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PARIS: France will supply 30 military helicop- ters to Kuwait in a deal worth over one billion euros ($1.1 billion) that French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian signed yesterday. The agreement to buy the versatile Airbus Caracal helicopters is part of a €2.5 billion package of deals that the two countries agreed in Oct 2015. France has given Kuwait military support since the 1990 invasion of the country by Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi forces. The two countries are also fighting together in the international coalition against the Islamic State jihadist group. “With this deal, Kuwait further strength- ens the strategic partnership which has bound together our two countries for several decades, while we are currently engaged side-by-side in the fight against Daesh in Iraq and Syria,” Le Drian said in a statement, using the Arabic term for Islamic State. Kuwait’s army will use 24 of the helicopters mainly for search and rescue missions and for transport purposes, but they are also fitted with machine guns allowing them to offer ground troops cover from the air. The Kuwait National Guard will operate the remaining six helicopters. Airbus confirmed the order in a statement. — Agencies 4 7 17 20 SUBSCRIPTION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016 THULQADAL 7, 1437 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Performance by Italian musicians launches Summer Cultural Festival Pogba completes world record return to Man United Doping war as US swimmer beats tainted Russian to gold India’s ‘Iron Lady’ ends hunger strike to enter politics Min 32º Max 48º High Tide 04:18 & 16:40 Low Tide 10:50 & 22:43 40 PAGES NO: 16958 150 FILS Govt mulls compensating citizens after petrol hike Cabinet sticks to decision, but vows no ‘harm’ to Kuwaitis By B Izzak KUWAIT: The government yesterday agreed to consid- er demands by MPs to compensate Kuwaiti citizens after a hike in petrol prices due to take effect next month. This came during a meeting attended by HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, four ministers and about 17 MPs to discuss ways to compensate citizens for the petrol hike. National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem said the meet- ing was positive and MPs insisted that the best solu- tion to the problem is for the government to imple- ment the study of the Assembly’s financial and eco- nomic affairs committee, which calls for compensating citizens financially for the hike. Ghanem said that the Assembly is insisting to implement the financial committee’s study, which agrees to liberalize petrol prices but compensating citi- zens. He said the government and the Assembly agree on the main goals of the price hike but differ on the mechanisms, adding that the Assembly is prepared to face the economic situation but not at the cost of citi- zens. The speaker said that no time limit was given for the government to respond to the Assembly’s propos- als, but added that the Assembly will study the matter in the next term starting early October. State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah said the govern- ment team explained to MPs the reasons for the deci- sion and the expected results, but insisted it will not allow any harm on citizens. Continued on Page 13 KUWAIT: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah (left) and National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem are seen during a meeting yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat KUWAIT: Lower oil prices have pushed Kuwait into a rare budget deficit, ending 16 straight years of sur- pluses for the state, the finance minister said. The OPEC member recorded a budget shortfall of KD 4.6 billion ($15.3 billion) in the fiscal year which ended on March 31, Anas Al-Saleh said in a statement car- ried by the KUNA news agency late Monday. It was the first shortfall since the fiscal year to March 1999. Revenues dropped by 45 percent to $45.2 billion while spending was cut by 14.8 percent to $60.5 bil- lion, the minister said. Oil income was $40.1 billion, a slump of 46.3 percent from the previous year, he said. Oil accounted for 89 percent of total revenues, down from 95 percent in previous years. Saleh told parliament last month that Kuwait plans to tap international debt markets through bond issues to finance the deficit. He said the state would borrow up to $10 billion in US-denominated bonds from international markets, in both conven- tional and (Islamic) sukuk issuance. The ministry will borrow another $6.6 billion in both conventional and Islamic instruments from the domestic market, Saleh said. Continued on Page 13 Budget deficit after 16 years of surpluses Kuwait, France seal chopper sale 30 military helicopters to be supplied in €1bn deal KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Khaled Al- Jarrah Al-Sabah shakes hands with French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian after signing an agreement for France to supply 30 military helicopters to Kuwait in a deal worth over one billion euros. — AFP News i n b r i e f Leak but no fire at Ahmadi oilfield KUWAIT: Kuwait Oil Company yesterday reported an oil leak during drilling at its Ahmadi oilfield, but a spokesman said there was no fire. Spokesman Emad Sultan said specialized teams were dealing with the spill. “There was no fire as a result of the leak and we are still trying to bring it (the leak) under control,” Sultan said. Kuwait is a major member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), pumping around 3 million barrels per day. Kuwait Oil Company said the leak at Ahmadi oilfield had no impact on output. The company said the spill struck at its BWD-133 drilling rig. US approves $1.15bn military sales to Saudis WASHINGTON: The US State Department has approved the potential sale of more than 130 Abrams battle tanks, 20 armored recovery vehicles and other equipment, worth about $1.15 billion, to Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon said yesterday. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which over- sees foreign arms sales, said that General Dynamics will be the principal contractor for the sale, adding it would contribute to US national security by improving the security of a regional partner. “This sale will increase the Royal Saudi Land Force’s (RSLF) interoperability with US forces and conveys US commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and armed forces modernization,” the agency said. RIO DE JANEIRO: Independent Olympian, Kuwait’s Abdulaziz Alshatti, competes against Hungary’s Andras Redli during their men’s individual epee qualifying bout as part of the fencing event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games yesterday at the Carioca Arena 3. — AFP RIO DE JANEIRO: Kuwait’s Abdulaziz Alshatti, the lone independent fencer in the Rio Olympics, was knocked out yester- day after an early loss. Kuwait’s Olympic Committee was suspended by the IOC in 2015 for “undue government interfer- ence”. Because of that the ban, Alshatti’s only chance to earn a trip to Rio was a last-chance Asian qualifying event in April in which only the winner advanced. Alshatti took first in a stunning result. But he couldn’t match that perform- ance in Brazil. Alshatti had the backing of a small crowd that appeared to sympa- thize with his plight. But Hungary’s Andras Redli survived a furious late rally from the hard-charging and flamboyant Kuwaiti, winning 14-13 in epee. — AP Flamboyant Kuwaiti fencer knocked out in early loss ST PETERSBURG, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shake hands at a news conference after their talks at the Konstantin palace yesterday. — AP SAINT PETERSBURG: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday promised to reinvigo- rate ties after their first meeting since Ankara shot down a Russian warplane last November. Erdogan’s visit to Putin’s hometown of Saint Petersburg is also his first foreign trip since the failed coup against him last month that sparked a purge of opponents and cast a shadow over Turkey’s relations with the West. “We lived through a very complicated moment in the relations between our states and we very much want, and I feel our Turkish friends want, to overcome the difficulties,” Putin told journalists at a joint press conference after the encounter. The Kremlin leader insisted it would take “painstaking work” and “some time” to return to previous trade levels as Russia looks to roll back a series of economic sanctions against Ankara, but both sides said they wanted to restart major energy projects hit by the crisis. Erdogan said that he hoped Russian- Turkish relations would become “more robust” and stressed how important it was that Putin offered his support after the coup. “We will bring our relations back to the old level and even beyond, both sides are deter- mined and have the necessary will,” he said. The shooting down of a Russian fighter jet by a Turkish F-16 over the Syrian border last fall saw a furious Putin slap economic sanctions on Turkey and launch a blistering war of words with Erdogan that seemed to irrevoca- bly damage burgeoning ties. But in a shock reversal late June, Putin accepted a letter expressing regret over the incident from Erdogan as an apology and quickly rolled back a ban on the sale of package holidays to Turkey and signaled Moscow would end measures against Turkish food imports and construction firms. Now in the wake of the failed July 15 coup attempt, there are fears in Western capitals that NATO-member Turkey could draw even closer to Moscow - with Erdogan bluntly making it clear he feels let down by the United States and the European Union. Putin was one of the first foreign leaders to phone Erdogan offering support after the coup attempt and shares none of the scruples of EU leaders about the ensuing crackdown. Relations between Turkey and Russia - two powers vying for influence in the strategic Black Sea region and Middle East - have historically not been straightforward. Yet before the plane downing crisis, Moscow and Ankara managed to prevent disputes on Syria and Ukraine harm- ing strategic cooperation on issues like the TurkStream gas pipeline to Europe and a Russian-built nuclear power station in Turkey. Those projects were all put on ice with trade between the two countries falling 43 percent in January-May this year to $6.1 billion and Turkey’s tourism industry seeing visitor num- bers from Russia fall by 93 percent. Continued on Page 13 Putin, Erdogan pledge reset after rift

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PARIS: France will supply 30 military helicop-ters to Kuwait in a deal worth over one billioneuros ($1.1 billion) that French DefenceMinister Jean-Yves Le Drian signed yesterday.The agreement to buy the versatile AirbusCaracal helicopters is part of a €2.5 billionpackage of deals that the two countriesagreed in Oct 2015. France has given Kuwaitmilitary support since the 1990 invasion ofthe country by Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi forces.The two countries are also fighting togetherin the international coalition against theIslamic State jihadist group.

“With this deal, Kuwait further strength-

ens the strategic partnership which hasbound together our two countries for severaldecades, while we are currently engagedside-by-side in the fight against Daesh in Iraqand Syria,” Le Drian said in a statement, usingthe Arabic term for Islamic State. Kuwait’sarmy will use 24 of the helicopters mainly forsearch and rescue missions and for transportpurposes, but they are also fitted withmachine guns allowing them to offer groundtroops cover from the air. The KuwaitNational Guard will operate the remainingsix helicopters. Airbus confirmed the order ina statement. — Agencies

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016 THULQADAL 7, 1437 AH www.kuwaittimes.net

Performance by Italian musicianslaunches Summer Cultural Festival

Pogba completes world record return to Man United

Doping war as US swimmer beats tainted Russian to gold

India’s ‘Iron Lady’ ends hunger strike to enter politics

Min 32ºMax 48ºHigh Tide

04:18 & 16:40Low Tide

10:50 & 22:4340 P

AG

ESN

O: 1

6958

150

FILS

Govt mulls compensating citizens after petrol hike

Cabinet sticks to decision, but vows no ‘harm’ to Kuwaitis By B Izzak

KUWAIT: The government yesterday agreed to consid-er demands by MPs to compensate Kuwaiti citizensafter a hike in petrol prices due to take effect nextmonth. This came during a meeting attended by HHthe Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah,four ministers and about 17 MPs to discuss ways tocompensate citizens for the petrol hike. NationalAssembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem said the meet-ing was positive and MPs insisted that the best solu-tion to the problem is for the government to imple-ment the study of the Assembly’s financial and eco-nomic affairs committee, which calls for compensatingcitizens financially for the hike.

Ghanem said that the Assembly is insisting toimplement the financial committee’s study, whichagrees to liberalize petrol prices but compensating citi-zens. He said the government and the Assembly agreeon the main goals of the price hike but differ on themechanisms, adding that the Assembly is prepared toface the economic situation but not at the cost of citi-zens. The speaker said that no time limit was given forthe government to respond to the Assembly’s propos-als, but added that the Assembly will study the matterin the next term starting early October.

State Minister for Cabinet Affairs SheikhMohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah said the govern-ment team explained to MPs the reasons for the deci-sion and the expected results, but insisted it will notallow any harm on citizens.

Continued on Page 13KUWAIT: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah (left) and National Assembly SpeakerMarzouq Al-Ghanem are seen during a meeting yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: Lower oil prices have pushed Kuwait into arare budget deficit, ending 16 straight years of sur-pluses for the state, the finance minister said. TheOPEC member recorded a budget shortfall of KD 4.6billion ($15.3 billion) in the fiscal year which endedon March 31, Anas Al-Saleh said in a statement car-ried by the KUNA news agency late Monday. It wasthe first shortfall since the fiscal year to March 1999.

Revenues dropped by 45 percent to $45.2 billionwhile spending was cut by 14.8 percent to $60.5 bil-lion, the minister said. Oil income was $40.1 billion,a slump of 46.3 percent from the previous year, hesaid. Oil accounted for 89 percent of total revenues,down from 95 percent in previous years.

Saleh told parliament last month that Kuwaitplans to tap international debt markets throughbond issues to finance the deficit. He said the statewould borrow up to $10 billion in US-denominatedbonds from international markets, in both conven-tional and (Islamic) sukuk issuance. The ministry willborrow another $6.6 billion in both conventionaland Islamic instruments from the domestic market,Saleh said.

Continued on Page 13

Budget deficit after 16 years of surpluses

Kuwait, France seal chopper sale30 military helicopters to be supplied in €1bn deal

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah shakes hands with French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drianafter signing an agreement for France to supply 30 military helicopters to Kuwaitin a deal worth over one billion euros. — AFP

Newsi n b r i e f

Leak but no fire at Ahmadi oilfield

KUWAIT: Kuwait Oil Company yesterday reported an oilleak during drilling at its Ahmadi oilfield, but aspokesman said there was no fire. Spokesman EmadSultan said specialized teams were dealing with the spill.“There was no fire as a result of the leak and we are stilltrying to bring it (the leak) under control,” Sultan said.Kuwait is a major member of the Organization ofPetroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), pumping around3 million barrels per day. Kuwait Oil Company said theleak at Ahmadi oilfield had no impact on output. Thecompany said the spill struck at its BWD-133 drilling rig.

US approves $1.15bn military sales to Saudis

WASHINGTON: The US State Department hasapproved the potential sale of more than 130Abrams battle tanks, 20 armored recovery vehiclesand other equipment, worth about $1.15 billion, toSaudi Arabia, the Pentagon said yesterday. The USDefense Security Cooperation Agency, which over-sees foreign arms sales, said that General Dynamicswill be the principal contractor for the sale, addingit would contribute to US national security byimproving the security of a regional partner. “Thissale will increase the Royal Saudi Land Force’s(RSLF) interoperability with US forces and conveysUS commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security andarmed forces modernization,” the agency said.

RIO DE JANEIRO: Independent Olympian, Kuwait’s Abdulaziz Alshatti, competesagainst Hungary’s Andras Redli during their men’s individual epee qualifying boutas part of the fencing event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games yesterday at theCarioca Arena 3. — AFP

RIO DE JANEIRO: Kuwait’s AbdulazizAlshatti, the lone independent fencer inthe Rio Olympics, was knocked out yester-day after an early loss. Kuwait’s OlympicCommittee was suspended by the IOC in2015 for “undue government interfer-ence”. Because of that the ban, Alshatti’sonly chance to earn a trip to Rio was alast-chance Asian qualifying event in April

in which only the winner advanced.Alshatti took first in a stunning result.

But he couldn’t match that perform-ance in Brazil. Alshatti had the backing ofa small crowd that appeared to sympa-thize with his plight. But Hungary ’sAndras Redli survived a furious late rallyfrom the hard-charging and flamboyantKuwaiti, winning 14-13 in epee. — AP

Flamboyant Kuwaiti fencer knocked out in early loss

ST PETERSBURG, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and TurkishPresident Recep Tayyip Erdogan shake hands at a news conference after their talksat the Konstantin palace yesterday. — AP

SAINT PETERSBURG: Russian PresidentVladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart RecepTayyip Erdogan yesterday promised to reinvigo-rate ties after their first meeting since Ankarashot down a Russian warplane last November.Erdogan’s visit to Putin’s hometown of SaintPetersburg is also his first foreign trip since thefailed coup against him last month that sparkeda purge of opponents and cast a shadow overTurkey’s relations with the West.

“We lived through a very complicatedmoment in the relations between our statesand we very much want, and I feel our Turkishfriends want, to overcome the difficulties,”Putin told journalists at a joint press conferenceafter the encounter. The Kremlin leader insistedit would take “painstaking work” and “sometime” to return to previous trade levels asRussia looks to roll back a series of economicsanctions against Ankara, but both sides saidthey wanted to restart major energy projectshit by the crisis.

Erdogan said that he hoped Russian-Turkish relations would become “morerobust” and stressed how important it wasthat Putin offered his support after the coup.“We will bring our relations back to the oldlevel and even beyond, both sides are deter-mined and have the necessary will,” he said.The shooting down of a Russian fighter jet bya Turkish F-16 over the Syrian border last fallsaw a furious Putin slap economic sanctionson Turkey and launch a blistering war ofwords with Erdogan that seemed to irrevoca-bly damage burgeoning ties.

But in a shock reversal late June, Putinaccepted a letter expressing regret over theincident from Erdogan as an apology andquickly rolled back a ban on the sale of packageholidays to Turkey and signaled Moscow wouldend measures against Turkish food imports andconstruction firms. Now in the wake of thefailed July 15 coup attempt, there are fears inWestern capitals that NATO-member Turkey

could draw even closer to Moscow - withErdogan bluntly making it clear he feels letdown by the United States and the EuropeanUnion. Putin was one of the first foreign leadersto phone Erdogan offering support after thecoup attempt and shares none of the scruplesof EU leaders about the ensuing crackdown.

Relations between Turkey and Russia - twopowers vying for influence in the strategic BlackSea region and Middle East - have historicallynot been straightforward. Yet before the planedowning crisis, Moscow and Ankara managedto prevent disputes on Syria and Ukraine harm-ing strategic cooperation on issues like theTurkStream gas pipeline to Europe and aRussian-built nuclear power station in Turkey.Those projects were all put on ice with tradebetween the two countries falling 43 percent inJanuary-May this year to $6.1 billion andTurkey’s tourism industry seeing visitor num-bers from Russia fall by 93 percent.

Continued on Page 13

Putin, Erdogan pledge reset after rift

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L O C A LWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabahreads a letter from French President Francois Hollande, presented byFrench Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with SouthSudan’s ambassador to Kuwait.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-JaberAl-Sabah meets with National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receivesthe credentials of the new ambassador of Comoros Al-Arif Sayed Hassan.

—Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receivesthe credentials of the new ambassador of Bangladesh S M Abul Kalam.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meets with French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receivesthe credentials of the new ambassador of Vatican Francisco Montecillo.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receivesthe credentials of the new ambassador of Germany Karlfried Bergner.

KUWAIT: His Highness the AmirSheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has received a written letterfrom French President FrancoisHollande on the bilateral ties, meansof promoting cooperation in all fieldsand the issues of mutual interest.

This came when His Highness theAmir received yesterday the visitingFrench Defense Minister Jean-Yves LeDrian at Seif Palace. The meeting wasattended by Deputy Prime Ministerand Minister of Defense Sheikh KhaledAl-Jarrah Al-Sabah and Amiri DiwanAdvisor Mohammad Dhaifallah Sharar.His Highness the Prime MinisterSheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-HamadAl-Sabah also received Sheikh KhaledAl-Jarrah and the visiting FrenchMinister. The meeting was attendedby Undersecretary of His Highness thePrime Minister ’s Diwan SheikhaEtemad Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chief of General Staff of theArmy Lieutenant General MohammedAl-Kheder, and Deputy Chief of staff ofthe Army General Sheikh AbdullahNawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

New ambassadorsIn other news, a celebration was

held on the occasion of His Highnessthe Amir’s reception of credentials ofnew ambassadors to Kuwait. The newambassadors are Republic ofComoros’s Al-Arif Sayed Hassan,Bangladesh’s S M Abul Kalam,Vatican’s Francisco Montecillo andGermany’s Karlfried Bergner, as well asthe envoy of South Sudan.

The ceremonies were attended byDeputy Prime Minister and ForeignMinister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Amiri Diwan AdvisorMohammad Dhaifallah Sharar, head ofHis Highness Amir’s Office Ahmad FahadAl-Fahad, Assistant Undersecretary ofAmiri Protocol Affairs Majed Yussef Al-Majed and acting Assistant ForeignMinister for Protocols AffairsAmbassador Nasser Abudlrahman Al-Mutairi. Earlier yesterday, His Highnessthe Amir and His Highness the CrownPrince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-JaberAl-Sabah separately received NationalAssembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem. —KUNA

Amir receives letter from French president on tiesAmir receives new ambassadors’ credentials

KUWAIT: Deputy Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah presents a memento to French DefenceMinister Jean-Yves Le Drian. — KUNA

National Guard deputy chief, Frenchdefense minister eye closer cooperation

KUWAIT: Promoting security and militarycooperation was the focus of a meetingbetween Deputy Chief of the KuwaitNational Guard (KNG) Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and vis it ingFrench Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drianyesterday.

During the meeting, Sheik h Mishalstressed the need to cope up with modernmilitary technology to meet aspirations andachieve development in accordance with

the 2020 strategic goals of the NationalGuard, the KNG said in a press statement.

Meanwhile, the French minister reiteratedthe deep-rooted relations between Kuwaitand France that are based on mutual respectand continued consultation. He said bothcountries are sharing values and principlespertaining to democracy and human rights.He expressed his happiness for cooperatingwith the KNG so as to exchange expertiseand achieve the development goals.

The meeting was attended by DeputyPrime Minister and Minister of DefenceSheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Army Chiefof Staff Lieutenant General MohammadKhaled Al-Kheder and his deputy LieutenantGeneral Sheikh Abdullah Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. French Ambassador to KuwaitChristian Nakhla, acting undersecretary ofthe National Guard Faleh Shuja’ Faleh and anumber of officials of both sides were alsopresent in the meeting. — KUNA

KUWAIT: French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian decorates Kuwaiti ArmyChief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohammad Khaled Al-Kheder with theFrench Legion of Honor of the Commander Rank. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The visiting French Ministerof Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian yester-day decorated the Kuwaiti Army Chiefof Staff, L ieutenant GeneralMohammad Khaled Al-Kheder, withthe French Legion of Honor of theCommander Rank and the KuwaitiArmy Chief of joint OperationsColonel Mohammed Al-Kanderi withthe same medal of the Cheval ierRank, according to the Ministry ofDefense.

The honoring of the top Kuwaitimilitary chiefs came on sidelines ofsigning a major deal between Kuwait

and Paris, according to which thecountr y would receive up to 30French-made military helicopters,equipped with sophisticated equip-ment and missiles, backing up thenational armed forces in combat oper-ations. The Ministry of Defense addedthat the granting of the French medalsto the Kuwaiti commanders camewithin the framework of the distinctivecooperation between the States ofKuwait and France at the defense level,as well as in recognition of the twochiefs’ great and fruitful efforts andwork in the army operations. — KUNA

French Ministerhonors top KuwaitiArmy commanders

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L O C A LWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, officials and young divers take a group photo during the 28th diving expedition ceremony yesterday. — KUNA photos

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah arrives tothe venue.

Young divers show His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-AhmadAl-Jaber Al-Sabah pictures taken from the journey.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabahis honored during the event.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabahviews pearls collected during the journey.

Crown Prince attends 28th diving expedition ceremonyHis Highness asserts importance of honoring heritage

KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown PrinceSheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabahattended at Bayan Palace yesterday the cere-mony for the 28th diving expedition, an eventwhich was patronized by His Highness theAmir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The event was organized by KuwaitSea Sport Club from July 28th to August 4th.

At Bayan Palace, His Highness the CrownPrince was received by Minister of AmiriDiwan Affairs Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-AhmadAl-Sabah, Minister of Information and Ministerof State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman SabahSalem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, Director Generalof the Public Authority for Sports (PAS) SheikhAhmad Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah,Director General of the Public Authority forYouth (PAY ) Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi ,Chairman of Kuwait Sea Sport Club Fahad Al-Fahad, and the expedition’s participants.

In his speech to the event, His Highnessthe Crown Prince conveyed greetings fromHis Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah to theceremony’s attendees. He said that HisHighness the Amir was very proud of the par-ticipants who did their best to make the jour-ney a success.

“It is important to carry on the traditions ofour forefathers and remind the young peopleof Kuwait of their heritage”, said His Highness

Sheikh Nawaf. He affirmed that the expeditionwill continue to inspire Kuwaiti and GCCyouths for years to come, thanking those whotook part in the event. His Highness thankedthe Ministry of Information, PAS, PAY, theKuwait Sea Sport Club, as well as other bodiesand officials for their efforts in making theexpedition a success.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information SheikhSalman Al-Sabah congratulated His Highnessthe Amir and His Highness the Crown Princeon the successful end of the trip which signi-fied the struggles and triumphs of Kuwait’sold generation. Notions of national pride, sac-rifice, and dedication always highlighted theprevious diving expeditions and the traditioncarries on, said the minister who thanked allorganizers of the event for their strong efforts.

In the meantime, Chairman of the KuwaitSea Sport Club Fahad Al-Fahad thanked theKuwaiti leadership for its generous sponsor-ship of the event which aimed at remindingthe youth of the glorious past. He stressedthat participants, through the hardships expe-rienced during the trip, had developed strongnational values which they would hopefullycarry on during their daily lives.

The official thanked all who participated inthe organization of the expedition, hopingthat the event would continue in the future.

After the speeches, a number of youth briefedthe ceremony on the adventures of the 28thdiving expedition through a slideshow. HisHighness the Crown Prince received a presentfrom the organizers and participants of thetrip. — KUNA

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh NawafAl-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah delivers hisspeech.

Kuwaiti shrimp returns to the market in AugustKUWAIT: The month of August signifies thereturn of Kuwaiti shrimp to the market after sixmonths of its absence, based on a decision by thePublic Authority of Agriculture Affairs and Fish

Resources (PAAAFR). PAAAFR organizes fishingoperations with the goal of maintaining Kuwait’sstock of shrimp. Kuwait’s water is home to 11types of shrimp. The four types that are common-

ly traded are Um Naeerah, which is big in size;Shahamiyah is in high demand for consumption;Um Shuwaikah is small in size; and Malsah resem-bles Shahamiyah, but is smaller in size. —KUNA

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L O C A LWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

KUWAIT: Italian musicians perform the String Quartet in E minor by Giuseppe Verdi on Monday, during the opening ceremony of the Summer Cultural Festival organized by the National Council for Culture, Art and Letters (NCCAL) atthe Abdulhussain Abdulredha theatre in Salmiya. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: The National Council for Culture,Art and Letters (NCCAL) launched Mondaythe Summer Cultural Festival which wouldinclude a host of activities during theremaining summer vacation. The festival,launched with a performance by an Italianband on Abdulhussain Abdulredha Theaterin Salmiya, asserts His Highness the AmirSheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’scall for allowing the youth meet their aspira-tions, NCCAL Acting Secretary GeneralMohammad Al-Asousi said in an openingspeech.

Asousi said the festival’s activities aimedat boosting the cultural, literature, technicaland scientific skills of the youths. Theyouths, said, were the future of the countryand would ultimately contribute to thedevelopment of the nation, he said.

Kuwait, like the advanced nations, is pro-viding all types of support for the youths toenable them contribute to development, headded. The political leadership of Kuwait, hesaid, was keen on utilizing proper invest-ment in youths to promote national identityand national unity, thus confront intellectualand cultural challenges. — KUNA

Summer Cultural Festival kicks off

NCCAL Acting Secretary General Mohammad Al-Asousi honors a member of the Italian band.

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L O C A LWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

KUWAIT: Governor of the Central Bank of KuwaitDr Mohammad Al-Hashel said yesterday thatoperational risk is one of the most significantrisks faced by any financial institution, as evi-denced by the major losses of the financial serv-ices industry experienced over the past fewdecades which were prompted by a series ofoperational failures.

The current risk profile of financial institu-tions is shaped not only by the recent globalfinancial crises and the effect it has had on regu-latory practices, but also by the various opera-tional mishaps that have occurred resulting frominitial flaws in a world of rapidly developingtechnology, the Governor said in an editorialpublished by the ‘International Financial LawReview (IFLR) Euromoney plc’ dubbed “IFLRGlobal Operational Risk Review 2016.”

He went on to say that operational risk defini-tions as they apply specifically to cyber risk needto be continually updated by the BaselCommittee for Banking Supervision to takeaccount of the dynamics and ever-increasingcomplexity of interconnected global markets.

Cyber threatsFor financial institutions, the risk of cyber

threats disrupting core operations is a matter ofgrave concern, he added, pointing out thatfinancial institutions maintain massive amountsof data which, in turn, require support in theform of complex technology which in certain cir-cumstances may provide an easy target forcyber-attacks aimed at defrauding, theft, etc.

Additionally, the practice of outsourcingoperations for the development of computerand communications technology within pay-

ment systems and the banking sector has insome cases meant that their development hasbeen at a faster pace than the regulatory frame-work in which they operate, he said, adding thatas these systems evolve quickly with the use ofnew technologies, cyber security emerges as apotentially serious operational risk.

“We, as regulators, cannot afford to have trustin our banking institutions and payments sys-tems lost, and the potential disruption caused tothe financial system as a result of cyber-attacksshould receive significant attention - in line withthat of confronting other issues that may threat-en financial stability”. “Therefore, we need to

focus on how best to address and secure poten-tial risks of this nature and play an active role inprotecting the safety, security and efficiency ofthe financial system as a whole”, he clarified.

Proactive roleRegulators need to focus on how best to

address this emerging risk and play a proactiverole in assuring cyber resiliency in banking andpayment systems. Given the importance ofmaking payments available to enable smoothfunctioning of an economy, investment in tech-nology to ensure a cyber-resilient and risk-lesssecurity system must become a national priority,focused on timely detection, limiting destruc-tion as well as rapid remediation of damagedresources, the Governor said.

He noted that considering the evolving natureof cyber threats, a financial institution’s responsemust be on an ongoing basis in order to adopt aninstitution-wide approach to cyber security thatgoes beyond just the IT Department.

Regardless of future regulations and govern-ment actions on cyber security, financial institu-tions should be working constantly to establisha governance framework for cyber risk thatengages the Board of Directors as well as man-agement. Furthermore, timely exchange of intel-ligence on such matters between peer institu-tions, regulators, and law enforcement agenciesbecomes essential in assuring that there is anappropriate global policy response to addressthis problem.

Irrespective of location cyber threats have noborders - and neither the geography nor the sizeof an institution make it immune to this type ofrisk, he concluded. — KUNA

Operational risk significant threatfacing any financial body: GovernorProactive role needed to assure cyber resiliency in banking systems

Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait Dr Mohammad Al-Hashel

KUWAIT: This photo released by the Interior Ministry yesterday shows people arrest-ed inside a fake domestic help office yesterday.

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Interior Ministry ’s AssistantUndersecretar y for Nat ional i t y andPassports Affairs Major General SheikhMazen Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah said the neces-sary amount of blank passports are nowavailable to cover issuance or renewal ofcitizens’ passports during the currentand coming periods, and delays haveended for good.

He ordered, based on instructions byDeputy Premier and Interior MinisterSheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabahand follow up by UndersecretaryLieutenant General Suleiman Al-Fahd, toprocess transactions quickly and removeany obstacles, as employees are doing theirbest to hand over the passports as quicklyas possible.

Sheikh Mazen appreciated the citizens’understanding of the delay in issuing pass-ports lately due to pressures of the summerseason coinciding with the hajj season. He

said the department continues processingcitizens’ passports on a daily basis duringofficial hours. Sheikh Mazen said all pass-ports will be handed over at the start ofnext week and there will not be any pile up,adding that as for any new application, thepassport will be ready within one weekfrom the date of application. He asked citi-zens to renew their passports at the servicecenters, as this service has been resumedthere as before.

Fake officesThe Ministry of Interior’s relations and

security information said residency affairsdetectives received tips about fake domes-tic help offices that carry out work throughsocial media, and monitored several ofthem using these means and made agree-ments with those wanting domestic help.Six persons of various nationalities who arein violation of the residency law werearrested. One is a Bangladeshi, while theothers include a South African, twoGambians and a Senegalese.

Gate burningCapital detectives solved the mystery

behind the burning of a gate of the Palaceof Justice. Operations received a call onFriday about an unidentified person burn-ing the gate, prompting detectives to act.The department said as detectives camecloser to arresting the suspect, he gavehimself up to the Capital prosecution. He isa citizen named Raed Yacoub, born in 1972,and discharged from the military. He wasalso found to be an ex-convict in drugs cas-es, and involved in an arson case at a gov-ernment building before. The suspect wassent to concerned authorities.

Sufficient amount ofnew passports available to

cover demand: OfficialFake domestic help offices busted

Major General Sheikh Mazen Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah

By Meshaal Al-Enezi

KUWAIT: Deputy Chairman of CancerAware Nation (CAN) Campaign Dr KhalidAhmad Al-Saleh said the campaign iskeen on continuing to spread awarenessagainst various tumors, and the hot sum-mer weather and the scorching heat callsfor explaining its dangers to the public.He said CAN organizes lectures by der-matologists at various government andprivate bodies as well as NGOs, becausecontinued exposure to sunrays, especial-ly at midday without precautions such asthe use of sunscreen, hats and umbrellasmay lead to sunburns and the possibilityof skin cancer, in addition to ageing skin,wrinkles and spots.

Saleh said skin cancer in the mostwidespread because it can affect anyoneand at any age, and among the risks ofgetting it is direct exposure to sunrays fora long time. Because this type of cancer istreatable if discovered early, awarenessof the risks factors will reduce the num-ber of cases, because Gulf countries have

high temperatures and sunrays remainstrong for a long time.

The Municipality has rejected the pro-posal of members of the municipal coun-cil with regards to allowing owners ofinvestment real estate to open an officeto manage their property by adding acommercial license for them, be it anestablishment or company. It pointed tothe conditions and specifications list forinvestment buildings, which says it ispossible to have an office of the realestate owner on the upper floors of thebuilding which will not be licensed com-mercially, and that it is allowed to haveone office for all buildings.

Jahra municipality issued a warning tofour mobile trailers that belong to hajjcampaigns in the area between Andalusand Nahda at the start of the weekbecause of a lack of valid licenses.Informed sources at the municipality saidsome of the campaigns violate laws andregulations and do not renew licenses fortheir temporary buildings. It said thedeposit is KD 500 and will be returned ifconditions in the contract are met.

Campaign spreads awareness on skin cancer

KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Sports(PAS) stated that it would work on a pack-age of measures to continue sports reformsin the foreseeable future. In a press state-ment, the PAS said that the measureswould focus on removing obstacles facingthe Kuwaiti sports. It lauded the cabinet’sstatement on Monday which called for con-tinuing reforms of the sports sector todefend Kuwait’s standing in internationalsports events.

PAS voiced its respect of the OlympicCharter which allows qualified athletes tocompete as Independent Olympic Athletes(IOA) under the Olympic flag, but it wouldoffer no support to any athlete who par-takes in international sports events underany flag other than the national one.

It, however, expressed discontent overthe absence of Kuwaiti athletes from thecurrently held Rio Olympic Games due tothe International Olympic Committee’s

decision to ban Kuwait participation ininternational events. It emphasized the fair-ness of the Kuwaiti sports cause and theright of Kuwaiti athlete to play under theflag of their country. PAS vowed to do all inpower to overcome challenges and devel-op Kuwaiti sports movement. — KUNA

No support to Kuwaitiathletes competingunder Olympic flag

PAS vows to continue sports reforms soon

By A Saleh

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Electricity and Water(MEW) has decided that every apartment in Kuwaitmust have its own water meter to avoid problemsthat lead to cuts because of disputes between thebuilding’s owner and residents. Sources said thiscomes after a comprehensive study, and will makethe consumers pay for the amount of water theyuse. This will also pave the way for MEW to installsmart meters at a later stage, this providing an eas-ier way for the ministry to charge consumers undernew tariffs. MEW had already announced placing atender to install smart meters for electricity atapartment buildings.

Last April, the parliament passed a bill allowingthe government to hike electricity and water

charges for expatriates after completely excludingKuwaiti citizens. The application of the new chargeswill not take effect before September 2017.

According to the law, the hike in electricityand water tariffs applies to apartment buildings(expatriates only), the commercial sector, indus-trial and agricultural sectors and governmentoffices. It applies after one year on commercialactivities which will be charged a flat rate of 25fils per kilowatt. On government offices, itapplies after 18 months and after 21 months onindustrial and agricultural activities.

The new charges will be hiked for expatriatesfrom the current 2 fils per kilowatt to the following:

1- Five fils per kilowatt for the first 1,000 kilo-watts.

2- 10 fils per kilowatt for between 1,000 and

2,000 kW.3- 15 fils per kilowatt for consumption above

2,000 kW.The consumption is calculated on a monthly

basis. Current average monthly charges for amedium-size apartment is around KD 5-7. Butunder the new charges, the monthly bill in sum-mer months, when air-conditioning does notstop, could easily hit above KD 50 depending onconsumption. In summer months (May-September) the monthly consumption of medi-um-sized apartments is roughly around 3,000kW. This means the bill will be KD 30. If con-sumption rises to 4,000 kW, the bill will be KD 45and so on. In winter months, the rate will remainaround KD 5 or slightly above that, also depend-ing on consumption.

All apartments must havewater meters: Ministry

KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) held acomprehensive training program for 21 newfemale recruits in an attempt to improve theirproficiency in banking transactions and finan-cial services to better serve clients and caterfor their aspirations at KFH’s ladies branches.

The one-month program encompassedtraining courses and workshops on bankingproducts, such as; banking cards, bankaccounts, deposits, letters of guarantee, andKFH eservices. In addition, the program tack-led training courses on sharia basics, counter-feiting and fraud, GFS Ethix, not to mentionthe call center; its equipment, role, and theservices it renders.

Moreover, the program witnessed presen-tations of the female recruits who demon-strated their proposals of developing a serviceor a product.

These proposals undergo assessments andreview by members of high level panel of KFHmangers and chiefs.

Such training programs contribute to raisethe bar of employees, enrich their bankingknowledge and put them on track to be wellequipped and prepared to assume theresponsibility of serving clients and encounterany obstacle and challenge according to thehighest international standards of excellenceservice quality. — KUNA

KFH organizes trainingprogram for new recruits

ROME: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Italy SheikhAli Khaled Al-Sabah met with the Rector ofUniversity of Bologna, Francesco Ubertini,to discuss joining hands to propel the edu-cational and scientific advancement ofKuwait University, and strengthen the aca-demic ties between the two countries.

In a statement yesterday, the Kuwaitiembassy stated that the ambassadorexpressed his enthusiasm that Kuwait willlearn from the prestigious academic her-itage of University of Bologna that datesback to 1088, making it the oldest universi-ty in Europe.

The research, organizational, education-al, and scientific structures of University ofBologna, which has served it well for hun-dreds of years, will influence Kuwait

University’s structure moving forward. Ubertini expressed his desire and keen-

ness on building strong ties with KuwaitUniversity and other Arab universities, hop-ing to positively influence their educationalstructures.

Ubertini praised Kuwait’s accomplish-ments, especially its educational accom-plishments, and commended its ongoingpursuit to deepen and better its education-al institutions.

Ubertini encourages Kuwaiti youth topursue an education as he believes that isthe key factor in the progression of anycountry. The ambassador in turn expressedhis gratitude to Ubertini for welcoming himat Bologna University and welcoming thedelegation from Kuwait University. — KUNA

KFAED provides KD 15million loan to MaldivesKUWAIT: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development(KFAED) has announced that it signed a loan agreementwith the Maldives, worth KD 15 million ($51 million), tofinance the project of expanding and improving IbrahimNasser International Airport there.

The project aims to support social and economic devel-opment in the Maldives based on promoting tourismthrough the expansion and development of the airport’sterminals, the fund said in a press statement yesterday. Bythis move, the airport is expected to receive up to 7.3 mil-lion passengers annually, it added.

The Maldives’ Finance and Treasury Minister AhmadMunawar and KFAED’s Deputy Director General Hesham Al-Woqaian signed the loan agreement. It is the 12th loanprovided to the Maldives, estimated at KD 24.5 million, tofinance different projects. The fund also offered 8 technicalaid estimated at KD 1.39 million for feasibility studies ofsome projects, in addition to a grant of $two million by theState of Kuwait to buttress efforts aiming to maintain foodsecurity in the Muslim countries. — KUNA

Ambassador meets withBologna University Rector

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F r o m t he A r a bic pr e s sWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Al-Jarida

According to Tunisian media, there is a big argumentabout the economic reconciliation and investmentlaw, which will be among the priorities of the parlia-

ment during the delicate circumstances the first ArabSpring country is going through. The proposal came withan initiative from the presidency in July 2015, and its oppo-nents quickly said that it is a reconciliation with the symbolsof corruption, men who contributed to looting the coun-try’s wealth during the former regime which the revolutionerupted against, and that accountability must come first,then reconciliation. An activist said, “we are for reconcilia-tion, but we are against all what may equate normalizationwith corruption.”

Meanwhile, supporters of the project believed it willpush the deteriorating economy forward, and contribute torescuing the financial and developmental situation, andthat reconciliation is a strategic option to boost nationalunity. It seems that all scenarios will remain open if the pro-posal is passed or struck down. It was notable that theTunisian Judges Association called for its withdrawal due toits “violation of the constitution, requirements of transition-al justice and legal defects”, and considered that “it creates aforgiving precedence related to crimes of financial corrup-tion and violation of public funds”. The judges associationwent so far as to say that the proposal “does not encouragenor motivate strengthening of the judicial role in deterringsuch crimes”.

In truth, when the judiciary objects to a very important

proposal, it means there are serious fears from the results ofits approval and implementation. Even in Egypt, there is aheated debate with regards to reconciliation with business-men. Opponents of the reconciliation believe that there aresuspicions of corruption and violations of public funds, butopposition there was not strong and heated as the case is inTunisia, and most judges did not reject this reconciliationproposal. It seems there are fears in Tunisia that someremaining symbols from Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s regimemay benefit from the practices, intentions and legislationsthat leaders of the current stage are overlooking.

There are multiple differences between parties and pow-ers participating in the Tunisian authority, while matters inEgypt took a different turn after President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi was able to grasp most powers, meaning that there is alot of confusion and lack of opposition to many decisions ofeconomic, financial and developmental nature. But themega projects Sisi promised to launch like the Suez Canaland others “changed” the attention to this issue.

Generally, fighting corruption in the Arab Spring coun-tries was among the most important goals of the revolu-tions, and if this page is turned without accountability andbearing responsibility, then it will be a disappointment forthe masses and rejection of the youth sacrifices. This for-giveness and lack of accountability will lead to a repeat ofthe corruption phenomenon in all its shapes, because ofthe lack of a deterrent.

—Translated by Kuwait Times

Coexisting with corruptionAl-Qabas

By Fawziya Abul

After gasoline prices were hiked, oppo-nents claimed that uprooting corrup-tion first will save manifold of what

will be gained by higher petrol prices. It ispossible, through rationalizing treatmentabroad, to save millions of dinars in the statebudget by “activating” the conscience of offi-cials, stop wasta and punish those who takeadvantage of their posts, along with thosewho deal with them among the decis ionmakers.

Treatment abroad, which costs the countryKD 300 million as announced, can be reducedsignificantly, if it only covers cases that actu-ally deserve to travel. With this large amount

of KD 300 million, it is possible to build thelargest and most prestigious hospitals inKuwait, that can be the largest in the regionto treat all cases.

If the government wanted to eradicate allthe wastage in the treatment abroad to ben-efit this member of parliament and that offi-cial, then it will be able to do this for sure,because it is the decision maker. This canonly happen if it is serious in this regard, andthis is what I hope for along with the entireKuwaiti population. If you want to silenceopponents of any rationalization move youintend to make, then convince them that youare serious in fighting corruption, and thatyou started on this road, along with all thatproves this.

—Translated by Kuwait Times

End corruptionfirst

Al-Qabas

By Iqbal Al-Ahmad

CrimeR e p o r t

Couple arrested incompromising positionKUWAIT: A citizen and his girlfriend were arrested after theywere seen in a car in a compromising position. Police receivedcomplaints from people in Bayan, so police went to the sceneand arrested them. But the girl did not like it, retorting: “What iswrong with you? He is my fiance!” Both were detained at Bayanpolice station, charged with committing indecent acts in public.

Financial disputes

An Egyptian man ended financial disputes with his com-patriot by hitting his head with a sharp object beforeescaping. Police received a call about an man who wasbleeding from the head in Jleeb Al-Shuyiukh. The manwas taken to hospital. Detectives are working on the case.

Bad blood

Two friends met in a diwaniya in Adan and recalled old differ-ences, which made them angry and they exchanged blows.One of them then pulled a knife and stabbed the other in thearm. The injured man was taken to Adan Hospital, and laterlodged a complaint. Detectives are looking for the suspect.

Environment police

Several persons at Kuwait International Airport weresmoking in places where smoking is not allowed, so theywere caught by environment police. Citations wereissued to the smokers and they were warned not torepeat such violations.

Drunk driver caught

A drunken citizen lost control of his car and ended up stuckon a pavement. A police patrol noticed the car and whenthey checked it, they found the driver in an abnormal con-dition with a liquor bottle in his hand. A security sourcesaid the driver told policemen he thought there was a turnbut found himself on the pavement. Policemen arrestedthe man, who will face legal action.

Photoo f t h e d a y

KUWAIT: The Marina Crescent, a favorite tourist destination in Kuwait. —KUNA

Subsidization

With this large amountof KD 300 million, it ispossible to build the

largest and most presti-gious hospitals in Kuwait

Drug arrests

A police patrol in Salam approached a vehicle parked infront of a fast food restaurant and saw two men and awoman, all citizens, with a bag of drugs (containingLyrica, Xanax, Seroquel and Valium). Police also noticed abottle suspected of containing liquor on the backseat.The trio was arrested and will be sent to the DrugControl General Department (DCGD). Meanwhile, 71wanted persons and violators were arrested during asecurity campaign in Jleeb Al-Shuyiukh, along with 14wanted over debts, 14 with expired residency permits,six for prostitution, one on felony charges, one looselaborer, two over drugs and one over liquor. All weresent to concerned authorities. —Al-Rai and Al-Anbaa

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Philippines govt tooverhaul inhumane,overcrowded jails

Page 12

UN Gaza employee accused of ‘aiding Hamas’Page 8

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

MANIPUR: Indian political activist Irom Sharmila licks honey from her hand to break her fast in Imphal, north-eastern Indian state of Manipur, India yesterday. One of India’s most prominent political activists ended a 16-year hunger strikeyesterday, licking honey from her hand and declaring ‘I will never forget this moment.’ _ AP

GUWAHATI: An Indian rights activist who has waged what isthought to be the world’s longest hunger strike ended her16-year fast yesterday after vowing to continue her struggleby standing for election in her home state. Irom Sharmila,dubbed the “Iron Lady of Manipur” for her unwaveringprotest against alleged rights abuses by security forces inthe insurgency-hit northeast Indian state, was released onbail after she promised a court she would end her fast.

The 44-year-old had been held in judicial custody oncharges of attempting suicide-still a criminal offence inIndia-and confined to a hospital where she was force-fedthrough a nasal tube. Speaking to journalists outside thecourt in the Manipur capital Imphal, she said her long cam-paign had not worked. “I went on a fast for about 16 yearsthinking I could change the system, but I now realise thatthis will not yield any result.

“So I decided to end my fast and join politics and thenfight for the cause that I undertook this mission for-justice,”she told journalists, speaking in her native Metei language.Irom is campaigning for the repeal of the Armed ForcesSpecial Powers Act (AFSPA), which covers large parts of thenortheast and the restive state of Kashmir. It gives Indianforces sweeping powers to search, enter property andshoot on sight, and has been criticized as a cover forhuman rights abuses. The Indian government says securityforces need the powers to help them battle multiple rebelgroups whose long-standing demands range from seces-sion to greater autonomy and land rights.

Frail but determinedAmnesty International India campaigner Abhirr VP

called Irom’s hunger strike “a testament to her passion for

human rights, and her belief that a draconian law like theAFSPA has no place in any society”. Irom began her fast onNovember 2, 2000 after allegedly witnessing the killing of10 people by the army at a bus stop near her home. Twoweeks ago she surprised supporters by declaring shewould end it to stand as an independent candidate in stateelections to be held next year. “My fight so far has been allalone and so I have decided to wage a war against the(AFSPA) act democratically by becoming a lawmakerinstead of continuing with my fast,” she told reporters atthe time.

Yesterday she appeared frail but determined as shespoke to reporters, the plastic tubing still taped to hernose. After the hearing she was taken back to the hospitalwhere she has spent much of the past 16 years to com-plete the legal formalities of her bail. MagistrateLamkkhanpau Tonsing said she was being released aftersubmitting bail of 10,000 rupees ($150) and a writtenpledge to stop her fast. It is not clear whether she willreturn to the family home-she has said she would like tomarry her fiance, a British national of Indian origin who shemet after starting her fast.

Doctors have said she will need medical help to begineating again. Amnesty International declared her aPrisoner of Conscience in 2013 and she has received sever-al prestigious international prizes, including a lifetimeachievement award from the Asian Human RightsCommission. But support in her home state has waned inrecent years. Irom’s brother Singhajit told journalists shewould either contest the election as an independent candi-date or form a new party to “fight for the causes of the peo-ple of Manipur”. — AFP

India’s ‘Iron Lady’ ends 16-year hunger strike ‘Iron Lady of Manipur’ Sharmila eyes politics

GUWAHATI: The former chief minister of a remote Indianregion disputed with China was found dead and hangingfrom a ceiling fan yesterday, police and officials said,after a court ruled last month that his appointment hadbeen illegal. The Supreme Court ruling dealt a blow toPrime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitions of expandingin the northeast, where his Bharatiya Janata Party scoredits first state election victory in the region with a win inAssam in May.

Kalikho Pul, 47, until July the chief minister of the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, had suffered fromdepression and was upset over the judgment, his aides toldmedia. “He has committed suicide,” Nabam Tuki, a seniorlawmaker of the opposition Congress party said in the capi-tal of the vast but sparsely populated region borderingChina. Pul’s family discovered the body in his bedroom atthe chief minister’s residence. Media said he had left a diary,which police were examining. A politician with Congresssince 1995, Pul became chief minister in February afterrebelling against the party.

He was put in charge by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’sfederal government, which had imposed direct rule in thestate to end a political crisis. But the Supreme Court heldillegal the imposition of president’s rule, as it is called inIndia, ordering that the dislodged Congress should returnto power immediately, forcing Pul from office. China claimsmore than 90,000 sq km (35,000 sq miles) of territory dis-puted by India in the eastern sector of the Himalayas. Muchof that forms the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, whichChina calls South Tibet. India says China occupies 38,000square km (14,600 sq miles) of its territory on the Aksai Chinplateau in the west. — Reuters

India politician hangs himself NEW DELHI: Indian human rights activist Irom Sharmila

ended a 16-year hunger strike-thought to be the world’slongest-yesterday to stand for election. Here are five thingsto know about the woman known as the “Iron Lady ofManipur”.

Who is Irom Sharmila?The 44-year-old poet and activist was born in a small vil-

lage in the remote and insurgency-wracked northeastIndian state of Manipur. She belongs to the Meitei ethnicgroup who dominate Manipur. She began fasting in 2000after allegedly witnessing the army kill 10 people at a busstop near her home. She has been held in judicial custodyalmost ever since, and has spent much of the last 16 yearsconfined to a hospital ward.

What is hunger strike about?She is campaigning for the repeal of the Armed Forces

Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur, a remote andimpoverished Indian state that is home to a number of sep-aratist insurgent groups. The controversial act allows India’ssecurity forces to shoot on sight and arrest anybody with-out a warrant and is in force in Indian-administered Kashmirand across much of the northeast. Last month the SupremeCourt ordered an investigation into the use of “excessiveand retaliatory” force by police and the military in Manipur.

How has she been kept alive?She has been force-fed via a nasal drip in hospital.

Images taken when she emerges from hospital to make oneof her frequent court appearances in Manipur show herlooking emaciated and frail, with plastic tubes taped to hernose. —AFP

5 things to know about ‘Iron Lady’

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I N T E R N AT I O N A LWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

JERUSALEM: Israel said yesterday it hadarrested and charged a United Nationsemployee for allegedly aiding Islamistmovement Hamas, in the second such caseinvolving a humanitarian worker in a week.Engineer Waheed Borsh, who has workedfor the UN Development Program (UNDP)since 2003, was arrested on July 16 andindicted in a civilian court in Israel yester-day, a government statement said.

Hamas, which has run the Gaza Stripsince 2007, denied the allegations. Thestatement said 38-year-old Borsh, fromJabaliya in nor thern Gaza, had beenrecruited by “a senior member of theHamas terrorist organization to redirect hiswork for UNDP to serve Hamas’ militaryinterests”. It said he had confessed to anumber of charges, including helping tobuild a jetty in the northern Gaza Strip,with UNDP funding, that was later used byHamas’ naval forces.

In 2015 he allegedly persuaded man-agers to focus on rebuilding houses inareas where Hamas members lived, afterthe group put pressure on him. No figures

were provided on how much aid money heis alleged to have diverted. Hamas said in astatement that the allegations were “incor-rect and baseless”. It said they were part ofa wider Israeli effort “to tighten the siege ofthe Gaza Strip by prosecuting internationalrelief organizations.” The Israeli govern-ment said that Borsh admitted during theinvestigation that “other Palestinians whowork for aid organizations are also workingfor Hamas”.

‘Systematic exploitation’ “This is not an isolated case, but rather a

troubling trend of the systematic exploita-tion by Hamas terrorists of UN organiza-tions,” the Israeli ambassador to the UN,Danny Danon, said in a separate statement.The formal charge sheet was not publiclyavailable. UNDP said that it would respondto the allegations soon. It comes days afterthe Gaza head of US-based NGO WorldVision was charged with passing millions ofdollars of international aid money to Hamas.

According to the Shin Bet internal secu-rity agency, Mohammed Al-Halabi diverted

$7.2 million (6.5 million euros) each yearsince 2010 to Hamas and its military wing,though his charge sheet does not specifyan amount. Halabi is also accused ofrecruiting an individual from another inter-national NGO, Save the Children, to Hamas.World Vision International yesterday ques-tioned the allegations, suggesting thenumbers may have been exaggerated.

Its president Kevin Jenkins said in astatement the organization was conduct-ing an investigation into the allegationsbut “have not seen any of the evidence”.“World Vision’s cumulative operating budg-et in Gaza for the past ten years wasapproximately $22.5 million, which makesthe alleged amount of up to $50 millionbeing diverted hard to reconcile,” the state-ment read. Since 2008, Israel has foughtthree wars in Gaza with Hamas, which isbranded a terrorist organization by Israel,the United States and the European Union.More than three quarters of the populationof the Strip, which Israel has blockaded fora decade, are reliant on some form of aid,according to the United Nations. — AFP

UN Gaza employee accused of ‘aiding Hamas’

GAZA: Khalil El-Halabi, 63, the father of Mohammed, Gaza director of the interna-tional charity World Vision, who is detained and accused by Israeli security ofdiverting funds to Hamas that exceed its total budget, poses while sitting at hisfamily house in Gaza City. — AP

ISTANBUL: A man jumps into the Bosphorus waterway in front of the Kuleli military high school, on the shores of the Bosphorus strait inIstanbul. With its twin pointed towers and brilliant white facade stretching along the Bosphorus, the Kuleli Military High School is one of themost striking late Ottoman sights in Istanbul, a symbol of power and continuity. After several officers working at the school were implicated inthe July 15 coup attempt, the school will not continue in its current form as the authorities seek to flush out all influence of the Muslim preacherFethullah Gulen who is blamed for the putsch. — AFP

ISTANBUL: Anti-American sentiment amongTurks is on the rise and can only be calmed by theUnited States extraditing the Muslim cleric Ankaraaccuses of orchestrating last month’s failed coup,Turkey’s justice minister said yesterday. TurkishPresident Tayyip Erdogan blames Fethullah Gulen,who has lived in self-imposed exile in ruralPennsylvania since 1999, and his followers for theJuly 15 coup, in which more than 240 people werekilled and nearly 2,200 wounded.

Turkey has launched a series of mass purgesof suspected Gulen supporters in its armedforces, other state institutions, universities,schools and the media since the abortive coup,prompting Western concerns for the stability ofa key NATO ally. Erdogan, who was visitingRussia yesterday, has criticized the United Statesand the European Union for showing what hesays is a lack of solidarity with Turkey over thecoup and of caring more for the rights of peoplehe views as traitors.

“There is a serious anti-American feeling inTurkey, and this is turning into hatred,” JusticeMinister Bekir Bozdag said in an interview withstate-run Anadolu Agency, broadcast live onTurkish television channels. “It is in the hands ofthe United States to stop this anti-American feel-ing leading to hatred.” Responding to Turkey’sdemand for Gulen’s extradition, US PresidentBarack Obama has said Ankara must first provideclear evidence of wrongdoing.

Last week a State Department spokesmansaid Washington was evaluating new documentsit had received. The 75-year-old Gulen, who builtup a network of schools, charities and business-es in Turkey and abroad over decades, deniesany involvement in the coup and has con-demned it. He has also accused Erdogan ofusing the coup to amass greater powers.

‘Political decision’“Whether the US extradites Gulen or not this

will be a political decision,” Bozdag said. “If he isnot extradited, Turkey will have been sacrificedfor a terrorist.” A recent opinion poll showed twothirds of Turks agree with their president thatGulen was behind the coup plot. Turkey hasbeen holding almost daily mass rallies since July15 in support of democracy and the governmentand against the plotters. Authorities have sus-pended, detained or put under investigationtens of thousands of people in the armed forces,the judiciary, civil service and elsewhere sincethe coup, in which a faction of the military com-mandeered warplanes, helicopters and tanks inan attempt to topple the government.

Yesterday Bozdag put the number of peoplenow formally arrested awaiting trial at 16,000,adding that a further 6,000 detainees were stillbeing processed. Another 7,668 people are underinvestigation but have not been detained, hesaid. Since the abortive putsch, pro-governmentpapers have been awash with conspiracy theoriesaccusing the United States and the CIA of being

the masterminds. Turkish officials privately saidsuch reports do not reflect Ankara’s formal stance.

One paper said the attempted power grabwas financed by the CIA and directed by aretired US army general using a cell inAfghanistan while another claims CIA agentsused an island hotel off Istanbul as a nerve cen-ter for the plot. Echoing Erdogan’s criticism ofthe West, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim onTuesday repeated a pledge to bring Gulen backto Turkey. “That terrorist leader will come toTurkey and pay for what he did. We will hold himaccountable for the blood of our martyrs andveterans,” Yildirim told a meeting of his rulingIslamist-rooted AK Party in parliament. “That reli-gious, impudent, lying, bloody murdering noth-ing will be surely held accountable.”

NATO member Turkey hosts American troopsand warplanes at its Incirlik Air Base, an impor-tant staging area for the US-led fight againstIslamic State militants in neighboring Iraq andSyria. The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of StaffJoseph Dunford tried to soothe strained tieswith Turkey during a visit to Incirlik and Ankarajust over a week ago. In Ankara he inspected thedamage inflicted by the plotters’ fighter jets on

the Turkish parliament building.US Secretary of State John Kerry is expected

to visit Turkey on Aug 24. Turkish authorities havesaid the country ’s intelligence service hascracked into several smartphone messagingapps that Gulen’s followers used to communicatewith each other in the years ahead of the coupattempt and was able to trace tens of thousandsof people from the group. A senior Turkish officialsaid Turkey’s intelligence agency has identified atleast 56,000 operatives of Gulen’s network aftercracked a little-known smartphone messagingapp called ByLock, which he said the groupbegan using in 2014. By this year, Turkish intelli-gence were able to map their network.

“Our assessment is that 150,000 unique oper-atives used ByLock to communicate with others,”the official said. The group had also used anoth-er app called Eagle which could be disguised asother popular instant messaging apps such asWhatsapp and Tango, he added. “We assess thatEagle was used by operatives to share variousoperational details as well as during the plan-ning stage of the July 15 coup attempt,” the offi-cial said, adding that the Gulen network contin-ued to use Eagle. — Reuters

Turkey says rising anti-Americanism can be calmed by Gulen extradition

16,000 people formally arrested over coup attempt

BEIRUT: The United Nations has called forurgent aid access to Syria’s Aleppo as regimeforces and rebel fighters prepare for an all-outbattle for control of the devastated city. Fears aregrowing for trapped civilians ahead of what isexpected to be a major battle for Aleppo, Syria’ssecond city and a focal point of the country’sfive-year civil war. Rebel factions and PresidentBashar Al-Assad’s regime have sent hundreds ofreinforcements to Aleppo in anticipation of thefighting, after opposition forces broke a govern-ment siege at the weekend and vowed to cap-ture the entire city. Hundreds of thousands ofcivilians remain inside the city, once Syria’s maineconomic hub, and UN officials have soundedthe alarm over trapped residents.

The UN’s top humanitarian official in Syria,Yacoub El Hillo, and regional coordinator KevinKennedy said in a statement late on Mondaythat medical and food stocks “are running dan-gerously low” in Aleppo.

They appealed for a full-fledged ceasefire orweekly 48-hour “humanitarian pauses” to reachthose in need. UNICEF said children and familiesin Aleppo were facing “a catastrophic situation”,with up to two million people without runningwater for four days after fighting damaged elec-tricity networks needed to pump supplies.“These cuts are coming amid a heatwave, put-ting children at a grave risk of waterborne dis-

eases,” Hanaa Singer, UNICEF’s representative inSyria, said in a statement.

‘Children in serious danger’ “Getting clean water running again cannot

wait for the fighting to stop. Children’s lives arein serious danger.” Aleppo has been dividedbetween a rebel-held east and regime-con-trolled west since fighting erupted in the city inmid-2012. The UN says two million people in thecity are at risk, including up to 275,000 people ineast Aleppo. Other estimates put the total num-ber of civilians in the city at about 1.5 million,with 250,000 in the eastern districts. The recentflare-up in fighting began in late June as govern-ment forces closed in on the Castello Road, thelast route into rebel-held parts of the city. Theroad was severed in mid-July, beginning aroughly three-week siege of eastern districtsuntil opposition fighters broke through regimeterritory on Saturday.

The push saw a coalition of rebels, Islamists, andjihadists cut off the regime’s own main access roadon the southern edges of the city. The offensiveshave left residents across the city reeling from sky-rocketing prices and food shortages and afraid offurther violence. Each side has used newlyacquired territory to bring food and other suppliesinto neighborhoods they control, but the roads arestill not safe for civilians to use. — AFP

MOSCOW: Turkish President Recep TayyipErdogan and his Russian counterpart VladimirPutin yesterday hold their first meeting sincethe two leaders began healing a bitter feudover Ankara’s downing of a Russian warplane.Here is a timeline of the crisis that slammedthe brakes on burgeoning ties between thetwo strategically important nations and setErdogan and Putin against each other:

Russian jet downed A Turkish military jet blasts a Russian war-

plane out of the sky over the Turkey-Syria bor-der on November 24, 2015. One pilot is killed,reportedly shot dead by rebel fighters as heparachutes to earth inside Syria. A Russiansoldier dies in a successful rescue operationto rescue the second pilot. NATO-memberTurkey insists the Russian plane-part ofMoscow’s bombing campaign to back upSyrian President Bashar Al-Assad-was one oftwo jets that had strayed into Turkish airspacefor some 17 seconds despite repeated warn-ings. Moscow is adamant that its aircraft didnot cross the Syrian border and a furiousPutin labels the incident a “stab in the back”by “the accomplices of terrorists”.

Russia strikes back Moscow fires back by announcing a raft of

economic sanctions against Ankara onNovember 28, including banning a range ofTurkish food imports and halting the sale ofpackage holidays and charter flights to thecountry. The retaliatory measures targetTurkey’s key tourism, agricultural and construc-tion sectors and send growing trade betweenthe two nations plummeting. Talks on themajor TurkStream gas pipeline project are alsosuspended and work on a Russian-built nuclearplant in Turkey thrown into doubt.

War of words Meanwhile the war of words between

Putin and Erdogan-two strongmen whosemacho leadership styles have helped bring

them together-rages on as Moscow demandsAnkara apologize. Russia accuses Erdogan ofprofiting from the illegal oil trade with IslamicState jihadists, claims the Turkish leader slamsas “slander”. Putin snubs an offer fromErdogan to meet during climate talks in Parisafter refusing to take his calls, and cancels asummit in December.

Erdogan writes to Putin After seven months of feuding Erdogan

sends Putin a letter on June 27 in which heexpresses his condolences over the jet down-ing and calls for a return to friendlier ties. TheKremlin says the message constitutes anapology and the two leaders two days laterhold their first phone conversation since thestart of the crisis. Turkish newspaper Hurriyethas reported that the letter was publishedafter both sides secretly agreed to restore tiesand hammered out the wording followingmediation by figures including KazakhPresident Nursultan Nazarbayev and a promi-nent Turkish businessman.

Putin starts to lift sanctions After talking to Erdogan, Putin-whose

country’s own economy is mired in recessiondue to Western sanctions over Ukraine andlow oil prices-immediately announces an endto the package tour ban and orders his minis-ters to begin lifting the charter flight freezeand normalizing trade ties with Ankara. Themove brings relief to Turkey ’s hard-hittourism industry that has seen the number ofRussian visitors nosedive dramatically.

Coup call In a sign that ties are warming, Putin is one

of the first international leaders to callErdogan and offer his support after the failedcoup against the Turkish president on July 15.Ankara welcomes the Kremlin leader’s back-ing as the fallout from the coup attempt seesErdogan launch a purge of opponents thatstrains ties with the West. — AFP

Fears mount for civilians;battle for Aleppo looms

BANGKOK: Gamers play Pokemon Go on their mobile phones outside a shoppingmall in Bangkok yesterday. Pokemon Go’s debut in Thailand has alarmed the coun-try’s generals, prompting the kingdom’s junta chief to warn youngsters against play-ing too much and the army to ban the game from barracks. — AFP

BANGKOK: Pokemon Go’s debut in Thailandhas alarmed the country’s generals, promptingthe kingdom’s junta chief to warn youngstersagainst playing too much and the army to banthe game from barracks. The mobile app wasmade available in Thailand on Saturday,delighting many in a country where Japanesesubcultures have a significant following.

But the game-which encourages users tohit the pavements in search of digital mon-sters-has sparked safety concerns partlybecause Bangkok’s streets are notoriouslypedestrian-unfriendly. “Thai walking culture isnot like Japan and there are limited pave-ments,” government spokesman SansernKaewkumnerd told reporters yesterday. Hesaid Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, whoseized power in 2014, “does not want to banthe game”.

But the premier has urged players to know“their limits... and use their time wisely,”Sansern added. “The game could harm play-ers with things like loss of money, their job,their education as well as the relationshipsthey have with the people around them,” hesaid. He added that parents should advisetheir children to be “self-disciplined” and usetheir time well. His comments came asDeputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan

said the game was banned inside militarybarracks and government security agencies.

A barracks in the northern city of KhonKaen hoisted a sign warning Pokemon Goplayers they faced up to three years in jail ifthey trespassed onto military property,Channel 3 television showed. Even when apedestrian’s eyes are firmly fixed aheadBangkok’s streets can be a veritable obstaclecourse. Pavements are patchy and those thatexist are littered with hurdles from street ven-dors and fire hydrants to potholes and tan-gled wiring. Thailand’s Public Health Ministrysaid the game should be welcomed forencouraging people to exercise but warnedusers to be careful near “roads, swimmingpools, rivers and canals”.

Local media has been filled in recent dayswith stories of hundreds of players glued totheir phones outside parks and malls. Somehave even taken to using motorbike taxis andcars to get a head start as they navigate thetraffic-choked city in their search forPokemon. Giorgio Taraschi, an Italian living inBangkok, said he was lightly struck onMonday night by a man driving a car whileplaying the game. “Gotta catch ‘em all.. .including the occasional Italian,” he joked onFacebook, using the game’s tagline. — AFP

Thailand’s junta uneasy about Pokemon Go craze

Russia-Turkey feud: From jet downing to making up

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I N T E R N AT I O N A LWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

BUENOS AIRES: Like “Evita” before her,Cristina Kirchner stepped from her husband’sshadow to make a mark on Argentine politicsone of several powerful women in the machoLatin American political world. “I am not Evita,nor Hillary” Clinton, Kirchner, who is widelyknown just as “Cristina,” once said. She spokewhen she was a senator and first lady ofArgentina ahead of the 2007 presidentialelection that brought her to office as the suc-cessor to her husband, Nestor.

In one sense she was right. Kirchner, 63, hasbeen arguably more divisive than either theerstwhile Argentina leftist heroine or even BillClinton’s wife, now running for US president. “Ihave some things in common with Hillary. Wehave both been senators, lawyers and wives ofpresidents, but not much more,” Kirchner said.“I don’t want to be compared to Hillary or Evitaor anyone. The best thing you can be is your-self.” Kirchner says she has contended with asexist political culture and media who oftenbelittled her political decisions as bouts ofwomanly “hysteria.”

After being elected to succeed her hus-band, Kirchner pushed on with his left-wingsocial policies. “He always told me that peoplewould demand much more of me” than ofhim when he was elected in 2003 in the wake

of a financial crisis, she said in a televisedinterview last week. “We were in such a badstate in 2003 that they never demandedthings of him that they later demanded of mygovernment,” she said. Like other LatinAmerican leftist leaders, for her supportersKirchner was a heroine of the poor. But to herrivals, she was an irresponsible populist. “Inmy case there was another aspect, the femi-nine aspect,” she said. “That weighed heavilyin Argentina, where in some areas there is stillmisogyny about women in power.”

Dilma“Cristina says that after so many decades as

a deputy and a senator, she got used to fight-ing to be listened to in places where it washard to be heard,” said Sandra Russo, author ofan official biography of Kirchner, published in2011. “She has a very high mental threshold.”Kirchner compared her treatment in the mediawith another recent Latin American femaleleftist head of state, Dilma Rousseff of Brazil.On the front page of a magazine, Kirchner said,“they portrayed me as hysterical and crazy.They did the same with Dilma. We are bothwomen.” Like Kirchner, Rousseff has suc-cumbed to scandal. She has been suspendedfrom office to face an impeachment trial over

alleged financial irregularities in what she hascalled a “coup” by her rivals. In Argentina,meanwhile, the courts are also going afterKirchner over alleged corruption, in what shehas branded a politically motivated campaign.Her conservative successor, Mauricio Macri, isbusy unwinding her social welfare policies andprotectionist trade measures.

RosarioLatin America has seen 10 women presi-

dents in the past four decades. Among them,socialist Michelle Bachelet is serving her sec-ond term as president of Chile. In Peru, KeikoFujimori narrowly lost a presidential election inJune. She served as first lady during the leader-ship of her now-jailed father Alberto Fujimori.In Nicaragua, President Daniel Ortega, 70, thisweek put his wife, Rosario Murillo, down as hisvice-presidential running mate as he runs forre-election in a November 6 vote. Murillo, 65, iscurrently a government minister and the mainspokesperson for Ortega’s leftist administra-tion. Many see her as the real power in thecountry over the past decade. She is a motherof 10 and a well-known poet in her country.Ortega is widely expected to win a third con-secutive term from 2017 to 2022, given thefragmented opposition. —AFP

Cristina and co: Latin first ladies and presidents

BUENOS AIRES: Former Argentine President (2007-2015) CristinaFernandez de Kirchner participates in a rally at the huge Villa 31 shanty-town in downtown Buenos Aires, on August 8, 2016. The rally celebratesthe launching of a community television channel made possible by alaw promulgated during her government. —AFP

TUNIS: While US jets and drones arepounding Islamic State in the Libyancity of Sirte, Western powers areunlikely to expand their militaryinvolvement rapidly, anxious to avoidexacerbating factional divisions as thegovernment they support struggles toestablish itself. The United Nations-backed government asked for the USair strikes which began on Aug 1, but ithas still not made a long-awaitedrequest for broader security help -including a possible easing of an inter-national arms embargo on the factionswhich emerged during and after the2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.

“They know that the internationalcommunity is ready to help with train-

ing and advice, but specific requestsare not emerging yet,” said a Westerndiplomatic source. Forces aligned tothe Government of National Accord(GNA), which set up in Tripoli fourmonths ago, have battled for weeks toremove Islamic State fighters fromSirte, the jihadist group’s former NorthAfrican stronghold.

Now US “Operation OdysseyLightning” is targeting tanks, armedpick-up trucks and fighting positions inthe slowly shrinking area of Sirte thatIslamic State still holds, easing the pas-sage for Libyan ground forces.However, the GNA has moved slowly toformulate its own security strategy andseek more foreign help, handicappedby internal political splits, a lack ofcapacity, and sensitivity to criticismthat it is dependent on external sup-port, Libyan and Western officials say.Discussion of a 5,000-strong Italian-led

peacekeeping mission has fizzled out,and foreign ground intervention hasbeen limited to small-scale specialforces deployments.

Coastguard training is beingplanned, but programs to train andequip national security and policeforces have yet to be developed. Onerequest that is expected sooner or lateris for exemptions to the UN armsembargo. World powers said in Maythey were ready to consider this tohelp the GNA combat Islamic State, butmuch depends on its ability to showthat arms will not end up in the wronghands, from a Western point of view.Among the likely recipients would befighters from the city of Misrata, which

lies roughly midway between Tripoliand Sirte.

They have backed the GNA, provid-ing security in Tripoli and leading thebattle against Islamic State in Sirte,Gaddafi’s home town. However, theloyalty of Libya’s armed factions hasbeen fickle in the past and the GNA’sleadership, or Presidential Council, hasyet to form a unified military commandstructure. “Only regular units under thecommand of the Presidential Councilwill get an exemption from the armsembargo,” UN Libya envoy MartinKobler said. “The Presidential Councilhas to be accepted as the SupremeCommander of the army. The questionis does it really have control over theMisrata forces? Maybe yes, maybe no.”

Loud rejectionThe Misrata brigades say they will

return home after securing Sirte from

Islamic State, also known as ISIS.However, some people see a risk ofrenewed conflict between loosealliances of armed groups that foughtfor control of Tripoli in 2014. The fearis that the Misrata brigades will endup fighting forces loyal to KhalifaHaftar, a military commander based ineastern Libya.

Haftar and his allies have so farloudly rejected the GNA, and foreignpowers intervening anywhere in Libyarisk being seen to take sides amongthe local factions. “The challenge forthe West will always be to surgicallyfight ISIS whenever that implies notgetting dragged into Libya’s civil war,”said Mattia Toaldo, a Libya expert atthe European Council on ForeignRelations. The limited foreign involve-ment so far has met with a mixedreception locally. While the UnitedStates and Britain are popular aroundMisrata, France is out of favor there.French Special Forces have been oper-ating for months in the eastern city ofBenghazi, where fighters loyal toHaftar have been battling opponentsincluding Islamic State.

After three French soldiers werekilled last month in a helicopter crashsouth of Benghazi, confirming theirpresence, there were protests inMisrata and Tripoli, and the GNA sum-moned the French ambassador.However, the US strikes againstIslamic State - both in Sirte and in thewestern city of Sabratha in February -have provoked few protests. Libyanmilitants returning from fighting inthe Syrian civil war helped to implantIslamic State in the country in 2014,but the group has struggled to winsupport or hold territory, with mostlocal people regarding it as a malignimport dependent on foreign fighters.

The GNA-backed forces wonderwhy the US strikes did not comesooner. “We just want this fight toend, we’ll take any help we can get,”said one commander on the Sirtefront line. But that openness does notextend to the idea of foreign bootson the ground, or broader efforts toend the security vacuum that allowedIslamic State to gain a foothold. “Theneed for outside help with training iscertainly recognized at senior politi-cal level,” the diplomat said. But in dis-cussions about a peacekeeping force,the Libyan position was very clear -nothing like the ‘Green Zone’, thesecure international area of Baghdad,would be acceptable. Even for train-ing, “any visible presence on thestreets would be difficult”, said thediplomat. —Reuters

US air strikes show limits on the Libya intervention West risks being seen to take sides between factions

SIRTE: A military vehicle used by fighters from the pro-governmentforces loyal to Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNA) is seennear ammunition casing in Sirte during an operation againstjihadists of the Islamic State (IS) group. —AFP

WASHINGTON: The US-led militaryeffort against the Islamic State groupstarted exactly two years ago, aimedat halting the jihadists as they sweptacross Iraq, leaving a trail of humanbutchery and destruction in theirwake. It was supposed to have beena swift and narrow campaign thatwould help local forces deal a “last-ing defeat” to IS jihadists. But billionsof dollars and more than 14,000 airstr ikes later, such asser tions arebuckling, and the campaign high-lights the limits of fighting a warmainly from the skies. “I think we arelooking at decades of effort,” saidCharles Lister, a senior fellow at theMiddle East Institute. “We are fight-ing a losing battle if we expect tocompletely destroy (IS) altogether.”

Nearly half of the territory onceheld by the IS group in Iraq has beenliberated, as well as about 20 percentof its claim in neighboring Syria.Experts foresee the eventual col-lapse of the group’s self-declared“cal iphate,” but the j ihadists arefighting back by calling on followers

to launch attacks across the globe.Just this year, IS has claimed a stringof horri f ic attacks including inFrance, Belgium, Turkey, Baghdadand the United States. “This is anorganization that has very success-fully morphed back into a traditionalterrorist organization that thensteadily rebuilds its capabilities,”Lister said.

US boots on the groundWhen President Barack Obama

launched air strikes in Iraq in August2014, officials stressed US involve-ment would not be sustained for thelong term. And Obama, elected on apromise of ending America’s wars inIraq and Afghanistan, vowed groundtroops would not be dragged backinto another conflict. He has repeat-edly insisted that while the UnitedStates can provide support and airstrikes, the war has to be won bylocal forces-not Americans.

Still, about 6,500 coalition troops-mostly American-have deployed inthe anti-IS fight. Most are in Iraq,

though some special operationsforces are working with Kurdish andArab fighters in war-torn Syria, wherea civil war and Russian strikes in sup-port of President Bashar Al-Assadhave further complicated the picture.“ The few people of us who werewatching this group develop from2010 to 2014 knew very well that thiswas going to be a very long-termbattle, and the idea that no US troopswere going to be involved was just afantasy,” Lister said.

Though the United States claimsmore than 60 countries are part ofits coalition, in reality America andjust a few stalwart partners are car-r y ing out a lmost a l l the work .Within weeks of the first strikes inIraq, the coalition campaign spreadto Syria. The fight later expanded toAfghanistan and, last week , thePentagon quiet ly star ted an a i rcampaign in the IS group’s Libyanstronghold of Sirte. That campaignis supposed to last “weeks, notmonths,” according to thePentagon. —AFP

No end in sight as anti-IS campaign enters 3rd year

WASHINGTON: Fifty senior Republican national securityofficials have issued a stinging rejection of their party’sWhite House nominee Donald Trump, warning he wouldbe “the most reckless president in American history” ifelected. The group, some of whom already announcedthey would not vote for Trump, included former homelandsecurity chiefs, intelligence directors, senior presidentialadvisors and a former US trade representative. Theyserved under Republican presidents from Richard Nixon toGeorge W Bush. “We are convinced that he would be adangerous president and would put at risk our country’snational security and well-being,” they wrote in a state-ment published in The New York Times on Monday.

Their disavowal of the Republican presidential candi-date was followed by another setback for Trump, wheninfluential US Senator Susan Collins said yesterday he was“unworthy” of America’s highest elective office, and willnot receive her support. “I will not be voting for DonaldTrump for president. This is not a decision I make lightly,for I am a lifelong Republican. But Donald Trump does notreflect historical Republican values nor the inclusiveapproach to governing that is critical to healing the divi-sions in our country,” Collins wrote in an op-ed articleappearing in Tuesday’s Washington Post.

While the US security experts did not say they wouldvote for Democrat Hillary Clinton-indeed they expressed

“doubts” about her-they were clear in stating that “none ofus will vote for Donald Trump.” They essentially declaredthe brash billionaire unfit for office, echoing Clinton’s criti-cism by saying that Trump “lacks the character, values, andexperience to be president” and displays “alarming igno-rance of basic facts” of international politics.

The New York real estate mogul also has shown no will-ingness to learn about foreign affairs or national securitythreats, “acts impetuously” and lacks self control, the state-ment said. “He is unable or unwilling to separate truthfrom falsehood,” the group wrote, saying Trump possessesa set of “dangerous qualities” that should disqualify himfrom the presidency. “We are convinced that in the OvalOffice, he would be the most reckless president inAmerican history.”

They warned that the political neophyte’s “erratic behav-ior” has alarmed America’s closest allies, adding that hefails to recognize the indispensable nature of such diplo-matic relationships. The signatories include Tom Ridge andMichael Chertoff, the first and second homeland securitysecretaries under president George W Bush, former direc-tor of National Intelligence John Negroponte and Bush-eraCIA director Michael Hayden. Also in the group are formerUS Trade Representative and World Bank president RobertZoellick and Eric Edelman, former national security advisorto vice president Dick Cheney. —AFP

50 senior Republican national security officials reject Trump

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I N T E R N AT I O N A LWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

TOKYO: The Japanese city of Nagasakiyesterday marked 71 years since itsdestruction by a US atomic bomb, with itsmayor lauding a visit by US PresidentBarack Obama to Hiroshima earlier thisyear. A bell tolled as thousands of people,including ageing survivors and relatives ofvictims, observed a minute’s silence at11:02 am, the exact moment of the blast.

Some 74,000 people died in the initialexplosion, while thousands of others per-ished months or years later from radiationsickness. The attack came three days afterthe US dropped the first ever atomic bombon Hiroshima, which ultimately killed140,000 people.

Nagasaki Mayor Tomihisa Taue laudedObama’s landmark May visit to Hiroshimathe first ever by a sitting US president.

“Knowing the facts becomes the start-

ing point for thinking about a future freeof nuclear weapons,” Taue said, calling onother world leaders to visit his city.

Local officials and those who survivedthe bombing called for strict adherenceto Japan’s post-war tradition of pacifismand were critical of the Japanese govern-ment. “The government of Japan, whileadvocating nuclear weapons abolition,still relies on nuclear deterrence,” themayor said, calling it a “contradictorystate of affairs”.

Toyokazu Ihara, 80, who survived theNagasaki bombing, used his address tocall for abolition of nuclear weapons andworld peace.

“Nagasaki must be the last,” he said,concluding his Japanese remarks with anEnglish sentence intended for global citi-zens. Hiroshima mayor Kazumi Matsui on

Saturday marked the commemoration ofthe bombing of his city, also citingObama’s visit. He said the visit was proofthe US President shared his city’s view ofthe “absolute evil” of nuclear weapons.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, inhis address in Nagasaki, called on worldleaders to honor the global Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

“We must not allow a repeat of the hor-rible experiences of Hiroshima andNagasaki that happened 71 years ago,”Abe said. Abe has moved to extend thescope of Japan’s military and deepen thenation’s alliance with Washington in theface of threats from China’s expanding mil-itary strength and unpredictable NorthKorea. North Korea last week test fired aballistic missile that landed in waters offJapan’s coast for the first time. — AFP

Nagasaki marks 71st atomic bombing anniversary

NAGASAKI: People offer silent prayers for victims during a memorial ceremony tomark the anniversary of the atomic bombing, at the Peace Memorial Park in Nagasaki,western Japan yesterday. — AFP

Newsi n b r i e f

Iraq parliament lifts Speaker’s immunity

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s parliament yesterday voted to lift theimmunity of its speaker and two lawmakers to allow forcorruption allegations to be investigated. Speaker Salim Al-Juburi said in a statement that he had agreed to submit thelifting of his own immunity to a parliamentary vote. Amajority of the 237 members in attendance subsequentlyvoted to lift parliamentary immunity for Juburi and twoothers MPs, Mohammed al-Karbouli and Taleb Al-Maamari,a parliamentary official said. Juburi then testified before ajudiciary commission in response to corruption allegationsDefense Minister Khaled Al-Obeidi made publicly earlierthis month, judiciary spokesman Abdelsattar Bayraqdarsaid in a statement. Juburi has denied the accusationsagainst him, which Obeidi made while appearing in parlia-ment to answer graft allegations he said were brought inretribution for his rejection of corruption. Corruption iswidespread in Iraq’s government, from senior officials tolow-level functionaries, and while Iraqis have repeatedlydemonstrated for change in the past year, little in the wayof real reform has taken place.

MH370 plunged into ocean at high speed

SYDNEY: MH370 plunged into the ocean at high speedup to 20,000 feet a minute-reinforcing analysis that themissing Malaysia Airlines jet crashed in the currentsearch zone, a report said yesterday. The Boeing 777disappeared on March 8, 2014 en route from KualaLumpur to Beijing with 239 people onboard. An exten-sive underwater hunt in the southern Indian Ocean hasnot yet found the crash site, fuelling speculation it maybe outside the current search zone, particularly if some-one was at the controls at the end of the flight. Amanned plane could have been glided down, allowingit to enter the water outside the 120,000 square kilome-ter area being searched, some experts have suggested.But extensive testing by aircraft manufacturer Boeingand new Australian defense department data analysisboth suggest that-regardless of the possible actions ofone or both of the pilots-the jet dived into the ocean athigh speed, The Australian reported.

Sudan rebels sign AU-brokered deal

KHARTOUM: Prominent Sudanese rebel groups saidyesterday they have signed a roadmap brokered byAfrican Union mediators to end deadly conflicts inSudan’s strife-torn Darfur, Blue Nile and SouthKordofan regions. Tens of thousands of people havebeen killed and millions displaced over the years in thethree regions as ethnic minority groups rebelledagainst President Omar Al-Bashir’s Arab-dominatedgovernment. While Khartoum representatives signedthe roadmap at a previous round of talks in March inAddis Ababa, prominent rebel groups refused to comeon board at the time. But on Monday they signed it inthe Ethiopian capital.

Iran to auction property of a death row tycoon

TEHRAN: Iran said yesterday it would auction off prop-erty owned by billionaire Babak Zanjani, who was sen-tenced to death for corruption earlier this year. A num-ber of luxury villas and apartments, shops and otherproperties will be sold, reported the Mizan Onlinenewspaper, which is close to the judiciary. Biddersmust make their offers in sealed envelopes by August20, it added. Zanjani, 41, was sentenced to death forfraud and other financial crimes in March after alengthy trial during which he was accused of fraudu-lently pocketing $2.8 billion. He rose to prominenceafter the international community imposed sanctionson the Islamic republic’s banks as punishment over itsnuclear program.

US delivers $50 m worth of assistance to Lebanon

BEIRUT: The United States has delivered $50 million worthof military assistance to Lebanon’s army to help it battleagainst Muslim extremists near the border with Syria. USAmbassador to Lebanon Elizabeth H Richard told reportersat Beirut’s port that the latest assistance is in “an entire shipfull of military equipment.” A US Embassy statement saidthe shipment includes 50 armored Humvees, 40 Howitzersand over 1,000 tons of ammunition. The US has beenspeeding up delivery of ammunition to help Lebanon’s mil-itary combat jihadi groups near the border with Syria. InMarch, Washington delivered three Huey II helicopters,raising to 10 the number of such US-made aircraft inLebanon’s fleet Washington has provided more than $1 bil-lion in military assistance to Lebanon since 2006.

Mali says 5 soldiers missing after attack

BAMAKO: At least five Malian soldiers have gone missingafter an attack in the central Mopti region, where armedIslamic extremists are active, a military source said yester-day. The assailants struck “one of our positions on Mondaybetween the locations of Tenenkou and Sevare. We haveno news of five of our soldiers,” said the source, reached atthe defense ministry. The source blamed the attack onAnsar Dine, a mainly Tuareg group that early in 2012 seizedcontrol of northern desert territory with two other move-ments, including Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).The jihadists were ousted from major northern towns in aFrench-led military operation in 2013, but still launchattacks from desert hideouts.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani lawyers staged anationwide strike yesterday after dozens ofcolleagues were slain in a suicide bombingthat killed 74 people at a hospital in thesouthwestern city of Quetta. Medical staffsaid up to 60 of those killed in Monday’sbombing at a government hospital werelawyers who had gathered to mourn theassassination earlier that day of the presi-dent of the Baluchistan Bar Association,Bilal Anwar Kasi. Yesterday morning, four ofover one hundred people wounded,including two more lawyers, died in hospi-tal, taking the toll to 74, said AbdulRehman, the medical superintendent at theCivil Hospital Quetta.

Shops, businesses, schools and universi-ties in the city and several other towns inthe southern province of Baluchistanremained closed as the governmentannounced three days of mourning. IslamicState was one of two Islamist militantgroups to claim responsibility for the atroc-ity, although officials and analysts said theyhad doubts over whether the Middle East-based movement was behind the blast. Itwas the deadliest militant attack inPakistan this year and the latest in a stringof strikes on lawyers, seen by some mili-tants as an extension of the state and solegitimate targets.

“How weak and pathetic are these peo-ple who target hospitals, where womenand children, where patients, go to gettreatment?” Ashtar Ausaf Ali, Pakistan’sattorney general, said yesterday at aprotest outside the Supreme Court in thecapital Islamabad.

Supreme Court Bar President Ali Zafarcalled for the government to do more toprotect lawyers. “Lawyers are relativelymore vocal against militancy and they arefighting cases against people accused ofterrorism, so it would make sense that theyare being targeted,” said Ali Malik, a Lahore-based lawyer.

“An attack on lawyers makes a mockeryof the law enforcement agencies, it under-mines the promises of the state against ter-rorists and breeds fear among vulnerablecitizens.”

Doubts over claimsThe bombing in Quetta, the provincial

capital of Baluchistan province, was initiallyclaimed by Jamaat-ur-Ahrar, a faction of thePakistani Taleban that is fighting to over-throw the government and impose strictIslamic law. Later, however, Islamic State saidone of its fighters carried out the attack, inwhat would mark an escalation in the abilityof the group, or its regional offshoots, tostrike in Pakistan. “A martyr from the IslamicState detonated his explosive belt at a gath-ering of justice ministry employees andPakistani policemen in the city of Quetta,”Islamic State’s Amaq news agency reported.

Some Pakistani analysts were sceptical.“The ISIS claim seems very unconvincing,”said Imtiaz Gul, director of the Center forResearch and Security Studies inIslamabad. “The claim of responsibility by

Jamaat-ur-Ahrar is more credible,” saidMuhammad Amir Rana, head of thePakistan Institute for Peace Studies. He not-ed that Jamaat had sworn loyalty to IslamicState’s Middle East leadership in 2014, butlater switched back to the Taleban. “Everytime they have carried out an attack, theyhave taken responsibility independently (ofIslamic State),” Rana said.

It remains unclear what ties, if any,Jamaat has to Islamic State, whose leader-ship is a rival to both the Taleban and Al-Qaeda over claims to represent the trueIslamist Caliphate. In September 2014,Jamaat-ur-Ahrar rejected the PakistaniTaleban during a leadership struggle andswore allegiance to Islamic State, alsoknown as Daesh. By March 2015, the groupwas again swearing loyalty to the mainPakistani Taleban. The reason for its return

to the fold remains murky, but Jamaat alsonever specifically disavowed Islamic State.Only last week, Jamaat was added to theUnited States’ list of global terrorists, trig-gering sanctions.

Baluchistan, which borders Afghanistan, ishome to many militant groups, most notablysectarian outfits who have launched a cam-paign of suicide bombings and assassinationsof ethnic Hazaras - Persian-speaking Shiiteswho mostly emigrated from Afghanistan andare a small minority of the Shiite populationin Sunni-majority Pakistan. “Many groupsbased in Baluchistan have an anti-Shiiteagenda, so they find ideological linkages withISIS,” said a military official who was based inQuetta until 2015. “But is ISIS present there toa degree that they can carry out this kind ofwell-planned, pre-meditated attack? I don’tthink that is possible.”— Reuters

Pakistan lawyers go on strike after dozens killed in attack

Quetta attack kills dozens of lawyers

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani lawyers shout slogans against the killing of their colleagues a day after suicide bombing at the CivilHospital in Quetta, during a protest in Islamabad yesterday. — AFP

BEIJING: Already China’s most powerfulleader in decades, President Xi Jinping willprobably seek to extend his term to morethan 10 years, analysts say, the firstCommunist Party chief to do so since DengXiaoping. The ruling party’s leaders havereportedly gathered at their secretive annu-al Beidaihe retreat on the northern Chinesecoast, where discussions are expected tofocus on the composition of its next all-pow-erful Politburo Standing Committee (PSC).

The 19th Party Congress, slated for nextyear, will decide a new PSC line-up, tradi-tionally seen as indicating Xi’s most likelysuccessor after he steps down, due in 2022.But Xi has thus far delayed anointing anheir. And while Chinese Communist leadershave often maintained influence after theirofficial retirement, scholars and analystsincreasingly believe Xi will try to stay inoffice beyond his standard term. “A lot ofanalysts now see it as a given” that Xi willseek to stay party general secretary, thecountry’s most powerful post, saidChristopher K Johnson, a former CIA analystand now China specialist at theWashington-based Center for Strategic andInternational Studies.

Willy Lam, expert on politics at theChinese University of Hong Kong, said therewas a 60 to 70 percent chance that Xi wouldrefuse to give up the role. Doing so wouldviolate the unofficial rule set by DengXiaoping, who led China from 1978-1989,that general secretaries stay in office nolonger than 10 years. That principle hashelped smooth transfers of power withinthe party since the 1990s. As well as ensur-ing regular renewal at the top, and oppor-tunities for different Communist Party fac-tions to dominate at different times, theconcept also seeks to prevent the emer-gence of a despot.

‘No heir apparent’China’s constitution sets term limits for

presidents and ministers, but there is nosuch rule for the party secretary. Analystssay if Xi’s close ally Wang Qishan, a PSCcadre who is due to retire, is allowed a sec-

ond term it could establish a precedent forthe party chief. Xi has made his enduringambition clear by installing himself as chair-man of most of the powerful new groupswithin the party, said Victor Shih, professorat the University of California, San Diego.Doing so “increases the threshold for any-one to replace him,” he said.

“Moreover, there is no heir apparentnow.” Xi has already smashed severalunwritten party rules since ascending togeneral secretary in 2012, Johnson noted.His anti-corruption drive felled the oncehugely powerful security chief ZhouYongkang, breaking the tacit understand-ing that former top leaders were immune tosuch campaigns-and giving him an incen-tive to stay in power. More time as presi-dent could allow Xi to follow through onlong-promised reforms and bolster hismore assertive foreign policy in the SouthChina Sea, experts say. Xi’s allies couldargue a longer term would let him pursuehis ambitious targets of national rejuvena-tion and doubling 2010 per capita incomeby 2020, in time for the 100th anniversary ofthe party’s founding. — AFP

Xi’s here to stay: Jinping tipped to outstay term

Chinese President Xi Jinping

LONDON: China has cautioned Britain againstclosing the door to Chinese money and saidrelations were at a crucial juncture after PrimeMinister Theresa May delayed signing off on a$24 billion nuclear power project. In China’ssternest warning to date over May’s surprisedecision to review the building of Britain’s firstnuclear plant in decades, Beijing’s ambassadorto London said that Britain could face powershortages unless May approved the Franco-Chinese deal. “The China-UK relationship is at acrucial historical juncture. Mutual trust shouldbe treasured even more,” Liu Xiaoming wrote inthe Financial Times. “I hope the UK will keep itsdoor open to China and that the British govern-ment will continue to support Hinkley Point -and come to a decision as soon as possible sothat the project can proceed smoothly.”

The comments signal deep frustration inBeijing at May’s move to delay, her most strik-ing corporate intervention since winning pow-er in the political turmoil which followedBritain’s June 23 referendum to leave theEuropean Union. Her decision indicates a muchmore cautious view of Chinese investment anda willingness to take a tough line with EU alliessuch as French President Francois Hollande.Cast as the jewel illustrating a new “Golden Era”of relations between China and Britain, theHinkley financing deal was signed in DowningStreet during a state visit to Britain by PresidentXi Jinping last year.

Golden era?Under plans drawn up by former Prime

Minister David Cameron, French utility EDF andChina General Nuclear Power Corp would fundthe cost of building two Areva EuropeanPressurized Water Reactors at the Hinkley Cnuclear plant in Somerset, in southern England.Britain has committed to pay a minimum pricefor the power generated by the plant for 35years, though critics said London had agreed topay far too much.

Hinkley is seen as the frontrunner to closerties with China on nuclear issues, paving theway for tens of billions of dollars of investmentand another two nuclear power plants withChinese involvement. Cameron raised someeyebrows with allies by pitching Britain as thepre-eminent gateway to the West for invest-ment from China and made London the biggest

international trading centre for offshore yuanoutside China. Britain is currently discussing anagreement for landmark financial services links,including a London-Shanghai stock connection.

In the comment published in the FinancialTimes yesterday, China’s ambassador saidHinkley was not “some whimsical idea or rusheddecision” and pointedly said that Chinese invest-ment had flowed because both countries“respected and trusted each other”. “If Britain’sopenness is a condition for bilateral co-opera-tion, then mutual trust is the very foundation onwhich this is built,” said Liu. Once Britain exitsfrom the EU, London would need to clinch anew trade deal with China, whose $11.3 trillioneconomy is currently more than four times asbig as Britain’s at $2.4 trillion. Liu said Chinesecompanies had invested more in the UnitedKingdom than in Germany, France and Italycombined over the past five years.

Natural concernsSince May won the top job, Britain has

repeatedly said that it values its relationshipwith China and that it was natural for theincoming government to want to look at theplans in detail. “This decision is about a hugeinfrastructure project and it’s right that the newgovernment carefully considers it,” a govern-ment spokesman said. “We co-operate withChina on a broad range of areas from the globaleconomy to international issues and we willcontinue to seek a strong relationship withChina.” But Nick Timothy, May’s influential jointchief of staff, also said last year that securityexperts were worried the state-owned Chinesegroup would have access to computer systemsthat could allow it to shut down Britain’s energyproduction.

“Rational concerns about national securityare being swept to one side because of the des-perate desire for Chinese trade and investment,”Timothy wrote in October 2015 in a column fora conservative news and comment website.China was buying British silence on humanrights, Timothy said, and stated that Britishsecurity services thought China’s spies wereworking against UK interests. “No amount oftrade and investment should justify allowing ahostile state easy access to the country’s criticalnational infrastructure,” he said. A final decisionon Hinkley is due in September. — Reuters

Ambassador tells UK: Keep your door open to China

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TAMU: Five years ago, when cold pills firsttrickled across Myanmar’s untamed borderwith India, many local officials were baffled.Where was this medicine going, and whywere smugglers so interested in it? Today, thecross-border trickle has become a torrent andeveryone knows why the Indian-made pillsare so valuable: They are bound for secret lab-oratories in lawless eastern Myanmar thatchurn out most of mainland Southeast Asia’smethamphetamine, or “meth”.

Cold pills contain pseudoephedrine, themain ingredient of meth, a highly addictivedrug whose ever-soaring popularity is rat-tling governments across Asia. In recentmonths the Philippines has elected a presi-dent on a platform of harsh action againstdrug dealers, Indonesia has resumed exe-cutions of drug traffickers after a year-longhiatus and Thailand is wrestling with a soar-ing prison population. Myanmar’s currentboom in meth production would be impos-sible without a recent surge in pseu-doephedrine smuggled from India’s hugeand ill-regulated pharmaceuticals sector,say police and narcotics experts.

The uninterrupted flow of the drug ishighlighting a disconnect between coun-tries in tackling a meth epidemic that theUnited Nations Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC) calls Asia’s “number one drugthreat”. “It’s big, big business,” said Ye Htut, aformer advisor to Myanmar’s ex-PresidentThein Sein. He attributed a property boomin Kalay, the largest town in this otherwiseimpoverished region, to the profits madefrom smuggling pseudoephedrine.

Meth is sold in pill form as “ya ba”, a Thainame meaning “crazy medicine”, or as a morepotent, crystalline substance known as “crys-tal meth”, “ice” or “shabu”. Each Indian cold pillcan make one “ya ba” and costs only a few

cents to produce. By the time it has crossedthe border and reached Mandalay -Myanmar’s northern capital and a majorsmuggling hub - the pill’s value has increasedroughly tenfold. Across mainland SoutheastAsia, the UNODC estimates the meth tradewas worth about $15 billion in 2013.

Cross-border routeThe rugged and ethnically diverse region

straddling the Indian border ranks amongMyanmar’s poorest, with no industry andmodest infrastructure. Its main road is a two-lane highway linked by rickety bridges andplied by ox carts. It is here that Myanmarpolice have been finding thousands of thecold pills, hidden in rice sacks, packed intotruck chassis or spilling from the luggage ofcross-border bus passengers. In one busthere in mid-June, police intercepted a carcarrying more than 60 kg (130 lbs) of Indianpseudoephedrine - enough to make morethan a million “ya ba” pills.

Global demand for methamphetaminehas created “new precursor chemical entre-preneurs in India”, said the US StateDepartment in a 2015 report. Expertsbelieve many criminals who once smug-gled drugs now prefer precursors, whichoffer high profits but much lighter penal-ties. Myanmar police say China is also amajor supplier of pseudoephedrine. Butwith tighter controls there, and withgreater demand for the chemical as methuse booms, drug producers have increas-ingly turned to India.

Pseudoephedrine is a controlled sub-stance in India requiring all handlers to reg-ister with the authorities. In practice, thetrade is poorly monitored, with Indian offi-cials complaining of weak intelligence-sharing between government agencies and

rare prosecutions of offenders. Raw pseu-doephedrine is made in a handful of Indianfactories, then moved through a network ofwholesalers, drug makers, distributors anddrugstores. It gets pilfered at every pointalong the way, say experts.

In a statement to Reuters, India’sNarcotics Control Bureau (NCB) saidseizures had dropped after the country’snarcotics laws were changed in 2013 todefine pseudoephedrine as controlled. Andindeed, police in Kalay and Tamu,Myanmar’s two main districts borderingIndia, seized only 400 kg of pseu-doephedrine last year, down from morethan 3.5 tons in 2013. But that may well bebecause smugglers have found novel ways

to avoid detection. “It’s highly likely thattraffickers have just shifted approach,” saidJeremy Douglas, the UNODC’s Asia-Pacifichead. Tamu district alone had more than 80unofficial crossing points along its 125-kmborder with India, said Douglas, making italmost impossible to monitor. The IndianEmbassy in Yangon did not respond to arequest for comment on the problem.

Drug problemAlready the world’s second-largest pro-

ducer, after Afghanistan, of opium and itsderivative heroin, Myanmar is now alsoreporting record-breaking seizures of meth.In May, police intercepted a truck in north-ern Myanmar carrying 21 million ya ba pills

worth an estimated $35 million. The boom-ing drugs trade poses a challenge to thefledgling government of Nobel laureateAung San Suu Kyi.

Rapid urbanization in the commercialcapital Yangon is creating the kind of slumsthat have fuelled the increase in methabuse in countries such as Thailand and thePhilippines. Health experts are braced foran explosion in domestic meth use.Meanwhile, police in Mandalay, a transitpoint between the western frontier withIndia and the rebel-dominated eastern bor-derlands, say they are still making recordseizures of Indian-made pseudoephedrine.

Greater regional integration, aided byIndian and Myanmar road-building pro-grams, promised to boost both trade andtrafficking, said the UNODC’s Douglas.“India and Myanmar are cooperating tosome extent but they’re not doing a lot ofjoint operations or intelligence-sharing,” hesaid. Myanmar police said most large drugand precursor shipments were smuggledthrough Moreh, the Indian border townopposite Tamu. They have arrested scoresof couriers or “mules”, but said they neededIndia’s help to arrest the ringleaders.

An Indian man suspected of arranging alarge pseudoephedrine shipment in 2013sought refuge on the other side of the bor-der, said Tamu police Chief Major SoeNaing. “Cooperation with India is quiteweak so we haven’t been able to catch him,”he said. The NCB said Myanmar had notpresented evidence that smuggling king-pins were hiding in India, or even that thepseudoephedrine it had seized was Indian-made. “It is coming from other countriestoo,” said a top NCB official, who asked notto be named because he wasn’t authorizedto speak to journalists. — Reuters

Indian cold pills fuel Myanmar narcotics boom Methamphetamine is Asia’s ‘number one drug threat’

LAHAL, Myanmar: Naga tribes people gather in Lahal township in the remoteSagaing region nearly two years before the town and nearby areas were hit bydisease that left many children dead. — AFP

Newsi n b r i e f

ID mix-up leaves adead man walking

BEIJING: A Chinese man applying for a certificate of nocriminal record had his request denied when police toldhim he was in fact dead, having been executed a decadeago for kidnapping, a report said. The man, a resident ofthe southern metropolis of Guangzhou surnamed Chen,requested the document to apply for a job. “The police toldme that... I had already committed the crime of kidnappingand the death sentence penalty had already been carriedout, so I was technically speaking already dead,” he said,according to Guangdong Radio and Television’s verifiedsocial media account. The mix-up was the result of his hav-ing the same name and identification card number as acriminal executed in 2006. Chen, 45, said that he had liveda perfectly normal life until he applied for the backgroundcheck, even receiving entry-exit permits for Hong Kongand Macau without any trouble. Police called him last weekto explain the unusual situation, and finally issued himwith his certificate last Friday.

Woman charged with biting off officer’s ear

SALEM: A Massachusetts woman charged with bitingoff a portion of a rookie police officer’s ear during herarrest outside a Salem bar has been held without bail.Emma Wiley pleaded not guilty Monday in to chargesincluding mayhem, assault and battery causing seriousbodily injury, assault and battery on a police officer andresisting arrest. Prosecutors say Patrolwoman JessicaRondinelli responded to reports of a fight outside a citybar at about 1 am Sunday. The police report says whileRondinelli was putting the 19-year-old Wiley in a cruis-er, Wiley bit off a piece of the officer’s ear. Doctors wereunable to re-attach it. Wiley’s attorney said his client is aSalem State University student who suffers fromdepression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.Rondinelli’s first police shift was July 1.

An intruder tried to climb Buckingham Palace fence

LONDON: London police say an intruder tried to climb asecurity fence at Buckingham Palace, but did not gainaccess to landmark building. The Metropolitan Police sayofficers monitoring CCTV cameras saw the 22-year-oldfrom Croydon and arrested him yesterday inside a securi-ty perimeter on suspicion of trespassing on a protectedsite. Police say he had been drinking, was not armed andwas detained without using stun guns. The breach is notbelieved to be terrorism related. Several intruders havebreached security at the queen’s London residence overthe years - including a man convicted of murder whoclimbed a wall in May while Queen Elizabeth II was athome. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on theintruder, but the royal family was not there at the time.

Chinese tourist kills woman at luxury Kenya safari lodge

NAIROBI: A Chinese tourist stabbed a woman to death andseriously wounded her husband after demanding theyvacate a table at a luxury Kenyan safari lodge, police saidyesterday. The incident occurred at Keekorok Lodge inMasai Mara, a large game reserve in southwestern Kenya,where the couple-also Chinese-were having dinner. Theassailant, identified as Lee Changqin, is said to havedemanded that they leave their table, prompting an argu-ment, before he stabbed them both in the chest. Rift Valleycounty police Chief Gideon Kibunjah said the tourist wasarrested and undergoing interrogation before beingarraigned in court. “The woman died while undergoingtreatment in hospital while her husband is still in hospital,”Kibunjah said by telephone. “The man is in custody.”

Octogenarian Polish temptress drugged and swindled suitors

WARSAW: Polish authorities have arrested an 80-year-oldwoman who allegedly drugged and then robbed a string ofsenior citizen suitors she met through newspaper lonelyhearts adverts. During dinner, the predatory pensioner sprin-kled lorazepam-a drug prescribed to treat anxiety but whichinduces sleep-onto her victim’s food, a regional court inBrzesko, southern Poland, heard. In one case, she stole 8,000zloty (1,800 euros, $2,000) in jewelry, electronics and cashfrom a 78-year-old who had invited her to his home in thenearby village of Szczurow, the online edition of the PolskaThe Times reported yesterday.

MANILA: Inmates sleep inside the Quezon City jail in Manila. — AFP photos MANILA: Inmates cook their food inside the Quezon City jail in Manila.

MANILA: Philippine officials said yesterdaythe government would build new jails toaddress severe congestion made worse byPresident Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war,describing conditions as “inhumane” and“unacceptable”. AFP photographs ofQuezon City Jail, where thousands ofinmates take turns to sleep on an open-airbasketball court and a staircase, were an“eye-opener” for authorities to hasten theconstruction of a new facility, according tovice mayor Joy Belmonte.

Quezon City officials Monday signed anagreement to donate land to the nationalgovernment for a new prison. The facility inthe northern district of Manila wouldreplace the jail built six decades ago for 800inmates but now houses almost 4,000.“ The photos are really unacceptable.Seeing inmates sleep on top of each otherbecause of the lack of space, I feel it’s a vio-lation of human rights, an urgent matterthat must be addressed,” Belmonte said.“It’s good that this is exposed before theinternational reading public as an eye-

opener,” added the vice mayor, who saidshe had heard reports of overcrowdingbefore but visited the facility for the firsttime in July with an AFP photographer.

Human Rights Watch criticized the con-ditions last week, saying it was “straight outof Dante’s ‘Purgatory’”, referring to the 13thcentury Italian writer’s description of therealm where souls await judgment. InteriorSecretary Ismael Sueno said the govern-ment would allocate funds to build newjails, with 80 percent of new detaineesaccused of drug-related crimes resultingfrom Duterte’s crackdown.

Duterte, who took office on June 30,ordered a bloody war on crime that has left889 people dead since the May elections,according to the country’s largest broad-caster ABS-CBN. Police have reportedarresting more than 5,000 people for drugsoffences as part of the campaign. Suenosaid his department was also planning theconstruction of more rehabilitation centers.“(President Duterte) is really concerned notjust about arrests but also the rehabilita-

tion of drug addicts,” the minister said. Even before Duterte’s presidency, the

Philippine penal system was ranked as thethird most congested in the world, accord-ing to the University of London’s Institutefor Criminal Policy Research. In QuezonCity, the government is working with theInternational Committee of the Red Crossto finalize the design for a new facility thatcan house 6,000 inmates by 2019. “It’s amodern facility and we want it to be on parwith other jails in Southeast Asia,” XavierSolda of the Bureau of Jail Managementand Penology said.

Top judge rebuffedMeanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte

warned the Philippines’ top judge yester-day to let him pursue a deadly anti-crimecampaign that has left hundreds of sus-pects dead, suggesting otherwise he wouldimpose “martial law”. Supreme Court chiefjustice Lourdes Sereno criticized MondayDuterte’s public shaming of seven lowercourt judges for alleged involvement in the

narcotics trade, adding that one of thejudges was murdered eight years ago. “Goahead and try to stop me. Would you ratherthat I declared martial law?” Duterte said ina speech to soldiers during a visit to a mili-tary camp in the southern Philippines.

“Let’s not kid each other ma’am, and donot force the issue,” Duterte warned Sereno.“You do not warn me. I warn you. I canorder everyone in the executive depart-ment not to honor you,” he added. “Pleasedo not create a confrontation, a constitu-tional war. We will all lose,” the presidentadded. Sereno had told Duterte in a letterthat it was her sole responsibility to imposepunishment on judicial “misfits”, and thatpublicly naming them, even withoutcharges filed against them, had put theirlives in danger. “To safeguard the role of thejudges as the protector of constitutionalrights, I would caution them very stronglyagainst ‘surrendering’ or making them-selves physically accountable to any policeofficer in the absence of any... warrant ofarrest,” she added. — Agencies

Philippines govt to overhaul inhumane, overcrowded jails

Congestion made worse by President’s drug war

PHNOM PENH: With its regular live broad-casts, routine tirades and daily-often curi-ously intimate-photo posts, the Facebookpage of Cambodian strongman Hun Senhas won a remarkable five million fans. Buta surge of “likes” from countries includingIndia and the Philippines has reignited alle-gations that his digital adoration is pur-chased from so-called “click farms”. The 64-year-old prime minister, a once self-con-fessed tech dinosaur who tolerates littledissent, has embraced Facebook with gus-to in the last year after opponents used theplatform to reach out to younger voters.

He has vowed to remain prime ministeruntil he is 74 with the next elections due in2018. To do so he will need the support ofCambodia’s youth-a huge, tech-savvy demo-graphic who voted in droves for the opposi-tion at the last polls, wearied by the endem-ic corruption, rights abuses and politicalrepression seen as the hallmarks of HunSen’s rule. With loyalists controlling nearly allof Cambodia’s mainstream media outlets,Hun Sen was initially wary of social media.But in the last year he has embraced the dig-ital sphere-while ramping up prosecutionsagainst people for online comments.

His slick page now documents every-thing from live broadcasts of speeches andmeetings with villagers, to more personalmoments like the premier kicking back in awhite bathrobe or sporting a wet, see-through singlet at the beach. But that suc-cess has been dogged by allegations that asignificant chunk of fans come from “clickfarms”-networks of fake and real users con-trolled by digital middlemen who sell likes.In recent months, opposition groups, localmedia, analysts and even many of HunSen’s own Facebook followers have allremarked on the unusual and erratic surgesin likes his page receives.

Nearly half of likes foreignAn AFP analysis of Hun Sen’s Facebook

followers over the last six months usingdata from SocialBakers.com shows twoperiods when overseas likes have dramati-cally spiked-the most recent in the lastthree weeks. Only 55 percent of Hun Sen’sfive million Facebook followers now comefrom inside Cambodia. Many of the likesoriginate in countries notorious for hostingclick farms such as India, Indonesia and thePhilippines.

In contrast, 82 percent of followers forSam Rainsy-the country’s most prominentopposition politician-are Cambodian. Thathas led Rainsy, who currently lives in self-exile in France, to accuse Hun Sen of buy-ing friends. “In his deceitful but childishlogic, Hun Sen needs to push his popularityon Facebook in order to justify his repres-sive policies,” he said by email. India nowaccounts for the largest chunk of overseaslove for Hun Sen’s page-some 562,000 fans,

or 11.4 percent, dwarfing even neighboringThailand where there is a huge diaspora ofCambodian workers.

In March and April, Indian likes tripledfrom 175,000 to 517,000. Then from earlyMay the rate of likes dipped slightly, only toonce more rebound between July 4 andAugust 1 taking the number from 512,000to 560,000. Similar patterns have takenplace this year with fans from thePhilippines and Indonesia. — AFP

Foreign Facebook love revives Cambodia PM ‘click farm’ row

PHNOM PENH: A Cambodian man browses through his smartphone displaying pho-tos of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on the leader’s Facebook page. — AFP

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He said the government told MPs that it was time forKuwait to follow the steps taken by other Gulf states,because Kuwait is the last member of the six GCC statesto take the petrol hike decision, while other states took itseveral months ago.

The minister said the government heard proposals byMPs, particularly the financial committee proposal, to anamount of fuel free of charge and another amount atsubsidized prices to citizens, adding that the govern-ment is keen to cooperate with the Assembly regardingthe issue. He however stated that the government

would go ahead with the new price rises.MP Abdullah Maayouf said lawmakers presented pro-

posals to the government, mainly the financial commit-tee’s study, which can achieve reforms, rationalizationand not harm citizens. He said the lawmakers told thegovernment that the hike decision represents an embar-rassment for them and the Assembly before the Kuwaitivoters. MP Humoud Al-Hamdan said lawmakers urgedthe government to prevent any increase in the prices ofcommodities as a result of the petrol price hike, and thegovernment team said they will prevent any price rises.He expected that the government will respond to pro-posals by MPs before the hike decision becomes effec-tive on Sept 1.

Govt mulls compensating citizens after...

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In previous years, Kuwait built up a sovereign wealthfund worth around $600 billion that is invested mostlyin the United States, Europe and Asia. Kuwait is project-ing a deficit of $28.9 billion in the current fiscal yearwhich began on April 1. As part of efforts to reduce theshortfall, the Cabinet last week decided to raise the

price of petrol by up to 83 percent, the first increase inalmost two decades. Last year, it raised the prices ofdiesel and kerosene. It has also decided to lift electricityand water charges on foreign residents. The ratingsagency Moody’s said late Monday that the fuel pricereforms will boost Kuwait’s credit ratings because theywill lower current expenditures and bolster governmentfinances. — AFP

Budget deficit after 16 years of surpluses

Continued from Page 1

Now with Russia mired in economic crisis due toWestern sanctions over Ukraine and low oil prices alongwith Turkey’s outlook flagging, both men want to getbusiness started again. Erdogan said that he now wantedto see the TurkStream project “done as fast as possible”,while Putin said construction could start “in the nearestfuture”. The Turkish leader also insisted that the two sideswere once again targeting a very ambitious tradeturnover of $100 billion by 2024.

The earlier uptick in relations between Turkey andRussia was built on a macho friendship between Putinand Erdogan, two combative leaders in their early 60scredited with restoring confidence to their nations in thewake of financial crises but also criticized for clampingdown on human rights. But after such a bitter dispute -

which saw Putin accuse Erdogan of stabbing Russia in theback and profiting from an illegal oil trade with the IslamicState group - it will take a lot for the pair to reheat rela-tions.

The two strongmen leaders conspicuously skirted onemajor issue dividing them and that lay at the heart of theirfalling out - the war in Syria. Putin and Erdogan said theywould start discussing the conflict after the press confer-ence but the Russian leader insisted both sides were com-mitted to finding a peaceful solution. Russia is flying abombing campaign in support of President Bashar Al-Assad while Turkey is fiercely opposed to the Syrianleader. Erdogan insisted in an interview with Russianmedia ahead of the talks that Assad must still go - a posi-tion opposed by Putin - but said that the conflict couldnow become the focus for renewed cooperation betweenthe two sides. —AFP

Putin, Erdogan pledge reset after rift

A picture taken on Monday shows the Transocean Winner oil rig after it ran aground at Dalmore on the Isle of Lewis in northern Britain during a storm. — AFP

DUBAI/WASHINGTON: Iranian security forces may havepressured nuclear scientist Shahram Amiri, hanged lastweek for spying for the United States, to admit to crimeshe did not commit, his mother said in an interview thisweek. Amiri leapt to the global spotlight in 2010 whenhe claimed first that U.S. agents had abducted him andthen that he was in the United States of his own freewill. The same year, he returned to Iran where he waswelcomed as a hero but then detained and tried oncharges that he divulged nuclear secrets.

“When I was saying goodbye to him before his exe-cution, he told me not to be sad as he had done noth-ing wrong,” Marzieh Amiri told Reuters in a telephoneinterview. “He asked me to tell everyone that he wasinnocent. He was saying his conscience was clear,” she

said. Her son’s closed-door trial was unfair and he wasnot properly represented, she said. She did not knowthe full name of the lawyer, who as a result could not bereached for comment.

“They should have held a public trial,” she said. “I amnot angry with the government or the Supreme Leader(of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei). I am angry withextremist security forces who were on his case, trying toprove he was a spy and who maybe forced him to con-fess to things he hadn’t done.” Iranian judiciary officialscould not be reached for comment. GholamhosseinMohseni Ejei, spokesman for Iran’s judiciary, toldreporters Amiri received a fair trial and the case fol-lowed standard judicial procedure. “He ... had contactedIran’s number one enemy, America, and had given our

most secret and vital information to them,” Mohseni Ejeisaid on Sunday, according to the state broadcaster.

‘I am an Iranian’In June 2010, Iranian state television showed Amiri,

then 32, saying in a video he was in Arizona after USand Saudi intelligence forces kidnapped him a year ear-lier during a religious pilgrimage abroad. In a secondvideo soon afterwards, Amiri said he was in the UnitedStates voluntarily and wanted to dispel “rumors” thathad been spread about him. “I am an Iranian, and I havetaken no step against my homeland,” he said. As ayoung man with a talent for electronics in the Iraniancity of Kermanshah, Amiri would tote his toolbox tofriends’ houses and fix their broken appliances, hismother said. He won a coveted scholarship from thedefense ministry to further his studies and eventuallybecame a researcher in radiation safety at the defenseministry-affiliated Malek Ashtar University ofTechnology, visiting sites associated with Iran’s nuclearprogram. According to a US official involved in the case,the Central Intelligence Agency recruited Amiri in Iranand helped extract him using the pilgrimage.

But US officials had doubts about the depth ofAmiri’s knowledge and access to the most sensitive

information. Amiri was questioned, given a new identityand a home in Arizona, and paid around $5 million, theofficials said. However he began telling his handlers hemissed his young son and wanted to return to Iran,though they warned he likely would face imprisonmentor worse and might never see his son. Arriving in Tehranin July 2010, he was greeted by his son, reporters andIran’s deputy foreign minister. Someone placed awreath around his neck and he flashed a “V” for victorywhile clutching his son.

Clear ConscienceMarzieh Amiri said her son was free on his return and

even took a vacation in Iran with his family. “But one daythey suddenly arrested him ... When we followed up,(the security forces) said, ‘It’s for his own protection. Heis our guest’.” He was held in isolation in Tehran, hismother said. His wife filed for divorce, and he becamenervous and suffered from high blood pressure. “Hisloneliness was killing him,” she said, adding she visitedhim once or twice a month. “He told me he prefers todie as he could not tolerate the isolation anymore.” Lastweek, officials brought his corpse to Kermanshah. Ropemarks on his neck indicated he had been hanged, hismother said. — Reuters

Executed Iran nuke scientist unfairly tried: Mother

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A N A L Y S I SWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

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The ruling African National Congress’ historiclosses in South Africa’s local elections havecalled into question the leadership of

President Jacob Zuma as head of the continent’smost industrialized nation. The ANC last week suf-fered what analysts called a “savage indictment”,garnering less than 54 percent of ballots cast - aneight-point drop from the last local poll in 2011 andits worst showing since the fall of white-minorityrule in 1994.

Of the country’s six most populous cities, theANC won an outright majority in only one: Durban,Zuma’s traditional stronghold. But it sufferedembarrassingly in the capital Pretoria where it camesecond to the main opposition Democratic Alliance,which also scored big in Nelson Mandela Bay, asouthern municipality named after the country’siconic late leader. The election was largely seen as areferendum on Zuma’s rule, but it also highlightedthe declining popularity of the party that led SouthAfrica’s anti-apartheid struggle.

And as Mandela’s party reels from weak leader-ship and political divisions, some in the ANC admitthat all is not well. “There is something wrong on anational level that we are not paying attention to,”the party’s Secretary General Gwede Mantashe saidat the weekend.

‘Big Trouble’ Analysts say the party leadership has been stub-

born in refusing to rein in its controversial presi-dent. Zuma, who has three more years to serve outhis term, has been dogged by scandal throughouthis presidency. Last month, South Africa’s highestcourt ruled he pay back $500,000 of public fundsspent upgrading his private Nkandla residence withfacilities including a chicken coop and a swimmingpool. The ANC has staunchly defended him.

But after the poor showing at the polls, the partywould be “much more open to a change of leader-ship than they would have a been one week ago,”said Richard Calland, a political analyst at theUniversity of Cape Town. “Urgent steps must be tak-en (to) tackle the elephant in the room. It is clearthat President Jacob Zuma has become a huge lia-bility,” wrote columnist Onkgopotse Tabane in theBusiness Day newspaper on Monday.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa - an anti-apartheid heavyweight - is the presumed frontrun-ner to replace Zuma should he be forced out beforethe end of his term. “Where we have shown areas ofweakness, we are going to get better and improve -that ’s who we are,” the unionist-turned-businessman said last week as the poor resultspoured in. Critics say urban and middle class votershave begun to tire of the continuous controversysurrounding 74-year-old Zuma, and warn of a seri-ous backlash if the ANC fails to act fast. “The ANC isin big trouble,” analyst Koffi Kouakou told AFP. “Theonly way to perhaps attempt to save the ANC is byhaving President Zuma resign and having the teamthat surrounds him cleaned up. If not, the ANC is inreal big trouble in the long term.”

But Zuma, who has thus far survived everycurveball thrown his direction, may not be on hisway out just yet. “I don’t think he is likely to go with-out a fight,” said Calland. “It’s more likely he will sur-vive until the end of next year,” Calland said - whenthe ANC may vote to recall him at its next nationalelective congress.

In the meantime at least two rival ANC campswill start wrangling to succeed Zuma - one in sup-port of Ramaphosa, and the other backing Zuma’sex-wife and outgoing chairwoman of the AfricanUnion Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.Meanwhile, “political uncertainty will drive contin-ued policy confusion in the mining, energy, power,private security, and agriculture sectors, while frus-trating cost-cutting measures,” said EXX Africa. Adowngrade of South Africa’s debt by at least onecredit ratings agency to junk status “is almostinevitable this year,” the intelligence companywarned. —AFP

Focus

South Africa’s ANC soul-searches after vote hemorrhage

By Susan Njanji

By Asli Kandemir and Daren Butler

After years of being gradually eclipsed as President TayyipErdogan forges a “new Turkey” with Islam firmly at itsheart, the secular republic’s founder Mustafa Kemal

Ataturk has, for now at least, made a comeback in the wake of afailed coup. At a rally of more than a million people in Istanbulon Sunday, Erdogan drew a parallel between the spirit of theyoung officer who founded modern Turkey in 1923 and thecivilians who took to the streets on July 15 to try to stop roguesoldiers in tanks and helicopters from seizing power.

“The belief that helped war veteran Mustafa Kemal start andwin the war of independence was running through all Turkey’scities on July 15,” Erdogan told the Istanbul rally, portraits ofhimself and Ataturk blowing in the breeze on either side of thehuge stage. From a leader bent on raising a “pious generation”,it seemed a major gesture of conciliation, an attempt to bridgea deep divide in Turkish society reaching back to 1923, whenAtaturk forged the secular republic from the ruins of anOttoman theocracy and banished Islam from public life.

Since the failed coup, Ataturk’s portrait has been hungfrom the headquarters of the ruling AK Party, founded byErdogan and rooted in political Islam, and its leaders haverepeatedly invoked him - a revered figure for the country’ssecularists - as a symbol of unity. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader ofthe main opposition CHP, the party of Ataturk, told Sunday’srally a “door of compromise” had been opened in the nation ofalmost 80 million and that a new Turkey had been ushered inin the wake of the coup.

But for all the euphoria, sustaining such a spirit of coopera-tion would mean overcoming deep division over the directionof a nation with a secular constitution but overwhelminglyMuslim population. “This is a limited consensus. It’s a very basicagreement that democracy is better than a military junta andthat we all want justice. Nobody expects anyone to forgetwhere they stood on July 14,” said a senior government official.

Engin Altay, a senior CHP lawmaker, said the AK Partyappeared to be invoking Ataturk to try to quell an atmosphereof “pessimism and panic” after the coup attempt and said it was

an open question whether the spirit of unity would last. “Itdepends on whether, after emerging from this trauma, the AKParty can adopt a compromise policy without becoming drunkon, or poisoned by, power. If it fails to do so and says ‘we gotpower from the people and will do whatever we say’, they willagain slam the state against the wall,” he told Reuters.

‘Marriage of Convenience’Erdogan has cautiously pushed a conservative Islamist

agenda since the AKP came to power in 2002. Opponents see inhis promotion of religious education, tighter laws on alcohol,and strictures on daily life an attempt to undermine the coun-try’s secular foundations. Ataturk’s presence has gradually beenfelt less, having for decades loomed large, his piercing blue eyesstaring from posters, his statue in pride of place in schools, pub-lic buildings and town squares. The CHP was in uproar in 2013over the removal of his silhouette and the Turkish Republicabbreviation from state medals and some public buildings.

But the coup bid, which Erdogan says was staged by the fol-lowers of US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, has provideda common enemy. Secularists loathe Gulen’s religious move-ment, whose members have assumed prominent positions inthe state bureaucracy, and are pleased to see it under attack.More than 60,000 people in the military, judiciary, civil serviceand education have been detained, suspended or placed underinvestigation over alleged links to Gulen since the coup.

The government may be forced as a result to work morewith its secularist opponents, commonly known as Kemalists, asit replaces purged officials, particularly in the military, which fordecades saw itself as the guardian of the secular order. “Thisrequires the government to recalibrate its relations withKemalism ... which it has demonized throughout its 14-yearrule,” said Gonul Tol, director of the Washington-based MiddleEast Institute’s Center for Turkish Studies. “The military will haveto accept working under an Islamist government while the gov-ernment will have to respect the Kemalist core of the military,”she said. “But I don’t think this marriage of convenience will last.Once the government has enough loyal personnel ... theKemalists will be discarded.”

Historic OpportunityA return to the founding principles of the modern republic

could help ease divisions in a country that has become increas-ingly polarised in recent years. But in Erdogan’s references toAtaturk, some see political opportunism rather than a sincereattempt to bridge an ideological rift. “The switch is the result ofstrategic necessity rather than personal choice,” said Deniz UlkeAribogan, international relations professor at IstanbulUniversity. “This brutal coup attempt created an opportunity forErdogan to become the president of the whole country ... Wehave to wait and see what comes next,” she said.

Erdogan’s core supporters see him as the champion of thepious Anatolian masses, a strongman restoring religion to thecenter of public life after decades of rule by what they see asWestern-facing Kemalist elites. He has been careful in his choiceof words, referring to Ataturk simply as Mustafa Kemal, hisname as a military officer when he led the Turkish NationalMovement to victory in the war of independence after thedefeat of the Ottoman Empire. Ataturk, “Father of the Turks”,was bestowed on him a decade later, after he introducedreforms replacing Arabic with Latin script and promotingWestern dress and women’s rights. Some in conservative reli-gious circles have already questioned the references to him,criticizing what they say legitimizes a secularist ideology theybattled for decades. “All they’ve done is feed the idea that theideology of Ataturk is the only foundation for legitimacy in poli-tics and that other movements are illegitimate,” wrote colum-nist Hakan Albayrak in the conservative Karar newspaper, criti-cizing those who hung Ataturk’s image on the AKP building.

Parts of the crowd booed as Kilicdaroglu spoke at Sunday’srally, dismissing his call that politics should now be kept out ofthe mosques, as well as the courthouses and barracks. His pres-ence on the stage alongside Erdogan would have beenunthinkable three weeks ago. It could yet cost the CHP somesupporters, who remain suspicious of Erdogan’s motivation. “Idon’t find this situation sincere at all. They can’t even say theword Ataturk. For now, it suits them. If it suited them, tomorrowthey would start insulting him,” said Burcu Ural, a cafe owner inIstanbul’s bohemian Beyoglu district. —Reuters

Ataturk revival a symbol of fragile unity

By Rupam Jain and Tom Lasseter

Two miles down the road from the whitemarble walls of the fabled Taj Mahal, aheavyset man crouches in the dirt of a

cow shed and explains how the future of Indiabelongs to him. Digvijay Nath Tiwari is com-mander of a vigilante group that claims 5,000members in the northern city of Agra, andwhich cultivates informants, swarms shop own-ers, ambushes trucks at night and metes outextra-judicial violence, all for one cause:Protecting the holy cow, an animal held sacredby Hindu beliefs.

Across the country, hardline Hindu groupshave made headlines after being captured onvideo insulting and beating men they accuse ofinvolvement in cow slaughter. “Retaliation isimportant at times,” said Tiwari, as he sat with 17men squeezed around a straw mat on the shedfloor. His cell phone contained photographs ofstick-wielding men rushing to the aid of fallencattle. Local police say they cannot stop Tiwari’sactions, laying the blame partly on lax laws. The“gau rakshaks”, or cow protectors, are inflamingtensions among India’s religions and castes.They risk undermining Prime Minister NarendraModi’s efforts to focus on economic advance-ment, even as the right-wing Hindu nationalistforces that got him elected promote their ownagenda. The implications reach far beyond thewinding alleyways of Agra. Social and religiousstability are key to future assumptions of pros-perity in India, currently the world’s fastestexpanding major economy.

“India will remain one of the strongestgrowth stories in the region,” a Goldman Sachsstrategist said in April, echoing the sentimentof many foreign investors. Yet such outlooksbuilt on macro-analysis risk missing a ground

truth: If the rightwing groups empowered byModi’s rise do not stop antagonizing minorities,then the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP)plans for nurturing that growth will not easilycome to pass.

Changing FocusCow slaughter is illegal in most of India, an

overwhelmingly Hindu nation. However, it hadlong been tolerated under the Congress party,which ruled the country for most of its inde-pendent history and prides itself on protectingMuslims and lower castes who ply the meat andleather trade. Now the Hindu nationalist BJP isin power, and that is changing as vigilantegroups gain prominence. And Modi, while say-ing he’s concerned, has been either unwilling orunable to halt their more extreme actions.

The prime minister was trained and nur-tured by hardline Hindu organizations thatwere instrumental in his rise from the son of atrain station tea seller to leader of the world’sbiggest democracy. Once at the helm, however,he has focused on more pragmatic and inclu-sive economic issues: Spurring growth and cre-ating enough jobs for a rapidly expandingworkforce. These initiatives could be derailed bya narrower, Hindu nationalist agenda aimed atprotecting symbols made sacrosanct by reli-gious texts and countering a perceived threat offoreign influences.

In a speech on Saturday night in New Delhi,Modi lashed out at the cow protectors. “I feel soangry at times. Some people who are engagedin anti-social activities for the whole night wearthe mask of ‘gau rakshaks’ in the day,” he said. Asenior aide to Modi, who is approaching thehalfway mark of his five-year tenure, said at theend of July that while the leader is aware of thesocial and economic implications, “we cannot

do much to stop cow protection forces ... cowprotection is integral to our core support base.”

Dalits Feel Under SiegeThe violence of cow vigilante groups this

year, some of it caught in disturbing videos onthe Internet, has unsettled minority groups.One clip from the western state of Gujaratshows four men, shirtless, tied to a bumperbeing whipped with rods. The victims wereDalits, or Indians at the bottom of the caste hier-archy who traditionally take away cow carcasseswhich can then be used for leather. In another,from the northern state of Haryana, two peopleare made to sit on the road and eat a concoc-tion including cow dung. They were reportedlyMuslims, and the footage was taken duringRamadan, the Islamic month of fasting.

While the BJP does not bank on the supportof many Muslims, it does want to secure thevotes of the Dalits, a caste formerly known asuntouchables. Together, the two groupsaccount for about 30 percent of India’s popula-tion, a major consideration with important stateelections due next year and a national ballot setfor 2019. Chandra Bhan Prasad, a prominentDalit writer and adviser to the Dalit IndianChamber of Commerce and Industry, comparedthe violence to that of Ku Klux Klan racism in theUnited States. “It’s like India’s version of KKK - thepast was great so long as these blacks wereunder our thumb, society was beautiful. So,how to control these Dalits?”

‘Cow Not Just an Animal’The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS),

the nation’s umbrella rightwing Hindu organi-zation which helped create the BJP, does notappear willing to tackle cow protection forces,blaming outlaws for causing the trouble. “The

cow is not just an animal. We have an emotion-al and religious attachment to it and we wantto make it the center of our economic activity,”said a senior RSS leader in New Delhi, whoasked not to be named so he could speak morefrankly. “Vigilantes are instructed to follow therules and they are a disciplined force. Weadmire their work.”

Champat Rai, a leader of the Hindu activistVishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), or World HinduCouncil, a group formed by RSS leadershipwhich oversees cow groups, was more direct. “Iam a cow patriot and want to free cows fromthe slavery of Muslim butchers,” he said. “It’s bet-ter we shed our blood to save the blood ofcows.” In Agra, some 220 km, south of NewDelhi, there has already been bloodshed, andthe threat of more to come.

One prominent Dalit businessmen in thecity, H K Pippal, said recently at his shoe factorythat he had a plan should the cow protectiongang try to interfere with his operations and thecow leather it uses. “I am very powerful, myworkers could kill them.” Tiwari, the cow groupleader, blames the butchers for much of theproblem. “It’s not just that the butchers getbeaten,” he said. “They attack us and threaten tokill us. It is a serious clash.” Tiwari acknowledgedhaving four criminal cases pending against him,but said he was innocent in all of them.

In February this year, the vice president ofthe VHP in Agra, who was also a senior memberof Tiwari’s group, was surrounded by a group offive Muslims while walking from a temple to hisfurniture shop, according to a police report. Themen had previously been targeted by the cowprotectors for allegedly dealing in beef, accord-ing to Tiwari. One of them boasted: “You thinkthat you are a big leader, we’ll teach you a les-son today,” said the police report. —Reuters

Holy cows, Hindu crusaders cloud Modi reform

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RIO DE JANEIRO: Japan stunned New Zealand 14-12 in their opening matchof the Olympic rugby sevens yesterday as All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williamssustained a tournament-ending achilles tendon injury. The opening poolmatch upset was an echo of Japan’s famous victory over South Africa in the15-a-side World Cup in Brighton, the biggest shock the sport has ever seen.“It’s unbelievable, you never see a minnow team come here and beat a teamsupposed to be a gold medal contender. I’m still shocked, to be honest,” saidJapan’s New Zealand-born playmaker LomanoLemeki. There was worse news to come for NewZealand with news that Williams had been ruledout with a partial achilles rupture and replaced inthe 12-man squad by Sione Molia. At a sun-kissedDeodoro Stadium, with massive support for theunderdogs, Truya Goto squeezed past Rieko Ioane’stackle to dot down in the corner to openJapan’s account. Their lead was short-lived,however, as Gillies Kaka exchangedpasses with Akira Ioane before puttingin skipper Scott Curry.—AFP

S P O RT SWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazi l ian women’s rugby playerIsadora Cerullo melted hearts when she accepted amarriage proposal from her girlfriend at the medalsceremony for the first Olympic rugby sevens competi-tion on Monday. Television cameras and photogra-phers captured the moment that Marjorie Enya, a man-ager at the Deodoro stadium in Rio where the competi-tion was played, took the microphone to pop the ques-tion to Cerullo on the pitch.

A tearful Cerullo accepted and, with no ring, 28-year-old Enya tied a ribbon to her finger. Cerullo, 25, was amember of the Brazilian squad at narrowly missed outon reaching the knockout rounds of the competition,which was won by Australia. Many of the defeated play-ers, however, watched the medals ceremony takingplace. — Reuters

Women’s rugby player accepts Olympic marriage proposal

PARIS: Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew has joined West Ham United on a clubrecord three-years deal from their Premier League rivals

Swansea, the London outfit said on Monday. The for-mer Marseille winger and son of one-time Africanplayer of the year Adebi Pele, joined the Hammers fora fee of £20.5million (24 million euros). “I am veryproud and happy to be at this magnificent Club,” the26-year-old told West Ham’s website. “The Club have a

lot of ambition and have a great manager. They want tobecome a bigger Club every year and with the new

Stadium and a new training ground, you can feelthey are moving onto another level and I

want to be part of this project,” he said.Ayew scored 60 times in over 200 appear-ances at French outfit Marseille beforejoining Swansea last season. Playing a keyrole in their 2014 World Cup campaign,Ayew has extensive international experi-ence with Ghana. —AFP

Andre Ayew joins West Ham from Swansea

Japan shock Kiwis as Sonny out of Olympics

American League

Eastern Division

W L PCT GB

Baltimore 63 48 .568 - Toronto 64 49 .566 - Boston 60 50 .545 2.5 NY Yankees 56 55 .505 7 Tampa Bay 45 66 .405 18

Central Division

Cleveland 62 47 .569 - Detroit 61 51 .545 2.5 Chicago White Sox 53 58 .477 10 Kansas City 53 58 .477 10 Minnesota 46 66 .411 17.5

Western Division

Texas 66 47 .584 - Seattle 58 53 .523 7 Houston 57 55 .509 8.5 LA Angels 49 62 .441 16 Oakland 49 63 .438 16.5

National League

Eastern Division

Washington 66 45 .595 - Miami 59 53 .527 7.5 NY Mets 57 54 .514 9 Philadelphia 52 62 .456 15.5 Atlanta 42 70 .375 24.5

Central Division

Chicago Cubs 69 41 .627 - St. Louis 59 53 .527 11 Pittsburgh 55 54 .505 13.5 Milwaukee 49 61 .445 20 Cincinnati 45 66 .405 24.5

Western Division

San Francisco 64 48 .571 - LA Dodgers 63 49 .563 1 Colorado 55 57 .491 9 San Diego 48 63 .432 15.5 Arizona 45 66 .405 18.5

MLB results/standings

Toronto 7, Tampa Bay 5; San Francisco 8, Miami 7 (14 innings);Atlanta 4, Milwaukee 3 (12 innings); Minnesota 3, Houston 1; St.Louis 5, Cincinnati 4; Texas 4, Colorado 3; Oakland 3, Baltimore 2;Seattle 3, Detroit 0; LA Dodgers 9, Philadelphia 4.

SEATTLE: Right-hander Hisashi Iwakumaoutdueled rookie Michael Fulmer to leadSeattle to a shutout win over Detroit.Iwakuma (13-7) threw seven scorelessinnings, allowing just five hits, before newMariners reliever Arquimedes Caminero androokie closer Edwin Diaz finished off thewin. Diaz, who replaced Steve Cishek ascloser last week, now has five saves in asmany chances as Seattle (58-53) won for thesixth time in seven games.

CARDINALS 5, REDS 4The St Louis Cardinals scored five runs in

the bottom of the ninth to beat theCincinnati Reds 5-4 at Busch Stadium, thetwo-out rally capped when Yadier Molinawas hit by a pitch with the bases loadedfrom Ross Ohlendorf. Molina started theinning with a leadoff single but TonyCingrani (2-4) retired the next two hitters.

Tommy Pham then walked, and pinch hitterKolten Wong was plunked by a pitch to fillthe bases. Matt Carpenter singled hometwo runs and Stephen Piscotty lined a singleto left to drive in a third run. After MattHolliday drew a four-pitch walk, Ohlendorfrelieved Cingrani. Ohlendorf issued a game-tying walk to Brandon Moss on a 3-2 pitch,setting the stage for the walk-off hit bypitch. Braves 4, Brewers 3 (12 innings)Gordon Beckhamís sacrifice fly in the 12thinning gave Atlanta a victory overMilwaukee at Miller Park. The Braves loadedthe bases against Brewers right-handerCarlos Torres (2-2) to open the 12th andBeckham followed by popping a fly ball todeep center that scored Matt Kemp.Brewers center fielder Keon Broxtondropped the ball, allowing Beckham toreach keeping the bases loaded withnobody out.

BLUE JAYS 7, RAYS 5Devon Travis drove in the go-ahead run

in the seventh inning with his fourth hit ofthe game, Jose Bautista followed with atwo-run double and Toronto defeatedTampa Bay. Edwin Encarnacion added threeRBIs and a solo home run for the Blue Jays(64-49) who had lost their two previousgames. Brad Miller had two doubles andtwo RBIs for the Rays (45-66). Bautista alsohad three RBIs.

TWINS 3, ASTROS 1Tyler Duffey pitched six innings of one-

run ball, leading Minnesota to a win overHouston at Target Field. Duffey (7-8)allowed just four hits and struck out eightwhile walking one in earning his secondconsecutive win. The right-hander hadallowed at least five runs in three consecu-

tive starts entering the night and at leastfour in four straight.

RANGERS 4, ROCKIES 3Mitch Moreland lined a double into the

right-field corner with two outs in the ninth,completing a three-run uprising and givingTexas a win over Colorado. Rockies closerCarlos Estevez (2-7) blew a save for the sec-ond straight start and gave way to left-han-der Boone Logan, who had held left-handedhitters to an average of .141 (11-for-78) with27 strikeouts before Moreland connected.

GIANTS 8, MARLINS 7 (14 INNINGS)Brandon Crawford stroked a franchise-

record seven hits, including a go-ahead RBIin the 14th inning, as the San FranciscoGiants beat the Miami Marlins 8-7 at MarlinsPark. Crawford became the sixth player inbaseball history to get seven-plus hits in a

game and the first since Rennie Stennett onSept. 16, 1975 for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

ATHLETICS 3, ORIOLES 2Kendall Graveman pitched seven strong

innings, Stephen Vogt hit his ninth homerun of the season and Oakland defeatedBaltimore in the opener of a four-gameseries. Graveman (8-7) allowed one run onsix hits, struck out four and walked none ashe beat the Orioles for the first time in fourcareer starts.

DODGERS 9, PHILLIES 4Corey Seager homered twice and set a

club record for homers in a season by a LosAngeles shortstop, leading Los Angeles to avictory over Philadelphia before 48,370 atDodger Stadium. Seager, who now has aclub-leading 21 home runs, broke HanleyRamirezís 2013 mark of 19. —Reuters

KUWAIT: The No 39 Denso Kobelco Sard LexusRC F driven by Heikki Kovalainen and KoheiHirate came a creditable second in Round 4 ofthe 2016 Autobacs Super GT to make it yetanother podium finish for Lexus in the GT 500class. The No. 38 Zent Cerumo RC Fdriven byYuji Tachikawa and Hiroaki Ishiura finishedthird to make it two podium finishes for Lexus.The No. 6 WAKO’S 4CR RC F came in fourth fol-lowed by the No. 19 WedsSport ADVAN RC Fthereby making it a very successful race forLexus with 4 positions in the top 5. The race

took place recently at the Sportsland SUGO(Miyagi Prefecture) in Japan.

At the start of the race, the No. 6 WAKO’S4CR RC F (Andrea Caldarelli) was in pole posi-tion. However, Andrea lost the lead when hiscar became involved in a collision in the sixthlap. By lap 16, the No. 38 Zent Cerumo RC Fmoved into the lead, and approaching it frombehind was the No 39 Denso Kobelco Sard RCF (Heikki Kovalainen) that had been movingup steadily from its 8th-position grid start.However, the Lexus RC F cars lost their grip on

the lead soon afterwards.Midway through the race, the No 39 Denso

Kobelco Sard RC F (Kohei Hirate) had made itsway into second place. As the race entered the72nd lap with not much time remaining, thegap narrowed even more between the top fivecars. On the 76th lap, in the midst of this bat-tle, the No 38 Zent Cerumo RC F succeeded inpassing the No 39 Denso Kobelco Sard RC F.There were five laps remaining and it lookedas if the battle for the lead was intensifying.However, on the last turn of that 76th lap, one

of the competitor cars crashed. For this reason,the Red Flag was displayed to control the race,and the decision was made to end the race asof the running order of the 74th lap. As aresult, the 2nd place went to the No. 39 DensoKobelco Sard RC F and the third spot on thepodium went to the No 38 Zent Cerumo RC F.Places 2nd to 5th all went to LEXUS RC F cars.Round 5 of the 2016 championship now takesplace in Fuji on August 6-7, 2016.

According to Takayuki Yoshitsugu, ChiefRepresentative, Middle East and North Africa

Representative Office, Toyota MotorCorporation. “It was an impressive perform-ance by the Lexus RCF powered teams whohave come up with great performances tostamp their class on the 2016 season. ForLexus, motorsports has played a vital role ingiving us significant insights into our cars andtheir performance in extreme conditions,thereby helping us make ever better cars. Wesincerely appreciate the support of our fanswho have backed our racing initiatives overthe years.”

Lexus tastes success once again with second place finish for Denso Kobelco Sard

Iwakuma tosses gem, Mariners beat TigersSEATTLE: Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer tosses the ball to first after fielding the grounder from Seattle Mariners’ Robinson Cano, left, to end the third inningof a baseball game, Monday. —AP

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LONDON: Pakistan coach Mickey Arthurhopes his side’s hard work on and off thefield will be rewarded when they faceEngland in the fourth Test at The Oval.

The tourists are currently 2-1 down inthe four-match campaign following a141-run defeat last time out atEdgbaston. But while recent results mayhave been disappointing, this tour hasnot been dogged by the controversythat afflicted Pakistan’s last two trips toEngland.

In 2006, Pakistan became the firstside to forfeit a Test when they refusedto return to the field at The Oval afterbeing penalised five runs for ball-tam-

pering. And in 2010, the Lord’s Test wasovershadowed by a spot-fixing scandalthat led to five-year bans and jail termsfor three Pakistan players, includingMohammad Amir-now back in thesquad. By contrast this trip, wherePakistan won the first Test at Lord’s by 75runs, has not yet witnessed any majorflashpoints. “It will be mission accom-plished if we can get out of this Testmatch at 2-2, that will be a hugely suc-cessful tour,” said Arthur at The Oval yes-terday.

“I certainly think off the field, we havemade a lot of friends,” the South Africanadded. “I think the way the boys have

conducted themselves through theselast two months has been exemplary.They’ve been brilliant in behaviour, bothon and off the field, and they’ve been acredit to Pakistan.”

Pakistan were far more competitiveat Edgbaston than they had been duringa 330-run reverse in the second Test atOld Trafford. They had a lead of morethan 100 runs on first innings and werewell on their way to saving the game at69 for one at lunch, before a dramaticcollapse shortly before tea saw themlose four wickets for one run.

Arthur, asked if it would be hard topick up his players ahead of Thursday’s

start in south London said: “No, not atall. “I spoke pretty frankly about the OldTrafford Test match. I thought we werevery good (at Edgbaston). I do think wecompeted exceptionally well, certainlythrough three -and-a-half days atEdgbaston.”

The South African added: “I’m reallyhappy with our all-round performance,particularly with the bat. We got somepartnerships going which were fantastic.Second innings, England got through us.

“I certainly did not feel that we everrolled over there. We were in the contestfor most of that game.”

England took the third Test away

from Pakistan thanks to a second-innings century stand between JonnyBairstow (83) and Moeen Ali (86 notout). “I said to the boys, we were proba-bly one wicket away there from break-ing through,” said Arthur. “If we couldhave knocked Bairstow over or Moeenearly, it certainly would have put a total-ly different perspective on the game,” headded.

“We hate losing, of course we do, butwe lost with a lot of credibil ity atEdgbaston and that puts us in a reallygood space to come back particularlyhard here,” the former Australia coachinsisted. —AFP

Arthur wants ‘exemplary’ Pakistan to complete England ‘mission’

BULAWAYO: Zimbabwe bowler Michael Chinouya (L) in action during the fourth day of the second test in a series of two matches where NewZealand lead hosts Zimbabwe 1-0 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, yesterday. — AFP

BULAWAYO: Seamers Trent Boult and TimSouthee struck late to leave New Zealand need-ing seven Zimbabwe wickets on the final day ofthe second test after setting their hosts anunlikely victory target of 387 runs yesterday.

Zimbabwe closed day four at the QueensSports Club in desperate trouble on 58 for threeafter New Zealand had smashed a quick-fire 166for two declared in 36 overs in their secondinnings.

Craig Ervine and nightwatchman DonaldTiripano will resume in the morning having yetto get off the mark after Zimbabwe lost their topthree before the close.

Chamu Chibhabha (21) edged seamer NeilWagner to Martin Guptill at third slip before TinoMawoyo (35) was trapped lbw by Boult in thepenultimate over.

It got worse for the hosts when two balls laterSouthee produced a superb in-swinger to haveSikandar Raza (0) leg before as well.

Survival will be top of the agenda forZimbabwe on an excellent batting wicket butthey must find a way to counter the prodigiousswing of the New Zealand seamers.

Zimbabwe were 305 for six overnight in theirfirst innings and lost their remaining four wick-ets for 57, including anchor Ervine for 146, hismaiden test century, as he picked out Wagner atlong-off off the bowling of spinner Ish Sodhi.

The latter was the pick of the visitors’ attackwith 4-60 as New Zealand chose not to enforcethe follow-on having been in the field for 143.4overs. They rather pushed for quick runs in theirsecond innings but slipped to 26 for two before

captain Kane Williamson (67 not out) and RossTaylor (68 not out) shared an unbeaten thirdwicket-wicket stand of 140.

The declaration came four overs after tea,

leaving the tourists a minimum of 116 overs tobowl out their hosts. New Zealand lead the two-match series 1-0 after an innings and 117-runvictory in the first test. — Reuters

N Zealand eye victory after late wickets

FLORIDA: West Indies have axed two-timeWorld Twenty20 winning captain DarrenSammy and put fellow all-rounder CarlosBrathwaite in charge for two matchesagainst India this month in Florida.

Sammy, who led West Indies to theirsecond World Twenty20 title earlier thisyear despite struggling for form, could notfind a place in the 13-member squad forthe matches at Central Broward RegionalPark, Fort Lauderdale on Aug. 27 and 28.“With regards to Sammy’s omission fromthe squad, the chairman (of selectors) not-ed that the named-squad was selectedpurely on players’ performances,” the WestIndies Cricket Board said in a statement.

Chairman of selectors Courtney Brownethanked Sammy, 32, for his contributionand expected Brathwaite, who blasted foursuccessive sixes off a Ben Stokes over in theApril 3 World Twenty20 final in Kolkata,would prove an inspiring captain.“Brathwaite is one of the most talentedplayers in the T20 format of the game andhis humble and committed approach tothe game can inspire young and upcomingplayers,” he added. Squad: Andre Fletcher,Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, ChrisGayle, Dwayne Bravo, Evin Lewis, JasonHolder, Johnson Charles, Kieron Pollard,Lendl Simmons, Marlon Samuels, SamuelBadree, Sunil Narine. — Reuters

Windies axe Sammy, name Brathwaite T20 captain

New Zealand 1st innings 582 for 4 decl (T. Latham 136,R. Taylor 124no, K. Williamson 113, M. Guptill 87, B.Watling 83no) Zimbabwe 1st innings (Overnight: 305-6)T. Mawoyo b Southee 26 C. Chibhabha c Williamson b Santner 60 S. Raza c Williamson b Wagner 3 C. Ervine c Wagner b Sodhi 146 P. Masvaure b Santner 2 S. Williams lbw b Sodhi 16 P. Moor c Guptill b Sodhi 71 G. Cremer lbw b Boult 8 D. Tiripano lbw b Wagner 3 J. Nyumbu c Santner b Sodhi 8 M. Chinouya not out 0 Extras (b-12 lb-6 nb-1) 19 Total (all out, 143.4 overs) 362 Fall of wickets: 1-65 T. Mawoyo, 2-83 S. Raza, 3-107 C.Chibhabha, 4-115 P. Masvaure, 5-147 S. Williams, 6-295 P.Moor, 7-319 G. Cremer, 8-327 D. Tiripano, 9-352 J.Nyumbu, 10-362 C. ErvineBowling: T. Southee 28-14-73-1, T. Boult 27-13-45-1, M.Santner 35-8-105-2, N. Wagner 31-8-61-2 (nb-1), I. Sodhi21.4-9-60-4, M. Guptill 1-1-0-0.

New Zealand 2nd innings M. Guptill c Nyumbu b Chinouya 13

T. Latham c Moor b Tiripano 11 K. Williamson not out 68 R. Taylor not out 67 Extras (lb-4 w-3) 7 Total (for 2 wickets declared, 36 overs) 166 Fall of wickets: 1-24 T. Latham, 2-26 M. GuptillDid not bat: H. Nicholls, M. Santner, B. Watling, I. Sodhi, T.Southee, N. Wagner, T. Boult.Bowling: M. Chinouya 9-2-45-1 (w-2), D. Tiripano 6-1-14-1 (w-1), C. Chibhabha 3-0-22-0, G. Cremer 11-0-59-0, J.Nyumbu 7-0-22-0.

Zimbabwe 2nd innings (Target: 387 runs)T. Mawoyo lbw b Boult 35 C. Chibhabha c Guptill b Wagner 21 S. Raza lbw b Southee 0 D. Tiripano not out 0 Extras (b-1 lb-1) 2 Total (for 3 wickets, 25.2 overs) 58 Fall of wickets: 1-45 C. Chibhabha, 2-58 T. Mawoyo, 3-58S. RazaTo bat: C. Ervine, P. Masvaure, S. Williams, P. Moor, G.Cremer, J. Nyumbu, M. Chinouya.Bowling: T. Southee 6.2-3-18-1, T. Boult 6-2-11-1, N.Wagner 8-3-21-1, M. Santner 5-2-6-0.

SCOREBOARD

Scoreboard at stumps on the fourth day in the second and final Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand yester-day in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Pakistan recall Gul for Ireland, England ODIs

LAHORE: Pakistan yesterday recalled pace-man Umar Gul after a 15-month lay-off inthe squad for the two one-day internation-als in Ireland and five in England startinglater this month. The 32-year-old lastplayed a one-day match in Dhaka againstBangladesh in April 2015 before being dis-carded over his lack of form and fitness. Hehas 173 one-day wickets from 126 matchesin a storied career, marred by recent injuryproblems.

Azhar Ali will lead the side which hasuncapped 22-year-old allrounder Hasan Ali,but there was no place for opener AhmedShehzad and middle-order batsman UmarAkmal. Pakistan Cricket Board chairmanShaharyar Khan last week said both playerswere axed from the initial squad of 31because of discipline issues. Umar has notplayed for Pakistan since the 2015 WorldCup held in Australia and New Zealand.

“This squad is a blend of youth andexperience and the selectors hoped it willdo well,” said chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. “We have included some young play-ers like Ali to build the team for the future.”

Ali took 20 wickets in eight matches forPakistan’s second team on the England tourthat ended earlier this month. Pakistan haslost the last three of its four one-day series,sliding to as low as ninth in the limitedovers rankings.

Pakistan will play the final Test againstEngland at The Oval starting Thursdaybefore leaving for Ireland, where they playtwo one-day internationals in Dublin onAugust 18 and 20. Pakistan will then playfive one-day internationals against England

in Southampton (August 24), Lord’s(August 27), Nottingham (August 30),Leeds (September 1) and Cardiff(September 4).

Pakistan also face England in the onlyTwenty20 international at Old Trafford onSeptember 7, the squad for which will benamed at a later date.

Squad: Azhar Ali (captain), SharjeelKhan, Sami Aslam, Mohammad Hafeez,Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed,Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir,Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Umar Gul, ImadWasim, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Nawaz.

* Meanwhile, Former Australia captainMichael Clarke was given an honorary lifemembership of the Marylebone CricketClub (MCC) yesterday.

Clarke retired from international cricketlast year after establishing himself as one ofAustralia’s finest batsmen with 8,643 runs in115 Tests. The 35-year-old follows in thefootsteps of former Australia team-matesShane Warne, Glenn McGrath and RickyPonting, who are also life members of theMCC. Clarke scored 416 runs in five Testmatches at the MCC’s historic Lord’s home.“This is a fantastic honour and I am delight-ed to become an MCC honorary life mem-ber,” Clarke said.

“MCC is the most prestigious cricketclub in the world and to be invited tobecome a member is a great privilege.“Lord’s has always been a very special placeto play cricket, and I’ve got some greatmemories of playing there so I’m reallylooking forward to coming back as a mem-ber of MCC.” —AFP

LONDON: Pakistan’s cricket team players laugh while playing football during a train-ing session at the Oval in London, yesterday, ahead of the 4th Cricket Test matchbetween England and Pakistan. — AP

Rio thieves strike faster,higher, stronger

RIO DE JANEIRO: In the chaotic world ofRio criminality, it is an old trick that is win-ning the gold medal. A blonde woman dis-tracts the victim while an accomplice grabsthe bag of cameras, computers or valu-ables. A second partner in crime sends thevictim the wrong way if he or she giveschase.

This textbook larceny is being playedout each day on the beachside cafes alongIpanema. Pickpockets also ply Copacabanaand there is also a more dangerous version.Sometimes the attacker just takes out aknife and puts it to the throat of his victim.

Around the Olympics, thefts and mug-gings have become the talk of the town. Agovernment minister, athletes and coachesand press photographers have all fallen vic-tim. The danger lurks from the Rio mediavillage to stadiums, and the cafes on theupscale seafront Ipanema district. The‘Cariocas’, as the inhabitants of Rio areknown, have long got used to the threat ofcrime, whether theft or murderous mug-gings. It has been a shock to the Olympicinflux and the government estimates that500,000 people will visit Brazil for theGames.

Even on the night of the opening cere-

mony, two people were fatally shot nearthe Maracana stadium where it was held.

Australian photographer Brett Costellois one of a growing press band to have suf-fered. The News Corp. journalist lost tens ofthousands of dollars worth of equipment inan Ipanema coffee shop and then saw thethief two days later wearing his Olympicjacket with accreditation number.

“I knew my number, you know, the vestshave the number. If a guy walks in with ajacket that’s stolen from me two daysbefore, there’s got to be something goingon, don’t you reckon?” he told TheAustralian newspaper. Security video ofthe theft showed he was caught in theblonde woman sting.

The Agence France-Presse (AFP) newsagency, which has 700 square metres(7,500 sq feet) for its 180 accreditedOlympic staff in Rio, has suffered severalthefts. Security film has shown a man and awoman leaving the office pulling a case fullof lenses and an official photographer’sjacket. “There is a security problem,” saidEric Baradat, AFP’s photo chief at theGames. “Some people get onto the sitesand into official buses without accredita-tion.”—AFP

ST LUCIA: West Indies’ wicketkeeper Shane Dorwich, left, celebrates with teammate Jermaine Blackwood taking the wicket of India’s ShikharDhawan on day one of their third cricket Test match at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, yesterday. — AP

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LONDON: Jaw-dropping new broad-cast deals totalling 8.3 billion pounds($10.9 billion, 9.8 billion euros) haveenabled the English Premier League toassemble a dazzling galaxy of stars forthe 2016-17 season. Jose Mourinho willhave Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogbaat his disposal at Manchester United,while Pep Guardiola has authorised asplurge of over 100 million poundssince becoming Manchester City man-ager. With Chelsea and Liverpool alsospending big and Arsenal andTottenham Hotspur looking to build onpositive campaigns, Leicester City ’sodds of repeating May’s fairytale titlesuccess are only 33-1.

Claudio Ranieri ’s men famouslydefied odds of 5,000-1 to win the title inMay, but he has warned: “We know verywell we are the champions, but we arethe underdogs.

“There are six big teams who want towin. They want to kill us.” England’s 20elite clubs took a month to breakthrough the 500 million pounds barrier

in transfer spending and they are tippedto surpass the one billion pounds markby the time the window closes onAugust 31. The beginning of theGuardiola era at City, who finishedfourth last season, has heralded a reju-venation of the League Cup holders’playing squad.

Young talents such as Leroy Sane andGabriel Jesus have arrived for combinedfees exceeding 100 million pounds.Everton centre-back John Stones couldyet follow. While Guardiola’s arrival atthe Etihad Stadium has been in thepipeline for years, his former El Clasicosparring partner Mourinho has alightedacross town at Old Trafford with adegree of haste.

MOURINHO REBUILDS After two years of stagnation under

Louis van Gaal, for whom FA Cup suc-cess came too late to save his job,United’s board has tasked Mourinhowith the responsibility of restoring theclub to former glories.

He will be assisted by Ibrahimovic,whose late goal sank Leicester inSunday’s Community Shield, and Pogba,who is poised to complete a world-record return from Juventus costingaround 90 million pounds.

Former Italy manager Antonio Contehas been brought in to pick up thepieces at Chelsea, who recovered to fin-ish 10th under Guus Hiddink afterMourinho’s dismissal last December.

Chelsea have prised N’Golo Kantefrom Leicester for 30 million poundsand spent a similar amount to signBelgium striker Michy Batshuayi fromMarseille.

With no European distractions, Contewill be able to plough all his resourcesinto steering Chelsea back into the topfour. Amid the flux elsewhere, Leicester,Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool aretrusting in the formulae that worked forthem last season.

Ranieri has lost Kante, but talismanJamie Vardy has committed to a newcontract and Riyad Mahrez remains a

Leicester player. Mauricio Pochettino’syoung Tottenham players, among themHarry Kane and Dele Alli, now have theexperience of a title race under theirbelts. In a show of faith to the team thatchallenged Leicester last season, thenorth London club have been contentmerely to add depth to their squad withthe acquisitions of Victor Wanyama andVincent Janssen.

ARSENAL ANXIETY Down the road at Arsenal, Arsene

Wenger approaches his 20-year anniver-sary as manager facing the same olddoubts about his capacity to inspire theteam to a first league title since 2004.

Arsenal pipped Spurs to secondplace last season, but with Swiss mid-fielder Granit Xhaka the only major sign-ing to have arrived at the EmiratesStadium and injuries already biting, fansare anxious. Liverpool, beaten finalists inthe League Cup and Europa League, arelooking more and more like JurgenKlopp’s team, bolstered by the acquisi-

tions of Sadio Mane and GiorginioWijnaldum. “We are in a good way, 100percent,” said Klopp. “And if we have aproper line-up, then we will be strong.”

There are seven new managers, withRonald Koeman succeeding the sackedRoberto Martinez at Everton and ClaudePuel taking the Dutchman’s place atSouthampton.

David Moyes has replaced newEngland manager Sam Allardyce atSunderland, while Walter Mazzarri hassucceeded Quique Sanchez Flores atWatford. Hull City are without a manag-er after Steve Bruce resigned and havingnot signed a single player, they start thecampaign as outright favourites for rele-gation. Their fellow promoted teams,Burnley and Middlesbrough, also face abattle to remain in a league that is nowteeming with superstars both on thepitch and in the dug-out. “We are notnaive to the challenge we face, but weare willing to take it on,” said Burnleymanager Sean Dyche. “ The PremierLeague is the place to be.” — AFP

English Premier League all stars hunt down Leicester

MANCHESTER: Emerging from the shadows,Paul Pogba - a red devil emblazoned on the sideof his head - removed his hood, looked straightinto the camera and uttered the wordsManchester United fans had been waiting tohear: “I’m back.”

With that 26-second video teaser released byUnited early Tuesday, the France midfielderbecame the world’s most expensive footballer ataround 105 million euros ($116 million) andEngland’s biggest club made another statementof intent during its latest offseason of heavyspending that moved close to $200 million.

“I just went for a holiday,” said Pogba, who leftUnited at age 19 for Juventus four years ago, vir-tually for nothing when his first contract withthe club expired. “I’ve come back home.”

This was the new Man United at work:Breaking the world transfer record and announc-ing the signing after midnight local time to suitforeign audiences. A series of glitzy videosincluded one with a grime artist where Pogbaproduces some impressive dance moves.

United will hope the 23-year-old Pogba saveshis best work for the football field, though. Andhe’s certainly dreaming big in his new era for theclub under Jose Mourinho.

“First of all, win the league for the first timewith United because I hadn’t won the leaguewhen I left,” Pogba said. “The Champions Leagueof course and, personally, one of my dreams is towin the Ballon d’Or (FIFA’s world player of theyear award). “That will come with time hopefully,but first the Premier League - I’ve never done it.”

OVERPRICEDPogba said he was not bothered about the

world-record price tag and that his return toUnited, nicknamed the Red Devils, was “destiny”- and predicted by his mother.

“My mum told me I would come back hereand I told her, ‘You never know, you’ll see,’” hesaid. “For myself as well it’s a big challenge, too,just to come back to where I came from, where Igrew up, where I started. I didn’t finish what Istarted here so I think I came here to finish it.”

United has missed out on some of its No. 1transfer targets in previous offseasons - notablyGareth Bale and Cesc Fabregas in 2013 - but wasdetermined to push this one through, even if itmeant paying a fee widely regarded as over-priced. United is one of the few clubs in worldfootball that could afford this outlay, though.And if Pogba can help the team return to the topof the English and European game after leanyears since Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, itwill be money well spent.

Mourinho’s lineup for the new season is start-ing to have a fearsome look to it. The spine, inparticular, is full of stars, winners and real poten-tial - David de Gea, new 30-million-pound sign-ing Eric Bailly, Pogba, Wayne Rooney, ZlatanIbrahimovic.

The front five of Ibrahimovic, Rooney,Anthony Martial, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pogbahas plenty of goals, power and quality in it, anupgrade on what Louis van Gaal had last season.

United has finished seventh, fourth and fifthin the post-Ferguson years, but is one of the titlefavorites this season.

Pogba played only seven games - all as asubstitute - in his first spell at United, whichended sourly when he allowed his contractto run down and joined Juventus. United gotonly 800,000 pounds (now around $1 mil-lion) in compensation for a player who wasthen just a precocious teenager.

IMPRESSFerguson was unhappy with Pogba’s attitude

in the last months of his contract, and didn’t playthe Frenchman even during an injury crisis inthe team’s midfield. For a game againstBlackburn in December 2011, Ferguson playedfull back Rafael da Silva in center midfield alongwith Park Ji-sung, with Pogba on the bench.

That was the last straw for a player who wasdesperate for a chance to impress his manager.

Pogba can be sure he’ll be a guaranteed

starter this time round at Old Trafford.“Paul is one of the best players in the world

and will be a key part of the United team I wantto build here for the future,” Mourinho said. “Heis quick, strong, scores goals and reads the gamebetter than many players much older than he is.

“At 23, he has the chance to make that posi-tion his own here over many years. He is youngand will continue to improve; he has the chanceto be at the heart of this club for the nextdecade and beyond.” — AP

Pogba ‘back home’ at Man Utd in world-record transfer

PPARIS: This file photo taken on July 10, 2016 shows France’s midfielder Paul Pogba gesturingduring the Euro 2016 final football match between Portugal and France at the Stade de Francein Saint-Denis, north of Paris. —AFP

LIVERPOOL: In this Sunday Aug 23, 2015 file photo, Everton’s John Stones is seenduring his team’s English Premier League soccer match between Everton andManchester City at Goodison Park Stadium, Liverpool, England. — AP

LONDON: Manchester City splashed out areported £47.5 million ($61 million, 55 mil-lion euros) to sign England defender JohnStones from Everton yesterday.

Stones agreed a six-year contract withCity and is reported to have become thesecond most expensive defender in historybehind Paris Saint Germain and Brazil starDavid Luiz.

“I’m absolutely delighted to sign for Cityand now the deal’s done I’m looking for-ward to the next stage in my career,” Stonestold City’s website. “I’ve obviously seenwhat’s going on here at the Etihad, it’s anambitious club with a great manager so Ican’t wait to get stuck in and help achievethe goals.” News of Stones’ imminent moveto Eastlands had leaked out earlier in theday when UEFA’s website included the 22-year-old centre-back City’s squad for nextweek’s Champions League play-off againstSteaua Bucharest. City responded byquickly announcing the deal, which putsStones behind only Luiz as the most expen-sive defender the game has ever seen. Luizmoved to Paris Saint Germain from Chelseafor £50 million in 2014 and has won twosuccessive French titles, a feat that Stones iskeen to emulate with City once he is estab-lished in the team.

“I know it will be tough getting a placein this team but I’m determined to becomethe best player I can be and help us to suc-cess,” Stones said. “I had a wonderful timewith Everton and wish them and their fansall the best but now I’ll give my all for City.”

Stones’ signing takes City manager PepGuardiola’s spending to well over £100 mil-lion since he arrived from Bayern Munich inthe close-season.

Guardiola, who has also signed Ilkay

Gundogan, Nolito, Leroy Sane, GabrielJesus and Alexander Zinchenko, believesStones perfectly fits his philosophy of hav-ing defenders who are as good in posses-sion as they are in the tackle. “We want tohelp John show his quality with us andimprove on what he has already achieved,”Guardiola said.

“I like the way he plays the game and I’mlooking forward to welcoming him into thesquad.” Stones, who has won 10 Englandcaps, had hoped to join Chelsea last yearand had a transfer request rejected whenthe London club’s bids were snubbed byEverton. But Everton have finally relentedand allowed their prize asset to leaveGoodison Park as City flexed their financialmuscles just hours after bitter rivalsManchester United completed a worldrecord £89 million swoop for Juventus mid-fielder Paul Pogba.

Stones’ arrival is a huge boost forGuardiola ahead of City’s Premier Leagueopener at home to Sunderland onSaturday. Guardiola had limited options atcentre-back with Vincent Kompany,Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi allstruggling with injuries, and only the latterhas been included in the ChampionsLeague squad for the Steaua clash. In City’spre-season friendlies, midfielder Fernandoand left-back Aleksandar Kolarov havebeen shuffled into the heart of the defence,with Belgian youngster Jason Denayer, yetto make a senior appearance for City,Guardiola’s only other option.

Stones should solve those issues if hecan continue his impressive developmentafter emerging as one of England’s bright-est young talents at Everton following a £3million move from Barnsley in 2013. — AFP

City splash out on Everton’s Stones

Guardiola, Mourinho duel resumes in Manchester

MANCHESTER: They’ve hired the two mostcoveted coaches in world football. Theirspending on new players this offseason hasjust shattered the $300-million barrier. Theirstated aim is to win the English PremierLeague. Make no mistake: The Manchesterclubs mean business. It was clearly an affrontto United and City that they ended up fight-ing it out for fourth place in the PremierLeague last season. Standards slipped, rivalsstole a march, a big reaction was needed.

So United hired Jose Mourinho as coach,made a statement signing in Swedish super-star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and has just brokenthe world-record transfer fee to lure Francemidfielder Paul Pogba for around 105 millioneuros ($116 million). Forget being satisfiedjust making the top four:

Mourinho, a win-at-all-costs coach, isdemanding the title. “I want to win,” Mourinhosaid on being hired. “I think we can really, yes.”By the time Mourinho was confirmed atUnited in May, City had already secured thesignature of Pep Guardiola. It renews acoaching rivalry in Spain that sparked andoccasionally got nasty when Mourinho was incharge of Real Madrid and Guardiola atBarcelona.

And Guardiola has set about bringingmore youth, pace and intensity into City’ssquad by signing six players - including LeroySane, Nolito, teenage Brazilian prodigy

Gabriel Jesus and I lkay Gundogan - foraround $130 million.

This is the biggest test of Guardiola’scoaching career after his trophy-laden spellswith Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

“Our objective,” City chief executive FerranSoriano said, “is to get to the end of the sea-son with chances to win everything.” For thehotbed not just of English football but theworld game, look no further than Manchester.

In 2012, City and United were the centralfigures in the most exciting end ever to aPremier League season, with the blue halfwinning the title on goal difference. They alsofinished as the top two teams the followingseason, this time United winning the league.

Since then, United hasn’t finished higherthan fourth place in a post-Alex Ferguson eracharacterized by questionable managerialappointments and haphazard player recruit-ment. City has won the league once more (in2014), which is widely considered a poorreturn given the wealth and players at thedisposal of a club owned by the Abu Dhabiroyal family.

Mourinho and Guardiola wi l l shakethings up. They have each captured 22major trophies and have coached thebiggest names in the sport. They have anintense work ethic and are among the mostruthless managers around. They are win-ners, pure and simple. —AP

SANT JOAN DESPI: FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, third left, attends a training session with his teammates at the Sports Center FC Barcelona JoanGamper in Sant Joan Despi, Spain, yesterday. — AP

PARIS: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has gone after fourprolific years in France but a Paris Saint-Germain side now coached by Unai Emery areagain expected to dominate as the new Ligue1 season begins. It is now five years since PSGwere taken over by Qatar Sports Investmentsand they will be looking to win a fifth consecu-tive league crown, albeit with a new look.

Despite overseeing clean sweeps of thedomestic honours in each of the last two sea-sons, Laurent Blanc was sacked for failing totake Paris beyond the quarter-finals of theChampions League.

Spaniard Emery was named as his replace-ment, arriving from Sevilla where he won theEuropa League in three straight seasons.Ibrahimovic, whose contract had expired, hasgone to Manchester United but there hasbeen no megastar signing made to replacehim. The new sporting director, DutchmanPatrick Kluivert, has however overseen thearrivals of Jese Rodriguez, Hatem Ben Arfa,Grzegorz Krychowiak and Thomas Meunier.

“PSG called me when I was very happy inSeville, but I think I can go a bit further yetwith PSG,” Emery told sports daily L’Equipe.“This club with its current owner is young.With what I have done before I should be ableto help them grow.”

Last season, Paris finished a ridiculous 31points ahead of Lyon in second but there ishope for neutrals that the gap to the rest will

be just a little tighter this time.Lyon are now settled in their spectacular

new stadium and coach Bruno Genesio wasrewarded for taking OL to second spot with anew three-year contract.

So far he has held on to coveted midfielderCorentin Tolisso and star striker AlexandreLacazette. Samuel Umtiti has gone toBarcelona but Cameroon international NicolasNkoulou has arrived from Marseille to replacehim. Lyon look well-placed to establish them-selves as the best of the rest but presidentJean-Michel Aulas has been busy criticisingPSG for what he deems to be “killing the com-petition” in France.

“PSG are pursuing an excessive policy ofinvestment that will reduce the competitive-ness of our Ligue 1. Too much is too much,”Aulas tweeted last week.

Monaco faded to finish third last seasonand will hope to improve this time while alsoreturning to the Champions League groupstage. They missed out in the play-offs lastyear and should history repeat itself they maybe compelled to cash in on some of their bestplayers before the transfer window shuts.

For now, Monaco have strengthened,including in attack. There, Radamel Falcao isback after two disappointing seasons on loanin England and will partner Valere Germain,who starred on loan at Nice last season, upfront. —AFP

All change at PSG as new French season begins

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RIO DE JANEIRO: Often called the best eventing rid-er of all time, Germany’s Michael Jung aims yesterdayto repeat Olympic gold with Sam, the same horse herode to team and individual wins in 2012.

Jung and Sam will start the final day of the multi-discipline sport in second behind Australia’sChristopher Burton while Germany, the team winnerin 2008 and 2012, is in fourth.

“It’s not often that you get to do two Olympics onthe same horse. Sam is in fantastic form,” Jung, 34,told Reuters. A repeat was not always the plan, how-ever, as Jung only turned to Sam, a 16-year-oldGerman Sport Horse, a week before the animals weredue to fly to Rio. His first and younger choice Takinousuffered an infection.

The eventing competition, one of three equestri-an disciplines in the Olympics, tests riders on dres-sage, cross country and show jumping. In 2012 Jungbecame the first eventing rider to hold the Olympic,European championship and world championshiptitles at the same time. In May, he became the firstGerman to win the Badminton Horse Trials inEngland. He also completed a consecutive triple ofBurghley, Kentucky and Badminton that had beenachieved previously only by Britain’s Pippa Funnell in2003. “I have a really good team around me, thatmakes the sport for me,” he said in an interview,adding that he particularly enjoys training younghorses. The last rider to repeat Olympic gold event-ing medals on the same horse was New Zealand’sMark Todd with Charisma, in 1984 and 1988. Jung’shorse swap was not the only change made late in theeventing competition by the defending champions.

The Germans substituted Andreas Ostholt withJulia Krajewski on the eve of competition afterOstholt’s horse lost a shoe in training.

Krajewski was one of 18 riders on Monday whodid not finish what was widely considered the mostdifficult Olympic cross-country course in recent his-tory. Jung and Sam were one of only three pairs toescape penalties on Monday. The winner will bedecided by the show jumping phase on Tuesday.

Jung told reporters Sam had been too worked upby the crowds and noise leaving the gate but settledtowards the end with plenty of juice left for Tuesday’scompetition. “He understands every question and I’mvery happy to say he is very healthy,” he said at anews conference. — Reuters

Germany’s Jung goes for another eventing gold

RIO DE JANEIRO: An overview shows USA’s forward Carmelo Anthony (C) jumping for a basket during a Men’s round Group A basketball match between USA and Venezuelaat the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro yesterday during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. — AFP

RIO DE JANEIRO: Red, white and blase forone quarter, the U.S. Olympic team woke upand won with ease. Shaking off a sluggish,sloppy start and maybe some Brazilian bore-dom, the Americans regrouped in the secondquarter and romped over Venezuela 113-69on Monday, taking another step toward apossible third straight gold medal.

Kevin Durant scored 16 points andCarmelo Anthony 14 for the US squad, whichmay have grown a touch overconfident fol-lowing a 57-point blowout of China in itstournament opener. The Americans were tiedafter one quarter, but turned up their defen-sive intensity, outscored Venezuela 30-8 inthe second period and improved to 82-1under coach Mike Krzyzewski.

“I think once we settled down, made ouradjustments to the way they were calling the

game, the way that Venezuela wanted toplay the game, that second quarter wepicked it up defensively and turned itaround,” Anthony said.

It was similar to the meeting between theteams in Chicago on July 29, when the USshot poorly and still won by 35 on their pre-Rio exhibition tour. Maybe this was areminder that no team can be taken lightly -and there is little margin for error - once theOlympic flame is ignited. “The game of bas-ketball, everything’s not going to be easy,”Durant said. “We know that, even with thisgreat team.”

The Americans continue pool play onWednesday against unbeaten Australia. TheAussies, featuring five NBA players, four ofthem league champions, improved to 2-0 onMonday with an impressive 95-80 win overSerbia. Australia has never won an Olympicmedal in men’s basketball.

HEAVY UNDERDOGSAnthony, the four-team Olympian and

two-time gold medalist playing in his record

25th game for the United States, provided amuch-needed spark in the second quarter.With the Americans leading just 28-22 andlooking anything but golden, Anthony cameacross the lane and stripped the ball awayfrom Venezuelan center Gregory Echeniqueand passed it to Kyrie Irving. Anthony thentrailed Irving up the floor, accepted a feed onthe wing and knocked down a 3-pointer thatlifted some of the pressure - and fog - offTeam USA. Anthony moved past MichaelJordan on the US career scoring list and nowonly trails LeBron James and David Robinson.Paul George scored 20 and Jimmy Butler 17 -most of them coming in extended garbagetime - in the first Olympic matchup betweenthe nations.

Venezuela’s John Cox, a cousin ofAmerican superstar Kobe Bryant, scored 19and Echenique 18. Although this may not bethe best made-in-America team as James,Stephen Curry and others chose to skip theRio Games, the US squad that came to Brazilappears to be in a class by itself. There willlikely be tougher games ahead, but they

haven’t had one yet. Venezuela, whichdoesn’t have an NBA player on its roster, did-n’t figure to be a threat but the FIBAAmericas champion wasn’t intimidated bythe US roster of household names. With theirfans doing all they could to push the heavyunderdogs, Venezuela’s players outworkedthe Americans in the first quarter, which end-ed 18-all and the US with six turnovers.

It was a different story in the second,when the Americans reeled off 13 straightpoints in one stretch to take control. Stayingon a 196-cabin luxury cruise shot anchored offRio’s coast, the U.S. team has settled in follow-ing a few choppy early days in Brazil. Takingthe floor in all-white warmups as Jay-Z’s“Public Service Announcement” blared insidethe Carioca Arena, the US team looked bothrelaxed and ready. DeAndre Jordan showedoff some dance moves during layup drills asBrazilian fans, many of them wearing NBA jer-seys, snapped photos of the American stars.Late in the game, after George crushed a dunkto put the US up by 43, Jordan boogied againon the sideline. — AP

US men’s basketball blasts Venezuela after slow start

VOLLEYBALL

EQUESTRIAN

Gold Silver Bronze TotalUnited States 5 7 7 19China 5 3 5 13Australia 4 0 3 7Italy 3 4 2 9Japan 3 0 7 10Hungary 3 0 0 3Russia 2 5 3 10South Korea 2 2 1 5Thailand 2 1 1 4Great Britain 1 1 2 4Brazil 1 1 0 2Sweden 1 1 0 2Chinese Taipei 1 0 2 3Belgium 1 0 1 2Argentina 1 0 0 1Colombia 1 0 0 1Croatia 1 0 0 1Kosovo 1 0 0 1Netherlands 1 0 0 1Vietnam 1 0 0 1Indonesia 0 2 0 2New Zealand 0 2 0 2South Africa 0 2 0 2Canada 0 1 3 4Kazakhstan 0 1 2 3Ukraine 0 1 1 2Azerbaijan 0 1 0 1Denmark 0 1 0 1France 0 1 0 1Mongolia 0 1 0 1North Korea 0 1 0 1Philippines 0 1 0 1Uzbekistan 0 0 2 2Georgia 0 0 1 1Greece 0 0 1 1Poland 0 0 1 1Portugal 0 0 1 1Spain 0 0 1 1

RIO DE JANEIRO: Germany’s Michael Jung com-petes during the Eventing’s Individual Jumping ofthe Equestrian during the 2016 Rio OlympicGames at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Rioyesterday. — AFP RIO DE JANEIRO: This past year in Istanbul, US assistant

coach Jamie Morrison worked right alongside a man heconsiders among the best volleyball minds in the business.

And fired-up, Italian-born Netherlands coach GiovanniGuidetti is suddenly making quite a splash in Brazil withgroup of tenacious Dutch women determined to spoil thefun for the top teams in the tournament. Even if few mighthave expected them to contend while playing in their firstOlympics in 20 years.

Morrison was an assistant on Guidetti’s staff at clubpower Vakifbank in Turkey, coaching Olympians LonnekeSloetjes, Anne Buijs and Robin de Kruijf and also US out-side hitter Kim Hill, who through the net saw several famil-iar faces. So, when the top-ranked Americans received areal push from the Netherlands in a hard-fought, five-setvictory Monday, Morrison and the rest of the US groupwere nowhere near surprised by the stellar display on theother side. The Dutch had already spoiled China’s Olympicdebut Saturday, then the Chinese bounced back with astraight-set win over Italy.

“They’re not intimidated by anybody now, and theyshouldn’t be. They’re good,” said US coach Karch Kiraly,who figures the group winners won’t go unscathed. “Andthat’s great, because the Olympics are about being good.”

Guidetti credits Morrison - someone he considers abovean assistant - for helping him become a better coach. “Ilearned a lot from him and I hope I can keep learning a lotfrom him,” Guidetti said after the match. “He’s an amazingcoach. He’s an amazing man and he knows volleyball verywell. “He’s like a lead guy. I’m really trying to learn everytime from the people that can teach me, and he’s for sureone of the ones that can teach me.”

The US rallied from one set down and again behind 2-1to win 18-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-20, 15-8 on a dayNetherlands captain Maret Balkestein-Grothues had to behelped off midway through the fourth set with a rightankle injury and didn’t return. Simple communicationswere made before the match.

Such close international connections are commonplacein a sport that has no professional

league in the U.S. for men or women, meaning playersmove across the world for eight months of the year to playprofessionally. “I looked across the net and we were smilingbefore the match,” Morrison said. “A head nod, nothingmore than that, not a hug.”

You bet the Americans envisioned this success for theNetherlands, a squad Morrison has seen make big strides ina matter of weeks ahead of the Olympics.

“Volleyball has come enormously far in the Netherlandsin the past two years,” he said. “The team is up and comingand the support in their country is as well.”—AP

RIO DE JANEIRO: British star TomDaley insisted China’s ruthlessly effi-cient divers are “beatable” Monday ashe looked ahead to an enticing newclash after getting just bronze in theOlympic 10m synchronised event.

Daley and his partner DanielGoodfellow settled for third in thetandem event, behind gold medallistsChen Aisen and Lin Yue and second-place Americans David Boudia andSteele Johnson.

China is threatening to pull off ahistoric sweep of diving’s eight gold-medal events in Rio. Wu Minxia andShi Tingmao opened the competitionSunday with a decisive women’s 3msynchronised springboard win. There

are six to go. Daley had come to Riochallenging his Chinese adversaries,saying “they have to beat me.”

He offered praise for China’s domi-nance on Monday but continued tostir the pot, saying he was eager tobeat Chen and 2012 silver medallistQiu Bo in the 10m individual.

Asked what makes China so strong,he sniffed: “1.3 billion as a populationhelps,” before catching himself andpraising their work ethic.

“These guys are so strong, they’reso technically proficient in what theydo,” he said. “But going into an individ-ual competition, as David will be ableto tell you, they are beatable.”

He was referring to Boudia’s upsetof Qiu in the thrilling platform final inLondon, one of only two golds won in2012 by non-Chinese divers. Daleytook the bronze.

Daley, Boudia, and the rest of thefield will have their work cut out for

them in stopping the Chinese jugger-naut in the 10m individual. Chen andLin were coasting toward a dominat-ing performance on Monday until awobbly fourth dive-a back 3 1/2 som-ersault in pike position-opened thedoor a crack. “We had a little bit ofhesitation during our jump, so we didnot handle it very well,” Lin said.

But they slammed the door shuton the next dive, nailing a front 4 1/2somersault tuck that won 9.5s and 10sand set Rio’s outdoor diving venuealight. Daley, still just 22 despite beingin the spotlight for nearly a decade, isseeking to finally deliver the goldmedal that has eluded him sinceemerging as a star in his mid-teens.

His Olympic debut came in Beijing2008 when he was just 14. He finishedseventh there in the 10m individualplatform, before his London bronze.

The two-day men’s 10m individualcompetition begins August 19. —AFP

US women hold offscrappy Netherlands

team in 5 sets

RIO DE JANEIRO: Britain’s bronze medalists Tom Daley, left, and Daniel Goodfellow, right, wave to supporters fromthe podium after the men’s synchronized 10-meter platform diving final in the Maria Lenk Aquatic Center at the2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday. — AP

Daley eyes China showdownafter bronze debut

DIVING

BASKETBALL

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RIO DE JANEIRO: Shimmying amid a troupe of semi-naked samba dancers and wise-cracking with jour-nalists, Usain Bolt is determined to bow out of theOlympics with a flourish. The 29-year-old Jamaicansprint star took centre-stage on Monday at his firstmajor press conference since arriving in Rio deJaneiro for his final Games.

And from the moment he strutted onto the stageat Rio’s Cidade des Artes theater-instructing his audi-ence to applaud-he was determined to entertain.“You’ve got to clap much louder than that, that wasweak,” Bolt joked.

The setting of the largest theater in SouthAmerica could not have been more appropriate fortrack and field’s greatest showman. “I like to enter-tain, because that’s what people come out and see,”Bolt said.

“I try to entertain and make it different. That’s mypersonality.” And it works. A Norwegian stood up atthe end of the press conference and said: “I don’treally have a question I just want to say I really loveyou man.”

It was a reminder of just what athletics will losewhen Bolt walks away from the sport next year afterthe World Championships in London. Before thathowever he has his final Olympics to think about,where he will bid to win 100m, 200m and 4x100mtitles for a third straight Games, the fabled “Treble-Treble.”

“This is the last one for sure,” Bolt said when askedif he may yet extend his remarkable career. “I’ve doneenough. I’ve proven myself over and over again, thisis the last one.” Bolt is preparing to bow out as athlet-ics reels from two of the biggest controversies in thesport’s history, the Russian doping scandal and cor-ruption allegations against the former leadership ofthe International Association of Athletics Federations(IAAF). Even so, Bolt believes athletics has turned thecorner. “For me I think we’re going in the right direc-tion, I must say,” Bolt said.

‘WEEDING OUT BAD ONES’ “We’re weeding out the bad ones. I personally

think we’re on the right track. We have to go throughthe rough time to get to the good times. And in a fewyears’ time the sport will be cleaner and everythingwill be great. “I look forward to that.”

Although the Russian doping scandal exposed thesophisticated lengths that drug cheats were pre-pared to go to avoid detection, Bolt said he wasunconcerned about the possibility that he might belining up against rivals in Rio who are not clean.

“In life nothing is guaranteed. But for me goingout there, I never worry about it,” he said.

“That’s WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) andIAAF and IOC (International Olympic Committee) —these are the guys that worry about that stuff,” Boltsaid. “I go out there to compete and wow the crowdand entertain. I just want to compete.

“I personally feel the sport is going in the rightdirection and in a few years it’s going to be fine. Idon’t worry about that.” Bolt is set to face anotherduel against two-time convicted doping offenderJustin Gatlin in both the 100m and the 200m in Rio.

Gatlin, owner of the fastest time in the world thisyear (9.80 sec), could be the biggest threat to Bolt’shopes of defending all three of his crowns.

Bolt, who has long spoken of his desire to becomethe first man to break 19 seconds in the 200m,acknowledged that feat may prove to be beyondeven him.

“I think it might be a little but hard,” said Bolt, whohas never bettered the world record of 19.19sec heset in 2009. Bolt, who ran 19.89sec in London lastmonth, declares himself primed for another goldmedal tilt.

“As a young kid you grow up looking forward tothe big Games,” he said. “Championships are whatmatters. This is what I do, I enjoy doing it. —AFP

Samba and smiles as Bolt warms up for

Olympic swansong

RIO DE JANEIRO: Gold medalist Sukanya Srisurat, of Thailand, competes in the women’s 58kg weightlifting competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil, Monday. —AP

RIO DE JANEIRO: Sukanya Srisurat saidher Olympic gold Monday was redemptionfor serving a two-year-ban for dopingoffences as Thailand finished one-two inthe women’s 58kg to lead the weightliftingmedals table.

The 21-year-old lifted an Olympic record110kg in the snatch and 130kg in the cleanand jerk for a total of 240kg, comfortablybeating compatriot Pimsiri Sirikaew to firstplace. The International WeightliftingFederation banned Sukanya from the sportfrom May 2011 to May 2013 after she test-

ed positive as a 16-year-old for the prohib-ited substance methandienone, an anabol-ic steroid. She was one of seven young Thaiweightlifters found to have violated anti-doping rules during youth and juniorweightlifting championships five years ago.

“I felt so sad when I was banned but Inever gave up to get back and now every-thing has been repaid,” she told AFP follow-ing her triumph in Rio. “I practised so hard.This is my first Olympic Games and I’m real-ly delighted,” she added, later insistingshe’d never been at fault for the doping inthe first place.

“I didn’t make the decision to take it.Our association never made a decision. Itwas maybe some kind of mistake,” she toldreporters through a translator.

Twenty-six-year-old Pimsiri lifted 102kg

in the snatch and jerked 130 for her total of232kg to add another silver medal to theone she won at London four years ago.

Pimsiri said Sukanya had paid her duesfor the doping offence and insisted she washappy to finish second to the gold medal-list, despite her competitor’s previous druguse. “Congratulations to her. We work as ateam to make Thailand happy. We’re likefamily so it’s ok for me to finish second,”Pimsiri said. The two podium finishes tookThailand to the top of the weightliftingmedals table with four.

The kingdom has dominated the lightcategories so far grabbing two golds and asilver in the women’s competition and abronze in the men’s. Sopita Tanasanclaimed gold in the women’s 48kg onSaturday while Sinphet Kruaithong finished

with a bronze in the men’s 56kg the follow-ing day. Kruaithong’s joy was short-lived ashis 84-year-old grandmother collapsed anddied celebrating his success.

A viral video showed the jubilant sceneof cheering fans in his rural hometowntransform into tragedy when SubinKhongthap collapsed while watching thecompetition on a projector.

“We support and encourage each otherto bring out the best in all of us,” Sukanyasaid when asked about the reason forThailand’s success this week. Kuo Hsing-chun claimed bronze for Taiwan with hercombined total of 231.

She hauled 102 in the snatch and 129 inthe clean and jerk to comfortably make thepodium, 8kg ahead of fourth placedAlexandra Escobar of Ecuador. — AFP

Thai drugs cheat grabsweightlifting gold

WEIGHTLIFTING

TENNIS

ATHLETICS

RIO DE JANEIRO: Usain Bolt gestures during aJamaican Olympic Association and Puma pressconference at the Cidade Das Artes in Rio deJaneiro on Monday.— AP

RIO DE JANEIRO: Zhang Chenglong insisted Chinaare not a spent force after Kohei Uchimura’s Japanended their eight-year Olympic men’s team reign inRio. The Chinese finished with bronze less than a yearafter also losing the world title they had won six con-secutive times, and all but once since 1994, to Japan.

Uchimura, 27, helped Japan to their first team goldsince 2004 in the Rio Olympic Arena ahead of Russia,who were back on the podium for the first time since2000. There was despair on the Chinese team withZhang admitting the importance of the title to theAsian giant. “Every one of us thinks that team gold isthe most important and precious, you have to be sol-id and united,” said Zhang.

“In China team work is very important. “You can’tjust stay in your own corner and do your own thing.Everyone has to be excellent not just one person.”

“Team gold represents the summit of Chinesegymnastics. It’s not down to one person to be excel-lent, but everyone has to be excellent.”

China paid for errors starting with a shaky start forLin Chaopan, 20, and Deng Shudi, 24, on the floor asthey competed alongside the United States. You alsostruggled on his rings dismount.

The Chinese impressed on the parallel bars withYou hitting 16.166, but they needed a strong finalrotation on the high bar to keep in the title chase.

Deng, Lin, and Zhang failed to produce the neces-sary fireworks, finishing nearly three points behindJapan. It was also the end of the road for Zhang, agold medal winner in the team event from London,and seven-time world medallist over four worldchampionships.

The 27-year-old has failed to reach the finals of theall-around and apparatus events.

Deng and Lin qualified for Wednesday’s all-aroundfinal, in fourth and tenth position.

In the apparatus events Chinese hopes lie with LiuYang and You Hao on rings with Hao a medalprospect on parallel bars with Deng.

China took the men’s team gold for the first time inSyndey 2000, only to lose to Japan in Athens fouryears later. But they recaptured it at their homeGames in Beijing 2008 and successfully defended it inLondon. And they are already learning from their

rivals. “We were paying attention to the other athletesand their training and are learning new techniques,not just focusing on ourselves.

“We recognise that compared to the other teamsthere is a very small difference. “In this competitionJapan has been performing very well. Japan havebeen improving in technique, compared to last yeareven they were better. —AFP

Serena struggles, del Potro blasts punch-up

RIO DE JANEIRO: Defending champion Serena Williamsended a three-match losing streak against France’s AlizeCornet to keep her hopes of a fifth Olympic gold medalalive Monday. But it was a rollercoaster 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 victo-ry for the 34-year-old world number one who 24 hours ear-lier had suffered her first ever Olympic Games women’sdoubles loss with sister Venus.

Cornet defeated the American star three times in 2014,including at Wimbledon, and proved to be a thorn in heropponent’s side again in Rio. Williams led 3-0 and had twopoints for a 4-0 advantage in the first set. But Cornetstormed back, forcing the American to save two set pointsin the 10th game before the top seed sealed the tiebreakafter 77 minutes on a chilly centre court.

The 22-time major winner cut a frustrated figure,smashing her racquet into the ground at one stage.Williams stepped on the gas in the second set to secure athird round clash with Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, securingvictory on a third match point. “It was a big motivation towin because I haven’t done very well against her in thepast,” said Williams.

“She says she knows how to play me. Every time I haveplayed her, I have never been in the best shape which isironic, so I really wanted to do well.” Juan Martin del Potrofollowed up his shock defeat of Novak Djokovic by down-ing Portugal’s Joao Sousa in front of a legion of passionate,vocal Argentine fans. The giant 27-year-old, ranked 141 inthe world after years of wrist injury misery pushed him tothe brink of quitting, swept to a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 win. Dressedin sky blue football shirts, the Argentine’s followers drapednational flags and banners over the centre court barriersand responded defiantly when locals booed the mentionof del Potro’s name.

PUNCH-UP However, traditional bitterness between Brazil and

Argentina boiled over when a group of fans engaged in apunch-up. “I hope that will not happen again because weneed to have peace between Argentina and Brazil. This isnot football,” said del Potro. The 2009 US Open championsaid he was running on empty by the end after only get-ting to bed at 4:30 in the morning.

“I only had five hours’ sleep but I’m very glad with mysuccess,” he said. Things got even better for Del Potrowhen French fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a potentialquarter-final opponent, lost 6-4, 6-3 to Gilles Muller ofLuxemburg. —AFP

Chinese reeling after loss of ‘precious’ gymnastics team crown

GYMNASTICS

RIO DE JANEIRO: Japan’s Kohei Uchimura performson the floor during the artistic gymnastics men’steam final at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio deJaneiro, Brazil, Monday. —AP

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17Pogba ‘back home’at Man Utd in world-record transfer

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 201619

Chinese reeling after loss of ‘precious’ gymnastics teamcrown

US men’s basketball blasts Venezuela after slow start Page 18

RIO DE JANEIRO: USA’s Lilly King (L) celebrates with USA’s Katie Meili after she broke the Olympic record to win the Women’s 100m Breaststroke Final during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the OlympicAquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. (Inset) Russia’s Yulia Efimova cries after she placed second in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke Final during the swimming event. — AFP

RIO DE JANEIRO: Doping tensions in Olympic swim-ming erupted after American Lilly King beat taintedRussian rival Yulia Efimova and US superstar MichaelPhelps demanded life bans for swimmers with a drugrecord. Booing broke out in the swimming arena onMonday as Efimova-twice convicted of doping butsecuring an Olympic place on a last-ditch appeal-linedup to challenge the women’s 100m breaststroke final.King narrowly beat her then slammed her rival, stokingthe controversy over revelations of Russian stated-spon-sored doping.

“I think it just proved that you can compete cleanand still come out on top,” King said of her win. She hadalso criticized Efimova before the race. Clearly devastat-

ed, Efimova burst into tears after the race. Russiasprang to her defense, with Sports Minister Vitaly Mutkodescribing her as a “good girl”, according Moscow’s R-Sport news agency. The attacks were described as a “ter-rible ordeal.”

The red-faced International Olympic Committee(IOC) sought to calm the choppy waters, saying theGames were about “respecting the right of others tocompete.”

But King was joined in the war of words by US leg-end Phelps and Frenchman Camille Lacourt amongothers who lashed out at a Chinese winner. Phelps,who will attempt the astonishing feat of winning his20th Olympic gold medal later yesterday, launched abroadside at drug abusers and encouraged others tospeak out.

Phelps said those punished for doping should facepermanent exile from the sport. “I think you’re going tosee a lot of people speaking up more,” the all-time high-est Olympic medal winner said. China’s Sun Yang, who

won the 200m freestyle on Monday, came under fierceattack from a furious Lacourt.

“Sun Yang, he pisses purple,” an enraged Lacourt whocame fifth in the 100m backstroke told French radio.“When I see the 200m podium I want to be sick.” Sunhas already been at the center of a verbal battle withAustralia’s Mack Horton who beat Sun in the 400m race.

The Sun-Horton dispute has turned into a socialmedia war. China’s state-controlled Global Times news-paper called Australia a former British “offshore prison”because of Horton’s “drug cheat” remarks about Sun.

THREE BANS Efimova sought to defend her doping record. “I once

made a mistake and served my ban,” she said, referringto a 16-month suspension incurred after testing posi-tive for a banned steroid in 2014.

She was given a provisional ban this year after test-ing positive for meldonium but that was overturned inMay by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Following the Richard McLaren report for the WorldAnti-Doping Agency, Efimova was suspended again.The report implicated the Russian government in dop-ing. But another appeal to the CAS last week letEfimova and six other Russian swimmers into Rio. TheUnited States and other western countries had wanteda complete ban on Russian athletes.

The row largely overshadowed a day that saw a firstgold medal for the Brazilian hosts. It was won by judokaRafaela Silva, who grew up in Rio’s notorious City of Godslum. Silva upset world No. 1 Sumiya Dorjsuren in the57kg final for a hugely welcome win for Brazil after apa-thy and protests in the run-up to South America’s firstOlympics.

China got more medals in diving, where Chen Aisenand Lin Yue won the men’s 10m platform. China finishedthe day with five gold medals in total. Russia took goldand silver in the women’s sabre fencing as Yana Egorianbeat Sofiya Velikaya, who again suffered heartbreakafter also losing the 2012 Olympic final. — AFP

King beats tainted Russian swimmer to gold

SWIMMING

RIO DE JANEIRO: Hungary’s KatinkaHosszu said she felt in “great shape” onMonday as she powered to her secondgold medal of the Rio Olympics-andstayed on track for three more. Hosszu,dubbed the “Iron Lady” for her renownedstamina, won the 100m backstroke in58.45sec, ahead of American KathleenBaker, as Canadian Kylie Masse andChina’s Fu Yuanhui finished in a deadheat for bronze. Hosszu, who returnedlittle more than an hour later to book herspot in Tuesday’s 200m medley final, saidshe wasn’t feeling any pressure from herheavy schedule, which also includes the200m backstroke and 200m butterfly.On Saturday, the 27-year-old shatteredthe 400m individual medley worldrecord for her first ever Olympic title.

“I was already very relaxed before the400IM which was surprising for me,” saidHosszu, who arrived in Rio in search of

her first Olympic medal. “I have been rac-ing so much in the past four years thatthat was kind of my goal that when weget to Rio it would kind of be secondnature and it really feels that way.

“I know I’ve done the 400IM and the100 back a million times and now I’m freshand in great shape,” she added. Hosszuwas sixth at the turn with world championEmily Seebohm of Australia leading. Sheroared home as Seebohm failed not onlyto improve on the silver she won inLondon but faded to finish a disappoint-ing seventh. “I can’t believe I won the 100back,” Hosszu said. “I dreamt about it, but Icould have done eighth, it’s so close.”

Seebohm, swimming in unfavorablelane seven after a lackluster semi-finalper formance, was left looking foranswers after coming into the Gameswith the top time of 2016. “I definitelywanted to take it out (fast) and obviouslyit hurt a bit on the back end,” she said. “Idid a fantastic warm-up. I couldn’t havedone anything differently. “My semineeded to be better so I could be in aninside land and have someone to pushme,” she concluded. — AFP

Iron Lady in ‘great shape’ as she snares second gold

SWIMMING

RIO DE JANEIRO: New Zealand’s Sarah Goss, right, istackled by Australia’s Alicia Quirk during the women’srugby sevens gold medal match against New Zealandat the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Monday. — AP

RIO DE JANEIRO: Australia became the firstOlympic champions in women’s rugby sev-ens when they ran out convincing 24-17winners over trans-Tasman neighbours NewZealand in the gold medal final at theDeodoro Stadium in Rio on Monday.

The world series champions went behindearly in the match but unanswered triesfrom Emma Tonegato, Evania Pelite, ElliaGreen and Charlotte Caslick gave them alead New Zealand were unable to overcome.

New Zealand, who had two tries from theoutstanding Kayla McAlister and one at thedeath from Portia Woodman, performed atearful haka in front of the crowd at the endof the match, their dreams of gold shattered.

It was the spell that Woodman, the toptry scorer in the tournament with 10, spentin the sin-bin for a deliberate knock downaround halftime that probably endedthose hopes.

Without question the best two of the 12

teams in the tournament, both New Zealandand Australia had come through scares atthe hands of the United States on Sunday tostamp their authority on the semi-finals.

After a tight and physical start to thefinal, McAlister forced her way over in thecorner for her sixth try of the tournament togive New Zealand an early lead beforeTonegato hit back with her seventh.

Australia had started to find holes in theNew Zealand defence and when Woodmanwas sent off for two minutes, first Pelite thenspeedster Green benefited from the extraspace to give the women in green and golda 17-5 lead just after halftime.

Charlotte Caslick then nipped over foranother converted try to further extendAustralia’s lead and although McAlistergrabbed her second try, two convertedscores for New Zealand in little more than aminute was always going to be a big ask.

Woodman did finally weave her way overto score under the posts but the hooter hadsounded and Australia were already wellinto their celebrations when Tyla Nathan-Wong took the conversion.

Canada earlier took the bronze with a 33-10 victory over Britain. — Reuters

Australia clinch women’s sevens gold

RUGBY

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BusinessWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Oil market turns bearish on supply gains and stock builds

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Ooredoo appoints Al Babtain Senior Director for B2B

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Ford ME reaffirms its commitment to Kuwait market

Page 25All-new Infiniti Q30 unveiled at Beirut

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TOKYO: Passengers check in at the Delta Air Lines counter at Narita international airport in Narita, east of Tokyo, yesterday. More than 1,000 people spent the night at the Narita airport because of a computer shutdownthat halted Delta Air Lines flights worldwide. — AP

MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS

DALLAS: Delta’s travails, and those of its customers, move intoday two with the airline canceling of another 300 flights. The dis-ruptions yesterday follow about 1,000 cancelled flights Mondayand, according to FlightStats, about 2,800 delayed flights, after anoutage at Delta’s Atlanta headquarters instigated a global melt-down of its booking and communications systems.

The airline was back online after a number of hours Monday,but the outages were so widespread that it is still dealing with theripple effects a day later. FlightStats, a flight tracking services, putsdelayed flights Tuesday at close to 600, and cancelled flights clos-er to 330. More than 1,000 people spent the night at Narita airportoutside Tokyo because of the shutdown and, while flights wereresuming yesterday, Delta spokeswoman Hiroko Okada said moredelays are expected. Delta also extended to yesterday travelwaivers issued to the stranded.

ApologyThe airline posted a video apology by CEO Ed Bastian. And it

offered refunds and $200 in travel vouchers to people whoseflights were canceled or delayed at least three hours. Delta’s chal-

lenge will be to find enough seats on planes during the busy sum-mer vacation season to accommodate the tens of thousands ofpassengers whose flights were scrubbed. Airlines have been put-ting more people in each plane, so when a system of a major carri-er crashes, as has happened with others before Delta, finding anew seat for the waylaid becomes more difficult.

Last month, the average Delta flight was 87 percent full.Confusion among passengers Monday was compounded asDelta’s flight-status updates crashed as well. Instead of stayinghome or poolside at a hotel until the troubles blew over, manypassengers only learned about the quagmire only after theypassed through airport security.

They were stuck. The disruption was so deeply rooted Mondaythat at one point, the airline warned travelers that information onits website, its app, and even given by its own employees in air-ports, may be outdated.

“By the time I showed up at the gate the employees werealready disgruntled, and it was really difficult to get anybody tospeak to me or get any information,” said Ashley Roache, whoseflight from Lexington, Kentucky, to New York’s LaGuardia Airport

was delayed. “The company could have done a better job ofexplaining ... what was happening.”

InvestigationDelta spokesman Trebor Banstetter said that after the power

outage, key systems and network equipment did not switch overto backups. The investigation of the outage is ongoing, butBanstetter said that there is no indication that the problems werecaused by a hack or intentional breach of the system.

Georgia Power, which controls the system where the outagebegan, said it appears that a failure of Delta equipment causedthe airline’s power disruption. No other customers lost power, aspokesman said. Delta Air Lines Inc. is the third-largest in theworld by number of passengers carried, with 138.8 million travel-ers last year, according to industry group IATA, but it ranks justbehind American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

Airlines depend on huge, overlapping and complicated sys-tems to operate flights, ticketing, boarding, airport kiosks, web-sites and mobile phone apps. Even brief outages can now snarltraffic and, as the Delta incident shows, those problems can go

global in seconds. Last month, Southwest Airlines canceled morethan 2,000 flights over four days after an outage that it blamed ona faulty network router. United Airlines suffered a series of massiveIT meltdowns after combining its technology systems with thoseof merger partner Continental Airlines.

Lines for British Airways at some airports have grown longer asthe carrier updates its systems. Delta employees were forced intosomething of a time machine as they did their best to get peopleto where they were going. Agents at many airports were usingpen and paper to create boarding passes. In Tokyo, a dot-matrixprinter was resurrected to keep track of passengers on a flight toShanghai.

Some passengers said they were shocked that computerglitches could cause such turmoil. Others took it in stride. RyanShannon, another passenger on the Lexington-to-New York flight,said passengers boarded, were asked to exit, waited about 90minutes and then got back on the plane. Once Delta clearedflights to take off, “we boarded and didn’t have any problems.There is always a delay, or weather, or something. I travel weekly,so I’m used to it,” Shannon said.—AP

Delta cancels 300 flights after outageAirline seeks forgiveness with refunds, vouchers

WASHINGTON: US nonfarm productivityunexpectedly fell in the second quarter,pointing to sustained weakness that couldraise concerns about corporate profits andcompanies’ ability to maintain their recentrobust pace of hiring.

The Labor Department said yester-day that productivity, which measureshourly output per worker, dropped at a0.5 percent annual rate in the April-June period. It was the third consecu-tive quarterly decline. “The reason theeconomy has still been able to expandis because of labor input. Firms are hir-ing people at a reasonably healthyrate,” said Joseph LaVorgna, chief econ-omist at Deutsche Bank Securities inNew York.

“However, we do not believe this canlast, because strong hiring in the face ofweak productivity necessarily implies afurther deterioration in corporate profitmargins.”

Productivity fell at an unrevised 0.6percent rate in the f irst quar ter.Economists polled by Reuters had fore-cast productivity rising at a 0.4 percentrate in the second quarter.

The US dollar weakened to session lowsagainst the yen after the data. US stockfutures and prices of US Treasuries werelargely unchanged. Productivity decreasedat a 0.4 percent rate compared to the sec-ond quarter of 2015, the fastest year-on-year pace of decline in three years.Revisions to data going back to 2013 alsoconfirmed the softening productivitytrend, which over time would suggestpressure on corporate profits and a slow-down in job gains.

Strong employment gains have helpedto raise output. Nonfarm payrollsincreased by more than 500,000 jobs inJune and July.

SLUGGISH CORPORATE PROFITSCorporate profits have been sluggish, in

part as companies deal with the laggingimpact of a strong dollar and lower oilprices. After-tax profits rebounded at an8.1 percent rate in the first quarter afterdeclining 5.3 percent in 2015. Corporateprofits data for the second quarter will bepublished later this month. Output perworker in the second quarter increased ata 1.2 percent rate, up from the 0.7 percent

pace notched in the January-March period.The government reported last month

that gross domestic product rose at a 1.2percent annual rate in the second quarterfollowing a 0.8 percent rise in the firstquarter. Some economists have attributedthe weak productivity to the changingindustry mix, which has seen a shift frommanufacturing and energy toward servic-es. Others have questioned whether it isbeing accurately measured.

Productivity has increased at an annualrate of less than 1.0 percent in each of thelast five years, suggesting the economy’spotential rate of growth has declined.

Unit labor costs, the price of labor persingle unit of output, increased at a 2.0percent pace in the second quarter. First-quarter unit labor costs were revised toshow a 0.2 percent rate of decrease,instead of the previously reported 4.5 per-cent increase. Second-quarter unit laborcosts rose at a 2.1 percent rate comparedto the same period of 2015.

Hourly compensation per hour rose at a1.5 percent rate in the second quarter afterfalling at a 0.8 percent pace in the priorquarter. — Reuters

DUBAI: Qatar’s stock market index ended a three-daywinning streak yesterday as local investors bookedprofits while Saudi Arabia’s index rose, helped byfirmer oil prices. Doha’s index, which had climbed asmuch as 0.7 percent earlier in the day, slipped in thefinal hour of trade to close 0.02 percent lower. It hit anine-month closing high on Monday.

Shares on the MSCI emerging market index turnedsouth, with Islamic lender Masraf Al-Rayan dropping2.1 percent and Qatar Islamic Bank falling 2.6 percent.Sebastien Henin, head of asset management at AbuDhabi’s The National Investor, said passive inflowsfrom emerging market funds had driven up pricesover the last several weeks and traders might chooseto book profits at current levels, keeping the marketlocked in a narrow trading range in the short term.

In Abu Dhabi the index edged down 0.3 percentas some shares on MSCI’s emerging market indexretreated. First Gulf Bank dropped 1.3 percent.Dubai’s index held onto gains and added 0.3 per-cent, boosted by advances in blue chips. EmaarProperties rose 0.9 percent and Dubai Investmentsclimbed 1.4 percent.

Shuaa Capital gained 3.1 percent in its highestvolumes in two months on news the NasdaqDubai exchange will open an equity futures mar-ket next month. The market will trade single-stockfutures on the shares of some of the United ArabEmirates’ biggest companies, with Shuaa provid-

ing market-making services. This could expandthe firm’s revenues.

SAUDI ARABIA, EGYPTPetrochemical shares pulled Saudi Arabia’s index

up 1 percent after Brent oil futures climbed backabove $45 a barrel. Saudi Basic Industries gained 3.1percent. Banking shares also fared well, with SambaFinancial Group advancing 2.4 percent.

In Egypt, the main index retreated 0.9 percent, drop-ping below a 13-month high hit on Monday as non-Egyptian investors sold, bourse data showed. Losersoutnumbered gainers 16 to 12 with Palm HillsDevelopment dropping 3.4 percent after it posted sec-ond-quarter net profit of 64 million Egyptian pounds($7.2 million), an 85 percent drop from a year earlier. Thecompany said the main reason for the fall was a changein revenue recognition on its income statements.

Analysts at Naeem Brokerage said in a note thatalthough profit fell short of their expectation of 119million pounds for the April-June period, theyremained positive on the stock with a “buy” rating.

“PHDC’s performance at the top line seemsresilient, as the company continues to capitalize onunderlying growth in demand from the Egyptian realestate market,” Naeem said. Real estate investmentfirm Porto Group jumped 10.7 percent in heavy tradeand telecom conglomerate Orascom Telecom Mediaand Technology bounced 6.9 percent. — Reuters

US productivity falls for third quarter in a row

Qatar snaps 3-day winning streak, Saudi firms with oil

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B U S I N E S SWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co.

CURRENCY BUY SELLASIAN COUNTRIES

Japanese Yen 2.961Indian Rupees 4.527Pakistani Rupees 2.897Srilankan Rupees 2.083Nepali Rupees 2.837Singapore Dollar 225.620Hongkong Dollar 39.054Bangladesh Taka 3.862Philippine Peso 6.465Thai Baht 8.698

GCC COUNTRIESSaudi Riyal 80.816Qatari Riyal 83.249ani Riyal 787.162Bahraini Dinar 804.840UAE Dirham 82.512

ARAB COUNTRIESEgyptian Pound - Cash 34.498Egyptian Pound - Transfer 29.990Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.217Tunisian Dinar 137.370Jordanian Dinar 427.640Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.019Syrian Lira 2.0160Morocco Dirham 31.389

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIESUS Dollar Transfer 302.900Euro 337.280

Malaysian Ringgit 75.755Chinese Yuan Renminbi 45.845Thai Bhat 9.610Turkish Lira 101.170

CURRENCY BUY SELLEurope

British Pound 0.386795 0.401795Czech Korune 0.004413 0.016413Danish Krone 0.041064 0.046064Euro 0.0330024 0.0339024Norwegian Krone 0.031717 0.033917Romanian Leu 0.086875 0.086875Slovakia 0.009027 0.019027Swedish Krona 0.031220 0.036220Swiss Franc 0.301282 0.312282Turkish Lira 0.097323 0.107623

AustralasiaAustralian Dollar 0.222722 0.234722New Zealand Dollar 0.209584 0.219084

AmericaCanadian Dollar 0.224266 0.233266Georgina Lari 0.136781 0.136781US Dollars 0.298750 0.303450US Dollars Mint 0.299250 0.303450

AsiaBangladesh Taka 0.003390 0.003974Chinese Yuan 0.044005 0.047505Hong Kong Dollar 0.036975 0.039725

Indian Rupee 0.004330 0.004719Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025Japanese Yen 0.002875 0.003055Kenyan Shilling 0.003115 0.003115Korean Won 0.000263 0.000278Malaysian Ringgit 0.072108 0.078108Nepalese Rupee 0.002856 0.003026Pakistan Rupee 0.002716 0.003006Philippine Peso 0.006326 0.006626Sierra Leone 0.000067 0.000073Singapore Dollar 0.219563 0.229563South African Rand 0.016282 0.024782Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001658 0.002238Taiwan 0.009569 0.009749Thai Baht 0.008340 0.008890

ArabBahraini Dinar 0.796746 0.805246Egyptian Pound 0.025276 0.030394Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085Iraqi Dinar 0.000181 0.000241Jordanian Dinar 0.422995 0.431995Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000Lebanese Pound 0.000146 0.000246Moroccan Dirhams 0.019639 0.043639Nigerian Naira 0.001249 0.001884Omani Riyal 0.780203 0.785883Qatar Riyal 0.082374 0.083824Saudi Riyal 0.079673 0.080973Syrian Pound 0.001283 0.001503Tunisian Dinar 0.133601 0.141601Turkish Lira 0.097323 0.107623UAE Dirhams 0.081030 0.082730Yemeni Riyal 0.001369 0.001449

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd

Rate for Transfer Selling RateUS Dollar 303.000Canadian Dollar 230.310Sterling Pound 397.170Euro 337.375Swiss Frank 297.645Bahrain Dinar 801.000UAE Dirhams 82.725Qatari Riyals 83.940Saudi Riyals 81.520Jordanian Dinar 426.955Egyptian Pound 34.024Sri Lankan Rupees 2.083Indian Rupees 4.529Pakistani Rupees 2.890Bangladesh Taka 3.855Philippines Pesso 6.450Cyprus pound 159.680Japanese Yen 3.965Syrian Pound 2.405Nepalese Rupees 3.830

Sterling Pound 395.280Canadian dollar 230.690Turkish lira 101.990Swiss Franc 309.870Australian Dollar 232.630US Dollar Buying 301.700

GOLD20 Gram 268.84010 Gram 137.3405 Gram 69.510

Bahrain Exchange Company

LONDON: Oil traded around $45 a barrelyesterday as concern about a supply glutcountered forecasts for a drop in US inven-tories and speculation of producer actionto prop up prices.

Total US crude inventories were expect-ed to fall by 1 million barrels in weeklyreports, although market intelligence firmGenscape has reported a rise of more than307,000 barrels at the Cushing, OklahomaUS crude delivery hub, traders said. Brentcrude for October was down 29 cents at$45.10 a barrel by 1252 GMT, after rising$1.12 on Monday. The global benchmarkfell nearly 15 percent in July. US crude forSeptember was down 17 cents at $42.85.

“One can only wonder how long thisenthusiasm will last considering the over-supplied fundamental backdrop,” saidTamas Varga of oil broker PVM. “Current oilprice strength does not feel justified.” OPECcomments helped fuel the gain onMonday. Its president Qatar, in a rare state-ment issued by the group’s Vienna head-quarters, said the market was on the pathto rebalancing and the drop in priceswould be temporary.

OPEC sources have been saying sinceJune that renewed talks about a global out-put freeze could take place in September,when most members, plus non-members

such as Russia, are expected to attend anInternational Energy Forum meeting inAlgeria. The oil minister for cash-strappedVenezuela sought to keep alive theprospect of producer action to boostprices, saying on Monday a meetingbetween OPEC and non-OPEC countriesmay take place “in the coming weeks”.

But Russia said it does not see groundsfor new talks with OPEC yet. Iran, whichrefused to join an initiative discussed earli-er this year to freeze output levels, has notsaid whether it would cooperate with anynew effort. Some analysts are skeptical anyproducer action will result, just as the earli-er attempt at an output freeze collapsed inApril, scuppered by tension between SaudiArabia and Iran.

“The discussions are likely to prove to benothing but empty talk, with OPEC stickingwith its policy of defending its marketshare,” said Eugen Weinberg, analyst atCommerzbank.

Later yesterday, the latest round of USinventory reports will be in focus. Analystsin a Reuters poll forecast that US crudestockpiles fell by 1 million barrels last week.The American Petroleum Institute, anindustry group, is due to release its inven-tory update at 2030 GMT, ahead of the gov-ernment’s report today. —Reuters

LONDON: The enormous concentrationof bearish short positions in US crude oilfutures and options contracts by hedgefunds and other money managers leftthe market ripe for a short-covering rally.The rebound in futures prices, with theSeptember WTI contract up by 10 per-cent since Aug 2, has all the characteris-tics of a short-covering rally (“Hedgefund short covering probably accountsfor oil rally”, Reuters, Aug 8).

Price moves in the next few tradingsessions should give some indicationabout whether hedge funds haveembarked on the liquidation phase ofthe shorting cycle or are extending theirshort positions even further. By Aug 2,the most recent data available, hedgefunds and other money managers hadaccumulated short positions equivalentto 248 million barrels in the main futuresand options contracts linked to WTI. Thenumber of short positions had increasedfrom a recent low of just 71 million bar-rels on May 31, according to an analysisof data published by the US CommodityFutures Trading Commission.

The accumulation of an additional 178million barrels of short positions coincid-ed with a decline in WTI futures prices ofjust over $10 per barrel from $49.93 to$39.51. CFTC data shows there have beenthree previous cycles of short-selling byhedge funds since the start of 2015 andthey now appear to be well into a fourth.

The accumulation and then liquida-tion of short positions during each cycleon NYMEX has corresponded roughlywith the fall and then rise in WTI prices.The current short-selling alreadyappeared fairly mature by Aug 2 whichraised the prospect of an imminent turn-ing point.

During the three previous cycles,

hedge funds had amassed their maxi-mum short position after 11 weeks, 13weeks and 13 weeks, respectively. Thecurrent short-selling cycle is already nineweeks old.

In the three previous cycles, hedgefund short positions in NYMEX W TIpeaked at 178 million barrels, 163 millionand 201 million. The current short posi-tion has already exceeded these and hit219 million barrels. The current cycle ofshort-selling is still less mature than pre-vious cycles when they hit their turningpoint and switched from accumulation toliquidation of short positions.

Short positionBut it has also been more aggressive

with a record short position in NYMEXWTI established at a much faster pacethan during the previous cycles. As thenumber of short positions has increasedin the fourth cycle, W TI prices havedeclined, falling at much the same rate asseen during the second and third cycles.Prices might have been expected to falleven further and even faster, given theaccompanying rapid accumulation of arecord short position.

The persistence of many hedge fundswith long positions probably explainswhy prices have been stronger than dur-ing previous cycles when a roughly simi-lar number of short positions has beenestablished.

From a price perspective, the currentcycle of short selling appears less maturethan previous cycles, which would sug-gest it could have another 2-4 weeksbefore peaking. But the current cycleappears to have developed on an accel-erated timetable compared with priorcycles so it may already have reached orbe very near its turning point. —Reuters

Oil trades near $45 as glut overshadows hope

Oil short-selling cycle may be at or near turning point

Oil market turns bearish on supply gains and stock builds

OPEC output surges to 32.8 mb/d in June

NBK ECONOMIC REPORT

KUWAIT: A month is a long time in the oil markets. Since hitting a year-high of$52.5 per barrel (bbl) in June, Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell byalmost 20 percent during July. By 2 August, markets had entered bear territory,with Brent breaching the 20 percent decline level from its June high to $41.8/bbland West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude marker, falling by almost 23 per-cent from its June high to $39.5/bbl. The recent trend bears a striking resemblanceto the behavior of the oil markets last summer when prices fell by 21 percent fromtheir June highs over the same period. That drop, of course, marked the com-mencement of a downturn that would continue for the remainder of the year.

In the futures markets, hedge funds turned noticeably less bullish in July. 56million barrels of short positions were added in Brent and WTI futures in the weekending 26 July. Indeed, shorts in Brent futures are at their highest since the start ofthe year. The forward price curve for Brent crude over the next 12 months hasmoved downwards by $6-8/bbl during July.

Supply glutOnce again, concerns about the persisting supply glut are weighing on market

sentiment. Having seemingly recovered from the shock of ‘Brexit’ in late June, mar-kets have had to digest several data releases indicating that the much anticipatedrebalancing of supply and demand that was expected before year-end would bedelayed until 2017. Dominating traders’ thoughts is the return to the market ofpreviously disrupted supplies, from Canada, Kuwait and Nigeria, for example, thathad helped to offset increasing supplies from Iran-the largest source of outputgrowth in 2016.

Similarly eye-catching has been the recent performance of US shale produc-tion, which posted output gains in four of the last five weeks after enduring ayear’s worth of declines. The resumption of US oil drilling, as evidenced by theupturn in rig counts since May, has neatly coincided with the increase in US crudeoutput. The rise in oil prices since February, coupled with efficiency gains in shaleoil extraction, has rendered the whole production process far more cost effectivethan even a year ago.

Moreover, with demand from refiners slipping from the robust levels of recentmonths, crude inventories have accumulated further. OECD commercial crude andrefined product stock figures for May from the International Energy Agency (IEA)show stocks topping 3 billion barrels, a historical high, for the seventh month in arow. (Chart 3.) The rate of increase, at 5.8 percent year-on-year (y/y), however, isnoticeably slower than the double-digit increases of late 2015 and early 2016.

A strengthening US dollar was also a factor in oil’s decline since June. The USdollar index is up 6 percent since May. A stronger dollar renders oil, which is pricedin dollars, more costly for importers using currencies not linked to the dollar.

Surplus narrowsOil surplus narrowed in 2Q16, but market balance pushed further into

2017 on slowing demand growth and rebounding non-OPEC supply.Global oil demand and supply have, nevertheless, moved closer to equilibri-

um. According to the IEA, the excess of supply over demand fell to a mere100,000 barrels per day (b/d) in 2Q16. Considering that the surplus was 2.2mb/d in the same period last year, this is a significant unwinding.

The IEA expects global oil demand to grow by an average of 1.4 mb/d in 2016to 96.1 mb/d before slowing to 1.2 mb/d in 2017. India’s oil demand is expected tobe the world’s most rapidly growing in 2017, followed by China.

On the supply side, the IEA has left its forecast for non-OPEC supply growth in2016 largely unchanged from its previous report. For 2016, the agency has supplycontracting by 0.9 mb/d to 56.5 mb/d. For 2017, supply is expected to rise slightlyby 0.2 mb/d. OPEC output surges in June after the return of previously disruptedsupplies OPEC output rose by 476,000 b/d to 32.8 mb/d in June, according toOPEC secondary source data. While Gabon’s re-admission to OPEC accounted forjust under half of that increase (214,000 b/d), Nigeria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAEand Kuwait all turned on the taps to bring additional volumes of crude to the mar-ket.

Nigeria’s output climbed by 97,000 b/d in June to 1.5 mb/d after repairs andfewer militant attacks allowed for a partial recovery of the country’s oil productionfrom near 30-year lows. (Chart 7.) In Saudi Arabia, the onset of the hot summer sea-son saw crude output increase by 66,000 b/d to meet increased demand for airconditioning.

Kuwait outputKuwait’s crude output reached 2.8 mb/d in June-its highest level in almost two

years-after the country pumped an additional 40,000 b/d. Kuwait also signedenhanced technical service agreements (ETSAs) with BP and Shell to continueoptimizing production at its oilfields.

Iran, meanwhile, continued to chase its production capacity target of 4 mb/d,ramping up output by 77,000 b/d in June to 3.6 mb/d. Iran’s determination toregain lost market share has seen its exports double since sanctions were lifted inJanuary. The Islamic Republic is hoping to attract at least $70 billion worth ofinvestment to develop its oil industry under a new Iran Petroleum Contract (IPC).

VIENNA: OPEC daily basket price rose$1.02 on Monday and stood at $41.10 abarrel compared with $40.08 last Friday,the organization’s bulletin reported yester-day. Price of the crude, produced by theOrganization of Petroleum ExportingCountries, averaged $45.84 pb in June,$42.68 pb in July and $39.10 pb in August.

The new OPEC Reference Basket of

Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following:Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola),Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon),Minas (Indonesia), Iran Heavy (IslamicRepublic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), KuwaitExport (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), BonnyLight (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), ArabLight (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) andMerey (Venezuela). —KUNA

OPEC oil price at $41.10 pb

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B U S I N E S SWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, yesterday announcedthe appointment of AbdulazizYaqoub Al Babtainas Senior Director for B2B.

Welcoming Al Babtain, Sheikh Mohammed BinAbdullah Al-Thani, Ooredoo Kuwait GeneralManager and CEO, said: “Ooredoo Kuwait hasrecently recorded major achievements and keydevelopments including launching innovative serv-ices on many different levels including B2B. Thesemajor steps are part of our continuous efforts toenrich people’s lives and enhance the relationshipswith business owners to contribute to the successof their businesses. On behalf of Ooredoo Kuwait’sfamily I would like to welcome Abdulaziz AlBabtain, we trust that he will be positively con-tributing to the success of our B2B business and fur-ther develop it to reach our goals and objectives”

Mr. Al Babtain holds a bachelor’s degree inInformation Technology and GeneralManagement, from the University of Portland,Oregon - USA. He has more than 16 years ofexperience in Kuwait’s private sector, starting hiscareer working at Wataniya Telecom Companyfollowed by Kuwait Investment Company, thenKuwait and Middle East Financial InvestmentCompany (KMEFIC) where he has headed theDigital Trading Division and contributed to thesuccess of the company’s projects that are relat-ed to its branches around the Middle East.

Al Babtain’s experience is not limited to tech-nology, but it also includes deep knowledge ofthe local commercial sector. He has previouslyjoined the projects team at Kuwait StockExchange then moved to join FasttelcoCompany where he has held various positionsincluding Vice President of ProjectsManagement and Products Developmentdepartment, then joined the retail sales depart-

ment. he has recently held the position of CEOof Operations Department at the same compa-ny. Al Babtain has the sufficient mix of profes-sional experience that blends both the

Technological and Commercial industry, wherehe is considered to be a valuable asset for thecompany. Ooredoo’s operations in Kuwait dateback to December 1999 when it launched wire-less services as the second operator. The compa-

ny today provides mobile, broadband internetand corporate managed services tailored to theneeds of customers and businesses. Ooredoo isguided by its vision of enriching people’s livesand its belief that it can stimulate human growthby leveraging communications to help peopleachieve their full potential.

Ooredoo is a leading international communi-cations company delivering mobile, fixed, broad-band internet and corporate managed servicestailored to the needs of consumers and busi-nesses across markets in the Middle East, NorthAfrica and South-East Asia. As a community-focused company, Ooredoo is guided by itsvision of enriching people’s lives and its beliefthat it can stimulate human growth by leverag-ing communications to help people achievetheir full potential. Ooredoo has a presence inmarkets such as Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Algeria,Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, the Maldives andIndonesia. The company was named “BestMobile Operator of the Year” at the WorldCommunication Awards 2013.

The company reported revenues of USD 8.8billion in 2015 and had a consolidated globalcustomer base of 117 million customers as of 31December 2015. Ooredoo’s shares are listed onthe Qatar Stock Exchange and the Abu DhabiSecurities Exchange.

Ooredoo appoints Al BabtainSenior Director for B2B

DUBAI: Nissan Motor Co, Ltd revealed theworld’s first Solid Oxide Fuel-Cell (SOFC)-powered prototype vehicle in Brazil thatruns on bio-ethanol electric power.

The breakthrough model, an all-newlight-commercial vehicle, can rely on multi-ple fuels, including ethanol and natural gas,to produce high-efficiency electricity as apower source.

Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosnsaid: “The e-Bio Fuel-Cell offers eco-friendlytransportation and creates opportunitiesfor regional energy production...all thewhile supporting the existing infrastruc-

ture. In the future, the e-Bio Fuel-Cell willbecome even more user-friendly. Ethanol-blended water is easier and safer to handlethan most other fuels. Without the need tocreate new infrastructure, it has greatpotential to drive market growth.”

CommitmentThe fuel cell prototype forms part of

Nissan’s ongoing commitment to thedevelopment of zero-emission vehicles andnew automotive technologies includingautonomous drive systems and connectivi-ty. Nissan already sells the world’s highest-volume zero-emission car, the LEAF, and ispioneering Intelligent Mobility systemsthat will be deployed in a range of vehiclesover coming years.

In this latest zero-emission develop-ment, the e-Bio Fuel-Cell prototype vehicleruns on 100-percent ethanol to charge a24kWh battery which enables a cruisingrange of more than 600km. Nissan will con-

duct further field tests on public roads inBrazil using the prototype.

Research and development of the e-BioFuel-Cell was announced by Nissan in Junein Yokohama. The powertrain is clean, high-ly-efficient, easy to supply, and runs on100-percent ethanol or ethanol-blendedwater. Its carbon-neutral emissions are asclean as the atmosphere, which will be thepart of natural carbon cycle. Also, the e-BioFuel-Cell offers the brisk acceleration andsilent driving of an EV, along with its low-running costs, while boasting the drivingrange of a gasoline-engine vehicle.?

Bio-ethanol fuels are mainly sourcedfrom sugarcane and corn. These fuels arewidely available in countries in North andSouth America, which feature widely-established infrastructure. Due to the easyavailability of ethanol and low combustibil-ity of ethanol-blended water, the system isnot heavily dependent or restricted by theexisting charging infrastructure, making iteasy to introduce to the market. In thefuture, people may only need to stop bysmall retail stores to buy fuel off the shelf.

In pursuit of realizing a zero-emissionand zero-fatality society for cars, Nissancontinues to promote vehicle intelligenceand electrification. Nissan’s brand promiseof “Innovation That Excites” is deliveredwith “Nissan Intelligent Mobility”, whichfocuses on how cars are powered, drivenand integrated into society through a moreenjoyable driving experience.

The e-Bio Fuel-Cell will realize the con-cept of “Nissan Intelligent Power,” promot-ing greater efficiency and electrification ofcars and the joys of driving, alongside bat-tery EVs, such as the “Nissan Leaf”, “Nissane-NV200,” and “e-Power,” which is equippedwith an engine housing an exclusive large-capacity motor and power generator.

Nissan will continue to provide value toits customers by incorporating systems thatenable the extraction of electric powerfrom various fuels, while addressing theinfrastructure issues tied to energy supplyin every region of the world.

Nissan unveils world’s first solid-oxide fuel cell vehicle

Cruising range of 600km-plus for zero-emission bio-ethanol fuel-cell model

DIYAR AL-MUHARRAQ, Bahrain: Dragon City,the Kingdom’s largest Chinese shopping cen-tre that was inaugurated in December lastyear, officially launched their weekly special,‘Monday Wholesale Offer and Order (WOO)’,on 8th August. The inauguration was attendedby leading businesspersons and traders fromacross Bahrain, VIPs, officials from Diyar Al-Muharraq and Dragon City as well as variousmedia representatives.

Dragon City, the gateway for Chinese prod-ucts into the Bahrain market with their uniqueWOO concept aims to enable businessmenand vendors to place orders in bulk at whole-sale prices at Shop numbers 42 and 44, locat-ed near Gate 3.

Speaking at the launch of the MondayWholesale Offer and Order, Patrick ZhengShuo, General Manager of Chinamex BahrainManagement Company, the operating compa-ny of Dragon City, said: “As part of our focus onincreasing the prospect of wholesales in theKingdom, we are pleased to launch this newweekly , Monday Wholesale Offer and Order.This is truly a great opportunity for business-men in and around the Kingdom of Bahrain, toavail the benefits of this offer. Providing cus-tomers with good quality at highly competi-tive prices, our hugely popular trade and con-sumer center is the ideal location for retailbusiness owners looking to boost their busi-ness and relationships.”

Patrick further added: “On behalf of DragonCity, I would like to welcome each and every-one to take advantage of the offers everyweek. We hope to provide our valued clientswith the long anticipated shopping experi-ence which encourages businessmen from all

trades to benefit from the weekly Mondayspecial deals.”

Grasping this unique opportunity, severalbusinessmen as well as traders were seen sign-ing special product deals as well as bulk orderswith the stores. During the event, trade cus-tomers expressed their deep appreciation atthe launch of this weekly opportunity.

A local business trader commented, “Thisinitiative provides us with an ideal venue tosource our products at extremely affordablerates. It is a highly economic and viable for us,as we save on time, travel, which effectivelyconverts to huge financial savings and betterprofits. I would like to encourage my colleaguebusinessmen and businesswomen fromBahrain and the neighbouring states to seizethis unrivaled offer.” Changing the trend ofbulk shopping, Dragon City is the truly inspir-ing story of China’s emergence into the MiddleEastern market especially the Bahrain market.As a hub for trade, commerce and investmentopportunities in the region, Dragon City is ahighly valuable income generating entity, thusproviding the national economy of Bahrainwith more choices of merchandise at verycompetitive prices for both retail and whole-sale customers.

It is worth mentioning that Dragon City hasintroduced multiple benefits to the Kingdom,some of which include saving travel expensesfor Bahraini businessmen dealing withChinese firms by thrusting Bahrain into theglobal investment limelight. Dragon City hasalso played a key role in creating more jobopportunities thus drastically improving theemployment and business opportunities forBahraini citizens.

Dragon City unveilsbiggest ‘Monday wholesale

offer and order’ hub

MUMBAI: India’s outgoing central bank chief insist-ed he had laid the foundations for sustainablegrowth in the world’s best-performing major econ-omy after keeping interest rates on hold in his finalpolicy review yesterday.

Raghuram Rajan, who caught the governmentoff guard in June by announcing he was steppingdown in September, said he was unfazed by hiscritics and that the only thing that mattered wasthe impact of his decisions. The Reserve Bank ofIndia (RBI) governor was speaking to reporters afterannouncing the outcome of the last monthly poli-cy review before he returns to academia nextmonth. After confirming that he was keeping rateson hold to check inflation, Rajan staunchly defend-ed his time in office during which he has facedsevere criticism from allies of Prime MinisterNarendra Modi. “I think snap judgments either bycritics or by supporters aren’t really what matters,”Rajan, who is a former International Monetary Fund(IMF) chief economist, told reporters in Mumbai.

“What matters is how this plays out in thelonger run for stronger and sustainable growth forthe country, for job creation, for our movementinto the middle income.

“In our view, the measures we have taken in theRBI were and are justified given the conditions thatwe have. People can have different judgements.”

Since Rajan’s appointment in 2013 under theprevious centre-left government, India has enjoyedgrowth rates that have eclipsed other majoreconomies. India’s economy expanded by 7.9 per-cent in the fourth quarter of 2015-16, the fastest ofany major economy, while inflation has fallen from

double-digit levels to under six percent on hiswatch. But although interest rates are at their low-est level since 2011, there have been tensions withthe ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which hasbeen pushing for deeper cuts, saying these wouldboost growth further. The BJP lawmakerSubramanian Swamy called Rajan an idiot earlierthis year and told him to “go back to Chicago”where he used to be a finance professor.

Most economists however have lamented theprospect of the departure of the man who famous-ly predicted the 2008 global financial crisis.

Rajan had been widely expected to hold thebenchmark repo rate-the level at which it lends tocommercial banks-at 6.50 percent yesterday. Thebank last cut rates by 25 basis points in April.

‘Hawkish approach’ In his address to the media, Rajan said he was

confident there would be further falls in inflationafter the level inched upwards to 5.77 percent inJune, but warned that risks remained.

“Until we see the full effects of the monsoon, itwould be premature to declare victory,” he said.

The monsoon currently sweeping India hasbrought relief to farmers who rely on the rains fortheir crops, but food prices are still high in ruralareas where millions of poor have been hit by acrippling drought. Some experts believe the cen-tral bank can cut rates in the next monetary policyannouncement in October after a new governor isappointed. The government is yet to announceRajan’s successor with current RBI deputy governorUrjit Patel reportedly on the shortlist, along witheconomist Subir Gokarn, who served as RBI deputyfrom 2009 to 2012. Rajan took the RBI reins inSeptember 2013 at a time when India’s economywas struggling with a ballooning current accountdeficit, a plummeting currency and decade-loweconomic growth.

Many economists have hailed his line on ratecuts for bringing down India’s inflation. “Overall,Rajan followed a hawkish approach to rate cutsbetween 2013-2014 and eased it out in the laterstages. He has been very accommodative duringhis tenure and did what was good for the econo-my,” Arun Singh, economist at Dun and Bradstreet,told AFP. The government last week formallyadopted Rajan’s consumer price inflation policy offour percent in a bid to help moderate futureprice rises. — AFP

India outgoing bank chief rebuts critics, holds rates

MUMBAI: Governor of The Reserve Bank ofIndia (RBI) Raghuram Rajan gestures as headdresses media representatives at a pressconference in Mumbai yesterday. — AFP

NEW DELHI: Didi Chuxing’s acquisition of Uber’sChina business last week reshapes the landscape inAsia’s growing ride-hailing sector, and leaves India’sOla more vulnerable to attack by Uber in its $12 bil-lion home market. Four months ago, Ola executivesmet with Didi hoping the Chinese firm would investfresh capital to help it fight Uber Technologies Incwhich, with its deeper pockets, has made rapidinroads into India.

They were told Didi wanted first to sort out itsown challenges in China, said a person with directknowledge of Ola’s plans. Didi and Uber have raisedand spent billions of dollars in a discount slugfest towin drivers, passengers and market share in China.

Didi, now worth around $35 billion, last yearinvested about $30 million in Ola, which is alsobacked by Japan’s SoftBank Group, and the two areallies in an anti-Uber group that also includes U.S.-based Lyft and Southeast Asia-focused Grab.

“This (Didi/Uber China) deal changes the dynam-ics of how they (Didi) will invest in India,” said theperson, who didn’t want to be named because thediscussions were private. If Didi invests more in Ola,it’s effectively betting against Uber, its new partnerin China, the person said. It’s not clear whether Didiwould provide equity or debt to Ola, which hasraised around $1.3 billion in funding and is valued atover $5 billion. SoftBank Capital, Ola’s key investor,

faces its own financial issues and is selling assets toraise cash and reduce debt, which may pose anotherfundraising challenge for Ola, which was aiming toraise another $1 billion this year. Ola did notrespond to an email request for comment. Didi saidin an email that it will focus in the coming monthson “ensuring smooth integration internally.” It didnot comment on its meeting with Ola. Didi has noimmediate overseas investment plans, said a personwith direct knowledge of the matter. The stakes arehigh in India, already one of the world’s fastestgrowing taxi markets. Ola and Uber have burnedthrough investors’ money and clashed in legal bat-tles over alleged dirty-tricks tactics and pricing. Afterthe Didi deal, Uber is even more focused on India,which it has previously called its No. 2 priority over-seas market, doubling down on resources, staffingand technology deployed there, said two peoplefamiliar with Uber’s plans, one of whom is based inthe United States.

MISSION INDIAOla, founded by two graduates from India’s pre-

mier technology institute, commands half of thecountry’s taxi market as of end-June in terms of thenumber of cars registered on its platform, accordingto Counterpoint Research, with Uber on around 30percent market share, and catching fast.

Uber has previously launched a bike taxi andautos service in India - a sign that it wants to local-ize transport options and a lesson from Chinawhere it focused on privately-owned cars in bigcities, where car ownership has historically beenlow. Uber declined to comment for this article. InFebruary, Uber opened an engineering centre inBengaluru and has, according to LinkedIn, broughtin ex-Google executive Apurva Dalal to lead itsIndia product build. It has also hired more thanthree dozen engineers in India in six months andplans to add dozens more by the end of the year,said one of the people familiar with Uber’s plans.

Two executives heading Uber’s mapping efforts,Brian McClendon and Manik Gupta, visited India inJune to work on making the Uber app morelocalised and boosting the mapping capabilities,the other, US-based, individual said. While Uber haspushed into cities and markets worldwide, Olaoperates only in its home market. Ola is in 102 citiesversus Uber’s 27, according to Counterpoint, andoffers a wider range of products - from auto rick-shaws to shuttle buses, as well as taxi rides.

The Didi/Uber deal “will put Ola in a corner, andthe pressure will rise,” said Neil Shah, research direc-tor at Counterpoint. “The money Ola has will notlast forever and it will require a lot of funding withUber gaining financial strength.” — Reuters

India ride-hailing firm Ola sideswipedas Uber, Didi team up in China

Abdulaziz Yaqoub Al Babtain

BEIJING: China’s producer prices fell attheir slowest rate in nearly two years inJuly, the government said yesterday, asign of improving conditions in theworld’s second largest economy.

The producer price index (PPI), whichmeasures the cost of goods at the facto-ry gate, fell 1.7 percent year-on-year lastmonth, the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) said, as a rebound in some com-modity prices reduced downward pres-sures. Protracted declines in the PPIbode ill for industrial prospects and eco-nomic growth, as they put off cus-tomers-who seek to delay purchases inanticipation of cheaper deals in future-starving companies of business and

funds. Chinese PPI has been negative formore than four years but narrowingdeclines in the last three months havefuelled hopes the country-a key driver ofthe world economy-could be reachingthe bottom of a painful slowdown. Thedrop was less than the 2.0 percentdecline forecast by economists in aBloomberg News survey, and sharplynarrower than the 2.6 percent decline inJune.

The improvement in PPI “should ben-efit the corporate sector’s profitability”researchers with ANZ said in a note. Butit will mainly help state-owned enter-prises, which dominate heavy industry,they added, so that the impact on pri-

vate sector investment will be limited.Producer price inflation should continueto strengthen and will “turn positive” inthe second half of 2016 as commodityprices stabilize, they said.

But they warned that until Beijing’splans to cut coal and steel capacity have“made significant progress, the PPIshould not stay strong”.

Producer prices were helped bysteady demand and “lower capacity utili-sation” in factories, analysts with CICCMacro noted, adding that “higher PPIindicates continued improvement” inmanufacturers’ profitability this year.

China’s GDP expanded last year at itsslowest rate in a quarter of a century as

Beijing strives to effect a difficult transi-tion in its growth model away fromreliance on exports and fixed-assetinvestment towards one driven by con-sumers. Consumer inflation eased slight-ly in July, Tuesday’s data showed. Theconsumer price index (CPI) — a maingauge of inflation-rose 1.8 percent on-year, the NBS said, lower than June’s 1.9percent rise but matching expectationsin a Bloomberg survey.

Moderate inflation can be a boon toconsumption as it pushes buyers to actbefore prices go up. Beijing is targetingconsumer inflation of around 3 percentthis year. A drop in food price inflationdragged on the figures, Julian Evans-

Pritchard of Capital Economics said in acommentary, noting a “continued pick-up in broader price pressures” especiallyin service sectors including health careand education.

“The summer holiday fuelled the sea-sonal increases in prices of some servic-es,” said NBS analyst Yu Qiumei in a state-ment. Air ticket prices and tourismagency charges rose 12.1 percent and6.5 percent respectively month-on-month. Evans-Pritchard said that infla-tion was likely to rise in coming monthsbut not enough to concern policymak-ers. Shanghai stocks were slightly higherby the break yesterday, edging up 0.29percent. — AFP

China’s producer deflation eases

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B U S I N E S SWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

LONDON: World stocks hit their highest levels inalmost a year as investors searched for yield, whilesterling fell to its weakest in a month on the prospectof easier monetary policy after Britain’s vote to leavethe European Union. Wall Street was set to openmodestly higher, according to index futures . IanMcCafferty, a prominent Bank of England policyhawk, told The Times newspaper that, if the UK econ-omy slowed as much as sentiment surveys have sug-gested, more easing would be required on top of themeasures unveiled by the Bank last week.

That was enough to push sterling as low as$1.2968, its weakest since July 11. It last traded at

$1.2983, down 0.4 percent on the day.But the picture was complicated by data from the

British Retail Consortium showing the biggest rise inretail spending in Britain in six months in July.“McCafferty really underlined the dovishness of theMPC last week,” said Jane Foley, a strategist withRabobank in London. “But (reading the BRC data)consumers do seem to have been more robust thanmany had anticipated.”

The BoE cut interest rates last week for the firsttime since 2009 to cushion the economic shock of theBrexit vote, and Australia cut its rates to a record low.New Zealand is widely expected to cut on Thursday.

Britain’s blue-chip share index rose 0.3 percent, in linewith a 0.4 percent rise in the pan-European STOXX600 index . This lifted MSCI’s all-country world indexby 0.2 percent to a peak of 417.80 points, its highestsince Aug. 19, 2015.

The European index was led higher by autos andbanks and by forecast-beating company earnings.Overall, the second-quarter earnings season has beenencouraging so far. Of the 77 percent of STOXX 600companies that have reported second-quarter results,61 percent have met or beaten expectations, accord-ing to StarMine data.

“European earnings are surprising on the positive

side, which is a confirmation of solid economicdevelopments in Europe. However, the secondhalf may not be as good due to uncertaintiesrelated to Brexit and some other political issuesin Europe,” UniCredit strategist ChristianStocker said.

The dollar dipped against a basket of majorcurrencies , reversing earlier gains on slightlyraised chances of higher Federal Reserve inter-est rates this year after Friday’s stronger-than-expected US jobs data. The yen edged up 0.2percent to 102.19 per dollar while the euroslipped 0.1 percent to $1.1075.

Asia stocks advance Asian stocks rose yesterday as fresh

Chinese data provided signs of improvingconditions for the world’s second largesteconomy. China’s producer prices fell in Julyat their slowest rate in nearly two years,fuelling hopes the end of a painful slowdowncould be in sight for the Asian powerhousewhich is a key driver of the global economy.Shanghai advanced 0.7 percent after the pro-ducer price index, which measures the cost ofgoods at the factory gate, fell 1.7 percentyear-on-year in July. Asian shares hit one-yearhighs as a global search for yield drove arecord inflow into emerging market funds.Analysts at Bank of America Merrill Lynch saidlast week the search had led to the largestfive-week inflow on record to emerging mar-ket debt funds and the longest inflow streakto equity funds in two years.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacificshares outside Japan gained 0.3 percent, hav-ing already risen for three sessions in a row.Japan’s Nikkei closed 0.7 percent high, risingfor the fourth straight session.

Chinese shares rose 0.5 percent after July

inflation data kept alive the prospect of easiermonetary policy. Consumer price slowedcompared with June while a long decline inproducer price moderated. The figure wasbetter than expectations of a 2.0 decline in aBloomberg News poll of economists andmuch less than the 2.6 percent fall in June.Protracted declines in the Producer PriceIndex bode ill for industrial prospects as cus-tomers seek to delay purchases in anticipationof lower prices in future, starving companiesof business and funds.

Elsewhere traders were generally cautiousafter US markets retreated from record highs.Sydney added 0.3 percent by the close andSeoul ended 0.6 percent higher. Hong Kongclosed down 0.1 percent. Tokyo closed up 0.7percent on a weaker yen and as energy stocksgot a lift.

The dollar was at 102.45 yen, unchangedfrom Monday in New York but well up fromlevels below 101 seen last week. Japaneseexporters benefit from a weaker yen as itinflates the value of their overseas profits.

Energy stocks rose after OPEC said it wouldhold an informal meeting in Algeria nextmonth-hinting it could take action to stabilisethe crude market. The Organization of thePetroleum Exporting Countries said Mondaythat a meeting would take place on the side-lines of the International Energy Forum inAlgeria from September 26 to 28, ahead of aplanned meeting at the end of November.

Hong Kong-listed CNOOC and PetroChinawere among those that recorded gains. InTokyo energy exporter Inpex added 3.2 per-cent and refiner JX Holdings added 1.6 per-cent. In Sydney, Rio Tinto ticked up 1.6 per-cent, while Santos and Oil Search were alsohigher. —Agencies

World stocks jump as investors search for yield

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B U S I N E S SWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

KUWAIT: Ford Motor Company said it iscommitted to growing its business inKuwait and most impor tantly, betterserve Ford and Lincoln customers withthe best brand representation, at a newsconference held earlier yesterday.

Speaking to the local news media inKuwait, Kalyana Sivagnanam, Marketing,Sales and Services Vice President, FordMiddle East and Africa, said: “Kuwait isan impor tant market for Ford in theMiddle East and we are committed toserving the Kuwaiti market and our cus-tomers.

“Ford Motor Company has terminatedits dealership agreement with ArabianM otors Group WLL for the Ford andLincoln brands in Kuwait effective 27 July2016. As we expand our businesses in theMiddle East, offering our customers inKuwait world class products and a best inc lass ownership exper ience remainsFord’s top priority, and we believe thatAlghanim Auto will bring their expertisein automotive retail and excellence incustomer satisfaction and services tohelp us further grow the Ford business inKuwait, in line with the industry.”

Ford has been in a contractual rela-t i o n s h i p w i t h A l g h a n i m Au to a s a nimporter since March 27, 2016. AlghanimIndustries is one of the largest privately-ow n e d a n d p ro fe s s i o n a l l y m a n a g e dcompanies in the region that enjoys anexceptional track record of success inautomotive distribution, sales and serv-ice, as well as being a market leader inalmost every sector in which it operates.

Thierry Sabbagh, Ford Middle East’smanaging director added: “We are confi-dent that Alghanim Auto are the rightpartner for the Ford brand moving for-ward and to help us deliver a best inclass ownership experience in Kuwait.

“We are fully committed to providet h e s a l e s a n d s e r v i ce s u p p o r t o u rKuwaiti customers need and are workingclosely with our new importer, AlghanimAuto, to del iver what our customerswant: great products and ser vices atgreat value for money,” he explained.

Ford officials reiterated the fact thatFord and Lincoln customers can pur-chase Ford products as well as get theirvehicles serviced by Ford trained techni-cians and service advisors as well as pur-

chase original Ford and MotorCraft partsfrom Alghanim Auto’s dedicated show-room and service center in Al Shuwaikh.

Ford also clarified Alghanim Auto isthe only importer authorized by FordMotor Company to per form warrantyrepairs for Ford and Lincoln vehicles inKuwait, and that customers with Ford orLincoln Extended Service Plans will beable to ful f i l l their contrac ts only atAlghanim Auto.

Ford Motor Company is a global auto-motive and mobility company based inDearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000employees and 67 plants worldwide, thecompany ’s core bus iness inc ludesdesigning, manufacturing, marketing,financing and servicing a full line of Fordcars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles,as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At thesame time, Ford is aggressively pursuingemerging opportunities through FordSmart Mobility, the company’s plan to bea leader in connec t iv i t y, mobi l i t y,autonomous vehic les , the customerexperience and data and analytics. Thecompany provides f inancial ser vicesthrough Ford Motor Credit Company.

Ford Middle East reaffirms its commitment to Kuwait market

Alghanim Auto to be authorized importer of Ford brand products

KUWAIT: Kalyana Sivagnanam, Marketing, Sales and Services Vice President, FordMiddle East and Africa and Thierry Sabbagh, Ford Middle East’s managing direc-tor, address a press conference in Kuwait yesterday. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

LONDON: The Bank of England’s firstrate cut since 2009 looks unlikely to bepassed in full to borrowers, despite theBoE being ready to lend banks asmuch as 100 billion pounds ($130 bil-lion) to ensure it happens. The launchof the Term Funding Scheme (TFS) -the BoE’s biggest intervention inBritain’s banking market in four years -is likely to offer a modest boost togrowth. But it also highlights the diffi-culty of implementing cuts in interestrates as they approach zero.

Governor Mark Carney said lendershad “no excuse” not to pass onAugust’s quarter-point cut in interestrates to 0.25 percent, as the TFS wouldneutralise the negative impact of therate cut on bank profits by providinglenders with cheap loans.

But less than a week later, thingsalready look more complicated for theproject that is part of the centralbank’s response to Britain’s vote toquit the European Union. Britain’sbiggest mortgage lender, LloydsBanking Group , is holding off cuttingits main rate, while First Direct, part ofHSBC, reduced the interest rate it paysout on one of its savings accounts by0.4 percentage points.

“The narrative presented was a bitsimplistic,” said Ian Gordon, a bankinganalyst at Investec.

The key point is that Britishlenders vary greatly in how muchthey can benefit from the TFS,depending on whether they alreadyhave access to finance that coststhem less than the 0.25 percent mini-mum charge for funding from theBoE scheme. Major lenders such asRoyal Bank of Scotland, Barclays andHSBC already have more cash thanthey have been able to lend out,often from business and personal cur-

rent accounts on which the banks paylittle or no interest.

For them, the TFS will do nothing toreduce the squeeze on their net inter-est margin - the difference betweensavings and lending rates that is themain source of profit from lending.

As a result, interest rates on newtwo-year fixed-rate mortgages -Britain’s most popular type of homefinance - were likely to drop by lessthan 25 basis points, Gordon said, asbanks’ sought to preserve profits andpriced in a higher risk of default as theeconomic outlook darkened.

“I think prices will come down, butI’m skeptical you will see them come25 basis points lower,” Investec’sGordon said. Existing mortgage ratesthat tracked Bank Rate would fall, butcredit card rates and new businesslending - which is sensitive to the eco-nomic outlook - would prove stickier.

Bankers say Lloyds and smallerchallenger banks such as VirginMoney, Shawbrook and Aldermoregain more from the scheme, as theyrely on costlier wholesale finance andsavings accounts.

Gordon said this gave them scopeto cut the interest they paid savers bymore than a quarter percentage point- an effect of the TFS which the BoEhas not chosen to stress.

MODEST GAINSNone of this means the TFS is a

waste of time, but it is unlikely to havethe same impact as the BoE’s last bigintervention, the Funding for LendingScheme in 2012. “Overall I think it willprovide a small stimulus to the econo-my ... but it’s not a game-changer,”Pantheon Macroeconomics’ SamuelTombs said.

The FLS came at a time when

British banks faced high borrowingcosts due to the eurozone crisis, andoffered incentives to lend as the econ-omy gathered steam. In just over ayear, it provided more than 40 billionpounds of finance to banks and build-ing societies. By contrast, the TFScomes at a time when banks canalready raise finance cheaply, and theBoE expects business and housinginvestment to fall sharply, reducingdemand for loans.

“We are in a different world nowwhere banks are in a much healthierposition, where it’s not really the sup-ply of credit that is the constraint onthe economy,” BoE Deputy GovernorBen Broadbent told Reuters on Friday.“There is no point in offering verypowerful incentives to lend ... becauseit is not clear they would be taken up.”

The roughly 100 billion pounds ofnewly created money available via theTFS represents about 5 percent of out-standing UK loans, and a fair chunkmay be taken up by banks refinancingold FLS borrowing for another fouryears at a cheaper rate.

Full pass through of last week’s ratecut would take time, Broadbent said,and the BoE was not looking to policeevery single loan rate and would relyinstead on competitive pressure topush down borrowing costs.

JP Morgan economist Allan Monksspeculated that the TFS could ulti-mately provide a path for the BoE tointroduce negative interest rates bythe back door, circumventing Carney’sopposition and effectively payingbanks to lend. Broadbent, however,was quick to dismiss this. A EuropeanCentral Bank scheme similar to theTFS, TLTRO II, showed the difficulty ofgetting banks to offer deposits or lendat negative rates, he said. —Reuters

BoE Brexit plan challenged by world awash with cheap money

NEW YORK: Drugmaker ValeantPharmaceuticals, a fast-growing WallStreet darling until its price-hiking busi-ness strategy made it a symbol of phar-maceutical company greed, said it’sundergoing a restructuring as its new CEOattempts to turn it around and repair itstattered reputation.

The company has come under a harshspotlight for repeatedly buying oldermedicines with limited competition andthen jacking their prices up threefold ormore, with no changes or improvementsto the drugs. The Canadian company’sspate of acquisitions and soaring revenuepropelled its stock through the roof, whilerunning up some $30 billion in debt.

As soaring drug prices became a hotpolitical issue, Valeant has been hit withthree ongoing federal probes into itsaccounting and business practices andcriticism from presidential candidates,forcing it to renounce its price-hikingstrategy and push out Michael Pearson,the CEO behind that strategy.

Meanwhile, insurers and other payers

trying to reign in their costs for medicinessuccessfully pressed for bigger drug dis-counts and rebates, which slashedValeant’s revenue from sales in developedcountries by 14 percent in the secondquarter. As a result, Valeant yesterdayreported a wider loss and an 11 percentdip in total revenue during the quarter.Still, its shares jumped after the belea-guered company stuck by its financialforecast for the year and said it wouldunveil a new strategy. Valeant’s losseswidened to $302.3 million, or 88 cents pershare, from $53 million, or 15 cents pershare, a year prior. Earnings, adjusted forone-time gains and costs, came to $1.40per share.

Revenue tumbled to $2.42 billion inthe period. Both results fell short of WallStreet expectations. Analysts had expect-ed per-share earnings of $1.61, and rev-enue of $2.59 billion, according to a sur-vey by Zacks Investment Research.Despite a weak quarter, Valeant stuck toearlier projections of annual full-year earn-ings in the range of $6.60 to $7 per share,

with revenue in the range of $9.9 billion to$10.1 billion.

That eased some concerns forinvestors, who have seen the value of theshares they hold lose more than 90 per-cent of their value over the past year.Shares jumped 13 percent to $25.38 inmorning trading yesterday. One year ago,shares cost about $264.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals InternationalInc., based in Laval, Quebec, said it is tak-ing steps to streamline its portfolio ofproducts and has agreed to sell rights toseveral drugs. On Tuesday, Pearson’s suc-cessor, CEO Joseph Papa, said that thecompany would be taking a “new strate-gic direction.” No details about that direc-tion were released, but anything thatbrings Valeant closer to a more typicalpharmaceutical concern would be a reliefto embattled investors.

“Although it will take time to imple-ment and execute our turnaround plan, Iam confident that we will show progressin the coming quarters,” Papa said in acompany statement. —AP

LAVAL: The head office and logo of Valeant Pharmaceuticals in Laval, Quebec, Canada. —AP

Solid outlook from Valeant, promised changes; shares up

JAKARTA: This general view shows the check-in hall at the newly-openedterminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, on the out-skirts of Jakarta, yesterday. —AFP

JAKARTA: The Indonesian capital’s airportopened a new terminal yesterday after years ofoperating at far above its passenger capacity.

Domestic flights for national carrier Garudabegan operating in the morning fromSoekarno-Hatta airport’s steel and glass $560million Terminal 3. Its international flights willshift to the new terminal next month. Other air-lines will gradually move their flights to the ter-minal and the airport company plans to startrefurbishing two old terminals, built in 1984

and 1992, later this year.Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 250

million people, is one of world’s fastest growingair travel markets. But many international airlinesbypass the capital Jakarta in favor of modern,high-capacity airports at Bangkok, Singapore orKuala Lumpur for their Southeast Asianstopovers. The airport operator and governmenthopes the new terminal, and a third runway thatis under development, will change that.

Budi Karya Sumadi, Indonesia’s transport

minister and former president of the airportcompany, said “this terminal was built to changethe image of the capital Jakarta.” Soekarno-Hatta airport will be able to handle 62 millionpassengers a year once the renovated terminalsare fully operational again in early 2018. The air-port handled about 54 million passengers lastyear, making it the 18th busiest in the world,according to Airports Council International. Anelectric train from the airport to the city is slatedfor completion in early 2017. —AP

Indonesian capital’s airport opens $560 million terminal

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b u s i n e s sWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

BEIRUT: At an exclusive event in Beirut,(Lebanon) Infiniti Middle East took thecovers of the hotly anticipated all-newInfiniti Q30. The Infiniti Q30 active com-pact is a new type of premium vehicle fora new type of consumer. RepresentingInfiniti’s first entry into the fast-growingpremium compact segment, the Q30will play an important role in continu-ing to drive the growth of the brandhere in the region.

Juergen Schmitz, Managing Director,Infiniti Middle East said: “When we firstdebuted the Infiniti Q30 to the region atthe Dubai International Motor Show lastyear - it was met with widespread criticalacclaim. We are extremely proud to behere today when we can officially launchthe car to all markets in the Middle East.The Infiniti Q30 is a completely new seg-ment and direction for the Infiniti brandand we are confident that this vehiclewill continue to deliver Infiniti’s premiumexperience to a new segment of cus-tomer.”

The Q30 takes Infiniti’s signature

design cues and evolves them into newdynamic shapes. The double-arch grillewith 3D mesh, for example, has grownfrom the Q50, with a more fluid move-ment into the headlamps. The dramaticcurves and turbulent lines flow up thebonnet, over the fenders and across thebody line into the strong shoulder ofthe car.

The signature C-pillar arcs forward ina dynamic crescent shape that empha-sises motion, even when stationary. Thecontrast of the long, low-slung roof-line,conjuring an image of a rakish shootingbrake in silhouette, and elevated stanceadd to the visual impact. This also addsto a sleek look that gives the impressionof the car being in motion even whenstanding still. The balance of sculpturalshapes moving past one another createsa harmonious design that can be appre-ciated at a glance.

An important, differentiating charac-teristic of the Q30’s design is its combi-nation of elevated stance with an overallheight that is comparable with models in

the traditional compact segment. TheQ30’s height (1,495mm) allows for ahigher hip point (531mm), which aidsingress and egress. The A-pillar design isintentionally slim, contributing toenhanced visibility for a confident driv-ing experience.

The Q30 Sport stands a little lower(1,475mm), accentuating the already dis-tinctive, coupe-like silhouette, which isemphasised by a shallow side glass area,while also providing for agile ride andhandling. Driving performance will alsobe differentiated, thanks to individualsuspensions settings and distinctive rideand handling characteristics - offeringpremium compact buyers a choice thatis specific to their personal needs andpreferences.

Striking appearanceThe Q30 Premium includes LED front

fog lamps, body-coloured and heateddoor mirrors, as well as chrome dualrectangular exhaust finishers. 18-inchal loy wheels add to the Premium

grade’s striking appearance.On the technology front, the Q30

delivers in spades as the best equippedwith the highest level of assistive tech-nology in the segment. This includes’Around View Monitor with MovingObject Detection, Intelligent ParkingAssist, Forward Collision Warning withForward Emergency Braking and BlindSport Warning. A first for Infiniti and thiscategory, the Intelligent Parking Assist isdesigned to work in the three most com-mon parking situations, tight parallelparking, 90 degree backing-in and head-ing -in parking. Using 12 sensors in thefront and rear, the system automaticallysteers the vehicle into place with theadditional help or audio and visual warn-ings whilst the driver controls the brakeand accelerator.

Ranking among the best in the premi-um compact segment, front passengerseat width is 1,393mm; rear passengerseat width measures 1,349mm; headroom (without sunroof) is 108mm in thefront and 43mm in the rear of the car.

There is 626mm of leg room in the frontand 538mm in the back, and 1,324mmand 1,244mm of hip room front and rear,respectively.

Cargo capacity is highly competitive,notably the boot capacity of 430 litres.Aided by a wide, square aperture, andpractical, squared-off dimensions, theboot will easily hold two large suitcases,with 60:40 split-fold rear passengerseats liberating additional space forlarger cargo.

At launch, the Infiniti Q30 will beavailable with 1.6L or 2.0L Turbo variantsin a 2WD configuration. The 2.0L Turbowill also be offered with an optionalAWD drivetrain. The 2.0L Turbo enginedelivers 208hp and 350Nm torque. Whenequipped with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the highest-performingengine in the range is capable of power-ing the Infiniti Q30 from 0-to-100kph in7.3 seconds.

Available across the Middle East theall-new Infiniti Q30 starts at AED105,000.

All-new Infiniti Q30 unveiled at exclusive launch event in Beirut

DUBAI: Marka PJSC (DFM: MARKA),the first retail-focused listed compa-ny in the UAE, yesterday released itsinterim financial results for the sec-ond quarter of 2016. For the threemonths ending 30th June 2016, thecompany reported total revenue ofAED 89.5 million, an increase of 18.2percent compared to Q1 2016. Totallosses reported for the period wereAED 18.72 million. However net oper-ating loss for Q2 2016 was AED 3.83million. The Q2 2016 results wereachieved despite a generally slowerretail season during the Holy Monthof Ramadan.

Khaled Almheiri Vice-Chairmanand Managing Director of Marka,said, “Marka has been extremely busyduring the second quarter of 2016,launching the world’s first Harper’sBAZAAR CafÈ in Dubai Design District(d3) in partnership with Hearst

Magazines International, and com-pleting franchise agreements forReem Al-Bawadi restaurants inKuwait, Bahrain, KSA and Lahore,Pakistan. On behalf of the board ofdirectors, I am extremely pleased onthe progress the company is makingon our business plan to build a port-folio of exciting and profitable hospi-tality and fashion/beauty brands. Ourfocus continues to be on building forfuture growth and delivering long-term value for our shareholders.”

Almheiri added, “Today’s strongQ2 results have been achievedagainst a backdrop of a challengingretail economy and a slow retailmonth during the Holy Month ofRamadan, and reflect our commit-ment to building the best retail oper-ating company in the Middle East.With a focus on investing for thecompany’s future, we have 19 new

outlets planned for opening in 2016 -including in the UAE four Reem Al-Bawadi restaurants and three CheekyMonkeys Playland & Sweet Surprisesoutlets. Our efforts are seeing fruitionin building profitable trading plat-forms for 2017 and beyond.”

As part of its other regionalexpansion activities, Marka recentlyopened its first Reem Al-Bawadirestaurant in Bahrain, and earlierannounced plans to launch nine fran-chised outlets of Cheeky Monkeys inSaudi Arabia over the next five years.More recently, the companylaunched its loyalty rewards programin partnership with Air Miles MiddleEast, and opened its home-grownItalian street-food concept Vicolo inDubai Design District (d3).

Marka currently operates over 50outlets across its portfolio of hospitali-ty, sports and fashion/beauty brands.

Marka announces Q2 2016 Financial ResultsStrong growth in revenue, a rise of 18.2% over Q1 2016

Khaled Almheiri Vice-Chairman and Managing

Director of Marka

KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) heldits 15th ‘Double Your Salary’ weekly drawon 9th August, 2016 at the Bank’s HeadOffice in the presence of a representativefrom the Ministry of Commerce, announc-ing the names of the winners for this week.The promotion includes weekly draws,with two winners per draw and is runninguntil 30 September, 2016.

The winners this week are:1) Nada Ghanim Faraj Mubarak, Sabah

Hospital Branch2) Hares Abdulaleem Ahmad Khaleel,

Head Office BranchNew customers who transfer their

salary to ABK receive KD 100 and will auto-matically be entered into the weekly drawsto double their salaries. Existing customerswho are already transferring their salary toABK are entered into a separate draw.

The next ‘Double Your Salary’ draw willbe held on 16th August, 2016 where twonew lucky winners will be announced. Allwinners will be contacted personally and aweekly announcement will be madethrough the media with the winners’names.

ABK announces winners of 15th ‘Double Your Salary’ draws

KUWAIT: Building on their long-standingpartnership and numerous successful jointcampaigns and value -added offers ,Commercia l Bank of Kuwait (CBK ) andMasterCard succeed once again with theirnew produc ts - three co -brandedMasterCard produc ts including World,Platinum and Prepaid credit cards launchedby CBK in partnership with British Airways.

As the only Brit ish Air ways-brandedMasterCard credit cards in the Middle East,the products combine a world-leading cardconcept with a global loyalty program,offering cardholders the opportunity tocollect Avios points (the reward currency ofthe British Airways Executive Club) andredeem them for flights and upgrades.

Sahar Al -Rumaih, Ac t ing GeneralManager for Retail Banking Division, CBK,said: “Our partnership with British Airwayswith the support of MasterCard is a signifi-

cant development for our wider growthplans in Kuwait and we are proud to be theonly bank issuing a Brit ish Air ways co-branded MasterCard credit card in theMiddle East. It forms part of our overallstrategy to bring the best card products toour customers.”

The cards are loaded with benefits thatMasterCard provides to customers such asLounge access, global travel Insurance, Freenights in more than 1,200 hotels of luxuryStarwood hotels around the world (SPGhotels). Customers will be able to collectAvios on purchases, from booking flights topaying for dinner or fuel or everyday shop-ping and spend them to pay for fl ightsworldwide with Br i t ish Air ways andoneworld airline partners.

Raghav Prasad, General Manager - GulfCountries, MasterCard, said: “The launch ofthe only Br it ish Air ways-branded

MasterCard credit cards in the Middle East isa significant step forward for MasterCard aswe continue to provide an enhanced andrewarding payment experience for our cus-tomers across the region. Travel is an impor-tant part of our lives in the Middle East andCommercial Bank of Kuwait’s partnershipwith British Airways will allow frequent trav-ellers to make the most of MasterCard’smulti-tiered security while benefitting fromattractive travel rewards and features.”

The new co-branded credit cards featurea number of value-added benefits, includ-ing access to MasterCard Priceless Cities,which offers VIP treatment and uniqueexperiences in enter tainment, d ining,hotels and shopping in cities around theworld. MasterCard World and Platinumcardholders a lso benef i t f rom loungeaccess, travel insurance and conciergeservices.

CBK, MasterCard launch new British Airways-cobrand MasterCard cards

KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing andmost developed telecom operator, launched thenew Huawei P9 Plus device, smartphone photog-raphy at its smartest, with postpaid packagesstarting KD 15.

The new Huawei P9 Plus comes with theground breaking Leica dual lens technology tocapture more light with two sensors, one RGB andone monochrome. Together they combine richercolors and greater details for stunning pictures.Users can take photos of professional standardswith the many choices in film mode and wideaperture effect.

The 8 megapixel front camera allows superiorselfies even in low light. The 3400mAh batterygives longer battery life with rapid charge. Theenhanced ‘Press Touch’ innovation builds onHuawei’s screen pressure technology.

VIVA is the fastest-growing telecom operator inKuwait. Launched in December 2008, VIVA makesthings Possible for its customers by transformingcommunication, information and entertainmentexperiences. The company has rapidly establishedan unrivalled position in the market through itscustomer centric approach. VIVA’s quest is to bethe mobile brand of choice in Kuwait by beingtransparent, engaging, energetic and fulfilling.VIVA continues to take a considerable share of themarket by offering an innovative range of best val-ue products, services and content propositions; astate of the art, nationwide network and world-class service. VIVA offers internet speeds of morethan 100 Mbps, due to the implementation of themost advanced fourth generation (4G LTE) net-work in Kuwait resulting in superior coverage, per-formance and reliability.

VIVA launches Huawei P9 Plus device with postpaid packages

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t e c hnolo g yWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

ANAHEIM: Casey Cooper is one of the most famous drum-mers on the planet right now. He has a million followers onYouTube, and his flaming-sticks drumming cover of EllieGoulding’s “Burn” is insane. But he’d just prefer you skip hisrecorded performances and instead catch him live - onstreaming video, that is - because he can make more mon-ey that way.

Live video is fast emerging as a lucrative corner of theinternet where artists can profit from fans who tip lavishlyin order to rub virtual shoulders with their favorite broad-casters. Startups such as Ampli.fi and YouNow are helpingfoster a digital economy around live video. Now, deep-pocketed tech goliaths like Facebook, Twitter andSnapchat are joining the party. Different performers havedifferent reasons for preferring live video. Cooper, 24, saysfan tips can bring in much more than his hundreds of mil-lions of views on YouTube, where copyright holders claimthe ad revenue for use of their underlying songs.

Recording labels haven’t reached into live performers’tip jars as they can’t really replace downloads or streams ofsongs. A handful of sites including YouNow have registeredto pay songwriting royalties, but the fee is minimal, accord-ing to the American Society of Composers, Authors andPublishers. Cooper’s first session on Ampli.fi, a musician-focused streaming service, netted him nearly $100 inabout an hour.

Power to the people “It’s so powerful,” says Cooper, who broadcast his live

show from his home in Canton, Georgia. “People will say,‘Please, please, please just shout me out. Say my user-name.’” Such intense fan interaction is one reason internetand media companies are jump-starting their live-videoefforts. Facebook is spending tens of millions of dollarsrecruiting celebrities such as Kevin Hart and GordonRamsay for shows on its Facebook Live system. YouTube

just announced the ability to go live from your mobilephone. And cable giant Comcast is among several compa-nies that invested $15 million in October in YouNow, a live-streaming service popular among teens.

How popular? Just ask Sandra Alvarez, a 14-year-oldstudent from Los Angeles who says she used to spend $50a month - more than half her allowance - tipping broad-casters on YouNow. She would get notified whenever onewent live; with some, she says, she would tune in “basicallyevery time.” Some services like upstart Live.me cultivatesuch devotion by rewarding Alvarez and other followerswith daily dollops of digital currency that they can use tobuy their favorites virtual gifts.

Recorded live But live video isn’t always easy to watch. Broadcasts on

Twitter-owned Periscope are regularly over before manypeople even find out about them. Live video requireshabits that feel like a return to the old days of broadcast TV.So more companies are giving users a way to save andshare recordings - though at that point they’re not reallylive anymore, of course.

Facebook Live stored its videos from the start. Thatallowed Candace Payne’s giggling live selfie of trying on aChewbacca mask to become an internet sensation with160 million views since May, making it Facebook’s mostpopular “live” video so far. Periscope is testing the ability tosave videos longer than the customary 24 hours by addinga “save” hashtag to a stream title. YouNow is adding“Moments” for viewers to share snippets of streams.

Fan energy into money The big question is whether and how live video can

turn into a real business. One revenue source is advertis-ing. Twitter, for instance, will stream 10 Thursday NightFootball games in the coming season and has already

sold 60 percent of its ad spots. But the real prize could betapping into the spontaneous urge for fans to supportsmall-scale streamers with whom they feel an instant,real-time connection. It’s a little like tipping buskers, butwith the convenience of credit cards and the distance ofthe internet.

Many fans will pay $5 a month to get VIP status with anartist, says Ampli.fi founder Bart Decrem, a serial entrepre-neur who sold a mobile game startup to Disney in 2010.That mostly just gets them a gold star beside their user-name in the chat room - though that boosts their chanceof being noticed by the artist. “It’s completely intangible,”Decrem says. “That’s the most powerful thing.”

Weekend at Bernie’s Such intangible economics have helped 71-year-old

Bernie Katzman and his wife Mindy escape their workadaylives of teaching and nursing. From their home inJacksonville, Florida, he plays keyboards and sings - his lefthand on a Steinway, his right on a synthesizer. She chatsand sometimes cooks healthy dishes. It’s been nearly ayear since their 22-year-old son introduced them to Twitch,an Amazon-owned streaming service that is mostly devot-ed to live playback of videogame battles. “We thought(Twitch) was a neuromuscular issue,” says Mindy, 51. “Wehad no idea what streaming even meant.”

The Katzmans now have more than 190,000 followers,among them nearly 500 subscribers paying $5 a month.Add in the tips, including $5 a pop to guarantee thatBernie plays a song request, and it provides a healthy sup-plement to retirement income. Fans regularly send pic-tures of their pets and ask marriage advice, which the cou-ple - now married 29 years - gladly provides. All told, it’s afull-time job for both of them. “This has been an unbeliev-able adventure,” Bernie says. “We are pioneers in the field ofstreaming.” — AP

Boom in live video helping few creators make a living

Emerging as a lucrative corner of the internet

ANAHEIM: In this Thursday, June 23, 2016, photo, Erick Armas, left, captures video of,from right, Jordan Hoyle, Violet Summersby, George Padilla and Sue Evelyn Gil, who werelive broadcasting from the live.me booth at VidCon, an annual convention for the fans ofstars from YouTube, Vine, Instagram and other video platforms, at the AnaheimConvention Center.

CANTON: This photo provided by the SutherlandGold Group shows Casey Cooper at hishome in Canton, Ga., on the “Coop3r Livestream Set.” — AP photos

Few Livestreamingapps beyond

Facebook LiveNEW YORK: Live video is growing more popular asa way for families to share big moments with far-away loved ones and for artists and athletes to con-nect with fans. Livestreaming has also made thenews in recent weeks as House Democrats usedPeriscope to broadcast a sit-in over gun controlafter the Republican majority cut off televisioncameras. I t was also got attention when aMinnesota woman used Facebook Live to streamfootage of her dying boyfriend after he was shot bypolice. And it might come up during the Olympics ifspectators and athletes livestream events publicly -a violation of ticketing and Olympic rules and achallenge to the billions of dollars TV companiespay for rights. Below are some of the most popularways to livestream from your phone:

FACEBOOK LIVEAnyone with a Facebook account can livestream

anything using Facebook’s app. To use it, tap theempty box where your status update would go. Amenu should pop up with the option for “livevideo.” A couple of taps later, you are live, broad-casting to your friends. You can change the privacysetting to make your live video public, too. Thevideo is available for replay once you are done. Youcan delete it or save it on your phone if you want.

PERISCOPEThe Twitter-owned video-streaming app made

its debut about a year ago, well-timed with theexponential growth of people watching and takingvideos on their smartphones. You can broadcast toselect followers or the broader public. You canshare your precise location or keep it private.Viewers can send comments, and streams can beshared on Twitter, Facebook or other social mediaservices.

MEERKATSeventeen months ago, Meerkat was the darling

of the South By Southwest Interactive tech confab,seemingly destined to make livestreaming the nexthot thing. Then came Periscope and Facebook Live,and Meerkat’s popularity dropped. The company isno longer focused on livestreaming and has instead“pivoted” - Silicon Valley speak for shifting resourceselsewhere when your first (or second, or third) ideadoesn’t work.

YOUNOWYou sign in with their Twitter, Facebook, Google

or Instagram account to stream live videos. YouNowalso lets you “discover talented broadcasters” andvideo chat live with people around the world, as itswebsite touts. Music is an especially popular broad-cast topic, but you’ll find the usual stuff as well,such as people livestreaming themselves as theysleep. Zzzzz.

TWITCHThe Amazon-owned livestreaming service start-

ed off as a way for gamers to stream their gameplayand show off their skills. Now, Twitch is broadeningits reach. It has added channels in its “creative” areafor people to broadcast live music, drawing, pro-gramming and so on. You can pay a subscriptionfee for certain benefits on channels, and even tipperformers. People can livestream from traditionalcomputers, too - not just smartphones, as mostother services require. - AP

NEW YORK: Hulu is dropping the free TV episodes that it was ini-tially known for as it works on an online television service to rivalcable TV. Free episodes - typically the most recent four or fiveepisodes from a show’s current season - will be gone from thesite within a few weeks. Instead, Hulu is making free episodesavailable through Yahoo.

While Hulu started as a free site, supported by advertising,free video has become increasingly more difficult to find as Hulutries to lure viewers into a subscription - $8 a month for a planwith ads, and $12 without. In recent months, visitors to Hulu.comhave been presented with prominent links to subscribe, withlinks to free video buried in a menu after signing in. And freeepisodes haven’t been available on Hulu’s mobile apps or stream-ing-TV devices, just on Hulu.com from a traditional computer.Now, they won’t be on Hulu.com at all.

Devotees of Hulu’s free on-demand videos will be able tofind them by visiting the new Yahoo View site from a computer.The Yahoo site will not have free episodes of CW shows such as“Arrow” and “The Flash,” as Hulu has been offering, because CWhas a broader deal with Netflix instead. Yahoo says it will havethe past five episodes of ABC, NBC and Fox shows available. TheFox shows will appear eight days after their TV airing, as is thepractice at Hulu.com now. Yahoo will also have some older CBSshows.

Licensing restrictions The episodes on Yahoo are not currently available on a phone,

although Yahoo is working on a mobile web version and an app.Yahoo says the mobile version will be free, but it may not have all

the same video as the desktop computer site because of contentlicensing restrictions. Hulu says relatively few people watch thefree videos. It now has about 12 million subscribers who pay fororiginal shows, the entire current seasons of some networkshows and access to Hulu’s library on mobile and streaming-TVdevices like Roku.

Hulu also plans to launch a live online TV service next year. Itwould show broadcast and cable channels in real time, withoutmaking viewers wait until the next day for episodes. In a movethat could make that service more appealing, Time Warner Inc.recently took a 10 percent stake in Hulu, joining the TV andmovie conglomerates - Walt Disney Co., 21st Century Fox andComcast’s NBCUniversal - that already owned it. Time Warnerplans to contribute some of its channels, including TNT and TBS,to the new service.

Several other companies already offer live, paid TV over theinternet, including Sony and Dish. DirecTV plans a service for laterthis year as well. Yahoo also has broader ambitions for View. Itwants to add video from other Yahoo properties and from othernetworks and studios. However, its previous attempt at an onlinevideo hub, Yahoo Screen, shut down in January, despite havingnew episodes of the cult comedy “Community” after its cancella-tion by NBC.

Verizon, which is buying Yahoo to help the phone companygrow a digital advertising business , makes TV episodes and shortvideos available on its go90 mobile app. Phil Lynch, the head ofmedia and content partnerships at Yahoo, says that as the dealgets closer to closing early next year, it “makes sense that we haveintegration discussions.” — AP

Hulu dropping free video as it prepares cable TV alternative

SYDNEY: Playing online games may boost teenagers’school results while spending time on social networkssuch as Facebook could do the opposite, according toan Australian study. The research, based on the perform-ance of 15-year-old Australians in the globally recog-nized Program for International Student Assessment(PISA) tests, looked at the relationship between internetusage and educational outcomes.

“The analysis reveals that children who regularly useonline social networks, such as Facebook, tend to obtainlower scores in math, reading, and science than stu-dents who never or hardly ever use these sites,” it said.“Conversely, the analysis shows that those students whoplay online video games obtain higher scores on PISAtests, all other things being equal,” the study publishedin the International Journal of Communication said. Thestudy said it was possible that children who werealready gifted in maths, science and reading were morelikely to play online games.

But it added that while both gaming and socializingused time that teenagers could otherwise spend study-ing, video games “potentially allow students to applyand sharpen skills learned in school”. “Students who playonline games almost every day score 15 points abovethe average in maths and 17 points above the averagein science,” study author Alberto Posso said yesterday.

“When you play online games you’re solving puzzles tomove to the next level and that involves using some ofthe general knowledge and skills in maths, reading andscience that you’ve been taught during the day.”

Students who used online social networks on a dailybasis scored 20 points lower in maths than a studentwho never used this type of social media, according tothe study, which used the PISA ranking for 12,000 pupilsfrom 2012 and controlled for other influences. “Studentswho are regularly on social media are, of course, losingtime that could be spent on study-but it may also indi-cate that they are struggling with maths, reading andscience and are going online to socialize instead,” Possosaid.

Internet usage among teenagers is considered par-ticularly high in Australia where 97 percent of 15 to 17year olds say they frequently go online. Some 78 per-cent of the children in the sample used online socialnetworks almost every day or every day. Use of theinternet was not bad in itself, and Posso, from the RoyalMelbourne Institute of Technology, suggested teachersconsider incorporating popular video games into theirlessons-”as long as they’re not violent ones”. He also saidother factors also needed to be considered, with skip-ping school every day about twice as bad for results asusing Facebook or chatting online daily. — AFP

NEW YORK: This June 27, 2015, file photo shows the Hulu logo on a window at the Milk Studios space. — AP

Gaming boost teens’ school results: Australian study

NEW BRITAIN: A teenager who posted online videos of flyingdrones shooting a gun and a flamethrower in his backyardappeared in court Monday to fight his expulsion from CentralConnecticut State University. Austin Haughwout, 19, is suinguniversity officials in an effort to return to school, and onMonday in New Britain he challenged the process that led tohis expulsion, WTIC-AM reported.

Central Connecticut State officials say Haughwout waskicked out for threatening to shoot people at the school. Anattorney for Haughwout says what some may have interpretedas threats were actually jokes, protected by free speech.Haughwout believes his drone videos were the real reason hegot kicked out. School officials have denied that.

Haughwout uploaded the widely viewed videos to hisYouTube channel last year. One shows a flying drone equippedwith a handgun firing rounds. Another shows a flying dronewith a flamethrower lighting up a spit-roasting turkey. Bothvideos were recorded in the family’s yard in Clinton. The videosled the Federal Aviation Administration to subpoenaHaughwout and his father late last year, saying the

weaponized drones were capable of causing serious injury topeople or property. Haughwout and his father, BretHaughwout, refused to comply at first, saying the subpoenasviolated their constitutional right to be free from unreasonablesearches and seizures and questioning the agency’s authorityto regulate recreational drones.

Last month, a federal judge in New Haven ordered theHaughwouts to comply with the FAA subpoenas. AustinHaughwout has been in and out of the news over the past twoyears. Clinton police announced in June that they charged himwith enticing a minor with a computer, attempted sexualassault and possession of child pornography after police saythey found child porn on his cellphone. His lawyer has calledthat arrest warrant “overly broad” and suggested that Clintonpolice had it out for his client because of the drone videos. Lastyear, Clinton police charged him with assaulting officers. Thecase remains pending. In 2014, a woman was charged withassaulting Haughwout because she was upset he was using adrone to record video above a beach in Madison. Haughwoutposted footage of the confrontation on YouTube. — AP

Teen who posted weaponized drone videos fights expulsion

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JAKARTA: The Philippines has posted arecord number of new HIV infections, prompt-ing campaigners to call on authorities to stepup efforts to battle the potentially deadly dis-ease. A total of 841 new cases were recordedin June, the highest ever monthly figure sincethe country’s first reported case in 1984,according to the health department’s lateststatistics released this week.

Over 90 percent, or 777 cases, were trans-

mitted through sexual contact, the majority ofthem among men who have sex with men.Injecting drug users accounted for 60 newcases and the remaining four were cases ofmother-to-child transmission. New cases ofthe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)which can lead to AIDS have been rising in thePhilippines, bucking the international trendwhich shows new infections falling.

“This is a cause of concern for us,” Gerald

Santos from Manila-based campaign groupProject Red Ribbon told the Thomson ReutersFoundation yesterday. “But to look at it withthe glass half full, it also shows awareness is atan all-time high, meaning more people areaware of HIV and are getting tested.” However,he said the actual number of new infectionscould be higher, as stigma associated with HIVprevents at-risk group from getting tested.“The government should double their efforts

in spreading awareness about HIV before it istoo late,” added Santos, the group’s treasurer.

The Philippines saw new infections doublebetween 2001 and 2012, according to a UNAIDS agency (UNAIDS) report in 2013 whichshowed the epidemic was also expanding inIndonesia and Pakistan. Increasing infectionsamong injecting drug users sharing contami-nated needles combined with low condomuse and high fertility rates have raised con-

cern over “downstream” HIV infections - whenthe virus spreads to people not typically at riskof HIV, like children who acquire the virusthrough mother-to-child transmission. Therehave been 34,999 HIV cases in the Philippinessince record-keeping started in 1984, with 83percent diagnosed in the last five years,according to the health department. Globally,some 36.7 million people are living with HIV,according to UNAIDS. — Reuters

Record number of HIV cases in Philippines prompts action

DHAKA: A four-year-old Bangladeshi boy suffer-ing from a mysterious illness that makes himlook like an old man has been admitted to hos-pital for tests, doctors and his family said.Doctors at a top hospital in Dhaka have agreedto try to diagnose and treat Bayezid Shikdar,who comes from a poor farming family, for freeafter learning of his plight on the weekend. Bornwith excess skin that hangs from his limbs andface causing it to sag, Bayezid also suffers fromrelated heart, vision and hearing problems. Hisfather, Lablu Shikdar, said numerous doctorshave been at a loss to explain his condition.

“We sold our land to treat him at local hospi-tals. We took him to religious healers and herbaldoctors, but his condition did not change. Thishospital is our last hope,” Shikdar told AFP atDhaka Medical College Hospital this week. “Wehope they’ll make him look like any other normalchild.” Doctors initially suspected he suffered fromprogeria which causes rapid and premature age-ing shortly after birth, leading to severe healthcomplications. The extremely rare genetic disor-der was the subject of Hollywood movie “TheCurious Case of Benjamin Button” starring BradPitt. But doctors at the Dhaka hospital expressedcaution, saying extensive tests were needed.

Multitude of problems “In progeria, the ageing process accelerates

with time,” Abul Kalam, head of the hospital’sburns and plastic surgery unit, told AFP onMonday. “But Bayezid’s parents have said theageing of their boy has been halted recently. Hehas shown signs of improvement. “We’re investi-gating his condition. In addition to loose skin, he

has problems in his heart, ear, eyes and penis.”Doctors said his genetic condition may also bethe result of inbreeding, with marriage amongrelatives including first cousins common inBangladesh’s rural areas.

Bayezid’s mother, Khatun, stressed that herson was just like any other child. “He is very fondof fish and rice. He plays football and hide andseek with his cousins,” she told AFP after herson’s case was highlighted in Bangladesh media

on the weekend. “When I first saw him he lookedlike a bundle of skin. We had no idea what hewas afflicted with. We thought the conditionwould go away soon.” “He is an extremely talent-ed boy. There are days he grabs books and wantsto go to school. But we thought he’s still tooyoung.” Doctors at the same hospital have alsobeen treating a 26-year-old father dubbed “TreeMan” for the rare and massive bark-like growthson his hands and feet. — AFP

Bangladeshi boy with mysterious ‘old man’ illness baffles doctors

‘The Curious Case of Bayezid Shikdar’

DHAKA: In this photograph taken on August 7, 2016, four-year-old Bangladeshi child BayezidShikdar(R) sits with his mother Tripti Khatun on a bed at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. — AFP

CHICAGO: Over the next two years, groundscrews in St. Louis will cut down nearly one out ofevery five trees, altering the US city’s leafy land-scape for at least a generation. The Midwesternmetropolis made the tough decision with theknowledge that if it does not cut down the trees,most will quickly die. St Louis is the latest victimof the Emerald Ash Borer, an Asian beetle smallerthan a penny, which emigrated from China viashipping materials and is destroying millions oftrees in North America.

The insect targets the Ash tree-a commonvariety in Midwestern cities, where the tree cansurvive cramped sidewalks, harsh winters androad salts used to keep streets clear of ice andsnow. In St Louis, city forestry commissionerSkip Kincaid is tasked with dealing with theinvasive pest and the destruction it is expectedto cause in the next few years. “I’m trying asbest I can to enlighten the public about howdevastating it is going to be,” Kincaid said. Tohead off the Emerald Ash Borer ’s advance,Kincaid will cut down almost all of the city’s14,000 Ash trees-or roughly 17 percent of alltrees-over the next two years.

Scientists have discovered a pesticide treat-ment that can keep the insect from killing trees.But Kincaid said that wasn’t an economically fea-sible solution, as it must be repeatedly appliedevery other year. The forestry expert surveyedthe value of each tree, quantifying the benefitsthey provide in terms of property values, reduc-ing storm water runoff, and reducing energycosts through natural cooling. Only 1,000 madethe cut. The rest will be removed and replacedwith a variety of species, but it will be yearsbefore they reach the size of the Ash trees. “Thisis something where quite honestly, we reallyhave no other choice,” Kincaid said.

A ‘devastating’ bug Noel Schneeberger, a US Forest Service

expert at the forefront of the beetle battle, saysonce the Emerald Ash Borer infests an Ash, thechances of it surviving are basically nil. “In termsof targeting a single genus of trees, it’s prettydevastating,” Schneeberger said. Officials havetried regional quarantines to keep the bug fromspreading. But barring the transportation of fire-wood-thought to be the primary way the bugspreads-has not worked. Scientists estimate thatabout 30 million trees have already succumbedto the beetle, and by the time its path ofdestruction concludes, hundreds of millionsmore will be dead, brittle, and ready to fall dur-ing a storm.

What perplexed scientists at first was that theEmerald Ash Borer is a relatively benign beetle inits native East Asia-where Ash trees have evolvedwith the insect. It makes so little fuss in Asia thatwhen it arrived in North America, scientists werenot even able to identify the strange insect. InEast Asia, the bug only seems to attack Ash treesthat are already sick or dying. Healthy Ashappear to have a natural chemical resistance. Buta vast majority of Ash trees in North America donot, and the bug has been spreading uncheckedsince its arrival on the continent in 2002. It hasreached 26 US states, as far south as Texas, andnorth into Canada. In one experiment, scientistswere able to induce North American Ash treesinto producing compounds necessary to kill thebeetle. The question of whether such efforts canbe used en masse remain to be answered.

Fighting the insect The infestation has been particularly devas-

tating for many cities in the Midwest, wherestreets can have rows of Ash trees for blocks at atime. The insect burrows into an Ash tree, creat-ing tunnels that completely destroy the tree’sability to move nutrients through its bark. Thedestruction is so thorough that the tree usuallystarves to death in less than five years. The USForest Service labels the beetle “the most devas-tating forest insect to reach North America inmodern times.”

Still, over the last 14 years, scientists havemade progress in learning more about the bee-tle, the tree variety it targets, and about otherpreviously unknown insects. Through trial anderror, they discovered that a coordinatedresponse can keep trees alive. Heavily infestedtrees should be removed and healthy treestreated with certain pesticides applied everytwo years. St Louis is following a similar plan-focusing on the healthiest and biggest trees,and getting rid of the rest. “St Louis has proba-bly the approach that is used most commonlyacross the country,” said Richard Hauer, a profes-sor of urban forestry at the University ofWisconsin who has been helping cities dealwith the problem.

How to co-exist In forests, it’s a different story, and scientists

are trying to figure out how best to handle theEmerald Ash Borer now that it has moved in. For

one, woodpeckers seem to love to eat the bee-tle’s larvae. They are proving a natural predator,but the plucky birds can’t do the job by them-selves. Researchers found that they eat onlyabout 16 percent of all Ash Borer larvae. InChina, scientists found other natural predatorspreviously unknown to science-small parasiticinsects which are relatives of ants and wasps.Working together, the parasites can reduce thebeetle’s populations dramatically-anywherefrom 50 to 90 percent.

Scientists have begun controlled releases ofthe parasitic insects in North America, and arestudying whether they can create a biologicalbalance of sorts, to reduce the Ash Borer popula-tion and keep more trees alive. But any hopethat millions of trees can be saved is a false one,as the parasite controls are in their “infancy,”Hauer said. “Give it several decades, or a century,”he said, pointing out that biological controls forprevious deadly infestations have taken 50 yearsor more to have an effect. In cities, one of thekey lessons to take away from the Ash Borerinvasion, is that too much of one tree is not agood thing, Kincaid said.

In St Louis, he is planning to replace Ash witha far greater diversity of trees, so that no oneinsect can wreak mass havoc again. “We’re in aworld now where every year, it’s a different inva-sive pest,” Kincaid said. “That’s why it’s critical tohave this diversity of species. So if somethingmoves in... you won’t wipe out 17 percent ofyour street trees.” — AFP

Tiny Asian beetle wreaks havoc on N America trees

CHICAGO: A piece of a dead tree cut down in Chicago and stripped of its bark, shows the tun-nels dug by the Emerald Ash Borer. — AFP

COVENTRY: In this Tuesday, July 19, 2016 photo US Army Vietnam War combat veteranWilliam Long, 65, of New Haven, Connecticut, center, is escorted from the water by vol-unteers after water skiing during an adapted sports program for veterans. — AP

PROVIDENCE: Marine veteran Joyce Ralphsometimes stays at home in Massachusettsinstead of going for a bike ride or doingother things she likes to do. She feels tooanxious because of her post-traumaticstress disorder.

Army veteran Paul Miosek sometimesfeels isolated at his home in New York. Noone else he knows is in a wheelchair. Thetwo were among a group of about 50 vet-erans who took part in July in the VeteransAffairs New England Summer Sports Clinicin Rhode Island. For a week, they kayaked,water skied, cycled and sailed - activitiesdesigned to get them and other veteransthinking more about what they can thancan’t do. “This gives me a chance, with myanxiety, to push myself a little further, torealize there are safe places in the world,”said Ralph, 52, of Halifax, Massachusetts.

The veterans ranged in age from their20s to 80s. The rehabilitation clinic is opento veterans with spinal cord injuries, ampu-tations, vision loss, mental health problemsand other disabilities. Miosek (pronouncedMY’-sak), 47, of Scotia, New York, lost bothlegs in 1990 when his head hit a powercable as he stood atop an armored vehiclein Germany, then fell 20 feet. Meeting otherveterans at the clinic with similar injuriesmade him feel he’s not alone.

“I feel a kinship toward them, since weare in that boat together,” he said. “While inservice, we faced a lot of obstacles that weovercame. Now that I’m a disabled veteran,and with other disabled veterans, there arethings that we can overcome together, aswell.” In Coventry, Rhode Island, VA volun-teers and water ski instructors set up differ-ent ways veterans could ski depending ontheir needs, from a sling-like seat in thecenter of a wide ski to a three-person tube.

‘You made my life!’ Navy veteran Raquel “Rachel” Ardin uses

a wheelchair most of the time. Ardin, 62, of

North Hartland, Vermont, was serving inGreece when she broke her neck falling outof a bunk in 1976. She taught herself towalk again, but the scar tissue from herinjury began causing problems severalyears ago. During her first run of the day,and her first time ever on water skis, Ardinwhooped the whole way.

The crowd of volunteers and fellow vet-erans on shore clapped and cheered.Afterward, Ardin told the volunteers, “Youmade my day. You made my life!” “I want tocry, I’m so happy,” she told them. “Thankyou, guys!” The sports clinic is modeledafter the VA’s national adaptive sports pro-gram, in which veterans nationwide com-pete in games. The VA Boston HealthcareSystem runs it, and the Providence VAMedical Center hosts it.

“Some of the more traditional activitiesthat occur in VA hospitals, bingo, card play-ing, those sorts of things, while those arenice, we had a young generation that cameout of the battlefield,” said Richard Leeman,assistant chief of voluntary services inBoston. “They wanted to do the things theydid prior to their injury.”

There’s also a winter sports clinic for ski-ing and snowboarding at Mount SunapeeResort in New Hampshire. This was the sev-enth year of the summer clinic and thethird time the Providence medical centerhas hosted it. The VA worked with manylocal groups to organize the activities.

“They pushed themselves to a new limitthat they now know they can do,” saidSusan MacKenzie, the medical center’sdirector.

“They have confidence that they can setgoals for themselves and move forward,not just in sports but in any part of theirlife.” Miosek said he “feels alive” at the clinic.“I’m able to get the energy out and do thethings that I can’t do at home,” he said. “Iuse that energy all year long, to kind of letgo and go for it.” — AP

Veteran vitality: Sports camp challenges and changes them

PRESTON: An Idaho man stumbled upon arare find while using a backhoe to dig in agravel pit on his property. “It came to thepoint where I seen something weird or dif-ferent inside the hill so I just stopped, kindabrushed off some of it,” Kasey Keller ofPreston told KIFI-TV.

Upon closer inspection, the objectKeller first thought was a plastic pipe orpetrified wood appeared to be bone. Hedecided to call in the experts. The object,according to Utah State University, was a31/2-foot tusk of a Columbian mammoth. Itcould be anywhere from 12,000 to 15,000years old.

Both Utah State University and BrighamYoung University took a piece of the tuskfor carbon dating. Columbian mammothswere 12 feet to 15 feet tall and likelyroamed the grasslands of Lake Bonneville,

according to the university. The type ofsediment the tusk was found in indicatesthat it washed up after flooding, the schoolsaid. Keller said paleontologists from BYUsaid they will return the tusk after preserv-ing the mammoth remains. “From what Iwas told, the odds of finding that in thisarea are rarer than finding a needle in ahaystack,” said Keller. “And according toUSU, they said they haven’t found any oth-er mammoth remains in Cache Valley.”

He said the discovery inspired his twinboys, who recovered pieces of the tusk thatbroke off when Keller was digging with thebackhoe. “It’s kinda cool to think what actu-ally was here on your property or youknow, by your house,” Keller said. “I’m defi-nitely going to be digging with a lot moregracefulness because who knows what Imight find.” — AP

Man finds mammoth tusk while digging on property

WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s state-ownedfarming company said Monday it will stop usingpalm kernel products to feed its animals as itseeks to take better care of the environment.Landcorp announced it will stop using theproducts by the middle of next year.Environmentalists have linked growth in thepalm oil industry to rainforest destruction inIndonesia, which in turn is contributing to thedecline in species like the Sumatran tiger.Landcorp Chief Executive Steven Carden toldThe Associated Press that consumers worldwideare willing to pay a premium for natural prod-ucts, including grass-fed meat and dairy. “Weare really concerned with producing food in aresponsible and environmentally friendly way,”Carden said.

He said making the change also made sense

from a strategic and commercial viewpoint.Farmers typically use imported palm kernelcake, also known as expeller, as part of a diet fordairy cows, especially during the winter orwhen natural feed is low. The cake is a byprod-uct of palm oil production. Palm oil is a com-mon ingredient in many household products,from margarine to lipstick. Carden said thecompany will replace palm products with local-ly grown alternatives like maize silage andchicory. Landcorp is one of the largest farmingcompanies in New Zealand, with 140 farms and850,000 animals. It uses about 15,000 metrictons of palm cake each year. But thousands ofdairy farmers who provide milk to the country’sbiggest company Fonterra will continue to usethe product, after Fonterra said Monday it hadno immediate plans to stop using it. — AP

New Zealand farm companystops using palm oil

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H E A LT H & S C I E NC EWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

WASHINGTON: Hillary Clinton will call onCongress to return to Washington and passemergency funding for the Zika responseduring a visit to a Miami neighborhood deal-ing with the first US outbreak of the disease.Yesterday afternoon, the Democratic presi-dential candidate plans to tour the BorinquenMedical Center, a health clinic close to theWynwood area where 16 non-travel relatedcases have been diagnosed.

She will demand Republican leaders bringCongress back in session to either pass stalledlegislation or craft a new bipartisan compro-mise bill to provide funding for testing, treat-

ment and research on the disease, accordingto aides briefed on her plans.

Clinton’s running mate, Virginia Sen TimKaine, has already said he’d return toWashington for a vote on a Zika bill. Until thismonth, the only known Zika cases in theUnited States were in people who had recent-ly traveled to Latin America and theCaribbean. Federal officials last week warnedpregnant women to avoid the Miami neigh-borhood and a 1-square-mile area around it.

Spreading disease Public health experts worry about the dis-

ease spreading: Florida health officials saidon Monday they’re investigating a case ofZika virus infection in Palm Beach Countythat was likely contracted in the UnitedStates. Lawmakers left Washington in mid-July for a seven-week recess without approv-ing any of the $1.9 billion that PresidentBarack Obama requested in February todevelop a vaccine and control the mosqui-toes that carry the virus.

Both sides have been pointing fingerssince. Obama, Clinton and Democrats blameRepublicans for politicizing the legislation byadding a provision to a $1.1 billion take-it-or-

leave-it measure that would have blockedPlanned Parenthood clinics in Puerto Ricofrom receiving money. Republicans say theadministration has not spent money that hasalready been provided and is trying to playpolitics in an election year.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell,R-Ky, has signaled he is in no rush to return.Writing in the Lexington (Ky) Herald-Leaderlast week, he criticized Democrats for balkingat passing the bill. He said they’ll get anotherchance after Labor Day when Congress isback in session. Clinton supported the bill,which her policy aide Ann O’Leary called “a

critical first step to protect public health andultimately save lives” in a post on the websiteMedium.

She laid out a plan to combat the virus lastMarch, which included allocating $1.8 billionin emergency funds.

A month later, she dispatched two of heraides to Puerto Rico, where hundreds of caseshave been detected, to meet with medicalprofessionals. “Zika is real. It’s dangerous. Andif we’re serious about stopping this epidemicin its tracks, then there’s no time to waste,”Clinton wrote in a June op-ed in the SunSentinel. — AP

Clinton to call on Congress to start action on Zika virus

NEVADA: This file photo taken on August 13, 2015 shows a Perseid meteor streak across the sky above desert pine trees in the SpringMountains National Recreation Area. — AFP

PARIS: Northern hemisphere sky-gazers are infor a special treat tomorrow night with a rareshooting star “outburst”, which astronomershope will not be marred by clouds and a brightMoon. For about an hour around 2300 GMT,there will be more than double the usual fireballactivity associated with the annual Perseidmeteor shower.

“There will be 200 or maybe as many as 300(shooting stars) per hour,” observed from a verydark site, astronomer Mark Bailey of the ArmaghObservatory in Northern Ireland told AFP. “Thisoutburst, as we call it... doesn’t last that long. Itmight last an hour or a couple of hours,” he said.Normally, the Perseids regale Earthlings with ashow of about 100-120 shooting stars per hour.The event builds up over about two weeks,peaking in mid-August.

“Some years are better than others... and thenthere are exceptional years like this year,” Baileysaid. The Perseids happen when Earth hits awide belt of debris left behind by the cometTuttle-Swift on its elongated, 133-year orbitaround the Sun. Each meteor is a piece of bro-

ken-off comet, which explodes as it hits Earth’satmosphere. Within the broad belt of debristhere are also denser dust ribbons created whenthe comet passes closest to the Sun in its orbit-ajuncture called perihelion. This year, Earth is on acollision course with three of the most heavilypopulated of these trails-created in the years1862, 1737 and 1479.

‘Kamikaze run’ “The meteors you’ll see this year are from comet

flybys that occurred hundreds if not thousands ofyears ago,” NASA meteoroid expert Bill Cooke saidin a statement. “And they’ve travelled billions ofmiles before their kamikaze run into Earth’s atmos-phere.” However, there is no risk to our planet. Infact, astronomers’ main concern is the weather,with cloud cover predicted for parts of Europe.

There is also the dimming impact of our ownsatellite-the Moon-which will be in a brightphase, making it harder to observe the sharp butshort-lived bursts of meteors exploding. “It isunfortunate that it is in a waxing phase,” saidBailey. “So we should really be observing after

moonset”-some 30 minutes into the outburst.He advised people to get as far away fromclouds and electric light as possible in order toenjoy the show. No telescope or special equip-ment is needed. “Wrap up warm, be prepared tosit comfortably on a deck chair or whatever, aglass of wine in your hand maybe, and thenallow time for your eyes to become accustomedto the dark,” which can take as long as 20 min-utes, Bailey said.

The next mega-outburst of the Perseids ispredicted to occur on August 12, 2028, and willfeature the dust trail produced by the cometduring its 1479 perihelion passage. The yearlyshow got its name because the stars appear tofly out of the constellation Perseus, visible in theNorthern Hemisphere. It is also known as “tearsof St Lawrence” in honor of a Christian saint tor-tured to death by the Romans in AD 258.According to legend, Laurentius was martyredon a iron grill over a fire, during which ordeal heis said to have quipped to his persecutors: “Turnme over. I’m done on this side!” He is a patronsaint of cooks. — AFP

Great balls of fire from the sky: Prepare for a meteor ‘outburst’

Sky-gazers are in for a special treat

WASHINGTON: Rising global temperaturesare clearly linked to increasing waterbornefood poisoning, particularly from eatingraw oysters, along with other nasty infec-tions, a new study shows. About a dozenspecies of vibrio (VIB’-ree-oh) bacteriamake people sick from eating raw or under-cooked seafood or drinking or swimming intainted water. I t also causes cholera,although that was not the focus of theresearch.

Lab-confirmed vibrio infections in theUnited States have increased from an aver-age of about 390 a year from the late 1990sto an average of 1,030 in recent years,according to the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention. But most casesaren’t confirmed by tests and reported. “It’sa remarkable increase on an annual basis,”said study lead author Rita Colwell of theUniversity of Maryland, a top microbiolo-gist who used to head the National ScienceFoundation. The study examined Europeand North America, but the most consis-tent tracking of vibrio illnesses were in theUnited States. The CDC blames about 100deaths a year on vibrio on average.

Even Alaska, where such outbreaks usedto be unheard of because the bacterianeeds warm water, is getting cases frompeople eating vibrio-infected oysters,Colwell said. — AP

Study links global warming to rise in waterborne illnesses

NEVADA: In this Aug 24, 2015 file photo, a kayaker paddles along Zephyr Cove, thesight of the 19th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit in south Lake Tahoe. — AP

INCLINE VILLAGE: With all their modernscientific equipment and state-of-the-artcomputer models, researchers trying tobetter understand the effect of algaegrowth in Lake Tahoe are searching for newtools to aid in their mission - old photoalbums. Experts at the UC Davis TahoeEnvironmental Research Center said in anannual report last week that the mountainlake is still getting warmer, regional wintersare still getting shorter and snowfall is stillon the decline. Water quality also has wors-ened a bit. What is less clear, however, isthe trend in long-term algae growth.

“Everyone wants to know if there’s moreof this stuff, but we don’t know,” said GeoffSchladow, a professor of water resourcesand environmental engineering at UCDavis. Researchers study algae growthbecause it is linked to high levels of nutri-ents, which enter the lake both atmospher-ically and through stormwater runoff.Fertilizer, for example, contains nutrientsand can find its way into the lake when itrains, thus contributing to algae growth.

“We have low rainfall and low sedimentscoming in. You would expect the clarity tobe better,” Schladow said last week during apresentation on the campus of SierraNevada College in Incline Village, accordingto the Sierra Sun.

But despite a reduction in the amountof sediment entering the lake last yearbecause of the ongoing drought in theWest, the concentration of nitrate is actual-ly higher. The problem is, scientists havealready been measuring algae growth atTahoe since the 2000s. “What we’re left touse is anecdotal data,” Schladow said. “Wealso ask for old photos, so if anyone hassome they’d like to share, unfortunatelythat is the only older data we have.” ScottHackley, a staff research associate at UCDavis, said he’s worked with archivists atthe University of Nevada, Reno, to find oldphotos, but he and his team are hopefulthat the community can help as well. “It’dbe nice to get some old photos with theyear, time of year and the location . to fill insome of the historical gaps,” he said. — AP

Researchers asking for old photos of Lake Tahoe algae

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W H AT ’ S ONWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

KU students head to Jaipur, India for second humanitarian mission

In a gesture that reflects Kuwait’s everhumanitarian contributions and initia-tives to needy people around the globe,

and in line with His Highness the Amirworld title of ‘The Humanitarian Leader’, agroup of 15 medical students from theFaculty of Medicine at Kuwait Universityknown as ‘The Academiya’ have left KuwaitMonday to Jaipur for their second humani-tarian mission to India. The group will pro-vide medical and educational relief to chil-dren and students in need in Jaipur and sur-rounding areas.

Last year, the Academiya Group vaccinat-ed thousands of Indian children againsthepatitis B which kills thousands of childrenevery year, and used a Mobile Medical Clinicto diagnosed and treat poor people in theslums of Delhi. Since the Academiya stu-dents strongly believe that education is thebest way to curb poverty and raise livingstandards, they provided a number ofschools with educational necessities, such

as supplies, desks, and chairs. In addition,they built an orphanage for girls in Delhi.

What make these trips truly humanitari-an is that they are completely organizedfrom A to Z by the medical students them-selves and their personal expenses such asflight tickets, accommodation etc. are alsofunded by the volunteers from their ownpockets. This year’s trip will be no exception.The students have chosen Jaipur as theirdestination, aiming to vaccinate thousandsof children and provide medical and educa-tional aid to those in need in surroundingvillages and poor areas.

The Academiya Group HumanitarianTrips are named in honor of Sara Al Baghli, abeloved medical student who alwaysreminded them of the importance of havingan infinite love for humanity and savinglives. In a sad tragic car accident, Sara waskilled by a careless driver while driving fromhome to college more than one year ago.

Chevrolet Alghanim hosts Manchester United Supporters ClubAs part of its on-going activities to build

a long-term relationship with the youthof Kuwait, Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons

Automotive, the exclusive distributor ofChevrolet vehicles in Kuwait, was honored toinvite the official Manchester UnitedSupporters Club to Safat Alghanim showroomin Al Rai on Sunday, August 7th, 2016 and hostthe exciting televised match between theirbeloved football club and its challenger,Leicester City.

Inspired by the game’s competitive spirit,Chevrolet Alghanim also announced a specialInstagram contest where it had invited theparticipants to predict the match’s final scoreusing the hashtag #AlghanimMUFC for achance to win beIN SPORTS receiver andManchester United t-shirts.

The event reflects the Chevrolet brand’scommitment to be an integral part of theManchester United bran as one of the biggestGeneral Motors’ divisions and car manufac-

tures; the car brand continues to be one of theclub’s proud sponsors, supplying the teamwith jerseys for 7 years throughout their tour-naments. The total value of the sponsorshiphas been estimated to be over 175 millionPound Sterling, which means that the compa-ny will be paying a whopping 25 millionPound Sterling each year.

Kuwait’s Manchester United SupportersClub is considered to be the oldest fan club inthe country compared to other local clubs. It

was founded more than four years ago, andhas been officially recognized by ManchesterUnited on November 27th, 2012, after the clubmembers’ official visit.

The undertaking complements Yusuf AAlghanim & Sons Automotive’s sports initiativeand solidifies its dedication to be a vital part ofthe youth’s lifestyles and passion. The eventsaw the attendance of more than 100Manchester United supporters who weretreated with refreshments as they supported

their beloved football team through a stun-ningly giant display screen, cumulatively cre-ating an enjoyable atmosphere bolstered bythe club member’s enthusiasm for the game.Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Automotive looksforward to supporting the interest of theyouth of Kuwait in future events as part of itsongoing promise to build supportive relation-ship and trust for many years to come.

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W H AT ’ S ONWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Mrs Noorjahan, raffle draw win-ner of ‘Win up to 10 kilos ofgold’ campaign by Malabar

Gold & Diamonds receives the prize

1/4 KG gold from Mr Afsal Khan, ZonalHead - Malabar Gold & Diamonds,Kuwait and Mr Lukman, Branch Head -Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kuwait.

His Excellency the Ambassador ofIndonesia Tatang Budie Utama Razakhosted all the members of the

Association of Southeast Asian Nations

(ASEAN) at his residence on Monday, 8thAugust. The event was held to celebrate theestablishment of ASEAN on the 8th ofAugust 1967. The Association of Southeast

Asian Nation (ASEAN) is a regional organiza-tion comprising of ten Southeast AsianStates which include Indonesia, Malaysia,Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei

Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar andVietnam. Its principal aims include acceler-ating economic growth, social progress andsociocultural evolution among its members.

This year is the commencement of ASEANCommunity where all of the ASEAN mem-bers had become one single, untied com-munity.

Indonesia Ambassador hosts ASEAN Day

Malabar announces draw winners

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T V PR O G R A M SWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD

THE BERLIN FILE ON OSN MOVIES ACTION

04:00 Hercules Reborn06:00 The Fugitive08:15 Batman vs. Robin10:00 The Berlin File12:15 Pearl Harbor15:45 Brick Mansions17:45 The Fugitive20:00 X-Men: The Last Stand22:00 John Wick00:00 Hard Target02:00 Sharknado 2: The SecondOne

03:00 Pixels05:00 Tracers07:00 Jackie & Ryan09:00 Pixels11:00 Jurassic World13:15 The Second Best ExoticMarigold Hotel15:30 The Judge18:00 Step Up All In20:00 Pitch Perfect 222:00 The Overnight23:30 Horrible Bosses 201:15 The Babadook

06:00 Boyster

03:00 Man Fire Food03:30 Man Fire Food04:00 Chopped05:00 Guy’s Grocery Games06:00 Man Fire Food06:30 Man Fire Food07:00 Chopped08:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back ToBasics08:30 Barefoot Contessa: Back ToBasics09:00 The Kitchen10:00 Trisha’s Southern Kitchen10:30 Trisha’s Southern Kitchen11:00 Chopped12:00 Guy’s Big Bite12:30 Guy’s Big Bite13:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives13:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives14:00 Man Fire Food14:30 Man Fire Food15:00 Chopped16:00 The Kitchen17:00 Trisha’s Southern Kitchen17:30 Trisha’s Southern Kitchen18:00 Chopped19:00 Guy’s Grocery Games20:00 Chopped21:00 Kitchen Inferno

03:00 College Road Trip05:00 Eight Below07:00 Mulan09:00 Monsters Inc11:00 The Book Of Life13:00 Brave15:00 Snow Dogs17:00 Monsters University19:00 Honey, I Shrunk The Kids21:00 Dunston Checks In23:00 Snow Dogs01:00 Honey, I Shrunk The Kids

03:00 The Simpsons03:30 Black-Ish04:00 The Goldbergs04:30 The Tonight Show Starring

JURASSIC WORLD ON OSN MOVIES HD

03:20 Mad Dogs04:05 Doctors04:35 Doctors05:05 The Musketeers06:00 Doctors06:30 Doctors07:00 Holby City07:55 Death In Paradise08:45 Call The Midwife09:40 The Musketeers10:35 Doctors11:05 Doctors11:35 Death In Paradise12:30 Call The Midwife13:20 The Musketeers14:15 Doctors14:45 Doctors15:15 Death In Paradise16:10 Call The Midwife17:05 The Musketeers18:00 Doctors18:30 Eastenders19:05 Death In Paradise20:00 New Tricks21:00 New Tricks21:55 Ripper Street22:50 Mad Dogs23:40 Doctors00:10 Eastenders00:40 New Tricks01:30 New Tricks02:25 Ripper Street

03:40 Auction Hunters: Pawn ShopEdition04:05 Auction Hunters04:30 Dallas Car Sharks05:00 How Stuff’s Made05:30 How Do They Do It?06:00 Alaska: The Last Frontier06:50 Kindig Customs07:40 Fast N’ Loud08:30 Auction Hunters: Pawn ShopEdition08:55 Auction Hunters09:20 Dallas Car Sharks09:45 How Stuff’s Made10:10 How Do They Do It?10:35 Boy To Man11:25 Venom Hunters12:15 So You Think You’d Survive?13:05 Auction Hunters: Pawn ShopEdition13:30 Auction Hunters13:55 Dallas Car Sharks14:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier15:10 Kindig Customs16:00 Fast N’ Loud16:50 How Stuff’s Made17:15 How Do They Do It?

03:15 The Hive03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of ATeenage Witch03:45 Sabrina Secrets Of ATeenage Witch04:10 Hank Zipzer04:35 Binny And The Ghost05:00 Violetta05:45 The Hive05:50 Mouk06:00 Hank Zipzer06:25 Jessie

06:50 Disney Mickey Mouse06:55 Miraculous Tales Of LadybugAnd Cat Noir07:20 Dog With A Blog07:45 Bunk’d08:10 Austin & Ally08:35 Shake It Up09:00 Hannah Montana Forever09:25 Hannah Montana Forever09:50 Wizards Of Waverly Place10:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place10:40 Good Luck Charlie11:05 Good Luck Charlie11:30 Jessie11:55 Jessie12:20 Miraculous Tales Of LadybugAnd Cat Noir12:45 Hank Zipzer13:10 Austin & Ally13:35 Austin & Ally14:00 Liv And Maddie14:25 Liv And Maddie14:50 Dog With A Blog15:15 Hank Zipzer15:40 Bunk’d16:05 Disney Mickey Mouse16:10 Gravity Falls16:35 Miraculous Tales Of LadybugAnd Cat Noir17:00 Backstage17:50 Girl Meets World18:15 Liv And Maddie18:40 Best Friends Whenever19:05 Austin & Ally19:30 Jessie19:55 Violetta20:45 Good Luck Charlie21:10 H2O: Just Add Water21:35 H2O: Just Add Water22:00 Binny And The Ghost22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of ATeenage Witch22:50 Sabrina Secrets Of ATeenage Witch23:10 Hank Zipzer23:35 Binny And The Ghost00:00 Violetta00:45 The Hive00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of ATeenage Witch

03:10 Henry Hugglemonster03:20 Calimero03:35 Zou03:45 Loopdidoo04:00 Art Attack04:25 Henry Hugglemonster04:35 Calimero04:50 Zou05:00 Loopdidoo05:15 Art Attack05:35 Henry Hugglemonster05:50 Calimero06:00 Zou06:20 Loopdidoo06:35 Art Attack07:00 The Hive07:10 Zou07:25 Loopdidoo07:40 Jungle Cubs08:05 Sofia The First08:30 Miles From Tomorrow08:40 PJ Masks09:10 Doc McStuffins09:40 Doc McStuffins09:55 Minnie’s Bow-Toons10:00 Sofia The First10:30 Sofia The First11:00 The Lion Guard11:30 Jake And The Never LandPirates12:00 Jake And The Never LandPirates12:30 Gummi Bears13:00 Sofia The First13:30 Doc McStuffins14:00 The Lion Guard14:30 Aladdin14:55 Jake And The Never LandPirates15:05 Goldie & Bear15:30 Miles From Tomorrow16:00 Doc McStuffins16:25 Doc McStuffins16:55 Sofia The First17:25 Sofia The First17:50 The Lion Guard18:15 Jake And The Never LandPirates18:45 Jake And The Never LandPirates19:00 PJ Masks19:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse20:00 Doc McStuffins20:30 Sofia The First21:00 PJ Masks21:30 Aladdin22:00 Jungle Cubs22:25 Gummi Bears22:50 Zou23:05 Henry Hugglemonster23:20 Calimero23:35 Zou23:50 Loopdidoo00:05 Art Attack00:30 Henry Hugglemonster00:45 Calimero01:00 Zou01:15 Loopdidoo01:30 Art Attack02:00 Calimero02:15 Zou02:30 Loopdidoo02:45 Art Attack

06:10 Super Matrak06:35 Super Matrak07:00 Pokemon Bw: Adventures InUnova07:25 K.C. Undercover07:50 Supa Strikas08:15 Phineas And Ferb08:40 Camp Lakebottom09:05 Disney Mickey Mouse09:10 Gravity Falls09:35 Lab Rats10:00 Rocket Monkeys10:25 Ultimate Spider-Man10:50 Boyster11:20 Boyster11:45 Pair Of Kings12:10 Pair Of Kings12:35 Lab Rats13:00 Lab Rats13:30 Phineas And Ferb13:55 Phineas And Ferb14:20 Kickin’ It14:45 Pokemon Bw: Adventures InUnova15:10 Disney Mickey Mouse15:15 Supa Strikas15:40 Supa Strikas16:05 Lab Rats16:30 Pickle And Peanut16:55 Kirby Buckets17:25 K.C. Undercover17:50 Annedroids18:15 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty...18:40 K.C. Undercover19:05 Disney Mickey Mouse19:10 Gravity Falls19:35 Becoming20:00 Lab Rats20:25 Supa Strikas20:55 K.C. Undercover21:20 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty...21:45 Guardians Of The Galaxy22:10 Marvel Avengers Assemble22:40 Disney Mickey Mouse

04:00 Sister Act06:00 Romy And Michelle’s HighSchool Reunion08:00 Angus Thongs And PerfectSnogging       10:00 Sister Act12:00 The Proposal14:00 Sleepless In Seattle16:00 Angus Thongs And PerfectSnogging       18:00 10 Things I Hate About You20:00 We’ll Never Have Paris22:00 Kick-Ass 200:00 Behaving Badly02:00 10 Things I Hate About You

03:00 Nathan For You03:25 Nathan For You03:50 Impractical Jokers UK04:15 Impractical Jokers UK04:40 Ridiculousness05:05 Ridiculousness05:30 Tosh.005:55 Tosh.006:20 Lip Sync Battle06:50 Lip Sync Battle07:15 Catch A Contractor08:05 Ridiculousness08:30 Ridiculousness08:55 Nathan For You09:20 Nathan For You09:45 Impractical Jokers UK10:10 Impractical Jokers UK10:35 Key And Peele11:00 Workaholics11:25 Catch A Contractor12:15 Nathan For You12:40 Nathan For You13:05 Impractical Jokers UK13:30 Impractical Jokers UK13:55 Ridiculousness14:20 Ridiculousness14:45 Lip Sync Battle15:10 Lip Sync Battle15:35 Catch A Contractor16:30 Nathan For You16:55 Nathan For You17:25 Workaholics17:50 Impractical Jokers UK18:15 Impractical Jokers UK18:39 Key And Peele19:03 Workaholics19:27 Tattoo Disasters19:50 Tattoo Disasters

20:13 Lip Sync Battle20:37 Lip Sync Battle21:00 The Daily Show With TrevorNoah21:30 Kurt Metzger: White Precious22:18 Kyle Kinane: I Liked His OldStuff Better23:05 Underground With DaveAttell23:30 The Daily Show With TrevorNoah00:00 Tosh.000:25 Lip Sync Battle00:50 Lip Sync Battle01:15 Underground With DaveAttell01:40 The Daily Show With TrevorNoah02:05 Kurt Metzger: White Precious

17:40 Mythbusters18:30 World’s Top 519:20 The Island With Bear Grylls20:10 Storage Hunters UK20:35 Dallas Car Sharks21:00 Mythbusters21:50 World’s Top 522:40 Wheels That Fail23:05 Wheels That Fail23:30 Fast N’ Loud00:20 Kindig Customs01:10 Mythbusters02:00 World’s Top 502:50 Wheels That Fail

03:00 Mega World03:48 Smash Lab04:36 You Can’t Lick Your Elbow05:00 Prank Science05:24 How The Universe Works06:12 How Do They Do It?06:36 Food Factory07:00 How Do They Do It?07:26 Smash Lab08:14 How The Universe Works09:02 Mega World09:50 How Do They Do It?10:14 Food Factory10:38 You Can’t Lick Your Elbow11:02 Magic Of Science11:26 Smash Lab12:14 How The Universe Works13:02 How Do They Do It?13:26 Food Factory13:50 Mega World14:38 You Can’t Lick Your Elbow15:02 Magic Of Science15:26 Smash Lab16:14 How The Universe Works17:02 Mega World17:50 Smash Lab18:40 How The Universe Works19:30 Freaks Of Nature19:55 Freaks Of Nature20:20 How Do They Do It?20:45 Food Factory21:10 Mega Engineering22:00 Freaks Of Nature22:25 Freaks Of Nature22:50 How The Universe Works23:40 Smash Lab00:30 How Do They Do It?00:55 Food Factory01:20 Freaks Of Nature01:45 Freaks Of Nature02:10 How The Universe Works

03:15 Giuliana & Bill04:10 Giuliana & Bill05:05 Giuliana & Bill06:00 Fashion Bloggers06:25 Keeping Up With TheKardashians

07:20 Keeping Up With TheKardashians08:20 Keeping Up With TheKardashians09:15 Keeping Up With TheKardashians10:15 Keeping Up With TheKardashians11:10 Keeping Up With TheKardashians12:05 Keeping Up With TheKardashians13:05 EJ NYC14:05 EJ NYC15:00 Just Jillian

16:00 Just Jillian17:00 Keeping Up With TheKardashians18:00 Keeping Up With TheKardashians19:00 E! News19:30 E! News20:00 Botched21:00 Botched22:00 Famously Single23:00 E! News23:30 E! News00:00 LA Clippers Dance Squad00:55 Keeping Up With TheKardashians01:50 Botched02:20 E! News02:45 E! News

03:40 In Search Of Aliens04:30 Ancient Aliens05:20 Ancient Aliens06:10 Ancient Discoveries07:00 World War II: Lost Films08:00 Ancient Discoveries09:00 The Universe10:00 In Search Of Aliens11:00 Ancient Aliens12:00 Ancient Aliens13:00 World War II: Lost Films14:00 Ancient Discoveries15:00 The Universe16:00 In Search Of Aliens17:00 Ancient Aliens18:00 Ancient Aliens19:00 Hangar 1: The UFO Files20:00 Ancient Discoveries21:00 The Universe22:00 Last Days Of The Nazis23:00 WWI: The First Modern War00:00 In Search Of Aliens01:00 Dogfights02:00 Ancient Discoveries02:50 The Universe

03:40 Shipping Wars04:05 Shipping Wars04:30 Pawn Stars05:00 Outlaw Chronicles: HellsAngels06:00 Alone06:50 Swamp People07:40 Mountain Men08:30 American Restoration08:55 Shipping Wars09:20 Shipping Wars09:45 Leepu And Pitbull10:35 Ice Road Truckers11:25 Hunting Hitler12:15 American Pickers13:05 Storage Wars13:30 Storage Wars13:55 Ax Men14:45 Storage Wars Miami15:35 Shipping Wars16:00 Grave Trade16:50 Mountain Men17:40 Swamp People18:30 Hunting Hitler19:20 American Pickers20:10 Pawn Stars20:35 Pawn Stars21:00 Counting Cars: Best Of21:25 Car Hunters21:50 American Restoration22:40 Time Team23:30 Counting Cars: Best Of23:55 Car Hunters00:20 American Restoration01:10 Counting Cars02:00 Swamp People02:50 Mountain Men

03:25 Grantchester04:20 It’s Not Rocket Science05:15 Come Dine With Me Couples06:10 Murdoch Mysteries07:05 Chopping Block08:00 Grantchester08:55 It’s Not Rocket Science09:50 Come Dine With Me Couples10:40 The Chase11:35 Chopping Block12:30 Murdoch Mysteries13:25 Emmerdale13:50 Emmerdale14:20 Coronation Street14:45 Come Dine With Me Couples15:35 Chopping Block16:30 Midsomer Murders18:20 Emmerdale

18:45 Emmerdale19:10 Coronation Street19:35 Chopping Block20:30 Midsomer Murders22:20 Coronation Street22:50 Emmerdale23:15 Emmerdale23:40 Murdoch Mysteries00:35 Emmerdale01:00 Emmerdale01:30 Emmerdale02:00 Coronation Street02:30 Murdoch Mysteries

03:45 World’s Deadliest Animals04:40 America’s National Parks05:35 Built For The Kill06:30 Extreme Animal Babies07:25 World’s Deadliest Animals08:20 America’s National Parks09:15 Wild Kalahari10:10 Predator Fails11:05 Man V. Monster12:00 Animal Mega Moves12:55 Puma: Lion Of The Andes13:50 Extreme Animal Babies14:45 Hidden Worlds15:40 America’s National Parks16:35 America The Wild17:30 Predator Fails18:25 Man V. Monster19:20 Hidden Worlds20:10 America’s National Parks21:00 America The Wild21:50 Predator Fails22:40 Man V. Monster23:30 Animal Mega Moves00:20 Puma: Lion Of The Andes01:10 Extreme Animal Babies02:00 Anaconda: Silent Killer

03:50 Russia’s Mystery Files04:45 Richard Hammond’s WildestWeather05:40 Life On Mars: The AmazingRovers06:35 Engineering Connections07:30 Ultimate Survival Alaska08:25 Alaska Fish Wars09:20 Richard Hammond’s WildestWeather10:15 Science Of Stupid10:40 Science Of Stupid11:10 Cesar To The Rescue12:05 Mega Factories13:00 4 Babies A Second14:00 Laverstoke Mill15:00 Engineering Connections16:00 Science Of Stupid16:30 Science Of Stupid17:00 Megastructures18:00 Mega Factories19:00 Engineering Connections20:00 Science Of Stupid20:25 Science Of Stupid20:50 Megastructures21:40 Mega Factories22:30 Engineering Connections23:20 Life On Mars: The AmazingRovers00:10 Science Of Stupid00:35 Science Of Stupid01:00 Megastructures02:00 Mega Factories

03:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles03:24 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles03:48 Henry Danger04:12 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn04:36 The Haunted Hathaways05:00 Max & Shred05:24 Henry Danger05:48 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn06:12 SpongeBob SquarePants06:36 SpongeBob SquarePants07:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles07:24 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles07:48 Winx Club08:12 Harvey Beaks08:36 Breadwinners09:00 Get Blake09:24 Rabbids Invasion09:48 Henry Danger10:12 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn10:36 The Haunted Hathaways11:00 Winx Club11:24 SpongeBob SquarePants11:48 SpongeBob SquarePants12:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles12:36 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles13:00 Breadwinners13:24 The Loud House13:48 Harvey Beaks14:12 Rabbids Invasion14:36 Henry Danger15:00 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn15:24 SpongeBob SquarePants15:48 SpongeBob SquarePants16:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles16:36 The Loud House17:00 Sanjay And Craig17:24 Harvey Beaks17:48 Breadwinners18:12 Henry Danger18:36 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn19:00 100 Things To Do BeforeHigh School19:24 Game Shakers19:48 SpongeBob SquarePants20:12 SpongeBob SquarePants20:36 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles21:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles21:24 Breadwinners21:48 Breadwinners22:12 Sanjay And Craig22:36 Sanjay And Craig23:00 SpongeBob SquarePants23:24 SpongeBob SquarePants23:48 Henry Danger00:12 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn00:36 Max & Shred01:00 The Haunted Hathaways01:24 Sanjay And Craig01:48 Sanjay And Craig02:12 SpongeBob SquarePants02:36 SpongeBob SquarePants

Jimmy Fallon05:30 Community06:00 George Lopez06:30 Breaking In07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers08:00 The Goldbergs08:30 Community09:00 The Simpsons09:30 The Grinder10:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine10:30 Breaking In11:00 The Tonight Show StarringJimmy Fallon12:00 George Lopez12:30 The Goldbergs13:00 Community13:30 Breaking In14:00 Black-Ish14:30 The Grinder15:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine15:30 Fresh Off The Boat16:00 Grandfathered16:30 George Lopez17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers18:00 The Simpsons18:30 Black-Ish19:00 Young & Hungry19:30 Young & Hungry20:00 The Tonight Show StarringJimmy Fallon21:00 Fresh Off The Boat21:30 Grandfathered22:00 You’re The Worst22:30 Bordertown23:00 The Brink23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers00:30 Fresh Off The Boat01:00 Grandfathered01:30 You’re The Worst02:00 Bordertown02:30 The Brink

22:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives22:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives23:00 Iron Chef America00:00 Chopped01:00 Kitchen Inferno02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives02:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives

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ClassifiedsWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATIONArrival Flights on Wednesday 10/8/2016

Airlines Flt Route TimeTHY 772 Istanbul 00:10JZR 239 Amman 00:20JZR 267 Beirut 00:30FDK 803 Damascus 00:35FDB 069 Dubai 00:55DLH 635 Doha 01:00QTR 1086 Doha 01:15JZR 539 Cairo 01:20PGT 858 Istanbul 01:40RJA 642 Amman 01:45THY 1464 Istanbul 01:50KKK 750 TZX 01:50KKK 6506 Istanbul 02:05GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15CEB 018 Manila 02:20THY 770 Istanbul 05:15KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:30BAW 157 London 06:40JZR 1541 Cairo 07:10FDB 5061 Dubai 07:15JZR 503 Luxor 07:25KAC 382 Delhi 07:30KAC 346 Ahmedabad 07:35KAC 206 Islamabad 07:40KAC 204 Lahore 07:40FDB 053 Dubai 07:50KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50KAC 156 Istanbul 08:00KAC 354 BLR 08:00KAC 286 Dhaka 08:05KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:15KAC 344 Chennai 08:15KAC 352 Kochi 08:20KAC 362 Colombo 08:20UAE 855 Dubai 08:25ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:00ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05IRC 6511 ABD 09:15QTR 1070 Doha 09:20IRA 665 Shiraz 09:25IRM 1188 Mashhad 09:40FDB 055 Dubai 09:50UAE 873 Dubai 10:40GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40AXB 890 Mangalore/Bahrain 10:55MEA 404 Beirut 11:00JZR 561 Sohag 11:25JZR 165 Dubai 11:50IAW 157 Al Najaf 11:55ETD 9819 Abu Dhabi 12:10FDB 075 Dubai 12:25JZR 241 Amman 12:30SAW 701 Damascus 12:35UAE 871 Dubai 12:45FEG 953 Asyut 12:55MSR 610 Cairo 13:00THY 766 Istanbul 13:10CLX 792 Luxembourg 13:15IRC 6521 Lamerd 13:35KAC 792 Madinah 13:45KNE 231 Riyadh 14:00QTR 1078 Doha 14:05KAC 672 Dubai 14:05MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:15FDB 057 Dubai 14:20GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20KAC 512 Mashhad 14:30SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30JZR 257 Beirut 14:50KAC 540 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:50KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00KNE 683 Madinah 15:05KNE 529 Jeddah 15:05OMA 645 Muscat 15:10

ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:10ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35UAE 857 Dubai 15:45NIA 251 Alexandria 15:50RJA 640 Amman 16:00TBM 6313 Mashhad 16:05FDB 051 Dubai 16:10QTR 1072 Doha 16:15JZR 535 Cairo 16:20MSC 507 HRG 16:30JZR 787 Riyadh 16:45IRC 526 Mashhad 16:50KAC 562 Amman 16:55SAW 705 Damascus 17:05SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30JZR 357 Mashhad 17:30JZR 177 Dubai 17:45JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50QTR 1080 Doha 17:55JZR 483 Istanbul 18:20MSR 620 Cairo 18:30KAC 502 Beirut 18:35KAC 786 Jeddah 18:35KAC 774 Riyadh 18:35SYR 341 Damascus 18:45KAC 742 Dammam 18:50KAC 618 Doha 18:55KAC 542 Cairo 18:55UAE 875 Dubai 19:05GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:05FDB 063 Dubai 19:10KAC 614 Bahrain 19:10ABY 123 Sharjah 19:15MSR 606 Luxor 19:30JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35KAC 674 Dubai 19:45KAC 154 Istanbul 19:45FDB 059 Dubai 19:50KAC 102 New York/London 19:55DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:05KNE 381 Taif 20:10MEA 402 Beirut 20:15OMA 647 Muscat 20:20JZR 189 Dubai 20:25QTR 1088 Doha 20:35FDB 5053 Dubai 20:55ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:05UAE 859 Dubai 21:15JAD 309 Amman 21:20ALK 229 Colombo 21:20THY 764 Istanbul 21:30QTR 1082 Doha 21:55GFA 219 Bahrain 22:00KAC 564 Amman 22:05ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10JZR 125 Bahrain 22:15AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25MSC 501 Alexandria 22:30BBC 043 Dhaka 22:40JZR 185 Dubai 22:55JAI 574 Mumbai 23:05MSC 403 Asyut 23:10RBG 555 Alexandria 23:15MSR 614 Cairo 23:30FDB 071 Dubai 23:35KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 23:40

Departure Flights on Wednesday 10/8/2016Airlines Flt Route TimeAIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05MSC 404 Asyut 00:10JZR 1540 Cairo 00:20JAI 573 Mumbai 00:25JAD 302 Amman 00:25

MSR 615 Cairo 00:30FDB 072 Dubai 00:30JZR 502 Luxor 01:15FDK 804 Damascus 01:35THY 773 Istanbul 01:40DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:00THY 765 Istanbul 02:45PGT 859 Istanbul 02:55KKK 751 TZX 02:55MSC 406 Sohag 03:30UAE 854 Dubai 03:45THY 769 Istanbul 03:45KAC 417 Manila 03:55RJA 645 Amman 03:55OMA 644 Muscat 04:05FDB 068 Dubai 04:05ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10MSR 613 Cairo 04:15KKK 6505 Istanbul 04:20PGT 861 Istanbul 04:30QTR 1077 Doha 04:35CEB 019 Manila 04:50JZR 560 Sohag 05:00THY 1465 Istanbul 06:00FEG 954 Asyut 06:00RJA 643 Amman 06:25QTR 1087 Doha 06:30THY 771 Istanbul 06:45GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50JZR 240 Amman 06:55FDB 070 Dubai 07:05JZR 164 Dubai 07:15JZR 256 Beirut 07:30FDB 5062 Dubai 07:55BAW 156 London 08:25FDB 054 Dubai 08:30KAC 511 Mashhad 08:40KAC 539 Sharm el-Sheikh 08:50KAC 791 Madinah 08:55KAC 117 New York 09:00KAC 787 Jeddah 09:30KAC 671 Dubai 09:30JZR 534 Cairo 09:30JZR 482 Istanbul 09:40ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45UAE 856 Dubai 09:50ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:05IRC 6522 Lamerd 10:05IRA 664 Shiraz 10:25QTR 1071 Doha 10:35FDB 056 Dubai 10:40IRM 1189 Mashhad 10:55KAC 153 Istanbul 11:00KAC 501 Beirut 11:00KAC 175 Frankfurt/Geneva 11:15KAC 561 Amman 11:20GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35JZR 356 Mashhad 11:40AXB 890 Mangalore 11:55MEA 405 Beirut 12:00KAC 541 Cairo 12:05KAC 103 London 12:10UAE 874 Dubai 12:10JZR 776 Jeddah 12:15IAW 158 Al Najaf 12:55KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00JZR 176 Dubai 13:10FDB 076 Dubai 13:10JZR 786 Riyadh 13:20SAW 702 Damascus 13:35FEG 932 Alexandria 13:55MSR 611 Cairo 14:00ETD 9819 BRU 14:10THY 767 Istanbul 14:10UAE 872 Dubai 14:15IRC 6512 ABD 14:25

CLX 792 Hanoi 14:30KNE 382 Taif 14:55KAC 773 Riyadh 15:00MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 15:00KAC 673 Dubai 15:05GFA 222 Bahrain 15:05FDB 058 Dubai 15:05KAC 617 Doha 15:15QTR 1079 Doha 15:15KAC 741 Dammam 15:30SVA 503 Madinah/Jeddah 15:45JZR 188 Dubai 15:50KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55KNE 684 Madinah 16:00KAC 613 Bahrain 16:00OMA 646 Muscat 16:10ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20KAC 563 Amman 16:30NIA 252 Alexandria 16:50RJA 641 Amman 16:55TBM 6314 Mashhad 17:00FDB 052 Dubai 17:00JZR 266 Beirut 17:10QTR 1073 Doha 17:25MSC 508 HRG 17:30UAE 858 Dubai 17:40IRC 527 Mashhad 17:50SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15JZR 184 Dubai 18:20SAW 706 Damascus 18:20GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20JZR 538 Cairo 18:30JZR 238 Amman 18:45KAC 1801 Cairo 18:55QTR 1081 Doha 19:05JZR 124 Bahrain 19:20MSR 621 Cairo 19:30SYR 342 Damascus 19:45GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50FDB 064 Dubai 19:50KAC 361 Colombo 19:55ABY 124 Sharjah 19:55KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30MSR 619 Alexandria 20:30FDB 060 Dubai 20:30UAE 876 Dubai 20:35JAI 571 Mumbai 20:35KAC 331 Trivandrum 20:45DLH 634 Doha 20:50KAC 343 Chennai 20:55KAC 351 Kochi 21:00KAC 543 Cairo 21:00KNE 232 Riyadh 21:10JZR 554 Alexandria 21:15MEA 403 Beirut 21:15OMA 648 Muscat 21:15QTR 1089 Doha 21:45DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50FDB 5054 Dubai 21:55ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 21:55JAD 300 Amman 22:00ALK 230 Colombo 22:20KAC 381 Delhi 22:25UAE 860 Dubai 22:25THY 1413 TZX 22:25KAC 301 Mumbai 22:30KAC 345 Ahmedabad 22:55KAC 205 Islamabad 23:00GFA 220 Bahrain 23:00ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05JZR 528 Asyut 23:15QTR 1083 Doha 23:20MSC 502 Alexandria 23:30KAC 203 Lahore 23:40RBG 556 Alexandria 23:55

112

Automated enquiry aboutthe Civil ID card is

1889988

PRAYER TIMINGS

Fajr: 03:45

Shorook 05:12

Duhr: 11:54

Asr: 15:29

Maghrib: 18:35

Isha: 19:59

`KNCC PROGRAMME FROM

THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (04/08/2016 TO 10/08/2016)

SHARQIA-1MIN 30 SANA 12:30 PMMIN 30 SANA 3:30 PMMIN 30 SANA 6:30 PMMIN 30 SANA 9:30 PMTHE CONJURING 2 12:30 AM

SHARQIA-2SUICIDE SQUAD 12:00 PMSUICIDE SQUAD -3D 2:30 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 5:00 PMSUICIDE SQUAD 7:15 PMSUICIDE SQUAD -3D 9:45 PMSUICIDE SQUAD 12:15 AM

SHARQIA-3THE LEGEND OF TARZAN 1:00 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 3:15 PMJASON BOURNE 5:30 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 8:00 PMABU SHANAB 10:15 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 12:45 AM

MUHALAB-1MIN 30 SANA 1:00 PMMIN 30 SANA 4:00 PMABU SHANAB 7:00 PMMIN 30 SANA 9:15 PMMIN 30 SANA 12:15 AM

MUHALAB-2THE LEGEND OF TARZAN 12:30 PMALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS 2:45 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 5:00 PMTHE CONJURING 2 7:15 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 10:00 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 12:30 AM

MUHALAB-3SUICIDE SQUAD -3D 11:30 AMSUICIDE SQUAD 2:00 PMSUICIDE SQUAD -3D 5:30 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 8:00 PMSUICIDE SQUAD 10:15 PMSUICIDE SQUAD 12:45 AM

FANAR-1MIN 30 SANA 1:00 PMMIN 30 SANA 4:00 PMMIN 30 SANA 7:00 PMMIN 30 SANA 10:00 PMABU SHANAB 1:00 AM

FANAR-2ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS 12:30 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 3:00 PMALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS 5:15 PM

THE LEGEND OF TARZAN 7:30 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 9:45 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 12:05 AM

FANAR-3NERVE 11:30 AMFINDING DORY 1:30 PMSULTAN- HINDI 3:45 PMNERVE 7:00 PMNERVE 9:15 PMMIN 30 SANA 11:30 PM

FANAR-4SUICIDE SQUAD 11:30 AMSUICIDE SQUAD 2:00 PMSUICIDE SQUAD 4:30 PMSUICIDE SQUAD 7:00 PMSUICIDE SQUAD 9:30 PMSUICIDE SQUAD 12:15 AM

FANAR-5THE CONJURING 2 12:15 PMNERVE 3:00 PMTHE CONJURING 2 5:15 PMJASON BOURNE 8:00 PMTHE CONJURING 2 10:30 PMNERVE 1:15 AM

MARINA-1THE LEGEND OF TARZAN 1:00 PMFINDING DORY 3:30 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 5:45 PMABU SHANAB 8:00 PMJASON BOURNE 10:15 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 12:45 AM

MARINA-2SUICIDE SQUAD 11:45 AMSUICIDE SQUAD 2:15 PMTHE CONJURING 2 4:45 PMSUICIDE SQUAD 7:30 PMSUICIDE SQUAD 10:00 PMSUICIDE SQUAD 12:30 AM

MARINA-3MIN 30 SANA 12:45 PMTHE LEGEND OF TARZAN 1:30 PMALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS 3:45 PMMIN 30 SANA 6:00 PMMIN 30 SANA 9:00 PMMIN 30 SANA 12:05 AM

AVENUES-1JASON BOURNE 12:30 PMJASON BOURNE 3:15 PMTHE CONJURING 2 6:00 PMJASON BOURNE 8:45 PM

CHANGE OF NAME

LOST

SITUATION WANTED

ACCOMMODATION

I, Challa Nagarjuna, holderof Indian Passport No:H4746507 resident of D.No.3/153-A, Vallur, Kadapa Dist,A.P, India, has been convert-ed to Islam, in future I willbe known as Shaik Abdulla.(C 5198) 7-8-2016

I, Linguntla Babu S/o LateVenkataiah, holder ofIndian Passport No:K9653001, have changedmy name to M.N. Reddaiah

Accountant - Indian, expe-rienced having extensiveknowledge in handling allkinds of accounts (includ-ing system establishmentand management) rightfrom JV to finalization andmanagement reportingmore than 20 years in thefield now seeking full timeor part time assignmentwith transferable iqama.

It is notified for the infor-mation that my original cer-tificates of secondary & sen-ior school examinations ofyear 2009 and 2011, issuedby CBSE has lost, Mohamed.(C 5200)9-8-2016

Naidu S/o Late Venkataiah.Address: Mudrapalle (Vi &Po), Penagalur (Mandal),Kadapa (Dist), AP.5-8-2016

Room for rent, 2 big roomswith balcony, no electricitybill, near Jabriya IndianSchool, central A/C, block10, St. 9. Mobile: 55706900,55983570. (C 5201)10-8-2016

Contact: [email protected](C 5199)

URGENTLY REQUIRED

1- Mechanical Engineer / Diploma holder with local experience

in the field of steel fabrication and driving license.

2- Waterjet operator with Autocad.

3- Mechanical foreman - who can read steel fabrication drawing.

Contact: 99795702Email: [email protected]

Page 34: GOvt MUllS cOMPENSAtiNG citizENS AFtER PEtROl hikE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

You could receive unexpected support for whatever you want to accom-plish now. Your professional life runs smoothly. You give loving attention to

details and have a sense of satisfaction in doing what you enjoy. The ability to break awayand express your independence, as well as anything unusual or different, is also valued.You may enjoy getting away from routine and doing something completely different thisevening. Take a little trip, or get outside. A call from a friend this afternoon may have youcompleting the plans for some fun activity. This may mean a bingo or card game withfriends, or even planning a fall garden. Now is a time during which you are unusually moti-

vated and driven into new and unexpected directions.quiet evening may be in order.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

STAR TRACK

You are at your mental best with sharp ideas and clear thoughts. This is anexcellent time to make decisions and take care of mental work. This is a favorable day foryou-a day geared toward accomplishments, luck, good news, etc. Your mind is exceptionalin its clarity. All that is mental comes to you without struggle or labor-ideas, thoughts andmental things of all kinds. A real guide or pathfinder, your sense of truth and direction arevery clear. You already know the way to accomplish things and solve problems-you needno education to success. No mistake possible here-with you, the saying is true; “what yousee is what you get.” try to keep any criticisms to yourself at this time. You are very much amentor for others.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

A co-worker seems quite insistent on getting into your space today. Checkagain, he or she may just be looking for a little encouragement or a lighthearted environ-ment. Reassurance about some oncoming changes in the workplace will help to assuageany fears he or she may have. If you allow your very own common sense to come into play,it will guide you productively. This afternoon you may find yourself with friends, lendingothers a helping hand or a listening ear. You will enjoy a tale of high adventure and maybe able to join in with your own stories. You take better care of some responsibilities orchores today. You demonstrate great understanding and sensitivity to your loved onesthis evening. You are in a good position to guide or suggest.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

If it makes sense, you love it-if it does not, you feel guilty about it: that iswhat life feels like now. There are a loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction indoing what is right. Circumstances can throw you into a position where you must use yourmind and deal with communications, service or enclosed hidden interests. You may dealwith education, psychology, spiritual enlightenment or teaching techniques today. Yourmental activity and the world of communication you enjoy are powerful. You want to beaccepted by all and you work very hard to do what is expected of you. Communication isthe interface that holds the rest of you together. Your dedication to achievement isintense. Leave work behind this evening and enjoy family.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Right now, the key to career moves involves attending to nagging details-whatever you have neglected or delayed. Circumstances may urge you to great effort andhard work. Things are working with rather than against you, so do not hold back. However,do not overdo and try to go too far too fast. Let things take their natural course, whichshould be easy just now. You are a very sensitive person who can depend on feelings andintuition to get around in life. Possessing good common sense, you will display your prac-tical and down-to-earth side. You may find yourself involved in the invention of a newrecipe this afternoon. Since you enjoy music so much, friends may take you to a musicalplace of entertainment tonight.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Ideas regarding new business or private inventions should be put in writ-ing with your name and date included. Without opening, mail one copy to you and onecopy to your manager, director, etc. This will ensure you against someone taking yourideas. You have a creative burst of energy today that could show monetary results. Youmay enjoy the rewards of your creation within a short period of time. This creative energyof yours takes hold and may surprise even you. The secret here is to go with the flow. Donot squelch the desire to create. Your career will be anything but ordinary and leave it toyou to find unusual ways of supporting yourself. You bring a lot of mental skill and under-standing to whatever you do at this time.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Go for it! Do it now and ask questions later-you are a born leader-not afraidto try things out on your own. Your sense of mission makes for impulsive, sometimes rashand brave actions. Your motto may be to keep moving projects forward. Higher-ups areimpressed with your work. Complete projects and stay focused-someone could try andlead you in another direction. You have a deep sense of responsibility and purpose andwill encourage others along this line. You seem to gravitate to those things that last andhold true. Matters of law, religion and philosophy hold your interest at this time. Thisevening is important to a loved one and even though you may be tired-you will showyour support. You captivate others with your compassion.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

You might like to ignore responsibilities and do some socializing, but yourschedule demands that you tend to business for now. You find ways to steer away fromarguments where you have not had much previous information of content. You give mucheffort to bring the focus back to the issue at hand or to steer others back to the currentproject. You put forth a lot of effort in your career, however you became involved. Thisafternoon someone will express his or her appreciation for your abilities and the way youaccomplish your goals. You will be able to expound and expand upon new possibilitieswhile visiting with your mate or loved one this evening. As an act of fair play, you couldshare thoughts about personal goals for the future.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

You may find yourself leading a group. This could mean a tour or instruct-ing others in safety, etc. There could also be community work. Anything

that is selfless or serves the common good is where you can be found today. There is agreater demand for self-discipline in your work-your superiors are impressed with youroverall improvement. Your mind tends to move into the direction of helping others andthat may be where you will find your most important work. Ideas connected with groupwork and goals are a natural-making your inner vision real. You are good at putting yourideas to work in the world, making dreams real. This could mean you will work or volun-teer in the community as a social welfare or library aide.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

You have a sense of justice and an innate ability to understand the law,whether natural or manmade. You could find yourself correcting a situation at work thatwould cause a great loss if you did not call attention to it. Showing others the way throughor beyond the problems in business or life is easy for you. You can sense how to manipu-late the opportunities of life-lucky. Making money is second nature for you-keeping orinvesting the money you earn or win is the challenge. Relationships are important to youand you may want to plan ahead for some special celebration or set aside some time tospend in giving a loved one special attention. When it comes to expenses, you will be able

to save ahead for a special event.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

You could be most persuasive with others -perhaps you are a top salesper-son. Whatever the circumstances, the situation is a natural for self-expres-

sion and lends itself to your particular ideas. A careful attention to details and a sense ofsatisfaction in doing what is right are some of the qualities that bring the customers toyour store or gain you better business. Your optimum job is just being you and this indi-cates a career in front of the public: politician, salesperson, consultant, etc. This time bringsa sudden change of fortune for the better and is considered to be a truly lucky time. Thisevening you and a friend or loved one may enjoy some new form of art. You may even

decide to purchase some art for an investment.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

You have a remarkable ability to accomplish and achieve in life. Your ambi-tions are backed up by your willingness. You can be very emotional and others might findyou a bit too aggressive from time to time. You try hard and successfully push on towardwhatever goals you have in mind. A conservative by nature, you tend to stand up for thestatus quo. If it makes sense, you love it, and if it does not, you feel guilty about it: that’swhat it’s like now. A loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what isright are some of the qualities that come to your attention. A special affinity between oldpeople and children may find you working to improve living conditions for them thisevening. A part-time job may be available.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

CROSSWORD 1338

ACROSS1. A protocol developed for the internet to get

data from one network device to another.4. A resident of Arkansas.12. Tag the base runner to get him out.15. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part

of an organism.16. A long hooded cloak woven of wool in one

piece.17. A loose sleeveless outer garment made

from aba cloth.18. Italian lawn bowling (played on a long nar-

row dirt court).20. In a manner differing from the usual or

expected.21. An electrically charged particle.22. Conforming to an ultimate standard of per-

fection or excellence.25. A small cake leavened with yeast.26. A piece of armor plate below the breast-

plate.28. Title for a civil or military leader (especially

in Turkey).31. Having awns i.e. bristle- or hair-like

appendages on the flowering parts ofsome cereals and grasses.

35. United States comedian and film actor(1880-1946).

37. A young unmarried woman.39. English essayist (1775-1834).40. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh.43. (Irish) Mother of the Tuatha De Danann.44. Thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of

the lateral columns and anterior horns ofthe spinal cord.

45. An Arabic speaking person who lives inArabia or North Africa.

46. Game in which matchsticks are arranged inrows and players alternately remove oneor more of them.

47. Thinking again about a choice previouslymade.

52. A doctor's degree in religion.53. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized

by behavioral and learning disorders.54. The United Nations agency concerned with

the international organization of food andagriculture.

56. A sudden short attack.59. New Zealand conifer.62. A worker engaged in making steel.66. Go on board.70. An esoteric or occult matter that is tradi-

tionally secret.71. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan

River.74. The cry made by sheep.75. A hospital unit staffed and equipped to

provide intensive care.76. A mountain peak in the Andes in Bolivia

(21,201 feet high).78. An inflammatory complication of leprosy

that results in painful skin lesions on thearms and legs and face.

79. A master's degree in theology.80. A very large pot that is used for boiling.81. Small cubes with 1 to 6 spots on the faces.

DOWN1. A sock with a separation for the big toe.2. A compact mass.3. The rate of moving (especially walking or

running).

4. A promontory in northern Morocco oppo-site the Rock of Gibraltar.

5. European strong-scented perennial herbwith gray-green bitter-tasting leaves.

6. A colorless element that is one of the sixinert gasses.

7. Small buffalo of the Celebes having smallstraight horns.

8. A connecting point at which several linescome together.

9. Vasoconstrictor (trade names Privine andSudafed) used in nasal sprays to treatsymptoms of nasal congestion and in eye-drops to treat eye irritation.

10. The sign language used in the UnitedStates.

11. French marshal in the Napoleonic Wars(1769-1815).

12. Submerged aquatic plant having narrowleaves and small flowers.

13. Little known Kamarupan languages.14. An unofficial association of people or

groups.19. An esoteric or occult matter that is tradi-

tionally secret.23. A plant hormone promoting elongation of

stems and roots.24. The fluid (red in vertebrates) that is

pumped by the heart.27. A port city in southwestern Turkey on the

Gulf of Antalya.29. Provided with gills.30. (slang) The act of stealing.32. Flightless New Zealand rail of thievish dis-

position having short wings each with aspur used in fighting.

33. 100 seniti equal 1 pa'anga.34. Expletives used informally as intensifiers.36. A support or foundation.38. The capital and largest city of Yemen.41. (Judaism) Sacred chest where the ancient

Hebrews kept the two tablets containingthe Ten Commandments.

42. The blood group whose red cells carryboth the A and B antigens.

48. Australian shrubs and small trees withevergreen usually spiny leaves and denseclusters of showy flowers.

49. Excellent and delightful in all respects.50. A long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur.51. Baby bed with high sides.55. Before noon.57. The oily secretion of the sebaceous glands.58. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic ele-

ment.60. (archaic) The emperor of Japan.61. At full speed.63. Measuring instrument for indicating speed

of rotation.64. The arch of bone beneath the eye that

forms the prominence of the cheek.65. Horny plate covering and protecting part

of the dorsal surface of the digits.67. In bed.68. (the feminine of raja) A Hindu princess or

the wife of a raja.69. Informal terms for money.72. A doctor's degree in dental medicine.73. A river in north central Switzerland that

runs northeast into the Rhine.77. A trivalent metallic element of the rare

earth group.

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Page 35: GOvt MUllS cOMPENSAtiNG citizENS AFtER PEtROl hikE

inf or m at ionWEDNESDAY, AUGUST10, 2016

Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558

Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622

Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967

Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638

Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241

Ophthalmologists

Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444

Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222

Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171

Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999

Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700

Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223

Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223

Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)

Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510

Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660

Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478

Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996

Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988

Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166

Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426

General Practitioners

Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123

Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312

Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920

Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465

Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528

Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781

Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501

Urologists

Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534

Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955

Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660

Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120

Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427

For labor-related inquiries and complaints:

Call MSAL hotline 128

Sabah Hospital 24812000

Amiri Hospital 22450005

Maternity Hospital 24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700

Chest Hospital 24849400

Farwaniya Hospital 24892010

Adan Hospital 23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300

Al-Razi Hospital 24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9

Kaizen center 25716707

Rawda 22517733

Adaliya 22517144

Khaldiya 24848075

Kaifan 24849807

Shamiya 24848913

Shuwaikh 24814507

Abdullah Salem 22549134

Nuzha 22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764

Qadsiya 22515088

Dasmah 22532265

Bneid Al-Gar 22531908

Shaab 22518752

Qibla 22459381

Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082

Mirqab 22456536

Sharq 22465401

Salmiya 25746401

Jabriya 25316254

Maidan Hawally 25623444

Bayan 25388462

Mishref 25381200

W Hawally 22630786

Sabah 24810221

Jahra 24770319

New Jahra 24575755

West Jahra 24772608

South Jahra 24775066

North Jahra 24775992

North Jleeb 24311795

Ardhiya 24884079

Firdous 24892674

Omariya 24719048

N Khaitan 24710044

Fintas 23900322

GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE

Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700

Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60

Family Doctor

Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists

Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians

DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272

Dr. Salem soso 22618787

General Surgeons

Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart

Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939

Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300

Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3

Paediatricians

Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282

Dermatology

Dr. Mohammed Salam Bern University 23845955

Dentists

Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111

Neurologists

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875

Gastrologists

Dr. Sami Aman 22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135

Endocrinologist

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888

Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924

Physiotherapists & VD

Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288

Rheumatologists:

Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart

DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667

Consultant Cardiologist

Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 MD, PH.D, FACC

Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

Soor CenterTel: 2290-1677Fax: 2290 1688

[email protected]

Psychologists/Psychotherapists

PRIVATE CLINICS

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

Kaizen center25716707

Noor Clinic23845955

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The 43-year-old actress and her movie producer husband Scott Stuber - whoalready have kids Brooks, four, and Scarlett, 16 months - were “shocked” todiscover they will be adding to their family at the end of the year, but

couldn’t be happier. Molly said: “It’s a Hail Mary! I’m so happy-we’re so blessed.We were so shocked, but we’re thrilled.” The ‘Yes Man’ actress admitted the preg-nancy was unplanned and joked it was the result of “what happens when I govisit my husband on the movie set.” Though Molly was anxious about havinganother baby later in life, she was reassured when she heard Rolling Stones rock-er Sir Mick Jagger, 72, is preparing to be a father again as 29-year-old ballerinaMelanie Hamrick is expecting is eighth child. She told People magazine: “Being43 is a little worrisome, cause I’m like ‘OK, you are going to be 90!’ But then MickJagger [is having a baby at 72] so we’re like okay, we feel good about ourselves.”

And the ‘Fired Up!’ star is having a tough time with morning sickness. She said: “Ihave never had more morning sickness in my life-I have been sick from themoment I wake up to the moment I go to bed. “I have thrown up in the BristolFarms parking lot and I have thrown up outside of a restaurant. It’s just bad!”Shortly after giving birth to Scarlett, Molly admitted she was much more confi-dent with her parenting than the first time around. She said: “I had much moretrepidation with Brooks because I didn’t know what I was doing. With her, it’s like,‘OK, you’re pooping, you’re eating, you’re drinking-we’re good!’ In that way, it’sbeen really good.

Molly Sims is pregnantwith her third child

John Boyega caught a Pokemon onthe set of ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’. The24-year-old actor is big fan of

‘Pokemon Go’ and would spend hisdowntime between scenes bringing hischaracter Finn to life at Pinewood Studiosin Buckinghamshire, South East England,hunting pocket monsters on the NianticLabs augmented reality game. AndBoyega was very excited when hegrabbed a Pikachu on the set populatedby Stormtroopers, a wookie and otheraliens. In an interview with TechCrunch

he was asked if was playing ‘Pokemon Go’,to which he replied: “I do have the app.Currently at level 5, CP levels are lookinggood. I found a Pikachu at PinewoodStudios while filming ‘Star Wars’. I toldeverybody, ‘I got a Pikachu!’ I was themost popular kid on set for like a day.”Boyega is playing the title as much as hecan and has been logging on in Bostonwhere he is filming Kathryn Bigelow’snew movie about the 1967 Detroit riots.The British hunk was surprised to find somany people playing the game on the

streets of the American city. He said: “Ithought there was like a fight going on,there were so many people crowding ... Iwas like, ‘What’s going on?’ Oh, they’rejust playing ‘Pokemon’. It’s great the waystechnology has brought us all together.It’s a very interesting time.” Boyega is notthe only celebrity to get hooked on thegame. Other famous players include LilyAllen, Justin Bieber, Ellen DeGeneres,Demi Lovato, Joe Jonas and Steve Aoki.

John Boyega says he caught a Pokemon on the ‘Star Wars’ set

Anne Hathaway insists there is no“shame” in gaining weight. The ‘DevilWears Prada’ actress gave birth to

son Jonathan - her first child with husbandAdam Schulman - four months ago butisn’t upset that she hasn’t lost the weightshe gained during her pregnancy as quick-ly as she imagined. Sharing a picture ofsome cropped denim trousers being cutinto shorts, she wrote on Instagram: “Thereis no shame in gaining weight during preg-nancy (or ever). There is no shame if it takeslonger than you think it will to lose theweight (if you want to lose it at all). There isno shame in finally breaking down andmaking your own jean shorts because lastsummer’s are just too dang short for thissummer’s thighs. Bodies change. Bodiesgrow. Bodies shrink. It’s all love (don’t letanyone tell you otherwise.) Peace xx#noshame #lovewhatyouhavebeengiven(sic)” A few months after giving birth, the33-year-old actress admitted the processhad given her a new appreciation for herbody. She said: “I work out in WestHollywood, so you see, like, Thor’s trainer-you know, the people who have too manymuscles to be in ‘The Avengers’-so I wouldnormally walk in and feel so intimidated.“But [now] I walk in, I’m like, ‘Yeah I work

out with 5 lb. weights, but I pushed a babyout of my body, I feel good right now.’ “ Andduring one recent workout, the ‘Interstellar’actress thought she’d caught the eye of afellow gym-goer - only to realize he waslooking for work. She recalled: “He comesup to me. He’s like, ‘So you been workingout at this gym a long time?’ And I’m like,‘Oh my God, he’s hitting on me. Nice, newmom.’ I feel really good about myself andI’m like, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve been coming here fora little bit.’ “He’s like, ‘Cool, I’m a trainer hereand just wondering if you want somepointers.’ And I’m like, ‘Oh no, he’s not hit-ting on you, he just wants a job!’ “ Annethen decided to tell the trainer she was anew parent in the hope he’d complimenther post-baby figure, but she was left dis-appointed. She said: “I’m expecting him tosay the thing that you say when someonesays they’ve had a baby, which is, ‘Oh myGod, you look great!’ “Doesn’t matter if it’strue. If somebody says, ‘I had a baby 13years ago,’ you say, ‘You look great.’ That iswhat you do, that is the etiquette. “So I sayto this guy, ‘I had a baby seven weeks ago’.And he goes, ‘Oh, trying to lose the babyweight!’ “

Hathaway not worried about weight

Jodie Marsh has ruled out havingany more pets. The TV documen-tary maker has decided to not add

any more animals to her menagerieafter giving a home to a little aban-doned kitten which she got fromWanderers Haven Animal Sanctuary.Jodie is besotted with her pussy, whoshe has called Maggie, but now in anew YouTube video she has posted topromote the center she admits she hasas many animals is as much as she canhandle. The 37-year-old bodybuildersaid: “I can’t have any more myself atthe moment, as you know I’ve got six,and I just can’t have anymore.” Duringthe video, Jodie admitted she falls inlove with nearly all of the animals she’sintroduced to, and in particular Albertthe Basset who she meets in the video.She gushed over the animal: “You’rejust a saggy dog, I love saggy dogs. ILove Albert he’s very funny - gorgeous.”The ‘Totally Jodie Marsh’ star was alsotaken with 14-year-old Jack - who a lotof people find undesirable because ofhis age - but Jodie argued that olderdogs are often a good bet to give ahome to. She explained: “I would quitehappily re-home an old dog like this. Ifhe’s only got a couple of years left, Iwanna give him the best couple ofyears of his life. And it’s not as big acommitment either. “People who takeon a one year old or a two year old arecommitting to, potentially, 15 yearswhereas with an old dog like this yourprobably only looking at a couple ofyears.” The video urges people to con-sider rehoming a pet rather than buy-ing one, and she said: “I t ’s just a

reminder to ask you all to rescueinstead of buy. As you all know I haverescue animals at home and they’reamazing.” As well as Maggie, Jodie -who recently split from her husbandJames Placido after just eight monthsof marriage - owns three cats and fivedogs, including fully grown RottweilerRalph.

Jodie Marsh says no to more pets

Kylie Jenner is ‘obsessed’ with blusher

Lautner had

‘fun with’ Swift

Taylor Lautner had a “fun few months” with TaylorSwift. The ‘Scream Queens’ actor briefly dated the‘Shake It Off’ singer in 2009 and he still has fond

memories of their time together. Asked about theirromance, he told ‘Entertainment Tonight’: “It was a goodtime. It was a fun few months there.” And Taylor lateradmitted he still listens to his former girlfriend’s musicwhile he was being mocked about his love life by ‘ScreamQueens’ co-stars Lea Michele and John Stamos during aFacebook Live interview. Lea said: “You dated Taylor Swift. Iremember that. Should we talk about it? “Didn’t she write asong about you?” Taylor replied: “That’s what she does. Shewrites songs.” John then asked which song his pal hadinspired, and Lea replied: “I think it was on the one about asweater and a hat.” The ‘Cuckoo’ actor appeared visiblyuncomfortable and tried to change the subject, simply say-ing: “That’s hilarious.” But Lea persisted with her question-ing, and then said: “Am I right, though? I listened to ‘22’ bythe pool today. I was like, ‘I’m feeling 22, guys.’ “ Taylor thenconceded: “It’s good music. I listen to it.” While Taylor hasonly nice things to say about his former girlfriend, the 26-year-old singer - who is now dating Tom Hiddleston -recently found herself slammed by her most recent ex-boyfriend, Calvin Harris. Calvin took to the social network-ing site to claim his former flame was trying to “tear [him]down” after she confirmed she wrote his latest song ‘This IsWhat You Came For’ under a pseudonym. In a series oftweets, he wrote: “Hurtful to me at this point that her andher team would go so far out of their way to try and makeME look bad at this stage though “I figure if you’re happyin your new relationship you should focus on that insteadof trying to tear your ex bf down for something to do “Iknow you’re off tour and you need someone new to tryand bury like Katy ETC but I’m not that guy, sorry. I won’tallow it “Please focus on the positive aspects of YOUR lifebecause you’ve earned a great one “God bless everyonehave a beautiful day (sic)”. He also confirmed Taylor lenther vocals to part of his latest track and praised her lyricalabilities. He tweeted, along with an upside down smileyface, after the report was confirmed: “And she sings on a lit-tle bit of it too. Amazing lyric writer and she smashed it asusual (sic).”

The 18-year-old ‘Keeping UpWith the Kardashians’ starhas admitted she is “serious-

ly” in love with the pink cheekpowder, and has a soft spot forthe British make-up artist andbeauty mogul Charlotte Tilbury’stwo-part palette in her Cheek toChic Swish and Pop cosmetic line.Speaking about her essentialmake-up products on her web-site thekyliejenner.com, thebrunette beauty - who is current-ly dating ‘Rack City’ hitmaker Tyga- said: “I’m seriously obsessedwith blush. I have tried so manydifferent brands and I love a lot ofthem, but there’s one that standsout! “Charlotte Tilbury’s Cheek toChic Swish and Pop collection is atwo-part blush and my favoritepalette is Love is the Drug. You’resupposed to ‘swish’ the outershade on your cheekbone and‘pop’ the center color on the

apple of your cheek and blendthe two.” And the teen entrepre-neur - who built her beautyempire Kylie Cosmetics over twoyears - has revealed she has done“a lot” of damage to her tressesover time, and relies on MoroccanOil shampoo and conditioner,which contains argan oil and avariety of vitamins, to repair herlocks. The youngest of theKardashian/Jenner gangexplained: “I’ve done a lot of dam-age to my hair over the years, so itneeds lots of hydration! That’swhy I love Moroccan Oil shampooand conditioner. The productshave argan oil, vitamins A and E,and red algae, which helps mois-turize. Moroccan Oil has reallysaved my hair!”

The 29-year-old actress - who recentlystripped for a photo-shoot withWomen’s Health magazine - has admit-

ted although she felt intimidated sheddingher clothes she is “comfortable” in her skinand is “very happy” with her appearancebecause she feels she is in the best shape shehas been in her “whole life”. Speaking to ETCanada about her physique, the brunettebeauty said: “It was intimidating following inChrissy Teigen’s shoes. She’s so beautiful. ZoeSaldana has done the cover as well. But I’mvery comfortable in my skin. I was onBroadway and I had to take my clothes offthere as well.” “It wasn’t that crazy for me, butthen again, at the end of the day when you’retaking these pictures you’re like, ‘Oh wait,these are going to be on newsstands for thewhole world to see.’ “But I’m very happy withhow it came out. I feel the best I’ve ever felt inmy whole life. I’m going to be 30 in threeweeks, so I think it was the perfect time to do

that.” However, the ‘Scream Queens’ star hasrevealed doesn’t work out in a gym to stay inshape. Speaking previously, she said: “I’m notthe kind of person who would go to the gym.For me, working out has to be good for mymind too, and when I leave [spinning classSoulCycle], the endorphins are buzzing, I’mglowing and I feel like I can take on theworld.” Meanwhile, the former ‘Glee’ star hasrecently taken to Snapchat to detail her beau-ty routine. The star joked about her ablutionson social media, as she allowed fans to seeher getting her bushy brows tamed and hairon her upper lip waxed off. In the video of hereyebrows getting waxed, she opened hereyes wide and said: “This is going to hurt real-ly bad.” And as she got her facial fuzzremoved, she joked: “This is the real beauty,you guys. This is what happens when you’rehalf Jewish, half Italian.”— Bang Showbiz

Lea Michele feels ‘the best’she has ever felt with her body

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Of course we are familiar with the Spanishrice dish paella, we say. It is the color of aMediterranean sunrise, a coral red or saf-

fron yellow. Chef Rosa Camprodon shakes herhead. Or maybe that’s a shudder. She is ourinstructor at a Barcelona cooking school thatcaters to tourists, and she is teaching us to makepaella Catalonia-style: a rich coppery brown.

Camprodon tosses finely diced onion into apan of hot olive oil and has one student stir it.Add the tomato, and stir. Never let it sit on theflame, she says. Never let it burn. Add rice andstir 15 minutes in all, or until the mixture is adeep brown, ready for other ingredients. “Thereare as many paellas as there are cooks,”Camprodon says. “But paella is not red or yellow.It is brown. The darkness depends on how longyou caramelize the onions in their own naturalsugar.”

Chefs are nothing if not opinionated aboutfood. And food, like art or history, is a great gate-way into a new place. So on our first trip toBarcelona, my husband and I signed up for ahalf-day class with the Cook and Taste school.But before we tackled the paella, we spent a fewhours on the history, gathering food for thoughton a group walking tour about the Spanish CivilWar. Our guide, Nick Lloyd, met us in the morn-ing near La Rambla and La Boqueria market astourists and foodies began to pour in. But hetook us back to a time when the city was drapedin red and black flags, with workers armed forbattle. Here in the 1930s, he explained, followersof “Karl Marx, Adam Smith and the anarchists”joined forces in a revolutionary government inCatalonia, to fight against the fascists led byGen. Francisco Franco - before turning on eachother.

Lloyd pointed out a building once occupiedby anarchists, across the plaza from anotheroccupied by communists, and down La Rambato the hotel where George Orwell stayed whenhe joined other volunteers who came to Spainfrom around the world to fight Franco. Lloydrecited passages from Orwell’s “Homage toCatalonia” by heart, and explained that the warwas a prelude to World War II. Franco crushedBarcelona’s revolutionary government when hisforces took the city in 1939, and he ruled thecountry with an iron fist until his death in 1975.It took decades for Barcelona to recover, buttoday the city is a bustling cosmopolitan center,known not so much for its bloody past and revo-lutionary struggles as for, among other things,Gaudi, soccer and of course, food.

The city’s cuisine gained international fame inpart thanks to the innovative chef Ferran Adria.

His El Bulli restaurant closed in 2011 but hisinfluence remains. And maybe that’s why weeven thought to take a cooking class. The menuat Cook and Taste was gazpacho, roasted veg-etables and cod over flatbread, seafood paellaand, for dessert, crema Catalana. Our diversegroup of 12 from the US, Singapore andAustralia had much to learn and eat in fourhours: The ham must be room temperature sothe fat melts over the meat to bring out the fla-vor. The cockles for the paella should be cleanedin cold water with salt “so it feels like home,”Camprodon said. The mussels, well, “they arevery sociable, you know,” so you must removethe thin beard-like membrane they use to clingto each other and to rocks. We prepared dessertfirst so it would have time to chill. One groupwhisked egg yolks and milk infused with lemonpeel and cinnamon. The scented mixture waspoured into terracotta dishes and refrigerated.

Another group diced and blended gazpacho,using the traditional tomato, cucumber, greenpepper and garlic along with unusual ingredi-ents: watermelon and beets. Camprodon pre-pared flatbread dough ahead, so it could risebefore baking. We roasted eggplant, onions andred pepper, peeled the peppers and cut the veg-etables into strips before boiling the cod in hotolive oil with garlic and cayenne. The bread wascut into squares and layered with vegetablesand fish.

Finally, the paella. “This is a social event. Wemake it on Sundays with kids everywhere andsometime people fight, ‘No, I make the bestpaella, I do it better...’ but there is plenty foreveryone to do. This is hard work,” Camprodonexplained. We took turns stirring onions, addedvegetables, rice and a saffron-garlic paste, thenspread it evenly in a pan. “No empty spaces,please,” Camprodon said. She added plenty ofsalt but not as much as locals seem to like.Cockles, mussels and shrimp were laid on top,then fish stock was poured into the pan andbrought to a boil. “Another rule of paella: Never,ever stir after the stock has been added,” shesaid. “Ideally, the rice is a little al dente.” We ategazpacho and flatbread as the paella cooked. Atlast, it was ready, as delicious as it looked. Wesavored the flavors but left room for the finale:our Catalan dessert, topped by sugarcaramelized with a kitchen blow torch. We leftsated, educated and ready for a siesta. — AP

Photo shows William and Jessica Wong of Sydney, Australia, making confit codon flatbread at a Catalonia-style cooking class in Barcelona, Spain.

Chef Rosa Camprodon shows tourist Carlos Rajo how to make Catalonia-stylepaella in Barcelona, Spain.

Chef Rosa Camprodon instructing tourists from California and Singapore inCatalonia-style cooking in Barcelona, Spain.— AP photos

What color is paella? The answer, from a Barcelona chef

Photo shows tourist Carlos Rajo stirring rice for aCatalonia-style paella in Barcelona, Spain.

Photo shows software engineer Abhishek Parmar and his9-year-old son, Arjun, making Catalonia-style tomatobread in a cooking class in Barcelona, Spain.

A Catalonia-style seafood paella that is being prepared by tourists at cookingclass offered by cooking school Cook and Taste in Barcelona, Spain.

Photo shows sisters Andrea and Sandrea Siow of Singapore and Carlos Rajo ofthe United States practicing their chopping techniques in Barcelona, Spain.

By Sara Moulton

If there’s ever a time when you can have too much of agood thing, it might be right now, when fresh summertimeherbs are beyond abundant. Happily, this recipe for Fresh

Herbed Yogurt Cheese is just the ticket when you’re lookingto put a dent in the stockpile of herbs overflowing in your gar-den or taking up too much space in your refrigerator. It’s afresh cheese based on Greek yogurt, and it’s very flexibleregarding its herbal flavorings. I’ve chosen some of myfavorites, including chives, parsley, thyme and tarragon. But ifyou have other herbs at hand - basil, cilantro, mint, oregano -go right ahead and swap them in for my mix.

Whichever herbs you use, be sure to chop them with asupersharp knife, and do so briefly and efficiently. Whackingaway at herbs endlessly with a dull knife guarantees thatyou’ll end up with a wet, gray mess. Making this cheese is sim-ple, but you need to plan ahead because the yogurt takes 48hours to drain. And although you’re welcome to dig into itright after you’ve added the herbs, it tastes much better if youlet it chill overnight. Plus, it’s easier then to shape the cheeseinto a log or a round.

As an appetizer, this spread is delicious served on toastedFrench bread rounds or your favorite crackers. It’s also great inplace of mustard or mayonnaise on a summer sandwich ofsliced turkey, smoked salmon, or roast beef - or on veggiesandwiches starring cucumbers or tomatoes. However youuse this cheese, you’ll be glad to have put the season’s herbsto good use.

Fresh herbed yogurt cheeseStart to finish: 2 1/2 days plus 20 minutes (20 active)

17.6 ounce container (about 2 cups) Greek yogurt, full-fator low-fat, your choice

3 tablespoons minced shallot2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon minced fresh chives2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oilSalt and black pepperToasted baguette slices or crackersLine a large strainer with a triple layer of rinsed and

squeezed cheesecloth and set the strainer over a larger bowl.Pile the yogurt into the strainer, spreading it out. Cover withplastic wrap, top with a plate and a weight such as a can oftomatoes and let the yogurt drain in the refrigerator for 48hours.

Transfer the drained yogurt to a bowl and stir in the next 7ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. If time permits, cov-er and chill the cheese for up to 8 hours (to develop the fla-vor). Shape the cheese into logs or rounds and serve withtoasted baguette slices or crackers. Makes a little over 2 cups.

Nutrition information per 2-ounce serving: 76 calories; 43calories from fat; 5 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 4 mgcholesterol; 56 mg sodium; 3 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 3 gsugar; 5 g protein. — AP

By Katie Workman

Green beans can be - well, I’ll say it, boring. They are oneof the most accessible and affordable vegetables onthe market, and one of the easiest to prepare, but too

often they bring to mind the word “meh.” But green beans canlend themselves to so many different kinds of preparationsand seasonings that there are lots of reasons to make theeffort to take them to another level. They can be roasted,steamed, boiled and sauteed, or served at room temperaturein a salad, as in this recipe.

Here they are paired with bright, tangy clementineoranges and salty feta, then lifted up another notch withminced shallots and fresh thyme leaves. If you don’t havecoarse Dijon you can use regular, though I like the extra tex-ture that the coarse variety gives to the dressing. The beanscan be cooked and tossed with the dressing up to two daysahead, which lets them marinate a bit. Add the oranges andfeta just before serving. All in all, a far cry from “meh.”

Green bean salad with clementine oranges and feta

Start to finish: 20 minutesServings: 6

1 1/2 pounds green beans3 clementines2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil2 tablespoons rice vinegar2 tablespoons minced shallots1 tablespoon coarse Dijon mustard1 teaspoon fresh thyme leavesKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste1 cup crumbled feta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Dropthe beans into the water and let them cook for 3 minutes untilthey start to become tender. Drain the beans in a colanderand run cold water over them to stop the cooking, cool themdown and preserve the bright green color. Peel the clemen-tines and cut each segment in half crosswise. Cut the cooledbeans in half cross-wise.

In a small bowl or container, combine the olive oil, vinegar,shallots, mustard, thyme, salt and pepper. Whisk or shake tocombine. Place the beans and orange segments in a largebowl and drizzle the dressing over them. Toss to combinethoroughly. Add 1/2 cup of the feta and toss again gently tocombine, then sprinkle the rest of the feta on top. Serve atroom temperature or chilled.

Nutrition information per serving: 166 calories; 93 caloriesfrom fat; 10 g fat (4 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 22 mg choles-terol; 337 mg sodium; 14 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 6g protein. — AP

Taking green bean salad up a notchSummertime herbs make versatile herbed yogurt cheese

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After an exhausting summer buffet of set pieces, super-heroes and whatever s-word you might use for “SuicideSquad,” the gentle “Pete’s Dragon” is a welcome palate

cleanser. Where other summer movies are chest-thumping, it’squiet; where others are brashly cynical, it’s sweetly sincere;where others are lacking in giant cuddly dragons, “Pete’sDragon” has one. Few may remember the 1977 Disney origi-nal, in which a young boy’s best friend was a bubbly dragoninvisible to others. As part of Disney’s continuing effort toremake its animated classics in live-action, “Pete’s Dragon” hasbeen confidently reborn as an earnest tale of green-wingedwonder.

David Lowery, a veteran of the independent film world andthe director of the lyrical crime drama “Ain’t Them BodiesSaints,” inherits a far bigger film. But his “Pete’s Dragon” stillmaintains the homespun feel of an American fable. Spielberg-light, you might call it. The film begins, in the “Bambi” tradi-tion, in parental tragedy. Pete’s family is driving through aremote Pacific Northwest forest with Pete nestled in the back-seat of the station wagon, reading a children’s book about adog named Elliott. A deer sprints out and, in poetic slow-

motion, the gravity of the car’s interior is upended. The carflips off the road and Pete staggers from the crash.

Flashing forward six years, Pete (Oakes Fegley) is a wild 10-year-old orphan living in the woods alone except for his magi-cal companion, the dragon Elliott. As far as CGI creatures go,Elliott is an irresistible one. Furry as a fairway, he’s like an enor-mous emerald-green puppy. Far from the “Game of Thrones”dragon variety, he’s more adept at chasing his own tail thanbreathing fire. He’s also the subject of local folklore, mostly astold by Robert Redford’s wood-carving storyteller.

Magic and family and faithBut it’s his forest ranger daughter Grace (Bryce Dallas

Howard) that first encounters Elliott and ultimately leads tothe dragon’s discovery. Grace coaxes Elliott back into societyand into the fold of her family. She has a daughter, Natalie(Oona Laurence) and lumber mill-running husband Jack (WesBentley). It’s the push by a logging company - where Jack’sbrother, Gavin (Karl Urban) is a gun-totting lumberjack - intothe forest that simultaneously begins flushing out Pete andElliott from their home in the trees. The lush forest (New

Zealand, again, subbing for North America) reigns over “Pete’sDragon,” a tale scored with soft bluegrass and exuding anenvironment-friendly love for the beautiful and exotic splen-dors of nature. When competing interests come for Elliott,they are really fighting for the soul of the forest.

There are Spielbergian gestures here of magic and familyand faith, perhaps better orchestrated than Spielberg’s ownrecent try at a Disney film, “The BFG.” But it’s missing a spark, asense of danger and maybe a little humor. The lean simplicityof “Pete’s Dragon” is its greatest attribute and its weakness. Itdoesn’t quite achieve liftoff until the film’s final moments. Butit does at last catch flight, finally soaring beyond its humblefolksiness. “Pete’s Dragon,” a Walt Disney Co release, is rated PGby the Motion Picture Association of America for “action, periland brief language.” Running time: 103 minutes. Three starsout of four. — AP

This image released by Disney shows Oakes Fegley in a scene from “Pete’s Dragon.”— AP

‘Pete’s Dragon’ (pleasantly) stays earthbound

Review Florence FosterJenkins: Tone-deaf

but adored

When opera lovers ask New York’s Carnegie Hall forsouvenir concert programs, they’re not usually inter-ested in Maria Callas or Joan Sutherland. More often

than not, the name they request is Florence Foster Jenkins, anAmerican socialite who only appeared at the legendary venueonce, and couldn’t hold a note. “In order for a singer to suc-ceed, they need to have a combination of talent, charisma,and interpretive quality,” Carnegie’s archives director GinoFrancesconi wrote in a blogpost commemorating her life.

“And, by definition, they need to be able to sing. FlorenceFoster Jenkins had none of these attributes. In fact, she wasconsidered one of the worst singers of all time.” Jenkins, whocraved fame as a diva but gained infamy for her terrible voice,is the subject of “Florence Foster Jenkins,” a bittersweet biopicwhich hits US theaters this week, starring three-time Oscarwinner Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. “She almost gets it, andthat’s what I found delicious in her,” Streep told the audienceat a preview screening for the Paramount picture in BeverlyHills last week.

“I started listening to the recordings and I could feel hergetting really excited and her thinking ‘This is going very well,’”said the actress. Jenkins, who inherited a fortune from herfather in 1909, had to give up her beloved piano due to nervedamage from syphilis contracted from her first husband whenshe was just a teenager. She used her wealth to indulge herpassion for opera singing instead, putting on grand artisticsoirees for polite society at the Ritz-Carlton, the Waldorf andother upscale Manhattan venues.

‘Vanity’ Those who heard her-often acquaintances rather than pay-

ing members of the public-knew she was a terrible singer butnone ever felt inclined to tell her. “It became a thing to do. Youhad to go and listen to Florence Foster screw up every songshe attempted to sing,” says Francesconi. She was persuadedto make her Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 76 on October25, 1944 and walked onstage in flamboyant homemade cos-tumes, throwing roses into the sell-out crowd. The concertwent as poorly as had every other recital, but this time Jenkinswas not among friends.

Henry Simon of the daily newspaper PM described theaudience’s laughter as “the cruelest and least civilized behav-ior I have ever witnessed in Carnegie Hall.” But a less charitablewrite-up in the Los Angeles Times described the performanceas the “most pathetic exhibition of vanity I have ever seen.” Thesinger’s common-law husband, failed Shakespearean actor StClair Bayfield hadn’t approved of the concert, and wrote afterher death that it had “turned out the fiasco I expected.”“Afterward, when we went home, Florence was upset-andwhen she read the reviews, crushed. She had not known, yousee,” he added.

Diagnosed with heart strain, she died a month later.Directed by Stephen Frears (“Philomena,” “The Queen”), themovie was shot in London and Liverpool, a city in northwest-ern England whose architecture is said to resemble that of1940s Manhattan.

‘Funny and moving’ “I thought it was a very special kind of gift, an adventure,

to look into the life of someone who had no understanding ofhow she presented, except to hope that it went well,” saidStreep, 67. Grant-whose acting had taken a back seat to cam-paigning in Britain for tighter regulation of the country’sfamously rowdy tabloid press-was in semi-retirement, “havinga baby a week, basically,” when he was asked to play Bayfield.

“Stephen, who I knew a bit through the politics, started tomake noises about a film. I thought he was joking and thensuddenly this script appeared on my desk from him,” said theactor, who has fathered four children since turning 50. “Notonly was it funny and moving, but it was also directed by him-he’s quite classy-and Meryl bloody Streep was going to be in itso I absolutely had to say yes.”—AFP

This file photo taken on April 12, 2016 shows US actressMeryl Streep (left) and British actor Hugh Grant as theyarrive for the premiere of “Florence Foster Jenkins” inLondon. — AFP

“The Exorcist” TV series that Fox willunveil this fall takes place in the sameuniverse occupied by the iconic

William Friedkin film, producers said at theTelevision Critics Association panel for the show.The drama, which premieres Sept 23, takes placein Chicago, 40 years after the events depicted inthe film. There will be nods to the original,including occasional use of the Mike Oldfieldcomposition “Tubular Bells” — though the TV“Exorcist” won’t be able to use it too often,because it’s a not a cheap song to license,according to executive producer and directorRupert Wyatt. “We never set out to use it,” Wyattsaid. But eventually, after a bit of prodding, theproducers “tried it at the end of the [pilot] cut,and we realized that it worked.”

Related Fox Chiefs Talk Reboots, ‘X-Files’Future and Strains of Peak TV Era “If you can earnsomething through the story,” then it should goin, he said. “It was always our intent not to justplaster it on for the sake of homage.” In anotherscene, there is mention of the priests whoappeared in the film, noted executive producerJeremy Slater. “It was important to let everyoneknow that this is a continuation of an existingstory,” said Slater. Those acknowledgements arein the first episode, and they’re there in part toindicate that decades have passed, and audi-ence members should not expect Fathers Karrasand Merrin to “show up” at the home of theRance family, whose plight occupies much ofthe ten-episode first season.

Evil insinuatingSlater, Wyatt and the cast noted that one of

their biggest goals was to carry over the ground-ed tone and realistic atmosphere of the first“Exorcist” film. Wyatt, who directed the pilot,noted that Friedkin had a background in docu-mentary film before helming feature films. “Hewas approaching it as an agnostic or as anambivalent [person] — the notion of evil insinu-ating itself into a situation, and whether that isdemonic possession or part of the psychologicalmakeup of the person,” Wyatt said. “That’s part ofwhat made it wholly terrifying-that it was soplausible.” “I believe there is evil in the world andwe have certainly seen instances of it historically,and currently,” said Geena Davis, who playsAngela Rance in the drama. “I think everyone iscapable of an extreme range of behaviors,

depending on what you’re exposed to and whatyour character can resist.”

Davis, the founder of the Geena DavisInstitute on Gender in Media, noted that theproducers were well aware of the extensive workshe has done to combat sexist Hollywood prac-tices and stereotypes in the media. “When I wasfirst approached, they were very earnest aboutletting me know” that they wanted her feedbackand input, Davis said. Half the show’s writers andtwo of its directors are women, she noted, andshe also said that the arcs of the female charac-ters were, in many ways, the dominant parts ofthe story.

Twists and turns“I haven’t really had to bust anybody on any-

thing,” she said. “I think they’re going out of theirway so that I can be extremely proud of theshow.” Though it shares many aspects of theoriginal-a family in crisis and priests whoattempt to help-this version of “The Exorcist” willlayer in the building blocks of a mythology that,in theory, would allow the show to run for sometime. “This time around, evil has grander ambi-tions than targeting an eight-year-old girl inGeorgetown,” Slater said. Though this bigger sto-ry structure will be constructed around theVances, the family and their relationships willremain the entry points for the audience.

“You need the propulsive twists and turns,and we have plenty of big plot twists, but at theend of the day, it’s always going to be about afamily in trouble and the priests brought in tohelp them,” Slater said. If audiences didn’tbecome involved in the characters, “we haven’tdone our jobs.” There are scares, Slater said, butit’s not a show that will deliver lots of gore everyweek. “We’re learning a lot about what you canand can’t accomplish on a TV budget,” Slatersaid. “You have to be very judicious and smartabout when you use your scares-you don’t wantto numb the audience. ... The audience knowsthe horror is coming, and as long as theirpatience is rewarded, the pressure is to tell thebest story possible, not to tell the most shockingor gratuitous story possible.”—Reuters

‘The Exorcist’ TV producers explain the connections to the iconic film

Hollywood veteran Robert Redford returnsto his childhood love of fantasy stories in“Pete’s Dragon,” a new Disney film about

an orphaned boy living in a forest and his friend-ship with one such creature. The fantasy adven-ture is a remake of the 1977 movie of the samename and this time movie features a realisticgreen-furred computer-generated creation ofthe dragon named Elliot.

Redford, 79, known for films such as “ButchCassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “Out ofAfrica”, plays Meacham, the father of forestranger Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) and the onlyone other than Pete (Oakes Fegley) to encounterthe dragon.

Q: You’re seen as this champion of inde-pendent cinema, so what was it that madeyou decide to go into this?

A: This was about a chance to return to myown childhood experience and remember timeswhen I was a kid ... I loved stories that had magicin them. Then you grow out of that as you getolder and you miss it. So this was a chance toplay a role in a film that allowed me to step backinto that time.

Q: How did you imagine the dragon? Didanyone give you any cues?

A: No, you really had to imagine the dragonbecause all you got when you were working wasa pole with a tennis ball at the end and that wasthe dragon ... You had to imagine what the drag-on would look like because it hadn’t been devel-oped yet.

Q: What do you think this film says aboutthe environment?

A: If we keep cutting down trees, if we keepcutting things away and taking things away,pretty soon there will be nothing left to takeaway. There will be no planet ... I think the filmillustrates the value of something like a forest,the storytelling values something like an animalin the forest that no one believes exists. I thinkthose are very important things in this day andage because we become pretty cynical.

Q: So how much would you say you livethe life of someone who keeps their eyesopen?

A: My eyes are always open. I’m always look-ing at what’s beyond or behind what I’m lookingat and also I love using my imagination. I exer-cise that because that’s what storytelling isabout. I love storytelling because I think we’rebred on storytelling. — Reuters

A Minute With: Robert Redford on magical childhood stories

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Tom Cruise’s car tel f i lm“Mena” is now called“American Made,” and is

moving from Jan 6, 2017, to Sept29, 2017, Universal Picturesannounced on Monday. “AmericanMade” is the latest collaborationbetween Cruise and director DougLiman, who helmed the A-lister in“Edge of Tomorrow.” “AmericanMade” is based on the real-lifeexploits of Barry Seal, a hustler fordrug kingpin Pablo Escobar andpilot unexpectedly recruited bythe CIA to run one of the biggestcovert operations in US history,one that almost brought down theReagan White House through theIran Contra scandal. Cruise, him-self a trained pilot, plays Seal.

Related Pilot of Fatal PlaneCrash Talked About Danger ofShooting Films (VIDEO) ImagineEnter tainment ’s Brian Grazer,Cross Creek Pictures’ Brian Oliverand Tyler Thompson, QuadrantPictures’ Doug Davison and KimRoth are producing. Cross CreekPictures is financing the film, withUniversal handling distribution.The film generated headlines lastyear, when a plane carrying crewmembers crashed on the set in

Colombia in September 2015,killing two people and seriouslyinjuring a third person. Localauthorit ies believe that badweather caused the twin-engineAerostar to crash. Cruise was inproduction on the movie at thetime of the incident, but was noton the plane. The two peoplekilled were identified as Americanfilm pilot Alan David Purwin andColombian Carlos Berl. — Reuters

The creators of “Game ofThrones” are turning the block-buster fantasy epic into a North

American concert tour, bringingtogether both the music and newvisuals from the series. The tour nextyear will focus on the score com-posed by Ramin Djawadi, who willpresent the music with a full orches-tra and what producers promised tobe innovative video technology. “Bycombining the music with state-of-the-art technology, we are going tobring the astonishing world ofWesteros to fans in a live and uniqueconcert experience,” the German-

born, half-Iranian composer said in astatement.

Djawadi, who also wrote thescore for the Marvel action film “IronMan,” is teaming up on the tour with“Game of Thrones” network HBO andleading concert promoter LiveNation. The tour will open February15 in Kansas City with a total of 28dates across the United States andCanada including at New York ’sMadison Square Garden. Producerssaid that the tour would includeoriginal footage for “Game ofThrones,” whose sixth season recent-ly concluded.—AFP

Cruise’s ‘Mena’ pushed back, gets new title

Tom Cruise

‘Game of Thrones’ musictour coming to N America

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l if e s t y l eF E A T U R E S

Enormous python skins hang from a wire inside thesweltering workshop where Seibun Nakamine sculptsa piece of Okinawa’s musical identity. They are essen-

tial for the wiry 69-year-old craftsman who has spent near-ly half a century making the three-stringed sanshin. Thesnakeskin-covered instrument, similar to a banjo, sits at theheart of the sub-tropical island chain’s rich musical history.Its contagious, twangy sound is a fixture at weddings, festi-vals, and other celebrations.

Sitting on the wooden floor of his tiny studio, a pair ofhuge ox horns on the wall above, Nakamine sees his workas much more than assembling an instrument which cantake several weeks to make and cost as much as $5,000.Crafting a sanshin-which means three strings in Japanese-from ebony wood is like giving birth to a child, he said.“When I sell them to musicians, I feel like I am marrying offmy daughter,” Nakamine said.

“The art of making the sanshin is based on really old cus-toms. It’s complex, but very exciting to do. “It’s my job to fig-ure out how to craft its body from the middle with the bestpossible balance and in the most beautiful way,” he added.Nakamine-who has already chosen the sanshin music to beplayed at his funeral-is part of a dying breed. He estimatesthere are only about 50 professional sanshin makers left inOkinawa these days. The archipelago, which sits about 650kilometers (400 miles) southwest of the Japanese mainland,was once home to the independent Ryukyu kingdom untilit was annexed by Tokyo in the late 1800s.

For hundreds of years before that, Okinawa had stronglinks with China where a similar three-stringed instrument,the sanxian, served as a model for what would become thesanshin and, later, the Japanese shamisen. Okinawa, thescene of some of World War II’s heaviest fighting, became aUS colony after Japan’s surrender in 1945. It was returnedto Tokyo’s control in the early seventies.

‘Shadow warriors’ During the tough post-war years, some Okinawans

resorted to a makeshift version of the instrument made outof a piece of wood and tin can. “Playing the sanshin was acomfort and helped to relieve the stress,” said musicianTatsuo Chinen at a bar in the capital city Naha that special-izes in sanshin music. But Chinen thinks the sanshin is notonly an instrument of the past. “There are many youngpeople who are now interested in this instrument,” headded. For many though, the sanshin remains a powerfulreminder of Okinawa’s history, and its soulful sound canmirror a vast range of emotions, from intense sadness tobubbling joy.

Sometimes that joy translates into islanders opting toplay sanshin music or listening to a performance-instead ofworking, Nakamine joked. “It’s my opinion, but if you askme, Okinawans like fooling around,” he says. The sanshinhas now crossed over into other more pop and rock-likemusical styles among Okinawan bands. And so Nakaminetries to match what he creates to the voice and musicalstyle of his clients. “If you try to determine the sanshin’ssound when it’s done being made, you’re already too late,”he added.

“That won’t answer a customer’s needs.” The craftsman’ssun-wrinkled hands are a hot commodity and his orderbacklog can sometimes stretch back more than 10 months.But it’s not his opinion of the work that counts most,Nakamine said. “The musician judges whether a sanshin isgood or bad,” he said. “As craftsmen, we do our best tomake a great instrument. But in the end we’re only (work-ing) in the shadow of the musician. “We’re shadow war-riors.”— AFP

Seibun Nakamine makes a sanshin - a banjo-like instru-ment - at his workshop in Urasone, Okinawa prefecture.

Seibun Nakamine makes a sanshin - a banjo-like instrument - at his workshop in Urasone,Okinawa prefecture.—AFP photos

Tatsuo Chinen (left) sings a song as he plays the sanshin - a banjo-like instrument - at apub in Naha, Okinawa prefecture.

Okinawa’s snakeskin banjo stands test of time

Seibun Nakamine makes a sanshin - a banjo-like instrument - at his workshop in Urasone,Okinawa prefecture.

Schoolchildren sing a song as they play the sanshin.

An elderly man (right)and children dance tothe sounds of the san-

shin - a banjo-like instru-ment - played by TatsuoChinen (left) at a pub inNaha, Okinawa prefec-

ture. The snakeskin-cov-ered instrument, similar

to a banjo, sits at theheart of the sub-tropicalisland chain’s rich musi-

cal history.

Seibun Nakamine makes a sanshin.

Seibun Nakamine makes a sanshin.Seibun Nakamine explains the process of making a sanshin - a banjo-like instrument - as dried python skin (right), used to make the instrument, is seenat his workshop in Urasone, Okinawa prefecture.

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39Okinawa’s snakeskin

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Indian schoolchildren wear the colors of the country’s tricolor as they pray for world peace at The Anjuman-E-Islam School in Ahmedabad yesterday, while commemorating the 71st anniversary of the nuclear explosion over Nagasakion August 9, 1945. — AFP

You meet in a nondescript reception room in a midtownManhattan skyscraper. You’re handed a form on a clipboard. Thenthe receptionist slips away and the doors lock and all hell breaks

loose. Within an hour, you and your group will have searched for clues indrawers and bookcases to get free, crawled through a ventilation shaftand encountered a woman dangling from a meat hook. “Paradiso:Chapter 1” fuses the traditional escape room game with theatrical ele-ments like actors and high-tech production values.

“Paradiso” is one of several shows pushing the boundaries of whatescape rooms can become, turning the fast-growing games into a richer,theatrical experience. “It seemed like there was an opportunity forescape rooms to go to the next level,” said Michael Counts, the creatorand one of the early pioneers of immersive theater. “For us, it was creat-ing a deeper narrative, something that was expansive.” Escape roomswere invented in Japan. They first appeared in the US in 2014. There are

now some 4,850 escape rooms in 84 countries and in every US state,according to the online Escape Room Directory.

“Maybe ‘escape game’ is a very limited word to use,” said JohnHennessy, one of the first to embrace the trend in the US “I think we’regoing to have to start calling them something different.” Hennessy, whoorganized races and scavenger hunts around southern California, nowruns four escape rooms, including ones set in a medieval alchemist’s laband a film-noir style Hollywood mystery. “People spend their days prettymuch staring at a screen - a monitor or a telephone, or whatever. This isvery different from that. You’re faced with problems that you have tosolve by talking to each other and working with other people,” he said.

‘The Walking Dead Experience’Counts teamed up with producer Jennifer Worthington, a former

executive with filmmaker Jerry Bruckheimer, to create “Paradiso.” To godeeper and scarier, they hired Broadway and immersive theater veterans- including lighting designer Ryan O’Gara from “Hamilton,” video andspecial effects wizard Caleb Sharp from “The Walking Dead Experience”and set designer Katie Fleming of “Sleep No More.” Ten guests at a timebegin in the reception of the Virgil Corp., a nefarious Halliburton-like con-tractor. The cost is $60, more than double the price of most regularescape rooms, but the experience is virtually cinematic.

The game is a noisy, chaotic, adrenalin-pumping scramble throughfour rooms. Doorknobs must be yanked in the darkness, peepholes indoors show scary figures, video screens flash messages, and there areholographic helicopters and corpses split in half - all to a doom-inducingsoundscape.” You’re sort of dropped into an action movie,” saidWorthington. “Who doesn’t want to be in the middle of a James Bondmovie?” In Orlando, Florida, Dave Maynard and his team at Digital EscapeVelocity have added multi-touch screens, projectors, mobile devices androbotics. “We have gone completely off the deep end when it comes tothrowing really high-tech stuff at it,” Maynard said.

Maynard and his four teammates - all veterans of Lockheed Martin’sresearch and development lab - just opened their first room, a deepspace adventure set in 2225 that’s customizable with the touch of a but-ton. Six players at a time start in the battle-scarred engineering room ofan alien ship and figure out how to power up the spacecraft and get tothe observation deck and later the bridge. Wristbands offer players sta-tus updates, lights and engine sounds are synched up, video clues aresent depending on need and metrics are kept for a high scoreboard. “Weinnovate by really looking at how do we take the best of one thing andthe best of another thing, put it together and make something that noone’s ever seen before,” said Maynard. — AP

Dozens of paintings and other works ofart from the estate of comedian GarryShandling will be offered for sale at a

show in New Mexico this week. Organizers ofthe annual Objects of Art Santa Fe say this willbe the first public viewing of Shandling’s col-lection, which includes Navajo rugs,Southwest furniture and pieces by Mexicanartists Francisco Zuniga and Alfredo RamosMartinez.

More than 40 of Shandling’s personalpieces from his California home will beoffered, ranging from a couple hundred dol-lars to more than $40,000. The 66-year-oldcomedian, who died in March, stopped inSanta Fe often to vacation and buy art. Someof the pieces up for sale were originally pur-chased in Santa Fe, and it was through the rec-ommendations of family and friends inCalifornia and relationships among art dealersthat the pieces are finding their way back toNew Mexico’s art capital.

“Obviously Garry enjoyed the Southwestand enjoyed Santa Fe and this style of work soit was an exciting combination that we weredoing the Objects show at the same time thatthey were ready to release the collection,” saidKim Martindale, a co-producer of the show.Shandling was raised in Tucson, Arizona. Onarriving in Los Angeles as a young adult, it wasa short hop from a brief stint in the advertisingbusiness to comedy writing and stand-up.

While he was best known for his punch-lines, his love of art resulted in regular appear-ances at the annual LA Art Show. “He definitelywas a collector. He definitely was involved inthe art world but he wasn’t super public aboutthat,” Martindale said. “He certainly had ahouse full of really nice paintings and furnitureand Navajo textiles.” Among the work at thisweek’s Objects show is a $43,000 modernistpainting of nuns on newsprint by RamosMartinez that dates back to 1943. The artistbegan painting on paper in Paris and contin-ued after moving to Los Angeles.

Martindale said Shandling’s collection isreflective of his affinity for the Southwest andthe Mexican and Latin style. Aside from thecomedian’s collection, the show will also fea-ture work by Mexican sculptor BetsabeeRomero, Cuban artist Jose Bedia and otherone-of-a-kind pieces from around the world.With the success of the show in Santa Fe overthe last several years, organizers have plans toexpand with a show in Los Angeles in April.This week’s show opens Thursday with a galain Santa Fe and runs through Sunday. — AP

Escape rooms get an upgrade into a deeper theatrical show

This undated image released by Race/LA shows one of the scenes for “Escape Room LA,” in Los Angeles. — AP photos

This undated image released by Karen Greco Entertainment showsa scene from “Paradiso: Chapter 1,” an immersive thriller createdand directed by Michael Counts.

This undated image provided by Objects of ArtSanta Fe shows the Ramos Martinez painting LasMonjas dated 1943, on newsprint and offered at$43,000 at the Objects of Art Santa Fe Show.

This undated image provided by Objects of ArtSanta Fe shows a Francisco Zuniga painting ‘TwoWoman’ dated 1929.— AP photos

Artwork from comedian GarryShandling’s estate to be sold


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