RI PT IO N BS C SU THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010
The UAE beyond Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
To kill a bedbug: Pick your weapon
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SHAWAL 14, 1431 AH
Paris Hilton denied entry to Japan over cocaine conviction
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Man United thrash Scunthorpe in League Cup PAGE 20
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Bomb kills 12 at Iran parade Amir sends condolences • Russia bans arms to Iran
NEW YORK: Kuwait’s Prime Minister HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah addresses the Millennium Development Goals Summit at the United Nations headquarters on Tuesday. – AFP
PM urges efforts to cut poverty, hunger UNITED NATIONS: Representing HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad AlAhmad Al-Sabah called on the international community to exert more effective efforts to combat the “scourges of poverty and hunger”. Addressing the “Summit on the Millennium Development Goals”, a high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly, late Tuesday, the prime minister said the current meeting, considered to be an important opportunity to revisit the Millennium Development Goals, is dominated by indicators that are not encouraging, specially for goals relating to the reduction
of the rates of global poverty and hunger by half. He said this poses a real challenge for the international community in combating these two scourges, where the number of the poor people rose from 800 million people in 1990 to more than 1 billion in 2009, instead of dropping. Therefore, he urged, it is imperative to adhere to the previous commitments, particularly the fulfillment by the developed countries to the commitment made in the Monterrey Consensus and the Doha Declaration on Financing for Development to allocate 0.7 percent of their Gross National Product towards official development assistance. Continued on Page 14
TEHRAN: A bomb tore through a military parade in Iran yesterday killing 12 people as the Islamic republic showcased its weaponry at events marking the start 30 years ago of the bloody IranIraq war. Among the dead were the wives of two commanders, an official said, while medics reported 81 people wounded and fearing the toll will rise. The bomb, placed just 50 m from the podium at the parade in the ethnically Kurdish northwestern town of Mahabad in West Azerbaijan province, exploded at around 10:20 am (0650 GMT), officials said. “The number of martyrs of the incident reached 12,” the head of Iran’s medical emergency services, Gholam Reza Massoumi, told ISNA news agency. “So far no groups or people have claimed responsibility for this crime,” deputy provincial governor Issa Ghanbari told ISNA, adding that the victims were all women except for a six-yearold boy. “You cannot give exact figures of the dead and injured yet as it has been a horrible catastrophe and every minute new numbers come out,” local medical emergency chief Hamid Reza Emrani told ISNA. HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah sent yesterday a cable of condolences to Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in which he expressed his deepest condolences and utmost sympathies for the victims of the bombing. Continued on Page 14
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Panel urges fight to combat drugs Add to religious textbooks: MP By B Izzak KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s alien practices committee yesterday called for concerted efforts to combat drugs trafficking and abuse, including the establishment of a single authority to handle drugs affairs. The recommendation came following by the committee to discuss the best ways to combat drug abuse in the country, which some reports saying has been on the rise in the past few years. Committee rapporteur MP Mohammad Al-Huwailah said the committee proposed that all bodies concerned with fighting drug abuse should be brought under a single umbrella to
be entrusted with handling drug statistics and combating. Huwailah said the committee discussed shortcomings in certain drugs-related legislation, rehabilitation and treatments programs and facilities. The committee called for activating the role of government and private institutions concerned with combating drugs and on the need to upgrade their awareness programs to help contain drug abuse, the lawmaker said. Huwailah said the committee will hold another meeting on the issue before finalizing recommendations it will make in a report to the Assembly about fighting drugs. Continued on Page 14
NatGeo magazine to start in Arabic
TEHRAN: An Iranian paratrooper floats over the mausoleum of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini during a military parade marking the 30th anniversary of the start of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war yesterday. — AP
DUBAI: Af ter decades of turning out yellow-framed covers featuring Egyptian artifacts and other Mideast treasures, National Geographic magazine will for the first time soon start printing in Arabic. The picturepacked science magazine lining countless bookshelves plans to issue its first Arabic edition next month, making its more than century-old publisher the latest Western media company to tap the growing Middle East media market. “The stories in this magazine talk about all countries and all cultures,” said Mohamed Al-Hammadi, editor-in-chief of the new edition, who expressed hope it would give Arab readers a deeper understanding of the planet and how others live. “The
readers here, they need this,” he said in an interview. With backing from the oilrich emirate of Abu Dhabi, “National Geographic Al Arabiya” aims to reach readers across 15 countries from Morocco to the Arabian Gulf. It will contain translated articles from the 122-year-old US edition and original pieces tailored to the region. Yesterday, the magazine named a panel of seven Arab experts who will serve as advisers and contributors. They include Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass, female Saudi medical researcher Khawla Al-Kuraya and Essam Heggy, a Libyanborn planetary specialist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The goal is to produce at least a fifth of the Continued on Page 14
Arab world lags on climate action
NEW DELHI: Locals look at the expanse of floodwater that encircles the Commonwealth Games Village (background) yesterday. — AP
India battles to save Games False ceiling caves in • Several athletes quit NEW DELHI: India scrambled against the clock to save the Commonwealth Games after big ticket athletes quit the showcase event and nations threatened to stay home unless authorities cleaned venues “unfit for human habitation”. Scotland delayed its departure to New Delhi and Wales gave organisers until later yesterday to guarantee that the venues and athletes’ village are safe. The New Zealand swimming team is seeking a “Plan B” should the event be cancelled. Two high profile Kenyan athletes, citing injury and illness, pulled out and a South African sports boss made clear his team would consider following suit if there were any more major hitches. “The safety and health of team South Africa are of paramount importance to us and if at any stage we feel that this is compro-
mised then we will not hesitate to bring the team home,” said chief executive of the South African Sports Confederation, Tubby Reddy. Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell, who said the two-week event suffered from filthy conditions, will arrive today for a probable meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In the next few days thousands of athletes will start arriving for the Oct 3 start. India had hoped to use the $6 billion Games, held every four years for members of the former British Empire, as a display of its growing global economic and political clout rivalling China. Instead, the Games have descended into farce with some countries giving organisers an ultimatum of a few days to get everything ready Continued on Page 14
CAIRO: The Arab world will be one of the regions worst hit by climate change but still lacks any coordinated response to its potentially devastating effects, experts said at a conference this week. With hotter, drier and less predictable climates, the amount of water running into the region’s streams and rivers is set to fall 20 to 30 percent by 2050, worsening desertification and food insecurity, the United Nations Development Programme says. Arab states, many rich in petroleum and grappling with fast-growing populations, lack the political will to act, experts said at the two-day UNDP regional meeting that ended late on Tuesday. “They are leaving entire generations who will wake up and find a disaster on their hands that they will be completely unequipped to handle,” Mostafa Tolba, former executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, told Reuters. The region is home to six of the world’s 10 most water-scarce countries. Its citizens have access to an average of 1,000 cubic metres of water a year, a figure seven times below the world average and expected to shrink to 460 cubic metres by 2025. Another looming concern for many countries in the region is rising sea waters that threaten small-island states like Bahrain as well as natural and manmade islands in the Arabian Gulf. In Egypt, where over 50 percent of the population lives
within 100 km of the coastline, 6 to 8 million people could be displaced, said Mohamed El Raey, Executive Director of the Regional Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction. Egypt is already the world’s biggest wheat importer and rising waters on its low-lying Nile Delta, where nearly half of the country’s crops grow, could submerge or soak the land in salt water. “Climate change will render many of our coastal zones redundant or obsolete,” Shaden Abdel Gawad, president of Egypt’s National Water Research Centre, told the conference. The prospective damage of rising sea waters could chip 16 percent off Egypt’s gross domestic product, the worst potential damage in the region, El Raey said, citing World Bank figures. Qatar and Tunisia follow closely behind. Arab world greenhouse gas emissions are growing at one of the fastest rates globally, with Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar the biggest emitters per capita in the world, although the region only accounts for 5 percent of the world total. Experts said climate change was on Arab government agendas but they called for measures to engage the private sector, saying the only way was to target the pockets of businesses. “The entrepreneur and the economist need to see some revenue prospects from addressing climate change. Without them, nothing will happen,” Tolba said. — Reuters
JERUSALEM: Israeli mounted riot police ride near smoke from burning cars below the ramparts of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during clashes yesterday. — AFP
Clashes break out after Israeli kills Palestinian Police enter Aqsa mosque compound JERUSALEM: Clashes erupted in Jerusalem yesterday after a Jewish settlement guard shot dead a Palestinian during a confrontation in a tense neighbourhood in the annexed Arab eastern part of the city. Several people were wounded as the violence flared throughout the day, with Palestinians torching three vehicles and Israeli police eventually entering the nearby flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound, sacred to Muslims. The violence came as negotiators were struggling to reach a compromise on the impending end of a partial settlement moratorium that threatens to torpedo Israeli-
Palestinian peace talks relaunched earlier this month. Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the fighting began when Arab residents of the Silwan neighbourhood threw stones at the car of a security guard for a Jewish settlement. “A guard responsible for protecting Jewish residents of the neighbourhood opened fire with his pistol after his car was attacked with stones,” he said. Witnesses said another two Palestinians were wounded in the shooting, and several others were injured later as police Continued on Page 14
NATIONAL
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Crooked MP caught
SMS to be monitored KUWAIT: The Minister of Communications (MoC) met with representatives from three mobile telecommunication services providers in the country. They discussed ways to monitor SMS (Short Message Service) messages that contain insults and statements that have a negative effect on national unity. These are broadcasted live at several satellite stations.
During the meeting that took place at the ministry’s headquarters, Minister Dr Mohammad Al-Busairi asserted on the importance of creating a mechanism to monitor the contents of the SMS messages that TV stations receive from viewers. These are subsequently broadcasted through a ‘live feed’ and address political, religious or sectarian issues.
KUWAIT: An unnamed Kuwaiti MP has reportedly been released on bail after allegedly being accused of attempting to defraud a constituent. According to unconfirmed local media reports, a Kuwaiti plaintiff claimed that the MP had attempted to make him pay twice for the same business transaction. The accuser reportedly told police officials that he and the parliamentarian had originally agreed on jointly financing a business project. The constituent agreed to put up KD2,000 of his own money, for which he should have received a receipt in return. Despite the MP having
This issue will remain a top subject that will be followed up during the upcoming days, especially as it is connected with several legal and technical aspects, reported Al-Rai. Other subjects that were brought up during the meeting include transferring phone numbers from one provider to another, without the number being changed, by lowering the local calls’ tariff rates.
in the news New MoC regulations KUWAIT: The Ministry of Communications (MoC) is expected to renew its contracts with a number of local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) shortly, while introducing a number of new regulations facilitating the marketing of internet services online in Kuwait and opening the door for more firms to obtain official ISP licensing. One MoC insider told Al-Qabas that the ministry’s objective in introducing the new regulations is to provide legal protection shielding the ISP companies from possible problems; this follows complaints from a number of ISPs over difficulties they faced after their contracts with the ministry expired. It’s hoped that the new regulations will help to regulate the sale of internet services, opening the door to more ISP firms to operate at full capacity and provide customers with various, competitively priced services.
New system to monitor incompetent teachers The Council of Directors from Educational Areas agreed to act according to the instructions listed in a circular issued by Undersecretary Muna Al-Loghani. According to the circular, teachers’ performance will be monitored using an effective mechanism (for the academic year 2010/2011). An agreement was reached by the Ministry of Education and Civil Service Commission (CSC) to transfer teachers who have been performing poorly into the administration work, reported Al-Anba. The ministry reports should include the reasons behind the transfer. These reports should be approved by the area director.
Kuwait to host 29th GCC oil meeting Kuwait will host on October 10 the 29th GCC ministerial meeting of the petroleum cooperation committee headed by Oil Minister and Information Minister Sheikh Ahmad AlAbdullah Al-Sabah. Oil Undersecretary for supervision and media affairs Adel Al-Jassim said yesterday the oil and energy ministers will discuss at the meeting Gulf petroleum policies, strategies of production and explorations, and challenges facing petroleum strategies. He said that GCC Secretary General Abdulrahman AlAttiyah will attend the meeting. The tenth meeting of the committee of oil and energy undersecretaries will be held on October 9, to discuss strategies and refer their report to the ministers on the next day, he said. The ministerial meeting was held in Qatar in 2009.
KISR launches project A scientific researcher at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) said here yesterday that the increasing consumption of meat and poultry in the last period has led the institute to start a project aiming to improve food safety and production in Kuwait. The Researcher, Mohammed Balba said that KISR started the project of, “isolating strains of “lactic” bacteria acid to use as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry production.” Balba said that the project
aims to use “lactic” acid bacteria, which is highly effective for the production of commercial preparations as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry production. He noted that the project team succeeded in isolating 76 strains of the lactic bacteria acid, as well as collected samples from the intestines of chickens from three poultry farms in Kuwait and most of these breeds are characterized as not composed of bacteria. He said the team will proceed to the next process of testing and evaluating these isolated strains using DNA sequencing technology.
KFAED, Uganda seal deal The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development announced yesterday the signing of two agreements in the Ugandan city of Kampala, one for a loan worth KD3 million and the other a grant amounting to $7 million. KFAED said in a statement today that the loan agreement came as a contribution to financing the operations project undertaken by Uganda Development Bank Ltd from 2010 to 2014, besides signing a draft agreement between KFAED and the bank concerning the arrangements made for implementing the above-mentioned project as well as its management. The loan agreement was signed by the Ugandan Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development Syda Bumba on behalf of the Ugandan government and the project agreement was signed by executive manager of the Uganda Development Bank Ltd Gabriel Etou, while KFAED Deputy Director general Hesham Al-Waqian signed the two accords on behalf of the Kuwaiti funding institution. Finally, KFAED said that this project aims at contributing to economic and social development in Uganda through providing sufficient resources to finance small and medium-sized productive and service enterprises in various sectors, particularly those in the fields of agriculture and industry in what helps increase job opportunities and raise the gross domestic product (GDP).
Companies accused of stealing the soil Legal notices have been served to several companies in connection with illegally hauling away truck loads of soil from open areas in Al-Jahra. “Inspection campaigns carried out by officials from the Jahra Municipality had recently uncovered a phenomenon where both licensed and unlicensed companies have been ‘stealing’ soil from open areas that have been reserved by the Municipality,” Head of the Jahra Municipality Abdullah Al-Ali said. “It was further discovered that these companies have transported large quantities of soil to be used in projects that have been under construction.” AlAli further warned against depleting soil which could have a detrimental effect on negative effect, bringing up the seriousness of the matter, as the camping season approaches, reported Al-Rai. He asserted that the Municipality keeps a close eye on companies that carry out government projects in order to ensure that they adhere to regulations.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
UNITED NATIONS: Representing His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah met Iraqi President Jalal Talabani at the United Nations late Tuesday. During the meeting, they discussed brotherly relations between Kuwait and Iraq, how to further reinforce them in all fields, as well as the latest regional developments. — KUNA
Kuwait FM, counterparts discuss ways to boost economic relations Sheikh Mohammad meets N Zealand, Belarus, Cyprus officials UNITED NATIONS: Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al Sabah on Tuesday met separately with his counterparts from New Zealand, Belarus and Cyprus to discuss ways to boost economic relations. The Foreign Minister of New Zealand Honorable Murray McCully said following the “warm and constructive” meeting “we are very keen to meet with Sheikh Mohammed, because New Zealand is looking to step up the level of our contacts with Kuwait.” He said the Trade Minister of New Zealand, accompanied by a large business delegation, visited Kuwait earlier this year and came back “excited” and with the “very strong conviction” that there could be “dramatic growth” and “a lot of potential” in economic relations between the two countries. He noted that in New Zealand, “we are trying to step up the opportunity for young people to come and study, mainly English,” adding that “many markets in the Gulf are attracted to us for that reason.” He said he accepted the invitation extended to him in the meeting by Sheikh Mohammad and he, in turn, invited Sheikh Mohammad to visit New Zealand, “which he has not done yet and I strongly encourage him to come and visit”. The Foreign Minister of Belarus Sergei Martynov said following the meeting that it was “devoted to deepening of our connections in different projects on bilateral issues.”
He added that the two countries are also working together in third world countries on development assistance projects, mainly in Africa. Cypriot Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou told KUNA following the “very good” meeting that it was a follow up to his visit to Kuwait last July. He said both officials reviewed the issues they discussed in Kuwait where they initiated a procedure to conclude a number of political and economic agreements, including in the investment fields, and “we wanted to see the pace of these preparations.” He added that he briefed Sheikh Mohammad on issues of concern, such as Cyprus problem and the political process to solve it with the Cypriot-Turkish community. He also said both Ministers exchanged views on the Middle East process, “Cyprus is a country in the region and this is something very important to us.” He further said that he discussed with Sheikh Mohammad the relations between the six GCC countries and the European Union, stressing that Cyprus, as a EU member, is “very supportive of enhancing and strengthening these relations, and we exchanged views on where we stand on these issues and how Cyprus can help in this respect.” Sheikh Mohammad member of the Kuwaiti delegation to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) meetings. The delegation is headed by representative of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad AlAhmad Al-Sabah. —KUNA
cashed the cheque and the plaintiff regularly attempting to obtain a receipt for his payment, however, he was unable to do so. The aggrieved constituent then reportedly discovered that the parliamentarian had filed a complaint against him, using another receipt, reported AlRai. On discovering this, the man immediately filed a case against the MP with the Public Prosecution Service, providing them with a photocopy of the cheque which the MP had cashed. Thereafter, the MP was summoned for questioning and charged with fraud, before allegedly being released on KD 1,000 bail.
‘Values vital’ for quality education DOHA: Kuwait’s Education Minister and Higher Education Minister Dr Moudhi AlHomoud stressed yesterday that quality education would not be achieved in Arab countries without supportive factors, mainly values. Al-Homoud made the statements to KUNA on the sidelines of her participation in an Arab seminar on the quality of education in Arab countries, which kicked off on Tuesday. She said that the values of citizenship, affiliation, creativity at work, tolerance, and respecting the opinions of others are strong supporters of quality education. “The values
are based on the principles of Islam and our heritage that calls for positive interaction in all fields of life, including education,” she said. Factors affecting the quality of education also include the selection of teachers who have good life skills, like critical thinking, and computer and technology skills, know languages, and have values, she noted. They also include providing a good environment for education, she added. AlHomoud said that the society is demanded, more than ever, to support these significant factors in the education quality process. — KUNA
Attack rumors ‘false’ By A. Saleh KUWAIT: Health minister Dr. Helal Al-Sayer yesterday denied media reports that a Kuwaiti citizen had earlier burst into his office and attempted to attack him and other staff after being turned down for medical treatment abroad. “This citizen came into my office. He’s visited the ministry frequently, despite being told more than once that his case doesn’t meet the conditions and criteria set by the Council of Ministers for treatment abroad,” the minister explained. The man “was not convinced [at this explanation] and therefore he used to turn up daily and we explained to him more than once. His visit to the office today was not to assault anyone, as has been claimed.” Meanwhile more than 95 percent of the Jaber Hospital’s foundations have been laid. Work is being conducted in accordance with ‘progressive work plan’ for one of the vital health projects which will help achieve a quantum leap in terms of improving the
country’s health sector. The project’s manager Ali Nadoum announced that the foundation to build accommodation complexes for nurses has been completed. He further indicated that unearthing the central unit building now touches 50 percentage, and that the parking lot is currently going through a reinforcement period. He also pointed out that work of the project’s building has been underway except for the dental building where the central unit building’s works are underway, reported Al-Qabas. With the total percentage of execution for the project, Nadoum indicated that six percentage of the construction process has been completed, noting that all works are going to be scheduled for the hospital, so that it can be inaugurated on time. The engineer further noted that one third of the project lies underground with basements at the main building and the parking lot, as well as a 22-meter-deep basement for the central unit building.
Kuwait stresses significance of budgets’ forum
KUWAIT: Ahmadi governor Sheikh Dr Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah recently hosted a team from the voluntary environmental committee for the Ali Sabah Al-Salem area at the governorate’s diwan. The team consisted of the head of committee Abdullah Duwyan, deputy head Dr Fahad Al-Azwb and committee member Abdullah Sharaar. The governor expressed his full commitment to provide the committee with support for their efforts.
Tensions mount over KUWAIT: Tensions seem set to mount once again between the cabinet and parliament after the cabinet failed to provide the parliamentary finance committee with the requested documentation on how it plans to fund the projects contained in the national development plan. It had been agreed previously that the cabinet would provide the required explanation and breakdown of its funding plans prior to the end of Ramadan, which finished almost a fortnight ago. Earlier this week, MP Dr Yousef Al-Zalzalah, the head of the parliamentary finance committee, accused the cabinet of “ignoring the projects funding issue,” although finance minister Mustafa AlShamali has asserted that a detailed study on the issue will be ready within approximately ten days. “The study will contain a clear and definitive vision for the funding process, which has been
agreed upon by all the specialists,” said the minister, adding that work on the development projects is proceeding smoothly. Al-Shamali also rejected accusations that he had failed to cooperate with the parliamentary finance committee after he turned down an invitation to attend their meeting due to be held later today, reported Al-Qabas. He said that these accusations had been leveled at him even before he received the invitation and emphasized the cabinet’s commitment to attending the committee’s future meetings. Al-Zalzalah, however, expressed disappointment at “the government’s inconsistency regarding the development projects funding process,” and warned that MPs would not hesitate to hold the cabinet accountable over any failure to execute the planned projects.
ANKARA: Kuwait’s participation in the forum on preparing budgets in the Turkish city of Afyon is important, head of the parliamentary budgetary committee and member of the Kuwaiti National Assembly Adnan Abdulsamad said yesterday. Abdulsamad said in a statement to KUNA that the National Assembly represented by a budgetary committee delegation led by him along with the committee’s rapporteur Adel Al-Saraewi as a member would take part in the forum that is held under the title, “Budgets, steps to make and methods to monitor,” at the invitation of the other parliaments of the member states of the Islamic Conference Organization (ICO). Further, Abdulsamad said that “forum would make us acquainted with the experience of the budgetary committees in the parliaments of other ICO member states on preparing and monitoring budgets as well as making use of the available experience for developing respective mechanisms in this field.” He also asserted that the
National Assembly delegation would present working paper to the forum that, “reflects Kuwait’s experience in preparing budgets and monitoring them as well as the mechanisms set up by the budgetary committee in the National Assembly in order to activate its role and the summary of its experience in this respect.” He also drew attention to the timing of this forum which comes as the engine of development in Kuwait started to run, “in what requires a state annual plan for monitoring the performance and results of the budget as it is a main tool for carrying out the development plans.” Finally, he said that this forum would be a big opportunity for exchanging opinions with the members of other participating delegations on cooperation among Muslim states in the parliamentary field and the issues of economic and financial integration among these countries as well as other topical issues of concern to the Islamic world. — KUNA
KUWAIT: Several serious violations are being committed at industrial areas in Al-Shuwaikh. Most of these pertain to several industrial activities that differ in the nature of licenses issued to these locations. In a statement made to the press, Mohammad Al-Enizi, Head of the Industrial Environment Department at the Environmental Public Authority (EPA) said that at some locations, 40 different errors have
been committed over the years, reported Al-Rai. Furthermore, Al-Enizi revealed that the EPA has been holding inspection campaigns in the area to eliminate violations. A condition will be put forward according to which each industrial business which operates in the area present an environmental outcome study before licenses are renewed, in accordance with the practices conducted.
NATIONAL
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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Statement of the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Saudi marks 80th National Day The first day in the Libran horoscope, September 23, marks a national event that is very dear to every Saudi citizen, recalling the sacrifices of our forefathers who established this great entity, and simultaneously motivating them to preserve the achievements already attained and continue to build this country and strengthen its pillars for upcoming generations. It also represents a glorious historic day, as represented by the epic historical events that led to the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into one, strong and cohesive state, that was declared in (1351 AH - 1932 AD), when the late King Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud declared
the unification of all the areas within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Thereafter, after he instilled the pillars of security and stability in this country, the civilizational, economic, cultural and all other fields were launched, covering the entire homeland, with King Abdulaziz concentrating, all his efforts to advance this country in all fields. By the time of his death in 1373 A.H. (1953 A.D.) (May Allah bestow His mercy on him), all the pillars of security and stability were in place and he had placed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the threshold of the future. He was succeeded by his sincere sons Saud, Faisal, Khalid
and Fahad (may Allah bestow His mercy on them all) who followed the same path of the founding King, as far as holding to the teachings of Islam, the Arab belonging and the continuation of construction and growth in the homeland and its citizenry. The Kingdom witnessed comprehensive renaissance in all fields during their reigns. Since the accession of the current Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, may Allah protect him, the Kingdom and its citizens have experienced a distinguished period of great comfort and prosperity. With his vast experience in political affairs and administration, he has been able
Wataniya offers half-price SMS messages to Saudi KUWAIT: To mark today’s celebration of Saudi Arabia’s 80th National Day, Wataniya is halving the cost of all SMS messages to numbers in the kingdom for the entire day. All Wataniya customers will be able to send their greetings via SMS to friends and family members in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for half the normal cost. The offer is one more confirmation of Wataniya’s dedication to always seeking new ways to enhance its customers’ celebrations and help them stay close to loved ones, no matter where they are. Abdulaziz Al-Balool, Wataniya Telecom’s PR Manager, explained, “Our strong ties with KSA demonstrate the warm brotherhood and closeness the Kuwaiti people share with the Saudis. By offering our customers in Kuwait discounted SMS to KSA, Wataniya is ensuring that these ties will continue to bloom and get stronger with time.” The 50% discount on SMS messages to Saudi Arabia will be valid for 24 hours from today (Thursday). Wataniya has offered similar promotions to other countries in the past, including the USA, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, India, Philippines, Pakistan and Bangladesh, and will continue to give all its expatriate customers a chance to reach out to their friends and family during their national celebrations. By doing so, Wataniya wants to give its customers an opportunity to share the joy of their loved ones back home. Meanwhile, Saudi businessmen stressed yesterday that the 80th Saudi National Day, to be cel-
Abdolaziz Al Balool PR Manager of Wataniya Telecom ebrated today, is a day to remember the kingdom’s achievements in all fields since its establishment by late King Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Speaking to KUNA, they said that the National Day was an opportunity to encourage increasing efforts to develop the kingdom. Chairman of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry Abdulrahman Al-Juraisi said that the occasion brings back the memory of uniting the kingdom and reinforcing national unity, until Saudi Arabia reached its present status. Saudi Arabia now has huge development and reforms projects in different fields like health, education, and economy under the rule of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, he said. He pointed out that the kingdom succeeded, due to its leadership’s wisdom, to overcome the effects of the world
economic crisis by strengthening its national economy and increasing government spending to activate the economy and public sector. The government allocated USD 400 billion from 2009 to 2013 for the government investment program in the government and oil sector, in addition to the spending on basic services, infrastructure projects and the development of the oil sector, he noted. The budget of 2010 is the largest budget in Saudi’s history, he said, adding that it included 540 billion riyals for expenses and 470 billion for resources, he said. On his part, Deputy Chairman of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry Saad Al-Mi’jil said the National Day is the day the Saudi people remember late King Abdulaziz’s struggle to unite the Arab Peninsula that suffered from division, poverty, lack of security, and instability, a day to be proud of. King Abdulaziz succeeded in establishing an entity that was a base for the Middle East’s stability and security and a leader for the Islamic world, he stressed. Saudi Arabia represents an example of a county that deals with the international community according to mutual respect and justice, without interference in the affairs of others, he emphasized. Meanwhile, head of the chamber’s real estate committee Ali AlZaid said that the humanitarian and development accomplishments of the kingdom were not achieved easily, but through sacrifices, action, and giving. He called on youths to protect Saudi Arabia’s stability and security. — Agencies
to continue the steady forward march of development, taking the Kingdom to new levels of advancement in all fields, despite the numerous regional and international developments that troubled the region and the Kingdom, ensuring that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia takes the lead in the Arab and Muslim worlds. All these achievements are in addition to the great benefits the kingdom enjoys in terms of its great religious, political and economic importance, as well as its principal role in politics and international relations, predicated on the religion of Islam, Arab values and the wise policies of its leadership. The kingdom represents the cradle of the two Holy Mosques, confirming the central Islamic role given to it, as well as safeguarding the interests of both Arab and Muslim nations. It is also a highly patriotic country that seeks to protect its lands and ensure a comfortable life for all its citizens, after being able to achieve the unification of this massive entity. Today, with the 80th anniversary of its establishment, under the leadership of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques and HH the Crown Prince, the kingdom is entering a new phase in its developmental progress, a phase that has enabled it to become one of the most important countries worldwide for the 21st century. Since the accession of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the kingdom has achieved all its planned development objectives, with its economic, educational, social and health sectors, as well as its transport, communications, water and electricity systems witnessing wide-ranging
advancement and major growth. Since ascending to the throne, the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud (may Allah protect him) has deployed the national wealth to develop all sectors, and been able to overcome the effects of international economic crises, with the country now occupying a richly deserved status as one of the 20 most influential nations in the global economy, and one of the key financial and currency-related policymakers in the international community. The strategy adopted by the kingdom’s leadership to preserve these gains, is represented by several principles, the first of which is adhering to the ideology of Islam in word and deed and following its teachings. The second is holding on to the Arab identity and the third preserving the country’s unity and integrity of its lands. The fourth, meanwhile, is the vital importance of providing a dignified living for the kingdom’s citizens through putting in place economic, social and political development plans. This cherished national celebration falls on this day every year to reminds us of the efforts of our fathers and grandfathers and to motivate us to continue working towards the completion of the comprehensive development requirements, which began when the late King Abdulaziz began his long and hard march of progress to build this country, which has been able, within a short period, to build countries and people, and succeeded in building a fully modern state. He was able to instill the pillars of the first Arab unity in the modern era, which has successfully
The Saudi Ambassador Dr Abdelaziz Bin Ibrahim Al-Fayez. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat confronted all the regional and international challenges. As this esteemed anniversary comes upon us, I would like to congratulate the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, HRH Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Crown Prince, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, and HRH Prince Nayef Bin
Abdulaziz the Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior (may Allah protect them), along with all the members of the ruling family, and the noble Saudi people, and pray to Almighty Allah to protect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from all evil, and let us enjoy this joyous event again and again in the future. May Almighty Allah sustain the bounty of security and pros-
perity for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its sister Kuwait as well as all the other Arab Muslim nations. May Allah protect the two wise leaderships of our two countries, the custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and his brother His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlSabah; may Almighty Allah protect them both.
NATIONAL
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Thursday, September 23, 2010
Lost boy found
kuwait digest
MoH prosecution dept
KUWAIT: Jahra police were able to find a 6-yearold child and reunite him with his family after he wandered out of his family’s house in Taima, reported Al-Watan. After a brief search of the area, police found the little boy crying on a nearby street. The child’s parents were charged with negligence.
By Saad Al-Meatesh
T
he Interior Ministry deserves credit for classifying money laundering as a crime against the state for the effects it has on the national economy. This has resulted in the wastage of some public funds. The Public Prosecution Department (PPD) has several affiliated departments with the Juvenile Prosecution Department, the Commercial Prosecution Department, and the Drugs and Alcohol Prosecution Department. I hope that the Justice Ministry will add a new Prosecution Department that pertains to investigating foreign treatment expenses which stands at a little more than KD519 million between 2005 and 2007. Investigating these issues require an army of investigators that can address all the violations mentioned in the reports released by the Audit Bureau. Mounting violations have led the Bureau to refer 2006’s violations to the Public Prosecution Department instead of referring them for three years together. This indicates that for all the violations to be addressed, a separate prosecution department should be established, under the name of ‘the Ministry of Health’s Prosecution Department.’ MP Mubarak Al-Waalan should intensify his efforts to address the violations committed in the past three years, and investigate into funds that were squandered and could have been used to build several hospitals in Kuwait. — Al-Rai.
kuwait digest
A very serious stance By Naji Al-Zaid Adel Al-Saraawi, Marzouq Al-Ghanim and Saleh Al-Mullah. No matter how you feel about these young parliamentarians there is one thing that we can all agree on; the fact that they are among the most active and efficient MPs in the parliament. No one can question their loyalty to Kuwait, nor their integrity and valor when addressing matters of concern, especially regarding the sports issue. These three MPs have grown tired of warning against the violations and interventions that have led to the deteriorating level of our sports sector. Members of the Cabinet are mistaken if they believe that they have the ability to contain an interpellation motion on this issue. Previous interpellations did not feature the participation of these three MPs. The Cabinet must be shortsighted if they think that these MPs’ threats to grill the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor or His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Muhammad Al-Sabah are not serious. On the contrary; these threats are very serious considering that these parliamentarians realize that there is a lot at stake. They could lose a lot if they decide to retract their words, including popularity among voters. There are only one of two options available; either the Cabinet can meet the demands of the MPs and administer justice, or face interpellation. Given the number of violations and errors committed in the sports sector, neither the Minister of Social Affairs nor HH the Prime Minister will be able to fend off the accusations that these MPs can provide during an interpellation, no matter how prepared they are to face this grilling. The grilling could be the beginning of the end for HH the Prime Minister’s political career, should it be presented with a great deal of professionalism. That said, hopefully things won’t escalate to a point of no return. Hopefully the Cabinet will rearrange their stance on the sports issue. I urge the Cabinet to give a great deal of attention to the stances of these three young MPs. They have more than proved that they are trustworthy when it comes to defending the coun-
Suicide attempt A 36-year-old Sri Lankan maid attempted to kill herself by consuming pesticide at her employer’s residence in Thahar, reported Al-Watan. After being found unconscious she was admitted to Jahra Hospital by paramedics. Police are waiting for her condition to stabilize before launching their investigation. Illegal relationship Farwaniya police placed a Sri Lankan woman under arrest after learning that she was involved in an illegal sexual relationship, reported Al-Watan. The woman delivered the baby in a hospital and provided authorities with her husband’s whereabouts when she was questioned. An investigation revealed that the man had never entered Kuwait and that the last time the woman was left in the country was two years ago. She was held by authorities for further questioning.
KUWAIT: A female Kuwaiti motorist was treated at the scene after suffering minor injuries when her car was in a collision with another vehicle on the Fifth Ring Road just before the approach to Salmiya. Two expatriates in the other car were unhurt, although the impact severely damaged both vehicles. — Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh
‘Wasta’ reigns supreme Woman and lover freed, policemen jailed By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: A young Kuwaiti woman from a leading family who was arrested with her boyfriend after they were allegedly caught having sex in a parked car on Tuesday night was released the next morning after using wasta to obtain her freedom, with the arresting officers subsequently being detained. The woman, who was caught in a compromising position with her boyfriend in a car parked in a deserted area, screeched impreca-
tions at the arresting officers and others at Salwa police station. “I will get out of here and I’ll show you how...you are not men,” were among the things she yelled at the officers in the police station on being taken into custody with her lover. The couple were caught when police patrolling the area became suspicious of the car and approached it to find out what the occupants were up to. After being taken to the police station, the woman immediately began calling high-level
contacts, with the police receiving calls from senior security officers in Hawally and from the Ministry of Interior urging the police to release her and her lover. The arresting officers insisted that the law should be applied equally to all, however, and the young woman and her boyfriend were kept in custody. The next morning, the young woman was quickly released, while the two arresting officers were themselves arrested and sentenced to spend three days in police detention.
Kuwaitis, Saudis to use smart cards MANAMA: Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have signed yesterday an agreement allowing their nationals to use smart ID cards instead of passports to cross the joint borders. The deal will take force only one month after being signed by Kuwaiti Minister of Interior Lt-Gen (rtd) Sheikh Jaber Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and Saudi Arabia’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Prince Nayif Bin-Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Speaking to KUNA after the signing ceremony on the sidelines of the seventh meeting
of interior ministers of Iraq’s neighboring countries, Sheikh Jaber said the agreement would give a strong impetus to the friendly exchanges between the two countries. “Saudi Arabia is of strategic importance for Kuwait and constitutes a crucial link between Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states,” the minister pointed out. “The deal will greatly facilitate the movement of citizens of the two sisterly countries; it sets example for what the ties between neighbors should be.
“It is only a step which will be followed by other steps on road of cooperation in all domains,” Sheikh Jaber affirmed. Meanwhile, Director-General of Saudi Passports Directorate Salem Bin-Mohammad Al-Belhid said the document materializes the political will of GCC leaders for facilitating the movement of the GCC nationals. Echoing Sheikh Jaber’s remarks, Al-Belhid said: “The GCC interior ministers are determined to adopt a range of measures to bolster up integration particularly in the security field. — KUNA
Delivery reveals assault After giving birth in a maternity ward the mother informed authorities that her pregnancy was the result of a sexual assault nine months ago, reported Al-Watan. Upon enquiring about the baby’s father, the woman explained that she is not married and that she does not know who the father is. She added that she became pregnant after being kidnapped and raped by an unknown man. An investigation was launched in search of the assailant. Worker injured A 48-year-old Egyptian construction worker sustained serious injuries when he fell off the Communication and Navigation Institute building in Shuwaikh, reported Al-Watan. He was admitted to Sabah Hospital’s intensive care unit by paramedics in critical condition. Lover attacked A 33-year-old citizen was almost killed by the father of the woman he was having an illegal relationship with, reported AlWatan. The man was brutally attacked by the woman’s father when he learned his daughter was engaged in an illegal relationship. The incident occurred with the man, who is an officer with the Ministry of Defense, was stabbed in the head by the woman’s father in his diwaniya. The victim’s brothers rushed him to Jahra Hospital in critical condition. An investigation was launched in search of the assailant. Bribe An Afghani man was charged with trying to bribe a police officer after he was pulled over for driving the wrong way down a one way street in South Surra. He was brought to the area’s police station and placed under arrest, reported Al-Watan. Intoxicated youths Three intoxicated youths parked their car and started dancing in the middle of Salmi Road, reported Al-Rai. Authorities responded to the incident and placed the lawbreakers under arrest. Unlicensed weapon Two bedoon brothers were arrested for being in possession of an unlicensed weapon, reported Al-Anba. Authorities were investigating a number of armed robberies when they detained two young men for being in possession of a fake gun. While searching the pair’s possessions they happened upon another weapon and discovered that it was unlicensed. They remained silent when asked about it and later discovered that the gun was acquired during the Iraqi invasion. Police held the two for further questioning.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
NATIONAL
5 Projects threatened by the BOT bill delay
Nepal to lift ban on women’s workers in Kuwait, Gulf states By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Even as the Nepali government is yet to lift the ban on Nepalese women being employed (domestic helpers) in Kuwait and the Gulf countries in general, its new embassy in Kuwait is busy preparing for an imminent government decision to lift the ban. In the words of an embassy official, ‘coming soon.’ Vhattarai Pushpa, Second Secretary of Nepal to Kuwait admitted that the ban will be lifted as soon as possible, so as to monitor citizens’ entry and exit from the country. Nepal bans household works in the Gulf including Kuwait in the early 1990’s for security reasons. It hasn’t lift to this date. Vhattaria said even with the current ban, many of their women are entering the country illegally through various ways/means. “The problem with the current set up is that, we do not have any control/records of their entry. This makes it difficult to monitor their movements closely. If the ban is lifted, monitoring should be easier. We are mandated by our government to monitor and protect our countrymen regardless of whether they enter here illegally through individual recruiters or agencies,” he said. He noted that coordination between local recruitment agencies and its counterparts in Nepal are necessary to monitor their citizens’ entry into Gulf countries. The official said that manpower recruitment agencies in Nepal should be affiliated to local agencies here so that workers can be monitored, adding that they would no longer tolerate individual recruitments. “The problem arises from the manpower recruitment agencies, especially with individual recruiters. If they do not have any partner agencies in Kuwait, how can we solve workers’ problems here,” he queried. According to Vhattarai, many recruited from Nepal were being misguided by the recruitment agencies, especially by individual recruiters who hire illiterate, untrained domestic helpers. “Many are not properly oriented on real jobs, conditions, traditions and Kuwaiti culture. They hardly speak English. If they start working, and if employers do not like their jobs, they’ll be in a bad situation, confused and many are lost,” he added. Vhattarai stated that recruiting Nepalese women should be done by resorting to legal channels, and a mechanism should be in place (which they currently do right now). This is to improve the quality of service rendered on both sides, “Surely the problems will be minimized if the system is in place; we are doing it right now since the embassy began functioning in April here,” he said. Vhattarai also called upon the Kuwaiti government to help them reduce the number
of agencies so that agencies that violate the law can be streamlined. “It will be easier and there will be less headache, if it happens,” he reiterated. “I think there are about 400 recruitment agencies right now, if we could reduce them to at least 20, then, it will be easier to deal/handle the situation. These agencies should employ at least one or two Nepalese women, so that our citizens concerns are addressed properly,” he pointed out. In case the ban is lifted, the Nepal government may compel agencies to train domestic helpers says Vhattarai. “If there’s a system in place, employers would know they are hiring competent people. If hired housemaids do not conform with their requirements, they can easily return them to agencies,” he said. Vhattarai admitted to encountering many problems that domestic helpers face, including cases of mistreatment, unpaid salaries and sexual abuse. The role of recruitment agencies during such instances is as important as the embassy, he added. “If problems arise, we can easily turn them over (maids) to local recruitment agencies. There are runaways who do not even know where they live, (worked for). Some do not know the names of their employers. Whom should we turn to if that happens?,” he asked. He lamented that many of his countrymen entered Kuwait through non-existent agencies, and individual recruiters. When they entered Kuwait he said, nobody knows where they were or even employers’ location. “How could we reach them if they need help? We are clueless about their names and personalities. At the end of the day, it will only be the sole responsibility of our state to help and protect our citizens. We are trying our best to set up a mechanism to help our citizens,” he reiterated. Vhattarai proposes their workers be thoroughly trained before sending them to their employers. They will also require that agencies provide them with insurance policies, proper orientation and documentation. Their names/databases contain the names of Nepalese workers that will be submitted in their embassy that is located in south Surra, “We also demand that recruitment agencies provide us with addresses. We asked them to be responsible for their legal and moral obligation for workers they hired,” he concluded. There are about 100 runaway housemaids lodged at their embassy. Most of them are victims of ‘individual recruiters’ who disappear moments after the workers leave Nepal. The Nepalese community in Kuwait are around 50,000 in Kuwait, of which, 30,000 are women.
KUWAIT: Security officers seen at the crime scene. — Photo by Fouad Shaikh
KUWAIT: Several of the key projects included in Kuwait’s fiveyear national development plan are reportedly facing major problems due to the failure to pass the proposed bill regulating the implementation of Build-OperateTransfer (BOT) projects. According to a cabinet insider, nine of the development plan’s major projects are threatened by this problem, including one to build facilities for supplying the country’s airports, another for heavy aircraft maintenance, and a third to build a specialist customs facility for the storage of chemical substances and dangerous waste. The other projects whose viability is questionable without the bill’s approval are one to develop the Shuwaikh seafront area, another to recycle solid waste and others to establish an express mail customs department and to construct cultural and entertainment complexes. In associated news, it’s been confirmed that the
government’s plan to establish shareholding companies to supervise a number of development plan projects, including those associated with power, manufacturing and health insurance, would see the private sector allowed to hold a number of the shares. Other projects affected would be the construction of a residential area in Khairan and warehouses at border checkpoints, as well as a project to build low-cost homes, reported Al-Qabas. Fifty percent of the shares in each shareholding firm will be offered to citizens in an Initial Public Offering (IPO), while the government will retain a maximum of 24 percent of the shares in each company. The remaining 26 percent, meanwhile, will be offered for sale at public auction to private sector firms recognized by the Kuwait Stock Exchange or which have obtained the cabinet’s permission to bid.
Mystery robbery solved Maids’ rights bill KUWAIT: Taking follow up action to the recent robbery case where jewelry worth KD 2,800 was stolen from a jewelry store in Mubarakiya, forensic detectives have learnt a new truth. They stated that the saleswoman who had informed police about the alleged burglary , had feigned the attack and was involved in the doctored robbery,
reported Al-Watan. According to security officials, the saleswoman broke down during interrogation, when she was confronted with the results obtained from the forensic investigation conducted at the crime scene. She confessed to fabricating the story so as to cover up for the amount she had been stealing from
the shop’s safe. She claimed to have given the amount to an acquaintance. Notably, the suspect had also inflicted self-harm in order make the so-called heist appear more convincing. However, forensic medical reports proved that the injury was self-inflicted, which led to a more thorough interrogation to be conducted.
Finger scanning system to start next year KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior has launched an effort to speed up the installation of fingerprint scanning devices at the country’s land, sea and airports, reported Al-Rai. They instructed the Civil Information Department to coordinate with the Criminal Investigations Department on speeding up the process. They also provided the necessary financial support for the project to be started by next year. According to official sources within the ministry, the initiative was made following the latest saga concerning the fugitive Yasser Al-Habeeb and the case regarding his escape through a land port with the use of a forged passport. The ministry is committed to proceeding with the project as soon as possible in order to help identify cases of docu-
ment forging as well as apprehend fugitives trying to flee the country. General manager of the Criminal Investigations Department, Major
General Fahad Al-Dousary, said that the project is expected to be initiated by March so as to coincide with the new budget.
Co-op monitoring law strengthened KUWAIT: New regulations approved by Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Dr. Mohammad Al-Afasi will see inspectors conducting regular inspections of local Co-ops in order to ensure that they are complying with all the relevant legislation and regulations concerning prices and other issues. The new regulations were introduced to help in organizing the monitoring and inspection at local Coops and of the Kuwait Union of Cooperative Consumer Societies (KUCCS) which is responsible for
their administration, reported AlQabas. Dr. Al-Afasi called on co-ops and the union to facilitate the inspectors’ work by providing them with easy access to records and ledgers in order to enable them to carry out their duties and to provide quarterly reports to the social affairs ministry in a timely manner. On another Co-oprelated issue, the minister has also introduced amendments to the regulations governing the process of bidding for contracts to construct new Co-op branches.
set for discussion Maid recruitment costs rocket to KD 700 each KUWAIT: Proposed employment rights legislation for domestic workers is set to be discussed at a meeting being held in the next few days between senior officials from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor and the Immigration Department. The meeting will also see discussion of a number of related human rights issues. The government reportedly hopes that the proposed legislation will help repair its international reputation in the field of human rights, which has been tarnished following several cases of horrific abuses against domestic workers. The bill put forward contains a recommendation that all domestic workers’ salaries be paid directly into their bank accounts by sponsors; this is similar to the recently introduced labor legislation which compels employers to pay all employees’ wages directly into accounts rather than paying them via cash or cheque. The
MSAL is also reportedly set to provide detailed reports of all cases in which maids are accused of absconding from their employers’ homes, including those previously referred to the labor arbitration committee and other cases which resulted in legal action. Another issue of discussion at the forthcoming meeting will be industrial action by workers and the measures to be taken in penalizing companies which fail to comply with human rights legislation towards their staff. In another development, the cost of recruiting domestic workers has rocketed, reaching KD 700 per person. The steep rise in recruitment costs has been attributed to the laxity of immigration officials and the lack of monitoring of domestic staff recruitment agencies. The agencies in turn assert that increased visa cots are responsible, although these have fallen in neighboring nations. — Agencies
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NATIONAL
Kuwaiti aid worker in Gitmo loses petition By Andy Worthington or Fayiz Al-Kandari, one of the last two Kuwaitis in Guantanamo, American justice has always been an oxymoron. Although he has maintained - for nearly nine years - that he is an innocent man, and although the US government has no evidence against him, he was put forward for a trial by Military Commission under President Bush, and, last Friday, lost his habeas corpus petition in the District Court in Washington DC, consigning him, on an apparently legal basis, to indefinite detention in Guantanamo. Nevertheless, throughout his long detention, Al-Kandari has refused to let his disappointment with the US justice system drag him down, and has found the strength to joke about it whenever he is visited by his lawyers. As his military defense attorney, Lt Col Barry Wingard, explained in an op-ed in the Washington Post in June 2009: Each time I travel to Guantanamo Bay to visit Fayiz, his first question is, “Have you found justice for me today?” This leads to an awkward hesitation. “Unfortunately, Fayiz,” I tell him, “I have no justice today.” Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly’s unclassified opinion has not yet been published, so the details of her reasoning are as yet unknown, but enough of Al-Kandari’s story has been reported to understand the weakness of the government’s case, and it beggars belief that a sound reason for denying his petition could have been conjured up at the last minute. Al-Kandari, who is from a wealthy family in Kuwait, and has a history of providing humanitarian aid in countries where Muslims were suffering (in Bosnia in 1994, and in Afghanistan in 1997), has persistently stated that he arrived in Afghanistan at the end of August 2001 on a humanitarian aid mission that involved building two wells and repairing a mosque for a small rural community. He has also repeatedly stated that, sometime after the US-led invasion in October 2001, he set off for Pakistan, after being shown a leaflet that had a picture of an Afghan holding a bag with a dollar sign on it, accompanied by some text, which, in essence, said, “Turn in Arabs and this will be you,” but was then seized by Northern Alliance soldiers who subsequently sold him to US forces. The US authorities do not dispute the date of his arrival, but they claim that, in the three to four months before his capture in December 2001, he visited the Al-Farouq training camp (the main training camp for Arabs in the years before 9/11) and “provided instruction to Al-Qaeda members and trainees,” served as an adviser to Osama bin Laden, and “produced recruitment audio and video tapes which encouraged membership in al-Qaeda and participation in jihad.” However, as I explained in a major profile of Al-Kandari for Truthout in October 2009: [T]he government has never attempted to explain how he “provided instruction to AlQaeda members and trainees” at Al-Farouq, when the camp closed less than a month after his arrival in Afghanistan, and, more importantly, how he was supposed to have undertaken all this training, provided all this instruction and advice, and produced videos and audiotapes during the small amount of time that he actually spent in Afghanistan. At a military review board in Guantanamo in 2005, Al-Kandari attempted to expose the implausibility of these allegations, when he asked: At the end of this exciting story and after all these various accusations, when I spent most of my time alongside bin Laden as his advisor and his religious leader ... All this happened in a period of three months, which is the period of time I stayed in Afghanistan? I ask, are these accusations against Fayiz or against Superman? Despite this, the authorities have refused to accept Al-Kandari’s account of his activities, even though a cursory glance at the allegations against him demonstrates that, of the 20 allegations against him, 16 are attributed to an unidentified “individual,” and only one - a claim that he “suggested that he and another individual travel to Afghanistan to participate in jihad and ... provided them with aliases” came from Al-Kandari himself (and has been refuted by him). The paucity of evidence is so extreme that, after his Combatant Status Review Tribunal in 2004 (a deliberately one-sided process designed to rubber-stamp the men’s prior designation as “enemy combatants”), the tribunals’ legal advisor made a point of dissenting from the tribunal’s conclusion that he was an “enemy combatant,” stating: Indeed, the evidence considered persuasive by the Tribunal is made up almost entirely of hearsay evidence recorded by unidentified individuals with no first hand knowledge of the events they describe. As researchers at the Seton Hall Law School noted, in a major analysis of the CSRT documentation, entitled, “No-Hearing Hearings” (p. 34), “Outside of the CSRT process, this type of evidence is more commonly referred to as ‘rumor.’” Although these “rumors” were sufficient for the Pentagon to regard him as a prisoner of such significance that he was put forward for a trial by Military Commission in October 2008 (which has not been revived under President Obama), it is difficult to escape the conclusion that, inside the prison, he is regarded as a threat not because of what he is supposed to have done prior to his capture, but because of his attitude in detention. The fact that the majority of the allegations against him were made by other prisoners is largely a testament to his own resistance, As one of Guantanamo’s least compliant prisoners, he has not fought back physically, but has refused to make false confessions implicating himself or others, as so many others have done under duress (and as
F
the judges in the District Court have been exposing in other habeas petitions). This is in spite of the fact that, in 2003 and 2004, when Donald Rumsfeld imported a version of the CIA’s torture program to Guantanamo, he was subjected to a vast array of “enhanced interrogation techniques,” which, as Lt Col Wingard described them, “have included but are not limited to sleep deprivation, physical and verbal assaults, attempts at sexual humiliation through the use of female interrogators, the ‘frequent flier program,’ the prolonged use of stress positions, the use of dogs, the use of loud music and strobe lights, and the use of extreme heat and cold.” Even now, he is regarded as one of a handful of prisoners whose perceived influence over his fellow prisoners is such that he, and others who could not be “broken,” are separated from the general population of the prison. As I stated at the start of this article, Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s unclassified opinion has not yet been published, so it is unclear where, in the barrage of “hearsay evidence recorded by unidentified individuals with no first hand knowledge of the events they describe,” she concluded that there was sufficient evidence to deny his petition. Certainly, the habeas legislation is not without fault, although it has delivered victories for the prisoners in 38 out of 55 cases to date. A particularly startling example of these shortcomings was revealed last August when, in the case of a Yemeni, Adham Ali Awad, who was handed over to Afghan forces by AlQaeda fighters in a hospital where he was a patient, Judge James Robertson denied his petition, even though he conceded that, “The case against Awad is gossamer thin,” and added, “The evidence is of a kind fit only for these unique proceedings and has very little weight.” Tom Wilner, an attorney in Washington DC, who represented Al-Kandari and the other Kuwaiti prisoners in the early days of Guantanamo, and was counsel of record in the Supreme Court cases granting the prisoners habeas corpus rights (in Rasul v Bush in June 2004, and Boumediene v Bush in June 2008), explained to me on Friday how it was possible for prisoners to lose their habeas petitions on the basis of “gossamer thin” evidence. “It is important to bear in mind that the standard for habeas is quite low; it only determines whether there is probable cause for detaining someone, not that the person has done anything wrong,” Wilner told me. He also added further criticism of the Bush administration’s detention policy, as maintained by President Obama. Despite Friday’s result, he explained, AlKandari “has not been convicted of any wrongdoing, yet he has been imprisoned for more than eight years. The low standard for habeas might be an appropriate standard for detaining someone initially, but it is hardly an appropriate standard for holding people for years without end.” None of this helps Fayiz Al-Kandari, whose lawyers must now either appeal or attempt to arrange a repatriation program between the US and Kuwaiti governments. The first looks like a doomed enterprise, given the right-wing bent of the DC Circuit Court, which has recently been attempting to extend the government’s detention powers, rather than placing limits on them, and the second is hardly a better option. In April, when discussions were proposed regarding the repatriation of Al-Kandari and of the other Kuwaiti prisoner, Fawzi Al-Odah, who lost his habeas petition last August, the Obama administration attempted to impose ludicrous security demands on the Kuwaiti government before talks could begin. These included demands that two men released last year after winning their habeas petitions Khalid Al-Mutairi and Fouad Al-Rabiah (who, notoriously, was tortured into making false confessions that he was taught to repeat) “have their passports taken away, be required to check in with local authorities regularly and be under surveillance by the Kuwaiti government for a period of time.” So is Fayiz Al-Kandari some sort of threat to the United States? Nothing I have ever seen or heard about him suggests that he is. When I interviewed Tom Wilner for the documentary film, “Outside the Law: Stories from Guantanamo” (which I co-directed with Polly Nash), Tom spoke about a Kuwaiti prisoner who, from childhood, had allocated half his allowance to those more needy than himself, and described him as “a wonderful guy.” I had always suspected that the prisoner he was referring to was Fayiz Al-Kandari, and on Friday, I asked him if this was the case. Tom confirmed that it was indeed Fayiz he was referring to, and also told me, “He is extremely bright, with a wonderful smile and sense of humor and an almost poetic ability to express himself. He was absolutely dedicated to helping others and fighting any injustice inflicted upon them. At the same time, he was much stronger than I could ever be in withstanding personal abuse and injustice inflicted upon himself.” Tom also told me that Fayiz “repeatedly expressed the view that Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda were seriously misguided, that their views were a perversion of Islam and that harming innocent civilians is a sin.” Given Fayiz Al-Kandari’s resilience, it is almost certain that he greeted Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s ruling with the strength of character identified by Tom Wilner, and with the playful dismissal of American justice with which he regularly greets his attorneys on visits to Guantanamo. His strength, however, should not blind us to the fact that, nearly nine years after his capture, there is nothing worth celebrating in the judge’s ruling - or in his continued detention.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Japanese ambassador vows to strengthen Kuwait-Japan ties TOKYO: The newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Yasuyoshi Komizo expressed happiness to take up his new post, saying, “I am very happy to be in Kuwait,” according to the Kuwaiti Embassy in Japan. Komizo made remarks at the dinner hosted by the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi and his wife Jamilah Al-Otaibi, the embassy said yesterday in a press release to Kuwait News Agency. Komizo, accompanied his wife Mieko, indicated that he will take over the results that have been achieved thus far by the predecessor Masatoshi Muto, and promised Al-Otaibi that flourishing exchanges between Japan and Kuwait will be maximized. The former Japanese Ambassador to Vienna International Organization will assume post as Japan’s top envoy in Kuwait at the end of this month. Al-Otaibi held the dinner for Komizo to wish his success in Kuwait, which was also attended by UAE Ambassador Saeed Ali Al-Nowais, Algerian Ambassador Sid Ali Ketrandji, Egyptian Ambassador Walid Mahmoud Hussein Abdelnasser and his wife Dahlia. Addressing
‘I am very happy to be in Kuwait’ attendees at the dinner, Al-Otaibi said, “Komizo’s assignment is one of the crucial elements for further strengthening of the bilateral relations between Japan and Kuwait. He also renewed his commitment to the success of the coming year of 2011, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries. The commemorative 50 years anniversary events kicked off with the successful first Japan-Kuwait Joint Committee in June, chaired by Kuwaiti Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah AlSalem Al-Sabah and then Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada, the embassy said. As one of the outcomes of the Joint Committee, Japan and Kuwait made an agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy for further cooperation, the memorandum of cooperation (MOC), which was signed by Secretary General of the Kuwait National Nuclear Energy Committee (KNNEC)
Kuwait urges efforts to tap into nuclear energy VIENNA: The State of Kuwait called yesterday on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to double efforts to ensure that all nuclear facilities around the globe are dedicated to peaceful uses. Kuwait attributes great importance to the application of the safeguard system of the UN nuclear watchdog on all countries of the Middle East without exception, chief of Kuwait delegation to the annual General Conference of IAEA’s Board of Governors Ambassador Mohammad Saad Al-Sallal said in an address to the gathering. “The IAEA is the only international body which is able to provide assurances that all countries in the region and beyond are bound by the comprehensive nuclear safeguards, the Kuwaiti diplomat stressed.”Though all of the Middle East countries are committed to the comprehensive safeguards agreements pursuant to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Israel remained the sole nuclear power in the region which refused to join the NPT and open its nuclear facilities to international
inspectors. “This situation poses a big hurdle before the efforts aiming to rid the region of nuclear arms; it also puts in peril the security and stability of the region,” he regretted. “The State of Kuwait backs the resolution of the 53rd session of the IAEA General Conference relating to Israel’s nuclear capabilities as well as the final statement adopted by the NPT Review Conference in last May which calls for convening an international conference on the Middle East denuclearization by 2012,” Al-Sallal added. Dealing with the Iranian nuclear file, the Kuwaiti diplomat urged the Islamic republic to show more cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog and come clear about the suspicions of seeking a military nuclear capability. The coming stage requires concerted efforts by all IAEA member states to overcome the current disputes and back the efforts of the agency aiming to defuse the nuclear threats and denuclearize the world, he concluded. — KUNA
KPC gets new head By A Saleh KUWAIT: Oil minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah AlSabah has reportedly asked Farouq Al-Zanki to take over as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), as a prelude to his official appointment as the replacement for Saad AlShuwaib heading the massive conglomerate. An insider said that the minister wishes to appoint Al-Zanki, previously the chairman of the Kuwait National Petroleum Corporation, one of KPC’s subsidiaries, as the new CEO and has submitted his name to the cabinet for approval, adding that there is some cabinet opposition to the appointment. The insider added, however, that the cabinet is likely to approve the appointment upon the return of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed AlSabah, who is currently abroad on official business. New real estate policy The Iraqi government has approved a motion allowing Kuwaiti owners of real estate in Iraq to utilize their property, provided there are no legal issues preventing them from doing so. This would be conditional, however, on the same right being extended to Iraqis living in Kuwait, who should also be given the
right to own property here. A senior Kuwaiti official responded to the new ruling by pointing out that there are clear laws governing property ownership for nonKuwaitis in Kuwait, adding that the Iraqi government is entitled only to rule on property ownership issues in Iraq. They said there are real estate owned by Kuwaitis that were taken by Iraqis after the invasion, and demand that they be returned to owner. The officials promised us something good in this regard. The Kuwaiti official said that Kuwait has always “protected the rights of all those who lived in Kuwait then left it either voluntary or by being asked to leave, and Iraqis are among those.” The official added that the Iraqis who were in the country before the invasion and left afterwards had received full financial compensation after liberation, and those who were not in Kuwait were allowed to give power of attorney to the person of their choice to defend their rights. The Iraqi cabinet took the decision after a committee of senior Iraqi officials was formed especially to study the issue of Iraqi citizens who owned real estate and funds in Kuwait following the 1990-91 invasion and occupation, which submitted a number of recommendations on how these investments could be recouped.
Dr Ahmad Bishara and Director General of Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Tetsuhiro Hosono at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on Sept 9. A member of Japan’s House of Councilors Harunobu Yonenaga and his wife Yukiko, public broadcaster NHK Senior Commentator Nobuhisa Degawa, as well as Foreign Ministry officials Takehiro Kagawa and Eriko Murata were among the guests at the dinner. For his part, Yonenaga, who visited Kuwait to cover the 2003 Invasion of Iraq as a TV journalist, said at the dinner, “Kuwait gave me the great impression by the every aspects of the country such as friendliness, democratic political situation, and Kuwaiti way of life.” “I would very much like to contribute into any activities for deepening the friendly relations between the two countries,” Yonenaga said, adding that he has kept contacts with his personal friends in Kuwait. — KUNA
local spotlight
What do Kuwaitis want? By Muna Al-Fuzai hope to find someone who can tell me what exactly Kuwaitis want at this stage, and at this time, when the region is undergoing the best times? What will bring comfort into our lives and maybe some peace to the public mind? All year long, we have no break, no rest and no peace. Kuwaitis are always on the edge, and are provoked by MPs. Do the MPs serve as the voices of people? Of course, not. I believe that MPs speak only on behalf of themselves. Their own minds and thoughts are as much part of their groups rather than serving as the voices of people regardless of their attitude. Most people belong to ‘the silent majority’ category. Most people do not object to or benefit in any manner. In many cases, they are the sound of wisdom and sense. They love their country and want to see it at its best. They do not like to see their country’s condition deteriorate. They cannot bring change - they lack power, confidence and the equipment to make their voices heard. I think I am part of the silent majority - my pen being a small tool with which I express my thoughts. Kuwaitis do not want to be part of a war - they do not want to be in the middle of fights and conflicts over others’ beliefs. They maintain a neutral stance on most issues. How hard is this? It is reasonable to do so, especially if you are a citizen of a small country like Kuwait with neighbors like ours! But, there is another side to the story here. Many people are ‘framed’ for instigating internal conflicts with the government. We are expected to support all. Every MP seeks our opinion be good or bad. Why are we provoked to be in a war? Is this what we really should be ready to do? There are so many unresolved issues in Kuwait. These need to be focused on. These small issues can explode if it snowballs. Issues related to health, education and housing, even sport have become turbulent. These are important subjects for many Kuwaitis regardless of their beliefs and attitude. muna@kuwaittimes.net
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Letter To Muna Dear Muna Al-Fuzai, I hope you are doing well. I just want to applaud your article entitled ‘Kuwait’s Desperate Women’ in Kuwait Times today. It absolutely exists here in Kuwait. I support your idea that a hotline should be set up for abused women, as is the case with the Philippines. I hope that someone in the government will definitely take action on this. By the way, I have posted your article in my Twitter account so that others can read. Regards, Keesha
GOSH team starts mission at NBK Children Hospital KUWAIT: The Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) medical team comprised of British physicians specialized in children’s blood, cancer and neurosurgery has started their work at NBK Children Hospital. The medical team visiting Kuwait in a mission sponsored by NBK will provide their medical services for the next three years in addition to training a Kuwaiti medical team on medications of Blood ailments and cancer. The visit of the renowned British medical team comes as part of a program launched by NBK for the treatment of Leukemia and aims at providing the much-needed treatment and medical care for children suffering blood and cancer ailments in cooperation with the Ministry Of Health. The program is targeting the enhancement of medical services provided by NBK Children Hospital at Al Sabah Medical Area. NBK, out of sheer concern to ensure proper medication for children suffering blood and cancer ailments, will shoulder the total expenses pertinent to the salaries of the visiting
British medical experts. Commenting on the occasion, NBK Human Resources Group Head, Emad A. Al Ablani said: “Since its founding almost six decades ago, NBK has made support of the Kuwaiti healthcare sector a top priority. Hence, NBK has taken several initiatives in this domain including the creation of NBK Children Hospital at Al Sabah Medical Area to provide medical attention to underprivileged children. NBK is relentlessly endeavoring to utilize its resources and capabilities to ensure the provision of proper medication for children suffering blood ailments and draw a smile on their faces”. NBK Children Hospital stands as a landmark of the bank’s social contributions and initiatives to provide adequate support for the public health sector in Kuwait. The hospital accommodates different specialty clinics for Leukemia, neurology, psychiatry and pediatrics in addition to surgery and operations room, an auditorium and other amenities.
Emad Al Ablani
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) medical team with NBK HR Group Head Al Ablani, NBK PR and HR team
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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INTERNATIONAL
Six powers mull talks with Iran on nuke aim Washington increases pressure on Tehran NEW YORK: The six pow ers seeking to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions prepared to review yesterday the latest UN sanctions against Tehran and mull its appeals to enter negotiations. The
TRIPOLI: A Lebanese boy carries a bucket through the alleys of a shanty town yesterday. Lebanon recorded a Human Poverty Index of 7.6 percent in the 2009 HDI report, which ranks it in the 33rd place amongst the 135 countries calculated in the index. — AFP
Group of Iraqis deported from Europe return home BAGHDAD: Several dozen Iraqis who failed to gain asylum in Europe were returned to Iraq yesterday despite concerns the situation is still too dangerous, the UN refugee agency said. Security has dramatically improved in the past years in Iraq, but UNHCR has urged governments not to force Iraqis who fled the country after the 2003 US-led invasion to return, citing continued attacks and human rights violations in Baghdad and surrounding areas. As the plane carrying yesterday’s batch of the deportees landed at the Baghdad airport in the early afternoon, 10 of the passengers refused to disembark and had to be escorted off the aircraft by police, an Iraqi airport security official said. The returnees did not resist the security personnel who boarded the plane, but told them they were not returning to Iraq voluntarily, added the official. He spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media. He said all the deportees will be questioned by the police before being let into the country. The plane had left earlier from Stockholm with 27 Iraqi deportees from Sweden, nine from Norway, four from the Netherlands and an unknown number from the United Kingdom, Sybella Wilkes, a UNHCR spokeswoman, told The AP. The Iraqi official said 56 deportees were returned yesterday from several European countries.
Wilkes said in a phone interview that the governments participating in latest deportation - the fourth such known flight to the country in two months - provided the UN agency with very limited and late information. “We don’t know who they (the deportees) are and which parts of Iraq they are returning to,” Wilkes said. “We’d like to be given information about the people aboard these flights well in advance so that we can determine that none of them is being returned into harm’s way.” While the Kurdish autonomous region in northern Iraq and most of the south of the country have been relatively peaceful in the past, the UN agency considers Baghdad, Kirkuk and the northern provinces of Ninevah, Diyala and Salahuddin as unsafe for returns due to continued attacks, sectarian tensions and human rights violations. Most of the 2 million Iraqi refugees are living without permanent homes in neighboring Syria and Jordan. The UN expressed concern that the European decision to deport Iraqis would send the wrong signal to those countries. Iraqi authorities have encouraged people to return to their homeland, insisting Iraqi forces are able to protect them as US forces leave. Meanwhile, nine people were injured in two separate roadside bomb attacks yesterday in eastern and central Baghdad, police and hospital officials in the capital said. — AP
The talks were to involve US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her counterparts from the other five nations involved: Britain, China, France, Russia and Germany. The United States has pressed hard for full enforcement of UN Security Council sanctions, but also has left the door open to talks over Iran’s nuclear program and other issues. Washington argues that the sanctions are biting, putting pressure on Tehran to return to negotiations. To the extent that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is interested in talks, “all we would do is encourage him to call Lady (Catherine) Ashton and provide a date and a location,” State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said. Ashton is the EU high representative, who is the main point of contact between Iran and the P5plus-1. Ahmadinejad, in New York to attend the UN General Assembly meeting, told media that his country was ready to resume talks with world powers over its program to enrich uranium. The UN sanctions had also damaged the chances for an improvement in US-Iranian relations, he added. He blamed international politics for the growing tensions over the nuclear program. “Iran’s nuclear case is a political case,” the New York Times quoted him as saying. “Otherwise, why would it be essential for the details of our nuclear program be made available to the media?” The Iranian leader also was quoted as saying by the Atlantic magazine that the United States
“doesn’t understand what war looks like.” “When a war starts, it knows no limits,” Ahmadinejad said in response to a question about any US-supported strike by Israel on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The six powers met with Iran in Geneva in October 2009 and agreed on a nuclear fuel swap deal, which had been designed to build confidence as world powers pressed Iran to halt uranium enrichment. But the agreement has since stalled, and in June the UN Security Council approved a fourth round of sanctions against the Islamic republic, which in turn said it would suspend talks until September. “We are prepared to constructively engage Iran and would hope that Iran will be prepared to have the same kind of meeting that occurred last year,” Crowley said, referring to the Geneva meeting. Washington hoped the Iranians would go further and “actually commit themselves to try to address the concerns the international community has about the nature of the nuclear program,” he added. Tehran says it is pursuing a civilian energy program, but many Western powers suspect it is seeking nuclear weapons. While attending UN meetings, German Chancellor Angela Merkel took a stern tone toward Tehran. “Iran has not removed doubts” over whether its nuclear program is peaceful or not, Merkel said. And failing to comply with UN resolutions, Iran “is threatened with isolation and the pursuit of new sanctions,” she warned. — AFP
New York meeting of the so-called P5-plus-1 — the permanent five UN Security Council members plus Germany — comes as Iran said it w ould soon be ready to discuss its nuclear program.
NEW YORK: Ayton Eller (center) of Brooklyn, demonstrates in front of the United Nations to protest Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s visit, Tuesday, Sept 21, 2010. — AP
Lebanon cabinet urges calm BEIRUT: Lebanon’s cabinet has urged rival political parties to engage in dialogue amid an escalating war of words between Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s camp and Hezbollah that has raised fears of sectarian violence. “The cabinet insisted on the need to put an end to the media war, to protect state institutions and to resort to dialogue,” Information Minister Tarek Mitri said after members of the unity government met late Tuesday. The mudslinging between Hariri’s Western- and Saudi-backed coalition and Hezbollah and its allies is largely related to a probe by a UN-backed tribunal into the murder of Hariri’s father, Rafiq Hariri, who died in a massive seaside bombing in 2005. The tribunal is reportedly set to implicate Hezbollah in the assassination which, at the time, drew international condemnation and forced Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon following a 29-year presence. Hezbollah, which is backed by Syria and Iran, has said it would not stand idle should any of its members be implicated and has dismissed the tribunal as an Israeli plot. In a show of force at the weekend, the
militant party essentially pushed its way into Beirut’s international airport to escort the former head of the country’s security services who is wanted for questioning in relation to recent comments that have further raised tensions. Brigadier-General Jamil Sayyed, who was held for four years without charge in connection with Hariri’s murder, earlier this month accused Hariri of selling his father’s blood in order to frame Syria for the killing and urged the Lebanese to topple the government. His comments prompted the country’s top prosecutor to summon him for questioning but Sayyed has challenged the legality of the summons. Hariri, who is set to address the nation this week, said Tuesday following the cabinet meeting that the mounting political tensions had given Lebanon a bad image and raised fears of civil unrest. “The country has been drowning in a war of words in recent weeks,” he said. “The Lebanese are deeply anxious and some believe that we are on the edge of a renewed wave of destruction. — AFP
8
INTERNATIONAL
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Flemish chief sparks row over Belgium’s Nazi past BRUSSELS: The leader of the Flemish nationalist party opened a wartime wound in an already divided Belgium yesterday, accusing French speakers of historical amnesia over collaboration with Nazis. Smack in the middle of tense coalition talks with French-speaking parties, Bart De Wever sparked a row by charging in a Flemish newspaper column that research on francophone collaboration during World War II was “particularly brief.” Contrary to French-speaking Wallonia, he wrote, Flanders had owned up to its
collaborationist past, making it impossible for the Flemish region to “sweep under the rug the ‘New Order’ temptation as if it had just been a fling.” The head of the NVA party even used one of Belgium’s cultural legacies, comic books, to drive home his point by drawing a parallel between the wartime activities of two iconic artists, one francophone, the other Flemish. Little attention has been paid to the fascist leanings of “Tintin” creator Herge, he argued, while the family of Flemish
comic book writer Willy Vandersteen admitted last week that he made antiSemitic drawings in 1942. “It is better to shed light on a society’s past without hiding reality,” De Wever wrote in a column in De Standaard daily entitled “Flemish Nazis.” He accused Walloons of “judging by virtue of a moral superiority that is out of place and based on collective ignorance.” A row over collaboration could complicate on-off negotiations that have failed to produce a new government since legislative elections in June, when De
Wever’s party came out on top in Flanders. French-speaking politicians slammed De Wever for bringing up collaboration in the heat of seven-party talks that have stumbled over Flemish demands for greater autonomy. The head of Wallonia’s regional government, Guy Demotte, warned on RTBF television against “throwing oil on the fire” with “misplaced comments.” Catherine Fonck, who leads the Frenchspeaking cdH party in the federal parliament, said with a tinge of irony: “Well,
well! Instead of resuming negotiations, we prefer to write columns about collaboration.” “Francophones have always forcefully condemned (collaboration) and have never, for their part, pleaded for amnesty,” she said, calling for “mutual respect.” Belgium was hit by a political crisis between its Flemish and Frenchspeaking communities after the war, which culminated in 1950 with the abdication of King Leopold III, who was accused of pro-German sympathies. Many people in Flanders believe that
the purge that followed the liberation of Belgium mainly targeted Flemish collaborators while prosecutions were rarer in Wallonia. The leading francophone daily, Le Soir, condemned De Wever’s column in its own editorial on Wednesday, under the headline: “The Unhealthy Game of the Most Collaborationist Belgian.” De Wever’s grandfather was a member of a collaborationist party during World War II. The Flemish leader has himself been accused by francophones of having fascist sympathies. — AFP
Women take majority seats in Swiss cabinet for first time Social Democrat Sommaruga elected to governing council GENEVA: Women are poised to claim a majority of seats in Sw itzerland’s Cabinet, less than four decades after the country became one of Europe’s last to grant w omen the right to vote in national elections. A four-three split in favor of w omen yesterday - an outcome predicted by many observers and favored in opinion polls - w ould make Sw itzerland only the fifth country in the
w orld to have a female majority in government, according to the InterParliamentary Union. “I think it’s w onderful,” said Anders B J ohnsson, secretary-general of Geneva-based IPU, w hich compiles an annual list of female participation in politics around the w orld. “When it comes to the executive, most countries drag their feet.” Switzerland’s strong tradition of grass-roots democracy, with elected officials wielding significant power right down to the village level, has helped women rise rapidly through the political ranks since winning universal suffrage in 1971. Even national lawmakers work only part-time, making it easier for women to hold elected office and have a family or side job. “It’s definitely an advantage over countries where politics is a fulltime profession,” said Claudine Esseiva, a member of the Swiss Free Democratic Party. But with women still holding less than a third of seats in parliament, the strong female representation at the top is partly a confluence of unusual circumstances, she said. Both houses of parliament are currently presided over by women, and Economics Minister Doris Leuthard holds the country’s rotating presidency until the end of the year. “You get a bit of a wrong picture if you just look at the government,” said Esseiva, adding that eastern Switzerland is still a BERN: Swiss Federal President Doris Leuthard (left to right) poses with Swiss Federal Councilors lot less friendly to women in polMicheline Calmy-Rey, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, Ueli Maurer, Didier Burkhalter, newly elected itics than the French-speaking Simonetta Sommaruga, newly elected Johann Schneider-Ammann and Federal Chancellor Corina west. Appenzell Inner-Rhodes, a canton (state) in the east, Casanova after the election of two new Federal Councilors by the Federal Assembly, a joint session of small prevented women from voting in the House of Representatives and Senate yesterday. — AFP local elections until a supreme court decision in 1990. Politics, others note, is also unrepresentative of women’s role in other parts of Swiss society. “Women gained the vote very late in Switzerland, but they’ve achieved a relatively high representation in politics,” said Doris Aebi, a recruitment consultant in Zurich. “It’s different in business, where Switzerland is still very much behind at the manTOKMOK: Softly singing along pilots for the country’s air nisce. Listening to silky, free- Kyrgyzstan is a rich blend of agement level.” Few women to the wistful strains of force,” Tesgaye explained. flowing Ethiopian jazz, Tesgaye diverse ethnic groups, including number among the cadres of Ethiopian music, Haymanot Within two years, both the fights back the tears, overcome Uzbeks, Russians, Koreans, Swiss industry, and none of Tesgaye and his friends are Soviet Union and Ethiopia’s with yearning for a real home. Germans and Meskhetian Switzerland’s biggest companies transported back to their home- Marxist regime had collapsed, “When I hear this, I lose myself. Turks. But ethnic relations are have female chief executives. A land in Africa, far from this forcing the cadets to think care- I am in the air without a com- often problematic, as best recent list of top bankers - key Central Asian nation where they fully about their options for pass and I don’t where I am shown by devastating ethnic figures in the Swiss national Tesgaye said. clashes between Kyrgyz and have been stranded for two their future in a strange and for- going,” psyche - named only five women “Especially now for us ... I don’t minority ethnic Uzbeks earlier decades. Over that time, the eign land. against 95 men. Almost 20 years later, still have the words to explain this, this year that claimed hundreds men have withstood horrific “Particularly compared to racial abuse and struggled to fearing reprisals back home for it’s from here,” he said, pointing of lives, mainly among Uzbeks, the US and Scandinavia there and forced hundreds of thoupiece together a living - testa- the small role he played in the to his heart. are far fewer high-level women Some of the Ethiopians eke sands to flee their homes. ment to the ways in which lives brutal rule of deposed Marxist in business,” said Aebi. Norway While tensions between are irrevocably changed when leader Mengistu Haile Mariam, out a living as taxi drivers in became the first country in 2002 Tesgaye is marooned here - a Tokmok, the small town that Kyrgyz and Uzbeks are a sympempires and regimes crumble. to introduce a 40 percent female Tesgaye, once an aspiring world away from a family that once housed the military base. tom of historic grievances over quota rule for listed and statefighter pilot, was one of 80 has grown older without him. A model of an Ilyushin-28 land and power, the kind of owned companies. Spain has Ethiopian cadets sent to a Some of the Ethiopians found bomber still stands on a widespread intolerance that the since followed suit with quota Soviet military training facility ways to leave in the early days, pedestal by the side of the main Ethiopians and many other requirements for female board in the remote republic of emigrating or seeking asylum, road to remind motorists pass- African men have had to endure representation and France has Kyrgyzstan in 1989 to master while others risked returning ing through this sleepy and in Kyrgyzstan stems from proposed a similar law. the art of flying combat aircraft. home. A few that stayed behind dusty spot of its aviation past. incomprehension and ignoAccording to IPU, Norway and “At that time in Ethiopia there were murdered. Only nine of But the former training area, rance. Upon first arriving in Spain are also among the few was a military government, and them now remain in Kyrgyzstan just a short walk from Tesgaye’s Tokmok, when Tesgaye and his countries in the world with a because of an agreement and they form a tight-knit group, cramped Soviet-era apartment, companions ventured outside majority of women in Cabinet. between the Soviet Union and meeting often to eat familiar is now a desolate waste ground the confines of the garrison, the The others are Finland and Cape Ethiopia, they used to train food, sing old songs and remi- overrun by weeds and trash. prevailing reaction was bewilVerde. Dinah Zanetti, a camderment. “At that time, people paigner for women’s involvein the Soviet Union, in ment in politics, pointed to what Kyrgyzstan, thought that we she called an “institutional lag” were rich ... and if they met us in Switzerland, where schools outside the garrison they wantand universities often spread ed to get something from us,” old-fashioned ideas about womTesgaye said. en’s role in society that don’t Curiosity soon turned into chime with young people’s something harder, however, and beliefs and aspirations. when they lost the protection of Yesterday’s Cabinet election their military hosts, attacks and was prompted by the resignation abuse became commonplace. of Finance Minister HansTales of abysmal intimidation Rudolf Merz and Transport and violence are told with disMinister Moritz Leuenberger. arming lightness, as though Four of the six candidates to they have become so common replace them are women, and a that their gravity no longer regrecent opinion poll showed isters. Another former cadet, strong support for Social Nassir Dyde, tells of a fellow Democrat lawmaker Simonetta countrymen called Haptam who Sommaruga to gain a place on was savagely beaten to death by the seven-member multiparty the relatives of a girlfriend with government. Fellow candidate whom he had broken up. Johann Schneider-Ammann of “When the police found him the pro-business Free they couldn’t bring themselves Democrats was second in the to touch his body, because of his TOKMOK: Former aspiring Ethiopian fighter pilots (from right) Haymanot skin, so they summoned us to poll of 1,000 voters published Tesagaye, Sisay Wondumagnehu and Nassir Dydeat, sit at their current res- take him to the morgue,” Dyde Sunday in two Swiss weekly papers. —AP idence. — AP said. —AP
Former Ethiopian cadets stranded in Kyrgyzstan
ROME: A nun walks past a branch of Credito Artigiano’s bank. — AP
Italian cops seize $30m from Vatican after probe VATICAN CITY: Italian authorities seized §23 million ($30 million) from a Vatican bank account and said they have begun investigating top officials of the Vatican bank in connection with a money-laundering probe. The Vatican said it was “perplexed and surprised” by the investigation. Italian financial police seized the money as a precaution on Tuesday and prosecutors placed the Vatican bank’s chairman and director general under investigation for alleged mistakes linked to violations of Italy’s anti-laundering laws, news reports said. The investigation is not the first trouble for the bank - formally known as the Institute for Works of Religion. In the 1980s, it was involved in a major scandal that resulted in a banker, dubbed “God’s Banker” because of his close ties to the Vatican, being found hanging from Blackfriars Bridge in London. The Vatican expressed full trust in the chairman of the bank, Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, and his director-general, identified by the Vatican directory as Paolo Cipriani. It said the bank had been working for some time to make its finances more transparent to comply with anti-terrorism and anti-money-laundering regulations. Gotti Tedeschi told state-run RAI television that he was “humiliated and mortified” by news of the probe, which he said had arrived just as he was implementing new transparency procedures at the bank. News reports circulated more than a year ago that Italian investigators were scrutinizing millions of euros worth of Vatican bank transactions to see if they violated money-laundering regulations. In Tuesday’s case, police seized the money from a Vatican bank account at the Rome branch of Credito Artigiano Spa, according to news agencies ANSA and Apcom. The bulk of the money, §20 million ($26 million), was destined for JP Morgan in Frankfurt, with the remainder going to
Banca del Fucino. According to the reports, the Vatican bank had neglected to communicate to financial authorities where the money had come from. The reports stressed that Gotti Tedeschi wasn’t being investigated for laundering money himself but for a series of alleged omissions in financial transactions. Prosecutors declined requests seeking confirmation of the reports. Gotti Tedeschi was named chairman of the bank a year ago after serving as the head of Italian operations for Spain’s Banco Santander. A member of the conservative religious movement Opus Dei, Gotti Tedeschi frequently speaks out on the need for more morality in financing and is a very public cheerleader of Pope Benedict XVI’s finance-minded encyclical “Charity in Truth.” “It’s not difficult to show that applied ethics produces more wealth,” he wrote in a July piece for the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano. “Ethical behavior means lower costs - just thinking about control measures alone - and allows for more value thanks to transparency and trust, which alone produce more certainty and fewer risks.” News of the investigation came just after Benedict wrapped up a difficult trip to Britain and as the Vatican still reels from the fallout of the clergy sex abuse scandal. The Vatican bank, located in a tower just inside the gates of Vatican City, isn’t a typical bank. Its stated mission is to manage assets placed in its care that are destined for religious works or works of charity. But it also manages ATMs inside Vatican City and the pension system for the Vatican’s thousands of employees. The bank is not open to the public. Depositors are usually limited to Vatican employees, religious orders and people who transfer money for the pope’s charities. Its leadership is composed of five cardinals, one of whom is the Vatican’s secretary of state. —AP
Nigeria poll leader wants vote delayed ABUJA: Nigeria’s chief election commissioner formally asked yesterday for a three-month delay to January’s presidential elections, saying more time was needed to iron out problems with voter registration. “What is worth doing is worth doing well,” Independent National Election Commission (INEC) Chairman Attahiru Jega said at a meeting with political parties to discuss possible delays to the January vote. “If we are willing to give an extension up to March, our preference is that we should get an extension up to April because when we get this sufficient time, we will have enough room to do an excellent job,” he said. Africa’s most populous nation is due to hold presidential, parliamentary and state governorship elections in January, but INEC has warned it is in a race against time to amend a deeply flawed electoral roll.
It said on Sunday the May 29 date for the inauguration of the winner of the presidential election would remain “sacrosanct” even if the voting timetable were amended. President Goodluck Jonathan is the favourite to get the nomination for the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which has won all three presidential races since the end of military rule in 1999. But the struggle to secure the PDP ticket is more contentious than in previous years. The party has failed to reach a consensus over Jonathan, a southerner who inherited the top job when President Umaru Yar’Adua, a northerner, died earlier this year during his first term in office. Some PDP officials say the nomination should go to a northerner this time because of an unwritten agreement that power should rotate between north and south every two terms.
3 French employees kidnapped off Nigeria PARIS: Three French employees of marine services company Bourbon have been kidnapped in an attack on one of its ships in an oil field off Nigeria, the company said yesterday. Bourbon said in a statement on its website that no claim of responsibility has been made for the assault on the ship, the Bourbon Alexandre, which occurred Tuesday night or early yesterday. Bourbon said several speedboats were involved in the assault on the ship. Bourbon spokeswoman Christa Roqueblave said the attackers kidnapped three French employees, then sped away. The company said the 13 other crew members “remained aboard, and no injuries were reported.” It said the families of the hostages have been contacted. The Frenchflagged vessel was working in an offshore oil field operated by Addax Petroleum, a subsidiary of Chinese oil producer Sinopec Group.
Commodore David Nabaida, a Nigerian naval spokesman, told The Associated Press that he was aware of only one French citizen kidnapped during the attack. He confirmed the attack and said naval authorities are investigating. He declined further comment. France’s Foreign Ministry said it was aware of the attack but had no further comment. On its site with recommendations for travelers, the ministry warned last month of an increase in the incidence of kidnappings of foreigners throughout Nigeria. Africa’s most populous country remains a target-rich environment full of oil barges and oil company ships off of the delta, one of the US’ top sources of crude oil. Cargo ships off the coast of the mega city of Lagos also fall under pirate attacks as they wait to unload their goods at the city’s busy and mismanaged ports. — AP
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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INTERNATIONAL
Islamic states compel UN to condemn Quran burning GENEVA: Islamic states sought yesterday to have the United Nations human rights council condemn a US pastor’s suspended plan to burn Qurans, saying it was part of a pattern of global anti-Muslim violence. A resolution submitted by Pakistan for the 57-nation Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) asks the council to speak out against what it dubbed “the recent call by an extremist group to organize a ‘Burn a Quran Day’.” The resolution, which diplomats said was likely to be passed as the OIC and its allies have a majority on the 47-nation body, made no reference to condemnation of the plan by President Barack Obama and other
West fears motion could be used against free expression US and foreign leaders. But it said the project, championed by little-known Florida preacher Terry Jones, was among “instances of intolerance, discrimination, profiling and acts of violence against Muslims occurring in many parts of the world.” The move came amid increasing efforts by the OIC-which has Russia, China and Asian and African states as allies in the council-to have the UN recog-
nize “Islamophobia” as racism and open to challenge under international law. It also follows widespread demonstrations around the Muslim world in which a number of anti-US protesters have been killed even after Jones withdrew his proposal to stage the burning on September 11, the ninth anniversary of the hijacking attacks in New York and Washington. In speeches in Geneva over the past few days, OIC
secretary-general Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu of Turkey has also argued that Jones’ plan underscored his grouping’s long-standing demands for a UN- backed ban on “defamation of religion”. Western countries and some allies in Latin America oppose both the OIC efforts, arguing that they undermine freedom of expression and freedom to discuss openly religionbased practices that infringe universal human rights.
Last week, a Pakistani-born Canadian Muslim academic, Raheel Raza, told the council, whose members include Libya and Saudi Arabia, that OIC countries systematically abuse the rights of everyone living on their territory, especially women. European diplomats said they were unlikely to vote against the OIC resolution, as their governments had already condemned the Quran burning idea, but feared it would be used to increase pressure for actions on defamation and “Islamophobia.” The resolution, together with others yet to be submitted at the council, is likely to be voted on when the body wraps up its current autumn session at the end of next week. — Reuters
Virginia set to execute first woman in nearly a century Lewis offered sex, money to have husband, stepson killed RICHMOND: A w oman convicted of tw o hired killings is scheduled to die by injection today and become the first w oman put to death in Virginia in nearly a century, after the US Supreme Court refused to block her execution. Teresa Lew is, 41, w as sen-
PHILADELPHIA: President Barack Obama stands with Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate, Rep Joe Sestak, during a fundraiser, Monday, Sept 20, 2010. — AP
Obama to swap poll fury for diplomatic jamboree NEW YORK: US President Barack Obama began a three-day respite yesterday from the domestic fury of the mid-term elections, to highlight his ambitious foreign policy and tackle a clutch of global crises. Obama joins a roll call of world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly and has a packed schedule of bilateral meetings, sideline consultations, and speeches at the annual diplomatic jamboree. The president set new records for foreign travel in his first year in office, but this year has mostly stayed home, as domestic issues and the plight of the unemployment-ravaged economy consumed his administration. But Obama intends to use his speech to the assembly today to remind the world, and Americans, of what the White House sees as his key diplomatic achievements and wider goals of his evolving presidency. “It’s an opportunity for him to really cover the waterfront of what we have done to date in the first 20 months of this administration, to renew American leadership in the world,” said Ben Rhodes, a top Obama national security aide. The president will highlight US efforts to kickstart the global economic recovery, combat Al-Qaeda, tackle nuclear proliferation and restart peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians, Rhodes said. While the administration has been on the defensive at home this year, global challenges have demanded Obama’s attention, from the Afghan war, Iran’s nuclear defiance, North Korea’s belligerence and China’s currency policy. But this visit to the United Nations will give Obama a rare chance to develop foreign policy themes of his choice, rather than those that are suddenly thrust upon him. So, tomorrow Obama will take part in a major international meeting on Sudan, amid growing US and international concern that civil war could again break out if a referendum, which could see the country split, is delayed. Obama will also host a two-hour summit tomorrow with leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) intended to highlight his diplomatic outreach to the dynamic region. When the president arrives in New York, he will immediately give a speech to the Millennium Development Goals Conference, focusing on US policy in the developing world. Today, he will address the UN General
Assembly, and hold separate talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, at a time of rising tensions between the Asian giants. Tomorrow, the US leader will meet President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Colombian President Juan Manual Santos and President Roza Otunabayeva of Kyrgyzstan, join the Sudan talks, and host the ASEAN leaders before heading back to Washington. Despite the frantic diplomacy, the shadow of domestic politics will loom: Obama spoke at two political fundraisers yesterday, as Democrats fear heavy losses in November polls which could block his ambitious reforms. Nearly two years on from his euphoric election campaign, Obama’s key foreign policy lieutenants are putting meat on the symbolic outlines of diplomacy that Obama laid out in his itinerant first year in office. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, for instance, has done much of the intricate dayto-day management of the direct peace talks just opened under US auspices between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Obama, who hosted a Middle East summit in Washington this month, is likely to seek to keep up the momentum of the talks in his UN Assembly speech, as a key test looms with the expiry of an Israeli settlement building moratorium next week. So far, however, the president has no scheduled talks with Israeli or Palestinian leaders in New York. When asked to chalk up its successes abroad, the White House highlights the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with Russia and the reset of relations with Moscow, and argues Obama has transformed the US image abroad. It also says that Obama’s strategic engagement was responsible for securing global support for the toughest set of sanctions ever imposed on Iran, over its nuclear program. However, the regime has yet to convince Tehran to halt its program, raising the possibility that the president may one day face an agonizing choice between taking military action or accepting Iran as a nuclear power. The deadly toll of the Afghan war and the frustration of the anti-insurgency fight against the Taleban is also a foreign millstone for the administration, even as it seeks to finally extricate US troops out of Iraq. — AFP
Two of the three women on the court, Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor, voted to stop the execution. The court did not otherwise comment on its order. The court’s decision followed Gov Bob McDonnell’s refusal to reconsider a clemency request, which he rejected Friday. “A good and decent person is about to lose her life because of a system that is broken,” said attorney James E Rocap III, who represents Lewis. He said he was referring to the decision by the Supreme Court and McDonnell’s rejection of clemency. Rocap appealed Monday to McDonnell to reconsider his decision to deny clemency to Lewis, claiming new evidence should spare Lewis the death penalty. Rocap argued that one of the gunmen later claimed he manipulated Lewis, who is borderline mentally retarded, “to dupe her into believing he loved her so that he could achieve his own selfish goals.” McDonnell’s legal counsel said the governor’s decision would stand. Based on a thorough review, “the governor found no compelling reason to grant clemency and made a final decision,” J Jasen Eige wrote to Rocap, who released the response Tuesday. The Virginia case has had repercussions as far away as Iran. An Iranian news agency reported Tuesday that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad accused the West of launching a “heavy propaganda” campaign against the case of an Iranian woman who had been sentenced to be stoned to death for adultery but failing to react with outrage over the imminent execution of Lewis in Virginia. Ahmadinejad’s reported comments came during a speech Monday to Islamic clerics and other figures in New York, where he is attending the UN General Assembly. Lewis pleaded guilty in May 2003 to two
tenced to death for providing sex and money to tw o men to kill her husband and stepson in October 2002 so she could collect on a $250,000 dollar insurance pay out. The nation’s high court refused Tuesday to intervene.
This file photo provided shows Teresa Lewis, 41, scheduled to die by injection today for trading sex and money in the hired killings of her husband and stepson in October 2002. — AP counts of capital murder for hire in the slayings of her husband Julian Lewis and her stepson, Charles Lewis. The triggermen, Matthew Shallenberger and Rodney Fuller, were sentenced to life terms. Shallenberger, who
Rocap names as the mastermind, committed suicide in prison in 2006. “If she was not the mastermind - and it is now clear she was not - it is grossly unfair to impose the death sentence on her while Shallenberger and Fuller received life,” Rocap wrote to McDonnell. Teresa Lewis and Julian Clifton Lewis Jr. met in 2000 at a Danville textile factory where they worked and later married. In 2002, Julian’s son Charles bought a $250,000 life insurance policy when he was called for active duty by the US Army Reserve. He named his father as beneficiary. Lewis offered herself and her 16-year-old daughter for sex to Shallenberger and Fuller. She stood by while they shot Lewis, 51, and his son, who was 25, in 2002 in Pittsylvania County in Southside Virginia. Lewis rummaged through her husband’s pockets for money while he lay dying and waited nearly an hour before calling 911. Lewis allowed a judge to determine her sentence. Her attorneys believed she stood a better chance of getting a life prison term from the judge who had never sentenced anyone to death. The last execution of a woman in the US occurred in 2005 when Frances Newton died by injection in Texas. In Virginia, the last woman executed was in 1912, when 17-yearold Virginia Christian died in the electric chair for suffocating her employer. Thousands of advocates have appealed for Lewis’ clemency, arguing she is a changed woman. Her scheduled execution has also stirred interest because of her gender. Out of more than 1,200 executions since the US Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in 1976, only 11 women have been executed. Of the more than 3,200 inmates on death row nationwide, 53 are women. — AP
Senate blocks move to lift ban on gays WASHINGTON: The US Senate has blocked a bid to lift a ban on gays serving openly in the military, thwarting the move with political maneuvering that now puts the issue on a back burner indefinitely. Democratic supporters of repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy-a 1993 compromise aimed at resolving the thorny issue of gays in the military-ran up against a wall of Republican resistance Tuesday. A total of 56 senators to 43 voted to advance debate on the annual Pentagon military spending bill to which the repeal of the gays ban had been attached, falling four short of the 60 votes needed to move forward. “We’re disappointed at not being able to proceed to the legislation, but we’ll keep trying,” White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said after Democratic Senators Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln also voted against. “I think you have in the defense bill obviously very important funding for the priorities of our Pentagon and our troops,” Gibbs added. Less than two months before November mid-term elections, polls show overwhelming US public support for ending the policy that requires members of the military to hide their homosexuality or be dismissed. Critics charge the ban infringes on civil rights of gay military personnel and has harmed US national security by forcing out some 14,000 qualified troops. Gay rights
groups, which mounted an intense lobbying campaign in favor of repeal, were crestfallen by the outcome. “The senators who led and supported the filibuster effort should be ashamed,” said Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, calling the vote “a disappointment and disservice to our country.” But a top general told lawmakers that a Pentagon survey showed US Marines were predominantly opposed to lifting the ban. “I’ve heard at the Marine bases and the Marine input for the online survey has been predominantly negative,” General James Amos told the Senate Armed Services Committee in written testimony. Amos, who has been tapped to take over as the head of the Marines, also said he opposed changing the law, which he described as a “reasonable” compromise. “I’m concerned that a change now will serve as a distraction to Marines who are tightly focused at this point on combat operations in Afghanistan,” Amos wrote. Top Republican lawmaker John McCain also voted against the repeal, arguing service members needed to make their opinion known before action is taken. “Whether you agree or disagree with this policy... the Senate should not be forced to make this decision now, before we’ve heard from our troops,” he said. Pop diva Lady Gaga on Monday threw her full
star power behind the efforts to repeal the policy. “Equality is the prime rib of America,” she told a rally of several hundred people in Portland, Maine. “But because I’m gay I don’t get to enjoy the greatest cut of meat my country has to offer.” She targeted the northeast US state of Maine, home to moderate senators Olympia Snow and Susan Collins, hoping to persuade them to break with the Republican party and vote with the Democrats. But Collins Tuesday took issue with moves by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid not to allow Republican amendments to be attached to the draft legislation. She said while she supported repealing the measure, “it’s simply not fair to block out amendments from people who disagree with my position.” While Tuesday’s vote leaves the door open for the draft legislation to be brought to the Senate again, the window of opportunity is closing with mid-term congressional elections looming on November 2. The Pentagon is carrying out a year-long review into repealing the policy set to be completed before the end of December, which will help draw up new rules for military service.Both Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have backed lifting the ban. — AFP
‘Setup’ likely issue in Chicago bomb plot CHICAGO: As prosecutors take up the challenge of trying to convict a man arrested in an alleged bomb plot in Chicago, they may have to show the suspect wasn’t egged on by an informant or undercover FBI agents into a crime he didn’t initially intend to commit. Sami Samir Hassoun, 22, was arrested Sunday after he placed a backpack authorities say he thought contained a bomb near Chicago’s Wrigley Field. The fake but ominous-looking device - a paint can fitted with blasting caps and a timer - was given to him by an FBI undercover agent. Hassoun’s attorney, Myron Auerbach, said Tuesday he needed to study the case further before deciding on a defense strategy. But he left open the possibility of citing entrapment. “My client didn’t bring anything of his own making to the incident. Things were given to him,” he said. Former federal prosecutor Eric Sussman said the issue of entrapment is often broached in such cases. “You have to show the suspect is someone predisposed to committing the crime rather than the informant being the instigator,” Sussman
said. Hassoun, a Lebanese citizen who has lived in Chicago for about three years, was charged Monday with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and of an explosive device. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday afternoon for a detention hearing. The complaint alleges Hassoun also spoke of poisoning Lake Michigan or assassinating Mayor Richard M Daley. It says Hassoun waffled on his plans and motivations, talking about profiting monetarily from the attacks and saying at one point he wanted no deaths. Hassoun also had no apparent affiliation with extremists. The complaint alleges he raised the specter of terrorist groups only by suggesting it would be helpful to blame them for any attacks he staged. “This does not read like some of the other homeland security cases I have read about,” Hassoun’s attorney said. “My client is not the traditional bad guy.” An informant tipped off authorities about Hassoun, and befriended him over a year, conducting conversations in Arabic that were taped. —AP
MAINE: Recording artist Lady Gaga speaks at a rally in support of repealing the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, in Portland. The current law bars gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military, and a spokesperson said that Lady Gaga wants Maine’s Republican senators to cast votes this week to help repeal the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on gays in the military. — AP
Tea party: Energy, money, peace with the Republicans WASHINGTON: Activists for a new and energetic but disjointed political movement that calls itself the tea party and establishment Republicans are quickly joining forces for the fall elections as fresh cash and energy flow to the upstarts. Separate tea party groups still squabble over roles within the movement for Republican insiders, but the conservative activists and Republican stalwarts have come to a truce for the common goal of defeating Democrats, heeding calls for unity from Republicans including Sarah Palin, Republican candidate for vice president in 2008. One group, the nonprofit Tea Party Patriots, announced on Tuesday a $1 million donation from an anonymous donor, a shot of cash to be spent before the election on voter mobilization efforts. The Tea Party Express is preparing to assist specific candidates, building on its targeted advertising campaigns during primary races in Delaware, Alaska and Nevada. The groundswell movement is known as the tea party because members compare themselves to American colonists who revolted in a tax dispute with the mother country, Britain, in 1773 and emptied barrels of tea from British ships into Boston Harbor rather than pay taxes on it. The Republican Party and allied outside groups already are helping some tea party-backed candidates, most notably Sharron Angle, who is seeking to unseat Sen Harry Reid, leader of the Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate. “Ultimately, that’s what we all hope happens, as citizens,” said Tea Party Patriots cofounder Mark Meckler. “The political parties support the candidates that the people support, not the other way around.” It Is hardly unusual for opposing forces to coalesce after primary candidate-choosing elections to confront the opposition party. But the vigor with which tea party activists went after longtime Republican office holders, such as Sen. Robert Bennett in Utah and Rep. Mike Castle in Delaware, had raised the prospects of a rift that would be difficult to heal. Sen John Cornyn, a Texan who heads the National Republican Senatorial Committee, was offering plenty of salve Tuesday to the tea partiers. “I think the tea party’s been a very constructive movement in American politics,” he said. “People are tired of everything thrown at them from Washington, and they are not going to take it anymore. We have embraced their enthusiasm and their energy in the Republican primaries, and now we’re strongly behind all the Republican nominees, including a number of candidates who are very actively supported by the tea party movement.” To be sure, the tea party and the Republican Party are far from strangers. Start with the movement’s financial backing. The Tea Party Express, a group formed by a longtime California Republican consultant, has raised more than $5 million and financed about $2 million in advertising to help candidates. The organization was an offshoot of a political action committee created to support John McCain’s Republican presidential run in 2008, and its chief strategist is Sal Russo, a California Republican operative who has worked for almost 50 years helping to run party campaigns, including those of Govs.—AP
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Thursday, September 23, 2010
Report limits blame over Manila hostage disaster MANILA: Only one of eight government and police officials blamed for last month’s bungled hostage rescue in Manila that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead should face criminal charges, according to a government report seen yesterday by The Associated Press. Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim should immediately face administrative and criminal complaints for alleged blunders that caused the daylong hostage standoff on Aug 23 to degenerate into a bloody end, said a report by a factfinding committee. Seven other officials should not face charges unless a future investigation substantiates them. President Benigno Aquino III told reporters in New York, where he is on an official visit that he did not want
criminal complaints filed without certainty the cases were merited. “You do not unnecessarily prosecute people, if it’s not warranted,” he said. Interior Undersecretary Rico Puno, the highest official blamed for the botched rescue, offered to resign yesterday. Puno, who helped oversee the blunder-ridden rescue, said he will submit his resignation letter when Aquino returns next week. “If I’ll be a burden to the president, I’m willing to resign,” Puno told a news conference. The bungled rescue attempt left eight Hong Kong tourists and the lone hostage-taker - dismissed police officer Rolando Mendoza - dead on a bus parked at a historic Manila park in a standoff watched by millions on live TV. The
incident damaged ties with China and Hong Kong, which warned against travel to the Philippines, prompting thousands of tourists to cancel bookings. It sparked Aquino’s first major crisis, less than two months into his presidency. Aquino on Monday ordered a fact-finding report to be released to China and the public, but withheld release of a crucial section - seen yesterday by AP - that placed much of that blame on Lim and Manila Police Chief Rodolfo Magtibay, saying they had failed to perform their roles in overseeing the crisis. Among other lapses, Lim and Magtibay left the scene for a restaurant before the hostage-taker started shooting the hostages. Magtibay allegedly defied Aquino’s order to deploy an elite police
commando team but instead used a local SWAT team, the report said.The report lamented a plethora of errors that “conspired to produce the tipping point.” It was not immediately clear why charges were not recommended against Magtibay. He was replaced by another officer during the standoff and subsequently lost his job as police chief. Lim, himself a former Manila police chief, has angrily denied the allegations. On the verge of tears, he defended himself and the police in front of TV cameras, reminding the public of the risk that law enforcement officers face while in the line of duty. Two radio journalists accused of tying up the hostage-taker’s telephone line by interviewing him during the standoff may face complaints for not adhering to
ethical rules in covering the crisis, the report said. The radio station’s manager and staff may also face complaints, as could the country’s three major TV networks, which aired the crisis live. The fact-finding committee recommended further investigation to determine whether an impeachment complaint should be filed against the government ombudsman for allegedly failing to speedily resolve a criminal case which led to Mendoza’s dismissal from the police force. Mendoza had said he took hostages to draw attention to his case. All eight hostages were killed by Mendoza, the report said, noting that more tests were needed to verify if police gunfire hit some of the victims. Another seven Hong Kongers were wounded. — AP
China’s Wen threatens new action in Japan boat issue China warns US to stay out of ‘territorial’ clashes BEIJ ING: China’s premier threatened “further actions” if J apan fails immediately to release a traw ler captain, as Beijing staged its highest-level intervention yet in a bitter row betw een Asia’s biggest pow ers. J apan in turn called for talks to resolve the feud, but rejected China’s territorial claim to disputed islets near
w here the Chinese skipper w as apprehended by J apanese coast guard crew s tw o w eeks ago. “I strongly urge the J apanese side to release the skipper immediately and unconditionally,” Chinese Premier Wen J iabao said in New York, according to the official Xinhua new s agency.
HONG KONG: Activists show the direction on a fishing vessel before setting sail for a group of islands in the East China Sea claimed by both China and Japan yesterday. — AP
Atom body should address China-Pakistan deal: US VIENNA: A senior US official suggested yesterday the 46-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) should address Chinese plans to build two new reactors in Pakistan, one of the few countries outside a global anti-nuclear weapons pact. The comments by Thomas D’Agostino, US Under Secretary for Nuclear Security, came a day after China indicated it may see no need to seek approval from the NSG, some of whose members have voiced qualms about the plan to build two new reactors at Pakistan’s Chasma nuclear energy complex. China joined the 35-year-old NSG, which seeks to ensure nuclear exports are not diverted for military purposes, in 2004. On Tuesday, Beijing gave its firmest government confirmation yet of plans to build the two new reactors for nuclear-armed Pakistan, saying it was based on a contract in 2003,
China-Pakistan nuclear ties worry India shortly before it joined the NSG. The expansion of China’s nuclear ties with Pakistan has ruffled Washington, Delhi and other capitals worried about Pakistan’s history of spreading nuclear weapons technology covertly, its domestic instability, and the potential exceptions created in international nonproliferation regulations. To receive nuclear exports, all nations except the five officially recognized atomic weapons states must usually place all nuclear sites under safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog, NSG rules say. Nuclear safeguards When the United States sealed its nuclear supply accord with India in 2008, it won a waiver from such
NSG rules after contentious talks in which China and some other group members raised misgivings, since New Delhi is outside the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has a nuclear arsenal. Pakistan has also shunned the NPT. Washington and other governments have said China should at least seek a similar waiver for the Pakistan deal. Asked about the Pakistani reactor plans, D’Agostino told reporters during an IAEA meeting in Vienna he did not want to comment on specifics, but added: “We look to engage with China on these particular issues... my focus is to use the framework of the mechanisms that we have in the Nuclear Suppliers Group... “We are going to use the Nuclear Suppliers Group to
the best of our abilities and use all of the tools that we have in that forum to address specific nuclear arrangements that are made, whether it is with China, Pakistan or a variety of other countries...,” D’Agostino said. Israel and North Korea are the only other countries outside the 40-year-old Non-Proliferation Treaty. Asked whether the planned reactors should be under the supervision of the IAEA, D’Agostino said: “I believe in the end that all reactors involved in civil uses should be under IAEA safeguards...” China’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday Beijing had invited the IAEA to “exercise safeguards and oversight of this project.” But a diplomat familiar with IAEA procedures suggested it was up to Pakistan, not China, to ask it to get involved. — Reuters
China-Japan’s row could derail gas drilling talks
HEFEI: A Chinese school girl yawns during lessons in a classroom. China’s population control law that limits many to one kid will mark its 30th birthday on September 25, when 30 years ago, the Communist Party published an open letter explaining the law aimed at slowing down population growth in a bid to improve people’s lives. — AFP
TOKYO: Should the escalating spat between Japan and China over disputed islands evolve into a full-blown diplomatic battle, the economic fallout could include derailing delicate talks over developing potentially lucrative undersea gas fields between the two Asian giants. Already, Beijing has suspended ministerial-level contacts with Tokyo, and postponed a second round of talks on the natural gas deposits. China also said Tuesday that Premier Wen Jiabao won’t be meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan at a UN conference in New York this week. “The atmosphere is obviously not suitable for such a meeting,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told reporters. In the first comments from a top Chinese leader, Wen went further Tuesday night, laying the blame entirely at Japan’s door. Tokyo “bears full responsibility for the situation, and it will bear all consequences,” he said to overseas Chinese in New York, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency. Anti-Japanese protests have flared in numerous locations around China, and the dispute has spilled into cultural ties, too. Beijing abruptly canceling invitations to 1,000 Japanese youth to the Shanghai expo and the Japanese pop group SMAP has called off a concert in Shanghai. The chill was set off by Japan’s arrest of a Chinese fishing boat captain two weeks ago for colliding with Japanese coast guard vessels near islands in the East China Sea claimed by both nations. —AP
“If Japan clings to its mistake, China will take further actions, and the Japanese side shall bear all the consequences that arise,” he said, urging Tokyo to “correct its mistakes to bring relations back on track”. The dispute between Asia’s rising giant and its most advanced economy has drawn concern in Washington, and both Wen and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan are due to hold talks at the UN this week with US President Barack Obama. Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, also visiting New York for the UN General Assembly, dismissed China’s longstanding claim over the rocky islets, which lie near possible oil and gas fields in the East China Sea. “There is no territorial issue,” he said. However, Japan said yesterday it was ready for dialogue. “It would be good to hold high-level talks, including a comprehensive and strategic dialogue, as quickly as possible,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku told a news conference in Tokyo. Asked if Kan should try to hold direct talks with Wen on the UN sidelines, Sengoku said: “That would be one option. We should also check if there are other ways, as soon as possible.” China had on Tuesday dashed any hope of fencemending talks between Wen and Kan, with a foreign ministry spokeswoman saying the atmosphere was “not suitable for such a meeting”. “The issue has severely hurt bilateral relations,” she told reporters. China has repeatedly demanded that detained skipper Zhan Qixiong be released, summoning Japan’s ambassador six times, calling off several official visits and planned negotiations, and cancelling cultural events. It further announced on Sunday that it had suspended highlevel exchanges after Japan decided to extend Zhan’s detention until September 29, when he must be either indicted or released. The dispute has caused anger among the Chinese public, which is still ambivalent towards Japan after its forces occupied swathes of northern China before and during World War II. Sengoku, the Japanese government’s top spokesman, on Tuesday emphasized the importance of keeping “narrow-minded, extreme nationalism” at bay. At the weekend, small groups of anti-Japan demonstrators rallied in three Chinese cities over the captain’s arrest near the islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, but the protests were brief and peaceful. Yesterday, a group of Hong Kong nationalist activists set sail for the disputed chain aboard a 150-foot (45 meter) vessel, trailed by two Hong Kong marine police boats. US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg has said the flareup is “unfortunate” in light of efforts by China and Japan to repair relations in recent years. “Good relations between China and Japan are in our interest. It’s in the interest of everybody else in the region,” he said, before China warned the United States Tuesday to stay out of its territorial disputes elsewhere. Sino-Japanese ties hit rock-bottom during the 2001-2006 premiership of conservative Junichiro Koizumi due to his annual visits to the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo, which honors 2.5 million Japanese war dead, including war criminals. Relations have gradually warmed in recent years as Koizumi’s successors have refrained from visiting the shrine, seen by Japan’s East Asian neighbors as a symbol of Tokyo’s past imperialism. Wen broke the ice when he made a visit to Japan in 2007, the first visit by a Chinese leader to Tokyo since 2000. — AFP
KAOHSIUNG: A rescuer carries a woman through flood waters in the southern Taiwan city after Typhoon Fanapi crossed the island the day before dumping up to a meter of water of rain in some places. — AFP
18 dead as Typhoon Fanapi sweeps across south China BEIJING: Typhoon Fanapi, one of the strongest storms to hit China in years, has left 18 dead and 48 missing in devastating flooding and landslides in the nation’s south, state press said yesterday. Fanapi made landfall on the mainland Monday, one day after slamming Taiwan with heavy rains, killing two people and leaving more than 100 injured on the island. All of the mainland deaths occurred in southern China’s Guangdong province, which saw its worst rains in a century, the official Xinhua news agency said. The latest toll was drawn up by the state flood control headquarters as of late Tuesday night. Five of the victims died after a dam burst, while two others were killed when their house collapsed, the report said. Of the 48 missing, 25 disappeared in a raintriggered mudslide, state media said. Over 83,000 people in Guangdong have been evacuated and 31 injured due to the storm, which destroyed some
2,000 homes and damaged 7,000 others. Initial direct economic losses amounted to 867 million yuan (129 million dollars), it said. Fanapi, which has weakened to a low-pressure system, is moving west at a speed of up to 10 kilometers (six miles) an hour, bringing torrential rains in its wake, meteorologists said. The hard-hit city of Yangchun saw 55 centimeters (22 inches) of rain in 24 hours, Xinhua reported. At its strongest point, when it hit Taiwan on Sunday, Fanapi was packing winds of up to 220 kilometers an hour and dumped up to 100 centimeters of rain in the south of the island. Industrial and agricultural damage wrought by the typhoon was estimated at around five billion Taiwan dollars (158 million US), according to the government in Taipei. Just over a year ago, Typhoon Morakot devastated southern Taiwan, leaving more than 700 people dead or missing in one of the island’s worst natural disasters. — AFP
MANILA: Children playfully hold onto the rope with their floaters during a drill to simulate floods at the flood-prone area of Marikina yesterday. The drill is conducted regularly following massive floods in the area and around metropolitan Manila Sept 26, 2009 that killed hundreds of people and submerged practically the entire metropolis. — AP
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INTERNATIONAL
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Curfew eased during pause in India-Kashmir conflict SRINAGAR: One more young Kashmiri man wounded during protests against Indian rule died yesterday but a pause in the unrest allowed authorities to relax a rigid curfew allowing residents to stock up on provisions, police said. It was a rare breather in almost daily protests that have wracked Indian-controlled Kashmir since early June. The unrest has left at least 107 dead, mostly teenage boys and young men in their 20s. The round-theclock curfew, enforced by thousands of troops, has been in place for 10 days. It was eased Wednesday in parts of the main city of Srinagar and other towns. However, the death toll still rose yesterday. A 20-year-old protester wounded in a street battle with government forces on Sept 13 died in hospital in Srinagar, a police officer said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to talk to reporters. Human rights group Amnesty International has urged Indian authorities to investigate the killings and stop using lethal force against
Pakistan pleads for US intervention on Kashmir the demonstrators. On Tuesday, the UN Secretary-General, Ban Kimoon, called for an immediate end to violence in Kashmir and “restraint by all concerned,” his spokesman Martin Nesirky said. Nearly 40 lawmakers from major Indian national parties concluded Wednesday a three-day visit to the region intended to find ways to address long-standing demands of Kashmiri Muslims for self-rule or a merger with a predominantly Muslim Pakistan. Kashmiri separatist leaders met some of the lawmakers on Monday, but they dismissed the visit as grandstanding by the Indian government. Since 1989, a violent separatist insurgency and an ensuing crackdown by Indian forces have killed an estimated 68,000 people, mostly civilians, in Kashmir. The insurgency has waned in recent years.
Resistance against Indian rule is now principally through street demonstrations. The Himalayan region is divided between arch nuclear rivals India and Pakistan and both claim it in its entirety. Meanwhile, Pakistan on Tuesday urged the United States to pressure India over Kashmir, saying recent unrest showed that New Delhi and not Islamabad was to blame for trouble in the Himalayan territory. On a visit to New York for a UN session on Pakistan’s devastating floods, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi insisted his government wanted peace with India but tore into its rule of Kashmir which he called “oppression.” “The occupation cannot continue. The rights of the Kashmiri people cannot continue to be denied,” Qureshi said at the Council on Foreign Relations, a
think-tank. “We call upon the United States particularly, which is pressing so responsibly for peace in the Middle East, to also invest its political capital in trying to help seek an accommodation on Kashmir,” he said. “Such an accommodation would not only be just for the people of Kashmir but would be critical for peace in the region,” he said, warning that “terrorism... has fueled and thrived on blatant examples of social and political injustice.” President Barack Obama’s administration is seeking a broader relationship with India but also friendlier ties with Pakistan, a key battleground in the fight against Islamic extremism. India considers Kashmir a domestic issue and rejects any foreign involvement. The Obama administration has steered clear of Kashmir after
early statements triggered a backlash in India. Kashmir, a Himalayan territory with a Muslim majority but a sizeable Hindu minority, has been disputed between India and Pakistan since independence and triggered two full-fledged wars between them. An insurgency erupted on the Indian side in 1989 but had subsided in recent years. Indian authorities, along with some outside experts, say that Pakistan actively supported Islamic guerrillas who sneaked across the frontier. But in recent weeks, waves of protesters have turned to the streets to rally against Indian rule in Kashmir. Security forces have shot dead more than 100 demonstrators. “At times it’s easy for the Indians to look toward Pakistan and blame Pakistan for everything that’s going wrong in Indian-occupied Kashmir,” Qureshi said. But he said “no one any longer can seriously believe this.” “Can Pakistan orchestrate thousands of people? Can Pakistan plan, sitting in Islamabad, a shutdown all over Kashmir?” he said. — Agencies
Pakistan floods hit militant fight: US Pakistan minister stresses accountability NEW YORK: Pakistan’s fight against militants has been constrained by the need to deploy troops to help victims of recent devastating floods, the senior US officia l for Pa kista n a nd Afgha nista n sa id on Tuesda y. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke said there w as no evidence yet that
AYODHYA: Indian Hindu holy men come outside their residence at a temple yesterday. — AFP
India holds its breath for divisive Ayodhya judgment LUCKNOW: India has ramped up security ahead of a high court ruling tomorrow on a bitter religious dispute responsible for some of the bloodiest sectarian violence since independence. The decision on the future of the Ayodhya mosque site-and even more so the reaction to it-poses a crucial test for India and its image as an emerging global player and a beacon of stability in a volatile region. “The way the country handles thisthe aftermath-will have a profound impact on the evolution of our country,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said earlier this month. In 1992 the demolition of the 16th-century Babri Mosque in Ayodhya by Hindu activists sparked riots that killed more than 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, and propelled India’s Hindu nationalists into the political mainstream. Hindus say the mosque had been built by the Moghul emperor Babur on the site of a temple marking the birthplace of the Hindu warrior god Ram. Ever since the destruction of the mosque 18 years ago the 47-acre (19-hectare) site has been cordoned off with barbed wire and steel fencing and guarded by troops. Now a three-judge bench in the state capital Lucknow will rule on ownership of the site between Hindu and Muslim groups after rejecting an appeal last week to defer the tinderbox verdict. Paramilitary troops are already out in force in northern Uttar Pradesh state. “We now wait for tomorrow’s verdict but no one should celebrate victory or raise protests against the ruling,” said Zafaryab Jilani, lawyer for the Babri Masjid Action Committee, which wants the site handed to Muslims, India’s largest religious minority. The government and numerous religious leaders have urged both Hindus and Muslims to accept the court ruling, no matter which way it goes. “The government appeals to all sections of society to maintain
peace and order after the delivery of the judgment,” Information Minister Ambika Soni said last week. The drive to build a Ram temple on the ruins of the razed mosque remains a key political priority of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is currently the main opposition party in parliament. India’s chief Muslim cleric, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, has echoed the calls for calm, but also criticized hardline Hindu groups for shunning efforts to find an out-ofcourt compromise. “One can only strike a compromise with those who want to resolve the dispute through sincere talks,” Bukhari told AFP. The high court decision can be challenged in India’s Supreme Court. “My estimate is that the case will reach the Supreme Court irrespective of who the court rules in favour of,” said senior BJP leader L K Advani. Mahant Gyan Das, a senior member of the Hindu trust seeking to build a Ram temple on the site, insisted that any violence resulting from the ruling would not come from the people of Ayodhya. “The local population-Hindus or Muslims-would never create trouble. What we need to guard against is infiltration by mischief-makers from outside,” Das told AFP. The government has even gone so far as to take out newspaper ads warning against any knee-jerk reactions that might inflame communal tensions. “There should be no attempt whatsoever made by any section of the people to provoke any other section or to indulge in any expression of emotion that would hurt the feelings of other people,” the published appeal said. India has avoided any major outbreak of Hindu-Muslim violence since riots in Gujarat in 2002. The government is especially keen to keep a lid on any unrest ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, which begin on October 3, and the visit of US President Barack Obama in November. — AFP
Afghanistan faces almost 4,000 voting complaints KABUL: Afghanistan’s electoral watchdog said yesterday it was tackling almost 4,000 complaints over the parliamentary election, which has been tainted by accusations of fraud and Taleban intimidation. Election officials said 4.3 million Afghans braved insurgent threats and attacks to vote Saturday in their second parliamentary poll since the 2001 US-led invasion overthrew the hardline Taleban regime. Counting has been completed in most of the country’s 34 provinces and partial results-subject to change as allegations of multiple and proxy voting are investigated-are being sent to Kabul for validation. An announcement on preliminary results is expected on October 9 with final results due October 30, according to vote organizers. The Election Complaints Commission (ECC) said it had received 2,064 complaints relating to irregularities on polling day after a Tuesday deadline for submissions expired. ECC commissioner and spokesman Ahmad Zia Rafaat told AFP that 1,700 official complaints had been adjudicated relating to the pre-election process that began in Aprilbringing the total number so far to 3,764. Afghans can register complaints about any part of the electoral process within three days of an alleged irregularity, and many more are expected over problems with the post-election process, such as vote counting. “We keep receiving complaints every day,” said Rafaat. President Hamid Karzai, who cancelled a planned visit to the UN General Assembly to monitor the elections, met heads of the ECC and the Independent
Election Commission (IEC) and the UN envoy to Afghanistan, Staffan de Mistura. “Afghan people’s votes must obtain its transparency so that it yields a parliament which manifests people’s will,” said a statement from his office. Abdullah Abdullah, a former foreign minister and Karzai’s main contender in last year’s presidential election, expressed “concern” about possible fraud. He cautioned the ECC, the ICC and everyone involved in the process that if reported fraud and complaints are not dealt with, it will erode people’s trust in nascent democracy in post-Taleban Afghanistan. “It’s still possible to prevent fraud, restore people’s trust in elections by dealing with complaints, dealing with widespread fraud that is said to have taken place in some areas,” he said. More than a million ballots were found to be fraudulent in the August 2009 poll that returned Karzai for a second five-year term. More than 2,500 candidates stood for the 249 seats in parliament’s lower house, or Wolesi Jirga, but at least 1,300 polling centers were unable to open because security could not be guaranteed. Afghanistan’s main election observation body, the Free and Fair Election Foundation (FEFA) fielded 7,000 observers, and detailed thousands of vote day irregularities, including use of fake voter cards and bias of election workers. The Asia Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) released a report yesterday saying the election was “marred by a series of security threats and misconduct” including political interference by local strong men in the provinces.—AFP
“They have tens of thousands of troops on flood duty. The army has really been the major factor in the rescue effort, and you can’t do both things at once,” said Holbrooke, who spoke in New York as part of a Reuters Washington Summit. He dismissed suggestions, however, that the Pakistani government’s halting response to the flood disaster was creating instability in the country. But Holbrooke, who recently returned from a trip to Pakistan, warned again that the country must find ways to raise some of the tens of billions of dollars it will need to rebuild. Triggered by heavy monsoon rains in late July, the floods killed more than 1,750 people, forced at least 10 million people from their homes. and caused up to $43 billion in damage. “The international community is not going to be able to pick up the bill for $20-$30 billion or more. We will pick up some of it... but the Pakistanis must raise their own revenue base,” Holbrooke said. Pakistan has one of the world’s lowest ratios of taxes to gross domestic product, at about 10 percent, and Holbrooke said it was important for Islamabad to address the disparity in order to head off potential complaints from donor nations. “Their tax rates on the wealthy are much lower than those in the West,” Holbrooke said. “They have to come to terms with this.” Full of rumors Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said his government had set up a 15member National Oversight Disaster Management Council to “ensure complete transparency and accountability of aid dispensation.” The United States and Europe should consider it a “strategic imperative” to offer Pakistani products enhanced access to their markets, he told the Council on Foreign Relations think tank. Pakistan is deeply embroiled in its own battle against insurgents while serving as an ally in the US-led war against Islamic militants in neighboring Afghanistan. While Pakistan remains focused on its flood efforts, Holbrooke played down any risks of instability. “The country is full of rumors. ... You’re all aware of them. But as far as we’re concerned, our focus is solely on how we can help the people,” said Holbrooke, one of the most colorful US diplomats, who is handling perhaps the toughest diplomatic challenge faced by the Obama administration. Pakistan’s economy was already fragile and the cost of rehabilitation will likely push the 20102011 fiscal deficit to between 6 and 7 percent of gross domestic product against an original target of 4 percent. Holbrooke said the United States has taken the lead in providing emergency aid, committing $340 million to $350 million on its own and making a total contribution of close to $1 billion if the US-funded activities of international groups such as UNICEF and the World Food Program are included. Holbrooke conceded the floods meant more government troops were being diverted to relief work from battling the local Taleban and other militant groups such as the Haqqani network, which is believed to be closely linked to Al-Qaeda and the architect of several high-profile attacks in Afghanistan. The United States in particular has asked for pressure to be put on the Haqqani group, but has run into resistance in part because some in Pakistan feel the Haqqanis may be a valuable asset in Afghanistan if US troops leave, as Islamabad anticipates, before the country is stabilized. But Holbrooke said the United States-which has staged repeated aerial drone strikes against suspected militant targets in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan — would “go after them with every means available.” “This is a ferocious thing that is going on, and by ferocious I mean the military campaign,” Holbrooke said, referring to the US fight against militants in eastern Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan. “The Pakistani army has diverted a very large number of troops to the relief efforts. But the American activities in Afghanistan and our other activities against those people who threaten us have not diminished.” — Reuters
Islamabad w as acting on Washington’s demands that it move against the Haqqani group, a Taleban ally w hich US officials suspect has ties to Pakistani intelligence, and suggested this w as because of the country’s devastating floods.
SUKKUR: Pakistani men displaced by floods wrestle as they participate in the traditional game of Kabaddi, a team contact sport, outside their camps yesterday. Government officials organized the event to entertain flood affected people and help them temporarily forget life at the camps. — AP
More than 3m affected by Indian floods LUCKNOW: More than 3 million people in northern India have been affected by floods that have washed away homes, swept through holy sites and damaged crops as the authorities step up efforts to contain the damage. Heavy monsoon rains have swelled mighty Himalayan rivers, which broke their banks in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Uttarakhand. The waters have ravaged 500,000 hectares of farmland in Uttar Pradesh, the top cane growing state, prompting the government to cut by around a tenth its sugar output projections for the harvest season beginning in October. People waded through chest deep water, travelled on bullock carts or on boats to reach safer areas, carrying children and household belongings in their hands and on their heads. In relief camps, they complained of a lack of food and medicines. In Uttarakhand, where the army was called in after the Hindu holy river Ganges rose to near the danger level by the sacred town of Haridwar, 500,000 people were affected by the floods, said Mahendra Negi, a disaster management centre official. “They (army) are actively providing medicines, shifting people to safer grounds and conducting repairs of small stretches of roads,” said Colonel S. Om Singh, the army spokesman. On Tuesday Sonia Gandhi, the powerful chief of the ruling Congress party, flew over the submerged districts and asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to offer liberal financial aid to the affected states, the party said in a statement. Dogs, snakes and scorpions UNICEF said 1.7 million people have been affected in Uttar Pradesh and 1 million in Bihar. Both are poor states and Uttar Pradesh is also the most populous with 190 million citizens. More than 300,000 people were forced out of their homes. “It is quite concerning. The number of affected people (in Uttar Pradesh) could rise to 2 million. This flood is worse than 2007 floods,” Amit Mehrotra, UNICEF Emergency Programs Officer in the state, told Reuters. Sugar industry officials said the floods would not alter the supply scene in India, the world’s top consumer and second-
largest producer of the sweetener, as the production loss would be made up by other states and by stocks in warehouses. In Bihar, where the Gandak river burst through its embankments in various places and flooded villages, houses were invaded by stray dogs, snakes and scorpions. “They are perched atop almirahs, in closets, in the kitchens and even in mud utensils. It’s hell,” 45-year-old Rupdeo Mahto told reporters in the flood-hit Gopalganj district. Floods in India affect more than 40 million people each year on average, causing losses of $575 million and damaging crops in 3.7 million hectares. But the June-September monsoon is also vital
to the country’s farm output and economic growth. The Ganges, a dip in which Hindus believe washes away sins, and its tributary rivers have risen to close to their record-high levels and weather officials have forecast more heavy rain. As floods remain a matter of concern in Bihar, which goes to the polls next month to elect a new assembly, the election commission of India is considering relocating some polling stations or setting up mobile ones for voters. India’s monsoon may not start withdrawing this week and with the weather department predicting more rain, state governments have been asked to gear up to cope with risk of heavy flooding. — Reuters
NEW DELHI: A resident living in the low-lying areas of the river Yamuna sits in her house surrounded by water. — AP
OPINION
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Thursday, September 23, 2010
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Australia resource rush to last years By Wayne Cole ustralia is in the midst of a modern gold rush as voracious Asian demand for resources stokes a boom in mining investment that should last years, setting it far apart from much of the rest of the developed world. And since the sea change is being driven by export prices and incomes, brisk growth in GDP actually understates the true strength of the A$1.2 trillion ($1.14 billion) economy. “For the resources sector, things look resplendent,” says Paul Boxham, an economist at HSBC who until recently worked at the central bank. “And global fears of a double-dip notwithstanding, there are few clouds on the Australian horizon. Many of the projects that are expected to support investment growth are multiyear projects and have already commenced,” he explains. “And the level of mining-sector engineering work yet to be done is positively stratospheric.” That is a major reason why he expects the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise interest rates to 5.75 percent by the end of next year, from 4.5 percent now. To say Australia is rich in resources would be a gross understatement. It is the world’s largest exporter of coal and iron ore, the biggest producer of bauxite and alumina, second in uranium and fourth in black coal. It has the largest reserves of lead, nickel, uranium and zinc and is a major producer of gold, gas, oil, beef, wheat, wool, copper and cotton. And it happens to be in a region where the largest urbanisation in history is underway in China and India. In the past decade, 400 million Chinese have moved to cities, and a similar trend is expected in the next 10 years. That requires a lot of the resources Australia has, driving prices sharply higher for many of them. The resulting numbers are staggering for a country of just 23 million people. Export earnings from food, minerals and energy are expected to reach a record A$215 billion in the year to June 2011, a jump of 26 percent from the previous year. Miners, confident the industrialisation of over two billion people will suck in resource exports for years to come, have embarked on a record investment binge. The value of engineering work yet to be done has more than doubled in the past year to top A$86 billion, while firms plan to expand overall investment by a fifth in 2010/11 to A$123 billion. The Gorgon liquefied natural gas (LNG) project alone will cost A$43 billion over four years. Australia is the sixth-biggest exporter of LNG worldwide, and projects worth A$200 billion could take it to second place within five years. Analysts at JPMorgan estimate that total resource projects underway, planned or under consideration amount to A$725 billion, or nearly 60 percent of Australia’s annual GDP. Once embarked on, such large multi-year projects are rarely abandoned no matter how external circumstances change in the short-term. That was a point underlined by the RBA’s chief
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economist, Philip Lowe, just last week. “The investment that’s taking place in the resources sector is motivated by the long-term growth of Asia, and most of it has a horizon of decades,” Lowe told a conference. “There’s continuing uncertainty about the strength of the global economy... but for those business focused on China, on India and Asia, that’s driven by the medium-term outlook.” Thus, while a government plan for increased tax on iron ore and coal profits produced much hand wringing by miners in recent months, not a single major project was cancelled. Instead, new spending plans are announced almost daily. Rio Tinto this month said it would spend A$803 million to expand its Argyle diamond mine, in part to meet demand from newly rich Chinese. While all this investment will support growth, the flood of money from exports has already made itself felt. Indeed, because headline GDP data is “real”, or adjusted to remove inflation, much of the boost from export prices is understated. Real GDP grew by 3.3 percent in the second quarter, compared with the same quarter a year before, a decent enough performance in the developed world. But growth in nominal or current price GDP was an astonishing 10 percent for the year, a pace normally enjoyed by developing countries. In the second quarter alone, nominal GDP outstripped real by A$30 billion. For the year to June, the gap was A$77 billion, or A$3,483 for every person in the country. Nominal growth in the United States was 3.9 percent for the same period, only modestly ahead of the real 3.0 percent. In typical recoveries, nominal growth is double or triple the adjusted pace, perhaps one reason the economy feels so sluggish. That’s still a lot better than Japan, where years of falling prices had dragged nominal GDP to levels seen in the early 1990s. For Australia, a better measure of its fortunes right now is real gross domestic income since it adjusts GDP to account for the jump in the terms of trade. This climbed 4 percent in the second quarter, from the first, the biggest rise since 1973 and left it 8.2 percent higher for the year. This shower of cash showed up in company profits, which climbed 20 percent for the year, while wages and salaries increased by almost 6 percent even as employment surged. Households responded by spending big on new cars, travel, culture and leisure, much to the chagrin of the central bank which had been hoping that a more cautious consumer would make room for the mining sector to boom without stoking inflation. “Key parts of the Australian economic story look set in stone,” says Commonwealth Bank chief economist Michael Blythe. “And it’s double-digit growth in nominal GDP that matters in driving profits, investment, hiring and tax revenues,” he added. “It’s like having rivers of gold flowing into the country.”— Reuters
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The UAE beyond Abu Dhabi and Dubai? By Adam Gonn mirati business people attempt to shine an international light on the ‘other emirates’. As Dubai and later Abu Dhabi have developed into internationally recognized hubs for business and trade over the last 10 to 15 years, the five remaining emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates have been left behind. However, during the last couple years Dubai has been busy dealing with the fallout of the global finical crisis and other emirates have taken the crisis as an opportunity to grow. The United Arab Emirates was founded in 1971 when the seven emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras AlKhaimah and Fujairah merged to form a unified state, with the city of Abu Dhabi chosen as its capital by virtue of it being home to the largest tribe - Al Nahyan - despite city of Dubai being the largest city. Having the largest tribe also meant that Abu Dhabi became the biggest of the emirates, which proved invaluable since oil had been discovered in the newly founded country by the British. As a result, Abu Dhabi could preserve its more conservative charter, while Dubai - with its well-situated port - embarked on a diversification drive under the leadership of Sheikh Muhammad to broaden the emirate’s economic base to include more than just oil. This has led to Dubai’s current status as a regional center for
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trade and business, as well as a tourist destination with a more liberal view than its neighbor Dubai. The five other emirates, however, have not done as well. “The emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai represent almost 90 percent of the United Arab Emirates GDP [Gross Domestic Product],” Philippe DaubaPantanacce, senior economist with Standard Chartered Bank in Dubai, told The Media Line. “If we add the emirate of Sharjah, which acts essentially as an industrial backyard extension and a cheaper housing option to Dubai, then the four other emirates don’t even represent five percent of the United Arab Emirates Gross Domestic Production,” he said. Ayesha Sabavala is an economist specializing in the Middle East & North Africa for the Economist Intelligence Unit agrees that Dubai is playing a leading role economically in the region. “Most major companies have established offices mainly in Dubai because Dubai has built itself into a trading hub and free zones like [the port of] Jebel Ali and business environments like the Dubai International Financial Center offer facilities that you won’t find in the smaller emirates,” Sabavala said. But some Emirati business people are trying to turn the tables, like Oussama El Omari, CEO of Ras AlKhaimah Free Trade Zone, home to some 4,000 companies currently enjoying, on average, a 10 percent surge in revenue. “The factors that helped us to continue to grow are our
keen customer focus, innovation, affordability and flexibility,” El Omari told The Media Line. “Customers are the major stakeholders in Ras AlKhaimah Free Trade Zone success and we are constantly striving to provide them with better business solutions, infrastructure, technology and support,” he said. “We adopt a customer-centered approach and a ‘can do’ attitude.” Ras Al-Khaimah Free Trade Zone has also established business centers and promotional offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and is the first free trade zone to open international liaison offices in India, Turkey, Germany, USA and China. “Our services are provided in these markets to make it easier for them to penetrate the United Arab Emirates market and surrounding regions, without the hassle of travelling back and forth to the United Arab Emirates,” El Omari said. “Our focus on small and medium enterprises and especially those with an eye to doing business in emerging markets makes great economic sense for us,” he said. “Flourishing smalland medium-sized industries encourage private ownership, which in turn, provide employment opportunities to the local population.” Sabavala from the Economist Intelligence Unit said that the focus on small- and medium-sized firms could be a good strategic move. “It’s true that Sharjah and Ras Al-Khaimah have their own free [trade] zones and Ras Al-Khaimah especially is trying
to attract more foreign investment, but they don’t compare to Jebel Ali,” she said. “You’ve also got all the ancillary businesses, such as law firms established in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, thereby making it much easier to access these services when necessary. That said, smaller companies might well find it cheaper to operate from the five emirates other than Dubai and Abu Dhabi as rents and business costs are lower in these emirates,” Sabavala added. “I don’t think the other five emirates are overlooked, simply because they do not offer the facilities, the financing, the business environment and the infrastructure that Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer,” she told The Media Line. El Omari says that the outside world does not overlook the smaller emirates when planning their business establishment in the region. “There is a healthy demand for our services as you can see from our results,” he said. “Year after year we are seeing an increase in revenue and registration despite the economic crisis. I don’t think it is a case of overlooking the smaller emirates; it is more about targeting the businesses that are relevant to each emirate. For example, for us we are focusing on small and medium enterprises,” El Omari reiterated. “Therefore, we would only focus our promotional efforts to our targeted market. That doesn’t mean that we are losing out on the bigger pro-
jects.” Dauba-Pantanacce with Standard Chartered Bank said that while Ras Al-Khaimah has been successful its growth potential is limited. “We have seen a few businesses expressing some opportunistic interests in the northern emirate of Ras AlKhaimah,” he said. “Indeed, the emirate has often been seen as offering preferential treatments in terms of regulatory environment: easier access to visas, very favorable fiscal environment, and port operations greatly facilitated. But things have to be put into perspective,” said DaubaPantanacce. “The other emirates cannot realistically represent an alternative to Dubai or Abu Dhabi for businesses. The economic activity is overwhelmingly in these two emirates and their wealth will surely continue to attract more new business opportunities,” he said. “Furthermore, the infrastructure level of the ‘other emirates’ is very far from being any closer to the development achieved in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In fact, even in the slightly richer and more active economically emirate of Sharjah, we are witnessing today massive disruptions in all activities because of repeated and prolonged power shortages. Finally, the smaller, much poorer, northern emirates live under the infusion and control of Abu Dhabi; their autonomous ability to develop is fairly limited,” he added. — Media Line
Newly risen China flexing its muscles By Dan Martin mboldened by its rapid emergence as a global power, China is asserting ancient territorial claims and probing the limits of the USled security order that has held sway in Asia for decades, analysts say. There has been no let-up in a two-week-old Chinese barrage hurled against Japan demanding the immediate release of a trawler captain who was detained by the Japanese coast guard, following a collision in disputed waters. “(President Hu Jintao’s) government has made a fundamental shift in China’s foreign policy orientation to, as it sees it, at long last, standing up for China,” said Edward Friedman, a China scholar at the University of Wisconsin. China’s communist leaders have for decades invoked the memory of humiliating encroachments by foreign countries to rally domestic support, though Beijing was too weak to do much about its past territorial claims. But something changed in 2008, Friedman said, when Beijing’s successful staging of the Olympics enhanced its prestige, and the world financial crisis humbled the United States and other rich economies. Backed by its growing military might, which includes a blue-water navy able to push further out into the Pacific, and spurred by increasing nationalist sentiment, China has since reacted furiously to perceived sovereignty slights. “Whether the issue is Seoul’s military ties to Washington or Japan’s claims to the East China Sea .... or Vietnam’s claims to the South China Sea and the Spratly Islands, China wasn’t going to sit idly by any more against so-called
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A woman rides a bicycle as a police officer leads traffic on a hot afternoon on Tuesday in Shanghai. — AP injustices of the past,” said Friedman. Early this year, China cut off military ties with the United States in anger over US arms sales to Taiwan and a meeting between President Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader. Adding to China’s prickliness is its perception that the United States seeks to “contain” it, fuelled by gestures that China sees as threatening, said Wenran
Jiang, an expert on Chinese foreign relations. These include US naval activities in areas of the South China Sea which China claims, recent US-South Korea war games, and Washington’s reaffirmation of its post-World War II security alliance with Japan, he said. “You can see in the Chinese thinking a sort of siege mentality. They feel things are tightening
around them,” said Jiang, who is based at the University of Alberta in Canada. The boat collision occurred near uninhabited islands known as the Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan, which are claimed by both sides and by Taiwan. They are administered by Japan. Tokyo bears some of the blame for the tension by continuing to hold the boat captain on the grounds that he violated its domestic laws, Jiang said. “The
area is in dispute but China does not challenge Japan’s control there much. So to detain someone is quite an escalation,” he said. Japanese actions, in particular, arouse strong anger in China, where memories of Japan’s brutal occupation in the 1930s and 40s linger. China’s anger in the boat row also could be a test of Prime Minister Naoto Kan, who defeated a more Beijing-friendly challenger in a party leadership race, said Takayoshi Shibata, a politics professor at Tokyo Keizai University. “This issue isn’t only about ChinaJapan but reflects China’s relations with the United States,” he said. “China has a lot of issues with the United States, and Japan is considered a minion of Washington’s.” But at the same time, Beijing appears to be calibrating its response, mindful of Japan’s status as its singlebiggest foreign investor. China kept anti-Japan demonstrations in Beijing and Shanghai firmly under control over the weekend. In past years, demonstrators were allowed to stage sometimes violent protests against Japan. Beijing is “leery of legitimising popular demonstrations against foreign entities which in the past have morphed into movements directed at the (communist) regime itself”, Friedman said. China must also not overplay its hand, for fear of seeing Asian countries close ranks behind a protective US embrace, experts say. “Beijing’s civilian leaders will be reluctant to have this feed into a larger image of a more assertive China” that provokes a coordinated backlash, said David Lampton, director of China studies at Johns Hopkins University.—AFP
ANALYSIS
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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No scope for more Obama stimulus post November By Alister Bull
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xpected Republican gains in November elections will limit President Barack Obama’s room for maneuver on economic policy and focus the United States on hard choices needed to confront its yawning budget deficit. With new moves to stimulate growth through spending all but ruled out, the debate on how best to tackle a rising national debt will heat up when a commission of lawmakers and budget experts appointed by Obama reports in December. Many economists are urging caution about drastic cuts in an economy that remains fragile. But if a credible plan to tackle the deficit emerges after the Nov 2 elections, that in itself could boost consumer confidence and growth. Obama this month proposed additional economic measures costing $180 billion over the next 10 years to encourage growth and hiring by fostering research, investment and ramping up spending on US infrastructure. Republicans have blocked many White House proposals because of their feared impact on the country’s record $1.47 trillion deficit. This opposition could deepen if they win control of the US House of Representatives from Democrats in November. “If the conventional wisdom is right and Republicans do very well, then the president will not offer up more stimulus because he knows they will oppose it,” said Isabel Sawhill, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Republicans have campaigned against government spending and their message has found its mark. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday showed 60 percent of respondents
US President Barack Obama pauses on stage Tuesday during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. — AP agreed that reducing the budget deficit would create jobs. Economists who favor more robust measures to encourage output say this opposition will deny the economy vital assistance from additional fiscal policy action, even as growth remains modest and US unemployment stuck near 10 percent. But others said the time for giving the economy a quick jolt of government stimulus had passed. “I no longer think it is appropriate to do Keynesian cyclical policy. We’re not
falling any more, nor do I think it would work,” said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, who advised Republican Sen. John McCain during the 2008 presidential campaign. “It is time to rethink the strategy. We’re growing, albeit slowly. So what are the long term levers to put in place to improve the outlook for the economy?” he said. Holtz-Eakin saw trade deregulation and steps to control public spending as good long-term bets. Neither would be politically easy. Obama been cautious on trade, which
U.S. workers say cost jobs, while aggressive action to curb spending could pressure social programs cherished by his Democrats. Obama has said “tough decisions” will have to be made once his fiscal commission reports. Addressing fears of Americans that their future was being mortgaged by government spending, the president vowed last week to examine “everything from defense budgets to food stamps” in a bid to get the deficit under control. Obama’s commission is
due to recommend ways to cut spending and increase revenue when it reports by the end of December. But with high unemployment, any calls for spending cuts are expected to focus on the long term. “The fiscal commission could provide the cover needed to put in place fundamental reforms that could address the structural budget shortfalls,” said Michael Feroli, chief US economist at JP Morgan in New York. “But, as Romer and others have stated, now is probably not the right time to impose fiscal stringency,” he said. Christina Romer, in her final speech as chairwoman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, urged leaders to find the will to use fiscal policy to help the 14.9 million Americans reported as unemployed last month. But this contrasted somewhat with the advice from Obama’s former budget chief Peter Orszag, who urged in a New York Times opinion piece to extend all Bush-era tax cuts for two years and then allow them to expire to help curb the deficit. The White House wants to make tax cuts for families making less than $250,000 permanent, at a cost in terms of lost revenue estimated by the US Treasury at $2.9 trillion over 10 years, but allow taxes on wealthier Americans to rise. Extending the top tax cuts would cost $700 billion over 10 years, which Obama says the country cannot afford. This political standoff means only modest US growth and painfully slow job creation. “I do not think there is any simple way to lift the economy quickly out of its current problems,” said James Hamilton, an economics professor at the University of California at San Diego. — Reuters
Do US Democrats have any hope in November? By Steve Holland
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o Democrats have any hope in November? A new Reuters/Ipsos poll did little to buoy their spirits ahead of US congressional elections except to suggest they may have bottomed out. The crux of the Democratic conundrum is in the generic ballot question. Given a choice between voting for a Democratic candidate or a Republican, registered voters chose the Democrat by a narrow margin of 46 percent to 45 percent and gave President Barack Obama a 47 percent approval rating, about the same as a July survey. At first glance this would suggest that Democrats are holding their own in an extremely tough political environment driven by worries over the US economy and a 9.6 percent unemployment rate. But history shows
Republicans are usually better at turning out voters especially in “mid-term” election years like the one on Nov 2, when US legislators and state governors are on the ballot, not the president. This year Republicans are particularly motivated to go vote, driven by Tea Party conservatives eager to punish Democrats who they deem responsible for soaring debt and deficits and other problems facing the nation. The Tea Party is a loosely organized conservative political movement harshly critical of Obama. Candidates backed by the movement have defeated more moderate Republican establishment candidates in a number of high-profile races. Democrats are having trouble energizing their own base and attracting independent voters who are less enthusiastic about the party two years after
they propelled Obama to the White House. Providing proof of this “enthusiasm gap,” the poll said 72 percent of Republicans reported they are certain to vote on Nov 2, compared to 55 percent of Democrats. This is one reason why so many political experts are predicting big Republicans gains on Nov 2. Ipsos pollster Cliff Young said his polling models suggest that Republicans could pick up 50 seats in the House of Representatives, which would allow them to take control of the 435-seat House from Democrats and oust Democrat Nancy Pelosi as House speaker. Republicans could gain six or seven Senate seats, which would still leave Democrats with an advantage of about 53-47, Young told the Reuters Washington Summit on Monday. Democratic voters are even adopting opinions often associated more with Republicans.
The survey said 58 percent of Democrats agreed that lowering taxes creates jobs and 56 percent of Democrats said that reducing the budget deficit creates jobs. These are views on economic policy usually espoused by Republicans and are the sort of policies they would promote with their increased numbers in Congress next year. Obama’s strategy for the next six weeks is to try to convince voters that his economic policies are working and need more time, and that Republicans would bring back the same agenda that got the country into the mess. “As (Vice President) Joe Biden put it, don’t compare us to the Almighty; compare us to the alternative,” Obama told a Democratic fundraiser in Pennsylvania on Monday. “That’s what’s at stake in this election.” The White House realizes it has a
battle on its hands but is using the next six weeks to make the Democrats’ case. “I do believe that there is time to present a clearer choice in this election,” said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs at the Reuters Washington Summit. Republican leaders like their chances and are already talking about issues they will bring up with Obama once they have a bigger footprint in Washington. But the politically savviest Republicans are warning against complacency with still six weeks left for campaigning and Democrats fighting to hang on to power. “Republicans should not get over-confident,” Republican Senator John McCain told the Reuters Washington Summit. “We had better understand it’s a long time between now and the election. ... We’d better keep working.” — Reuters
Sudanese fear future as historic referendum looms By Peter Martell
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ressed in the flowing white robes common to the mainly Muslim north of Sudan, Kuer Deng does not stand out in the crowded market. But the thick scars sliced across his forehead, cut as a man’s rite of passage for the Dinka people, denotes that Deng’s ethnic roots lie in the south. “I grew up in the north because my family fled the fighting in the civil war in the south,” said Deng, a motorrickshaw taxi driver. “I’m from the south, but my home is now in the north.” For southerners like Deng, fears are growing about what will happen following an independence referendum for the south due on Jan 9, which many believe will lead to the partition of Africa’s largest country. In the august surroundings of the UN General Assembly, Britain, Norway and the United States the three Western governments that spearheaded diplomatic efforts for the 2005 peace deal that ended Africa’s longest running civil war - this week jointly called for the vote to go ahead as promised and on time. But in the shantytowns that ring the Sudanese capital where many of the estimated 4.5 million who fled the south during the two-decade-long war to break away from the Arab-dominated Khartoum government, many, including Deng, have mixed feelings. “I want the south to be independent but I worry what will happen to southerners then, because the people here will be angry,” he said. “Will we be allowed to stay here after the referendum? If the south is free, I fear they will take revenge, they will send us back by force.” The risk of violence, and the potential movement of vast numbers of people should sepa-
A southern Sudanese woman living in Khartoum’s twin city of Omdurman, a sprawling settlement just across the Nile river from the capital, smiles to the camera on Tuesday. —AFP ration take place, is a growing concern. A contested 2008 census counted some 500,000 southerners in the north, but the autonomous southern regional government and aid agencies estimate the southern population in the north to be at least 1.5 million people. Many live in Khartoum and its twin city Omdurman, a sprawling settlement just across the Nile river. “There are fears of large scale migrations, either voluntary or, worse still, enforced,” warned John Ashworth, a longtime Sudan analyst writing in a September report for the Pax Christi advocacy organisation. “This could well lead to a humanitarian emergency, and a number of NGOs (non-governmental organisations) are gear-
ing up for this eventuality,” Ashworth added. Complex racial and religious rivalries were driving forces in the war, and tensions remain high between the Arab-dominated north and the ethnically black south, many of whose inhabitants are Christian or follow traditional beliefs. Analysts suggest it is unlikely large-scale expulsions would be ordered by the leadership of either side, since northerners in the south are important traders, while southerners in the north are a key part of the labour force. But the risk of violence on the streets remains a serious worry, others warn. “If the south separates, southerners in the north and northerners in the south will be espe-
cially vulnerable to violence and loss of citizenship resulting in statelessness,” Refugees International said in a June report. The Washington-based advocacy group said it was concerned any violence in either the north or south could trigger bloody retaliation. “One senior southern official, who has lived in the north for three decades and serves in the Khartoum government, feared large-scale revenge killing of southerners in the north if even a single northerner were harmed in the south,” the report read. Citizenship issues are part of continuing negotiations between northern and southern leaders but - like the organisation for the referendum -
progress has been slow. Some hope oil may provide a counterbalance - Sudan is sub-Saharan Africa’s third largest oil producer but more than 80 percent of known oil reserves are thought to lie in the south. However, with all pipelines running north, analysts point out that it would benefit the leadership of both sides to strike a pragmatic and peaceful agreement. But resentment on the streets appears to be growing. “Sudan should remain united as one nation,” said northern market trader Ali Osman. “If they vote for independence, if they want their own country, then they should go back to their own country,” he warned. It is still not clear what criteria will determine which southerners
in the north will be able to vote. While some seem excited at potentially going south, many southerners in the north have spent all their lives in an urban environment, and are unused to the rural life of the grossly underdeveloped south. “I want to go back to the south, but my father is here, he is old and I don’t think it would be good for him,” said James Lemi, a southerner in Omdurman. However, the south’s humanitarian ministry has released plans for a voluntary “emergency repatriation program” to bring more than a million people back to the south in a “swift, safe, dignified and sustainable return”. Many aid workers are sceptical, however, given that the south is already struggling to support its existing population. Around four million people - about half the south’s population - will receive some food assistance this year, according to the United Nations, while more than 220,000 people have been forced from their homes due to violence in the south since January. But northerners in the southern regional capital Juba are also worried. Some have already fled fighting in the troubled western region of Darfur, seeking safety in the south from the battles between rebels and the Khartoum government. “I came to the south to escape war,” said Salima Hamid, a Darfuri laundry washer in Juba. “I would like to go back, but I don’t want anyone to make me leave here until there is peace in Darfur.” Others say that despite northern roots, the south is their home. “I was born in Juba, but I come from Khartoum,” said Mohammed Eljack, a shopkeeper in the south. “I want unity for Sudan, but whatever the decision, this is where I will stay. I don’t want violence.” — AFP
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Discontent from right and left for Merkel By Christian Ruettger
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enewed anti-nuclear sentiment, protests over a grandiose railway project and criticism of Muslim immigrants are all fuelling grassroots discontent in Germany that poses a challenge to the political establishment. The disparate issues indicate a groundswell of revolt that benefits both ends of the political spectrum, boosting the left and maybe creating space for a “Tea Party”-style movement to the right of the mainstream conservative Christian Democrats (CDU). “There is a whiff of ‘Tea Party’ hanging over the republic,” said conservative paper Die Welt Am Sonntag in a leader. “Clearly, there is dissatisfaction on both sides,” said Claus Leggewie, director of the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities in Essen. The leftist Greens have climbed to record highs in opinion polls while support for the centre-right coalition of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s CDU and the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) has sunk to 35 percent from 48 percent at last year’s election. The Greens and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) combined now have a 10-point lead over the ruling coalition. One factor boosting the left is its unwavering opposition to nuclear power, said Manfred Guellner of pollsters Forsa. Merkel’s coalition agreed on Sept 5 to extend the lifespan of Germany’s 17 nuclear power plants by 12 years on average. Opponents kicked off protests against the decision with a march in Berlin last Saturday, which organisers said was the biggest of its kind since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. Another big demonstration is due in November against the annual transport of nuclear waste from a French processing centre to Gorleben storage site in Lower Saxony. Locals are fuming at the decision to resume testing, after a 10-year break, on whether salt mines there currently used as an intermediate waste facility are suitable for permanent storage. The Greens are also benefiting, with the SPD, from growing protest in BadenWuerttemberg’s state capital Stuttgart over a project to turn the city into an international railway hub, gutting part of the centre and ripping up historic trees. Hardly a day goes by without a protest against “Stuttgart 21”. Some demonstrations draw tens of thousands
of people. Outrage has grown in tandem with costs, which studies say could balloon to as much as €18 billion - four times the official estimate. Critics see it as a deal cut by business leaders and politicians riding roughshod over public opinion. “Stuttgart 21 in particular has become a symbol for the arrogance of power,” said Essen professor Leggewie. Merkel has effectively tied her fortunes to the project by saying next March’s state election in Baden-Wuerttemberg will be a referendum on “Stuttgart 21 and many other projects regarding this country’s future”. Polls suggest her CDU risks losing control of the powerful state it has run for almost 60 years to the Greens and SPD, which would send shockwaves all the way to Berlin. Not every opponent of the rail project will necessarily vote Green, however, said Leggewie. “Such movements are never automatically left or right. In a way, Stuttgart 21 has some aspects of the Tea Party movement,” he said, referring to the conservative movement to the right of the US Republican Party. As in the United States, a growing number of conservatives in Germany no longer feel represented by the CDU, particularly after the resignation of prominent conservatives like former Hesse state premier Roland Koch. The media, political commentators and some conservative politicians predict a new party could arise to the right of the CDU, drawing support also from people who agree with disgraced central banker Thilo Sarrazin’s criticisms of Muslim immigrants in his new book about the erosion of traditional German values. Opinion polls show as many as six out of 10 people partially agree with Sarrazin, who was forced to quit the Bundesbank, and many SPD voters oppose moves to expel him from their party. Leggewie saw “a classic constellation” for the birth of a populist right-wing party in Germany, including debate about the influence of Islam and a “general sense of crisis”. While he estimated such a movement could gain 15 percent support, pollsters Emnid have predicted such a group could get as much as 20 percent support.
“There is an anti-establishment attitude in general, and it will grow,” said Sigrid Baringhorst, dean of social sciences at Siegen University. —Reuters
Between populism and welfare state By Peter Janssen
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he anti-government protestors who seized the streets of central Bangkok this spring might have failed to topple the establishment, but it has drawn attention to problematic aspects of the country’s status quo. The protest leaders, most of whom are now in jail or in hiding, did not skimp on the inflammatory rhetoric as they described their protest as a “people’s revolution,” “class war” and struggle between the “amat” and “prai,” or aristocrats and commoners. Such talk smacked of demagoguery, especially because their main benefactor was former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, a billionaire telecommunications tycoonturned-politician now in selfimposed exile after an abuse-ofpower conviction. Thaksin lost 1.4 billion dollars of assets in the Thai courts in February and is known to be keen on getting his money back. Notwithstanding the political agenda of their sponsor, the protestors, also known as the red shirts, had legitimate complaints after the fruits of Thailand’s impressive economic growth over the past three decades have not been shared equitably. According to the central bank, about 20 per cent of the population holds two-thirds of the country’s assets, savings and property. The wealth gap is also regional with an annual per-capita income of around $9,400 in Bangkok and $1,200 in the north-east, the country’s poorest region. Whatever his personal wealth, Thaksin was one of the first Thai prime ministers to pay attention to the needs of the poor. His populist policies won
his Thai Rak Thai party strong majorities in parliament for two terms from 2001 to 2006 before he was toppled in a bloodless coup and fled the country after his conviction. While many of his policies were designed to grab votes, others, such as universal healthcare, have benefited the poor. The Democrats, Thaksin’s main opponents, who lead the current coalition government, have also played the populist card. Upon coming to power in 2009, the Democrats guaranteed 15 years of free education for all Thais. They also introduced a scheme to guarantee a minimum profit for farmers of rice, corn and tapioca if market prices fell below costs. The scheme benefited 4 million farm families in 2009 and is likely to benefit many more this year. “Last year, at the beginning, the farmers didn’t fully understand the program, so when they reported their acreage, I think most of them told the truth,” said Nipon Poapongsakorn, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute, a think tank. Under the scheme, farmers are compensated for up to 3 hectares of crop land. The government rarely checks if they are actually growing crops or not. “This year, I expect a huge surge in rice growing, statistically,” Nipon said. “Generally speaking, the farmers are happy with the scheme,” said Buapan Promphakping, a social sciences professor at Khon Kaen University, 400 km north-east of Bangkok. “But it mostly benefits the middle- or upper-class people in the villages,” he added. “If you don’t have any land, you don’t benefit.” — dpa
NEWS
14 Clashes break out after Israeli kills Palestinian Continued from Page 1 fired rubber bullets and tear gas at stonethrowing protesters in and around the neighbourhood. The guard had opened fire after his car was stopped at a barricade Palestinians had set up. He was later detained by police for questioning, Rosenfeld said. Army radio later reported that he had been released without charge. The man who was killed, Samir Serhan, had been detained in the past for “participation in unrest”, Rosenfeld added. Palestinian residents and local officials said it was not clear what sparked the violence, which erupted before dawn. “We were awakened by the sound of gunfire at 4:00 am (0200 GMT) and when we came down we found Samir’s body on the front steps,” a cousin of the victim, Samih Serhan, said, adding that the dead man left behind five children. During the man’s funeral procession, hundreds of protesters set tyres on fire, smashed the windows of several buses and screamed for revenge. “We will defend you with our blood and souls, martyr,” protesters chanted. Palestinian youths also hurled stones at police
cars and other vehicles, setting three cars on fire, including a police cruiser. Army radio reported that 10 Israelis were wounded in the violence, including three police, and that eight Palestinians had been arrested. Police spokesmen could not immediately be reached after the sundown start of the seven-day Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Police had briefly entered the Al-Aqsa mosque compound earlier in pursuit of stone-throwing youth but said they did not use “riot dispersal means”, a term usually used to refer to tear gas or rubber bullets. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel, an Israeli advocacy group, recently wrote in a report that Israeli security firms act like a private police force for Silwan’s Jewish residents. It said the firms often receive government funding and frequently use threats and violence against Arab residents, while police are reluctant to intervene. “What happened to Samir could happen to anybody,” said Murad Shafi, a 35-year-old neighbor of Serhan. “You wake up, maybe you shout at someone. Maybe you argue. But in the end, you are dead.” Silwan, a crowded neighbourhood where a
few dozen Jewish families live in a guarded enclave surrounded by 12,000 Arab residents, is one of the most volatile areas of east Jerusalem, which Israel occupied in 1967 and later annexed in a move not recognised by the international community. The neighbourhood is just outside the walls of the Old City and the mosque compound. The compound is the third holiest site for Muslims, after Makkah and Madinah. It has frequently been the scene of violence and was the epicentre of the outbreak of a Palestinian intifada, or uprising, almost exactly 10 years ago. Yesterday’s violence highlighted the challenges negotiators face in peace talks which resumed on Sept 2 after a 20-month hiatus. “This violent escalation by the Israeli occupying forces represents destructive measures that defeat the peace-building agenda,” said Ghassan Khatib, a spokesman for the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. The Islamist Hamas movement ruling Gaza also spoke out against the incident, saying it showed “the vicious intentions of the occupation government in using the continuation of negotiations to cover its crimes.” — Agencies
India battles to save Games Continued from Page 1 or face the prospect of national withdrawals from an event which is so far only showcasing Indian traveller-tale cliches of filth, chaos and corruption. “Officials found that building works had fallen seriously behind schedule and that its allocated accommodation blocks were far from finished and in their view, unsafe and unfit for human habitation,” Team Scotland said in a statement. A portion of false ceiling in the weightlifting venue caved in yesterday, a day after the collapse of a footbridge by the main stadium injured 27 workers, highlighting the problems facing organisers as they race to complete work. Nobody was injured at the weightlifting venue. “There have been dogs roaming around the village, the apartments are filthy, there are piles of rubble and right now it’s not fit to receive 6,500 athletes and officials,” Michael Cavanagh, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, told the BBC. “National Shame” was the headline in one Indian newspaper. New Zealand’s swimming team left today for Abu Dhabi, with an official saying another competition was in the pipeline if the Games are cancelled. Australian and Canadian squads are in Singapore and the British in Doha, suggesting another Asian meet could be hastily organised. There have been reports of stray dogs, stagnant water, workers urinating in public, and human faeces being found at the unfinished village where the athletes will live. Stagnant pools of water, breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes, lie around and a Reuters reporter said homeless people were living outside the main stadium. Indian government officials say the problems, includ-
ing the roof collapse yesterday, are mostly minor glitches and the Games will be a success. But criticism is mounting even within India, where the country’s leadership is seen as out-of-touch and having failed to understand what is expected of a nation which is not short of funds nor skilled labour to host a major sporting event. It also highlights concerns about how India will effectively spend some $1.5 trillion on infrastructure over the next decade which is fundamental to managing fast economic growth and a growing population of 1.2 billion. World discus champion Dani Samuels of Australia pulled out of the Games because of security and health concerns, as did England’s world triple jump champion Phillips Idowu. Six other champions including the Kenyans Janeth Jepkosgei and Luke Kibet, have quit for various reasons, including injuries, in the last 24 hours. Jepkosgei, who was the 800 m champion at the last Commonwealth Games, and 2007 world marathon champion Kibet, blamed illness and injury respectively. “Sorry people, but I have children to think about. My safety is more important to them than a medal,” Idowu had written on his Twitter feed. Triple Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt of Jamaica is the highest profile athlete to skip the event. An epidemic of dengue, in part blamed on stagnant water around unfinished construction sites, has hit Delhi and thousands of people are being treated in hospital. Many residents are fleeing Delhi during the Games, worried about security and traffic chaos. Only days after two foreign visitors were shot and wounded by unknown assailants in Delhi, Australian TV broadcast how a reporter bought bomb making devices
to smuggle through security points. Indian police denied he ever crossed a checkpoint. Highlighting how the Games has become a political minefield for a government already reeling under high inflation, officials from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s office toured the village. “The prime minister is of course extremely concerned,” Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar, who is overseeing the preparations, told CNNIBN. So far 77-year-old Singh, who took charge of monitoring the preparations a month ago after criticism of missed deadlines, has remained silent, underscoring what critics say is his out-of-touch leadership. Sporting power Australia backed the Commonwealth Games yesterday and many venues, including the main Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, have been praised as worldclass. Officials note that other events, such as the 2004 Athens Olympics, were dogged by problems but turned out fine. However, Canada’s Games team said it might delay the arrival of some of its athletes if adequate accommodation was not available. New Zealand Olympic Committee officials have arrived in Delhi to inspect facilities and security. “I think if the Commonwealth Games didn’t go ahead, that could have significant implications for the future of the Commonwealth Games, and that’s not something we’d like to see,” New Zealand Prime Minister John Key told reporters. Indian officials defended their record. “Please try to understand ... They want certain standards of hygiene, they want certain standards of cleanliness, which may differ from my standard,” said Lalit Bhanot, spokesman of the Delhi organising committee. — Reuters
PM urges efforts to cut poverty, hunger Continued from Page 1 At the outset of speech, Sheikh Nasser conveyed to the meeting the greetings of HH the Amir, as well as his best wishes for the success of this important meeting to achieve the desired results that the peoples of the world look forward to. He expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, who presented a comprehensive report on the achievements that were realized, what the desired goals are, as well as the reason for the delay in reaching these goals, in the important document titled: “Keeping the Promise: A ForwardLooking Review to Promote an Agreed Action Agenda to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015”. “In the historic Millennium Summit held at the beginning of this century, the heads of state and government put forth a long term program and a road map to achieve noble development goals for the peoples of the world who are most in need for such development. That program was a cresset that lit the way to work towards achieving those goals. Five years ago, the world leaders met once again at the first review conference. Back then, everyone felt optimism, the indicators were encouraging, and the statistics showing the range of response by states, particularly the least developed states as well as the most affected states in the southern part of the African Sahara, and in Asia, have spurred enthusiasm and determination to exert more efforts and to commit to move ahead on the roads of reaching the Millennium Development Goals,” Sheikh Nasser said. “Since our last conference in 2005, the world have witnessed enormous crises and challenges, these were represented by the increase in the prices of food products and the oscillation in energy prices. These were followed by a suffocating financial and economic crisis that has threatened the global economic system, as well as the political and social stability of some states. All states without exception, have suffered from this crisis. Its effect on the developing countries and the least developed countries was more severe, despite the fact that these states had nothing to do with the occurrence of this crisis or any of the reasons that led to it,” he said. “While we welcome the steps taken, and the policies adopted by a number of international and regional groupings to confront this crisis, ease its impact and prevent its recurrence, there remains more that we can do for the recovery of the global economy and for achieving a fair and balanced international trade system. One of the other serious challenges our world faces and requires a joint and unified effort to confront, is the climate change phenomenon and its impact on all
aspects of life, from economic and trade activities to the adverse effects it has on the environment, the ecosystem and biological diversity,” Sheikh Nasser said. “During the past few years, the world started witnessing an increase in the number of natural disasters that have become more severe and destructive, due to climate changes, causing enormous losses in life and property, such as the destructive earthquake that hit Haiti last January, and the floods that swept Pakistan last month. We hope that we will be able, in the upcoming conference scheduled in December in Cancun, Mexico, to reach a legally binding document which will determine the steps, policies, as well as the responsibilities that the developed and the developing countries will bear to limit the effect of climate change as well as assisting the developing countries to adapt to its consequences,” the premier noted. “Despite the fact that these difficulties have hindered the efforts and limited the abilities of numerous states to achieve the MDGs, we however, agree with what was mentioned in the report of the Secretary-General, that the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals remain feasible with adequate commitment, policies, resources and effort. Therefore, we view this meeting as an important opportunity to renew the commitment and the determination to shoulder our responsibilities, implement our commitments and mobilize our energies for a better world, where the gap of disagreements, divisions and conflicts that are fed by the absence of justice and equality, can be narrowed, while the horizons of cooperation and partnership are expanded, and where peace and security prevail,” Sheikh Nasser remarked. “In this regard, we wish to emphasize that the United Nations remains the most credible, legal and neutral multilateral mechanism there is, where we can discuss the best ways and means to reach joint collective solutions to the global challenges and hazards. Kuwait believes that the development goals the world seeks to achieve by 2015 are attainable. There are positive signs that support this conviction, such as the improvement in the rates of registration in schools, as well as improvements in child and maternal health, the increase in access to clean water, and the progress in combating dangerous diseases, like HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis,” he said. Sheikh Nasser added that all these advances and positive results achieved require constant and prompt efforts in order to maintain and consolidate them, particularly in the face of the numerous challenges the world faces. A high percentage of the world’s population in certain regions still suffer from poverty, hunger, dangerous diseases, increased rates of unemployment, illiteracy and displacement, in addition to the
negative effects of armed conflicts and foreign occupation, not to mention the perils of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, the spread of transnational organized crime, illegal drug trade, the spread of the terrorism phenomenon, and the violations of human rights. All these difficulties pose in their totality, a real threat to international peace and security, as well as an obstacle to achieving the desired development. Concerning Kuwait’s efforts to achieve MDGs, Sheikh Nasser said Kuwait seeks with all its capacities to achieve the MDGs, as well as to improve the welfare of the Kuwaiti citizens. The indicators of economic and social development in Kuwait have surpassed the targeted averages, and have held advanced positions on both the regional and international levels, according to reports by United Nations agencies concerned with human development. Currently, unified efforts are being exerted, and all available resources are being mobilized to implement the national development plan for the period 2010 2014. The estimated cost of this plan is about $115 billion. This is an ambitious plan that seeks to advance all the state’s sectors, improve the infrastructure, raise the level of educational and health care services, as well as set the pace to make Kuwait a financial and trade center in the region. As Kuwait continues on its way of providing assistance to the developing countries, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Developments persist in its efforts to support and finance development and infrastructure projects in more than 100 countries, with a total value of almost $15 billion, which makes the median of the amount provided double the percentage of the GNP agreed upon internationally for official development assistance. Kuwait wishes to renew its commitment to continue providing developmental and financial assistance to the states in need, for the realization of stability and progress in those countries as well as for the advancement of their capabilities and abilities to fulfill their developmental needs, Sheikh Nasser said. “We recognize the tremendous international responsibility, the difficulties and the challenges that stand in the way of many countries to reach the MDGs and achieve their purposes. However, we are convinced that the goals are achievable if supported by the political will, the total belief in the importance of joint and collective work, as well as our adherence to the resolutions we take and the commitments we make. Let us all work together for the good, for the dignity and for the welfare of our peoples guided by the purposes and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the total respect for international law,” Sheikh Nasser concluded. — KUNA
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Film depicts challenges facing black US Muslims NEW YORK: The makers of a new movie about family life for black Muslims in America want to highlight challenges facing followers of Islam, just as Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” revealed the racism and harsh realities facing black youth in Brooklyn two decades ago. “MOOZ-lum” was filmed in Michigan, which has a large Muslim population, and premiered to packed theaters at the Urbanworld Film Festival in New York on Friday. “I hope people can walk out of the theater thinking more and trying to understand what we’re facing here,” said director Qasim Basir, adding the movie’s portrayal of discrimination mirrored his own MuslimAmerican experience. Basir said a lack of cinematic depictions of Muslim Americans also inspired him to make the movie. “I’m hoping to give Muslim-Americans a film that reflects them. I want it to be something the audience can look at and say,
‘This represents me,”“ he told Reuters in an interview. The movie, which has yet to find a distributor and so is not in commercial cinematic release, emerges amid a heated dispute over a planned Muslim cultural center in New York. Organizers of the center, which would be two blocks from the World Trade Center site and will include a prayer room, say it is meant to build bridges. Critics say the proposed location is insensitive to victims of the Sept 11 attacks and should be changed. Urbanworld founder Stacy Spikes said the buzz surrounding “MOOZ-lum” had been helped by the debate. “MOOZ-lum” tells the story of a college student Tariq, played by Evan Ross, in 2001. Tariq struggles with balancing his Muslim faith and his newfound freedom on campus. Flashbacks to his childhood reveal years of bullying. Then, just days into his freshman year, the Sept 11 attacks
alter life for Tariq and his family. “People can see this family is like any other family,” said the movie’s star Ross. “When you don’t know about something, it seems dangerous and that’s how hatred starts.” US mistrust of Muslims has grown in recent years. A Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life poll released in August found the number of Americans with a favorable view of Islam was 30 percent, down from 41 percent in 2005. Roger Guenveur Smith, who plays Tariq’s father, compares “MOOZ-lum” with another film he acted in - “Do the Right Thing.” The 1989 film explored race relations in Brooklyn and was released weeks before the fatal shooting of black youth Yusef Hawkins in an Italian section of the same borough. “‘Do the Right Thing’ continues to have an impact because the filmmaker did not shy away from the issues,” said Smith. “No one could have pre-
dicted the tragedy that would take place in New York City the summer (of) ‘Do the Right Thing’ ... and no one could have predicted when we were getting ready to premiere ‘MOOZ-lum’ that we would be embroiled in this tremendous debate about ... freedom of religion.” “Do the Right Thing” was a box-office hit, nominated for an original screenplay Oscar and declared “culturally significant” by the US Library of Congress. Basir believes critics of the proposed center in Lower Manhattan are poorly educated about Islam. So, he would like his film to be played in universities and schools. “I would like it to humanize a culture and a faith that has, for a while now, been attacked,” he said. Producers of “MOOZlum,” which features Danny Glover as the opinionated dean on Tariq’s campus, say it will be featured at the Chicago International Film Festival in October. — Reuters
Bomb kills 12 at Iran parade Continued from Page 1 Sheikh Sabah prayed to God to rest the souls of the victims in peace and bestow speedy recovery upon the injured, asserting the condemnation of Kuwait for such act of terror that targeted the lives of innocent people in what runs counter to the upright principles of Islam as well as humanitarian values. HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a similar cables. Britain’s foreign minister condemned yesterday’s attack. “This horrific bombing underlines the need to stand together against terrorism wherever it rears its head,” Alistair Burt said in a written statement. State TV broadcast a short segment of video capturing the moment the blast shook the parade. It showed soldiers marching in front of a stage for VIPs as the sound of the explosion rang out. The area was left littered with debris and bits of torn clothing. The footage also showed military personnel rushing to the blast site and injured women being treated in a hospital. The parade was one of several held around the country to mark the 30th anniversary of the start of the Iran-Iraq war. No military personnel were wounded. The Mehr news agency said the dead included the wives of two of ranking military officers. Western Iran, which has a sizeable Kurdish population, has seen deadly clashes between the Iranian security forces and Kurdish rebel groups, notably the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK), which operates from bases in neighbouring Iraq. Provincial governor Vahid Jalalzadeh blamed the United States and “counter-revolutionaries” for the attack. “This act has foreign origins. Unfortunately America and its allies are present in the region and their support for counter-revolutionaries and hypocrites has been proven,” he said on state television. The city of Mahabad is home to 190,000 people - most of them Kurds and Sunni Muslims. Iran is predominantly Shiite. Mahabad was once the capital of the Soviet-backed self-proclaimed republic of Kurdistan in Iran. Iran’s armed forces recaptured Mahabad in 1946. Meanwhile, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev yesterday signed a decree banning supplies of S-300 missiles and other arms to Iran in a long-awaited move after weeks of deliberations by Russian officials. “Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree ‘On Measures’ to implement the United Nations Security Council resolution 1929 from June 9, 2010,” the Kremlin said in a statement. The decree published on the Kremlin website forbids supplies of the S300 air defence missiles to the Islamic
republic, among other weapons, said the accompanying statement. Under the decree, supplies of any tanks, fighter jets, helicopters, ships and missile systems are also forbidden. The Kremlin made the decree public after the chief of the general staff Nikolai Makarov told Russian reporters Moscow had dropped plans to supply Tehran with the S-300s because they were subject to international sanctions. “A decision has been taken not to supply the S-300 to Iran, they undoubtedly fall under sanctions,” Makarov said in an apparent reference to the UN sanctions, the ITAR-TASS news agency reported. “There was a decision by the leadership to stop the supply process, we are carrying it out,” Makarov was quoted as saying. Makarov however did not give a definite answer when asked whether the missile contract itself would be cancelled permanently. “We will see, this will depend on Iran’s behaviour,” the Interfax news agency quoted Makarov as saying. The UN Security Council in June adopted a fourth round of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear drive, imposing broader military and financial restrictions on the Islamic republic. Russia’s support of the sanctions against Tehran and its failure to deliver air defence missiles has left Iranian leaders fuming over what they see as betrayal by a trusted ally. Iran has over the past months been announcing steady advances in its nuclear program, in defiance of international calls for it to freeze its sensitive uranium enrichment operations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in June that UN sanctions would not affect the S-300 contract, as that the missiles were “defensive weapons” that did not fall under the terms of the sanctions. Russia agreed the missile deal several years ago but has never delivered the weapons amid pressure from the United States and Israel, which fear they would dramatically improve Iran’s defensive capabilities. In June, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin told French President Nicolas Sarkozy that Moscow would not sell the missiles to Iran in line with UN sanctions, a French official told reporters on condition of anonymity at the time. Analysts praised what they said was much-needed clarification on the issue after months of deliberations and often contradictory statements by unidentified officials. “This is the first authorised comment and that’s why it’s important,” independent military analyst Alexander Golts told AFP, referring to Makarov’s statement. Russia’s tougher line on Iran has coincided with a warming of its relations with the United States. Washington has repeatedly praised Moscow for its support in the nuclear crisis. Makarov said
he did not foresee any hurdles that could delay the ratification of a landmark Russia-US nuclear arms treaty signed earlier this year. “The ratification may take place by the end of the year,” he was quoted as saying. The treaty - signed by US President Barack Obama and Medvedev at an elaborate ceremony in Prague in April - restricts each nation to a maximum of 1,550 deployed warheads, a cut of about 30 percent from a limit set in 2002. The Mahabad bombing came as Iran showed off its military hardware at anniversary parades across the country to commemorate the 1980-88 war with Iraq in which an estimated one million people died on both sides. The longerrange Sejil, Shahab-3 and Ghadr-1 missiles were the star attractions at the main parade in Tehran, which was attended by chief of staff Major General Hassan Firouzabadi. With a range of 1,800 to 2,000 km, the missiles are theoretically capable of hitting Iran’s archfoe Israel. Also on display were five of Iran’s Karar (Assailant) unmanned bomber aircraft, which were unveiled in August and have a nominal range of 1,000 km. Firouzabadi insisted that Iran’s arsenal was for defensive purposes only. “The increased military capability of Iran is only a deterrent against aggressors and for defending our country against enemy threats,” he said in a speech delivered before the bomb attack in Mahabad. “We can confidently tell people that our military might is superior in the region but our military superiority is not limited to the number of planes and material calculations,” he said, without elaborating. The United States and Israel accuse Iran of seeking a nuclear weapon and have never ruled out a resort to military action to prevent it acquiring one. Iran denies any such ambition. Iranian officials have vowed a crushing response in the event of an attack, targeting Israel and US bases in the region and the passage of oil through the Gulf. Addressing US media in New York on Tuesday, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned that attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities could spark a war with “no limits”. Iran is under four sets of UN sanctions over its failure to heed repeated Security Council ultimatums to suspend uranium enrichment - the sensitive process that can produce the fuel for nuclear power stations or, in highly extended form, the fissile core of an atomic bomb. At yesterday’s parade in Tehran, Iran also showed off a “blue-beret” unit of 180 men together with armoured personnelcarriers emblazoned with UN insignia. Army chief Ataollah Salehi said Iran “has been ready for several years to provide a group of peacekeeping soldiers to the United Nations”. — Agencies
Panel urges fight to combat drugs Continued from Page 1 In another development, Islamist Salafist MP Ali Al-Omair yesterday proposed essential additions should be made to the religious education curriculum following the problems created by Shiite fugitive Yasser Al-Habeeb, who had been stripped of his citizenship for making disparaging remarks against Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) wife
Aisha. Omair proposed that new material highlighting the honorable history of the Prophet (PBUH), his wives and companions should be added to religious textbooks that the new generation realizes their impor tance in Islam and refrain from abusing or slandering them in the future, like what Habeeb did. Habeeb’s derogatory remarks against Aisha triggered an uproar in the country, raising Shiite-Sunni tensions, but even-
tually ended in withdrawing his Kuwaiti citizenship. Assembly secretary MP Dulaihi AlHajeri praised the government and acting premier and defense minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah for the deter rent actions they have taken against Habeeb. He said the Cabinet took the right decision in stripping Habeeb of his citizenship to make him an example for others.
NatGeo magazine to start in Arabic Continued from Page 1 articles locally, Al-Hammadi said. National Geographic, the journal of the Washington-based National Geographic Society, already publishes in 29 languages besides English. It joins a small number of Western magazines publishing in Arabic, including fashion titles Elle and Marie Claire. A few other magazines, including Esquire and Time Out, also publish Middle Eastern regional editions, but they are in English and mainly target foreign residents.
Other international media companies are also expanding in the Arab world. Viacom Inc launched an Arabic version of MTV three years ago. Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp conglomerate, which includes the Fox television channels and publisher HarperCollins, earlier this year agreed to take a $70 million stake in Arabic media giant Rotana Group. Its Sky News division has floated the idea of creating an Arabic-language competitor to news network Al-Jazeera. National Geographic’s Arabic edition is being published in conjunction with the
state-owned Abu Dhabi Media Co. The companies wouldn’t disclose financial terms of the deal, but Terry Adamson, National Geographic executive vice president, said he expects the Arabic magazine to be commercially viable. In 2008, ADMC said its film arm and National Geographic planned to spend $100 million to produce 10 to 15 films over five years. It launched an Arabic-language version of the National Geographic Channel on cable l a s t y e a r. T h e n e w m a g a z i n e h i t s newsstands Oct 1. — AP
SPORTS
Thursday, September 23, 2010
15
MLB results/standings Major League Baseball results and standings on Tuesday: NY Yankees 8, Tampa Bay 3; Kansas City 9, Detroit 6; Pittsburgh 5, St Louis 2; Washington 8, Houston 4; Philadelphia 5, Atlanta 3; Toronto 5, Seattle 3; Baltimore 9, Boston 1; Florida 5, NY Mets 2; San Francisco 1, Chicago Cubs 0; Cincinnati 4, Milwaukee 3; Minnesota 6, Cleveland 4; Arizona 3, Colorado 1; LA Angels 2, Texas 0; Oakland 7, Chicago White Sox 2; San Diego 6, LA Dodgers 0. American League Eastern Division W L PCT GB NY Yankees 92 59 .609 Tampa Bay 89 61 .593 2.5 Boston 83 68 .550 9 Toronto 76 74 .507 15.5 Baltimore 61 90 .404 31 Central Division Minnesota 91 60 Chicago White Sox 79 72 Detroit 76 75 Kansas City 62 88 Cleveland 62 89
.603 .523 .503 .413 .411
12 15 28.5 29
Texas Oakland LA Angels Seattle
Western Division 83 67 .553 76 74 .507 75 76 .497 57 93 .380
7 8.5 26
Philadelphia Atlanta Florida NY Mets Washington
National League Eastern Division 91 61 86 66 75 75 74 77 63 88
.599 .566 .500 .490 .417
5 15 16.5 27.5
Cincinnati St. Louis Houston Milwaukee Chicago Cubs Pittsburgh
Central Division 86 66 77 73 73 78 69 81 68 82 52 98
.566 .513 .483 .460 .453 .347
8 12.5 16 17 33
San Francisco San Diego Colorado LA Dodgers Arizona
Western Division 85 66 .563 84 66 .560 82 68 .547 73 78 .483 60 91 .397
0.5 2.5 12 25
PHILADELPHIA: Atlanta Braves’ Rick Ankiel (bottom) is forced out at second base by Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Wilson Valdez on a ball hit by Eric Hinske in the fifth inning.—AP
Phillies beat Braves, close on NL East crown PHILADELPHIA: The Philadelphia Phillies increased their lead in the National League East division to five games by winning their ninth straight game Tuesday, beating the Atlanta Braves 5-3. Roy Halladay (20-10) became the first Philadelphia pitcher since Hall of Famer Steve Carlton in 1982 to win 20 games in a season. Jayson Werth hit a three-run homer for the Phillies, who trailed the Braves by seven games in late July but boast a 17-3 record in September to take a grip on the division. Atlanta rookie Mike Minor (3-2) lasted just 2 1-3 innings in his eighth career start, allowing three runs.
Padres 6, Dodgers 0 In Los Angeles, Clayton Richard pitched his first shutout and complete game to steer San Diego past Los Angeles. Richard (13-8) struck out six. The Padres remained half a game behind
the NL West-leading San Francisco, while officially eliminating the Dodgers from playoff contention. San Diego also moved within half a game of Atlanta in the wild-card race. Ryan Ludwick gave San Diego a 2-0 lead with his two-out single to left in the third inning, and finished with four RBIs. He drove in the Padresí sixth run on a fielderís choice grounder in the ninth. The Padres got to Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley (1111) for three runs in the fifth.
Reds 4, Brewers 3 In Milwaukee, Edinson Volquez allowed one run over eight innings to steer Cincinnati past Milwaukee. Volquez (4-3) faced the minimum number of batters through the first five innings before losing his command a little by walking four in his final three frames. Reds closer Francisco Cordero converted his 38th save, but two runs scored with two outs when right fielder Jay Bruce made
a wild throw that also went through Corderoís legs. Jim Edmonds homered off Dave Bush (7-13) to give Cincinnati a 1-0 but strained a leg muscle while rounding the bases. The Reds moved eight games ahead of St. Louis and now have a magic number of four to clinch the NL Central.
Giants 1, Cubs 0 In Chicago, Matt Cain and three relievers combined on a two-hitter to give San Francisco a tight win over Chicago. Cain and Chicagoís Carlos Zambrano each pitched six scoreless innings, but the Giants did just enough to prevail. San Francisco finally broke through with one out in the eighth when Buster Posey homered off Andrew Cashner (2-6). His 15th homer gave him 62 RBIs _ the most by a Giants rookie since Chili Davisí 76 in 1982. Ramon Ramirez (1-3) worked a perfect seventh for San Francisco. Brian
Wilson pitched a perfect ninth for his major league-leading 44th save.
Marlins 5, Mets 2 In Miami, Gaby Sanchez hit a tie-breaking three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift Florida over New York. With two outs in the eighth, Mets reliever Elmer Dessens (3-2) came in to face Hanley Ramirez, who lined a single to center as did Dan Uggla. Sanchez then drilled a pitch over the left-field wall for his 19th homer. The loss officially eliminated the Mets from playing in the postseason. Floridaís Jose Veras (3-2) worked one inning and picked up the win despite losing the lead in the top of the eighth.
Díbacks 3, Rockies 1 In Phoenix, Kelly Johnson hit a two-run homer to help Arizona defeat Colorado. Aside from a single in the eighth, Colorado couldnít get much off Diamondbacks starter
Joe Saunders (3-6), who pitched an eightinning gem. The Rockies drop 2-1/2 games behind NL West leader San Francisco. Johnson hit his two-run homer off Jorge De La Rosa (85). The only drawback for the Diamondbacks was breaking the all-time season strikeout record. Arizona whiffed six times on the night to reach 1,404 in 150 games, blowing past the record of 1,399 set by Milwaukee in 2001.
Nationals 8, Astros 4 In Washington, Ivan Rodriguez hit a tying homer off the left-field pole to spark a seven-run rally with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning as Washington stunned Houston. Washington trailed 3-1 in the eighth when Rodriguez hit a two-run shot off Felipe Paulino (1-9). After the next two batters reached base, Adam Kennedy hit a go-ahead
Angels 2, Rangers 0 In Anaheim, Ervin Santana earned his career-best 17th victory, as Los Angeles slowed Texasí march to the AL West title. Santana (17-9) dominated the Rangersí potent lineup during his fifth career shutout, striking out eight and holding Texas without an extra-base hit. The Angels, who have won the past three division titles, pulled within one game of .500, with a solid finish on a disappointing season. Santana got more support than Texas starter Colby Lewis (11-13), who yielded just four hits and struck out 10 in seven strong innings.
Athletics 7, White Sox 2 In Oakland, Trevor Cahill pitched eight solid innings for his team-leading 17th win as Oakland sent Chicago to its eighth consecutive loss. Cahill (17-7) retired 12 of the first 14 batters before a double leading off the fifth. The Aís pounded out 13 hits off Chicago starter Mark Buehrle (12-12) and one reliever.
Twins 6, Indians 4 In Minneapolis, Minnesota became the first team officially into the postseason, beating Cleveland to clinch the AL Central title. It was the Twinsí sixth division title in nine years. Denard Spanís RBI-single highlighted a four-run eighth inning after the Twins had trailed 4-2. Clevelandís Justin Masterson (6-
13) allowed three runs in two-thirds of an inning to take the loss. Minnesotaís Glen Perkins (1-1) pitched one scoreless inning for the win while Twins manager Ron Gardenhire got career victory No. 800.
Orioles 9, Red Sox 1 In Boston, Ty Wigginton hit a tie-breaking three-run homer in the seventh and Baltimore went on to a comfortable win over Boston. Wigginton drove his 21st homer of the season just inside the right field foul pole off Scott Atchison (2-3), who came in after Clay Buchholz allowed one unearned run in six innings and proceeded to give up three hits while retiring only one. Orioles starter Brad Bergesen (8-10) pitched six strong innings, giving up only one run. He has allowed three runs or fewer in nine of his past ten starts.
Royals 9, Tigers 6 In Detroit, Mike Aviles drove in three runs to help Kansas City defeat Detroit. Rookie Jerrod Dyson scored three times for the Royals, who were aided by three errors by Detroit pitchers. KCís Bruce Chen (11-7) improved to 3-0 in his past five starts, allowing four hits in six innings. Detroitís Armando Galarraga (4-7) gave up five runs in 5 1-3 innings. He has only won twice in 18 starts since his near-perfect game on June 2.
Blue Jays 5, Mariners 3 In Toronto, Vernon Wells and Travis Snider hit two-run homers and Edwin Encarnacion added a solo shot as Toronto outslugged Seattle. All three homers came off Mariners starter Luke French (4-6) who allowed five runs in seven innings. Blue Jays starter Marc Rzepczynski (2-4) gave up two runs in 6 1-3 innings to win for the first time in more than a month. Seattleís Ichiro Suzuki went 4 for 4 with four singles and a walk, leaving him three hits from 10 consecutive 200-hit seasons.—AP
Pirates 5, Cardinals 2 In Pittsburgh, Paul Maholm became the latest slumping pitcher to shut down fastfading St. Louis as Pittsburgh won its season-high fourth straight. The Pirates remain two losses from their first 100-loss season since 2001, but are 4-0 on a homestand that began with a threegame sweep of Arizona. Maholm (8-15) came in with a 5.36 ERA and a six-game losing streak, but allowed two runs in seven innings. The Pirates quickly got to Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook (2-4) by scoring three times in the first.—AP
Gilbert happy to bear the weight of rainbow jersey
Yankees extend lead over Rays NEW YORK: The New York Yankees opened a 2-1/2 game lead over Tampa Bay in the American League East by beating the Rays 8-3 on Tuesday. Nick Swisher homered off James Shields (13-13) to key a five-run burst in the first inning as the Yankees cut their magic number for clinching a playoff spot to three over AL East third-placed Boston. Tampa Bay nicked Phil Hughes (178) and two relievers, but never quite got the big hit it needed while stranding 10 runners. Ahead 7-3, Chamberlain escaped a basesloaded jam in the eighth by striking out one and inducing a line drive.
RBI single. The Nationals wound up sending 12 batters to the plate. One run scored on a wild pitch by Paulino, and others came home on three singles. Washingtonís Tyler Clippard (10-6) pitched a scoreless eighth to take the win.
MINNEAPOLIS: Cleveland Indians center fielder Michael Brantley can’t come up with a ball hit by Minnesota Twins’ Delmon Young during the eighth inning.—AP
PARIS: Belgium’s Philippe Gilbert is ready to bare the considerable weight of favourite for the world road race cycling championships, if it means he wins the rainbow jersey in Australia next week. Gilbert, 28, left the threeweek Tour of Spain on Sunday with two stage wins and having displayed the kind of form that could be needed in the gruelling blue riband of the men’s road race. The championships start on September 29, with the men’s road race from Melbourne to Geelong the highlight of the week’s events on October 3. Debate has raged over whether the undulating 15kmlong Geelong circuit, to be raced 11 times after an 82km ride from Melbourne, will finish in a bunch sprint. Recent reports suggest, however, that highly-fancied British sprinter Mark Cavendish may have to wait until next year’s worlds in Copenhagen if he is to succeed Tom Simpson, Britain’s last rainbow jersey winner, in 1965. Italy coach Paolo Bettini, a former two-time world champion, appears to have done his homework and last week announced a team practically shorn of sprinters, his hopes lying squarely on the shoulders of the versatile Filippo Pozzato. “Italy will be racing to win, as always and even moreso this year,” said Bettini, the Olympic champion in 2004 and a rainbow jersey winner in 2006 and 2007. “There will be scant chance to catch a breath on the course. I will be asking the boys to stay alert, talk to each other and adapt to the race as it unfolds.” Australia’s Cadel Evans is the reigning world champion but this year he will share leadership roles
with Simon Gerrans. Evans recently compared the road course to the Tour of Flanders, the undulating and tough Belgian one-day classic that was won in stunning fashion earlier this year by Switzerland’s Fabian Cancellara. If that is the case, Gilbert will be buoyed. The Belgian has yet to score a victory in Flanders but was fourth in this season’s LiegeBastogne-Liege and won the hilly Amstel Gold Race. Gilbert raced intelligently in Spain, winning stage three, taking his foot off the gas the following week and bringing his race legs to the fore just at the end on stage 19 to show he will be among the main contenders. In a race that can reach frenzied levels, the pre-race pressure can build up enormously. But for Gilbert, who famously lives beside one of the main climbs on the Liege-Bastogne-Liege course, the pressure is not on. “It’s normal that Bettini, Pozzato and others are saying I’m the favourite and that the Belgian team will have to carry the weight of the race,” Gilbert told La Derniere Heure newspaper midweek. “That doesn’t frighten me, our team is strong. For the last four months, I’ve been eating and sleeping the world championships, and I want to get there at 100 percent,” he said. With Boonen not competing, Gilbert will be looking for the likes of Bjorn Leukemans, Jurgen Roelandts and Greg Van Avermaet to provide needed support, whether chasing down rivals or helping turning up the pace. Among his other rivals will be handy Russian Alexandr Kolobnev, Canada’s Ryder Hesjedal or even Cancellara, if the indecisive Swiss opts to compete.—AFP
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Thursday, September 23, 2010
Westwood fit, strong and all set for Ryder Cup LONDON: Lee Westwood is almost certain to be fit to play in next week’s Ryder Cup, the world number three said on Tuesday. Westwood has been sidelined for seven weeks because of a badly swollen right calf and ankle and there were fears he could miss the biennial match against the US at Celtic Manor in Wales. “I have played two rounds now and I feel fit and strong and I am really happy with the leg,” the 37-year-old Briton told Reuters after competing in a two-day charity event in Scotland. “I intend to play two lots of 18 holes over the next two days or so and then I am going to step it up to 36 holes in one day ... that’s
for peace of mind to make sure I can walk 36 holes in one day.” Westwood wants to guarantee he can play two rounds in a day if called upon by European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie. There will be four 18-hole foursomes and four 18-hole fourballs on Friday and Saturday next week before the competition is decided by 12 singles matches on Sunday. Montgomerie will hope Westwood can be the team’s talisman at Celtic Manor. The Englishman has featured in six Ryder Cups and has finished in the top five at a major championship on seven occasions without achieving a breakthrough victory.
Meanwhile, world number eight Rory McIlroy cannot wait to make his Ryder Cup debut next week in an event he disparaged last year. “It is going to be fantastic,” the 21-yearold Briton told reporters in a conference call on Tuesday. “It’s definitely not an exhibition, it’s a great spectacle. “I said ‘exhibition’ last year when I was not focused on a team event.” McIlroy’s love of team competition was rekindled when he collected four points out of five for Britain and Ireland in the 2009 Vivendi Trophy against Continental Europe. “I sort of forgot how good it was,” said the Northern Irishman. “We won and it was
great to share the win with 11 other guys.” He partnered Graeme McDowell at the Vivendi Trophy and the two close friends also finished joint second at the World Cup in November but McIlroy was uncertain if they would be reunited by European captain Colin Montgomerie at Celtic Manor next week. “I am not sure,” said McIlroy. “I will have a better sense (of that) when we get there on Monday. “It worked well last year and I would like to but whatever Monty thinks I don’t mind. “I am very close to G-Mac and I think we would both love to partner each other. Hopefully we’ll get a couple (of matches) and try to make the most of it.”
EAST SUSSEX: Golfer Richard Saunders places his ball on the green ahead of a putt during the second day of the Disabled British Open golf tournament. — AFP
McIlroy admitted he was tired after a recent playing stint in the U.S. but a week off has recharged his batteries in time for the Celtic Manor showdown with the U.S. holders. “I was not my normal self in America,” he said. “I needed to refresh my mind and I definitely feel I will be going into the Ryder Cup in a better frame. “It’s been great having the last week at home. That’s when I get my best (practice) work done and I am very happy with how it all went.” McIlroy, who won the Quail Hollow Championship in North Carolina in May and the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic, said he had learned valuable lessons about how to pace
himself better next season. “I’m definitely going to look at my schedule,” said McIlroy. “I have been talking to Chubby (manager Andrew Chandler) about it and we are going to look at where I went wrong, then set a better schedule.” McIlroy also expects to have to overcome an attack of first-night nerves at the Ryder Cup. “Obviously it’s my first experience and one I am going to try and enjoy,” said the youngster. “Hopefully, the adrenaline will make me play well. “I am going to be nervous over my first tee shot but once you get that out of the way, all you are thinking about is winning your match.” — Reuters
EAST SUSSEX: Colin Johnson (right) looks on as Chris Foster hits an iron shot during the Disabled British Open golf tournament at East Sussex National golf course. The Disabled British Open is the first truly pan-disablity amateur golf tournament, offering golfers with a wide range of disabilities the opportunity to compete against each other according to their golf handicaps. — AFP
FedExCup chances abound at the Tiger-less East Lake ATLANTA: With Tiger Woods a notable absentee after a mediocre year by his usual standards, this week’s Tour Championship offers a plethora of winning scenarios for the prestigious FedExCup. Any of the top five players in the points standings has a chance of landing the trophy, along with the $10 million bonus, with victory on Sunday in the PGA Tour’s final playoff event. For American Steve Stricker, who lies fourth in the standings after a successful 2010 season highlighted by two wins, the list of likely FedExCup candidates runs much deeper.
“The top five can control their own destiny but you can go down to 13th, 14th, maybe even a little higher, who could win it all,” Stricker told reporters on Tuesday. “There’s obviously a lot riding on the line this week with the tournament up for grabs, and the FedExCup up for grabs. It should be exciting. It’s pretty much a shootout.” The world number four likes his own chances at East Lake, having played consistently good golf in the FedExCup playoff events since they were ushered in three years ago. “I go to each one of these events know-
ing I’ve played well there in the past and I feel comfortable going there,” Stricker said. “The goal to start all this was to win the FedExCup. I put myself in that position and I need one more good week.” Long-hitting Dustin Johnson, like Stricker a double winner on the 2010 PGA Tour, has also set his sights on one more good week. “To have a chance to win here is what I’ve prepared for all year long,” said Johnson, who won the third playoff event, the BMW Championship, two weeks ago. “Going out this year, the goal was to give myself opportunities to win, and I’ve
done that very well this year.” Johnson, who lies second in the FedExCup standings, did not plan to change his playing strategy with the Tour Championship and the FedExCup both on the line. “It’s still a golf tournament, you’ve still got to play four rounds,” the 26-year-old American said. Britain’s Paul Casey, fifth in the points list, felt this week’s lucrative win bonus could be an unwanted distraction. “I’m trying not to get too caught up in it because it’s a sum of money that I’m not too familiar with,” the world number seven
Broncos’ McKinley had talked of suicide — report DENVER: Denver Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley, who was found dead in his home this week, had been depressed and told friends “he should just kill himself,” investigators said. McKinley, 23, died on Monday of a gunshot wound in an apparent suicide, Arapahoe County (Colorado) officials said. “He had made statements while playing dominoes shortly after (knee) surgery that he should just kill himself,” said an investigator’s report issued by the Arapahoe County (Colorado) Sheriff’s Office late on Tuesday. “No one believed he was serious,” added the report. McKinley had undergone season-ending knee surgery last month and that had left him depressed, the report said. “He had made statements that he didn’t know what he would do if he could not play football and that football was all he knew,” the sheriff’s report said. The second-year player was found dead in the master bedroom of his Denver-area home. Arapahoe County’s corner said the death appeared related to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He is survived by his parents and a oneyear-old son. A tearful Broncos coach Josh McDaniels remembered McKinley as “a special person (who) had a great smile, a great personality, always in a good mood, certainly well-liked by everyone who knew him,” the Denver Post reported (www.denverpost.com). The team will hold a moment of silence before Sunday’s home game with the Indianapolis Colts, and players will wear a decal with McKinley’s number 11, the Broncos said on their website (www.denverbroncos.com) The Broncos also decided to leave McKinley’s locker untouched for the remainder of the season. “We’ve got to play with him on our shoulders and in our hearts,” linebacker Wesley Woodyard said. “I think that’s something that’s going to allow us to continue push through this week.” A fifth-round draft choice in 2009, McKinley was the third Broncos player to die in four years. Cornerback Darrent Williams, 24, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Denver in January 2007. The same year running back Damien Nash, also 24, died of heart failure after a charity basketball game in St. Louis. — Reuters
said. “You’ve got the winnings from this particular event as well, so you’re looking at $11.35 million (in total).” An elite field of 30 has qualified for the final playoff event, with world number one Woods failing to join them after ending his PGA Tour season without claiming a single title. Woods struggled for form after his private life unravelled at the end of last year amid revelations of serial philandering and continues to work on a swing overhaul. Tour commissioner Tom Finchem saw both good and bad in the absence of Woods from East Lake.
“You don’t have the number one player playing, that’s never good news,” Finchem said. “But then you have the ability for stardom to develop for other players, which is very difficult when the dominating player takes up so much of the media focus. “We saw it happen earlier in the year and in the middle of the year when Tiger wasn’t playing so well and other players played better and got more attention.” World number two Phil Mickelson defends his Tour Championship title this week, having triumphed last year by a commanding three shots. — Reuters
Lehman wins the 2010 Payne Stewart Award ATLANTA: Former British Open champion Tom Lehman, who is an advocate for several charitable causes, won the Payne Stewart Award on Tuesday. “Tom has achieved success both on the course and in his personal life, and he has utilised that success to help improve the lives of those around him,” Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement. A five-times winner on the PGA Tour, Lehman hosted a charity golf tournament from 1995-2002 that raised more than $4.7 million for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund at the University of Minnesota. He is also involved with ‘Match Point’, a Phoenix-based programme that matches adults with troubled children. “I am humbled to receive this year’s
Payne Stewart Award,” said Lehman, who won his only major title at the 1996 British Open. “To be selected from among so many remarkable human beings only makes me want to be a better person.” Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Ben Crenshaw, Nick Price, Tom Watson, Jay Haas, Brad Faxon, Gary Player, Hal Sutton, Davis Love III and Kenny Perry were previous winners of the award. The honor is given annually to a player sharing Stewart’s respect for the traditions of the game and his commitment to uphold golf’s heritage of charitable support. American Stewart, who died in a plane crash in 1999, won 11 times on the PGA Tour including three majors. — Reuters
All Blacks can be beaten, says Wallabies captain
LANDOVER: This Nov. 15, 2009, file photo shows Denver Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal, obscured at left, faking a handoff to wide receiver Kenny McKinley (11) on a kickoff return against the Washington Redskins. — AP
HONG KONG: Australia may have lost 10 straight matches to New Zealand to break a 63-year record, but captain Rocky Elsom still believes the All Blacks can be beaten in their final Bledisloe Cup game of the season next month. New Zealand has already retained the Bledisloe Cup and clinched the Tri-Nations with a perfect 6-0 record, including a 23-22 win over Australia on Sept. 11 that surpassed its then-record nine straight victories over the Wallabies between 1936 and 1947. Elsom said the All Blacks’ ability to close out tightly fought matches has given them the edge in the rivalry. In the first two tests of the series, the All Blacks beat the Wallabies 4928 in Melbourne and 20-10 in Christchurch. “We definitely can win — it’s obvious we’ve improved over the length of the tournament,” Elsom said yesterday of the Oct. 30 game in a teleconference. “We’re No. 2 in the world and New Zealand is No. 1. The main reason is that
they’ve been able to get away with the tight matches against us and against everyone else, really. That’s what we’re focused at.” With New Zealand having won 15 straight tests to close in on Lithuania’s world record of 18, Elsom doesn’t believe the Wallabies will have trouble finding motivation for a dead rubber despite a long season. The All Blacks’ recent dominance comes ahead of next year’s World Cup, at which they will enjoy home advantage. “You never need a reason to win a test match — probably more so in this one. We’re obviously not happy the way the Tri-Nations went, particularly against New Zealand,” Elsom said. “We have an opportunity, which is something we’d really like to take. “There’s just a lot of work we want to do. I’m expecting us to make some further gains.” There had been reports, denied by both country’s rugby federations, that the game may be moved because of poor ticket sales. — AFP
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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Mark Webber eyes Singapore GP as title battle moves up a gear
Webber braces for Singapore street fight SINGAPORE: Mark Webber has yet to finish a Singapore Grand Prix but the Formula One championship leader can expect to be third time lucky this weekend as the title battle moves up a gear. The Red Bull driver holds a five-point advantage over McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton with five races remaining and five drivers still very much in the hunt. “We should be closer to the front than we were in Singapore last year, as the car has changed a lot,” said Webber, winner of four races this season. “We’re very confident we’ll go there and go well.”
Hamilton, the 2008 champion, has a good record at the floodlit Marina Bay circuit and won the night race last season from pole position. Two retirements in the Briton’s last three races, sandwiched around a victory in Belgium, and the Red Bull’s speed around the tight and twistier circuits have given Webber grounds for optimism. “Singapore should suit us if Monaco is anything to go by,” said the Australian, who won around that street circuit in May as well as in Hungary. “Hamilton destroyed us in Monaco and
Budapest last year and this year we gave them a touch-up at both those races,” he added. “We’ve seen performance move around a little bit... not much... against the form card but on paper, the next few circuits look like they should be good for us.” Webber also enjoys a 24-point advantage over his quick-but-erratic team mate Sebastian Vettel but is not expecting any favours from the German, who is refusing to give up his own title ambitions. “Help from Vettel? It depends on the team,” the Australian added. “Rest assured, I have not asked for anything. It’s the same
at McLaren.” Hamilton failed to complete a lap at the last grand prix in Monza, the Briton retiring after banging wheels with Felipe Massa’s Ferrari in a rash attempt to overtake the Brazilian for third place. McLaren backed their man to bounce back from that mistake and the 25-year-old does not plan to change his aggressive approach to racing. “I’ve had two non-finishes and one win in the last three races... and, while that’s not bad, it does mean that I lost points to some of the other drivers in the hunt for the title.” the Briton said.
Triathlete Chrissie takes Ironman to new heights LONDON: Three years after tentatively setting out to see if she had the talent to become a professional triathlete Chrissie Wellington dominates the sport after a series of astonishing Ironman performances. Next month the 33-year-old Briton aims for her fourth successive world title at the iconic Hawaii Ironman competition and will arrive on the back of a staggering world record. At the Roth Challenge in Germany in July she completed the 2.4-mile (3.8-km) swim, 112-mile (180-km) bike ride and marathon run in eight hours 19.13 minutes to beat her own 2009 world record on the same course by almost 13 minutes. Her current mark is more than half-an-hour faster than the 1994 world record of Zimbabwe’s Paula Newby-Fraser that stood for 14 years, and was 31 minutes ahead of the second-placed finisher, Australia’s Rebekah Keat. Only six of the elite men’s field finished ahead of her. Wellington’s achievements have earned her an honorary doctorate and led her to being named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Fans say she should be a favourite to win Britain’s sports personality of the year award. “Often I look at what’s happened over the last few years and can’t believe it’s me. It’s surreal really,” Wellington told Reuters in a telephone interview from Boulder, Colorado, as she fine-tuned her preparations for the Hawaii event on Oct. 9. “It’s still really strange to think I’ve gone from being an absolute nobody civil servant to being threetimes world champion. If you’d told me a few years ago I’d be getting an MBE or an honorary doctorate (from the University of Birmingham where she took a first in geography) I’d have thought you were absolutely mad. “I didn’t go into triathlon thinking I would be a world champion, it was just a personal challenge. Likewise when I won the world age-group championship what if I hadn’t taken that leap of faith and gone professional? I never would have known. The key message is that you have to take that chance in life.” Once she took her chance, Wellington’s rise was meteoric. Having won the world title within eight months of turning professional she went on to destroy the accepted benchmark of performance and has won all nine Ironman races she has entered. “I didn’t have any preconceptions about what women should do, I just did as much as I could and worked as hard as I could in training and racing and in
doing so raised the bar,” she said. “Now women are training to those faster times and consistently breaking nine hours when before it was an anomaly. “Some technical and nutritional improvements have enabled faster times but the key to success is still hard work,” said Wellington, now coached by six-times world champion Dave Scott. “You need base talent of course but physical strength and mental strength count. At 30km into the marathon your speedy, lightweight shoes aren’t going to help when your mind and body are screaming for you to slow down.” On her website (www.chrissiewellington.org) Wellington describes her Roth record as “the elusive perfect day” but it was by no means plain sailing. “I had some setbacks and niggles in preparation but it’s how you deal with that which determines your day,” she said. “I had physical and emotional ups and downs during the race I had hip pain for a while in the run and it was very windy on the bike which was tough mentally-but really it all came together exactly as I would have wanted it to.” There was no going back to the hotel for champagne and a warm bath, as, like many Ironman professionals, Wellington spent the following eight hours cheering home the age-group competitors and handing medals to athletes who had taken twice the time to cover the distance. “I love going down there and meeting people, it’s a special part of the race,” she said. “I do appreciate how much it means to them to receive their medals from the professionals and it’s a small token on my part.” It is a refreshing attitude from a world-class sportswoman but Wellington, who is equally dedicated to the cause of third world development, has always taken the broad view. “It all boils down to what motivates an athlete and if that’s money or times then you are going to end up unfulfilled in this sport,” she said. “First and foremost it’s about being the best I can be and getting the most out of my body and my mind. “Then every win is part of creating a broader platform for me to do the things I want: to inspire girls and women, set up my own foundation and help charities. “I hope it’s not just that I win but that I do it honestly and fairly and with a smile. “I don’t always feel like smiling when I’m racing because it bloody hurts but hopefully my love for the sport shines through and that’s what people will remember.”—Reuters
“Those results aren’t enough to get me the title. l’ll keep pushing. I’ll take each race as it comes but I’ll also be making sure I get to the finish of the next five races... that’s more important than anything. I go to Singapore to win.” Monza proved to be a pivotal race for Fernando Alonso and Ferrari, the Spaniard’s victory at the team’s home circuit dragged the two-time world champion back into the mix for a third crown as he continues a lateseason surge. “Despite failing to score in Belgium, where the accident on the first lap weighed
heavily like a stone, Ferrari and I have scored more points than anyone else in these last four races,” the 29-year-old said. “That makes us even more confident and the fact these results came on tracks with very different characteristics to one another confirms for me that our car is pretty versatile.” Alonso, 21 points adrift of Webber in third, has a good record in Singapore, winning controversially for Renault in 2008 when Nelson Piquet deliberately crashed to give him a strategic advantage, before a third-place finish last year.—-Reuters
Brady back in spotlight with crash and cash
Chrissie Wellington in action in this file photo
DETROIT: Even when you are a Pro Bowl quarterback like New England Patriot Tom Brady with three Super Bowl rings, two Super Bowl most valuable player awards and a supermodel wife you can sometimes go unnoticed. One sure way to attract attention is to be involved in a car crash and, later the same day, sign a four-year, $72-million contract-the richest ever for an NFL quarterback. For much of the pre-season Brady had seemed like the NFL’s forgotten man as the spotlight concentrated on other members of the NFL quarterbacking fraternity. It shone on Brett Favre as he wavered over whether to return to the Minnesota Vikings, and on Aaron Rodgers as his star rose with the Green Bay Packers. It lit up the debate about what New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees could do for a Super Bowl encore and worries about New York Jet Mark Sanchez’s suffering a second-year jinx. Anticipation about the Manning Bowl took its turn in the spotlight, with Eli Manning leading the New York Giants to Indianapolis where they lost to big brother Peyton’s Colts, as did speculation over whether Tony Romo could lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl that will be played in their home stadium. Attention focused on St. Louis Rams’ number one overall draft pick and newest saviour Sam Bradford, and on the reshuffling of the NFL quarterbacking deck with Donovan McNabb going from the Philadelphia Eagles to Washington, leaving Redskins starter Jason Campbell heading west to the Oakland Raiders. Yes, there was no shortage of quarterback storylines in the buildup to the season but few of them featured Brady until early last Thursday when his car collided with a van on his way to practice and he later signed a deal that made him the Cadillac of quarterbacks, at least until Peyton Manning signs his new deal. “I don’t assume anything any more in life,” Brady, who was not hurt in the crash, told reporters. “I don’t think anything’s really guaranteed to us beyond what we have today. “I love being here, I really do. I love playing for this organisation. “It’s the only organisation I’ve ever known...It’s a great place. If you like winning games, it’s a great place.” Winning is something Patriots fans have come to expect since Brady took over as starting quarterback for an injured Drew Bledsoe in 2001 and
began building a Hall of Fame career. He has amassed a record of 112-35 in regular-season and playoff games, the best of any quarterback in the Super Bowl era. His 14-4 playoff record is second only to Green Bay Packers great Bart Starr. Brady has played in four Super Bowls in the last decade, winning three, and helped to lead the Patriots to a perfect 16-0 regular season in 2007. Taken in the sixth round of the 2000 draft as an afterthought by the Patriots, Brady has enjoyed a rags-to-riches NFL career, packed with achievements and painful setbacks. Brady began his professional career as New England’s fourth-string quarterback holding a clipboard on the sidelines but is likely to end it in Canton, Ohio, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame as one of the greatest ever to play in the position. With his leading-man good looks, Brady is used to the tabloid media prying into his private life. He dated actress Bridget Moynahan and they had a child together, then last year he married Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen, who according to Forbes magazine is the highest-paid model in the world. It was a match made in tabloid heaven with Brady, a Sports Illustrated cover boy, and Bundchen, who has appeared on more than 500 magazine covers, having a son together. Last year Brady was rarely out of the headlines but it was his left knee not his private life that concerned football fans as he battled back from a devastating injury. Knocked out in the first quarter of the Patriots’ 2008 season opener, Brady underwent surgery and missed the entire year. Infections and complications forced him to undergo more surgery. Brady returned last season and ended any lingering concern over the injury, throwing for more than 4,000 yards and making 28 touchdowns while leading the Patriots to a 10-6 record and back to the playoffs. With his personal and professional lives in order, Brady briefly slipped from the media radar screens. However the 33-year-old nudged his way back into the limelight in Week One, leading the Patriots to an impressive 38-24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. “The celebration after the game is what it’s all about,” said Brady. “We have a lot of new faces in here and we’ve been working pretty hard for the entire off-season. “All of the work we’ve put in, this is what it’s all about.”—Reuters
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Thursday, September 23, 2010
Last race of ’09 IRL was mellow, without yellow
HOMESTEAD: Dario Franchitti was nearly two kilometers behind Ryan Briscoe and Scott Dixon at times during last season’s IndyCar Series finale, nearly an entire lap off the pace. He couldn’t have been happier. Sounds bizarre, but even while facing a daunting 25-second deficit Franchitti could almost taste the champagne. He had done the math. His fuel saving was going perfectly. He was going to win the race, capture his second IndyCar championship and earn $1.17 million ... provided, of course, that a yellow flag didn’t come out to wreck his plans. “The ultimate strategy,” Dixon would
later say. The 2009 race at HomesteadMiami Speedway was memorable mainly for two reasons - it brought Franchitti a title, and it went down as the first IndyCar event in history to go start-to-finish without a caution flag. And when Franchitti returns to Homestead for this year’s finale on Oct. 2, the memories of that glorious, yet strange, day a year ago will surely come flooding back. Franchitti enters this year’s finale trailing Will Power of Australia by 12 points, certainly far from an insurmountable deficit. “We can only control what we do,” Franchitti said. But when everyone else
remains in control - essentially what happened at Homestead in 2009 — the task of making up points could get much easier for Franchitti. When the Scot started last year’s finale at Homestead four points behind Dixon and four points ahead of Briscoe in the supertight race for the title, he took what might be considered a huge gamble. He saved fuel from the very beginning, coaxing more kilometers out of his tanks than Dixon and Briscoe did from theirs. His plan was simple: If New Zealand’s Dixon and Australia’s Briscoe — the only other two contenders for the 2009 title — needed to pit four times, then he would try to finish 480 kilometers on only three stops
for fuel. For the plan to work, he pretty much needed everything on-track to go right. Somehow, it did. “It was physically very difficult with no yellows,” Franchitti said. “Our strategy, after the halfway point, it wouldn’t have mattered if there were no yellows or not. We had used so little fuel in the first half of the race, that put us — what do they say, in the catbird’s seat? If there had been a yellow, we would have had more fuel. We were always, from Lap 100 on, in a very good position.” For so many reasons, a yellow-free race was something that no one expected. The IRL had never seen a caution-free race, and one surely wasn’t expected at
Homestead, where the combination of drivers vying for jobs in 2010 and grip being an issue throughout the week had lots of people thinking there would be wrecks. “Might be the first and last time it ever happens,” Dixon said. “It was that odd. It’s a strange thing and that obviously made it into the race it was. In hindsight, maybe we should have slowed down and saved fuel. But for me, it was one of those things you had to push. I think that’s how you win championships and win races. We just took it the wrong way.” At the midway point of the 2009 race, Dixon, Briscoe and Franchitti were the only cars on the lead lap. They were that dominant, more than 25 kph (15 mph) faster than some cars on
certain laps. “Even when I crossed the line, I asked the question: ‘Did Dario really win this race?”‘ Briscoe recalled. “We did everything perfect, just perfect. I was so bummed.” Power watched from a hospitality suite in the Penske Racing area last season at Homestead, recovering from a crash at Sonoma, California, that ended his season months earlier. He hasn’t had a taste of what it’s like to race for a title at Homestead. Franchitti said he doesn’t think that will matter. “I think he will get up to speed very quickly. ... No reason why he can’t do it at Homestead,” Franchitti said. “We just have to make sure we beat him.”—AP
Chennai in semis
PORT ELIZABETH: Chennai Super Kings Murali Vijay at the wicket during their Champions League cricket match against Warriors.—AP
SCOREBOARD PORT ELIZABETH: Scoreboard yesterday in the Group A match between Chennai Super Kings and Warriors at St. George’s Park in Champions League Twenty20 tournament: Chennai Super Kings Hussey b Botha 50 Vijay b Kreusch 35 Raina c Ingram b Kreusch 6 Dhoni not out 31 Badrinath b Kreusch 2 Anirudha b Theron 7 Kemp run out (Theron) 0 Ashwin not out 1 Extras: (4lb) 4 TOTAL: (for six wickets) 136 Overs: 20. Fall of wickets: 1-63, 2-89, 3-94, 4-99, 5-132, 6-132. Did not bat: Shadab Jakati, Doug Bollinger, Muttiah Muralitharan. Bowling: Lonwabo Tsotsobe 4-0-41-0, Juan Theron 40-16-1, Makhaya Ntini 2-0-7-0, Nicky Boje 2-0-22-0, Justin Kreusch 4-0-19-3, Johan Botha 4-0-27-1.
Warriors Jacobs c Hussey b Jakati 32 Prince c Kemp b Ashwin 9 Ingram c Badrinath b Raina 17 Justin st Dhoni b Ashwin 25 Boucher c Kemp b Ashwin 25 Craig run out (Dhoni) 1 Botha not out 12 Boje c Hussey b Muralitharan 1 Theron st Dhoni b Muralitharan 1 Extras: (3lb) 3 TOTAL: (for eight wickets) 126 Overs: 20. Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-48, 3-63, 4-107, 5-112, 6-120, 7123, 8-126. Did not bat: Makhaya Ntini, Lonwabo Tsotsobe. Bowling: Doug Bollinger 4-0-31-0, Ravichandran Ashwin4-0-24-3, Shadab Jakati 4-0-27-1, Muttiah Muralitharan 4-0-19-2, Justin Kemp 2-0-10-0, Suresh Raina 2-0-12-1. Result: Chennai won by 10 runs.
Udana hat trick earns victory for Wayamba PORT ELIZABETH: Isuru Udana took a hat trick as the Wayamba Elevens finished their Champions League Twenty20 campaign with a 74-run win over the Central Stags here yesterday. Wayamba could only score 144 for six in their 20 overs but it proved enough as Udana and unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis sent the New Zealand team plunging to 16 for five. They were all out for 70 in 15.3 overs, the lowest total of the tournament. The win at St George’s Park enabled Wayamba to climb off the bottom of the Group A table. Both teams had lost their first
three matches. The first blow was struck by Mendis, who shared the new ball with Udana. Mendis trapped Stags captain Jamie How, the team’s leading run-scorer, leg before wicket. Left-armer Udana, 22, who played for Sri Lanka in the 2009 World Twenty20 in England, deceived Brad Patton with a slower fourth ball of the next over, with the batsman playing too early and popping the ball up in the air for wicketkeeper Kushal Perera to run around to take an easy catch. Mathew Sinclair over-balanced and was stumped off a leg- side wide and George
Worker played down the wrong line to be bowled by a delivery which slanted in to complete the hat-trick. Udana finished with three for 22 and Mendis with three for 14, while left-arm spinner Rangana Herath had the most economical figures of the tournament, two for seven off four overs. “We really wanted it today,” said Wayamba captain Jehan Mubarak. “But there are still a lot of areas we want to work on.”“It was a disastrous batting performance,” said How. “We’ve learned some pretty good lessons and hopefully we’ll be back a lot stronger.”—AFP
PORT ELIZABETH: Wayamba Elevens Jehan Mubarak at the wicket during their Champions League cricket match against Central Stags.—AP
PORT ELIZABETH: Mike Hussey hit a half-century and held two crucial catches as the Chennai Super Kings reached the Champions League Twenty20 semifinals with a 10-run win over the Eastern Cape Warriors yesterday. But the vanquished Warriors also qualified for the knock-out stage, scoring enough runs to edge out the Victorian Bushrangers on net run rate after Chennai, the Warriors and Victoria all finished Group A on six points. Chennai, who topped the group, will meet fellow Indian Premier League team Royal Challengers Bangalore in Durban on Friday while the Warriors will play the South Australian Redbacks in Centurion on Saturday. The final is in Johannesburg on Sunday. “We are the IPL champions and we are expected to do well,” said Chennai captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, looking forward to what he expected to be a “fantastic” match against Bangalore. Warriors captain Davy Jacobs was relieved to have qualified. “We were good with the ball but not good with the bat,” he said. “Maybe that was the bad game we needed.” On a slow pitch which made stroke play difficult, particularly as the ball lost its shine and hardness, Chennai struggled to 136 for six. Warriors could only manage 126 for eight. The Warriors needed to score at least 109 runs to go ahead of Victoria on run rate and even that looked problematical until veteran South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher hit two sixes off left-arm spinner Shakab Jakati in the 17th over. Chennai seemed set for a big total when Hussey and Murali Vijay put on 63 for the first wicket. With slow bowlers expected to play a big role, 16 runs were scored off leftarmer Nicky Boje’s first over, and skipper Davy Jacobs made what proved to be an inspired decision when he called on medium-pacer Justin Kreusch to bowl the ninth over. Kreusch had bowled only four overs in his side’s previous three matches, taking one wicket for 35 runs, but he produced an inspired spell, bowling Vijay with his fourth delivery and following up with the wickets of Suresh Raina and Subramaniam Badrinath to finish with three for 19 off four overs. Off-spinner Johan Botha claimed the key wicket of Hussey, who swung across a full ball and was bowled, and conceded only 27 runs in four overs. Seamer Rusty Theron was even more economical, giving up just 16 runs and taking one wicket in his spell. Davy Jacobs hit 32 and got the Warriors off to a fast start but the scoring rate slowed dramatically after Hussey leapt high and held a catch on the boundary to dismiss Jacobs off Ravichandran Ashwin. Hussey held another catch to dismiss Nicky Boje in the final over, bowled by Muttiah Muralitharan, to snuff out the Warriors’ last hopes of winning.—AFP
Jimmie Johnson in action in this file photo
NASCAR champ Johnson is down but vows he’s not out CHARLOTTE: The rattling of a loose wheel would be enough to unravel any driver, and for a brief moment in the opening race of the NASCAR playoffs, the chattering from under his car probably did cause Jimmie Johnson’s heart to sink. Forced onto pit road for a quick fix, Johnson couldn’t make up time he lost and finished a distant 25th in Sunday’s Sylvania 400 at New Hampshire. It was the lowest finish of all the Chase for the championship drivers, and enough to drop him six spots in the standings to seventh. Johnson is taking an optimistic approach to the remaining nine weeks of the Chase. He knows the record book shows that since the Chase began in 2004, the champion finished sixth or better in the opening race every year but one. The lone exception? Johnson. He rallied from a 39th-place finish in 2006 to win the first of his four consecutive championships. So anyone who wants to count him down right now had better be warned, he most definitely is not out. “I know we all try to find statistics and trends that favor someone, but there’s 10 races and there’s so many variables and so many opportunities for something to go wrong and ‘06 proved all that to me,” Johnson said. “Yeah, 25th is not the way we want to start the Chase, but those other 11 drivers can also have their fair share of bad luck,
too. We just can’t get down and depressed. We ran well, we were competitive, we need to go to Dover and get back in our game.” Johnson, trailing leader Denny Hamlin by 92 points, is certainly in a hole. But he’s hardly on the ropes, especially since Round 2 of the Chase rolls into Dover International Speedway this weekend. The Monster Mile has never been all that daunting to Johnson. He swept the two races in his 2002 rookie season, added a third win during the 2005 Chase, then pushed his wins total to five with last season’s sweep. Had he not been caught speeding down pit road there in May, Johnson might have had a sixth win. He led a race-high 225 laps before his gaffe opened the door for Kyle Busch to wrest away the victory. “It’s one of my favorite race tracks, so I’m excited to get back after last weekend’s finish,” Johnson said. “We definitely need to get some points and get some things going. We couldn’t pick a better track.” Johnson has become an expert at tuning out distractions and focusing only on his No. 48 car. He learned that after he became consumed with Tony Stewart during the 2005 title race that Stewart won. When he switched gears the next season and stopped worrying about the rest of the field, Johnson began his four-year reign atop NASCAR. Now that he finds himself in a deficit, he
Bell says Trott clash can bolster England LONDON: Ian Bell believes fellow England batsman Jonathan Trott’s clash with Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz will help forge the kind of spirit the team will need to sustain them on their upcoming tour of Australia. Newspaper reports said Trott and Riaz had an altercation minutes before the fourth oneday at Lord’s, with Trott grabbing Riaz by the throat after both exchanged heated words in the net area. “When Riaz was returning after warming up Trott called him a ‘match fixer’ and that he (Riaz) was harming Test cricket and hit his face with the pad,” Pakistan one-day captain Shahid Afridi told Geo television in London. But Bell, a team-mate of Trott’s at Warwickshire, said the South Africa-born top-order player was unaffected by the incident. “Things like this can be hard to get over, but when I saw Trotty he acted as if nothing had happened and he’d dealt with it.” Match referee Jeff Crowe, the former New Zealand captain, declared the incident closed and the match-which had been threatened by Pakistan cricket chief Ijaz Butt’s claims that
England players had accepted enormous sums of money to ‘fix’ the third one-dayer at The Oval, went ahead as scheduled. Riaz, 25, was one of four Pakistani players interviewed by Scotland Yard earlier this month over claims in the News of the World tabloid that spot-fixing took place during last month’s Lord’s Test. The three others were Salman Butt, Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif who, unlike Riaz, have all been suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Pakistan won by 38 runs at Lord’s to square the five-match series at 2-2 ahead of the finale at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl ground on Wednesday but Bell insisted England would be better for Trott’s clash, if not their defeat. “Without a shadow of a doubt, this team would never leave someone to battle on their own-and no England team I’ve ever been involved in would do that,” Bell said. November sees England begin the defence of the Ashes in Australia-where they have not won a Test series in nearly 25 years. —AFP
believes this is yet another example of why it’s best to tune out the competition. “The only way to go is up at this point, and we know that we can’t have any more mistakes,” he said. “We have to be spot-on, we have to be leading laps, we have to be running up front. It really simplifies things for us. We’ve got to perform.” Johnson thinks if he does that, then one by one, the drivers ahead of him in the standings may leave the door open for him to quickly climb back into the race. He showed last season that he wouldn’t waste his time playing mind games, guessing correctly that the competition would selfdestruct without any help from him. Now that he’s in a hole, and other drivers can sense the opportunity in front of them, he’s hopeful the pressure will weigh on his rivals. “There’s some other teams out there that are very concerned and very occupied with what everybody else is doing, and when you start writing nice things about them, they believe it and when you start writing bad things about them, they get upset and call, text or e-mail you,” Johnson said. “Those are the guys that during the stretch of the Chase, I think can be affected by the pressure. Will they? I don’t know. “For my sake, I hope they feel the pressure and make mistakes, but they’re all hoping that they don’t.”—AP
Asian teens to renew rivalry KOBE: Asian teen titans Noh Seung-Yul of South Korea and Japanese superstar Ryo Ishikawa are looking to renew their friendly rivalry at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open starting today. The 19-year-olds are relishing the opportunity of outdoing each other at the 150 million yen (1.7 million dollar) showpiece at the Rokko Kokusai Golf Club’s East course jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour. “Noh is a great player. We first met when we were 14 in a Japan versus Korea junior match. I played against him and he beat me! I’ve been following his progress ever since,” said Ishikawa, last year’s Japan Tour number one and the current money list leader. Noh, who is the older of the two by about four months, is also heading up the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit although his career tally of two victory falls rather short of Ishikawa’s current haul of eight. The talented Korean was disappointed they were not paired up for the first two rounds but is dreaming of a Sunday shootout. “I was expecting to play with Ryo but it didn’t turn out that way,” said Noh, who instead drew Japanese legend Jumbo Ozaki. “I hope we can play together in the last round. It will be very exciting. The last time we played in the same group was in the
Korean Open last year where he shot a couple of strokes better than me.” While the laidback Noh has a shot at rewriting Asian golf history by becoming the youngest ever Asian Tour number one, he is still not quite as famous back home as Ishikawa is in his native land. Ishikawa, who has won twice this season in Japan, has the appeal of a pop star thanks to his good looks and dashing play but Noh is not envious. “I’m not so famous like Ryo. Maybe I have to win a Major to be as famous as he is. It doesn’t bother me,” said Noh, who won the Maybank Malaysian Open in March. Ishikawa is also hoping to contend this Sunday. “We’ve not had a chance to play much together. Hopefully we can play together on Sunday afternoon in the last match,” said the teen nicknamed the “Bashful Prince” by the local media. But to set up a dream Sunday showdown, both young stars will need to tame the brutal par-71 course which has punishing knee-deep rough and slick greens. Australia’s Andrew Dodt, third on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and paired with Ishikawa, summed it up. “It’s brutal. Every tee shot, you have to hit a good shot to keep it on the short stuff. If you hit a bad shot this week, you’re not getting away with it.” —AFP
SPORTS
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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Togo wants the truth about Bahrain scam LOME/MANAMA: The revelation that the Togo team which played Bahrain in a friendly two weeks ago was in fact a group of imposters masquerading as the national side has been met with widespread bemusement in the soccer world. But in Togo, where the sport has suffered years of setbacks, the clamor for an explanation is growing louder by the day. “I feel hurt, profoundly shocked by this criminal behavior. People who are capable of such actions are capable of the worst and should be made an example of,” said Antoine Folly, a member of an interim committee of the Togolese football federation.
Togo is still reeling from a January attack on its national team at the African Nations Cup in Angola in which gunmen killed a driver, the assistant manager and a media officer and injured several others. The federation said on Monday that Tchanile Bana, an assistant coach of Togo’s soccer team, has been suspended for three years for taking the “fake” side to Bahrain. Bana’s record is far from clean and he has already been censured for a similar scam. Only in July, the federation suspended him for two years for organising a match in Egypt without the knowledge of Togo’s sports authorities. But few in Togo
believe Bana alone is responsible, with some pointing to the federation itself. “We cannot stop at sanctioning Tchanile Bana alone. Tchanile cannot have acted alone in either of these cases,” Folly told Reuters. “All light must be shed on this matter to unmask and sanction any accomplices he may have at the heart of the federation,” he said. On Tuesday, one of Folly’s colleagues on the federation’s interim board-appointed by FIFA in the absence of successful elections for federation membersannounced his resignation. Martial Akakpo told local radio that he
felt “overwhelmed by the scale of the crises the federation keeps running into.” The Bahrain match was, by all accounts, disappointing. Turnout was low, with only a hundred or so spectators in the stands of Bahrain’s National Stadium. The Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the still searing summer heat of the Arab Gulf put even die-hard fans off from watching their team. But the vice-president of Bahrain’s football association said it soon became clear that something was amiss. “It was a weak performance. Before we played everything seemed alright, but when we played the game it became clear something
was wrong,” said Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa alKhalifa. At first, Sheikh Ali said he thought the team were perhaps just reserve players, but their performance was so bad that soon questions arose if this was the same side that until recently featured Manchester City forward and 2008 African Player of the Year Emmanuel Adebayor. “I didn’t think these were the Togo players I read about in the newspapers...it was a bad game with bad players,” said a Bahraini who watched the game. Togolese media report that for the July game in Egypt, Bana had picked the players from his training centre for aspiring footballers and passed them off as his
national team, and there is speculation he did the same again in Bahrain. “A photograph of the fake national team that played in Bahrain shows players that everyone knows and who wander about Lome (the Togolese capital) all day long since they’ve come back from Bahrain,” wrote the private Togolese daily Forum de la Semaine on Monday. “Is it that difficult to ... interrogate these player so that they reveal the names of those who took them to Bahrain?” For Bahraini fans, there may be another more burning question they want answered, an explanation about why their team only won the match 3-0. —Reuters
Spurs pay the penalty as Arsenal triumph 4-1
LONDON: Brentford’s Michael Spillane (left) grapples with Everton’s Marouane Fellainia during their third round English League Cup soccer match at the Griffin Park Stadium. —AP
Zobahan knock out Pohang SEOUL: Iran’s Zobahan continued their fairy-tale run in the Asian Champions League by ending Pohang Steelers’ title defence with a 1-1 away draw in the second leg of their quarter-final yesterday. Mohammad Reza Khalatbari’s 80th minute strike cancelled out Kim Jae-Sung’s 10th-minute goal to give the Iranian side a 3-2 win on aggregate and a first semi-final berth after their 2-1 victory in Isfahan last week. After Kim’s goal levelled the teams on aggregate, Seol Ki-hyeon blew the hottest of chances to put Pohang up in the 69th minute when
he somehow sprayed a shot at an open goal from seven metres after getting past keeper Shahab Gordan. Zobahan, who had previously never made the knockout round of the tournament, will likely meet Al Hilal, who play Qatar’s Al Gharafa in another quarter-final later on Wednesday after the Saudi Arabian side won the first leg 3-0 at home. Zobahan were joined in the last four by Seongnam Ilhwa, who lost 20 away to Suwon Blue Wings but advanced with a 4-3 aggregate after trouncing their Korean rivals 4-1 in the first leg last week. Lee Sang-ho’s second-half strike
ignited Suwon’s hopes of an unlikely semi-final berth after Yeom Ki-Hun found the left corner of the net with a brilliant 25-metre free kick in the 32nd minute. Seongnam weathered a tense last half-hour, however, to deny a third goal, which would have levelled the score on aggregate. Seongnam will meet either Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab or Jeonbuk Motors, who play in the other quarter-final late yesterday. Al Shabab are in the box-seat to knock Jeonbuk out of the tournament on home soil after upsetting the South Korean side with a 2-0 away victory in the first leg. — Reuters
Ronaldo inspires Real to 3-0 victory MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty and created a goal for Gonzalo Higuain to inspire Real Madrid to a lethargic but ultimately comfortable 30 La Liga win over Espanyol on Tuesday. It was the Portuguese forward’s first goal of the season and a third consecutive league victory for Real that lifted them to the top of the table ahead of late yesterday’s matches. Both teams had a player sent off with around half an hour remaining and Espanyol were reduced to nine late on. Real coach Jose Mourinho criticised the poor state of the pitch after the game and also complained about the packed calendar, Tuesday’s match coming after his players were in action in the Champions League on Wednesday and in La Liga on Saturday. “All things considered I am coming away satisfied because it’s not easy playing on a potato field, it’s not easy playing every two days and it’s not easy playing an opponent who has nothing to lose,” the Portuguese said at a news conference. “Putting all those factors together and despite the fact that my team did not play a good match I am satisfied,” he added. “We have to improve but above all we need to rest.” The visitors began brightly on a pleasantly warm night at the Bernabeu and an unmarked Jose Callejon volleyed just wide of Iker Casillas’s goal in the sixth minute. Real responded immediately when Mesut Ozil sent Angel Di Maria clear and the Argentina winger’s curled strike was palmed narrowly over the crossbar by goalkeeper Carlos Kameni. Espanyol’s solid start was spoiled just before the half hour when Luis Garcia handled a Ronaldo free kick in
MADRID: Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain from Argentina (right) gets a knock in the face by Espanyol’s Aldo Duscher of Argentina during a Spanish League soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. —AP the wall and the referee pointed to the spot. The Portuguese scored with his first attempt but was ordered to retake for what appeared to be encroachment into the area. Espanyol made an energetic bid for an equaliser in the early stages of the second period and the impressive Joan Verdu forced a sharp save from Casillas in the 53rd. Real central defender Pepe then picked up two yellow cards in quick succession and Ernesto Galan was shown a straight red shortly after when he chopped down Ronaldo. The game opened up and both teams had chances before Ronaldo released Higuain with a fine through ball and he beat Kameni with a powerful low shot. France striker Karim Benzema replaced Higuain and made it 3-0 with almost his first touch, hooking the ball into the net from inside the area. Espanyol defender Juan Forlin was dismissed late on after picking up a second yellow, apparently for dissent. Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino was clearly furious with the referee after the match but just about managed
to restrain himself at his post-match news conference. “I am not going to give an opinion about the referee, I won’t label him with any adjectives,” he said. “The evidence and the television footage is there for all to see. All of Europe and the whole world saw what happened. On days like this you don’t feel like talking about football. It’s useless.” In the earlier kickoffs, David Lopez put Athletic Bilbao ahead against visiting Real Mallorca just before halftime, Mikel San Jose netted a 62nd-minute penalty and Inigo Perez scored in added time to give the Basque club a 30 win. Osasuna clinched their first victory of the season, coming from behind to beat promoted Real Sociedad 3-1 thanks to goals from Walter Pandiani, Javier Camunas and Carlos Aranda after Raul Tamudo had given Sociedad the lead in the 16th minute. Champions Barcelona will be without Lionel Messi when they host Sporting Gijon late yesterday while Valencia can climb back to the top with a win at home to Atletico Madrid. —Reuters
LONDON: Samir Nasri slotted home two extra-time penalties in quick succession to send Arsenal through to the last 16 of the English League Cup with a 4-1 rout of North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday. League One (third division) Brentford served up the night’s big upset and triggered scenes of jubilation in west London by knocking out Premier League Everton 4-3 on penalties after holding the visitors 1-1 in normal time. With the score also 1-1 after the 90 minutes at White Hart Lane, French midfielder Nasri overcame his own superstition to shatter Spurs’ hopes with two spot kicks in the space of three minutes early in extra time. “He had a superstition to think that when the penalty is made on you, not to take it,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after his club’s biggest win at White Hart Lane in 32 years. “I tried to prove to him that it’s only based on fear. It’s gone tonight...he realises now it was a bad superstition.” The first penalty was awarded after Nasri was tugged by Sebastien Bassong and the second when Steven Caulker fouled Marouane Chamakh. Second-half substitute Andrey Arshavin delivered the final blow with a low shot from the edge of the box. “I thought the first one (penalty) was harsh,” said Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp. “Really, I think he’s dived. The second one was a blatant penalty.” Second division Burnley savoured the night’s other upset with a 1-0 home win over their former manager Owen Coyle’s Premier League Bolton Wanderers. Struggling West Ham United won 2-1 at Premier League rivals Sunderland and, in another all top-flight clash, Stoke City beat Fulham 2-0, while Birmingham City saw off third division Milton Keynes Dons 3-1. Arsenal were by far the better team in the first half against Spurs and went ahead in the 15th minute with England under-21 international Henri Lansbury scoring his first senior goal for the club. The arrival of Robbie Keane after the break revived Spurs and the Irishman equalised just three minutes into the second half with a shot that rolled into the net despite goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski getting his hands to the ball. Keane could have wrapped it up for the hosts in the 83rd when he smacked a shot against the left upright. The match started after a minute’s applause for former England international Bobby Smith, centre-forward in Tottenham’s double-winning side of 1960-61, who died on Saturday aged 77. Wenger, serving a onematch touchline ban for his behaviour at Sunderland on Saturday, watched from the directors’ box and had to resort to texting instructions to the dugout. —Reuters
LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur’s Kyle Naughton (left) competes with Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs during their English League Cup third round soccer match at White Hart Lane. —AP
Mainz blank Cologne, continue dream start BERLIN: Mainz 05 continued their terrific start to the Bundesliga season by beating Cologne 2-0 with a Lewis Holtby double to stretch their lead at the top to five points on Tuesday. Coach Thomas Tuchel’s team have 15 points from five successive wins, clear of Hoffenheim, who lost 2-1 at home to Bayern Munich, and Hanover 96, 4-1 winners over visiting Werder Bremen. “This is unbelievable, a fantastic evening,” Mainz striker Andre Schuerrle, who was replaced by Holtby in the 64th minute. “We dominated for 90 minutes and it was only a matter of time until we scored.” Mainz, promoted to the top flight last year, are now two wins away from equalling the best Bundesliga start ever. The 20-year-old Holtby, whose father is English and who has attracted
the interest of Premier League clubs, repaid his coach’s trust, heading in at the far post to break the deadlock against defence-minded Cologne in the 72nd minute. He sealed the win with a perfect finish past Cologne keeper Faryd Mondragon in stoppage time. Champions Bayern snatched a stoppage-time winner through defender Daniel van Buyten to move up to seventh spot on eight points, after Bosnian striker Vedad Ibisevic gave the hosts a dream start after less than 60 seconds. The hosts could have grabbed a second just before halftime but Sejad Salihovic’s free kick from 32 metres rattled the post. Bayern upped the tempo in the second half with Croatian striker Ivica Olic replacing Toni Kroos. Thomas Mueller’s 62nd-minute leveller and Van Buyten’s late winner when he flicked the ball into goal with his knee, gave Bayern their first league
goals and win since Aug. 20. But their success was overshadowed by an ankle injury to playmaker Franck Ribery. Frenchman Ribery, who set up the equaliser with a solo run and a shot saved before Mueller scored on the rebound, was taken off injured with a suspected twisted ankle after the goal and Bayern director Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said the first diagnosis did not look good. “He could be out for a longer time,” Rummenigge told reporters. Werder Bremen, competing in the Champions League, continued their dismal start to the season when they slumped to defeat at Hanover 96 to remain in 12th place on four points. Last season’s runners-up Schalke 04 will be looking to pick up their first points of the season after four consecutive defeats when they travel to Freiburg on Wednesday. — Reuters
New Portugal coach says Euro spot a tough task LISBON: Portugal will need to add commitment to their recognised individual talents to overcome a woeful start to the Euro 2012 campaign, new coach Paulo Bento said yesterday. “It is a tough mission, that is clear, and the numbers don’t lie, but we have the capacity, talent and we’ll also have the organisation to complete it,” Bento told a news conference. Asked how he would deal with players’ egos in a disjointed team which includes big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bento warned there would only be room in his squad for those committed to a tough mission. “In this moment of difficulty it is completely forbidden for them to think as individuals first. The players have my admiration, but they will also have my demands and rigour in a short space of time,” Bento said. The 41 year-old coach was named on Tuesday to replace Carlos Queiroz, who was sacked for insulting anti-doping agents. He will take charge of a side that is second from bottom in Euros Group H with one point from their first two qualifiers, having lost 1-0 in Norway following a 4-4 draw at home to Cyprus. “One point from six is not good... we are in a complicated situation,” Bento said, although he pointed out that Portugal have not missed a major tournament finals since the 1998 World Cup. Bento’s first games in charge will be the qualifiers on Oct. 8 at home to Denmark and in Iceland four days later, with the side under pressure to win both games to give themselves a realistic chance of reaching the finals. —Reuters
KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Kazma club player Mohammed Dawood (left) and Jude Kongnyuy of Syria’s Al-Ittihad Club (right) vie for the ball during their AFC Cup quarter-final football match. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat
www.kuwaittimes.net
Thai investors aim to score with English football BANGKOK: From Singha drink served at Old Trafford to new owners at Leicester City, cash-rich Thai investors are taking a punt on English football to raise their profile overseas and boost the domestic game. Thai involvement in English football has sparked controversy in the past, notably when former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, ousted in a 2006 coup and living in exile, bought Manchester City and sold the club a year later. But Thai tycoon Vichai Raksriaksorn, the CEO of airport duty-free giant King Power Group, has vowed to be a longterm owner of the lower-tier Championship side Leicester City. “I’m not Thaksin,” he told AFP in an
interview. “I’ve never had an idea to work with the team for a short period and then sell it.” Vichai, an avid polo fan, said it was his personal ambition to own an English football club and that profits were not his main motive. He said he wanted to help develop Thai football to reach international standards with the help of Leicester City’s youth training academy. “I hope that we will be the same level as Japan or Korea,” he added. For Thai drink giants Singha and Chang, investing in English football is seen as a way to put some fizz in their sales in the face of a saturated domestic market. Chang Drink, produced by Thai
Beverage Pcl, has been the main sponsor of Everton football club since 2004. It signed a new three-year shirt sponsorship deal in 2008, which Thai media estimates is worth eight million pounds (12.5 million dollars). The two also jointly set up a football academy in Thailand. In July this year arch-rival Singha unveiled a three-year deal worth an estimated six million pounds (9.3 million dollars) with Manchester United, by far the most popular English club in Asia. The partnership will see Singha drink sold at Old Trafford during matches, as well as giving the Thai brewer advertising opportunities in the stadium and in the club’s media outlets. Soravij Bhirombhakdi, deputy managing director at Singha manufacturer Boon
Rawd Trading International, said the deal would broaden the lager’s consumer base, “turning a local brand into the global brand”. Such is its confidence about the Premier League, and perhaps hedging its bets after the Manchester United deal, last month Singha also signed a sponsorship agreement with reigning champions Chelsea. Under the four-year deal, estimated to be worth up to eight million pounds (12.4 million dollars), Singha drink has been sold exclusively at the London club’s Stamford Bridge stadium since the start of the 2010/2011 season. “Football is the world’s most well known sport,” said Thanavath Phonvichai, director of the University of
the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s economic and business forecasting centre. “Famous football players become presenters for many brands. If you can attach your logo, your brand to those players, it’s the best marketing for your business.” Like the rest of Asia, Thailand has an enduring love affair with the fastpaced English game. Fans such as British-born Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva — a Newcastle United supporter — can watch several matches every night, not only the English Premier League but from other countries such as Spain, Italy and Germany. “But English football is the most popular,” said Pirayu Chuenkul, a sports reporter with the Siamsport Daily news-
paper. “It’s affection that has grown over time, especially for teams like Liverpool and Manchester United as they always played in the (FA Cup) finals,” he said. Cable operator True Visions, which has exclusive live broadcast rights for the English Premier League, estimates about 350,000 of its subscribers tune into the matches — which doesn’t include audiences of pirated signals. “Thai people know English football players even better than Thai players,” said Pirayu, who hopes that an improvement in the standards of Thai football will eventually lure viewers back to the domestic game. “International football is in our heart, but Thai football is in our blood,” he said. —AFP
Chelsea knocked out Liverpool stunned, City collapse in League Cup
LONDON: Manchester United’s Bebe (left) keeps the ball from Scunthorpe’s Cliff Byrne during their English League Cup soccer match at Glanford Park Stadium. —AP
England defeat Pakistan in ODI SOUTHAMPTON: Eoin Morgan’s latest match-winning Rose Bowl century saw England to a crushing 121 run-victory against Pakistan as they took the fivematch one-day series 3-2 yesterday to end a scandal-marred season. Success meant England had won consecutive Test (3-1), Twenty20 (2-0) and limited overs series against a Pakistan side whose tour was overshadowed by ‘spot-fixing’ allegations. Morgan made 107 not out in a total of 256 for six after England had slumped to 47 for three following captain Andrew Strauss’s decision to bat first. Former Ireland left-hander Morgan had previously made an unbeaten 103 as England beat Australia by four wickets in the first one-dayer at the Rose Bowl in June. Shoaib Akhtar, in what could be the 35-year-old Pakistan fast bowler’s last international in England, gave fans something to remember him by with three wickets for 40 runs, including an impressive opening spell of two for 17 in six blistering overs. Pakistan, who had been 2-0 down in this series, saw openers Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez put on fifty in just 47 balls featuring 10 boundaries. But Stuart Broad took two wickets in two balls to leave Pakistan 63 for two. Hafeez went for 29, courtesy of the latest brilliant backward point catch by Paul Collingwood and fast bowler Broad then had Asad Shafiq caught behind by wicketkeeper Steven Davies. Mohammad Yousuf survived the seamer’s hat-trick but England had regained control of the match. England then had a massive slice of luck when Kamran Akmal was given out lbw for 41 to medium-pacer Luke Wright by home umpire Ian Gould, despite edging onto his pad. Off-spinner Graeme Swann, whose fifth delivery had seen Fawad Alam bowled in classic style, struck twice in two balls to remove Yousuf and Shahid Afridi - the Pakistan captain like Asif out for a first ball nought - to leave the tourists all but beaten at 104 for six. Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 135 with 13 overs still left, Broad taking three for 25 and Swann three for 26. Earlier, Morgan had a reprieve when on 31 he chipped off-spinner Hafeez down the ground and Yousuf held a fine catch over his shoulder. But Yousuf, realising he could not stop himself from going over the boundary, threw the ball in-field to prevent a four only to turn his ankle as he slipped in the process, an injury that later meant he batted with a runner.
Scoreboard SOUTHAMPTON: Final scoreboard in the fifth and final one-day international between England and Pakistan at the Rose Bowl yesterday: England A. Strauss c K Akmal b Akhtar 25 S. Davies st K Akmal b Hafeez 17 J. Trott b Akhtar 3 I. Bell b Afridi 28 P. Collingwood b Gul 47 E. Morgan not out 107 L. Wright b Akhtar 1 T. Bresnan not out 18 Extras (lb5, w5) 10 Total (6 wkts, 50 overs) 256 Did not bat: S Broad, G Swann, J Anderson Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Davies), 2-46 (Trott), 3-47 (Strauss), 4-106 (Bell), 5199 (Collingwood), 6-202 (Wright) Bowling: Akhtar 10-0-40-3 (2w); Razzaq 3-0-26-0; Hafeez 9-1-40-1; Gul 10-1-55-1; Ajmal 8-0-50-0 (3w); Afridi 10-0-40-1;
Pakistan Akmal lbw b Wright 41 Hafeez c Collingwood b Broad 29 Asad Shafiq c Davies b Broad 0 Mohammad Yousuf b Swann 20 Fawad Alam b Swann 1 Umar c and b Collingwood 19 Shahid Afridi b Swann 0 Abdul Razzaq not out 11 Gul run out (Davies/Swann) 6 Saeed Ajmal run out (Morgan) 2 Shoaib c Morgan b Broad 0 Extras (lb3, w2, nb1) 6 Total (all out, 37 overs) 135 Fall of wickets: 1-63 (Hafeez), 2-63 (Shafiq), 3-80 (K Akmal), 4-83 (Alam), 5-104 (Yousuf), 6-104 (Afridi), 7-121 (U Akmal), 8-130 (Gul), 9-135 (Ajmal), 10-135 (Akhtar) Bowling: Bresnan 7-0-31-0; Anderson 6-1-26-0 (1w); Broad 8-1-25-3 (1w); Wright 6-0-16-1; Swann 9-0-26-3 (1nb); Collingwood 1-0-8-1.
Morgan, on 91 when the last over started, struck off-spinner Saeed Ajmal straight for six and four off successive balls to complete a 97-ball century. Jonathan Trott, whose pre-match confrontation with Wahab Riaz ahead of the tourists’ victory at Lord’s on Monday had fanned the flames of the ‘fixing’ controversy, walked out to a cho-
rus of jeers. And it wasn’t long before Trott, cheered by England supporters as much as he was booed all match by Pakistan fans, was out for three after Akhtar’s express off-cutter demolished his stumps. Akhtar then had Strauss caught by diving wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal. —AFP
LONDON: England’s Graeme Swann (right) claims the wicket of Pakistan’s Mohammad Yousuf during the fifth oneday international cricket match at the Rose Bowl. —AP
LONDON: Liverpool were sent crashing out of the League Cup by lowly Northampton yesterday as Chelsea and Manchester City tumbled out on a night of upsets. The shock of the third round came at Anfield, where a virtual reserve Liverpool team were beaten 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out by Northampton, languishing near the bottom of the fourth tier of English football. Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic looked to have set Premier League Liverpool on their way after nine minutes, rifling in a low left foot shot. But Roy Hodgson’s side were stunned when Billy McKay hooked in an equaliser for the League Two outfit, forcing the match into extra time. Eight minutes later, the unthinkable occurred as Michael Jacobs put Northampton ahead. It looked like being enough until David Ngog struck on 116 minutes to send the game into a the shoot-out with the score at 2-2. The fairytale looked over when Steve Guinan skied the first spot-kick of the shoot-out for the Cobblers. But subsequent misses by Ngog and youngster Nathan Eccleston left Northampton striker Abdul Osman with a shot for glory and the forward made no mistake, beating Liverpool keeper Brad Jones to trigger joyous scenes. The defeat was the latest disappointment for Liverpool, who have struggled to make any kind of impression in the league where they are lying in 16th place, already 10 points behind leaders Chelsea. Chelsea were beaten 4-3 by Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, where not even the returning John Terry could stifle the Magpies, who recovered from an early Patrick van Aanholt goal to prevail in a seven-goal thriller. Newcastle looked to be cruising to victory after taking a 3-1 lead early in the second half with goals from Nile Ranger, Ryan Taylor and Shola Ameobi. Chelsea’s problems deepened when Yossi Benayoun limped off with an injury after the Blues had already made their three substitutions, forcing the home side to play the remainder of the match with 10 men. However Chelsea fought back to level with two goals from Nicolas Anelka, the equaliser coming from the penalty spot with only three minutes left. An epic encounter was settled on 90 minutes though when Ameobi nodded in a header to settle a pulsating encounter. In another upset, West Bromwich Albion ratcheted up the pressure on Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini after the Baggies downed their freespending opponents 2-1 at the Hawthorns. Gianni Zuiverloon and Simon Cox got the goals for West Brom after Jo had given City an early lead. Manchester United were forced to fight back from a goal down in their visit to Championship strugglers Scunthorpe, who took a 19th-minute lead via a rasping Josh Wright shot. But United, fielding an experimental line-up in the absence of Sir Alex Ferguson, struck back quickly through Darron Gibson before eventually overrunning their hosts. Defender Chris Smalling put United ahead on 36 minutes before former England international Michael Owen (2) and Park JiSung put United 5-1 up. Martyn Woolford netted a late consolation for The Iron. Aston Villa got new manager Gerard Houllier’s reign off to a winning start after coming back from a goal down at Villa Park to defeat Blackburn 3-1. Gael Givet had fired Rovers ahead with a low drive before substitute Emile Heskey levelled after coming off the bench for John Carew on 58 minutes. A quick-fire brace from Ashley Young, netting in the 75th and 77th minutes, settled the tie. There was another come-from-behind victory at the DW Stadium, where Wigan scored twice in five minutes late on to beat Preston 2-1. Keith Treacy had put Preston ahead on 23 minutes but Wigan levelled through Jordi Gomez in the 87th minute before Charles N’Zogbia poached the winner in the second minute of stoppage time. —AFP
GERMANY: Dortmund’s Neven Subotic of Serbia (right) fouls Kaiserslautern’s Ivo Ilicevic of Croatia during the German First Division Bundesliga soccer match. —AP
Dortmund go second as Schalke pick up first win BERLIN: Dortmund went second in the German League yesterday when they hammered Kaiserslautern 5-0 while bottom side Schalke 04 picked up their first points of the season with a 21 victory at Freiburg. Dortmund are three points behind leaders Mainz after their comprehensive win which saw them 2-0 ahead at half-time thanks to goals from Lucas Barrios and Kevin Grosskreutz. Defender Mats Hummels scored with a header on 65 minutes before Poland striker Robert Lewandowski hit the fourth on 75 minutes while Barrios scored his second in the dying moments. Having beaten neighbours Schalke in Sunday’s Ruhr Valley derby, Jurgen Klopp-coached Dortmund now have 12 points. Af ter four straight defeats, Schalke ended the rot when they
beat 10-man Freiburg as Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar netted his second goal in two games on 87 minutes. Despite the three points, Schalke remain rooted to the bottom of the table, but will have the chance to raise from 18th place when they host Moenchengladbach - who are 15th - on Saturday. Schalke took the lead for the first time this season when midfielder Ivan Rakitic fired home on nine minutes before Freiburg equalised when Papiss Demba Cisse scored his fifth goal of the season on 69 minutes. Freiburg’s midfielder Ivica Banovic was sent off right at the end, 11 minutes after he came on as a substitute. Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko also hit his fifth goal of the season when he scored the Wolves first goal in the 3-1 draw
at Hamburg before Brazil forward Grafite scored two late goals to seal the win. Nuremberg got their first win of the season when they beat Stuttgart 2-1 while St Pauli beat Moenchengladbach 2-1. Leverkusen brushed off their injury problems with a 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt and welcomed back Simon Rolfes although both striker Stefan Kiessling and midfielder Michael Ballack are currently injured. On Tuesday, Mainz 05 beat Cologne 2-0 to stay top, while Bayern Munich have lost winger Franck Ribery for the next month after he injured his right ankle in the 2-1 win at Hoffenheim. Champions League side Werder Bremen slumped to their second consecutive league defeat when they were beaten 4-1 at Hanover.—AFP
Messi-less Barca defeat Sporting MADRID: Spain World Cup star David Villa scored a 49th minute winner as Barcelona beat Sporting Gijon 1-0 yesterday to record their first league win of the season at the Camp Nou. Villa, 28, began his career at hometown club Gijon in 1999 and, in the absence of the injured Lionel Messi, struck a timely first goal at home for Barcelona following his 40-million-euro summer move from Valencia. It was Barcelona’s first home goal of the league campaign and allowed the champions to climb to third on nine points, one point behind leaders and arch rivals Real Madrid who beat Espanyol 3-0 on Saturday. The win gave the Camp Nou public something to cheer, after watching their side lose 2-0 to promoted Hercules in their last home league match. Since then, Barcelona have won three games on the spin. With Messi out with an ankle injury until the end of September, youngster Bojan Krkic, 20, was given a chance to shine up front alongside Villa and Andres Iniesta. Nine minutes in Iniesta had a great chance for Barcelona but was foiled by smart work from goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar. A minute later Mate Bilic fired just wide of the Barcelona posts to give the home side a scare. Barcelona were struggling to get through a wellorganised bottleneck but almost got the breakthrough on 26 minutes when Bojan ran a full 60 metres as Gijon were caught on the counter attack. However, some last ditch defending stopped the Barcelona from getting his shot off and scoring what would have been a wonder goal. Villa then dragged a left-footed shot wide and at half-time the scores were level. Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola brought on Pedro Rodriguez and Gerard Pique for Seydou Keita and Carles Puyol in the second half and the hosts scored four minutes after the break.
SPAIN: Barcelona’s David Villa (right) vies for the ball against Sporting Gijon’s Ivan Hernandez during their Spanish League soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium. —AP Dani Alves fed a great pass to Villa who made no mistake with the finish for his second league goal of the campaign. The goal relaxed Barcelona who played their slick possession football as Sporting chased shadows, however a game-killing second goal remained elusive, with Pique and Villa going closest in the final 10 minutes. Nerves were jangling when the visitors had a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the area in the final minute but Barcelona stood firm to take the points.Valencia, above Barcelona on goal difference, have the chance to reclaim top spot from Real later yesterday when they host Atletico Madrid at the Mestalla Stadium. —AFP
Wataniya Airways takes delivery of 7th aircraft
Centrepoint launches new rewards initiative ‘Shukran’
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India launches mobile phone share trading
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www.kuwaittimes.net
Dubai official sees UAE economic growth in 2010 DUBAI: A senior Dubai finance official predicts the UAE economy will top $272 billion this year, suggesting a strong recovery for the Arab world’s secondbiggest economy. Ahmed Humaid al-Tayer told a banking conference yesterday the federation’s gross domestic product should exceed 1 trillion dirhams this year — about $272.5 billion. He cited increased liquidity and growth in “most essential sectors,” such as trade, transport and finance. The UAE reported 2009 GDP of 914.3 billion dirhams ($249.1 billion). That implies a 2010 growth rate of over 9 percent. Al-Tayer is governor of the Dubai International Financial Center banking hub and sits on a committee overseeing the city-state’s troubled Dubai World conglomerate. Meanwhile, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, the second largest lender in the United Arab Emirates, yesterday said it plans to launch a bond fund to tap into growing demand for fixed income products. The NBAD Cautious Income Fund will invest in a range of bonds and money market instruments in the UAE and the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, targeting an average return of 5 percent. “The new fund meets the need of investors who desire a lowrisk product that hedges against the uncertainty of equities market and real estate investment,” Alan Durrant, chief investment officer at NBAD’s asset management group told reporters yesterday. The bond market in the region contains some 100 securities, mostly dollar-denominated, largely in the UAE and the Gulf, said Mark Watts, head of fixed income at NBAD’s asset management. The fund is targeting an initial size of between 100 to 200 million dirhams with a launch price of 5 dirhams, he said, adding that as investors increase the fund will also invest in sukuks and other fixed income instruments. The fund will invest mainly in high quality sovereigns and companies and may also invest in NBAD’s bonds depending on the price, he added. “Fixed income as an asset class is not addressed much in the Middle East. It is a trend that will come to the market here,” he said. Governments and companies across the Gulf and MENA region are investing heavily in expanding infrastructure and other projects that are mostly financed by bonds, creating opportunities for investors to invest in fixed income instruments. NBAD, one of the largest asset managers in the region, manages assets worth about $1.12 billion. — Reuters
UAE bank NBAD plans to launch new bond fund
KUALA LUMPUR: A monorail train passes by the city center at a shopping district in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. Malaysia aims to draw $444 billion in investments over the next decade with plans unveiled Tuesday to wire up the nation, develop nuclear energy and build a high-speed rail link to Singapore as it seeks to become a developed nation by 2020. —AP
Fed policy hint weighs on stocks as dollar slides LONDON: World stock markets fell yesterday while the euro spiked above $1.34 for the first time in nearly five months as the Federal Reserve’s hint that it is ready to provide more assistance to the flagging US economy continued to dominate trading. In Europe, the FTSE 100 index of leading British shares closed down 24.28 points, or 0.4 percent, at 5,551.91 while Germany’s DAX fell 67.65 points, or 1.1 percent, at 6,208.33. The CAC-40 in France was 49.35 points, or 1.3 percent, lower at 3,735.05. In the US, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 41.51 points, or 0.4 percent, at 10,719.52 around midday New York time, while the
broader Standard & Poor’s 500 index fell 6.91 points, or 0.6 percent, to 1,132.87. After an early rally following the Fed’s comments that it was “prepared to provide additional accommodation if needed to support the economic recovery and to return inflation over time to levels consistent with its mandate,” investors have grown jittery. On the one hand, while the prospect of more money swirling around the financial system could be a boon to stocks, the Fed’s concerns over falling prices and faltering growth darkened sentiment. However, the Fed’s announcement has been bad for the dollar — within minutes of the statement Tuesday, the euro had jumped around 1.5 US cents.
“It would appear that it is now the dollars turn to become the whipping boy of the currency markets again,” said Michael Hewson, a market analyst at CMC Markets. By late afternoon London time, the euro was trading 1 percent higher at $1.3380, down from its earlier high of $1.3440. That was the first time the euro had traded above $1.34 since April 27. The dollar’s decline was not just confined to the euro though. It was also 0.9 percent lower at 84.36 yen, meaning that it has gone a long way to undoing the effects of last week’s unilateral intervention by Japanese authorities in the markets to stem the export-sapping appreciation of the yen.
Analysts said traders should be on the lookout for another intervention from the Japanese monetary authorities — after all, precedence suggests that the Bank of Japan will be back in the markets buying dollars and selling yen. “Without intervention we anticipate that the dollar would now be training in the low 80’s,” said Lee Hardman, currency strategist at The Bank of TokyoMitsubishi UFJ. “As the current dynamic is unlikely to change in the near-term, then it is highly likely that the Japanese authorities will soon have to intervene again to defend the line in the sand at 82 yen.” It’s not just the Fed that’s contemplating introduced new monetary measures to boost its economy. The
Bank of England is also seemingly paving the way for further action to support economic growth in Britain. “For some of these members, the probability that further action would become necessary to stimulate the economy and keep inflation on track to hit the target in the medium term had increased,” according to the minutes of the last rate-setting meeting at the bank earlier this month. Given that the European Central Bank does not appear to be in much of a mood to loosen policy much more beyond what it has, the pound fell to a four-month low against the euro — by late afternoon London time, the euro was 0.9 percent higher at 0.8565 pound, its highest level since late May.
Because the dollar is even more under pressure, the pound was actually 0.1 percent higher at $1.5626. Earlier in Asia, stocks had a back and forth session, with most benchmarks ending the day in negative territory. Markets were closed for holidays in South Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 stock average closed down 0.4 percent at 9,566.32 as the yen strengthened, with exporters, such as Toyota Corp. and Canon Inc. losing ground in particular. Benchmark crude for November delivery was up 32 cents to $75.29 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell $1.22 to settle at $74.97 on Tuesday. —AP
Europe finally adopts Dubai shares slide, regional markets mixed landmark finance curbs DUBAI: Property stocks fell as Dubai’s index made its largest drop for 12 weeks yesterday, with investors booking profits from a September rally. Middle East markets were mixed, with some tracking weaker world stocks, which fell after the US Federal Reserve said it was ready to pump billions of new dollars into the US economy, signalling the depths of its concern over growth. Risk sentiment has proved contagious since the financial crisis struck and so regional performance to year-end will in part depend on how global markets fare, but some analysts remain bullish on the Middle East. “Overall, things look positive,” said Haissam Arabi, chief executive and fund manager at Gulfmena Aternative Investments. “We will have some pull back to see the second leg of the rally which would begin in mid-October all the way to January. This will not be a straight line and it’s only natural to see some profit taking.” In Dubai, Emaar Properties fell 2.9 percent and Union Properties dropped 1.7 percent. Traders said stocks were overbought following the UAE’s classification as an emerging market by FTSE group, as well as relief Dubai World had agreed a $24.9 billion debt restructuring deal with creditor banks. “I think the length of the rally surprised most people,” said Matthew Wakeman, managing director for cash and equity-linked trading at EFG Hermes. “It seems to be a technical
rally that’s run out of steam.” Dubai’s index fell 1.6 percent, its biggest decline since June 29, to trim its September gains to 12.8 percent. “Valuations are still compelling, but the question is whether there are the catalysts for an ongoing rally,” said Hashem Montasser, EFG-Hermes head asset management. Qatar National Bank fell 0.5 percent, weighing on Doha’s index, but declines are seen as temporary. “People are waiting for third-quarter results, which are expected to be better than the first and second quarters - this is usually the case in the yearly earnings cycle,” said Mohamed Abu Ghoush, head of equities brokerage at Ahli Bank. The index fell slightly, but is up 9.7 percent in 2010. “Qatar’s sustainable economic performance is a strong support factor for its equities market,” added Abu Ghoush. “What we’re seeing now is a true reflection of the economic performance of Qatar.” The country’s economy is forecast to grow 16 percent in 2010. Egypt’s Palm Hills rose 3.4 percent on optimism its revenues would not be harmed by a legal dispute after an Egyptian court set the date for a lawsuit contesting the sale of land to the firm. Shares in rival developer Talaat Moustafa (TMG) are down 6.3 percent since losing a court case last week relating to its $3 billion Madinaty project, underscoring the risks of investing in
Egyptian real estate. “Palm Hills’ case is not like that of TMG,” said Heba Salah, a senior trader at Arab Finance Brokerage. “Only 7 percent of its land is involved (in the Palm Hills land case), which didn’t have a huge impact on investors.” WEDNESDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS DUBAI The index dropped 1.6 percent to 1,674 points. ABU DHABI The measure fell 0.3 percent to 2,631 points. KUWAIT The index rose 0.4 percent to 6,845 points. QATAR The benchmark slipped 0.02 percent to 7,637 points. OMAN The index rose 0.7 percent to 6,462 points. EGYPT The benchmark rose 0.07 percent to 6,677 points. BAHRAIN The index climbed 0.2 percent to 1,441 points. — Reuters
BRUSSELS: Europe finally voted through landmark curbs yesterday to clamp down on its finance industry just as fears returned that Ireland, like Greece, was staring down bankruptcy. The crossing of the final political hurdle at the European parliament marks the end of fierce negotiations stretching back to February 2009, after the US financial meltdown unleashed the world’s worst recession since the 1930s. Lawmakers in Strasbourg gave their blessing after finance ministers from the 27 European Union member states sealed final agreement on September 7 following months of bickering characterised as a fight between the City of London and Brussels, under the bidding of France and Germany. “This new legislation will create a watchdog able to bark and-if necessary-to bite,” said parliamentary speaker Jerzy Buzek. In a nutshell, the package of laws will create four new pan-European bodies that are expected eventually to seize regulatory power over the
dizziest heights of the finance industry. That would cover everything from High Street banks to the riskiest of high-stakes bets responsible for felling some of Wall Street’s biggest names. The curbs will come into being as of January 1, 2011, with the head of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt presiding for the first five years over a politically pivotal European Systemic Risk Board. This will be charged with spotting threats to the continent’s economic wellbeing before they hit home. Three sector-specific bodies, essentially covering banks, insurance and stocks-respectively based in London, Frankfurt and Paris-will then acquire powers to order national bodies or companies to change the way they do business. Industry figures fear their powers will grow incrementally, although a series of political fixes have been worked in to try and prevent ugly cross-border rows over what represents an emergency. Some 80 percent of Europe’s
finance industry is based in London, rivalled only on a global scale by New York and Hong Kong. And Britain, backed by eastern European allies, secured a special safeguard so that decisions that would could add burdens on taxpayers could not be imposed by EU partners. Michel Barnier, the former French foreign minister charged with piloting Europe’s answer to measures by US President Barack Obama, told lawmakers the measures would allow Europe to “avoid the recurrence of severe crises, protect consumers, and nourish sustainable growth.” “Prevention is always cheaper than cure,” Barnier said of traders’ gluttonous appetite for risk over the boom years. He also stressed that “in half of all European countries, banks are owned in another country,” laying down a marker for more detailed controls on hedge funds and private equity, derivatives or credit rating agencies-whose assessment of national debts stirred panic in the spring.—AFP
BUSINESS
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Nakheel says creditor claim will not delay deal
Dubai needs no more UAE central bank support DUBAI: Dubai needs no more support from the United Arab Emirates central bank and conditions in the banking sector have improved, a senior official from the debt-laden Gulf emirate said yesterday. Dubai’s debt problems damaged the UAE banking sector, slowing down the economic recovery. The emirate still faces a challenge to pay off tens of billions of dollars worth of debts mainly in state-owned companies over the next few years. “No more support is needed for Dubai from the central bank,” Ahmed Humaid alTayer, a member of the Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee and Dubai International Financial Centre governor, told reporters on the sidelines of a financial conference. “The federal government has supported banks and there were good results for the banking sector, liquidity and
capital adequacy,” he said. Last year, the UAE central bank subscribed to half of a $20 billion Dubai government bond programme. The oil-producing emirate of Abu Dhabi and its banks provided the rest after problems at state-owned conglomerate Dubai World surfaced last November. The UAE government and the central bank have also taken a range of steps to raise
capital and support liquidity in the banking sector since the global crisis hit in 2008. Concerns over Dubai’s ability to pay debts in its companies eased partly after Dubai World reached a deal to restructure almost $25 billion of liabilities earlier this month. However, some of the emirate’s state-linked firms still face problems paying off debt. The Gulf Arab emirate and
its affiliated firms are estimated to have more than $100 billion in debt. Tayer also said he expected the UAE’s nominal gross domestic product to exceed 1 trillion dirhams ($272 billion) this year. This would imply growth of at least 9.4 percent in nominal terms this year, according to Reuters calculations, after a contraction of 2.1 percent in
AUB announces results of the weekly draws of Al-Hassad savings scheme KUWAIT: The lucky customers Jameel Ahmed A.Nabi Al Sadiq, Rashid Abdullah Nasir Al Kubaisi, Yousif Salman Kamal won the Grand Weekly prize worth KD 20,000 each at the draws held on Sept 1st, 8th and 15th of Sept 2010. The following Al-Hassad Islamic customers won cash prizes of KD 1000 each: Layla Ahmed A.Rahman T/O Mai Faisal, Nasser Ali Al Kaabi , Nasser Ali Al Kaabi Fatima Mahdi A.Nabi A/C Mohd Hussain, Ameena Jassim Rashid Yaseen, Fareeda Abbas Hajeih Al Saffar, Seif Ojeil Matar Al Dafiri, Ayoub Yousef AlJelm, S.Qassim Salman Mohd, Talal Ebrahim Ridha, Adnan Shaban Abu Rahmah, Isa Abdulla Nassir Abdan, Habib Hasan Modara, Santosh Babu Sreedharan, Noora Hamad Esa. The biggest-ever Al-Hassad Islamic savings scheme features 6000 prizes worth KD 10 million in total. The scheme’s structure gives eligible customers the opportunity to win KD 1 million in two quarterly prize draws, offering a single ‘Grand Salary for Life’ prize of KD 4000 a month for the next 250 months. Other ‘Salary for Life’ prizes include quarterly KD 500,000 prizes (KD 2,000 paid out every month) and KD 250,000 prizes (KD 1,000 paid out every month). With a total of three winners announced each quarter, all prizes convert to a stable source of monthly income for the winner over the next 250 months. Apart from the quarterly prizes, one Grand Weekly prize of KD 20,000 and five weekly cash prizes of KD 1,000 each are given away every week. Customers with KD 1000 and above invested in the Al-Hassad Islamic scheme are eligible to win KD 500,000 in each of the four loyalty draws held over the scheme period. The concept behind the savings scheme is giving customers the opportunity to win a “salary for life”. AUB’s objective has been to create a lifetime change for the winners and allow them to invest their winnings in things that will make a lasting difference to the well being of their families.
The winners Seif Ojeil Matar Al Dafiri (top) and Ayoub Yousef AlJelm are receiving the cash gift from Tareq Al-Shuwaired AUB Aria Manager.
2009. “The majority of the economy is doing well. There is growth in the trading sector, exports, tourism,” Tayer said. Analysts polled by Reuters expected the economy of the world’s third largest oil exporter to expand by 2.1 percent in real terms this year, the slowest pace in the Gulf. The government sees growth in a range of 2.0-3.2 percent depending on crude prices. The market differs from the government in estimates of the last year’s GDP performance in inflation-adjusted terms, with a consensus for a contraction of 1.4 percent. The government says real GDP grew by 1.3 percent in 2009. Meanwhile, Nakheel, Dubai World’s property developer unit, disputed the validity of a creditor claim filed against it, saying the claim will not delay its debt deal. Construction Delivery Group (CDG) filed a suit in mid-August with the special tribunal set up to handle cases related to Dubai World’s debt restructuring. The Dubai-based firm said it is owed 50 million dirhams ($13.6 million) in principal, interest and damages related to a facilities management contract for properties at the Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s three artificial palm-shaped islands. In an emailed statement, Nakheel said the claim “is not a standard creditor claim, but rather a claim the whole of which is disputed, and where there is a substantial counter claim.” Legal experts have voiced concerns that claims filed in the tribunal against Dubai World or its subsidiaries could potentially cause the restructuring to come to a halt until the matter is resolved in court. Nakheel said it has approximately 85 percent of acceptances, by value, for its restructuring deal and is “well on target to achieve its 95 percent acceptance of all payables and claims within the near future,” according to the statement sent to Reuters late Tuesday. Under Nakheel’s restructuring plan, trade creditors have been offered 40 percent of what they are owed in cash and the rest through an Islamic bond, or sukuk. — Reuters
Wataniya Airways takes delivery of 7th aircraft KUWAIT: Wataniya Airways, Kuwait’s only premium service airline, has announced it has taken possession of its seventh customised Airbus A320 aircraft. The new aircraft, which has been fitted out to Wataniya Airways’ unique class-leading specification, includes just 122 seats to allow guests greater room and comfort. It will help Wataniya Airways to maintain its high level of service reliability for its guests, as well as enabling the company to continue to grow its network of popular international routes. George Cooper, CEO of Wataniya Airways said: “I am very proud to welcome this new aircraft to our fleet, the third new Airbus A320 we have added this year. All our aircraft have the same class-leading specification for the maximum wellbeing and enjoyment of our valued guests. This latest addition continues our commitment to ensuring that our guests travel in comfort and arrive refreshed and relaxed at their destination, as well as providing us with fur-
ther flexibility as we grow our current network.” “At Wataniya Airways we have been very thorough in our planning, and have expanded our fleet gradually according to the company plans. We are very pleased that our business plan is on track and that we continue to successfully develop along the strategic growth paths we have set from the outset.” added Mr. Cooper. Wataniya Airways aircraft are fitted with the industry leading OnAir system that allows its guests to use their mobile phones during the flight, making it the only airline in the world that carries OnAir throughout its entire fleet. Wataniya Airways complements its’ aircraft comfort with award winning staff service levels that were recently recognized globally by being placed second in “Staff Service Excellence” among Middle Eastern airlines in the annual survey conducted by the internationally respected airline research consultancy Skytrax.
About Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways, Kuwait’s only premium service airline, commenced operations in January 2009 with point-to-point connections across the Middle East. Flying to 12 GCC, Arab, and European destinations with more destinations to follow, Wataniya Airways offers advantageous services and schedules geared to the specific demands of discerning travelers flying to and from Kuwait. Now operating seven customised Airbus A320 aircraft, each with only 122 seats, Wataniya Airways offers passengers more comfort and space than any other scheduled airline within the same aircraft class. First Class offers industry leading comfort, utility, and personal service, while Premium Economy delivers business class ease and comfort for economy guests. In Kuwait, Wataniya Airways operates from Sheikh Saad Terminal, delivering unprecedented levels of exclusivity, convenience, and efficiency on the ground to all its guests.
Aussie dollar hits fresh, two-year high SYDNEY: The Australian dollar reached a 25month high yesterday after the US Federal Reserve indicated it may take extra steps to boost a flagging recovery in the world’s biggest economy, analysts said. The Aussie peaked at 95.83 US cents-a level not seen since August 1, 2008 before the financial crisis-on surging commodity prices before tracking back to end the day at about 95.64 US cents. It finished Tuesday at 94.54. CMC Markets foreign exchange dealer Tim Waterer said the Aussie jumped one US cent to around 95.50 US cents after the Fed indicated Tuesday it could further stimulate the US economy. The rise comes as the market is anticipating Australia’s central bank to hike interest rates before the end of the year from 4.50 percent, contrasting with the US funds rate, which is drifting between zero and 0.25 percent. “It really comes down to that contrasting monetary policy stance of Australia and the US,” Waterer told AFP. “And that’s pushed the Aussie dollar to these levels. It’s really put on five US cents, five-and-a-
half US cents this month alone. So it’s been a very productive September for anyone who is long in the AUD.” The Aussie is at its highest levels since hitting an all-time record 98.50 US cents in July 2008, months before the 2008 financial crisis slammed markets worldwide. “This is certainly a high point at the moment,” Waterer said. Waterer said the Australian dollar was likely to encounter “some pretty stiff resistance” before reaching parity with the greenback, but the idea was not out of the question. The Aussie was not alone in gaining against the greenback on the US Federal Reserve’s suggestion it was ready to further stimulate the American economy. But Commonwealth Bank currency analyst Joseph Capurso said the dollar was trading at levels not seen in more than two years, and was now “within spitting distance” of breaking its record. “We see the Aussie tracking higher against the US dollar,” he told AFP. “There is a high likelihood it will break that record of 98 and a half US cents ... I think before the end of the year.” — AFP
EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Philippine peso Egyptian pounds
.2810000 .4440000 .3770000 .2830000 .2760000 .2700000 .0045000 .0020000 .0776930 .7569390 .4020000 .0750000 .7420460 .0045000 .0500000
.2910000 .4540000 .3840000 .2910000 .2850000 .2720000 .0075000 .0035000 .0784740 .7645460 .4180000 .0790000 .7495040 .0072000 .0580000
US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian dollars Danish Kroner Swedish Kroner Australian dlr Hong Kong dlr Singapore dlr Japanese yen Indian Rs/KD Sri Lanka rupee Pakistan rupee Bangladesh taka UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi Riyal/KD Omani riyals Philippine Peso
CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2852500 .4466710 .3793160 .2858370 .2783610 .0509180 .0416810 .2728140 .0367520 .2147600 .0033610 .0062960 .0025470 .0033560 .0041340 .0777020 .7570230 .4034260 .0761160 .7423490 .0065570
.2873500 .4498270 .3819960 .2878620 .2803330 .0512790 .0419760 .2747420 .0370130 .2162810 .0033850 .0063410 .0025650 .0033600 .0041630 .0781980 .7618520 .4062840 .0766020 .7470850 .0066030
US Dollar Sterling pounds Swiss Francs Saudi Riyals
TRANSFER CHEQUES RATES .2873500 .4498270 .2878620 .0766020
Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen Indian Rupees
ASIAN COUNTRIES 3.397 6.284
Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Egyptian Pound - Cash Egyptian Pound - Transfer Yemen Riyal Tunisian Dinar Jordanian Dinar Lebanese Lira Syrian Lier Morocco Dirham
3.331 2.545 3.938 216.210 36.933 4.121 6.525 9.344 0.296 0.310 GCC COUNTRIES 76.452 78.774 744.850 761.470 78.072 ARAB COUNTRIES 52.900 50.234 1.351 197.640 404.860 192.300 6.187 34.239
EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 286.580 Euro 382.300 Sterling Pound 450.360 Canadian dollar 280.960 Turkish lire 192.460 Swiss Franc 288.750 Australian dollar 271.050 US Dollar Buying 285.645
SELL CASH 277.300 761.890 4.310 282.700 565.500 14.100 51.200 167.800 52.650 385.000
10 Tola
GOLD 1,378.770
37.450 6.290 0.036
404.960 0.193 95.140 3.950 213.200 744.020 3.340 6.530 78.810 76.490 217.070 43.120 2.545 450.700 289.000 6.300 9.540 78.070 286.500
SELL DRAFT 275.800 761.890 4.126 281.200
217.100 50.275 383.500
US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Cyprus Pound Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees
Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees
287.500 280.729 449.241 375.734 286.606 704.798 761.106 78.268 78.962 76.649 405.769 50.446 6.214 3.359
2.552 4.152 6.476 3.368 9.278 6.273 3.881
Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. Currency
Rate per 1000 (Tran)
US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Nepali rupee Yemeni Riyal Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Candaian Dollars
TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 450.700 288.500
Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd
Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash
37.600 6.470 0.036 0.283 0.250 3.470 406.830 0.194 95.140 45.800 4.480 214.700 1.952 49.400 744.200 3.500 6.650 79.240 76.490 217.070 43.120 2.728 452.700 42.900 290.500 6.300 9.680 198.263 78.170 286.900 1.380
Sterling Pound US Dollar
GOLD 252.000 127.000 65.000
20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram
Hongkong dollar Indian rupees Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal
286.400 3.345 6.295 2.550 4.125 6.565 78.060 76.595 761.400 50.235 453.600 0.00003280 3.950 1.550 406.800 5.750 386.500 285.200
Al Mulla Exchange Currency US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal *Rates are subject to change
Transfer rate 286.000 381.050 450.000 280.900 3.400 6.285 50.230 2.541 4.110 6.516 3.333 761.000 77.950 76.400
BUSINESS
Thursday, September 23, 2010
23
Allied Irish sale of M&T stake seen moving closer DUBLIN/LONDON: Allied Irish Banks is close to selling its 22.5 percent in USbased M&T Bank Corp to Spain’s Banco Santander, a person familiar with the matter said yesterday. A deal could be announced in about a week or slightly longer, the person said. Speculation has swirled that Santander
is close to the deal with AIB and Bloxham Stockbrokers said earlier yesterday AIB was expected to sell an asset for about 1.2 billion euros ($1.6 billion) by the end of this month, citing a meeting with management. Allied Irish this month agreed to sell to Santander its 70 percent stake in Bank
Zachodni, Poland’s third largest bank, and a stake in an asset management joint venture for 3.1 billion euros. Allied Irish, which needs to raise 7.4 billion euros of capital to meet new Irish regulatory demands by the end of 2010, has also put its British unit up for sale. “Following a meeting with AIB yester-
day, we now expect the sale of an asset by the end of September for about 1.2 billion euros while further smaller sales could net the group up to 400 million euros,” Bloxham wrote in a note. “This would allow AIB to progress with its plans to raise a maximum of 3.5 billion euros in the market, with the gov-
ernment having already pledged to provide up to that figure should it be required,” Bloxham added. Allied Irish had no immediate comment. Santander could not immediately be reached for comment. Santander could seek to merge its U.S. bank Sovereign with M&T, using the AIB
stake to give it majority control of the enlarged group, reports have said. Allied Irish has said it wanted to sell the assets before approaching the market with a rights issue and possibly a placing for the rest of the capital, with the government standing by to make up any shortfall. — Reuters
Program includes exciting new brands across retail, hospitality chains
Centrepoint launches new customer rewards initiative ‘Shukran’ By Rawan Khalid KUWAIT: The Landmark Group, the region’s leading retail and hospitality conglomerate, held a press conference yesterday morning to announce the launch of their new customer rewards initiative Shukran. Previously known as the Centrepoint
KUWAIT: Ms. Abeer Al Sumait unveiling Shukran, the Loyalty Program by Centrepoint. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat
Siemens extends accord with German workers BERLIN: Siemens AG yesterday extended indefinitely an agreement with its German employees in which it pledges to avoid layoffs during any future restructuring efforts. The accord with Siemens’ employee council and the IG Metall industrial union was signed in July 2008 and originally was due to expire this month. The industrial conglomerate now said they reached an “open-ended agreement” to extend the deal. Siemens has a German work force of around 128,000 people. “This represents a clear and long-term commitment to Germany as a business location,” CEO Peter Loescher said. Siemens will continue to “honor its commitment to implement-
ing work force adjustments, wherever possible, without layoffs due to operational requirements,” the company said in a statement. “As in the past, Siemens will use every possible means to achieve this aim, including shifting personnel between locations and setting up short-time work programs.” Siemens shares were down 1.6 percent at euro 78.12 ($102.62) on Frankfurt’s DAX index of blue-chip stocks, which was about 1 percent lower overall. Late Tuesday evening, Siemens said it will take a charge of up to euro 1.4 billion ($1.8 billion) in the current quarter to reflect revised growth prospects at its health care diagnostics business.
It said the impairment charge will have no cash impact and won’t affect its overall outlook for its full fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30. Loescher said that “due to long-term changes in the overall health care market, it became necessary to reassess growth expectations.” The health care sector’s CEO, Hermann Requardt, said that “we haven’t achieved our growth targets” but added that the company is now “resolutely tackling this challenge.” In the April-June period, Siemens’ fiscal third quarter, the company’s overall net earnings were up 9 percent at some euro 1.44 billion thanks to a strong increase in orders in a recovering economy. — AP
Severstal plans London gold unit IPO: Source LONDON/MOSCOW: Severstal, Russia’s largest steel producer, plans a fourth-quarter London listing of its gold unit that would value the business at around $4 billion, a person familiar with the matter said yesterday. The initial public offering (IPO) will help fund the unit’s future expansion, both through deals and organic growth, and will see Severstal retain a majority stake of roughly 65 to 70 percent stake, the person familiar with the matter said. Worries that inflation could quicken, coupled with an uncertain economic outlook, have helped push gold prices to a string of record highs in nominal terms, which do not adjust for inflation. The precious metal was trading at nearly $1,300 an ounce yesterday. The listing is being handled by sole sponsor Morgan Stanley, joined by joint global co-ordinator Credit Suisse, and joint bookrunner Troika Dialog, the person added. Severstal, Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley declined to comment. Troika had no immediate comment. Severstal is controlled by Alexei Mordashov, who was ranked by Finans magazine earlier this year as Russia’s 9th richest man with an estimated $10 billion fortune. The company has pushed into gold as its core steel operation reels from the global economic slowdown and from the greater use of other metals such as aluminium in manufacturing. Russia is the world’s third-largest steel pro-
ducer, but Severstal’s overseas divisions have dragged on the company. While Severstal’s steel expansion stalls, it has been snapping up gold assets in Africa and at home. Output is expected to reach 640,000670,000 ounces this year, making Severstal Russia’s second-largest gold producer after Polyus Gold. According to a recent company presentation, Severstal plans to produce more than 1.0 million ounces per year by 2013 through its strategy of “of organic growth, operational optimisation and value accretive M&A.” It will also spend more than $100 million on further exploration projects next year. Nomura analysts estimated last week the unit was worth $3 to $3.6 billion and said a spin-off could unlock value for Severstal. The parent trades at about 3.5 times estimated 2011 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), while the unit could be valued at 8 to 10 times EBITDA, the Nomura analysts said. Severstal has gold mines in Russia, Kazakhstan and Burkina Faso. This year it has gradually raised its stake in Crew Gold, the Canadian-listed miner with operations in Guinea, West Africa, to more than 93 percent. In March Barrick Gold listed its Tanzanian gold mines in London as African Barrick Gold Plc. Glencore, the world’s biggest commodities trader, is planning to spin off or list its gold assets, which could be worth more than $5 billion. — Reuters
ATHENS: People choose free vegetables offered by Greek outdoor fruit and vegetables producers yesterday during their protest at a main Athens market street against a government proposal to introduce cash registers on markets. Producers set up an outdoor market near the Greek Finance Ministry and offered their products free to passersby. — AFP
The program will include exciting new brands across retail and hospitality chains such as Max, Shoexpress, New Look, Kurt Geiger, Casa Havana, Centrepoint Cafe and the Jungle Food Court. The program will continue to include pre-existing outlets such as Centrepoint, Juniors, Shoe Mart, Splash, Lifestyle, Home Centre, Paprika and Bossini. With Shukran, members can earn up to 12.5 points for every KD 1 they spend. The most exciting part of the program is that members can earn points during sales and promotions. These points can be redeemed through reward certificates sent to members every quarter. “The Landmark Group has always maintained a proactive approach towards retaining our loyal customers,” said Saibal Basu, Chief Operating Officer at the launch of the new program. “They share an important relationship with our Group.” Saibal mentioned that this card collects information on the needs and wants of customers so that they can better decide what sort of offers to make to best suit their regulars. He added that while offering a rewards program for many new clothing stores they are also looking to incorporate the program to food outlets throughout the country as well. The Landmark Group has seven Centrepoint branches in Kuwait as well as seven Max stores. They also have a separate store for each New Look, Kurt Geiger, Splash, Jungle Restaurant, Centrepoint Cafe, Paprika and Bossini location. “We have opened in Cairo and Alexandria and we are trying to get into other countries as well,” Saibal said. “In Yemen there is a Max store and we have a Centrepoint in Jordan and India. In winter we will be opening one in Beirut.” “In other countries we operate as a franchise,” he explained. “In Pakistan we have a few Babyshop stores and there are Max stores in Turkey.” “Shukran is our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers,” he continued. “With the number of participating outlets in the program, there’s enough reason for them to shop their hearts out! Today there are 180,000 Centrepoint Privilege Club members in Kuwait, we hope to grow on that.” The first phase of the launch includes featuring the program in Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, followed by other countries in the coming months. The loyalty program will also be introduced for the first time in Jordan.
Privilege Club, Shukran will be phased in throughout the Gulf. Shukran is the region’s leading loyalty program promoted by a retail business group. Its presence spans seven countries, it covers more than 800 outlets and has over 1.5 million members. The program will encompass existing members of the Centrepoint Privilege Club and add new members as it is launched.
KUWAIT: Khalil Khalifa, Public Relations Manager (left), Saibal Basu, Chief Operating Officer of Landmark Group Kuwait (Middle), Santosh Kumar — Chief Operating Officer of Landmark Group Dubai (right).
White House adviser Summers stepping down WASHINGTON: Brilliant but blunt-spoken White House economic adviser Larry Summers said on Tuesday he will leave his job, marking a major staff shake-up for President Barack Obama as he faces growing pressure to revive the sluggish economy. Summers, a former Treasury secretary who had grappled with the Mexican peso crisis and other global financial problems in the 1990s, brought years of experience in economic policymaking to his job as director of the White House National Economic Council. Those close to Obama said the president relied heavily on Summers’ advice during the depths of the 2008-2009 financial crisis. But Summers, who will return to his teaching job at Harvard University by the end of the year, has been criticized by some liberal Democrats as too close to Wall Street. There were also a number of reports of clashes on the economic team within the White House. The move comes as analysts say Obama needs to signal a fresh course on the economy, with confidence in his leadership on the issue slumping amid predictions of steep losses for his Democratic allies in the Nov. 2 congressional elections. Obama’s poll numbers on economic leadership are particularly low, with unemployment at 9.6 percent. Some Democrats say Obama should consider tapping someone from outside the administration to fill Summers’ job. Obama has been criticized for having few businesspeople in the senior ranks of his administration. Some have also urged the administration to name more women to the economic team.
Ann Fudge, former chairman and chief executive of Young & Rubicam Brands, Laura Tyson, a former economic adviser to President Bill Clinton, and Summers’ deputies Jason Furman and Diana Farrell are among those who could be considered. General Electric Chairman Jeffrey Immelt and Richard Parsons, chairman of Citigroup, are among other names that have been have mentioned. Summers will be the third high-ranking economic official to depart, leaving Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner as the sole senior member of that team still in his original job. White House budget
director Peter Orszag stepped down in July and White House Council of Economic Advisers Chairwoman, Christina Romer, left her job at the beginning of this month. Summers said in a statement released by the White House that he was “looking forward to returning to Harvard to teach and write” about the economy and finance. Obama credited Summers with having helped to guide the country “from the depths of the worst recession since the 1930s to renewed growth.” He said he would continue to seek Summers’ “advice and his counsel on an informal basis.” Geithner
described Summers as someone who “always asks the tough questions and forces the hard debate about the best way forward for our economy and for our country,” and said he would also continue to value his advice. Summers will serve on the president’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board, a panel of outside experts led by former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker. In stories leaked to the press, Summers was accused of shutting key people out of meetings, including Volcker, Romer and Austan Goolsbee, a White House economist who succeeded Romer as CEA chair. In his book, “The
WASHINGTON: This November 17, 2008 file photo shows former US Treasury secretary and preident-elect Barack Obama advisor Larry Summers listening during a gathering of corporate CEOs at an economic conference sponsored by The Wall Street Journal at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC. A top economic advisor to President Obama, Summers is to leave the administration at the end of the year, officials said Sept 21. — AFP
Promise: President Obama, Year One,” Jonathan Alter described a heated exchange between Summers and Romer in which Romer told him: “Don’t you bully me!” During his past role as president of Harvard University, Summers sparked a firestorm after suggesting in an academic discussion that differences in aptitude might play a role in the underrepresentation of women in top science and engineering careers. The controversy led to his resignation in 2006. He later worked part time at hedge fund D.E. Shaw while continuing to teach at Harvard. His past role at D.E. Shaw helped to fuel criticisms that he was too close to Wall Street. Stephanie Taylor of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee called Summers’ announcement a “big victory” for the left and called on Obama to choose as his replacement someone who would be “a champion for regular working folks, not Wall Street tycoons.” Those who know Summers had long said he was unlikely to stay in his job for more than two years. “Last fall, the president asked Larry to stay through 2010 in order to see through the passage of financial reform and the continued implementation of the economic recovery program- this announcement is part of a long-standing plan to return to Harvard,” said a senior administration official. Summers had been mentioned as a possible candidate for Federal Reserve chairman but Obama instead decided to keep on Fed chief Ben Bernanke, who had originally been nominated by President George W. Bush. — Reuters
BUSINESS
24
Thursday, September 23, 2010
KSE index ends day with gains of 24.5 pts KUWAIT: Kuwaiti equities ended yesterday’s session on a positive note. The gains came on the back of a smart rally staged by Industrial and banking stocks, namely Kuwait Finance House (KFH) and United Industries Co. All major indices inched higher during the day.
GM extends EV development with demo fleet of electric Chevrolet Cruzes
Market Indices Global General Index (GGI) closed 0.88 points up (0.42 percent) during the day at 210.43 point as the Market capitalization was up for the day reaching KD33.88mn. On the other side, Kuwait Stock Exchange Price Index managed to close up gaining a 24.50 point to its value and closed at 6,845.3 point. Market Breadth During the session, 121 companies were traded. Market breadth was skewed towards advancers as 44 equities advancedversus 36 that retreated, while 131 stocks remained unchanged during the trading session. Daily Trading Activity Trading activities ended on a positive note today as volume of shares traded on the exchange increased by 42.04 percent to reach 385.58mn shares, and value of shares traded increased by 10.13 percent to stand at KD48.72mn. The Investment Sector was the volume leader today, accounting for 36.39 percent of total shares and the Banking Sector was the value leader, with 24.80 percent of total traded value.
International Financial Advisors (IFA) led the volume & Value leaders list for the day, as investors traded 47.48mn shares of the company with a total traded value of KD3.19mn. Top Gainers and Biggest Decliners In terms of top gainers, United Industries Co. was the biggest gainer for the day, adding 8.47 percent and closed at KD0.128. On the other hand, Kuwait Cable Vision Co. was the biggest decliner, dropping by 7.35 percent and closed at KD0.063.
Sectors Wise The advance was broadbased with 5 out of 8 sectors closing in positive territory. Industrial stocks spearheaded advancers, clocking 0.91 percent in sector gains. United Industries Co. rose by 8.47 percent. Also, among the sector’s gainers were Kuwait Building Materails Manufacturing Co. (+8.00 percent) and Ikarus Petroleum Industries Co. (+7.35 percent). Banking sector added 0.73 percent compared to the previous closing. Kuwait Finance House (KFH), was the sector’s
major gainer, as it soared by 3.57 percent to reach KD1.160. Boubyan Bank followed adding 1.64 percent to close at KD0.620. On the other hand, Food sector was the major decliner for the day shedding by 0.83 percent, as Kuwait Foodstuff Company (Americana) plunged by 1.30 percent to close at KD1.520. Oil New s The price of Kuwaiti crude oil hiked by 71 cents in trading on Tuesday to settle at USD 73.96 a barrel, compared with last Monday’s price of USD
73.25, the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said on Wednesday. The rise in Kuwaiti oil prices comes in spite of the appreciation of the US dollar versus other key currencies due to expectations of data on the US economy. Kuwait’s current oil prices are the highest in six weeks, but they are still within the OPEC target of USD 70-80 per barrel. Kuwait will host on October 10 the 29th GCC ministerial meeting of the petroleum cooperation committee headed by Oil Minister and Information Minister Sheikh Ahmad AlAbdullah Al-Sabah.
DUBAI: General Motors announced a demonstration project to explore market needs and customer acceptance of battery electric vehicles in Korea. The project involves a fleet of electric vehicles based on the successful Chevrolet Cruze. The result of shared development with GM Daewoo, LG Chem and LG Electronics, the electric Cruzes will be part of a demo fleet that will operate in South Korea’s capital, Seoul. The project is aimed at benefiting GM’s core vehicle electrification competencies, which include batteries, electric motors, power controls and charging. It will provide real-world data on customer acceptance of battery electric vehicles, studying driving patterns and charging behavior while sharing costs and resources. This is a key initiative in GM’s global battery and electric vehicle development strategy. The demo project is expected to launch by the end of October. GM demonstration fleets with other partners are also being launched in other urban markets later this year. The Cruze EV demo fleet will be the first fullsize sedan electric vehicles to hit the road and will be powered by batteries from LG Chem and propulsion systems (motor/inverter) from LG Electronics. GM’s EV demo fleet in South Korea will consist of Chevrolet Cruzes and GM Daewoo Lacetti Premieres. GM currently markets the vehicle under the local brand in South Korea. “This Cruze EV demonstration project reinforces GM’s commitment to being a leader in the development of electric vehicles and green technologies, building on our portfolio of hybrids and the Chevrolet Volt,” said Karl Stracke, Vice President, GM Global Vehicle Engineering.
“We’ll apply the learnings from this and our other demo projects to help us deliver the world’s best vehicles for our customers.” The Cruze EV is equipped with a 31-kWh battery that generates maximum power of 150 kW. The demonstration fleet will be monitored closely to determine the amount of real-world range achievable by a vehicle of its size. On specific test schedules conducted by LG Chem, the demonstration vehicles may achieve a range of up to 160 km. The vehicles can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds with a maximum speed of 165 km/h. On a standard household 220-volt outlet, the Cruze EV can be fully recharged in 8 to 10 hours. Part of the demonstration fleet’s task is to test a “quick charge” application that could reduce the charge time significantly. “Although there is much more work to be done, our ability to develop this vehicle in less than a year offers a peek at the very promising plans we have for our customers in Korea and around the world,” said Mike Arcamone, GM Daewoo President and CEO. While battery packs often occupy trunk space, the Cruze EV’s battery pack is mounted on the underbody. This gives the Cruze EV the same trunk space as conventional vehicles with gasoline engines. “Expanding the domestic electric vehicle market carries significant meaning for collaboration between GM Daewoo and LG Chem,” said Peter Bahnsuk Kim, Vice Chairman and CEO of LG Chem. “Over the past two years, we have forged a strong partnership with GM, and now we look forward to doing the same with GM Daewoo in our home country.”
BUSINESS
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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Gains reported during August push KSE index higher KUWAIT: Led by gains recorded on the heavyweight banking sector, which witnessed its market cap gain 9.9 per cent, the KSE Weighted and KAMCO TRW Indices continued their previous month positive trend to gain 3.96 per cent & 2.83 per cent, respectively and end as the best performing market amongst its peers in GCC region during August. Various initiatives taken by the Government to step up the economic development of the country coupled with the Government’s decisions to finance its KD 30 bn development plan through local banks and its readiness to back the same with guarantees boosted investor sentiments and shaped the market performance during August. Gains reported during the month pushed the KSE Weighted Index and KAMCO TRW Index YTD-10 gains to jump to 12.9 per cent and 9 per cent after recording 8.7 per cent and 5.9 per cent in July-10, thereby ending as the best performing market as compared to peers in the GCC region over the same period. Total market capitalization gained during August around 3.7 per cent to KD 33.2 bn (USD 115.8 bn) at the end of August, up from KD 32 bn (USD 111.7 bn) recorded at the end of July-10. A delay in announcing 1H-10 earnings by a majority of the listed firms coupled with the absence of new growth drives and lack of confidence in the market led
KUWAIT STOCK EXCHANGE MONTHLY REVIEW investors to remain on the sidelines during the first week of trade. As a result, the KSE Weighted Index and KAMCO TRW Index traded within a narrow range during the week and recorded marginal gains of 0.25 per cent and 0.19 per cent respectively. Market heavyweight Agility’s announcement that “U.S prosecutors had moved to dismiss charges against its subsidiary” coupled with ZAIN’s announcement of robust quarterly earnings boosted investors’ sentiment as the KSE Weighted Index and KAMCO TRW Index recorded gains of 1.47 per cent and 1.06 per cent respectively, to end the second week of trade on a positive note. During the same period, Agility witnessed its share price surge 10.5 per cent to KD 0.475. Led by the gains recorded on the heavyweight banking sector, which witnessed its market cap climb 2.8 per cent to KD 12.58 bn, the KSE Weighted Index and KAMCO TRW Index continued its previous week positive trend to gain 0.92 per cent and 0.64 per cent respectively and end the third week of trade on an upbeat note. The last eight trading sessions of the month witnessed the KSE Weighted Index and KAMCO TRW Index gain 1.27 per cent and
0.92 per cent mainly on the back of gains recorded by the banking sector which witnessed its market cap climb 2.94 per cent to KD 12.95 bn. During the month, market heavyweight ZAIN announced that it had received USD 295.4 mn after deducting expenses from Bharti Airtel as part of its sale of its African assets and that the amount would be booked in the third quarter results of 2010. In June, Zain and Bharti closed a USD 9 bn deal for the Kuwaiti firm’s African assets excluding Sudan and Morocco. Zain had received USD 7.87 bn after the closing of the deal and said it would receive a further USD 400 mn within 12 months after completing other formal requirements. The amount received is part of the USD 400 mn. The remaining USD 100 mn is expected to be received within the next ten months. ZAIN will also receive another USD 700 mn after one year of the deal closing, as agreed in March. In other developments during the month, The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency extended a warehousing and distribution USD 25 mn contract for market heavyweight Agility by six months starting Sep2010. In due course of the month, the company had announced a 52.4 per cent drop in
its quarterly earnings and auditors warned that a prolonged suspension of U.S contracts would impact its government linked businesses. Agility, however, witnessed its share price remain unchanged at KD 0.435. During the month, Fitch Ratings affirmed Kuwait’s Long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) at ‘AA’ with a Stable Outlook. The Country Ceiling was affirmed at ‘AA+’ and the Short-term foreign currency IDR at ‘F1+’. According to Fitch, even though the country suffered the deepest recession in the GCC region as private sector confidence buckled and the financial sector coped with a sharp rise in impaired loans, Kuwait recorded a 20 per cent of GDP fiscal surplus in 2009, outperforming its peers in the GCC region. Medium term outlook has brightened following parliamentary approval for a long awaited development plan and structural reforms. Kuwait’s balance sheet is amongst the strongest of Fitch rated sovereigns and this is an overriding support to the ratings. Debt remains low and the foreign assets were worth over USD 284 bn (238 per cent of GDP) at the end of 2009, based on official disclosures and Fitch’s assumptions. This gives Kuwait the
resources to smooth most conceivable oil price shocks and inject capital or liquidity into the financial system if needed. The Banking sector which accounts for 39 per cent of the total market capitalization gained 9.9 per cent in its market cap to KD 12.95 bn (USD 45.2 bn) compared to KD 11.78 bn (USD 41.1 bn) at the end of Jul-10. The Government’s decisions to finance its KD 30 bn development plan through local banks and its readiness to back the banking system with guarantees boosted investors’ sentiment. During the month, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) witnessed its share price gain 13.1 per cent to KD 1.380 on the back of the announcement of a capital increase through rights issue of 10 per cent at a price per share of KD 0.500 along with the solid financial standing of the bank that was evident in the healthy profits reported during the post crisis period and the low level of non-performing loans and provisioning. In due course of the month, at least two shareholders of NBK received offers to sell a 10 per cent stake in the bank at a price of up to KD 1.700 per share. In other developments during the month, Fitch Ratings downgraded Commercial Bank of Kuwait’s (CBK) Individual Rating to ‘D’ from ‘C/D’ and removed it from Rating Watch Negative. All the bank’s other ratings have been affirmed at Long-term Issuer Default
(IDR) at ‘A+’ with Stable Outlook, Short term IDR at ‘F1’, Support at ‘1’ and Support Rating Floor at ‘A+’. The downgrade of the Individual Rating reflects the CBK’s weakening loan quality and the impact of the more difficult operating environment on the banks profitability. Slower profit generation will make it more difficult for the bank to reserve adequately for its growing impaired loans. The Investment sector which accounts for nearly 8.4 per cent of the total market cap was flat at KD 2.79 bn (USD 9.7 bn). During the month, GLOBAL witnessed its share price plunge 13.2 per cent to KD 0.059 mainly on the back of its announcement of a Q2-10 net loss of KD 20.2 mn as compared to a net loss of KD 14.2 mn for the same period a year earlier. The performance of GLOBAL’s principal investment book continued to be negatively impacted by the market turbulence in the GCC region and the rest of the MENA markets where the Company’s principal investments are focused. The Investment Dar (TID) continues to remain suspended on the stock exchange. Since its default on a USD 100 mn Sukuk in May-09, the company has been working to implement a restructuring plan under the protection of Kuwait’s Financial Stability Law adopted in Apr-09.
China Unicom falls 3.3 percent on Deutsche Bank downgrade
HK shares at 5-month high on retail, property rally; IPOs eyed HONG KONG: Hong Kong stocks rose yesterday to a five-month high, with consumer-related plays gaining ground ahead of China’s “golden week” holiday and local property issues extending recent gains. The benchmark Hang Seng Index closed up 0.2 percent at 22,047.7, just over a percent below its peak for the year reached in April, which is seen by analysts as the next key resistance.
75 years of Jaguar history brought to life KUWAIT: To mark the occasion, a group of 75 individually-numbered, iconic Jaguars from across the years made a two-day journey from Coventry to Goodwood. This exclusive celebration drive, starting in Coventry at 10.30am on Friday 17th September, took in London’s May Fair hotel - site of the original Jaguar model launch in 1935 - and finished at the UK’s largest heritage motor festival, the Goodwood Revival on Saturday 18th. Most cars were privately-owned examples, driven by their owners, joined by some of the most famous cars from Jaguar’s own heritage collection, including the E-Type, C-Type, pre-war SS Jaguar saloons and a selection of its latest models. Launched to coincide with the drive, an iPhone and iPad app charting the 75 years of the British marque’s history is available to download now by searching ‘Jaguar 75’ in iTunes. This ‘Jaguar 75’ app pulls together a host of materials that tell the company’s story of making beautiful fast cars over the past 75 years through the people and machines that have made it a British motoring icon - including the SS 2.5-litre Saloon, XK120, C-Type, D-Type, XKSS, MKII, E-Type, XJ13, XJ6, XJ-S, XJR-9, XJ220, XK8, XK, XF and XJ. Our favourite top facts include: 1) When the first ever Jaguar was revealed, Sir William Lyons (founder of Jaguar Cars) asked guests of the launch event to speculate on how much the SS Jaguar 2.5 Litre Saloon would cost. The average guess was £632. In fact, the handsome, luxurious machine cost a mere £385. 2) For the 1938 British Motor Show, Lyons penned a coupÈ version of the SS100. With beautiful sweeping curves and Art Deco detailing it proved a sensation but sadly, with the outbreak of war the following year, the show car was the only one ever built. 3) At Le Mans in 1953 Jaguar C-Types finished 1st, 2nd and 4th. The company sent a telegram to the Queen, dedicating its win to her, in her coronation year, and received a congratulatory reply from Her Majesty. 4) Of the 16 XKSS vehicles produced, one was bought by actor and racing driver Steve McQueen, who kept it for 10 years before selling it on. Of all his cars it was possibly the one he enjoyed a little too much for it netted him two driving bans.
However, clearly regretting his decision, McQueen later bought the car back and owned it until his death. 5) Enzo Ferrari proclaimed the E-Type to be “the most beautiful car ever built” on first sight of it, while America’s Road & Track magazine reported it as, in the unreconstructed language of the era, “the greatest crumpet collector known to man.” 6) The XJ220 was developed by an informal group of Jaguar employees known as the ‘Saturday Club’ who, as the name suggests, dedicated their spare time to special projects. 7) Lyons’ daughter, Pat, was the co-driver of ‘NUB 120’ the most famous competition XK120. Her husband Ian Appleyard drove it to three Alpine Cup victories and two RAC Rally wins. 8) The introduction of disc brakes was thanks to Jaguar. They were first fitted to the C-Type raced by Stirling Moss and Norman Dewis in the 1952 Mille Miglia. Italian race officials were mystified by the new technology and demanded a demonstration to prove it was in fact a brake and not some illegal addition. 9) In his teens, Ian Callum, Jaguar’s current Design Director, wrote to Bill Heynes (then Chief Engineer) enclosing some of his own designs for a Jaguar. Heynes kindly replied, suggesting to Callum that to pursue his chosen career, he should learn engineering draughtsmanship and study industrial design. 10) The fastest ever Jaguar was a slightly modified production XFR that achieved 225.675mph at the Bonneville Salt flats in November 2009. The app also includes images and information on: Jaguar’s locations past and present: Foleshill, Castle Bromwich, Gaydon and the Browns Lane Fire of 1957 The men behind the machines: Sir William Lyons (founder of Jaguar Cars) Malcolm Sayer (designer of the C-Type, D-Type and E-Type) Norman Dewis (chief development test engineer in the 1950s and 60s) Lofty England (C-Type programme manager) William Heynes (Chief Engineer of the C-Type, D-Type and E-Type) Ian Callum (current Design Director of Jaguar)
China goes on shopping spree in Latin America BEIJING: China is pouring cash into Latin America, investing in everything from agriculture to railways while satisfying its need for oil and other raw materials to fuel its booming economy. Beijing has organised an increasing number of trade missions to the region, notably signing oil exploitation and investment deals with producer countries including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela. “Latin America is looking at opportunities to grow,” Gerardo
Mato, the chairman of HSBC’s global banking division for the region, told AFP. “What they are looking for with China are opportunities of growing into China-that means partnership with the Chinese.” The United States has so far welcomed Beijing’s push into its southern backyard even though China is embracing such US bogeymen as Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. “It is certainly not a concern, it is certainly not a threat,” Arturo Valenzuela, the US State
Department’s point man for Latin America and the Caribbean, told reporters during a visit to China last month. In July, China gave Venezuela the first four billion dollars of a 20-billion-dollar line of credit, money that will be used to finance power, agricultural and infrastructure projects. In April, state-owned China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC) agreed to pay 900 million dollars to gain access to oil deposits in Venezuela’s eastern Orinoco region. — AFP
But with the index up 8 percent this month and trading well into technically overbought territory according to the relative strength index (RSI), currently above 73, it could struggle to touch a new year-high. The last time the RSI was around this level in August, the index fell about 7 percent to a one-month low. “We could see some consolidation at these levels after this fairly strong rally,” said Mark To of Wing Wung Financial Group. “The performance of all the upcoming IPOs will be important to watch. If they do well, that might push the market higher.” Since the beginning of September, at least 15 companies have launched IPOs in Hong Kong to raise a total of around $4.5 billion as market conditions improved. The IPOs have seen strong demand, mostly from retail investors looking for quick listing gains. Magic Holdings, a maker of Chinese facial masks which priced its offering at the top end of it range, said in a statement its Hong Kong IPO was subscribed 786 times. The shares will start trading on Sept 24. American International Group Inc inched closer to its ambitious plan to list Asian unit AIA Group after securing approval from the Hong Kong stock exchange. Local property counters extended recent gains with investors increasingly optimistic that commercial and retail demand for Hong Kong real estate will remain robust. Conglomerates that operate large commercial properties in Hong Kong rose on healthy volumes. Swire Pacific rose 1.7 percent on more than 3 times its average 30-day volume, while Wharf Ltd was up 2.1 percent. Wharf, trading at an all-time high, is the month’s top performer on the Hang Seng Index, up more than 22 percent. Local developers also gained with Henderson Land up 2.6 percent and Cheung Kong Holdings, up 2.1 percent. Credit Suisse, in a note to clients on Tuesday, recommended that investors continue to switch out of utilities and into Hong Kong property plays. Footwear retailer Belle International Holdings Ltd was up 4.5 percent, leading a rally in consumer-related plays. “The National Day holiday will give a strong boost to retail sales,” Dongliang Chang, analyst at China Everbright Research, said in a note to clients. He added that although discounts may slightly compress margins at department stores, doubling or even tripling sales during the holiday would largely offset that impact. China Unicom fell 3.3 percent and was the top losers on the Hang Seng Index after Deutsche Bank downgraded the stock to “sell” from “buy” on the company’s inability to ramp up subscriber additions despite increasing promotional activity. —Reuters
MUMBAI: Chairman of The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) S. Ramadorai poses during the launch of Mobile-based Trading in Mumbai yesterday. India, the fastest growing mobile phone market, launched stock trading through wireless technology this week, making access to market data easier for a growing breed of tech-savvy investors. — AFP
India launches mobile phone share trading MUMBAI: India has launched stock trading on mobile phones, hoping to capitalise on the country’s position as the world’s fastestgrowing handset market by catering to techsavvy investors. Asia’s oldest stock market, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), started trading in shares on mobile phones on Tuesday while the rival National Stock Exchange (NSE) plans to launch a similar service early next month. Trading on mobile phones is picking up globally, particularly in Asia, where equity markets are on the rebound from the global financial meltdown of 2008. The new form of trading kicked-off in India as share prices hit a near three-year high, led by strong overseas fund inflows and optimism that Asia’s third-largest economy could grow at nearly nine percent in coming years. Both the BSE and NSE have tied up with local mobile phone operators and software firms to provide a real-time data feed and
trading products. Users will now be able to buy and sell shares, view live index and stock prices, as well as get margin and net investment positions on their phones. BSE chairman S. Ramadorai said: “We believe that this will advance the development of financial inclusion through higher penetration of capital markets... by leveraging the mobile telecom infrastructure in the country.” At least 35 accredited BSE brokers are eligible to provide mobile trading to their clients while at the NSE, at least 800 brokers are lining up to do the same. “Mobile phone trading will pick up,” said Rajiv Prabhakar, an analyst with Mumbai brokerage firm Sharekhan, through which nearly one million people trade across India. India’s investor community is estimated at between 10 and 20 million but those behind the scheme hope to capitalise on the buoyant state of the country’s mobile phone sector. One in 10 of the world’s mobiles is sold in India, according to technology
research specialists Gartner, and the country adds 15-17 million new mobile subscribers every month. There are now an estimated 650 million subscribers. But per capita ownership in a country of 1.2 billion people is still low at 57 phones per 100 people, offering massive growth potential in the years ahead, particularly as 3G “smartphones” become more available across the country. Brokerages involved hailed the stocks initiative as empowering consumers. But industry experts say trading on mobile phones is unlikely to supplant online trading anytime soon and initial usage may be limited simply to viewing market data. “A new set of investors may not emerge with the opening of a new technology channel,” said Monish Shah, financial services director of Deloitte India. Mobile phone trading has picked up in Japan and South Korea. In Seoul, it accounts for nearly three percent of trading volume, according to stock exchange data. — AFP
Jet Airways presented prestigious award MUMBAI: Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, has been conferred with the prestigious ‘Best Full Service Airline- International (Indian)’ and ‘Best Full Service AirlineDomestic’ awards for 2009 by the Air Passengers Association of India (APAI). Saroj Datta, Executive Director- Jet Airways, received the award on behalf of the airline, at a seminar on the Responsibility & Rights of Airline Passengers, jointly organised by CAI (Consumer
Association of India) and APAI on September 18, 2010 at Chennai, attended by several luminaries from the trade and travel industry, and members of the media. The awards were given out by Sri K Shanmugam, IAS , Secretary, Finance & former Secretary, Dept. of Consumer Affairs and Food, Govt. of Tamil Nadu. Receiving the awards, Datta said, “On behalf of Jet Airways, I would like to thank the APAI for this distinct recognition and honour. Importantly, these
awards holds special significance as they are a recognition of our renowned service by none other than our guests. Jet Airways is committed to delivering truly world class service and has worked to continually enhance the excellent in-flight product and service on all our flights. These awards stand testimony to our commitment to continually focus on the needs of our guests, thus offering them a truly world-class travel experience.” The largest private airline
operator in the country (with its all-economy subsidiary JetLite), Jet Airways currently flies to 23 international destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Gulf, including New York (both JFK and Newark), Toronto, Brussels, London (Heathrow), Johannesburg, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jeddah, Sharjah, Dammam and Riyadh.
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BUSINESS
Thursday, September 23, 2010
First customer satisfaction index in Arab World: Service Hero Kuwait 2010 KUWAIT: After extensive planning, Service Hero for Economic, Scientific and Management Consultancies Company announced yesterday that it has awarded Khayal Consultants the role of Exclusive Licensee to fully administer its Service Hero award. Service Hero is Kuwait’s first annual customer satisfaction index. It assesses private sector companies on key service dimensions across different industries using a ground breaking approach. Because of the large sample size covering different demographic groups living in Kuwait, Service Hero ensures that it represents the population. Where did the idea come from? After working for years in market research and customer care with some of the top companies and brands in Kuwait, the founders of Service Hero felt that a gap in the market existed. Whenever they were involved in assessing the service levels of
an organization, the question that was often asked was “who is the best service provider in Kuwait and what is the benchmark for service?” To date, no country-wide empirical study is available to answer that question as previous efforts were limited to either a specific industry, or the efforts of individual companies seeking to learn more about their own position. As a result, the founders put their heads together to come up with a way to address this gap, and the idea of Service Hero was born. Service Hero is very loosely modeled after the long running American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) which has been operating since 1995. Like its predecessor, Service Hero measures companies on a numeric scale across different industries and on a number of dimensions. Its goal is to measure the satisfaction level in the market by real consumers in order to help and empower companies to improve their service levels.
Service Hero is a benchmark of service in the private sector To ensure that what is being measured is a comprehensive view of what makes up service standards, Service Hero assesses companies on 6 service dimensions: behavior, location, value to price, product quality, reliability, and speed. It uses a rating scale of 1-10 to measure two assessment levels: expected service standards versus actual service levels. This enables the reporting of the gap between what customers expected from a company before they deal with it, and what they actually think the company rates after having dealt with it. Rigorous methodology Service Hero is a unique assessment as it allows online voting by a representative sample of consumers. Because the survey is online, results are really driven by consumer participation and feedback. Its online nature is also more accurate
as there are no manual input and coding errors. In terms of which industries it is comprised of, all the main private sectors such as aviation, automotive, banks, restaurants, mobile operators, ISPs, retail stores, furniture stores in addition to other categories are included. Service Hero’s voting system was developed and optimized by Khayal Consultants, the established website development company in Kuwait and a leading design and marketing consulting firm. Its sample size and methodology is in line with international standards to ensure a robust and representative sample and a small margin of error. It deploys a number of logic and security measures to ensure that voting is from a resident of Kuwait aged 16 and over. It also follows the market research protocols of ESOMAR, the leading European organization on market research standards. Service Hero awards for 2010 Service Hero will be giving out eigh-
teen awards for Kuwait for the year 2010. These are the highest three rated companies in the country across all sectors, as well as awards for the strongest company in each of the fifteen service sectors included in the assessment. While results for different industries - such as for aviation will be available - Service Hero does not intend to make these results public as this information is confidential to each company. How will Service Hero benefit Kuwait? Kuwait will benefit from the launch of Service Hero on three levels: on a consumer level, on a corporate level and finally on a national level. First, consumers will be able to make a difference and voice their assessment of service directly to companies in order that they can improve standards. Secondly, companies will have a full understanding of their market position relative to their direct competitors and also relative to the country overall. This will help companies put initiatives in place to address their
weaknesses and ensure they build on their strengths. Finally, Service Hero is good for Kuwait as it can be used as one of the indicators of the health of the economy. Kuwait will also be setting a precedent by being the first Arab country to introduce a national customer satisfaction index. Advisory Council in place Service Hero has recruited an Advisory Council comprised of an academic institution as well as leading business professionals. As a neutral panel of experts their function is to supervise the assessment to ensure fair and empirical findings. Members include: D. Carol Ross a representative from the American University of Kuwait, Abdulmajeed Al Shatti (ex-Chairman of the Board for Commercial Bank of Kuwait), Dr. Reinhold Leichtfuss (Senior Partner and Managing Director, Boston Consulting Group), Nauman Sehgal (Board Member, Al Wazan Holding Company), and Yann Pavie, (CEO, Gulf Merger).
Premiums in Singapore, HK steady despite record highs
Gold hits record high after Fed rates signal LONDON: Gold rose for a third day yesterday to hit record highs after the Federal Reserve signalled it stood ready to inject fresh cash into the economy, knocking the dollar and whetting investor appetite for bullion. Silver
edged closer to its highest in 30 years, against a backdrop of investors seeking cheaper safe-haven assets, which was reflected in the largest one-day inflow of metal into the iShares Silver Trust in 10 months.
Aston Martin One-77: World’s most powerful naturally aspirated road car engine GAYDOR: Aston Martin’s ultimate expression of design, engineering and craftsmanship; the One-77 is being readied for production. The 7.3 litre V12 engine, as part of the development process, has been certified at 750bhp and 750Nm of torque, positioning it as the most powerful naturally aspirated road car engine in the world today. In the fourth part of the One-77 film series which is released today, Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin and Marek Reichman, Director of Design discuss the fundamental elements of what makes the One-77 so unique. The film shows the first complete engineering car in motion on the test track. The One-77, a sports car of unparalleled
beauty with subtle aggression and performance to eclipse any previous Aston Martin road car will be built at the marque’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Over the past nine months, the One-77 has been undergoing Aston Martin’s rigorous engineering test programme. The car, despite its exclusive volume of only 77 is being subjected to the same engineering development process as the current range of acclaimed sports cars. This includes extreme hot and cold testing plus sign-off at the Nrburgring Nordschleife; the world’s toughest and most unforgiving test track. In April of this year the One-77 made its on-road debut as part of the Tourist Trophy
where it led a parade of supercars taking the Trophy from London’s Pall Mall to the Silverstone circuit where it performed some hot laps. Dr Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive of Aston Martin said: “The One-77 is approaching a production reality and of course, there is considerable excitement in the project. Now the next steps are all about details and refinement to complete the composition. I know the final car will demonstrate what the Aston Martin team is capable of.” Deliveries of the One-77 are expected to commence in early 2011. For access to the fourth part of the One-77 film series please visit the Aston Martin YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/astonmartin.
Midas sponsors future of Kuwait’s educational institutions KUWAIT: As part of its continued efforts in supporting the advancement of education, Midas Furniture is proudly sponsoring the Kuwait Schools & Colleges Build Conference & Exhibition at the Movenpick Hotel, Free Trade Zone, Kuwait on September 27th - 29th. “As one of the largest providers of home, office and specialized furniture in the region, we believe that it is our responsibility to invest and support the communities in which we have a presence, which is why Midas is involved in a wide range of diverse activities and programs all designed to strengthen, improve and create awareness to the ever-changing and growing demands of society.” explained Kamal Jamil, General Manager of Midas Office Furniture. The Kuwait Schools & Colleges Build Conference was established to identify and create awareness towards Kuwait’s growing demand for educational facilities and learning institutions. The three-day conference and exhibition aims to offer a forum to discuss and identify priorities as well as obstacles in
creating sustainable facilities and educational systems that adhere to International standards for learning. Scheduled activities throughout the event include presentations, discussions, key-note addresses as well as attending guests from accredited international schools outlining a wide range of topics such as sustainability in schools, green growth, the importance of a school as a public sphere, the role of architecture, and the need for various forms of investment to meet the challenges of the future. Those attending the event will include architects, designers, facility and university planners, engineers, head teachers and members of academia as well as representatives from consulting agencies, construction organizations, local authorities and government departments. Everyone attending the exhibition will have the chance to view presentations, showcasing the latest trends, innovations and technological advancements available today within the school build industry. This conference reflects
Kamal Jamil the Kuwait Government’s dedication and commitment to understanding and addressing the ever-changing demands in education by identifying and creating solutions today, for a
better and brighter tomorrow. The grand exhibition will be inaugurated by Dr Moudhi Al-Humoud, Kuwait Minister of Education and Higher education.
Global equities and government bond prices rose after the Fed on Tuesday laid the groundwork for further stimulus measures and expressed concerns about low inflation, yet made no policy shift at the end of a oneday meeting. Spot gold hit a new record of $1,294.95 an ounce, before easing to $1,291.70 an ounce by 1215 GMT, still showing a 0.5 percent gain on the day. US gold futures rose $19.4 an ounce to $1,293.70, having hit a contract high at $1,296.5. “The key driver was the (Federal Reserve) .... statement and the subtle change in language that it was “prepared to provide additional accommodation if needed” a shift from the previous wording that it “will employ its tools as necessary’,” said Credit Agricole analyst Robin Bhar. “We interpret this as a conditional easing bias. It pushes the door for QE2 (a second round of quantitative easing) wider and the implication that this has for a weaker dollar and further unease of what governments will do to weaken their currencies to support flagging economic growth.” Should the Fed resort to a second round of quantitative easing, which involves largescale purchases of Treasuries to keep interest rates low in exchange for a cash injection into the system, gold’s appeal to investors grows as the opportunity cost of holding a non-yield bearing asset declines. Also, fresh cash in the economy raises the risk of a pick-up in inflation, which erodes the returns from currency, equity and bonds holdings, yet benefits owners of gold, who see the value of their holdings rise in line with consumer prices. Gold has risen by over 17 percent this year, as investors have sought a relatively safe asset in which to park their cash as major currencies, stocks and bonds have become increasingly volatile. But large investor positions in gold, as reflected by holdings of metal under the SPDR Gold Trust, the world’s largest exchange-traded fund, and open interest in US futures puts gold at the risk of a downward correction. “The market looks overextended to me. People are predominantly long and keen to see higher prices, and as such, no one is going to stand in the way,” said Simon Weeks, head of precious metals at ScotiaMoccatta. “Once we’ve settled down a bit, I think further gains from here towards $1,300 are going to be tough. Having said that-I hate the cliche-but the trend has very much been people’s friend of late.” On the physical market, premiums in Hong Kong and Singapore were little changed despite high prices, with those in Singapore being around 50 to 80 cents, a dealer based in the city said. “I reckon customers are recovering from the aftershock of $20 jump. Again it’s a mixed market-in Thailand we see both physical demand and scrap selling, while Indonesian clients have gone hiding this morning and nothing is seen from India so far,” said the dealer. — Reuters
KUALA LUMPUR: A customer exchanges money at a currency exchange counter in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. Malaysia is studying the possibility of letting its currency trade freely overseas, officials said Tuesday while playing down the prospect of immediate changes. — AP
VIEW FROM THE TOP
BA to invest billions of pounds in fleet renewal British Airways’ CEO, Willie Walsh discuss his plans, challenges and the state of the aviation industry in the region Are you projecting growth in the ME for 2010, and what are your targets? We have been targeting relatively small growth because we are resisting the standard industry temptation of putting a lot of capacity back into the market. We believe one of the reasons why the industry is likely to return to profitability - and I speak about an industry now - is because we have demonstrated capacity discipline this time round. In overall terms we are looking at about a 3 percent increase in capacity winter 2010 versus winter 2009. Will an increase in regional capacity this winter bring any new routes to the Middle East No it won’t include any more routes; it is just adding some frequency to routes that we are already serving. It’s only a small increase in frequency but it could see us operating larger aircraft. We are going through finalisation at the moment but we would expect to see capacity increase in the region this winter. Which areas of the business are you targeting for significant investment? Our main focus for investment at the moment is in the area of new aircraft. We have a number of new aircraft being delivered to us this year the Boeing 777-300’s, and we will take delivery of more777’s next year. In 2012 we start taking delivery of the Boeing 787’s and in 2013 the delivery of the Airbus A380. We are investing billions of pounds in fleet renewal and expansion over the next few years. We are also investing in upgrading the cabins onboard our aircraft. We are putting a new FIRST cabin on most of our longhaul aircraft and that will continue over the next 12 - 18 months. That’s a £100 million investment programme in upgrading our First class cabin on BA aircraft, so clearly quite a lot of investment is going into new aircraft and upgrading existing aircraft. I think investing in new aircraft is definitely a good idea because the new aircraft are so much more fuel efficient than the aircraft they are replacing. That is particularly apparent in the case of the large twin-engined aircraft, where the 777-300 in our configuration will have almost exactly the same number of seats as the Boeing 747-400, but the aircraft is significantly more fuel efficient. Given the way oil prices are increasing, we believe investing in new fuel efficient aircraft is absolutely the right thing to do. The analysis we did going back a few years showed us that once fuel went for about $60 a barrel and we could justify the investment in new aircraft even when the existing aircraft had not reached the end of its economical life. This was because the operating force for the new aircraft represented a significant fuel improvement on the existing aircraft. We also believe that continuing to invest in our premium products will pay dividends, particularly on longhaul, because we believe that the demand for that product will always be strong. We did see demand decline in 2009, but that was a cyclical decline on the back of the weakening economic environment. We have seen a strong recovery in longhaul premium demand in 2010 and I think that it is absolutely right for us to invest in that product. Following the biofuel announcement in February, has any further progress been made? We are making really good progress. One area is with a biofuel company called Solena which will see a biofuel plant being built in the East End of London and this will convert urban waste into biofuel by 2012. We will then see the output of that in 2013- 2014. It is a very exciting project which works very well in a large urban area like London, where there is clearly a lot of domestic urban waste that can be converted using existing technology. It is made commercially viable by two
important features. One is that waste in the UK that goes into a landfill area attracts a tax - you have to pay to put your waste into a landfill area. The second is the introduction of carbon pricing, with the inclusion of aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme from 2012. Both of these make the prospect of this initiative commercially viable. Another initiative that we have in place is a research initiative with Rolls Royce, where we have approached biofuel manufacturers to conduct testing on an aircraft engines. We started this initiative two years ago and struggled to get sufficient levels of biofuel available for testing. However, we’ve recently gone out and done it again and we’ve had great interest. I think it demonstrates that commercially there is a lot more development going on in relation to biofuel than there has been, and we see this as a really attractive proposition for the future. We are delighted to be involved in both of those initiatives. Do you see Dubai establishing itself as a major global aviation hub, and who would you see as its main rival? I think Dubai has very significant ambitions to establish itself as a global hub and I think the ambition had been well stated. When I look at the Middle East though, I do find it interesting. You’ve got three major carriers with global ambitions - Emirates, Etihad and Qatar - and all three are looking to establish global hubs in their countries. It will be interesting to see how that plays out - I’ve seen a number of commentators argue that there isn’t scope for three global hubs in the region, and that not all three will be able to fulfil genuine global ambition. However, I’ve watched with interest the way the three carriers are developing their networks and clearly the ambition there is to take some traffic that’s currently used by some of the other major hub airports (Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam and clearly Singapore as well) and to try and attract some of that traffic to the Middle Eastern hubs. Given the location of the Middle East, and particularly that it connects the East to the West, it’s going to be an interesting period. The next 5-10 years, in particular, will see the development of hub airports in the Middle East but I tend to agree with some of the commentators, in that it is going to be difficult to see all three establish genuine global positions. There is a good argument to be made for two of those though, but I think the next 5 years will really tell and I know all of the major European hub operators are watching that development and the Middle East with great interest, because clearly carriers in the region are looking to attract some of the customers we currently serve, and to serve those customers from Middle Eastern hubs. We are seeing an increasing number of airlines announce mergers and alliances - what is your view on consolidation, and what are BA’s plans in this area? I think consolidation will be a feature of our industry over the next few years. This is why I am pleased that we are progressing with our merger discussion with Iberia which we hope to conclude by the end of this year. This will make BA and Iberia much stronger in the European and global environment, and will mean we can start consolidation in Latin America. With the announcement over the weekend of LAM and TAM coming together, consolidation is very much going to be a feature of the industry in coming years and I believe it is part of the solution to the structural problems that our industry has had, and therefore I am very supportive of the move towards global consolidation. I think British Airways is well placed at the moment and the merger with Iberia will strengthen our position. I think it makes both British Airways and Iberia attractive for further consolidation which will be our objective as we move forward.
TECHNOLOGY
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Superfast mobile 3G networks boom GENEVA: Superfast third generation (3G) mobile phone networks have expanded nearly tenfold in four years, outstripping fixed line broadband, UN’s telecoms agency said yesterday. The International Telecommunications Union predicted that 3G capacity worldwide would exceed 900 million subscriptions by the end of this year as the pace of expansion continued to accelerate. At the beginning of 2010, 3G capacity could accommodate 667 million subscriptions worldwide, compared to 73 million four years earlier, the ITU said in a statistics survey. “While these aren’t all necessarily active subscriptions, the growing number highlights the vast potential wireless technologies hold,” it added. “ITU has set a clear target by recommending that at least half the world’s people have access to broadband by 2015.” Over the same period, global fixed line broadband subscriptions rose from 216 million to 479 million. Third generation now accounts for 14 percent of all mobile telecoms subscriptions compared to three percent in 2006. But poor nations appear to be left out, as penetration rates for fixed or mobile broadband remain very low in developing countries, just above three percent of inhabitants, according to the ITU. The fixed broadband figure is barely higher than the agency’s estimate three years ago. “Tremendous achievements have been made over the past five years in bringing broadband access to millions of people around the world — but much more needs to be done,” the ITU said. —AFP
27
Czech halts Google ‘Street View’ PRAGUE: The Czech Republic has refused to grant Google permission to expand its “Street View” because the mapping feature invades peoples’ privacy, the government’s privacy watchdog said yesterday. The Czech Office for Personal Data Protection has been investigating the issue since April, and last week it did not give Google Inc. the necessary registration for “Street View” in the eastern European country but did not explain why. Google at the time considered it a tem-
porary decision. Yesterday, the US Internet giant said it was closely cooperating with the Czech government agency and providing all the details required to be allowed to continue in collecting data. “Thanks to the ongoing cooperation, most conditions ... have been met,” Google said in a statement. But office head Igor Nemec said Google, while gathering the data, uses technology that “disproportionately invades citizens’ privacy.” “Street View” provides Internet users with
panoramic views and photographs of neighborhoods along many streets across the globe. It is popular but has been controversial in Germany, South Korea and other countries amid fears that people _ filmed without their consent _ could be seen doing things they want to keep private or being in places where they don’t want to be seen. Google also lost the trust of many in Europe this spring when it had to acknowledge that the technology used by its “Street View” cars had also vacuumed up fragments
of people’s online activities broadcast over public Wi-Fi networks for the past four years. Nemec, the Czech official, said the ‘Street View’ cameras are placed too high _ 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall _ which allow them to see “over the fence” and into people’s homes. He said his office has received dozens of complaints from citizens. In one of them, a person claimed that a picture of his home be studied by a burglar, Nemec said. Google said it was trying to have the cameras in a position to take best possible pic-
tures while not to violate people’s privacy. It said it was ready to delete disputed images “in a very short time” after receiving a complaint. Nemec said yesterday that Google also does not have a proper legal representative on Czech territory to handle personal data. Google did not comment on that. Google said it would collect no new data in the Czech Republic until the problem is solved, but that photos taken previously in Prague and other cities were still available. — AP
EU parliament calls for online piracy crackdown STRASBOURG: The European parliament pressed yesterday for a crackdown on film and music piracy on the Internet, raising fears among online rights groups that a new law will soon follow. The European Union’s legislature adopted a non-binding resolution in a 328-245 vote calling for the creation within European law of the right to pursue people who violate intellectual property rights. “We must apply on the Internet laws that protect intellectual property,” said the lead sponsor of the resolution, French conservative Marielle Gallo. “Otherwise it will be a jungle, and in the jungle it is the law of the strongest that prevails,” she said. The resolution, rejected by the Socialist opposition and the Green bloc, expresses regret about loopholes in antipiracy law and the failure of negotiations on creating criminal sanctions against online pirates. EU internal markets commissioner Michel Barnier told the parliament he would present later this year “an action plan on counterfeiting and piracy.” Groups defending the rights of Internet users had lobbied for weeks against the resolution, which follows similar wishes in the European Commission and EU states. “It can only worry us if the European parliament joins them,” said Jeremie Zimmermann, spokesman of French online organisation La Quadrature du Net. Among their concerns is the idea of allowing cooperation between Internet providers and copyright holders. “Publishers would have an arrangement with providers to penalize Internet users, for example by restricting their bandwidth,” Zimmermann said. “This would happen outside the court system. For us it’s unacceptable.” — AFP
GERMANY: In this July 9, 2008 file photo a Google street view car drives near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. The Czech Republic’s privacy watchdog said yesterday that Google has not been granted permission to expand its mapping feature “Street View” in their country because it invades peoples’ privacy. —AP
Debate on labeling GMO Australian 17-year-old boy salmon if it wins US approval blamed for Twitter chaos ROCKVILLE: US experts Tuesday held a second day of hearings into whether to allow genetically modified salmon to become the first so-called “Frankenfood” animal to be served up on American dinner tables. The meeting, which tackled the thorny issue of labeling, came after a 14member committee of independent experts consulted by the Food and Drug Administration called for further studies before any decision is reached. Under the current laws, GM modified salmon would not have to be labeled as transgenic food as it would be exactly the same as other salmon. The Massachusetts-based AquaBounty argues that its fish, injected with a gene from the Pacific Chinook salmon, can reach adult size in 16 to 18 months instead of 30 months for normal Atlantic salmon. But it has said that in all other respects, its AquAdvantage salmon “are identical to other Atlantic salmon.” If GMO salmon is given the green light, consumer groups are demanding that the FDA require it to carry a GM label, even though supporters of the new salmon argue that such a label might lead consumers to shun the fish. Michael Hansen, from the Consumer Union, argued that it was too early to tell if there would be any ill effects for con-
sumers or not. “It’s essential to label the GE (genetically engineered) animal so that any effects will be recognized and consumer health protected,” he said. “Recently certain drugs approved by FDA as safe have turned out to have unexpected health effects after they were widely used by consumers.” The “FDA should require labeling to ensure that any unexpected or unintended effects of engineering this salmon ... come to FDA attention,” he added. AquaBounty has insisted it would only rear GM salmon in inland hatcheries, and that only sterile female salmon will be sold to farmers. The new strain could help meet rising demand for fish and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks, the firm contends. AquaBounty has tried for several years to win a green light from the FDA to breed and market its GM salmon. The company has said it would take two to three years from FDA approval before its salmon would hit store shelves. But a coalition of 31 groups is urging the FDA to reject the application, with critics warning the new salmon could exacerbate the problem of farmed fish escaping from tanks and breeding with wild counterparts. According to a recent poll 95 percent of Americans are in favor of labeling such genetically modified foods.
“Americans want a choice, and labeling is imperative in order for consumers to have the choice,” said Anna Zivian, from the environmental group Ocean Conservancy. But others argued that if the FDA is not in favor of obligatory labels, a voluntary system could be set up. “I do reject mandatory government labeling, but I am in favor of voluntary labeling,” said Elliot Entis, from the American Salmon Company. And in a radical intervention Bruce Chassy, from the University of Illinois, said those consumers who did not want to eat GM foods should be prepared to pay more for their goods. “All animals and plants we eat have been more altered genetically than naturally,” he said. He said it was the right of consumers not to eat transgenic food “but they have to pay the price for that because there is no difference scientifically established.” If the FDA gives the salmon the go ahead it could also open the door to a variety of other kinds of genetically engineered animals ranging from tilapia to pigs to cows. The FDA turned to the committee of independent experts after concluding earlier this month, based on company data, that the modified fish is safe for human consumption and the environment. It does not have to follow the committee’s final recommendations. —AFP
The glitch was mainly used for pranks, but could maliciously steal user details SYDNEY: A 17-year-old Australian schoolboy yesterday said he unwittingly caused a massive hacker attack on Twitter which sent users to Japanese porn sites and took out the White House press secretary’s feed. Pearce Delphin, whose Twitter name is @zzap, admitted exposing a security flaw which was then pounced upon by hackers, affecting thousands of users and causing havoc on the microblogging site for about five hours. Delphin, who lives with his parents in Melbourne, said he tweeted a piece of “mouseover” JavaScript code which brings up a pop-up window when the user hovers their cursor over the message. But the idea was soon taken up by hackers who tweaked the code to redirect users to pornographic sites and create “worm” tweets that replicated every time they were read. “I did it merely to see if it could be done ... that JavaScript really could be executed within a tweet,” Delphin told AFP via email. “At the time of posting the tweet, I had no idea it was going to take off how it did. I just hadn’t even considered it.” Twitter apologised to its millions of users after the “mouseover bug” raged through the site, opening pop-up windows in Web
browsers and automatically generating tweets from other accounts. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs and Sarah Brown, wife of Britain’s former prime minister Gordon Brown, were among those hit by the bug before engineers patched it up. The “Netcraft” security website traced the malicious code back to Delphin, who said he got the idea from another user who employed a similar code to make his profile and tweets rainbow-colored. “After that, it seems like some of my followers realised the power of this vulnerability, and within a matter of minutes scripts had taken over my timeline,” Delphin said. The glitch was mainly used for pranks, but Delphin said it could have been used to “maliciously steal user account details”. “The problem was being able to write the code that can steal usernames and passwords while still remaining under Twitter’s 140 character tweet limit,” he said. “Luckily, no one, as far as Twitter admits, actually used this to extract passwords from users.” Experts said the problem could have been exploited for more sinister purposes by hackers redirecting users to third-party websites containing malicious code, or for spam advertising. —AFP
Top eBay e-commerce executive steps down SAN FRANCISCO: One of eBay’s top executives is stepping down, leaving a void in the e-commerce company’s largest division, which includes the namesake auction website. Lorrie Norrington, the president of eBay Marketplaces, is leaving for personal reasons, eBay Inc. said Tuesday. EBay said it will look outside the company for her replacement. Norrington, 50, spent two years at the helm of marketplaces, the division that includes eBay.com and numerous other e-commerce sites. She joined eBay Inc. in 2005 when eBay bought Shopping.com, a comparison-shopping company that had just named her CEO, for $634 million. The announcement comes at a time when San Jose-based eBay is trying to improve its flagship website to lure and retain more shoppers. In recent years, the company has tried such things as changing its search system and lowering the upfront fees it charges sellers. EBay credited Norrington for both adjustments. RBC Capital Markets analyst Stephen Ju said that Norrington’s sudden departure is not a good thing for eBay. Remaining executives including Donahoe will have more
work running marketplaces for the time being _ and that’s if eBay’s explanation for her departure is taken at face value. “The other interpretation is that she might be held responsible for what the management team admitted will be a slower turnaround than they originally thought,” Ju said. Even as eBay works to improve that business, its payments business, which includes online payment service PayPal, is poised to overshadow it. The payments business has grown rapidly as more consumers and merchants use it to send money on eBay and on other websites. EBay CEO John Donahoe has said that in the next few years this business’ revenue will surpass that of the marketplaces segment. Also on Tuesday, eBay predicted that its third-quarter results, which it will issue in October, will be close to the top of the outlook range it gave in July. The company had forecast an adjusted profit of 35 cents to 37 cents per share on $2.13 billion to $2.18 billion in revenue. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect adjusted earnings of 37 cents per share on $2.2 billion in revenue. —AP
CALIFORNIA: In this Sept. 9, 2010 photo, a customer tests the new Apple iPod Shuffle on display at an Apple Store in Palo Alto, California. —AP
HEALTH & SCIENCE
28
Thursday, September 23, 2010
German government passes unpopular health reform BERLIN: Germany’s embattled government signed off on an unpopular reform of the creaking healthcare system yesterday that will increase the financial burden on patients. With the system under major strain due to a graying population and the rising cost of treatment, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s centre-right cabinet approved a draft law aimed at plugging deep deficits. “We have the best healthcare system in the world but we are getting older and older,” Health Minister
Philipp Roesler told public television. “Someone has got to pay for that,” he said, calling the reform plans “tough but necessary”. The German healthcare system is praised for its quality but it also one of the most expensive in the world. Roessler said if the government had not taken action, the deficit in the system would have hit 11 billion euros (15 billion dollars) in 2011. After months of internal squabbling, the government settled on a scheme that would see total premiums rise to 15.5
percent of employees’ gross pay from 14.9 percent currently beginning January 1. The contribution pools health-insurance payments from employers and staff. Previous reforms in 2006 and 2008 also resulted in higher contributions. In addition, patients will have to make co-payments at the doctor’s office set by health insurers, meaning that future cost hikes will have to be covered by the employee alone. The plans also include modest spending cuts for doctors, clinics, medication and
administration but stop short of the sweeping overhaul promised during the general election campaign one year ago. Roesler has come under fire for sparing privately insured patients, who are wealthier on average than those under the state insurance scheme and make up about 10 percent of the population. A recent poll indicated that more than half of Germans oppose the new measures. The reforms must still pass through parliament so they can go into effect next year. The mea-
sures come amid more bad news for Merkel in the polls. A survey by the independent Forsa institute released yesterday saw her conservative Christian Democrats losing one point to 29 percent with the opposition Social Democrats and the resurgent Greens now tied at 24 percent. The pro-business Free Democrats, Roesler’s party and junior partners in the government, were stuck at five percent, a fraction of the nearly 15 percent they drew at the general election last September. — AFP
Goals include cutting poverty, halting HIV/AIDS, cutting child maternal mortality
UN summit promotes health campaign for women, children UNITED NATIONS: A global campaign that aims to save the lives of 16 million mothers and children over the next five years launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon yesterday w ith as much as $40 billion in commitments from w orld governments and private aid groups. The Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health w as being announced at the end of a three-day summit to review efforts to implement anti-poverty goals adopted in 2000. These include cutting extreme poverty by half, ensuring universal primary education, halting and reversing the HIV/AIDS pandem-
ic, and cutting child and maternal mortality.”Women and children play a crucial role in development,” Ban said in a statement. “Investing in their health is not only the right thing to do — it also builds stable, peaceful and productive societies. “ Ban has made the reduction of maternal and child deaths a personal campaign, and it has been a key topic during the summit. Worldw ide every year, an estimated 8 million children die before reaching their 5th birthday, and about 350,000 w omen die during pregnancy or childbirth.
UNITED NATIONS: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks during a meeting on biological diversity at United Nations headquarters yesterday. — AP
Cyber bully victims hit with depression SAN FRANCISCO: School children bullied online face a high risk of being hit with realworld depression, according to a study released Tuesday by the US National Institutes of Health. The “cyber bullying” findings deviated from studies of real-world bullying that indicated children who were bullies as well as being victims of the behavior were most
likely to feel depressed, according to researchers. “Notably, cyber victims reported higher depression than cyber bullies or bully-victims, which was not found in any other form of bullying,” the study authors wrote in the Journal of Adolescent Health. “Unlike traditional bullying...cyber victims may not see or identify their harasser; as such, cyber victims may be more likely to
feel isolated, dehumanized or helpless at the time of the attack.” While traditional bullying involves face-to-face abuse such as taunts or physical violence, cyber bullying comes in the form of hurtful gestures in online formats such as email, text messages, chat rooms, social networks. The study data was gleaned from US school students grades six through 10. — AFP
To kill a bedbug: Pick your weapon CHICAGO: Killing a single bedbug can be as easy as rolling on top of it in your sleep. Ridding a home or hotel of its siblings and cousins on the other hand, is an exhausting and expensive task. Nearly eliminated a few decades ago, bedbugs are back with a vengeance. They’ve overtaken college dorms, military barracks, apartment complexes, office buildings and even forced the closure of Niketown’s flagship New York store Monday. And they are big business: 258 million dollars in the United States last year, according to the National Pest Management Association. Leading experts gathered in a Chicago suburb Tuesday for a twoday summit on eradicating the hardy critters, which can live a year without feeding and like to explore at night, often catching rides to new homes in luggage, handbags and clothing. “It’s easy to come in and kill bedbugs with insecticide, but it’s much harder to get to the point where you can be confident that they’re gone,” Kenneth Haynes, an entomologist with the University of Kentucky, told AFP. Bedbugs are very good at hiding, he explained, and the problem is finding a poison which is powerful enough to kill all the bugs and their eggs but safe enough to be used indoors. The summit’s showroom was filled with potential solutions: massive room heaters to bake the bugs, carbon dioxide sprayers to freeze the bugs, high powered steamers to boil the bugs, plastic moats and barriers to block the bugs from getting into beds, tight-fitting mattress protectors, and even specially-trained dogs to sniff out their hiding spots. “There’s so much bedbug hysteria and 75 percent of it is well-founded,” said David James, whose com-
pany Packtite sells portable heating chambers designed to kill any critters that crawl into luggage or nonwashable possessions like books and shoes. “They’re so bad out there and they’re so hard to kill,” James said as he manned a busy display at the sold-out show. “I’ve had people call me and say they’ve gone bankrupt trying to get rid of them because they keep replacing their clothes and furniture.” There is unfortunately no silver bullet for eradicating bed bugs, said Phillip Cooper, president of BedBug Central, a for-profit educational organization which hosted the conference. “Nothing works on its own,” said Cooper, who also runs a pest-control company founded by his father in 1955. The best thing to do is try to keep bed bugs out of your home by carefully inspecting hotel rooms, washing all clothes taken on a trip in hot water and vacuuming or treating your luggage. If you end up picking up the critters at work, a movie theatre, church or work, hope that you find them quick and call a professional right away. A moderate infestation can be eradicated with a single, properlyapplied treatment of insecticide, Cooper said. But serious infestations can require several treatments and a multiprong approach costing thousands of dollars. One way large hotel and apartment complexes are cutting their costs is hiring sniffer dogs to pinpoint exactly which units are affected and find the nests. A property manager at a large apartment complex outside Chicago, Shellie Beno, got into the business last year after residents started bringing her bags filled with bedbugs. —AFP
CHICAGO: Salesmen Brian Hirsch (L), Warrick Bell (C) and Jared Bell (R) of ProtectA-Bed mattress protectors show off their wares at a two-day bedbug conference on eradicating the hardy critters in a suburb of Chicago earlier this week. — AFP
Even before the details were announced, the international aid organization Oxfam expressed skepticism about how much money was truly new, and how the program would be administered and held accountable. “That kind of money would go a long way toward reaching the child and maternal health goals, but we have a big concern,” said Oxfam spokeswoman Emma Seery. “Where will that money come from? “Half of the donors cut their aid last year” amid the global economic crisis, she said. “We’re just nervous that it will be governments bringing together a lot of previous commitments, and that won’t mean much for poor people.” US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was expected at the afternoon “Every Woman, Every Child” event, along with world leaders including Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and the prime ministers of Ethiopia, Norway, and Tanzania. Melinda Gates of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was also on the advance roster of speakers. Aid agencies overall welcomed the prospect of more money for programs that will save the lives of mothers and children. “There is a face to hunger and poverty, and it is female,” said Josette Sheeran, executive director of the UN’s World Food Program. “We know that the most powerful intervention we can do is ensure women have access to food so they can build a future for their children, for themselves and for their villages.” “When we first started talking about this five years ago, there didn’t seem to be any interest, very little commitment,” said Dr. Flavia Bustreo. A pediatrician, Bustreo heads the World Health Organization’s Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health in Geneva, Switzerland, which has worked with Ban’s office on the strategy in recent months. WHO will chair the global strategy, with a progress report delivered annually to the UN General Assembly, she said. Bustreo said some money could be used to pay for simple, inexpensive tools and practices that could save millions of the world’s children each year. She said the 1 million newborns who die each year through aspiration _ literally drowning from fluid in the breathing passage _ could have been saved with a tool that has a bulb like a turkey baster that uses suction to clear away liquids. The lives of older children can be saved with re-hydration liquids to combat diarrhea, immunizations for childhood diseases like measles, and vitamin supplements to fight malnutrition, she said. Improving maternal health is more difficult — and costly. Bustreo said half of all maternal deaths are caused by complications of delivery, such as obstructive labor, that require surgery. In 2000, the UN set “Millennium Development Goals” that included reducing child mortality by two-thirds and maternal mortality by three quarters by 2015. The commitments being announced yesterday include a combined annual pledge of $2.7 billion announced in recent days by the non-governmental groups BRAC, Save the Children Alliance and World Vision, as well as a recent $1.8 billion commitment by the international relief organization Care to improve maternal and child health. Other key organizations making significant commitments include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation ($1.5 billion), the UN Foundation ($400 million), and $200 million from Johnson & Johnson. Many commitments are being made by poorer countries which have pledged to set aside more funds for better health care of mothers and small children within their borders. Nigeria is pledging 2 percent of its national oil revenues for domestic health care and increasing its national health budget from 5 to 15 percent, while Tanzania is increasing its health spending from 12 to 15 percent of the national budget. Bangladesh will set aside funds to double the percentage of births attended by a skilled health worker by 2015. And Nepal will recruit 10,000 skilled health workers and provide free maternal care to isolated communities. — AP
SYDNEY: A file picture taken in Taronga Zoo in Sydney shows gorilla ‘Mouila’ (Center) and her baby ‘Mahale’. — AFP
Malaria parasite crossed to man from gorilla PARIS: The parasite that causes the most lethal strain of malaria among humans crossed the species barrier from gorillas, scientists reported yesterday. Plasmodium falciparum is the deadliest of the five known strains of malaria parasites, causing several hundred million cases each year, of which around a million are fatal. The parasite passes from one human to another via a female Anopheles mosquito, which hands it on when the insect takes a blood meal. Until now, conventional thinking was that the parasite was first transmitted to humans from chimpanzees, our closest relatives, from which we genetically diverged between five and seven million years ago. The chimp carries its own type of malaria parasite, Plasmodium reichenowi, and it was thought that P. falciparum was simply one of P. reichenowi’s many strains. This assumption was indirectly strengthened by findings that the AIDS virus probably came to humans from chimps, which have a similar immunodeficiency microbe. The first case may have occurred in central-western Africa around a century ago, possibly involving an individual who ate or handled infected bushmeat. But a new look at the origins of malaria, published in the British science journal Nature, says that the Plasmodium parasite crossed from
another of our great-ape cousins, the gorilla, and adapted to humans. Scientists led by Beatrice Hahn of the University of Alabama at Birmingham went to painstaking lengths to investigate their hypothesis. They collected almost 3,000 samples of faeces dropped by wild-living great apes-chimps, gorillas and bonobos (Pan paniscus) — at field sites across central Africa and sequenced the DNA of any Plasmodium pathogen found in these droppings. Between a third and a half of the chimp and western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) populations were infected with Plasmodium parasites, and infections were almost always of mixed strains. There was no signs of infection among bonobos and eastern gorillas (Gorilla beringei). On the Plasmodium family tree, a “nearly identifical” match for P. falciparum was found in faeces in western gorillas rather than in chimps, the researchers found. “Human P. falciparum formed a monophyletic lineage within the gorilla parasite radiation,” the paper says. “These findings indicate that P. falciparum is of gorilla origin and not of chimpanzee, bonobo or ancient human origin.” The scientists suggest that the transmission may have resulted from a single cross-species event. What is unclear, though, is when the handover occurred. Also uncertain is whether gorillas represent a reservoir today for recurring human infection. — AFP
Zimbabwe drops charges against foreign medics HARARE: Zimbabwe has dropped charges against four US health workers, a doctor from New Zealand and another from Zimbabwe, all accused of illegally running a clinic, their lawyer said yesterday. The six were operating a clinic in Harare and another at an orphanage in the northeastern town of Mtoko, working through a California-based church group that cares for people with HIV. “I can confirm that the charges against the four US health workers and the other two doctors have been withdrawn,” lawyer Jonathan Samkange told AFP. Arrested September 10, they had been released on 200 dollars’ bail. Their trial had been scheduled to begin Monday, but Samkange said prosecutors had withdrawn the charges. The prosecutors’ office was not immediately reachable
for comment on the case. The four Americans from Oakland, California are Gloria Cox Crowell, 48; Gregory Renard Miller, 66; David Greenberg, 62; and Anthony Eugene Jones, 39. The other two doctors are New Zealander Reid Andrew John Cheyne, 49, and Zimbabwean doctor Tembinkosi Ncomanzi, 37. Crowell had also faced a separate charge of importing medical drugs for distribution in the country, but that charge too was dropped, said Samkange. Zimbabwe’s public health sector is still recovering from the country’s decade-long political and economic crisis, which saw most hospitals and clinics close. Public health facilities have begun reopening and restocking since the formation of a power-sharing government between President Robert Mugabe and former opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai in February 2009. —AFP
Thursday, September 23, 2010
HEALTH & SCIENCE
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Britain watchdog suggests school pregnancy classes LONDON: Britain’s health watchdog yesterday called for a major overhaul of maternity services to help save the lives of mothers and babies, suggesting schools could host antenatal classes to help pregnant teenagers. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) said vulnerable pregnant women, such as
drug users, non-English speakers, victims of domestic abuse and those under 20, often did not attend antenatal appointments. However, the watchdog said they needed medical care the most, with women living in areas of high deprivation in England five times more likely to die during or after childbirth than
those in affluent areas. Their babies are also twice as likely to be stillborn or die shortly after birth. “Although these women represent a small proportion of those having babies in the UK each year, they and their unborn children deserve the same level of care as anyone else,” said Dr Gillian Leng, NICE’s deputy chief executive.
The new guidance from NICE calls for antenatal services to be made more flexible, saying traditional services did not often meet the needs of vulnerable women. Among the suggestions is the setting up of antenatal classes in some schools and colleges. Britain has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Europe. Figures
last year indicated that there were 41.9 conceptions for every 1,000 under-18 girls in 2007. “Any barrier that prevents a pregnant woman from getting the care that both she and her baby need ... poses a preventable risk to both mum and baby,” said Jane Brewin, chief executive of baby charity Tommy’s.
“Making maternity services both accessible and able to meet the often complex needs of these women is vital in mitigating these circumstances and helping their babies be born healthy.” However, critics said NICE’s plans could worsen the problem of teenage pregnancy. “Bringing antenatal classes on to school premises runs the risk
of normalizing teenage pregnancy and of increasing the very problem it was intended to address,” Norman Wells, director of the Family Education Trust, told newspapers. “Schools exist to assist and support parents in the education of their children, not to be the panacea for every social ill.” —Reuters
China AIDS activist goes on trial BEIJING: A 23-year-old Chinese man who contracted the HIV virus as a boy and campaigns for the rights of AIDS sufferers has stood trial in central China for damaging property, state media said yesterday. Tian Xi was arrested in Henan province’s Xincai county in August after causing damage at a local hospital where he believed he got the virus from a tainted blood transfusion, the official Xinhua news agency said. The Xincai county court is to announce its verdict “another day”, the report added. Calls to the court went unanswered on Wednesday, a public holiday in China. Tian has lobbied for compensation for thousands of Chinese people who have contracted HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, through contaminated blood supplies. Henan was hugely affected by an AIDS scandal in the 1990s that saw entire villages devastated by the condition. Many people were infected after repeatedly selling their blood to collection stations that pooled it into a tub and then injected it back into them after extracting the plasma. Tian learned recently that local officials had urged police to detain him to curtail his activism, according to the Chinese AIDS campaign group Aizhixing. Tian’s father has written a letter to the head of UNAIDS China asking for help, saying his son was diagnosed with AIDS, hepatitis B and C when he was 17, according to the group. “This was a serious blow for my family. My wife suffered from mental illness,” he wrote in the letter published on the group’s website. He said Tian was invited back to Xincai from Beijing by the county’s Communist Party secretary to settle the issue, but he never saw him despite several visits to his office. Tian then ran out of medicine and went to see the director of a hospital, who did nothing. “In the end, Tian Xi could not bear it. In a moment of anger, he dropped a teacup and some office supplies,” the letter read. Police detained him on August 6 and formally arrested him more than two weeks later, the group said. Xinhua said he had also been charged with damaging property “at or near the home of the hospital president on five occasions”. At least 740,000 people are living with HIV in China, according to official figures, but campaigners say the actual figure could be far higher. The government has become more open about HIV prevention and control in a nation where 50 million people are at risk of contracting the AIDS virus, mainly through unprotected sex or needle use, according to UNAIDS. But independent campaigners like Tian still face harassment. Wan Yanhai, head of Aizhixing, fled to the United States with his family earlier this year because he said he feared for his safety. —AFP
GENEVA: In this handout image, pilot Andre Borschberg flies the experimental solar-powered aircraft, Solar Impulse, near the Castel of Chillon above Lake Geneva during a test flight from Payerne to Geneva on Tuesday. —AFP
Swiss solar plane completes flight across Switzerland GENEVA: Switzerland’s sun-powered plane Solar Impulse flew across the country yesterday, in a new achievement following its historic 24-hour flight. Air traffic was temporarily halted at Zurich international airport as Solar Impulse touched down at the end of its journey at an altitude of 150 to 300 meters (500 to 1,000 feet), and a speed of about 50 kilometers (30 miles) per hour, a spokeswoman said. “This is a training for the team, for the airport” and air traffic controllers, said Bertrand Piccard, the Swiss adventurer who masterminded the project. “We wanted to show that we would not pose a major disturbance to the airport’s activities,” he added. The plane remained for 45 minutes on the runway at Zurich, before taking off again on its return trip of some 270 kilometers (170 miles) to the military air base of Payerne in the west of the country. With a wingspan that matches the Airbus A340 airliner, the plane is covered with an array of 12,000 solar cells and powered by four small electric motors. In July it made history by flying around the clock on the sun’s energy alone, using 14 hours of sunshine to power its engines and charge its batteries for the night. It is expected to conduct its first international flights next year, before undertaking a world tour in 2013 or 2014. —AFP
Dog poop has bright side powering US park lamp CAMBRIDGE: It stinks and it’s a hazard to walkers everywhere, but it turns out dog poop has a bright side. Dog poop is lighting a lantern at a Cambridge dog park as part of a monthslong project that its creator, artist Matthew Mazzotta, hopes will get people thinking about not wasting waste. The “Park Spark” poop converter is actually two steel, 500-gallon (1,900-liter) oil tanks painted a golden yellow, connected by diagonal black piping and attached to an old gaslight-style street lantern at the Pacific Street Park. After the dogs do their business, signs on the tanks instruct owners to use biodegradable bags supplied on site to pick up the poop and deposit it into the left tank. People then turn a wheel to stir its insides, which contain waste and water. Microbes in the waste give off methane, an odorless gas that is fed through the tanks to the
lamp and burned off. The park is small but has proven busy enough to ensure a steady supply of fuel. Dog owner Lindsey Leason, a 29-year-old Harvard student, said she was all for seeing poop in a new light as she watched her two dogs play at the park. “Since I have to pick up dog poop a lot, I think I’d rather have it be useful,” Leason said. The project was funded by a $4,000 grant from Council of the Arts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where Mazzotta earned a master’s degree in visual studies last year. The 33-year-old Mazzotta, who is not a dog owner, got the idea after he visited the park with a friend in 2009. Mazzotta had recently traveled to India and saw people there using poop in so-called “methane digesters” to cook food. As he watched the park’s trash can fill with bags of poop, he remarked to his friend, “In other countries, they use that.” A simi-
lar idea to use dog poop for power was floated in San Francisco about four years ago. But that idea fizzled in the city’s bureaucracy and over concerns about safety, said environmental scientist Will Brinton, who worked with Mazzotta on Park Spark and was consulted in the San Francisco project. Cambridge Fire Chief Gerry Reardon had his own questions about “Park Spark,” including whether vandalism or poor design could cause the tank’s insides to spill out and how the methane would be safely contained and vented. But Park Spark’s sturdy build and safety features persuaded the fire department to give its approval, he said. “We try to stay progressive here,” Reardon said. Mazzotta’s project brings welcome visual distraction to the park, which is bordered by a rutted street, a weed-filled lot and the beaten-down backsides of a couple of buildings. —AP
WHATʼS ON IN KUWAIT
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Thursday, September 23, 2010
Embassy information
INDIAN FIESTA-2010 = The Final countdown has begun for the much awaited event “INDIAN FIESTA - 2010” to be held at the Entertainment City, Doha on Friday, 01st October, 2010 that is being organized by Hot Stepper, the entertainment wing of the Creative Indians Association who will be presenting their 13th grand event in Kuwait. For a minimal entry fee, The park will open from 5 PM till 1 AM for not only to enjoy the exciting rides at the venue but also awaiting you are various other attractions starting 5.30 PM like group dance performances, live musical performances, a mouthwatering spread of Indian cuisine from some of Kuwait’s top Indian restaurants, face painting, T-shirt printing, loads of prizes and giveaways. As the sun sets the stars will arise with the performances by the winner of the Indian Idol-5, Sreeram Chandra along with the runner up of the Indian Idol-5, Bhoomi Trivedi. As with all the past events like the Indian Fiestas, Indian Carnivals, DJ Akbar Sami Nite, DJ Aqeel Nite etc., the forthcoming show promises to be another rocking event.Visit and register on our website www.hot-stepper.com for timely updates. For more information call: 22455818. So go ahead and mark the date on your calendar. Hot Stepper group from the Creative Indians Association is organizing Indian Fiesta-2010. Sreeram Chandra Mynampati a 24 year old professional singer from hyderabad and 2010 Indian Idol Winner definetely needs no introduction. Having won the hearts of millions during the Indian Idol contest he left the audiences mesmerized in his first live concert held on 19th of September in the Sony entertainment channel. Sreeram has won the fifth season of music reality show Indian Idol 5 and was awarded by one of the most prominent figures in the history of Indian cinema Mr. Amitabh Bachan. In spite of a non-musical background, Sreeram Chandra had a passion towards singing and started singing from his school days continuing through college. The first person from South India to win the Indian Idol title, his victory on the show landed him Rs.5 million cash, one-year contract with Sony BMG Music Entertainment, a Tata Winger car, and for the first time, a chance to sing a song in a Yash Raj Films project. The State Government of Andhra Pradesh had honored him with the Lata Mangeshkar
Award along with a cash award of Rs. 1 lakh Shreeram started play back singing at the age of 17and has completed his 5th year of Certificate Course in carnatic vocal at Sri Bhakta Ramadasa Music College, Marredpally, Secunderabad. After participating in ETV “Sye”, a singing reality show, prominent Telugu Film music director Koti spotted Sreeram’s talent and made him sing a song “Chirugalithone Adiga” for a movie called Notebook. He got his first break singing title track for the critically acclaimed 2008 telugu comedy film Ashta Chamma before participating in the Indian Idol 5, Sreeram was an upcoming playback singer
n the occasion of Decennial celebration Tulukoota Kuwait invites all Tuluvas to join us for “Tuluparba Competitions” to be held on Friday, October 8, 2010 from 10:00 am-5:00 pm at Indian Community School Auditorium (Senior Girls) Salmiya. Join us for an exciting and entertaining day with lots of fun and creativity. Competitions for various age group planned for the day include: Dance Solo and Group, Fancy Dress Solo and Group; Pick N Speak; Onion Cutting; Ladies Cloth Bag Making; Men -Kenchana Kurlari; Smart Kid Contest; Puzzle and color me contest, “Hiriyerna Udala pathera” for senior citizens. For further details and registrations, please contact Sathyanarayana 66585077; Swarna Shetty: 99006934; Rekha Sachu 65044521 and for more details on the rules and regulations please visit our website tulukootakuwait.org. Last date for accepting registrations is October 3, 2010.
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outh Recreation Center (Rising Stars), on the completion of 30 glorious years in Kuwait has organized a maiden/mega Singing Competition, the “Gulf Voice of Mangalore 2008” on October 17, 2008 and Kuwait’s very own voice, Vinay Lewis was declared the winner of ‘Gulf Voice of Mangalore 2008. After the super success of this event we are back again with Gulf Voice of Mangalore 2010’. The auditions/preliminary rounds for Kuwait already held on June 11, 2010 under the leadership of Lawrence Pinto and Louis Rodrigues and 12 semi-finalists (six male and females each) were chosen to compete for the semi-finals in Kuwait on
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October 8, 2010 at the American International School - Hawalli. On this day two finalists, one male and one female each will be chosen to enter the grand-finale. Famous personalities in the music field will arrive from Mangalore to judge the semi-finalists. There will be an entertainment program by visiting artists from Mangalore as well as the local artists, Twelve finalists from six Gulf countries will be fighting for the coveted title in the grand-finale to be held in Dubai on October 22, 2010. For further information about this competition, contact Lawrence 99803755, Louis - 66561184. Wilson 99719938.
in Telugu film industry. He worked with some prominent music directors like, Mani Sharma, Kalyan Mallik and Ramana Gogula. Sreeram performed the hit track “Tum Mile” to which Music director Pritam commented that Sreeram is ready to start playback singing immediately. Sreeram also has recorded a duet with the renowned singer Shreya Ghoshal for a latest Telugu movie and the song was offered to him by one of the judges of Indian Idol 5 and music director Salim Merchant. Sreeram will be performing at the Creative Indians Association’s Hot Stepper event - the Indian Fiesta 2010 to be held on
1st October 2010 at the Entertainment City, Doha. He will be accompanied by the stunning Bhoomi Trivedi who gave him a tough competition at the Indian idol show with her powerful singing and breathtaking performances. Baroda-based Bhoomi Trivedi, who was one among the three finalists on “Indian Idol 5”, has been chosen as the new radio jockey of Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM, as announced at the grand finale of the Indian idol music reality show. The event will be graced by H.E the Indian Ambassador to the State of Kuwait Mr. Ajai Malhotra. Kuwait’s very own DJ Flames will have you grooving at regular intervals with what’s new and happening at the music scene back home. For a minimal entry fee, The park will open from 5 PM till 1 AM for not only to enjoy the exciting rides at the venue but also awaiting you are various other attractions starting 6 PM like group dance competitions, live musical performances, a mouthwatering spread of Indian cuisine from some of Kuwait’s top Indian restaurants, face painting, T-shirt printing, loads of prizes and giveaways. Book your date with Sreeram Chandra and watch this space for more information. Visit and register on our website www.hot-stepper.com for timely updates. BHOOMI TRIVEDI the new 21 year old radio jockey of Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM and Indian idol finalist belongs to a family that has music inherent in their blood, her father loves to sing while her mother has her own music group. Her elder sister is a trained bharatnatayam dancer. Bhoomi along with her sister and mother are regular performers at Navratri events. Bhoomi started to learn music while she was in 8th grade. Never the one to shy away from any event pertaining to music, she participated regularly in school and college competitions which in turn boosted her confidence and made her take up singing seriously. Being the good looking and charming contestant of Indian Idol 5, she was seen performing on the song, ‘babul ki aur suno liye’ at the audition. when she finished with the song, she was asked by the judges Salim and Annu Malek to sing the same song in western style for which Bhoomi suggested performing another song which is in
Gujarati, but she will sing it in Spice Girls ‘Wannabe’ song style. Bhoomi presents a unique mix of rap and hip hop in Guajarati which leaves the judges spellbound and she is assured of the ticket to the next series of rounds. Even then, Bhoomi Trivedi was not new to Indian Idol. In fact she had auditioned for the show twice earlier in Indian Idol 3 & 4 and even got selected. She had to quit the 3rd season as she was suffering from jaundice and 4th as she had a personal crisis wherein her aunt, who she was very close to passed away because of breast cancer. This year the hot and rocking Bhoomi has once again emerged with renewed energy, confidence and determination. For brevity, Bhoomi Trivedi had auditioned for Radio Jockey when she was amongst top 5 contestants where she outsmarted Shivam Pathak, Rakesh Maini, Sreeram Chandra and Swaroop Khan on the basis of listeners’ votes. Radio Mirchi RJ Sangita graced the Indian Idol 5 grand final at the Filmistan Studios and announced that Bhoomi Trivedi has been chosen as the new radio jockey of Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM. No wonder - Bhoomi Trivedi’s joy knew no boundaries and has thanked everyone for this. She even greeted the audience in a typical radio jockey style The very same stunning and sensational Bhoomi Trivedi of Baroda is now all set to set the stage ablaze in Kuwait, with her hot and husky voice and outstanding performances. She along with the dashing Indian Idol 5 Shreeram Chandra will rock the stage on 1st of October 2010 at entertainment city Doha from 5pm till 1am onwards. The evening will also consist of dance and singing performances by the children and youth who will show case their talents and express themselves in front of thousands and make use of the opportunity they have truly longed for. The mouth watering stalls and thrilling rides will add even more spice to an already exciting event. A Galore of prizes awaits those who are willing to prove their wit by answering the challenging questions prepared by our sponsors. The event will be graced by HE the Indian Ambassador to the State of Kuwait Mr. Ajai Malhotra. Kuwait’s very own DJ Flames will have you grooving at regular intervals with what’s new and happening at the music scene back home. For more information call 22455818.
n Saturday, September 25, 2010 the most comprehensive community sports program in Kuwait will be launched by British Ambassador, Frank Baker, with an Open Day to be held between 10 am to 1 pm at the British School of Kuwait in Salwa, Block 1 Street 1. The British Academy of Sport will offer over 100 courses in over 20 sporting activities, including football, basketball, gymnastics, swimming, scuba diving, karate, yoga, hockey, cricket, rugby, go-karting , paintball, fitness fun, bowling, tennis, skating, horse riding, martial arts, aerobics, cycling, boating and climbing and much more - sport for all. In addition there are sporting weekends in Dubai where you can enjoy indoor skiing and desert safaris, plus skiing in Lebanon and a sporting week in the UK. There are courses suitable for all ages with something for everyone to enjoy. The program will commence in October 2010 at specialist facilities throughout Kuwait with a team of fully qualified, experienced coaches encouraging a healthy lifestyle, participation and above all lots of fun for everyone. Make the most of your leisure time and come along to the Open Day to see what is on offer - taster sessions, displays, swimming, team games, competitions, inflatables, lots of free gifts and special offers - fun for the whole family. For further details visit www.bas.com.kw.
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EMBA SSY OF US The United States Department of State announces the increase in various visa fees to ensure sufficient resources to cover the increasing cost of processing nonimmigrant visas (NIVs). US law requires the Department to recover the cost of processing non-immigrant visas through the collection of the application fees. The increased fees are to take effect June 4, 2010. Under the new rule, applicants for all visas that are not petition-based, including B1/B2 tourist and business visitor visas and all student and exchange-visitor visas, will pay a fee of $140. Applicants for petition-based visas will pay an application fee of $150, as each of the below categories requires a review of extensive documentation and a more in-depth interview of the applicant than other categories, such as tourists. These categories include: H visa for temporary workers and trainees L visa for intra-company transferees O visa for aliens with extraordinary ability P visa for athletes, artists and entertainers Q visa for international cultural exchange visitors R visa for religious occupations The application fee for K visas for fiance(e)s of US citizens will be $350. The fee for E visas for treaty-traders and treaty-investors will be $390. EMBA SSY OF CA NA DA Middle East Education Initiative (MEEI) 2010 October 2 to 4, 2010 organized by the Embassy of Canada. Representatives of leading Canadian universities, colleges and other institutions of higher education will be available to meet students, parents, teachers and guidance counsellors to present the advantages of studying in Canada. On October 4, 2010 a “Study in Canada” exhibition will be being held at the Safir Marina Hotel, Salmiya for potential students and their parents to attend. The Canadian institutions will also be visiting local schools to speak to interested students about opportunities to study in Canada. Please contact the Canadian Embassy in Kuwait for additional information. The MEEI tour will also be visiting the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco. EMBA SSY OF INDIA The Embassy of India has further revamped and improved its Legal Advice Clinic at the Indian Workers Welfare Center, and made the free service available to Indian nationals on all five working days, i.e. from Sunday to Thursday every week. Kuwaiti lawyers would be available at the Legal Advice Clinic daily from Monday to Thursday, while Indian lawyers would be available on Sundays. Following are the free welfare services provided at the Indian Workers Welfare Center located at the Embassy of India: [i] 24x7 Helpline for Domestic Workers: Accessible by toll free telephone no. 25674163 from anywhere in Kuwait, it provides information and advice exclusively to Indian domestic sector workers (Visa No. 20) as regards their grievances, immigration and other matters. [ii] Help Desk: It offers guidance to Indian nationals on routine immigration, employment, legal, and other issues (Embassy premises; 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4.30 PM, Sunday to Thursday); (iii) Labour Complaints Desk: It registers labor complaints and provides grievance redressal service to Indian workers (Embassy premises; 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4.30 PM, Sunday to Thursday); (iv) Shelters: For female and male domestic workers in distress; (v) Legal Advice Clinic: Provides free legal advice to Indian nationals (Embassy premises; Kuwaiti lawyers 3 PM to 5 PM, Monday to Thursday; Indian lawyers 2 PM to 4 PM on Sunday); and (vi) Attestation of Work Contracts: Private sector worker (Visa No. 18) contracts are accepted at the Embassy; 9 AM to 1 PM; Sunday to Thursday; Domestic sector worker (Visa No. 20) contracts are accepted at Kuwait Union of Domestic Labor Offices (KUDLO), Hawally, Al-Othman Street, Kurd Roundabout, Al-Abraj Complex, Office No 9, Mezzanine Floor; 9 AM to 9 PM, Saturday to Thursday; 5 PM to 9 PM on Friday. The Embassy of India will remain closed on August 23 and September 2, 2010 on account of ‘Onam’ and ‘Janmashtami’ respectively. EMBA SSY OF TURKEY The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey announces that Turkish language course will restart at the Embassy’s Tourism, Culture and Information Office 4 October 2010. The lessons will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. For further details and registration please contact. * The Embassy at Tel: 22531785 (only from 9 am to 3 pm) * Or fill the application form on http://kuweyt.befscnet.net and send it to the e-mail: Turkish_embassy_Kuwait@hotmail.com
ariano Fernandes presents Soglleank Nomoskar, the Konkani drama which is all set to tour Gulf states and Kuwait on Friday, Oct 1, 2010 at 3.30 pm at Kuwait Medical Association Hall (beside Blood Bank/adjacent to Mubarak Hospital), Jabriya. For gate passes contact: Limra Cargo, Salhea Tower, Basement, Shop No 9, opp. G.P.O., Kuwait City. 99581491 - 97643536 - 66512602 - 99423781.
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EMBA SSY OF THA ILA ND All foreigners who apply for Tourist Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies and the Royal Thai Consulate General worldwide, including eligible foreigners who apply for Visa on arrival at designated checkpoints, will be exempted from tourist visa fees until 31 March 2011. Such arrangement is for Tourist Visa only.
WHATʼS ON IN KUWAIT
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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SEPT 24 NSS Onam: Nair Service Society (NSS), Kuwait will celebrate Onam on Sept 24, at Cambridge School, Mangaf. South Indian film star and acclaimed dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswamy will perform during the function. Ajai Malhotra, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, will be the chief guest at the Onam celebration on September 24, which will be followed by a full day variety entertainment program depicting the rich heritage and art forms of Kerala. Muraleekrishnan P, President of Nair Service Society, Kuwait (NSS Kuwait) will preside over the function.The Ona-Sadhya (Onam Feast) will be served in the traditional Kerala style on banana leaf on September 24. Nair Service Society (NSS) Kuwait, is one of the largest Socio-Cultural Organization in Kuwait formed in year 2001 and now has more than 3000 Indians as members. For more information, contact Anish Nair, NSS Kuwait 9969-1431. ■■■■■■■ Oct 14 Tulukoota Kuwait announces its “Decennial Parba “on October 14th & 15th. 2010 at American International School Hawally. We invite all Tulukoota Kuwait members to join us for fun filled and exciting events planned to celebrate the milestones throughout Tulukoota Kuwait’s 10 years journey. 14th October Rasamanjari - musical show by Star performer Anuradha Bhatt, Prakash Mahadevan Naveen Koppa & others, Vismaya Jadoo by Mega Magic Star Ganesh Kudroli & troupe. Dr. Mohan Alva Cultural Performances & King of Comedy Navin D Padil presents tulu drama “ Paniyerla aath Panande Budiyerla aath” This is a fun tilled evening for entire family! Join us for a great time. For more information call : Swarna C Shetty - 99006934; Pascal Pinto - 9953 1557; Sathya Narayan - 66585077: Suresh Salian - 99161228; Chandrahasa Shetty - 55941955. ■■■■■■■ OCT 21 Rendezvous 2010: The Kuwait Chapter of the St. Aloysius College Alumni Association (SACAA KUWAIT) have announced that “Rendezvous” their hallmark event will be conducted on 21st October at Asia Asia Restaurant, Souk Al Watiya, Kuwait City from 8 pm onwards. This year, SACAA Kuwait celebrates five years of its existence in Kuwait. SACAA-Kuwait has been synonymous with various fund raising initiatives through which they consistently supported various needs of their Alma Mater and its students back in Mangalore, India. Through Rendezvous-2010, SACAA-Kuwait intends to help generate funds for the Poor Students Fund of St. Aloysius institutions where numerous needy students look forward to assistance to subsidize their costs. SACAA Kuwait calls upon all Aloysians, their families and also like minded people to join this noble cause and help make life a little better for those needy students back home. For entry passes and further information, kindly contact - 66731828, 66746425, 66181041, 94093275, 66699857, 66091962.
uwait Mar Thoma Senior Forum, as part of its activities as well as to provide inspiration to the tiny tots, organized a brief pre-school motivation programme (ezhuthiniruthu sisrusha) for the children who are going to school and nursery for the first time. The auspicious occasion was held at the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait at 4:30 pm on 10/9/2010. This intellectual occasion was graced by Kuwait Mar Thoma Parish Vicar Rev Thomas Varghese and Assistant Vicars Rev A Y Varghese and Rev Genil Abraham. All office bearers of the parish for the year 2010 - 11 were also present in this occasion. A total number of 38 children were participated in this blessed program with their parents and relatives. Every child was blessed and prayed for, along with the execution of ezuthiniruthu (writing). Each child was encouraged by giving certificates and gifts. It was a happy and blessed event for parents, children and all parishioners.
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onnexxions Media Kuwait is starting instrumental music classes (violin, keyboard, guitar and tabla) at Mangaf and Salmiya for adults and children under the guidance of the efficient professional music teachers. Registration has started at Mangaf and Salmiya centers. The outstanding students will get an opportunity to perform in the Jaihind Family Club stage programs and Jaihind TV Channel.
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■■■■■■■ OCT 29 Onathanima tug of war: Thanima is conducting its annual Onam celebrations along with its celebrated tug of war competitions on October 29 at Central School compound, Abbasiya. Cultural procession, concert and other attractive cultural items will add glitter to the evening function in which many prominent personalities are expected to be present. Those teams wishing to participate in the tug of war competition, please contact 99865499 / 97253653 / 66071276 / 99703872. Nov 17 Trend setter Udupi Restaurant, Kuwait proudly presents “ Gandharva Ganam” a live carnatic classical concert by living legend & maestro Padmabooshan Dr. K.J.Yesudas with his troupe on 17th Nov. 2010 at American International School, Kuwait. Sri. Nagai Murali on violin, Sri. Bakthavalsalam on Mridangam and Sri. Thripunithura Radhakrishnan on Ghatam. For more details, please contact 66752462 or 66784867.
ational Service Society (NSS Kuwait) will conduct its ninth Onam celebrations ‘Onam Fest 2010’ on Friday, Sept 24, 2010 from 9:30 am onwards at the Integrated Indian School auditorium, Abbassia. The organizers have charted a fullday event with a wide range of cultural programs including a musical concert by finalists of Asianet Idea Star Singer Season 4 — Sreenath, Preethi Warrier, Vidyashankar and
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Vidhyashankar
Sreenath K
Preethi Ravindran
Rahul Sathyanath. Indian Ambassador Ajai Malhotra will be the Chief Guest of the event. Announcing the program at a press conference NSS Kuwait President N Jayashanker said the traditional caravan to welcome the King Mahabali will include several folk art forms such as ‘kummattikkali’, ‘mayilattom’, ‘theyyam’, ‘karakattom’, ‘karadikali’, ‘pulikkali’, hunter, puppet show and elephant in additional
to ‘Thalappoli’ and ‘chendamelam. A sumptuous ‘Onasadya’ will be served during the celebration. Other officebearers who attended the press conference included Program Convener Jayakumar Kurup, General Secretary Dinachandran, Rajeev Pillai, K S Suresh and K P Vijayakumar. Vidhyashankar: Ideal Star Singer Season 4 contestant. This 26 year old contestant’s major achievements are winner in music shows
(Tamil Satellite TV Shows) Ragamalika (Jaya TV) Ragageetham (Raj TV) etc. Preethi Ravindran Warrier won first prize in music contest Raagalaya conducted in Amrtia channel. Sreenath K has got the prize for Janapriya Gayakan in Gandharva Sangeetham show. He has also got first prize in the youth festival for classical and light music.
he Embassy of Brazil in Kuwait informs that Presidential Elections will be held on October 3rd, from 8 am to 5 pm, at the premises of the Embassy in Yarmouk. All Brazilians citizens with residence in Kuwait who have previously registered their electoral documents at Embassy are requested to vote. Consular services will be suspended on October 3rd.
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Arpan cancels Onam fest rpan Kuwait cancelled this year’s Onam celebration following the sad demise of its founder president and current executive member C Vijyakumar, according to a press release. The executive committee and the program committee for Onam celebration, at an emergency meeting, unanimously decided to call off all Onam festivities and celebrations scheduled to be held on October 1 as a mark of respect to the departed founder president, the press release added.
A ational Forum Kuwait (NAFO Kuwait) will celebrate Onam 2010 with its full spirit and fervor on Friday, September 24, 2010 at the Indian Community School Auditorium (Senior), Salmiya from 9:30 am onwards. Indian Ambassador Ajai Malhotra and his wife Ira Malhotra will be the chief guests on this happy occasion. Veteran political leader, former Minister of Kerala and Director Board member of NSS, R Balakrishna Pillai will be the celebrity guest. A galaxy of eminent personalities in Kuwait will also join the celebration. Starting from the floral carpet called “Athapookkalam”, NAFO family will stage various cultural programs bringing back the nostalgic memories of a bygone era of prosperity, equality and righteousness under the golden reign of King Mahabali. In addition, a sumptuous meal-the traditional “Onasadya” will be served to all invitees. B S Pillai, NAFO president inaugurated the distribution of Onam coupon by giving a coupon to Reception Committee Convener G K Nair. In order to make the mega event a grand success, a program committee and sub-committees have been formed under the leadership of C G Manoj, General Secretary, Gopakumar, Cultural Secretary and Program Convener M S Nair. For more details, please contact 99660428/94062853 or contact@nafoglobal.com.
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KAYAKING Kuwait Surf-Ski Kayak Club 99706742 Sea kayaking is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world today. MOTOR SPORTS Kuwait Motor Bike Motorbike track (for trail/dirt bikes) and rally car-racing centre located behind the Science Club on the northern side of the 6th Ring Road (between roads 401 and 50). NETBALL Kuwait Netball www.kuwaitnetball.com RUGBY Kuwait Nomads The rugby season in Kuwait runs from September to May. Men, ladies and minis rugby are played and the teams frequently travel to participate in AGRFU tournaments. Any interested child between the ages of 5-17 can participate in the Minis rugby. www.p8nompds.com RUNNING For anyone who likes walking, jogging or cycling in Kuwait there is a very good track around the area of
Mishref. The track is 4.9km long and is marked out in distances of 100m. There are also a number of outdoor exercise machines located near the start and the end of the track. Catamaran Sailing 6658 7737 Dive Caroline Beach Fafaheel The Kuwait Catamaran Club is a group of enthusiasts who love sailing on fast cats in the Arabian Gulf’s waters around Kuwait. Usually an informal group sail on Friday afternoons. Fahaheel Sailing Club 2371 9289 www.horn3.com KOSA 2398 3365 9974 5383 The Kuwait Offshore Sailing Association (KOSA) meets on the first Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at the Dive Caroline clubhouse, which is located at the Fahaheel Sea Club. Fortnightly racing plus International events in Bahrain and Dubai. Boats often require crew and will take you if you turn up! www.kospg8.com SCUBA DIVING The Arabian Gulf is the perfect place in which to learn to scuba dive. Although dive sites are not as spectacular as those in the Red Sea and Thailand, the local environment is conducive to teaching youngsters who wish to do fairly shallow dives and build up their confidence. It is a good
idea for adults to attend the theory classes with their children. Dive Caroline 2371 9289 Fahaheel Sea Club, Fahaheel Dive Caroline is a friendly sailing and diving club with pool, beach, sauna, steam room, fitness and social areas. Scuba diving training and equipment sales; skippered sailing yacht charter for up to 8 passengers; fishing charters (up to 6 passengers with a max. of 2 trawling lines); skippered power boat hire for 6, 8 or 14 passengers. Dive Centre 9964 9482 The Palms Hotel, Salwa A full service PADI 5 Star Dive Centre catering for all of your diving requirements. www.thepalmsdivecenter.com KIM Dive Centre 2371 6002 Villa 365, Hilton Kuwait Resort Kuwait International Marine (KIM) Centre is a full service PADI 5 Star Dive Centre catering for all of your diving requirements.. www.kimcenter.selmpb.com SHOOTING Hunting & Equestrian Club 24739199 Shooters can sharpen their skills at the range. Members aren’t charged any fee but have to bear the costs of the cartridges while guns are provided by the club.
Shooting Range Complex 2475 9999 Off the 6th Ring road and drive past the Hunting and Equestrian Club. www.nrckuwait.com SOFTBALL Ahmadi Softball Located at the softball grounds situated behind the Governorate Building in Ahmadi SQUASH Squash courts are available at a few of the 5-star hotels as well as at the Salmiya Club. There are a number of squash leagues and tournaments are held throughout the year. Duffers League 9970 1720 The League comprises about 25 players of all standards. Players are placed in groups of 4 which means you play three games per month. The rules of standard squash apply with all matches being best of five. Games are arranged by mutual agreement between the players. Contact Philip Anderson at andersoninkuwait@mac.com Kuwait Squash Federation 2263 4618
TV PROGRAMS
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Thursday, September 23, 2010
Orbit / Showtime Listings
00:00 Big Love 01:00 Lie to Me 02:00 Law & Order 03:00 The Invisible Man 04:00 The Ex-List 05:00 Inside the Actors Studio 06:00 Defying Gravity 07:00 Big Love 08:00 The Ex-List 09:00 Criminal Minds 10:00 The Invisible Man 11:00 Hawthorne 12:00 Defying Gravity 13:00 Criminal Minds 14:00 Karen Sisco 15:00 The Ex-List 16:00 Lie to Me 17:00 Law & Order 18:00 Big Love 19:00 One Tree Hill 20:00 Warehouse 13 21:00 Survivor 22:00 The Tudors 23:00 Criminal Minds
00:45 Untamed & Uncut 01:40 Planet Earth 02:35 Gorillas Revisited with Sigourney Weaver 03:30 Animal Cops Philadelphia 04:25 Rats with Nigel Marven 05:20 Untamed & Uncut 06:10 SSPCA: On the Wildside 06:35 Planet Wild 07:00 Animal Crackers 07:25 Meerkat Manor 07:50 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:40 Britain’s Worst Pet 09:35 Planet Wild 10:00 Gorillas Revisited with Sigourney Weaver 10:55 Monkey Life 11:20 Night 11:50 Animal Precinct 12:45 E-Vets: The Interns 13:10 Pet Rescue 13:40 Animal Cops South Africa 14:35 Wildlife SOS 15:00 SSPCA: On the Wildside 15:30 Gorillas Revisited with Sigourney Weaver 16:25 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 17:20 Breed All About It 18:15 Weird Creatures with Nick Baker 19:10 A Nose for Crime 20:10 Crocodile Hunter 21:05 Weird Creatures with Nick Baker 22:00 Pit Bulls and Parolees 22:55 Animal Cops South Africa 23:50 A Nose for Crime
00:25 Hyperdrive 00:55 Jane Hall’s Big Bad Bus Ride 01:45 Casualty 02:35 Eastenders 03:05 Doctors 03:35 Only Fools And Horses 04:15 Teletubbies 04:40 Me Too 05:00 Tikkabilla 05:30 Gigglebiz 05:45 Teletubbies 06:10 Me Too 06:30 Tikkabilla 07:00 Gigglebiz 07:15 Teletubbies 07:40 Me Too 08:00 Tikkabilla 08:30 Gigglebiz 08:45 Teletubbies 09:10 Tikkabilla 09:40 Only Fools And Horses 10:10 Only Fools And Horses 10:40 The Weakest Link 11:25 Innocent 12:20 Doctors 12:50 Eastenders 13:20 Casualty 14:10 Only Fools And Horses 14:40 Only Fools And Horses 15:10 Only Fools And Horses 15:40 Innocent 16:35 The Weakest Link 17:20 Doctors 17:50 Eastenders 18:20 Casualty 19:10 Innocent 20:00 The Weakest Link 20:45 Doctors 21:15 Eastenders 21:45 Casualty 22:40 Jane Hall’s Big Bad Bus Ride 23:25 Rob Brydon’s Annually Retentive 23:55 Home Again
00:10 Daily Cooks Challenge 00:35 Daily Cooks Challenge 01:00 The Home Show 01:50 House Swap 02:35 Cash In The Attic 03:20 Come Dine With Me 04:05 Daily Cooks Challenge 04:35 Daily Cooks Challenge 05:00 10 Years Younger 05:55 House Swap 07:00 Antiques Roadshow 07:50 House Swap 08:35 Bargain Hunt 09:20 Hidden Potential 09:40 Cash In The Attic Usa 10:05 Glamour Puds 10:25 Glamour Puds 10:50 House Swap 11:35 Cash In The Attic 12:20 Come Dine With Me 13:10 10 Years Younger 13:55 House Swap 14:40 Glamour Puds 15:05 Glamour Puds 15:30 Antiques Roadshow 16:20 House Swap 17:10 Cash In The Attic 17:55 Daily Cooks Challenge 18:25 Daily Cooks Challenge 18:50 Come Dine With Me 19:40 Celebrity Masterchef Goes Large 20:10 Chuck’s Day Off 20:35 Chuck’s Day Off 21:00 House Swap 21:45 Cash In The Attic 22:30 Come Dine With Me 23:20 Celebrity Masterchef Goes Large 23:45 Celebrity Masterchef Goes Large
01:00 No One Knows About Persian CatsPG15 03:00 Quadrophenia-18 05:00 Of Mice And Men-PG15 07:00 The Sun Also Rises-PG15 09:00 2012: Startling New Secret-PG 11:00 Broken Lines-PG15 13:00 Jump Tomorrow-PG15 15:00 Field Of Dreams-PG 17:00 Disco-PG 19:00 Solaris-PG15 21:00 The Sisters-18 23:00 Eyes Wide Shut-R
00:40 Street Customs 01:35 Dirty Jobs 02:30 Moments of Terror 03:25 Mega Builders 04:20 Mythbusters 05:15 How It’s Made 05:40 How Does it Work 06:05 Dirty Jobs 07:00 Fifth Gear 07:25 Mega Builders 08:15 Street Customs Berlin 09:10 Mythbusters 10:05 Ultimate Survival 11:00 Eyewitness 11:30 Eyewitness 11:55 Border Security 12:25 How Does it Work 12:50 How It’s Made 13:20 Mythbusters 14:15 Miami Ink 15:10 Ultimate Survival 16:05 Dirty Jobs 17:00 Overhaulin’ 17:55 Mythbusters 18:50 Cake Boss 19:15 Border Security 19:40 The Gadget Show 20:05 How Does it Work 20:35 How Stuff’s Made 21:00 I Shouldn’t Be Alive 21:55 Serial Killers 22:50 I Escaped Death 23:45 Football Hooligans International
00:30 What’s That About? 01:20 The Gadget Show 01:45 How Stuff’s Made 02:10 How Stuff’s Made 02:35 Engineered 03:25 How Does That Work? 03:50 Junkyard Mega-Wars 04:45 Robotica 05:40 Weird Connections 06:10 What’s That About? 07:00 Junkyard Mega-Wars 08:00 UFOs Over Phoenix 09:00 The Future of...
09:55 Stunt Junkies 10:20 Weird Connections 10:50 Engineered 11:45 How Does That Work? 12:15 Mega Builders 13:10 One Step Beyond 13:35 The Future of... 14:30 Perfect Disaster 15:25 The Gadget Show 15:55 UFOs Over Phoenix 16:50 Mega Builders 17:45 Brainiac 18:40 Catch It Keep It 19:30 Science of the Movies 20:20 How It’s Made 20:45 The Gadget Show 21:10 Mega Builders 22:00 Catch It Keep It 22:50 Science of the Movies 23:40 Mega Builders
06:00 K9 Adventures 06:25 American Dragon 06:50 Kid Vs Kat 07:15 Phineas And Ferb 07:40 Phineas And Ferb 08:05 Kick Buttowski 08:30 Pokemon 09:00 Zeke And Luther 09:25 Zeke And Luther 09:50 I’m In The Band 10:15 Phil Of The Future 10:40 Suite Life On Deck 11:30 Phil Of The Future 12:00 Phineas And Ferb 13:00 Kid Vs Kat 13:30 Kid Vs Kat 14:00 The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody 14:50 Zeke And Luther 15:15 The Super Hero Squad Show 15:45 Kick Buttowski 16:15 I’m In The Band 16:40 Suite Life On Deck 17:05 Zeke And Luther 17:55 Phineas And Ferb 18:45 Kick Buttowski 19:10 Pokemon 19:35 Aaron Stone 20:00 Kid Vs Kat 21:00 Phineas And Ferb 21:25 I’m In The Band 21:55 The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody 22:20 Shreducation 22:30 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA
00:15 Leave It To Lamas 00:40 Dr 90210 01:30 Wildest TV Show Moments 01:55 Reality Hell 02:20 E!ES 03:15 Extreme Hollywood 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Battle of the Hollywood Hotties 05:30 Streets of Hollywood 06:00 THS Investigates 07:45 Behind the Scenes 08:35 E! News 09:00 The Daily 10 09:25 Denise Richards: It’s Complicated 09:50 Leave It To Lamas 10:15 THS 12:00 E! News 12:25 The Daily 10 12:50 Behind the Scenes 13:15 Pretty Wild 13:40 Kendra: Here Comes Baby 14:30 Dr 90210 15:25 E!ES 16:15 Behind the Scenes 17:10 Kourtney & Khlo√© Take Miami 18:00 E! News 18:25 The Daily 10 18:50 Keeping Up with the Kardashians 19:15 Pretty Wild 19:40 THS 20:30 Kendra 20:55 Chelsea Lately 21:20 Holly’s World 22:10 E! News 22:35 The Daily 10 23:00 Chelsea Lately 23:25 Kendra 23:50 Pretty Wild
00:00 Gumball 3000: 2008 01:00 Tread Bmx 02:00 Untracked 03:00 On Sight 04:00 Fantasy Factory 05:00 Iex 2009 08:00 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2008 11:00 Bmx Megatour 12:00 Fantasy Factory 13:00 Tread Bmx 14:00 The Millionaire’s Club 15:00 Bmx Megatour
16:00 Fantasy Factory 17:00 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2008 20:00 Fantasy Factory 21:00 Bmx Megatour 22:00 Sports Jobs 23:00 Untracked
00:00 Iron Chef America 01:00 30 Minute Meals 01:30 Tyler’s Ultimate 02:00 Food Network Challenge 03:00 Barefoot Contessa 03:30 Unwrapped 04:00 Iron Chef America 05:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 05:30 Guys Big Bite 06:00 Chopped 07:00 Paula’s Best Dishes 07:25 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 07:50 Guys Big Bite 08:15 Barefoot Contessa 08:40 Everyday Italian 09:05 30 Minute Meals 09:30 Tyler’s Ultimate 10:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 10:30 Barefoot Contessa 11:00 Unwrapped 11:30 Paula’s Party 12:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 13:00 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 13:30 Guys Big Bite 14:00 Barefoot Contessa 14:30 Everyday Italian 15:00 30 Minute Meals 15:30 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 16:00 Iron Chef America 17:00 Barefoot Contessa 17:30 Unwrapped 18:00 Paula’s Best Dishes 18:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 19:30 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 20:00 Food Network Challenge 21:00 Barefoot Contessa 21:30 Everyday Italian 22:00 Iron Chef America 23:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 23:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives
00:30 Dead Tenants 01:20 FBI Files 02:10 I Almost Got Away With It 03:05 Murder Shift 04:00 Forensic Detectives 04:55 Ghosthunters 05:20 Dr G: Medical Examiner 06:10 Real Emergency Calls 07:00 Forensic Detectives 07:50 FBI Files 08:40 Fugitive Strike Force 09:30 The Prosecutors 10:20 Forensic Detectives 11:10 Mystery ER 12:00 Real Emergency Calls 12:50 On the Case with Paula Zahn 13:40 CSU 14:30 Forensic Detectives 15:20 FBI Files 16:10 Fugitive Strike Force 17:00 The Prosecutors 17:50 Forensic Detectives 18:40 Mystery ER 19:30 Real Emergency Calls 20:20 On the Case with Paula Zahn 21:10 CSU 22:00 Autopsy: Most Shocking Cases 22:50 Dr G: Medical Examiner
01:25 The Devil’s Brigade 03:35 The Spring 05:05 Vampire’s Kiss 06:50 A Dangerous Woman 08:30 Return Of A Man Called Horse 10:35 Love Bites 12:15 The Legend Of Johnny Lingo 13:45 The Black Stallion Returns 15:30 Getting Even With Dad 17:20 Signs Of Life 18:50 The Winter People 20:30 Jiminy Glick In Lala Wood 22:00 Hawaii
00:00 Hard Times Of Rj Berger 00:30 Valemont 01:00 The Dudesons   01:30 Boling Points 02:00 Hit List Uk 03:00 Music Mix 07:00 Breakfast Club 08:30 100% Mtv 11:00 (P) #1 Hits 12:00 Nothing But Hits 14:00 10 Biggest  Tracks Right Now 15:00 100% Mtv 15:30 Teen Cribs 16:00 (P) The City 16:30 My Super Sweet 16   17:00 Room Raiders   17:30 Slips 18:00 Made 19:00 Teen Cribs 19:30 My Super Sweet 16   20:00 Room Raiders   20:30 Slips 21:00 (P) Most Wanted 22:00 Teen Mom 23:00 The City S2 23:30 Slips
00:30 Cruise Ship Diaries 01:30 Banged Up Abroad 03:30 Madventures 04:00 Long Way Down 05:00 Bondi Rescue 05:30 Banged Up Abroad 06:30 Cruise Ship Diaries 07:30 Banged Up Abroad 09:30 Madventures 10:00 Long Way Down 11:00 Bondi Rescue 11:30 Banged Up Abroad 12:30 Cruise Ship Diaries 13:30 Bondi Rescue 14:30 4Real 15:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 15:30 Madventures 16:00 Long Way Down 17:00 Bondi Rescue 17:30 Banged Up Abroad 18:30 Cruise Ship Diaries 19:30 Bondi Rescue 20:30 4Real 21:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 21:30 Madventures 22:00 Long Way Down 23:00 Bondi Rescue 23:30 Banged Up Abroad
Rush Hour 3 on Show Movies
00:00 Modern family 00:30 Seinfeld 01:00 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 01:30 The Colbert Report 02:00 Late night with Jimmy Fallon 03:00 Cleveland Show 03:30 Free Radio 04:00 South Park 04:30 Late night with Jimmy Fallon
05:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 06:00 Frasier 06:30 The Drew Carey Show 07:00 Ellen 07:30 Three sisters 08:00 Seinfeld 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Frasier 09:30 The Drew Carey Show 10:00 Will & Grace 10:30 Modern family 11:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 11:30 Three sisters 12:00 Late night with Jimmy Fallon 13:00 Seinfeld 13:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 14:00 Frasier 14:30 Modern family 15:30 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 The Drew Carey Show 17:00 Ellen 17:30 Three sisters 18:00 Seinfeld 18:30 Will & Grace 19:00 Parks & Recreation 19:30 Til Death 20:00 Late night with Jimmy Fallon 21:00 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 State of the Union 22:30 The Ricky Gervais Show 23:00 South Park 23:30 Parks & Recreation
00:00 The Martha Stewart Show 01:00 Eat yourself sexy 01:30 Popcorn 02:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 03:00 The Monique Show 04:00 The Tonight show with Jay Leno 05:00 GMA (repeat) 07:00 GMA Health 07:30 What’s the Buzz 08:00 The Martha Stewart Show 09:00 Eat yourself sexy 09:30 Popcorn 10:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live! 11:00 The View 12:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 13:00 The Martha Stewart Show 14:00 GMA Live 16:00 GMA Health 16:30 What’s the Buzz 17:00 The Tonight show with Jay Leno 18:00 Look A Like 19:00 The View 20:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 21:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live! 22:00 The Tonight show with Jay Leno 23:00 The Monique Show
07:00 Lazytown 07:25 Imagination Movers 07:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 08:15 Handy Manny 08:40 Jungle Junction 08:50 Special Agent Oso 09:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 09:50 New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 10:15 Little Einsteins 10:40 Special Agent Oso 11:05 Imagination Movers 11:30 Lazytown 11:55 My Friends Tigger and Pooh 12:20 Handy Manny 12:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 13:10 Little Einsteins 14:00 Higglytown Heroes 14:25 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 14:50 Special Agent Oso 15:05 My Friends Tigger and Pooh 15:30 Imagination Movers 15:55 Little Einsteins 16:20 Handy Manny 16:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 17:10 New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 17:35 Special Agent Oso 17:45 Imagination Movers 18:10 Handy Manny 18:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 19:00 New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 19:25 Handy Manny 19:35 Special Agent Oso 19:50 Jungle Junction
00:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 01:00 Golf Central International 01:30 The Golf Channel - TBA 04:00 PGA Tour Highlights: BMW Championship 05:00 Women’s Professional Soccer WPS First Round 07:00 Major League Soccer Los Angeles Galaxy v D.C. United 10:00 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series New Hampshire 200 Loudon, NH 13:00 Golf Central International 13:30 Inside the PGA Tour 14:00 World of Athletics 14:30 Sport Central 15:00 Asian Tour HANDA 15:30 European Tour The Vivendi Rd. 1 18:30 NFL Replay Teams TBA 20:00 PGA Tour: THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola Rd. 1 Atlanta , GA
00:00 Man About Town-18 02:00 Crimes Of The Past-PG15 04:00 Mee Shee-PG 06:00 Bran Nue Dae-PG15 08:00 Baby Mama-PG 10:00 Rush Hour 3-PG15 12:00 Seven Pounds-PG15 14:00 Temple Grandin-PG15 16:00 Baby Mama-PG 18:00 Frost / Nixon-PG15 20:00 Observe And Report-18 22:00 He’s Just Not That Into You-PG15
01:00 Felon-18 03:00 Severed-R 05:00 Changing Lanes-PG15 06:50 Arn: The Knight Templar-PG15 09:00 Anaconda 3: The Offspring-PG15 10:50 Donnie Brasco-PG15 13:00 Road Of No Return-PG15 15:00 Anaconda 3: The Offspring-PG15 17:00 The Escapist-18 19:00 Resident Evil 3-18 21:00 The Strangers-PG15 23:00 Basic Instinct 2-R
00:00 She’s The One-PG15 02:00 The Lonely Guy-PG15 04:00 Zoolander-PG15 06:00 High School Musical 3: Senior YearPG 08:00 Going Berserk-PG15 10:00 Car Babes-PG15 12:00 Mr. Troop Mom-PG 14:00 Crush-PG15 16:00 She’s The One-PG15 18:00 Fever Pitch-PG15 20:00 Maneater: Part I-PG15 22:00 Maneater: Part Ii-PG15
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00:00 Simba The King Lion-FAM 02:00 Ice Age: Dawn Of The DinosaursFAM 04:00 The Wild Thornberrys Movie-PG 06:00 Legend Of The Titanic-FAM 08:00 Basket Fever-FAM 10:00 The Wild Thornberrys Movie-PG 12:00 Mamma Moo And Crow-FAM 14:00 Ice Age: Dawn Of The DinosaursFAM 16:00 Bedtime Stories-FAM 18:00 Robotech - The Shadow Chronicles-
00:00 Burn Notice 01:00 Cold Case 02:00 CSI Miami 03:00 ER 04:00 8 Simple rules 04:30 Rita Rocks 05:00 Sons of Anarchy 06:00 Emmerdale 06:30 Coronation Street 07:00 CSI Miami 08:00 8 Simple rules 08:30 Rita Rocks 09:00 ER 10:00 Without a trace 11:00 CSI Miami 12:00 Emmerdale 12:30 Coronation Street 13:00 8 Simple rules 13:30 Rita Rocks 14:00 Burn Notice 15:00 Cold Case 16:00 Without a trace 17:00 Smallville 18:00 Emmerdale 18:30 Turn Back Your Body Clock 19:00 My Own Worst Enemy 20:00 Cold Case 21:00 CSI Miami 22:00 Sons of Anarchy 23:00 Smallville
00:00 Cricket One Day International 07:00 Aviva Premiership 09:00 Rugby Union 11:00 European Tour Weekly 11:30 World Pool Masters 12:30 ICC Cricket World 13:00 Rugby Union 15:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 15:30 Triatholn 16:30 Masters Football 19:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 20:00 ICC Cricket World 20:30 World Sport 21:00 Total Rugby 21:30 Premier League Snooker
00:00 Triathlon 01:00 World Pool Masters 02:00 Currie Cup 04:00 ICC Cricket World 04:30 Brazil League Highlights 05:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 05:30 Futbol Mundial 06:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 07:00 World Pool Masters 08:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 08:30 Brazil League Highlights 09:00 Ladies European Tour Highlights 10:00 Futbol Mundial 10:30 AFL Highlights 11:30 Countdown to The Ryder Cup 12:00 European Tour Weekly 12:30 Live European PGA Tour 18:30 Countdown to The Ryder Cup 19:00 Brazil League Highlights 19:30 Futbol Mundial 20:00 European PGA Tour
00:00 UFC The Ultimate Fight Championship 01:00 Le Mans Series Magazine 01:30 Planet Power Boats 02:00 UFC 119 Countdown 03:00 UFC Fight Night 06:00 UFC Unleashed 07:00 WWE SmackDown 09:00 WWE Bottom Line
Babylon A.D on Super Movies 10:00 Red Bull X-Fighters 11:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 12:00 WWE Vintage Collection 13:00 V8 Supercars Championship Highlights 14:00 Le Mans Series Highlights 15:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 15:30 Red Bull X-Fighters 17:00 UFC Fight Night 20:00 WWE NXT 21:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter 22:00 UFC 119 Countdown 23:00 UFC Unleashed
01:00 Enemies Among Us-PG15 02:30 The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button-PG15 05:15 Living Out Loud-PG15 07:00 Momma’s Man-PG15 09:00 Ice Age: Dawn Of The DinosaursFAM 11:00 Racing For Time-PG15 13:00 Babylon A.d-PG15 15:00 Kit Kittredge: An American Girl-PG 17:00 Ice Age: Dawn Of The DinosaursFAM 18:45 Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix-PG 21:00 Harry Potter And The Half - Blood Prince-PG15 23:30 Underworld: The Rise Of The Lycans-18
00:30 Conspiracy? 01:20 Dead Men’s Secrets 02:10 Egypt: Land Of The Gods 03:00 Clash Of The Gods 03:55 Battles B.c. 04:50 The True Story Of Hannibal 06:30 Conspiracy? 07:20 Dead Men’s Secrets 08:10 Egypt: Land Of The Gods 09:00 Clash Of The Gods 09:55 Battles B.c. 10:50 The True Story Of Hannibal 12:30 Conspiracy? 13:20 Dead Men’s Secrets 14:10 Egypt: Land Of The Gods 15:00 Clash Of The Gods 15:55 Battles B.c. 16:50 The True Story Of Hannibal 18:30 Conspiracy? 19:20 Dead Men’s Secrets 20:10 Egypt: Land Of The Gods 21:00 Ancient Discoveries 21:55 Mummy Forensics 22:50 Cities Of The Underworld 23:40 How The Earth Was Made
00:00 Dr 90210 01:00 The Designers 01:30 Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane 02:00 How Do I Look? 03:00 Split Ends 04:00 The Designers 04:30 Style Her Famous 05:00 Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane 05:30 Area 06:00 How Do I Look? 07:00 Millennium Fashion: The Year In Fashion 08:00 My Celebrity Home 09:00 Whose Wedding Is it Anyway? 10:00 Married Away 11:00 Peter Perfect 12:00 How Do I Look? 13:00 Clean House 14:00 Clean House Comes Clean 14:30 Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane 15:00 Jerseylicious 16:00 Ruby 17:00 Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane 19:00 25 Most Stylish 20:00 Clean House: Search For The Messiest... 21:00 How Do I Look? 22:00 Jerseylicious
00:15 Top Sexy 00:17 Playlist 01:00 Latina 10 01:45 Playlist
02:00 Urban Hit 02:45 Playlist 03:15 Top New 03:17 Playlist 05:00 Legend 06:00 Playlist 07:15 Top Fashion 07:17 Playlist 08:00 Latina 10 08:45 Playlist 09:15 Top Gossip 09:17 Playlist 13:00 Urban Hit 13:45 Playlist 14:00 Trace Video Mix 15:00 Playlist 15:15 Top Money 15:17 Playlist 16:00 Rnb 10 16:45 Playlist 17:15 Monthly Top 17:17 Playlist 18:00 Urban Hit 18:45 Playlist 20:00 Sound System 10 20:45 Playlist 21:00 Guest Star 21:15 Playlist 22:15 Top Sexy 22:17 Playlist
00:00 World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides 01:00 Hollywood and Vines 01:30 Sophie Grigson In The Orient 02:00 Culinary Asia 03:00 Planet Food 04:00 Globe Trekker 05:00 World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides 06:00 Sophie Grigson In The Orient 06:30 Journey Into Wine-Spain & Portugal 07:00 Globe Trekker 08:00 Travel Oz 08:30 Grannies On Safari 09:00 Hollywood and Vines 09:30 Flavours of Chile 10:00 Journey Into Wine-Spain & Portugal 10:30 Opening Soon 11:00 Great Drives 11:30 Essential 12:00 Globe Trekker 13:00 Sophie Grigson In The Orient 13:30 The Thirsty Traveler 14:00 Entrada 14:30 Distant Shores 15:00 Hollywood and Vines 15:30 Flavours of Chile 16:00 Globe Trekker 17:00 Travel Oz 17:30 Sophie Grigson In The Orient 18:00 Journey Into Wine... 18:30 Opening Soon 19:00 Globe Trekker 20:00 Exotic Lives 21:00 Julian and Camilla’s World Odyssey 22:00 Intrepid Journeys 23:00 Globe Trekker
00:00 Music For The Masses 01:00 Greatest Hits 02:00 VH1 Music 05:00 Chill Out 07:00 VH1 Hits 09:00 Aerobic 10:00 VH1 Hits 11:00 VH1 Superchart 12:00 Top 10 Surfing 13:00 Music For The Masses 14:00 VH1 Pop Chart 15:00 VH1 Music 17:00 Music For The Masses 18:00 VH1 Superchart 19:00 Guess The Year 21:00 Cover Power 22:00 VH1 Pop Chart 23:00 VH1 Rocks
01:15 The Screening Room 01:40 Kelly’s Heroes 04:00 Crazy In Love 05:30 Elvis On Tour 07:00 Butterflies Are Free 08:50 Cimarron 11:15 Meet Me In St. Louis 13:05 The Screening Room 13:30 Never So Few 15:30 The Screening Room
Thursday, September 23, 2010
33
ACCOMMODATION Room for rent in two B/R, flat in Khaitan, for bachelors only. Call: 66141908 after 4:00 pm. (C 2684) Furnished sharing accommodation available for a non-smoking Keralite bachelor in Abbassiya. Rent KD 40. Contact: 66577233. (C 2689) 23-9-2010 Sharing accommodation, one room available for decent working ladies or small family with Indian small family in Farwaniya. From 1st Oct. 2010. Call: 97823565. (C 2683) 22-9-2010 Room for rent Indonesian/Filipino only. CA/C, separate bathroom, non-smoker, single or couple, Farwaniya behind Crowne Plaza. Call: 66604286. (C 2677) Sharing accommodation available for decent Indian Christian bachelor or couple in Salmiya, behind Mr. Baker, with dish TV facility. Contact: 66486047 / 25711643. (C 2681) Room available for small family (without kids) or bachelor in Khaitan area. Call: 99868113. (C 2680) 21-9-2010 Sharing accommodation available for 1 Keralite bachelore in a C-A/C flat opposite to Jas International Shipping close to Abbassiya police station bus stop. Please call: 66349475. (C 2674)
One room for family or bachelor in Hawally behind commercial bank with Mangalorean family. Contact: 22612729 / 97401091. (C 2675) A small room with bath for rent C-A/C flat in Farwaniya, for working lady / decent bachelor / couple, any nationality but Christian / Muslim. Rent KD 60. Contact: 55437519. (C 2672) 20-9-2010
FOR SALE For sale fridge, bed set, sofa set, microwave, kitchen cupboards, all new items. Please contact Khaled. Tel: 65603645. (C 2676) 20-9-2010
Degree Certificate, Calicut University, Reg. No. 3475, year 1991. Original U.A.E Driving License No. 1006406, Original NOC issued by RTA - Dubai. If anyone found kindly inform me on my cell 97638503. 22-9-2010 SITUATION VACANT
2006 Toyota Corolla 1.8 XLI, color white, done 61000 km, excellent condition, cash price KD 2450. Serious buyers can contact: 66211779. (C 2668) 19-9-2010
LOST
A wallet containing Civil ID, driving license and bank cards were lost near Indian School, Salmiya, Essa AlQatami Street. Finder please contact the advertiser on telephone 97204538 or 97209341. (C 2690)
Urgently required expert TRANSCRIBER, part-time, proficient in English, and excellent auditory skills, experienced in handling and transcribing project interviews. Contact 66660966. Need part time or full time baby sitter in Hawally, preferably Filipino. Contact: 66662863. (C 2687) Need part time or full time baby sitter in Kuwait City, preferably Filipino. Place at Al Muthanna complex. Call: 66809431. (C 2688) 23-9-2010
MATRIMONIAL Two boys - Sunni Muslim Studied in USA (BTECH Comp.) working in New York, Well settled, Aged 27 5ft 6” & 28 yrs 5 ft 4”, looking for suitable match with degree in Eng./Finance etc. from educated / respected / religious family (NRI) preferably from Trichur / Ernakulam Dist. Please contact email: ebmoideen@gmail.com (C 2682) 22-9-2010 Proposal invited from Keralite born again / Pentecost boys above 36 years for a Keralite staff Nurse, MOH, Kuwait. Email: kp4196@yahoo.com (C 2669) 19-9-2010 SITUATION WANTED
I, Mohammed Ameer Ali Chemnad, Civil ID No. 271030305782 hereby notify that I have lost my following documents while traveling from Shuwaikh to Jaleeb Shuyookh. Original B.Com
Kuwaiti family needs a male Muslim cook who knows Indian, Chinese and Arabic dishes. Mob: 99779139 / 99629044 / 99876363. (C 2671) 19-9-2010
Available from India, Goan Roman Catholic full time live out maid for American and European family only. Experience in housekeeping, baby sitting and looking after pets. Contact
94005328. (C 2678) 21-9-2010 Indian male B.E (Electronics) + MBA (Marketing + HR), 2 years experience in marketing / sales engineer / Administration / Management. Proficient in all computer applications. Visa - 18, transferable. Ready to join immediately. Seeks suitable employment. Phone: 65170157. (C 2673) 20-9-2010 Certified accountant available on part time basis. Call: 97657257. (C 2660) 18-9-2010
No: 14858
CHANGE OF NAME Change in name spelling only. This it to inform that Saniya Pachisa holder of Indian Passport No. H 1115646 and holder of Kuwaiti civil ID 290090501623 will change the name as SANIA PACHISA. (C 2679) 21-9-2010 I Thiru S. Saravanan (Hindu) holder Indian passport No. G 9950267 converted to Islam with the name of S. Sameer Mohammed. (C 2667) 18-9-2010
FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION 161
FLIGHT SCHEDULE
In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Arrival Flights on Thursday 23/09/2010 Airlines Flt Route Jordanian 802 Amman Wataniya Airways 188 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 305 Cairo Gulf Air 211 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 408 Beirut Bangladesh 045 Dhaka/Bahrain Turkish 772 Istanbul Ethiopian 620 Addis Ababa Egypt Air 614 Cairo Jazeera 267 Beirut DHL 370 Bahrain Emirates 853 Dubai FlyDubai 051 Dubai Etihad 305 Abu Dhabi Qatari 138 Doha Kuwait 802 Cairo Falcon 201 Dubai Jazeera 503 Luxor Kuwait 412 Manila/Bangkok Jazeera 527 Alexandria British 157 London Jazeera 529 Assiut Jazeera 613 Lahore Kuwait 204 Lahore Iran Air 605 Isfahan Kuwait 302 Mumbai FlyDubai 053 Dubai Kuwait 332 Trivandrum Kuwait 676 Dubai Kuwait 284 Dhaka Kuwait 362 Colombo Emirates 855 Dubai Arabia 121 Sharjah Qatari 132 Doha Etihad 301 Abu Dhabi Gulf Air 213 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 182 Bahrain Middle East 404 Beirut Wataniya Airways 102 Dubai Jazeera 447 Doha Egypt Air 623 Sohag Syrian Air 341 Damascus Kuwait 772 Riyadh Jazeera 171 Dubai Almasria Universal 407 Alexandria Wataniya Airways 422 Amman Egypt Air 610 Cairo Jazeera 457 Damascus Kuwait 672 Dubai United 982 Washington DC Dulles Jordanian 800 Amman Wataniya Airways 432 Damascus Egypt Air 621 Assiut Fly Dubai 057 Dubai Jazeera 257 Beirut Wataniya Airways 332 Alexandria Jazeera 125 Bahrain Saudia 500 Jeddah Kuwait 552 Damascus Nas Air 745 Jeddah
Time 00:05 00:30 00:50 01:05 01:05 01:05 01:15 01:45 02:05 02:10 02:15 02:25 02:35 02:55 03:25 04:45 05:25 05:30 06:15 06:20 06:30 06:40 07:05 07:10 07:45 07:50 07:55 07:55 08:00 08:10 08:20 08:25 08:40 09:00 09:25 10:45 10:45 10:50 11:05 11:20 12:00 12:05 12:10 12:40 12:45 12:50 12:55 13:10 13:15 13:35 13:35 13:35 13:40 13:50 14:05 14:05 14:10 14:30 14:35 14:55
Qatari Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Mihin Etihad Emirates Gulf Air Wataniya Airways Saudia Kuwait Iran Air Arabia Jazeera Jazeera Srilankan Wataniya Airways Kuwait Wataniya Airways Rovos Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Wataniya Airways Jazeera Air Arabia Egypt Kuwait Kuwait Bahrain Air Jazeera Jazeera Singapore Kuwait Almasria Universal Fly Dubai Oman Air Wataniya Airways Middle East Rovos Jet A/W Egypt Air KLM Wataniya Airways DHL Gulf Air Emirates Kuwait Qatari United Indian Kuwait Jazeera Lufthansa Jazeera Egypt Air Bangladesh India Express Egypt Air Pakistan Wataniya Airways
134 546 678 118 403 303 857 215 402 510 562 617 125 493 129 227 304 104 106 093 502 542 618 786 202 177 555 674 614 344 459 433 458 774 109 061 647 612 402 081 572 618 0445 404 372 217 859 178 136 981 981 1782 429 636 185 612 043 389 606 205 108
Doha Alexandria Muscat/Abu Dhabi New York Colombo/Dubai Abu Dhabi Dubai Bahrain Beirut Riyadh Amman Ahwaz Sharjah Jeddah Bahrain Colombo/Dubai Cairo London Dubai Kandahar/Dubai Beirut Cairo Doha Jeddah Jeddah Dubai Alexandria Dubai Bahrain Bahrain Damascus Mashad Singapore/Abu Dhabi Riyadh Assiut Dubai Muscat Sabiha Beirut Baghdad Mumbai Alexandria Amsterdam Beirut Bahrain Bahrain Dubai Geneva/Frankfurt Doha Bahrain Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad Jeddah Bahrain Frankfurt Dubai Cairo Dhaka Kozhikode/Mangalore Luxor Lahore Dubai
15:05 15:30 15:35 16:15 16:40 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:15 17:20 17:30 17:40 17:40 17:40 17:55 18:00 18:35 18:35 18:45 18:45 18:50 18:50 18:55 18:55 18:55 19:05 19:15 19:20 19:20 19:25 19:30 19:40 19:25 19:25 19:50 20:05 20:15 20:20 20:20 20:30 20:30 20:35 20:40 20:50 21:00 21:05 21:15 21:20 21:35 21:55 22:05 22:15 22:10 22:30 22:40 22:55 23:00 23:10 23:15 23:55 23:55
Departure Flights on Thursday 23/09/2010 Airlines Flt Route Jazeera 528 Assiut Shaheen Air 442 Lahore Egypt Air 607 Luxor India Express 394 Cochin/Kozhikode KLM 0447 Amsterdam Indian 576 Goa/Chennai Lufthansa 637 Frankfurt Pakistan 216 Karachi Turkish 773 Istanbul Bangladesh 046 Dhaka Ethiopian 620 Bahrain/Addis Ababa Egypt Air 615 Cairo DHL 371 Bahrain FlyDubai 052 Dubai Emirates 854 Dubai Etihad 306 Abu Dhabi Qatari 139 Doha Wataniya Airways 101 Dubai Jordanian 803 Amman Jazeera 331 Alexandria Jazeera 446 Doha Gulf Air 212 Bahrain Jazeera 456 Damascus Wataniya Airways 421 Amman Wataniya Airways 181 Bahrain Rovos 094 Dubai/Kandahar Jazeera 256 Beirut Wataniya Airways 431 Damascus British 156 London Kuwait 545 Alexandria Fly Dubai 054 Dubai Iran Air 606 Mashad Kuwait 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat Kuwait 671 Dubai Kuwait 771 Riyadh Kuwait 551 Damascus Arabia 122 Sharjah Kuwait 101 London/New York Emirates 856 Dubai Qatari 133 Doha Etihad 302 Abu Dhabi Jazeera 124 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 401 Beirut Kuwait 165 Rome/Paris Middle East 405 Beirut Kuwait 541 Cairo Wataniya Airways 611 Sabiha Jazeera 492 Jeddah Kuwait 561 Amman Egypt Air 624 Sohag Kuwait 501 Beirut Syrian Air 342 Damascus Kuwait 785 Jeddah Almasria Universal 408 Assiut Wataniya Airways 201 Jeddah Egypt Air 611 Cairo Jazeera 432 Mashad Jazeera 458 Assiut Wataniya Airways 105 Dubai Jordanian 801 Amman
Time 00:05 00:10 00:15 00:25 00:30 00:50 00:50 01:10 02:15 02:15 02:30 03:05 03:15 03:20 03:45 04:00 05:00 06:50 07:00 07:30 07:40 07:45 07:45 07:50 07:50 08:00 08:05 08:10 08:25 08:35 08:40 08:45 08:45 09:00 08:55 09:10 09:20 09:30 09:40 10:00 10:10 11:15 11:35 11:45 11:50 12:00 12:05 12:15 12:25 12:50 13:00 13:05 13:30 13:35 13:45 13:55 14:00 13:35 14:30 14:30
Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)
FlyDubai Egypt Air United Jazeera Jazeera Kuwait Wataniya Airways Kuwait Kuwait Nas Air Saudia Kuwait Qatari Kuwait Rovos Kuwait Etihad Mihin Gulf Air Emirates Wataniya Airways Kuwait Arabia Jazeera Saudia Iran Air Kuwait Srilankan Jazeera Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways Air Arabia Egypt Kuwait Jazeera Jazeera Bahrain Air Kuwait Jazeera Almasria Universal FlyDubai Singapore Wataniya Airways Kuwait Oman Air Middle East Jet A/W Egypt Air Wataniya Airways KLM Gulf Air DHL Kuwait Emirates Falcon Qatari Kuwait Kuwait Jazeera Jazeera United Kuwait Kuwait Egypt Air
058 Dubai 622 Assiut 982 Bahrain 176 Dubai 128 Bahrain 673 Dubai 403 Beirut 673 Dubai 617 Doha 746 Jeddah 505 Jeddah 773 Riyadh 135 Doha 613 Bahrain 082 Baghdad 1781 Jeddah 304 Abu Dhabi 404 Dubai/Colombo 216 Bahrain 858 Dubai 306 Cairo 543 Cairo 126 Sharjah 184 Dubai 511 Riyadh 616 Ahwaz 285 Chittagong 228 Dubai/Colombo 428 Bahrain 407 Beirut 433 Damascus 107 Dubai 556 Alexandria 283 Dhaka 266 Beirut 240 Amman 345 Bahrain 361 Colombo 512 Sharm El Sheikh 110 Assiut 062 Dubai 457 Abu Dhabi/Singapore 321 Sharm El Sheikh 351 Cochin 648 Muscat 403 Beirut 571 Mumbai 619 Alexandria 187 Bahrain 0445 Bahrain/Amsterdam 218 Bahrain 373 Bahrain 675 Dubai 860 Dubai 102 Bahrain 137 Doha 301 Mumbai 205 Islamabad 526 Alexandria 502 Luxor 981 Washington DC Dulles 411 Bangkok/Manila 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 613 Cairo
14:35 14:40 14:50 14:55 15:00 15:10 15:10 15:10 15:35 15:45 16:00 16:05 16:20 16:20 17:00 17:00 17:35 17:40 18:05 18:05 18:05 18:10 18:20 18:30 18:35 18:40 18:45 19:10 19:10 19:25 19:30 19:40 19:55 20:15 20:10 20:20 20:10 20:20 20:20 20:40 20:50 20:55 21:00 21:05 21:15 21:20 21:30 21:35 21:35 21:40 21:55 22:00 22:10 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:20 23:30 23:40 23:40 23:50 23:55
SPECTRUM
34
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Calvin
CROSSWORD 89
Aries (March 21-April 19) Obtaining and
exchanging information takes on more emotional significance for you now, with group meetings, coworker problems, progress reports, etc. The power of organization on a social scale seems to take on an important aspect. There are meetings with authority figures and perhaps associates visiting from out of the country. It is as if ambition and authority are answers in themselves, rather than only a means to an ideal objective. This sort of activity can carry over for a while after the workday—be prepared. It is not the time to procrastinate; you protect the reputation you have worked hard to establish. You keep good company. Working or studying this afternoon can be satisfying. You are not in a frivolous frame of mind. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Real power is always
hidden—finding it means delving into the secret places and that is where you are bound to look now. You have a way of tending to research that informs you and guides you so that you do not offend a person. This is where your energies are focused at this time. Your mental energies, ideas, thoughts and so on may undergo some transformation or change, a natural sense of growth and development. Concentrating and getting down to really essential ideas are facilitated during this time period. Career choices, the obvious path that is opening up for you, may grate against your own sense of freedom and independence. Success and security at the expense of originality may be too great a price to pay. Look for a middle road.
Pooch Cafe
ACROSS 1. A benevolent aspect of Devi. 4. Goat-like antelope of central Eurasia having a stubby nose like a proboscis. 9. (Babylonian) God of wisdom and agriculture and patron of scribes and schools. 13. A change in the electrical properties of the skin in response to stress or anxiety. 14. A city in south central Belgium situated on a promontory between the Meuse River and the Sambre River. 15. Any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent. 16. The sediment from fermentation of an alcoholic beverage. 18. A rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders). 19. A tiny or scarcely detectable amount. 20. Small tropical American tree bearing edible plumlike fruit. 22. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic element. 24. A dog small and tame enough to be held in the lap. 25. A public promotion of some product or service. 26. An honorary degree in science. 27. A radioactive transuranic element. 29. A Mid-Atlantic state. 30. Being ten more than one hundred forty. 32. Aromatic bulb used as seasoning. 34. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light. 37. State in northeastern India. 41. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike. 43. The compass point that is one point east (clockwise) of due north. 44. Formerly a term of respect for important white Europeans in colonial India. 45. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. 46. A radioactive element of the actinide series. 48. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens. 50. A quantity of no importance. 53. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central America. 55. A siren of German legend who lured boatmen in the Rhine to destruction. 58. A member of a seafaring group of North American Indians who lived on the Pacific coast of British Columbia and southwestern Alaska. 62. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey). 63. Small wooden bat with a flat surface. 66. (informal) Roused to anger. 67. Being five more than one hundred fifty. 68. (music) Characterized by avoidance of traditional Western tonality. 69. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth. 70. Large brownish-green New Zealand parrot. 71. West Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers and yielding a durable timber and resinous juice. 72. A member of a Mayan people of southwestern Guatemala. DOWN 1. Large sweet juicy hybrid between tangerine and grapefruit having a thick wrinkled skin. 2. One thousandth of a second. 3. Of or relating to or involving an area. 4. A silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion. 5. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine. 6. (psychoanalysis) An idealized image of someone (usually a parent) formed in childhood. 7. A Russian prison camp for political prisoners. 8. A unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters. 9. Submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers. 10. Highly excited. 11. Held back. 12. A mountain range in western Russia extending from the arctic to the Caspian Sea. 17. Any of a number of fishes of the family Carangidae. 21. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum. 23. A pale rose-colored variety of the ruby spinel. 28. A tax on employees and employers that is used to fund the Social Security system. 31. A law passed by US Congress to prevent employees from being injured or contracting diseases in the course of their employment. 33. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily. 35. An associate degree in nursing. 36. A collection of objects laid on top of each other. 38. The capital and largest city of Yemen. 39. A resource. 40. A master's degree in business. 42. A Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria. 47. A high-crowned black cap (usually made of felt or sheepskin) worn by men in Turkey and Iran and the Caucasus. 48. A colorless and odorless inert gas. 49. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group. 51. An anti-TNF compound (trade name Arava) that is given orally. 52. A long noosed rope used to catch animals. 53. Gone by. 54. A Hindu disciple of a swami. 56. Look at with amorous intentions. 57. A material effigy that is worshipped as a god. 58. A soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal. 59. (Islam) The man who leads prayers in a mosque. 60. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad. 61. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian mythology. 64. A nucleic acid consisting of large molecules shaped like a double helix.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) You may appear very relaxed today. Everything seems to be working well together. You may want to express your appreciation when timing and requests are met with an agreeable response. Characterized by high energy, you can be a bit impatient— eager to move forward and to learn and grow. You seek contact, involvement and do not become bogged down with gossip or negative thinking. You will find yourself giving way to others in almost all situations. In a word, you could be most encouraging to others but you have to make a concentrated effort to do so at this time. You have an ability to supervise people and have a built-in sense of responsibility. This makes you a unique individual. There are not many people of your caliber in management.
Non Sequitur
Cancer (June 21-July 22) This is a busy but successful workday. Much can be accomplished. Meetings scheduled today and tomorrow will be more profitable than meetings at any other time this month. You have an inner drive to be thorough and responsible in minute details—self-disciplined. You can relax later today and know that you have done a really good job for your company. Your attempt to remain untouched and impersonal seems doomed to failure—you enjoy communicating with all sorts of people. This evening you may enjoy playing cards or board games with friends. You enjoy games that stimulate the thinking muscles and you enjoy watching others find the right answer. This is a great time to organize and get things accomplished. Leo (July 23-August 22) Obtaining and exchanging information is an important part of this day. You may be very forceful in what you say and think. With your enthusiasm, you could speak or communicate very well. You may enjoy using some of your fun skills in the workplace. This could be that you do very well at reading handwriting or understanding the lines in the palm. This talent would help you learn more about your co-workers and the higher-ups and to enable you to pick up the slack or to help in the workplace where another person might need guidance. Your positivism lets you get right to the point but you may have to call on your patience with those who seem too hesitant in their job. You have plenty of enthusiasm and warm up to people quickly.
Zits
Virgo (August 23-September 22) You might like to ignore responsibilities and do some socializing, but realities may demand that you tend to business and forget your friends for the moment. This is not the greatest time to attempt to get your ideas across to others so, if possible, take it easy today and just tend to the work at hand. You are very idealistic when it comes to possessions, finances and how you choose to make your living. Your response to what life offers you is always elevated, although not always practical. This could lead to some disappointments. Take time to review your goals and perhaps some of the methods in which you are working to reach those goals. Be wise while shopping this evening—it would be good to set aside a little cash for later. Libra (September 23-October 22) Your willingness to give credit to others is noticed. You may also go beyond the assigned and expected tasks asked of you. You may need a little help to finish a project. It is appropriate to ask for help. Your eagerness to take the risk and make a decision—above and beyond your job identity—will bring you respect. Today is a self-expression day. You will find others listening to your particular ideas and thoughts. A good conversation with those you love is possible this evening. Learn to enjoy and share successes with your family. Seek advice and support from your family and encourage each person in your family to do the same. This will certainly bring the family closer together and a strong bond may be enjoyed.
Mother Goose and Grimm
Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You want to be more
useful in the workplace, or at least you want to be able to see results that are from your very own efforts. For now, you may have to just be okay with being part of a team. Patience, a time will come when you can put your name on a project. Taking care of the necessary parts of life— health, work and such—will become a great preoccupation just now. Sorting things out and getting them organized to utmost efficiency keeps you busy. Marriage and other close relationships give rise to great expectations as a new cycle gets underway in your life. This is a time to enjoy and appreciate your ties to others and to seek and promote harmony in the interaction between people. Slow down and look at the beauty around you. Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) A period of great mental activity and heightened communication with others begins now. Your own growth and success may be linked to questions of security—home and family, in particular. Faith, family, friends, fitness, volunteer services and finances are the subjects you will want to keep your mind keyed to while you are learning to balance your physical energies. These are the things that are needed for good balance. This is a time during which you can get ahead by finding your limits and establishing a home base from which to move forward. Don’t be afraid to project that image—make those dreams real. Group cooperation and communion could further your career now. Prepare yourself for a good tomorrow by doing your best now.
Yesterdayʼs Solution
Yester
Yesterdayʼs Solution
Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Intense focus on your career can find you mercilessly cutting back and getting down to the essentials regarding the path you are taking with your life. You will have a sense of being almost driven to pursue your course and succeed. Perhaps you will want to take a class or have someone guide you with a new skill or technique. Look around—this will make it easier on the learning time involved. This could be a time during which your need for inner growth and change may not agree with how you feel. You may not appreciate all of the intensely personal stuff that is boiling up inside you now. It is best to get your lessons learned now—it will help decrease the frustrations on down the road. Relax with your loved one this evening. Laughter is good!
INTERNATIONAL CALLS Kuwait Qatar Abu Dhabi Dubai Raas Al Khayma Al-Shareqa Muscat Jordan Bahrain Riyadh Makkah - Jeddah Cairo Alexandria Beirut Damascus Allepo
00965 00974 009712 009714 009717 009716 00968 009626 00973 009661 009662 00202 00203 009611 0096311 0096321
Tunisia Rabat Washington New York Paris London Madrid Zurich Geneva Monaco Rome Bangkok Hong Kong Pakistan Taiwan Bonn
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Capricorn (December 22-January 19) You might like to ignore responsibilities and do some socializing today, but realities demand you tend to business and forget your desire to escape the work of the day. Your superiors value your ability to produce good results . . . keep on this same path. Others may seek you out for business advice. You could be put in charge to make decisions that affect others. You are most persuasive and will find others to be cooperative. You possess a powerful, persistent drive and by the afternoon, you have achieved what seemed too difficult to tackle earlier this morning. Others may find you deep, with a sense of mission and mystery. A young person could use your help later today. There is an opportunity to enjoy dinner out-of-doors this evening.
Word Sleuth Solution
Pisces (February 19-March 20) A big group meeting this morning may point you in new directions regarding methods and styles and techniques with work projects. Philosophizing, or expressing your theories are the things you love and your opinion will be considered. Someone may bring up a subject of interest today that you may also want to explore. You enjoy fair, just, frank and broad-minded persons and long conversations with your friends touching on a variety of subjects this afternoon. You dare to dream big. You are very tolerant and accepting of differences and may find yourself promoting your own ideas much of this day. Your sense of inner direction is good and should lead to some ideas for future monetary opportunities. You make a great deal of headway on personal project.
INFORMATION
Thursday, September 23, 2010
35 FIRE BRIGADE Operation Room 112 Al-Madena 22418714 Al-Shohada始a 22545171 Al-Shuwaikh 24810598 Al-Nuzha 22545171 Sabhan 24742838 Al-Helaly 22434853 Al-Fayhaa 22545051 Al-Farwaniya 24711433 Al-Sulaibikhat 24316983 Al-Fahaheel 23927002 Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh 24316983 Ahmadi 23980088 Al-Mangaf 23711183 Al-Shuaiba 23262845 Al-Jahra 25610011 Al-Salmiya 25616368
Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw
For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 HOSPITALS Sabah Hospital
24812000
Amiri Hospital
22450005
Maternity Hospital
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24892010
Adan Hospital
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POLICE STATION Al-Madena Police Station Al-Murqab Police Station Al-Daiya Police Station Al-Fayha始a Police Station Al-Qadissiya Police Station Al-Nugra Police Station Al-Salmiya Police Station Al-Dasma Police Station
24874330/9 CLINICS
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22451082
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25316254
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25623444
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THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988 AIRLINES
PHARMACIES ON 24 HRS DUTY GOVERNORATE Ahmadi
PHARMACY Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan
ADDRESS Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd
PHONE 23915883 23715414 23726558
Jahra
Modern Jahra Madina Munawara
Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92
24575518 24566622
Capital
Ahlam Khaldiya Coop
Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop
22436184 24833967
Farwaniya
New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan
Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11
24734000 24881201 24726638
Hawally
Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy
Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B
25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554
EMERGENCY 112
PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists: Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea Dr. Masoma Habeeb Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy Dr. Mohsen Abel Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly
25622444 25752222 25321171 25739999 25757700 25732223 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-Awadi22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Plastic Surgeons: Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272
22434064 22435865 22544200 22547133 22515277 22616662 25714406 22530801
Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari Dr. Abdel Quttainah
22617700 25625030/60
Family Doctor: Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581
Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.
Zahra Qabazard Sohail Qamar Snaa Maaroof Pradip Gujare Zacharias Mathew
25710444 22621099 25713514 23713100 24334282
(1) Ear, Nose and Throat Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians: Dr Adrian Harbe 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
Paediatricians: Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300
Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290
(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
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25620111
Neurologists:
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 Tel: 25339667 Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Consultant Cardiologist Tel: 2611555-2622555 Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123
Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan
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
Physiotherapists & VD: Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288
25345875
Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman
22636464
Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali
22633135
Endocrinologist: Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari
25658888
Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr
25329924
Psychologists/Psychotherapists Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, Ph.D. 2290-1677 Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg, M.A. 2290-1677 William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677
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SPECTRUM
36
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Music & Movies
By Michael Roddy here’s a word that crops up in relation to violinist Viktoria Mullova’s recent performances, one not often associated with the cosseted classical music world, and that word is “danger”. Her recent recording of Beethoven’s popular Kreutzer sonata for violin and piano (Onyx 4050) was singled out by one critic for the “nervous quality” of Mullova’s playing and the “extra excitement, danger even,” she and accompanist Kristian Bezuidenhout of South Africa created by using gut strings on the violin and an 1822 fortepiano rather than a modern grand. “That was how Beethoven was hearing his music-in his head, of course, because he couldn’t hear it otherwise,” Mullova, referring to the composer’s increasing deafness at the time he wrote the piece, told Reuters in a telephone interview. Gut strings require a different playing technique from modern metal ones and the
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fortepiano has a knack for rapidly going out of tune-making everything that much more difficult. But this is exactly what Mullova has been working towards, ever since one of the most prominent musical defectors from the former Soviet Unionwhere she was trained in the big, romantic Moscow Conservatory style-decided to become equally adept in the so-called “period” playing techniques. “We have so many recordings these days of the Beethoven sonatas I don’t think it’s interesting anymore to hear another one, they are all played more or less in the same way,” she said, with a noticeable accent perhaps betraying that Mullova, although she defected in 1983 and lives in London, remains faithful to the “Russian soul”. “I didn’t record it because I wanted to be different, but because I wanted to go to the actual composition, how it was intended to be,” she added, underscoring the determination that allowed her to slip away from the
period performance) and that’s how it all started because I was obliged to change the strings.”
Soviet state music industry. “It’s not like I have stopped playing in the Russian way,” she noted, promising “big sound and vibrato all over the place” when she tackles Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 and Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto with the London Symphony Orchestra during a three-month residency at London’s Barbican, starting Sept 30, as part of the UBS Soundscapes program. Here’s what else she had to say about why she made the change to gut strings, what it was like defecting, leaving her parents behind, and her likes and dislikes about Russia today. Q: You had a perfectly good ca reer, recording for a m a jor la bel a nd performing the “big concertos” w ith major orchestra s. W ha t possessed you to delve into the highly specia liz ed , a n d som e m igh t sa y “a nora ky”, w orld of period performance, using gut strings in st ea d of m et a l-w h ic h p ro-
Q: Of course, this is partly a process of turning your ba ck on w hat you learned under the S ov iet m u sic regim e. I f y ou ha d it to do over, w ould you still defect, leaving everything behind? A: “Right now it’s very difficult to say because I have children myself and I could imagine how hard it was for my parents to realize they would never see me again....But what I can say is I don’t regret that I defected because they were great years and I started my career and I don’t think it would have been as easy to do that now.”
Mullova duce a bigger sound? A : “It basically started from meeting my friend (bassoonist Marco Postinghel, in Paris) and listening to him talk about recordings. It was in the early ‘90s, and then I realized how little I knew...and he gave me some
recordings to listen to and I listened to the Giardino Armonica (an Italian early music ensemble) and it was amazing how beautiful it was...Then the big push was an invitation from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (a British orchestra specializing in
Q: W hen you go ba ck to Russia, w hat is it like for you? A: “I don’t like Moscow very much, it’s changed in a way, it’s become very commercial and people changed a little bit. I feel more at home and I feel more Russian in
small places, like when I went to visit my father’s family in Irkutsk near Baikal in Siberia and that kind of Russia I like a lot, it’s still the same people that I don’t think have changed. Q: As for yourself, have w e got the fina l inca rna tion of Vik toria Mullova , or is there another version yet to come? A: “I just came from a trip, I played with Reinhard Goebbel, leader of Musica Antiqua Koln, a group which doesn’t exist anymore though they recorded a lot for DG (Deutsche Grammophon) and his interpretations are so different from anything you ever heard before, whether you agree or disagree, but he has a major knowledge about this music. So I came away like completely my head was turning around and I realized again that I know nothing so again a change is probably going to come in the way of playing. It never stops, when you meet musicians like that, they influence you so much.” —Reuters
ʻMoney Never Sleepsʼ faces hard time on Wall Street By Christine Kearney ordon Gekko, the archetypal villain of iconic 1980s movie “Wall Street” has a new mantra: greed is not just good, it’s legal and it’s everywhere. But his words, and the sequel “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” that is set to hit cinemas worldwide on Friday, is unlikely to strike the same chord with securities traders and bankers that made Gekko a cult hero and the epitome of unabashed, 1980s financial excess, industry experts say. “I don’t think it will be as big an issue on Wall Street in terms of dirtying its image,” said Igor Kirman, a partner at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, a major Wall Street law firm. When “Wall Street” hit cinemas in 1987, the stock market had suffered a massive crash and
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Shakira performs at Madison Square Garden in New York, Tuesday. —AP
Colombian president supports
Americans were angry. The film showed how bankers bought companies, stripped their assets, destroyed proud US businesses and left countless blue-collar workers standing in unemployment lines. Director Oliver Stone may be taking on Wall Street again, but in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial meltdown which drew universal ire from politicians and a steady stream of scandals-from Bernie Madoff ’s ponzi scheme to the collapse of one firm which embodied the 1980s excesses, Lehman Brothers- bankers are not worried about Stone’s new film. “Wall Street has been dragged through the mud in the last year or so. It has been scapegoated,” said Kirman. “There is nothing that Oliver Stone is going to say...in this movie that our president has not said himself. It’s not going to
be a huge punch against Wall Street.” The movie saw its premiere at the Cannes film festival in May and met with mixed reviews. Since then, Stone said, he spent three weeks doing some extra editing. Michael Douglas is back as ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko, but this time taking the blame for financial chicanery are the major money center banks and those who run them. Central to the film’s plot is a love relationship between Gekko’s daughter, portrayed by Carey Mulligan, and a young Wall Street trader named Jake Moore (Shia LaBeouf) whose aggressive business dealings land him in trouble. Wall street kool-aid “Someone reminded me I once said, ‘Greed is good,’ now it seems it is legal, because everybody is drinking the same Kool-Aid,”
Gekko says at the beginning of the sequel as he leaves prison after serving time for insider trading. Stone, a long-time critic of unbridled capitalism whose father was a stockbroker, told reporters that while the film was timely, bubbles in the financial cycle are here to stay. “Love and trust and greed and betrayal; they go on and...they are equivalent to the ‘80s and they are equivalent now,” he said, adding that the 2008 crisis was not so different from 1987, “When I thought greed was outrageous.” “The concept of American optimism, making money, being successful, is an ongoing part of the American ethos,” said Stone, who has put forward contrarian views of America in such movies as “JFK” and “Nixon.” And if some on Wall Streets would not go and see the film because they don’t like him, so be it, he said.
Country singer Shania Twain to write autobiography
(From Right) Colombian singers Juanes and Mario, of Doctor Krapula, gesture during a concert at Comuna 13 shantytown for the International Peace Day on September 21, 2010 in Medellin, Antioquia department, Colombia.—AFP
Shakira at NYC show By Mesfin Fekadu he president of Colombia might be in New York for the UN General Assembly, but he also found time to attend a concert by Shakira. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, along with the former president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, Queen Rania of Jordan and actor Jim Carrey, came out to Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night to watch the hip-swiveling Shakira perform before an energetic crowd. “It’s really an honor for us,” Shakira said, thanking the president of her homeland for attending. The bilingual singer kicked off her show with a slow groove to “Pienso en Ti” — wearing a hot pink ensemble that covered most of her body, revealing only her face and some of her blond curls-while she sang and gave hugs to people in the crowd. She walked to the middle of the stage, tore off the ensemble to reveal a shiny gold top with black tights and knee-high boots and performed the thumping “Why Wait.” “I’m here to please you!” she yelled. “Remember tonight I’m all yours.” The 33-year-old continued with rock-filled versions of “Te Dejo” and “Whenever, Wherever,” then sang lyrics from EMF’s 1990s hit “You’re Unbelievable.” The crowd got rowdy during the electric guitar-fused “Si Te Vas” and the explosive “She Wolf.” But the highlight was Shakira’s cover of
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Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.” Wearing a silver tank top, a flowing maroon skirt and no shoes, the singer belted the drum-filled jam, also highlighted by the violin. That was followed by a sensual Shakira dancing to the beat of the drum, then falling to the floor-and dancing again. Shakira brought four fans onstage and gave them a dance lesson while others waved the Colombian flag throughout the show, which lasted for nearly two hours. The Grammy-winning singer, whose new album “Sale el Sol (The Sun Comes Out)” is due out next month, performed songs from the CD, including the soft rock title track. She also grinded to her latest single “Loca.” “For a few months I’ve been different. I feel like the sun has been shining on me, brighter than ever!” she yelled. She returned for an encore in a bright blue ruffled dress, performing the soft “Antes de las Seis.” She then ripped off the dress to shake her hips-even imitating Beyonce’s signature booty dance-to her largest US hit, the uptempo “Hips Don’t Lie.” Shakira closed the show with her international smash, the World Cup anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” But before she began, a video of African children saying what they aspired to be played in the background. Green, red and yellow confetti began to fall as Shakira sang the song, saying loudly: “We’re all Africa!”—Reuters
“If you look at it as a farmer...you don’t sell all your crop to everybody.” he said. While the ways in which Wall Streeters make money may be different now than a quarter century ago, some industry players said the principles of profit and ambition are unchanged. “It’s the same type of people and the same sort of culture,” said John Nowak, who works on Wall Street but asked that his company’s name remain anonymous. Some reviewers said the film will draw interest from fans of the original, but others, including veteran indieWire critic Todd McCarthy, said the script was poorly pasted together and did not stir emotions against the greed of corporate America. “It’s surprising for Oliver Stone to propagate an air of complacency about the financial state of things,” McCarthy wrote in his review. —Reuters
In this Nov 12, 2010 photo, Singer Shania Twain arrives at the 42nd Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, Tenn. —AP
John ‘Junior’ Gotti agrees to movie about his life S By Christy Lemire ollywood has produced no shortage of movies and TV shows about the mob, but this one’s coming straight from the most high-profile source imaginable: John “Junior” Gotti has sold the rights to his life story. The 46year-old son of the late, legendary Gambino crime family leader, “Dapper Don” John Gotti, has agreed to a deal with the independent production company Fiore Films. Financial details weren’t made available because of a signed nondisclosure agreement, but a film about Gotti’s life is in the works with a production budget of $15 million. Gotti was tried four times since 2005 for racketeering, with each trial ending in a hung jury. He was released from prison in December after serv-
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ing nine years in a previous racketeering case. He has said he lef t the life of organized crime in 1999. These days, he’s simultaneously working on a book and a screenplay with actor-writer Leo Rossi, which should be done by the end of the year. Casting should be announced around then, too, with shooting scheduled to begin in March. Fiore Films CEO Marc Fiore said Sylvester Stallone is among the people who’ve expressed interest in being involved both as director and star. “I didn’t realize how many fans the Gotti family had,” Fiore said. “I’m getting calls from people we probably would not be able to speak to yet because of the infancy of our company.” Gotti said he chose this company because it was local and because it would let him tell his
In this March 10, 2006 file photo, John “Junior” Gotti exits Manhattan federal court with his brother Peter, left, by his side, in New York. —AP story. “It’s going to be filmed in New York, I’ve been working on it in New York, we can be an active player in the situation from start to finish,” Gotti said Tuesday in a 30-minute, rare
interview with The Associated Press. “They were willing to hear my thoughts and they assured me the script would be absolutely accurate, the script would be fair.” —AP
hania Twain is ready to talk about her recent divorce-and she’ll do it in her autobiography. Of course, Twain will discuss much more than her recent split with music producer Robert “Mutt” Lange. The country superstar announced yesterday that her book will talk about her difficult childhood, including the death of her mother. She’ll also chart her rise to become one of the top-sellers in music. Twain says recent struggles created a “sudden urgency to document my life before I ran out of time.” The Grammy winner shot to fame in the 1990s with hits like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” She had spent the past few years out of the spotlight. She’s due to have her own show on Oprah Winfrey’s new OWN network. Twain’s book will be published by Atria Books. — AP
Thursday, September 23, 2010
SPECTRUM
37
Fashion
By Antonella Ciancio ilan’s designers will strive to bring their catwalk collections closer to the average shopper with a range of public shows and electronic offerings as Milan Fashion Week kicked off yesterday. Aiming to overcome the calendar woes that squeezed February’s womenswear edition into four days and lure cash-strapped shoppers, organizers have spread around 170 shows and presentations over a week, arranged open-air viewings, streaming videos to giant
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screens and smartphones. “We are spreading around, we are getting closer to people,” Mario Boselli, president of Italy’s National Chamber of Fashion, told Reuters on the sidelines of an exhibition on Monday. Thousands of journalists and buyers are expected to add to the hustle and bustle in the heart of Italy’s fashion capital, where organizers moved their hub for the first time in 30 years. The decision to leave a less central fair centre was made to help buyers, models and reporters move around Milan’s crowded streets, after complaints over
delays and traffic jams. “The calendar is more balanced, we will see more punctuality at the shows,” Armando Branchini, secretary general of Italian luxury goods association Altagamma told reporters on Tuesday. Unlike past editions, names such as Gucci and Armani will not jam pack the days in the middle of the schedule, while underwear, swimwear and oversize brands have been left out. Shows will be streamed on giant screens and news will be delivered on smartphones to bring the catwalk to the average Milanese shopper, as the industry strives to fully recover from
the crisis. “I think a true recovery is under way, but it’s not a big recovery,” Michele Tronconi, President of Italian textile and fashion federation Sistema Moda Italia (SMI), told Reuters. “The fashion market is bouncing up and down,” he said. According to SMI, Italian textile industry’s turnover is expected to rise 4.5 percent this year, partially offsetting a 15 percent fall to 56.5 billion euros ($74 billion) in 2009. Milan’s popular swing reflects a trend seen among fashion brands such as Lanvin and Valentino, which have announced fast-selling capsule
collections for clothing retailers Hennes & Mauritz and Gap respectively. Costume National-which will parade in Milan’s picturesque Duomo square, close to Gap’s upcoming flagship-will design a collection for Italian retailer Coin’s Oviesse stores. However, the Milan fashion week will not lack glamour. Roberto Cavalli will celebrate the maison’s 40th anniversary with a star-packed open-air show in Milan and an exclusive party in Paris, where the fashion caravan will end its run started in New York and London. — Reuters
Models display creations as part of Elena Miro spring-summer 2011 ready-to-wear collection yesterday during the Womenís fashion week in Milan. — AFP
SPECTRUM
38
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Fashion
London shows
sexy & colorful styles for spring
US actress Sarah Jessica Parker, center, watches the Burberry Prorsum show with Britain’s Alexa Chung, left, US tennis player Serena Williams, second right, and Britain’s tennis player Andy Murray, right, during London Fashion Week, in London. — AP photos Models present outfits by designer Roksanda Ilincic, during her show at London Fashion Week, in London. —AP photos
esigners opted for the sexy and colorful for next spring’s womenswear at London Fashion Week, but stuck to a timeless style to appeal to budget-conscious buyers picky about adding to their wardrobe. Short dresses and high heels featured prominently on the catwalk at many spring/summer 2011 shows, with Julien Macdonald injecting doses of glamour by looking to the boudoir. His models wore pastel-colored and flower-printed short frilly dresses, at times transparent, as well as long gowns with trains in lace and silk in bursts of color. A puff of perfume minutes before the show added to the bedroom feel. “I decided to take these English girls to Hollywood and I made them very ultra glamorous and ultra sexy,” he said. Hong Kong-born John Rocha took last season’s trend of underwear as outerwear one step further, playing with corsets and bras, sometimes put in as panels in jackets. His collection was full of long fluid dresses, accessorized with backpacks and leather lace-up wedge boots. “I just feel that at this moment in time, for me it’s all about texture. I try to make women look as beautiful as possible,” Rocha told Reuters. “There’s enough sadness in the world, there’s enough drama.” Burberry Prorsum mixed biker jackets with trenchcoats at mid and mini length, then combined the biker and trenchcoat looks in gabardine, bonded twill and other fabrics with all kinds of leather from heavy black to shiny patent in bright colors. ‘Never conventional’ There was also a hint of the 1970s, with flared trousers, bold prints and fringed skirts and dresses at several shows. For her Red Label line, Vivienne Westwood had a selection of trouser and short suits as well as loosely cut and shirt dresses that were worn with mismatched lace-up shoes. Westwood, who rose to prominence 30 years ago during Britain’s punk era and shows her main line in Paris, also had net capes, hot pants and exaggerated cleavages on some designs.
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“I’ve had a good run for sure. I can only say it’s because I do something that is not a market thing,” she told reporters when asked about her success. “I just do what I really like, and I make something that you can’t get anywhere else.” Matthew Williamson presented a tropically colored collection, heavy in beading and embroidery. He had plenty of billowing gowns as well as short bustier dresses and collarless jackets worn with high-waisted and wide-legged trousers. Skirts in muted metallics were fringed and worn with tribal-style platform sandals. Savannah and Sienna Miller, the sisters behind the Twenty8Twelve brand, preferred a relaxed retro look,
putting models in simple dresses puffed out with colourful petticoats, denim tops and shorts. Shoes were mainly flat sandals with big sparkly bows. Paul Smith, one of Britain’s best-established designers, presented fitted and oversized shirts matched with cropped or oversized trousers-as if women had borrowed items from their boyfriends’ wardrobes. Even though it has produced some of fashion’s biggest names London has struggled to maintain its international profile on a par with Paris, Milan and New York. However, it can boast an impressive front row of celebrities who this season included names such as Jude Law, Pamela Anderson and Sarah Jessica Parker. “It’s never conventional,” Joan Burstein, founder of London’s renowned fashion store Brown’s, said. “I think that’s what we have in our favour from London Fashion Week.”—Reuters See next page
By Danica Kirka and Gregory Katz ctors, tennis stars and musicians flocked to the Burberry Prorsum show that was the centerpiece of London Fashion Week on Tuesday, but the focus was on designer Christopher Bailey’s new creations. The Burberry fashion czar built on recent successes with studded biker jackets, leathertrimmed trench-style minidresses, and vibrant hot shots of colors like turquoise, lime green and purple for the spring and summer 2011 collection.
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It was a cutting edge, sexy look, with a few references back to the brand’s storied heritage, and a few hints of military wear, but brought upto-date. Many of the models wore skintight leather trousers with quilted patterns-they needed help getting in and out of the outfits. Bailey dipped into the company archives for inspiration, adapting the designs for motorcycle wear created by company icon Thomas Burberry. The fusion of classic design with modern accent has come to be a Bailey trademark, channeling the company’s past and delicately guiding it forward. Stylists suggest that Bailey has been able to create an image-a Burberry woman if you will. Bailey had no trouble describing the look he had in mind. “I sometimes describe it as effortless elegance,” he said. “It’s very British. You can wear the most beautiful crafted piece. But it feels very relaxed. It’s not too precious. It’s not too aesthetic.” The mood of the show was captured in an unscripted moment when the first of two models fell off her towering stilettos. She merely picked them up and continued down the runway barefoot, personifying the relaxed self-confidence behind the clothes. Though the collection was meant for spring and summer, the materials had a heavier feel than most collections of the season-an intentional effort to address a modern global audience facing different temperatures and climates
outside the company’s base in Europe. “I wanted the collection to be transseasonal,” he said. “We’re now talking to a global digitized audience.” The celebrities rushed to his side afterward to sing his praises. An elegant Serena Williams hugged Bailey and posed for pictures alongside Scottish tennis ace Andy Murray. Renowned photographer Mario Testino gushed over Bailey’s vision. “I loved the show,” he said. “He’s developed ... a woman.” “Sex and the City” star Sarah Jessica Parker sat in the front row, along with the boy band The Cheek and actor Douglas Booth. American Vogue editor Anna Wintour, with her niece, also sat in the front, admiring Bailey’s work. Bailey, 38, was promoted to the newly created post of chief creative officer for Burberry last year after serving as the company’s creative director for eight years.
Helped by Bailey’s touch, Burberry has recaptured its place in the fashion world in recent years, earning plaudits and sales for its recent collections. Once seen as a staid company producing excellent but predictable rainwear and accessories, Burberry has become a trendsetter, with its youth-oriented designs often drawing on the company’s extensive history. He has benefited from the strong backing of Angela Ahrendts, the company’s American-born chief executive officer, who has helped modernize the company while emphasizing its British heritage. “He’s kept the femininity of the Burberry Prorsum girl, but he’s added a new sexy confidence to her,” she said after the show had been closed with the deafening sounds of The Who’s “Pinball Wizard.” She said the company is moving heavily into the digital arena, with live streaming of its catwalk shows enabling customers to make instant purchases of what they see. “Anywhere in the world, you can go online right now and buy any of the outerwear, any of the handbags, or any of the Burberry beauty that went down the runway,” she said. “It will be delivered to customers within seven weeks.” Bailey followed Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, Paul Smith and other big names into the spotlight as Fashion Week nears its conclusion with a number of menswear shows was set yesterday. — AP
Models present outfits by Burberry Prorsum.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
SPECTRUM
Fashion
Models present outfits by designer Todd Lynn.
The Cibeles Fashion Week Zara owner posts profit jump on back of Asian expansion pain’s Inditex, the world’s biggest clothing retailer, posted Wednesday a 68-percent rise in first half net profit as its aggressive expansion abroad, especially in Asia, paid off. The Zara-owner reported a better-than-expected net profit for the six months to July of 628 million euros (825 million dollars), up from 374.8 million euros during the same time last year. Analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires had expected a first half net profit of 573.2 million euros. Inditex, whose other brands include youth label Bershka and the upmarket Massimo Dutti, posted sales of 5.53 billion euros, up 14 percent. The company reduced its reliance on its domestic market Spain, which is struggling to emerge from its worst recession in decades, while Asian and other European markets expanded thanks to a rapid pace of new store openings. Spain accounted for 28 percent of store sales during the period compared with 32 percent a year earlier while Asian markets contributed 15 percent, up from 12 percent. Other European countries accounted for 45 percent, against 44 percent last year. Inditex opened 173 stores in 37 countries during the six months period, including its first ones in fastgrowing India, bringing its worldwide total to 4,780 in 77 countries at the end of July. Inditex expects Asia will account for nearly half of its new store openings in coming years. “China is the most important country for Inditex in Asia and we are planning to increase our presence in Japan, South Korea and India as well as in other Asian nations,” Inditex chief executive Pablo Isla told a conference call with analysts. The company opened three Zara stores in Delhi and Mumbai during the second quarter and Isla said it plans outlets in other Indian cities over the coming years. Isla said the response to the start of online sales for its flagship Zara brand earlier this month in Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain has been “very satisfactory.” The company plans to extend online sales to a further five European countries-Austria, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg-in the second half of this year, before launching in the United States, Canada, Japan and South Korea next year, he added. Inditex plans to eventually start selling its other brands such as Bershka, Oysho and Massimo Dutti, online as well. —AFP
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Japan bars
Paris Hilton after drug plea By Shino Yuasa
stands and respects the rules and laws of the immigration authorities in Japan and fully wishes to cooperate with them.” A Japanese immigration official said she was denied entry yesterday after a total of about six hours of questioning over the two days. The country has taken a tough line with famous figures in the past. Soccer icon Maradona was initially
aris Hilton canceled her Asia tour and returned home when she was denied entry at Tokyo’s airport yesterday following a drug violation in the US running afoul of strict Japanese laws that have tripped up celebrities from Paul McCartney to Diego Maradona. “I’m
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former Beatles member McCartney was arrested for marijuana possession at Narita airport. He was deported without carrying out a planned concert tour by his rock group Wings. Kazuo Kashihara, an immigration official at Narita International Airport, said if Hilton had applied for an entry permit farther ahead of her arrival, there might have been a chance for
In this black and white photo taken on Jan 17, 1980, former Beatles member Paul McCartney, right, is mobbed by fans and the press as he comes out from a narcotics agent office in Tokyo, Japan, after he was arrested for marijuana possession upon arriving at Narita International Airport in Narita on the previous day.
US socialite Paris Hilton leaves Narita international airport in Narita, suburban Tokyo yesterday after she was denied entry to the country over a conviction for cocaine possession.
Paris Hilton waves on her arrival at Narita Airport in Narita, east of Tokyo, Tuesday.
going back home, and I look forward to coming back to Japan in the future,” a smiling Hilton told reporters before departing on her private jet. The 29-year-old celebrity socialite had arrived at Narita International Airport, outside the Japanese capital, two days af ter pleading guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge in Las Vegas. Japan has strict immigration laws that bar entry to those convicted of drug offenses, although exceptions are occasionally granted. Hilton was to appear yesterday at a news conference in Tokyo to promote her fashion and fragrance lines.
World’s oldest man marks 114th birthday in US Montana resident believed to be the world’s oldest man celebrated his 114th birthday Tuesday at a retirement home in Great Falls. Walter Breuning was born on Sept 21, 1896, in Melrose, Minnesota, and moved to Montana in 1918, where he worked as a clerk for the Great Northern Railway for 50 years. His wife, Agnes, a railroad telegraph operator from Butte, died in 1957. The couple had no children. Breuning inherited the distinction of being the world’s oldest man in July 2009 when Briton Henry Allingham died at age 113. Allingham had joked that the secret to long life was “Cigarettes, whisky and wild, wild women-and a good sense of humor,” according to Guinness World Records. The Guinness organization and the Gerontology Research Group each have verified Breuning as the world’s oldest man and the fourth-oldest person. Three women were born earlier in the same year as Breuning. Robert Young, senior consultant for gerontology for Guinness World Records, presented Breuning with a copy of the book’s 2011 edition that lists him as the record holder. “Walter wasn’t in last year’s edition,” Young joked. “He was too young.” The Great Falls Tribune reported that Breuning gave a
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speech before about 100 people at an invitation-only birthday party at the Rainbow Retirement Community, with a guest list that included Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer and representatives from Guinness World Records. Breuning was helped up to a lectern from his motorized cart, appearing somewhat frail but speaking with a strong voice. He recalled “the dark ages,” when his family moved to South Dakota in 1901 and lived for 11 years without electricity, water or plumbing. “Carry the water in. Heat it on the stove. That’s what you took your bath with. Wake up in the dark. Go to bed in the dark. That’s not very pleasant,” he said. He said men and women may be able to enjoy life, but they can’t be content without a belief or faith. His parting message to the crowd was one of tolerance. “With all the hatred in this world, in this good world, let us be kind to one another,” Breuning said. Breuning has celebrity status at the retirement home, with visitors waiting in line to see him, Ray Milversted, 92, told the Tribune. Tina Bundtrock, executive director of the Rainbow, said the home has adopted a policy of scheduling visits with Breuning by appointment, so he’s not taxed by people dropping in to see him. —AP
Paris Hilton looks back from a bus window after leaving the departure lounge of Narita International Airport. banned from entering the country during the 2002 World Cup finals for past drug offenses, but was eventually given a 30-day visa as a “special delegate.” The Rolling Stones struggled for years to gain entry to Japan and were eventually allowed in despite drug convictions among the group’s members. In January 1980,
Japan’s justice minister to consider an exception in her case. “She just showed up the day after (pleading guilty),” he said. Just before taking off, Hilton tweeted a message to her fans. “Going home now. So disappointed to miss my fans in Asia. I promise to come back soon. I love you all! Love Paris xoxo.” —AP
Monet show sheds new light, and lighting, on Impressionism By Charles Onians vast Claude Monet retrospective in Paris sheds new light on the Impressionist megastar, vaunting a “difficult” artist and using ultra-modern LEDs to illuminate his work as never before. While the 19th-century movement that arguably cleared the way for all modern art was about the artist’s fleeting subjectivity, the show opening Wednesday also puts the viewer at the centre of a new experience. Out goes the coffee table notoriety of a popular artist defined by water lilies and haystacks and in comes a painter troubled by his relationship with memory and the march of industrial progress. “Monet’s actually quite a difficult artist at times,” says one of the show’s curators, Richard Thomson, pointing to depictions of bourgeois social pastimes on vast canvasses previously reserved for momentous events such as battles. “They’re very ambitious, very tough things... so we’ve tried to show that he was a difficult painter as well as sometimes a more reassuring one,” says the University of Edinburgh professor. The cobalt blues of Monet’s beloved skies and waters and the oranges of his sunsets jump out under bluish lightemitting diodes (LEDs), delicately blended with traditional yellow-tinted bulbs at the Grand Palais for the first time. “The lighting is better, it’s a little colder, using LED lamps which awaken the intensity of the colours,” the exhibition’s designer, Hubert Le Galle, told AFP. Spanning over 60 years of Monet’s prolific production, the show is being
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A file photo shows Lindsay Lohan arrives to begin her 90 day jail sentence at the Beverly Hills Courthouse, California. — AFP
People walk past a poster presenting the first Claude Monet (1840-1926) retrospective held for thirty years yesterday at the Grand Palais museum in Paris. — AFP held at Paris’ Grand Palais-just over the River Seine from the Musee d’Orsay which supplied around 50 of the 170 paintings from its permanent collection. Organizers also dipped into dozens of public and private collections around the world, from Bucharest to Birmingham, to complete the picture in what is being billed as the biggest retrospective since 1980. But in fact it’s bigger, “by a few paintings”, Thomson said. “But we weren’t going for size, what we wanted to do here was go for an exhibition that’s comprehensive but also does it in a slightly different way.” Hence the structure, which is loosely chronologi-
cal right up until Monet’s death in 1926, but also groups paintings of similar scenes together though they may have been painted decades apart. In this way Monet’s works evoke questions of time and memory, in the style of Marcel Proust’s “Remembrance of Things Past”, much as Proust’s novels evoke impressionism with their lengthy descriptions of such banal splendors as the northern French seaside. The exhibit hangs next to each other Monet’s depictions of London’s houses of parliament he made in 187071, after fleeing the Prussian invasion of France, and those he painted of the same scene 30 years later. —AFP
Lohan satisfied after settling NYC E-Trade lawsuit lawyer says Lindsay Lohan is “satisfied” to have resolved her $100 million New York City lawsuit over an E-Trade television commercial featuring talking babies. Lawyer Anand Ahuja said Tuesday the “Mean Girls” movie star reached a settlement with the brokerage before withdrawing the lawsuit a day earlier. Ahuja and an E-Trade Financial Corp. spokeswoman say the terms of the agree-
A In this photo taken July 22, 2009, Walter Breuning talks about his life at the Rainbow Retirement Community in Great Falls Mont. —AP
She arrived Tuesday evening, but was stopped at the airport and spent the night at an airport hotel after being questioned by officials. “I’m really tired,” said Hilton, wearing a black baseball cap and a navy sweat suit. Hilton also abruptly canceled planned appearances in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Jakarta, Indonesia. Her publicist, Dawn Miller, said Hilton plans to make the trips at a later date. “Paris is very disappointed and fought hard to keep her business commitments and see her fans, but she is forced to postpone her commitments in Asia,” she said in a statement. “Paris under-
ment are confidential. Lohan had claimed E-Trade was referring to her in a Super Bowl ad that featured babies talking about a “milkaholic” named Lindsay. Lohan spent two weeks in jail in California this year for violating her probation in a 2007 case involving drug use and driving under the influence. E-Trade called Lohan’s claims meritless. It said Lohan isn’t the world’s only Lindsay. —AP
A man looks at some Nympheas paintings by Claude Monet displayed as part of the exhibition “Claude Monet-1840-1926” on September 17, 2010 at the Grand Palais in Paris. — AFP