5 billion.
Such problems in the education
sector not only affect public
funds but also impact the family’s
budget as more money is then
spent on private coaching which
has increasingly become a widespread
phenomenon.
There are many reasons for it,
including classrooms being
crammed with too many students,
a relatively shorter school
year, an information overload in curricula, a wide variation
in students’ learning capabilities and an inability on the
part of some teachers to deliver the information adequately.There
is a direct co-relation between private tutoring and
low level of educational attainment which is basically sup-
There is a direct co-relation
between private tutoring
and low level of educational
attainment which is
basically supported by a
student’s wish to avoid failure.
The low level of educational
attainment does not
necessarily indicate laziness
or negligence on the
student’s part, but could
also be a result of the student’s
mental, psychological
and social formation
and his need for educational
and social treatment
methods that can help
him overcome the
obstacles in education.
kuwait digest
By Omar Al-Tabtabaei
significant sources of soft power
through which huge goals can be
achieved and as a result turn the
region into a significant spot worldwide
- aside from the fact that it contains
more than 60 percent of OPEC’s
worldwide oil reserve.
There are three factors for successful
use of soft power: recognizing the
resources of soft power that can be
utilized, setting the goals and future
strategy, and finally patience. In order
for the GCC countries to build up soft
power, they need to combine their
goals in order to serve the region as a
whole. Their unified resources can
translate into a regional soft power.
Kuwait has the power of art, democracy
and the development fund
which could be sources of soft power.
Qatar has a tremendously powerful
source in the form of Al-Jazeera TV.
The Kingdom of Bahrain’s attempts to
become a financial hub, Oman’s historical
significance and the United
Arab Emirates’ tourism are important
sources as well. Meanwhile, Saudi
Arabia has a huge source in Makkah,
the center of Islam in the world. All
these resources combined create an
unimaginable soft power through
which the GCC states can exercise
enough influence to achieve their
goals.
Joseph Nye also suggests that
achieving balance in using hard and
soft power breeds a new form of
power that can be called ‘smart power.’
I would like to ask the GCC governments
this question: how about
achieving a balance between economic
and soft power? — Al-Rai
kuwait digest
By Dr Yaqoub Al-Sharrah
ported by a student’s wish to avoid failure. The low level of
educational attainment does not necessarily indicate laziness
or negligence on the student’s part, but could also be
a result of the student’s mental, psychological and social
formation and his need for educational and social treatment
methods that can help him
overcome the obstacles in education.
Unfortunately, the students
usually do not find proper assistance
in schools because the curricula
fail to take individual differences
into account.
A teacher faced with the task of
finishing textbooks crammed with
information within a relatively
short period of time would normally
be unable to tend to students
who need more guidance.
This leaves students in a situation
with limited choices and forced to
resort to private tutors.
The spread of private tutoring
in Kuwait reflects a flawed educational
system which is no longer
capable to curb it. Several field
studies have pointed out these
negative practices of teachers that
have been triggering a rise in private
coaching, including inadequate
teaching being imparted in
public schools.
Meanwhile, there are effective
methods by which the government
can eliminate the dependency on private tutoring,
such as launching programs that should take care of
underachieving students, help update curricula and teaching
methods, as well as pay extra attention to individual
differences and strengths. — Al-Rai
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
kuwait digest
A dangerous
rhetoric
By Aziza Al-Mufarej
Wajdi Ghunaim, who considers himself an Islamic
scholar, is sad about what is going on in his
country. It is a right that we cannot deny him.
This sadness and anger made him send a letter to
Egyptian President Morsi, urging him to be very strict
towards the revolutionaries in Egypt who are calling for
the ouster of “Al-Murshid’s government.” The scholar
urged him to go all the way, even if that required amputating
their limbs, and hang them because they are infidels
on earth. He promised that he, along with his group,
will carry out such actions if the Morsi government was
unable to do so.
When Saddam did what
he did in Muslim Kuwait,
which was peaceful and
never harmed anyone,
Wajdi Ghunaim was happy
and said in the mosques that
this was a punishment from
God against those who were
too rich. He turned a blind
eye towards Kuwait’s contributions
to the needy all
over the globe.
This is a dangerous rhetoric. Anyone calling for the
use of extreme violence against the demonstrators will
not be met with silence by the Egyptians. They will
answer him in a befitting manner. However, for me as a
Kuwaiti, what interested me was that this man lacks
credibility and has no sense of justice that those who
choose to promote Islam must have.
When Saddam did what he did in Muslim Kuwait,
which was peaceful and never harmed anyone, Wajdi
Ghunaim was happy and said in the mosques that this
was a punishment from God against those who were too
rich. He turned a blind eye towards Kuwait’s contributions
to the needy all over the globe. He only showed
hatred against Kuwait, a country that God blessed with
oil after a long time of deprivations, poverty and hardship.
Wajdi Ghunaim’s is a black heart. Besides lacking
sympathy for the displaced Kuwaitis who lost their country
in 1990, he kept blaming their government claiming
the country’s funds were being invested in the countries
of the infidels instead of Muslim countries.
Ghunaim could not see that each country has the
right to run its affairs in a way best suitable for it.
Countries are the best judge of their own interests, and
Kuwait was no different. The infidels, for example, come
to Egypt in large numbers for tourism, and were it not for
tourism, Egypt would have lost a large part of its annual
income. We noticed the effect of the tourists’ absence on
Egypt’s national income following the terrorist operations
that the extremist groups carried out in Luxor and
Aswan and following the fall of Hosni Mubarak regime.
The tourism revenue plunged after the failure of the
Muslim Brotherhood to rule Egypt and run its affairs.
Wajdi Ghunaim proved that he was not fit to be a promoter
of Islam because he lacks the manners required of
such a person.
However, I am now sure of his ability to work as a
butcher, a profession in which he will be successful
because it requires cool nerves that are not affected by
severing heads and limbs. — Al-Watan
kuwait digest
The founding
fathers
By Dr Mohammad Al-Moqatei
During the phase of nation-building after Kuwait
achieved independence, the country was led by
statesmen from various walks of life. Thanks to
their insightful vision, their efforts helped the country’s
transition into the next phase smoothly and naturally.
One of the main achievements that the founding fathers
are credited for is to have come up with a balanced constitution
and certain principles to ensure that we consistently
followed the path shown by our statute.
Some of these principles are:
1 Instilling the value of national unity through the
constitution’s articles, the discussions during the run up
to its issuance as well as the explanatory note accompanying
the constitution.
2 Giving primacy to the people’s choice in the ruling
system. It began with the people being given the exclusive
right to vote on the constitution and ruling family
members, who were ministers then, being barred from
casting their vote in the parliament. The constitution
also accords limited powers upon the state’s Amir, just
like those found in other parliaments. It borrows certain
strains from the presidential system of governance to
help curb any outburst in the parliamentary system
while at the same time maintaining the essence of public
sovereignty.
3 Rooting for the principle of political partnership
and keeping open the possibility of further improving it
within the framework of mature dialogue that is capable
of ingesting all differences.
4 Founding a state based in the first part on institutions
and the sovereignty of law, and managed by three
separate but balanced authorities who work independently
and in cooperation with each other while making
the constitution as the main reference to settle their differences.
5 Making sure that all citizens, including ruling family
members, remain subject to the twin provisions of constitutional
citizenship: rights and duties. Citizenship is
about giving as much as it is about taking, constitution is
like an umbrella and loyalty towards it is a citizen’s liability.
These are some of the principles that the founding
fathers cherished but which, unfortunately, have been
abandoned today.
No wonder there is lesser commitment towards the
constitution and national unity, thus putting the nation,
its system and its people at risk. — Al-Qabas

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Five dead as Solomons quake sparks Pacific tsunami
Hundreds march
in Cairo against
sexual violence
Ahmadinejad seeks strategic Egypt axis
Page 12
President says Iran has offered Egypt big loan
CAIRO: Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi greets his Iranian counterpart
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during the 12th summit of the Organisation of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) yesterday. — AFP
French clash with
Islamists in Mali
GAO, Mali: French and Malian
troops clashed with Islamist rebels
near the large town of Gao, Paris
said yesterday after reporting that
hundreds of insurgents had been
killed in a “real war” to reclaim
northern Mali. French Defence
Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the
extremist rebels, who have been
driven from key strongholds which
they had controlled in northern Mali
for 10 months, struck back at troops
with rocket fire on Tuesday. “There
were clashes yesterday around Gao,”
Le Drian said on Europe 1 radio.
“Once our troops, supported by
Malian forces, started patrols
around the towns that we have taken,
they met residual jihadist groups
who are still fighting. “We will go
after them. We are securing the
towns we have been able to take
along with the Malian forces. The
jihadists around Gao were using
rockets yesterday.”
One of the militant groups, the
Movement for Oneness and Jihad in
West Africa (MUJAO) said it had
attacked military positions in Gao,
the largest city in the north. “The
combat isn’t over. The attacks are
going to continue,” MUJAO’s Abou
Dardar told AFP. The Malian army
arrested two young men in Gao’s
market yesterdaay who were brandishing
two grenades and a pistol,
though it was unclear “whether they
planned to commit an attack or
wanted to use the weapons for robbery”,
a police spokesman said.
On Tuesday, Le Drian said “several
hundred” Al Qaeda-linked militants
had been killed by French air strikes
as well as “direct combat” in the key
central and northern towns of
Konna and Gao. “This is a real war
with significant losses but I’m not
going to get into an accounting
exercise,” he said yesterday when
asked about the toll. France’s sole
fatality so far has been a helicopter
pilot killed at the start of the military
operation 27 days ago. Mali
said 11 of its troops were killed and
60 wounded after the battle at
Konna last month but has not since
released a new death toll.
The United Nations said yesterday
it had regained access for aid
operations in central Mali, and
hoped to soon be able to move into
the north, where security was still a
concern. “We could have access over
coming days,” said David Gressly,
who steers UN humanitarian operations
in the region, adding that
some 500,000 people were facing
hunger in the north. France
launched its surprise intervention in
the former French colony on Jan 11
as a triad of Islamist groups that had
seized control of the north in the
aftermath of a military coup pushed
south toward the capital.
Nearly 4,000 French troops have
deployed, a number that will not
be increased, Le Drian said. With
Paris keen to pass the baton to
some 8,000 African troops
pledged for Mali, French Foreign
Minister Laurent Fabius said soldiers
would begin withdrawing “in
March, if all goes as planned”.
President Francois Hollande confirmed
that timeline, with a government
spokeswoman telling
journalists: “The president confirmed
this morning that if everything
goes to plan, the number of
French troops in Mali will begin to
CAIRO: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, on the
first visit to Cairo by an Iranian leader in more than
three decades, called for a strategic alliance with
Egypt and said he had offered the cash-strapped
Arab state a loan, but drew a cool response.
Ahmadinejad said outside forces were trying to prevent
a rapprochement between the Middle East’s
two most populous nations, at odds since Iran’s
1979 Islamic revolution and Egypt’s signing of a
peace treaty with Israel in the same year. “We must
all understand that the only option is to set up this
alliance because it is in the interests of the Egyptian
and Iranian peoples and other nations of the region,”
the official MENA news agency quoted him in
remarks to Egyptian journalists published on
Wednesday.
The two countries have not restored diplomatic
ties since Egypt overthrew its long term leader
Hosni Mubarak in 2011, but its first Islamist president,
Mohamed Morsi, gave Ahmadinejad a redcarpet
welcome on Tuesday to a summit of Islamic
nations. “There are those striving to prevent these
two great countries from coming together despite
fall from the month of March.”
Hollande, whose surprise decision
to intervene in Mali won him a
hero’s welcome there on Saturday,
had said during his whirlwind visit
that France will stay as long as it
takes. The Islamists have put up little
resistance, many of them fleeing
to the Adrar des Ifoghas massif
around Kidal, a craggy mountain
landscape honeycombed with caves
where they are believed to be holding
seven French hostages. Kidal,
the last key bastion of the Islamists,
is now under control of French
forces and some 1,800 Chadian
troops, but fighter jets continue to
pound the region around the
remote desert outpost.
Meanwhile a Tuareg separatist
rebel group that kickstarted Mali’s
descent into chaos with a rebellion
for independence last year said it is
working with France against “terrorists”
in the region. The Azawad
National Liberation Movement
(MNLA) linked up with the radical
Islamists in its bid to secure independence
for the desert nomad
Tuareg people, who have long felt
marginalised by Mali’s government.
But after being chased from their
strongholds by the extremists, they
have voiced a willingness to negotiate
since France intervened. The
MNLA said yesterday it had retaken
the town of Menaka, 80 km from
the Niger border, which Nigerien
troops had taken from militant
occupiers but then left as they continued
their advance. Le Drian said
France had “functional relations”
with the group in Kidal but that
fighting terrorists alongside them
was “not our objective”. — AFP
the fact that the region’s problems require this
meeting, especially the Palestinian question,”
Ahmadinejad said.
Egypt’s foreign minister played down the significance
of the visit, telling Reuters the Iranian leader,
one of several heads of state to get the red-carpet
treatment, was in Cairo chiefly for the Islamic summit
beginning on Wednesday, “so it’s just a normal
procedure. That’s all.” He had earlier reassured Gulf
Arab countries that Egypt would not sacrifice their
security. Egypt’s leading Sunni Muslim scholar scolded
Ahmadinejad on Tuesday when he visited the
historic Al-Azhar mosque and university over
Tehran’s attitude to its Gulf Arab neighbours and
attempts to spread Shiite influence in Sunni countries.
In his meeting with Egyptian reporters, MENA
said Ahmadinejad denied accusations Iran was
interfering in Bahrain, where a Shiite majority lives
under minority Sunni rule. Three Egyptians and a
Syrian were detained on suspicion of trying to attack
the Iranian president at another mosque, security
sources said. They were held overnight but released
on bail of 500 Egyptian pounds ($75) each yesterday.
Page 8
Video footage shot by a Turkish cameraman
appeared to show a bearded man trying twice to
throw a shoe at Ahmadinejad as he was mobbed by
well-wishers on leaving the Hussein mosque. The
president was not hit but was hustled to his car by
security men, stopping to wave before he was driven
away. The security sources said the three
Egyptians held were all members of the al-Gamaa
al-Islamiya, a hardline Islamist group that took up
arms against the state in the 1990s but has moved
into mainstream politics since Mubarak was toppled.
In the Arab world, throwing a shoe is a serious
insult. An Iraqi journalist hurled a shoe at then-
US President George W Bush during a news conference
in Baghdad in 2008, forcing Bush to duck to
avoid being hit. Al-Ahram daily quoted
Ahmadinejad as saying in an interview that Iran
had offered to lend money to Egypt despite being
under international economic sanctions over its
nuclear program. “I have said previously that we
can offer a big credit line to the Egyptian brothers,
and many services,” he said. He did not say if there
had been any response. —Reuters

TLALEEN, Syria: Bored at home and eager
to join their older brothers and fathers on
the frontline against President Bashar Al-
Assad’s army, Syrian teenagers are joining
the rebel cause, oblivious to international
laws prohibiting child combatants. “When
they arrive here, they are children. By the
time they leave, they are killing machines,”
said Abdel Razzaq, a 38-year-old former
army sergeant who trains the boys. “I train
them not to be scared of war and not to
hesitate when the time comes to kill,” he
said, speaking of his latest group of 20 volunteers,
aged 14 to 18. “There are no more
adult men in the villages. Now it’s the children
who come for military training,” said
Abdel Razzaq.
He teaches his students how to handle
a Kalashnikov, or AK-47 assault rifle, the
weapon most commonly used by the
rebels. He teaches them how to disarm an
enemy and kill him with a knife or even
their bare hands. “Children are the best soldiers
I know. They obey every command.
An adult asks questions and answers back.
But the children, they question nothing,”
said Abdel Razzaq.
“Musab, you’re supposed to kill your
opponent, not caress him!” he shouted out
as he watched a 14-year-old boy try to disarm
an opponent with a punch rather than
by stabbing him. Musab’s father said he
takes pride in his son, who he’s sure will
make “a very good soldier”. Sobhi, aged 15,
said he begged his father to allow him to
start training. “I was tired of staying home,
waiting for my father and brothers to
return from the front to tell me about the
war. I want to go to the front and see it
with my own eyes,” he told AFP.
Abdel Razzaq’s “military academy” is a
former school, located in northern Syria’s
Aleppo province. Before being sent off to
the front, the boys receive two hours of
training a day for three months. The boys’
families are eager that they are trained
well before they are sent off to fight the
army. “Without proper training, they would
die quickly,” said Abdel Razzaq. Fifteenyear-old
Mohammed seems to have quickly
learned how to assemble and dismantle
his Kalashnikov. “Ready!” he said proudly,
showing off to the instructor, a figure of
both respect and fear for the boys.
Bashar, aged 16, was signed up for
training by his brothers. “I want to avenge
the death of my father,” a rebel Free Syrian
Army fighter, he said. With families willing
to bring their boys forward for training,
Abdel Razzaq’s academy does not need to
go into forced recruitment. UNICEF child
protection coordinator Jean-Nicolas Beuze
INTERNATIONAL
Syria rebels train ‘killing machine’ teenagers
DAMASCUS: Syria’s army yesterday launched a
fierce assault against rebels in the Damascus
region, shelling neighbourhoods and sealing
main entrances to the capital, witnesses said, as
prospects for peace talks dimmed. In other violence,
two suicide car bombings killed at least 19
members of the security forces in attacks targeting
a military intelligence headquarters in the
south-central city of Palmyra, said the Syrian
Observatory for Human Rights. The fighting
came as a proposal by opposition leader Ahmed
Moaz Al-Khatib for peace talks with President
Bashar Al-Assad’s regime suffered sharp setbacks,
with Damascus ignoring it and a key
opposing faction flatly rejecting the initiative.
The surprise gesture by Khatib, head of the
opposition National Coalition, has been welcomed
by Washington and the Arab League and
was expected to receive the support of the
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit
in Cairo later yesterday. Assad himself has
yet to comment on the offer by Khatib, who says
“the ball is now in the regime’s court”, but the
pro-regime Al-Watan newspaper said the offer
came two years too late.
The Syrian National Council, the main component
of the Coalition, rejected the possibility of
any talks, saying it was committed to ousting
Assad’s regime, rejecting dialogue with it, and
protecting the revolution.
Khatib’s offer on Monday followed his surprise
announcement last week that he was ready
for talks with the regime, subject to conditions
including the release of 160,000 detainees.
Khatib later elaborated, saying he was ready to
meet Syrian Vice President Farouq Al-Sharaa. In
the past the opposition has demanded President
Assad step down before talks can begin but analysts
say Khatib’s change in stance stems from a
belief the population will be bled dry while the
West fails to act.
Assad’s regime on yesterday signalled it
believes it can still break the military stalemate
that has seen his forces and rebels more or less
hold their ground in the past few months, relentlessly
pounding rebel lines around Damascus.
TLALEEN, Syria: Syrian former army sergeant Abdel Razzaq (left) helps a recruit to
assemble an AK-47 assault rifles as he takes part in a military training on Jan 23,
2013 at a former school turned into a ‘military academy’ in Aleppo province. — AFP
told AFP that, “unlike other conflicts, there
is no active recruitment of children. The
youth come spontaneously, encouraged
by their families.” But Beuze said “commanders
have the obligation to turn them
away.”
Syria rebels fight close
to heart of Damascus
Twin blasts target military intel HQ in Palmyra
“The province was bombed very badly, in attacks
that have not been seen in months. There was
also very heavy fighting,” said Rami Abdel
Rahman, the director of the Britain-based
Observatory.
A Syrian security official in Damascus who
declined to be named said that “the army has
launched a coordinated all-out offensive on all
of the areas surrounding the capital. “All entries
to Damascus have been sealed,” he added. Local
residents said that “unusually intense bombing”
was heard throughout the capital all day yesterday.
In the south-central city of Palmyra, two suicide
car bombings targeting a military intelligence
headquarters killed 19 members of the
security forces, the Observatory said. The deaths
added to an initial toll by the watchdog of 69
people - 30 civilians, 22 troops and 17 rebels -
killed nationwide yesterday. The United Nations
says more than 60,000 people have been killed
since the start of an uprising against the Assad
regime in March 2011. — AFP
LATAKIA, Syria: A Syrian rebel sits atop a Soviet-made T-55 tank as comrades pray on the Jabal al-Turkman mountain on Tuesday. — AFP
Ahmadinejad ally charged, freed
DUBAI: A once-feared prosecutor at the centre of a
row between two of Iran’s most powerful figures
was charged and freed from two days’ detention
yesterday, adding a new twist to their feud just
months before the country’s next presidential election.
Neither Monday’s arrest nor the release of the
former Tehran prosecutor, Saeed Mortazavi, who
faces unspecified charges, have been accompanied
by any public explanation from the authorities.
But Mortazavi was detained a day after his
political ally President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
publicly accused the family of Parliament Speaker
Ali Larijani of attempting to use their prominence
for financial gain.
Larijani is a high-profile possible candidate to
succeed Ahmadinejad, who is nearing the end of
his second term and cannot run again straight
away. The timing of the detention suggested it was
linked to the accusations and was a clear indication
Ahmadinejad has lost the favour he once enjoyed
from Iran’s most powerful authority, Supreme
Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Tehran prosecutor
said Mortazavi was taken to court yesterday
for a hearing of charges against him before being
released, Mehr news agency reported. The report
did not detail the charges but said investigations
were continuing. Yesterday afternoon, Mortazavi
resumed work as head of the social security office,
Fars news agency reported. His appointment to
the post last year outraged MPs after a parliamentary
report accused him of being linked to the
deaths in custody of three protesters in 2009 when
Tehran prosecutor. The squabbling between members
of Iran’s ruling elite has intensified despite
repeated calls from Khamenei, the final arbiter on
all matters in Iran, for officials to avoid airing their
disagreements in public ahead of the vote in June.
The supreme leader is in direct charge of nuclear
policy, but analysts say greater unity after the election
may aid talks over a program Western leaders
say appears to be moving towards a weapons
capability and Tehran says is purely peaceful. Fars
reported on Tuesday evening that judiciary chief
Sadeq Larijani, the parliament speaker’s brother,
held a meeting with Khamenei after Mortazavi was
detained.
It did not elaborate. Ultimately Mortazavi’s
arrest was a key sign of the discord in Tehran’s corridors
of power and his release was intended to
restore calm, say analysts. “It seems Iran’s supreme
leader is trying to contain the situation by ensuring
that the tensions between Larijani and
Ahmadinejad do not escalate any further,” said Meir
Javedanfar, a lecturer on Iranian politics at the
Interdisciplinary Center at Herzliya, Israel. “The
most important goal of the supreme leader is stability
before the upcoming presidential election.”
Khamenei has not commented on Mortazavi’s
arrest or Ahmadinejad’s accusations against the
Larijanis, and analysts say he is unlikely to publicly
involve himself in the recriminations.
Ahmadinejad, in Egypt yesterday for an Islamic
summit, has been under increasing pressure from
hardline factions. His critics in parliament accuse
the government of adopting policies that have
worsened economic problems caused by Western
sanctions over the nuclear program. In November,
parliament called off plans to summon
Ahmadinejad for questioning for what would have
been only the second time after Khamenei called
for greater unity among officials.
On Tuesday evening, Khamenei’s foreign policy
advisor Ali Akbar Velayati suggested in a speech
that a candidate selected from Iran’s conservative
“principlist” faction could avoid the strife that has
marked Ahmadinejad’s second term.
Velayati is part of a three-man committee
tasked with uniting parliament’s principlists - hardline
conservatives loyal to Khamenei and hostile to
Ahmadinejad - around a single candidate to minimise
chances of the virulent political divisions
being carried into the election. “If principlists are
divided in the elections and the presidency is not
in the hands of principlists in the future, we will
have a tragedy,” Velayati said.
“From these three people one person will be
introduced as a candidate, so we can finish the job
in the first round (of voting),” said the former foreign
minister and possible presidential candidate,
Mehr news agency reported. “We hope ... we can
in the future have a government that is responsive
to the demands of the supreme leader and the
people.” — Reuters
International law prohibits the use of
anyone under the age of 18 in combat and
in military support operations, such as
espionage, transporting weapons or providing
supplies to fighters. The use of children
“as combatants or as a support to
CAIRO: Hundreds of Egyptians marched yesterday
to demand an end to sexual violence
against women, as Amnesty International
urged an end to the culture of impunity following
harrowing reports of mob attacks in
Cairo. Men and women, holding huge flags of
famous Egyptian female icons, marched from
Sayyeda Zeinab mosque to Tahrir Square
chanting against the interior ministry, which
is accused of failing to bring perpetrators to
justice. “The interior ministry are thugs!” the
protesters chanted during the march under
the slogan “The Street is Ours”.
The demonstration comes amid increasing
reports of mob attacks, sexual violence, rape
and the use of weapons against women
around Cairo’s iconic square. Human rights
watchdog Amnesty International issued a
statement urging President Mohamed Morsi
to take action to put an end to the attacks.
“Horrific, violent attacks on women including
rape in the vicinity of Tahrir Square demonstrate
that it’s now crucial President Morsi
takes drastic steps to end this culture of
impunity and gender-based discrimination,
and for all political leaders to speak out,” said
Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty’s deputy
director for the Middle East and North Africa.
“Impartial, thorough investigations are vital
to determine whether these mob attacks are
co-ordinated by state or organised non-state
actors and ensure perpetrators are brought to
justice.”
On Cairo’s streets, the sexual harassment
of women, regardless of whether or not they
wear an Islamic headscarf, is common in the
form of obscenities, touching or groping. But
an increase in accounts of sexual attacks has
raised the alarm and prompted the creation
MANAMA: Thousands of protesters in
Bahrain demonstrated against the Gulf
nation’s monarchy, less than a week before
planned talks aimed at easing a two-year
political crisis. Yesterday’s march included
some groups favoring the dialogue. But many
appeared to take a hard line against the
Western-backed rulers with harsh slogans,
suggesting divisions in the opposition ahead
of talks set for next week.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
combatants constitutes a grave violation
of children’s rights,” said Beuze. Rights
groups have frequently accused both the
regime and the rebels of rights abuses in a
war that has left more than 3,500 children
dead, according to monitors. Several amateur
videos have shown child soldiers in
flashpoints across the country. Distributed
by the media or even by rebel groups turning
child soldiers into trophies, several
videos have shown young boys brandishing
Kalashnikovs and other weapons.
One video shot in the eastern province
of Deir Ezzor showed a young boy holding
an automatic rifle, as rebels fired their
weapons nearby. “This is the youngest
fighter in Syria,” said the unidentified cameraman
shooting the video. The boy introduces
himself as “Danny Walid, aged 14.”
Another video widely circulated by regime
supporters showed shocking images of a
young boy surrounded by men identified
as rebels.
The axe-wielding boy beheads a man
stretched out on the ground. The men
congratulate him, and then kick the severed
head at the boy’s feet. Syria’s conflict
broke out in mid-March 2011 as a peaceful
uprising but morphed into a bloody insurgency
when Assad’s regime unleashed a
brutal crackdown on dissent. — AFP
CAIRO: An Egyptian protester holds up a knife during a demonstration to demand an
end to sexual violence against women yesterday in the Egyptian capital. — AFP
Hundreds march in Cairo
against sexual violence
of several groups to combat the problem.
“The tactics used by mobs in recent protests
is a harrowing reminder of the sexual harassment
and assault against women protesters
under ousted president Hosni Mubarak.
Women have been a vital part of protests and
have sacrificed much in their fight for freedom
and social justice,” Hadj Sahraoui said.
“Egyptian authorities need to honour their
activism and pull out all stops to address
endemic violence against women in all echelons
of society.”
As Egyptians took to the streets to mark
the second anniversary of their uprising on
January 25, nearly 25 cases of sexual violence
were reported, Amnesty said. UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay
recently slammed the failure of authorities to
prevent acts of sexual aggression. “I deplore
the fact that sexual violence is permitted to
occur with apparent impunity in a public
square, and that the authorities have failed to
prevent these attacks or to bring more than a
single prosecution against the hundreds of
men involved in these vicious attacks,” said
Pillay. “There has also been far too little effort
to grapple with the sexual harassment and
sexual violence taking place in a number of
Egyptian cities.” Amnesty said it gathered testimony
from women recently attacked by
mobs often using weapons in assaults that
last from five minutes to more than an hour.
“Given the stigmatisation attached to harassment
and sexual assaults against women and
the attitudes of law enforcement officials,
many cases go unreported. Those who do try
and press charges face a wall of indifference
and even blame and contempt in their struggle
for justice,” said Hadj Sahraoui. — AFP
Thousands join
Bahrain protest
Shiite protesters have increasingly
demanded a stronger voice in the affairs of
the Sunni-ruled nation, which is home to the
US Navy’s 5th Fleet. Although the majority in
Bahrain, Shiites claim they face systematic discrimination.
Protest gatherings are planned
every day until Feb 14, the second anniversary
of the uprising. Main Shiite political factions
have agreed to hold preliminary talks with
Sunni officials beginning Sunday. — AP
DIRAZ, Bahrain: Bahraini anti-government protesters hold symbols of their prodemocracy
uprising during a march just west of the capital Manama yesterday. — AP

JOHANNESBURG: The public outcry in India over
the gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old student
on a New Delhi bus has prompted soul-searching in
South Africa, where some people are asking: “Why
not here?” In the seven weeks since the trainee
physiotherapist was raped, assaulted with a metal
bar and thrown bleeding onto a highway to die,
nearly 9,000 women and children will have been
sexually violated in South Africa. In one recent case
in the capital Pretoria, five men dragged a 21-yearold
woman into the bushes and took turns to rape
her as she walked with friends at dawn to secure a
spot in a university enrolment queue. Nearly four
weeks on, police have made no arrests.
Violence against women is also endemic in
India, but the brutality of the recent attack shocked
even those inured to the rising wave of sexual
crimes and prompted thousands of protesters into
the streets. The Indian cabinet has since fast-tracked
tougher new penalties for sex crimes. In South
Africa, such cases barely make a stir. In a country
long known as the “rape capital of the world”,
women’s rights campaigners say sexual violence
has almost lost the power to shock. “We are not the
only country faced with crime, sexism, patriarchal
attitudes and poverty. But we seem to be the only
country that goes to sleep when a rape happens,”
popular radio presenter Redi Tlhabi wrote.
Comparing data across countries is difficult
because of varying reporting requirements, but by
any measure South Africa’s sexual assault rate is off
the charts. Its statistics agency concluded in 2000
that it had the highest reported rape rate of all 120
Interpol member countries. “It points to a fundamental
kind of sickness in our society, that causing
extreme and life-long pain to other people is a way
in which some people have fun,” said Rachel
Jewkes, acting president of the Medical Research
Council (MRC). “We’re still dealing with a patriarchal
society, where men see themselves as privileged
and doing anything they can get away with, and
that includes raping.”
Although researchers cite many reasons for
South Africa’s high rates of sexual crime, including
extreme poverty, they also point the finger at
decades of white-minority rule under which many
black families were broken by the need for fathers
to leave home to work as migrants in apartheid-run
INTERNATIONAL
mines and factories. “The impact of apartheid on
families is probably the most important area - the
way in which apartheid destroyed family life,”
Jewkes said. Mindsets have not evolved significantly
post-apartheid, and the police and justice system
have failed to do their parts to protect victims
and prosecute perpetrators.
In the year to April 2012, more than 64,000 sexual
offences, including rape, were reported in
South Africa, which has a population of 50 million
people. Of these, more than 25,000 were assaults
on children. The figures could be much higher as
research suggests only a fraction of rapes are
reported given that the police force is seen as
unsympathetic to victims. Even when suspects are
caught, only 12 percent of cases end in conviction.
“It is so frustrating because when you go to the
police you get the second victimization,” said
Funeka Soldaat, a lesbian community activist in
Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township, who was gang
raped by four men 17 years ago. “The frustrating
thing also is the silence among ourselves as
women in the community, (the failure) to say this is
not okay.”
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Outcry over India rape shames some in S Africa
Key ally of Merkel to
fight plagiarism ruling
Education minister stripped of PhD
BERLIN: Angela Merkel’s education minister said
yesterday she would take legal action against a
decision to void her doctorate for alleged plagiarism,
an untimely distraction for the German
chancellor ahead of September’s national election.
German opposition lawmakers said
Annette Schavan, a close Merkel ally, should
resign after the University of Duesseldorf said on
Tuesday that parts of her 1980 doctoral thesis
had been copied and that it was stripping her of
her PhD. Her case closely mirrors that of Karl-
Theodor zu Guttenberg, who quit as Germany’s
defence minister in 2011 over a plagiarised thesis.
Guttenberg had been viewed before his
departure as a possible heir to Merkel.
“I will not accept the decision of the
University of Duesseldorf and I will file a lawsuit
against it,” Schavan, 57, told reporters during a
visit to Johannesburg, South Africa. She declined
to make any further comment for legal reasons.
The accusations of plagiarism are especially
embarrassing for Schavan because she oversees
Germany’s universities and had previously been
scathing in her criticism of Guttenberg, who
resigned a month after losing his doctorate. “An
education minister who is proven to have grossly
violated academic rules cannot continue in
the post,” said Renate Kuenast, a leading member
of the opposition Greens. “I assume that Frau
Schavan will spare herself and education a prolongation
of this affair by resigning.”
Merkel’s spokesman said the chancellor was
Annette Schavan
in contact with Schavan and continued to offer
her support. “The chancellor values the minister’s
performance highly and has full trust in her,”
Steffen Seibert told a government news conference
on Wednesday. Merkel and Schavan would
have talks “in peace and quiet” after the minister’s
return from South Africa.
Some members of Merkel’s centre-right coalition
said the minister had fallen victim to a politically
motivated campaign to damage the government
ahead of the autumn federal election.
Merkel, who holds a doctorate in physics, is
Germany’s most popular politician and her conservatives
are tipped to win the September vote,
but there is uncertainty about the make-up of
the next government. Merkel’s current coalition
partner, the liberal Free Democrats, may fail to
clear the 5 percent threshold to enter parliament.
That would force her to consider an
unwieldy pact with the opposition Social
Democrats.
German media were mostly critical of
Schavan. “If the education minister has cheated
in her doctoral thesis, it is like the finance minister
secretly hiding away his money in
Switzerland or the traffic minister driving a car
while drunk,” said the top-selling Bild newspaper.
“There is no alternative (to resignation) for
her.” The Duesseldorf university commission
ruled that Schavan had “systematically and
intentionally presented intellectual performance
that in reality she did not generate herself”.
The decision left Schavan without an academic
title, an important symbol of status in
German politics and business, as her degree programme
in philosophy finished solely with a
PhD. Since the allegations first arose in May last
year, Schavan has repeatedly denied wrongdoing
and said she wrote her dissertation with a
clear conscience. Her lawyers have said the proceedings
of the commission had been riddled
with mistakes and were unlawful, not least
because information was leaked to the public in
the process. — Reuters
Rape became front page news last year
when seven men aged between 14 and 20
went on trial on charges of raping a mentally
handicapped 17-year old girl and recording it
on a cell-phone video that later went viral.
But even that incident did not spur anything
like the kind of public protest seen in India. “If
the gang rape of a mentally handicapped 17year-old
failed to get thousands on the
streets in protest, what will?” columnist
Rachel Davis asked in January in the online
publication Daily Maverick. Last month police
in North West province arrested a 43-year-old
man for raping his 10-month-old niece while
the baby’s mother was at work. After the
arrest, another female relative came forward
to lay a charge against the man for a prior
rape. —Reuters

INTERNATIONAL
Clout of Obama’s ‘Mr Fix-it’ extends abroad
WASHINGTON: US Vice President Joe
Biden, already deeply immersed in highprofile
domestic policy, is finding that his
clout extends to foreign affairs as well, as
he plays a top surrogate role for President
Barack Obama in the early days of their
second term. Biden is now in many ways
viewed as Obama’s “Mr Fix-it,” who struck
a crucial budget deal in January and who
is able to navigate his way comfortably
through Washington’s complex power
structure with a back-slapping joviality
that Democrats find endearing despite
the occasional verbal misstep.
The 70-year-old former senator has
often been viewed as gaffe-prone, which
makes his wide influence all the more
remarkable. Just last year Biden was the
subject of media speculation that Obama,
when his re-election campaign was struggling,
might dump him in favor of Hillary
Clinton.
“I think what’s striking about Biden’s
role, particularly recently, is both the public
nature of it and the significance of the
portfolios,” said Joel Goldstein, an expert
on the vice presidency at St. Louis
University. A Reuters-Ipsos poll last week
showed Biden leading several of the
Republicans most often mentioned as
potential 2016 contenders, like former
Florida Governor Jeb Bush and New
Jersey Governor Chris Christie. “In terms
of how Biden is perceived, there’s a real
sort of folksiness - for lack of a better term
- that people find appealing,” said Ipsos
pollster Julia Clark. “He puts his foot in his
mouth, but who doesn’t? It’s sort of what
makes him more relatable.”
Obama, who has maintained a tight
control of foreign policy out of the White
House, sent his No 2 to Munich this
month to hold his second administration’s
first face-to-face contacts with key
US allies. Biden visited France and Britain
as well as Germany.
In Munich, Biden dangled the possibility
of direct US talks with Iran over its
nuclear ambitions, which would be a
departure from the typical US pattern of
dealing with Tehran along with five other
major powers. And under pressure to do
more to help Syrian rebels, Obama had
Biden meet with Syrian opposition leaders
and assure them the United States
would send them humanitarian aid in
their bid to oust the Syrian government.
Such a high-profile role contrasts with the
way many past vice presidents have been
relegated to ceremonial functions like
representing the United States at funerals
abroad.
Some vice presidents, like Dick Cheney
under George W. Bush, played powerful
roles, but behind the scenes. Biden has
played significant roles both publicly and
privately, working internally as a sort of
contrarian to challenge policies on Iraq
and Afghanistan, for example, while publicly
taking on difficult sales jobs, like pro-
LOS ANGELES: Traffic on the northbound and southbound lanes of the 110 Harbor
Freeway starts to stack up during rush hour traffic in Los Angeles. According to a
report, traffic congestion was the second-worst in the country in the greater Los
Angeles area. — AFP
Obama to talk strategy
with Senate Democrats
WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama is
trying to sell Senate Democrats on his strategy
for tackling immigration, gun control
and a host of fiscal dilemmas.
Senate Democratic unity will be critical
to Obama’s prospects for enacting the
ambitious agenda he’s laid out for the start
of his second term. Almost all the items on
his to-do list face opposition from Senate
Republicans - not to mention the even
stronger opposition Obama is likely to run
up against if and when the GOP-controlled
House takes up those items.
Senate and White House aides are offering
few details about Obama’s appearance
Wednesday at the Democrats’ annual
retreat at a hotel in Annapolis, Maryland,,
but Obama is expected to address senators
before engaging in a candid discussion
about the toughest issues ahead. Obama is
letting the Senate take the lead on crafting
comprehensive immigration legislation,
including a path to citizenship for 11 million
illegal immigrants. But he is using all
the power that the presidency affords to
implore lawmakers to act without delay.
A bipartisan Senate group has reached
agreement on the broad outlines of such
an overhaul, but a few thorny issues
remain, including a possible guest-worker
program and whether to delay steps
toward citizenship until certain bordersecurity
measures are in place.
Gun control is another of Obama’s priorities
where the outcome may rest on
whether Senate Democrats stick together
in supporting him.
Obama says he sees an emerging consensus
behind his proposals in the wake of
the Newtown, Connecticut, schoolhouse
massacre, but some provisions he’s pushing
will make it tough for red-state Democrats
and those up for re-election in 2014 to
back him. Even the top Senate Democrat,
Harry Reid, has declined to say whether
he’ll back the most contentious aspect of
Obama’s package: a ban on assault
weapons.
The retreat also offers Obama his first
chance to pitch directly to senators his proposal
for a quick fix to avert the sweeping
spending cuts set to hit the military,
domestic programs and the economy at
large on March 1. Obama appealed to
Congress Tuesday to pass a short-term set
of spending cuts and tax changes to give
lawmakers more time to hash out a broader
deal. House Democrats will hear from
Obama at their annual retreat Thursday in
Leesburg, Virginia. —AP
EL PASO: US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano speaks in the US
Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine hangar in El Paso, Texas, on
immigration and border security. —AP
moting Obama’s unpopular $787 billion
economic stimulus plan in the first term.
As a devout Catholic, Biden’s public
support for gay marriage last year caught
the White House off guard and forced
Obama to voice his own backing for
same-sex marriage.
“It’s been that way from the beginning,”
said Aaron David Miller, an expert at
the Woodrow Wilson Center. “You can’t
diminish Biden’s role over the first four
years. He’s been incredibly public and
very active.” In many ways, Biden is the
exact opposite of the calm, cool and
unflappable Obama, being more prone to
bombast and show boating. So it comes
as no surprise that the satirical website,
The Onion, has developed an comedy
series about him. The Onion’s Biden is a
boozer - the real Biden does not drink -
who stole “800 feet of copper wire from a
foreclosed home” and washes a Trans Am
muscle car in the White House driveway,
shirtless. Sometimes there is a sense that
the fake Biden of The Onion and the real
one are somehow linked - such as when
he was on Capitol Hill to swear in senators.
“Spread your legs, you’re gonna be
frisked,” he joked to Senator Heidi
Heitkamp’s husband. To body-building
Senator Tim Scott, he said: “Need any help
on your pecs, man, give me a call.”
He told attendees at the Munich security
conference that he had traveled over
640,000 miles (1.02 million km) since
WASHINGTON: The White House has defended
drone strikes against Al-Qaeda suspects as legal,
ethical and wise and insisted they complied with
US law and the Constitution, even if they targeted
Americans. The White House defended
President Barack Obama’s power to wage drone
war after a Justice Department memo argued
that Americans high up in Al-Qaeda could be
lawfully killed, even if intelligence fails to show
them plotting an attack. The disclosure by NBC
news, which posted a link to the white paper on
its web page, came as US drone attacks in
Pakistan, Yemen and elsewhere face increasing
scrutiny and questions from human rights
groups. “We conduct those strikes because they
are necessary to mitigate ongoing actual threats,
to stop plots, to prevent future attacks and,
again, save American lives,” said White House
spokesman Jay Carney.
“These strikes are legal, they are ethical, and
they are wise.” Among the most controversial of
the attacks were the September 2011 killings in
Yemen of Anwar Al-Awlaki and Samir Khan,
which stoked concern because the two were US
citizens who had never been charged with a
crime. “I would point you to the ample judicial
precedent for the idea that someone who takes
up arms against the United States in a war
against the United States is an enemy and therefore
could be targeted accordingly,” Carney said.
The white paper offers a more expansive definition
of self-defense and imminent attack than
those given publicly in the past by senior US offi-
becoming vice president, and added:
“Most the time the president sends me to
places that he doesn’t want to go!” Biden’s
loose tongue may have led Americans to
underestimate his role in Obama’s first
term. But recent events, such the fiscalcliff
crisis, have shown how reliant the
president is on him.
It was Biden who brought about
escape from fiscal chaos late last year by
finding common ground with Senate
Republican leader Mitch McConnell,
whose antipathy for Obama is such that
he once vowed his major goal was to
deny him a second term.
And it was Biden who negotiated with
various groups and came up with the first
US gun-control proposals in decades, recommendations
that Obama quickly
endorsed and Congress is now discussing.
Just last week Biden was on
Capitol Hill taking the temperature of
Senate Democrats on the gun control
proposals. Having spent 30 years in the
Senate, he is viewed on Capitol Hill as a
more credible voice than Obama, who
served less than a full term as a senator.
“Senator Obama was here for 30 minutes;
Senator Biden was here for 30 years.
That’s the biggest difference. He’s a lot
less cocky, doesn’t hog the conversation,
let’s everybody speak, and he understands
it,” said an aide to a senior
Republican senator. Inevitably, conversation
about Biden turns to whether he will
cials, who have cited “the inherent right to selfdefense”
in defending the attacks. “The condition
that an operational leader present an ‘imminent’
threat of violent attack against the United
States does not require the United States to have
clear evidence that a specific attack on US persons
and interests will take place in the immediate
future,” the memo says.
Instead, an “informed, high-level” official
could decide that the targeted individual posed
“an imminent threat of violent attack against the
United States” if he had “recently” engaged in
such activities, and there was no evidence he
had renounced or abandoned them.
The memo also says the individual’s capture
must be unfeasible, and can be considered so if
capture posed an “undue risk” to US personnel.
The 16-page memo is entitled “Lawfulness of a
Lethal Operation Directed Against a US Citizen
Who Is a Senior Operational Leader of Al-Qaeda
or An Associated Force.”
NBC said the memo was given to the Senate
Intelligence and Judiciary Committees in June
on condition it be kept confidential and not discussed
publicly. Its leak comes just two days
before White House counter-terrorism chief
John Brennan goes before the Senate for hearings
on his nomination to be head of the CIA.
Brennan has been a central player in the US
drone campaign, which has expanded sharply
under President Barack Obama despite qualms
about its legality and public outrage in Pakistan
over civilian deaths. Jameel Jaffer, deputy legal
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
seek the Democratic presidential nomination
in 2016. He has not ruled this out.
Biden fueled speculation about his
plans by staging a party of long-time
friends and associates at his home in last
January to celebrate his second swearingin.
It included guests from the early voting
states of Iowa and New Hampshire. “I
would say he’s definitely keeping his
options open,” said one participant, Sara
Riley, a lawyer from Cedar Rapids, Iowa
who helped Biden’s 2008 presidential
campaign. Biden will have to decide
whether he can get elected at 74, an
advanced age for a president, and
whether he would want to run against
former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,
should the 65-year-old wife for former
President Bill Clinton decide to stand as
well. At the White House, officials are well
aware of the speculation and want Biden
to be a successful vice president should
he decide to seek the top job. And the
best way for him to be a successful vice
president, they say, is for Obama to be a
successful president.
At the same time, Obama and the
White House have been careful not to
choose sides between Biden and Clinton.
White House spokesman Jay Carney skirted
the issue when asked if Obama preferred
one or the other. “I think for the sake
and sanity of all involved, it’s worth taking
a little bit of a break from presidential election-year
politics,” he said. — Reuters
White House: Drone strikes
are legal, ethical and wise
NBC disclosure sets off new debate over rights
Captor rigged
bunker, waged
firefight: FBI
MIDLAND CITY, Alabama: As FBI and police negotiators
sought for days to coax an Alabama man into freeing a
kindergartner held hostage in an underground bunker,
the captor was making plans of his own, authorities say.
He rigged the bunker with explosives, tried to reinforce it
against any raid, and when SWAT agents stormed the
shelter Monday to rescue the boy, Jimmy Lee Dykes
engaged in a firefight that left the captor dead, the FBI
and officials said.
After the nearly weeklong hostage ordeal, relatives
say the boy, who turns 6 Wednesday, is back at home
and appears to be doing well. He was seized off a crowded
school bus Jan. 29 after authorities say the gunman
shot the driver dead and took the boy to the bunker.
While the FBI has said little about how it monitored
Dykes’ behavior and mood in the days leading up to the
rescue, the latest revelations suggest authorities were
dealing with an abductor fully prepared for more violence
even as he allowed police to send food, medicine
and toys into the bunker for the boy.
An FBI statement late Tuesday said Dyke, 65, had
planted an explosive device in a ventilation pipe he’d
told negotiators to use to communicate with him on his
property in the rural Alabama community of Midland
City. The suspect also placed another explosive device
inside the bunker, the FBI added.
Dykes appears to have “reinforced the bunker against
any attempted entry by law enforcement,” FBI special
agent Jason Pack said in the statement providing significant
new details about how it all ended.
When SWAT agents stormed the bunker, Dykes
“engaged in a firefight with the SWAT agents,” Pack
added. Officers killed Dykes, said an official in Midland
City, speaking on condition of anonymity because the
official wasn’t authorized to discuss a pending law
enforcement investigation.
The two devices were “disrupted,” Pack said, but did
not say whether they were detonated or disarmed. For
days, officers communicated with Dykes through a plastic
pipe that rose up from the bunker, which was similar
to a tornado shelter and apparently had running water,
heat and cable television.
On Monday, authorities said, Dykes had a gun and
appeared increasingly agitated, and negotiations were
deteriorating. The Midland City official said law enforcement
agents had been observing Dykes with some sort
of camera, which is how they saw that he had a gun. Dale
County Coroner Woodrow Hilboldt said Tuesday that he
had not been able to confirm exactly how Dykes died
because the man’s body had remained in the bunker. An
autopsy was to be conducted once the body was
removed. The boy, who has Asperger’s syndrome and
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, was said to be
acting like a normal kid after his rescue. — AP
PHOENIX: Jodi Arias’ life changed from the
moment she met the man she killed. A
world of opportunities seemed possible. A
good job. A promising future. A potentially
loving relationship.
As Arias testifies in her murder trial, she
continues to lay out in painstaking detail
the events that led up to the day she
stabbed and shot Travis Alexander in his
suburban Phoenix home.
Her testimony was set to resume later
yesterday. Arias has told jurors of a past
marred by abuse at the hands of her parents,
the numerous boyfriends who cheated
on her and how things seemed to take a
turn for the better when she met
Alexander. The 32-year-old is now accused
of stabbing and slashing him 27 times, slitting
his throat and shooting him in the
head in June 2008. She initially denied any
involvement, then later blamed it on
masked intruders before claiming selfdefense.
Arias says she went to Alexander’s
home for sex, but that he turned violent,
forcing her to fight for her life. Prosecutors
say she killed him in a jealous rage.
She could face the death penalty if convicted.
Arias told jurors of other boyfriends
- before she met Alexander - who cheated
on her and lied to her. The defense claims
director of the American Civil Liberties Union,
which has sued to obtain the legal document
used to authorize the killing of Awlaki, a radical
preacher, called the white paper “chilling.”
“According to the white paper, the government
has the authority to carry out targeted
killings of US citizens without presenting evidence
to a judge before the fact or after, and
indeed without even acknowledging to the
courts or to the public that the authority has
been exercised.
“Without saying so explicitly, the government
claims the authority to kill American terrorism
suspects in secret,” he wrote on the ACLU’s web
site. Administration officials fiercely defend the
drone program as key to the US strategy against
Al-Qaeda, in a war against terrorism with no
geographic boundaries.
“It’s been an important part of our operations
against Al-Qaeda, not just in Pakistan, but also in
Yemen, in Somalia and I think it ought to continue
to be a tool we ought to use where necessary,”
outgoing US Defense Secretary Leon
Panetta said in an interview with AFP last week.
Meanwhile, inside the United States, lawmakers
in at least nine states were working on measures
to restrict the use of drones in their skies
due to worries that the unmanned vehicles
could be used to spy on Americans at home.
The American Civil Liberties Union says the
states so far are Oregon, California, Montana,
Texas, Nebraska, Missouri, North Dakota, Virginia
and Florida. — AFP
GRAHAM: Dakota Gordon, 7, holds a candle as she looks at a toy hanging above
crosses erected in memory of her cousins, Braden and Charlie Powell during a vigil in
Graham, Washington. The vigil was held at the vacant lot where the home rented by
the boys’ father, Josh Powell once stood. Powell blew up the house during a parental
visit with the boys while a social worker was locked outside. — AP
Arizona woman charged
in lover’s slaying testifies
Alexander, a successful businessman and
motivational speaker was abusive, both
physically and mentally.
She said she first met Alexander at a Las
Vegas convention in late 2006 after years of
bad relationships. She was almost immediately
enamored by him, and it appeared he
was taken with her, too. She suddenly saw
both personal and professional opportunities.
“The things he said to me made a big
impression on me,” Arias told jurors.
Arias said she soon ended her relationship
with another man and within a week
she saw Alexander again. That’s when
things became sexual, she testified.
While staying the night at a home of
one of Alexander’s friends, a day before he
was to take her to church, she said the pair
engaged in oral sex. “I didn’t want to tell
him no so I just kept going with it,” she said.
“At that point in time, I was not really accustomed
to saying no.”
Alexander told her about his Mormon
faith, she said. Throughout the trial,
defense attorneys have depicted Alexander
as a liar and a cheater who belittled her
Arias and told her and other girlfriends that
he was a devout Mormon saving sex for
marriage, while in reality he was having sex
with other women. — AP

News
in brief
Heavy rain kills 34 in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Days of torrential rain have killed
34 people in Pakistan, mostly on the northwestern
border with Afghanistan, officials said yesterday.
The worst-hit region was Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa in the northwest where 25 people
were killed and 57 injured as a result of heavy
rain from Sunday to Tuesday, the provincial disaster
management authority said. Three soldiers
were also reported missing after they were hit
by a snow avalanche in the northwestern district
of Lower Dir. Eight people were killed in the
central province of Punjab, said Shahzad Abbasi,
spokesman for the Punjab disaster management
authority.
Myanmar to allow UN aid to Kachin
YANGON: The United Nations will be allowed
into Myanmar’s strife-torn Kachin state to deliver
humanitarian aid for the first time since a
recent escalation of fighting between ethnic
rebels and government troops. An announcement
of the deliveries came yesterday after the
two sides agreed Monday to work toward ending
a bloody conflict that has forced thousands
of civilians to flee the area in northern Myanmar.
A UN spokesman, Aye Win, said it was “significant”
that aid could be delivered for the first
time since fighting escalated in December.
Avalanche kills five in India
SHIMLA: An avalanche in a Himalayan region of
northern India killed at least five villagers yesterday
when their houses were buried under
heavy snow, officials said. The avalanche
trapped eight people in the remote Kafnu village
in the state of Himachal Pradesh but three
of them were later rescued, they said. “The victims
were in two houses. The other six houses in
the village had been vacated earlier,” said one of
the officials, speaking anonymously as he was
not authorized to talk to the press. A rescue
operation was launched despite the heavy
snowfall in the tribal region bordering Tibet,
with forecasters warning of the possibility of
more avalanches.
Riot police fire
water cannon
at Modi venue
NEW DELHI: Indian riot police fired water cannon yesterday
at hundreds of students who were protesting
outside a college where the prominent hardline nationalist
politician Narendra Modi was due to speak. Modi,
tipped to be the main opposition BJP’s candidate for
prime minister in elections next year, had been due to
make a speech at the Sri Ram College of Commerce in
New Delhi as part of a high-profile visit to the capital.
It was not immediately clear whether Modi had been
able to enter the compound where large numbers of
students had gathered, chanting slogans and carrying
banners such as “Killer Modi Go Back”, according to an
AFP correspondent.
Police barricaded the entire venue as they tried to
push the protestors back from the gates of the college.
Modi, who is chief minister of Gujarat, is a hugely controversial
figure having been in power in 2001 when the
western state was rocked by some of India’s worst religious
riots since independence in 1947. Some 2,000
people were killed in clashes between Hindus and
Muslims, most of them Muslims.
One of Modi’s former ministers was jailed for life for
instigating the killing, but all investigations have
cleared Modi of personal responsibility. Earlier Modi had
held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after
which he refused to be drawn on speculation that he
wanted to stand as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s candidate
in elections due in spring 2014. —AFP
Male companion
cross-examined at
India gang-rape trial
NEW DELHI: Defense lawyers began cross-examining
yesterday the male companion of a student
who was gang-raped on a bus in New Delhi at the
trial of five adults accused of her murder, the
man’s father said. “The cross-examination has
begun,” said the father of the 28-year-old IT specialist,
who cannot be named for legal reasons.
“Three defense lawyers will cross-examine and
question him based on the statement that he
gave to the police and the court,” he added.
The cross-examination comes after the companion,
who is the chief prosecution witness, had
on Tuesday identified the bus on which the fatal
attack took place on December 16. The bus had
been brought to the court compound. The five
adult defendants have all denied murder, rape and
robbery charges for which they are being tried at
a special fast-track court in the Saket district of the
Indian capital.
A sixth defendant is being tried separately as a
juvenile. The 23-year-old medical student died in a
Singapore hospital on December 29 from massive
internal injuries she sustained during the savage
bus assault a fortnight earlier, which caused outrage
across India.
She and her companion had spent the evening
at the cinema and were lured onto the off-duty
bus after failing to flag down an autorickshaw to
take them home.
As well as taking turns to rape the woman and
violating her with a rusty iron bar, the group
attacked her companion so badly that he is still
unable to walk properly. He again appeared at the
court on Wednesday in a wheelchair.
The judge has banned all reporting of proceedings
inside the courtroom and ordered lawyers
not to speak to journalists.—AFP
BANGALORE: China’s role in
operating a strategically important
port in Pakistan is a matter of
concern for India, its defense minister
said yesterday, as New Delhi
and Beijing jostle for influence in
the region. Indian policy-makers
have long been wary of a string of
strategically located ports being
built by Chinese companies in its
neighborhood, as India beefs up
its military clout to compete with
its Asian rival.
Management of Gwadar port,
around 600 km (370 miles) from
Karachi and close to Pakistan’s
border with Iran, was handed
over to state-run Chinese
Overseas Port Holdings last week
after previously being managed
by Singapore’s PSA International.
“It is a matter of concern to us,”
Indian Defense Minister A K
Antony told reporters when asked
about Chinese control of the port.
When complete, the port, which is
close to the Strait of Hormuz, a
key oil shipping lane, is seen
opening up an energy and trade
corridor from the Gulf, across
Pakistan to western China, and
could be used by the Chinese
Navy, analysts say.
“It will enable (China) to
deploy military capability in the
region,” said Jay Ranade, of the
Centre for Air Power Studies and a
former additional secretary at the
government of India. “Having
control of Gwadar, China is basically
getting an entry into the
Arabian Sea and the Gulf.”
China has also funded ports in
Hambantota, Sri Lanka, and
INTERNATIONAL
Chittagong in Bangladesh, both
India’s neighbors. “Gwadar is a
more serious development than
the others,” Ranade said, as the
Pakistani port gives China base
facilities.
A Pakistani foreign ministry
official told Reuters that the port
was none of India’s business.
“India has no concern with
whoever Pakistan decides to
work with on Gwadar,” said the
official, who declined to be identified.
“We first had a deal with
Singapore but that didn’t work
out as desired. Singapore’s PSA
International and the Chinese
have settled the deal.” China and
India fought a brief border war in
1962. Chinese Foreign Ministry
spokesman Hong Lei said last
week that Gwadar was a commercial
project, part of longstanding
bilateral cooperation.
“China will actively support any
program that benefits China-
Pakistan relations and the prosperity
of Pakistan,” he told
reporters.
India, the world’s biggest arms
importer in recent years, plans to
spend around $100 billion over
the next 10 years in upgrading its
mostly Soviet-era military hardware
to keep pace with China’s
ramping up of defense spending.
The country was bound to
modernize its armed forces in
response to China’s own modernization,
Indian Defense Minister
Antony said at an air show in the
southern city of Bangalore,
adding that strengthening its
north-eastern border with China
was not a confrontation with its
neighbor. “It is our duty. If they
are doing it, we will also do it,”
said Antony, adding that the presence
of a Chinese delegation at
the show was a “welcome step”,
without elaborating. Despite the
push to overhaul its military,
India’s defense budget would not
escape a tightening of govern-
ment spending this year, Antony
said, as New Delhi looks to rein in
its fiscal deficit.
“Our priority areas will not face
budget cuts. Those essential to
operational preparedness, there
won’t be any budget cuts,” Antony
said.
A long-awaited deal for India
to buy 126 Rafale fighter jets from
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
India voices ‘concern’ over
China role in Pakistan port
Port close to Iran seen as key energy supply link
LAHORE: Members of the Pakistani Young Doctors Association (YDA) sit on a
hunger strike at their protest camp in Lahore yesterday. The Young Doctors
Association staged a hunger strike camp to press their demand for the
release of their colleagues who have been arrested during an earlier protest
for wage hike. — AFP
DHAKA: Police fired rubber bullets yesterday
at hundreds of activists from
Bangladesh’s largest Islamic party during a
second day of rioting sparked by the conviction
of a top opposition figure for war
crimes. After four people were killed during
violence that flared late into the night on
Tuesday, dozens more Jamaat-e-Islami supporters
were wounded when riot police
tried to disperse fresh protests yesterday
near Dhaka and the southwestern district
of Khulna. The violence erupted after the
France’s Dassault Aviation was
being reviewed by a cost negotiation
committee, Antony said,
adding that the delay in finalizing
the deal was not due to budget
cuts. India selected the Rafale
from several options and entered
into exclusive talks with Dassault
for the $15 billion contract more
than a year ago.— Reuters
BANGALORE: Indian defense minister A K Antony (right) gets into the cockpit of a HAL
Rudra helicopter while Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne (C, in blue) looks on
during Aero India 2013 at the Yelahanka Air Force station in Bangalore yesterday. —AFP
GAUHATI, India: Insurgents in India’s
troubled northeast are suspected of
using AK-47 assault rifles to hunt rare,
one-horned rhinos to cash in on a huge
demand for the animals’ horns in China
and Southeast Asia, police said yesterday.
Poaching has been rampant in and
around the Kaziranga National Park in
Assam state, where 21 rhinos were killed
last year and eight so far this year. A half
dozen of them were killed in the past
month alone using AK-47s, leading
police to suspect that insurgents had
joined the poaching, Assam state police
chief Jayanta Narayan Choudhury said.
“This is serious,” top state elected official
Tarun Gogoi said, adding that he was
asking federal investigators to launch a
probe into the rhino killings.
An estimated 2,500 out of the world’s
3,000 one-horned rhinos live in
Kaziranga. Powdered versions of their
horns are coveted in many Asian countries
as a medicine or an aphrodisiac.
A group of protesters gathered at the
park Tuesday and stripped to their
party’s fourth most senior official, Abdul
Quader Molla, was jailed for life on Tuesday
for committing mass murder during the
1971 war of independence against
Pakistan.
The sentence was handed down by a
underwear to express anger over the
rhinos’ killings and to demand more
state government action to protect the
rare animals.
Some foreign tourists also lent their
support. “I had come here to see the rhinos,
but when I heard the animals were
being killed by poachers at frightening
regularity, I decided to join this protest,”
Kenyan tourist Jenny Turner said.
The World Wildlife Fund said the
Assam state’s porous borders with
neighboring Bangladesh and Myanmar
means that such weapons are easily
available there and that poachers have
easy access to illegal wildlife trade networks.
The 480-square kilometer (185square
mile) Kaziranga National Park is
about 250 kilometers (155 miles) east of
Gauhati, the state capital. Nearly two
dozen rebel groups in the northeast
have been fighting for independence or
wide autonomy for decades. They
accuse the Indian government of
exploiting the region’s rich natural
resources. —AP
Bangladesh war crime
verdict ignites clashes
DHAKA: Bangladeshi social activists and bloggers participate in a demonstration demanding the death sentence for
the country’s war criminals during a nationwide strike in Dhaka yesterday. — AFP
Poachers use AK-47s
to kill rhinos in India
domestic war crimes tribunals which lacks
any international oversight. Jamaat says
the war crimes charges against Molla and
eight other senior party officials due to face
trial-including its leader and deputy leaderare
bogus and part of a wider political
vendetta.
The party enforced a nationwide strike
on Tuesday and Wednesday and threatened
to call indefinite protests if the trials
are not halted. It had called a series of
protests last week that left at least three
people dead. The government maintains
the trials are needed to heal the wounds of
the deadly nine-month war in which it says
three million people were killed, many by
pro-Pakistani militia whose members
allegedly included Jamaat officials.
The local police chief for Narayanganj,
the suburb of Dhaka which saw the worst
of the violence yesterday morning, said
about 15 people had been injured by rubber
bullets. The private Independent TV
channel said at least 12 people were
injured in Khulna after police fired rubber
bullets. Security has been tightened across
the country. In Dhaka, the government
deployed border guards as reinforcements
to stem spiralling violence while at least
10,000 policemen were also on patrol.
Thousands of pro-government protesters
also staged a night-long candlelit rally at a
key crossing in central Dhaka, demanding
the death sentence for Molla.
Border guards were also deployed in
Chittagong, the country’s second largest
city, where another person died of bullet
wounds in a hospital to take Tuesday’s
death toll to four, the city’s deputy police
chief Bonoj Kumar said.The tribunal, which
was created by the country’s secular government
in 2010, is also trying two senior
officials of the main opposition Bangladesh
Nationalist Party. — AFP

A North Korean soldier waves as he stands guard on the river bank of the
North Korean town of Sinuiju, opposite side of Dandong yesterday. North
Korea vowed last month to carry out its third nuclear test but has said nothing
about timing. — AP
China media vents
N Korea frustration
BEIJING: China should exact a “heavy price”
from North Korea if an imminent nuclear
test goes ahead, state-run media said yesterday
in their strongest call yet, but analysts
say Beijing appears unable to restrain
its wayward ally.
The state-run Global Times raised the
prospect that the relationship founded on
the battlefields of the 1950-53 Korean War,
and which Pyongyang has relied on ever
since, “might break down” over the issue.
That would “be of no benefit to
Pyongyang”, it said. “North Korea would
face an even worse situation, but China
could find some ways to compensate for
geopolitical losses.” The article appeared in
both the English- and Chinese-language
editions of the paper. But analysts and
diplomats said that despite its discontent
Beijing was unwilling to carry out meaningful
action, leaving the media as its only theatre
to display its frustrations.
North Korea vowed to conduct its third
nuclear test after the UN Security Council
condemned its December 12 rocket launch
in a resolution that was the product of
extensive negotiations with China.
The Global Times-which is owned by the
People’s Daily, the official mouthpiece of
the ruling Communist Party-has previously
urged Beijing to cut off aid if it goes ahead
with the blast. But the threats contrast with
Beijing’s official position of repeatedly urging
calm and restraint, and avoiding punitive
measures to prevent regional instability.
China is widely seen as fearing the consequences
of a North Korean collapse,
which could send an exodus of refugees
across the border and potentially lead to a
reunified, US-allied Korea on its border. “If
North Korea insists on a third nuclear test
despite attempts to dissuade it, it must pay
a heavy price,” said Wednesday’s Global
Times editorial. “The assistance it will be
able to receive from China should be
reduced.”
“China is never afraid of Pyongyang,” it
went on. “If Pyongyang gets tough with
China, China should strike back hard, even
at the cost of deteriorating bilateral relations.”
Stephanie Kleine-Ahlbrandt, the Beijingbased
Northeast Asia director for the
International Crisis Group, said that “editorials
are a great way to let off steam”.
Although Beijing has long maintained its
stance of supporting its unpredictable
neighbour, she said, the media provides a
way to vent the views of those arguing for
a tougher tack.
“They are really upset,” she said. “But
there’s a higher-order priority.” Avoiding
instability was China’s main concern in the
Korean peninsula, she said.
“Even if they diminish the assistance,
they are not going to do it enough to cripple
the regime or make a difference,” she
said. “Beijing is simply afraid of pushing the
regime too far.” Beijing provides substantial
economic support to Pyongyang through
cross-border trade and investment, while
aid constitutes “just one part of the relationship”,
she added.
The foreign ministry did not immediately
respond to requests for comment on
reports in South Korea that Pyongyang’s
ambassador had been summoned for talks
“several times”.
A car bearing diplomatic plates and carrying
a North Korean flag was seen entering
the foreign ministry Tuesday. A Western
diplomat in Beijing said: “I don’t think the
Chinese are going to change their policy,
even if there is a lot of frustration here
about the fact that they can’t persuade
Pyongyang.”
The foreign ministry distanced itself
from the editorials, with spokeswoman Hua
Chunying saying that Global Times pieces
“are perhaps not that in line” with its positions,
and repeating China’s call for calm
and restraint. China has acted as
Pyongyang’s main benefactor since the
Korean War, providing vital diplomatic support
and economic ties to one of the
world’s most isolated regimes. — AFP
Five dead as Solomons
quake sparks tsunami
HONIARA: A major 8.0 magnitude earthquake
jolted the Solomon Islands yesterday
with small tsunami waves buffeting
Pacific coasts, leaving at least five people
dead and dozens of homes damaged or
destroyed.
A quake-generated wave of just
under one metre (three feet) reached
parts of the Solomons, and Vanuatu and
New Caledonia also reported rising sea
levels, before a region-wide tsunami
alert was lifted. Sirens were heard in Fiji,
locals said. “Chaos in the streets of Suva
as everyone tries to avoid the tsunami!!”
tweeted Ratu Nemani Tebana from the
Fiji capital. The waves reached as far
away as Japan, which was hit by a huge
tsunami in March 2011 that killed more
than 19,000 people.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency
reported a 20-centimetre wave hitting
the Ogasawara island chain south of
Tokyo eight hours after the quake struck.
Smaller waves were later recorded on
Japan’s main island of Honshu. The
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cancelled
its regional alert for Pacific-island
nations at 0350 GMT, about two and a
half hours after the powerful quake
struck at 0112 GMT near the Santa Cruz
Islands in the Solomons. Australian and
US monitors said a tsunami wave measuring
91 centimetres washed into the
town of Lata, on the main Santa Cruz
island of Ndende.
The United Nations Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
said the wave appeared to have travelled
500 metres inland, inundating Lata’s
airstrip as well as surrounding villages,
flattening many traditional houses. “We
can report five dead and three injured.
One of the dead was a male child, three
were elderly women and one an elderly
man,” Chris Rogers, a nurse at Lata
Hospital, told AFP.
Solomons Prime Minister Gordon
Darcy Lilo’s office said four villages on
the Santa Cruz Islands had been hit by
the tsunami. “Latest reports suggest that
between 60 to 70 homes have been
damaged by waves crashing into at least
four villages on Santa Cruz Islands,” Lilo’s
spokesman George Herming said.
“At this stage, authorities are still trying
to establish the exact number and
extent of damage. ommunication to
(the) Santa Cruz Islands is difficult due to
the remoteness of the islands.”
Solomon Islands Red Cross secretary
general Joanne Zoleveke said she had
been told at least three villages were hit,
with houses washed away.
“In the Solomon Islands when we talk
about villages there can be anything
from 10 to 30 houses,” she said. With
Lata’s airstrip out of commission, officials
were hoping to fly over the area early
Thursday to assess the damage better.
The US Geological Survey said the
quake struck the Santa Cruz Islands,
which have been rocked by a series of
strong tremors over the past week, at a
depth of 28.7 kilometres (18 miles).
About 20 aftershocks were recorded,
including one at 6.6-magnitude. “Sea
level readings indicate a tsunami was
generated,” the Hawaii-based Pacific
warning centre said after the 8.0 quake,
before lifting its tsunami alert for several
island nations.
Lata Hospital director of nursing
Augustine Bilve said some patients were
evacuated to higher ground to prepare
for any injured from the villages along
the coast. Settlements did not appear to
be seriously damaged in the quake, he
said, but added: “We were told that after
the shaking, waves came to the villages.”
In 2007 a tsunami following an 8.0-magnitude
earthquake killed at least 52 people
in the Solomons and left thousands
homeless. The quake lifted an entire
island and pushed out its shoreline by
dozens of metres. The Solomons are part
of the “Ring of Fire”, a zone of tectonic
activity around the Pacific that is subject
to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
In December 2004, a 9.3-magnitude
quake off Indonesia triggered a catastrophic
tsunami that killed 226,000 people
around the Indian Ocean.—AFP
INTERNATIONAL
TOKYO: The radar-lock that a
Chinese frigate put on a Japanese
warship was “dangerous” and
“provocative”, Japan’s Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe said yesterday,
as tensions rose in a territorial row.
“It was a dangerous act that
could have led to an unpredictable
situation,” Abe told parliament. “It is
extremely regrettable. We strongly
ask for their self-restraint in order
to avoid an unnecessary escalation.”
The hawkish prime minister,
who took office late December following
a landslide election victory,
described the radar-locking as “unilateral
provocative action by the
Chinese side”.
Abe’s comments come a day
after Defense Minister Itsunori
Onodera announced that weapontargeting
radar had been directed
at the Japanese vessel in international
waters of the East China Sea
last week. The move marks the first
time the two nations’ navies have
locked horns in a dispute that has
some commentators warning
about a possible armed conflict.
Onodera said a Japanese military
helicopter was also locked
with a similar radar on January 19.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary
Katsunobu Kato told a news conference
that Tokyo protested on
Tuesday to Beijing about the incidents
and asked for an explanation,
but had yet to receive any
reply.
Chinese foreign ministry
spokeswoman Hua Chunying said
Wednesday she was “not aware of
the specifics” and referred inquiries
to “competent Chinese authorities”.
“You can understand in this
way: we learned about this incident
from the press reports,” she
told reporters at a regular briefing.
Beijing’s defense ministry did not
immediately respond to AFP
requests for comment. US State
Department spokeswoman Victoria
Nuland said Washington was concerned
at the incident.
“With regard to the reports of
this particular lock-on incident,
actions such as this escalate tensions
and increase the risk of an
incident or a miscalculation, and
they could undermine peace, stability
and economic growth in this
vital region,” she said. Radar is used
precisely to determine a target’s
distance, direction, speed and altitude.
Weapon systems linked to
the radar can be fired immediately,
Japan’s government said. The situation
is already tense in the East
China Sea, where Asia’s two largest
economies are at loggerheads over
the sovereignty of an uninhabited
island chain.
On Tuesday Tokyo summoned
China’s envoy in protest at the
presence a day earlier of Chinese
government-but not military-ships
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Abe: China radar-lock on
Japan ship ‘dangerous’
Tensions escalate in territorial dispute
TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) and Finance Minister Taro Aso (left) show
their sour faces at the Upper House’s plenary session at the National Diet in Tokyo yesterday.
The radar-lock that a Chinese frigate put on a Japanese warship was “dangerous” and “provocative”,
Abe said, as tensions in a territorial row ratcheted up. —AFP
JAKARTA: A woman walks on a flooded street following a heavy rain at the
main business district in Jakarta yesterday. About an hour of torrential rain
triggered up to knee-high floods on the main streets of the capital and
caused heavy traffic jams. —AP
Philippine Witness’
death case raises alarm
MANILA: A witness in the murder of a
prominent Philippine environmentalist has
died in prison under mysterious circumstances,
police said yesterday, as his relatives
raised fears of foul play.
Relatives alerted police Tuesday about
the death of the witness, Dennis Aranas,
who was detained at a jail in Lucena, capital
of Quezon province, said Chief Inspector
Job de Mesa.
Aranas was a key government witness to
the January 2011 shooting death of journalist
and environmental activist Gerry
Ortega. The state alleges the murder was
plotted by a politician who is believed to
have fled abroad. “They (jail officials) told
us he (Aranas) had committed suicide, but
when we went there to investigate, the
body had been taken to the morgue,” said
de Mesa, police chief of Lucena city. The
prison director and jail guards are under
investigation for failing to report the death
and removing the body, de Mesa added.
The prisoner who shared the jail cell
with the dead man was also being questioned,
he added. Ortega’s family suggested
the witness could have been silenced to
weaken the murder case, and also
demanded a police inquiry.
“We are just worried because as witnesses
die, the case may weaken in the long
run,” it said in a statement. Aranas was the
second state witness to die, the family
added. It likened the deaths to the murders
of several witnesses to the 2009 massacre
of 58 people in the southern province of
Maguindanao. The government alleges Joel
Reyes, former governor of the island
province of Palawan, and his brother Mario
had plotted the murder of Ortega, a local
critic. The environmentalist’s daughter
Michaella Ortega told AFP a man accused
of buying the gun used in the Ortega
shooting died of liver disease last year.
Aranas had been arrested as an accomplice,
but later agreed to testify that he served as
a lookout while a gunman shot Ortega, the
Ortega family said.
Prison officials told police Aranas was
found dead in his cell Tuesday with a shoulder
bag strap around his neck, de Mesa
said. The dead man’s family challenged this
account and demanded an autopsy, he
added. — AFP
Singapore plans protest as
population debate rages
SINGAPORE: Singapore is to hold a rare antigovernment
demonstration against plans for
a dramatic increase in immigration that
would boost the island’s population by as
much as 30 percent by 2030. Discontent is
growing in affluent Singapore over a rising
number of foreigners blamed for strains on
infrastructure, ballooning housing costs and
transportation headaches in a country slightly
smaller than New York City.
Public expression is a delicate act in
Singapore where government figures, including
elder statesman Lee Kuan Yew, father of
the current prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong,
have sued critical opposition MPs for defamation.
Nearly all media are pro-government.
Protest organiser Gilbert Goh said he
hoped to attract 1,000 people to the Feb. 16
event at Speakers’ Corner, a designated park
exempt from strict government controls over
assemblies, speeches and outdoor protests.
Nearly 1,100 people said on a Facebook
page they will or may join the demonstration
against a government proposal on Jan. 29 to
raise the population to 6.9 million. Of that, up
to 36 percent, or 2.5 million, would be made
up of foreign workers to balance a low birth
rate and sustain economic growth.
“Let us send a strong signal to our government
that we don’t want 6.9 million people
living here by 2030,” Goh said.
The public generally supports Singapore’s
tough laws and tight social controls as part of
a social contract that in return has delivered
years of economic prosperity. But calls for
change are growing. Opposition parties won
record support in the 2011 general election.
The long-ruling People’s Action Party, founded
by Lee Kuan Yew, occupies 80 of 87 seats
in parliament but lost two recent by-elections
by surprisingly large margins in signs of
mounting discontent. — Reuters
in the waters around the Tokyocontrolled
Senkakus, which Beijing
claims as the Diaoyus. Beijing has
repeatedly sent ships to the area
since Japan nationalised some
islands in the chain in September.
The move triggered a diplomatic
dispute and huge anti-Japan
demonstrations across China.
Beijing has also sent air patrols
to the area and both Beijing and
Tokyo have scrambled fighter jets,
though there have been no clashes.
—AFP
Komodo dragon
attack leaves
2 hospitalized
JAKARTA: A Komodo dragon in Indonesia has attacked
two employees in one of the giant lizards’ protected island
habitats, leaving its victims hospitalized with serious
injuries, an official said yesterday.
One victim, a 50-year-old park ranger, was sitting at his
desk at the Rinca island front office, where tourists usually
check in, when the two-metre-long monitor snuck into his
room Tuesday afternoon.
“The man panicked when he saw the Komodo and tried
to escape by jumping on a chair, but the Komodo quickly
grabbed and bit one of his legs,” Komodo National Park
official Heru Rudiharto told AFP. Rudiharto said the ranger
was the victim of a similar Komodo attack in 2009 and was
still traumatized. Another employee, aged 35, heard the
ranger scream and quickly ran to his aid, but the lizard also
attacked him, taking a bite at his leg.
Both are in good condition after being given stitches at
a health clinic, Rudiharto said, but they are being monitored
in hospital to ensure an infection does not develop.
Until recently, Komodos were believed to hunt with a
“bite and wait” strategy using toxic bacteria in their saliva
to weaken or kill their prey, before descending in numbers
to feast. But recent research found that the dragons’ jaws
are armed with highly sophisticated poison glands that can
cause paralysis, spasms and shock through haemorrhaging.
They are native to several Indonesian islands and are
considered a vulnerable species, with only a few thousand
left in the world. Their normal diet consists of large mammals,
reptiles and birds. A Komodo in October attacked a
woman collecting grass for animal feed at the park,
Rudiharto said. She has recovered from a serious leg injury.
The world’s largest monitor lizard, Komodos can grow
up to three metres (10 feet) and typically weigh to 70 kilograms
(150 pounds). — AFP
Park rangers oversee a Komodo dragon in
Komodo island, part of the protected area of
Komodo National Park in Indonesia’s Nusa
Tenggara Timur province. A Komodo dragon in
Indonesia has attacked two employees in one of
the giant lizards’ protected island habitats, leaving
its victims hospitalized with serious injuries,
an official said yesterday.—AFP

Morsi urges Syria unity at OIC summit
Continued from Page 1
Egypt, Iran and Turkey also held talks on Syria on the
sidelines of the summit. Egyptian presidential spokesman
Yasser Ali said the meeting was aimed at finding a solution
that would “satisfy the Syrian people”. “We want to
stress to the Iranian leadership that their interests in the
Arab world are tied to supporting the Syria people to end
the bloodshed,” he told reporters. An Iranian official said
on condition of anonymity that Tehran hoped Syria’s
opposition would “soften its stance” on talks with the
regime.
The summit, originally for 2011, was postponed
because of the regional uprisings that overthrew four
Arab dictators, including Egypt’s president Hosni
Mubarak, the OIC’s secretary general Ekmeleddin
Ihsanoglu said. The summit also discussed the conflict in
Mali, where French forces intervened on Jan 11 to help
the army halt an advance on the capital Bamako by
Islamists. The leaders will also discuss Israeli settlements
on occupied Palestinian territory, a regular topic of OIC
summits. The questions of Islamophobia, Muslim minorities
and economic cooperation in the Islamic world are
also on the agenda.
In his opening address to the gathering, Senegalese
President Macky Sall commended France for its military
intervention in Mali, and said the Muslim world cannot
allow “a minority of terrorists to commit crimes, distort our
faith and deepen hatred for Islam.” The French operation
has received broad international support, including from
the Malian government itself, although Morsi has repeatedly
denounced the intervention, saying it threatens to
perpetuate instability across the region. Addressing the
summit yesterday, Morsi stopped short of condemning
Paris for its actions in Mali, but made clear that Cairo did
not support it. “We call for a comprehensive approach to
deal with the situation there and any similar case” he said.
“An approach that deals with all the different aspects of
the crisis and its political, developmental and intellectual
roots while safeguarding human rights.” — Agencies
US operating drone base in Saudi Arabia...
Continued from Page 1
that is run by the CIA and US military’s Joint Special
Operations Command is likely to add to debate and
increasing scrutiny about whether use of such strikes is
legal. The Sept 2011 killing of Awlaki stoked concern
because he and Samir Khan, a Pakistani-American who
also died in the strike, were US citizens who had never
been charged with a crime. The White House on Tuesday
defended drone strikes against Al-Qaeda suspects as
legal, ethical and wise and insisted that they complied
with US law and the constitution, even if they targeted
Americans.
The continued focus on drones comes as White
House counter-terrorism chief John Brennan goes
before the Senate today for hearings on his nomination
to be head of the CIA. Brennan has been a central player
in the US drone campaign, which has expanded sharply
Tunisia oppn chief shot dead
Continued from Page 1
affairs of the country until elections are held in the
shortest possible time,” Jebali said in a televised address to
the nation.
The US embassy issued a statement calling the killing an
“outrageous and cowardly act”. The murder sparked outrage,
with violence reminiscent of the uprising that ousted
veteran dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali just over two years
ago, and thousands rallying outside the interior ministry.
The four opposition parties demanded Interior Minister Ali
Laraydeh’s sacking, blaming him for Belaid’s murder
“because he knew he was threatened and he did nothing,”
said Nejib Chebbi, leader of one of the groups.
The family of Belaid, who headed the Party of
Democratic Patriots which is part of the Popular Front,
accused Laraydeh’s Ennahda of being behind the assassination.
The wife of the 48-year-old leftist leader said her
husband had received daily death threats and was murdered
before her eyes. “I saw his blood flowing, I saw his little
smile. I saw that they want to kill democracy,” Basma
Belaid told France’s Europe 1 radio.
Belaid’s brother Abdelmajid squarely accused
Ennahda chief for the murder. “I accuse Rached
under President Barack Obama despite qualms about its
legality and public outrage in Pakistan over civilian
deaths. Brennan, who once served as the CIA’s station
chief in Saudi Arabia, played a key role in negotiations
that led to the drone base being established in the kingdom,
according to the Post report.
The newspaper said it decided to reveal the location
of the drone base after learning on Tuesday that another
US media outlet was about to do so, ending an informal
arrangement with news organizations not to publish
such details. A Justice Department memo published by
NBC News on Tuesday argued that Americans high up in
Al-Qaeda could be lawfully killed, even without evidence
they are actively plotting an attack. “We conduct those
strikes because they are necessary to mitigate ongoing
actual threats, to stop plots, to prevent future attacks
and, again, save American lives,” White House
spokesman Jay Carney said of the memo. — Agencies
Ghannouchi of assassinating my brother,” he told AFP. Last
week Belaid accused Ennahda “mercenaries” of attacking
his supporters. On Tuesday he warned of “attempts to dismantle
the state and the creation of militias to terrorise citizens
and drag the country into a spiral of violence”. His
supporters flooded the streets of Tunis and other cities,
including Sidi Bouzeid, birthplace of the 2011 revolution.
In central Tunis a national guard tank fired tear gas at
protesters, who used bins, coffee tables, barbed wire and
barriers to build barricades on Habib Bourguiba Avenue.
Security reinforcements arrived after about 20 minutes of
skirmishes, and police wearing helmets and armed with
clubs charged some 150 protesters, who fled into neighbouring
streets. In central Tunisia protesters torched the
Ennahda party office in Mezzouna near Sidi Bouzeid, ransacked
another in the mining community of Gafsa and set
fire to a party office in the northeastern town of Kef, witnesses
said.
In Kasserine, on the border with Algeria, hundreds of
people calling for “vengeance” took to the streets, an AFP
journalist said. In Sidi Bouzeid some 2,000 demonstrated
peacefully, but around 200 people tried to storm police
headquarters. Police fired tear gas to keep them at bay and
the army intervened to try to keep the peace. — AFP
NEWS
PAWTUCKET, Rhode Island: The Scottie dog has a new
nemesis in Monopoly after fans voted in an online contest to
add a cat token to the property trading game, replacing the
iron, toy maker Hasbro Inc announced yesterday. The results
were announced after the shoe, wheelbarrow and iron were
neck and neck for elimination in the
final hours of voting that sparked passionate
efforts by fans to save their
favorite tokens, and by businesses
eager to capitalize on publicity surrounding
pieces that represent their
products.
The vote on Facebook closed just
before midnight on Tuesday, marking the
first time that fans have had a say on which
of the eight tokens to add and which one to
toss. The pieces identify the players and have
changed quite a lot since Parker Brothers
bought the game from its original designer in
1935. Rhode Island-based Hasbro announced
the new piece yesterday morning. Other
pieces that contested for a spot on Monopoly
included a robot, diamond ring, helicopter
and guitar. “I think there were a lot of cat lovers in the world
that reached out and voted,” said Jonathan Berkowitz, vice
president for Hasbro gaming marketing.
The Scottie Dog was the most popular of the classic
tokens, and received 29 percent of the vote, the company
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
KUWAIT: A fancier holds a falcon during the popular heritage festival in Jahra yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat
Monopoly fans vote to
add cat, toss out iron
said. The iron got the fewest votes and was kicked to the curb.
The cat received 31 percent of votes for new tokens. The
results were not entirely surprising to animal lovers. The
Humane Society of the United States says on its website
that there were more than 86 million cats living in
US homes, with 33 percent of households owning
at least one feline in Aug 2011. Worldwide, there
were an estimated 272 million cats in 194 countries
in June 2008, according to London-based
World Society for the Protection of Animals.
The online contest to change the tokens was
sparked by chatter on Facebook, where
Monopoly has more than 10 million fans. The initiative
was intended to ensure that a game created
nearly eight decades ago remains relevant
and engaging to fans today. “Tokens are
always a key part of the Monopoly game ...
and our fans are very passionate about their
tokens,” Berkowitz said.
Monopoly’s iconic tokens originated when the niece of
game creator Charles Darrow suggested using charms from her
charm bracelet for tokens. The game is based on the streets of
Atlantic City, New Jersey, and has sold more than 275 million
units worldwide. The other tokens currently in use are a racecar,
a shoe, thimble, top hat, wheelbarrow and battleship. Most of
the pieces were introduced with the first Parker Brothers iteration
of the game in 1935, and the Scottie dog and wheelbarrow
were added in the early 1950s. — AP

A greeing
THE LEADING INDEPENDENT
DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF
ESTABLISHED 1961
Founder and Publisher
YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN
Editor-in-Chief
ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN
EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432
ADVERTISING : 24835616/7
FAX : 24835620/1
CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163
ACCOUNTS : 24835619
COMMERCIAL : 24835618
P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait.
E MAIL :info@kuwaittimes.net
Website: www.kuwaittimes.net
Issues
Next Iran talks:
Stalemate on
the steppes?
By Simon Sturdee
a venue for the next round of talks
between Iran and six world powers on Tehran’s
nuclear drive was hard enough. Achieving
progress will be tougher still, analysts say. Following
weeks of wrangling, Iran and the P5+1 - the US, China,
Russia, Britain, France and Germany - finally confirmed
on Tuesday that they would meet in Almaty,
Kazakhstan on Feb 26. It will be the first such meeting
since last June in Moscow, and the first since US
President Barack Obama’s re-election in November, a
victory seen by many as freeing Washington’s hands to
strike a deal.
Watching closely will be Israel, the Middle East’s sole
if undeclared nuclear-armed state, which has warned it
could bomb Iran, although the immediate threat
appears to have receded in recent months, experts say.
“The Iranian danger has grown,” President Shimon Peres
said Tuesday. “It threatens our existence, the independence
of the Arab states, the peace of the whole world.”
Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful but many
in the international community suspect that Tehran’s
real aim is to develop the atomic bomb. The UN
Security Council has imposed four sets of sanctions on
Tehran, and further unilateral sanctions by the United
States, the European Union and others began to cause
Iran major economic problems in 2012. “The sanctions
are biting,” Siavush Randjbar-Daemi, a Middle East and
Iran lecturer at Manchester University in England, told
AFP. “The currency has plunged badly and... the price of
absolutely everything has skyrocketed.”
In May in Baghdad, the P5+1 demanded Iran scale
back uranium enrichment to purities of 20 percent,
which for the international community is the most worrisome
part of Tehran’s activities. But because the P5+1
stopped short of offering relief from the sanctions, Iran
walked away at the next round of talks in Russia. The
lengthy US election campaign then put all further
efforts on hold.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Tuesday
that the world powers would make an “updated and
credible” offer and that the “need to make progress is
increasingly urgent”. Russia’s chief negotiator, Deputy
Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, was quoted yesterday
by RIA Novosti as saying he hoped to see at the talks “if
not an outright breakthrough - then serious progress”.
“The key question is whether Iran will come in a real
transactional mode, in other words really be ready to
negotiate. They haven’t been so far,” said
Mark Fitzpatrick, a former US State Department official
now at the International Institute for Strategic
Studies. “I think the P5+1 are ready to haggle and negotiate.
So far I haven’t seen signs that Iran is,” he told AFP.
The run-up to Tuesday’s announcement of new talks
did not bode well, with P5+1 chief negotiator Catherine
Ashton’s office complaining that Iran had “come back to
us again and again with new pre-conditions”.
Comments from Mahdi Mohammadi, a member of
Iran’s negotiating team, indicated recently that the
positions of the two sides remain poles apart. First, the
United States had to accept Iran’s “right to enrich”, then
the US and EU have to remove all unilateral sanctions,
Mohammadi said. Only then, he said, would Iran be
“ready to negotiate about 20-percent enrichment provided
that the United Nations Security Council will
annul all its sanctions resolutions against Tehran”.
Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi appeared to
strike a more conciliatory note in an interview in
Germany’s Handelsblatt published yesterday, saying
Tehran “takes the concerns of the other side seriously”.
“But at the same time our right to civilian uses of
nuclear power... must be recognised,” he said, while calling
for an end to “war rhetoric that all options are on
the table and threats of more sanctions.”
For Mark Hibbs at the Carnegie Endowment for
International Peace, success in Almaty and beyond is
about building trust and “sequencing” - the order in
which both sides agree to take steps. “If you lift sanctions
too early in the process and your negotiations fall
apart, it may be very, very difficult for you to impose
those sanctions after they have lifted them,” Hibbs told
AFP. “And that is particularly the case for the multilateral
(UN Security Council) sanctions.” And it is not just Iran
and the P5+1 that have to agree on the right order, the
six powers also have to speak as one - something which
going forward is not necessarily a given, Hibbs said.
“There could be differences of opinion,” he said. — AFP
All articles appearing on these
pages are the personal opinion of
the writers. Kuwait Times takes no
responsibility for views expressed
therein. Kuwait Times invites readers
to voice their opinions. Please
send submissions via email to: opinion@kuwaittimes.net
or via snail
mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait.
The editor reserves the right to edit
any submission as necessary.
By Crispian Balmer
I srael
risks sleepwalking into a crisis with its allies over
relentless settlement-building in the occupied West
Bank and East Jerusalem unless it realises that the international
anger is genuine and adjusts its course. The next
few months may prove crucial if Israel is to avoid diplomatic
disaster, with a new government forming around Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Barack
Obama set to make his first official visit to the Holy Land in
the spring. Obama will not just be coming for a photo
opportunity. He is expected to try to revive a push for
peace in hopes of finding an Israeli coalition receptive to
deepening Western concerns about the prospects of creating
a viable Palestinian state.
“The two-state solution is not dead, but it is in mortal
danger,” said Daniel Seidemann, an Israeli lawyer and an
expert on settlement expansion. “We are hanging onto it
by our finger nails. This is the last opportunity to save it for
the foreseeable future. The prospects are not great, but this
is the last best hope.” Should these hopes wither, Israel can
expect repercussions. These might range from tighter
international regulations on the export of Israeli goods
made in the occupied territories to tacit foreign backing for
the Palestinians should they pursue Israel in the
International Criminal Court over the settlements.
Obama himself, with no re-election to worry about,
could review security and defence cooperation that Israeli
officials say reached new heights during his first term, with
annual US military aid from Washington put at some $3 billion.
“Israel is walking blindly towards isolation and censure
in the eyes of the world,” said one of the most senior
Western envoys in Jerusalem, who declined to be named
given the enormous sensitivities surrounding the issue.
“What I don’t understand is if Mr Netanyahu doesn’t realise
what is happening, or if he doesn’t give a damn.”
In the past two months Israel has received sometimes
fierce criticism from the United Nations, European Union
and United States over its announcement of plans to build
more than 11,000 new houses on land Palestinians want
14 ANALYSIS
for a future state. Last week, Israel boycotted the UN
Human Rights Council in Geneva as it was planning a routine
review of the Jewish state. Days later, UN investigators
issued a strongly worded report that said the settlements
could constitute a war crime.
Israeli leaders have largely shrugged off the opprobrium.
They assert a right to build on territory seized in a 1967
war and accused the Geneva council, which includes nondemocratic
states like Cuba and Saudi Arabia, of bias and
hypocrisy. However, past and present Israeli diplomats are
nervous about the mounting friction as Israel faces a multitude
of challenges piling up along its troubled borders,
with Islamists taking power in Egypt and on the rise in
Syria’s civil war. “I am worried and so are many other
Israelis,” said Itamar Rabinovich, a former Israeli ambassador
to the United States. “Our legitimacy is being eroded
and the more isolated and delegitimised Israel is, the more
difficult it will be to get public opinion on our side regarding
Iran,” he added, referring to suspicions the Islamic
Republic is seeking nuclear weapons.
Israelis started moving to the West Bank soon after the
1967 conflict, and the numbers soared in the wake of the
1993 Oslo Accords that granted limited self-rule to the
Palestinian Authority - but placed no limits on Jewish settlement
growth. In 1993 there were an estimated 111,600
settlers in the territory. There are now more than 325,000,
with a further 200,000 living in East Jerusalem, which was
annexed by Israel after 1967 in a move not recognised
internationally and is claimed by the Palestinians as their
capital city.
“A Palestinian state has never been further away than it
is today,” Dani Dayan, outgoing head of the main settler
council, was quoted as saying in the Jerusalem Post on
Tuesday. “The settlements today are blossoming ... There is
almost no settlement without construction,” added Dayan,
who endorsed Netanyahu ahead of the Jan. 22 election,
which was won by the prime minister, albeit with a sharp
fall in support.
Critics have long railed against the settlements, but successive
Israeli governments have pushed back with vigour.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Under fire, Israel faces settlement showdown
By Brian Murphy
I n
years past, keeping track of Iran’s claims of military
and technological advances was relatively easy: Wait
until early February and watch the parades and
announcements in the buildup to celebrations marking
the Islamic Revolution. Now, with the strategic stakes ever
higher, Iranian officials are boasting louder, pressing harder
and leaving questions about how much is real.
The reasons for the flood of self-described achievements
touch on the various pressures bearing down on
Iran, including Western sanctions and the threats of possible
military action if diplomacy cannot solve the standoff
over Tehran’s nuclear program. It also highlights the learning
curve of Internet-age showmanship from a country
that acknowledges the economic pain inflicted by sanctions
but claims it has the tools to bounce back stronger.
Since January alone, Iran has showcased a steady
stream of purported advances that have been met with
varying degrees of skepticism. They include another
domestically made surveillance drone, claims of a monkey
sent into space on a successful roundtrip mission, a supersonic
air tunnel and a compact, single-seat warplane
described as a radar-evading jet fighter. President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the aircraft shows Iran can
“conquer scientific peaks”.
As if those headlines weren’t enough, Ahmadinejad on
Monday volunteered himself to be country’s first astronaut
aboard an Iranian-launched rocket if its space program
eventually moves to manned flight. The reaction
included a mocking quip by US Sen. John McCain.
Meanwhile, aerospace experts and others, including the
State Department, have raised doubts about last week’s
claim of the monkey flight because of apparent inconsistencies
in the Iranian photos of the animal before and
after flight.
Despite the questions, there are elements of serious
statecraft behind the increasing scope and speed of the
Iranian announcements of progress in science and
defense. In Tehran’s view, each unveiling serves as a counterpunch
to Western sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program.
The broad message from Iran is that the economic
pressures may be hitting hard at the moment, but it cannot
slow the priority projects of the ruling system such as
aerospace, military technology and uranium enrichment.
“Whenever Iran introduces new technological developments,
it’s intended to show the failure of Western sanc-
tions,” said Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, a political affairs
professor at Tehran’s Allameh University. “It’s like an official
announcement that the sanctions can only go so far.”
That’s because the pinch is already too much for officials
to ignore. Iranian authorities - at first reluctant to put
any figures on the economic hit - have acknowledged that
revenue from oil and gas exports have dropped by 45 percent
due to the sanctions, which also strike at Iran’s ability
to access international banking networks. Iran’s currency,
the rial, lost nearly 40 percent of its value in 2012 alone,
putting its decline over three years at 350 percent. New US
measures expected to take effect yesterday asks buyers of
Iranian oil - now mostly big Asian economies such as
China and India - not to pay Iran directly, depriving Tehran
of badly needed foreign currency. The oil money would
instead remain in the countries for Iran to purchase local
products for import.
Still, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and others
have stood steadfast to their claims that Iran can ride it
out, which also suggests the country will bring the same
tough-minded negotiating positions to the table later this
month when nuclear talks with world powers resume.
Iranian officials have even tried to portray sanctions as an
indirect bonus that has driven domestic innovation and
industrial self-sufficiency. It’s part of Iran’s wider goals to
be seen as the Islamic world’s hub for technology and
political independence - a theme promoted heavily last
year when Iran took the helm of the Non-Aligned
Movement, a Cold War holdover that Tehran seeks to turn
into a counterweight to Western power.
“We are conveying the message that technology is not
just the property of the West,” said Ismali Kowsari, a member
of the Iranian parliament’s influential Committee on
National Security and Foreign Policy. “We’re telling other
countries they can stand on their feet and achieve things
as well.” And unlike even a few years ago, Iran now has
more than a dozen official and semiofficial media outlets -
including English and Arabic language services - to release
reports on purported breakthroughs or advances.
Yet the new policy also leaves many questions open
about whether Iran’s claims can be backed up. Experts in
cyber-technology have raised serious doubts about Iran’s
plans to create its own Internet that would be independent
of the one the rest of the world uses. There have also
been no independent reviews or shared war games that
would permit examination of the purported new, domestically
produced additions to its arsenal, which include
They were confident they had the support of mainstream
America - Washington has long been Israel’s most steadfast
ally - and dismissed EU complaints as largely irrelevant.
Internal Palestinian political divisions, coupled with regular
bouts of violence, have also enabled Israel to argue that
they do not have any genuine partners for peace.
Diplomats insist the mood abroad is hardening. They
say that if the settlements get any bigger there will be no
more room for a contiguous Palestinian state, dashing the
chance of an accord. They also maintain that Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas is the most moderate leader
that the Israelis can hope for. Noting this change of tone,
the Institute for National Security Studies, a respected
Israeli think-tank, said this week that for the first time, the
country faced the possibility of “concrete punishment
measures” tied to its settlement expansion.
Israel’s solitude was seen most starkly in November
when a mere eight countries, including the United States
and four micro Pacific nations, voted with the Jewish state
in a failed bid to prevent the Palestinians from gaining defacto
statehood recognition at the United Nations. EU
diplomats in Jerusalem forecast that such isolation would
become a way of life for Israel, but dismissed any suggestion
that Europe might impose economic sanctions on the
Jewish state. “The most we would expect is a move
towards labelling of all settler products as coming from
occupied territories,” said one diplomat, who declined to
be named. “Sanctions are a no-no.”
Even a labelling change is likely to elicit fury in Israel.
When South Africa proposed a similar move last May, the
Israeli foreign ministry said the decision was “tainted” with
racism. Many ordinary Israelis see deep-rooted anti-
Semitism at play in the criticism that is raining down on
their nation, with the politically divided Palestinians only
rarely admonished in the court of world opinion for their
own missteps. “The issue of delegitimisation goes beyond
a simple United Nations report. We are aware of the situation
as Jewish people and worried by it,” said Zalman
Shoval, another former Israeli ambassador to the United
States who is close to Netanyahu. — Reuters
Iran’s ‘show’ of force: Loud but not so clear
submarines, sophisticated drones and the “stealth” fighter
displayed on Sunday. “A hoax intended for the Iranian people,”
concluded Tal Inbar, head of Space and UAV research
at The Fisher Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies,
an institute founded by the Israel Air Force Association. “It
is a mock up and a very crude and unrealistic one,” he said
after examining images from Iranian media. “You can
clearly see that is made out of fiber glass and that it lacks
any logic in the aerodynamics design ... It lacks any modern
avionics and instruments found in a real aircraft.”
Dubai-based security analyst Theodore Karasik sees a
“Potemkin Village” aspect to Iran’s military and technology
claims, but he said dismissing Iran’s expanding knowhow
is a mistake. Iran has shown it has the foundations for
spacefaring expertise by putting satellites into orbit, and
its longtime connections with countries such as North
Korea and Russia have given it the backbone for a formidable
missile program capable of reaching Israel and US
bases in the region.
Iranian naval power also appears on the rise, with
recent drills near the Strait of Hormuz - the tanker route
for one-fifth of the world’s crude oil. Warships have traveled
into the Mediterranean twice since 2011 in a clear
signal to Israel that Iran’s military is not just confined to its
own neighborhood. “What Iran parades out as advances is
mostly to reinforce the public idea they have an indigenous
program and are capable of protecting the Islamic
Republic,” said Karasik, a regional security expert at the
Dubai-based Institute for Near East and Gulf Military
Analysis. “But it’s not all just a show and Iran does have
some credible power. It’s just really hard to tell which is
which.” Observers should expect more claims in the week
ahead, as Iranian officials build up toward the Feb 11,
anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution with a so-called
“10 Days of Dawn”. On Monday, as part of the ceremonies,
military officials unveiled an upgraded version of Iran’s
Zolfaqar tank that is billed as a rival to Russia’s T-72s, one
of the mainstays of Moscow’s army.
Increasingly, though, the patriotic themes and claims of
advancements must compete with the hardship and
uncertainty generated by the West’s economic squeeze.
“To the people of Iran, much like everywhere else, economic
problems take priority,” said Meir Javedanfar, an
Iranian-born analyst based in Israel. “How can the people
of Iran be impressed when there are reports the Iranian
government has not allocated sufficient funds to import
medicine?” — AP

Saha signs with
injury hit Lazio
ROME: French striker Louis Saha has joined Serie A club Lazio, as the former international provides
cover for Miroslav Klose who is set to be out of action for two months with a knee injury,
the club announced yesterday.
The 34-year-old, who enjoyed four years of success with Manchester United between 2004
and 2008, which led to his international call-up, was released by Premier League outfit
Sunderland last month, meaning he is free to join a new club outside the transfer window
which expired last week. The team have reached the Italian Cup final and are currently third in
Serie A as they cling to the final Champions League qualifying spot.
However they have since lost German star Klose, as well as 37-yearold
veteran Cristian Brocchi who is out for the season with a broken
toe. The much-travelled Saha began his career with French side Metz
before moving onto spells with Newcastle, Fulham, United, Everton,
Tottenham and most recently Sunderland.
He was also in United’s squad that defeated Chelsea on penalties
in the 2008 Champions League final, although he made no appearance
in the Moscow-hosted finale. In a career that has been hit by a
series of injuries, Saha scored four times in 20 matches for France and
was in the squad that played at Euro 2004 before reaching the
2006 World Cup final where they were beaten on penalties
by Italy in Berlin. —AFP
Essaa Butaiban
Jaber Al-Abdallah Al-Sabah
tournament begins today
By Abdellatif Sharaa
KUWAIT: Preparations are on going for the
tournament of Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdallah Al-
Sabah to be held from Feb 7th to Feb 9th,
2013. The tournament will include the
Olympic skeet, trap double trap 10m air
rifle and pistol, 50m prone rifle and 25m
pistol for men, women, juniors and the
shooting school, as well as shooters of the
national guard.
Shooters are seen at the ranges of
Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting
Complex on daily basis practicing, as competition
is expected to be strong, because
the national team that will represent
Kuwait in HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-
Ahmad International Grand Prix to be
organized by KSSC from March 1st until
March 10th, 2013, with the participation of
a large number of world champions as well
as the London 2012 Olympic winners.
KSSC treasurer Essa Butaiban said it is
always a pleasure for the club to organize
this annual tournament as Sheikh Jaber Al-
Abdallah gave and still giving all for the
sake of Kuwait. He said KSSC always make
sure to remember the personalities that
contributed to Kuwait at all levels, as well
as support Kuwaiti athletes in general.
Butaiban urged all participating shooters
to exert all their efforts and compete
fairly to win. Butaiban said the sports club
officials aim at executing the plans for the
shooters to get Kuwait shooting to new
higher levels and discover new talents.
AUB leads KBC
Bowling standings
KUWAIT: The Ahli United Bank leads the
KBC Bowling League standings with 24
points after defeating the Kuwait Finance
House in week for competitions concluded
recently at the Cozmo Bowling Hallin
Salmiya.
The win puts the AUB one point ahead
of the Central Bank of Kuwait who defeated
Burgan Bank, while Al-Ahli Bank of
Kuwait defeated the Commercial Bank of
Kuwait to finish third with 22 points.
The Boubyan Bank defeated the Gulf
Bank in the final match of week four.
Week five of the competition that is
organized by the Kuwait Banks Club takes
place this Saturday with matches between
Al-Ahli Bank vs. the Central Bank, Boubyan
Bank vs. the AUB, the National Bank of
Kuwait vs. the CBK and Burgan Bank vs.
the KFH.
SPORTS
Recently renovated Brazil
stadium in bad condition
BRASILIA: The company responsible for administering a recently-renovated
Brazilian stadium that will host Confederations Cup matches in June has
been fined $500,000 for the poor conditions witnessed at the reopening by
Brazil’s president and its sports minister.
Officials from the state government of Minas Gerais fined the administration
company - Minas Arena - following a match on Sunday at the Mineirao
stadium in Belo Horizonte that underwent a $328 million renovation project
lasting two and a half years. Fans at the game between state rivals Cruzeiro
and Atletico faced problems with ticketing that led to massive queues. The
entrances to parking are narrow and not well marked - leading to traffic jams.
Toilets lacked light. Food and drink vending areas were not open, leaving
fans hungry and thirsty.
Minas Arena officials acknowledged there were a series of errors and said
they’d work to correct them. But their company was still fined by the authorities.
Tiago Lacerda, head of Secopa, the local organizing committee, said officials
were working on a complete report.
“For everything that they went through - problems with the bars, water
and food - the fans behaved really well,” he told reporters at a news conference
on Monday. “But we had serious problems. The lack of water is unacceptable.
Minas Arena must correct these errors.” —AP
VINA DEL MAR: Now that he finally
has a competitive match under his
belt after seven months on the sidelines,
Rafael Nadal wants to stop talking
about his injured left knee.
Nadal , whose knee problem has
lingered despite on-going therapy,
marked his return to the tour with a
doubles victory Tuesday alongside
Juan Monaco at a little-known clay
court tournament in Chile.
The Spaniard had not played since
June 28 when he was upset in the
second round of Wimbledon by qualifier
Lukas Rosol. Nadal and Monaco
won easily in just over an hour at the
VTR Open, defeating the Czech pair
of Frantisek Cermak and Lukas
Dlouhy 6-3, 6-2. Nadal’s practice sessions
in Chile have lasted longer, and
the first question centered on his
knee - a sore subject with the
Spaniard.
The former No. 1-ranked Nadal
addressed the question for several
minutes, and then said he wanted to
drop the subject and concentrate on
tennis as he begins a build-up to
what could be his eighth French
Open title.
“The knee - I said it when I got
here. I would prefer not to keep talking
about the topic,” Nadal said. “At
the end of the day the doctors have
said it’s OK. There is no risk of making
it worse. My knee keeps hurting. But
the fact I am playing here is a thing of
joy. “I am not 100 percent, I need
some weeks,” he added. “If it hurts, it
hurts and we’ll put up with it. I am
here to play tennis, with or without
pain. ... I’m happy to have played an
official game, although it was doubles.”
Nadal opens his singles campaign
Wednesday against Argentine
Federico Delbonis, hoping to catch
up to the other three of tennis’ Big
Four - Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer
and Andy Murray.
The Spaniard has been almost
unbeatable on clay, winning 93 percent
of his singles matches - the
highest percentage in the Open era.
Nadal has avoided surgery, and he
suggested he hoped to continue on
the same path.
“If one day it is worse, and one
can’t compete at 100 percent, then it
can’t be done,” he said. Nadal showed
quick reactions with a difficult backhand
volley at the net to win the
sixth game of the first set Tuesday.
Nadal and Monaco broke in the next
game, and Nadal held serve in the
next to make it 5-3 en route to a firstset
victory.
Nadal hit several powerful forehands
at sharp angles to win points,
and seemed at ease moving around
the court. And he drew the usual
whistles from female fans as he
stripped off his shirt after the win.
“I need for the knee be stronger,
to be more comfortable playing all
Gibson signs new
contract with WI
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
ST JOHN’S: Ottis Gibson dashed English county champions Warwickshire’s hopes of
hiring him yesterday as he signed a new contract with the West Indies. The 43-year-old
- who is presently in Australia with the team - signed a three year contract which will
run till 2016.
Gibson has served in the position for the past three years, from January 2010.
“Ottis has added significant value to the development of the West Indies Team during
his tenure and we are delighted to have secured his services for another three
years,” WICB Chief Executive Officer Michael Muirhead
said. “Most notably is that he led the implementation
of a system of professionalism within the
team unit and curbed the negative results which
we were experiencing with some frequency.
“There have also been clear successes under his
stewardship from 2010 to date. These include,
most notably, having coached the team to the
World Twenty20 title, the team showing consistent
improvements in the other formats, the reintegration
of players into the team unit and the
achievement of the set goals as outlined in the WICB
Strategic Plan 2011 - 2016.” —AFP
Nadal makes winning
return with double win
DUBAI: The launch of Infiniti Red
Bull Racing’s 2013 car, the RB9, not
only marked the unveiling of the car
with which the team will defend its
Formula One Drivers’ and
Constructors’ titles, but it also ushered
in a new era for the team. The
car features a striking new livery that
reflects the strengthened relationship
between Red Bull Racing and
premium automotive brand Infiniti.
Triple World Formula One
Champion Sebastian Vettel and
nine-time grand prix winner Mark
Webber were on hand at the team’s
UK base at Milton Keynes to give the
world’s media its first glimpse of the
new car and livery, which integrates
Infiniti’s purple-hued branding
with the team’s existing racing
colours. The unveiling was an
opportunity for Infiniti to reveal that
not only has it agreed a four-year
deal to become the team’s title partner,
as announced in November
2012, but also that it will become
the exclusive Vehicle Performance
Partner of the team.
Commenting on the enhanced
relationship, Johan de Nysschen,
President of Infiniti Motor Company
said: “Our new, increased partner-
out,” Nadal said. “There are days when
the knee is not comfortable. ... Today I
am in the second round of doubles
and tomorrow I start in singles. I’m
not going to speak more about the
knee. What’s coming up is tennis, and
that’s why I am here to try to play as
well as I can.
“The more hours I am on the
court, the better,” he added. “Today
was important, but in another aspect
it wasn’t so important. The most
important was just to be here. There is
no doubt that perhaps the result here
is not the overriding thing. I’ll do all I
can to win and play as well as I can.”
Nadal is a huge favorite to win in
Chile. If he doesn’t, questions will follow
him to the next two clay-court
events in Brazil and Mexico -
warmups for the French Open. But if
he does win, the questions will also
come up again at the next two stops
in Latin America.
Toni Nadal, his uncle and coach,
has said this year’s French Open will
be much like Nadal’s first - meaning
there will be nerves. Others have noted
that the weak field in Chile is much
like Nadal would face in a sweep
VINA DEL MAR: Argentina’s Juan Monaco returns the ball to France’s Guillaume Rufin (not in
frame), during their ATP Vina del Mar tournament singles tennis match, in Vina del Mar, about
120 km northwest of Santiago, yesterday. —AFP
ship as Infiniti Red Bull Racing is a
key milestone for Infiniti and a clear
indication of our commitment to
building the brand globally,” he said.
“While the first 24 months delivered
outstanding results for both parties,
our deeper involvement, which now
sees us truly integrated as one team,
will bring significant benefits to our
people, processes and technology.
We go into the 2013 season and
beyond with a shared objective to
deliver world-leading performance
on the track and the road.”
Infiniti already has engineering
personnel working at the team’s
Milton Keynes HQ, highlighting the
deepening technical synergy
between the team and the car manufacturer.
The marque aims to inte-
through the first week of the French
Open.
Chile, without a top player since
Fernando Gonzalez retired last year,
has a new hope in 16-year-old
Christian Garin. Garin defeated Dusan
Lajovic 6-3, 6-4 on Tuesday in the first
round. He is only the fifth 16-or-under
player to win in an ATP Tour event
since 2000. —AP
Infiniti Red Bull racing reveals
title partnership and new livery
grate further team members into
the Vehicle Performance department
in Milton Keynes.
Infiniti believes that rotating
technical staff through the F1 environment
will bring benefits in
development processes and performance
expertise. An early indicator
of the value of the technical
collaboration between the organisations
was last year’s development
of the Infiniti FX Vettel
Edition from concept to production
in just six months. More
recently, Infiniti Red Bull Racing
drivers Sebastian Vettel and
Sebastien Buemi had a hands-on
role test driving and developing
the new Infiniti Q50.
Commenting on the strengthened
relationship, Infiniti Red Bull
Racing Team Principal Christian
Horner said: “Our stronger link with
Infiniti from 2013 is part of the natural
evolution of our team and
demonstrates its growth. We are
still a young racing outfit and this
title partnership is a very welcome
aspect of our development. I firmly
believe it will prove to be of enormous
benefit on both sides over
the coming years.”

BALTIMORE: The city of Baltimore welcomed
their Super Bowl-winning Ravens
home with a raucous party on Tuesday,
with defensive star Ray Lewis taking center
stage after the triumph in his final NFL
game. As the Ravens faithful flocked to the
parade and rally, US President Barack
Obama offered his congratulations in a
phone call to head coach John Harbaugh
and general manager Ozzie Newsome.
According to the White House press
office, Obama “commended the Ravens
on an unbelievable year and for the
steadiness the team displayed through
the end” and said he lookied forward to
congratulating the team in person at the
White House.
Thousands of fans lined the streets
leading to the Ravens’ stadium, where an
overflow crowd were able to see Lewis do
his trademark “squirrel dance” on the turf
one last time. Lewis is retiring after a 17year
NFL career capped in storybook fashion
with a 34-31 victory over the San
Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 47 on
Sunday in New Orleans.
Quarterback Joe Flacco also received
plenty cheers for his Most Valuable Player
performance. Safety Ed Reed offered
Lewis a little musical accompaniment with
SPORTS
Baltimore celebrates Super Bowl champ Ravens
his rendition of Eddie Money’s “Two
Tickets to Paradise” and the familiar chorus
of the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army”
during the rally.
For most fans, however, Lewis was the
main attraction. The 37-year-old has spent
his entire NFL career with the Ravens and
was the only player remaining from their
first Super Bowl triumph 12 years ago.
“There is nothing in the world, there is
no place on this earth, that is better than
Baltimore,” Lewis told the adoring throng.
“We believed in each other from day one,
from 1996 to now.
“The only way on my last ride to pay
Rockets tie NBA record
for 3s against Warriors
HOUSTON: The Houston fans knew the
Rockets were on the verge of history against
Golden State on Tuesday night, needing one
more 3-pointer to set an NBA record.
Warriors coach Mark Jackson wasn’t
going to let that happen. The Rockets settled
for tying an NBA record and set a franchise
mark with 23 3-pointers in a 140-109
win over the Warriors. Houston matched the
single-game record for 3s set by Orlando in
a win over Sacramento on Jan. 13, 2009. The
Toyota Center crowd realized the outright
record was within reach in the final three
minutes, chanting “One more 3!” But the
Warriors took away Houston’s chances of
getting it by fouling at the end.
“We’re not going to lay down,” Jackson
said. “If you’re going to try to get the record,
we’re going to stop it.” The Warriors
should’ve employed that plan sooner.
Jeremy Lin sank five 3-pointers, a career
high, and Chandler Parsons and James
Harden hit four apiece as the Rockets
reached a season-high point total. They also
tied an NBA record with 14 3 -pointers in the
first half and dished out a season-high 35
assists on 46 field goals overall.
“Thankfully, we were just able to get a
bunch of open looks and knock them down,”
Lin said. “That’s just the way it is sometimes.”
NEW YORK: Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant drives the ball past Brooklyn Nets Joe
Johnson during their NBA game at the Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of
New York City, on Tuesday. —AFP
Golden State 109.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
W L PCT GB
NY Knicks 31 15 .674 -
Brooklyn 28 20 .583 4
Boston 24 23 .511 7.5
Philadelphia 21 26 .447 10.5
Toronto 17 31 .354 15
Central Division
Indiana 30 19 .612 -
Chicago 29 19 .604 0.5
Milwaukee 25 22 .532 4
Detroit 18 31 .367 12
Cleveland 14 34 .292 15.5
Southeast Division
Miami 31 14 .689 -
Atlanta 26 21 .553 6
Orlando 14 34 .292 18.5
Washington 12 35 .255 20
Charlotte 11 36 .234 21
NBA results/standings
Indiana 114, Atlanta 103; LA Lakers 92, Brooklyn 83; Phoenix 96, Memphis 90; Houston 140,
SOCHI: With the Winter Olympics a year
away, IOC President Jacques Rogge
praised Sochi organizers yesterday and
defended the $51 billion price tag.
Speaking in an interview with The
Associated Press in the Black Sea resort,
Rogge said he was impressed by the
preparations for Russia’s first Winter
Olympics. “The site is very compact, it’s
high quality and is situated in beautiful
surroundings,” Rogge said.
Rogge is touring the Olympic venues
ahead of the one-year countdown, which
will be marked with a dazzling ice show
on Thursday. Most of the venues have
already been completed, while thousands
of workers are still finishing up some
Olympic facilities.
Russian authorities last week
announced the latest costs related to the
games, saying total spending would come
to about $51 billion, which would make
Sochi the most expensive Olympics in history.
Rogge said a great deal of the money is
going to infrastructure projects, including
new roads and railways, which will serve
the development of the entire region for
decades to come. “You have to put it into
Western Conference
Northwest Division
Oklahoma City 36 12 .750 -
Denver 31 18 .633 5.5
Utah 27 22 .551 9.5
Portland 25 23 .521 11
Minnesota 18 27 .400 16.5
Pacific Division
LA Clippers 34 16 .680 -
Golden State 30 18 .625 3
LA Lakers 23 26 .469 10.5
Phoenix 17 32 .347 16.5
Sacramento 17 33 .340 17
Southwest Division
San Antonio 38 11 .776 -
Memphis 30 17 .638 7
Houston 27 23 .540 11.5
Dallas 20 28 .417 17.5
New Orleans 15 33 .313 22.5
proportion,” Rogge said. “The organization
of the games is not going to cost a lot of
money. But the government ... wished to
develop the whole area. You cannot just
take the cost of the train and the tunnels
and the road into the cost of the games
because this tunnel and the train and the
road are not meant for two weeks of competition,
they are meant for generations to
last.”
Rogge also dismissed any concerns
about the weather, saying organizers had
contingency plans in place in case of
adverse conditions. Warm temperatures
and rain disrupted some of the snowboarding
and freestyle skiing events at the
2010 Vancouver Games.
“I think that the organizers have taken
all the precautions to cope with the weather,”
Rogge said. “The weather in the mountains
is always unpredictable. There can be
too much snow or too little snow, we have
seen it in the previous games. But, you
know, if there is such a circumstance then
the organizers will react with the plan B.”
Rogge won’t be the IOC president at
the time of the Sochi Games. He steps
down in September at the end of his 12year
term. —AP
Lin scored 28 points, Harden added 18 and
Parsons had 16 for Houston. The Rockets put
on the shooting display without their best 3point
shooter - Carlos Delfino, who sat out
with a right elbow injury.
“We just got hot tonight,” Harden said.
Jarrett Jack scored 20 points and David Lee
had 18 for the Warriors. Stephen Curry, averaging
21 points per game, scored only seven
points on 3-for-12 shooting.
Houston set a Toyota Center scoring
record and reached 140 points for the first
time since April 1995. “Throughout the
whole game, you figured they’d cool off,”
Curry said. “But we have to force them to
take tougher shots. You just can’t give them
open looks.”
The Rockets were 18 of 27 from 3-point
range through three quarters. They finally
hit a dry spell early in the fourth, missing
their first three 3-point attempts. It didn’t
last long - Marcus Morris connected on a 3
from the wing and Parsons flashed him a
smile as the two trotted back down the
court.
With the outcome decided, Rockets
coach Kevin McHale pulled his starters with
5:49 left, leaving the pursuit of the NBA
record to the reserves. By then, everyone on
Houston bench knew the record was within
reach.
“Obviously, the amount of 3s we hit is
pretty ridiculous,” Parsons said. “We were
open, and nobody is going to turn down
open shots.”
The fans were ready to explode anticipating
the record-setting 3. Reserve point
guard Patrick Beverley drove for a onehanded
dunk with 1:04 remaining, prompting
a mix of cheers and groans.
Beverley took a hard foul from
Draymond Green on a 3-point try with 34
seconds left. Beverley and Green snapped
at one another, prompting a heated argument
between several players. Green and
Morris were ejected.
“Some nights, it’s not your night and it
wasn’t ours and we didn’t play particularly
well,” Jackson said. “That doesn’t mean, lay
down and surrender. That’s not in our DNA.”
But the Warriors had to be a bit demoralized,
because the Rockets seemed to make
every outside shot they took. They went 7
for 10 from 3-point range in the first quarter
and 14 for 18 in the first half. Milwaukee
had 14 3s in a half against Phoenix in March
2006 and New York matched that total
twice last season - against Portland on
March 14 and against Boston on April 17.
Curry, though, had the most spectacular
shot before the break, just beating the
buzzer with a half-court shot to cut
Houston’s lead to 77-62. But Golden State’s
perimeter defense was no better in the
third quarter, and 3-pointers by Parsons
and Lin stretched the gap past 20. Harrison
Barnes ran out to guard Lin on his next 3point
attempt, and Lin blew by him for a
layup and an 87-64 Houston lead.
“They were hitting the open looks, they
were hitting the contested shots,” Lee said.
“And then when they hit outside jumpers,
their shot fake works because you have to
close out tighter. They shot the ball great,
really from top to bottom.” —AP
Baltimore back for everything you did for
me and all the support you gave to me,
was to bring back the Lombardi Trophy to
Baltimore one more time. I love you,
Baltimore. Baltimore! Forever my city.”
Reed’s turn at the podium included a
poke at the 49ers. “Who’s got it better than
who?,” he said-a reference to 49ers head
coach Jim Harbaugh’s famed team rallying
cry of “Who’s got it better than us?”
Harbaugh, of course, is the younger
brother of Ravens’ head coach John
Harbaugh, who wrapped up the festivities
by leading the crowd in a chant. “Our
team, I’m talking about all of us, one of the
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
keys was our determination,” the coach
said. “We played with incredible determination
and resolve. And judging by how
hard it was to get into this stadium, I
would say that’s true about our fans, too.
We’re on the parade coming down here,
and every cranny, every sidewalk is full.
Every opening where it opens up, every
grassy knoll is packed with Ravens fans.
They broke down the barriers behind Ray
Lewis and mobbed the streets, right? They
filled the streets.
“The city’s going crazy! For the
Ravens! The world champion Baltimore
Ravens!” —AFP
JEREZ: Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton steers his Formula One during
the second day of testing at Jerez racetrack, yesterday in Jerez de la
Frontera. —AFP
Hamilton crashes in
first test for Mercedes
JEREZ: Lewis Hamilton’s first day of
Formula One testing with Mercedes ended
after 15 laps yesterday when his car suffered
brake problems and ploughed into a
tyre wall.
The 2008 world champion was unhurt in
the crash, at the Jerez circuit’s Dry Sack corner
made notorious in 1997 when title
rivals Michael Schumacher and Jacques
Villeneuve collided there in the decisive
1997 European Grand Prix.
The car’s wheel tracks showed Hamilton
had been a mere passenger with no
response from the steering as it went off
the track.
“Lewis suffered a loss of rear brake pressure,
the front brakes enabled him to slow
the car but he couldn’t avoid the barrier,”
said Mercedes. “We have traced the problem
to the hydraulic brake line connecting
to the right-rear caliper,” the team added on
their Twitter feed.
The front left suspension and aerodynamic
parts were damaged in the impact
and a spokeswoman said the car would not
go out again on Wednesday because of the
time needed to repair it.
PARIS: France’s star handball player, double
Olympic champion Nikola Karabatic, was suspended
for six matches on Tuesday, along
with six other players accused of betting on a
club match suspected of being rigged.
The seven players received the maximum
suspension allowed under the national handball
league’s (LNH) regulations.
The players, all at the time playing for
Montpellier, can carry on playing if they
choose to appeal the punishment in the next
five days. Karabatic’s agent told AFP that he
would definitely appeal.
“We are surprised by this decision which
does not respect the law,” said Bhakti Ong.
“Obviously we are going to appeal. “The
investigating judge’s report said that there is
no proof that Nikola Karabatic either directly
or indirectly placed bets. But in this case the
commission says yes he did. This really isn’t
serious.” Karabatic has strenuously denied
placing a bet, although his brother Luka, who
was released by the southwest club in the
wake of the scandal and now plays for Aix-en-
Provence, has admitted betting thousands of
euros.
The disciplinary commission announced:
Hamilton, 28, had been second fastest
with a best lap of one minute 19.519 seconds
when he brought out the red flags an
hour and 48 minutes into the session.
The Briton is opening a new chapter in
his Formula One career with Mercedes after
six years in F1 with regular title contenders
McLaren, the team that had backed him
from his early teenage years in karting.
Mercedes have one win, last year’s
Chinese Grand Prix, to their credit since
buying the championship-winning Brawn
team in 2009 and Hamilton has replaced
retired seven-times world champion
Schumacher.
The British-based team had a difficult
start to the first pre-season test of 2013 on
Tuesday when Germany’s Nico Rosberg
completed only 14 laps.
Problems with the car’s wiring loom left
Rosberg stranded on the track, with flames
flaring briefly around the rear of the vehicle,
before Mercedes called an early halt to
proceedings. For the second day in a row,
the car was returned to the garage on
Wednesday on the back of a flat-bed truck
for the mechanics to repair. —Reuters
Karabatic slapped with
maximum suspension
“Mladen Bojinovic, Dragan Gajic, Samuel
Honrubia, Nikola Karabatic, Luka Karabatic,
Primoz Prost and Issam Tej are guilty of having
either directly participated or used a third
party to bet on the result of the game
between Montpellier and Cesson on May 12
last.” All seven were therefore guilty of
“behaviour which does not conform with the
principles and rules of handball and a manifest
infringement of the values held by the
LNH” and were suspended for six matches.
Of the 10 players punished in all over the
scandal only two Tej and Gajic - who also
protest their innocence - remain at
Montpellier. Karabatic has joined his brother
at Aix-en-Provence.
Nikola and Luka Karabatic and their girlfriends,
plus a number of other players and
others implicated in the affair, were placed
under formal investigation in October on suspicion
of defrauding state-run betting franchise
Francaise des Jeux.
Montpellier, who were already assured of
a 13th league title, lost the game 31-28 but
suspicions were raised because of large bets
placed at half-time on a defeat for the champions.
—AFP
IOC’s Rogge defends high costs for Sochi Olympics
SOCHI: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (2nd R) meets IOC President Jacques Rogge (L) at the Gornaya Karusel (Mountain
Carousel) sports and holiday complex, that will be used at the 2014 Winter Olympics, in the Black Sea city of Sochi, yesterday with
the head of the Sochi 2014 Olympic preparatory commission Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak (R) and Sochi 2014 CEO Dmitry
Chernyshenko (C) accompanying Putin. Nestled between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea in Russia’s south, the resort
city of Sochi was chosen to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games thanks to Putin’s vigorous efforts. —AFP

SCHLADMING: Lindsey Vonn is determined
to be back competing for medals
at next year’s Sochi Olympics despite
her season-ending knee injury after a
crash.
According to the U.S. Ski Team’s Alpine
director, she’s even hoping to start racing
again in late November or early
December. Vonn tore two ligaments in
her right knee and broke a bone in her
lower leg in the opening race of the
world championships, and the reigning
Olympic downhill champion will undergo
surgery in the US next week.
“I am grateful to my fans for the outpouring
of support, which has really
helped me stay positive,” Vonn said in a
statement on Wednesday, a day after
her super-G crash in Schladming. “I can
Australia won the toss and elected to bat
Australia innings
S. Watson c Pollard b Roach 122
A. Finch c Thomas b Sammy 38
P. Hughes c Thomas b Sammy 86
M. Clarke c & b Pollard 15
G. Bailey c Pollard b Narine 44
G. Maxwell c Pollard b Narine 4
M. Wade not out 4
J. Faulkner b Dwayne Bravo 2
M. Johnson not out 8
Extras (b-1, w-3, nb-2) 6
Total (for seven wickets, 50 overs) 329
Did not bat: M. Starc, C. McKay
Fall of wickets: 1-89 2-201 3-242 4-284 5-299
6-317 7-321
Bowling: Roach 9-1-72-1 (1w), Russell 5-0-
41-0, Sammy 8-0-49-2 (2nb), Dwayne Bravo
7-0-39-1, Narine 10-0-55-2 (1w), Gayle 5-0-
36-0 (1w), Pollard 6-0-36-1.
SCOREBOARD
assure you that I will work as hard as
humanly possible to be ready to represent
my country next year in Sochi.”
Because of the intense media attention,
neither she nor the U.S. Ski Team
would say when she’s leaving Austria.
“She’ll be heading back to Vail
(Colorado) and I will be doing surgery
on her knee early next week,” team
physician William Sterett told The
Associated Press on Wednesday.Sterett
would not set a return date to skiing for
Vonn until after the surgery, but other
doctors believe she will be sidelined for
up to eight months.
Vonn wants to be back for the World
Cup speed races in Lake Louise, Alberta,
in late November or early December, a
course she has won 14 times on. “She’s
CANBERRA: Scoreboard after Australia beat West Indies by 39 runs in the third one-day
cricket international at Manuka Oval yesterday:
West Indies innings
K. Powell c Wade b Maxwell 47
D. Thomas c Hughes b McKay 19
Darren Bravo b Faulkner 86
Dwayne Bravo b Starc 51
C. Gayle b Faulkner 2
K. Pollard run out 9
A. Russell c Wade b McKay 43
R. Sarwan b Johnson 12
D. Sammy b Faulkner 8
S. Narine b Faulkner 1
K. Roach not out 1
Extras (lb-4, w-6, nb-1) 11
Total (all out, 47.3 overs) 290
Fall of wickets: 1-54 2-81 3-195 4-214 5-215
6-234 7-264 8-281 9-289
Bowling: McKay 10-1-62-2, Starc 7-0-50-1
(1nb, 1w), Johnson 9-1-59-1 (1w), Faulkner
8.3-1-48-4, Maxwell 10-0-44-1 (2w), Clarke 3-
0-23-0 (2w)
Australia won by 39 runs.
Australia lead the five-match series 3-0.
SPORTS
Vonn to have surgery in US next week after crash
CANBERRA: Shane Watson of Australia bats during the one-day international
cricket match between Australia and the West Indies at Manuka Oval in
Canberra yesterday. —AFP
Watson, Faulkner star in
Australia’s ODI series win
CANBERRA: Shane Watson hit a century on
his return from injury and James Faulkner
claimed four wickets as Australia beat the
West Indies by 39 runs to claim victory in the
one-day international series yesterday.
Watson, opening the innings after four
weeks out with a calf injury, smashed 122 off
111 balls. Supported by 86 from Phil
Hughes, he helped Australia reach 329 for
seven after winning the toss in the third ODI
of the five-game series.
The home side then dismissed the West
Indies for 290 off 47.3 overs with left-arm
medium pacer Faulkner claiming four for 48
— all bowled-to achieve another emphatic
victory after wins by nine wickets and 54
runs in Perth.
Watson reached his seventh ODI century
off 102 balls and then set about Kemar
Roach, clubbing a huge six-logged at 114
metres (374 feet) — into the stands. This was
followed by a four as he threatened to go on
for a big ton on the bat-friendly Manuka
Oval pitch.
But two balls later Watson holed out to
Kieron Pollard, one of four catches to the
athletic West Indian, top-edging to deep
backward square leg as he went after
Roach’s second-last ball of his eighth over.
It was a welcome return to form for
Watson before this month’s four-Test tour to
India.
“I’ve been looking forward to that for the
last four weeks, to get out there on a nice
wicket and get a few runs out of the middle,”
Watson said.
“It’s one of those days that you dream of
that everything even from the first ball just
feels like it’s coming off the middle of your
bat.
“It was a beautiful wicket out there, it was
very true, so you knew if you hit through the
line of the ball you had more chance of finding
the middle of the bat.”
Hughes, who gave away a chance cutting
through slip on six, lost the opportunity
to make his third ODI century this season
when he was caught behind off Darren
Sammy for 86.
He scored his runs off 93 balls with 10
fours and a six. The West Indies would have
had to make history to overhaul the
Australian total, with their biggest previous
ODI run chase 324 for eight against India at
Nagpur in 2006-07.
Brothers Darren and Dwayne Bravo gave
the tourists early hope with a fighting 114run
partnership for the third wicket before
Mitchell Starc bowled Dwayne Bravo middle
stump for 51 off 50 balls.
The wickets began to tumble, with
Faulkner claiming two of them in his sixth
over. He bowled Chris Gayle for two with
the first ball after drinks, and was given a
warning by the umpire for his over-zealous
sending off of the batsman, before removing
the dangerous Darren Bravo three balls
later. Faulkner bowled him for 86 off 96 balls
to put the skids under the West Indians. He
finished with two more wickets, clean-bowling
spinner Sunil Narine (1) and skipper
Sammy (8) to wrap up the Australian victory.
Pollard, who was run out for nine by
Mitchell Johnson, earlier put in a sensational
performance in the field with two stupendous
catches on the boundary ropes. Glenn
Maxwell was left shaking his head when he
was out to a brilliant one-handed catch for
four by a leaping Pollard on the boundary
as he looked to smash spinner Narine for
six. Pollard then plucked another near-replica
one-handed leaping catch on the rope to
end George Bailey’s cameo of 44 off 22 balls
and give Narine his second wicket.
The series moves to Sydney for the
fourth ODI tomorrow before the fifth and
final match in Melbourne on Sunday. —AFP
got her mindset, she’s going to come
back stronger than she was,” Alpine
director Pattrick Riml told the AP. “She’s
got her goal - ‘I’ll be back in Lake Louise’
- and Lindsey will do whatever it takes to
be back.”
Vonn was released from the local
hospital late Tuesday and returned to
the team hotel. “Lindsey is doing well,”
Sterett said. “She’s in good spirits.” Vonn
tore her anterior cruciate ligament and
medial collateral ligament in her right
knee. The broken bone was described as
a lateral tibial plateau fracture. “The
fracture is called an impaction fracture,”
Sterett said. “It should not require any
surgery.
It just needs to be non-weight on
crutches.” The accident came after Vonn
SAN JOSE: Patrick Kane scored
two goals, including the tiebreaking
goal after a fight midway
through the second period, and
the Chicago Blackhawks beat the
San Jose Sharks 5-3 on Tuesday
night in a matchup of the NHL’s
top two teams.
Brandon Saad, Andrew Shaw
and Marcus Kruger also scored for
the Blackhawks, who overcame a
2-0 deficit to remain the only team
in the NHL yet to lose a game in
regulation this season. Corey
Crawford made 30 saves.
Joe Pavelski, Tommy Wingels
and Michal Handzus scored for the
Sharks, who have lost three
straight games following a franchise-record
seven-game winning
streak to open the season. Antti
Niemi made 26 saves. The biggest
difference for the Sharks during
this recent slide has been the power
play. San Jose failed to convert
on all three chances against
Chicago and has one power-play
goal in its last 21 opportunities
after scoring 12 power-play goals
in the first five games.
The most painful came early in
the third period with a chance to
tie the game when Niemi was
called for delay of game just 11
seconds after Nick Leddy was sent
off for holding. Penalty killing has
been a strength this season for the
Blackhawks, who have allowed
two goals in 39 short-handed
chances.
Kane added an empty-net goal
for the final margin. The game
changed midway through the second
period after Andrew Desjardins
flattened former Shark Jamal
Mayers with a hard hit that drew
the ire of Chicago’s Duncan Keith,
who started a fight with Desjardins.
Desjardins was given ejected for a
hit to the head although replays
appeared to show the contact was
with the shoulder. So instead of a
four-minute power play for San
Jose, there were four minutes of 4on-4
play followed by a one-minute
power play for Chicago.
That proved critical when
Jonathan Toews picked Douglas
Murray’s pocket near the net during
the 4-on-4 and fed Kane for the
go-ahead goal that gave the
Blackhawks a 4-3 lead heading
into the third.
Both teams came into the
game playing tight defense and
struggling to score in recent
games. That all changed in a wideopen
first period that featured
three goals for each team, including
the first of the season for four
players.
San Jose got out to quick a 2-0
landed off a jump in the opening race at
the championships, the super-G. As she
hit the ground, her right leg gave way
and she spun down face first, throwing
an arm out to protect herself. She ended
up on her back as she smashed through
a gate.
“The hospital staff did an excellent
job with X-rays, MRI,” Sterett said. “She
had very good care and they were very,
very helpful.” Sterett said Vonn was “a little
banged up, and sore everywhere.”
“She’s intently focusing on the next step
and the next step now is getting from
point A to point B, with point B being
next season,” he said. “She’s determined
and upbeat.” US speed coach Chip White
also found Vonn motivated to battle
through her injury.
lead on goals by Pavelski and
Wingels before a dizzying 89 second
stretch that featured four
goals, including three by Chicago.
The Blackhawks had scored three
goals in a stretch of more than 198
minutes of game action before
Saad started this goal frenzy by
slamming a pass from Brent
Seabrook at the side of the net
10:08 into the first for his first goal
of the season.
Handzus answered with his first
39 seconds later when he beat
Crawford to the short side off a
pass in transition from Wingels.
But there was no time to celebrate
that as the Blackhawks took 8 sec-
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
“Last night she was (angry) but she
was also positive that she’s coming back
and she’s going to come back strong,”
he said. “We’re looking forward to her
return. She’s a great competitor and
always will be.
“She has that determination,” he
added. “If she wants to be (as strong as
before) she will be.” Sterett left open the
possibility of Vonn requiring more than
one surgery, saying that with these
types of injuries “that’s always a possibility.”
However, the plan for now was only
one operation. “I want to say thank you
to the amazing medical staff that cared
for me,” Vonn said. “I plan on returning to
Vail as soon as I can to have the necessary
surgeries.” —AP
Blackhawks rally to
bite Sharks in San Jose
WHANGAREI: England lost their second Twenty20 warm-up
game in New Zealand when a New Zealand XI snatched a
three-wicket victory off the last ball of the match here yesterday.
A defiant 64 off 38 deliveries by Tom Latham and a final
swipe to the mid-off boundary by Matt Henry denied the
tourists back-to-back wins after England won the opening
game by 46 runs.
Sent into bat first, England made 170 for five, largely
through a batting master-class by Eoin Morgan (51) and Jos
Buttler (51 not out) who put together a fifth-wicket partnership
of 87 in 50 deliveries.
Michael Lumb was the only other serious contributor to the
scoreboard with 45. Hamish Rutherford (30) and Anton Devcich
(33) made a brisk start to New Zealand’s reply, reaching 58 in
less than seven overs before Samit Patel dismissed Rutherford
bringing Latham to the crease.
Latham had a horror start to the match when he dropped a
sitter of a catch in the second over, but he showed no sign of
nerves with the bat, putting together a confident 64 before
falling in the penultimate over. After New Zealand had reached
162 for four with two overs remaining, Latham was the first of
three wickets to fall for the addition of only four runs in the
space of six deliveries as England threatened an unlikely comeback.
In a tense final over, however, New Zealand held their
nerve with Henry clouting Jade Dernbach over the rope for the
winning run off the final ball. The first T20 international
between England and New Zealand will be in Auckland on
Saturday. —AFP
Crawford makes 30 saves
SAN JOSE: Brandon Saad #20 of the Chicago Blackhawks falls to the ice to slap the puck away
from Justin Braun #61 of the San Jose Sharks in the third period at HP Pavilion on Tuesday in San
Jose, California. The Blackhawks won the game 5-3. —AFP
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
W L OTL GF GA
PTS
Pittsburgh 7 3 0 34 24 14
New Jersey 5 1 3 23 20 13
NY Islanders 4 4 1 29 30 9
NY Rangers 4 5 0 20 25 8
Philadelphia 4 6 0 23 27 8
Northeast Division
Boston 6 1 1 24 19 13
Ottawa 6 3 1 29 19 13
Montreal 6 2 0 26 17 12
Toronto 5 5 0 25 29 10
Buffalo 3 6 1 30 37 7
Southeast Division
Tampa Bay 6 3 0 40 23 12
Winnipeg 4 4 1 27 34 9
Carolina 4 4 0 22 24 8
Florida 3 5 1 22 33 7
Washington 2 7 1 23 36 5
NHL results/standings
New Jersey 3, NY Rangers 1; Pittsburgh 4, NY Islanders 2; Toronto 3, Washington 2; Los Angeles 4, Columbus 2;
Ottawa 4, Buffalo 3; Philadelphia 2, Tampa Bay 1; Calgary 4, Detroit 1; Winnipeg 3, Florida 2 (OT); Nashville 6,
St. Louis 1; Chicago 5, San Jose 3.
Western Conference
Central Division
Chicago 8 0 2 33 23 18
St. Louis 6 3 0 32 25 12
Nashville 4 2 3 20 21 11
Detroit 4 4 1 23 28 9
Columbus 3 6 1 20 32 7
Northwest Division
Vancouver 5 2 2 24 22 12
Edmonton 4 3 2 22 24 10
Minnesota 4 4 1 21 24 9
Colorado 4 5 0 21 23 8
Calgary 2 3 2 20 25 6
Pacific Division
San Jose 7 2 1 34 21 15
Anaheim 6 1 1 29 23 13
Phoenix 4 4 2 29 27 10
Dallas 4 5 1 20 25 9
Los Angeles 3 3 2 20 25 8
Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the
standings and are not included in the loss column (L)
onds off the ensuing faceoff to get
the goal from Shaw off a pass from
behind the net from Bryan Bickell.
Kruger capped the spree at the
11:37 mark when Justin Braun’s
clearing attempt hit Wingels’
skate and went right to Kruger,
who knocked in his first goal of
the season. —AP
N Zealand XI turn tables on England
England
M. Lumb c Broom b Wagner 45
A. Hales run out (Henry) 4
L. Wright c Rutherford B Ellis 11
J. Bairstow lbw b Ellis 2
E. Morgan not out 51
J. Buttler c Bracewell b Wagner 51
S. Patel not out 0
Extras (lb 3, w 3) 6
Total (5 wickets; 20 overs) 170
Fall of wickets: 1-24 (Hales), 2-56 (Wright), 3-
61 (Bairstow), 4-77 (Lumb), 5-164 (Buttler)
Bowling: Henry 4-0-35-0 (1w), Bracewell 4-0-
39-0, Wagner 4-0-38-2 (2w), Beard 4-0-28-0,
Ellis 4-0-27-2.
New Zealand XI
H. Rutherford c Hales b Patel 30
A. Devcich c Bairstow b Tredwell 33
SCOREBOARD
WHANGAREI: Scores in a Twenty20 warm-up match between New Zealand XI and
England yesterday:
T. Latham c Wright b Broad 64
N. Broom c Tredwell b Broad 16
C. Munro c Broad b Finn 4
L. Ronchi c Lumb b Broad 12
A. Ellis not out 3
D. Bracewell b Dernbach 1
M. Henry not out 3
Extras (b 1, w 2, nb 2) 5
Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 171
Fall of wickets: 1-58 (Rutherford), 2-81
(Devcich), 3-123 (Broom), 4-143
(Munro), 5-162 (Ronchi), 6-164 (Latham), 7-
166 (Bracewell)
Bowling: Finn 4-0-44-1 (2nb, 2w), Broad 4-0-
24-3, Dernbach 4-0-38-1, Patel
4-0-20-1, Tredwell 4-0-44-1.
Result: New Zealand XI won by three wickets

SPORTS
United’s pampered players humbled by Munich memories
LONDON: Manchester United players
need to remember the legacy of those
affected by the Munich air disaster
because the aftermath of the tragedy is
part of what makes the club great, Ryan
Giggs said on the 55th anniversary yesterday.
United’s current players, including
new striker Robin van Persie, recently
watched a DVD about the crash, in which
23 people died as the squad, supporters
and journalists returned from a European
Cup match in Belgrade.
Eight players and three members of
the United staff were among those who
died after their plane crashed as it tried to
take off following a refuelling stop in
Munich. “New players, especially the foreign
players, are joining a club which they
think is great and offers them everything
that comes from United being successful
over the last 10 to 15 years,” Giggs told the
club website (www.manutd.com).
“We all watched a DVD about Munich
recently. It was really important for the
squad to watch that and learn about what
happened. Not only about the crash itself
but also the success they had before it
and how the team moved forward in the
aftermath, from winning the next game
to winning the European Cup 10 years later.
Everyone was moved.”
The Premier League leaders also lis-
DOHA: Mohd Amir Bin Yahya (C) dribbles past Abdelaziz Al-Sulaiti (L) and
Talal Al-Bloushi of Qatar during the two teams 2015 AFC Asian Cup group D
qualifying football match in Doha, yesterday. —AFP
Japan blank Latvia
in season opener
KOBE: Stuttgart striker Shinji Okazaki
scored two goals to lead Asian champions
Japan to a 3-0 win over Latvia in their
season opener yesterday in a warm-up
game ahead of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
The 26-year-old forward, who missed
a header in the 31st minute, slid down
for a right-footer on a cross by Schalke
defender Atsuto Uchida, which hit the
left post and landed in the net in the 41st
minute.
In the 60th minute, CSKA Moscow
midfielder Keisuke Honda struck home
from the edge of the area on a perfect
cross by Manchester United midfielder
Shinji Kagawa to make it two up.
Less than two minutes later, Okazaki
added another goal on a straight pass
from behind.
“I was able to move back and forward
very well. I think I did 60 percent of what
I wanted to do. The remaining 40 percent
is ... I couldn’t keep the ball when it was
tough,” said Okazaki.
“It was a start for the team this year, so
it is good to start with this win. For me, it
was good to score goals, but I still have a
lot to improve,” added Okazaki.
Japan kept the initiative after the
break with substitute forward Ryoichi
Maeda hitting the left post and Honda
missing a goal saved by keeper Andris
Vanins in the beginning of the second
half.
Latvians Edgars Gauracs and midfielder
Olegs Laizans hit a couple of shots in
the second half, shortly before the home
side pressed home its advantage with
two more goals.
Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said:
“We didn’t get off to a good start,
because we hadn’t played a game for a
couple of months, but we started to play
better from 15 minutes before the end of
the first half.”
“I expect to have another warm-up
game before the World Cup qualifier in
March and I’m going to test more plans. I
want the team to make good preparation
for a game against Jordan in March,”
added the Italian.
Japan, one win away from reaching
the finals in Brazil, will play an away
game against Jordan on March 26 in
their next World Cup qualifier. Latvia,
meanwhile, are lying in fifth place in
the European group G. —AFP
Berlusconi brothers in
hot water over Balotelli
ROME: Silvio Berlusconi and his brother
Paolo are getting heat over maverick Italy
striker Mario Balotelli, with one accused of
racism and the other of signing him for
their club AC Milan only to win votes in
this month’s national election.
Paolo Berlusconi, AC Milan’s vice president,
was lambasted in social media after
calling former Manchester City forward
Balotelli “the little black boy of the family”.
A video of his comments, made on
Sunday after a political event, was going
viral after it was posted on various websites,
including Tuttosport (www.tuttosport.com).
“And now let’s go and watch the little
black boy of the family, the crazy head,”
Paolo Berlusconi says in the video. A
spokesman for the Serie A club said on
Wednesday there would be no comment
on the video, which was recorded on the
day Balotelli made his debut for AC Milan
after being transferred from English
Premier League club City last month.
Criticism of Paolo Berlusconi’s remarks
took off after foreign media began writing
about the video, which had received relatively
little attention in the Italian press in
the past few days.
“Balotelli is back in Italy for 2 minutes
and already had racist comments made
about him. Why do black players even play
in Italy?,” one person tweeted. Other
tweets slammed the comments as
“appalling”, “gross” and “idiocy”.
Balotelli, playing three days after leaving
City, scored both goals in Milan’s 2-1
home victory over Udinese on Sunday.
After making the “little black boy”
remark, Paolo Berlusconi told his listeners
at the event for a local centre-right candidate:
“All the young ladies are invited as
well - you can even have a chance to meet
the president” - an apparent reference to
his older brother Silvio, who is club president.
While Paolo was taking the heat for his
comments, Silvio Berlusconi was still
under fire over his motivation for bringing
the hot-tempered Balotelli back to Italy in
the first place, having previously said
Milan did not need a “rotten apple”.
For the past week, former prime minister
Silvio has been the regular butt of
jokes by comedians and attacks by his
political rivals over the transfer, which
they see as a clear attempt to woo Italian
soccer fans to vote for his centre-right
coalition.
Last week L’Unita, the paper of the
main centre-left party, said nationwide
fans of Milan, who won the Italian championship
in 2011 but are now fourth in the
Serie A standings, could influence about
1.3 percent of the vote.
L’Unita said thrusting Balotelli into the
election campaign was “the devil’s touch”,
a play on words because Milan’s mascot is
a red-and-black devil. Another paper said
the move was so blatantly political that it
called Balotelli “Candidate Mario,” in an
editorial.
Balotelli is no stranger to racism, real or
perceived. He was born in Sicily to
Ghanaian parents and given up for adoption
to an Italian family at the age of three.
He grew up in northern Italy and became
an Italian citizen at 18.
Both in Italy and during the 2012
European soccer Championship co-hosted
by Poland and the Ukraine he endured
monkey chants and bananas thrown on
the pitch.
He seemed to anger racist fans more
than other black players in Italy, precisely
because he is Italian and not a foreigner.
When Balotelli played for Inter Milan, rival
Juventus fans once shouted: “There are no
black Italians.”
Last month Silvio Berlusconi defended
his players for walking off the pitch during
a friendly match against lower division
team Pro Patria, when Ghanaian midfielder
Kevin-Prince Boateng and two of his team
mates were subjected to monkey chants
and jeers from opposition fans. —Reuters
tened to a talk by Bobby Charlton, who
survived the crash along with manager
Matt Busby, who had to quickly rebuild a
team amid the grief. “I think it’s very
important, to know how the Busby Babes
played and how successful they were
before the air disaster and to know how
Sir Matt built another great team,” added
the 39-year-old Giggs, who has been at
United since 1987.
“There are so many things that are relevant
to us today and we need to carry on
their legacy. For example, fans want to
see young players coming through and
doing well which they do on a regular
basis at this club, and both as individuals
and as a team, we have to play in the right
manner.”
Despite Giggs’s long association with
the club and the many Munich memorial
services he has attended, the DVD taught
him new elements of the story which
have inspired the midfielder as United,
nine points clear, hone in on a 20th topflight
title.
“There were things I didn’t know about
the crash. I didn’t know how soon United
played again afterwards, just 13 days later,
and that players like Bill Foulkes and
Harry Gregg who survived the crash were
in the team. I thought that was unbelievable,”
he said.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
With a Champions League last-16
clash with Real Madrid in the next two
months, United’s jet-setting squad were
reminded that technology was very different
in Busby’s day.
“Now if we’re playing in a big game
like a Champions League semi-final, we’ll
watch videos and know everything about
the opposition. Everything. Then I think
Sir Matt would go on one scouting mission
and that would be it,” Giggs said.
“Once Sir Matt went to watch Real
Madrid and when he came back, his players
asked him what they were like. He didn’t
want to tell them because Real Madrid
were that good.” —Reuters
Iran crush Lebanon 5-0
on road to Australia
SINGAPORE: Javad Nekounam
starred with a hat-trick as threetime
champions Iran kick-started
their 2015 Asian Cup qualifying
campaign with a crushing 5-0 victory
over Lebanon yesterday.
The ex-Osasuna man, now with
Iran’s Esteghlal, slotted penalties
either side of half-time and added
the hosts’ fifth and final goal while
Standard Liege striker Reza
Ghoochannejhad weighed in with a
brace at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.
The rousing win made Iran early
favourites to join Japan, host nation
Australia and South Korea, who finished
first, second and third in
2011, at the Asian Cup’s next edition
in early 2015.
The top two teams from each of
five qualifying groups go through,
along with the best third-placed
team, with Iran already well placed
at the top of Group B.
Team Melli’s closest group rivals
on the opening match day were
Kuwait, who made Southeast Asian
runners-up Thailand suffer in front
of their own fans with a 3-1 victory
in Bangkok.
An early own goal rocked
Thailand, beaten in December’s AFF
Suzuki Cup decider by Singapore,
and second-half strikes by Hussain
Fadhel and Hamad Aman put them
virtually out of contention before
Chanathip Songkrasin’s late consolation.
Earlier, the United Arab Emirates
opened their campaign with a 2-1
win over battling Vietnam, and 10man
Hong Kong held Uzbekistan 0-
0 in Tashkent.
The UAE got off the mark with
an early penalty, put away by Al
Ahli forward Ahmed Khalil, but
Vietnam’s busy efforts to get back
into the game paid off on the hourmark
when Huynh Quoc Anh made
it all square.
However, Habib Fardan put the
visitors back in front only seven
minutes later and it was to prove
decisive as UAE took an early lead
in Group E and deflated the home
LONDON: England’s Premier League clubs are expected
to agree rules today to ensure that a 5 billion pound
($7.8 billion) television cash windfall is not frittered
away in higher pay for players.
Featuring clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal
and Liverpool, the 20-team Premier League is the richest
in the world for revenues. However, clubs spend
around 70 percent of their income on lavish player
wages, leaving little over for profit.
Alarmed by the state of clubs’ finances across the
continent, European soccer’s governing body (UEFA)
has introduced rules that will force leading teams to
move towards breakeven or face exclusion from its
competitions.
Top leagues in Germany and Spain have already
adopted financial controls for their clubs and the pres-
Kuwait beat Thailand 3-1
fans at Hanoi’s My Dinh Stadium.
In the Uzbek capital, Hong Kong
turned up with an injury-depleted
squad and the outlook looked even
bleaker for Kim Pan-Gon’s men
when midfielder Lo Kwan Yee was
sent off after 58 minutes.
But the visitors held firm against
against the Uzbek attack to escape
the difficult fixture with a precious
point.
In London, Croatia captain
Darijo Srna marked his 100th cap
by scoring in a 4-0 friendly international
win against South Korea at
Fulham’s Craven Cottage ground in
London yesterday.
The 30-year-old Shakhtar
Donetsk stalwart curled in a 41st
minute shot to follow an earlier
header by Mario Mandzukic. Nikica
Jelavic then came off the bench to
add a third goal before Mladen
Petric completed the scoring on his
Fulham home ground.
Ivica Olic missed the chance to
give Croatia an early lead when he
headed wide from Niko Kranjcar’s
cross. But in an open match it was
South Korea who then had an
opportunity to go 1-0 up, only for
Vedran Corlua to clear Ki Sung-
Yeung’s goalbound header off the
line following a cross by Lee Chung-
Yong.
Olic had another chance when
Shin Hyung-Min gave the ball away
inside the South Korean box to
Mandzukic, who duly laid it off into
the path of Olic only for his shot to
be deflected wide. Instead it was
Mandzukic himself who broke the
deadlock when he headed in Ivan
Rakitic’s free-kick in the 34th
minute.
Goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa, also
winning his 100th cap for Croatia,
then tipped Ji Dong-Won’s shot
over the crossbar before Srna doubled
his side’s lead shortly before
half-time with a fine solo goal from
the edge of the area.
Croatia put the result beyond
doubt in the 57th minute when
substitute Jelavic made no mistake
with his first chance of the match
following a through ball from Luka
Modric. Lee Dong-Gook came close
BANGKOK: Thai football player Teerasil Dangda (L) battles for the ball with Fahed Al Ebrahim of
Kuwait (R) during the football 2015 Asian Cup qualifying group B at Rajamangala stadium in
Bangkok yesterday. —AFP
sure is now on the Premier League to act. “It’s very positive.
We can only encourage the Premier League,”
UEFA General-Secretary Gianni Infantino said this week
when asked about proposed curbs.
Most clubs agree that something needs to be done
but the exact details of cost control have been the subject
of hard bargaining over the last few months. The
agreement of 14 of the 20 clubs is needed for proposals
to advance. Arsenal and Manchester United are
among top clubs who have cast aside long-standing
rivalries to push for full adoption of UEFA’s Financial
Fair Play (FFP) breakeven rules. Chelsea, owned by
Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich and winners of
the Champions League last season, want club owners
to have more freedom to spend to build a team.
Chelsea, who in any case say they are on course to
to grabbing a goal for South Korea
but struck a shot just wide of
Pletikosa’s left post.
Numerous substitutions broke
up the flow of the match but
there was still time for Petric, with
five minutes remaining, to complete
the goal-scoring in stylish
fashion when he chipped South
Korea goalkeeper Jung Sung-
Ryong. —AFP
HANOI: United Arab Emirates footballer Habib Al Fardan (L) leads an attack during the Asian Cup 2015 qualifying match Vietnam
vs UAE in Hanoi yesterday. UAE won 2-1. —AFP
Premier League set to rein in runaway spending
meet UEFA’s rules, are expected to back a compromise
on Thursday which would place a ceiling on owner
investment and cap annual increases in a club’s spending
on player wages.
Critics of FFP argue that it will reinforce the balance
of power in the Premier League and prevent clubs
from emulating the rapid ascent enjoyed by Chelsea
and Premier League champions Manchester City in
recent years. City’s rise has been underwritten by cash
from Abu Dhabi.
Premier League clubs stand to benefit from
enhanced three-year TV contracts in August, having
secured a 70 percent hike in the value of the domestic
deal. Overseas rights with broadcasters including NBC
in the United States are expected to push the total value
of TV rights over 5 billion pounds. —Reuters

SYDNEY: While there was some shock
at the extent of the match-fixing
revealed in Monday’s Europol report,
there can be little surprise the fixers
were based in Singapore given the history
of corruption in Asian soccer.
From China’s ‘golden whistles’ scandal
of the early 2000s to the 41 players from
South Korea’s K-League banned by FIFA
for match-fixing just last month, the
taint of corruption has rarely been far
from the game in the world’s most populous
continent.
European anti-crime agency Europol
on Monday blamed criminal syndicates
based in Singapore for fixing hundreds
of matches in a global scam over three
years from 2008.
The driving force behind the matchfixing
is the huge amount of money
gambled on soccer on the continent.
Chris Eaton, former head of security
at FIFA and now head of an anti-corruption
watchdog, estimates $3 billion a day
is bet on sport, most of it on soccer and
most related to South East Asia.
The Europol report said German
police had proof 8 million euros ($11
million) had been made in gambling
profits from the scam but it was probably
the tip of the iceberg.
“It’s infinitesimal compared to what
was made in the Asian market,” Eaton
told Reuters yesterday.
“You can probably multiply that by a
hundred for what was made in the Asian
market. People have to get their head
round this act - we’re talking about a
major economy here.” In China, where
betting is outlawed outside the Special
Administrative Regions of Hong Kong
and Macau, one expert at Peking
University estimated that illegal gambling
was worth $150 billion a year in
2009.
With such huge sums involved, it is
no great surprise that players, team officials
and referees earning far, far less
than their European counterparts have
been tempted and the leagues compromised.
Former Australia international
Craig Foster recalled coming face to face
with the problem in the early 1990s
when he first played in South East Asia.
“I found an entirely unfamiliar world
where players didn’t necessarily play to
SPORTS
Asia a proven fertile ground for match-fixers
SHARJAH: Bahrain’s Mahmud al-Ajmi (L) vies for the ball against Mohammed Ahmed
Ali of Yemen during their 2015 Asian Cup qualifying football match in the Gulf emirate
of Sharjah, yesterday. — AFP
Jose Camacho under more
pressure after Saudi defeat
SINGAPORE: Veteran Spanish coach Jose
Antonio Camacho’s tenure as China boss
suffered another blow yesterday as his
misfiring side were beaten 2-1 away by
Saudi Arabia in their opening 2015 Asian
Cup qualifier.
The 57-year-old former Spain and Real
Madrid handler has come under increasing
pressure since China crashed out of
World Cup qualifying and losing four
friendlies since June last year, including
an 8-0 drubbing by Brazil, winning just
once.
His Saudi counterpart, compatriot
Juan Ramon Lopez Caro, however, will be
delighted as his side won in his first competitive
game in charge since replacing
Frank Rijkaard, who was sacked last
month after a poor showing at the Gulf
Cup.
The hosts took the lead through
Fahad Al Muwallad in the 23rd minute
only for China to level six minutes later as
Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder Zhao
Xuri shot home from the edge of the
area after being set up by Yu Hanchao.
However, the visitors could not hold
out and three-time champions Saudi
took the points thanks to a goal by substitute
Naif Hazzazi 13 minutes from
time.
China have reached the last 10 Asian
Cup finals but with 2007 champions Iraq
having begun with a 1-0 home win over
Indonesia they face a tough task to make
it 11 in Australia.
The top two teams from each of five
qualifying groups go through, along with
the best third-placed team.
Iran’s closest group rivals on the opening
match day were Kuwait, who made
Southeast Asian runners-up Thailand suffer
in front of their own fans with a 3-1
victory in Bangkok. In the Uzbek capital,
Hong Kong turned up with an injurydepleted
squad and the outlook looked
even bleaker for Kim Pan-Gon’s men
when midfielder Lo Kwan Yee was sent
off after 58 minutes. But the visitors held
firm against against the Uzbek attack to
escape the difficult fixture with a precious
point. —AFP
Rummenigge gushes over
Qatar WC preparations
DOHA: German footballing legend and
president of the European Club
Association, Karl-Heinze Rummenigge,
said in Doha yesterday that the 2022
World Cup, set to be held in Qatar for the
first time, will be a rousing success.
“After seeing the presentation yesterday,
and what is probably the best pitch I
have ever seen in my life, the pitch on
which the match between Spain and
Uruguay will be held tonight
(Wednesday), we have a very good feeling
about the organisation and the infrastructure
for the 2022 World Cup,” said
the 1986 World Cup finalist.
The 57-year-old who spent ten years
at Bayern Munich and was twice
European player of the year (1980, 1981),
also revealed that a decision had yet to
be made on exactly when the tournament
would be held, bearing in mind the
sweltering summer temperatures in
Qatar.
“We feel responsibility towards our
players, and I would probably say that
the only question that we can’t respond
to is when the 2022 World Cup will
begin,” said the former striker who put
away 45 goals in 95 matches for the
Mannschaft between 1976 and 1986.
“We know that the discussion regarding
the summer conditions such as climate
and humidity is a lively topic, but
we can’t say anything today, because
these discussions have to be opened first
by FIFA (world governing body),” added
the Bayern Munich president.
“Our impression, is that Qatar are not
just able to organise the competition,
but we have the impression that the
world can expect a really fantastic World
Cup, because of the stadiums, the hotels
and the infrastructure, so we have a very
positive impression”. “We are aware
about the fact that UEFA president
Michel Platini has declared that we
should be open to the idea of changing
the dates from summer to winter or
maybe autumn” he added. —AFP
win, or for the team, but in which
numerous gambling syndicates controlled
players throughout the league
and paid them either to win or lose,
according to the odds,” he wrote in the
Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday.
Indeed, the reason European leagues
are so attractive to Asian gamblers is not
only because of their high profile and
glamour but because they are perceived
to have retained an integrity local competitions
lost long ago.
At times the fixing in Asia has
descended into farce, as when players at
one Chinese club peppered their own
goal with lobbed “back passes” to try
and even up the betting spread.
In Singapore, the local FA has
employed random polygraph tests on
players since 2001 in a bid to root out
the problem. China attempted to clean
up its house in 2006 with an Anti-
Football Gambling Leadership Group.
The effort was somewhat undermined
when the soccer official appointed
to lead the group, Nan Yong, was
jailed for 10 1/2 years after being found
guilty of taking 1.48 million yuan
DURBAN: Nigeria displayed the
class of real champions when they
crushed Mali 4-1 and stayed on
course to win the African Nations
Cup for the first time in 19 years
yesterday.
A superb semi-final at the Moses
Mabhida stadium was won and lost
in a blistering 20-minute first-half
spell in which Nigeria scored three
goals to leave them dreaming of a
first title since current coach
Stephen Keshi captained them to
glory in 1994.
Goals from defender Elderson
Echiejile, who stooped to head
home after 25 minutes, Brown
Ideye, who scrambled one in after
30 minutes and an own goal from
Mali defender Momo Sissoko a
minute before halftime put Keshi’s
team in total control.
They made it 4-0 when substitute
Ahmed Musa, who replaced
the outstanding Victor Moses after
53 minutes scored three minutes
after coming on, beating the offside
trap and slipping the ball
through goalkeeper Mamadou
Samassa’s legs.
Nigeria also had the ball in the
net for a fifth time shortly afterwards,
but the goal was disallowed
for offside. Keshi is now one victory
away from becoming only the second
man in the tournament’s 56year
history to win it as a player and
coach. The only person to have
achieved the feat is Egyptian
Mahmoud El Gohary, who won it in
1959 and 1998.
Mali, who famously came back
from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 with
Angola in the opening game of the
2010 finals, never looked like
repeating that feat but did score a
consolation when substitute Cheick
Diarra fired home in the 75th
minute.
That goal did nothing to dampen
the Nigerian celebrations that
followed the final whistle as the
team booked a place in Sunday’s
final, where they will meet the win-
($237,600) in bribes last year.
Nan’s conviction was part of a
renewed and robust police-led enquiry
sparked when leading Communist Party
officials - including then President Hu
Jintao - expressed the need to clean up
the sport in late 2009.
The latest attempt to curb the problem
region-wide comes later this month
when the governing Asian Football
Confederation (AFC) host an Interpol
conference entitled “Match-Fixing: The
Ugly Side of the Beautiful Game” in Kuala
Lumpur. “Our endeavour to wipe out
corruption continues and the confederation
is proactively organising events to
fight corruption and match-fixing in the
continent,” AFC general secretary Dato’
Alex Soosay said yesterday.
The AFC have not been immune to
scandal themselves, however, and Qatari
former president Mohamed Bin
Hammam is still battling to clear his
name after being suspended by world
governing body FIFA for alleged bribery
in July 2011. All the while, Asian cases of
match-fixing have continued to emerge.
Malaysia, which was rocked by a match-
ners of Wednesday’s second semi
between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
Keshi, who spent two years
coaching Mali and knows most of
their players well, said he was obviously
delighted with the victory by
his young team, which he said
should not be compared to his victorious
1994 team.
“We won in 1994 after we had
been together for five years,” he
told reporters. “But we have been
together for five weeks. We met up
for the first time in our training
camp in Portugal before the tournament,
and it was a young group.
“We worked hard, the atmosphere
was wonderful but you cannot
compare this team to that. We
did play very well today and I am
very happy but we haven’t won
anything yet.”
Mali, inspired by the conflict in
their homeland, and widely tipped
to go one better than last year’s
semi-final appearance, started better
but failed with a trio of early
chances and could not find a way
back into the game once Nigeria
took charge.
One of the reasons Mali were
considered such a threat was the
form in this tournament of skipper
Seydou Keita, who has turned the
clock back on his 32 years and given
the kind of performances he
used to give when he was with
Barcelona.
But as hard as he tried yesterday,
he could not reverse Mali’s fortunes
against superior opponents on the
day. “We played against a very
good team, who were better than
us on the day,” Keita told reporters.
“And that is difficult to handle,
especially as the country back
home was looking to us and
expecting a victory from us but we
didn’t win it for them, and that is
very hard.”
Mali actually looked the better
team for the opening 20 minutes
and Modibo Maiga and Keita had
headers that went close while
Sissoko unleashed a thunderous
effort from 30 metres out that went
just over Vincent Enyeama’s crossbar.
But Nigeria, with John Obi
Mikel and Ogenyi Onanzi and the
superb Moses who made the open-
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
fixing scandal in the mid-1990s resulting
in more than a 100 players being
banned, handed out long suspensions
to 18 youth players in February last year
for match-fixing.
Then last month, the long-running
enquiry into match-fixing in South
Korea’s top flight K-League - a scandal so
embarrassing the government threatened
to shut the league down - resulted
in the 41 players being banned for life.
Match-fixing in Asia is by no means
limited to soccer, however, with volleyball
and basketball also caught up in the
Korean scandal, while cricketing authorities
in India and Pakistan have their own
battles to fight with illegal bookmakers.
The bad news for those who are trying
to root it out is that many analysts
believe the problem in sport is merely
a reflection of a wider malaise in Asian
society. Global anti-corruption body
Transparency International says there is
an alarming level of corruption in Asia.
Its corruption index rates Singapore at
10, the very cleanest, but 16 other
countries score below three on the
scale.—Reuters
Nigeria trounce Mali to
reach Africa Cup final
DOHA: World and European champions Spain
stretched their unbeaten run at senior international
level to 17 games with a 3-1 win over
Uruguay yesterday thanks to two goals from
Pedro Rodriguez.
A goalkeeping error from Fernando Muslera
gifted Spain the lead after just 16 minutes as he
allowed Cesc Fabregas’ long-range effort to slip
through his grasp, but Uruguay were deservedly
level before half-time as Cristian Rodriguez fired
Three goals in 20 minutes
DURBAN: Nigeria’s forward Ahmed Musa (C) dribbles Mali’s goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa to score a
goal during the 2013 African Cup of Nations semi-final football match Mali vs Nigeria yesterday in
Durban. — AFP
home after latching onto Martin Caceres’ clever
pass. However, Pedro proved to be the matchwinner
in the second-half as he finished calmly
from Barcelona teammate Gerard Pique’s pass
six minutes after the restart before tapping
home Fabregas’ cross to register his ninth goal in
his last six internationals.
Vicente del Bosque’s men were captained by
Carles Puyol on his 100th international appearance
in the absence of Iker Casillas who was out
ing two goals, asserting themselves
in midfield, suddenly took control
of the game with devastating
effect. The breakthrough came
when Moses turned and nutmegged
Mali defender Adama
Tamboura wide on the left and sent
in a low cross which Echiejile,
unmarked, stooped to head home.
Five minutes later Ideye doubled
their lead from another Moses
cross, bundling the ball home with
Samassa powerless to prevent him
scoring. The third came when
Gambian referee Backary Papa
Gassama awarded Nigeria a free
kick on the edge of the box just
before halftime.
Emmanuel Emenike’s powerfully
struck effort took a big deflection
off Sissoko leaving Samassa watching
the ball go into his net for a
third time to effectively kill the contest
and send Nigeria into the continental
final for the first time since
2000. The one worry for Keshi is
whether Moses, who came off with
an injury early in the second half,
will be fit in time. “We will know
more tomorrow,” he said. — Reuters
Pedro double sees Spain past Uruguay
DOHA: Spain’s Pedro Rodriguez (L) kicks the ball to score his team’s second goal against
Uruguay during their friendly football match in the Qatari capital Doha yesterday. — AFP
with a broken bone in his left hand.
Cesar Azpilicueta, meanwhile, was making his
international debut. The Chelsea defender was
thankful for the experience shown by his skipper
when he was late in stepping up to play Luis
Suarez onside four minutes in but Puyol recovered
well to disposes the Liverpool striker before
he could get a shot off.
Spain went in front 12 minutes later thanks to
a huge error from Muslera as he let Fabregas’
swerving drive from 30 yards slip through his
hands and into the net. However, the South
Americans responded well to going behind and
Victor Valdes had to be quick off his line to prevent
Edison Cavani having a clear run on goal
from a long-ball over the top moments later.
Puyol then nearly marked his landmark
appearance with just his fourth international
goal but he was ruled to be just offside as he
volleyed in a cross from the right.
Uruguay were level though just after the halfhour
mark as a fine through ball from Caceres
found Rodriguez free inside the area and the
Atletico Madrid midfielder slotted the ball low
past Valdes. It took Spain just six minutes into
the second period to restore their lead as Pique,
who had replaced Puyol at the break, played in
Pedro who drove the ball into Muslera’s bottom
right-hand corner.
Valdes had to make a stunning save to prevent
Uruguay finding a second equaliser as he
got an outstretched hand to Cavani’s driven
effort before David Villa could easily have had a
third for Spain as his effort drifted just over.
Del Bosque then took the chance to also
hand debuts to Isco and Mario Suarez as the
game began to become stretched and it was
no surprise when Spain broke with great efficiency
to kill the game off 15 minutes from
time. Villa fed Fabregas and his cross to the
back post was perfectly measured for Pedro to
slide home. —AFP

Kuwait beat
Thailand 3-1
18
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Nigeria trounce
Mali to reach
19
Africa Cup final
Vonn to have surgery in US next week after crash Page 17
LONDON: England’s midfielder Frank Lampard (C) after scoring England’s second goal during the international friendly football match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium in north London yesterday. —AFP
England spoil Scolari’s Brazil return
LONDON: England beat Brazil 2-1 yesterday
to end a 23-year wait for victory over
the five-time world champions and consign
Luiz Felipe Scolari to defeat in the first
game of his second spell as Brazil coach.
On a chilly Wembley night that saw Ashley
Cole win his 100th England cap, home
goalkeeper Joe Hart saved an early penalty
from the recalled Ronaldinho, before
Wayne Rooney put Roy Hodgson’s side
ahead.
An error from Gary Cahill allowed halftime
substitute Fred to equalise for Brazil
early in the second half, but Cahill’s
Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard gave
England victory with a smartly taken goal
on the hour. The friendly game was
being played to mark the start of the
Football Association’s 150th anniversary
celebrations, and in Scolari’s disjointed
Brazil, England found unexpectedly generous
opponents. Hodgson’s men will
now approach March’s World Cup qualifiers
against San Marino and Montenegro
in good heart, while Scolari must revisit
his plans to craft a side capable of winning
a sixth world title on home soil in 2014.
Jack Wilshere started alongside
England captain Steven Gerrard in midfield
for the first time and the Arsenal man
was quick to assert himself with an enterprising
forward burst that drew applause
Burkina Faso in final with
shootout win over Ghana
NELSPRUIT: Rank outsiders Burkina Faso will
face Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations final
after a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Ghana
yesterday.
Ghana’s Udinese midfielder Emmanuel
Agyeman Badu had his effort saved by Daouda
Diakite after earlier misses by teammates Isaac
Vorsah and Emmanuel Clottey. Bakary Kone,
Henri Traore and Aristide Bance converted
their chances to continue the fairy-tale run of a
team that had turned up in South Africa with
the modest ambition of ending a 17-match
winless Nations Cup run.
Now they find themselves meeting Nigeria,
4-1 winners over Mali earlier, for a shot at
becoming kings of Africa. The spot-kick climax
was called for after the two teams were inseparable
at 1-1 in a thrilling semi-final, with
Bance’s second-half goal cancelling out
Mubarak Wakaso’s early penalty.
The Burkinabe were deserved winners after
almost coming unstuck by a series of strange
decisions against them by Tunisian referee
Slim Jdidi. Chief among them was a legitimate
penalty claim turned down, and a goal disallowed.
Jdidi wrongly waved away claims for an
early spot-kick when John Boye barged into
Jonathan Pitroipa, knocking his Rennes teammate
unceremoniously to the much maligned
Mbombela Stadium turf.
But on 13 minutes the referee had no hesitation
in giving Ghana a penalty after an
innocuous tangle involving Mady
Panandetiguiri and Christian Atsu.
Wakaso stepped up to convert past
Brazil loses to England for first time in 23 years
Daouda Diakite, for his fourth goal of the competition.
The penalty dramas sandwiched an
unscripted substitution for Ghana, with
Solomon Asante coming on for John Paintsil,
stretchered off with a right thigh injury.
Burkina were giving as good as they got in
attack, but would have to find a way to trouble
Ghana keeper Fatawu Dauda in the second
half if they were to make it to Soweto on
Sunday.
Burkina Faso’s athletic striker Bance was
looking dangerous every time he got the ball.
On 52 minutes Dauda produced a superb save
off the Augsburg attacker’s header when he
grabbed the ball from underneath the crossbar,
Jdidi on this occasion getting it absolutely
right, much to the Burkinabe fans’ displeasure.
Down at the other end, Gyan hit Diakite’s
woodwork. On the hour, Burkina got the
equaliser their endeavour deserved, Bance,
coolly firing past Dauda. Burkina’s Dynamo
Bucharest defender Paul Koulibaly was fortunate
to escape with just a yellow after lashing
out with his boot at a delicate part of Gyan’s
body.
Diakite kept Ghana at bay with a diving
save to deny Atsu’s attempt to send the game
into extra time, which was only minutes old
when he tipped over a shot from Harrison
Afful. Bance had his yellow spaghetti-mop hair
in his hands on 102 minutes when clear on
goal only to shoot high. Jdidi made another
strange decision against Burkina Faso when
disallowing Prejuce Nakoulma’s goal after a
minor clash with Kwadwo Asamoah.
Pitroipa was harshly sent off on 117 min-
from the home fans. However, the 21year-old
gifted Brazil an opportunity to
take the lead in the 19th minute when he
allowed Ronaldinho’s cross to strike him
on the arm. Back in the side after an
absence of a year, Ronaldinho stepped
forward to take the penalty himself, but
his weak shot was saved by Hart, who
then reacted sharply to claw the ball away
as the thwarted taker closed in for the kill.
England reacted positively to their
close shave, with the excellent Wilshere
immediately slipping a pass through to
Danny Welbeck, who poked over. Cole
and Glen Johnson both had shots from
distance, before the hosts made the
breakthrough with a goal that will have
greatly pleased Hodgson. Wilshere was
again the creator, threading a fine pass
between centre-back and full-back for
Theo Walcott, and when the Arsenal
winger’s shot was blocked by Julio Cesar,
Rooney steered the loose ball home to
claim his 33rd England goal.
Neymar then spurned a glorious
chance to level when he put the ball over
from close range as he slid in to meet a
low cross from the lively Oscar. Cole’s big
night ended at half-time, with Leighton
Baines coming on in his place, while
Scolari elected to withdraw both
Ronaldinho and the ineffective Luis
NELSPRUIT: Ghana’s defender John Boye (L) vies with Burkina Faso’s forward Aristide Bance
during the 2013 African Cup of Nations semi-final football match Burkina Faso vs Ghana, yesterday
at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit. —AFP
utes for picking up his second booking of the
night, for diving, after he had, in fact, been
felled. He misses Sunday’s final.
Dauda produced a series of fine saves to
keep Ghana in business, but with the crowd
almost to a man on their side, Burkina held
their nerve to book an improbable date at
Soweto’s Soccer City. — AFP
Fabiano. Fabiano’s replacement, Fred,
needed just three minutes to find the target,
but the goal was presented to him on
a plate by the blundering Cahill.
Imperious until then, the Chelsea centreback
over-ran the ball in a dangerous
position and after Ramires darted in, Fred
capitalised to flash a left-foot shot past
Hart from the edge of the area.
Similar shaky England defending
almost yielded a second Brazil goal
moments later, but after Hart’s hurried
clearance struck Cahill and bounced away,
Fred saw his attempted curler hit the
angle of post and bar.
Eager to atone, Cahill forced Cesar into
a superb finger-tip save with a powerful
header from a corner. Brazil’s defending
was puzzlingly static at times and England
took advantage to re-take the lead in the
60th minute. After one of several Walcott
surges down the right, the ball popped
out to the edge of the area, and with
Paulinho dawdling, Rooney stole in to tee
up Lampard, who scored with a first-time
shot that went in off the right-hand post.
Neymar tried to enliven proceedings
with an audacious overhead kick that flew
well over, before the now familiar succession
of substitutions drew the life from the
game and allowed England to see out a
morale-boosting success. — AFP
Germany break France
jinx with 2-1 win
PARIS: Real Madrid duo Mesut Oezil and Sami Khedira combined
to devastating effect as Germany came from behind to beat
France 2-1 in a heavyweight showdown here yesterday.
Khedira supplied Oezil and then got on the end of a brilliant
return pass from the little playmaker before finishing past Hugo
Lloris in the 74th minute to hand Germany their first victory over
their neighbours since reunification.
The last time France had lost to a German team was back in
1987, when Rudi Voeller scored twice in a 2-1 West Germany victory.
It looked like Les Bleus’ impressive run against their old foes
would continue when Mathieu Valbuena headed the hosts in front
at the Stade de France just before half time.
However, a cool finish from Thomas Mueller brought the visitors
level within six minutes of the restart, and Joachim Loew’s side
then soaked up second-half pressure before securing a confidence-boosting
win. Didier Deschamps’ France came into their
opening game of 2013 with confidence boosted by their most
recent performances, a 1-1 qualifying draw in Spain being followed
by a 2-1 friendly victory in Italy in November.
Here, the French were up against another of the Euro 2012
semi-finalists, and while Germany were missing a whole host of
regular starters, their’s was still the more experienced of the two
teams at international level.
Manuel Neuer, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose were
among the stars that German coach Joachim Loew was unable to
call upon, but the likes of Mueller and Oezil can still be magnificent
to watch when in full flow.
Those two combined to produce the first chance of the night in
the sixth minute, as Bayern Munich’s Mueller sliced through the
middle of the home defence before feeding Oezil, who tried to go
round Lloris, only for the alert France goalkeeper to get down well.
Giant Arsenal central defender Per Mertesacker then saw his
header turned on to the bar and over by Lloris soon after.
However, the home side, which was close to full strength, eventually
came back into things, led by the attacking flair of Franck
Ribery and Karim Benzema.— AFP

Business
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
NBK among top five safest
banks in emerging markets
Page 22
Khatif to distribute
LavAzza Coffee
Jazeera Airways Group posts 32% rise in profits
Page 25
Page 26
ATHENS: Members of the Greek communist labour union march at the Greece’s main harbor Piraeus port early yesterday in Athens during the forced end to a strike movement by seamen. —AFP
Mideast economies
must open up: Expert
EU leaders face clash over 7-year budget
BRUSSELS: European Union leaders head
into a fresh clash over the EU’s budget at a
two-day summit starting tomorrow, with
the only certainty being that proposals for
several years will be cut back.
The volume of EU expenditure, at a time
of cuts in national budgets against a broad
background of debt and recession, is the
main issue dividing the 27 EU member
states. One group among those countries
that contribute the most, led by Germany
and Britain, wants spending cut from the
current level of about one percent of EU
gross domestic product.
This would mean trimming the
European Commission’s initial proposal for
a budget of a trillion euros between 2014
and 2020. These cuts should be applied
across the board, they say, and reach right
down into wages and tax-free benefits for
about 35,000 EU civil servants-some of
whom have begun strike action for fear of
redundancies.
Another group, led by France and Italy,
want spending kept at a higher level and
targeted more at investment likely to create
jobs at a time when 26 million people
are unemployed in the EU.
Getting an agreement is the task of
summit chairman Herman Van Rompuy,
the EU president who had to call time on a
Proposals for several years to be cut back
previous bid to settle the issue in
November. The EU’s budget is financed
from various sources. Member countries
make contributions but also receive funding
from the EU under various programs,
including policies to help poorer countries
catch up.
This means that some countries are net
contributors and some are net beneficiaries.
In addition Britain for example receives
a special rebate won by Margaret Thatcher
to compensate for what was then a distortion
in the balance, largely because of the
way big subsidies for agriculture work. The
current negotiations will not change this
basic structure, but might well change the
way the budget is presented. The central
focus concerns definition of an amount
available for actual “payments” which often
fall short of targets in the budget, and a
higher absolute ceiling for the budget.
British Prime Minister David Cameron
wants to focus simply on the payments
limit-meaning that if the EU goes beyond
that in terms of its “commitments,” there
could be a problem for the EU but not for
the Treasury department of the British
government.
The European Commission initially proposed
a five-percent increase and a budget
for the seven-year accounting cycle of
more than one trillion euros.
That was too much for Cameron, whose
relations with the EU are already uncertain
after he promised a British referendum on
membership following talks to take back
some powers.
In November, Van Rompuy proposed a
budget for “commitments” of 973 billion
euros and diplomats say he will reduce
that to 960 billion euros. He would also
lower the effective “payments” cap cherished
by Cameron down to about 900 billion
euros.
The question would then be how to
finance the outstanding 60 billion if the
budget were used to the full and Britain
refused to contribute to funding the gap?
That in turn would raise the question of
whether the EU would then run a deficit?
“I am confident that with some adaptations,
the proposal I made on 22
November can constitute the basis for a
deal,” Van Rompuy said, adding that agreement
was “becoming urgent” if EU machinery
is to “run smoothly and deliver [its]
potential for growth and jobs.” A senior
negotiator said “the bottom line” is that the
EU will “honor” its spending commitments.
In the European parliament in
Strasbourg, however, leading conservative
MEP Joseph Daul said that a deficit
approach would be “suicidal” and warned
that lawmakers would vote against any
such deal.
Liberal counterpart and former Belgian
premier Guy Verhofstadt labelled a deficit
approach as “budgetary fraud.” A majority
in the EU parliament is required to pass the
budget. Some arguments remain over
which policy areas should be the target of
cutbacks. Commission President Jose
Manuel Barroso, French President Francois
Hollande and others worry that cutting
funds for cross-border infrastructure projects
in energy, transport and digital networks,
for instance, would counter efforts
to tackle unemployment.
But Van Rompuy’s new plans will
include an unspecified amount in billions
of euros to help reduce unemployment
among young people which is running at
about 57 percent in Spain and Greece.
Barroso, and the parliament, meanwhile,
still want the EU freed to raise funds
via direct taxation. So far, most of its budget
comes via member-state contributions.
If the leaders can turn the page on the
budget, they will focus on Friday on securing
rapid progress in free-trade negotiations
with the United States and Japan,
seen as key to delivering elusive growth,
jobs and prosperity. — AFP
Fiscal muscle gives Saudis oil options
RIYADH: A combination of massive currency
reserves and a 2013 spending plan
based on a conservative oil price projection
means Saudi Arabia has considerable flexibility
in deciding its oil output policy this
year. The world’s top oil exporter has
boosted state spending sharply in the past
couple of years, adding hundreds of thousands
of public sector jobs, introducing
new social entitlements and starting big
infrastructure projects.
Many economists agree this largesse
will pose fiscal challenges for Riyadh in
future. But for now, the government’s
strong budget position means it can opt
either to cut oil output in support of prices,
or withstand a fall in prices to maintain
market share versus rival producers.
“It gives them a little bit of comfort in
their policies,” said Alexander Poegl, business
development manager at JBC Energy
in Vienna, which does consulting work for
the Saudi oil sector.
He said Saudi Arabia’s priority was to
pursue a middle way in the energy market,
trying to maintain stability of prices and
supply. Analysts’ estimates for Saudi
Arabia’s break-even oil price this year - the
price it needs to balance the state budget -
vary from around $65 a barrel to $85,
depending on projections for its spending.
Those levels are well below the current
market price of Arab Light, the country’s
main type of crude oil for export, which is
now at about $115. The flexibility which
that gap provides may prove important for
Saudi Arabia, the main swing producer in
the Organization of the Petroleum
Exporting Countries, as a dispute with Iran
threatens to destabilize oil markets and
with Iraq likely to rebuff Saudi calls to moderate
its crude output.
Saudi officials have always insisted the
kingdom’s energy policy is based solely on
its reading of market forces, a lesson it
learned after damaging boom-and-bust
cycles in the 1970s and 1980s that followed
the 1974 oil embargo.
However, local political analysts say
Saudi leaders are always very aware of the
impact of oil on foreign policy.
“In general they have not used oil as an
instrument of political pressure. But in the
real world, I don’t think a country that has
such a strategic commodity can divorce its
foreign policy from that fact,” said political
science professor Asaad Al-Shamlan.
At the height of Arab Spring unrest
around the Middle East in February 2011,
Riyadh announced a package of spending
that amounted to about $110 billion, on
top of an already expansionary budget.
Government spending growth has averaged
about 14 percent a year over the past
decade. Even so, historically high oil prices
have allowed Saudi Arabia to effectively
wipe out government debt and build a
cushion of foreign reserves worth $648 billion
by the end of last year.
What concerns some economists is that
although a lot of the extra expenditure has
been on infrastructure projects aimed at
making the Saudi economy more productive,
there have also been major additions
to current spending. The kingdom is on an
unsustainable long-term fiscal trajectory,
Steffen Hertog, author of “Princes, Brokers
and Bureaucrats”, a book about Saudi
Arabia’s economy and politics, wrote in a
paper that he delivered at a seminar in
Riyadh. “The welfare and employment
decrees indicate a return to the distributional
policies of the 1970s oil boom period
- but on a much larger and less sustainable
scale,” he added. The government has
financed hundreds of thousands of new
public sector jobs since 2011, introduced
an unemployment benefit and pledged
more low-interest loans for home purchases.
The International Monetary Fund
warned last year that Saudi Arabia could
slip into fiscal deficit by 2016. But Finance
Minister Ibrahim Alassaf has described the
warning as a “doomsday scenario” which
the country will avoid, and he said last
month that Riyadh could sustain current
spending levels in the medium term and
beyond. So far, the figures bear him out.
Saudi Arabia reaped record state revenue
of more than $331 billion last year, leading
to a huge budget surplus of $103 billion.
Its budget plan for this year aims for revenue
of $221 billion and spending of $219
billion. Spending will almost certainly be
much higher than targeted; the govern-
ment has overshot its spending plans by an
average of more than 20 percent a year
over the past decade.
But because of high oil prices, this year’s
revenue also looks set to be much higher
than the target; Jadwa Investment estimated
this year’s budget plan was based on a
conservative oil price projection of only
about $65 a barrel.
So another big budget surplus is in
prospect. And even if Saudi Arabia does
slip into a moderate deficit - perhaps to the
tune of several tens of billions of dollars -
its reserves could easily cover a deficit of
that size, for years to come.
Saudi Arabia appears most comfortable
with a global oil price of around $100 or
moderately above; Oil Minister Ali Naimi
has said $100 suits both producers and
consumers by facilitating oil exploration
without hurting global growth.
From that perspective, Riyadh’s budget
and market positions look favourable, with
the oil price well above $100 after the kingdom
cut its output by around 700,000 barrels
per day to 9.02 million bpd in the last
two months of 2012.
OPEC predicted in a report last month
that demand for the organisation’s crude
would be lower than originally expected in
2013 because of higher supply from other
producers. But the International Energy
Agency, formed by major consuming countries,
said it saw markets tightening in coming
months. — Reuters
Egypt falls;
Gulf mixed
MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS
Page 23
DUBAI: Egypt’s bourse made its largest decline in
more than a week yesterday as continuing political
instability and foreign reserves falling to critical levels
weighed on investor sentiment, while Gulf markets
were mixed.
Cairo’s benchmark index dropped 1.8 percent,
snapping a five-session winning streak in its biggest
daily drop since Jan 29. Analysts had expected selling
pressure after figures released late on Tuesday showed
the country’s foreign reserves fell to $13.6 billion in
January, below the $15 billion level which the government
has said would be enough to cover three months
of imports. “Egypt is still very volatile and is expected
to remain so until the country starts to regain political
stability and better economic conditions,” says a note
from Al Masah Capital.
“Egypt’s foreign reserves are at the lowest level in
15 years, which should put further pressure on
President Mursi to secure a loan with the International
Monetary Fund.” Orascom Telecom and Palm Hills
Development Co led the drop, losing 4.3 and 2.8 percent
respectively. Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia’s index
slipped 0.1 percent after optimism over a new Capital
Market Authority (CMA) chairman proved short-lived.
The king appointed Mohammed bin Abdulmalik Al
al-Sheikh as the new chairman for the CMA in a royal
decree late Tuesday.
Analysts and traders said Tuweijri had been expected
to leave as his term ended. They said the change
was not necessarily related to Saudi Arabia’s preparations
to open its stock market more fully to foreign
investors, which have been in progress for years. The
government has not yet set a date for the opening.
Nevertheless, the appointment is generally being
seen as positive, given Al al-Sheikh’s professional background.
“The new chairman has a legal background
related to securities and companies looking to go public
- the market is receiving the decision positively,” said
Mohammad Omran, a Riyadh-based independent
financial analyst. Al-Sheikh could also drive a legal
structure overhaul in the capital market, he added.
In Dubai, the index gained 0.1 percent, as company
earnings bolster sentiment.
Emaar Properties and Drake & Scull added 0.2 and
2.2 percent respectively. Emaar’s fourth-quarter profit
missed estimates but many analysts remain upbeat
about the property developer’s prospects as it diversifies
into retail and hospitality. It shares are up 27 percent
in 2013. The market rose for a ninth session in the
last 10 and hit a 37-month high last week.
“Medium to long-term money is back because
investors found a success story in Dubai - a good
chunk of allocation from foreigners was in Emaar,” said
Reda Gomaa, portfolio manager at Mashreq.
Abu Dhabi’s benchmark slipped 0.1 percent, down
from Tuesday’s 34-month high.
Shares in Union National Bank tumbled 8.5 percent
to a nine-day low after the lender’s fourth-quarter
profit fell well short of estimates. Elsewhere, Kuwait’s
index also declined, losing 0.7 percent. It stalled its early-year
surge following the jailing of three opposition
lawmakers.—-Reuters

NBK among top five safest
banks in emerging markets
KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK)
has been listed among the top 5 safest
banks in the Emerging Markets. NBK
ranked 4th on the list of the safest banks
in the Emerging Markets, confirming the
success of the bank’s conservative strategy,
prudent risk management and dedication
to service excellence.
The rankings, compiled by the international
finance magazine Global
Finance are based on evaluations of
long-term credit ratings-from Moody’s,
Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings-and
total assets of the 500 largest banks
worldwide.
Global Finance, for the sixth consecutive
year, listed NBK among the 50 safest
banks in the world for 2012. Global
EXCHANGE RATES
Commercial Bank of Kuwait
US Dollar/KD .2740000 .2840000
GB Pound/KD .4400000 .4550000
Euro .3760000 .3870000
Swiss francs .3070000 .3160000
Canadian Dollar .2790000 .2910000
Australian DLR .2900000 .3000000
Indian rupees .0040000 .0067500
Sri Lanka Rupee .0020000 .0035000
UAE dirhams .0761490 .0769140
Bahraini dinars .7418950 .7493510
Jordanian dinar .3900000 .4050000
Saudi riyals .0720000 .0770000
Omani riyals .7272960 .7346050
Egyptian pounds .0420000 .0470000
CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES
US Dollar/KD .2805000 .2830000
GB Pound/KD .4424880 .4457960
Euro .3787800 .3816110
Swiss francs .3086470 .3109550
Canadian dollars .2811530 .2832550
Danish Kroner .0507780 .0511570
Swedish Kroner .0443130 .0446440
Australian dlr .2920800 .2942630
Hong Kong dlr .0362230 .0364940
Singapore dlr .2270450 .2287420
Japanese yen .0030420 .0030640
Indian Rs/KD .0000000 .0053460
Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 .0022440
Pakistan rupee .0000000 .0029050
Bangladesh taka .0000000 .0036140
UAE dirhams .0765080 .0770800
Bahraini dinars .7453890 .7509620
Jordanian dinar .0000000 .4002830
Saudi Riyal/KD .0749270 .0754870
Omani riyals .7298950 .7353510
Philippine Peso .0000000 .0070180
Al-Muzaini Exchange Co.
ASIAN COUNTRIES
Japanese Yen 3.008
Indian Rupees 5.314
Pakistani Rupees 2.882
Srilankan Rupees 2.230
Nepali Rupees 3.333
Singapore Dollar 228.710
Hongkong Dollar 36.409
Bangladesh Taka 3.547
Finance’s annual ranking of World’s 50
Safest Banks has been a recognized and
trusted standard of creditworthiness for
the entire financial world for more than
20 years.
NBK ranked above several international
financial heavyweights including BNP
Paribas, Standard Chartered and Wells
Fargo, as well as being the only bank
from Kuwait. Major international banks
were removed from the list including
Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, JPMorgan
Chase, Barclays Group and CrÈdit
Agricole. NBK has consistently been
awarded the highest credit ratings of all
banks in the region by the major international
rating agencies: Moody’s, Standard
& Poor’s and Fitch Ratings.
ArcelorMittal blames
Europe for Q4 loss
AMSTERDAM: Charges related to its ailing
European business and a drop in the value
of its assets saw ArcelorMittal SA, the
world’s largest steel maker, post a near $4
billion loss for the fourth quarter.
The company, based in Luxembourg,
said yesterday net loss widened to $3.99
billion (?2.94 billion) from $1 billion in the
same period a year ago. Sales fell 14 percent
to $19.3 billion, as both prices and volumes
declined year on year. The loss
included $4.8 billion in charges and writedowns
related to its European business,
notably the idling of plants in Madrid and
Florange, France, and the decision to close
a plant in Liege, Belgium. The company has
clashed with governments and labor
unions over the facilities and remains cautious
about its European business this year
despite improvements elsewhere.
“Although we expect the challenges to
continue in 2013, largely due to the fragility
of the European economy, we have recently
seen some more positive indicators,” said
the company’s founder and chief executive,
Indian industrialist Lakshmi Mittal.
That, together with cost cutting measures
“are expected to support an improvement
in the profitability of our steel business
this year,” he said.
He forecast that steel shipments would
grow by 2-3 percent in 2013 and operating
profit - which was $7.1 billion for the full
year 2012, a 30 percent fall from 2011 -
would show at least some unspecified
amount of growth in 2013. Investors
appeared encouraged by the relatively
upbeat forecast and the company’s shares
rose 1.7 percent to ?12.645 in early trading
in Paris.
Alongside the results, the company
issued a second press release, apparently
intended to underline the divergent fortunes
of Europe and the rest of the world
since the global financial crisis that began
in 2007. Since then, global finished steel
consumption has risen 16 percent, with
China accounting for the bulk of the
growth. In North America, consumption fell
dramatically around the time of the financial
crisis in late 2008, but quickly recovered
and is now only about 8 percent lower than
in 2007 and on an upward slope.
Europe initially recovered along with
North America, but has since fallen away
again as austerity measures hurt demand.
Consumption is now nearly 30 percent lower
than it was in 2007 and a decline
appears to be accelerating. The company
has obvious reasons for wanting to underline
the difficulties it faces in Europe. At
Florange, the company initially wanted to
close two blast furnaces, but after protests
that led one politician to threaten to
nationalize the site, the company eventually
struck a deal with French Prime Minister
Jean-Marc Ayrault to retrofit the furnaces
instead. It’s investing ?180 million to install
systems that recycle blast gases and capture
CO2. Six hundred jobs were saved.
In Liege, a dispute over 1,300 proposed
layoffs continues. Clashes between striking
workers and police left two officers injured
as recently as Jan 29. — AP
Saudi keeps oil
production steady
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia kept its crude oil production
steady at 9.05 million barrels a day
(bpd) in January, from 9.025 million bpd in
December, an industry source said. OPEC’s
lead producer responded to slower
demand at home and abroad by lowering
supply by around 700,000 barrels per day
(bpd) over the last two months of 2012,
more than a million barrels daily below
peak production last summer.
The source added that supply to the
market in January was 9.26 million bpd,
slightly up from around 9.151 million bpd
in December.
Benchmark Brent crude oil prices have
been on an upward trend since November.
However Brent was down 27 cents to
$116.25 per barrel yesterday, retreating
from the previous session when it hit its
highest since mid-September. US crude fell
$1.07 to $95.57.
Total OPEC crude oil output fell in
January to its lowest in more than a year as
Iranian exports dipped from December’s
unexpectedly high rate, according to a
Reuters survey. Supply from the
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries has averaged 30.53 million barrels
per day (bpd), down from 30.62 million
bpd in December, the survey of sources at
oil firms, shipping agents, OPEC and consultants
found. — Reuters
Philippine Peso 6.940
Thai Baht 9.489
Irani Riyal - transfer 0.271
Irani Riyal - cash 0.273
GCC COUNTRIES
Saudi Riyal 75.310
Qatari Riyal 77.598
Omani Riyal 733.530
Bahraini Dinar 750.100
UAE Dirham 76.900
ARAB COUNTRIES
Egyptian Pound - Cash 42.450
Egyptian Pound - Transfer 42.032
Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.317
Tunisian Dinar 183.850
Jordanian Dinar 398.730
Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.895
Syrian Lier 3.068
Morocco Dirham 34.852
EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES
US Dollar Transfer 282.300
Euro 384.210
Sterling Pound 443.210
Canadian dollar 284.000
Turkish lire 159.590
Swiss Franc 311.590
Australian dollar 298.500
US Dollar Buying 281.100
GOLD
20 Gram 311.000
10 Gram 157.000
5 Gram 81.500
UAE Exchange Centre WLL
COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH
Australian Dollar 295.19 296.000
Canadian Dollar 287.36 286.000
Swiss Franc 314.09 313.000
Euro 385.06 381.800
US Dollar 281.70 282.000
Sterling Pound 444.72 445.000
Japanese Yen 3.08 3.750
Bangladesh Taka 3.568 3.800
Indian Rupee 5.301 5.350
Sri Lankan Rupee 2.230 2.520
Nepali Rupee 3.323 3.450
Pakistani Rupee 2.883 2.933
UAE Dirhams 76.76 77.000
BUSINESS
DUBAI: Bayt.com, the Middle East’s number
one jobsite, has once more been placed
amongst the “Top Companies to Work for in
the UAE” by the Great Place to Work Institute,
a global research and management consultancy.
The official list, published in the
February issue of Executive Magazine and
Business Pioneer, is a ranking of the nation’s
15 best employers based on the confidential
feedback of employees and an audit of management
practices. A ceremony to celebrate
the winners was held last night at the H Hotel
in Dubai.
The rankings were compiled by The Great
Place to Work Institute that recognizes the
best workplaces in more than 45 countries
across the world. To pick the “Top Companies
to Work for in the UAE”, the Great Place to
Work Institute conducts an evaluation of each
participating company. Two-thirds of the
company’s score is based on the results of the
Institute’s Trust Index survey, which is sent to
the employees from each company. The survey
asks questions related to their attitudes
about the management’s credibility, employee
engagement and job satisfaction. The other
third of the scoring is based on the company’s
responses to the Institute’s Culture Audit,
which includes detailed questions about pay
and benefits programs and a series of openended
questions about hiring, communication,
and development.
“It gives us great pride to have once more
been recognised as one of the UAE’s top companies
to work for. We consider ourselves to
be a people’s business, and we go to great
measures to ensure that our pan-regional
teams have nothing but the best working
conditions. This includes providing top-class
training, support, and a working environment
that fosters teamwork, creativity, entrepreneurship
and the development of exciting
ideas that carry Bayt.com forward as the
region’s number one jobsite,” said Rabea
Ataya, Bayt.com Chairman and CEO.
Employees at Bayt.com, affectionately
called ‘Baytheads’, benefit from a bright,
cheerful work environment across the MENA-
Bahraini Dinar 750.07 747.000
Egyptian Pound 42.03 46.750
Jordanian Dinar 401.33 398.000
Omani Riyal 732.15 733.000
Qatari Riyal 77.79 78.500
Saudi Riyal 75.33 75.400
Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd
Rate for Transfer Selling Rate
US Dollar 282.250
Canadian Dollar 285.310
Sterling Pound 450.050
Euro 377.280
Swiss Frank 301.730
Bahrain Dinar 747.250
UAE Dirhams 76.825
Qatari Riyals 77.475
Saudi Riyals 75.230
Jordanian Dinar 397.875
Egyptian Pound 42.694
Sri Lankan Rupees 2.227
Indian Rupees 5.236
Pakistani Rupees 2.885
Bangladesh Taka 3.540
Philippines Pesso 6.948
Cyprus pound 692.360
Japanese Yen 4.125
Thai Bhat 9.540
Syrian Pound 3.970
Nepalese Rupees 3.320
Malaysian Ringgit 93.365
wide network of offices. They enjoy, among
other perks, a diligent, systematic approach
to training and development, including
monthly internal training schedules and generous
external training allowances; regular
team-building activities; flexible working
hours for mothers; a ‘kind culture’, where values
are centered around earning the admiration
and respect of internal and external communities.
There is a strong emphasis on Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) and improving the
communities that baytheads live in. The overall
feeling throughout the offices is that
employees are involved in something much
bigger and better than merely a job; they are
involved in making the region a better, richer,
more prosperous place through CSR initiatives
and the industry-leading jobsite that is
Bayt.com. Internal and external communications
permeate the organization so that all
stakeholders are regularly reminded of
Bahrain Exchange Company
COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT
Australian dollar 297.300 295.800
Bahraini dinar 750.350 750.350
Bangladeshi taka 3.970 3.540
Canadian dollar 285.900 284.400
Cyprus pound 554.100
Czek koruna 46.000
Danish krone 52.200
Deutsche Mark 167.800 229.400
Egyptian pound 42.570 42.050
Euro Cash 386.400 384.900
Hongkong dollar 37.070 36.920
Indian rupees 5.420 5.312
Indonesia 0.032 0.031
Iranian tuman 0.161
Iraqi dinar 0.245
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Bayt.com recognized
as a top employer
ME’s number one jobsite ranks in top ten
NEW DELHI: India’s annual economic
growth is expected to decline to 5.4 percent
with a string of recent reforms not enough
to offset a failure to invest in infrastructure,
the IMF said yesterday.
The finance ministry has previously forecast
expansion of 5.7-5.9 percent in the
2012/13 financial year but the International
Monetary Fund said in its annual report on
India that a slowdown would be more pronounced
than expected. “In 2011/12, India’s
growth rate was 6.5 percent. That figure is
expected to drop to 5.4 percent in 2012/13,”
said the IMF.
“Despite the poor outlook for the global
economy, this is a far larger drop than might
India growth to
fall to 5.4%: IMF
be expected.” With elections due early next
year, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government
is hoping a string of pro-market
reforms unveiled last year and last week’s
move to cut interest rates for the first time in
nine months will boost the economy.
In its report, the IMF said “the government
has already taken significant steps to
restore growth” with its reforms, which
include a hike in fuel prices and plans to
allow foreign supermarket chains such as
Walmart to operate in India. However it
added that “more needs to be done”.
The organization said that India was paying
the price for failing to ensure investment
in infrastructure kept pace with economic
Japanese yen 3.150
Jordanian dinar 399.840 399.800
Lebanese pound 0.191 0.190
Malaysian ringgit 94.090 94.090
Morocco dirham 46.600
Nepalese Rupees 4.340 3.330
New Zealand dollar 241.200 239.700
Nigeria 1.828
Norwegian krone 52.600
Omani Riyal 732.890 732.710
Pakistani rupees 3.000 2.885
Philippine peso 7.250 6.940
Qatari riyal 78.040 77.610
Saudi riyal 75.330 75.330
Singapore dollar 229.420 229.420
South Africa 33.790 33.790
Sri Lankan rupees 2.687 2.229
Sterling pound 448.400 446.400
Swedish krona 45.600
Swiss franc 313.800 312.300
Syrian pound 3.400 3.400
Thai bhat 9.780 9.660
Tunisian dollar 198.263
UAE dirham 76.930 76.830
U.S. dollars 282.500 282.100
Yemeni Riyal 1.360
10 Tola 1,755.690
Bayt.com’s vision (‘To be a Middle Eastern
institution that is a globally recognized,
respected and admired indispensable extension
of people’s lives’) and mission (‘Lifestyle
Engineering: To empower people with the
tools and knowledge to build their lifestyles
of choice’), while keeping everyone in touch
with news, enhancements and developments.
Commenting on the Top Companies list,
David Robert, Chief Executive Officer of Great
Place to Work Gulf, said: “We would like to
send a sincere thank you to all of the companies
that participated in the program this year
and to congratulate each of the 15 companies
that have been recognized as top companies
to work for in the UAE. Great Place to Work
conducts the most credible and objective
workplace studies in over 45 countries, and by
doing so we are uniquely positioned to be
able to help companies increase the level of
trust within their organisations and ultimately
drive profitability.”
growth in the previous decade when
growth rates were close to double figures.
India’s infrastructure shortfalls were rudely
highlighted last year when it experienced
mass power cuts.
“Addressing India’s long-term energy
needs, for example, will require solving complicated
problems related to coal (which
powers most of India’s electricity plants),
while easing traffic jams will require facilitating
the acquisition of land to widen roads or
build new ones.”
The slowdown in growth has triggered a
fall-off in support for the ruling Congress
party with elections due in India in little
more than a year. — AFP
GOLD
TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE
Sterling Pound 446.400
US Dollar 282.100
Al Mulla Exchange
Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000)
US Dollar 281.700
Euro 385.050
Pound Sterling 443.500
Canadian Dollar 284.850
Japanese Yen 3.050
Indian Rupee 5.305
Egyptian Pound 41.950
Sri Lankan Rupee 2.228
Bangladesh Taka 3.550
Philippines Peso 6.932
Pakistan Rupee 2.884
Bahraini Dinar 750.150
UAE Dirham 76.700
Saudi Riyal 75.250
*Rates are subject to change

BUSINESS
Arab economies must open up: Expert
By Sajeev K Peter
Oil market to remain bullish • Currency war fears premature
KUWAIT: The Middle East region has many growth
stories but limited access to international money
keeps the region underperformed, said an economic
expert and geopolitical analyst. “There is a dividend
of growth in the Middle East at the moment
and many foreign investors are showing interest to
enter these markets despite the ongoing geopolitical
tension,” said Gary Dugan, Coutts’ Chief
Investment Officer, Asia & Middle East, in an exclusive
interview with Kuwait Times.
During the interview, Dugan shared his views on
economic and market trends in the Middle East,
especially in the context of the emerging geopolitical
situation in the region. He also gave an assessment
of the global economy, taking a look at the
prospect of a currency war and the oil price scenario
in the medium term. “I would say that the
Middle East market should open up because it has
tremendous potential for growth. But the lack of
access to international money would mean that we
have to rely on local investors,” he said.
Currently, an enormous amount of investment is
finding its way to the region. For instance, in Dubai,
the property market has gone through the roof
reflecting the huge capital that is being pumped
into the market resulting in remarkable liquidity.
“We have seen a tremendous increase in the money
being spent by the governments in support of their
economies in the region. That is good news. That
also implies tremendous redistribution of wealth
across each nation in the region.”
But considering the enormous potential, the
region is largely underperformed, he said. A glaring
example is probably Saudi Arabia which is a large
market with a potential of substantial growth especially
in the fields of petrochemical industry and
banking. But foreign money has no direct access to
the market. Similarly, Kuwait and UAE markets
remain narrow and restricted as foreign investors
have no access to these markets too. On the contrary,
most of the emerging markets such as China,
Japan and the Philippines are doing well because
international investors enjoy unfettered access to
those markets.
Stability
Giving a snapshot of the unraveling geopolitical
situation in the region, he said, post-Arab Spring
has not changed anything much. “Unfortunately,
Letter carrier Kevin Pownall gathers mail from the back of his truck in Philadelphia. — AP
US Postal Service to cut
Saturday mail, trim costs
WASHINGTON: The financially struggling
US Postal Service says it will stop delivering
mail on Saturdays but continue to deliver
packages six days a week under a plan
aimed at saving about $2 billion a year.
In an announcement scheduled for later,
the service is expected to say the Saturday
mail cutback would begin in August. The
move accentuates one of the agency’s
strong points. Package delivery has
increased by 14 percent since 2010, officials
say, while the delivery of letters and other
mail has declined with the increasing use
of email and other Internet services.
The agency in November reported an
annual loss of a record $15.9 billion for the
last budget year and forecast more red ink
in 2013, capping a tumultuous year in
which it was forced to default on billions in
retiree health benefit prepayments to avert
bankruptcy.
The Postal Service is in the midst of a
major restructuring. Since 2006, it has cut
annual costs by about $15 billion and
reduced the size of its career workforce by
193,000 or by 28 percent, officials say.
Under the new plan, mail would be
delivered to homes and businesses only
from Monday through Friday but would
still be delivered to post office boxes on
Saturdays. Post offices now open on
Saturdays would remain open on
Saturdays. Over the past several years, the
Postal Service has advocated shifting to a
five-day delivery schedule for mail and
packages - and it repeatedly but unsuccessfully
appealed to Congress to approve
the move. Though an independent agency,
the service gets no tax dollars for its day-today
operations but is subject to congressional
control.
It was not immediately clear how the
service could eliminate Saturday mail without
congressional approval. But the agency
clearly thinks it has a majority of the
American public on its side.
Material prepared for the Wednesday
press conference by Patrick R. Donahoe,
postmaster general and CEO, says Postal
Service market research and other research
has indicated that nearly 7 in 10 Americans
support the switch to five-day delivery as a
way for the Postal Service to reduce costs.
“The American public understands the
financial challenges of the Postal Service
and supports these steps as a responsible
and reasonable approach to improving our
financial situation,” Donahoe said.
He said the change is expected to
achieve cost savings of approximately $2
billion annually when fully implemented.
The president of the National Association
of Letter Carriers, Fredric Rolando, said the
end of Saturday mail delivery is “a disastrous
idea that would have a profoundly
negative effect on the Postal Service and
on millions of customers,” particularly businesses,
rural communities, the elderly, the
disabled and others who depend on
Saturday delivery for commerce and communication.
There was no immediate comment from
lawmakers. But others agreed the Postal
Service had little choice but to try. “If the
Congress of the United States refuses to
take action to save the US Postal Service,
then the Postal Service will have to take
action on its own,” said corporate communications
expert James S. O’Rourke, professor
of management at the University of
Notre Dame. He said other action will be
needed, such as closing smaller rural post
offices and restructuring employee health
care and pension costs.
The financial losses for the fiscal year
ending Sept. 30 were more than triple the
$5.1 billion loss in the previous year. Having
reached its borrowing limit, the agency is
operating with little cash on hand.
The agency’s biggest problem was not
due to reduced mail flow but rather to
mounting mandatory costs for future
retiree health benefits, which made up
$11.1 billion of the losses. Without that and
other related labor expenses, the mail
agency sustained an operating loss of $2.4
billion, lower than the previous year.
The health payments are a requirement
imposed by Congress in 2006 that the post
office set aside $55 billion in an account to
cover future medical costs for retirees. The
idea was to put $5.5 billion a year into the
account for 10 years.
That’s $5.5 billion the post office doesn’t
have. No other government agency is
required to make such a payment for future
medical benefits. Postal authorities wanted
Congress to address the issue last year, but
lawmakers finished their session without
getting it done. So officials are moving
ahead to accelerate their own plan for costcutting.
— AP
we are still not sure about the end result of the Arab
Spring. At the same time, we are also seeing the
developments in countries like Egypt and Tunisia.
Violent clashes between protesters and government
forces in Egypt are only amplifying the challenges
of the Arab Spring,” he pointed out.
“We can change everything. But we don’t necessarily
get the most stable environment. What the
region needs today is stability. Whatever maybe the
political system, it should bring stability and restore
confidence among people, because only stability
can bring inward investments,” he said. “I would say
if Beirut is vibrant, the whole region is vibrant.
Unfortunately, if you look at the continuing problems
in Syria and the number of countries that are
embroiled in that particular conflict, you have a reason
to get worried,” he said referring to the escalating
geopolitical tensions in the Middle East especially
after the Israeli involvement. Unless the region
is prepared to attract international money and
ready to diversify, especially in the context of some
of the lingering risks associated with the Arab
Spring, it will lose out to other emerging markets an
opportunity for substantial growth, he said.
Oil price scenario
Dugan is of the opinion that the oil market will
remain bullish in the medium term considering the
geopolitical risks and supply side constraints. Even
while admitting that there is not much pressure on
the United States today to rely entirely on Middle
Eastern oil, he quoted international energy agencies
to drive home his theory. The IEA and EIA
recently upgraded the global oil demand growth by
a few hundred thousand barrels recently.
“The Arab Spring is going nowhere and
Netanyahu is forming the next government. So,
Israel and Iran will remain uppermost in the minds
of people when they talk about oil prices. So I will
argue for a higher oil price in the range of $110-
$120. It will be high, but I don’t think anything is
changing,” he said.
Currency war
Talking about the possibility of a currency war
around the world, he said it has been unfair on Japan
as the yen has been undervalued for some considerable
time. “This currency issue doesn’t impact global
growth much. Considering the size of the Japanese
economy, it would only support global growth and
would help Japan win some market share back,” he
BANGALORE: India’s defense minister warned of
budget cuts yesterday as he opened the country’s
air show with a sobering message for global
defence groups used to years of lavish spending.
Referring to efforts to reduce the budget deficit
caused by slowing economic growth and higher
spending on subsidies, A K Antony said the government
of India, the world’s leading arms importer,
was “passing through difficult days”. “The whole
government is facing some financial problems, so
we need to tighten in all areas for a better future,”
he said. Having seen the defence budget cut this
year, reportedly by about 100 billion rupees (two
billion dollars), Antony appeared to be preparing
the ground for painful negotiations over the
upcoming budget due at the end of the month. He
stressed that essential programs would not be
affected-in particular the deal to buy 126 Rafale
fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation-but said
the armed forces would have to prioritize in their
spending.
“Acquisitions that are very important for operation
preparedness of the armed forces immediately
and in the short term will have priority,” he said.
According to the Stockholm International Peace
Research Institute, India received nine percent of
global arms transfers from 2006 to 2010, making it
the world’s leading importer of weapons. New
Delhi initially budgeted about 1.93 trillion rupees
($36 billion) for defence spending in this financial
year to March, an increase of 17 percent from 2011-
2012 when spending was hiked by another 12 percent.
Defence spending next year will be under
pressure by new Finance Minister P. Chidambaram,
who is leading the austerity drive in the government
and has promised a “responsible” budget
ahead of elections in 2014.
The new focus on cost-saving could have repercussions
for a range of procurement contracts
which are either in the final stages of negotiation
or are out to tender.
But asked about the headline deal for the
Rafales, Antony insisted there was no question of it
being delayed for financial reasons. “There is no
question of delay because of budget cuts. It is one
of the biggest procurements from the ministry and
air force,” he said. Exclusive negotiations are under
way to determine the final price and the amount of
technology transfers, with the issue set to be taken
up by French President Francois Hollande when he
said. “We want to see if there is a fairer split of trade.
Also we want to see if some of the Asian countries,
particularly China, begin to comply at the level of the
yen. Then there is a greater risk of something happening
in the market. I’m neither concerned about
the yen at 100 nor with the scale of appreciation of
the dollar against the yen so far,” Dugan said. “But we
Coutts’ Chief Investment Officer Gary Dugan
will start to get more concerned if the yen moves to
over 110 against the US dollar which is a good way
from here,” he said.
According to Dugan, Japanese Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe may continue to press for a weaker yen
and seek the intervention of the Bank of Japan (BOJ).
“It looks like there will be a political appointment at
the central bank in April,” he predicted. As Dugan
spoke, the BOJ chief Masaaki Shirakawa said that he
would step down about three weeks before his term
ends.
Regarding the concerns raised by the Kuwaiti
authorities over the possibility of a currency war,
Dugan said, “Kuwait is largely dollar-pegged
although the basket includes other currencies.
visits New Delhi next week. One long-discussed
deal that could face further delays is for 197 light
reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters, with
Eurocopter and Russia’s Kamov competing, industry
analysts say.
The Aero India show, now in its ninth edition,
has grown exponentially in step with India’s huge
modernisation drive and diversification of its buying
to include the US, France and Israel as well as
traditional supplier Russia. A total of 78 countries
have confirmed their attendance, with nearly 700
Indian and foreign companies on display. India this
year welcomed its first high-level delegation from
China after New Delhi extended an invitation to
Beijing for the first time in January, months after
the neighbours agreed to resume military cooperation.
Air Vice Marshal Zheng Yuanlin headed a fiveperson
Chinese group at the five-day show.
The last Aero India in 2011 saw India initially
snub China, but the Chinese ambassador in New
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Naturally, Kuwait is also concerned over the prospect
of a currency war that will affect global growth.
However, as I mentioned earlier, the current level of
the yen is nothing remarkable,” he said.
Dugan chose to play down the significance of a
rising won, the South Korean currency, in the global
market. “The overlap between South Korea and
Japan in terms of products is quite minimal. Today,
about 50 percent of Korean exports are mirror
images of Japanese products. Japan has become
extremely competitive in a short period of time. If the
Koreans are losing out, it is in a competitive sense.
Considering the vibrancy in the global growth, they
may have to put up with it,” he commented.
European crisis
There has been some stability in the cross-
European environment of late, though a solution to
the crisis is still far off. “Two crucial countries are
Spain and Italy. They missed the austerity targets.
Spain is still a politically mess and Italian elections
did not deliver a strong government. The bond markets
are wobbly and the political pressure will be
more unified in the euro-zone for compliance especially
from Germany,” he said. There is no cohesiveness
in the euro-zone as every country has its own
interests, he mentioned. “The fundamental figure
that drives an economy is demographics and Europe
is dying demographically. If there is no growth in the
population, it is difficult for an economy to grow substantially,”
he mentioned.
In the United Sates, President Barack Obama has a
great opportunity but it doesn’t look like he is taking
it, Dugan commented. “The US needs to take strong
decisions on budget control. Unfortunately, some
vested interests are holding back the government
from taking strong decisions,” he said. The US budget
deficit is probably about 100 percent of the country’s
GDP. If the congressional policy doesn’t change, it
may shoot up to 200 percent of the GDP within the
next 20 to 30 years. The trade imbalance is also worrisome.
They still need the Chinese or Japanese to buy
their debts,” he mentioned.
*Gary Dugan is managing Director and Chief
Investment Officer of Asia and Middle East at Coutts
based in Singapore. Prior to joining Coutts Gary
served as CIO, Private Banking, Emirates NBD for
three years, based in Dubai. He is also widely quoted
in the financial media and has spoken at investment
conferences throughout Europe, the Middle
East and Asia.
Budget cut warning as
India opens air show
Antony says country passing through hard times
NEW YORK: Global equity markets eased
yesterday as investors assessed the outlook
for further gains after this year’s rapid start,
while the euro slipped ahead of a European
Central Bank meeting that could reveal concerns
about the currency’s strength.
The ECB is widely forecast to keep rates at
a record low 0.75 percent when it meets on
Thursday, but the euro’s strength may lead
policymakers to examine whether the strong
currency is undermining any recovery in
troubled economies like Spain.
The S&P 500 has gained 6 percent so far
this year, lifting the benchmark equity index
to highs last seen in December 2007 but giving
investors pause. The Dow briefly climbed
above 14,000 for the first time in more than
five years during the rally.
“You knew a correction was coming,” said
BANGALORE: Aviation Chief Executive Officer Eric Trappier poses in front of a Rafale multirole
fighter aircraft during Aero India 2013 at the Yelahanka Air Force station in Bangalore
yesterday. —AFP
Gordon Charlop, managing director at
Rosenblatt Securities in New York. “The question
was whether they were going to tease
you and get it close and then start selling it
off or get it up to 14,000 and then start to
make a move to the sell side,” he said.
The Dow Jones industrial average was
down 29.76 points, or 0.21 percent, at
13,949.54. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index
was down 2.34 points, or 0.15 percent, at
1,508.95.
The Nasdaq Composite Index was down
6.39 points, or 0.20 percent, at 3,165.20.
European equities extended losses in
afternoon trading, weighed down by a string
of disappointing earnings results, while signs
of disagreement between Germany and
France over the exchange rate for the euro
dented sentiment.
Delhi was allowed to attend in a negotiated compromise.
Suspicion of China runs deep in the
Indian military and hawkish comments from senior
commanders often conflict with the political leadership,
which tends to stress the need for a partnership
between Asia’s two biggest nations.
India and China claim parts of each other’s territory,
while Beijing’s military build-up along their
frontier, as well as competing interests in the South
China Sea and Indian Ocean, are frequent sources
of friction. Many of India’s new acquisitions are
designed to guard against possible future threats
from China-rather than traditional foe Pakistan-and
protect Indian economic interests globally as the
country extends its influence. Since concerns last
year about India’s credit rating and budget deficit,
India has been curbing spending. Chidambaram
has promised that the fiscal deficit will be no more
than 5.3 percent this year and no more than 4.8
percent next year.— AFP
Stocks rally stalls, euro dips on ECB
The FTSEurofirst 300 was down 0.37 percent
at 1,150.18. MSCI’s all-country world
equity index fell 0.02 percent to 354.91.
After France complained about the euro’s
level, German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s
spokesman said the currency was not overvalued
and that competitiveness could not
be achieved via exchange rates.
Against the dollar, the euro was 0.4 percent
lower at $1.3524. Japan’s yen, at the
center of concerns that some countries are
trying to devalue their currencies to boost
growth, hit a near-three-year low earlier in
the day on the view a new Bank of Japan
governor will ease policy aggressively once
in office.
The yen fell 0.16 percent to 93.46. Brent
crude oil futures fell, pressured by ample supply
and worries about the euro. — Reuters

BUSINESS
Brent holds above $116 on US data
SINGAPORE: Brent crude futures held
above $116 per barrel yesterday after positive
economic data from the United States
and Europe bolstered the view that the
global economy is on the mend.
The vast US services sector extended a
three-year run of growth, boosting riskier
assets, while data showing signs of recovery
in Europe’s business activity also
helped calm nerves jarred by fears a
potential political turmoil would derail the
region’s efforts to resolve its debt crisis.
“The markets are now more optimistic
about the world economy, so oil prices are
heading up, but gradually,” said Ken
Hasegawa, a commodity sales manager at
Newedge in Tokyo.
Brent rose 9 cents to $116.61 per barrel
at 0529 GMT, extending its gains from the
previous session when it hit a more than
four-month high.
US crude rose 1 cent to trade at $96.65.
Brent may test $120 per barrel this month,
while US oil may remain under a little pressure,
Hasegawa said. US crude has
dropped more than a percent so far this
week, versus a mostly steady Brent, as concerns
about excess supply at Cushing,
Oklahoma-delivery point for the US contract-
weigh on the benchmark.
Brent on the other hand has been supported
by an expected shortfall in March
supply of the four North Sea crude oil
grades that underpin the futures contract.
The crisis-ridden euro zone economy
appeared to have turned a corner based
on data this week.
Markit’s Eurozone Composite PMI,
based on business activity across thousands
of companies, and a good gauge of
economic growth, rose in January to a 10month
high of 48.6 from 47.2 in
December. While still below the 50
mark that divides growth and contraction,
where it has been since February last year,
it has risen for the third straight month.
But there were some troubling signs as
well. The data from Germany was strong
while France lagged even troubled nations
such as Spain and Italy, which means the
region as a whole may not be progressing
as indicated by the data. “Concerns over
Europe appear to have eased, although
problems in the region are still a long way
from being resolved and fiscal austerity
measures will continue to contribute to
soft energy demand throughout 2013,”
National Australia Bank analysts wrote in a
report.
Investors will now be looking out for
the European Central Bank’s meeting on
Thursday and China’s trade numbers due
on Friday for more clues on the health of
the global economy and what it may mean
for commodities demand.
China’s January export growth was likely
its strongest in 11 months, though a 17
percent year-on-year surge forecast in a
Reuters poll may owe as much to trade
cycles and Lunar New Year base effects as a
recovery in demand.
US crude inventory data will also be on
the radar. Analysts estimated that US commercial
crude oil stockpiles rose last week
on higher imports and lower refining activity.
Data from the American Petroleum
LONDON: Gold recovered early losses yesterday
to edge higher after stocks came under pressure
from renewed concerns over the euro-zone economy,
though caution ahead of a European
Central Bank meeting knocked the euro lower.
Platinum and palladium held near 17-month
highs, meanwhile, benefiting from rising appetite
for industrial metals as confidence in the growth
outlook improved, and on concerns over the supply
outlook from major producers South Africa
and Russia. Spot gold was up 0.1 percent at
$1,674.60 an ounce at 1306 GMT, while US gold
futures for December delivery were up $2.80 an
ounce at $1,676.30. The precious metal is flat
from the start of the year, struggling for traction
as a run of better economic data boosted the
appeal of assets more highly geared to the economic
cycle, such as stocks and industrial commodities.
“Certainly the stronger performance of
more conventional assets, certainly equity markets,
has taken the shine off gold,” Deutsche Bank
analyst Daniel Brebner said.
“Safe-haven assets have performed fairly
poorly as expectations of growth have
improved... and a lot of those debt-related risks
have for the time being faded into the background.
In that kind of environment, there is no
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Institute showed that crude stockpiles rose
by 3.6 million barrels last week, more than
the 2.8 million barrel rise that analysts had
forecast.
Weekly inventory report from the US
Department of Energy’s Energy
Information Administration is scheduled
for release later in the day. The oil markets
were monitoring developments in the
Middle East as well where sanctions-hit
Iran has taken delivery of several new
tankers from Chinese shipyards, giving it
more flexibility to maintain exports.
Iran and world powers announced new
talks on Tehran’s nuclear program on Feb.
26, but hopes of progress were tempered
when an Iranian official said the West’s
goal in talking was to undermine the
Islamic republic. — Reuters
MUMBAI: An Indian woman walks pass a billboard advertising gold jewelry in Mumbai yesterday. —AFP
India’s CB plans more
gold import curbs
MUMBAI: India’s central bank said yesterday it will
consider more steps to restrict gold imports and
help stem the country’s widening current account
deficit. Gold purchases are one of the biggest contributors
to the deficit in the current account, the
broadest measure of trade. It hit a record $22.3 billion,
or 5.4 percent of GDP, in the July-September
quarter, as imports outpaced exports.
“The need to contain the demand for gold
imports is critical in a country with insatiable
demand for the yellow metal,” a Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) report said yesterday.
“Given the precarious global economic situation
and its impact on the Indian exports, there is a
clear need to reduce the current account deficit
considerably.” India imports about 900 tons of gold
each year, mainly through designated banks. The
government last month increased the import duty
on gold to six percent from four percent earlier.
The RBI said Wednesday it would consider introducing
gold-linked financial instruments to divert
savings of people from gold bars and coins into
bonds.
India is the world’s biggest consumer of gold,
with purchases an essential part of religious festivals
and weddings. Many Indians-especially in
rural areas where there are few banks-purchase
gold in the form of jewelry, bars and coins as a
hedge against inflation.
“Creation of an alternative asset class that may
provide returns comparable to that in physical
gold with similar flexibility is important,” the RBI
said. The bank said it may consider setting up a
“Gold Bank” or Bullion Corporation of India, which
can pool the large amounts of scrap gold in India
to reduce imports of the precious metal. — AFP
Gold edges higher
as equities come
under pressure
significant motivation for gold prices to rise on
the basis of investment demand.” European
stocks surrendered early gains to ease 0.2 percent
at midday as the previous session’s tentative
recovery lost steam, with euro zone banks sliding
on renewed concerns over the health of the
region’s economy.
The Japanese currency neared a three-year
low on Wednesday on expectations that a new
Bank of Japan governor could ease policy. That
helped send the most active gold futures contract
on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange
(TOCOM), currently December , to record highs
for a fifth day at 5,073 yen a gram.
The euro fell 0.5 percent agains the dollar. ECB
president Mario Draghi is likely to face tough
questions on Thursday about the impact of the
euro’s recent appreciation on growth and inflation
speculation, although the bank is unlikely to
contemplate an interest rate cut.
“Investors remain unconvinced gold is capable
of replicating its decade-long robust performance
through to 2012, given recent improvement
to global risk sentiment and rallying equity markets,”
VTB Capital said in a note. “Bullion’s correlation
to the broader equity market has weakened
significantly in the past month.” — Reuters

BUSINESS
Khatif to distribute LavAzza Coffee
Company acquires 50% stake in Arwa Gulf Food Co
By Ben Garcia
KUWAIT: The Kuwait-based Khatif
Holding Co, announced its latest acquisition
in a new sector-food industry. Khatif
acquired a 50% stake in Arwa Gulf Food
Co, the main distributor of ‘LavAzza coffee’
in Kuwait, the number one coffee
brand in Europe.
LavAzza coffee will be retailed and
distributed all over Kuwait through institutions/offices
and buildings nationwide.
“We are not the typical cafÈ or restaurant
bars, just like the traditional coffee
shops, we own the coffee beans and the
vendo-machines and so we will be supplying
institutions, like hotels, restaurants
and coffee shops. My dream is to
provide LavAazza coffee to every offices
in Kuwait,” Fatma M Al-Bader, founder
and Chairman, Khatif Holding Co said.
LavAzza coffee is the Italian taste sensation
that established its international
brand. Fatma M Al-Bader said the acquisition
is an exciting opportunity for both
companies to bring Europe’s number
one coffee brand to sophisticated coffee
lovers in Kuwait.
“By combining the strengths of the
two companies and partnering with
Arwa Gulf Food Co to distribute LavAzza
in Kuwait, we will provide unmatched
quality products to our customers,” she
said.
Asked whether the entry of LavAzza
could somehow affect the already estab-
lished and known coffee brands in the
market, she said, “I don’t think so, the
market is huge for everyone and we are
different and unique in many ways. But
yes, we are the number one and most
sought after coffee brand in the world
today,” she noted.
Osama N Mohamed, Chief Executive
Officer, Khatif Holding Co, discussed the
new projects signed since the beginning
of 2013 by Fajr Al-Eman General Trad &
Cont Co, Khatif Holding’s first acquisition.
He also spoke about the contracts
SEOUL: A scene of a traditional outdoor market in central Seoul on Tuesday.
A mountain of household debt in South Korea, coupled with rising interest
rate, is taking a toll on lives of ordinary and low-income families. — AFP
Germany gets tough
on risky banking
FRANKFURT: The German government
unveiled yesterday tougher new banking
rules which it hopes will help prevent financial
crises in the future and make the banks
themselves bear more of the responsibility.
“We know that the exaggerated de-regulation
(of the financial markets in the past)
was a mistake,” Finance Minister Wolfgang
Schaeuble told a news conference to present
new banking legislation, which must
now be passed by parliament. “We allowed
ourselves to be dazzled by technical innovation,
new financial products and breathless
developments on the financial markets,”
he said.
But in the wake of the financial crises,
Germany had come to the realisation that
“no financial market, no financial player
and no financial product must be allowed
to escape supervision,” Schaeuble said. “If
you want the chance to make a profit, you
must also shoulder the risk,” and the taxpayer
should not be expected to foot the
bill, the minister said.
“We’re establishing step by step a new
regulatory framework for the financial markets,”
he said. Under the new legislation,
which Schaeuble said he hopes to have
passed by parliament by June, the government
wants large banks to separate their
different areas of activity in order to protect
customers’ deposits from riskier areas of
banks’ operations. The rule will apply to
institutions where high-risk operations
such as high-frequency trading or hedgefund
financing make up either 20 percent
of the balance sheet value or surpass 100
billion euros ($135 billion) in value. The
banks concerned will be required to transfer
their risky businesses into legally and
financially separate units.
Schaeuble estimated that 10-12 banks
in Germany fulfil that criteria and would
therefore be affected.
He declined to name any names, but the
rules will certainly affect the country’s two
biggest banks, Deutsche Bank and
Commerzbank, as well as regional banking
giant Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg
(LBBW). The law also requires banks to
awarded by KGOC and Ahmadia
Contracting Co to Ashabakat Technical
Networks for Computer, one of the subsidiaries
of Khatif Holding KCSC to supply
and implement Oracle project management
solutions.
Al-Bader concluded by drawing
attention to Khatif Consult, and in particular
the hiring of its new director, as well
as a list of projects in the pipeline.
Speaking about Khatif’s strength, Al-
Bader noted: “At Khatif, we have proved
our capability to add value to existing
profitable businesses that seek a partner
to take them to the next level. Our
acquisition is mostly through capital
increase and our funding goes into taking
the acquired company to the next
level of market share, operational efficiency
and profitability. It has become
clear that these companies have greatly
benefitted from our investment and
expertise”. “We have just concluded our
three-year-long strategic plans and are
actively seeking further opportunities to
expand into the Kingdom of Saudi
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
KUWAIT: (Left) Fatma M Al-Bader, Founder and Chairman, Khatif Holding Co with Osama N Mohamed, CEO before holding a press conference yesterday
at Courtyard Marriott.
draw up so-called “wills” or emergency
plans for restructuring or winding down
once they get into financial difficulty.
And high-level managers and executives
will face up to five years in jail if they
are found guilty of neglecting their risk
management duties and allowing their
company to run into trouble. The legislation
would tackle directly the shortcomings
that make the financial system vulnerable
to crisis and also tackle the “lack of responsibility
on the part of banks and bankers,”
Schaeuble said. Banking separation is an
idea promoted by the head of the Finnish
central bank and European Central Bank
governing council member Erkki Liikanen
as a measure for reducing risk in the banking
sector. France has also drawn up similar
legislation and Britain, too, is mulling an
overhaul along similar lines. But a Europewide
process would likely take years, so
Germany was seeking to provide added
impetus by pressing ahead with its own
national legislation now, Schaeuble argued.
Nevertheless, the banks themselves are
fiercely opposed to the changes. Deutsche
Bank has repeatedly slammed the idea as
harmful both to the German economy and
German companies. It argues that if it can
no longer use deposits to support its activities
in investment banking, refinancing
costs would automatically rise and that
would narrow the financing possibilities of
major companies.
The BdB German banking federation
agreed. “The draft legislation will undermine
Germany as a financial centre,” complained
BdB president Andreas Schmitz.
“The measures approved by the cabinet
today are folly,” he said, slamming
them as cheap populist moves by politicians
with an eye on the general elections
later this year. “There is no evidence that
separating off trading activities will lead to
greater stability on the financial markets,”
Schmitz argued. Instead of rushing ahead
with its own unilateral national regulatory
measures, Germany should wait for new
rules to be established at a European level,
he said. — AFP
LONDON: HSBC’s was forced into its biggest
restructuring in almost 150 years because the
bank’s complex structure and wide geographical
spread had made it attractive to criminals,
its chief executive said. “Our structure was not
fit for purpose for a modern world,” Stuart
Gulliver told lawmakers on a British banking
inquiry yesterday. “Our geographic footprint
became very attractive to trans-national criminal
organizations, whether they are terrorist in
origin or criminal in origin.” HSBC, whose former
slogan “The world’s local bank” reflects its
presence in more than 80 countries, was in
December given a $1.9 billion fine, the largest
ever imposed on a bank, following a US investigation
into its Mexican and US operations.
The probe made scathing criticism of HSBC’s
anti-money-laundering systems and found its
lax controls allowed two drug cartels to move
$881 million through the bank.
“We’ve crushed our reputation with the
Mexico events,” Gulliver said. “The behavioural
stuff of what went on in Mexico is absolutely
shocking to us.”
After taking the bank’s helm at the start of
2011, Gulliver centralised control and created
global business operations, taking much of the
control out of the hands of country managers.
“It’s the biggest organizational change in this
firm since 1865 and we did it to deal with the
weaknesses,” the CEO said. HSBC’s problems in
Mexico stemmed from its purchase of Grupo
Financiero Bital in 2002, and Gulliver and his
chairman, Douglas Flint, said the bank was too
slow to improve its systems and controls.
Gulliver said some senior people had been
removed from the bank for “values breaches” in
the last two years, but he said there were
Arabia and other GCC countries.
Established in 2008, Khatif Holding is
a Kuwaiti based acquisition and venture
capital company which seeks to acquire
significant shares in small to medium
sized enterprises. With more than 45
years of financial and operational experience
with regional insights, it procures
niche business opportunities in the GCC
and MENA region. Khatif management
comprises a diverse group of experts
with a broad experience in a range of
different industries.
HSBC’s global spread left
it open to crime: CEO
LONDON: Royal Bank of Scotland will be hit
with fines of almost 400 million pounds ($627
million) yesterday for its role in a global interest-rate
rigging scandal, sources familiar with
the situation said.
That will be the second-largest penalty so
far in an international investigation involving
over a dozen banks, and will heap embarrassment
on a lender that had to be bailed out by
British taxpayers at the height of the 2008
financial crisis. British finance minister
George Osborne has already said RBS, which
is 82-percent owned by the state, must pay
the fines out of bankers’ bonuses rather than
from the pockets of taxpayers, while critics
say the scandal shows banks’ riskier activities
should be separated from basic lending functions.
Banks across the world are struggling
to rebuild their reputations after the financial
crisis, and many have been engulfed in a
series of investigations into their past misdemeanours,
including fixing benchmark interest
rates, money laundering and mis-selling
products to customers.
Britain’s Barclays has already paid $450
million for its part in the manipulation of the
London interbank offered rate (Libor), a
benchmark used for trillions of dollars of
financial instruments ranging from home
loans to complex derivatives.
Some $1.5 billion of fines have also been
handed out to Swiss bank UBS for interestrate
rigging. One of the sources said Royal
bank of Scotland (RBS) would pay around 90
million pounds to Britain’s Financial Services
Authority, about $150 million to the United
States Department of Justice and about $325
million to the U.S. Commodity Futures
Trading Commission (CFTC).
RBS said it expected to pay “significant
penalties” to settle regulatory probes.
It was in “late stage settlement discussions”
with regulators in Britain and the
United States, but no fines had yet been
agreed, the bank said in a statement, adding
it expected regulators to impose other sanctions
beyond the fines.
One of the sources said RBS would avoid
admitting criminal liability in the United
States but accept criminal charges against its
business in Japan. The bank will agree a
“deferred prosecution agreement” with US
authorities, the source said. That means RBS
will retain its US banking license provided it
doesn’t step out of line again. The deal will
prevent RBS from having to sell off its US
business Citizens at a reduced price.
John Hourican, head of RBS’s investment
bank, will part company with the bank following
the settlement, sources have said. There is
no suggestion he had any knowledge of
wrongdoing. Chief Executive Stephen Hester
has warned of a “miserable day” for the bank,
during which embarrassing emails exposing
the extent of collusion between traders are
set to be revealed.
RBS said last August it had dismissed staff
following its own internal investigation.
The revelations could put the future of
RBS’s investment bank under renewed scrutiny
and are likely to re-ignite calls from critics
who want the bank to focus on basic lending
activities in its domestic market. British
Business Secretary Vince Cable said the bank
was “in limbo” and should have been fully
nationalized when it was rescued in the financial
crisis. The Liberal Democrat said early
hopes for a re-privatization of RBS now
looked a “distant dream” and resurrected an
idea he originally proposed in 2011 that
shares in RBS should be distributed to the
public by the government so that they share
in any eventual recovery in the bank’s stock
price. Taxpayers are sitting on a loss of about
15.7 billion pounds on the RBS stake, after
Britain pumped in 45.5 billion to keep the
bank afloat. In contrast, the United States has
made tens of billions of dollars from its bank
bailouts with the US Treasury selling the last
of its securities in banking giant Citigroup for
nearly $900 million on Tuesday.
More than a dozen banks have been scrutinized
by regulators as part of an investigation
into interest-rate rigging. Dozens of individuals
are also under scrutiny in the probe,
initiated by the CFTC in October 2008. Shares
in RBS were up 1 percent at 340.9 pence by
1150 GMT, reflecting relief the fines might not
be as large as the 500 million pounds some
observers had expected.—Reuters
rewards on offer as well as penalties. The
bank’s chief risk officer is likely to be the fifthhighest
paid person at the bank in 2012,
whereas he wouldn’t have been in the top 50
in 2006, he said.
The CEO has sold or exited from 45 businesses
deemed non-core in the last two years,
in an attempt to not only reduce complexity,
but also cut costs and boost profitability.
Last week it set up a Financial System
Vulnerabilities Committee to help further simplify
business activities and spot risks in areas
such as preventing terrorist financing or illegal
drugs activities.
“We’re not saying the job is done ... the people
we’re dealing with are highly sophisticated
and will continue to change their ways of trying
to penetrate the banking system,” Gulliver
said. — Reuters
RBS faces over $600m fine for rate rigging
BOE to hold fire as new Canadian chief speaks
LONDON: The Bank of England is set to freeze
its key interest rate at a record-low 0.50 percent
at a meeting tomorrow, when its incoming
governor appears before parliament for
the first time.
The BoE, which will be led by Canadian
central bank chief Mark Carney from July, will
give an update of its monetary policy following
a two-day meeting and amid growing concern
that Britain is heading for a third recession
in five years. The bank’s nine policy members
must decide whether to alter the level of its
emergency cash stimulus, known as quantitative
easing (QE) used to prop up the economy
after it surprisingly contracted in the final
quarter of 2012.
Prior to tomorrow’s decisions, governorelect
Carney appears before parliament’s
Treasury Select Committee of lawmakers who
will quiz him over his monetary policy stance.
“With the BoE widely expected to leave monetary
policy on hold tomorrow, future governor
Mark Carney giving evidence at parliament on
the UK monetary policy framework on the
same day may gain more market focus,” said
Bank of America economist Nick Bate.
“With the economic outlook broadly
unchanged since its last forecasts in November
... the bank is widely expected to leave interest
rates and QE on hold at 0.50 percent and £375
billion, respectively.” British borrowing costs
have stood at the record-low level for almost
four years, in which time the BoE has pumped
£375 billion ($589 billion, 436 billion euros) of
new cash into the economy under the stimulus
program. Under QE, the Bank of England
creates cash that is used to purchase assets
such as government and corporate bonds with
the aim of increasing lending by retail banks
and boost economic activity. Lawmakers are
meanwhile likely to ask Carney whether the
British central bank should continue to set
interest rates with a view to maintaining its
2.0-percent annual inflation target. — AFP
LONDON: A woman walks past a branch of the
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in London. Royal
Bank of Scotland yesterday said it expected to
pay “significant penalties” and face other sanctions
from British and US financial regulators over
its role in the Libor rate-rigging scandal. —AFP
German economy
bounces back
FRANKFURT: Germany appears to have put the worst of the
crisis behind it, analysts said yesterday, with industrial orders
on the rise, lending weight to the recent sharp gains in confidence
indicators.
Industrial orders increased by 0.8 percent in December
compared with November, after falling by 1.8 percent the previous
month, the economy ministry said in a statement.
Analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires had been pencilling
in a gain of 0.7 percent for December.
“There was an above-average volume of big-ticket orders,”
the ministry explained. And while domestic orders declined
by 1.2 percent, orders from abroad rose sharply by 2.4 percent,
it calculated.
By sector, incoming orders for semi-finished goods fell by
3.6 percent month-on-month in December, while orders for
capital goods and consumer goods increased by 3.6 percent
and 1.7 percent respectively. Using a two-month comparison
to iron out short-term fluctuations, orders rose by 0.5 percent
in November and December combined compared with the
preceding two months. “At the end of last year, industrial
orders picked up again, which bodes well for the overall trend
in orders for the current year,” the ministry said.
“Together with the improvement in business confidence,
early indicators point to a end to the current phase of industrial
weakness in the foreseeable future,” the ministry said.
Analysts shared the ministry’s confidence, especially as it
appears to back up the recent strong rise in industrial sentiment
indicators. “All in all, German factory orders are back on
to a positive trend in the fourth quarter of last year, which
should continue in 2013,” said Thomas Harjes at Barclays
Research. “This bodes well for our forecast of a swift recovery
of economic activity currently underway in Germany, also
reflecting a robust expansion again of industrial activity,” the
analyst said. Commerzbank analyst Ralph Solveen said that
the underlying upward trend in orders since last autumn “supports
our expectation that the German economy has achieved
a turn for the better. After a weak fourth quarter of 2012, we
therefore assume it already returned to noticeable growth in
the first months of this year,” he said.— AFP

TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC)
announced its financial results for the ninemonth
period ended December 31, 2012.
In the year 2011 and while Japan was suffering
from natural disasters, hitting the
country in the form of Earthquake and
Tsunami, in effect Toyota Motor
Corporation lost its number one position
as the world’s top automaker. Only to
recover spectacularly in 2012 fortified with
a spectrum of magnificent new models,
along with customers trust in the brand of
Toyota, a trust that hasn’t been tarnished
by the increased rate of the Japanese currency
the yen.
On a consolidated basis, net revenues
for the period totaled 16.2 trillion yen, an
increase of 26.0 percent compared to the
same period last fiscal year. Operating
income increased from 117.1 billion yen to
818.5 billion yen, an increase of 701.3 billion
yen, while income before income taxes1
was 925.7 billion yen. Net income2
increased from 162.5 billion yen to 648.1
billion yen.
Major factors contributing to the
increase in operating income include the
positive effects from marketing activities
generating 660.0 billion yen and cost
reduction efforts saving 320.0 billion yen.
Consolidated vehicle sales for the nine
months totaled 6.629 million units, an
increase of 1.634 million units compared to
the same period last year.
Commenting on the results, TMC Senior
Managing Officer Takahiko Ijichi said: “Our
consolidated operating income for the
period April through December 2012,
818.5 billion yen, reflects our increased
vehicle sales and the progress we are making
with our profit improvement activitiesin
spite of a currency exchange rate around
the same level as last year. We also managed
to secure an unconsolidated operating
income of 21.5 billion yen for the same
period.”
In Japan, vehicle sales totaled 1.668 million
units, an increase of 310,564 units
compared to the same period last fiscal
year. Operating income from Japanese
operations increased by 572.9 billion yen
to 266.4 billion yen.
In North America, vehicle sales totaled
1.865 million units, an increase of 596,587
units compared to the same period last fiscal
year. Operating income increased by
13.6 billion yen to 165.4 billion yen, including
31.3 billion yen of valuation gains/losses
on interest rate swaps. Operating
income, excluding the impact of valuation
gains/losses on interest rate swaps,
increased by 19.7 billion yen to 134.1 billion
yen.
In Europe, vehicle sales totaled 603
thousand units, an increase of 23,365 units
compared to the same period last fiscal
BUSINESS
year, while operating income increased by
12.7 billion yen to 21.3 billion yen.
In Asia, vehicle sales totaled 1.267 million
units, an increase of 373,635 units
compared to the same period last fiscal
year, while operating income increased by
115.2 billion yen to 286.3 billion yen
In Central and South America, Oceania
and Africa, vehicle sales totaled 1.226 million
units, an increase of 329,698 units
compared to the same period last fiscal
year, while operating income decreased by
4.9 billion yen to 91.0 billion yen.
In the financial services segment, operating
income decreased by 10.9 billion yen
to 243.5 billion yen compared to the same
period last year, including 27.7 billion yen
of valuation gains/losses on interest rate
swaps. Excluding valuation gains/losses,
operating income decreased by 10.5 billion
yen to 215.8 billion yen. This was mainly
due to a lower reversal of provisions for
loan and residual losses in comparison to
the same period last year.
TMC also today revises its consolidated
vehicles sales forecast for fiscal year 2013
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
TMC announces financial results for 9-month period ended December 31, 2012
Toyota achieves net revenues of 16.2 trillion yen
Net revenues increased 26% l Operating income rose to 818.5bn yen
KUWAIT: (Left to right) Jehad Al-Hajji and Adel Al-Munifi
Kuwait Styrene realizes
$59m net profit in 2012
Sales value exceeds $667 million
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Styrene Company
(TKSC) announced realizing a net profit of
$59 million for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2012.
On this occasion, TKSC Board Chairman
Jehad Al-Hajji said, “Despite several challenges,
these profits were realized due to a
number of elements relevant to stability in
petrochemical prices, having a solid customer
base, operational excellence and
strategic marketing with total sales in 2012
exceeding $667 million, which is a positive
sign indicating the continuous recovery of
petrochemical markets.”
Al-Hajji expressed, “Utmost appreciation
and gratitude to all contributors to this success,
especially TKSC Board members,
shareholders and EQUATE Petrochemical
Company.”
On his part, TKSC CEO Adel Al-Munifi
said, “With the average per ton price of
Styrene Monomer (SM) exceeding $1460
during 2012, SM markets continue their
DOHA: Qatalum - the Qatari aluminium
smelter - has announced the signing, on 29th
January, of supply contracts with ALUNOO
Rand Qatar Aluminium Extrusion, for the sale
of premium aluminium, the signing of the
contracts took place at the Qatalum office at
Mesaieed.
Qatalum was represented by CEO Tom
Petter Johansen and Deputy CEO Khalid
Mohammed Laram; ALUNOOR was represented
by Jassim Abdul Noor, Owner and General
Manager; and Qatar Aluminium Extrusion was
represented by Chairman Abdul Rahman Al-
Ansari.
The total volume of both contracts is
approximately ten thousand tons for 2013 - of
which close to 800 metric tons will be delivered
monthly. Although a small amount by
global downstream standards, the significance
of the contracts is in the pioneering of a
downstream aluminium industry in Qatar,
exemplifying the support and cooperation
between Qatalum and such downstream
industries. Deliveries to local customers start-
positive growth as demand exceeds four
percent annually, especially in light of escalating
gross domestic product growth in
emerging economies, such as China, India
and others.”
Al-Munifi noted, “The operational excellence
at the Company’s plant has positively
reflected upon optimizing performance
and overcoming arising challenges.”
As Kuwait’s first and only producer of
Styrene Monomer, TKSC was established in
2004 as an international joint venture
between Kuwait Aromatics Company
(KARO) and The Dow Chemical Company
(Dow).
EQUATE Petrochemical Company is the
single operator of Greater EQUATE, which
includes The Kuwait Styrene Company
(TKSC), Kuwait Paraxylene Production
Company (KPPC) and The Kuwait Olefins
Company (TKOC) under one fully integrated
operational umbrella at Kuwait’s
Shuaiba Industrial Area.
Burgan Bank ties up with
MyUS.com for multi-currency
X-Change cardholders
KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday
a new partnership with MyUS.com
which aims at rewarding the bank’s X-
Change cardholders by enabling them to
shop online from US stores without the
need to have a physical address.
Burgan Bank’s X-Change card customers
can capitalize on the numerous
benefits accompanying this new service,
starting with a waived setup fee and annual
membership for 2 years. Customers will
be getting up to a 20% discount on shipping
rates. The multi-currency X-change
card is accepted across 23 million locations
around the world. The choice of currencies
offered when using the card are US dollars,
Euro, British Pound, Saudi Riyal, UAE
Dirhams, Egyptian Pound as well as the
Filipino Peso. Customers can apply online
through the banks website to get the card.
Cardholders wishing to reload their X-
Change cards could do so online or at any
of the bank’s branches and ATMs. To find
out more about Burgan Bank’s latest X-
Change card and MyUS.com facilities, or
any of its products and services, customers
are urged to visit any of the bank’s branches,
or contact the call center on 1804080.
ed in mid-2012 on a trial basis during both the
customers’ ramp-up operations and to test the
product at their facilities. The excellent quality
of Qatalum products was appreciated by both
customers, thus current contracts represent a
long-term commitment for supply from
Qatalum.
The two companies who have signed these
supply contracts have varied expertise and
market focus. ALUNOOR has two broad profiles,
in industry and construction, making up
20 and 80 per cent of its work, respectively. In
construction, it produces windows, doors,
metal curtains and building exteriors. In industrial
production, ALUNOOR makes products for
other factories to use in the manufacturing
process, such as mechanical devices and various
high-end precision equipment.
Qatar Aluminum Extrusion Company is an
expert in aluminum extrusion and is involved
in production of various products for domestic
and business use.
Qatalum CEO Tom Petter said: “Encouraging
the local aluminum downstream industry is a
KUWAIT: In a webcast attended by local and
international analysts, Jazeera Airways Group
yesterday announced a net profit of KD13.9 million
for the year 2012, beating last year’s record
earnings and making the year the company’s
best year in history despite regional political
unrest and fuel price volatility.
As a result of these earnings, Jazeera Airways
Group continues to be one of the very few profitable
airlines in the Middle East, while the competitive
landscape continues to be dominated by government
backed, owned, and operated airlines.
FY 2012 Financial Highlights:
lFY2012 Operating revenue: KD62.6 million,
up 8% from FY2011’s KD57.8 million
lFY2012 Operating profit: KD18.5 million, up
25% from FY2011’s KD14.9 million
lFY2012 Net profit: KD13.9 million, up 32%
from FY2011’s KD10.6 million
lFY2012 Average yield: up 13% from FY2011
Q4 2012 Financial Highlights:
lQ4’12 Operating revenue: KD13.9 million, up
5% from Q4’11’s KD13.3 million
lQ4’12 Operating profit: KD3.3 million, up
18% from Q4’11’s KD2.8 million
lQ4’12 Net profit: KD2.5 million, up 93% from
Q4’11’s KD1.3 million
Balance Sheet Highlights:
lHard assets of KD149 million
lCash reserves increased to KD47 million,
exceeding equity
lEquity improved by KD32 million
lDebt to equity ratio of 1.6
Key 2012 Developments:
lRights issue completed in Q4, raised the target
of KD17.8 million with an oversubscription of
2.25 times the target
lReceived one new aircraft, financed with
backing from European Export Credit Agency
l Launched the first commercial service
between Kuwait and Iraq in 22 years, endorsed
by the governments of both countries
l Introduction of new sales, booking, and
check-in technologies
Established in 2005, Jazeera Airways Group is
a Kuwait Stock Exchange-listed company. The
company has 12 fully-owned Airbus A320s in
operation, distributed between its airline business,
Jazeera Airways (seven aircraft), and its fully-owned
leasing business, Sahaab Aircraft
Leasing (five aircraft). Sahaab has assets placed
with Virgin America, SriLankan Airlines, and
Jazeera Airways.
Jazeera Airways Group Chairman Marwan
Boodai said, “Like 2011, 2012 was another recordbreaking
year in every sense. This performance
continued to be driven directly by a healthy,
growing, profitable and sustainable airline business,
and a reliable and consistent leasing business.
Together, they have proven to be an ideal
business combination that generates a sustain-
able net profit in every quarter.” “Today we have
one of the healthiest balance sheets in the region
that is also cash-rich with KD47 million. I thank
our shareholders and their statement of confidence
in the Group and its management team as
evident in the rights issue held in Q4, which was
oversubscribed by 2.25 times,” said Boodai.
2012 in Review
In addition to the financial results, 2012 was
milestone year for the Group. The airline continued
its focus on boosting the customer offering
with new payment and check in technologies,
including mobile payment and self-check-in facilities
at Kuwait Airport and web-check-in
throughout our network. Today, one in ten bookings
are made on a mobile platform, which is one
of the highest mobile booking penetration in the
region. Boodai said, “Our continued success in
2012 couldn’t have been achieved without the
cooperation of the Kuwait Directorate of Civil
Aviation and their support across all levels, our
partners and service providers, and the support
of the government of Kuwait.”
The results reflect the ongoing success of the
Group’s Strategic Master Plan (STAMP). STAMP is
a business plan for the years 2012 to 2014.
2013 Outlook Following the last two recordbreaking
years, the Group well-positioned for
another growth year in line with the strategic
master plan set by the management team.
“We operate a regional network where the
average flight time is 2.25 hours. This market is
always in demand and has repeatedly shown it
can withstand political, weather, and financial
shocks. Since 2008 we’ve seen financial crises,
revolutions, wars, severe weather disruptions and
irregular regulatory environments, and despite it
all, demand for our product never waned and we
continued to generate record earnings while
serving our customers with a great product,” said
Boodai. “Our outlook for 2013 is positive as we
plan to receive two additional aircraft during the
from 8.750 million units to 8.850 million
units, an increase of 100,000 units from the
previous forecast announced in November
2012, due to the increased overseas vehicle
sales, mostly in North America.
TMC also upwardly revises its consolidated
financial forecasts for fiscal year 2013
to consolidated net revenue of 21.8 trillion
yen, operating income of 1.15 trillion yen,
income before income taxes of 1.29 trillion
yen and net income of 860.0 billion yen,
with the revision of an exchange rate of 81
yen to the US dollar and 104 yen to the
euro.
Commenting on the forecasts for fiscal
year 2013, Ijichi said: “Given increased overseas
vehicle sales mostly in North America,
progress in our companywide profit
improvement activities and the slight
weakening of the yen, we have revised
upwardly our consolidated forecast for the
current fiscal year to 1.15 trillion yen and
also forecast a full-year profit on an unconsolidated
basis, our first in five years. We
believe that our efforts have been bearing
fruit and that we are finally on the road to
sustainable growth. We will continue our
efforts to build ever-better cars and to
move forward in a steadfast manner.”
(All consolidated financial information
has been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America)
Jazeera Airways Group posts
32% rise in profits to KD 13.9m
Company is well-positioned for growth in 2013
key priority and commitment at Qatalum. The
contracts signed today represent the beginning
of implementing such commitment
towards Qatalum’s participation in developing
local industry in Qatar.”“Qatalum premium
quality products and location represent huge
Jazeera Airways Chairman Marwan Boodai
year, bringing our fleet to 14 aircraft as we capitalize
on demand in the existing network.”
The airline operates a two-class cabin comprising
of a Business Class and an Economy Class.
Jazeera Airways’ Business Class offering includes
a separate cabin for passengers, exclusive checkin
counters, business lounge access at airports,
in-flight ‡ la carte menu, and 60 kilograms in free
baggage allowance. The airline’s Economy Class
offers travelers free baggage allowance of 40
kilograms, free on-board meals with a changing
menu every month, and year-round value fares.
Jazeera Airways is based in Kuwait and operates
a network comprising high-demand business,
leisure, family, and weekend destinations
such as Dubai, Bahrain, Beirut, Alexandria,
Amman, Damascus, Istanbul, Sharm El Sheikh,
Assiut, Luxor, Mashhad, Sohag, Jeddah, Riyadh,
Cairo and Al Najaf. Jazeera Airways is an IATAmember
airline and operates one of the
youngest Airbus A320 fleets in the Middle East.
Qatalum signs aluminum supply contracts with Qatari businesses
DOHA: Abdul Rahman Al-Ansari, Chairman of Qatar Aluminium Extrusion Co, signing contracts
with Qatalum CEO.
opportunities for developing aluminium
downstream industries in Qatar. The demand
for aluminium is obviously there.
Khalid Laram, Qatalum’s DCEO added,
“Qatalum is ideally located to meet the growing
demand for aluminium products based on
strong strategic fundamentals.
With these supply contracts, we are seeing
an exciting future in downstream Qatari industry.
We at Qatalum are proud to be instrumental
in developing this in Qatar”.
Khalid Laramadded: “We expect that
Qatalum should be able to supply the local
Qatari market with their needs for the coming
years.
This is an exciting time for us, and these
contracts are part of Qatalum’s policy in
encouraging other companies to become
involved in the downstream industry related
to aluminium in Qatar especially after Qatalum
received ISO 9001/2008 certifi cateand ISO/TS
16949:2009 certificate for high quality products
which allows our Aluminium to be used in
the automotive industry.

NEW YORK: They frolic in empty boxes and
stick their heads under faucet streams of
water. They dance on tippy toes and fly
through the air with Pop-Tarts. They play
piano wearing little frocks and get tickled to
distraction to the delight of millions on
YouTube. I speak, of course, of the cat stars of
the Internet, a place filled with felines and
their wacky uploading humans since the
dawn of bandwidth. Now, after years of viral
viewing, they’re coming into their own in
lucrative and altruistic ways.
The first Internet Cat Video Film Festival
drew a Woodstock-esque crowd of more
than 10,000 - people, that is - to a
Minneapolis art museum in August. Police
closed a span of highway clogged with cars
trying to get to the Walker Art Center for the
free outdoor slate of 80 videos culled from
10,000 submissions that covered the simple,
funny moment to polished animations and
works made by trained filmmakers.
“People were spilling out into the streets.
It kind of took our breath away. You hit the
people that are the cat lovers but you also
get people who just like sharing something
on the Internet, and it kind of reaches across
age groups,” said the museum’s Scott Stulen,
who worked on the festival and helped
curate entries.
Corporate kittydom is happy with the
higher profile for the cat meme, which actually
goes back to the ‘70s, when swapping
VHS tapes was big and the word meme was
barely known. It means, by the way, all the
crazy, viral themes that spread online faster
than you can say nom, nom, nom (cat-vid
speak for the sound of a cat eating.)
In addition to the Walker’s free night in cat
video heaven, Fresh Step litter sponsored
Catdance, an evening of felines on screen
that coincided with January’s Sundance Film
Festival in Park City, Utah. A fan-voted winner
among five scripted finalists - 10 films were
commissioned at the launch of the program -
will earn $10,000 after online voting ends later
this month.
In November, Friskies gave a lifetime
achievement statue to angsty existentialist
Henri, le Chat Noir, at the brand’s own awards
ceremony and donated 250,000 cans of cat
food to shelters around the country. Henri,
the troubled Tuxedo, won another statue in
Minneapolis and will soon begin a collaboration
of food-focused videos with Friskies.
Oh, and Henri’s putting out his first book
in April. Roly poly Maru, the megastar in
Japan with millions of views for nearly 300
videos since 2007, has three books and a calendar,
among other swag for sale. The
squishy-faced, often blissed-out Scottish fold
who loves boxes and bags was used by
Uniqlo when the Japanese brand launched
its San Francisco store in October. Maru chose
boxes, called “Lucky Cubes,” stuffed with giveaways
for human contest winners.
Not to be outdone, Simon’s Cat, a funny
feline in a series of line-drawn animated
videos out of London, has a book and an
online store, as does Henri, who lends his
fame and some of his dollars to cat charities.
Even the funny faced Grumpy Cat, whose
real name is Tartar Sauce, coughs up some
bucks to animal welfare groups, while captions
for her still photos fly around the
Internet and she sells T-shirts off her website.
She put out some videos after her existence
as a living, breathing and not digitally altered
feline was questioned, according to her site.
So why cats?
Cats are fluffy and unpredictable and usually
kept behind closed doors, which lends
them allure and appeal that other common
pets - I’m talking to you, dogs! - don’t seem to
have when it comes to vapid, funny or
deranged video. At least that’s what cat fans
think.
“Cats are going to do what they want to
do and that’s one of the reasons that we love
them,” said David Kargas, a Fresh Step
spokesman who worked on Catdance. These
days in the cat video game, acts of charity
are expected as much as laughs, said William
Braden, the Seattle filmmaker who morphed
a pampered family cat named Henry into the
French-speaking Henri for a 2006 film school
project. Cranking out Henri videos and managing
the black-and-white long hair’s growing
projects are now Braden’s full-time job.
“On the one hand you’d be stupid not to
do charity because fans are sensitive,” Braden
said. “On the other hand, for the love of God,
I make a living doing this... . How horrible
would I be if I didn’t give a little bit of it
away?”
technology
Internet cat stars scratch the surface for fame
Oracle Announces General
Availability of MySQL 5.6
New Version of the World’s Most Popular
Open Source Database Designed to
Power Next Generation Web, Cloud and
Mobile Applications.
News facts
Oracle today announced the general
availability of MySQL 5.6, the world’s
most popular open-source database.
With increased performance, scalability,
reliability and manageability, MySQL
5.6 helps users meet the most demanding
Web, Cloud and embedded application
requirements.
MySQL 5.6 improves developer agility
with subquery optimizations, online
Data Definition Language (DDL) operations,
NoSQL access to InnoDB, new
instrumentation in Performance Schema
and better condition handling.
For more details, join the MySQL
Technology Update webcast on Feb 14 at
10:00 am US, Pacific Time.
In addition, Oracle is hosting the first
Virtual Develop Day for MySQL on March
12 at 9:00 am US, Pacific Time. The event
will include presentations and hands-on
labs to educate MySQL users on essential
skills and the latest features in Oracle
MySQL 5.6. Register here.
Continued innovations for the MySQL
Community
New features and enhancements in
MySQL 5.6 are available to MySQL users
in the MySQL Community Edition.
MySQL 5.6 provides enhanced linear
scalability, helping users to leverage
modern hardware capabilities.
With this version, users can experience
simplified query development and
faster execution, better transactional
throughput and application availability,
flexible NoSQL access, improved replication
and enhanced instrumentation.
Highlights of MySQL 5.6 include:
Better Query Execution Times and
Diagnostics provided through an
enhanced MySQL Optimizer diagnostics:
Subquery Optimizations: simplify
query development by optimizing subqueries
prior to execution. New efficiencies
in how result sets are selected, sorted
and returned deliver substantial
improvement in query execution times.
The Addition of Index Condition
Pushdown (ICP) and Batch Key Access
(BKA): can improve selected query
throughput by up to 280x(1).
Enhanced Optimizer Diagnostics: with
EXPLAIN for INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE
operations. EXPLAIN plan output in JSON
format delivers more precise optimizer
metrics and better readability, and
Optimizer Traces enables to track the
optimizer decision-making process.
Greater Performance Throughput and
Application Availability with an
improved InnoDB storage engine:
The gravy train for cat vid makers is a
long one not likely to dead-end any time
soon. Consider the ad revenue from YouTube
and other social networks and personal
websites. But while commercial ads are often
included on the sites, so are fans looking to
help cats in need.
On the Facebook page of Simon’s Cat, for
example, people post to find homes for wayward
cats. The Facebook page of Oskar the
blind cat, who hit it big on YouTube as a kitten
when he came home to his older buddy
Klaus, raises awareness that disabled cats
can make great pets.
Animator Simon Tofield, creator of
Simon’s Cat, said from London that his first
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
NEW YORK : This undated publicity images provided by William Braden shows Henri, le Chat Noir, a cat who is featured in the video, “Henri 2, Paw
de Deux.” —AP
Up to 230 Percent Improvement in
Transactional and Read Only Throughput:
InnoDB has been re-factored to minimize
legacy threading, flushing, and purge
mutex contentions and bottlenecks,
enabling better concurrency on heavily
loaded OLTP systems, and resulting in
significantly improved throughput for
both transactional and read only workloads(2).
Enhanced Availability: online DDL
operations enable DBAs to add indexes
and perform table alterations while the
application remains available for
updates. Full-Text Search with InnoDB:
allows developers to build FULLTEXT
indexes on InnoDB tables to represent
text-based content and speed up application
searches for words and phrases.
Simple, Key Value Lookup: flexible
NoSQL access to InnoDB provides simple,
key-value lookup of InnoDB data via the
familiar Memcached API. Users get the
“best of both worlds,” combining key-value
operations and complex SQL queries
in the same database.
Improved Scale-Out and High
Availability: with new features in MySQL
replication including:
Self-Healing Replication Clusters: the
addition of Global Transaction Identifiers
and Utilities make it simple to automatically
detect and recover from failures.
Crash-Safe Replication enables the binary
log and slaves to automatically recover
correct positions in the replication
stream in case of a crash, and resume
replication without administrator intervention.
Checksums maintain data
integrity across the cluster by automatically
detecting and alerting on errors.
High Performance Replication
Clusters: up to 5 times faster replication
through Multi-Threaded Slaves(3), Binlog
Group Commit and Optimized Row-
Based Replication enable users to maximize
the performance and efficiency of
replication as they scale-out their workloads
across commodity systems.
Time-delayed Replication: provides
protection against operational errors
made on the master, for example accidentally
dropping tables.
Enhanced performance-schema: new
instrumentation enables users to better
monitor most resource intensive queries,
objects, users and applications. New
summaries with aggregated statistics
grouped by query, thread, user, host and
object are also available. The enhancements
allow for easier default configuration
with less than five percent overhead.
MySQL 5.6 includes a number of additional
enhancements including Geographic
Information Systems - Precise Spatial operations,
improved IPv6 compliance and optimized
server defaults.
MINNEAPOLIS: In this Aug 30, 2012 publicity photo provided by the
Walker Art Center, festival attendee, Mike Bridavsky and his cat Lil Bub,
left, pose with Golden Kitty Award-winner William Braden, at the Walker
Art Center Internet Cat Video Festival. —AP
LAS VEGAS: In this Monday, Nov 13, 2000 photo, Michael Dell, Chairman
and CEO of Dell, speaks during his keynote address at Comdex. —AP
Dell’s founder strikes
deal to turn it around
NEW YORK: It’s easy to forget now, but Michael Dell
was the Mark Zuckerberg of his day. Hailed as a
young genius, he created the inexpensive, madeto-order
personal computer in his University of
Texas dorm room and sold it straight to the public.
In the 1980s and ‘90s, his face appeared on magazine
covers, and well before he turned 40, he was a
college dropout-turned-billionaire CEO, ranked
alongside Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.
But that was a long time ago in the fast-moving
world of high technology. Now the PC is getting
eclipsed by smartphones and tablet computers,
and Dell is struggling to save his company - and his
legacy. Tuesday’s announcement that Michael Dell
and the investment firm Silver Lake have struck a
$24.4 billion deal to buy publicly traded Dell Inc.
and take it private may well be the founder’s last
chance to recapture his former glory. The agreement
will allow the company to attempt a turnaround
without having to worry about pleasing
Wall Street with its earnings.
For Michael Dell, 47, the attempt to retool the
company he built is personal, said technology analyst
Patrick Moorhead, who runs Moor Insights &
Strategy. “His name is on the logo and all the buildings.
So he takes all of this very personally,”
Moorhead said. “This is a way for him to solidify the
way people will look at him and remember him.”
Analysts said Dell Inc. will have to mine more profitable
areas such as technology consulting and
business software. In a statement, Dell himself said
little more than that the transformation will “take
more time, investment and patience.” The company
he founded some 29 years ago rose to the top of
the world’s PC market more than a decade ago. In
its heyday, its turn-of-the-millennium ad slogan,
“Dude, you’re getting a Dell,” became a pop-culture
catchphrase. Dell took orders straight from customers,
first by phone and then by Internet, cutting
out stores and passing the savings along.
“What Michael Dell was all about was getting
products to people faster and more directly and at a
lower cost than anyone could,” said Forrester
Research analyst David Johnson. While Dell PCs are
still used in offices and homes around the world,
the industry has proved unforgiving to those who
don’t evolve with it. With smartphones booming,
PC sales falling 3.5 percent last year, and tablets
expected to outsell laptop computers this year,
Dell’s old slogan is more likely to be phrased as a
question, as in: “Dude, you’re getting a Dell?” Dell
Inc. is now worth less than the $30 billion it raised in
its 1988 initial public offering and well below its
peak of more than $150 billion in 2000, and is now
the world’s third-largest PC maker, having fallen
behind Hewlett-Packard and Lenovo. Apple has a
smaller share of the computer market but more
than makes up for that with its sleek iPods, iPhones
and iPads. IBM managed to reinvent itself during
the 1990s when its main business of selling mainframe
computers began to suffer as desktop
machines grew increasingly powerful. But it took
nearly a decade.
Michael Dell stepped down as CEO in 2004,
staying on as chairman. But the Round Rock, Texas,
company faltered under CEO Kevin Rollins and saw
its first-ever profit decline. Customers complained
of poor service, and sales slowed as Dell faced a
market glut of cheap PCs from other makers. The
company lost its No. 1 position to HP 2006 and never
regained its standing.
Michael Dell returned as CEO in 2007 and began
carrying out a turnaround plan, dubbed “Dell 2.0,”
that included improving customer service, thinning
the managerial ranks and expanding into new businesses.
Moorehead said it will probably take
Michael Dell at least another three to five years to
transform his company. That’s a timeframe that
probably would have caused Wall Street to grow
even more frustrated with Dell Inc.
“If what you are trying to do is not being valued
by your investors, you need to go somewhere else,”
Moorhead said. “They weren’t getting any respect
on Wall Street, so this is the best move they could
make right now.” Under the leveraged buyout
announced Tuesday, Dell stockholders will get
$13.65 per share. That’s well above the stock price
of $10.88 before word of the talks emerged three
weeks ago. But it’s a steep markdown from $24 a
share six years ago. —AP
video, “Cat Man Do,” changed his life. Inspired
by his cat Hugh, one of several he shares his
life with, the first video was his attempt to
teach himself the computer program Flash. It
features the hungry, googly eyed cat character
trying to annoy his owner awake, wonking
him with a baseball bat at one point. The
video was put on YouTube four years ago and
received millions of views overnight, Tofield
said. More than two dozen videos later,
Simon’s Cat views have exceeded 300 million.
“Before Simon’s Cat launched, I was working
as a freelance animator, which could be
frustrating as you would never know when
the next job would come in,” Tofield said.
“Although I was drawing, which I love, it wasn’t
as enjoyable as what I’m doing now by
drawing and creating my own characters.”
Nobody knows the cat meme better than
Ben Huh, who with a group of investors
bought the I Can Has Cheezburger site in
September 2007. The site, now an empire of
sites for Huh, allows users to generate captions
on cat photos using LOLcat speak, a
language with spelling and syntax all its
own.
Huh has none of Braden’s guilt about
making money off of funny cats on the
Internet. He recently starred in his own Bravo
reality show, and sees a healthy future ahead
as cat memes spread and merge with other
content.
“People are mixing and matching and the
content can’t be put into neat little boxes
anymore,” said Huh, noting that Grumpy
Cat’s still photos pop up just about anywhere
nowadays. “That’s the irony. That has
caused the Cat Internet Industrial Complex
to continue to grow.” —AP
Google wins
Australian
sponsored
links case
SYDNEY: Internet titan Google was cleared yesterday of allegations
it hosted deceptive advertisements, with Australia’s
highest court saying it was not responsible for companies
who diverted users from their competitors’ sites. Australia’s
competition regulator had taken Google to court, alleging
that adverts using keywords for Honda, Harvey World Travel,
Alpha Dog Training and Just 4X4 Magazine published by
Google had led consumers to rival firms. The Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) lost the initial
case but won an appeal in the Federal Court, which ruled
that Google’s technology created its search results.
Google had argued that it should not be held responsible
for the content of ads on its platform because it was paid for
and submitted by the advertisers under the highly profitable
Google AdWords program. AdWords allows firms to create
their own ads and bid for keywords linked to their products.
In the Australian case, travel, automotive and pet-care companies
successfully bid on the names of their rivals as keywords.
The High Court of Australia overturned the appeal decision
yesterday, agreeing that the advertisers, not Google,
were responsible for the content of so-called sponsored
links. “Google did not create the sponsored links that it published
or displayed,” the court said. “Ordinary and reasonable
users of the Google search engine would have understood
that the representations conveyed by the sponsored links
were those of the advertisers, and would not have concluded
that Google adopted or endorsed the representations,” it
added.
“Accordingly, Google did not engage in conduct that was
misleading or deceptive.” The Internet giant welcomed the
judgment, which brings to an end a six-year legal battle. “We
welcome the High Court’s unanimous decision that Google
cannot be held responsible for the ads that advertisers create
for Google’s search engine,” Google said.
The ACCC had seen the case as an important precedent
on the accountability of search engine providers as publishers
of paid content, and said it will review the decision carefully
for any broader ramifications. “The ACCC took these
proceedings to clarify the law relating to advertising practices
in the Internet age,” said ACCC chairman Rod Sims.
“Specifically, we considered that providers of online content
should be accountable for misleading or deceptive conduct
when they have significant control over what is delivered.”
Sims said the High Court had focused solely “on Google’s
conduct” and it had not been disputed that the “representations
made in the sponsored links by advertisers were misleading
or deceptive”. “In the facts and circumstances of this
case the High Court has determined that Google did not
itself engage in misleading or deceptive conduct,” he said.
“It remains the case that all businesses involved in placing
advertisements on search engines must take care not to
mislead or deceive consumers.” It is not the first time
Google has landed in legal strife in Australia-the firm was
ordered to pay US$208,000 last year to an entertainment
promoter after publishing material linking him to mobsters
which was ruled to be defamatory. Google also attracted
the ire of authorities in 2010 after breaching privacy laws by
collecting private wireless data with its “Street View” mapping
cars. —AFP

Obesity can lead to a lack of vitamin D
circulating in the body, according to a
study led by the UCL Institute of Child
Health (ICH). Efforts to tackle obesity
should thus also help to reduce levels of
vitamin D deficiency in the population,
says the lead investigator of the study,
Dr Elina Hypponen.
While previous studies have linked
vitamin D deficiency with obesity, the
ICH-led paper, published in the journal
PLOS Medicine, sought to establish the
direction of causality i.e. whether a lack
of vitamin D triggers a weight gain, or
whether obesity leads to the deficiency.
This study, based on an ICH-led D-
CarDia Collaboration, used genetic
markers derived from an analysis of 21
adult cohort groups (up to 42,000 partic-
ipants) to explore the link between body
mass index (BMI) and genes associated
with the synthesis and metabolism of
vitamin D. Associations between vitamin
D and BMI were further confirmed using
data from another genetic consortium
with over 123,000 participants.
Researchers found that a 10 per cent
rise in BMI was linked to a four per cent
drop in concentrations of vitamin D in
the body. Overall, the findings suggest
that a higher BMI leads to lower levels of
available vitamin D, while the effect of a
lack of vitamin D on BMI appears to be
very small. The association between
obesity and vitamin D status found here
was consistent between genders, being
apparent both in men and in women,
and in younger and older age groups.
HEALTH & SCIENCE
Obesity leads to vitamin D deficiency
Air pollution linked
to low birth weight
WASHINGTON: For pregnant women,
breathing in air pollution from vehicles,
heating and coal power plants increases
the risk of having a low birth weight baby,
an international study said yesterday.
The research, the most extensive of its
kind on the link between air pollution and
fetal development, found that the higher
the pollution, the greater the rate of children
born with a low weight. It was published
in the US journal Environmental
Health Perspectives.
Scientists analyzed data from more than
three million births in nine nations in North
America, South America, Europe, Asia and
Australia. Most of the data was collected
from the mid-1990s to the late 2000s, with
some obtained earlier.
Low birth weight-below 5.5 pounds, or
2.5 kilograms-is linked to serious health
problems, including a higher risk of complications
or death in the weeks right after
birth, as well as chronic health problems
later in life, said lead author Payam
Dadvand of the Center for Research in
Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) in
Barcelona. Co-lead investigator Tracey
Woodruff said the pollution is ubiquitous.
“What’s significant is that these are air
pollution levels to which practically everyone
in the world is commonly exposed,”
said Woodruff, a professor of obstetrics and
gynecology and reproductive sciences at
UC San Francisco.
“These microscopic particles, which are
smaller than the width of a human hair, are
in the air that we all breathe.”
But she noted that nations with tighter
air pollution restrictions have lower levels
of the pollutants.
“In the United States, we have shown
over the last several decades that the benefits
to health and well-being from reducing
air pollution are far greater than the costs,”
Woodruff added. “This is a lesson that all
nations can learn from.”
Under the Clean Air Act, the US limits
primary particle pollution to an average of
12 micrograms per cubic meter of air a year
for particles measuring less than 2.5
microns.
The limit stands at 25 micrograms per
cubic meter in the European Union, and
environmental protection agencies are
weighing whether to lower that level.
In Beijing, the concentration of these
particles was recently measured at more
than 700 micrograms per cubic meter.
Thick smog choked the Chinese capital
and vast swathes of northern China last
month, blamed on emissions from coalburning
power stations and exhaust fumes
from vehicles on choked streets.
“From the perspective of world health,
levels like this are obviously completely
unsustainable,” said study co-author Mark
Nieuwenhuijsen of CREAL.
An epidemiological study of some of
the children included in the data is investigating
whether these pregnancy exposures
can have an impact in their later
years. — AFP
SHANGHAI: This picture taken on Jan 18, 2013 shows people admiring a chocolatemade
statue at the Chocolate Happy Land in Shanghai. —AFP
US adults with mental
illness smoke at higher rate
ATLANTA: Mentally ill adults in the United
States smoke cigarettes at a 70 percent
higher rate than adults without any kind of
mental illness, according to a report
released by federal health agencies on
Tuesday.
Statistics show smoking by the mentally
ill is a “very serious health issue that needs
more attention” and should prompt mental
health facilities to ban the habit, said Dr
Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
“We need to do more to help smokers
with mental illness quit,” Frieden told
reporters during a telephone briefing.
The CDC study found 36 percent of
mentally ill adults smoke, compared with
21 percent of other adults. Those with mental
illnesses also smoke more heavily, con-
suming an average of 331 cigarettes per
month, compared with 310 for other smokers,
the report found.
Tobacco can alter some aspects of mental
illness, such as anxiety. But it can also
lead to a long list of other health problems
and should not be used as a form of self
medication, Frieden said.
“There are very good treatments and
very good counseling that, unlike cigarettes,
don’t take 10 years off your life,” he
said. The study analyzed data from the
2009-2011 National Survey on Drug Use
and Health, which involved interviews with
138,000 adults at their homes.
The survey by the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration did
not include patients in mental hospitals or
members of the U.S. military. —Reuters
NEW ORLEANS: Patron Cheryl Boyd of Spring Valley, Minn., eats calas cake at The Old
Coffeepot Restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Tired of celebrating
Mardi Gras with the same old beignets? Make the switch to calas, tangy rice fritters
born to go with cafe au lait. Calas can be tough to find these days, but they have a
rich history that spans the great cuisines of New Orleans. — AP
Vitamin D, which is essential for
healthy bones as well as other functions,
is made in the skin after exposure to sunlight
but can also be obtained through
the diet and through supplements.
Obesity and vitamin D status are
known to be associated, but the direction
of the association and whether it is
causal has been uncertain up to now.
Vitamin D deficiency is a growing public
health concern, and there is evidence
that vitamin D metabolism, storage and
action both influence and are influenced
by adiposity or body fat. While experiments
in rats have suggested that large
doses of vitamin D2 can boost the
amount of energy they burn, trials testing
the effect of vitamin D supplements
on weight loss in obese or overweight
WASHINGTON: After years of research, the first
bionic eye has seen the light of day in the United
States, giving hope to the blind around the
world. Developed by Second Sight Medical
Products, the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System
has helped more than sixty people recover partial
sight, with some experiencing better results
than others.
Consisting of 60 electrodes implanted in the
retina and glasses fitted with a special mini camera,
Argus II has already won the approval of
European regulators. The US Food and Drug
Administration is soon expected to follow suit,
making this bionic eye the world’s first to
become widely available.
“It’s the first bionic eye to go on the market in
the world, the first in Europe and the first one in
the US,” said Brian Mech, the California-based
company’s vice president of business development.
Those to benefit from Argus II are people
with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disease,
affecting about 100,000 people in the US, that
results in the degeneration of the retinal photoreceptors.
The photoreceptor cells convert
light into electrochemical impulses that are
transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve,
where they are decoded into images.
“The way the prosthesis works (is) it replaces
people have not shown any consistent
findings. It has also been suggested that
obesity could result from an excessive
adaptive winter response, and that the
decline in vitamin D skin synthesis from
less exposure to sunlight contributes to
the tendency to put on weight during
colder seasons. However, vitamin D is
stored in fatty tissue and thus, the most
likely explanation for the association
found in the ICH-led study is that the
larger storage capacity for vitamin D in
obese people leads to lower circulating
concentrations of vitamin D.
Overall, the ICH results suggest that
although increases in vitamin D are not
likely to help with weight regulation,
increased risk of vitamin D deficiency
could contribute to the adverse health
the function of the photoreceptors,” Mech told
AFP. Thirty people aged 28 to 77 took part in the
clinical trial for the product, all of whom were
completely blind.
Mech said the outcomes varied by participant.
“We had some patients who got just a little
bit of benefit and others who could do amazing
things like reading newspaper headlines,” he
said. In some cases, the subjects could even see
in color. “Mostly they see in black and white, but
we have demonstrated more recently we can
produce color vision as well,” Mech said.
According to Mech, Argus II is already available
in several European countries for 73,000
euros ($99,120). A US price has not been set but
is likely to be higher, he said.
“Now we are (at) around 60 patients... We
have tons of surgeries scheduled, the number is
growing almost daily,” he said.
Other researchers are also vying to develop
bionic eyes of their own, that would offer higher
resolution images with more electrodes implanted
in the retina. At the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, a team lead by John Wyatt is
working on a system that would have up to 400
electrodes.
Daniel Palanker of California’s Stanford
University is proposing a different approach
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
effects associated with obesity. Dr Elina
Hypponen, UCL Institute of Child Health
and lead author of the study, says:
“Vitamin D deficiency is an active health
concern around the world. While many
health messages have focused on a lack
of sun exposure or excessive use of suncreams,
we should not forget that vitamin
D deficiency is also caused by obesity.”
“Our study highlights the importance
of monitoring and treating vitamin D
deficiency in people who are overweight
or obese, in order to alleviate adverse
health effects caused by a lack of vitamin
D.” (Great Ormond Street Hospital and
the UCL Institute of Child Health (ICH)
are Europe’s largest academic centre for
research and education in children’s
health and disease)
Bionic eye gives hope to
blind around the world
Still have a long way to go
‘Tree of life’ has
Kurdish roots
PARIS: Seen by some as emblematic of the
Mediterranean landscape and cuisine, the olive tree in
fact has its domesticated roots in Kurdish regions, said a
study yesterday that seeks to settle an age-old debate.
Harvesting of wild olive trees called oleasters has been
documented from the Near East (the area around ancient
Palestine and Jordan) to Spain since the Neolithic or New
Stone Age that started about 10,000 BC. The tree then
became domesticated, a process thought by some
researchers to have started in the Near East about 6,000
years ago.
Other experts, though, have offered evidence for
simultaneous domestication of different olive cultivars
across the Mediterranean.
Now an international team of experts used genetic
data, molecular dating, fossil records and climate modelling
to determine that the iconic tree’s roots lie in only
one place-somewhat further north and east than many
had thought. “We conclude that the western
Mediterranean was not a major primary centre of domestication
of the olive tree,” the team wrote in the journal
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
“The cradle of primary domestication of the olive tree is
located in the northeastern Levant.”
This refers to the modern-day Kurdish zone between
Syria and Turkey, study co-author Guillaume Besnard of
the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
told AFP.
From there, the domesticated olive probably spread
through the eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus, westwards
to Turkey, Greece, Italy and the rest of the
Mediterranean “in parallel to the expansion of civilisations
and human exchanges in this part of the world”, said the
report. The domesticated olive tree, Olea europaea, is
central to Greek, Roman and early Christian mythology,
and the olive branch remains a symbol of peace today.
The ancient Greeks believed that Athena, goddess of
war and wisdom, presented the Athenians with their first
domesticated olive tree, from which all others sprouted.
“The importance of the cultivated olive tree in people’s
lives has turned this species into a symbol of ancient,
sacred literature, and the origins of this crop are often
subject to controversies,” the paper said.
“According to our study, the maternal origin of the
majority (about 90 percent) of cultivated olives today is
clearly the Near East,” or roughly the modern-day Middle
East, added Besnard. — AFP
ATLANTA: Drops in smoking may have
helped drive cancer death rates down
among black men in the United States during
the last decade, but they are still more
likely to die of cancer than whites, according
to a US study. “I think we see some really
good news, but then we also see some
trends that are going in the wrong direction,”
said Carol DeSantis, the study’s lead author
from the American Cancer Society in Atlanta.
Using information from several databases,
DeSantis and her team analyzed information
on the number of cancers diagnosed
and the number of cancer deaths reported
across the United States between 1990 and
2009. The biennial analysis found that
improvements in cancer treatments and care
have avoided nearly 200,000 cancer deaths
in blacks since 1990. But cancer death rates
for black are still higher than whites, according
to DeSantis and her colleagues, who
published their findings in CA: A Cancer
based on tiny photovoltaic cells instead of electrodes.
“We’re thinking about implanting up to
5,000 of these cells at the back of the eye that
would theoretically allow for a resolution that is
ten times better,” George Goetz, a member of
Palanker’s team, told AFP. This system would also
help individuals who lost their sight due to agerelated
macular degeneration, he added. These
photovoltaic cells convert light into electrical
impulses that stimulate the nerve cells in the
retina, which then transmit the signals to the
brain. This system has successfully been tested
in rats, and the first clinical trial could begin in a
year, probably in France.
Palanker is linked with French company
Pixium Vision based in Paris. Grace Shen, of the
National Eye Institute that has supported both
the Argus and Palanker projects, said work on
stem cells and optogenetics were also important
areas to focus on in developing treatments or
the prevention of blindness. Through optogenetics,
retina cells can be genetically modified to
render them light-sensitive again. “I think the
bionic eye is something that is going to work in
some patients and is not going to work with all
patients, but it’s an exciting time ahead,” said
Shen. “We know it’s feasible, it can work, but we
still have a long way to go.” —AFP
US blacks still more likely than
whites to die from cancer
Journal for Clinicians. Between 2005 and
2009, the researchers found about 288 black
men died from cancer out of every 100,000,
compared to about217 white men. Among
women, those numbers were about 181
blacks per 100,000, and 155 whites per
100,000. The gap between cancer death
rates narrowed the most between black and
white men during the last decade. Over that
time, the cancer death rate for black men fell
by 2.4 percent every year, compared to 1.7
percent for white men.
“That’s primarily driven by declines in
lung cancer, which is driven by more black
men stopping smoking than white men,”
said DeSantis. For women, however, death
rates fell equally between blacks and whites
over the last decade at about 1.5 percent.
Black women are also 16 percent more
likely to die from cancer even though they
are 6 percent less likely to get cancer, the
researchers said. — Reuters
MONTREAL: French-Lebanese pastry chef De Gaulle Hélou is pictured at his shop,
Chez De Gaulle, on Jan 26, 2013 in Montreal. De Gaulle, originally from Lebanon,
named after French General Charles De Gaulle who his father admired, who resisted
numerous problems with the local mafia, but has finally decided to return to France,
finding the Quebec system ‘too tolerant with crooks’. — AFP

MUMBAI: With German sausages,
French duck breasts and homegrown
chicken, Francis Menezes is cashing in
on the growing appetite for meat
among Indians-even in one of
Mumbai’s most strictly vegetarian
areas. In the upmarket neighbourhood
of Malabar Hill, numerous
shops, restaurants and even some
apartment blocks remain meat-free.
But Menezes, co-manager of the Cafe
Ridge food store, says he does a brisk
trade in “non-veg”, especially with
those who have studied abroad.
“Things like Thanksgiving, which
was never celebrated over here in
Mumbai, is now being celebrated
every year. The new generation are
cool with eating anything,” he said.
India’s booming middle-class is
driving the demand for meat in a
country with a traditionally low
intake-a survey in 2006 showed that
40 percent of the population were
vegetarian.
Fish and meat have long been part
of other Indians’ diets but for many
they used to be a rarity, said Arvind
Singhal, chairman of the consumer
consultancy group Technopak
Advisors. “With rising disposable
incomes, meat consumption is
increasing,” he said. “Before meat
would have been seen as for a special
occasion.” Members of the Jain faith
and some groups within India’s majority
Hindu religion hold vegetarianism
as an ideal. Father of the nation
Mahatma Gandhi espoused a meatfree
diet as part of his non-violent philosophy.
But fewer of the younger
generation appear to feel the same.
Despite coming from a “hardcore
veg” Hindu community, bartender
Ishita Manek is an enthusiastic member
of the Mumbai Meat Marathon, a
group that gets together every weekend
to try out protein-heavy dishes.
“It’s just to do with the country
progressing. The mindset is changing
and no one really sticks to traditional
values anymore,” she said, although
she admitted her mother dislikes her
love of beef, a taboo under Hinduism.
There are no recent figures on
overall meat consumption, but the UN
Food and Agriculture Organization in
2007 put India’s per capita intake at
5.0 to 5.5kg-the country’s highest
since records began, with further
increases expected.
With chicken a favourite meat, the
rapid rise of the domestic poultry
market is a good indication of changing
diets. Currently worth an estimated
$9.0 billion, it is growing at an
annual rate of 20 percent, driven by
broiler meat, according to Technopak.
Farm manager Vijay Sakhrani
turned to the broiler business back in
1982 with 2,000 chickens. He now
rears more than 800,000 a year as a
contract farmer for Indian poultry
giant Venky’s. “You have self-employment,
you require a small space. In a
small space you can do a lot of business,”
he told AFP in Koregaon Mul village,
30 kilometres (18 miles) from
western Pune city, where he said
numerous other farmers had followed
his foray into poultry.
Venky’s general manager Vijay
Tijare described a “chicken revolution”
going on in India and one, he
believes, that can supply the need for
economical protein among the
nation’s 1.2 billion people.
The company’s thriving fortunes
enabled it fund the takeover of the
leading English football club
Blackburn Rovers three years ago.
With a median age of 26.5, India’s
calorie needs are set to grow faster
than the population, but the domestic
supply of vegetable proteins has not
kept up with demand and India is
now the biggest importer of pulses.
Others see mass-produced meat as
only doing damage to middle-class
diets, especially when cooked at the
growing number of fast-food joints.
While malnutrition is wide-scale
among India’s poor, an estimated 63
million in the country had diabetes in
HEALTH & SCIENCE
2012. “Industrial meat is adding to the
crisis in health,” said food security analyst
Sangita Sharma.
“Consumers are oblivious as to
what is going on their plates.”
Changing consumption patterns
also threaten to exacerbate the country’s
environmental pressures.
India is the world’s top buffalo
meat exporter, despite the beef
taboo, and the leading emitter of
greenhouse gas methane from livestock,
according to a report from the
New York-based think tank Brighter
Green last year.
Citing water scarcity and intense
strains on land, the group said it was
crucial for India to promote plantbased
diets and prioritise less
resource-intensive industries than
livestock.
“With 500 million cows, buffalo,
goats, sheep, camels, pigs, and billions
of chickens, 600 million farmers and
1.2 billion people, the competition is
on in India for natural resources,” said
its report. Singhal too expressed concerns,
especially the challenge thrown
up in diverting grains to animal feed,
which critics say takes food away from
the poorest members of society.
He said one way to ease the pressures
was to think beyond India’s traditional
desire for self-sufficiency.
He criticised a ban on poultry
imports from the United States,
despite the fact that chicken legs are
popular in India but often go to waste
in America.
The ban is purportedly to prevent
bird flu but has been challenged by
Washington as disguised trade restrictions.
India’s per capita meat consumption
for now remains well below the
Asian average, but with its population
due to become the world’s largest in
coming years, analysts are calling for
greater attention to how its food is
produced. “India needs to realise it is
not a vegetarian country,” Singhal
said. — AFP
SANTA BARBARA: Working to get a
meal is something dogs were born
to do. “If dogs were out in the wild
they’d be spending most of their
time hunting for food,” says trainer
Joan Mayer of Santa Barbara,
California.
But for many of our dogs, mealtime
is over in a minute or two. Then
what? They look for something else
to do. Unfortunately, when dogs are
left to find their own entertainment,
we aren’t usually pleased with their
choices. “They’re not going to sit
down and turn on the TV,” says
Mayer. “They’ll chew up the coach or
bark all day.”
So ask many trainers how you
should feed your dog, and they’ll say
you’re wasting a golden opportunity
by feeding out of a bowl.
At any pet store you’ll see balls,
puzzles and other food-dispensing
objects - the Kong is the most familiar.
They’re often referred to with
terms like “treat balls,” so some owners
worry about weight gain from
extra goodies if they use them. In
fact, you can use these toys to feed
your dog’s regular diet. If you feed
dry kibble, just toss it in and you’re
good to go. Or you can plug the
hole of a Kong with canned food
and freeze it for an even longer-lasting
meal. Feeding this way can help
with a variety of behavior problems.
For dog trainer Melissa Duffy of
Carlsbad, California, food toys have
helped her rat terrier, Dinky, with
separation anxiety.
“She starts to get anxious when I
am getting ready to go out, whining,
pacing, shivering,” Duffy says.
Being left with a food-dispensing
toy calms her, and has longer-lasting
effects as well. “She also doesn’t get
into the trash can, which she will do
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
India’s changing appetite throws up meaty issues
Calorie needs set to grow fast
Making mealtime a challenge
can be good for dogs
if I leave her without a treat-dispensing
toy,” says Duffy. “I’ve also noticed
that she isn’t as frantic when I come
home, no matter how long I’ve been
gone.” Getting animals to use their
natural behavior to get food is part
of what zoos call “enrichment.”
Rather than serving a bear out of a
dish, say, keepers hide food so the
animal has to search and dig as it
would in the wild. This technique
helps reduce stress-related behaviors
like pacing.
It works for dogs too, as dog
trainer and former zookeeper
Stephanie DeGesero DeYoung of
Abilene, Texas, showed in her master’s
thesis, using the same research
methodology used to evaluate
enrichment techniques in zoos. She
found that giving dogs a stuffed
Kong reduced the number of stress
behaviors observed, even after they
were finished with it.
Tearing things apart is a basic
instinct for a meat-eater, but when a
dog gets that out of his system by
digging breakfast and dinner out of
a dispenser, he’ll feel less need to
shred the furniture.
Some advice for dog owners who
want to get started feeding their animals
this way: First, if you’ve got multiple
dogs, separate them to prevent
conflict. “I tell people, every dog
owner should have a baby gate or
two,” says DeYoung. Second, some
dogs need help at first, as trainer
Kate Abbott of Vista, California,
found the first time she gave a
stuffed Kong to her Jack Russell,
Qwill: “He was very interested, but
after a few licks shrugged and went
off to chase lizards.” Abbott put food
in a clear plastic water bottle so Qwill
could see it, and then cut off the top
so the food fell out easily. — AFP

SEND US YOUR
INSTAGRAM PICS
What’s more fun than clicking a beautiful
picture? Sharing it with others! Let
other people see the way you see
Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will
feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram
feeds. If you want to share your Instagram photos,
email us at
instagram@kuwaittimes.net
Announcements
ECC organizes Omra trip for Egyptians
Secretary general of the Egyptian
Community Council (ECC), Dr Azmi Abdul
Fattah congratulated all Egyptians on the
second anniversary of the January 25 revolution
urging everybody to consolidate and unite for
the best of Egypt as a whole. On this occasion,
Abdul Fattah announced that the council would
organize its annual Omra trip pointing out that it
would last eight days in the period of February 21
till 28.
Shirva feast
Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK)
will be celebrating their Shirva Parish feast-
2013 here in Kuwait. On this occasion there
will be a mass offered at 9.15 am on February 8,
2013 at the Holy Family Cathedral. Kuwait and the
celebration / get-together with a of variety entertainment
programme will he held from 4:30 pm -
9 pm on the same day at the Indian Community
School, Salmiya. SWAK members or their children
who would like to participate in the variety entertainment
programme and show their talent are
requested to contact any of the SWAK committee
members listed below to avail the opportunity
before January 10, 2013. Likewise if any of members
children have excelled in academics or any
other extra curricular activities in the past 1 year
will be appreciated and hence are requested to
inform any of the SWAK committee members listed
below before the 10th of January. Last date for
enrollment in the talent show is January 15, 2013.
Goan Culinary Club
The Goan Culinary Club - Goa encourages
you to log on to their website where you
can find a video of Odette and Joe
Mascarenhas sharing their thoughts on Goan cuisine.
These videos were recorded at the launch of
the Goan Culinary Club in Goa on March 3, 2012.
Thanks to support from all at the Goan Culinary
Club, we have made great progress in six months.
Basketball Academy
The new Premier Basketball Academy offers
coaching and games every Friday and
Saturday from 10 am onwards for 6 to 18
year olds, boys and girls. Located in Bayan Block
7, Masjed Al-Aqsa Street by Abdullah Al-Rujaib
High School. Free Basketball and Tee Shirts for all
participants, with certificates and special awards
on completion of each 6 week course. Qualified
and experienced British and American Coaches,
Everyone Welcome.
APAK Xmas-New Year celebration
Angamaly Pravasi Association Kuwait
(APAK) will conduct its Christmas and New
Year celebrations tomorrow Friday at
Abbassiya United Indian School Auditorium from
5:30 pm - 10 pm. The meeting will be chaired by
the Advisory Board Chairman Jacob Pynadath in
the presence of President Bacon Joseph,
Secretary Martin Kurian, Treasurer Sajeev Paul
and other famous personalities in Kuwait.
Kitchen Rock Band music
Kitchen Rock’s Valentine program on
February 15 at Asia Asia Royal Hall, Al-
Watiya Complex, Kuwait City, 7pm
onwards. Enjoy the New Version band, Selda band
and Freefall band.
KDNA medical seminar
Kozhikode District NRI Association (KDNA) is
organizing a medical seminar titled ‘Pain in
Human bodies’ on February 8, 2013 at Indian
Community School, Khaitan Branch at 5.30 pm. Wellknown
Functional Neurosurgeon Dr Ramnarayan, M.Ch
(neurosurgeon), FRCS, Functional Fellowship (UK) will
be presenting the topic. Private consultation with the
Doctor will be available on prior registration.
Write to us
Send to What’s On
upcoming events, birthdays or
celebrations by email:
local@kuwaittimes.net
Fax: 24835619 / 20
WHAT’S ON
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
‘Seafood Promotion of the
Month’ at Terrace Grill Steakhouse
Satisfying the demand of its seafood
lovers in what has earned the reputation
of being known as the ‘best
steakhouse in town’, Terrace Grill at JW
Marriott Kuwait City Hotel, introduces its
special seafood promotion to all its guests
during the celebrated month of February.
Guests can now enjoy a feast of endless
seafood delicacies, popular delights -
including salmon carpaccio and freshly pre-
KUWAIT: Kuwait National English School,
Hawally, celebrated its best ever 2013
Annual Science and Technology Fair on
Thursday January 31, 2013in the Al
Farabi Theatre. The theme of the event
was ‘Going Green’.
The event started by a full school
assembly during which Madame Chantal
Al Gharabally, School Director, addressed
the student body and stressed the
importance of Science and Technology
to the young generation. Her speech was
centered on philosophical thought
towards ethics in science through various
examples of Recycling and Going
Green. Madame additionally commented
pared red snappers, along with sea-food
inspired soups and more.
The promotion, which ends on the 28th
of February, features dishes such as pan
fried sea bass with peas and mashed potatoes
as well as the Newburg style gratinated
lobster served with a champignon and
Chateaux potato on green peas. Before
enjoying the main dish, guests can complement
their meal with their choice of special
on the importance of Research in
Science and Technology to enthusestudents
to think about the advantages of a
science oriented career and scientific
research.
The format of the Science and
Technology fair was altered this year to
enable more active participation from
each student. Each year group began
with PowerPoint presentations on
Recycling and Getting Green by students
using the updated school facilities and
they were judged by a panel of experienced
teachers. They were very interesting
and informative.This was followed
with Science Pop Quizzes with various
seafood appetizers. They could choose
from a seafood platter, serving prawns
wrapped in Kunafa with a freshly-made
seafood salad and lobster cappuccino or a
warm red snapper and salmon carpaccio
served with orange emulsion. A spicy and
sour soup is also part of the special seafood
menu, which will be served with an intriguing
composition of prawns, salmon, squid
and Asian spices along with various offer-
teams of six students made from each
year group. Students from each year
group were competing among themselves
to show their understanding of
scientific facts and principles. At the end
of the day, winners were rewarded with
prizes and medals.
The Kuwait National English School
Science fair was an excellent event that
showcased the successes of our students.
The school has invested extensively
in Science and Technology over the
last few years and this event is very
encouraging to see this realized in the
enthusiasm and achievement of the
Primary and Secondary Departments.
ings of exclusive decanted desserts to complete
a memorable dining experience.
JW Marriott has deployed an expert and
efficient culinary team to guarantee a truly
world class dining experience for its discerning
guests. The diverse menu also features
dishes such as fillet mignon, rib eye
steak and other premium cuts while dining
in the restaurant’s relaxing and signature
ambience.
Kuwait National English School
2013 Annual Science and Technology Fair
Madame Chantal Al Gharabally,
School Director, and the team of Science
& Technologyteachers from the entire
school have been holding the event each
year since 1998as a way to develop students’
skills and interest in the subjects of
Science and Technology. This interest is
obviously building as each year students
seem to get an earlier start on their
Projects and Researches in order to know
everything they can about their science
topic before the fair begin.
The Student Council commented that
the event was extremely enjoyable and
during which students were able to learn
in a different environment.

WHAT’S ON
IKEA Kuwait holds amazing surprises this February
As part of the much anticipated February
festivities, IKEA Kuwait has announced a
special promotion that will enable its customers
to benefit from an inspiring range of
products that will turn their dream homes into a
colorful reality .The month long campaign ends
28th February, 2013.
Conceptualized by IKEA Kuwait to introduce
its customers to renewing their homes with endless
living solutions this season, through this
promotion, customers can start their New Year
with a home that reflects ones character through
modern, stylish and contemporary patterns at
low prices.
This February, shoppers will receive a coupon
for every KD 20 worth of purchases to enter a
draw to win IKEA gift cards. The first prize value
starts at KD 1,500 and so on.
IKEA Kuwait offers a wide and unique range of
sofa fabrics, customized living storage solutions,
TV solutions, curtains, cushions and throws rugs,
table and long lasting energy saving floor lamps
to breathe fresh life into every eager customer’s
home this season.
GUST PR Department organizes Desert
Camp Out for Staff and Faculty
The Gulf University for Science and
Technology (GUST) Public
Relations Department organized a
desert camp out for its staff and faculty.
With the attendance of staff and faculty
and their families, the day was spent at a
City, February 3 2013, McDonald’s Kuwait held an
award ceremony on Sunday evening at the Corniche
restaurant to award the winners of the My
McDonald’s photography competition. The one-month
competition that concluded on January 26th was a platform
for the members of the community to display creativity
and imagination by capturing what the McDonald’s
brand means to them in a form of a picture. “We are really
pleased with the number of amazing pictures that we had
received. The participants showcased a great amount of
creativity and demonstrated their passion for McDonald’s
through the lens of their camera.” Commentated George
Khawam, Marketing Director of McDonalds Kuwait.
First to receive the prizes were the winners of the weekly
smart phone competition, participants of the weekly
competition were encouraged to take snapshots using
their smart phones of their favorite part of their
McDonald’s experience; be it the interior or exterior of
McDonald’s 68 branches, their family time experience at
McDonald’s, or the vast range of products. Every week
three winners were chosen by the public based on the
cumulative votes that they received on the McDonald’s
Arabia Instagram and Facebook pages. All winners
received the brand new D5200 Nikon DSLR cameras.
Winners of weekly smart phone competition were Zahraa
Hussain Abdal, Yaaqub Yousef Alouli, Abdul Samad Abdul
Majid Butt Riyaz, Archimedes H. Ricafort, Haya Marjan
Abdullah Faraj, Kawthar Hussain Abdal, Abdul Qadeer
Sarwar, Lovelily David and Noura Khalifa At Asfour.
The next category was the digital cameras judged by
the prominent Kuwaiti photographers, Abdul Aziz Al
Asousi, Majed Al Zaabi and Faisal Al Bisher. The pictures
were judged on creativity and originality, perspective and
angle of the picture and basic photography compositions
and techniques. The grand prize of KD 2000, the largest
monetary value that has ever been awarded in a photography
competition in Kuwait was won by Mohammed Al
Sultan. Yousef Al Qallaf came second and was awarded
KD1000 and Abdulla Ebrahim Malallah and Fahad Al Robah
were tied for third place and awarded with the prize of
KD500 each. Khawam further stated “At McDonalds we
abide by the Blue Ribbon Protocol, which is a legal and
control process to ensure promotion fairness. For that reason
we turned to the expertise of some of Kuwait’s well
known photographers and sourced them as 3rd party
judges. We want to thank the judges for their hard work
and dedication and also the participants who took part in
the competition and allowed us to get a glimpse of what
McDonald’s means to them”.
desert camp filled with games, entertainment
and competitions for the kids
and adults, as well as good food and
ample time to socialize. It was a great
opportunity for the GUST employees to
meet and get to know each other better
outside the work atmosphere.
The day was thoroughly enjoyed by
everyone in attendance. There were
games and bouncy castles for the kids’
entertainment. As for the adults, there
were soccer and volleyball fields avail-
able and they had the chance to sit and
revel in the great weekend weather and
meet new staff and faculty. After lunch, a
DJ played music and hosted competitions
for the kids and adults with characters
entertaining the children.
Embassy
Information
EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA
The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not
have a visa or immigration department.
All processing of visas and immigration
matters in conducted by The Australian
Consulate-General in Dubai. Email: info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com
(VFS)
immigration.dubai@dfat.gov.au (Visa Office); Tel:
+971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa
Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office). In
Kuwait applications can be lodged at the
Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor,
Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem
Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait,
Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days:
09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their
website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more information.
Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas
on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm.
n n n n n n n
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
EMBASSY OF CANADA
The Embassyof Canada in Kuwait does
not have a visa or immigration department.
All processing of visa and immigration
matters including enquiries is conducted
by the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi,
U.A.E. Individuals who are interested in working,
studying, visiting or immigrating to
Canada†should contact the Canadian Embassy
in Abu Dhabi, website: www.UAE.gc.ca†or
www.goingtocanada.gc.ca, E-mail: abdbi-imenquiry@international.gc.ca.
The Embassy of
Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakei St,
Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at
www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is
open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through
Thursday. The reception is open from 07:30 to
12:30. Consular services for Canadian citizens
are provided from 09:00†until 12:00, Sunday
through Wednesday.
n n n n n n n
EMBASSY OF MYANMAR
Embassy of the Republic of the Union of
Myanmar would like to inform the general
public that the Embassy has moved
its office to new location at Villa 35, Road 203,
Block 2, Al-Salaam Area in South Surra. The
Embassy wishes to advice Myanmar citizens
and travellers to Myanmar to contact
Myanmar Embassy at its new location. Tel.
25240736, 25240290, Fax: 25240749, email:myankuwait11@gmai1.com.
McDonald’s commemorates Winners of My McDonald’s Photography Competition

00:50 Animal Cops South Africa
01:45 Your Worst Animal
Nightmares
02:35 I’m Alive
03:25 Wildest Africa
04:15 Mutant Planet
05:05 Running With Wolves
05:55 Call Of The Wildman
06:20 Animal Battlegrounds
06:45 Wildlife SOS
07:35 Wildlife SOS
08:00 The Really Wild Show
08:25 Breed All About It
09:15 Dogs 101: Specials
10:10 Weird Creatures With Nick
Baker
11:05 Wildest Africa
12:00 Animal Cops Phoenix
12:55 Call Of The Wildman
13:20 Wildlife SOS
13:50 Gator Boys
14:45 Animal Precinct
15:40 Wildest Africa
16:30 Animal Battlegrounds
17:00 The Really Wild Show
17:30 Dogs 101: Specials
18:25 Rescue Vet
18:50 Rescue Vet
19:20 Extraordinary Dogs
20:15 Bondi Vet
20:40 Safari Vet School
21:10 Call Of The Wildman
21:35 Animal Battlegrounds
22:05 Wildest Africa
00:00 Homes Under The Hammer
00:50 Extreme Makeover: Home
Edition Specials
02:10 Come Dine With Me
03:00 10 Years Younger
03:45 MasterChef
04:15 Saturday Kitchen 2008/09
04:40 Bargain Hunt
05:25 Living In The Sun
06:15 House Swap
07:00 Gino D’acampo: An Italian In
Mexico
07:50 Saturday Kitchen 2008/09
08:15 Homes Under The Hammer
09:05 Bargain Hunt
09:50 Antiques Roadshow
10:45 Extreme Makeover: Home
Edition Specials
12:05 MasterChef
12:35 Come Dine With Me
13:25 Rick Stein’s Mediterranean
Escapes
14:15 Holmes On Homes
15:05 Bargain Hunt
15:50 Antiques Roadshow
16:40 Extreme Makeover: Home
Edition Specials
18:00 Homes Under The Hammer
18:50 The Hairy Bikers USA
19:20 The Hairy Bikers USA
19:45 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard
20:10 French Food At Home
00:00 Newsday
00:30 Asia Business Report
00:45 Sport Today
01:00 BBC World News
01:30 Asia Business Report
01:45 Sport Today
02:00 BBC World News
02:30 Asia Business Report
02:45 Sport Today
03:00 BBC World News
03:30 Hardtalk
04:00 BBC World News
04:30 World Business Report
04:45 BBC World News
05:00 BBC World News
05:30 World Business Report
05:45 BBC World News
06:30 World Business Report
06:45 BBC World News
07:30 World Business Report
07:45 BBC World News
08:00 BBC World News
08:30 Hardtalk
09:00 BBC World News
09:30 World Business Report
09:45 Sport Today
10:00 BBC World News
10:30 BBC World News
11:00 GMT With George Alagiah
12:00 Impact With Mishal Husain
13:30 Hardtalk
14:00 BBC World News
15:30 World Business Report
15:45 Sport Today
16:00 BBC World News
16:30 BBC Focus On Africa
17:00 BBC World News
17:30 World Business Report
17:45 Sport Today
18:00 World News Today With
Zeinab Badawi
19:30 World Business Report
19:45 Sport Today
20:00 Business Edition With Tanya
Beckett
20:30 Hardtalk
21:00 BBC World News America
22:00 Newsday
00:05 Taz-Mania
00:30 Pink Panther And Pals
00:55 Moomins
01:20 Tom & Jerry Kids
01:45 A Pup Named Scooby-Doo
02:10 Puppy In My Pocket
02:35 Wacky Races
03:00 Looney Tunes
03:25 Duck Dodgers
03:50 Dastardly And Muttley
04:00 Dexter’s Laboratory
04:30 Wacky Races
04:55 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries
05:20 Tom & Jerry
05:45 The Garfield Show
06:00 Bananas In Pyjamas
06:25 Gerald McBoing Boing
06:45 Jelly Jamm
07:00 Ha Ha Hairies
07:25 Baby Looney Tunes
07:50 Lazy Town
08:15 Krypto The Superdog
08:40 Jelly Jamm
09:05 Gerald McBoing Boing
09:30 Cartoonito Tales
09:55 Bananas In Pyjamas
10:20 Ha Ha Hairies
10:45 Lazy Town
11:10 Krypto The Superdog
11:35 Baby Looney Tunes
12:00 Jelly Jamm
12:25 Gerald McBoing Boing
12:50 Cartoonito Tales
13:15 Krypto The Superdog
13:40 Lazy Town
14:00 A Pup Named Scooby-Doo
14:25 Tom And Jerry Tales
14:50 Sylvester And Tweety
Mysteries
15:20 Johnny Bravo
15:45 Tom & Jerry
16:10 Pink Panther And Pals
16:35 The Garfield Show
17:00 What’s New Scooby-Doo?
17:25 Sylvester And Tweety
Mysteries
17:50 Tom And Jerry Tales
18:15 The Looney Tunes Show
18:40 Taz-Mania
19:05 Moomins
19:30 Pink Panther & Pals
19:45 The Garfield Show
20:00 Sylvester And Tweety
Mysteries
20:20 Tom And Jerry Tales
20:45 Moomins
21:10 Dexters Laboratory
00:40 Chowder
01:30 Bakugan Battle Brawlers
02:20 Foster’s Home For...
03:10 Courage The Cowardly Dog
04:00 The Amazing World Of
Gumball
04:25 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien
04:50 Adventure Time
05:15 The Powerpuff Girls
05:40 Generator Rex
06:05 Ben 10
06:55 Angelo Rules
07:00 Casper’s Scare School
08:00 Mucha Lucha
08:25 Johnny Test
08:45 Adventure Time
THE REUNION ON OSN ACTION HD
09:05 Total Drama Action
09:30 Total Drama Action
09:55 Ben 10: Omniverse
10:20 Young Justice
10:45 Thundercats
11:10 Regular Show
12:00 The Amazing World Of
Gumball
12:50 Foster’s Home For...
13:40 Courage The Cowardly Dog
14:30 Powerpuff Girls
15:20 Angelo Rules
16:10 Batman: The Brave And The
Bold
16:35 Young Justice
17:00 Ben 10: Omniverse
17:20 Transformers Prime
17:40 Johnny Test
18:00 Level Up
18:25 The Amazing World Of
Gumball
18:50 Adventure Time
19:15 Regular Show
19:40 Mucha Lucha
20:05 Celebrity Manhunt’s Total
Drama...
20:55 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien
21:20 Hero 108
21:45 Bakugan: Mechtanium Surge
22:10 Grim Adventures Of...
00:15 Magic Of Science
00:40 Time Warp
01:10 Mythbusters
03:55 Border Security
04:20 Auction Kings
04:50 Auction Kings
05:15 How Do They Do It?
05:40 How It’s Made
06:05 American Guns
07:00 Mythbusters
07:50 Unchained Reaction
08:45 Finding Bigfoot
09:40 Border Security
10:05 Auction Kings
10:30 Auction Kings
10:55 How Do They Do It?
11:25 How It’s Made
11:50 Magic Of Science
12:20 Time Warp
12:45 Mythbusters
13:40 Mythbusters
14:35 Border Security
15:05 Auction Kings
15:30 Auction Kings
16:00 Desert Car Kings
16:55 Finding Bigfoot
17:50 Mythbusters
18:45 American Guns
00:10 Hannah Montana Forever
00:35 Brandy & Mr Whiskers
01:25 Replacements
02:15 Emperor’s New School
03:05 Brandy & Mr Whiskers
03:55 Replacements
04:45 Emperor’s New School
05:35 Brandy & Mr Whiskers
06:00 Phineas And Ferb
06:15 Suite Life On Deck
06:40 My Babysitter’s A Vampire
07:05 A.N.T. Farm
07:30 Phineas And Ferb
07:55 Jessie
08:20 Good Luck Charlie
08:45 Doc McStuffins
09:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
09:25 Jake & The Neverland Pirates
09:35 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of
Friendship
09:45 Mouk
10:00 Jonas Los Angeles
10:25 So Random
10:50 Hannah Montana
11:15 Sonny With A Chance
11:40 Kim Possible
12:05 Shake It Up
12:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place
12:55 Phineas And Ferb
13:20 Austin And Ally
13:45 Art Attack
14:10 A.N.T. Farm
14:35 Suite Life On Deck
15:00 My Babysitter’s A Vampire
15:25 Shake It Up
15:45 Minnie And You
TV PROGRAMS
15:50 Austin And Ally
16:15 Jessie
16:40 A.N.T. Farm
17:00 Good Luck Charlie
17:25 Minnie And You
17:30 Gravity Falls
17:55 Suite Life On Deck
18:20 Austin And Ally
18:45 Phineas And Ferb
18:55 Phineas And Ferb
19:10 A.N.T Farm
19:35 Good Luck Charlie
20:00 Jessie
20:30 That’s So Raven
20:50 Cory In The House
21:15 Phil Of The Future
00:20 Little Einsteins
00:50 Special Agent Oso
01:15 Lazytown
01:40 Jungle Junction
02:10 Handy Manny
02:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
03:00 Lazytown
03:25 Special Agent Oso
03:50 Imagination Movers
04:20 Handy Manny
04:40 Special Agent Oso
05:00 Timmy Time
05:10 Lazytown
05:35 Little Einsteins
06:00 Jungle Junction
06:30 Little Einsteins
06:50 Special Agent Oso
07:15 Jungle Junction
07:45 Handy Manny
08:00 Special Agent Oso
08:15 Imagination Movers
08:40 Cars Toons
08:45 Handy Manny
09:00 The Hive
09:10 New Adventures Of Winnie
The Pooh
09:35 Jake & The Neverland Pirates
10:05 Zou
10:35 Doc McStuffins
11:00 Lilo And Stitch
11:30 Cars Toons
11:35 Timmy Time
11:45 Art Attack
12:10 The Adventures Of Disney
Fairies
12:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
13:00 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of
Friendship
13:10 Doc McStuffins
13:25 Handy Manny
13:40 Jungle Junction
13:55 Timmy Time
14:05 The Hive
14:15 Zou
14:40 Timmy Time
14:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
15:20 New Adventures Of Winnie
The Pooh
15:45 Jake & The Neverland Pirates
16:00 The Little Mermaid
16:25 Lilo And Stitch
16:55 Imagination Movers
17:20 Handy Manny
17:35 The Hive
17:45 Lilo And Stitch
18:10 Doc McStuffins
18:40 Jake & The Neverland Pirates
19:10 The Adventures Of Disney
Fairies
19:35 New Adventures Of Winnie
The Pooh
20:05 Timmy Time
20:15 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of
Friendship
20:25 Doc McStuffins
20:40 Jake & The Neverland Pirates
20:55 Jake & The Neverland Pirates
21:10 Zou
21:45 Handy Manny
22:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
22:25 The Hive
22:35 New Adventures Of Winnie
The Pooh
23:00 Timmy Time
23:10 Animated Stories
23:20 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of
Friendship
23:30 Jungle Junction
23:45 Handy Manny
23:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
00:00 Programmes Start At 7:00am
07:00 Kickin It
07:25 Phineas And Ferb
07:50 Almost Naked Animals
08:15 Pokemon: BW Rival Destinies
08:40 Slugterra
09:05 Scaredy Squirrel
09:30 Ultimate Spider-Man
09:55 Zeke & Luther
10:20 Kick Buttowski
10:45 I’m In The Band
11:10 Rekkit Rabbit
11:35 Rated A For Awesome
12:00 Iron Man Armored
Adventures
12:25 American Dragon
12:50 Kick Buttowski
13:20 Pair Of Kings
13:45 Zeke & Luther
14:10 Kid vs Kat
14:35 I’m In The Band
15:00 Ultimate Spider-Man
15:25 Kickin It
15:50 Rekkit Rabbit
16:15 Pair Of Kings
16:40 Almost Naked Animals
17:05 Lab Rats
17:30 Slugterra
17:55 Cars Toons
18:00 My Babysitter’s A Vampire
18:25 Scaredy Squirrel
18:50 Phineas And Ferb
19:40 Fort Boyard - Ultimate
Challenge
20:05 Slugterra
20:30 My Babysitter’s A Vampire
20:55 I’m In The Band
21:20 Rated A For Awesome
21:45 Rekkit Rabbit
22:10 Phineas And Ferb
22:35 Ultimate Spider-Man
23:05 Kick Buttowski
00:00 Scouted
00:55 Style Star
01:25 THS
03:15 Behind The Scenes
03:40 Extreme Close-Up
04:10 THS
05:05 E!es
06:00 THS
07:50 Behind The Scenes
08:20 E! News
09:15 Ice Loves Coco
10:15 THS
12:05 E! News
13:05 Opening Act
14:05 Kourtney & Kim Take New
York
15:00 Style Star
15:30 THS
16:30 Behind The Scenes
17:00 Married To Jonas
18:00 E! News
19:00 E!es
20:00 Giuliana & Bill
21:00 Married To Jonas
21:30 Fashion Police
22:30 E! News
23:30 Chelsea Lately
00:15 Unique Sweets
00:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives
01:30 Andy Bates American Street
Feasts
02:20 Unwrapped
02:45 Charly’s Cake Angels
03:35 Unique Sweets
04:20 Kid In A Candy Store
04:50 Unique Sweets
05:15 Charly’s Cake Angels
05:40 Chopped
06:30 Iron Chef America
07:10 Unwrapped
08:00 Food Network Challenge
08:50 Kid In A Candy Store
09:15 Unwrapped
09:40 United Tastes Of America
10:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To
Basics
10:30 Barefoot Contessa - Back To
Basics
10:55 Cooking For Real
11:20 Easy Chinese: San Francisco
11:45 Easy Chinese
12:10 Mexican Made Easy
13:00 Iron Chef America
13:50 Tyler’s Ultimate
14:15 Unique Sweets
15:05 World Cafe Asia
15:30 Easy Chinese: San Francisco
15:55 Easy Chinese
16:20 United Tastes Of America
16:45 Chopped
17:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To
Basics
18:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To
Basics
18:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives
18:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives
19:15 Andy Bates American Street
Feasts
19:40 Tyler’s Ultimate
20:05 Guy’s Big Bite
20:30 Chopped
21:20 Chopped
22:10 Iron Chef America
23:00 Crave
23:25 Crave
23:50 Unique Eats
00:40 I Almost Got Away With It
01:30 Dr G: Medical Examiner
02:20 Ghost Lab
03:05 American Greed
03:55 I Almost Got Away With It
05:30 Dr G: Medical Examiner
06:20 Ghost Lab
07:10 Murder Shift
08:00 Mystery Diagnosis
08:50 Street Patrol
09:15 Street Patrol
09:40 Real Emergency Calls
10:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry?
10:30 True Crime With Aphrodite
Jones
11:20 Murder Shift
12:10 Disappeared
13:00 Mystery Diagnosis
13:50 Street Patrol
14:15 Street Patrol
14:40 Forensic Detectives
15:30 True Crime With Aphrodite
Jones
16:20 Real Emergency Calls
16:45 Who On Earth Did I Marry?
17:10 Disappeared
18:00 Murder Shift
18:50 Forensic Detectives
19:40 True Crime With Aphrodite
Jones
20:30 Disappeared
21:20 Nightmare Next Door
22:10 Couples Who Kill
23:00 Kidnap And Rescue
00:45 Amish: Out of Order
01:40 Meet The Natives: USA
02:35 Bondi Rescue
04:25 Ultimate Traveller
05:20 A World Apart
06:15 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 2
06:40 Food Lover’s Guide To The
Planet
07:10 Reverse Exploration
08:05 Amish: Out of Order
09:00 Meet The Natives: USA
09:55 Bondi Rescue
11:45 Ultimate Traveller
12:40 Lonely Planet: Roads Less
Travelled
13:35 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 3
14:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The
Planet
14:30 Eccentric Uk
15:25 Amish: Out of Order
16:20 Meet The Natives: USA
17:15 Bondi Rescue
19:05 Travel Oz
20:00 Eccentric Uk
21:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 3
21:30 Food Lover’s Guide To The
Planet
22:00 A World Apart
22:55 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 2
23:20 Food Lover’s Guide To The
Planet
23:50 Street Food Around The World
00:00 Hunter Hunted
01:00 World’s Deadliest GPU
01:55 The Megafalls Of Iguacu
02:50 The Incredible Dr. Pol
03:45 The Pack
04:40 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy
05:35 The Real Serengeti
06:30 The Megafalls Of Iguacu
07:25 The Incredible Dr. Pol
08:20 The Pack
09:15 Ultimate Animal Countdown
10:10 Animal Autopsy
11:05 Ultimate Predators GPU
12:00 Monster Fish
13:00 Restless Planet
14:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy
FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS ON OSN MOVIES HD
15:00 The Pack
16:00 Ultimate Animal Countdown
17:00 Animal Autopsy
18:00 World’s Deadliest GPU
19:00 Moray Eels: Alien Empire
20:00 Ultimate Animal Countdown
21:00 The Pack
00:00 Open Graves-18
02:00 Alien-18
04:00 Goal!-PG15
06:00 Tomorrow, When The War
Began-PG15
08:00 The Reunion-PG15
10:00 Transporter 2-PG15
12:00 Battle: Los Angeles-PG15
14:00 The Reunion-PG15
16:00 Go Fast-PG15
18:00 Battle: Los Angeles-PG15
20:00 Street Kings 2: Motor City-18
22:00 Caught Inside-PG15
01:00 Awaydays-18
03:00 The Decoy Bride-PG15
05:00 Ghost Machine-PG15
07:00 Golden Christmas 3-PG15
09:00 The Decoy Bride-PG15
11:00 Win Win-PG15
13:00 Once Brothers-PG15
15:00 Jane Eyre-PG15
17:00 Eva-PG15
18:45 Moneyball-PG15
21:00 We Bought A Zoo-PG
23:15 The Rum Diary-18
00:30 The Daily Show With Jon
Stewart
01:00 The Colbert Report
01:30 The League
02:00 Louie
02:30 Eastbound & Down
03:00 New Girl
03:30 Raising Hope
04:00 Less Than Perfect
04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay
Leno
05:30 Til Death
06:00 Seinfeld
06:30 Hope & Faith
07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
08:00 Less Than Perfect
08:30 New Girl
09:00 Til Death
09:30 Allen Gregory
10:00 The Mindy Project
10:30 Hope & Faith
11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay
Leno
12:00 Seinfeld
12:30 Less Than Perfect
13:00 Til Death
13:30 Hope & Faith
14:00 Raising Hope
14:30 The Mindy Project
15:00 Allen Gregory
15:30 The Daily Show With Jon
Stewart
16:00 The Colbert Report
16:30 Seinfeld
17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
18:00 New Girl
18:30 2 Broke Girls
19:00 Allen Gregory
19:30 Modern Family
20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay
Leno
21:00 The Daily Show With Jon
Stewart
00:00 Franklin & Bash
01:00 Awake
02:00 The Carrie Diaries
03:00 The Finder
04:00 Six Feet Under
05:00 Good Morning America
07:00 The Bachelor
08:00 Emmerdale
08:30 Coronation Street
09:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show
10:00 Jane By Design
11:00 The Bachelor
12:00 Franklin & Bash
13:00 The Finder
14:00 Jane By Design
15:00 Live Good Morning America
17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show
18:00 Emmerdale
18:30 Coronation Street
00:00 Open Graves-18
02:00 Alien-18
04:00 Goal!-PG15
06:00 Tomorrow, When The War
Began-PG15
08:00 The Reunion-PG15
10:00 Transporter 2-PG15
12:00 Battle: Los Angeles-PG15
14:00 The Reunion-PG15
16:00 Go Fast-PG15
18:00 Battle: Los Angeles-PG15
20:00 Street Kings 2: Motor City-18
22:00 Caught Inside-PG15
00:00 MacGruber-18
02:00 Take Me Home Tonight-18
04:00 Beware The Gonzo-PG15
06:00 Good Boy!-PG
08:00 Little Shop Of Horrors-PG15
10:00 The Bad News Bears (1976)
12:00 Beware The Gonzo-PG15
14:00 Best In Show-PG15
16:00 The Bad News Bears (1976)
01:00 Nixon-18
04:00 Terms Of Endearment-PG15
06:15 Witness-PG15
08:15 Life In A Day-PG15
09:45 Anna And The King-PG15
12:10 The Memory Keeper’s
Daughter-PG15
13:40 Miles From Nowhere-PG
15:05 Anna And The King-PG15
17:30 T T3D: Closer To The Edge-
PG15
19:15 Love And Other Impossible
Pursuits-PG15
21:00 The Silence Of The Lambs-18
23:00 Biutiful-18
01:00 Black Forest-PG15
03:00 Rising Stars-PG15
05:00 Call Of The Wild-PG15
07:00 Happy Feet Two-PG
09:00 The Adjustment Bureau-PG15
11:00 The Bad News Bears (2005)
13:00 Marley & Me: The Puppy
Years-PG
15:00 Hitch-PG15
17:00 The Adjustment Bureau-PG15
18:45 Hugo-PG
21:00 We Bought A Zoo-PG
23:15 Friends With Benefits-18
01:15 The Wild Thornberrys Movie
02:45 The Ugly Duckling Goes On
Holiday-FAM
04:15 Turtle Hero: Part I-FAM
06:00 Treasure Buddies-PG
08:00 Alex & Alexis-FAM
10:00 Kung Fu Panda 2-PG
11:30 The Wild Thornberrys Movie-
PG
13:00 Rebound-PG
14:30 Rio-FAM
16:15 The Fantastic Adventure Of
The Ugly Duckling-FAM
18:00 Kung Fu Panda 2-PG
20:00 The Fairy Tale Tree-FAM
22:00 Rebound-PG
23:30 Alex & Alexis-FAM
00:30 European Tour Weekly
01:00 Inside The PGA Tour
01:30 Super League
03:30 Trans World Sport
04:30 Rugby Union
06:30 Inside The PGA Tour
07:00 PGA Tour Highlights
08:00 European PGA Tour
Highlights
09:00 European Tour Weekly
09:30 Super League
11:30 ICC Cricket 360
12:00 Rugby Union
14:00 Rugby Union
16:00 Trans World Sport
17:00 Futbol Mundial
17:30 Live Dubai World Cup Carnival
22:00 NFL Gameday
22:30 Inside The PGA Tour
23:00 Live PGA Tour
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
00:30 Futbol Mundial
01:00 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights
02:30 Dubai World Cup Carnival
07:00 Trans World Sport
08:00 Futbol Mundial
08:30 Anglo Welsh Cup
10:30 ICC Cricket 360
11:00 PGA Tour Highlights
12:00 PGA European Tour
Highlights
13:00 PGA European Tour Weekly
13:30 Live PGA European Tour
17:30 Inside The PGA Tour
18:00 Futbol Mundial
18:30 NFL Game Day
19:00 WWE NXT
20:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter
21:00 Trans World Sport
22:00 Live Premier League Darts
00:00 World Cup of Pool
01:00 Golfing World
02:00 World Cup of Darts
05:30 Futbol Mundial
06:00 European PGA Tour
Highlights
07:00 Golfing World
08:00 Total Rugby
08:30 Spirit of a Champion
09:00 World Pool Masters
10:00 World Cup of Pool
11:00 World Cup of Darts
14:30 Golfing World
15:30 World Pool Masters
16:30 World Cup of Pool
17:30 Trans World Sport
18:30 European PGA Tour
23:00 Anglo Welsh Cup
01:00 NHL
03:00 Ping Pong World
Championships
04:00 US Bass Fishing
05:00 NHL
07:00 WWE SmackDown
09:00 Ping Pong World
Championships
10:00 US Bass Fishing
11:00 NHL
13:00 WWE Vintage Collection
14:00 WWE Bottom Line
15:00 Prizefighter
18:00 UAE National Race Day Series
19:00 NHL
21:00 UFC Ultimate 100 Knockouts
00:00 Storage Wars
01:00 Pawn Stars
01:30 Storage Wars
02:00 Soviet Storm: WWII In The East
03:00 Ancient Aliens
04:00 Storage Wars
05:00 Seeking Salvage
06:00 Pawn Stars
06:30 American Restoration
07:00 Soviet Storm: WWII In The East
08:00 Pawn Stars
08:30 Storage Wars
09:00 Seeking Salvage
10:00 Pawn Stars
10:30 American Restoration
11:00 Pawn Stars
11:30 Storage Wars
12:00 Soviet Storm: WWII In The East
13:00 Ancient Aliens
14:00 Storage Wars
15:00 Pawn Stars
15:30 American Restoration
16:00 Seeking Salvage
17:00 Ancient Aliens
18:00 Storage Wars
19:00 Pawn Stars
00:55 Bhowani Junction-PG
02:45 Pink Floyd - The Wall
04:20 The Barretts Of Wimpole
Street-PG
06:05 Robin And The Seven Hoods
08:00 Elvis: That’s The Way It Is-FAM
09:50 The Prize-PG
12:00 The Barretts Of Wimpole
Street-PG
13:45 Destination Tokyo-FAM
16:00 Robin And The Seven Hoods
18:05 Please Don’t Eat The Daisies

Classifieds
SHARQIA-1
WARM BODIES (DIG) 12:30 PM
GANGSTER SQUAD (DIG) 2:30 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 4:45 PM
QUARTET (DIG) 6:45 PM
GANGSTER SQUAD (DIG) 8:45 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 11:00 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 1:00 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
SHARQIA-2
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 2:00 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 4:00 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 6:15 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 8:30 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 10:30 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 12:45 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
SHARQIA-3
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 12:30 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 2:30 PM
LINCOLN (DIG) 4:30 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 7:30 PM
LINCOLN (DIG) 9:30 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 12:30 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
MUHALAB-1
GANGSTER SQUAD (DIG) 1:45 PM
LINCOLN (DIG) 4:15 PM
QUARTET (DIG) 7:15 PM
LINCOLN (DIG) 9:15 PM
GANGSTER SQUAD (DIG) 12:15 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
MUHALAB-2
WARM BODIES (DIG) 12:45 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 2:45 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 4:45 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 6:45 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 8:45 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 10:45 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 12:45 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
MUHALAB-3
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 2:00 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 4:00 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 6:15 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 8:15 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 10:30 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 12:30 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
FANAR-1
WARM BODIES (DIG) 12:30 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 2:30 PM
QUARTET (DIG) 4:30 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 6:30 PM
QUARTET (DIG) 8:30 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 10:30 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 12:30 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
FANAR-2
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 1:00 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 3:00 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 5:00 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 7:00 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 9:00 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 11:00 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 1:00 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
FANAR-3
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 2:00 PM
Arrival Flights on Thursday 7/2/2013
Airlines Flt Route Time
JAI 574 MUMBAI 0:05
THY 772 ISTANBUL 0:35
JZR 267 BEIRUT 0:45
JZR 539 CAIRO 0:50
QTR 148 DOHA 1:00
SAI 441 LAHORE 1:30
ETH 620 ADDIS ABABA 1:45
GFA 211 BAHRAIN 1:50
UAE 853 DUBAI 2:35
ETD 305 ABU DHABI 2:45
FDB 67 DUBAI 3:05
MSR 612 CAIRO 3:10
RBG 3555 ALEXANDRIA 3:25
QTR 138 DOHA 3:45
DHX 170 BAHRAIN 5:15
THY 770 ISTANBUL 5:30
JZR 503 LUXOR 5:55
JZR 555 ALEXANDRIA 6:00
JZR 529 ASSIUT 6:35
BAW 157 LONDON 6:40
KAC 412 MANILA 6:45
KAC 354 COCHIN 7:35
KAC 206 ISLAMABAD 7:40
FDB 53 DUBAI 7:45
IRA 605 ISFAHAN 7:50
KAC 302 MUMBAI 7:55
IRA 617 AHWAZ 7:55
KAC 332 TRIVANDRUM 8:15
UAE 855 DUBAI 8:40
ABY 121 SHARJAH 9:05
QTR 132 DOHA 9:10
FDB 55 DUBAI 9:15
ETD 301 ABU DHABI 9:20
IRC 6588 SHAHRE KORD 9:25
IZG 4161 MASHAD 9:35
GFA 213 BAHRAIN 9:55
BAB 436 BAHRAIN 10:05
JZR 165 DUBAI 11:20
MSC 403 ASSIUT 11:35
MEA 404 BEIRUT 11:55
MSR 610 CAIRO 12:45
UAE 871 DUBAI 12:50
KAC 382 DELHI 12:55
SYR 341 DAMASCUS 12:55
FDB 57 DUBAI 13:50
KAC 546 ALEXANDRIA 14:15
KAC 672 DUBAI 14:15
KNE 472 JEDDAH 14:15
SVA 500 JEDDAH 14:30
QTR 140 DOHA 14:35
KAC 788 JEDDAH 14:55
MSR 514 CAIRO 14:55
JZR 257 BEIRUT 15:05
Kuwait
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 4:15 PM
JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) 6:45 PM
RACE 2 (DIG) (HINDI) 10:00 PM
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 12:45 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
FANAR-4
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 12:45 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3:00 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 5:15 PM
GANGSTER SQUAD (DIG) 7:30 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 9:45 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 12:05 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
FANAR-5
LINCOLN 2:45 PM
LINCOLN 5:45 PM
LINCOLN 8:45 PM
LINCOLN 11:45 PM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
MARINA-1
LINCOLN (DIG) 2:15 PM
QUARTET (DIG) 5:15 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 7:15 PM
LINCOLN (DIG) 9:15 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 12:15 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
MARINA-2
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 1:00 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3:30 PM
GANGSTER SQUAD (DIG) 5:45 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 8:00 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 10:15 PM
GANGSTER SQUAD (DIG) 12:30 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
MARINA-3
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 12:45 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 2:45 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 4:45 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 6:45 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 8:45 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 10:45 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 12:45 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
AVENUES-1
GANGSTER SQUAD (DIG) 2:15 PM
GANGSTER SQUAD (DIG) 4:45 PM
GANGSTER SQUAD (DIG) 7:15 PM
GANGSTER SQUAD (DIG) 9:45 PM
GANGSTER SQUAD (DIG) 12:15 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
AVENUES-2
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 2:30 PM
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 4:45 PM
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 7:00 PM
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 9:15 PM
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 11:30 PM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
AVENUES-3
LINCOLN (DIG) 12:30 PM
LINCOLN (DIG) 3:30 PM
LINCOLN (DIG) 6:30 PM
LINCOLN (DIG) 9:30 PM
LINCOLN (DIG) 12:30 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
AVENUES-4
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 12:30 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3:00 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 5:30 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 8:00 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 10:30 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 1:00 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
360º- 1
WARM BODIES (DIG) 2:15 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 4:30 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 6:45 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 9:00 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 11:15 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 1:15 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
360 º- 2
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 1:15 PM
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 3:30 PM
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 5:45 PM
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 8:00 PM
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 10:15 PM
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 12:30 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
360 º- 3
DJANGO UNCHAINED (DIG) 2:15 PM
CHINESE ZODIAC (DIG) 5:15 PM
DJANGO UNCHAINED (DIG) 8:15 PM
DJANGO UNCHAINED (DIG) 11:15 PM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
360 º- 4
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 1:30 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 4:00 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 6:30 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 9:00 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 11:30 PM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
AL-KOUT.1
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 1:45 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3:45 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 6:00 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 8:15 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 10:15 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 12:30 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
AL-KOUT.2
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 12:45 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 2:45 PM
LINCOLN (DIG) 4:45 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 7:45 PM
LINCOLN (DIG) 9:45 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 12:45 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
AL-KOUT.3
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 1:00 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 3:30 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 5:30 PM
THE LAST STAND (DIG) 7:30 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 10:00 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 12:30 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
BAIRAQ-1
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 12:30 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 2:45 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 4:45 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 7:15 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 9:15 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 11:30 PM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
BAIRAQ-2
LINCOLN (DIG) 2:00 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 5:00 PM
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
KNE 470 JEDDAH 15:05
KAC 284 DHAKA 15:10
QTR 134 DOHA 15:30
OMA 645 MUSCAT 15:40
JZR 535 CAIRO 16:25
KNE 474 JEDDAH 16:30
KAC 118 NEW YORK 16:35
UAE 857 DUBAI 16:40
JZR 1771 JEDDAH 16:45
ETD 303 ABU DHABI 16:50
RJA 640 AMMAN 16:55
GFA 215 BAHRAIN 17:15
SVA 510 RIYADH 17:20
JZR 777 JEDDAH 17:45
QTR 144 DOHA 17:50
ABY 127 SHARJAH 17:55
UAL 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 17:55
KAC 542 CAIRO 18:05
JZR 177 DUBAI 18:15
RBG 3553 ALEXANDRIA 18:20
KAC 786 JEDDAH 18:30
BAB 438 BAHRAIN 18:40
FDB 63 DUBAI 18:45
MSC 405 SOHAG 19:00
KAC 176 GENEVA 19:15
KAC 618 DOHA 19:20
KAC 104 LONDON 19:35
KAC 674 DUBAI 19:35
KAC 774 RIYADH 19:50
OMA 647 MUSCAT 19:55
FDB 61 DUBAI 20:00
JAI 572 MUMBAI 20:10
AXB 393 KOZHIKODE 20:15
MSC 401 ALEXANDRIA 20:20
MSR 618 ALEXANDRIA 20:25
JZR 189 DUBAI 20:30
ABY 129 SHARJAH 20:35
ALK 229 COLOMBO 20:55
QTR 146 DOHA 21:00
KAC 562 AMMAN 21:05
MEA 402 BEIRUT 21:20
QTR 136 DOHA 21:25
GFA 221 BAHRAIN 21:30
ETD 307 ABU DHABI 21:35
UAE 859 DUBAI 21:40
FDB 59 DUBAI 22:00
DHX 372 BAHRAIN 22:00
AIC 981 CHENNAI 22:30
JZR 239 AMMAN 22:45
GFA 217 BAHRAIN 22:50
KAC 502 BEIRUT 22:55
JZR 185 DUBAI 23:05
UAL 981 BAHRAIN 23:25
BBC 43 DHAKA 23:45
DLH 636 FRANKFURT 23:55
LINCOLN (DIG) 7:00 PM
SILENT HILL: REVELATION (DIG) 10:00 PM
LINCOLN (DIG) 12:05 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
BAIRAQ-3
WARM BODIES (DIG) 1:30 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 3:45 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 6:00 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 8:15 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 10:30 PM
WARM BODIES (DIG) 12:45 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
PLAZA
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3:30 PM
ONGOLE GITHA (DIG) (TELUGU) 5:45 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 8:45 PM
NO FRI
ONGOLE GITHA (DIG) (TELUGU) 9:30 PM
FRI
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 11:00 PM
NO FRI
LAILA
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 3:30 PM
LINCOLN (DIG) 5:30 PM
3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 8:30 PM
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 10:45 PM
AJIAL.1
DAVID (DIG) (TAMIL) 4:00 PM
NO THU
RACE 2 (DIG) (HINDI) 4:00 PM
THU
DAVID (DIG) (TAMIL) 7:00 PM
NO THU
RACE 2 (DIG) (HINDI) 7:00 PM
THU
DAVID (DIG) (TAMIL) 10:00 PM
NO THU
RACE 2 (DIG) (HINDI) 10:00 PM
THU
AJIAL.2
KADAL (DIG) (TAMIL) 3:30 PM
DAVID (DIG) (HINDI) 6:30 PM
NO THU
KADAL (DIG) (TAMIL) 6:30 PM
THU
KADAL (DIG) (TAMIL) 9:30 PM
AJIAL.3
ONGOLE GITHA (TELUGU) 3:30 PM
ONGOLE GITHA (TELUGU) 6:30 PM
ONGOLE GITHA (TELUGU) 9:30 PM
AJIAL.4
KAMMATH & KAMMATH (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 3:45 PM
KAMMATH & KAMMATH (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 6:45 PM
KAMMATH & KAMMATH (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 9:45 PM
METRO-1
KAMMATH & KAMMATH (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 3:30 PM
KAMMATH & KAMMATH (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 6:30 PM
KAMMATH & KAMMATH (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 9:30 PM
DAVID (DIG) (TAMIL) 9:30 PM
NO THU
METRO-2
ONGOLE GITHA (DIG) (TELUGU) 4:00 PM
NO THU
RACE 2 (DIG) (HINDI) 4:00 PM
THU
ONGOLE GITHA (DIG) (TELUGU) 7:00 PM
ONGOLE GITHA (DIG) (TELUGU) 10:00 PM
MATRIMONIAL
Proposals are invited for a
29-year-old Latin Catholic
boy, from Cochin working
in Kuwait as Engineer in a
very well established firm.
He will be in Cochin for two
weeks end of February.
Email:
jkuwait1983@gmail.com
(C 4295)
3-2-2014
LOST
State Life Insurance Policy
# 633000165 ñ Name: Ali
and Policy # 633000317 -
Maqsood Ali, 63003044 -
Framan Ali, has been lost.
Finder may please contact
SLIC office No: 2245208-9.
(C 4296)
3-2-2014
SITUATION WANTED
PhD holder (Malaysian citizen)
with 12 years R&D experience
seeking academic,
research or consultancy positions
in the area of IT/
Computer Engineering, Data
Mining etc. Available for
appointments between 2-15
Feb 2013. Call 97298545 for
details. (C 4298)
4-2-2013
MBA Finance, B.Com & ACCA
(Fundamental) with 5 years
of Accounts experience in
Kuwait, looking for suitable
position in well established
company or MNC. If anyone
has any opportunity or can
refer me to any company I
would be thankful. Contact:
55829223 or Email:
acconline@ymail.com
(C 4285)
3-2-2014
FOR SALE
2009 Hyundai Sonata, single
use, white color, excellent
condition, agency
maintained, 37,000 km only,
still under warranty, expecting
price KD 3,000, negotiable.
Contact: 97182559.
6-2-2013
Toyota Camry V6, model
2004, km 217,000, KD 2,100.
Tel: 99084420, 55037878.
(C 4299)
Departure Flights on Thursday 7/2/2013
Airlines Flt Route Time
AIC 976 GOA/CHENNAI 0:05
AXB 390 MANGALORE 0:15
QTR 6131 DOHA 0:55
JAI 573 MUMBAI 1:05
UAL 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 1:10
DLH 637 FRANKFURT 1:20
KAC 283 DHAKA 2:25
SAI 442 LAHORE 2:30
ETH 621 ADDIS ABABA 2:45
THY 773 ISTANBUL 2:55
KAC 381 DELHI 3:15
FDB 68 DUBAI 3:45
UAE 854 DUBAI 3:50
ETD 306 ABU DHABI 4:00
RBG 3556 ALEXANDRIA 4:05
MSR 613 CAIRO 4:10
QTR 139 DOHA 4:50
QTR 149 DOHA 6:05
JZR 164 DUBAI 6:55
GFA 212 BAHRAIN 7:00
KAC 545 ALEXANDRIA 7:30
THY 771 ISTANBUL 7:35
FDB 54 DUBAI 8:25
BAW 156 LONDON 8:45
IRA 606 MASHHAD 8:50
IRA 616 AHWAZ 8:55
JZR 256 BEIRUT 9:05
JZR 534 CAIRO 9:15
KAC 101 LONDON 9:20
KAC 787 JEDDAH 9:25
KAC 671 DUBAI 9:40
ABY 122 SHARJAH 9:45
UAE 856 DUBAI 9:55
FDB 56 DUBAI 10:00
ETD 302 ABU DHABI 10:05
QTR 133 DOHA 10:10
IRC 6589 SHAHRE 10:25
IZG 4162 MASHHAD 10:35
GFA 214 BAHRAIN 10:40
BAB 437 BAHRAIN 10:50
JZR 1770 JEDDAH 11:15
KAC 541 CAIRO 11:30
KAC 165 ROME 11:50
JZR 776 JEDDAH 12:15
MSC 406 SOHAG 12:35
MEA 405 BEIRUT 12:55
KAC 785 JEDDAH 13:00
MSR 611 CAIRO 13:45
JZR 176 DUBAI 13:50
SYR 342 DAMASCUS 13:55
UAE 872 DUBAI 14:15
FDB 58 DUBAI 14:30
KAC 673 DUBAI 15:05
KNE 473 JEDDAH 15:10
Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)
Mitsubishi Pajero 2003,
golden color, 6 cylinder,
excellent condition, 187,000
km, price KD 1,850/-.
Contact: 50994848.
(C 4301)
5-2-2013
Used Laptop HP Envy, core
I7, RAM 6, HD 500, in box,
KD 125. Call 66888103.
(C 4294)
3-2-2014
CHANGE OF NAME
I, Mrs Angela Tito D/o
Francisco Xavier Tito holder
of Indian Passport No:
G9944134, has changed my
name from Angela Tito to
Angela Pinto. (C 4300)
I, Mr Anthony Tito S/o
Xavier Tito holder of Indian
Passport No: Z2182382, has
changed my name from
Prayer timings
Fajr: 05:14
Shorook 06:35
Duhr: 12:02
Asr: 15:08
Maghrib: 17:30
Isha: 18:49
DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION
Anthony Tito to Anthony
Pinto. (C 4300)
5-2-2013
I, Rulesh Julesh Ayare holder
of Indian Passport No:
J2020606, hereby change
my name to Rulesh Julesh
Fereira. (C 4297)
4-2-2013
I, Dahodwala Murtaza
Zohar, holder of Passport No:
G2210473, hereby change
my name to Bhabhrawala
Murtuza Zohar. Address: 301
3rd floor Alefiya Apartment
Sujai Baug, Godhra Road,
Dahod (Gujrat). (C 4293)
3-2-2014
Automated
enquiry
about the Civil ID
card is
1889988
KAC 561 AMMAN 15:40
KAC 617 DOHA 15:45
SVA 505 JEDDAH 16:00
KNE 471 JEDDAH 16:00
JZR 188 DUBAI 16:05
QTR 141 DOHA 16:15
KAC 773 RIYADH 16:25
OMA 646 MUSCAT 16:40
KAC 501 BEIRUT 17:00
JZR 238 AMMAN 17:15
KNE 475 JEDDAH 17:25
ETD 304 ABU DHABI 17:35
JZR 538 CAIRO 17:40
QTR 135 DOHA 17:45
UAE 858 DUBAI 17:50
RJA 641 AMMAN 17:55
MSR 515 CAIRO 17:55
GFA 216 BAHRAIN 18:15
JZR 184 DUBAI 18:30
SVA 511 RIYADH 18:35
ABY 128 SHARJAH 18:40
JZR 266 BEIRUT 18:45
QTR 145 DOHA 18:50
RBG 3554 ALEXANDRIA 19:00
UAL 982 BAHRAIN 19:10
FDB 64 DUBAI 19:25
BAB 439 BAHRAIN 19:30
MSC 404 ASSIUT 20:00
FDB 62 DUBAI 20:40
KAC 351 KOCHI 20:45
KAC 331 TRIVANDRUM 20:55
OMA 648 MUSCAT 20:55
JAI 571 MUMBAI 21:10
AXB 394 KOZHIKODE 21:15
ABY 120 SHARJAH 21:15
KAC 343 CHENNAI 21:15
MSC 402 ALEXANDRIA 21:20
MSR 619 ALEXANDRIA 21:25
KAC 543 CAIRO 21:40
DHX 171 BAHRAIN 21:50
ALK 230 COLOMBO 21:55
MEA 403 BEIRUT 22:20
ETD 308 ABU DHABI 22:20
QTR 137 DOHA 22:25
GFA 222 BAHRAIN 22:30
KAC 301 MUMBAI 22:35
FDB 60 DUBAI 22:40
JZR 554 ALEXANDRIA 22:45
UAE 860 DUBAI 22:50
DHX 373 BAHRAIN 23:00
KAC 205 ISLAMABAD 23:00
QTR 147 DOHA 23:10
GFA 218 BAHRAIN 23:50
JZR 528 ASSIUT 23:50
KAC 411 BANGKOK 23:55
KAC 415 KUALA LUMPUR 23:55

CROSSWORD 93
ACROSS
1. Any of several small ungulate mammals of
Africa and Asia with rodent-like incisors and
feet with hooflike toes.
4. Of an organism's environment.
12. The elementary stages of any subject (usually
plural).
15. Electrical conduction through a gas in an
applied electric field.
16. The act of making something clean.
17. At a great distance in time or space or
degree.
18. A form of energy that is transferred by a difference
in temperature.
20. (especially of promises or contracts) Not
violated or disregarded.
22. Filled with a great quantity.
24. Precipitation of ice pellets when there are
strong rising air currents.
26. An Arabic speaking person who lives in
Arabia or North Africa.
27. A soft gray ductile metallic element used in
alloys.
29. Thin and fit.
32. Treated with contempt.
33. A fricative sound (especially as an expression
of disapproval).
37. The work of caring for or attending to
someone or something.
40. Given to avoiding association with others.
44. The smallest multiple that is exactly divisible
by every member of a set of numbers.
45. Small tropical American tree bearing edible
plumlike fruit.
48. A nucleic acid that transmits genetic information
from DNA to the cytoplasm.
49. According to the Old Testament he was a
pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel
(9th century BC).
51. Proceeding from or ordered by or subject to
a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor
of the Apostles.
53. An intensely radioactive metallic element
that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores.
54. A fabric with prominent rounded crosswise
ribs.
57. A promontory in northern Morocco opposite
the Rock of Gibraltar.
59. A ductile gray metallic element of the lanthanide
series.
61. A dark-skinned member of a race of people
living in Australia when Europeans arrived.
63. German states who as chancellor of West
Germany worked to reduce tensions with eastern
Europe (1913-1992).
65. Any wingless blood-sucking parasitic insect
noted for ability to leap.
68. A city in the Asian part of Russia.
71. An incorrect deal.
73. A percussion instrument consisting of a pair
of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held
between the thumb and fingers) that are made
to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in
rhythm with the dance.
75. A transuranic element that has not been
found in nature.
76. White Southerner supporting
Reconstruction policies after the Civil War usually
for self-interest.
79. Thigh of a hog (usually smoked).
80. Outer space as viewed from the earth.
81. Medium tall celery pine of New Zealand.
82. A loose sleeveless outer garment made
from aba cloth.
DOWN
1. Tropical woody herb with showy yellow flowers
and flat pods.
2. A particular geographical region of indefinite
boundary (usually serving some special purpose
or distinguished by its people or culture
or geography).
3. Any of a number of fishes of the family
Carangidae.
4. A small digital computer based on a microprocessor
and designed to be used by one person
at a time.
5. Large northern deer with enormous flattened
antlers in the male.
6. The seat within a bishop's diocese where his
cathedral is located adv.
7. A person who lacks good judgment.
8. Constituting the undiminished entirety.
9. Destruction of heart tissue resulting from
obstruction of the blood supply to the heart
muscle.
10. Having removed clothing.
11. 1/1000 gram.
12. (old-fashioned) At or from or to a great distance.
13. A small cake leavened with yeast.
14. Decapod having eyes on short stalks and a
broad flattened carapace with a small
abdomen folded under the thorax and pincers.
19. Small often spiny insectivorous mammal of
Madagascar.
21. A native or inhabitant of Afghanistan.
23. The compass point that is one point east
(clockwise) of due north.
25. Made agreeably cold (especially by ice).
28. Octavian and Mark Antony defeated Brutus
and Cassius in 42 BC.
30. An archaic name for Easter or Passover.
31. Any property detected by the olfactory system.
34. Chief god of the Rig-Veda.
35. Used of locations.
36. Characterized by dignity and propriety.
38. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali
earth group.
39. An official prosecutor for a judicial district.
41. A class of proteins produced in lymph tissue
in vertebrates and that function as antibodies
in the immune response.
42. An informal term for a father.
43. Belonging to or derived from or associated
with a divine power.
46. A white metallic element that burns with a
brilliant light.
47. A telegram sent abroad.
50. A name given to a product or service.
52. British physicist (born in Hungary) noted for
his work on holography (1900-1979).
55. First in order of birth.
56. The basic unit of money in Macao.
58. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes
readily.
60. Improperly forward or bold.
62. A member of the Siouan people formerly
living in the Missouri river valley in NE
Nebraska.
64. Building that contains a surface for ice skating
or roller skating.
66. An accidental hole that allows something
(fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape.
67. A woman hired to suckle a child of someone
else.
69. Someone who works (or provides workers)
during a strike.
70. God of love and erotic desire.
72. A local computer network for communication
between computers.
74. Title for a civil or military leader (especially
in Turkey).
77. A chronic inflammatory collagen disease
affecting connective tissue (skin or joints).
78. A state in northwestern United States on
the Pacific.
Yesterday’s Solution
34 stars
STAR TRACK
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Computers and other equipment could go haywire
today, limiting your abilities to work at maximum efficiency.
Even though you’re usually calm and laid back, Aries, today the
ogre in you may be tempted to emerge. Don’t let it. It will only
cause tension between you and those around you. Stay calm
and focused, call in a technician, and enjoy the break from your
routine.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Don’t try to sign up for a class over the phone or
online today, Taurus, as it probably won’t work. This also isn’t a
good day to travel - delays are likely whether you fly or drive. If
you’ve been planning a trip, don’t finalize the arrangements
now. Wait a few days, as computers and other equipment used
in such arrangements are likely to malfunction, and you could
end up frustrated.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
No matter what friends tell you, Gemini, this isn’t
the day to make an investment of any kind, from buying a house
to starting a savings account. And this isn’t a good day to invest
online. The planetary energies don’t favor computers or other
forms of modern technology used in such transactions, so wait a
day or two. Discussions about possibilities are OK. Just don’t do
it yet.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
More than one problem with modern equipment
could rear its head today, Cancer. Computers could malfunction,
crash, or be maddeningly slow. You might also have a hard time
reaching people you need to talk to. Don’t be tempted to blow your
top. That won’t accomplish anything. Just call the technicians and
get it handled. Tomorrow everything should be back to normal.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
A trip of some kind might have to be postponed, as
computers and other technology involved in your arrangements
might be temporarily out of operation. This can prove frustrating,
Leo, but it’s beyond your control. The best thing to do is make
new arrangements and move on. For the most part, everything is
going very well for you, so don’t give in to panic. Hang in there.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Some upsetting dreams might haunt you today,
Virgo. They might evoke some uncomfortable emotional issues.
You might be a bit edgy emotionally and more likely to overreact
when other people quarrel or machines break down. It
might be a good idea to analyze your dreams first thing in the
morning so you can learn from and release them. That way you
will be more balanced throughout your day.
Word Search
Daily SuDoku
Libra (September 23-October 22)
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Machines are likely to pose a few problems today,
Libra, particularly where work and money are concerned. An
unforeseen problem might interfere with your social life, perhaps
forcing you to cancel a get-together you’ve been anticipating.
If the person you were supposed to meet protests, avoid
taking out your frustrations on him or her. Make new arrangements.
It’s only a temporary situation.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Obstacles may arise in the course of your chores
when machines break down and interfere with your efficiency.
Your frustrations may cause you to want to yell and throw
things. If you must blow your top, Scorpio, do it in such a way
as to avoid causing upset to others. Go for a workout or jog.
The machines will be fixed and the situation will pass. Hang in
there.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
Payment for work you’ve performed may not come
when expected, Sagittarius, particularly if direct deposit is
involved. The planetary energies today don’t favor the smooth
functioning of computers or other machines. This is a temporary
setback and not worth stressing over. Don’t give in to the temptation
to lose your temper. All will be straightened out and your
funds will be in their proper place.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Family members might not be in the best of moods
today, Capricorn. Frustration with machines or friends could have tempers
on edge, so try to avoid the temptation to get into arguments.
The problems will be resolved and the bad moods will pass. You don’t
want any residual bad feelings between you and them. This is a good
day to get out and spend the day in the bookstore by yourself.
Aquarius (January 20- February 18)
Problems in your community may result from malfunctioning
machines. Be prepared, Aquarius. Have flashlights
handy in case of a power outage, and walk instead of drive in
case signals cause major traffic jams. Neighbors may be going
crazy, but try to stay calm. This is a temporary situation, and not
worth getting all stressed over. A good piece of advice is to
spend the day reading.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Temporary upsets regarding money might result
from a computer failure of some sort. Take care not to lose your
temper over it, Pisces. Instead, remain calm, focused, and polite
until everything is worked out. Your financial condition itself still
looks very promising. It’s just that the planetary energies don’t
favor machines today, so they may all go out of whack. Hang in
there.
Yesterday’s Solution
Yesterday’s Solution

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
Ophthalmologists
Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444
Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222
Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171
Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999
Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700
Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223
Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223
Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)
Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510
Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660
Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478
Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996
Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988
Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166
Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426
General Practitioners
Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123
Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312
Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920
Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465
Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528
Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781
Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501
Urologists
Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534
Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955
Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660
Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120
Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427
Psychologists
/Psychotherapists
Soor Center
Tel: 2290-1677
Fax: 2290 1688
information
GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE
Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883
Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414
Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558
Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518
Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622
Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184
Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967
Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000
Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201
Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638
Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265
Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075
Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999
Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549
Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559
Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554
Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264
Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581
Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241
STAATTE OF KUWA K AIT
DIRECTORAT
TE GENE GENERAL OF CIVIL AVVIATTION
METEOROLOGICAL DEPA DEPARTMENT
DAY: Y
BY DAYY
:
We ednesday
PRIVATE CLINICS
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
info@soorcenter.com
www.soorcenter.com
06/02/2013
Expected Wee
eather for the Next 24 Hours
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
(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar,
FRCS (Canada) 25655535
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
Kaizen center
25716707
Te el.: 161 Ext.: 2627 262 - 2630
Fax: 24348714
WWW.MET.GOV.
.KW
Issue Time
Clouds will increase gradually with variable wind changing to light to moderate south easterly wind, with
speed of 08 - 30 km/h
BY NIGHT:
Partly cloudy cloudy cloudy to cloudy with light to moderate moderate moderate freshening gradually at times south easterly wind, with speed
of of 20 20 - - - 40 40 km/h km/h with with a a chance chance for for scattered scattered light light light light rain
rain
WA ARNING
STA AT TION
KUWA AIT CITY
KUWA AIT AIRPORT T
NUWA AISEEB
WA AFRA
SALMI
ABDALY Y
JAL ALIYA AH
FAAILAKA
AHMADI PORT T
QARUH ISLAND
UMM AL-MARADEM
DAYY DATTE
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
07/02
08/02
09/02
10/02
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
07:00
MAX. EXP. . MIN. REC. SFC. CHAR T 06/02/2013 0000 UTC
22 °C 12 °C
21 °C 08 °C
20 °C
09
°C
22 °C 06 °C
19 °C 07 °C
21 °C 07 °C
20 °C 10 °C
20 °C 11
°C
19 °C
14
°C
17 °C 15 °C
23 °C 16 °C
WEATTHER
PRA RAYYER
TIMES
Fajr
05:13
Sunrise
06:34
Zuhr
12:02
Asr
15:08
Sunset
17:30
Isha
18:49
All times are local time unless otherwise stated.
No Current Wa arnin arnings
4 DAY DAYS
FORECAST
clouds to decrease + scattered rain 21°C
fog
22°C
fog + high clouds 23°C
sunny
23°C
T emperatur emperatures
MAX. MIN.
Wind
Direction
09°C SE
10°C VRB
11 °C VRB
12°C VRB-N
Wind
Speed
20 - 45 km/h
06 - 22 km/h
06 - 20 km/h
06 - 26 km/h
RECORDED YESTERDAYY
AT T KUWAAIT
AIT AIRPORT
MAX. Temp.
20 °C
MIN. T Temp.
07
°C
MAX. RH
86 %
MIN. RH
31 %
MAX. Wind
NW 39 km/h
TOTAAL
RAI INFA ALL IN 24 HR.
00 mm
06/02/13 03:04 UTC V1.00 T1.06
Consultant Cardiologist
Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555
MD, PH.D, FACC
Inaya German Medical Center
Te: 2575077
Fax: 25723123
William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677
Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Al-Madeena 22418714
Al-Shuhada 22545171
Al-Shuwaikh 24810598
Al-Nuzha 22545171
Sabhan 24742838
Al-Helaly 22434853
Al-Faiha 22545051
Al-Farwaniya 24711433
Al-Sulaibikhat 24316983
Al-Fahaheel 23927002
Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh 24316983
Ahmadi 23980088
Al-Mangaf 23711183
Al-Shuaiba 23262845
Al-Jahra 25610011
Al-Salmiya 25616368
INTERNATIONAL
CALLS
Afghanistan 0093
Albania 00355
Algeria 00213
Andorra 00376
Angola 00244
Anguilla 001264
Antiga 001268
Argentina 0054
Armenia 00374
Australia 0061
Austria 0043
Bahamas 001242
Bahrain 00973
Bangladesh 00880
Barbados 001246
Belarus 00375
Belgium 0032
Belize 00501
Benin 00229
Bermuda 001441
Bhutan 00975
Bolivia 00591
Bosnia 00387
Botswana 00267
Brazil 0055
Brunei 00673
Bulgaria 00359
Burkina 00226
Burundi 00257
Cambodia 00855
Cameroon 00237
Canada 001
Cape Verde 00238
Cayman Islands 001345
Central African 00236
Chad 00235
Chile 0056
China 0086
Colombia 0057
Comoros 00269
Congo 00242
Cook Islands 00682
Costa Rica 00506
Croatia 00385
Cuba 0053
Cyprus 00357
Cyprus (Northern) 0090392
Czech Republic 00420
Denmark 0045
Diego Garcia 00246
Djibouti 00253
Dominica 001767
Dominican Republic 001809
Ecuador 00593
Egypt 0020
El Salvador 00503
England (UK) 0044
Equatorial Guinea 00240
Eritrea 00291
Estonia 00372
Ethiopia 00251
Falkland Islands 00500
Faroe Islands 00298
Fiji 00679
Finland 00358
France 0033
French Guiana 00594
French Polynesia 00689
Gabon 00241
Gambia 00220
Georgia 00995
Germany 0049
Ghana 00233
Gibraltar 00350
Greece 0030
Greenland 00299
Grenada 001473
Guadeloupe 00590
Guam 001671
Guatemala 00502
Guinea 00224
Guyana 00592
Haiti 00509
Holland (Netherlands) 0031
Honduras 00504
Hong Kong 00852
Hungary 0036
Ibiza (Spain) 0034
Iceland 00354
India 0091
Indian Ocean 00873
Indonesia 0062
Iran 0098
Iraq 00964
Ireland 00353
Italy 0039
Ivory Coast 00225
Jamaica 001876
Japan 0081
Jordan 00962
Kazakhstan 007
Kenya 00254
Kiribati 00686
Kuwait 00965
Kyrgyzstan 00996
Laos 00856
Latvia 00371
Lebanon 00961
Liberia 00231
Libya 00218
Lithuania 00370
Luxembourg 00352
Macau 00853
Macedonia 00389
Madagascar 00261
Majorca 0034
Malawi 00265
Malaysia 0060
Maldives 00960
Mali 00223
Malta 00356
Marshall Islands 00692
Martinique 00596
Mauritania 00222
Mauritius 00230
Mayotte 00269
Mexico 0052
Micronesia 00691
Moldova 00373
Monaco 00377
Mongolia 00976
Montserrat 001664
Morocco 00212
Mozambique 00258
Myanmar (Burma) 0095
Namibia 00264
Nepal 00977
Netherlands (Holland)
0031
Netherlands Antilles 00599
New Caledonia 00687
New Zealand 0064
Nicaragua 00505
Nigar 00227
Nigeria 00234
Niue 00683
Norfolk Island 00672
Northern Ireland (UK)
0044
North Korea 00850
Norway 0047
Oman 00968
Pakistan 0092
Palau 00680
Panama 00507
Papua New Guinea 00675
Paraguay 00595
Peru 0051
Philippines 0063
Poland 0048
Portugal 00351
Puerto Rico 001787
Qatar 00974
Romania 0040
Russian Federation 007
Rwanda 00250
Saint Helena 00290
Saint Kitts 001869
Saint Lucia 001758
Saint Pierre 00508
Saint Vincent 001784
Samoa US 00684
Samoa West 00685
San Marino 00378
Sao Tone 00239
Saudi Arabia 00966
Scotland (UK) 0044
Senegal 00221
Seychelles 00284
Sierra Leone 00232
Singapore 0065
Slovakia 00421
Slovenia 00386
Solomon Islands 00677

Justin Bieber: I’m an ‘artist’
Justin Bieber wants to show people he is an “artist”. The 18-year-old singer hopes his new album
‘Believe Acoustic’ will make fans focus on his music, rather than his personal life, and thinks the
record will prove his real talent to critics. He told TV talk show host Jimmy Fallon: “It’s just good
music. It just shows that I wasn’t made, I was found on YouTube and it shows people music is music.
That’s what you need to focus on - listening to the music. I’m an artist. I’m not - I’m a singer and I want
to show people what I love to do.” The
‘Baby’ hitmaker - whose on/off relationship
with Selena Gomez has been the
subject of much recent speculation -
says the record shows off his “raw” side
because the music is so stripped-back.
He added: “I wanted to basically strip it
down so it’s just me and an acoustic guitar.
Some of it is me and a piano but
most of it is just raw me. I think the fans
really like it because it’s just kind of how I
started. I started with just me on the
internet. Not really with all the produced
pop music and so it’s just that it’s just
really mellowed down and I feel like it’s
made for all ages.” During his appearance
on the show, Justin and Jimmy
played a makeshift game of basketball
using random objects, with the teenage
star kissing a mannequin head before
throwing it through the hoop, and he
also threw pasta at the audience and
Leighton Meester is
dating Adam Brody
The couple - who co-starred in 2011 romantic-comedy
movie ‘The Oranges’ - have reportedly been secretly seeing
each other for several weeks, which comes after
they used to “hang out” together while shooting
the film. An insider confirmed to Us Weekly:
“They were always close and friendly.” The
26-year-old beauty - who is known for her
role as Blair Waldorf in teen drama TV
series ‘Gossip Girl’ - and the 33-year-old
actor were spotted “hugging and laughing”
as they took in art exhibitions at the
Los Angeles County Museum of Art earlier
this month. One eyewitness,
@CedricDiggory, wrote on Twitter: “They
were getting cuddly today at the LACMA
apparently? Hugging & laughing. (sic)”
@tayeschbach19 tweeted: “Just in the
same museum exhibit with Adam Brody
and leighton meester. Enough said.
#lacelebsiting (sic)” Leighton and Adam -
who starred as Seth Cohen in US teen drama
TV series ‘The O.C.’ for four years - also
travelled to Bangkok together earlier this
year where they were spotted at the Siam
Kempinski Hotel in the Thai capital city.
Adam was recently linked to 34-year-old
director Lorene Scafaria - who helmed
Steve Carell and Keira Knightley’s comedy-drama
movie ‘Seeking a Friend for the
End of the World’ - while Leighton has previously dated ‘Austin
Powers’ actor Aaron Himelstein.
Watts does her own laundry
Naomi Watts is determined to lead a normal life. ‘The Impossible’ star - who is nominated for a Best
Actress Oscar on February 24 - has revealed it is “exhausting” juggling her career and motherhood but
she tries to do it with as little help as possible because she wants to be hands-on with her children. The
44-year-old actress, who has two sons, Alexander, six, and Samuel, five, with her long-term partner Liev
Schreiber, told USMagazine.com: “It’s pretty exhausting. It’s so great, it’s the best
thing. Most high rewards you can have in anything, but it’s definitely exhausting
being a mom. “I do my own laundry, but I sometimes have help. I cook. I definitely
don’t have a chef.” Naomi previously claimed she rarely gets recognized by her
fans and gets “pushed aside” so people can meet Liev. She said: “I never get recognized
on the street. I’m lucky that way. “People see me as the dolled-up moviestar
type on the red carpet, but in real life, I don’t look anything like that. I blend
easily into a crowd.” Naomi recently admitted she was pleased her forthcoming
movie ‘Queen of the Desert’ has been delayed because she wants to spend time
with her family following a heavy period shooting ‘Diana’ and ‘The Impossible’.
She said: “It’s still a way’s off. I don’t know yet. Hopefully, it will happen. I just can’t
travel again right now because I did a lot of travelling last year. It’s been a big year
and it’s time for me to be home with the kids.”
36 LIFESTYLE
M o v i e s & M u s i c
Madonna
to auction costumes
for Sandy relief
Madonna is to auction her tour costumes to raise
money for Hurricane Sandy relief. The ‘Girl
Gone Wild’ hitmaker visited some of the areas
hit by last October’s superstorm - which caused millions
of dollars worth of damage, particularly in New York
and New Jersey - shortly after the natural disaster took
place, and is now planning to do what she can to
help those worst affected. According to the New
York Post newspaper, the 54-year-old pop star
will sell off outfits including the majorette costume
and caged basque which she wore on stage during
her ‘MDNA’ world tour, as well as numerous props
from the set. The news comes after Madonna’s eldest
daughter Lourdes, 16, made an impassioned
appeal for people to help US residents trying to
rebuild their lives after the devastating hurricane.
Lourdes - who visited Far Rockaway in November
with her mother to help relief workers box up supplies
for locals - wrote on her blog: “It’s extremely
important that we STILL do what we can because
people still need help. This can be donating to hurricane
relief or going down to the affected locations
and helping out. “My family and I went down
to Rockaway a while back and the devastation was
awful. It looked like the apocalypse and trash,
rubble and tree branches were everywhere. We
boxed provisions and gave them out to folks that
needed them. “It was actually really awesome to
see how many people were there helping out
and how many people cared. There has been an
extreme amount of progress since the hurricane
despite the damage done and it is very inspiring
to see the city rebuild itself but there’s still a lot of
work that needs to be done.” As well as Lourdes,
Madonna is also mother to Rocco, 12, Mercy, six,
and David, seven.
Sutherland named Hasty
Pudding Man of the Year
Kiefer Sutherland has been named Harvard University’s Hasty
Pudding Man of the Year. The ‘24’ actor will be honored by the
university’s prestigious undergraduate drama society for his
contributions in entertainment - including his Emmy Award-winning
role as anti-terrorism agent Jack Bauer in the action-packed TV show
- in a ceremony on Friday . Kiefer, 46, will follow in the footsteps of
this year’s Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year, ‘Rust and Bone’ actress
Marion Cotillard, who enjoyed a buoyant and colorful ceremony last
week including a parade and a comedy roast at the university’s
Cambridge, Boston campus in Massachusetts. The ‘Touch’ star -
whose father is ‘The Hunger Games’ actor Donald Sutherland - shot
to fame following a starring role in the critically-acclaimed 1986
coming-of-age drama, ‘Stand by Me’. He has since appeared in a
string of movies such as ‘A Time to Kill’, ‘The Three Musketeers’ and
‘Phone Booth’. Perhaps best known for playing Jack Bauer for nine
years in the hit TV series ‘24’, Kiefer earned an Emmy award, a Golden
Globe award and two Screen Actors Guild awards for best leading
actor thanks to his work on the show.. The Hasty Pudding Theatricals
drama troupe honored ‘How I Met Your Mother’ actor Jason Segel
with the Man of the Year award last year.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Ora felt like Princess
Diana in Kosovo
Rita Ora felt like Princess Diana when she visited her native Kosovo. The ‘How We Do’
singer says people in her homeland “worship” her music and her image and she
felt like the late Princess of Wales when they flocked around her in reverence during
a visit to the country. Rita - who lived in the country until she was one - told Stylist
magazine: “I lived in Kosovo until I was one and my grandparents, aunties and cousins
are still there. They’re living in a country which is worshipping what I’m doing and I don’t
know what it’s like because I’m not there. My cousins call me up and say, ‘Rita, you don’t
understand, they have shops named after you.’ “I went there and felt like Princess Diana,
I’m not even joking. It was the best reception I’ve ever received. And they crowned me
ambassador [in 2012], which was a great honor.” The 22-year-old star admitted that one
of her own idols is pop legend Madonna and she would be totally dumb-struck if she
were to ever meet the ‘Like A Virgin’ hitmaker. Describing her dream lifestyle, Rita said:
“I’d be friends with Madonna. She could heal me; I’d go to yoga with her so I feel like I’d
get really healthy... I’ve never met Madonna but if I did, I’d probably say nothing and she
would be like, ‘What is this weirdo doing?’ “
Sarah
Harding
loves the
red carpet
The 31-year-old singer looked stunning as she
stepped out at the ‘Run For Your Wife’ premiere
in a floor-length shimmering black and bronze
gown and she insists she is at home at the glitzy
events. Speaking outside the Leicester Square Odeon
cinema, she told BANG Showbiz: “I love the red carpet!
I love it. I’ve been waiting for about two years to see
this film backed, seriously. It feels great to be here.”
Sarah stars in the film with Denise Van Outen and
Danny Dyer - who plays a bigamist who has to stop his
wives, Denise and Sarah, from meeting in the comedy
- and she insists it was great to work with such talented
cast. She added: “It was fun, it was a great cast and
there were so many amazing cameos. I got to meet so
many amazing people.” The film is based on the theatre
farce ‘Run for Your Wife’ written by Ray Cooney -
who co-directed and produced the movie - and features
cameos from several major British stars, including
Dame Judi Dench, Ray Winstone and Sir Cliff
Richard. Sarah has no starred in several movies but
insists her acting is going to take a back seat to the
Girls Aloud Reunion tour, which kicks off later this
month. When asked if she has any other roles coming
up, she replied: “Possibly yes, but right now I’m on
tour.” Other stars to walk the red carpet included
Danny, Denise, ‘Only Fools and Horses’ actor David
Jason and ‘Loose Women’ panellist Denise Welch.
Bruce Willis: Emma is the boss
Bruce Willis does whatever his wife tells him. The ‘A Good Day To Die Hard’ actor is still smitten with Emma Heming -
with who he has nine-month-old daughter Mabel - and admits his spouse of almost three years is in control of
their relationship. He said: “Emma is just great. Just great. She’s a great mother and she truly is very smart and very
reserved and I just love her so much. “She had a great modeling career when she was younger and you should see her in
a bathing suit. “She’s the boss and she’s the smartest of us both and I acquiesce to just about everything she thinks. I ask
her opinion more than I ask anyone else’s.” As well as Mabel, Bruce, 57, has daughters Rumer, 24, Scout, 21, and Tallulah,
19,with ex-wife Demi Moore and is proud of the fact they have grown up to be “great women”. He said in an interview
with the Daily Mirror newspaper: “There was a time when I didn’t quite know what kind of adults they were going to turn
into. “But they turned into really great women and they have great morals and great ethics and they’re also kind, polite
and intelligent and I couldn’t be more pleased. “We always raised them to have their own voices and to speak their
minds and their opinions. “And now that they’re older I hear every opinion they have and I’m pleased with it. Despite
becoming a father to Mabel later in life, Bruce insists he doesn’t feel any strain and thinks his action career has helped
him keep up with the little girl. He said: “One of the things that makes becoming a father that much easier for me is that I
pretty much stay in shape and I can run and jump and play, and being a father at this point in my life is great. “I feel like I
have the same amount of love I used to have, if not more. I like getting up early and I like looking after Mabel and it’s just
very exciting - it makes me very happy.” —Bang Showbiz

Singer Beyonce performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show. —AFP
Beyonce Knowles can’t seem to leave the
house without catching flak from somebody
these days. First, the “Halo” singer
was criticized last month for her less-than-live
performance of the National Anthem at Barack
Obama’s inauguration. Now, Knowles has
attracted the ire of animal-rights group People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for
wearing leather during her halftime performance
at Sunday’s Super Bowl.
According to the New York Times (which -
who knew? - keeps track of such things),
Knowles’ outfit, which was conceived by New
York designer Rubin Singer - consisted of a
cropped leather motorcycle, matched with a
leather bodysuit made with strips of python and
iguana. Knowles’ use of all that animal hide, surprisingly,
did not sit well with PETA, who
accused the singer of being out of touch with
shifting fashion trends.
“We would take a bet that if Beyonce
watched our video exposes ... she’d probably
not want to be seen again in anything made of
snakes, lizards, rabbits, or other animals who
died painfully,” PETA said in a statement.
“Today’s fashions are trending toward humane
vegan options, and Beyonce’s Super Bowl outfit
missed the mark on that score.” Of course,
Knowles could have ditched the offending outfit
altogether - at which point she’d have the
37 LIFESTYLE
F e a t u r e s
Beyonce’s Super Bowl
leather has PETA in a lather
The Dubai Mall to bring
‘Vogue Fashion Dubai
Experience’ to the city
DUBAI: Dubai is joining the league of
global fashion capitals by hosting, for the
first time in the Middle East, the
acclaimed ‘Vogue Fashion Dubai
Experience’ in October 2013. In the runup
to the modern fashion phenomenon
that aims at energising the fashion retail
industry, The Dubai Mall will welcome
Franca Sozzani, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue
Italia, the trendiest and most influential
Italian fashion magazine in the world, for
a mentoring session for Emirati fashion
designers in February 2013. Sozzani, who
has been serving as Editor-in-Chief of
Vogue Italia since 1988, will offer them
insights on the newest trends in the fashion
industry and evaluate their works.
The ‘Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience’
will not only put the spotlight on the
newest fashion trends and creativity but
also raise funds for Dubai Cares, a philanthropic
organisation working to improve
children’s access to quality primary education
in developing countries.
Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of
Emaar Properties, said: “With the hosting
of the Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience,
Dubai is once again underlining its credentials
as the region’s fashion hub, led
by the trend-setting showcase of highend
brands at The Dubai Mall.
“The event will serve as a magnet for
fashion connoisseurs from across the
region. It will also drive the growth of the
fashion retail community in the mall with
longer opening hours, special events and
part of the proceeds going towards
Dubai Cares, thus highlighting our
responsibility to the community. The
mentoring session by the fashion legend
Franca Sozzani will put the spotlight on
our city’s talent, enabling them to
emerge as global professionals.”
During the ‘Vogue Fashion Dubai
Experience’ select high-street and haute
couture fashion brands from The Dubai
Mall’s Fashion Avenue will create and
launch a special line of merchandise
exclusively for the event. Part of the revenue
from the sales of these custommade
fashionwear will go to Dubai Cares.
Franca Sozzani, Editor-in-Chief of
Vogue Italia, said: “The Dubai Mall is a
Fashion World. Vogue Italia is the Fashion
Magazine. To make an event together
means to welcome all the people who
love fashion, and also to give an opportunity
to young talents to show their creativity
and their talent. But this event has
another aim, too, and that is to raise
funds for Dubai Cares which is one of the
most internationally recognised organisations
in helping children for education
and health. We are really delighted to
participate in such an incredible project
and to underline how much The Dubai
Mall and Vogue care about creativity and
social opportunities.”
Parents Television Council hounding her instead
of PETA.
PETA did, however, show some love for
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs - even
though he covets a leather-covered ball for a living.
“The game was great, however, and so is
Baltimore Ravens linebacker and yesterday’s
Super Bowl champion Terrell Suggs, who has
just joined PETA in protesting the fur industry
by starring in PETA’s ‘Ink, Not Mink’ campaign,”
the organization added. A spokeswoman for
Knowles has not yet responded to TheWrap’s
request for comment because, really, if you were
her, would you willingly place yourself in the
middle of this? —Reuters
Fashion designer John Galliano, fired from
French couture house Dior in 2011 after an
anti-Semitic outburst in public, has begun
wrongful dismissal proceedings against his former
employer. Galliano, a talented and theatrical
designer once at the top of the fashion world,
will argue that he
was fired “without
real and serious
cause,” his lawyer,
Chantal Giraudvan
Gaver, told
Reuters.
Earlier this
week, a Paris
labour court
ruled that it had
the right to hear
the case. Dior,
part of luxury
goods group
LVMH, will have
two weeks to
accept or contest
that decision. The
court will not
hear the case
before October
or November,
Giraud-van Gaver added. The once-stellar career
of Galliano, 52, went south after the British
designer was caught on camera making anti-
Semitic remarks in a Paris cafe in 2011. A French
court handed out a 6,000-euro ($8,100) suspended
fine to Galliano in 2011 after he was
found guilty of anti-Semitic behaviour.
Renowned jeweler Joyalukkas has
several surprises in store this
Valentine’s Day, beginning with a
choice of no less than a dozen resplendent
diamond pendants from the Be
Mine Heart-to-Heart collection.
Meticulously crafted in 18k white, and
yellow gold, and studded with the finest
diamonds, these pendants are a fitting
tribute to love.
The Be Mine Heart-to-Heart collection
features stylish pendants that
appeal to every sensibility. Each one is
inspired by the classic heart, with interesting
variations. There is also a chic
pendant that can be worn as a heart, or
as a sleek oval for prices that start at just
KD 72.
Masaaki pearl jewelry also has several
exclusive designs for Valentine’s Day,
including necklaces, pendant sets and
rings, all featuring high quality natural
pearls imaginatively set in gold, with
prices starting at only KD 60.
“It is the season to celebrate love and
we have lined up an exciting range of
exclusive pendants and jewelry collections
to make the occasion special for
jewelry lovers. We have also added an
exciting 10 percent cash back offer to
make it more rewarding for our customers,”
said John Paul Joy Alukkas,
Executive Director, Joyalukkas Group.
Joyalukkas will also offer customers
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Valentine’s Day specials
at Joyalukkas
He has since apologised and last month
issued a statement in which he said he has
been in recovery from alcoholism for the past
two years. In January, Galliano did a threeweek
residency with Oscar de la Renta’s New
York studio before New York Fashion Week.
10 percent cash back vouchers on purchases
of diamond and polki jewelry
during the offer period from 6th
February to 16th February, 2013.
Customers purchasing the special
Valentine’s collections will also be given
a free Valentine card to wish their loved
one. These offers are valid across every
store in the GCC.
Galliano suing former employer
Dior in French court
File picture shows British
designer John Galliano.
—AFP
‘Finnegans Wake’ is new
Chinese publishing hit
Anew Chinese translation of
“Finnegans Wake”, renowned for
its linguistic difficulty in the original,
is proving a hit in China-although
one academic called the author James
Joyce “mentally ill”. The first-ever mainland
Chinese edition of the novel sold
out its initial print run of 8,000 copies
just three weeks after being launched in
December, the official Xinhua news
agency said. Translator Dai Congrong of
Shanghai’s Fudan University toiled for
eight years to render the work about an
Irish family into Chinese, imitating the
stream of consciousness style and
unusual language, it said.
It quoted Wang Weisong of the
Shanghai People’s Publishing House,
which released the book, as saying its
success was “totally unexpected”. Both
the translator and the publisher
declined to comment on Tuesday.
Chinese readers are already familiar with
other works of the early 20th century
File picture shows British fashion designer John Galliano arriving at the Paris’ court
hall for his trial. —AFP
Irish writer. The Chinese edition of
“Ulysses”, considered his masterpiece,
went on sale in 1995.
Literary critic Liu Wei told a recent
seminar on “Finnegans Wake” that the
book-the plot of which remains open to
interpretation-deserved respect.
“Modern writers share a common sense
of doing interesting textual experiments...
among this group of writers,
Joyce has the most intensive sense of all,”
he said, according to an online transcript.
“I think it deserves our respect that Joyce
created such a rich text.” But one reader,
who gave the name Eudaimonus, said in
a microblog posting that the work was
not accessible to all. “Finnegans Wake is a
book for book collectors and critics, but
not for readers,” the posting said. Others
were more emphatic. Xinhua quoted
Jiang Xiaoyuan, a professor at Shanghai’s
Jiaotong University, as saying: “Joyce
must have been mentally ill to create
such a novel.” —AFP
Giraud-van Gaver disputed that her client was
seeking 15 million euros in damages, as some
media have reported. She said Galliano was
seeking damages, but would not specify a
number. LVMH have declined to comment on
the case. —Reuters
A braided
horse’s tail is
decorated with
a rose at the
horse market in
Berching,
southern
Germany yesterday.
Berching Horse
Market is considered
to be
the biggest
folk festival in
Bavaria during
the winter
months. Some
of the participants
have
been coming to
the horse market
with their
horses for
decades. —AP

Chris Brown is set to return to court yesterday
to face a prosecutor who is asking a
judge to revoke the singer’s probation
because investigators say they could not find
credible evidence he completed his community
labor sentence for the 2009 beating of Rihanna.
A motion filed Tuesday raises for the first time in
Brown’s felony assault case several incidents that
prosecutors say demonstrate Brown has continuing
anger management issues.
They cited a Jan 27 fight between Brown and
fellow R&B star Frank Ocean, and a 2011 outburst
in which Brown threw a chair through a
window after he was asked about the Rihanna
attack on “Good Morning America.” The filing
represents a dramatic shift in the case against
Brown, who was repeatedly praised by the
judge overseeing his case for his completion of
domestic violence courses and his community
service work in his home state of Virginia. That
changed in September, when prosecutors raised
concerns about Brown’s community service after
he logged 701 hours in seven months - an
amount that had previously taken him more
than two years to achieve.
Los Angeles investigators traveled to
Richmond, Virginia, to investigate Brown’s
service. “This inquiry provided no credible,
competent or verifiable evidence that defendant
Brown performed his community labor as
lifestyle
M U S I C & M O V I E S
Chris Brown returns to court for probation issues
Soaring solos from
Thompson on ‘Electric’
On “Electric,” Richard Thompson plugs
in and delivers his most generous
helping of guitar solos in many
years, perhaps ever. The fretwork is marvelous
even by his lofty standards and
some credit for inspiration probably goes to
producer Buddy Miller, a fair picker himself.
While Thompson’s notes come in a flurry,
he has always been prolific as a composer,
too, and here he serves up another solid
batch of songs. He might get flagged for a
late hit on Sarah Palin with “Sally B,” but it
rocks, as does “Stony Ground,” where unrequited
love turns bloody. Otherwise, the
body count’s lower than on most
Thompson albums. He’s ably accompanied
by his touring mates, drummer Michael
Jerome and bassist Taras Prodaniuk, and the
arrangements give the guitarist plenty of
room to do his thing. Each time Thompson
launches into one of his eclectic breaks,
“Electric” becomes electrifying. — AP
Joe Pesci settles dispute
over ‘Gotti’ film payday
Joe Pesci has settled a lawsuit filed
against a company planning a biopic
on the Gotti crime family. The Oscarwinner
sued Fiore Films in July 2011
claiming the filmmakers reneged on a
deal for a $3 million role in the film and
were offering him a lesser part in the
project and a lower payday. Pesci’s attorney
Jessica Trotter confirmed Monday
that a settlement had been reached in
the case but said she could not provide
any details.
Michael Froch, an attorney for Fiore
Films, said he could only confirm the
case had been dismissed. Pesci’s lawsuit
stated the actor gained 30 pounds (14
kilograms) in anticipation of playing a
childhood friend and enforcer of crime
boss John Gotti Sr. The film, “Gotti: In the
Shadow of My Father,” has not started
filming. — AP
Disney working on
standalone
‘Star Wars’ films
Disney is mining The Force for even
more new films. Walt Disney Co
CEO Bob Iger says screenwriters
Larry Kasdan and Simon Kinberg are
working on standalone “Star Wars”
movies that aren’t part of the planned
new trilogy. Iger told CNBC on Tuesday
that the standalone movies will be based
on “great ‘Star Wars’ characters that are
not part of the overall saga.” The films
File photo shows actor Joe Pesci sits
court-side at the NBA basketball game
between the Portland Trail Blazers and
Los Angeles Lakers, in Los Angeles. —AP
In this publicity
photo released by
Lucasfilm Ltd, actor
Jake Lloyd portrays
Anakin Skywalker,
a young Darth
Vader, in ‘Star
Wars: Episode I, The
Phantom
Menace.’ —AP
would be released during the six-year
period of the new trilogy, starting in
2015 with “Star Wars: Episode VII.”
Disney confirmed last month that
“Star Trek” director J.J. Abrams will direct
the seventh installment of the “Star Wars”
saga. Disney bought “Star Wars” maker
Lucasfilm last year for more than $4 billion.
The “Star Wars” prequel trilogy was
released from 1999 to 2005. —AP
presented to this court,” Deputy District
Attorney Mary Murray wrote. Brown’s attorney
Mark Geragos blasted the court filing, saying
prosecutor ignored interviews “where sworn
File photo shows Chris Brown performs during the 54th annual Grammy Awards, in Los Angeles.—AP
Review
Arare example of a grown-up story compellingly
told from the perspective of
children, “The Playroom” is a modest
gem. This ‘70s-set drama depicting one tumultuous
night in a suburban family’s lives benefits
from the admirably subtle approach by
director Julia Dyer, working from a sensitive
screenplay penned by her late sister Gretchen,
with their brother Stephen serving as one of
the producers. Unlike the dysfunctional one
depicted onscreen, this family unit works
together perfectly.
The title refers to where the Cantwell children
- teenage Maggie (Olivia Harris) and
younger siblings Christian (Jonathon
McClendon), Janie (Alexandra Doke) and Sam
(Ian Veteto) - gather to tell each other stories by
candlelight. When their parents return home
one night, it soon becomes apparent that the
family dynamics are frayed, with the mother
Donna (Molly Parker) clearly a heavy drinker
and father Martin (John Hawkes) affectionate
but distracted. Still, everything seems normal
enough, with Martin even conducting an
impromptu spelling bee during dinner.
It isn’t until the arrival of another couple
(Jonathan Brooks, Lydia Mackay) for a night of
cards and drinks that things begin to unravel,
with Maggie catching her mother passionately
kissing the family friend and the evening
devolving into loud drunken arguments and a
physical altercation. These events are mostly
fleetingly observed through the eyes of the chil-
dren, who are otherwise preoccupying themselves
with games and horseplay, including
Christian accidentally falling off the roof into
the pool, an event his oblivious parents fail to
notice.
The film beautifully captures both the innocent
bafflement of the younger children about
the adults’ behavior and the cynical teenage
perspective of Maggie, who has just lost her virginity
that day.
There are a couple of too-clever ironic touches.
The film is set on the day of Patty Hearst’s
capture, with Maggie obviously relating to the
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
peace officers stated unequivocally that Mr.
Brown was supervised and did all of the community
service.” After pleading guilty to the
attack on Rihanna, Brown was given permission
to serve 180 days of community labor in
his home state of Virginia, so long as he performed
manual labor.
Given problems with documentation and
statements from some witnesses who contradict
Brown’s claims of work, prosecutors asked
Brandlin to order Brown to repeat his service in
Los Angeles. Brown spent one-third of the
hours he logged in Virginia working night shifts
at a day care center in rural Virginia where his
mother once served as director and where the
singer spent time as a child. A detective who
checked on Brown’s work nine times at the
Tappahannock Children’s Center found the
singer, his mother and a bodyguard at the center
on each visit. The records said Brown waxed
floors or performed “general cleaning” at the
center. A professional floor cleaner contracted
to work at the daycare center told investigators
he, not Brown, had been cleaning the floors
during the months Brown reported working at
the facility. — AP
‘Playroom’ a family
drama from kids’ view
This film image
released by
Freestyle
Releasing shows
John Hawkes in a
scene from ‘The
Playroom.’ —AP
Josh Groban enjoyed singing sad songs
about a breakup on his last album, 2010’s
Rick Rubin-produced “Illuminations.” So
when the singer started recording his latest
album, which is about another breakup, he
changed his approach. “I’m in a different place,
different mindset and the same thing goes - but
I wanted the record to feel more energetic,
more dynamic, more positive, more rhythmic
and uplifting,” he said. “The last record, I was
very proud of it, and it was a good record, but it
was sad,” he continued. “I was in a very, very
tough place. I was going through a lot of
changes in my life. I had gone through a really
bad breakup. ... It felt like I was getting a lot of it
out of my system lyrically and musically, so it
was a little bit of a sadder record.”
Groban doesn’t have Rubin by his side on
“All That Echoes,” out this week. Instead, he’s got
Warner Bros Records chairman and Green Day
producer Rob Cavallo. “For a guy who’s at the
top of the label chain to also say, ‘Let’s take
chances and let’s make music that just makes us
feel really, really good’ was so impressive to me,”
Groban said of Cavallo, who has also produced
records for the Goo Goo Dolls, My Chemical
Romance and Paramore. Groban, who turns 32
this month, isn’t just building his musical
resume: He’ll star as a failed rock band member
working as a barista in the upcoming
CollegeHumor indie comedy “Coffee Town,”
written and directed by “Arrested
Development” writer Brad Copeland. The film
will be released this year.
The singer talked about “Coffee Town,”
singing about relationships, album sales and
more in a recent interview.
AP: You cover Stevie Wonder’s “I Believe
(When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)” on
the album. How’d that come about?
Groban: The reason I think people relate to
Stevie Wonder’s love songs is because they really,
truly, genuinely make you feel the way you
feel, the way love is. Sometimes it’s just “I Just
Called to Say I Love You” and it’s really as simple
and cheesy as that. And sometimes it’s a song
like “I Believe,” which we close the album with,
which is that my past has been crap. I’ve missed
the mark. I admit it. I’m not perfect. But when
love comes my way again, kick up the gospel
choir because I’m not going to let it go. ... That’s
where I am right now, which is that when it
comes along again, I’ll be there to grab it.
AP: Is it easy singing about your
breakup?
Groban: You’re exorcising the demons a little
bit when you sing about love lost and the
things that didn’t quite work out. But you learn
from that and you grow from that, and there’s
often times great art from that. My voice does
sad really well, so I think selfishly sometimes it’s
more fun to sing the sadder songs just because
sometimes the sadder melodies are the most
beautiful.
AP: You were 20 when you released your
debut in 2001. What’s it like to think about
that time as you reflect on your life?
fugitive heiress. And when she has sex with her
boyfriend in the family garage, there’s a cut to a
shot of one of the children threading a needle.
But these are small quibbles about an otherwise
quietly moving and well-wrought drama
marked by superb performances, including newcomer
Harris in her screen acting debut. And it’s
a pleasure, especially after his recent standout
turns in “Winter’s Bone” and “Martha Marcy May
Marlene,” to watch Hawkes solidly deliver the
goods in a non-villainous role (as he also did in
“The Sessions” this past fall). “The Playroom,” a
Freestyle release, is unrated. 83 minutes. — AP
Josh Groban sings
about love lost-again
Q A &
File photo shows American singer Josh
Groban poses for a portrait in New
York. —AP
Groban: I was blissfully naive. I’ll tell you,
when I was 17 and signed, on the one hand I
kind of missed out on having a pretty raucous
college experience, where I could wake up on
the bathroom floor and say, “All right, not doing
that again.” ... If I could go back and talk to that
kid though, I would just tell him to just chill out
a little bit. I was just nervous as all hell. I was
really worried a lot. I was anxious a lot.
AP: Your last album went platinum, selling
1 million units, but most of your records
have sold 5 million units each. Do you think
about record sales a lot?
Groban: I’d be lying if I said that it wasn’t
important. It’s your ticket to make the next
record and I want to keep doing what I’m doing.
But mostly it’s the validation that you’ve done
something that people want to have and own.
AP: What was it like working with Rob
Cavallo compared with Rick Rubin?
Groban: Rob was a great change of pace in
a certain way because he likes to work very
much based on riding a wave of energy when
it’s there, which is pretty compatible with how I
like to work. ... And whenever I would have
doubts (like), “I don’t know if this is my wheelhouse”
or “I don’t know if this is right for my
voice,” he’d be great at saying, “I don’t know if
you should sing that” or most of the time saying,
“Well, shoot, let’s expand what your wheelhouse
is.”
AP: You’re building your acting reel.
What’s that been like?
Groban: It’s great to let out that other side
because the music side is so serious that to be
able to have an outlet for your funny bone, for
your weird, oddball side is just cathartic for me.
And it’s actually what I started doing. I was in
Improv Theater before I even started singing, so
the fact that the comedy side is starting to work
its way around in my world strangely, considering
the kind of music I sing, I’ll take it. It’s wonderful.
AP: Do you want to play a serious role?
Groban: Yeah, sure. I think I’m probably better
at comedy, but comedians take serious roles
sometimes and it actually goes really well. ... I’d
love to play a bad guy actually. I’d love to dive in
and play some kind of French assassin, like “The
Professional.” — AP

lifestyle
M U S I C & M O V I E S
Lebanese singers
Wael Kfoury and
Elissa pose for a
picture with Emirati
singer Hussein
Al-Jasmi during a
press conference to
announce the
launching of the
Egyptian version of
the British music
competition for
aspiring singers ‘X
Factor’, yesterday
in Cairo. —AFP
Hollywood to the FAA:
Let us use drones!
Look, up in the sky. It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s
... If the Motion Picture Association of
America has its way, it soon could be a
camera-equipped pilotless drone shooting the
overhead chase scenes for Hollywood’s action
thrillers. The MPAA is pushing the Federal
Aviation Administration to allow the use of
what have been called “drones” - but in the
movie business are far more likely the size of
model planes and model helicopters than anything
like what the US is using to target terrorists.
Studios see the airborne vehicles as a
way to get better long shots with fewer
safety risks and at reduced cost. Currently,
such drone use is legal in some foreign
countries, but not in the US. In fact, some of
the opening scenes in “Skyfall” were shot in
Turkey using a helicopter drone system.
France has also approved use of the drones,
and one was used last year for scenes in
“The Smurfs 2.” “What we are looking for is
line-of-sight things that can be utilized in
innovative ways,” MPAA spokesman Howard
Gantman told TheWrap. “These could be
used much more safely than going up a tree
and much more cheaply than renting a helicopter,”
he said. Under language in the FAA’s
reauthorization by congress, the agency
must in the next 18 months develop rules
for commercial use of what it calls
“unmanned aircraft systems” of 55 pounds
or less. The language is intended to resolve
a quirk in current FAA rules: Recreational
use of model planes and model helicopters
- including those carrying cameras - are currently
allowed, but commercial use is
banned. Model airplanes can only be flown
below 400 feet above ground level and
away from airports and air traffic - but not
by individuals or companies flying them for
business purposes. This means, for example,
that student videos and films can use drone
camera shots, but not commercial films;
commercial use is limited to experimental
research and development and flight trainings.
“A private company can obtain a special
airworthiness certificate in the experimental
category, but experimental certificate
regulations preclude carrying people
or property for compensation or hire,” FAA
spokesman Les Dorr told TheWrap.
While the MPAA acknowledges its interest
and the MPAA’s lobbying form filed with
the US Senate says specifically the organization
is pushing on the issue of “unmanned
aerial aircraft,” so far such lobbying has been
informal, and the MPAA has not had actual
written communications with the FAA. Dorr
said the agency will seek written comments
from potential users only after it announces
a formal ruling. Another reason for the
MPAA’s interest now is that the price for the
drones has begun to drop.
Rental of a real helicopter runs about
$1,700 an hour, for example, with a pilot
another $1,900 a day - and crew is additional.
One Indiegogo ad seeking development
money for the company’s “Alpha Dragonfly,”
says a drone that can be used for camera
work will retail for from $119 to $249,
depending on accessories. The ad, which
offered a Dragonfly for development supporters
for $99, sought $110,000 in development
money and raised more than $1.1
million. The website of Flying-cam.com
whose helicopter drone system was used in
“Skyfall” and “The Smurfs 2” in Paris and
movies in China and South Korea, also features
pictures taken of its use in America for
Disneyland’s 50th anniversary, Alaska’s
Tourism Board and commercials or videos
by Bridgestone and others.
All that said, the movie industry is only
This film image released by Open Road Films shows Jude Law, left, and Catherine
Zeta-Jones in a scene from ‘Side Effects’. — AP
‘Side Effects’ a twisty thriller
If “Side Effects” is indeed Steven Soderbergh’s
final film, as he’s said it will be after toying
with the notion of retirement for a couple of
years now, then intriguingly it feels like he’s coming
full circle in some ways to the film that put
him on the map: the trailblazing, 1989 indie “sex,
lies and videotape.” Both are lurid genre exercises,
laid bare. Both focus on the intertwined lives
of four central figures, including a scene in which
one of the men interviews one of the women on
video, hoping to unearth a hidden truth. Both
movies are about danger, secrets and manipulation,
filled with characters who aren’t what they
initially seem, all of which Soderbergh depicts
with his typically cool detachment.
Twists and double crosses occur and schemes
are revealed as layer upon layer of Scott Z. Burns’
clever script gets peeled away; it’s actually going
to be difficult to discuss “Side Effects” without
giving too much away. Yet Soderbergh
approaches such dramatic events with the same
chilly tone that has marked so much of his work,
even as the developments grow more than a little
implausible. Just as matter-of-fact is the way
the characters rattle off the names of the prescription
drugs they’re on and discuss which
ones work better than others, from Wellbutrin to
Zoloft to the fictitious Ablixa. In an accurate
reflection of our impatient times, everyone in
“Side Effects” wants the quick fix: for their
finances, careers, reputations, sex lives and, most
fundamentally, their moods.
Fittingly in this New York-set thriller,
Soderbergh has shot and edited the film (under
his usual pseudonyms of Peter Andrews and
Mary Ann Bernard) crisply and efficiently, with
occasionally hazy backlighting - one of his signatures
- suggesting a dreamlike mental state. He
puts us on edge from the start, through
Hitchcockian visual choices, with clues that a
bloodbath has occurred in a Manhattan apartment.
Flashing back three months earlier, we see
that pretty, twenty something Emily (Rooney
Mara) has pulled up to a prison to visit her husband,
Martin (Channing Tatum, in his third
Soderbergh film following last year’s “Haywire”
and “Magic Mike”). He’s at the end of a four-year
sentence for insider trading, which destroyed the
lavish Greenwich lifestyle she’d come to enjoy.
Once he’s released, though, Emily isn’t nearly
as happy as one would her expect her to be, and
she actually falls into a deep and suicidal depression.
When she goes to see psychiatrist Jonathan
Banks (Jude Law), he prescribes her a new drug
called Ablixa, which he’s testing out on a few
patients as part of a lucrative deal with a pharmaceutical
giant. Emily’s former therapist in
Connecticut (Catherine Zeta-Jones, sly and stylish
as always), whom Banks seeks out for guidance,
also happens to be a big proponent of this
drug. Both are, in theory, in the business of helping
people but they’re also opportunists to varying
degrees of sleaziness.
But then this magical pill starts showing
some disturbing side effects and ... well that’s
really all we can say. The aforementioned really
terrible and bloody thing occurs, which ruins
careers and lives and drives people to madness.
Or does it ...? No really, we gotta stop now. The
complexity of emotion, confusion and loss at the
film’s start gives way to some acrobatic trickery
by the end, but “Side Effects” is never less than
gripping or entertaining. Mara, who showed
such fierce intelligence in David Fincher’s “The
Social Network” and “The Girl With the Dragon
Tattoo,” is quietly chilling here. —AP
one among many looking at the technology.
“Many industries are realizing how
unmanned aircraft could help their bottom
lines,” Melanie Hinton, senior communications
manager for the Association of
Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, a
group pushing robotic devices, told
TheWrap. Indeed, it’s expected that the TV
and movie industry will be small players in
the drones use. Companies that originally
developed smaller drones for the military
and wanting to now expand the drones use
for civilian purposes have been pushing
hardest for the FAA to act. They hope FAA
action will make it easier both for lawenforcement
agencies and private companies
to use the devices. Steven Gitlin, VPmarketing
for AeroVironment Inc., a company
that makes several military drones it
wants to market to civilian market. The company’s
5-pound Qube drone is among those
that come with video capability. He notes
that the high cost of helicopters means relatively
few police departments can afford
them. Those same departments might be
candidates for drone purchases. Then there
is the civilian market. “We have been pushing
to use airborne vehicles for mapping
and surveying,” Gitlin said, adding the company
also hopes to market the products
both for search-and-rescue and policing
missions and for uses in agriculture; monitoring
of bridges and microwave transmitters;
and security for public events including
marathons and concerts. In addition, oil and
gas companies want unmanned aircraft to
efficiently monitor oil rigs, pipelines and
other infrastructure, said Hinton, and farmers
“want to use unmanned aircraft to monitor
the health of their crops, detect for
drought conditions, or more efficiently distribute
pesticides. —Reuters
French actor Jean Dujardin, star of last year’s
Oscar-winning movie “The Artist,” will
return this year as an Academy Awards presenter,
along with his fellow laureates, organizers
said Tuesday. Meryl Streep, who won best
actress last year, will present awards at this show,
as will Octavia Spencer and Christopher
Plummer, best supporting actress and best supporting
actor respectively. “We are honored to
have Meryl, Octavia, Christopher and Jean, last
year’s Oscar winners in each of the acting categories,
return to the Oscar stage,” said the
Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” became the
soundtrack for endless viral online fun last year:
US infantry soldiers lip-synched to it in
Afghanistan’s Kunar Province. So did James Franco
and the US Olympic swim team. Models from
Abercrombie & Fitch showed off their abs to it, as did
hair-whipping Miami Dolphins cheerleaders. Dogs
have barked the whole song. Parodies of it have been
parodied. Fellow singers from Katy Perry to Selena
Gomez embraced the pop goodness. Even the
Cookie Monster jumped on the “Call Me Maybe” train.
The song put 27-year-old Jepsen, who finished
third on a season of “Canadian Idol,” in the spotlight
and on a path to potential Grammy gold. The monster
hit is nominated for song of the year and best
pop vocal performance at the Feb 10 awards show. “I
was gunning maybe for Top 10 on iTunes. That was
my little, mini secret goal,” she said recently by
phone from Los Angeles, where she was picking out
a dress to wear to the Grammys, where she’ll also
present an award.
Children from Newtown, Conn., will be featured as
part of the Grammy Awards broadcast on Sunday.
Newtown Music Project producer Tim Hayes says
“American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest will do a live segment
via satellite with the children for Sunday’s redcarpet
programming. He says the children will be
interviewed by Seacrest and interact live with Jepson,
perhaps doing some of her hit, “Call Me Maybe.”
The song had a nine week-arc on top of the
Billboard Hot 100 chart and has sold more than 6.7
million tracks in the United States, according to
Nielsen SoundScan. The only thing Jepsen hasn’t
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
A Grammy maybe?
Carly Rae Jepsen
heads for gold
File photo shows Carly Rae Jepsen performing at the 40th Annual American Music Awards in Los
Angeles. —AP
February 24 show’s producers, Craig Zadan and
Neil Meron.
Streep is the most Oscar-nominated actor
ever with 17 nods, and has won three, including
for her role as former British premier Margaret
Thatcher in “The Iron Lady.” Dujardin won best
actor on his first nomination, for his role as a
silent, black-and-white movie star struggling
with the arrival of sound on the big screen.
Spencer also won with her first nomination, as a
black maid in civil rights drama “The Help,” while
Canadian veteran Plummer became the oldest
been able to do is have album sales that match her
powerful single. She put out the CD “Kiss” last
September, but despite a hit second single - the double
platinum “Good Time” with Owl City - the album
has sold only 226,000 copies.
“I think with (a) song being as big as ‘Call Me
Maybe,’ there’s always that challenge of how do we
push past that and show people that there is more to
offer,” she said. “I’m confident whether it’s with this
album or the next, I’ll be able to prove that.” Gary
Trust, an associate director and columnist at
Billboard, says sales faced an uphill battle since pop
these days is a singles medium, not album-orientated.
“She might have been able to sell more if they
were able to put the album out quicker,” he said of
“Kiss,” which arrived five months after her smash song
was released.
“But I think, no matter what, the song was going
to outsell any album she could put out.” The song,
which Jepsen co-wrote with guitarist Tavish Crowe
and Marianas Trench lead singer Josh Ramsay, will
compete in the song of the year category at the
Grammys with No.1 hits from fun. and Kelly Clarkson,
as well as critically acclaimed tunes from U.K. singer
Ed Sheeran and R&B performer Miguel. A year ago,
before her breakthrough on the music charts, Jepsen
was like everyone else: looking forward to a good
awards show on TV. “To be really honest with you,
leading up to every Grammy weekend except for this
one, I was getting comfy in my PJs with my popcorn
bowl and deciding whose dress I liked the best,” she
said. “So it’ll be different for me to actually put on a
dress of my own.” — AP
French ‘Artist’ actor
to return to Oscars stage
These February 26, 2012 file photos show from left: Actor Jean Dujardin; actress Meryl Streep; actress Octavia
Spencer; and actor Christopher Plummer during the 84th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California. — AP
This 2009 image released by AMC shows actors Bryan Cranston as Walter White,
left, and Steven Michael Quezada as Steven Gomez in a scene from the third season
of ‘Breaking Bad.’ — AP
actor ever to win an Oscar, at the age of 82.
Steven Spielberg’s presidential drama “Lincoln”
has the most nominations for this year’s show,
with 12 nods, followed by “Life of Pi” with 11 and
“Les Miserables” and “Silver Linings Playbook,”
both with eight.
But Ben Affleck’s Iran hostage crisis drama
“Argo” has won a succession of top prizes in
Hollywood’s annual awards season, leading
some to tip it as favorite for the coveted best
picture, despite only having seven nominations.
— AFP
‘Breaking Bad’ actor wins
school board seat in NM
An actor from the TV show “Breaking Bad” has won a
seat on Albuquerque’s school board. Steven Michael
Quezada plays federal drug agent Steven Gomez on
the Albuquerque-based show. He was running unopposed
Tuesday for a seat on the city’s west side District 5. There’s
no incumbent in that district, and Quezada was the only
candidate to file for the position.
Three of Quezada’s four children attend the Public
Academy for the Performing Arts, a charter school where
the actor has been active on the governing board. The AMC
hit television series is finishing filming its fifth and final season.
“Breaking Bad” follows former high school teacher
Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, producing and
selling methamphetamine with a former student, Jesse
Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul. — AP

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Chris Brown
returns to
court
38
for
probation issues
Newly initiated ‘naga sadhus’ prepare to perform rituals on the banks of the Ganga River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad yesterday. During every Kumbh Mela, the diksha - ritual of initiation
by a guru - program for new members takes place. — AFP
Allen Ginsberg photos recall Beat generation
The writers of the Beat Generation, who
shocked America with their bohemian
lifestyles and upended literature half a
century ago, are celebrated in a new photo
exhibit by one of their most famous members,
Allen Ginsberg. The New York exhibition, “Beat
Memories, the photographs of Allen Ginsberg,”
comes just after the release of the movie “On
the Road,” which has received generally good
reviews for its dramatization of Jack Kerouac’s
famous 1957 book of the same name.
More than 80 black and white pictures
housed at New York University’s gallery uniquely
capture the Beatniks, as they were known. All
the main figures of the movement, which
espoused innovative literary styles, free love,
drug-taking, and rejection of accepted US social
values, star in the collection. They include
Kerouac and “Naked Lunch” author William
Burroughs, as well as the lesser known Peter
Orlovsky and Gregory Corso. There’s also Neal
Cassady, inspiration for one of the main characters
of “On the Road.”
Ginsberg, author of the poem “Howl,”
In this file picture taken on January 31, 2013 a visitor views a painting entitled ‘Femme assise
pres d’une fenetre’ (A woman sitting by a window) by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso at
Sotheby’s auction house in central London. — AFP photos
described his photographic mission like this:
“Without even intending it, there is that little
shiver of a moment in time preserved in the
crystal cabinet of the mind. A little shiver of
eternal space. That’s what I was looking for,” he
wrote.The snapshots heavily feature the lower
Manhattan neighborhoods of Greenwich
Village, East Village and the Lower East Side, all
counter-culture hotbeds and artistic havens
until their relatively recent gentrification. “Many
were taken within walking distance of
Greenwich Village, which holds countless
favored Beat haunts,” said Lynn Gumpert, director
of the NYU gallery, which itself is located in
the Village.
“Exhibiting ‘Beat Memories’ at the Grey Art
Gallery displays these captivating works nearly
next door to their original settings.” In addition
to the exhibit, the gallery is offering a downloadable
self-guided tour of the area and a formal
tour, which is already booked out, for April.
The photos capture the wanderings of the tightknit
group. The Beatniks were most associated
with New York and San Francisco, but the movement
was also centered in the so-called Beat
Hotel in Paris, where the writers escaped the
censorship at home, and in the Moroccan port
of Tangier, where novelist Paul Bowles lived, as
well as, for a time, Burroughs.
The pictures were taken in two distinct periods:
from the Beats’ heyday in 1953-1963 and
then 1980-1990, when musicians Bob Dylan,
Lou Reed and pop star Madonna come into the
frame. Ginsberg, who died in 1997, sought right
to the end to capture his world, with intimate
photos of hotels in Eastern Europe and in his
own East Village apartment. The exhibit was first
shown in Washington and next will head to San
Francisco in May. —AFP
Picasso lover portrait sells for £28.6 mn in London
Aportrait of Pablo Picasso’s lover Marie-
Therese Walter sold in London on Tuesday
night for £28.6 million ($45.0 million, 33.3
million euros), Southeby’s auction house said. The
colorful and curvaceous “Femme assise pres d’une
fenetre” (Woman sitting by a window), painted in
1932, was sold at a crowded salesroom to an
anonymous telephone buyer, a Sotheby’s
spokesman said. It had been expected to go under
the hammer for between £25 million and £35 million.
“We are delighted that this stunning and monumental
portrait, which is part of the defining
series that introduced his ‘golden muse’ to the public
eye, fetched such a strong price,” said Helena
Newman, chairwoman of Sotheby’s impressionist
and modern art department in Europe.
“This particular portrait is a striking and notably
modern-looking work from one of the artist’s most
celebrated periods.” The painting was the star lot in
Tuesday’s impressionist, modern and surrealist art
sale, achieving the top price in an auction that netted
a total of £121 million. Picasso met his famous
muse Marie-Therese Walter in Paris in 1927, when
she was 17 and he was 45. Their relationship was
kept secret for many years because of her youth
and Picasso’s marriage to the Russian ballerina
Olga Khokhlova.
The affair was revealed in 1932 when portraits
of Walter were displayed for the first time alongside
other Picasso works in a major retrospective, and
Khokhlova realized there was another woman in
her husband’s life. Walter, who inspired several of
Picasso’s works including “La Lecture”, “La Reve” and
“Nature morte aux tulipes”, bore the Spanish artist
a daughter, Maya. “In recent years in particular we
have witnessed the remarkable allure of Picasso’s
portraits of Marie-Therese to collectors,” Newman
said. Another portrait of Walter from the same
series, “Nude, Green Leaves and Bust”, held the
record for the most expensive work of art ever sold
at auction when it was bought for $106.4 million in
New York in 2010. —AFP
A photograph of 20th-century American poet Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997), taken by his friend
William Burroughs, is part of an exhibit of Ginsberg’s photographs at New York University’s
Grey Art Gallery in New York. — AFP
India snake charmers
have identity crisis
Pali Nath, second from right, snake charmer on the outskirts of capital New
Delhi, shows off his most prized possession and means to earn his livelihood, a
cobra called Reshma. — MCT
Pali Nath has a high-tech advantage
in performing an ancient ritual. The
snake charmer’s cobra is computer
chipped and ready to dance. Well, almost.
It’s winter in northern India, and the
beast isn’t terribly energetic. So as Nath
waves his flute, striking up a brisk tune, a
listless Reshma briefly lifts her head
before retreating into her basket and
semi-hibernation.
Nath, 52, is one of only 10 Delhi-area
snake charmers whose serpents have
semiconductors embedded by the Delhi
government under their skin. The chips
act as name tags that legalize ownership
and help ward off officials threatening to
fine, extract a bribe or jail Nath under
laws designed to protect wildlife.
This gives Nath a big advantage over
competitors. “I’m sure they’re jealous,” he
says in this dusty community a half-hour
from the capital. Dressed in a traditional
saffron robe and cap, he adds, “They’re
unemployed, and I’m making money.”
Which should make him happy. But
working in a profession that’s as endangered
as some of its snakes weighs on
him. Tastes are changing as India’s middle
class explodes. Children who once followed
the sound of his flute, Pied Piper
fashion, now barely glance up from their
portable Game Boy consoles.
“We’re losing our culture,” says Nath,
whose sixth-grade education puts him
ahead of his mostly illiterate compatriots,
arguably why his four cobras, rattlesnake
and king cobra are on the right side of
the law.
Bureaucrats didn’t really publicize the
snake-chip program, effectively a onetime
amnesty for a lucky few because all
snake charmers are technically in violation
of the country’s wildlife act. And,
truth be told, the authorities wouldn’t
mind if the charmers gave up their
snakes for good.
Charmers have long been suspected
of using their art as a cover for selling
snakes to smugglers who supply the
lucrative Chinese traditional medicine
trade. The microchips-which cost the
government about $20 per snake, including
implanting-are embedded below the
skin to escape the snake’s molting
process. The idea is to ensure that a specific
snake actually belongs to a charmer.
Nath learned of the program only
after reading a newspaper article two
days before the deadline to comply. He
rushed to Delhi’s Department of Forests
and Wildlife office with his six snakes in a
bag, where a worker took them into
another room to be chipped and gave
him a document attesting to his new,
legal status.
Media, animal lovers and the government
criticize charmers like Nath for confining
the snakes to tiny baskets and ripping
out their fangs-which is done periodically
because they grow back-leading
to infection and death. But Nath strongly
disputes this, arguing that his snakes
sleep with him and eat better than he
does. “We treat them like our children,” he
says, jamming 5-foot-long Reshma into a
basket the diameter of a dinner plate.
India had about 800,000 unlicensed
snake charmers in 2007, according to a
recent survey by the Snake Charmers
Federation of India. Those now caught
without a license face up to seven years
in jail under Indian laws that aim to safeguard
biodiversity by banning the possession,
sale or trading of wild animals.
Among the most affected, other than
smugglers, have been traditional showmen:
charmers, monkey grinders and
trick-bear keepers. —MCT