baseball Page 39

THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT

Established in 1977 / www.arabtimesonline.com

MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 / RAJAB 13, 1438 AH emergency number 112 NO. 16437 44 PAGES 150 FILS

Your turn will come too, Iran tells Gulf Arabs

DUBAI, April 9, (RTRS): Iranian President Hassan Rou-
hani on Sunday condemned as agrant US aggression
on Syria a US missile strike on a Syrian air base this
week and criticised Gulf Arab states for supporting it,
state television reported.
Rouhani called on Saturday for an impartial investiga-
tion of the suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria
which killed at least 70 people, and he warned that the
US strikes in response risked escalating extremism in the
region.
In a speech on Sunday, Rouhani also criticised US-al-
lied Gulf Arab states for endorsing the US missile strike.
Unfortunately, there are countries in our own region
which encourage Americas acts of aggression, Rouhani
said in remarks carried by state television. Your turn
will come too.
In a phone call with Syrian counterpart Bashar
al-Assad, Rouhani told him, Allegations that Syria
launched the chemical attack were just a pretext to
disrupt the Syrian peace process, according to Press
TV.
The Syrian state news agency SANA said Assad told
Rouhani the Syrian people and army were determined
to crush terrorism in every part of Syrian territory a
reference to rebels and militants ghting his rule for six
years - and thanked him for Irans support for the Syrian
nation.
Saudi Arabia hailed the strike as a courageous deci-
sion by President Donald Trump and a Saudi ally, the
United Arab Emirates echoed that support. Both coun-
tries belong to the US-led coalition ghting Islamic State
militants in Syria.

Opinion

O head of authorities, destiny is calling ... take appropriate decisions and move on
By Ahmed Al-Jarallah
Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times
IN times of major crises and trib-
ulations that threaten the destiny
of a state, democracy becomes a
luxury. This is because the devil
of betrayal and interests is found
in the details of the argument
which had brought down the
Byzantine rule.
It is completely irrational for
countries to bicker about issues
at a time when danger is on their
doorsteps. Instead, they should
apply their abilities in combating
such danger.
In the wake of 9/11 incident,
the president of the nation that
is most sensitive in terms of de-
mocracy did not hesitate to take
drastic measures despite the cha-
os which such actions might have
brought in the US. Congress.
The then American President
George Bush Jr lashed out his
famous phrase, You are ei-
ther with us or against us. This
means he even put aside the in-
ternational law and ordered his
forces to attack Afghanistan. He
ordered the opening of Guanta-
namo Bay Prison to detain any-
one who was described as an
enemy of the state by the US
military authority.
Last year in France, which is
considered to be one of the old-
est democracies in Europe, the
French President had ordered
emergency laws immediately af-
ter the series of attacks that took
place in Paris. This is despite the
fact that the level of danger wit-
nessed in France was lesser than
that in the US.
In addition, the Prime Minister
of Britain did not wait for parlia-
mentary bickering to ensue after
the attacks on the London Metro.
The government instead invoked
one of the 16th century laws which
punish extremists and those who
transgress on the State Security.
He did not turn to the opinions and
campaigns waged by some of the
mass information media.
These countries with deep-
rooted sense of democracy had
to set aside democracy when
tribulations intensied around
them. The head of the relevant
state announced unofcial mea-
sures, which are guaranteed by
the constitution of that country.
This is because, in order for a
country to maintain its essence
and security, it cannot succumb
to political games and bicker-
ing on selsh interests which are
based on democracy, especially
in the Third World countries
where only a form of democracy
has been taken while the rest of
it is in captivity of accusations,
insults and transgression on the
rights of people under the pretext
of freedom of expression.
Continued on Page 37
Email: ahmed@aljarallah.com
Follow me on:
ahmedaljarallah@gmail.com
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See Page 35
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Blasts kill 43, Sisi deploys troops
Amir condoles Egypt
TANTA, Egypt/CAIRO, April 9, (Agencies): At least
43 people were killed in bomb attacks on two Egyptian
Coptic churches on Palm Sunday that included the seat
of the Coptic Pope, the latest assault on a religious mi-
nority increasingly targeted by Islamist militants.
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks, which also in-
jured more than 100 people and occurred a week before Coptic Easter,
with Pope Francis scheduled
to visit Egypt later this month.
Photo shows a partially restored 2nd
to 3rd century AD silver pot from
southern Arabia. The Al Sabah Col-
lection, a spectacular assemblage
of Islamic and pre-Islamic art, which
has placed Kuwait rmly on the inter-
national map of art and scholarship,
has a team of experts managing it.
In todays special report, Arab Times
met up with the collection and cura-
torial teams of Dar Al Athar Al Islami-
yyah to learn more about the work
that keeps a museum running.
See Pages 19-21
In this April 6, 2017 photo, a sus-
pected member of the Islamic State
group, Hussein Al-Dhufairi (center), is
presented to the media at the Nation-
al Bureau of Investigation in Manila,
Philippines. (AP)
Charges denied
Security stepped up
against sleeper cells
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: As the
Ministry of the Interior tightens the
noose around terrorist suspects fol-
lowing the arrest of Kuwaiti Hus-
sein Al-Dhufairi and his Syrian wife
Rahaf Zina in the Philippines, Abu
Faisal, the brother of Hussein has de-
nied that his brother belongs to the
outlawed DAESH or the so-called
Islamic State organization, reports
Al-Qabas daily.
Abu Faisal denied the charge against
his brother and stressed the latter is a
businessman and that he frequently
visits the Kuwaiti embassy in Manila
almost on a daily basis.
Abu Faisal told the daily the only
charge that his brother was arrested for
is because his wife is a violator of resi-
dence law of the Philippines.
The daily pointed out another brother
of the accused was taken into custody
Continued on Page 37
Equate builds in US
ABU DHABI, April 9: Kuwaits
Equate is constructing a petrochemical
plant in the US with an investment of
$1.7 billion, the chief executive ofcer
of the company said in Abu Dhabi on
Sunday, reports Gulf News.
The production capacity of the plant,
which is expected to be ready in the
second half of 2019, is 750,000 tonnes,
Mohammad Husain said.
The plant is coming up along the Gulf
coast in the US. Its an opportunity for us
to expand in the US and also the availabil-
ity of shale gas makes it competitive, he
said speaking to Gulf News at a confer-
ence organised by Gulf Petrochemicals
and Chemicals Association.
Kuwait-based Equate is a joint ven-
ture involving Petrochemical Industries
Continued on Page 37
The rst bombing, in Tanta,
a Nile Delta city about 100
km (60 miles) north of Cairo,
tore through the inside of St.
George Church during its Palm
Sunday service, killing at least
27 people and injuring at least
78, the Ministry of Health said.
The second, carried out a few
hours later by a suicide bomber
in Alexandria, hit Saint Marks
Cathedral, the historic seat
of the Coptic Pope, killing 16
people, including three police
ofcers, and injuring 41, the
ministry added.
Coptic Pope Tawadros, who
had attended mass at Saint
Marks Cathedral, was still in
the building at the time of the
explosion but was not harmed,
the Interior Ministry said.
These acts will not harm
the unity and cohesion of the
people, Tawadros said later,
according to state media.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
condemned the attacks and sum-
moned the National Defence
Council to an urgent session.
El-Sisi, meanwhile, ordered
military troops be deployed
across the country, his ofce
said in a statement.
President Abdel Fattah El-
Sisi the Supreme Commander
of the Armed Forces has or-
dered units from the military to
immediately deploy and assist
the civilian police in securing
vital facilities in all provinces
of the republic, his ofce said
in a statement.
Deecting Western criticism
that he has suppressed political
opposition and human rights
activists since he won election Relatives and onlookers gather outside a church after a bomb attack in the Nile Delta town of Tanta, Egypt on April
in 2014, Sisi has sought to pres- 9. The attack took place on Palm Sunday, the start of the Holy Week leading up to Easter, when the church in the
Nile Delta town of Tanta was packed with worshippers. (AP)
ent himself as an indispensable
bulwark against terrorism in
the Middle East, and he identi-
es militant Islam as an exis-
tential threat.
The attack will only
Newswatch Panel firm against rise in
harden the determination (of
the Egyptian people) to move
forward on their trajectory to
realise security, stability and
NEW YORK: A secretive
group that published a trove
of hacking tools allegedly
fuel prices, service fees
comprehensive development, used by US spies has re- By Abubakar A. Ibrahim legislative will and this is conrmed
Sisi said in a statement. leased a password that it by Article 50 of the Constitution which
Arab Times Staff
His Highness the Amir says can unlock related states that the system of Government
Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- files. KUWAIT CITY, April 9: The National is based on the principle of separation
Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday sent In a Medium post , the Assembly during its next session will of powers functioning in co-operation
a cable to Egypts President Shadow Brokers group look into the fth report of the Finan- with each other in accordance with the
expressing condolences and revealed a password to les cial and Economic Affairs Committee provisions of the Constitution. None of
associated with the leaked these powers may relinquish all or part
sympathy over the victims of toolkit, purportedly from the on review of petrol prices and a number
the terrorist attack that hit the US National Security Agen- of bills on fees for services, according of its competence specied in this Con-
Coptic church in Tanta and Al- cy. Some security experts to parliamentary sources. stitution.
exandria.
His Highness the Amir
tweeted that the password
works, but that couldnt be
The committee has concluded it is The committee referred to the
strength of the economic situation in
not permissible to increase fees and -
voiced Kuwaits strong con- independently veried.
An October leak by the
nancial costs on goods and services and Kuwait as conrmed by the interna-
demnation of the heinous crim- products that have been subsidized by tional credit rating agencies in their
group included information
inal act that targeted innocents, the state for the benet of the citizens latest rating, as Moodys maintained a
Continued on Page 37 Continued on Page 37 unless a law to this effect has been is- rating of Kuwait (AA) unchanged.
sued by the Parliament. The committee considered the in-
The committee also decided to x crease in tariff for water and electricity
gasoline prices 1/9/2016 era and repeal
law No. 20/2016 on xing tariffs for
units only without other sectors is an
incorrect economic solution, because
electricity and water units. The com- increases on the commercial, industrial
and investment sector will indirectly
mittee has also approved all bills con-
reect on the citizen by the high prices
cerning fees for services based on the
fact that these bills do not violate the of goods and services.
Constitution. The committee stressed increases
The committee backed its argument cit- through law either on subsidized goods
ing Article 134 of the Constitution which and services or fees will require the
states that No general tax may be estab- Government to provide a comprehen-
lished, amended, or abolished except by a sive study of such increases and their
implications, and thus the legislator
law. No one may be exempted, wholly or
will see to what extent this increase is
partially, from the duty to pay such taxes
except in the cases specied by law. No eligible.
one may be required to pay any other tax, The committee also took into consid-
fee, or imposition except within the limits eration that the Government has taken
Syrian refugee children watch television at their parents tent no action to review the gasoline prices
in an informal refugee camp, at Al-Marj town in Bekaa Valley,
of law.
as previously announced because it
Lebanon, on April 8. For the millions of Syrian refugees scat- The committee also stressed that
failed to provide support as promised
tered across camps and illegal settlements across the region, the normal procedure is that the legis-
for the affected (the low income peo-
the chemical attack on a town in northern Syria and subsequent lative authority is the one that should
US strike was a rare moment when the world briey turned its enact such laws and that the role of the ple).
attention to Syria, before turning away again. (AP) See Page 37 Executive Branch is to implement the Continued on Page 37

LOCAL
From left: HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with Speaker Al-Ghanim, HH the PM Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak and FM Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled.
From left: HH the Crown Prince with Defense Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled, Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah with Lt Gen Al-Dousari and Finance Minister Al-Saleh with KIA chief Al-Saad.
His Highness the Crown Prince receives state officials
His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Sunday at Bayan Palace
National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak
Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
His Highness later received First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad
Al-Sabah and Deputy Premier and Defense Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
Kuwait singular in helping far-flung
Syrian refugees, says US Congressman
KUWAIT CITY, April 9,
(KUNA): When talking
about helping far-flung
Syrian refugees, Kuwait
has been singular in
terms of its generosity, said
US Congressman Stephen
Lynch on Sunday.
Going beyond your borders to
help people in tough situations ...
as I have seen in refugee camps in
southern Turkey, Jordan and
Lebanon, the people of Kuwait has
been so generous with humanitari-
an aid that I thought it was impor-
tant to come and say thank you,
Lynch, a Democrat representing
the State of Massachusetts told
KUNA in an exclusive interview.
He is on a visit to the country along
with fellow Congressman Dennis A.
Ross; a Republican from the State of
Florida. The second leg of the trip will
be Iraq later today.
Lynch; a member of the Oversight
and Government Reform Committee,
noted that the trip to Iraq comes to
make sure that the country can func-
tion as a pluralistic democracy
where all sects, as well as religious
and ethnic minorities, can share in
governing and be strong enough to
resist any terrorist group, mainly the
so-called Islamic State (IS). We want
to make sure that communities, espe-
Stephen Lynch, Dennis Ross in Kuwait
US Congressmen Stephen Lynch (left) and Dennis Ross (center) during
the interview.
cially in northern Iraq, are resilient to
fight IS. Pointing to Kuwaits role in
this regard as a stabilizing force in
the region, Lynch expressed hope
that Iraq reaches stability.
While in Kuwait, both Congressmen
had met with head of the Financial
Intelligence Unit (FIU) with the effort
to try to diminish the likelihood that
terrorist financing that might be
obtained through legitimate financial
systems.
We have received great coopera-
tion from Kuwaits FIU. I believe that
Kuwait is on the verge of joining the
Egmont Group, noted Lynch. The
Egmont Group is a united body of 152
FIUs, providing a platform for the
KUNA photo
Congressman Ross said another rea-
secure exchange of expertise and
financial intelligence to combat money
laundering and terrorist financing.
Established in 2013, Kuwaits FIU
is an independent agency responsible
for receiving, requesting, analyzing,
and disseminating information con-
cerning suspected proceeds of crime
or funds related, linked to or to be
used for money laundering or terror-
ism financing according to the provi-
sions of law.
On academic cooperation between
the two countries, Lynch said, It is a
great relationship and we hope it con-
tinues. US universities are actively
recruiting Kuwaiti students, preparing
them for the job market. Those are our
His Highness then received Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah who presented
to His Highness Lt Gen Mahmoud Al-Dosari on the occasion of his appointment as Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.
His Highness also received Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh and Chairman of the Kuwait
Investment Authority Bader Al-Saad and State Minister for Cabinet Affairs and acting Information Minister Sheikh
Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. (KUNA)
future leaders going to school side by
side with your (Kuwaiti) future lead-
ers, and only good can come from
that. A fresh statistic by US embassy
in Kuwait indicated that some 15,500
Kuwaiti students are presently receiv-
ing academic education in American
universities.
On the recent US air strikes in
Syria, Lynch said that there was great
unanimity among civilized countries,
including Kuwait and the US, over the
wrongness of the horrific attack with
chemical weapons.
I think the recent response from
US military was limited but strong and
hopefully well see a change in behav-
ior on the part of the (Bashar) Assad
government. On his part,
son for the visit was to foster the
already-strong relations with Kuwait.
In this regard, he noted they visited
US troops stationed in Kuwait, and I
encourage more of my colleague con-
gressmen/women to come and see on
ground how Kuwait is dynamic and
such a contributor to the overall finan-
cial wellbeing of the Middle East.
Economically speaking, Ross said the
volume of Kuwaiti investments in the
United States and, vice versa, was
discussed, especially in the oil and
energy sectors.
The United State is not building
new refineries, actually, it is refining
its current ones and Kuwait has been
very helpful in this regard due to its
investment expertise, he noted.
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
2
KUNA photos
Dr Walid Al-Jassar supervises operation
Kuwaiti medical team removes 33-kg
fibroid from the abdomen of woman
KUWAIT CITY, April 8: Kuwaiti
medical crew at the Maternity
Hospital successfully carried out a
rare ovarlectomy- surgical opera-
tion to remove a fibroid weighing
33 kgs from the abdomen of a
woman who had been suffering
from the disease in her left ovary,
reports Al-Qabas daily.
According to the Consultant
Obstetrics and Gynecology Surgeon
and a professor at the Faculty of
Medicine in Kuwait University Dr
Walid Fahad Al-Jassar, the patient
has since been discharged from the
hospital and is now going about
with her normal activities without
experiencing any symptom of medi-
cal issues.
He explained that he was the one Al-Qabas daily photo
The huge fibroid removed from the
who supervised the operation on the
left ovary of the woman.
55-year old patient. She was suffer-
ing from acute pain in her swollen
directly after the surgery for rest
abdomen such that she could not and further medical follow-up,
sleep or eat. She heard about a simi- considering the intensity of the
lar operation about a year ago and operation.
she approached the doctors for pos-
sibility of carrying out the opera-
tion. The annual statistic report of the
Dr Al-Jassar revealed that the Department of Social and
medical crew, which included Dr Psychological Services for aca-
Wafa Al-Duwaisan, carried out nec- demic year 2015/2016 showed
essary X-ray tests before the opera- 1,249 Kuwaiti and expatriate male
and female students in the schools
tion. This gave them the opportunity
to ascertain location of the fibroid for special needs had experienced
on the left ovary. social and psychological issues
He said the operation went on within one year, reports Al-Qabas
for three hours before the 32.5-kg daily.
fibroid could be removed com- Report added 194 individual
pletely, adding, The patient was cases were handled by social and
taken to the Intensive Care Unit psychological experts.
205 firms referred to MoI
PAM discovers 1,655 cases
of fake national employment
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: The Acting Director of Public
Authority for Manpower Abdullah Al-Mutawtah revealed
that a total of 1,655 cases of fake national employment under
third and fifth items of the Social Security law were discov-
ered during inspections in 2017, reports Al-Jarida daily.
He said the discovered cases are divided into 11,581 cases
registered under the third item in 67 companies in addition
to 74 cases registered under the fifth item in 42 companies.
Al-Mutawtah indicated that the results of the inspections
have been referred to the Manpower and Government
Reconstructing Program for legal actions to be taken against
the concerned companies. He affirmed that the files of the
companies have been blocked and subsidy for national labor
offered to them has been suspended.
Al-Mutawtah stressed that a total of 205 companies were
referred to Ministry of Interior and will then be sent to the
court, because those companies violated Law No. 6/2010
concerning private sector labor.
He revealed that 13 work-related citations were issued
during the inspection visits, 119 citations related to perma-
nent cancelation of files and 73 citations over violation of
article 10 of the labor law after discovering there are no
functioning companies in the addresses specified in the
licenses, which meant the companies do not need the labor-
ers registered under their sponsorship.
Students in 371 cases of thefts
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: Different school administrations
in all educational zones of the country dealt with 371 cases
of thefts among students of different grade levels during the
academic year of 2015/2016, reports Al-Qabas daily.
The latest educational statistics has warned about worsening
of the theft phenomenon among girls. The number of theft cases
recorded among girls was 199 and that among boys was 172.
The statistics revealed that the educational zone with
highest number of theft cases was Ahmadi with 111 theft
cases, followed by Farwaniya with 105 cases, Hawally with
67 cases, Mubarak Al Kabeer with 44 cases, Capital with 25
cases, and Jahra with 19 cases.
The educational level with highest number of theft cases is
elementary level, particularly in Farwaniya Educational Zone
with a record of 91 cases, followed by intermediate level in
Ahmadi Educational Zone with 24 cases and then secondary
level in Hawally Educational Zone with seven cases.
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

LOCAL 3

legal clinic
PRO BONO LEGAL ADVICE

Release Driving Licence

I am transferring from my father I have an inquiry regarding my

residency to a company. My title
is storekeeper, I want to know
whether I can change the sponsor
within one year or I would have to
wait one year to change residency
to another company.
I also want to understand
whether the rules will remain the
same for all job titles or rules will
be different for different job titles.
If you hold a university degree
you can change a sponsor so long
as your current sponsor is willing
to give you a release. On the
other hand, if your current spon-
sor insists on holding you we are
afraid you have to complete the
mandatory one year with him.
On your second question, the
rules remain the same if you oper-
ate under the open-ended con-
tract. They may however change
under a fixed-term contract. In
fact the rules remain the same
regardless of job title.
I am a degree holder and have
been working in this company as
an IT manager for over 11 years,
but my residence permit shows
my designation as Computer
Operator. My residence was
renewed in December 2016 for
two years. Now I have the assign-
ment to handle our other office in
Qatar and they say that with this
designation I wont get visa on
arrival. So they have asked me to
change it. I checked with our PRO
who says it is not possible to
change it before two years. Also
wanted to know if it is possible
then, if they change, will it affect
my driving licence too. My salary
is KD 750. Please advise.
Name withheld
Answer: Your PRO is correct,
you cannot do anything about the
designation as reflected in your resi-
dence permit. The change can only
be effected during the process to
renew your residence. A change in
designation will however not affect
your driving licence. Only driver,
mandoub, housewife and stu-
dent lose their driving licences
when they change their designations
under current regulations.
Visit Visa
I would like to know if I can get
visit visas to enter Kuwait for my
brother-in-law (wifes brother), his
wife and children. My salary is KD
540. Please advice.
Name withheld
Answer: Yes, you will be able to
get visit visas for your brother-in-
law, his wife and children as you
meet salary requirement. You must
however note that when the visas
are issued they have to be used
within one month. Also of note is
the fact that your brother-in-law
and his family will be able to stay
in the country for one month only.
Notice Period
On medical grounds I can not
continue in my current job. Do I
still have to work during notice
period of three months. Is the
company bound by law to waive
my notice period on medical
grounds.
Name withheld
Answer: Yes, the company is
bound to waive the notice period if
you present a duly signed form by
driving licence. I got my driving
licence on May 26, 2014 and
validity is till May 26, 2024. I got
a new job in sales but my previ-
ous job was in an investment
company and the profession on
the license says Assistant
Investment Officer.
Will my licence get cancelled if I
change to sales job?
And if at all it gets cancelled will
I be able to get a new one soon?
Or is there a transfer of licence
option?
Because without licence there
is no sales job. Please help me
out with this inquiry as it will be of
great help.
Name withheld
Answer: No, your licence will
not be cancelled if you change your
job designation from Assistant
Investment Officer to a sales job.
Indeed, according to regulations
currently in force, designation
change that will lead to withdrawal
of licence includes driver, student,
mandoub and housewife.
Project Visa Transfer
I am reading your Legal Clinic
daily, I really appreciate your
advice. Please can you advice me
on this matter, this is the 3rd time
I am sending you email.
I have a query, I entered KUNA photos
Kuwait on project visa in con-
struction company and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sa- Ghanim and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-
worked for 3 year and 9 bah received Sunday at Bayan Palace His Highness the Crown Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. His Highness later received First
months. Then I got a good Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His High- Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled
offer from another construc- ness also received National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al- Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. (KUNA)
tion company so I moved from
my previous company to my
present company on same
project visa. Now after 18
months I got a good offer from
telecommunication company.
I have 2 questions. Kindly
guide me
1. It is possible project visa can
be transfer to main file or not.
2. If it possible where I have to
submit my application to get
approval.
Thank you
Name withheld
Answer: Going by current and
other decisions issued on the sub-
ject, you can only transfer to
another project visa of the same
sponsor or another project with a
different sponsor with comple-
tion of the first project. You can
also transfer to the general file of
your current sponsor.
From the above scenarios given
you will realise that you cannot
transfer your current project visa to
that of the telecommunication com-
pany.
The only leeway you can take
advantage of is to transfer your KUNA photo
work permit to the main file of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah while receiving KCCI Chairman Ali Al-Ghanim with other ofcials.
your current sponsor upon the pay-
ment of KD 350 fee charged for
that purpose. This would mean that His Highness the Amir meets KCCI officials
you could ultimately land in a pri-
vate sector company if your current His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sa- During the meeting, they presented a book on Kuwaits humanitar-
sponsor has no objection. Until this bah received Sunday at Bayan Palace Chairman of Kuwait Cham- ian activities to His Highness the Amir.
is done, we are afraid you cannot ber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Ali Al-Ghanim and other The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Af-
take up the offer of the telecom-
KCCI ofcials. fairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah. (KUNA)
munication company.
Visit Visa

Pls advise, if direct family mem-

at least two medical officers from
the Ministry of Health alluding to
your condition.
Family Visa
I have been working in Kuwait
since 2000. Presently working in
Kuwait National Guard. My month-
ly salary is KD 438. May I get the
family visa for my wife and kids.
Please let me know. If yes what is
the procedure to get the visas.
Name withheld
Answer: We are sorry, you can-
not sponsor your family on depen-
dent visa because you do not meet
the minimum salary requirement of
KD 450 per month.
Dependent Visa
First of all I thank you sincerely
for your legal services and clarifi-
cation. I kindly request you to
clarify my below question briefly.
My wife has a valid iqama (fam-
ily visa) until April 2017 and our
baby is to be born in India by end
of this month and my salary is
below KD 450. Is it possible for me
to get visa for my baby as me and
my wife are having valid iqama
here but Im not familiar about this
new law as each and every person
quoting different law and dont
know what to do. So please explain
me it will be much helpful for me in
this time and will be very thankful
for you and your team.
Name withheld
Answer: If your wifes visa is
under your sponsorship, then you
will have no problem in getting a
dependent visa for the baby if she/
he finally arrives. If your wife is
however still under the sponsorship
of her father we are afraid you will
not be in a position to sponsor the
child because your current salary
does not qualify you to do so. We
must also point out that under
Kuwait law, it is not permitted for
a married woman to still be under
the sponsorship of her father.
bers wife and kid got visit visa but
they did not enter Kuwait after 2
months as validity of visa was
only 30 days after issuance.
My question is, can I apply for
visit visa for them and get new visit
visa?, since my residency will be
issued again. It was temporary visa
14 for 1 month. Now they will issue
new visa 18 and new civil ID.
Will I have to give in writing to
them any additional documents?
Name withheld
Answer: Since your family
could not enter Kuwait within 30
days after issuance of their visas,
the latter are no longer valid. If you
still desire to bring in your family
on visit visa, you need to go
through the same process as you
did to get them the visas that are
now expired. No additional infor-
mation or documents are required
for that purpose.
Family Visa
I have applied for family visa,
however by mistake I got visit
visa. Now I want to apply for fam-
ily visa again. Do I have to cancel
the visit visa before applying for
family visa.
Name withheld
Answer: Your family has one
month from the day of issue of the
visa to enter Kuwait. So just wait
for the one month to elapse and you
apply for the family visa if your
meet the salary cap of KD 450/- to
qualify to sponsor your family on
dependent visa.
The Arab Times invites ques-
tions on all aspects of Kuwaiti
law. If you face a problem, or
need specific advice on any
legal matter, from commercial
and investment law to divorce
and labour, send questions to
the Managing Editor, Arab
Times, P.O. Box 2270, 13023
Safat, Kuwait, or Fax to
24818267. E-mail: arabtimes@
arabtimesonline.com
Fake certs probe forces 17 doctors
to resign in fear of being exposed
MoE receives 3,000 complaints from expat teachers over housing grant
KUWAIT CITY, April
9: The investigations car-
ried out by the panel,
which was formed to look
into the case of fake and
forged certicates in aca-
demic institutions, have
forced 17 doctors to resign
out of fear of being ex-
posed and referred to ju-
dicial authorities, reports
Al-Shahed daily quoting
sources.
They explained that the sud-
den shocking resignations af-
rm what has been discovered
of late that there are fake and
forged certicates in a number
of academic institutions in the
country. This prompted Min-
ister of Higher Education Dr
Mohamed Al-Fares to issue a
decision to further extend the
work of the concerned panel.
Some have lamented that the
extension will give room for
holders of fake certicates to
run away before they are ex-
posed and referred to concerned
authorities.
The preliminary release of
the investigation results dis-
closed involvement of promi-
nent figures. This has put the
panel in a difficult situation,
as some holders of these fake
certificates are well-known
prominent figures who have
a big say in political and aca-
demic circles.
Meanwhile, the resignations
of a number of officials in ex-
Al-Ghanim while receiving the Algerian ambassador
KCCI chief receives Algerian envoy
Chairman of Kuwait Chamber
of Commerce and Industry
(KCCI) Ali Mohammed Thu-
naiyan Al-Ghanim Sunday re-
ceived the Algerian Ambassa-
dor to the State of Kuwait HE
Abdulhameed Abdawi and a
delegation from Algerian Minis-
try of Urban Planning, Tourism
and Handicraft.
The two sides discussed
economic ties between the two
countries and ways to develop
them.
Al-Ghanim afrmed the impor-
tance of increasing efforts to de-
velop the mutual economic ties
through exchange of visits by
commercial and economic dele-
gations from both sides to closely
ecutive apparatuses of some
local banks and companies
have raised questions regard-
identify the available investment
opportunities.
On his part, HE Abdulhameed
Abdawi expressed gratitude for
the efforts exerted by KCCI to de-
velop economic ties between the
two countries.
He afrmed his keenness to
identify with the Kuwaiti private
sector and his wish to encourage
Kuwaiti investors to increase their
standing sums to the expatriate
volume of investments in com-
mercial, industry and tourism in
Algeria.
The ambassador urged Kuwaiti
companies to form strategic part-
nerships with their Algerian coun-
terparts to open up new economic
horizons between the two sisterly
countries.
ing the lack of expertise in this
sector, despite its financial
stability.
These resignations by bank-
ing ofcials and companies oc-
curred successively without the
motives and real reasons being
revealed.
Sources said more than 50
cases of resignations were
witnessed in a number of
companies and board of di-
rectors of some banks during
the past period as well as in
companies of the oil, real-
estate, health, welfare and
aviation sectors. They added
that all those who resigned
used to occupy high positions
such as chairman and mem-
ber of board of directors,
financial managers in banks
and directors of investment
departments in companies.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of
Education has received roughly
3,000 complaints from expatri-
ate teachers regarding the hous-
ing allowance cut, reports Al-
Anba daily.
The daily quoting knowl-
edgeable sources indicated the
ministry has asked its nance
counterpart to boost its budget
for the disbursement of out-
teachers. However, the ministry
has yet to receive any response
from its nance counterpart in
that regard.
Concerning the reduction of
housing allowance, sources not-
ed the Ministry of Education is
not responsible for the decision,
indicating its the sole decision
of Civil Service Commission
(CSC).
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

LOCAL 4

Three girls, cross-dresser in fight

KUWAIT CITY, April 9: Three girls and a
cross-dresser engaged in a quarrel inside a
oped into a heated argument during which the
girl was injured. A case was registered to trail
Sabeeh calls for mustering efforts
coffee shop in Salmiya area. the suspect.
One of the girls was injured in the face as
a result. Acting on information, a team of
rescue men was dispatched to the location to
deal with the situation.
Meanwhile, a citizen lodged a complaint
with ofcers at Salaam police station accus-
ing his brother of physical assault. He said the
brother beat him mercilessly due to a former
to face development in Arab world
Initial investigation indicated the cross dispute. The brother was invited for question-
dresser was harassing the girls and it devel- ing. Kuwaits labor minister attends 44th ALC session
Kuwait Today CAIRO, April 9, (KUNA):
Kuwait on Sunday called
Umm Al-Maradem 26 20 - 4ft SE
for mobilizing efforts to
Prayer Timings
Sea Island Buoy - - - - - counter changes and de-
Fajr ............................................................................. 04:07 Salmiyah 26 21 - 4ft SE
Sunrise ....................................................................... 05:28 velopments sweeping the
Zohr ............................................................................ 11:49 4 days forecast - Marine Arab world, through a
Asr ............................................................................... 15:23 Monday, April 10
Maghrib .......................................................................18:11
Isha ............................................................................ 19:30
Expected weather ................... Partly cloudy + dust + scattered rain common Arab vision.
Sea state ................................................Moderate to rough at times Hind Al-Sabeeh, Kuwaits
Wave height ...............................................................................3-6 ft
Weather Max Temp ....................................................................................33C Minister of Social Affairs and
Expected weather for the next 24 hours: Min Temp .....................................................................................22C Labor, and Minister of State for
By Night: Fair with light to moderate north easterly to light vari- Wind Direction ...............................................................................SE
able wind, with speed of 06-28 km/h and some scattered clouds Wind Speed .....................................................................15-40 km/h
Economic Affairs, told the 44th
will appear. Tuesday, April 11 session of the Arab Labor Con-
By Day: Mostly sunny with light variable wind changing to light to Expected weather .............................. Partly cloudy + scattered rain ference (ALC) held in Cairo
moderate south easterly wind, with speed of 08-30 km/h. Sea state ................................................Moderate to rough at times
Station Max Min Wave height ...............................................................................3-6 ft under patronage of President
Exp Rec Max Temp ....................................................................................33C Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, that these
Kuwait City 32 20 Min Temp .....................................................................................21C
Kuwait Airport 34 16 Wind Direction ........................................................................... S-SE
changes cast shadow over issues
Abdaly 33 16 Wind Speed .....................................................................15-40 km/h shouldered by the Arab Labor
Bubyan 27 18
Jahra 32 18
Wednesday, April 12 Organization (ALO), topped with
Expected weather ........................................Cloudy + scattered rain
Failaka Island 28 18
Sea state ................................................Moderate to rough at times unemployment.
Salmiyah 26 21
Ahmadi 26 21 Wave height ...............................................................................3-6 ft Hence, the 44th ALC acquires
Nuwaisib 28 17 Max Temp ....................................................................................31C signicance since it is the top
Wafra 31 15 Min Temp .....................................................................................20C
Salmy 34 18 Wind Direction .........................................................................NE-SE platform for the three parties
Wind Speed .....................................................................15-40 km/h involved in the production pro-
4 days forecast - Weather Thursday, April 13
Monday, April 10 Expected weather ................... Partly cloudy + dust + scattered rain cess, the employers, employees
Expected weather ................... Partly cloudy + dust + scattered rain Sea state ..............................................................Moderate to rough
Wave height ...............................................................................3-6 ft
and the government, the minis-
Max Temp ....................................................................................33C ter, who presided the session,
Min Temp .....................................................................................22C Max Temp ....................................................................................35C
Wind Direction ...............................................................................SE Min Temp .....................................................................................22C said.
Wind Speed .....................................................................15-40 km/h Wind Direction ........................................................................... SE-S
Tuesday, April 11 Wind Speed .....................................................................15-40 km/h
Participants in the ALC are
Expected weather .............................. Partly cloudy + scattered rain directly responsible for promot-
Max Temp ....................................................................................33C Tide times at Shuwaikh Port ing the Arab production insti-
Min Temp .....................................................................................21C 1st high tide: ............................................................................. 11:28
Wind Direction ........................................................................... S-SE 2nd high tide:............................................................................ 23:17 tutions, enforcing the criteria
Wind Speed .....................................................................15-40 km/h
Wednesday, April 12
1st low tide: .............................................................................. 17:21 of quality and qualifying labor
2nd low tide: ............................................................................. 05:57
Expected weather ........................................Cloudy + scattered rain Sunrise:..................................................................................... 05:28 to be able to compete on the
Max Temp ....................................................................................31C
Min Temp .....................................................................................20C
Sunset: ..................................................................................... 18:10 regional and international mar-
Wind Direction .........................................................................NE-SE Recorded yesterday at Kuwait Airport kets, she said.
Wind Speed .....................................................................15-40 km/h
Thursday, April 13 Max temp ....................................................................................30C Al-Sabeeh lauded the theme
Expected weather ................... Partly cloudy + dust + scattered rain Min temp .....................................................................................19C of the ALCs report for the year,
Max Temp ....................................................................................35C Max Rh .......................................................................................76%
Min Temp .....................................................................................22C Min Rh ........................................................................................35% namely vocational training is
Wind Direction ........................................................................... SE-S Max Wind ........................................................................NE 28 km/h the base for sustainable devel-
Wind Speed .....................................................................15-40 km/h Total Rainfall in 24 hrs .............................................................. 0 mm
opment strategies in the Arab
Marine Forecast Recorded yesterday at South Dolphin World 2030.
Station Max Min Sea Todays Min/Max/ Air Temp .................................................................21/24C The issue goes in harmony
Exp Rec Surf Waves Min/Max Rel Hum..................................................................52/86%
Ht Direction Wind Direction/Wind Speed ............................................SE/24 km/h with a call to support systems
South Dolphin 25 21 22 4ft SE Prev Wave Dir/Max Wave Ht .................................................... N/2 ft of vocational training in Arab
Umm Mudayrah 26 - - 4ft SE Min/Max Sea Surface Temp .......................................................-/- C
Beacon M28 - - - 4ft SE Sea Current ........................................................... End of Downdraft countries, as one of the chief
Beacon N6 25 21 - 4ft SE Supervisor of the Students and Alumni Training Ofce in Kuwait Universitys College of Business Admin-
Qaruh Island 26 20 - 4ft SE
Directorate General of Civil Aviation, projects of the Arab integrated istration Dr Abdulrahman Al-Taweel announced the launch of the 23rd Marathon Training Program titled
Meteorological Dept.
program is to curb unemploy- Steer Your Career on April 9. The program is presented by Kuwait Injaz Establishment and sponsored by
deaths ment, was approved by the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The opening ceremony was attended by Dean of the Col-
Arab Economic and Social lege Dr Meshari Al-Hajri, Emad Al-Zaid from Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Executive
Nashmi Mubarak Salem Bouhadlak Al Rasheesdi, 52 years old, buried on Sunday. Condo-
Director at Kuwait Injaz Establishment Rana Al-Nibari.
lences: Rabeya, Block 3, Street 32, House 31, Tel: 97477758-24731233; Noora Isa Musa, 81 years
old, buried on Sunday. Condolences: (Men) Qurain, Block 1, Street 42, House 22, Tel: 55025005
Development Summit, Kuwait
(Women) Qortuba, Block 3, Street 1, House 22, Tel: 66622585; Naeema Abdul Hameed Isa, 86 2009.
years old, widow of Ahmad Abdullah Al Isa, buried on Sunday. Condolences: (Men) Omariya, Diwan
Al Adaween, Tel: 99077405 (Women) Sabah Al Nasser, Block 2, Street 2, House 14, Tel: 99023907;
The agenda of the 44th ALC ship and its role in develop- grams, the minister said. and economy, providing fa-
Majed Sultan Al Salem, 90 years old, buried on Sunday. Condolences: (Men) Mansouriya, Block 2, comprises a host of topics of ment and promoting employ- In the meantime, Al-Sabeeh vorable conditions for estab-
Yousef Al Ghanain Street, Avenue 20, House 7, Tel: 66667729-99366007 (Women) Surra, Block 2,
Street 16, House 20, Tel: 65183003.
prime importance. ment, and bolstering womens called for further support to lishing a Palestinian indepen-
April 9, 2017 These are topped with two role in the implementation of enhance the capabilities of dent state with East Jerusalem
technical ones; entrepreneur- sustainable development pro- the Palestinian labor market as capital.
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

LOCAL 5

Kuwait Capital of Arab

Youth of 2017 set: min
May 15 launch to include various activities
CAIRO, April 9, (KUNA): Ar-
rangements have been com-
pleted for the launch of the Ku-
wait Capital of Arab Youth of
2017 on May 15, said Minister
of Commerce and Industry and
State Minister for Youth Affairs
Khaled Al-Roudan on Sunday.
The event will include various ac-
tivities, topped with His Highness
the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad
Al-Jaber Al-Sabahs award for youth
creativity, Al-Roudan told KUNA
after attending the 61st session of the
Council of Arab Youth and Sports
Ministers Executive Bureau in Cairo.
As for the Cairo gathering, the minister
said they discussed the outcome of the meet-
ings held by the afliate technical youth and
sports committees, in addition to the prepara-
tions of the Kuwait Capital of Arab Youth
of 2017.
The bureau has also approved Kuwaits
reservation on a condition that the interna-
tional sports federations should endorse ac-
tivities by the Arab counterparts.
This is likely to help enhance the Arab-
Arab ties, the minister said.
Linking the Arab youth to the national
economic projects also featured high on
the agenda of the executive bureaus meet-
ing, Al-Roudan said.
The minister stressed the dire need to
embrace youth urging governments to
pay more attention to them so that they
would not fall prey to extremist groups.
As the 61st session of the Council of
Arab Youth and Sports Ministers Execu-
tive Bureau started Sunday, chaired by
Egypt, participants expressed their condo-
lences and sympathy over the victims of a
terrorist attack that hit a church in Tanta,
north of Cairo, earlier, claiming the lives
of 21 people and injuring scores.
The Ministers of Youth and Sports of
Kuwait, the UAE, Tunisia, Jordan, Saudi
Arabia, Lebanon, Morocco, or their repre-
sentatives, took part in the session.
They discussed a MoU presented by the
Lebanese Ministry of Youth and Sports on
supporting displaced youth in neighbor
countries, in addition to carrying on with
the Arab youth campaign No to Violence
Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) recently ... No to Extremism ... No to Terrorism.
signed contracts with several directors and team leaders at Al-Habari Meanwhile, the board of directors of the
Club afliated to Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). The contracts were sealed Arab Fund for Youth and Sports Activi-
to launch an effective new beginning after announcing the administrative ties also held its 37th ministerial session in
structure. Chief Executive Ofcer of KIPIC Hashim Seyyid Hashim said
the company took the bold step to ensure unprecedented success in Cairo. Chaired by Egypt.
oil sector by Kuwaiti hands. He added the company will contribute ad- Addressing the session, Egypts Min-
ditional value to the national economy using strategic vision to fulll the ister of Youth and Sports Khalid Abdul-
desire of His Highness the Amir to transform Kuwait to a trade, economic Aziz urged the Arab governments to offer
and nancial hub. further support to the Funds projects.

LOCAL
Top: The rst edition of KD 10 note. Above: The second edition of KD 1.
Kuwait currency dinar to
mark its 56th anniversary
1961 saw end of Gulf rupee
The new CBK building
New CBK HQ opening today
The new landmark headquarters of
the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK)
is a symbol of the countrys cultural
and commercial identity, and its -
nancial prowess and rapidly devel-
oping economy.
Afrming the national cultural
identity, the 235-meter tall build-
ing takes the shape of a boat sail
reminding onlookers and visitors of
the countrys roots in international
trade.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh
Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sa-
bah will ofcially inaugurate the pic-
turesque triangular 44-storey tower
building on Monday.
News in Brief
Shuwaikh shop shut: Residency
Affairs Department of Capital Gov-
ernorate located in Shuwaikh area
will be transferred to the old building
of Hawally Passport Department
effective from April 16, to pave the
way for reconstruction work, says an
Interior Ministry press statement.
Ofcials of the Residency Affairs
Department stated the department
in Shuwaikh area will stop receiv-
ing applicants from April 13 during
the period of shifting, and applicants
may contact Residency Affairs
Departments in other governorates to
complete their transactions.
about the re, securitymen rushed
Car on fire: Fire erupted in a vehicle
parked in front of a house in Sabah
Al-Nasser area due to a short circuit.
No injuries were recorded, says Al-
Seyassah.
A team of remen went to the
scene and dealt with the incident after
the Operations Room of the Interior
Ministry received information about
the re.
KUNA photo
It is composed of geometric
shapes that echo the geometry and
order of traditional Kuwaiti architec-
ture and which sit in harmony with
the nearby Kuwait State Mosque
on the north-west side of the Sief
Palace. The total area of the site
is 25,872 square meters and the
construction area is estimated at
20,000 square meters.
The tower is intersected by a po-
dium that contains reception and
banking halls, conference facilities,
dining and banquet rooms and a
museum. It includes all the very lat-
est high-tech gadgetry and building
techniques. (KUNA)
The owner said he was surprised
when suddenly he saw smoke coming
out of the car. Initial investigation
pointed to a short circuit. A case was
registered.
Meanwhile, re broke out in the
kitchen of a house in Ferdous area
without any casualty.
Fire in camel stable: Fire broke
out in a camel stable in Kabad area.
No injuries were reported, says Al-
Seyassah.
According to security sources, when
the Operations Room of Ministry
of Interior received information
with 24,814 cases. This includes 20,068
to the location with paramedics and
reghters. After checking to nd
no one around the stable, reghters
extinguished the re and launched
investigations to discover some liquor
bottles and other items at the location.
A case was registered and further
investigations are ongoing to nd and
arrest the involved individuals includ-
ing the informant.
KUNA photos
KUWAIT CITY, April 9,
(KUNA): The national cur-
rency, the Kuwaiti Dinar
(KD), will be celebrating its
56th anniversary as being
the nancial building block
which helped the nation
grow and expand.
Before replacing the Indian Rupee
in 1961, the initial plans for issuing
a national currency began in 1958
during which the highest authorities
in Kuwait made it imperative for the
country to start steps for independence
both politically and economically.
With the declaration of Amiri decree
41/1960, the Kuwaiti monetary council
was established to look into measures to
issue the currency and coins. On April
1, 1961, the Kuwaiti and Indian govern-
ments agreed to withdraw the Gulf Ru-
pee, basically the Indian currency, from
the Kuwaiti markets to begin efforts for
replacing the banknotes with the new bill.
The rst issue of the banknote fea-
tured the likeness of then Amir Sheikh
Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. It also
had the signature of head of the mon-
etary council Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad
Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who later became the
13th Amir of Kuwait.
The back of the rst issued banknotes
had various illustrations of Kuwaiti land-
marks depicted and they varied accord-
ing to the value of the bill.
Various issues and values of the Ku-
waiti Dinar have appeared since the
banknote was issued with the rst vari-
ation coming after 1968. The Central
Bank of Kuwait (CBK) issued the quar-
ter, half, and 10 dinars rst on Nov 17,
1970 and then on April 20, 1971 the KD
one and ve came into circulation.
The second issues of the KD saw the
banknote being smaller with the cur-
rency featuring the likeness of then Amir
Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and
the signatures of the Ministry of Finance
Abdulrahman Al-Aqtiqi and CBK Gov-
ernor Hamza Abbas.
In 1980, the third variant of the cur-
rency had replaced the likeness of the
ruler of Kuwait with the ofcial seal of
the State of Kuwait. In 1986, the CBK
issued for the rst time the KD 20 bill.
When the Iraqi invasion occurred in
1990, the Kuwaiti government decided
to cancel the use of the national curren-
cy. In 1991, the fourth series of the Dinar
was issued with the quality and color of
the banknotes being superior to previous
incarnations.
In 1994, the fth edition of the Ku-
waiti Dinar saw the introduction of a
silver line on the bill and other measures
to avoid counterfeiting. The sixth and
last series to date began in 2014 with
the Kuwaiti Dinar displaying an elegant
design both depicting various landmarks
and also increasing the size of the font
to enable shortsighted individuals to read
whats written on the bill.
Nationality for
serving nation
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: A total of
428,844 individuals received Kuwaiti
citizenship from 1992 to 2016, reports
Al-Qabas daily.
According to an ofcial statistics, the
non-Kuwaiti wives of Kuwaiti citizens
constitute the majority of 58 percent
ularly since we know that during the reign of Obama,
expatriate women and 4,744 Bedoun
women. The children of Kuwaiti wom-
en came in second place with 24 percent
with 10,285 cases. They include 7,273
Bedoun and 3,012 expatriates.
About 7,747 individuals, including
4,360 Bedoun and 2,287 expatriates ob-
tained Kuwaiti citizenship due to other
reasons such as family relations, long-
time stay in Kuwait and for offering
great services to the country.
DIWANIYA
A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION
Momentum builds for accord
Assad misread US intentions
THE world was bereaved after hearing the Syr-
ian regime of Bashar Al-Assad had used chemical
weapons against its people in the town of Khan Sh-
aykhun, columnist, professor at Kuwait University
Political Science Department and the Assistant Un-
dersecretary for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of In-
formation Dr Haila Al-Mekaimi wrote for Annahar
daily Sunday.
However, irrespective of the nature of the regional
and international intervention in Syria and whatever
the volume of the popular component who disagrees
with the ruling regime, this should not allow the ruler
or the regime to use weapons of mass destruction
against his people or against any other human being.
In this context, we say if any regime resorts to
the use of weapons of mass destruction, this means
the regime will be toppled sooner or later. While, I
was following up news of Khan Shaykhun town, I
remembered what was done by the defunct regime
of Saddam Hussein against the separatist Kurds in
Halabcha city.
It is needless to say whatever the type of popular
demands, no politician can punish his people using
weapons of mass destruction. Hence any regime that
resorts to this type of weapons should be classied as
a criminal of war.
Although, the massacre of Halabcha occurred
prior to the Iraqi invasion and occupation of the State
of Kuwait, and although the actual
downfall of Saddam Hussein oc-
curred in 2003, it is needless to
say the real downfall of Saddam
Hussein was realized following
the implementation of Halabcha
massacre.
In other words, Saddam Hus-
sein persistence to remain at the
helm of political power in Iraq
following the Halabcha massacre
was actually a matter of time. Al-Mekaimi
Hence, we have observed how
history repeats itself through the
events which are currently taking place in Syria.
Speaking of the Kuwaiti attitude in dealing with
the events which currently take place in the Middle
East this attitude is obvious. Not just this we saw dur-
ing the recent Arab Summit where the Kuwaiti politi-
cal leadership described the so-called Arab Spring
as an illusion to cheat people and this is what exactly
happened, otherwise, where is the dignity, freedom
and justice that was realized by the countries of the
Arab Spring?
Not just that, the relevant Arab countries have
harvested nothing from the so-called Arab Spring
except overwhelming anarchy, devastation and civil
wars that currently prevail in these countries leaving
behind a trail of widows and orphans.
Apart from the above, we have observed that the
index of development and evolution in these Arab
countries has retreated drastically because the re-
forms cannot be realized through civil wars, rather
through internal and external tools.
But reality shows the case of Syria is the worst
of its kind, because the ruling regime still insists to
stay in power even if it means annihilation of all the
people on our planet.
In this connection, we have observed that the im-
plication of obstinacy shown by some regimes could
be actually attributed to the fact that the said regimes
are still insisting not to read the regional political
changes properly.
Such being the case when the Syrian regime used
the chemical weapons against its people during the
reign of the former US president Barack Obama,
the latter succumbed and began talking about cold
peace with Iran.
Unlike Obama, however, the administration of the
new US President Donald Trump is totally different
because Trump during his election campaigning had
made it clear that his vision in dealing with the for-
eign issues will be different from that of Obama.
In spite of the above, the Syrian regime insisted to
ignore the changes in the US foreign policy and used
the forbidden weapons of mass destruction against its
people, ignoring the fact that this shall cause embar-
rassment to the international community.
We expect the use of the weapons of mass de-
struction by the Syrian ruling regime against its peo-
ple is likely to constitute the coup de grace and this
is evident through the statements which have been
issued by some of its allies who talk about a political
settlement in Syria without Bashar Al-Assad.
This happens although these allies were earlier
talking about holding elections provided Bashar Al-
Assad took part. It is needless to say the attack on
Khan Shaykhun has resulted in renewing the talks
about the actual implementation of the Chemical
Weapons and Weapons of Mass Destruction Non
Proliferation Agreement in the Middle East and this
entails all powers in this part of the world hastening
to sign this agreement to curb the unbalanced regime
from committing any crimes of war.
Also:
The US President Donald Trump has swiftly
taken a decisive action by carrying out a missile at-
tack on the Syrian Al-Shuairat airbase in the rural
area of Homs City which is the second biggest Syrian
airbase and plays a signicant role in terms of coor-
dinating the government military attacks on both the
Syrian armed opposition and the unarmed civilians,
columnist Dali Mohammad Al-Khamasan wrote for
Al-Anba daily Sunday.
Trump said the raid on Al-Shuairat airbase actu-
ally serves the US national security. He hinted the
chemical attack on the town of Khan Shaykhun was
carried out from this airbase which claimed the lives
of scores of people, most of them children and left
behind a trail of injured.
It is a brutal crime indeed and can be deemed as
a crime of war and those who committed it should
be punished in accordance with the international law.
This crime is committed by criminals and killers who
have usurped power and are involved in killing their
people using forbidden weapons in full view of the
international community.
It is needless to say Trump is different from his
weak and hesitant predecessor Barack Obama, partic-
the Syrian regime was involved in brutal crimes
against its people and Obama responded only by con-
demning and denouncing the crimes.
Anyway, for the time being, the situation seems to
be different because Trump has taken a swift decision
that resulted in the allies of Syrian regime including
Russia and Iran and other militias remaining silent in
dealing with this new development.
In other words, Trump and his assistants in the
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
6
White House have not hesitated to attack Syria and
challenge the Russian existence. It is a clear cut mes-
sage which indicates that might is still in the hands
of the US administration and its strong allies includ-
ing Britain, Germany, France, Turkey and the King-
dom of Saudi Arabia and most of the countries of the
world who seek justice and not genocide and wars.
Meanwhile, we expect the recent attack that has
been waged by the US troops on one of the Syrian
military bases, is likely to accelerate the solution to
the current Syrian crisis either through diplomacy
and dialogue or through the military might where the
latter shall remain the best solution for surmounting
terrorism and the drying up of its springs for the sake
of restoring peace, justice and safety at global level.
Shortly after the end of 2012 Parliament elec-
tions, I went to an electoral center of an inuential
MP where I found him giving a press release to a
well known Arab TV channel, Dr Wael Al-Hassawi
wrote for Al-Rai daily.
I heard him say, We will not stay silent over such
prejudice which led some to win the elections. We
will confront them as much as we can.
I wondered how he was planning to confront them
and I enquired about the prejudice. However, few
months later, the Parliament was dissolved and the
MPs threats came true.
A few days ago, an inuential person wrote on the
front page of a local newspaper that he is yearning
for the return of the previous Parliaments. According
to him, the worst thing in the present Parliament is
the threats of grilling and blackmailing of the govern-
ment.
The last couple of weeks witnessed a big argu-
ment over the draft laws concerning amendment of
the citizenship law. The MPs threatened that they will
grill His Highness the Prime Minister if the amend-
ment to allow the court to judge lawsuits related to
citizenship is not approved. Then His Highness the
Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
made a generous initiative to forgive those whose cit-
izenships were revoked earlier based on denite ad-
justments. The government then formed a committee
to study the issue and decide on those who deserve to
get back their revoked citizenships.
However, some MPs started issuing threats again
to grill the Prime Minister, thinking that the govern-
ment disavowed its pledges. Public groups such as
the 80 Group and the 60 Group among many others
announced their rejection to the amendment of the
citizenship law. They actually refused the interven-
tion of the judicial authority in the matter under the
pretext that this will weaken the state gravity and en-
courage forgers of Kuwaiti citizenship.
Based on my knowledge, the government has not
referred the law to the Parliament yet. I am sure that
the Parliament will not approve the law if it is not in
favor of the country. Furthermore, His Highness the
Amir will turn it back to the Parliament.
The question now is What is the secret behind
those threats of dissolving the Parliament? Could it be
because there are some MPs who do not understand
any language other than the language of threats?
Strength and uniqueness of societies represent the
internal fundamentals that can hold together social
ties and guarantee cohabitation of various segments
of the population, Prof Mohammad Abdulmohsen
Al-Maqate wrote for Al-Qabas daily.
This will happen within the framework of social
peace and harmony under the purview of the rule of
law lled with equality, justice and equal opportuni-
ties. Whenever those fundamentals are weak or non-
existent, the society will be exposed to jiggling lead-
ing to breakup through which factions and groups
will surface. This is in addition to possible worries
and confusion among various segments.
Several countries and governments have been
striving hard to consolidate fundamentals of their
unity. This is what our ancestors and forefathers were
keen about when they established Kuwait. They pro-
moted love, tolerance, mutual understanding and sac-
rice for the society. They abhorred the act of name
calling, mockery and discrimination, as well as con-
demned fanning ember of discord and inciting sectar-
ian crisis.
Since the ill-fated Iraqi invasion in Kuwait, I
lost trust in the Arab League after 11 Arab countries
failed to condemn the horrible aggression that swept
away the charter of the Arab League, Abdullah Be-
shara wrote for Al-Qabas daily.
Furthermore, we found out that some countries
even tried to justify that unrecorded crime. The Iraqi
regime continued as a member of the Arab League
for years after that crime and was welcomed in the
regular meetings. That big failure was not because of
the Arab League but because of the attitudes of the
members who, since the 50s, have adopted the Ara-
bism speech. Such radical Arabism obligated mem-
bers to have one vote in all issues regardless to the
favor of their own countries. They always avoided
opposing the Arabism of Jamal Abdulnasser out of
fear that they would be targeted by the severe media
in Cairo.
This led to narrowing of ideas and reducing vari-
ety. The radical Arabism was not derived from Arab
ideology but from European concepts adopted in the
beginning in Sham in order to confront the Ottoman
Caliphate. Later, Arabism was used by Abdulnasser
for political aims and personal benets. That ideol-
ogy badly affected the Arab work and resulted in
shameful defeat in the 1967 war.
However, the Arab countries did not take any step
towards changing that inherited attitude which de-
stroyed the activity of the Arab League.
Among the important priorities for the Arab
League is to create coordination among the Arab de-
cisions and requirements of the national state. This
can be achieved via two tracks joint economic at-
titude and enhancing of the Arab culture which aims
at urging Arab people to become interested in Arab
issues. However, this cannot be achieved without cre-
ating democratic governments that agree to the inter-
ests of the people.
The Arab League needs to take the decision of
dismissing any regime that is not democratic or that
comes to power via military coups. We have to ad-
mit that the ongoing disorder and spread of terrorism
are results of dictatorial regimes that do not take into
consideration human rights or the right of people to
choose and question their ruler.
Compiled by Zaki Taleb

LOCAL
Death sentence commuted
to 10 years in friend murder
Court orders tenant to pay 5 years rent
Means to bolster Kuwait, US ties discussed
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior
Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah
Al-Sabah discussed on Sunday
with Commander of US Naval
Forces Central Command
(CENTCOM) Vice-Admiral Kevin
M. Donegan a number of security
issues of common concern.
The security information depart-
Ice cream vendor caught selling drugs
KUWAIT CITY, April 8: The Jahra
police have arrested a Syrian ice cream
vendor for selling narcotic pills,
reports Al-Anba daily.
The daily added, the arrest came
after police received a tip-off.
He was caught red-handed while
selling 10 pills to an undercover police
agent.
Meanwhile, security operatives
from Ahmadi arrested two citizens in
possession of illicit drugs and related
tools in Riqqa area. They were referred
to relevant authorities.
And, an Egyptian expatriate was
apprehended by securitymen in Khaitan
The meeting in progress.
ment at the Ministry of Interior said
in a press statement that the meet-
ing dealt with a number of issues of
mutual interest, especially regard-
ing security aspects and means of
developing and strengthening them
between the two friendly countries.
Sheikh Al-Jarrah expressed his
satisfaction with the progress of
area in possession of illicit drug known
in the local market as Strawberry.
Deportations OKd: The Under-
secretary of the Ministry of Interior
Mahmoud Al-Dosari has approved the
deportation of an unidentified
Egyptian who was caught by the
Municipality while urinating in the
sink used to wash chicken, reports
Al-Anba daily.
The daily added, the man works for
a poultry shop. A security source said
nine other expatriates, including 3
Jordanian female beggars will be
MoI photo
this ongoing cooperation which
contributes to the security and sta-
bility in the region and the world.
For his part, the US official
praised the security cooperation
between his country and the State
of Kuwait and the strong relations
and exchange of experiences
between them. (KUNA)
deported the same day.
Bridge pulled down: Ministry of
Public Works has started pulling down
the University Bridge on Ghazali
Motorway to connect the road to Jamal
Abdul Nasser Street.
In this context, the General Traffic
Department announced Saturday that
officials and students of Kuwait
University in Shuwaikh should exit
from Jamal Abdul Nasser Bridge
through the roundabout at Jaheth Road
via the university gate opposite Kuwait
Institute for scientific Research.
By Jaber Al-Hamoud
Al-Seyassah Staff
KUWAIT CITY,
April 9: The Court
of Cassation upheld
the verdict of the
Court of Appeals
that commuted the
death sentence on
an expatriate to 10
years in prison as
pronounced earlier
by the Court of
First Instance.
The expatriate was
found guilty of stabbing
his friend with a knife
while they were celebrat-
ing the birthday party of
another friend.
The case file indicated the
deceased and his assailant
had engaged in a dispute
during the birthday party
held opposite the apartment
of the victim, and the
accused left the party for his
apartment within the same
building when the misunder-
standing escalated. He resur-
faced, went straight to the
kitchen where he stabbed the
victim in the chest and back.
Lawyer Abdul-Wahab
Bin Salamah in his defense
argued the incident was not
as narrated. He declared his
client confessed to the act
without getting the chance
to explain his side of the
story, and he doesnt under-
stand Arabic.
He pointed out that the
prosecution officers arrived
at the scene after the inci-
dent but faulted the investi-
gation since the officers did
not invite any eyewitness to
know what really transpired
between the two.
Pay rent: Rent Section at
the Civil Court ordered a
tenant to pay KD 29,500
(the value of monthly
unpaid rent of KD 500 cov-
ering 1/5/2011 until
31/3/2016). He was ordered
to vacate and deliver the
building to the landlord in
good condition, and then
settle the legal fees.
On behalf of the land-
lord, Lawyer Maryam
Faisal Al-Bahar filed a law-
suit, indicating the tenant
whos the son in-law of his
client was allowed to stay in
the building due to financial
difficulty he was facing.
However, the position of
his client changed after the
couple started engaging in
fierce marital problems that
led to separation and series
of court cases. Therefore,
his client demanded pay-
ment of the rent and the
court granted his request.
The defendant claimed to
have paid rents to his father
in-law without collecting
receipts but Lawyer Al-Bahar
countered the claim as base-
less and without truth.
house and was planning to take it to a
Head of the South Korean
housing delegation and
CEO of Korea Land and
Housing Corporation Sang
Woo Park sent a message to
Kuwaitis before he left the
country, saying he is aware
of their concern and their
wait for the smart city,
reports Aljarida daily.
He affirmed that the
project will be finished on
time and it will be a won-
derful model, reflecting the
deep Kuwaiti-Korean ties.
In an interview with the
daily following the official
signing of the consulting ser-
vices contract for the general
planning of the first smart
city in the country in South
Abdullah City Project, Park
stressed the keenness of the
South Korean government to
complete this project and to
participate in more projects
in the Middle East.
He explained that the city
will be ready with top mod-
ern technology within five-
six years. It will include
unprecedented three- storey
houses and plots with modern
specifications with mixture of
Korean and Kuwaiti features.
Officials from Ministry of
Interior held a meeting with
the Iraqi committee assigned
to follow up the file of Kuwait
PoWs. They discussed proce-
dures to complete the file,
reports Al-Shahed daily.
The Iraqi delegation had
arrived in the country
through the Abdali border
checkpoint and was received
by a delegation from the
Iraqi Embassy. The delega-
tion held several meetings
with representatives of
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Ministry of Interior.
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
7
Other Voices
Explanation is needed
By Ahmad Al-Sarraf but their death was deliberately not
recorded in Kuwait to help their
I n the 1960s, my old friend Yaqoub dependents continue to receive assis-
told me he put his trust in the air- tance and salaries on their behalf.
craft manufactured by the then Soviet There are some who are addicted to
Union than the planes built by getting their daughters married and
Western companies. the grant given by the government
He based his conviction saying he during marriage is then shared
never heard of air disasters involving between the father and the so-called
the Soviet Union unlike the West.
husband. The daughter is then
I told him the reason was that the divorced, marries another man, gets
Communist bloc had fewer commer- another grant from the government
cial aircraft compared to the West, which is again shared between the
and then the censorship of the media father and the new husband and the
prevented the communist
countries from publishing
game continues.
Then there are seasonal
disaster news in a trans- forgers whose job is to
parent manner. sell votes.
I remembered what my There are some who
friend told me that politi- have mastered the art of
cal and administrative
being the beneficiaries of
corruption in the Gulf subsidized foodstuff and
countries is much less building materials and
than in Kuwait. I told him even animal fodder and
this might be the case, but then resell the same on
in light of the lack of
the black market to bene-
media freedom in the fit from the difference in
countries he referred to, it Al-Sarraf
sale price.
is not possible to deter- Add to this the names of those who
mine corruption in those institutions, hold the dual nationalities and cheat
so the situation may be much better or both countries. This is in addition to
worse, but in Kuwait it is almost easy commercial cheating by both the citi-
to know.
What is strange is we accept there zens and the residents.
is corruption in Kuwait like others, Our foreign missions have become
but this contradicts all manifestations famous for embezzling money,
manipulating bills of overseas treat-
of religiosity, and this is constantly
increasing. ment, financial scandals in some
We have a small army of PhD hold- cooperative societies, more by charity
ers and other phantom graduates, but societies and embezzlement and theft
no one wants to expose them, par- in the Public Authority for Social
ticularly some of them occupy high Security.
academic, educational or administra- Fraud also seeped into the religious
institutions and the suspects have
tive positions.
We also have another small army been referred to the Public
of those who hold fake disability Prosecution.
certificates issued by hypocrite doc- We should not forget the involvement
tors as a result of which the State of some MPs who accept bribe, gifts
Treasury has lost millions of dinars and various forms of favors not to men-
distributed to such people in the form tion the millions paid into the account of
of social assistance. individuals and companies to win ten-
We also have yet another small ders, pass transactions and so on.
army of citizens who have died and
were buried in neighboring countries email: habibi.enta1@gmail.com
News in Brief
Fire rules violated: Protection Sector Drugs in parcel: Air cargo inspectors
at Kuwait Fire Service Department at the Kuwait International Airport have
(KFSD) closed a hotel in Salmiya area foiled an attempt to smuggle meth into
for violating fire safety regulations. the country, reports Al-Anba daily.
Acting Director General of Fire The daily added, the drugs came into a
Protection Affairs Brigadier Khalid parcel sent from an unidentified
Abdullah Al-Fahad stated closed a hotel European country in the name of a
in Salmiya area administratively for vio- Kuwaiti.
lating fire safety
The parcel has been referred to the
regulations based on General Department for Drugs Control.
instructions from The recipient will be summoned for
the Director General interrogation.
of KFSD Lieutenant
General Khalid
Al-Mekrad to pro- Pipe injures many: A number of
tect life and proper- individuals sustained injuries when a
ty. large pipe aboard a heavy vehicle fell
Meanwhile, traf- from a flyover onto several vehicles on
fic congestion was Nuwaiseeb Road, reports Al-Anba
experienced in daily.
Firdous area when According to sources, when the
a camel ran away Al-Fahad Control Room received information
from its owner and about the accident, Nuwaiseeb firefight-
went onto the road, says Al-Seyassah. ers and rescue officers rushed to the loca-
According to security sources, when tion, removed the pipe, rescued the vic-
the Operations Room of Ministry of tims and moved the vehicles from the
Interior received information from a road.
Kuwaiti citizen about a camel on the The victims were referred to the near-
road, securitymen rushed to the location
est hospital for treatment.
to discover heavy traffic congestion in Meanwhile, a Kuwaiti who is believed
the area. They chased the camel and to be in his 40s has been admitted to the
managed to bring it under control. They hospital with serious head injuries,
identified its owner and summoned him reports Annahar daily.
to take the camel. The owner revealed According to sources the man was
that he had tied the camel in front of his injured after pipes from a truck got loose
and fell on his car.
livestock pen but he was surprised when The man then lost control of vehicle
the camel managed to escape.
and crashed into a cement barrier. The
Necessary action was taken. incident happened on the Al-Nuwaiseeb
Road.
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

LOCAL 8

Court Cases

Mother pulls case

10 yrs jail in brother kill

By Jaber Al-Hamoud (Hawalli Directorate) arrested the
Al-Seyassah Staff 1993-born Kuwaiti citizen for stabbing
his 26-year old brother to death. The
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: The Civil mother reported the incident to the
Circuit of the Court of First Instance police after she found the lifeless body
sentenced a Kuwaiti citizen to three- of her son inside the family diwaniya in
year imprisonment with hard labor and Mubarak Abdullah Area (West
ordered him to pay KD 42,000 to a Mishref).
Kuwaiti woman after he allegedly Detectives went to scene and col-
deceived her by impersonating a ruling lected evidences for investigation and
family member and swindled her of decided to question the brother imme-
KD 30,000. diately after noticing wounds in parts
The Public Prosecution accused the of his body. He initially lied about the
suspect of swin- injury, claiming he fell from a motor-
dling a Kuwaiti
woman of KD bike, but confessed later on when the
30,000 after con- investigation intensified.
vincing her He led officers to a desert area where
about his ability he hid the murder weapon alongside
to produce a some belongings of his slain brother he
secret financial had burnt at the location. He noted the
portfolio owned incident happened due to a serious fam-
by a major figure ily dispute with his late brother.
in the state.
The plaintiff Verdict upheld: The Appeals Circuit
counsel Lawyer Abdulkareem
of Misdemeanor Court upheld the ver-
A h m e d
Abdulkareem called for a temporary dict which acquitted an officer of rank
compensation worth KD 5,001 and the Lieutenant from Ministry of Interior An aerial view of Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. (KUNA Yousef Dashti.)
return of KD 30,000 along with interest who was accused of mistakenly killing
because his client had borrowed the an individual.

Around 12,000 deported Asians,

amount from the bank, which will
charge interest from her.
The court sentenced the accused for
3 years imprisonment with labor in
addition to paying back the KD 42,000.
The Public Prosecution had filed
charges of negligent driving against the
officer after he was suspected of driv-
ing without paying attention and crash-
ing into a vehicle, which resulted in the
death of the motorist of that vehicle and

Arabs nabbed entering illegally

damages to that car.
Mother pulls case: The Misdeme- The defense counsel Lawyer Dalal
anor Court chaired by Judge Lafi Al-Mutairi provided evidences to
Mohammad Ghazi sentenced a Kuwaiti prove that there were no concrete
man who killed his brother in Mishref incriminating evidences that showed
area to 10 years in prison with hard her client was in the wrong.
labor after his mother withdrew the She stressed that the Court of First Abortion doctor caught in apartment
case. Instance made it clear of its non con-
Detectives from the General viction of the provided evidence against
Criminal Investigation Department her client. By Munaif Nayef and Meshal
Al-Sanousi
Al-Seyassah Staff and
Agencies
Other Voices KUWAIT CITY, April 9:
An Asian shepherd was
Crisis has no boundaries found dead in Salmi des-
ert area near Artal Road.
According to security sources,
By Fauziya Abul ilies from such areas have been forced to when the Operations Room of
run away from Mosul, especially the Ministry of Interior received
he crisis continues to intensify with western part of the city due to the ongo-
T such huge number of displaced peo- ing conflict. However, a significant
ple and refugees who are traversing majority of civilians are still caught in the
information about the corpse,
securitymen and paramedics
through seas, deserts, hills and valleys, crossfire and are facing danger of death
rushed to the location and referred
either running away from their bitter in the hands of both sides of the conflict the corpse to Forensics
lives in their countries despite having liberators and DAESH. Department.
In Yemen, forced migration is rampant Investigations have been launched
security, or from wars that have devoured to determine the cause of the death.
everything. The latter applies in the Arab due to severity of the ongoing war which
world and some Asian countries. continues to extend its scope to various
These people are facing tough situa- parts of the country. According to the 12,000 deported: Some 12,000
tions; rainstorms and snowfalls are inten- international organizations reports, mil- Asian and Arab nationals who were
sifying the miseries of millions of these lions of Yemenis are living in impover- deported from the country five years
human beings. Imagine how the children, ished conditions, are displaced and ago have tried to enter the country
women and men are managing without unable to even secure medical care. illegally on forged passports and fake
even a tent to cover them, In Libya, there is complete names, according to security systems
and their inability to secure deterioration of security and of the Interior Ministry at the land
livelihood in various areas and sea and airports, reports Al-Qabas
food and medicine. The daily.
injured and sick among including the capital city A security source added investiga-
them rarely get the oppor- Tripoli where militias are tors had discovered the majority of
tunity to access medical chasing people from their the deportees belong to Asian nation-
attention. homes or attacking them for alities, and that successful implemen-
Before the so-called some reason or the other. This tation of the fingerprint machines in
Arab Spring, the immigra- is making the situation worse Kuwait International Airport helped
tion trend was limited to in terms of internal displace- uncover the manipulation and docu-
only some countries. ment and migration to Tunisia, ment forgery.
Majority of the immigrants Fauziya Algeria or mainland Africa.
were from Africa; they Interestingly, few years ago,
Doctor arrested: Acting on a tip-
would risk their lives by traversing many Africans were heading north to off and armed with a search and
through the Libyan desert where they Libya to try their luck in reaching Europe arrest warrant issued by the Public
encounter human traffickers who extort through it. Now, Libyans are leaving Prosecution, personnel from the
money from them and then leave them to their countries and heading to wherever Criminal Investigations Department
face their own peril in the sea. They they can in a bid to save their lives and raided the apartment of an Egyptian KUNA photos
sometimes were sold secretly as slaves. the lives of their children. doctor and arrested him for selling Top and above: Pictures taken at the ceremony.
However, the scope of the crisis has The conferences and meetings, which medicines to abort foetuses, reports
now expanded to include millions from were held recently, have affirmed the Al-Rai daily.
Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya. presence of a serious fear because of Another compatriot doctor who Drill boosts mutual expertise: minister
Interestingly, majority of Syrians are dis- the social, human and security effects reportedly sensed danger and escaped
placed in their country after their houses on this wave of immigration and dis- from the country is sought by Deputy Premier and Minister of April 9 by the Kuwait Army with the armed forces as well as
were destroyed or they forced to leave placement in Arab areas or in Europe Interpol. Defense Sheikh Mohammad the participation of Ministry of boost cooperation between
their towns and cities. Some even lost through the sea. Al-Khalid Al-Sabah attended cer- Interior, National Guard, Kuwait them.
their bread winners. Majority of the vic- It is a catastrophe that knows no bor- emonies which represented the Fire Service Directorate and The ceremonies were attend-
Citizen attacked: A Kuwaiti citi- final phase of the Eagle institutions and authorities of dif- ed by the GCC Secretary-
tims are women and children. ders. It is the duty of humanitarian orga- zen was attacked by six unknown Resolve Exercise. ferent countries in addition to General Abdullatif Al-Zayani,
It is unfortunate that Iraqis in conflict nizations and the global community to individuals in Jabriya area, reports Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled armed forces of GCC states and Head of the National Guard
areas such as Mosul have started experi- provide effective aid for saving millions Al-Qabas daily. hailed all the efforts exerted to US forces. Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah
encing this bitter life. Thousands of fam- of lives. According to security sources, achieve success of the Eagle He said such exercises are Al-Salem Al-Sabah, US Central
the citizen went to Jabriya Police Resolve 2017 Exercise, which important as they contribute to Command Major General Ralph
Station and lodged a complaint was organized from March 19 to exchange of expertise among Grover among other officials.
against the suspects, explaining
News in Brief that he was publicly insulted and
attacked by six individuals for
unknown reasons.
A case was registered and investi-
gations have been launched to find
7 women, 5 men held in Salhiya brothel
Criminal held: A Kuwaiti citizen was According to security sources, the
woman filed a case at Riqqa Police
and arrest the suspects. By Munaif Nayef and five men for engaging in action for securing Mangaf area
arrested by Ahmadi security operatives
in Thaher area for nine counts of crimi- Station against her ex-husband, explain- Al-Seyassah Staff immoral acts from the suspicious after several reckless drivers
ing that he married her and then request- building in the area. closed down main roads to prac-
nal charges, says Al-Seyassah. Reshuffle eyed: Transfer applica- KUWAIT CITY, April 9: Seven One of the arrested men con- tice drifting and perform stunts
The officers were on a round of the ed her for KD 11,000 to invest in the tions have been submitted by 25 offi-
area when they encountered the suspect commercial project. After receiving the women and five men were fessed that he had paid KD 20 to without any consideration for the
cers and non-commissioned officers, arrested from a brothel in Salhiya safety of other road users, reports
accompanied by a GCC national inside a money, he intentionally created some who are working in external fire- rent a room with an Asian
car. He aroused suspicion of the officers problems with her and then divorced her area. woman for an hour. Detectives Al-Seyassah daily.
and disappeared without returning the fighting centers, for working in inter- According to security sources, A number of bloggers on
when he tried to escape from the loca- nal centers. This move demonstrates also discovered hidden surveil-
tion. They checked his details and dis- money. when the Criminal Investigations lance cameras that monitor social media shared a video clip
covered his involvement in nine criminal Securitymen have launched investiga- the success of applying the finger- Department received informa- which showed many reckless
print system, reports Al-Rai daily every person entering the build-
offences. He was taken to the police sta- tions and will summon the man for ques- tion about a gang running a ing. drivers drifting and performing
tion for necessary action. tioning. quoting an official source from brothel in Salhiya area, a team stunts with their vehicles in
Kuwait Fire Service Directorate
was formed for investigations broad daylight, which caused
(KFSD). and raiding the building and A number of Kuwaiti citizens
Caught in the act: Farwaniya secu- Fight in court: An officer and a He said the decision is aimed at traffic problems and exposed the
rity operatives arrested a Kuwaiti man Kuwaiti citizen in his 20s exchanged apartments therein. requested General Traffic lives of innocent people to dan-
controlling the entries and exits of
and a Bedoun for stealing an iPad from a blows at the Family Court due to a minor workers on a 48-hour shift system They arrested seven women Department to take necessary ger.
restaurant in Ardiya Industrial Area. The disagreement. The duo was referred to and limiting more of such transfer
suspects were referred to concerned Maidan Hawalli police station for inves- applications by workers in exter-
authorities after confessing they had sto- tigation. nal centers as well as benefitting Al-Ayaar Mosque) with officers police station for consuming alco-
len more than once from the restaurant. The citizen is alleged to have insulted Cash stolen: A Kuwaiti citizen
from the allowances and privileg- at Naeem police station against a hol and constituting nuisance, accused his 16-year old nephew of
Apparently, officers from Farwaniya the officer in the course of duty. A case es.
Security Directorate received several was registered. person who stole his smart phone reports Al-Anba daily. breaking into his bedroom at the
On the other hand, KFSD intends at knife point, reports Al-Anba A security source said a citizen in family residence in Nahda area and
complaints regarding thefts in restaurants to use a decision to reshuffle a num-
and shops in Ardiya Industrial Area and daily . his late 50s filed a complaint with stealing KD 200 cash and wrist
deployed a team of detectives to the 2 held with pills: A citizen, an ber of officers and heads of depart- The Bangladeshi man told police- watch, says Al-Seyassah.
Egyptian, and a Bedoun man were ments in internal and external fire- the Operations Room of the Interior
location. They managed to arrest the two men he was walking on a pedestrian Ministry saying his son always A security source said the citizen
suspects as they tried to perpetrate apprehended in possession of two nar- fighting centers in order to enhance lodged a complaint with officers at
cotic pills and chemical, reports the work and develop its depart- bridge along the Fourth Ring Road returns home at dawn drunk. He
another theft. around 3:30 pm when suddenly the Qaraiwan police station accusing
Al-Shahid daily. ments. noted the son drinks heavily with
The suspects were found under the suspect attacked and tore his clothes his nephew of theft. A case was
his colleagues.
registered.
Wedding for cash: A Kuwaiti influence of drugs at a security check- before stealing the mobile at knife Acting on information, security-
woman accused her ex-husband of mar- point manned by personnel of Jahra Bdeshi robbed: Jahra Prosecution point. men went to the family residence,
Meanwhile, a citizen told securi-
rying her with the purpose of swindling Security Directorate and the aforemen- Department ordered investigators ty operatives in Jabriya area that an
her of KD 11,000 under the pretext of tioned narcotics were recovered during a to look into a complaint filed by a woke the suspect up, and referred unknown person stole KD 500 cash
investing in a commercial project. search inside their car. Bangladeshi employee of the Drunkard nabbed: A 26-year old him to the area police station. from his room.
Ministry of Awqaf (Mubarak citizen was detained in Al-Thaher A case was registered.
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

LOCAL/GULF 9

Katara organising lectures to educate public about art of forefathers

Qatar launches art of Nahmah Prize for Gulf singers

DOHA, April 9, (KUNA): Qatars
Cultural Village Foundation, Kat-
ara, launched the art of Nahmah
Prize on Saturday bringing togeth-
er traditional singers from the Arab
Gulf countries.
Katara is also organizing lec-
tures alongside qualication
rounds of Nahmah singers to edu-
cate public about this art that ac-
companied our forefathers in their
sea journeys, and ourishes during
the shing and pearl diving trips,
Dr Khaled Al-Sulaiti, Director
General of the Cultural Village
Foundation, said.
Al-Sulaiti, in remarks at the
launch of the Nahmah Prize, said
Katara sought to preserve history
of the forefathers in yet another
bid to revive our genuine herit-
age with its full details. The rst
day of qualications saw partici-
pation of Nahmah singers from
Qatar, Oman, the United Arab
Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia
and Kuwait.
The competition categories in-
clude traditional singing types:
Dawari, Al-Yamal, Al-Khatfa, Ad-
sani, Haddadi and Mkhol.
The rst winner will get a
100,000 Qatari riyal reward, the
second QR 70,000 and the third
QR 50,000.
One QR equals $0.274.
The Nahmah signing used to
be performed during trips of sh-
ing or pearl diving. The Nahmah
singer entertain the sailors during
the harsh journeys. The singer,
through the Nahmah, prayed to Al-
lah to ease their pain and difcul-
ties they face at sea.

Gulf forces refine their tactics

A musician tuning up the drum
KUNA photo

during Eagle Resolve exercise

Artists play Kuwaits traditional music instruments.
A Kuwaiti artist plays a drum.
Kuwaits traditional music
Kuwaiti traditional music has its
own instruments to perform dif-
ferent arts such as Al-Samri, Al-
Khammari, Al-Ardah and Liwa.
Among these traditional percus-
sions are the mirwas, tar, twaisat,
Chinese artist Ai Weiwei
Chinese artist to inspire audience
KUNA photo
KUNA photo
Forces Companies and Saudi
metal mortar, sea drums and oth-
ers, used by different generations
in national celebrations to preserve
the traditions and beauty of old Ku-
waiti music. (KUNA)
Kuwaits 25th Commando Group participates in drill
KUWAIT CITY, April
9: Special operations
forces from Kuwait, Qa-
tar, Saudi Arabia and
the United Arab Emir-
ates are participating
in the military exercise
known as Eagle Resolve
2017 which kicked off
on March 19 and will
continue until April 19,
reports Shephard Media
News.
Having been conducted
across the Arabian Peninsula
since 1999, the US Central
Command describes the Eagle
Resolve Exercise as a month-
long multilateral military exer-
cise that is focused on enhanc-
ing the participants ability to
... respond as a multinational
headquarters staff, followed by
a series of tactical demonstra-
tions of land, maritime, and air
forces from several nations.
The participating forces in-
clude Kuwaits 25th Commando
Group, Qatars Special Opera-
tions Command, Saudi Arabia
Maritime Security Units, Special Gulf security forces in action during the Eagle Resolve exercise.
Emergency Force (SEF), as well
as the UAE Special Operations
Command.
The exercise is sponsored by
the US Central Command and
carried out under instructions
from the US Special Operations
Command.
It is aimed at developing con-
cepts of operation, and tactics,
techniques and procedures asso-
ciated with counter-terrorism and
counter-insurgency, and rening
their approach towards relevant
missions in this regard.
Skills
On April 2, 2017 at Abdali
Farms in Kuwait, the Ground
Assault Force taught a set of
skills to the teams of special
operations forces for enhancing
interoperability and cooperation
across the GCC as well as inter-
nationally.
On April 3, the participat-
ing forces conducted a maritime KUNA photo
counter-terrorism series in Ku- Gulf writers and poets gather at the International Festival for Poetic Creativity.
waiti territorial waters with as-
sault teams tasked with respond- FAAS Festival for Poetic Creativity launched
ing to a rapidly evolving hostage
situation onboard an oil tanker. Kuwaits poet Shueib affirms importance of poetry
The training series included as-

Weiwei to visit Qatar sault teams arriving onto the deck

DOHA, April 9: Leading contempo-
rary Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is com-
ing to Doha this week to experience
the countrys ourishing arts and cul-
ture scene.
His visit is further evidence of Qa-
tars progress as a leading creative
and artistic hub that attracts world-re-
nowned artists from around the world.
It also highlights Qatar Museums
commitment to bringing established
creative gures to the country to inspire
future generations of indigenous talent.
During his time in Qatar, Ai Weiwei
will visit several of Qatars most prom-
inent and signicant arts and culture
destinations including the Museum of
Islamic Art, Mathaf: Arab Museum of
Modern Art, and QM Gallery Katara
and meet with senior QM representa-
tives. In addition, he will explore many
of the countrys most notable and rec-
ognisable public art projects, includ-
ing the striking sculpture East-West/
West-East by Richard Serra, located
near Zekreet.
As part of his visit, on April 11, Ai
Weiwei will be giving a public talk,
open for all to attend, in the auditorium
at the Museum of Islamic Art at 6:00
pm, alongside Swiss businessman,
diplomat and art collector, Uli Sigg.
The talk will be moderated by art ex-
pert and curator Tom Eccles, Execu-
tive Director of the Center for Curato-
rial Studies and the Hessel Museum of
Art at Bard College. During the talk,
Ai Weiwei will discuss the transforma-
tion of his artistic production and Uli
Sigg will touch on the importance of
collectors and museum donations.
Ai Weiwei is also expected to meet
with young and aspiring artists during
his stay, including several the residents
at the Fire Station: Artist in Residence
Programme. This will provide the ide-
al opportunity for artists to discuss the
creative process and explore different
techniques with a hugely experienced
and established artistic gure.
Khalid Yousef Al Ibrahim, Chief
Strategic Planning Ofcer at Qatar
Museums said: We are pleased to wel-
come Ai Weiwei to Doha this week,
to inspire local audiences and artists
in Qatar and educate our communi-
ties about international art. This visit
furthers our aim at Qatar Museums of
bringing international artists to Doha
to inspire an indigenous culture of
creativity and innovation and foster an
existing culture of artistic appreciation
and participation in Qatar.
Ai Weiwei has a long and estab-
lished career as a contemporary artist.
He resides and works in both Berlin
and Beijing. Ai studied animation at
the Beijing Film Academy, then stud-
ied art in New York in the early eight-
ies. Upon returning to China a decade
later, Ai advocated for experimental
artists by publishing underground
books and curating avant-garde exhi-
bitions. He has worked in many media,
including sculpture, installation, pho-
tography, architecture and lm.
His work has featured in leading
galleries and museums around the
world including Tate Modern London,
Haines Gallery San Francisco, Lisson
Gallery Milan and National Gallery of
Victoria, Melbourne.
of the vessel from rotary wing
platforms via fast-rope descents
as well as visit, board, search and
seizure (VBSS) from intercept
crafts.
The counter-terrorism series
have been focused on ground
and maritime operations includ-
she said the poetry is the means for
ing a simulated Ground Assault
Force against a fortied position,
providing operators the chance
to demonstrate room clearance,
counter-improvised explosive
device, casualty evacuation and
site-sensitive exploitation tactics,
techniques and procedures.
Ofcials from the US Central
Command said, Teams of Spe-
cial Forces from the GCC and the
US Naval Special Warfare Com-
mand along with rigid-hull in-
atable boat teams simulated an
air-borne and sea-borne rapid in-
sertion, search and seizure of the
occupied tanker and its hijack-
ers, and safe release of the tanker
crewmen.
The raid was a cumulative joint
exercise that tested the partici-
pants tactical skills and abilities
to operate cohesively in an op-
erational mission with our GCC
partner nations.
It was added with reference to
the ongoing cooperation in the
areas of asymmetric warfare in
low-risk settings.
Source Shephard Media News
KUWAIT CITY, April 9, (KUNA):
Kuwaiti poet and writer Aliyah Mo-
hammad Shueib afrmed the impor-
tance of poetry in the advancement of
the culture, social life and spread of
values of coexistence and tolerance in
the community.
In her press statement issued on the
sideline of the Seventh FAAS Inter-
national Festival for Poetic Creativity,
News in Brief
Deputy FM meets Chinese envoy:
Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister
Khaled Al-Jarallah met Sunday with
China-Arab States Cooperation Forum
(CASCF) Representative Li Chengwen
and his accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, they discussed
bilateral relations and the latest region-
al and international developments.
The meeting was attended by
Assistant Foreign Minister for the
Deputy Foreign Ministers Office
Ayham Al-Omar, Assistant Foreign
Minister for Arabs Aziz Al-Daihani
and Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait
Wang Di. (KUNA)
Kuwaiti student wins seat:
Kuwaiti scholarship student Yousef
Eid who is currently studying medicine
in the University of Jordan has won a
seat in the students union at the Faculty
of Medicine. He is the first Kuwaiti
student to win a seat in the union,
highlighting good values, especially in
a world lled with wars, killings and
takr.
Shueib emphasized on the impor-
tance of meetings among poets and
writers in the Arab world in order to
cement cooperation and contribution
of relations in spreading awareness and
enlightenment of the Arab public opin-
ion regarding the Arab destiny which is
in need of attention.
reports Al-Rai daily.
the city will serve as an important land-
Dasman Creativity Forum:
National Real-estate Company spon-
sored the Dasman Creativity Forum
titled Away from the familiar with
the participation of 42 artists, reports
Al-Anba daily. The event was organ-
ized in Sharq area by Kuwait Space
Arts and Gate Out Blog with many art
lovers and critics in attendance.
Plan to solve Hajj issues: The rep-
Saudis eye new park: Saudi Arabia
has announced that a Six Flags theme
park is expected to be built in a new
entertainment city that will be the first
cials to resolve the Hajj issue for this
of its kind in the kingdom.
Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed
bin Salman says the project will also
include a safari area. The kingdoms
sovereign wealth fund, known as the
Public Investment Fund, will be main
the investor in the project.
In a statement published Saturday by
Kuwait is represented in the festi-
val by Aliyah Mohammad Shueib and
Al-Jawhara Al-Quweidhi along with a
number of writers and poets from Saudi
Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman,
Egypt, Iraq and Morocco. This years
festival is celebrating and honoring
Omans poet Saeda Khater Al-Farisi in
appreciation for her contribution in the
enrichment of the cultural and art arena
in Oman and the Arab world in general.
the Saudi Press Agency, the prince says
mark for young Saudis recreational and
social needs, and will create more job
opportunities for young people. The
entertainment city southwest of the capi-
tal Riyadh is part of a broader effort by
Prince Mohammed to appeal to the
countrys majority young people and
diversify the economy. (AP)
resentative of Leader of the Islamic
Revolution for Hajj affairs Seyyed Ali
Qazi-Askar announced on Sunday that
he sensed a desire by the Saudi offi-
year. Media outlets quoted him as say-
ing that he sensed during the talks held
with the Saudi officials an intention to
resolve the Hajj issue for this year. He
added that all pending issues between
both nations were resolved and Iranian
pilgrims can visit Makkah this year.

INTERNATIONAL
World News Roundup
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Trudeau and son Xavier board a government plane in Ottawa, on April 8. The prime minister and his family are heading to France to commemorate the 100th anniversary
of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. (Inset): A veteran holds a torch of remembrance during a vigil at the National War Memorial to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in Ottawa, Ontario, on April 8. (AP)
Politics
Risky bet pays off
Gorsuchs ascension
vindicates McConnell
WASHINGTON, April 9, (AP): Neil Gorsuchs as-
cension to the Supreme Court was vindication for Sen-
ate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, whose risky
bet more than a year ago paid off big time for Presi-
dent Donald Trump and the Kentucky senator himself.
When Justice Antonin Scalia died in February
2016, McConnell decided immediately that the Sen-
ate would not ll the seat until the next president was
elected. McConnell never wavered. He ignored Dem-
ocratic griping, misgivings from fellow Republicans,
and ultimately erroneous predictions that GOP Senate
candidates would pay a political price.
Now McConnell can take credit for allowing Trump
to put a young conservative on the court for life, even
though it took changing Senate rules to do it.
No. 1, its courageous. No. 2, its genius, in that
order, because he knew how
much criticism he would get,
said Sen. James Inhofe, R-
Oklahoma.
Democrats and some Re-
publicans predicted dire fallout
from McConnells divisive
Senate rules change that re-
moved the 60-vote libuster
barrier for Supreme Court
picks, and they warned of a
McConnell more polarized Senate and
court over time. But most in the GOP were full of
praise for their wily leader.
Mitch did what he thought was the right thing at
the time, and I think the American people agreed with
it, as was evidenced by the outcome of the election,
said Sen John Thune, R-South Dakota. And now we
have a great justice on the Supreme Court.
Frustrated Democrats grudgingly acknowledged
that McConnell got what he wanted and delivered for
his party, even as they insisted that the damage done
to the Senate in the process would not quickly be for-
gotten.
Benefit
The next time Democrats control the White House
and the Senate, they could be the ones to benet from
the rules change enacted under McConnell. Thats
because the change will apply to all future Supreme
Court nominees, too, eliminating any need for input
from the minority party in making conrmations to the
high court.
The Republicans engaged in historic obstruction-
ism that made it possible for this conrmation process
to be conducted, said Sen Ed Markey, D-Massachu-
setts. We now have a radical right-wing justice on
the Supreme Court. And I think that was their goal all
along. So it is successful.
Some Republicans say the vacancy was an impor-
tant factor in Trumps victory in November because
the prospect of putting a conservative on the court
helped evangelicals and other voters overcome their
misgivings about Trump. In exit polls 21 percent of
voters called Supreme Court appointments the most
important factor in their vote, and among those peo-
ple 56 percent voted for Trump.
McConnell told reporters Friday that the most
consequential decision Ive ever been involved in was
the decision to let the president being elected last year
pick the Supreme Court nominee.
It was a gamble. McConnell said after the election
that he didnt think Trump had a chance of winning or
Republicans of holding their Senate majority.
McConnell and other senators also expressed the
hope that after the bitter ght over Gorsuch, the Sen-
ate can get back on a more bipartisan course. That
will be necessary to pass spending bills to keep the
lights on in government by an April 28 midnight
deadline.
McConnell pledged to preserve the 60-vote li-
buster threshold on regular legislation, as opposed to
nominations, which will continue to act as a tool forc-
ing bipartisan outcomes and ensuring participation
from the minority party.
A man is evacuated from the scene
after a gunman opened re at the
shops at Merrick Park in Coral Ga-
bles, Florida, on April 8. (AP)
America
Bentley faces hearings: Alabama Gov
Robert Bentley will face impeachment
hearings beginning Monday after the state
Supreme Court gave lawmakers the green-
light to move ahead with an effort to oust the
governor, who is ghting to stay in ofce
amid fallout from an affair with a top aide.
The Alabama Supreme Court on Saturday
reversed a short-lived victory for Bentley
when a judge on Friday blocked impeach-
ment proceedings. After the high courts rul-
ing, the House Judiciary Committee quickly
announced plans to proceed with hearings on
Monday.
Bentley, a 74-year-old dermatologist and
former Baptist deacon, has been engulfed in
a sex scandal since recordings surfaced in
2016 of him making suggestive remarks to
a female aide before he and his wife of 50
years got divorced.
Bentley has vowed to stay in ofce
despite growing calls for his resigna-
tion. He stood on the marble steps of the
state Capitol on Friday and somberly
acknowledged making personal mistakes
but maintained he did nothing to merit his
removal from ofce.
I do not plan to resign. I have done noth-
ing illegal. If the people want to know if I
misused state resources, the answer is simply
no. I have not, Bentley said. He criticized
unnamed people he said were delighting
in exposing the embarrassing details of his
personal life.
The governors legal team has argued that
the proposed hearings are fundamentally
unfair and do not give the governor the ad-
equate opportunity to respond to accusations.
The Supreme Court justices asked for briefs
on the matter to be led by Monday. (AP)
Ex-gym employee shoots 2, kills self:
A former gym employee opened re inside
the facility on Saturday, critically wound-
ing a manager and another person before he
killed himself, ofcials said.
The manager later died at a hospital after
the shooting at the Equinox gym, a law
enforcement ofcial who was brief on the
investigation told The Associated Press. The
ofcial spoke on the condition of anonymity
because they were not authorized to release
the information.
The shooting happened about 1 pm at the
upscale mall, the Shops at Merrick Park.
Shoppers, diners at mall restaurants and
people in workout gear ran to safety or took
cover after reports of gunre.
Five gunshots, Ovi Viera, who was
washing his hands in the mens locker room,
told The Miami Herald . It was too loud for
it to have been a weight dropping. Within
two seconds, people just started running
out. Miami-Dade police said the second
victim was in critical condition at a hospital.
Politics
Trump aides end palace intrigue
PALM BEACH, Florida/WASHING-
TON, April 9, (Agencies): Top White
House aides Steve Bannon and Jared
Kushner met and agreed to bury the
hatchet over their differences, a senior
administration ofcial said on Saturday,
in a bid to stop inghting that has dis-
tracted from President Donald Trumps
message.
Bannon, Trumps chief strategist,
and Kushner, an inuential adviser and
Trumps son-in-law, met on Friday at
the request of White House chief of staff
Reince Priebus who told them that if
they have any policy differences, they
should air them internally, the ofcial
said.
The development at the presidents
Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Flor-
ida, came at the end of what has been a
relatively smooth week for Trump.
Trump ordered airstrikes against Syr-
ian targets that drew praise in many
parts of the world and staged an error-
free summit with Chinese President Xi
Jinping, complete with his wife, Mela-
nia, wearing a red dress to symbolize the
main color of the Chinese ag.
Focus
Priebus message to Bannon and
Kushner was to stop with the palace
intrigue and focus on the presidents
agenda, the ofcial told Reuters.
Both aides left having agreed that it
was time to bury the hatchet and move
forward, said the ofcial, who spoke on
condition of anonymity.
Four former advisers to the president
said Trump is accustomed to chaos in
his decades-long career as a real estate
developer but that even he has grown
weary of the inghting.
Hes got a long fuse for that kind of
thing, said one former adviser. I imag-
ine he has gotten tired of this.
The White House dismissed persis-
tent talk that Trump might be on the
verge of a staff shakeup. The only thing
we are shaking up is the way Washing-
ton operates as we push the presidents
aggressive agenda forward, spokes-
woman Lindsay Walters said.
The Trump White House has been a
hotbed of palace intrigue since he took
ofce on Jan 20. But the drama has
intensied after the failed effort to get
healthcare legislation approved by the
House of Representatives and the rocky
rollout of an executive order attempting
to temporarily ban citizens of six Mus-
lim-majority nations from entering the
United States.
Bannon, former chief of the con-
servative news organization Breitbart
News, has been at odds with Kushner
and Gary Cohn, the head of the White
House National Economic Council, an
Police have not released the names of the
shooter and victims.
It appears to be an ex-employee, mana-
gerial dispute that triggered this shooting,
Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro
Zabaleta said.
The mall is within a couple miles of
the University of Miami campus. Former
Miami baseball standout Javy Rodriguez
said he was inside the gym and working out
when the shots started, writing on Face-
book that he ran to safety. He also helped
Time to bury the hatchet
House goes on break, Trump
awaits progress on agenda
WASHINGTON, April 9, (AP): Presi-
dent Donald Trump is approaching
the end of his rst 100 days in ofce
without having signed a single major
bill into law.
Trumps drive to repeal and re-
place the Obama-era health law ran
aground in the House in spite of Re-
publican opposition to the overhaul.
It was the rst time in recent mem-
ory that a newly elected presidents
initial big proposal had imploded so
spectacularly.
The conrmation of Judge Neil
Gorsuch to the Supreme Court
stands as the only major victory for
Republicans so far.
Congress left Friday for a two-
week spring break. Looking ahead,
prospects for health care are at best
dicey, while other initiatives such as
a tax overhaul, infrastructure spend-
ing and carrying out Trumps un-
popular proposal for spending cuts
arent ready for prime time yet.
In the rst 70 or so days I havent
seen much in the way of Capitol
Hill success for Trump, said Rep
William Lacy Clay, D-Mo. Theyve
administration ofcial and the four for-
mer advisers said.
The former Trump advisers said
Kushner, husband of Trump daughter
Ivanka Trump, is trying to tug the presi-
dent into a more mainstream position,
while Bannon is trying to keep aame
the nationalist fervor that carried Trump
to his unexpected election victory on
Nov 8. Bannon is getting some of the
blame for the administrations early
stumbles because, one former adviser
said, The president demands results.
In what was viewed as a sign of
Bannons declining inuence, he was
removed from his seat on the National
Security Council this week. Administra-
tion ofcials said this was done at the
urging of national security adviser H.R.
McMaster, with whom Bannon had
clashed.
Some of the former Trump advisers
said Priebus is at fault for not gaining
control of the feuding and said Cohn,
a former Goldman Sachs executive,
would be a candidate to replace him.
Priebus is the former chairman of the
Republican National Committee and
bucked many in his party by putting the
weight of the RNC behind Trump when
it was clear he would be the partys pres-
Bentley Zabaleta
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
10
had a big, colossal failure with their
so-called health care repeal. So I
dont think its been much of a suc-
cess.
From the view of Republicans,
Rep Charlie Dent, R-Pa, said: If we
want to have durable, sustainable
reforms in this country, whether tax
reform, health care or anything else,
it will need to be done on a bipartisan
basis. Everybody knows that.
The presidents victories have
been limited chiey to rolling back
about a dozen regulations issued by
president Barack Obama, which Re-
publicans say will relieve businesses
from the burdens of compliance
costs. The measures, which cant
be blocked by Democrats, have re-
pealed regulations on coal mining
near creeks and streams, and limit-
ing methane emissions from oil wells
on federal lands.
We believe that, so far, that ben-
et to the economy is over $10 bil-
lion, said top White House lobbyist
Marc Short, though he added that
those benets would be spread out
over 20 years.
idential nominee.
Reince is chief of staff, said a
source familiar with the issue. Hes not
going anywhere.
Republican strategist Charlie Black,
who has known Trump for 30 years,
said he did not think a shakeup was im-
minent and that Trumps White House
reects his traditional approach to run-
ning his business.
Hes always had a spokes-to-the-
wheel management style, said Black.
He wants people with differing views
among the spokes.
Bill Daley, a former White House
chief of staff to President Barack
Obama, who got pushed out in a shake-
up himself after roughly a year into the
job, said it appears that inside the Trump
White House theres a struggle for the
soul and brain of the president.
Kushner, who played a major role in
the presidential campaign, is heading an
effort to overhaul the federal govern-
ment and has traveled to Iraq with the
Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman. Kushner
is allied with a group of aides who view
themselves as more moderate forces,
including economic adviser Gary Cohn,
the former president of the Goldman
Sachs investment bank.
others get out of the building.
Equinox workers did an amazing job
of calmly ... getting the rest out of there,
Rodriguez said.
At Yard House, a restaurant inside the
mall, many patrons were outside dining or
waiting for their lunches when police told
restaurant employees to get everyone inside.
So thats exactly what we did, said Tim
Hartog, the restaurants general manager. It
was never chaotic. Were trained to do these
things. (AP)

INTERNATIONAL
In this photo provided by the US Navy, the USS Gerald R. Ford departs Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding for builders sea trials off the US East Coast, on April 8, in Newport News, Va. The rst of the
Navys new class of aircraft carriers will spend several days conducting builders sea trials, a comprehensive test of many of the ships key systems and technologies. (AP)
Taxes
GOP consensus sought
Trump back to
drawing board
WASHINGTON, April 9, (AP): President Donald
Trump has scrapped the tax plan he campaigned on
and is going back to the drawing board in a search for
Republican consensus behind legislation to overhaul
the US tax system.
The administrations rst attempt to write legisla-
tion is in its early stages and the White House has kept
much of it under wraps. But it has already sprouted
the consideration of a series of unorthodox proposals
including a drastic cut to the payroll tax, aimed at ap-
pealing to Democrats.
Some view the search for
new options as a result of
Trumps refusal to set clear
parameters for his plan and
his exceedingly challenging
endgame: reducing tax rates
enough to spur faster growth
without blowing up the budget
decit.
Administration ofcials say
its now unlikely that a tax
Trump
overhaul will meet the August
deadline set by Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.
But the ambitious pace to gure out a plan reects
Trumps haste to move quickly past a bruising fail-
ure to broker a compromise within his own party on
how to replace the health insurance law enacted under
President Barack Obama. The White House is trying
to learn the lessons from health care. Rather than ac-
cepting a bill written by the lawmakers, White House
ofcials are taking a more active role. Administration
ofcials have signaled that they want to pass tax leg-
islation with only Republican votes, yet theyve also
held listening sessions with House Democrats.
White House aides say the goal is to cut tax rates
sharply enough to improve the economic picture in
depressed rural and industrial pockets of the country
where many Trump voters live. But the administration
so far has swatted down alternative ways for raising
revenues, such as a carbon tax, to offset lower rates.
Trump, who brands himself as a deal-maker, has
not said which trade-offs he might accept and he has
remained noncommittal on the leading blueprint, from
Rep. Kevin Brady, chairman of the Ways and Means
Committee.
Rates
Brady, R-Texas, has proposed a border adjustment
system, which would eliminate corporate deductions
on imports, to raise $1 trillion over 10 years that could
fund lower corporate tax rates.
But that possibility has rankled retailers who say
it would lead to higher prices and threaten millions
of jobs, while some lawmakers have worried that the
system would violate World Trade Organization rules.
Brady has said he intends to amend the blueprint
but has not spelled out how he would do so.
Other options are being shopped on Capitol Hill.
One circulating this past week would change the
House Republican plan to eliminate much of the pay-
roll tax and cut corporate tax rates. This would require
a new dedicated funding source for Social Security.
The change, proposed by a GOP lobbyist with close
ties to the Trump administration, would transform
Bradys plan on imports into something closer to a
value-added tax by also eliminating the deduction of
labor expenses. This would bring it in line with WTO
rules and generate an additional $1.2 trillion over 10
years, according to budget estimates. Those additional
revenues could then enable the end of the 12.4 percent
payroll tax, split evenly between employers and em-
ployees, that funds Social Security, while keeping the
health insurance payroll tax in place.
This approach would give a worker earning $60,000
a year an additional $3,720 in take-home pay, a pos-
sible win that lawmakers could highlight back in their
districts even though it would involve changing the
funding mechanism for Social Security, according to
the lobbyist, who asked for anonymity to discuss the
proposal without disrupting early negotiations.
Although some billed this as a bipartisan solution,
and President Barack Obama did temporarily cut the
payroll tax after the Great Recession, others note it
probably would run into rm opposition from Dem-
ocrats who loathe to be seen as undermining Social
Security.
In this April 5 photo, Faisal Gill, new-
ly-elected chairman of the Vermont
Democratic Party, poses at the door
of the partys ofce in Montpelier, Vt
. Gill is a Pakistani-born lawyer be-
lieved to be the rst Muslim to lead a
state party in the US. (AP)
Kelly Cuomo
America
Trump nominates immigration head:
US President Donald Trump intends to
nominate Lee Francis Cissna to head the US
Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The White House announced the nomina-
tion in a statement Saturday.
The US Citizenship and Immigration
Services processes immigration and naturali-
zation applications. The agency is part of the
Department of Homeland Security whose
acting secretary is John Kelly, where Cissna
currently works as director of immigration
policy in the Ofce of Policy.
Trump has taken a rm stance on immigra-
tion since his inauguration, passing executive
orders with the intention of tightening border
security and restricting the arrival of travelers
from certain countries and refugees.
Cissna previously served at the US Citi-
zenship and Immigration Services, in the Of-
ce of the Chief Counsel. He also is a former
US foreign service ofcer, who was stationed
in Haiti and Sweden. (AP)
sculpted in butter.
Bakery workers defy Trump: Workers
at a famed New York bakery who face a
deadline to produce immigration papers are
instead defying the government in public
at President Donald Trumps Manhattan
home.
The 31 employees of the Tom Cat Bakery
will be red and could be deported if they
cannot prove by April 21 that theyre work-
ing in the country legally.
Theyre rallying Saturday afternoon in
front of Trump Tower.
The Department of Homeland Security
set the deadline for the workers to show their
employment documents.
Many have worked on the gourmet bak-
erys production line for much of its 30-year
existence.
Tom Cat covers a whole city block in
Queens, churning out artisanal bread 24 hours
a day and delivering it around in the New
York City area. (AP)
Controversy over cups of milk: New
Yorks governor is nding out that, in poli-
tics, something as simple as a 25-cent cup of
milk can turn sour fast.
Just last summer, Democratic Gov
Andrew Cuomo was hailed as a hero for
stepping in with a state subsidy to prevent a
price hike to 50 cents for the popular cups
of white and chocolate milk at New York
State Fairs beloved Milk Bar, which for
generations has been a shrine to the states
dairy industry complete with life-size people
Terror
Effort to err on side of caution
FBI reviews handling of tips
WASHINGTON, April 9, (AP): The
FBI has been reviewing the handling
of thousands of terrorism-related tips
and leads from the past three years to
make sure they were properly inves-
tigated and no obvious red ags were
missed, The Associated Press has
learned.
The review follows attacks by peo-
ple who were once on the FBIs radar
but who have been accused in the past
12 months of massacring innocents
in an Orlando, Florida, nightclub, in-
juring people on the streets of New
York City, and gunning down travel-
ers in a Florida airport. In each case,
the suspects had been determined not
to warrant continued law enforcement
scrutiny months and sometimes years
before the attacks.
The internal audit, which has not
been previously reported, began this
year and is being conducted in FBI
eld ofces across the country. A sen-
ior federal law enforcement ofcial de-
scribed the review as an effort to err
on the side of caution.
The audit is essentially a review of
records to ensure proper FBI proce-
dures were followed. Its an acknowl-
edgment of the challenge the FBI has
faced, particularly in recent years, in
predicting which of the tens of thou-
sands of tips the bureau receives annu-
ally might materialize one day into a
viable threat.
Investigations that go dormant be-
cause of a lack of evidence can re-
surface instantly when a subject once
under scrutiny commits violence or
displays fresh signs of radicalization.
FBI Director James Comey has lik-
ened the difculty to nding not only
a needle in a haystack but determin-
ing which piece of hay may become a
needle.
Though theres no indication of sig-
nicant aws in how terrorism inquir-
ies are opened and closed, the review
is a way for the FBI to rene and
adapt to the threat, and part of that is
always making sure you cover your
bases, said the law enforcement of-
But only half of the expected subsidy
ever came through, and the nonprot thats
been operating the Milk Bar on the Syracuse
fairgrounds for 64 years announced it is
pulling out and putting the blame squarely on
Cuomo, saying it will only consider returning
Kitsap Live Steamers member Don Defey, of Auburn, is enveloped in steam
as he performs a boiler blowdown on his Mikado locomotive at South Kitsap
Regional Park in Port Orchard, Wash, on April 8. The club offers train rides to
the public on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. (AP)
cial, who was not authorized to discuss
the matter by name.
The pace of the FBIs counterterror-
ism work accelerated with the rise of
the Islamic State group, which in 2014
declared the creation of its so-called
caliphate in Syria and Iraq and has
used sophisticated propaganda to lure
disaffected Westerners to its cause. By
the summer of 2015, Comey has said,
the FBI was strapped in keeping tabs
on the groups American sympathizers
and identifying those most inclined to
commit violence.
Social media outreach by IS has ap-
pealed to people not previously known
to the FBI but also enticed some who
once had been under scrutiny to get
back in the game, said Seamus
Hughes, deputy director of George
Washington Universitys Program on
Extremism.
Location
The fact that there was a physical
location and a caliphate announced,
it helped kind of drive folks back in
when they might have drifted away,
Hughes said.
The review covers inquiries the FBI
internally classies as assessments
the lowest level, least intrusive and
most elementary stage of a terror-relat-
ed inquiry and is examining ones
from the past three years to make sure
all appropriate investigative avenues
were followed, according to a former
federal law enforcement ofcial who
spoke on condition of anonymity to
discuss the process.
Assessments are routinely opened
upon a tip whether from some-
one concerned about things such as
activity in a neighbors garage, a co-
workers comments or expressions of
support for IS propaganda and are
catalogued by the FBI. The bureau re-
ceives tens of thousands of tips a year,
and averages more than 10,000 assess-
ments annually.
FBI guidelines meant to balance
national security with civil liberties
protections impose restrictions on the
if Cuomo is no longer governor.
Our group will lie dormant for the next 24
months to see if there is a change of admin-
istration in 2019, Gary Raiti, president of
New York State Dairy Exhibits Inc., told the
groups members in a recent letter.
Dairy Exhibits, which has kept the 7-ounce
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
11
steps agents may take during the as-
sessment phase.
Agents, for instance, may analyze
information from government databas-
es and open-source internet searches,
and can conduct interviews. But they
cannot turn to more intrusive tech-
niques, such as requesting a wiretap
or internet communications, without
higher levels of approval and a more
solid basis to suspect a crime or na-
tional security threat.
The guidelines explicitly discourage
open-ended inquiries and say assess-
ments are designed to be relatively
short, with a supervisor signing off on
extension requests.
Many assessments are closed within
days or weeks when the FBI concludes
theres no criminal or national security
threat, or basis for continued scrutiny.
The system is meant to ensure that
a person who has not broken the law
does not remain under perpetual scruti-
ny on a mere hunch that a crime could
eventually be committed. But on occa-
sion, and within the past year, its also
meant that people the FBI once looked
at but did not nd reason to arrest later
went on to commit violence.
In the case of Omar Mateen, that
scrutiny was extensive, detailed and
lengthy.
Mateen, who shot and killed 49
people at an Orlando nightclub in
June, was investigated for 10 months
in 2013 and interviewed twice after a
co-worker reported that Mateen had
claimed connections to al-Qaeda.
As part of a preliminary inves-
tigation, agents recorded Mateens
conversations and introduced him to
condential sources before closing the
matter. That kind of investigation is
more intensive than an assessment and
permits a broader menu of tactics, but
it also requires a stronger basis for sus-
picion. Mateen was questioned again
in 2014 in a separate investigation
into a suicide bomber acquaintance.
Comey has said he has personally re-
viewed that inquirys handling and has
concluded it was done well.
cups of milk at 25 cents since 1983, has long
said it cant pay its bills at that price.
Before the fair kicked off its 13-day end-
of-summer run last year, state agriculture
ofcials briey approved the price hike to
50 cents. But when public objections were
raised, Cuomo nixed it and instead promised
$90,000 to help with expenses. A fair spokes-
man conrmed the state provided only about
half that amount by putting the dairy build-
ings employees on the state payroll.
With the state refusing a milk-price hike or
larger subsidy, Raiti said his organization is
severing ties with the state and selling off the
dairy buildings equipment.
Cuomo spokesman Richard Azzopardi
did not respond to repeated requests for com-
ment. For Cuomo, who some have speculated
as a possible presidential candidate in 2020,
the milk bar brouhaha is a controversy he
didnt need in the same week the Legislature
was a week late in hammering out a $153
billion budget deal.
News of a possible shutdown of the Milk
Bar prompted hundreds of comments on the
website of the fairgrounds hometown news-
paper, the Syracuse Post-Standard. Some
bemoaned the loss of a beloved tradition.
Some said even at 50 cents, the milk was a
bargain. Some were mystied anyone would
stand in line for milk.
And some questioned why the state
couldnt come up with the full $90,000
subsidy at a time when the governor has been
touting a $70 million vision for an aerial
gondola and other big projects to upgrade the
New York State Fairgrounds. (AP)

INTERNATIONAL
World News Roundup
French President Francois Hollande (center), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (right), and the mayor of Arras Frederic Leturque stand in front of the Victory Medal-Poppy of Peace installation by New Zealander
artists Helen Pollock and Tony McNeight at the Heroes square in Arras, northern France, during a ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a World War I battle which was a costly vic-
tory for Canada but one that helped shape the former British colonys national identity, on April 9. (AP)
An ofcer works the scene as police cordon off a large
area around a subway station on a busy commercial
street on April 8, after nding what they described as a
bomb-like device, in Oslo, Norway. The ofcial police
Twitter account said one man has been arrested and
Police Chief Vidar Pedersen said police were working to
disarm it. (AP)
France
Govt probes threats
Clashes at Le Pen
rally in Corsica city
PARIS, April 9, (RTRS): Skirmishes broke out on Satur-
day ahead of a campaign rally by French far-right leader
Marine Le Pen, prompting the removal of more than a
dozen protesters and the evacuation of the hall in Ajac-
cio, Corsica.
The latest polls ahead of the April-May, two-round
presidential election show Le Pen leader of the anti-
immigrant National Front neck-and-neck with centrist
Emmanuel Macron, who is expected to beat her in the
runoff.
Polls also show that right behind them, far-left veteran
Jean-Luc Melenchon has risen rapidly in opinion polls
after his performance in a televised debate early this
week, drawing level with conservative candidate Fran-
cois Fillon, whose presidential bid has been tainted by
corruption charges.
Around 50 Corsica nationalists demonstrated in front
of the venue in Ajaccio where Le Pen was holding her
rally, chanting We do not want the National Front, ac-
cording to local newspaper Corse Matin.
Some of them managed to enter the hall where Le Pen
was expected to speak. They clashed with Le Pens secu-
rity team, throwing punches and ring teargas, prompt-
ing the evacuation of the hall, the newspaper said.
A Corsican nationalist movement claimed responsibil-
ity for incidents.
We will never let this party, whose former leader had
demanded the death penalty for Corsican political pris-
oners, come safely to our country, the organisation A
Ghjuvent Independentista, said in a statement, referring
to Marines father Jean-Marie Le Pen. The campaign
event was delayed for an hour and moved to another
venue, French television BFM TV said.
Meanwhile, French prosecutors opened an investiga-
tion on Friday into written death threats posted along
with bullets to two news outlets and several magistrates,
ofcials said.
Mediapart, an investigative online publication and
one of the two news organisations targeted, said it and
Le Canard Enchaine, a satirical weekly which specialises
in lifting the lid on political scandal, had both received
identical letters from a group calling itself The Purge
Collective 2J.
Extremism
Uzbek man was failed asylum-seeker; 2nd suspect arrested
Swedish attack suspect sympathised with IS
STOCKHOLM, April 9, (Agencies): An
Uzbek man suspected of ramming a truck
into a crowd in Stockholm, killing four
people, had expressed sympathy for Is-
lamic State and was wanted for failing to
comply with a deportation order, Swed-
ish police said on Sunday.
Another 15 people were injured on Fri-
day when a hijacked beer delivery truck
barrelled down a busy shopping street
before crashing into a department store
and catching re. The Uzbek was arrested
several hours later.
We know that the suspect had ex-
pressed sympathy for extremist organi-
sations, among them IS, Jonas Hysing,
chief of national police operations, told a
news conference, using an acronym for
the ultra-hardline militant group.
In Europe, vehicles have also been
used as deadly weapons in attacks in
Nice, Berlin and London over the past
year and were claimed by Islamic State.
There has been as yet no claim of respon-
sibility for the Stockholm assault.
The Stockholm suspect, aged 39 and
from the Central Asian republic of Uz-
bekistan, applied for permanent residence
in Sweden in 2014. But his bid was re-
jected and he was wanted for disregard-
ing an order for his deportation, Hysing
said.
Migration
Police had been looking for him since
the Nordic countrys Migration Agen-
cy in December gave him four weeks
to leave the country. He had not been
known as a militant threat by the security
services before Fridays attack.
Two of the dead were Swedes, one was
a British citizen and the other from Bel-
gium, Hysing said.
Swedens prosecution authority said
a second person had been arrested in
connection with the attack on suspicion
of having committed a terrorist offence
through murder.
But police said they were more con-
vinced than ever that the Uzbek man was
the driver of the commandeered truck.
They said another ve people were be-
ing held for questioning after raids dur-
ing the weekend, and that they had con-
ducted about 500 interviews as part of the
Europe
Greece arrests 7: Greeces coastguard
said on Saturday that it had uncovered an
international ring that transported large quan-
tities of drugs from Albania to Italy using
high-speed boats.
The coastguards drug-ghting unit said it
had arrested ve Albanians and two Greeks
and seized 1.5 tonnes of unprocessed can-
nabis and two speedboats, estimating that
the ring had made many millions of euros.
(RTRS)
France expels Swiss preacher:
Frances interior ministry said it has expelled
a Swiss Islamic preacher with extremist
Jalilov suicide bomber: police
Russia blast suspect travelled to Turkey
ST PETERSBURG, Russia/OSH, Kyr-
gyzstan, April 9, (RTRS): The man
Russian police believe was the suicide
bomber who killed 14 people in a blast
on the St Petersburg metro this week
developed an interest in Islam and
soon after travelled to Turkey, two peo-
ple who know him told Reuters.
The two people said they did not
know for sure if the man, Akbarzhon
Jalilov, went on from Turkey to neigh-
bouring Syria. Turkey has been rou-
tinely used by radical Islamists as a
route into areas of Syria controlled by
the Islamic State group.
If Jalilov had been in Syria, that
would expose a major gap in Russias
counter-terrorism procedures, which
rely heavily on identifying anyone who
has been with militants in Syria and
stopping them from returning to Rus-
sia, or arresting them.
The metro blast happened on Mon-
day afternoon just as Russian President
Vladimir Putin visited St Petersburg.
No group has claimed responsibility.
But Islamic State has threatened acts
of violence on Russian soil in reprisal
for the Kremlins military intervention
in Syria in support of President Bashar
al-Assad.
inquiry.
Of the injured, 10 remained in hospi-
tal, two of them in intensive care.
In neighbouring Norway early on Sun-
day, police set off a controlled explosion
of a bomb-like device in central Oslo
and took a suspect into custody. Police
across the Nordic region went on height-
ened alert after the Stockholm attack.
Stockholm was returning to normality
on Sunday with police barricades taken
down along the Drottninggatan street
where the attack took place.
Hundreds of ower bouquets covered
steps leading down to the square next to
where the truck ploughed into the Ahl-
ens department store, with more piled up
under boarded-up windows.
A memorial service was being held in
views to his home country.
The ministry said Hani Ramadan was ar-
rested Saturday in Colmar, in eastern France,
as he was taking part in a conference, and
police escorted him to the Swiss border.
It said Ramadan is known in the past to
have adopted a behavior and made comments
Pope Francis Pope Bernedict
Jalilov, the suspected suicide bomb-
er, was born in 1995 and grew up in
the city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan, a mainly
Muslim ex-Soviet Republic in Central
Asia.
Around 2011 he moved to St Pe-
tersburg. He worked in low-paid jobs
for several years. Photographs posted
on social media showed a stylishly
dressed young man. His online posts
offered no hint of any ties to Islamist
militants. But there is a gap in Jalilovs
biography from the end of 2015 until
the start of this year. During that period
several acquaintances said he disap-
peared from view.
He reappeared when he visited Osh
in February this year. In March he re-
turned to St Petersburg and rented an
apartment from where he set off on the
day of the bombing carrying a rucksack
and a bag.
By speaking to several people who
knew Jalilov well, Reuters has been
able to piece together a picture of his
life in the missing years.
According to someone from Osh
who worked as a cook alongside Jalilov
in a St Petersburg restaurant in 2014,
he was an even-tempered young man
who did not drink or use swear words.
Sergels torg, the central square next to
Drottninggatan, at 2 p.m. (1200 GMT).
Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, ad-
dressing a Social Democratic party
conference in the western city of Goth-
enburg, said Sweden would never be
broken by acts of terror.
Swedish prosecutors on Sunday ar-
rested a second person in connection
with the truck attack case for suspected
crimes against the nation and were hold-
ing four other people.
A person suspected of terrorist of-
fenses by murder has been arrested,
spokeswoman Karin Rosander told The
Associated Press. She did not give any
further details about the new suspect.
In all, Evensson said authorities have
questioned over 500 people in the inves-
which pose a serious threat to public order
on the French soil. In 2002, Hani Ramadan
was banned from teaching in a Swiss school
because he had publicly defended the stoning
of adulterers. (AP)
Pope raises own mortality: Pope Fran-
cis urged young people to lead the churchs
future Saturday even as he voiced doubts that
hed be around much longer to see it.
The 80-year-old pope referred to his own
mortality twice in the span of a few minutes
during a vigil service to rally enthusiasm for
the Catholic Churchs World Youth Day, to
be held in Panama in 2019.
I dont know if it will be me, but the pope
will be in Panama! he told the crowd at the
St Mary Major basilica.
A few minutes earlier, he drew gasps from
the pews when he teased: At my age, we
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
12
I would have said rmly that Akbar
was not capable of doing anything
bad, said the source, using an abbre-
viation of Jalilovs name. The source
asked not to be identied because he
did not want the authorities to associ-
ate him with a suicide bomber.
The two worked in the same outlet of
the Sushi Wok restaurant chain.
During the course of 2014, said the
former work colleague, Jalilov devel-
oped an interest in Islam. He prayed,
went to the mosque, read the Quran,
and started growing a beard. But the
source said he did not notice any signs
of extremism.
The second source, another native
of Osh who also worked with Jalilov in
St Petersburg, said he too was aware
that Jalilov had acquired an interest in
religion. But he said Jalilov never tried
to push his faith onto anyone else.
During 2015, said the rst source,
Jalilov left St Petersburg. The source
said he heard from other cooks at the
restaurant that before leaving, Jalilov
had said he was going to Turkey.
He said, according to the source,
that there are good jobs in Turkey, and
things arent working out (with work) in
St Petersburg.
tigation so far.
The four victims killed in Fridays
truck attack on shoppers in the Swedish
capital included a British man, a Belgian
woman and two Swedes, authorities in
those countries said. Their identities
were not released.
The Belgian news agency Belga said
the Belgian woman had been reported
missing and was rst identied by her
identity papers and later by DNA testing.
As of Sunday, 10 of the 15 people
wounded in the truck attack remained
hospitalized, including one child. Stock-
holm county spokesman Patrik Soder-
berg said four of the 10 were considered
seriously injured and the remaining
six, including the child, were slightly
injured.
(old people) are about to pass away.
Sensing their pained reaction, he added:
Who guarantees life? No one. At your age,
you have the future ahead of you.
Francis is known for his casual, self-
deprecating remarks and has said repeatedly
he didnt expect to be pope for very long.
Early on in his four-year papacy he predicted
two to ve years would do it. He has also
not ruled out the possibility of resigning like
his predecessor, Emeritus Pope Benedict
XVI, did.
At the same time, theres nothing indicat-
ing that Francis is slowing down.
Later this month, he begins the rst of his
2017 foreign travels that are expected to bring
him to Egypt, Portugal, Colombia, India,
Bangladesh and perhaps South Sudan. He
is also gearing up for the next big meeting
of the worlds bishops this fall, dedicated to
young people. (AP)

INTERNATIONAL
NATO
4 fear of reprisal
Turkish officers get
asylum in Norway
STAVANGER, Norway, April 9, (Agencies): Norway
and Turkey NATOs northern and southern fron-
tiers in Europe have been pillars of the Western
military alliance for more than 60 years. But the dip-
lomatic temperature between the two has fallen
steadily since Turkey recalled dozens of military
officers as suspects in an aborted coup and Norway
became the first nation to grant some of them asylum.
The government in Oslo agreed last month to pro-
tect four Turkish officers who had been assigned to
NATO and, like colleagues in Germany and Brussels,
fear they could be imprisoned as terrorists if they go
back to their country. Turkeys Foreign Ministry sum-
moned the Norwegian ambassador for an explanation
while the officers remain in
Stavanger, a city on Norways
west coast that lies 3,800 kms
(2,360 miles) from Ankara.
We see that this is a diffi-
cult decision for Norway
because of the alliance, and it
can cause big problems for
NATO, so we appreciate that
they have put human rights
over political decisions, one
of the officers given asylum
Erdogan said. Norway still says you
are innocent until proven guilty
... in Turkey, you have to prove your innocence.
The men trying to forge new lives in Stavanger are
among a cadre of commissioned Turkish officers who
were working at NATO facilities around Europe dur-
ing Turkeys July 15 thwarted coup. The Turkish
government suspects of playing a role in the failed
coup, and the men have asked not to be named for fear
of reprisals against their families in Turkey.
Lives
Some of my colleagues in other NATO headquar-
ters did return to Turkey. They were detained at the
airport in front of their families, their children. It
would be very difficult to go back to Turkey now,
one senior officer said. We have small kids, and we
have to save their lives.
The former officers bristle at being branded trai-
tors. Each man was on leave when the plot unfolded
and claims he has a firm alibi. With their bank
accounts frozen, their successful military careers sud-
denly cut short and hopes for fair trials in Turkey
shattered, they say they had no choice but to seek
asylum in Norway, where they filed for protection
between Aug 13 and Oct 19.
One of the men was fired by telephone. Another
received a call ordering him to leave Norway within
three days. Two watched in horror as their names
appeared on blacklists of soldiers commanded back
to Turkey.
When I saw the list and my name in the list, I tried
to understand the reason ... but there was nothing
about this on the paper. There were just one or two or
three sentences calling us back, one said. It was a
terrible period. I knew I would lose my rights, my
past, my family, everything.
The men say they have seen social media videos of
other Turkish officers being tortured in jail and have
desperately tried to reach military friends back home.
They say some have disappeared, while others were
forced into giving confessions.
After the coup, 160 generals and 7,000 military
officers have been arrested, one of the officers said
bitterly. If these persons were involved in this coup,
the result must have been different.
Custody
The government of President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan alleges that the coup was carried out by fol-
lowers of a US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen,
who denies orchestrating a takeover. More than
150,000 people have been taken into custody, fired or
forced to retire from Turkeys armed forces, judiciary,
education system and other public institutions since
the coup attempt.
Even Gulenists who did not take part in the coup
attempt are considered a serious security threat now
and are being purged from Turkeys military. The
four former officers in Norway deny being Gulen sup-
porters and think the government is using the coup as
an excuse to crush its critics.
We are hearing that peoples wives are accused of
being plotters and traitors. If one of your relatives has
money in a certain bank, or you were using certain
social media on the day of the coup, you are accused
of being involved, one said.
Turkey responded angrily to Norway granting the
officers asylum, protesting that a NATO ally offered
the men support to abuse the countrys political,
social and economic opportunities instead of ensur-
ing their return to Turkey.
The mens lawyer, Kjell Brygfjeld, thinks the four
cases were fast-tracked through the sometimes
clogged Norwegian asylum system. One of the former
officers said his asylum petition was approved with-
out his needing to provide documents proving he was
in danger.
agency is looking into 275 suspected right-
The overwhelming victory of Prime Minister
Aleksandar Vucic in Serbias presidential election on
April 2 could help stabilise the country, a top US and
NATO military officer said.
Navy Admiral Michelle Howard, who heads
NATOs Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, told
Reuters she hoped engineered provocations between
Kosovo and Serbia in recent months would calm
down now that the election was over.
Now that were through the election, perhaps the
national leaders will refocus on their own countries
and govern. Thats my hope, Howard, who also com-
mands US naval forces in Europe and Africa, said in
an interview late on Saturday after an event hosted by
the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance.
Howard said the region remained an area of con-
cern for the US military and NATO, which still has
4,500 troops in Kosovo after intervening in 1999 to
stop Serbias killings of ethnic Albanian civilians in a
counter-insurgency campaign.
She said Vucic, the outgoing prime minister, had run
for president on a promise to keep the country moving on
a path toward European Union accession, which also
required a demonstration of economic stability.
If hes serious, then I think that is helpful for the
country, Howard said. As you meet all that criteria,
I can only imagine that its helpful for ... establishing
stability and security of (Serbia).
If Vucic makes good his vow to continue moving
toward EU membership, then Serbia would remain
balanced between Russian influence and the rest of
southeast Europe, Howard said.
In this April 8, 2017 photo, Georgian border guards patrol a border with Georgias breakaway region of South Ossetia, near the village of Khurvaleti, Georgia. Voters
in Georgias breakaway region of South Ossetia are electing a president on April 9 and deciding on a referendum on whether to add the word Alania to the regions
name, which critics say would be a step toward incorporating South Ossetia into Russia. (AP)
Hooded penitents from La Borriquita
take part during a Holy Week proces-
sion in Cordoba, Spain on April 9.
Hundreds of processions take place
throughout Spain during the Easter
Holy Week. (AP)
Grillo Szydlo
Europe
5-Star holds tech summit: Italys
anti-establishment 5-Star Movement is
broadening its reach as it eyes national
office, inviting some very establishment
figures to a daylong summit Saturday on
technology, science, jobs and the future.
The summit, which was intentionally
low on political diatribe, marked a new
phase for the grassroots protest movement
that has upended the Italian political scene
and now leads the polls as Italy prepares
for a general election later this year or
next.
And it provided strong evidence that the
5-Stars are attracting more than just the
working-class backers typical of Europes
anti-establishment parties. The head of
Google Italy, university professors and
prominent journalists took part, though
there were notable absences, including
among 5-Star lawmakers and Italys lead-
ing astronaut, who bailed at the last min-
ute.
5-Star founder Beppe Grillo sat in the
front row of the converted Olivetti type-
writer factory in Ivrea, near Turin in
northern Italy, watching as a next gener-
ation of 5-Star sympathizers outlined
how Italy might emerge from years of
economic stagnation and rising unem-
ployment. (AP)
lapse and five families were left homeless,
German army probes soldiers: The
Germany militarys counter-intelligence
wing extremists in its ranks, including a
soldier heard saying Heil Hitler, the
Defence Ministry has told parliament in a
letter seen by Reuters on Sunday.
About 143 of the cases were reported
last year and 53 this year, the ministry
wrote in its 15-page answer, detailing inci-
dents of soldiers performing Nazi salutes
or uttering racist remarks against service-
men with migrant backgrounds.
Public displays of Nazi symbols and
salutes are illegal in Germany, where most
people are repulsed by any degree of sym-
pathy to the dictatorship responsible for the
Holocaust.
The letter noted the lax manner in which
some of the most serious cases have been
dealt with.
One such incident is Case 29, which
involved a soldier who was heard conspic-
uously saying Heil Hitler, Heil our
leader and Sieg Heil, comrades, the
ministry said. (RTRS)
Polish PM vows aid to survivors:
Polands prime minister and local authori-
ties vowed Sunday to provide financial
help and other aid to survivors of an apart-
ment building collapse that left six people
dead.
Prime Minister Beata Szydlo came to
the site of Saturdays collapse in the south-
western town of Swiebodzice and prom-
ised state aid to the survivors, including
special pensions to orphaned children.
Poland
Kaczynski remains in mourning 7 years on
Poland wrestles with crash trauma
WARSAW, Poland, April 9, (AP): Its
been seven years since Poland lost its
president in a plane crash in Russia.
His twin brother, who effectively runs
the Polish government today, remains
in mourning, only wearing black suits
and black ties in public and deter-
mined to punish those he blames for
the crash.
The identical and inseparable
Kaczynski twins Lech and Jaroslaw
were in the Polish public eye for half a
century childhood actors, then
advisers to president Lech Walesa,
then rising to become president and
prime minister simultaneously.
Tragedy struck when President
Lech Kaczynski died in a plane crash
on April 10, 2010, along with his wife
and 94 others, many of them top mem-
bers of Polands political and military
elite. They were flying to an airport
near Smolensk, Russia, to pay tribute
to some 22,000 Polish officers killed
in the Katyn massacres by the Soviet
secret police during World War II.
Poland will mark the anniversary of
the crash Monday with state obser-
vances.
Seven years later, Jaroslaw
Kaczynski still thinks many questions
surrounding the crash need to be
answered, not the least by Russia,
which has refused to return the wreck-
age and the planes flight recorders,
and Donald Tusk, the then-Polish
prime minister who is now one of the
European Unions top officials.
Crash
Kaczynski has used his position as
leader of the ruling Law and Justice
party to direct state bodies to try to
debunk official findings that the crash
was an accident. Early on, Polish
investigators concluded the crash was
an accident resulting from several fac-
tors, including pilot error and heavy
fog.
His supporters, often Catholic and
generally older, see Kaczynski as a
brave defender pursuing the truth.
Opponents see him as a dangerous
promoter of conspiracy theories for
which no evidence has ever surfaced.
The continuing quest is also deepen-
ing Polands isolation in Europe, evi-
dent last month when the govern-
Some children were orphaned in the col-
ovated pre-World War II-era building to
Swiebodzice Mayor Bogdan Kozuchowicz
said Sunday. Four people were injured.
The people who died were two school-
age children, three men and one woman.
Doctors said a 13-year-old boy, is hospital-
ized with life-threatening injuries.
A team of construction experts is trying
Ministry of Emergency Situations employees examine a train wreck in Moscow,
Russia early Sunday on April 9. The accident Saturday night occurred when an
empty commuter train unexpectedly applied its emergency brakes and a follow-
ing passenger train heading for Brest hit it from behind. Russias emergency
services ministry says 15 people have been hospitalized. (AP)
ments objections to the re-election of
Tusk as president of the European
Council failed.
Kaczynski accuses Tusk and his
allies of not doing enough to clarify all
facts surrounding the crash and of fail-
ing to ensure proper security for the
flight of a president who was in an
opposing political camp. Some of his
accusations have been strong, of Tusk
somehow colluding to make the acci-
dent happen.
Tusk has denounced the accusations
as absurd, saying at first they could be
attributed to Kaczynskis deep grief,
but later calling them a nasty and
cynical ploy for power by a party
without any other political ideas.
Even in 2014, when Tusk was still
prime minister and Kaczynski led the
opposition, he said, What Jaroslaw
Kaczynski is doing with the catastro-
phe is already a problem for the whole
state.
Ruling
Along with his brother and sister-in-
law, a large swath of the ruling elite
perished in the crash, including the
head of the central bank and the armys
chief of staff. That a patriotic president
was on a mission to honor an atrocity
inflicted by Moscow only deepened a
sense of continued Polish suffering
due to Russia a country that
Jaroslaw Kaczynski has called cursed
earth.
I lost a twin brother, Kaczynski,
now 67, said months after the disaster.
You need to have one to understand
what kind of loss that is.
While his loss elicited widespread
sympathy, Kaczynskis opponents
have grown extremely critical of what
they, like Tusk, see as is a cynical use
of the tragedy for political gain.
Anti-government protests will take
place on the sidelines of Mondays
state ceremonies. Opponents say they
will also protest the countrys overall
political direction, which they decry as
anti-democratic.
The Polish government, now 17
months in power, has come under
international censure for steps that
have eroded the system of checks and
balance on the government. While
Kaczynski holds no government post,
to determine what caused the recently ren-
collapse. Prosecutors have opened an
investigation. (AP)
Vitalie Busuioc said authorities knew of
17 detained in alleged plot:
Seventeen people have been detained in
Moldova and Ukraine on suspicion they
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
13
he is widely considered the real power
behind both the prime minster and
president, whom he both chose.
The main anti-government protest,
which is being organized by civic
rights group Obywatele RP, will rally
in defense of constitutional freedoms
and against an emerging Catholic-
nationalism in Poland, which we see as
very close to fascism, said Pawel
Kasprzak, one of the organizers.
Since the Law and Justice party
took power, a new investigation into
the plane crash has been launched,
which cost 3.6 million zlotys alone in
2016 ($900,000), leaving an opposi-
tion party to ask state auditors to
review whether the expense is justi-
fied.
But government officials say the
concerns are real and they must press
on.
The longer you hide the wreckage,
the longer you hide the black boxes,
the more you make Poles aware that
you are complicit in this catastrophe,
Foreign Minister Witold
Waszczykowski said Thursday.
Last week prosecutors said a new
analysis of the evidence has found that
two Russian air traffic controllers were
guilty of deliberately causing an air
traffic catastrophe, helped by a third
official in the tower at the time. The
allegations were rejected by Russian
President Vladimir Putins spokes-
man.
In the past, Law and Justice officials
have suggested the Russians created
fake fog or placed an explosive device
on board.
They also are horrified by the slop-
py way the Russians carried out the
autopsies, with body parts mixed up in
the wrong graves, and have ordered
exhumations of most of the victims,
also in search of new evidence.
Authorities recently revealed they dis-
covered three hands in one grave.
Bereft of the person who was clos-
est to him, Jaroslaw Kaczynski now
visits the presidential palace in
Warsaw on the 10th of each month to
honor the Smolensk victims.
The truth about Smolensk is close,
Kaczynski told flag-waving supporter
last month, the 83rd time he marked
the day.
were planning to kill one of Moldovas
most powerful politicians, prosecutors
there said Saturday.
Senior organized crime prosecutor
orders from two unnamed people to assas-
sinate Vladimir Plahotniuc, an influential
businessman and chairman of the
Democratic Party, the biggest party in
Moldovas pro-European governing coali-
tion.
Police said the suspects had received
$100,000 and were due to receive a total of
$200,000.
Authorities detained eight people in
Moldova and nine in Ukraine and seized
an unspecified number of grenade launch-
ers, two pistols, phones, wigs and mous-
taches. (AP)
Protests against Vucic: Thousands
of people are blowing whistles and bang-
ing pots outside the Serbian government
headquarters to protest the election of pow-
erful Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic as
the countrys new president.
The protest on Saturday was the sixth in
a row against Vucics election triumph last
weekend. The demonstrators joined hun-
dreds of policemen and soldiers who were
holding a separate rally over low wages
and poor living standards.
The protests have been held every day
since Sundays election, in which Vucic
polled 55 percent of the votes and avoided
a runoff election.
Government officials claim the demon-
strations are organized by opposition lead-
ers. They deny it. (AP)

INTERNATIONAL
World News Roundup
Iran
Replace clerical rule
Reza Pahlavi wants a
revolution in Trump era
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 9, (AP): Irans
exiled crown prince wants a revolution.
Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last shah to rule be-
fore the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has seen his pro-
le rise in recent months following the election of US
President Donald Trump, who promises a harder line
against the Shiite power.
Pahlavis calls for replacing clerical rule with a par-
liamentary monarchy, enshrining human rights and
modernizing its state-run economy could prove palat-
able to both the West and Irans Sunni Gulf neighbors,
who remain suspicious of Irans intentions amid its
involvement in the wars in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
But the Mideast is replete with cautionary tales
about Western governments putting their faith in ex-
iles long estranged from their
homelands. Whether Pahlavi
can galvanize nostalgia for the
age of the Peacock Throne re-
mains unseen.
This regime is simply irre-
formable because the nature of
it, its DNA, is such that it can-
not, Pahlavi told The Associ-
ated Press. People have given
up with the idea of reform and
they think there has to be fun-
damental change. Now, how
Pahlavi this change can occur is the big
question.
Pahlavi left Iran at age 17 for military ight school
in the US, just before his cancer-stricken father Mo-
hammad Reza Pahlavi abandoned the throne for ex-
ile. The revolution followed, with the creation of the
Islamic Republic, the takeover of the US Embassy in
Tehran and the sweeping away of the last vestiges of
the American-backed monarchy.
Retained
Yet the Pahlavis and the age of the monarchy have
retained their mystique in Iran, even as the majority
of its 80 million people werent alive to experience it.
Television period pieces have focused on their rule,
including the recent state TV series
The Enigma of the Shah, the most expensive
series ever produced to air in the country. While in-
corporating romances or mobsters into the tales, all
uniformly criticize the royal court.
But Pahlavi, 56, insists young Iranians increasingly
look toward Irans past. He pointed to recent demon-
strations at the tomb of the pre-Islamic King Cyrus
the Great, which have been claimed by a variety of
anti-government forces as a sign of unrest. Under his
fathers secular and pro-Western rule, Iran experi-
enced a rapid modernization program nanced by oil
revenues.
If you look at the legacy that was left behind by
both my father and my grandfather ... it contrasts with
this archaic, sort of backward, religiously rooted radi-
cal system that has been extremely repressive, Pahl-
avi said.
Since the US election, Pahlavi has given a growing
number of media interviews, including with Breitbart,
the far-right website once run by Trumps chief strate-
gist, Steve Bannon. Pahlavi also has sent letters to the
Trump administration.
Gauging national sentiment toward restoring the
monarchy in Iran is impossible, especially after
the crackdown that followed the countrys dis-
puted 2009 election. Iranian state media routinely
refer to the Pahlavi monarchy as despotic, but
there has been some reassessing of history in other
quarters.
A book published last year, The Fall of Heaven:
The Pahlavis and the Last Days of Imperial Iran, of-
fered a revisionist view of the shah. While acknowl-
edging the abuses of his feared SAVAK intelligence
service and the corruption surrounding his rule, the
book portrays him as a fatalist in an era of disappear-
ing Mideast monarchies.
The regime has repressed discussion of the Pahl-
avis for so long that it has had the opposite effect of
making young Iranians inside the country curious
about what they dont know, said historian Andrew
Scott Cooper, the books author. Theres an interest-
ing generational divide going on here to where young
Iranians are saying to their parents and grandparents,
the same people who marched against the shah and
Pahlavis, Why did you get rid of that system and put
this one in place?
He added: The family name still retains a lot of
magic, more than ever today among Iranians. How
that translates practically into support for Reza as a
credible alternative leader, I just dont know.
Asked how his envisioned peaceful revolution
could play out in Iran, Pahlavi said it would need to be-
gin with labor unions starting a nationwide strike. He
said members of the hard-line Revolutionary Guard,
a paramilitary organization established to protect the
clerical system, would be assured they wouldnt be
all hung and shot.
Most importantly, he said Western governments
need to keep their distance and not threaten military
action.
Optimistic
Thats an exceedingly optimistic vision, especially
considering the amount of power the Guard and other
hard-liners wield in Irans economy.
It also largely ignores the concerns many in Iran
have about Western meddling. Pahlavis father took
power following a 1953 coup engineered by Britain
and the US.
Pahlavi, who still resides in the US, said he hasnt
had any side occupation since 1979, and has re-
ceived nancial support from his family and many
Iranians who have supported the cause.
My focus right now is on liberating Iran, and I
will nd any means that I can, without compromising
the national interests and independence, with anyone
who is willing to give us a hand, whether it is the
US or the Saudis or the Israelis or whomever it is,
he said.
Pahlavi said he had yet to meet with the Trump
administration despite his letters. Another Iranian ex-
ile group, the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, previously paid
a member of Trumps Cabinet $50,000 for giving a
speech . However, the MEKs siding with Iraqi dicta-
tor Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war in the
1980s and its killing of Americans before the revolu-
tion, which the group now denies, makes it an unsuit-
able partner, Pahlavi said.
Its pretty much a cult-type structure, he said.
For now, Pahlavi said he looks forward to meeting
with Trump and his administration. But he pins his
hopes on Irans sense of history, something Cooper
also acknowledged.
For many Iranians, the revolution is unnished
business, the author said.
A supporter of pro-Kurdish Peoples Democracy Party shows a photo of jailed party leader Selahattin Demirtas during a referendum rally in Istanbul on April 8. Tur-
key is heading to a contentious April 16 referendum on constitutional reforms to expand President Recep Tayyip Erdogans powers. (AP)
An Ethiopian Christian woman prays
at Deir El Sultan outside the Church
of the Holy Sepulchre, traditionally
believed by many to be the site of the
crucixion and burial of Jesus Christ,
in Jerusalems Old City on April 9 dur-
ing Palm Sunday. (AP)
Gen Aoun Abbas
Mideast
Lebanese army retakes E. border:
The Lebanese Army Commander Gen
Joseph Aoun said Saturday the army
regained full control over the eastern and
northeastern borders with Syria after con-
frontations with armed groups.
The military units, deployed in the
border areas, will remain there to reassure
the residents and combat the armed groups
whatever the cost might be, he afrmed.
Gen Aoun made the comments in a press
release following an inspection tour of the
military outposts on the outskirts of the
northeastern town of Arsal where he was
accompanied by senior ofcers.
He commended the level of prepared-
ness of the military troops in the frontlines
of the combat against terrorism and their
efforts to maintain the security of the
country.
The mission to confront the terrorist
groups is parallel with the one to face up to
the Israeli enemy in the south; both of them
have direct impacts on the internal security
of Lebanon, Gen Aoun went on.
He added that the turmoil in the region
added strains on the Lebanese army, thus
necessitating the highest possible level of
preparedness.
Gen Aoun served as commander of the
9th brigade of the army in the eastern parts
of the country before being appointed as
commander of the army in last month.
(KUNA)
Palestinian killed in clashes: A
member of the Palestinian Fatah faction
was killed in factional clashes at the Ain el-
Hilweh refugee camp in southern Lebanon
on Sunday, a Fatah ofcial said, as ghting
that has killed at least four people, raged
for a third day.
At least four people have been killed and
dozens more people wounded in the latest
round of ghting, pitching Fatah and other
Palestinian groups against hard line Sunni
Islamists known as the Badr group.
Fatah is led by Palestinian President
Mahmoud Abbas.
Clashes have erupted intermittently in
recent months in Ain al-Hilweh. The latest
round began on Friday when a joint secu-
rity force grouping the main Palestinian
factions met resistance from Badr ghters
as it tried to deploy in the camp.
Mortar bombs have been red in the
most recent clashes, some of the most fero-
cious between the sides to date.
Lebanons Palestinian camps mainly fall
outside the jurisdiction of the Lebanese
security services. There are some 450,000
Iran
Landmark nuclear deal with world powers slammed
Cleric Raisi to challenge Rouhani in polls
TEHRAN, April 9, (RTRS): Hard-
line Shiite cleric Ebrahim Raisi
announced on Sunday he would
run in Irans May presidential elec-
tion, challenging moderate Presi-
dent Hassan Rouhanis economic
record and his policy of detente
with the West.
The former prosecutor-gener-
al may struggle for recognition
among voters though analysts say
Raisi, thanks to the support he en-
joys from Supreme Leader Ayatol-
lah Ali Khamenei, could pose a
real challenge to Rouhanis bid for
a second term.
Raisi has faulted Irans eco-
nomic performance under Rouhani
and his pursuit of detente that in
2015 yielded a landmark deal with
world powers under which Tehran
curbed its disputed nuclear pro-
gramme in exchange for the lifting
of sanctions.
People are asking why despite
all our resources and human talents
...our country is in this situation,
Raisi said in a statement published
Palestinian refugees living in 12 refugee
camps in Lebanon. (RTRS)
Sunday, the start of the Holy Week that
Mogherini arrives in Algiers: The
High Representative of the European
Union for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy Federica Mogherini arrived in
Algeria Saturday evening on a two-day
ofcial visit. Upon her arrival at Houari- over 2,000 years ago as he triumphantly
Boumediene international airport, she said
she was extremely satised with the
level of the deep, intense and very positive
partnership.
The partnership between the European
Union and Algeria is the fruit of a very
intense and positive work over the past
years, she told reporters.
She noted that her visit to Algeria aims
to further intensify and deepen the partner-
ship in several areas elds.
Besides the bilateral issues, Mogherini
is scheduled to discuss with the Algerian
senior ofcials a number of regional and
international issues of mutual concern.
This is my second visit to Algeria since
the beginning of my term, she pointed out.
The EU foreign policy chief noted that she
met Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs
and International Cooperation Ramtane
Lamamra a few weeks ago in Brussels
for the Algeria-EU Association Council.
(KUNA)
line during its descent in Cappadocia due to
Security members investigate at the site after a hot air balloon hit a high-voltage
transmission line and crashed near Cappadocia, a popular tourist destination
in central Turkey on April 9. The state-run Anadolu Agency says several hot air
balloons lifted off Sunday in Turkeys Cappadocia region to give tourists a scenic
view of the historic site, and one hit the electric line during its descent. (AP)
by Iranian news agencies.
The key solution to our prob-
lems is fundamental change in
the executive management of the
country by the will of the people,
and the formation of a competent
and knowledgeable government
that works day and night to bring
back the dignity of the people and
ghts poverty and corruption.
Isolation
Rouhani won the presidency in
2013 with the backing of mainly
of young people and women. He
promised to bring Iran out of its
international isolation and create a
freer society.
But many ordinary Iranians have
lost faith in him because he has not
been able to improve the economy
despite the lifting of sanctions in
January last year under the nuclear
deal.
Rights campaigners also say
there have been few, if any, moves
to bring about greater political and
cultural freedoms.
Palm Sunday celebrated: Christians
in the Holy Land are celebrating Palm
people four of them Turkish and three
leads up to Easter.
Crowds of faithful gathered at Jerusa-
lems Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the
traditional site of Jesus crucixion and
resurrection. Many waved palm fronds to
symbolize how worshippers greeted Jesus
entered Jerusalem.
Clergy and worshippers took part in the
procession next to the newly restored tomb
of Jesus. A Greek team has just completed
a historic renovation of the Edicule, the
shrine that tradition says houses the cave
where Jesus was entombed and resurrected.
A 12th-century building sitting on
4th-century remains, the Church of the
Holy Sepluchre is the only place where six
Christian denominations practice their faith
at the same site. (AP)
Hot air balloon crashes: A hot air bal-
loon hit a high-voltage transmission line in
central Turkey and crashed Sunday near a
popular tourist destination, killing a French
tourist and injuring at least seven people,
the transport ministry said.
Turkeys Ministry of Transport said the
balloon was carrying 20 passengers, includ-
ing six foreigners, when it hit the electric
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
14
Raisi, 57, heads Astan Qods
Razavi, an organisation in charge
of a multibillion-dollar religious
foundation that manages donations
to Irans holiest Shiite Muslim
shrine in the northeastern city of
Mashhad.
His statement said he would not
use the religious and nancial ad-
vantages of this post for his elec-
toral campaign.
If he wins the May 19 vote,
Raisi would boost his chances of
eventually succeeding Khamenei,
who himself served two terms as
president under the late founder
of Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution,
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Iranian conservatives are still
trying to reach consensus on a
presidential candidate, though
Raisi seems well placed to become
their top choice.
Raisi was named on Thursday by
the Popular Front of Revolutionary
Forces, the conservatives main
coalition, as a potential contender
in the Islamic Republics election.
adverse wind conditions.
A French citizen lost his life and seven
foreigners were injured, the statement
said. Turkish civil aviation experts were
investigating the crash.
Cappadocia is a popular tourist destina-
tion, known for its volcanic rock-forma-
tions, underground cities and churches
carved into mountainsides.
Nevsehir governor Ilhami Aktas said 81
hot air balloons lifted off Sunday in Cap-
padocia to give tourists a scenic view of the
historic site.
Hot air balloon tours were suspended
Wednesday due to bad weather but
resumed Saturday with the permission
of civil aviation authorities, the state-run
Anadolu Agency reported. (AP)
31 Palestinians arrested: The Israeli
occupation forces arrested on Sunday 31
Palestinians, most of them from occupied
Al-Quds.
Palestinian Prisoner Club said in a
statement today that the occupation forces
arrested 23 citizens from Al-Quds, most
of them were released later after removing
them from the Aqsa Mosque for varying
lengths.
It added that the Israeli forces arrested
seven Palestinians from the city of Hebron
and another from Bethlehem.
The Israeli occupation forces have inten-
sied their military actions in the occupied
city of Jerusalem in conjunction with the
Jewish Passover.(KUNA)
Probe on Netanyahu continues:
Israeli media say police have questioned
another billionaire as part of a corruption
probe involving Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu.
Channel 2 TV says police grilled British
businessman Poju Zabludowicz on Sat-
urday about alleged presents he provided
Netanyahu and his wife, Sara.
The investigation, dubbed File 1000,
reportedly concerns claims that Netanyahu
improperly accepted lavish gifts from
wealthy supporters, including Hollywood
producer Arnon Milchan and Australian
billionaire James Packer.
The Netanyahus are said to have re-
ceived more than $100,000 worth of cigars
and liquor from Milchan. Netanyahu denies
any wrongdoing.
Zabludowicz owns several assets in Is-
rael and has been friendly with Netanyahu
for decades. (AP)

INTERNATIONAL
In this March 15, 2017 le photo, US Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson approaches to participate in the annual joint military exercise called Foal Eagle between South Korea
and the United States, at Busan port in Busan, South Korea. The Pentagon says a Navy carrier strike group is moving toward the western Pacic Ocean to provide a physical presence
North Korea
N.Korea to boost defenses
US Navy strike
group to Korea
WASHINGTON, April 9, (Agencies): A US Navy strike
group will be moving toward the western Pacic Ocean
near the Korean peninsula as a show of force, a US of-
cial told Reuters on Saturday, as concerns grow about
North Koreas advancing weapons program.
Earlier this month North Korea tested a liquid-fueled
Scud missile which only traveled a fraction of its range.
The strike group, called Carl Vinson, includes an
aircraft carrier and will make
its way from Singapore toward
the Korean peninsula, accord-
ing to the ofcial, who was not
authorized to speak to the me-
dia and requested anonymity.
We feel the increased pres-
ence is necessary, the ofcial
said, citing North Koreas wor-
risome behavior.
The news was rst reported
by Reuters.
Trump In a statement late Saturday,
the US Navys Third Fleet said
the strike group had been directed to sail north, but it
did not specify the destination. The military vessels
will operate in the Western Pacic rather than making
previously planned port visits to Australia, it added.
This year North Korean ofcials, including leader
Kim Jong Un, have repeatedly indicated an interconti-
nental ballistic missile test or something similar could
be coming, possibly as soon as April 15, the 105th
birthday of North Koreas founding president and cel-
ebrated annually as the Day of the Sun.
Earlier this week US President Donald Trump and
Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Florida, where
Trump pressed his counterpart to do more to curb
North Koreas nuclear program.
Security
Trumps national security aides have completed a
review of US options to try to curb North Koreas nu-
clear and missile programs. These include economic
and military measures but lean more toward sanctions
and increased pressure on Beijing to rein in its reclu-
sive neighbor.
Although the option of pre-emptive military strikes on
North Korea is not off the table, the review prioritizes
less-risky steps and de-emphasizes direct military action.
Trump spoke with South Koreas acting President
Hwang Kyo-ahn on Friday, the White House said on
Saturday in a statement which did not mention the
strike group.
Meanwhile, North Korea has vowed to bolster its
defenses to protect itself against airstrikes like the
ones Trump ordered against an air base in Syria.
The North called the airstrikes absolutely unpar-
donable and said they prove its nuclear weapons are
justied to protect the country against Washingtons
evermore reckless moves for a war.
The comments were made by a Foreign Ministry
ofcial and carried Sunday by North Koreas state-
run Korean Central News Agency. The report did not
name the ofcial, which is common in KCNA reports.
The airstrikes, announced shortly after Trump and
Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up dinner at a
two-day summit in Florida last week, were retaliation
against Syrian President Bashar Assad for a chemi-
cal weapons attack against civilians caught up in his
countrys long civil war.
Some forces are loud-mouthed that the recent US
military attack on Syria is an action of warning us but
we are not frightened by it, the report said, adding that
the Norths tremendous military muscle with a nuclear
force as its pivot will foil any aggression by the US.
We will bolster up in every way our capability for
self-defense to cope with the US evermore reckless
moves for a war and defend ourselves with our own
force, it said.
North Korea has long claimed that the United
States is preparing to conduct similar precision strikes
against its territory or even launch an all-out invasion.
It claims its nuclear weapons are a necessary deterrent
to the US military threat.
Washington denies it has any intention of invading
the North.
Tensions have been even higher than usual over the
past few weeks because annual war games between
the US and South Korean militaries are underway.
The exercises this year are the biggest ever and have
included stealth ghter training and other maneuvers
that are particularly sensitive to North Korea.
near the Korean Peninsula. (AP)
A Roman Catholic priest blesses with
holy water devotees waving palm
fronds in observance of Palm Sunday
which ushers the start of Holy Week
in this predominantly Roman Catholic
nation in Asia on April 9, in Manila,
Philippines. Palm Sunday is observed
by Roman Catholics all over the world
to mark the entry of Jesus Christ into
Jerusalem. (AP)
ONeill Turnbull
Asia
China probes CIRC chief: The head
of Chinas insurance regulator is being
investigated for suspected disciplinary
violations, the countrys top anti-graft body
said on Sunday, bringing the most senior
nancial regulator to date into the govern-
ments ght against corruption.
Chinas top leaders have pledged this
year to address nancial risks and asset
bubbles.
In a brief statement, the Central Com-
mission for Discipline Inspection said
Xiang Junbo, head of the China Insurance
Regulatory Commission (CIRC) and a
member of the central banks monetary
policy committee, was suspected of seri-
ous disciplinary violations a phrase that
usually refers to graft.
It gave no further details.
As of Sunday afternoon, Xiangs name
and position remained on the website of the
CIRC, www.circ.gov.cn.
As head of the insurance regulator, Xi-
ang oversaw rapid growth of the insurance
industry, along with liberalisation of invest-
ment rules that provided insurers greater
latitude to invest more of their assets at
home and overseas. (RTRS)
Papua New Guinea remained in doubt on
Indonesia police kill 6: Police shot
dead six suspected members of an Islamic
militant group in Indonesia on Saturday,
they said, after a failed drive-by shooting
targeting police ofcers in East Java.
Indonesia has the worlds largest Muslim
population and has been on high alert over
a recent resurgence in radicalism inspired
by the extremist group Islamic State.
After a police chase the six abandoned
their vehicle in a village in the Tuban area,
not far from the industrial city of Surabaya,
and attempted to ee into a plantation
where they were all killed in a second gun
battle with police, East Java Police spokes-
man Frans Barung Mangera said.
By around 5pm we had immobilized
all of them, Mangera said, conrming that
all six had died during the incident. A box
of 9mm bullets was found in their vehicle,
he said.
Police were monitoring the vehicle prior
to the attack, he said, in connection with
the Friday arrest of three suspected mem-
bers of the group, Jemaah Anshorut Daulah
(JAD), who were allegedly planning an
attack on a police station and had bought
M16 machine guns from the southern
Philippines.
We tried to stop that vehicle, but the
vehicle did not stop, Mangera said, adding
that those in the vehicle took out weapons
and shot at ofcers. (RTRS)
India
Rescued from bondage get homes
Labourers rebuild lives
CHENNAI, India, April 9, (RTRS):
Born into debt bondage, S. Appu
spent 25 years conned to a rice mill
in south India, watching his father
repay a debt, and then working tire-
lessly to pay it off himself.
When he was freed from the mill
in Guduvanchery in Tamil Nadu state
in 2015, he did not have a place to
call home.
Home had always been the rice
mill, Appu, 27, told the Thomson
Reuters Foundation. I even married
there, all the while unaware that there
was a world outside that space.
But today Appu lives in his own
house, designed and built by students
of Chennais Madras Christian College
as part of a project funded by charities
and the government to help rescued
bonded labourers get back on their feet.
Before moving into a one-room
brick house in December, Appu was
living in a makeshift shelter on a
piece of land given to him and eight
other families rescued from the same
mill by the Tamil Nadu government.
We found them living in tempo-
rary shelters during the 2015 oods coordinator for the college project.
that swept the region, said Jesser-
son Joel, a 22-year-old student, who
helped to build Appus new home.
They were practically living in
the open, unprotected and exposed.
They needed shelter.
India banned bonded labour in
1976, but it remains widespread, with
millions like Appu from the margin-
alised Dalit and tribal communities
working in elds, brick kilns, rice
mills, brothels or as domestic work-
ers to pay off debts.
Last year, the government an-
nounced plans to rescue more than
18 million bonded labourers by 2030,
and increase compensation for res-
cued workers by vefold as part of
efforts to tackle modern slavery.
But without homes, land and jobs, it
is easy for rescued workers to slip back
into debt bondage, campaigners say.
The compensation amount is given,
but for all other welfare schemes, in-
cluding housing and land, they have to
ll in forms and follow procedures,
Fate of refugees in doubt: The future
of hundreds of asylum seekers languishing
at an Australian-run detention center in
toward resettling the nearly 900 men
Saturday, with the leaders of both countries
declining to provide details about what will
happen to the men if a deal to resettle them
in the United States falls through.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
arrives for a meeting with Bangla-
deshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
in New Delhi, India on April 8. India
and Bangladesh have signed a slew
of agreements, including a $4.5 billion
concessionary line of credit from India
for development projects in Bangla-
desh, as the South Asian neighbors
try to deepen their ties. (AP) detainees. (AP)
said Sam Jebadurai from the charity
International Justice Mission, which
works to rescue bonded labourers and
help them rebuild their lives.
These take time and many dont
follow through.
When he was asked where he
would want to live as a free man
by ofcials that had helped to res-
cue him, Appu recalls shrugging
his shoulders and muttering that it
didnt matter.
Actually, I didnt even know the
name of the village my parents came
from, he said, sitting on the steps of
his new home, watching his daughter
smother her face with powder.
And besides, no one had ever
asked me what I wanted.
Appu ended up living with other
rescued labourers on the edge of a
village in Tamil Nadus Kancheepu-
ram district in tents provided by a
non-governmental organisation.
These generational bonded labour-
ers, all from the Irula tribes, had prac-
tically been forgotten, said Prince
Solomon, assistant professor and eld
One of my students waded
through a lake to reach them.
Shocked by their plight, the stu-
dents quizzed the families about their
needs and began mapping out a pro-
ject to build them permanent homes.
By mid-2016, the foundations of
the rst set of homes had been laid.
Each family promised to work with
the students to develop their homes,
replacing plastic and asbestos sheets
with concrete pillars and roof.
Appu said with its garden, en-
closed bathroom and a tiled roof, his
house was a dream home.
The homes which were designed
to be held up by stilts, sit three feet
(0.9 metres) above ground to limit the
damage done by future ooding.
Another key feature are proper toi-
lets to replace the open-air bathing
areas used by women known as
four sticks and a sari because they
are formed by planting sticks in the
ground around which women wrap
their saris for privacy while bathing.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm
Turnbull said during a visit to the
Pacific island nation that Papua New
Guinea had made significant progress
said. (AP)
being held at the Manus Island detention
center, which is slated to close by the end
of the year. But Turnbull dodged ques-
tions about exactly where the government
plans to send those men if the US refuses
to accept them under a deal struck by the
Obama administration.
Australia will not settle any asylum
seekers who try to arrive by boat a
policy that the government says dis-
suades migrants from attempting the
dangerous and occasionally deadly
ocean crossing from Indonesia. Australia
instead pays Papua New Guinea and the
Pacific island nation of Nauru to house
asylum seekers in detention camps that
have been plagued by reports of abuse
and draconian conditions.
We are working to solutions, endurable
solutions, of people who have been detained
here and Nauru, Turnbull told reporters after
meeting with Papua New Guineas prime
minister, Peter ONeill. Working with third
countries, most notably, of course, the United
States, to that regard. Well take this process
one step at a time.
In April 2016, ONeill said he would
close the Manus center after the nations
Supreme Court ruled that detaining asylum
seekers and refugees there was a violation
of their constitutional right to personal lib-
erty. The decision sent Australian ofcials
scrambling to nd a place to resettle the
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
15
Subcontinent
Tibetans should decide: Tibetan
spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said on
Saturday the Tibetan people should decide
if they wanted to continue with his institu-
tion, adding that he wanted to convene a
meeting of senior monks this year to start
discussing his succession.
China, which brands the Nobel Peace
laureate a dangerous separatist, says the
tradition must continue and its ofcially
atheist Communist leaders have the right to
approve the Dalai Lamas successor, as a
legacy inherited from Chinas emperors.
Whether this very institution of Dalai
Lama should continue or not is up to
Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama told a
news conference in the remote hill town of
Tawang near the Chi-
nese border in Indias
northeastern state of
Arunachal Pradesh.
A nal decision on
the fate of the institu-
tion would be taken
when he reaches late
80s or 90, the Dalai
Lama said.
Tibetan Buddhism
holds that the soul
of a senior lama, or
Buddhist monk, is Dalai Lama
reincarnated in the body of a child on his
death. (RTRS)
6 killed in Kashmir protest: Six peo-
ple were killed and more than two dozen
injured on Sunday when police clashed
with protesters during a by-election in Sri-
nagar in Indias disputed Kashmir region, a
senior police ofcial said.
Separatist factions in Kashmir had
called for a boycott of the vote, resulting in
heightened security and low voter turnout
when the polling began.
In Budgam district, police initially used
tear-gas against protesters who were throwing
stones, but then opened re, killing six peo-
ple, the senior police ofcial told Reuters.
More than two dozen people were
injured during the clashes across central
Kashmir on Sunday, the ofcial said.
At least 70 polling stations were shut
due to the violence, while at some stations
voting machines were set ablaze by the
protesters. (RTRS)
Anchor learns of husbands death:
People across India are hailing the com-
posure of a television news anchor who
learned of her husbands death as she deliv-
ered a breaking news report on live TV.
Supreet Kaur was reading the morning
news bulletin for Indias IBC24 channel
in Chhattisgarh state on Saturday when a
reporter called in a story about a fatal road
crash.
Although the reporter didnt name the
three victims, Kaur realized her husband,
Harsad Kawade, was among the dead from
the details of the story.
For a moment her voice trembled, but
she collected herself and carried on read-
ing the news till the bulletin got over 10
minutes later, Ravikant Mittal, IBC24s
editor-in-chief, said Sunday.
Once the broadcast was over, Kaur
emerged from the studio and broke down
in tears. She called the reporter for more
details from the accident site before
informing her family about the accident,
Mittal said.. (AP)
Pakistani missing in Nepal: Pakistan
says a retired army ofcer went missing
while visiting a Nepalese town on the
Indian border for a job interview.
Foreign Ofce spokesman Mohammed
Nafees Zakari said Sunday the ministry has
asked authorities in Nepal to look into the
disappearance of retired Lt Col Mohammad
Habib, who went missing shortly after ar-
riving in the town of Lumbini on Thursday.
The family of Habib, who retired in
2014, reported his disappearance after they
were unable to reach him by phone. (AP)
13 Afghan forces killed: Insurgents
have killed at least 13 Afghan security
forces in separate attacks, ofcials said
Sunday, as the country struggles to contain
a long-running Taleban insurgency and
combat a growing threat from a local
Islamic State afliate.
Munir Ahmad Farhad, spokesman for
the governor of the northern Balkh prov-
ince, said a roadside bomb killed nine secu-
rity forces and wounded several others the
night before in the Chimtal district, where
they were waging an ongoing operation
against the Taleban. He said ve insurgents
have been killed and dozens wounded.
In a separate incident, Islamic State
militants attacked the Darzab district head-
quarters in the neighboring Jawzjan province
Saturday night, and that gun battles were still
underway, said Mohammad Reza Ghafori,
spokesman for the provincial governor.
Four Afghan reinforcements, including a
unit commander, were killed in an ambush
as they raced to the scene of the clashes, he
Sport outlasts wars, politics: A crash
of horses and men deep in a mountain pass
signals the start of another game of buz-
kashi, Afghanistans national sport.
Buzkashi, which translates roughly
as goat pulling, has been played for
centuries across Central Asia and is one of
the most enduring and iconic symbols of
Afghanistan.
It is a sport which is often violent, but
designed to showcase the riders horseman-
ship and warrior spirit.
Amid foreign invasions, civil wars, and
insurgent attacks, Afghans have gathered to
cheer on their favorite chapandaz, as the
riders are known.
On Friday, a typical community match
played out under the soaring, snow-capped
peaks that surround the Panjshir Valley,
north of Kabul.
Rusting hulks of Russian-made tanks
and guns litter the Panjshir, testifying to
the years of war when famed guerilla com-
mander Ahmad Shah Massoud used the
mountains to hold off rst the Soviets, then
the Taleban.
Its been almost fty to sixty years that
buzkashi matches have been happening on
this site, said Abdul Anaan, a spectator.
I myself was a horseman and usually
played buzkashi, and today many youth
are interested in this game and playing
it. (RTRS)

INTERNATIONAL
World News Roundup
Africa
Car bomb kills 4 in Somalia
India, China navies
thwart pirates attack
DELHI, April 9, (Agencies): Chinese navy ship sup-
ported by an Indian navy helicopter thwarted an attack
on a Tuvalu-agged merchant ship by suspected So-
mali pirates, Indias defence ministry said on Sunday.
The ship, known as OS 35, was reported to be under
attack on Saturday.
The Indian defence ministry said four of its navy
ships in the vicinity responded to a distress signal
from the ship and reached the bulk carrier early on
Sunday.
It said that the crew had taken refuge in the ships
strong room, know as the citadel, once they learnt they
were under attack in line with established safe ship-
ping operating procedures.
An Indian Navy helicopter undertook aerial re-
connaissance of the merchant
vessel at night, and at sunrise
... (to) ascertain the location
of pirates, if still on board,
the defence ministry said in a
statement.
Subsequently ... a boarding
party from the nearby Chinese
Navy ship went on board the
merchant ship, while the In-
dian Naval helicopter provided
air cover for the operation.
The defence ministry said
Steed all the 19 Filipino crew of the
ship were safe and the captain of the ship thanked the
Indian Naval ships for their response and for provid-
ing air cover.
John Steed of aid group Oceans Beyond Piracy
told Reuters the ship was sailing under navy escort to
its next port.
Hijacked ship owned by Lebanon co: A ship hi-
jacked off the coast of war-torn Yemen is a cargo ves-
sel owned by a Lebanon-registered company, a United
Nations agency conrmed Sunday. The hijacking is
the latest in a resurgence of piracy in the waters off
Somalia and Yemen, one of the worlds crucial sea
trade routes.
The OS 35, which can carry non-liquid cargoes like
grain or iron ore, is registered by Oldstone Cargo Ltd,
which lists its business address in Tripoli, Lebanon,
said the International Maritime Organization. The OS
35 is Oldstones only ship registered with the UN.
Oldstone could not be immediately reached for com-
ment.
The pirates managed to board the ship Saturday
evening near Yemens Socotra Island despite resis-
tance from the crew, said Somali pirate, Bile Hussein.
Armed pirates hijacked the ship and were steering it
toward Somalias northern coast, said an ofcial with
the ports ministry in Somalias northeastern semiau-
tonomous state of Puntland, who spoke on condition
of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak
to the press.
Somali pirates in recent weeks have hijacked at
least two vessels with foreign crews in the waters off
Somalia and Yemen, marking a return of the threat
after ve years.
Somali car bomb kills 4: At least four people were
killed when a car bomb exploded outside a military
base in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Sunday,
including some in a van that was destroyed, military
ofcials said.
The car bomb targeted senior ofcials leaving the
base in a convoy, they said. The Islamist group al Sha-
baab was behind the attack, said Abdiasis Abu Musab,
al Shebabs spokesman for military operations.
The suicide car bomb was targeting senior military
ofcials but by good luck their car was not hit. Their
car turned a minute before the blast, Major Abdikadir
Hussein, a military ofcial, told Reuters.
A mini-bus carrying civilians was also destroyed.
We cannot give the exact gure of casualties, but
many civilians died in the attack.
inmates have died in a penitentiary in a
Ugandan police arrest minister: Ugandan police
said on Saturday a minister had been arrested for tak-
ing a bribe from a hotel owner after promising he
would in return help him deal with sexual harassment
accusations from one of his workers.
Taking bribes and embezzlement of public funds is
rampant in the east African country but arrest of min-
isters and other top government ofcials accused of
graft is rare.
Government critics often blame graft on long ruling
President Yoweri Museveni who they say is reluctant
to punish corrupt but loyal supporters.
Museveni, 72, has been in power since 1986.
Emilian Kayima, police spokesman, said junior
minister for labour, employment and industrial rela-
tions, Herbert Kabafunzaki, was arrested shortly after
taking a bribe of 5 million shillings ($1,385).
and prisoners did not resist the police who
Keita names defence min as PM: Malis President
Ibrahim Boubacar Keita replaced his prime minister
late on Saturday, naming the defence minister to head
the government of the West African nation, which is
struggling to end unrest in its restive desert north.
Abdoulaye Idrissa Maiga, a close ally of President
Keita who had held the defence portfolio since Sep-
tember, replaced Modibo Keita, according to a decree
read on state television. The prime minister had ten-
dered his resignation on Friday, it said.
Islamist ghters, some of them with links to al Qa-
eda, seized northern Mali in 2012 before being driven
out of major cities and towns by a French-led military
intervention a year later.
France maintains an anti-militant force in West Af-
ricas vast, arid Sahel region, and the United Nations
has deployed a peacekeeping mission in Mali.
Brazil offered all it could: Brazil-
Attacks on S. Sudan civilians rise: Civilians and
aid workers in South Sudan have seen an alarming rise
in attacks and harassment in the past week, the United
Nations said Saturday, as the East African country
faces both civil war and famine.
The top UN humanitarian ofcial in South Sudan,
Eugene Owusu, said in a statement that both govern-
ment and opposition forces in Upper Nile region beat
aid workers in separate incidents.
Humanitarians are in this country to save lives. It
is beyond reckoning that they continue to be killed,
harassed and abused despite our repeated calls for ac-
tion, Owusu said.
He also called an attack by government forces on
the southern town of Pajok that killed several dozen
people reprehensible. The attack sent thousands of
people eeing into neighboring Uganda, worsening
what has become the worlds fastest-growing refugee
crisis.
Demonstrators clashes with the Bolivarian National Police during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, on April 8. Opponents of President Nicolas Maduro protest on
the streets of Caracas on Saturday as part of a week-long protest movement that shows little sign of losing steam. (AP)
Protesters takes part in a demonstra-
tion against the US missile strikes into
Syria, in front of the Syria embassy
in Santiago, Chile, on April 8. The
US red a barrage of cruise missiles
into Syria on Thursday night in retali-
ation for a chemical weapons attack
against civilians earlier in the week.
The banner reads in Spanish Peace
in Syria. (AP)
Temer Lasso
Lat/Am
7 Amazonas inmates die: Seven
northern Brazilian state where riots left
dozens of prisoners dead earlier this year,
according to authorities.
Six of the prisoners died Friday at the
Puraquequara prison in Manaus, the capital
of Amazonas state, the state prison admin-
istration said. The seventh body was found
Saturday, according to a second statement.
It was not clear when the seventh death
occurred.
The circumstances surrounding all of
the deaths are under investigation. One
of those killed had been decapitated;
another appeared to have been asphyxi-
ated.
Unlike in previous prison killings, there
was no riot when the deaths occurred,
according to the prison administration,
responded to the crimes.
Four prisoners died at the same lockup
in January, when a series of riots at
Brazilian prisons left more than 120
inmates dead, including more than 50 at
another Amazonas penitentiary. Some
of those killed had been decapitated or
dismembered in violence largely blamed
on clashes between rival gangs. Those
gruesome deaths raised serious questions
about Brazils prisons, which are often
overcrowded, understaffed and virtually
controlled by gangs.
At Puraquequara, for instance, 1,286
prisoners are being held in a facility built
for less than half that number, according to
the prison administration. (AP)
ian President Michel Temer said his
government has offered all it could to
ease lawmakers resistance to a landmark
pension reform bill, key to rebalance
the governments strained finances,
according to an interview published on
Saturday.
Temers center-right government,
which took office last year pledging
to tackle Brazils massive government
deficit, proposed five concessions to
wavering congressmen on Friday, amid
signs of resistance among legislators to
the unpopular reform.
These included easing the rules on the
transition to the new system and on rural
workers, pensions for police and teach-
ers, as well as benets for the elderly and have them screened for malnutrition at a UNICEF-supported Outpatient Thera-
disabled.
Temer told the Folha de S. Paulo
newspaper that he would not compro-
mise on the central tenet of the legisla-
Venezuela
Ban on Capriles fuels demonstrations
Venezuelan forces, protesters clash
CARACAS, April 9, (Agencies):
Protesters clashed with security
forces during protests in Venezuela
on Saturday after a ban on a top op-
position leader from ofce breathed
life into a fractured movement and
fueled the rst sustained anti-gov-
ernment demonstrations since 2014.
Thousands of people, some carry-
ing signs reading Dictator Madu-
ro! and Elections now! in support
of banned leader Henrique Capriles,
took part in marches across the coun-
try against unpopular leftist Presi-
dent Nicolas Maduro.
Saturdays protests extended
a week of unrest sparked by last
weeks Supreme Court decision
in which it assumed the role of the
opposition-led congress. The ac-
tion was quickly overturned, but the
global outcry it sparked galvanized
the opposition.
Security forces blocked the march
in Caracas, as they did during two
other protests this week, prompting
violent confrontations.
Protesters lobbed rocks and petrol
bombs and burned trash in the street
while authorities responded with a
volley of tear-gas.
The government is afraid. If it
were not afraid, it would not close
the streets. ... It would not disqual-
ify Capriles, said 27-year-old law-
yer Gikeissy Diaz, adding that half
of her graduating class has left the
country and that she is thinking of
doing so, too.
Capriles, a two-time presidential
candidate and current Miranda state
governor, who was seen by many as
the oppositions best chance in the
presidential election scheduled for
2018, on Friday was banned from
tion, which is introducing a minimum
retirement age. While the government
wants a minimum age of 65 for men, it
could discuss reducing that for women,
if necessary, Temer said.
If we set the minimum age for men at
65, and 64 or 63 for women, it would not
mean a big change, Temer said, adding
that a different age for women is still not
under discussion.
The pension plan, submitted last year
to Congress, is aimed at curbing a grow-
ing deficit in Brazils generous pension
system, meant to provide rights guaran-
teed in the countrys 1988 Constitution.
It would require more years on the job
In this photo taken on March 13, 2017, mothers hold their children as they wait to
peutic Program in Aweil, South Sudan. The United Nations said Saturday, April
8, 2017 that civilians and aid workers in South Sudan have seen an alarming
rise in attacks and harassment in the past week as the country faces both civil
war and famine, accusing both government and opposition forces. (AP)
holding political ofce for 15 years.
The order from the national comp-
trollers ofce cited administrative
irregularities including breaking
contracting laws and improper man-
agement of donations, according to a
copy of the ban.
The ban triggered condemnation
from other Latin American countries
and the United States, which said it
was deeply troubled by the persecu-
tion of Venezuelas opposition.
We also reject the rationales the
Maduro government proffers for
its repressive actions, which, when
closely examined are spurious and,
politically-motivated, and without
basis in domestic or international
law, a US State Department spokes-
person said on Saturday.
Capriles on Saturday said his
headquarters in Caracas had caught
re after tear-gas was thrown inside.
Vandalized
Around the same time, around a
hundred protesters broke into an of-
ce of the Supreme Court and van-
dalized it, throwing construction
materials inside and lighting a re,
according to a Reuters witness.
Two people were reported injured
by rubber bullets in San Cristobal, an
opposition hotbed near the countrys
border with Colombia.
Capriles had urged a crowd of
supporters in Caracas to march to
the ofce of the state human rights
ombudsman, whom the opposition
says is a puppet of the government.
The country has chosen the path
of dictatorship, he said.
Government critics say Capriles
ban is arbitrary and allows the ruling
Socialist Party to sideline popular
for workers to gain full pension benefits.
(RTRS)
Shooting in Mexico kills 4: State
ofcials say gunmen have opened re at a
bar in the Mexican resort of Ixtapa, leaving
four people dead and two injured.
The security spokesman for the southern
state of Guerrero says the shooting hap-
pened early Saturday.
Roberto Alvarez says initial investi-
gations indicate the shooting broke out
between members of two rival drug gangs
who were at the bar.
Alvarez says theres no indication the
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
16
politicians without due process.
The violence was condemned by
the opposition leadership, who none-
theless blame Maduros obstinacy
for fueling the unrest.
They called for another protest
Monday. But with Caracas shut-
ting down for the Easter holiday
which Maduro extended by decree
for three extra days they appeared
to be saving their strength for a ma-
jor demonstration called for April
19.
At least 17 people were treated
for injuries, according to Ramon
Muchacho, a Caracas-area mayor
where the demonstration took
place.
Around most of Caracas, check-
points were set up to search cars
and frisk bus passengers even miles
away from the clashes. As night fell,
many streets still reeked of tear-gas
and a small group of youth burned
trash and tore down street signs at
busy intersections in eastern Cara-
cas.
As the most dominant gure in
the opposition over the past decade,
Capriles has been at the forefront
of the protests, the most combative
since a wave of anti-government un-
rest in 2014 in which dozens of peo-
ple were killed, many at the hands of
security forces.
The almost-daily churn of events
in what the opposition calls an on-
going coup by the government has
energized and united the normally
fractious opposition.
While opposition leaders have in-
sisted on peaceful protest, frustration
built up over 17 years of polarizing
socialist rule in Venezuela is running
high on both sides.
shooting is related to extortion attempts
that have plagued the twin resorts of Ixtapa
and Zihuatanejo on the Pacic coast.
The dead appeared to have been
residents of Zihuatanejo, where much of
the recent violence has been concentrated.
(AP)
Ecuador searches polling firm:
Ecuadorean prosecutors and police on
Friday searched the office of a Gal-
lup polling affiliate whose presidential
election exit poll fueled protests by
projecting a six-point win for the losing
opposition candidate.
An exit poll by Cedatos and two
other rms showed conservative banker
Guillermo Lasso winning Sundays race.
Ofcial results wound up showing him los-
ing by two points to ruling-party candidate
Lenin Moreno.
Outgoing President Rafael Correa ac-
cused people close to Lassos campaign of
hiring Cedatos to intentionally spread false
results and sow confusion.
Cedatos executive president Polibio
Cordoba said in an interview with Noti-
mundo radio that the firm has nothing
to hide.
If honesty brings us to this point, then
this is the price of honesty, he said.
Officials are barred by law from
describing ongoing investigations,
but the raid appeared to be linked to a
formal complaint by a governing party
lawmaker, congressional Vice-President
Rosana Alvarado, which echoed the
presidents allegation.
Her complaint lists crimes of illegal
association and alteration of documents, the
most severe of which could lead to seven
years in prison.
Cedatos accurately predicted the results
of the eight-way rst round and said it has
nothing to hide.
Lasso has cited Cedatos exit poll in his
allegations that the race was stolen. (AP)

INTERNATIONAL
World News Roundup
Health
Effectiveness, safety concerns
Industry backing muddies
infection-control science
WASHINGTON, April 9,
(RTRS): Sage Products has been
generous to science, and science
has been kind to Sage Products.
This happy relationship blos-
somed more than a decade ago,
when Sage funded a study at
Rush University Medical Center
in Chicago to test the efcacy of
the companys new antibacterial
wipes on hospital patients.
Researchers published their
ndings in 2006: Used daily, they
said, Sages wipes, soaked with
a powerful germ-killing chemi-
cal called
chlorhexidine,
were more
than twice as
effective as
sponge baths
at preventing
the spread of
vancomycin-
resistant En-
terococcus.
Thats a group
of drug-resis-
Weinstein
tant bacteria
that infect thousands of hospital
patients every year, killing hun-
dreds.
Shortly after, Rush received
a $1 million donation from the
family foundation of Sages
founder, Vincent W. Foglia. The
money was earmarked for re-
search by the senior scientist on
the study, Dr Robert A. Wein-
stein, an infectious-disease spe-
cialist at Rush.
Since then, Sage has provided
funding and millions of dollars
in wipes for studies by Wein-
stein and his colleagues. And
in that time, Weinstein and his
colleagues have published 11
articles on six trials that endorse
daily washing of patients with
Sages patented wipes an
off-label use, as the US Food
and Drug Administration (FDA)
has approved the wipes only for
cleaning patients before surgery.
Relationships like the one be-
tween Sage and researchers are
common in the infection-control
business. Such ties have helped
propel the popularity of chlorhexi-
dine products in hospitals and
other healthcare settings where
drug-resistant superbugs are a
chronic problem. In 2014, sixty-
three percent of hospitals surveyed
by the federal Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) said
they routinely bathed patients with
chlorhexidine.
But as use of chlorhexidine
products has grown, so have
concerns about their effective-
ness and safety and about the
role of industry-backed research
in promoting them. The industry
money funding chlorhexidine re-
search muddies the message of
the results, in the view of many
health experts.
Dr Martin Blaser, a professor
in New York Universitys De-
partment of Microbiology and
chair of the Presidential Adviso-
ry Council on Combating Antibi-
otic-Resistant Bacteria, said its
still impossible to tell whether
washing patients daily with such
a potent biocide is wise or effec-
tive. Indiscriminate use could
trigger resistance in harmful bugs
or kill off benecial bacteria,
with dangerous consequences,
he said.
Infections
We know antibiotic-resistant
infections are out of control. We
need something that works, Bla-
ser said. But we want to know
it works. Weinstein sits on the
same presidential advisory coun-
cil that Blaser chairs.
Chlorhexidines potential risks
came to the fore in February, when
the FDA issued a warning after
registering a jump in reports of al-
lergic reactions, including a couple
of deaths, and other adverse events
linked to the chemical.
And even chlorhexidine isnt
contamination-proof. In 2008
and again last year, Sage issued
massive recalls of its chlorhexi-
dine cloths that were tied, ironi-
cally, to dozens of infections by
Burkholderia cepacia, a pathogen
that wreaks havoc on hospital pa-
tients.
The 2008 recall forced a tem-
porary shutdown of a Sage-funded
study, but not before six patients
participating in the trial contracted
the infection as a result of the con-
tamination. A 2013 article on that
study, co-written by Weinstein
and published in the New England
Journal of Medicine, referred to the
recall as a treatment interruption
and concluded that the cloths were
safe and effective without mention-
ing the six B. cepacia infections.
References to the infections
were removed from the original
manuscript for brevity and be-
cause they didnt directly relate
to the wipes effectiveness in re-
ducing drug-resistant infections,
said Dr Michael W. Climo, lead
author of the study and a profes-
sor at Virginia Commonwealth
University.
Despite all the promising
study results, the number of
hospital-acquired drug-resistant
infections has remained stub-
bornly high.
In 2009, the federal govern-
ment launched a campaign to
reduce bloodstream infections by
the notorious superbug methicil-
lin-resistant Staphylococcus au-
reus (MRSA) in hospital patients
25 percent by 2013. That failed.
The new goal: Halve infection
rates by 2020.
A Reuters analysis of federal
data found that after a small de-
cline in the rate of MRSA infec-
tions in hospital patients from
2013 to 2014, the rate increased
slightly the following year.
The CDC conrmed the in-
crease and said it is being fol-
lowed closely as new data
become available. It could be
a one-year anomaly in a lon-
ger-term decline rather than a
meaningful increase, said CDC
spokeswoman Melissa Brower.
As Reuters reported last year
in its series The Uncounted,
the United States has no reliable
means of tracking all superbug
infections and deaths. In its own
analysis, Reuters found that, tak-
en together, more than a dozen
superbugs the CDC has labeled
grave threats to public health
continue to kill tens of thousands
of people every year in addi-
tion to hundreds of thousands of
nonfatal infections.
Hospitals are understandably
eager to nd ways to beat back
the infections, which waste time,
money and lives. But hospitals
tend to like these mass-pro-
duced, one-size-ts-all solu-
tions, said Blaser.
Dr Didier Pittet, director of
the World Health Organizations
Collaborating Centre on Patient
Safety, said that in the United
States, the marketing behind the
use of chlorhexidine is huge.
Scientists who receive indus-
try funding insist their research is
not swayed by their patrons, and
point out that industry funding
is essential, absent more support
from government.
Weinstein said Sage has had
no involvement in his work and
hasnt inuenced his conclu-
sions.
Fellowships
The $1 million from the Foglia
foundation was used for fellow-
ships and studies, including one
involving Sages wipes, Wein-
stein said. Foglia, through his
foundations attorney, said that
the gift had no strings attached
and that Weinstein was directed
only to do the most he could for
the most people with this.
Weinstein said Sages support
hasnt deterred him from pub-
lishing negative results about its
products. He has produced one
such critique, he said. It involved
a small trial at Rush in 2006,
which appeared as a brief report
in a European journal in 2010.
The report said daily bathing
with the wipes was no better than
soap and water at reducing infec-
tions from central-line catheters
in a surgical intensive care unit.
Weinstein also noted that the
CDC co-sponsored many of his
studies, so I had someone look-
ing over my shoulder. From 2000
to 2004, Weinstein served as chair
of the Healthcare Infection Control
Practices Advisory Committee,
which advises the CDC on infec-
tion-prevention guidelines.
Besides providing funding and
products for studies, companies
often pay researchers directly
for consulting and speaking en-
gagements. Weinstein said he
received a few thousand dollars
from Sage but stopped accepting
speaker fees a decade ago.
Corporate ties to infection-
control research extends beyond
chlorhexidine. Manufacturers of
diagnostic tests have nancially
supported scientists whose stud-
ies found that testing and treating
patients upon hospital admission
signicantly reduced MRSA in-
fections. Hospital garment mak-
ers have helped to fund scientists
who found gowns and gloves
highly effective in combating
MRSA. Researchers involved in
those studies have said that the
companies were not involved in
the trials and that their support
did not inuence the results.
Europe has been faster to rec-
ognize chlorhexidines potential
risks. Studies from the region
single out potentially fatal aller-
gic reactions to the chemical as
a serious, under-reported threat.
Britains Medicines &
Healthcare Products Regulatory
Agency issued a warning about
the dangerous reactions, called
anaphylaxis, in 2012. The num-
ber of adverse events related to
chlorhexidine reported to the
agency increased from 14 in
2007 to 117 in 2016.
An ancient Roman ante-x decorated with a low relief image of Silenus dated to the rst century B.C. is on display in the San Giovanni underground
station of Romes brand new third metro line on April 6. (AP)
Ancient Rome treasures discovered during dig on show
The long-delayed project to extend Romes sub-
way system has brought treasures of the past to
the surface and allowed them to be showcased at
one of the citys new subway stations.
Rome city ofcials this week unveiled the Metro
C archaeological exhibit, which features amphora,
marble panels, coins and even peach pits dating
back to the Roman era. The permanent exhibit
will be on view as passengers descend into the
In this Jan 13, 2017 photo made
available by NASA, astronaut
Peggy Whitson (center), oats
inside the Quest airlock of the
International Space Station with
Thomas Pesquet (left), and
Shane Kimbrough before their
spacewalk. On April 5, NASA an-
nounced that Whitson will remain
on the ISS until September 2017,
adding three months to her origi-
nal mission. (AP)
Nasheed Modi
Discovery
Warming economic issue: Win-
ning effective action on climate change
will require treating the problem less
as an environmental or human rights
crisis and more as a sensible economic
shift, the former Maldives president
said Thursday.
While it remains an ethical or
human rights issue, its not so easy to
have it in your political manifesto,
Mohamed Nasheed said, pointing to
climate changes political divisiveness
in the United States.
But any politician, he said, can
win votes by promising more jobs
and a stronger economy some-
thing eminently achievable if the
world transitions to cleaner and
more sustainable energy, a move that
also would bring environmental and
social benefits.
The world needs to package the
benets of a low-carbon transition in way
that political parties can embrace, said
Nasheed, speaking at the Skoll World
Forum on Social Entrepreneurship in
Oxford.
Some populist politicians are
already persuaded on the economic
benefits of stepping up climate
action, said Samir Saran, vice
president of the New Delhi-based
Observer Research Foundation,
which works on policy responses to
problems facing India.
Indias Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, for instance, aims to put in place
175 gigawatts of renewable energy by
2022 approaching the entire electri-
cal generating capacity of Germany
today, Saran said. (RTRS)
Agency shows fishing: The US
Bureau of Land Management is back
to picturing the great outdoors on
its internet home page after raising
eyebrows with a prominent photo of a
huge coal deposit in Wyoming.
Some interpreted the image of the
coal at Peabodys North Antelope
Rochelle Mine as a sign of the Trump
administrations support for coal.
three-story San Giovanni subway station, which
is expected to open in 2018.
For those who will use this metro this sta-
tion in particular its a full immersion into the
history of Rome and of this site, said archae-
ologist Rossella Rea, who is in charge of the
dig for the Italian government.
Archaeologists said their surveys, which
reached an unusually deep 20 meters (yards),
Tech
Librarian to bring tools to jungle classrooms
Digital library in Amazon eyed
ASHLAND, Ore, April 9, (AP): Dana Rensi was in
the Peruvian Amazon city of Iquitos working her way
through a Fulbright teacher exchange program when
she decided to go a little deeper into the jungle, so
she hopped into small canoe-type boat known as a
Pequepeque named after the sputtering sounds its
engine makes and embarked on a tour she can still
describe in great detail 12 years after the experience.
What she saw were single-room buildings topped
with thatched roofs and equipped with blackboards
and little else. Secondary schools there are rare, but
inside the one she visited, traced in chalk, was the
familiar elliptical ripples and scattered orbs of our
solar system. Without the educational tools that have
become standard in most rst-world classrooms, the
rough sketch was the best the teacher could manage.
Right about then, Rensi, the library media specialist
at Oregons Ashland High School, decided she should
do something about that. This summer, she will.
Inspired by what she witnessed in the jungle during the
2005-06 school year and emboldened by technological
advances which have rendered former barriers to her vi-
sion mere hurdles, Rensi will head back to the jungle in
July with equipment that will give hundreds and possibly
thousands of school-aged children who have no access to
electricity, let alone the internet, the ability to tap into so-
lar digital libraries loaded with educational content.
Resources
People are really smart, they just have no resourc-
es, she said of the schools she encountered in Peru.
And everything gets ruined because its so humid.
And they just dont have money for supplies, so if I
can take down something that has all that wonderful
information on it then its a huge benet for them.
They can educate themselves and get out of the cycle
of poverty and have some opportunities.
Known as RACHELs, or Remote Access Community
Hotspot for Education and Learning, the digital librar-
ies Rensi will take, once set up, will shoot out wireless
signals which can be picked up by any laptop or mobile
device with standard Wi-Fi capability. Rensi has just
the thing for that, too the Raspberry Pi, essentially a
stripped down, bare bones computer (it doesnt even in-
clude a case) developed to promote basic computer sci-
ence education in developing countries. It retails for $35.
As her plan began to take shape a few months ago,
Rensi realized she couldnt travel 4,600 miles south tot-
ing bags of motherboards and gigabytes of valuable edu-
cational content ranging from classic literature to medical
encyclopedias without rst testing the equipment to make
sure all the wonderful, potentially life-changing tools
shed promised would work as she had hoped.
On Friday, the BLM changed its Donald Trumps recent lifting of coal-
lead website photo to a y sherman mining regulations.
on the North Platte River in Wyoming. A previous photo showed a man and
The river ows 50 miles south of the boy outside with camping gear. BLM
coal in the previous photo. ofcials say they plan to change the
BLM ofcials say theres no link website images weekly. (AP)
between the coal photo and President
Visitors take their sele with blooming cherry blossoms at the Meguro
river in Tokyo on April 9. (AP)
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
18
indicated the site was once a huge farm. Peach
pits, seashells and other organic remains have
been found intact and are featured in the exhibit.
Lines on the southeastern section of Metro
C have been operational since 2015, while
northern lines near the city center are still un-
der construction. The project has been delayed
for years by the repeated discovery of ancient
underground treasures. (AP)
So, I did what all librarians do, she said, I
checked something out.
Rensi paid a visit to the local Southern Oregon Edu-
cational Service District and checked out a Raspberry
Pi. She plugged in a foldable keyboard shed won as a
door prize at an ESD tech meeting seven years prior,
hooked up a solar battery she purchased for her phone
on a $10 Groupon and attached the Pi to a 51-inch TV.
Lo and behold, it worked.
Partnered
Rensi has partnered with Project Amazonas, a not-for-
prot non-governmental organization that specializes in
medical care, conservation, education, research and sus-
tainable community development. Shell be spending a
week as a translator on a medical boat that serves remote
villages along the Amazons tributaries then shell install
ve digital libraries at schools and libraries.
Some of the buildings Rensi plans to visit are al-
ready equipped with solar power, but for those that
arent shell be purchasing portable solar panels. Itll
be a busy few weeks for Rensi. Shell also be purchas-
ing monitors and keyboards in Iquitos, taking several
sets of $1 microscopes called foldscopes for science
education and experiments, handing out reusable,
washable menstruation kits from Days for Girls and
distributing paperfuges, which is quite a story in itself.
By tweaking a popular childrens toy, Stanford bio-
engineers have developed a human-powered, string-
operated centrifuge that can be used to detect diseases
such as malaria, HIV and tuberculosis. Its made from
20 cents worth of paper, twine and plastics and can
reach speeds up to 125,000 rpm. The fact that it re-
quires no electricity makes it especially valuable in the
Peruvian Amazon, where centrifuges worth thousands
of dollars, sans the electricity required to run them, are
used as doorstops.
Rensi reached out to one of the bioengineers, Manu
Prakash, who helped develop the paperfuge and was
oored when he responded and agreed to meet with
her. The two hit it off during their initial get-together
at Stanford, and Prakash agreed to give Rensi a private
paperfuge tutorial before her trip.
Oh my gosh, the fact that he answered me in the
rst place, Rensi said, in a phone interview that took
place shortly after she met Prakash. And he said,
You guys are exactly what we need to test these (pa-
perfuges) out. Hes making them for people like us.
Hes from India and I dont know if he grew up poor
or not but (the paperfuge) is for developing countries.
Theres this whole group of people that are just out to
do good things. Im connected with some of them and
Im so happy.
KFC eyes change: KFC said Friday
that it will stop serving chickens raised
with certain antibiotics.
The fried chicken chain said the
change will be completed by the end
of next year at its more than 4,000
restaurants in the US.
KFC said is working with 2,000
farms around the country to stop using
antibiotics that are used by humans.
Antibiotics specic to animals may
still be used to treat diseases in the
chickens, KFC said.
Meat producers give animals
antibiotics to make them grow faster
and prevent illness, a practice that
has become a public health issue.
Officials have said that it can lead
to germs becoming resistant to
drugs, making antibiotics no longer
effective in treating some illnesses
in humans.
KFCs rivals have already an-
nounced plans to curb their use of
chickens raised with antibiotics. Chick-
l-A has said that by 2019 it will only
serve chicken that has never been
given any antibiotics. And McDonalds
Corp has stopped using chickens raised
with antibiotics important to human
medicine for its McNuggets and
chicken sandwiches. (AP)

A passion for pieces that link to our past
COLLECTION caring hands on the heart of art and history
A partially restored 2nd to 3rd century AD silver pot from southern Arabia
SPECIAL REPORT
THE AL-SABAH
By Chaitali B. Roy
Special to the Arab Times
M useums are the keepers of the cultural conscience of a nation.
A museum collection weaves narratives that provide a tangi-
ble link between the present and people of past societies. It provides
a basis for the reconstruction and understanding of life in times far
removed from our own. Objects kept in museums not only offer valu-
able insights into contemporary art, craft, technology, and trade, but
they also shed light on the lives of the individual artisans who created
them, and the people who used them.
Collections are the most important resource of a museum: they are
what make museums unique. Caring for collections is a challenging
but exciting responsibility central to the work of any museum. Col-
lections need constant care, which starts with the staff their com-
mitment, energy, and creativity are an important part of the process.
Proper care of a collection requires resources on the part of collec-
tors and enormous team effort from curators, conservators, research
assistants, photographers, archivists, art object attendants and other
administrative staff. Conservation and management of collection re-
quire thought, planning, perseverance and continuous commitment.
Collections care stops the natural degradation of objects, makes them
safely available to the public and preserves them for future genera-
tions.
The Al Sabah Collection, a spectacular assemblage of Islamic and
pre-Islamic art, which has placed Kuwait rmly on the international
map of art and scholarship, has a team of experts managing it. The
collection founded by Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-
Sabah, Minister of the Amiri Diwan and Sheikha Hussah Al-Sabah,
Director General of Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah, covers a variety of
art objects from pre-Islamic and Islamic periods including jewelry,
textiles, architectural elements of decoration, manuscripts, ceramics
and glass, manuscripts and metalwork.
From the eighties onwards, the Al Sabah collection metamor-
phosed from a private collection to a leading public museum in the
region. And this has been made possible due to the extraordinary vi-
sion of its founders and a team of highly committed and passionate
staff with a remarkable range of specialized knowledge and skills
who are responsible for research, documentation, display, care and
most importantly a systematic mitigation of all risks to the objects
in the collection. The museum staff is periodically supported by re-
nowned conservators and scholars from leading international cultural
institutions who work on conservation and research. Arab Times met
up with the collection and curatorial teams of Dar Al Athar Al Is-
lamiyyah to learn more about the work that keeps a museum running.
Curators:
Salam Kaoukji (Sue)
Chief Curator Al Sabah Collection
Salam Kaoukji curates and manages the collection as well as the
museums conservation programme. Supported and assisted by Mut-
laq Al-Juraid and Adel Al-Qattan, she is responsible for curatorial
activities including registration, research, interpretation, preserva-
tion, and organization of exhibition loans. The curator for many dis-
tinguished exhibitions, she also has several notable publications to
her credit. Kaoukji is warm, cheerful, and a non-conformist in many
heritage
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 19
ways. Her approach to her role as a curator is pragmatic and exible,
compelling but gentle. She has none of the snobbishness usually as-
sociated with academic art historians and professional curators who
live in their own intellectual space.
Arab Times: Apart from passion, what else do you need to iden-
tify in yourself to pursue a profession such as yours?
Salam Kaoukji: Apart from passion, you need a sense of culture,
something I nd lacking in people today. I was fortunate enough to
be raised in a cultural and creative environment. I learned to speak
and read several languages. I recall attending the opera at the age of
seven. It is not that I was particularly fond of opera (laughs), but I
went nonetheless. While traveling, my parents would invariably take
me to museums and when I had kids of my own, I did the same. As a
child, if you are surrounded by culture, it makes a difference. When
I grew up, I discovered an interest in theatre, which led me to design
costumes and sets for the theatre. Moreover, I am interested in poli-
tics and current affairs. I have to read the news daily. I cannot con-
ceive of young people not knowing whats happening in the world,
and I have raised my children the same way.
Arab Times: I have read that you need a science degree to pursue
conservation is that right?
Salam Kaoukji: You dont really need a degree, on the other hand,
you need to work with passion, conviction and you need to work
with your hands. Putting together a broken artifact is not just about
mixing and matching pieces. You have to internalize the decoration
to be able to put it together. There are some who will not be able to
do it even if you explain it endlessly, while there are those like Benji
(Benjamin Hilario), who just take to it naturally. Benji joined the
Dar with a different role and responsibility. He and I received and
unpacked the collection when it was returned from Baghdad after
the war. While unpacking, I was struck by Benji making some as-
tute observations about the similarity of decoration of some artifacts
originating from the same area and period. It takes a lot of sensitivity
to relate to objects and Benji has that. He was later trained by differ-
ent conservators who came to work at the Dar.
Arab Times: So you mean to say you dont need a degree to pur-
sue either curating or conservation as a profession?
Salam Kaoukji: A degree exposes you to different disciplines and
gives you a broader choice,but there are also other things that matter.
In fact, some of the most well-known conservators dont have aca-
demic qualications in conservation.
Arab Times: Let us talk about the collection. From where are the
objects acquired?
Salam Kaoukji: From the art market and auction houses.
Arab Times: What happens after an object is acquired by the col-
lectors?
Salam Kaoukji: The object is given an inventory number, and the
registrar Mutlaq Al-Juraid makes a note of its provenance and cost. We
then study the decoration and read inscriptions if there are any on the
object and accordingly attribute the object to the period to which it be-
longs, and to its area of origin. The information is entered in the collec-
tion database, which includes dimensions, manufacturing techniques,
Continued on Page 20

A passion for pieces that link to our past
caring hands on the heart of art and history
Salam Kaoukji, curator and collection manager with Mutlaq Al-Juraid assistant curator and administrative assistant, and Benjamin Hilario, senior object attendant
Photographers Robert Lorenzo and Michael Tejero in the photography
studio
backbone of a collection
Continued from Page 19
publication history, names of exhibitions in which it was shown, if any. Follow-
ing that the object is passed to the photography department. The images taken
by the photographers are archived, and the object is sent to the conservation
department if it requires examination or conservation.
Arab Times: Why would you buy an object that needs conservation? I am
asking you these questions as most of our readers are unaware of how a mu-
seum works, and how collections are looked after.
Salam Kaoukji: We buy it because it is either very important art histori-
cally or just very beautiful, and at times because it will serve as a link aid-
ing in the attribution of other objects. Take this bronze object for example
(conservator Anezi was cleaning a bronze object). This object is covered with
corrosion. Experience shows that there is beauty under this corrosion,and that
cleaning it will reveal the decoration and/or inscriptions on the surface.
Arab Times: Which objects are difcult to preserve?
Salam Kaoukji: Bronze, paper and ivory are difcult to preserve. Bronze
can develop bronze disease if not stored in the proper environment, and ivory
develops cracks in uctuating temperatures. Ceramic and glass objects are
easy to preserve. Carpets are rolled around PVC pipes and covered for protec-
tion then put up on special racks that prevent the pile from coming in contact
with hard surfaces. Furthermore, one should not store objects in wooden cup-
boards because unseasoned wood emits fumes, so the storage space should
preferably consist of metal cupboards.Basically, the storage environment de-
pends on the material from which the object is made, for example, while metal
objects are kept in a de-humied environment, manuscripts, ivory, leather and
wood require some humidity.
Mutlaq Al-Juraid
Assistant curator and administrative assistant
Mutlaq in addition to being the Collection registrar attends to curatorial
THE AL-SABAH
COLLECTION
SPECIAL REPORT
Departmental assistant Shifana Shabdeen and Object Attendant George
Hilario checking the ceramic storage records in the database
curatorial and conservation teams
research. He maintains the museums database system, and coordinates the
digitization of the collection database.
He also administers activities related to conservation and visiting scholars
who are involved in research and writing about the collection.
Arab Times: What do you look after?
Mutlaq: I take care of the registration process of an object after it is ac-
quired. My job is to start the recording process after an object is acquired. I
enter its source, details and other relevant information in the database.
Arab Times: Sue did mention that the database is very important to the
collection.
Mutlaq: Yes it is, for instance, if curators or scholars studying the col-
lection require details about a particular object they are working on, we can
supply them with the necessary information by searching it out from among
thousands of objects with just a click of the mouse and a few keywords.
Arab Times: Do the objects in the collection have cer-
ticates to identify them?
Mutlaq: Yes, they have, for example, when other muse-
ums ask for loans, we need to supply them with specic in-
formation to allow the object to travel. We need to provide
information about its provenance, valuation for insurance
purposes, and full description with measurements. In fact,
objects that have travelled abroad several times already
have their digital proles.
Adel Al-Qattan
Curatorial assistant
Adel joined the collection quite recently as a curatorial
trainee. He assists in the object recording process and at-
tends to scholars who are visiting the collection.
Fahad Al-Najadah
heritage
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
20
Fahad Al-Najadah acting head of exhibition at work
Acting Head of Exhibition
Fahad coordinates the production budget of special exhibitions and organ-
izes the scheduling of traveling object. He oversees the exhibition designs,
object display, and gallery installations. He also supervises the installation
teams during exhibitions.
Arab Times: What is your role as Head of Exhibitions?
Fahad: I oversee all exhibitions both inside and outside Kuwait. I take care
of the travel logistic of objects on loan to other museums. I travel with the
objects when they are loaned out and oversee their installation.
Arab Times: I have heard there are certain procedures to be followed for
traveling exhibits. Would it be right to say that every exhibit is like a passen-
ger with its own identity papers?
Fahad: Every exhibit has to have an airway bill and a customs declaration
before departure. Moreover, the object also needs a temporary exit and an
interim entry permit to travel.
Arab Times: You had mentioned an incident
when you traveled with the exhibits for the rst time.
Fahad: We were once traveling with an exhibi-
tion and were stuck in Turkey for three nights due
Assistant Juanna Fernandes
to engine failure in the C 130J military transport
aircraft. The dilemma was the deadline that had to
be met to install the exhibition. Three days of de-
lay meant you lost out on three days of work which
is difcult to make up.
Arab Times: Are the objects insured every time
they travel?
Fahad: Of course.The objects are insured from
the moment they are put into a crate until they are
uncrated and returned to the museum.
Continued on Page 21
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
SPECIAL REPORT
A passion for pieces that link to our past THE AL-SABAH
COLLECTION caring hands on the heart of art and history
Continued from Page 20
Abd Al-Aziz Al-Duweesh and Ahmad Al-Anezi
Conservators
As conservators, they restore and preserve artifacts
and apply the appropriate procedures to maintain the
objects integrity and prevent it from deterioration.
When presented with a problem they consult with the
curators and together try to solve problems related
to the objects. Through their work, they also help to
make works of art readable and visible to scholars
and visitors.
Arab Times: What is the role of a conservator?
Conservators: Well. We are involved in the care,
maintenance, and conservation of historical and cul-
tural artifacts.
Arab Times: I can see that you are using a ma-
chine to clean an object. (Ahmad was cleaning a
bronze artifact)
Conservators: Our job also involves using spe-
cialist tools and chemicals to clean and repair objects.
It is a time-consuming job that requires experience
and good judgement.
Benjamin Hilario
Senior object attendant
As Collection departmental attendant, Benjamin
specializes in handling and packing valuable objects
and participates in the safe management of the collec-
tion. He manages the storage and care of the objects
and artifacts in the collection, and assists in cleaning
them when appropriate.
backbone of a collection curatorial and conservation teams Arab Times: What is your role in the Collection
ofce?
Benji: My task is to look after the objects in the
collection and make sure they are stored in their des-
ignated location. I make archival storage boxes for
objects, which I learned to manufacture from the
conservators who worked at the collection ofce. I
also pack objects, especially for exhibition and loan
purposes. I also assist visiting scholars in supplying
them with objects they need for study.
Arab Times: I have heard that you have a love for
putting objects together. Did you receive any training
for the work you do?
Benji: I learned from experience and from being
in contact with conservators. I like reconstructing
broken ceramics. Once, I reconstructed a bowl from
fragments which I identied under the guidance of
a conservator. I also love cleaning metal and stone
objects.
George Hilario
Object attendant
Arab Times: And what about you George?
George: My turf is physical safekeeping of the
objects, and storage maintenance. I keep an eye on
the objects and inform the curator when I detect a
problem in the storage condition of the object. I also
monitor the temperature and the humidity conditions
of the storage facilities.
I undertake a range of practical support activities
Ceramic pouring vessel in the form of a hoop drum player from 13th century Iran. (Inset): Conservator Ahmad Al-Enezi operating the laser machine. and re-storage work including upgrading storage sys-
heritage
21
tems effectively
Juanna Fernandes & Shifana Shabdeen
Departmental Assistants
Juanna coordinates and provides all the administra-
tive support of the museums curatorial and conser-
vation departments. She also assists in the database
management.
Arab Times: What is your role as a departmental
assistant?
Juanna: I deal with all clerical matters related to
the administration of the Collection, and coordinate
with the National Council staff regarding the visits,
travel plans and stay of visiting scholars throughout
the year.
I also assist in the upkeep of the database records.
Shifana looks after the Collection inventory
with George Hilario and records it in the database.
She is in charge of the upkeep of the Collections
curatorial archives. She also provides data entry
assistance and technical support to the curatorial
staff, and deals with collection related inquiries
and requests for information to enable the study
of objects.
Arab Times: What is your role Shifana?
Shifana: I assist the curators and visiting scholars
by creating reports that group objects they need to
study. I also keep a record of the location of the ob-
jects.
Robert Lorenzo, Michael Tejero and Rizalde
Cayanan
Museum Photographers
Robert, Michael and Rizalde are the museums
photography staff who carry out artifact photography
for publications and archives.
Arab Times: You are responsible for the images
of the objects in the collection. How do you decide
on your approach?
Photographers: The style of photography depends
on the requests of curators and visiting scholars, it
also depends on whether the object is being photo-
graphed for publications, for study, archival purposes
or the database.
Arab Times: Is it difcult to take close-ups of the
objects?
Photographers: Yes, some objects have inscrip-
tions and decoration that need to be shown,and are
difcult to photograph.
Arab Times: I am sure you have to take special
care as most objects in the collection are fragile?
Photographers: We have been trained to handle
objects carefully. Sometimes, we photograph espe-
cially sensitive objects in the presence of conserva-
tors.
Arab Times: Which objects are most difcult to
photograph?
Photographer: It is hard to photograph metal and
jeweled objects. Every object has its own essential
characteristics that need to be highlighted. It is some-
times difcult to capture that.

By Dean Fosdick
T he most popular element in landscape de-
sign is color, but texture is another impor-
tant building block. Texture in gardening can
be seen as well as felt, and is used primarily
to provide contrast.
Color lacks dimension without texture,
which can soften spaces, provide visual inter-
est, fashion backdrops and set moods.
It takes a different kind of eye to appre-
ciate texture in the garden, said Susan Bar-
ton, a University of Delaware horticulturist.
Were all programmed to recognize color,
but once you start looking for texture, you can
appreciate it.
Landscape design is comprised of ve
basic principles: scale, balance, repetition,
dominance and unity, said Rebecca Finneran,
a horticulturist with the Michigan State Uni-
versity Extension program.
The tools we use to achieve these are use
of line, form, color and texture, Finneran
Trees
In this March 24, 2017 photo, Kevin Martin, state coordinator for New Hampshires Big Tree Program, is dwarfed by the giant European Beech tree he is measuring in Portsmouth, NH. (AP)
Forget roses, birds these folks like big trees
PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire, April 9,
(AP): A horse chestnut tree towers over a busy
street in New Hampshires main port city. Its
known for its history more than its height; leg-
end has it that William Whipple planted it after
returning in 1776 from signing the Declaration
of Independence.
But at nearly 70 feet (21 meters) tall, it
is also big for a chestnut, and that is what
brought Keven Martin out one rainy morning.
Armed with tape to measure its circumference
and a laser nder to calculate its height, Martin
was here to nd out whether the tree remained
the states biggest horse chestnut, a title it has
held for decades.
It is not only the biggest, but its been
around a long time, said Martin, who coor-
dinates New Hampshires Big Tree Program
when he is not building boats. More than 700
champions in the state have been crowned.
And while there may not be any redwoods out
here, the state is home to 10 national cham-
pions, including the countrys biggest black
spruce and American mountainash.
People appreciate a big tree more, and they
have a lot of history to them. People have a
connection with them, more so, said Martin,
who has written a book on the big trees found
on public lands. They are just a lot more
impressive when you see them in the woods or
driving by.
Awareness
Started in 1950, the states Big Tree Pro-
gram has been part of a nationwide network
run by the conservation group American
Forests that has logged some 721 champions
across the country 200 species still dont
have a title holder. Created to raise aware-
click
Alcoholics Anonymous: If you know
someone who cant stop drinking and would like
to help them please check us out and we promise
to try to help at www.aaarabia.org There are no
fees. This is a genuine public service.
Drinking problem?: Friends of Bill W. are
available to help. Totally condential. Email:
rohsecretary@gmail.com
Grand Mosque, which is one of Kuwaits most
Narcotics Anonymous: NA can help with
addiction problems. Totally confidential:
94087800 English/Arabic.
Cancer online support group: If you are
Cancer patient or family member ghting with
This June 26, 2010 photo taken in New Market, Va, shows hydrangea blooming red and
blue on the same bush. (AP)
said. Leaves, owers, stems and bark can
add texture to the visual. Certain times of
Forest giants serve as role models
Kevin Martin measures the circumference of a European Beech tree in Portsmouth, NH. (AP)
ness about protecting forest from threats like
development and forest pests, as well as a way
to better understand why some species grow so
large, the effort today is driven by tree lovers
like Martin.
They spend their free time scanning high-
ways, historic sites and the states hiking trials
for the next big one.
To nd a champion, an owner starts by
measuring its circumference and submitting
that data to the tree program. Then, Martin
or another volunteer goes out to measure its
circumference, height and crown, as well as its
overall conditions, and come up with a point
this deadly disease, come join our online support
group. Best way of dealing with this disease is
providing support and share our experience with
each other. There are lot of things which even
doctors cant tell so be member of this website
and start sharing your experiences which may
help others. October is recognized as National
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). The
primary purpose is to promote self examination
and screening mammography as the most effec-
tive way to save lives by detecting breast cancer
at early stage. For more information visit: http://
ghtingwithcancer.webs.com/
Latest
Invitation to Grand Mosque: The Visits
Department is pleased to invite you to visit the
treasured religious and cultural landmarks to dis-
cover the beauty of Islamic arts and architecture.
Free guided tours are available all year round
on ofcial working days between (9-11 am) and
(5-7 pm), within a special tour program designed
to cater to the needs of different age groups. The
program is as follows:
year or day will accentuate this. Even a pot
or paving materials can add textural differ-
total. Winners earn a place in the big tree list,
and the owner gets a certicate. Some even
have their photos taken alongside the tree.
Its like nding a rare tiger. There is a
segment of the population that really connects
with trees, said Ian Leahy, director of urban
forest programs for American Forests who co-
ordinates its American Biggest Trees program.
There is a just a deep, deep passion. In some
ways, its just out being in nature. Its like
hunting, but without killing anything.
But its not just the thrill of nding a big
tree. These forest giants serve as role models
of sorts, helping the public understand the out-
Reception; Auditorium show; (according to
age group); Touring the Mosque; Q & A; Art
workshops; (according to age group between 5
and 18 years old); Snack break; Distribution of
the Grand Mosque publications and souvenirs;
End of tour.
According to these age groups:
Age group: 5 to 9 years old: Morning: 60 visi-
tors max; Evening: 20; 10 to 15 years: Morning:
100 visitors max; Evening: 45; 16 and above:
Morning: 140 visitors max, Evening: 105:
Tour language: Arabic- English- French; Ara-
bic (English upon prior request); Arabic- Eng-
lish- French; Arabic (English upon prior request);
Arabic- English- French: Arabic (English upon
prior request)
Rules and Regulations:
Please arrive in time for your visit.
All visitors are kindly required to abide by the have included some of the major protests in
mosques dress code. Male visitors should wear
long pants. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not
allowed. Female visitors: should wear head cover
and long loose clothing (available at the mosque).
Foods and drinks are not allowed inside the more information please call 65523746 or visit
prayer halls.
For school visits, teachers are responsible for
Somethin different
gardening
ences.
Plant texture varies from coarse to ne.
Coarse-textured favorites include cannas,
elephant ear, coleus, hydrangea and horse
chestnut. All are dramatic and bold.
They draw the eye because of their dif-
ferences or contrast in shape or appearance,
Finneran said. They dominate groupings.
Most plants are said to be medium in texture,
and generally are used to link ne and coarse ar-
rangements in large settings. Examples include
impatiens, daisies, camellias and viburnum.
Fine-textured plants generally have smaller
foliage. Ferns, grasses, vines, shrubs and Jap-
anese maples t into this category.
The subtle use of texture also can create a
sense of scale and distance. Placing coarse-
textured plants closest to the observer with
medium plants in the middle and ne-tex-
tured assortments in the rear makes the set-
ting appear more distant. Reversing that, with
coarse-textured plants in the background and
ne-textured varieties up front, tends to make
sized role trees play in nature by feeding and
sheltering animals, protecting watersheds and
providing a sink for carbon that helps to offset
greenhouse gas emissions.
They are especially important in a state like
New Hampshire, which is 83 percent forested.
By starting to look at one tree and ap-
preciate it, people start to understand their
connection with the outdoors and nature, said
Mary Tebo Davis, a natural resources eld
specialist at the University of New Hampshire
Cooperative Extension, which runs the big tree
program.
Resilient
The big trees, like the horse chestnut in
Portsmouth, are also popular because they are
tied to a historical event or have proven so
resilient surviving sometimes for centuries.
You cant imagine the number of people
who had their picture taken under that tree,
groups of kids who encircle the tree, Barbara
Ward, the director and curator of the historic
Moffatt-Ladd House, outside which the tree
stands. Its such a nice thing for children in
particular. But even adults are just awed by
the idea that a living thing has been here that
long.
Martin was done measuring, and Ward
looked on anxiously, wondering whether
the horse chestnut had done enough to keep
its title. More precise measuring techniques
meant the tree had lost some height, but it
appeared to have made up the difference by
increasing its circumference.
Its still a champion, yep, Martin said
later, after he was able to tally up all the num-
bers. It still beat out all the horse chestnuts in
the state.
their students and are required to cooperate with
the staff members of the Grand Mosque.
Photography is allowed inside the Grand
Mosque (please note that disrespectful poses are
strictly prohibited).
If you would like to book a tour, please contact
us:
Tel: 22980813/ 22980815/ 22980812
Email: gmvisits@gmail.com
Fax: 22473708
April 11
History of Kuwaits Democracy: Join
Albara Al-Wuhaib at Awares Diwaniya on
Tuesday 11th April at 7pm when he will be
discussing the history of Kuwaits democracy.
The past years have been remarkable. They
the history of the country. This diwaniya will
shed light on how Kuwait reached its current
status. So please come along to Aware Center,
Villa 23, Street 101, Block 1, Abu Fatira. For
www.aware.com.kw
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
22
gardens look smaller.
Hardscaping using winding pathways
and streams, eye-catching fountains and
furniture also produces a sense of visual
texture, along with four-season interest. The
same goes for foliage shape, bark surfaces
and the patterns made by branches.
Even kitchen gardens can be accented
by emphasizing visual texture. Dill, fennel,
thyme, asparagus and lavender are ne-tex-
tured plants that are attractive in edible set-
tings. Tomatoes, basil and peppers serve for
medium texture, while lettuce, chard, corn
and okra provide the coarse.
Beets are a great example of adding col-
orful foliage to an edible garden, Finneran
said. Pair this plant with a ferny-looking foli-
age of carrots and youve got a lovely design
that you will eat later on.
Purple kohlrabi is another great example
not to mention Swiss chard, she said. All of
these add bold coarse texture with fun color
that is sure to please. (AP)
STECI Holy Week Service: This years
Passion Week Service of St Thomas Evangeli-
cal Church of India Kuwait Parish will be led
by the Parish Vicar, Rev Saji Abraham. Maun-
dy Service on April 11, at 7.30 pm at NECK
South Tent, Good Friday Service on April 14
at 10.30 am to 1.00 pm and Easter Service on
Sunday, April 16, at 4.00 am to 6.00 am (both
at KTMCC Hall). During this week, like every
year the members are requested to avoid one-
time meal on a daily basis and use that amount
to feed those who are in hunger and need. A
special offertory will be collected during the
Good Friday Service for this noble cause.
Byproducts of Development: The Sultan
Gallery will hold preview of Byproducts Of
Development by Abdullah Al-Mutari on Tues-
day, April 11 from 7-9 pm.
Focusing on the impact industrial expan-
sion has had on the bodies and identities of
youth in the region, Byproducts of Develop-
ment utilizes found materials, both digital
and physical, to portray a theory of cultural
transformation. The show aims to draw atten-
tion to the physiological repercussions of rapid
urbanization; linking the effects of oil industry
to noticeable changes in the body. Addition-
ally, digital connectivity is scrutinized as a
locus of change, prompting shifts in self-image
and methods of self-actualization that mirror
the drastic changes in local landscapes. Male
fragility is positioned as a reaction to, as well
as a consequence of, rapid development, with
youth caught between a changing ecology and
digital inuences.
This is Abdullah Al-Mutairis rst solo
show.
April 15
DAI Experience Science: Scientists from
the Islamic world helped build the foundation
of todays science. In biology, astronomy,
chemistry, physics, optics, and math, Muslim
scholars like Ibn Haythem, Ibn Hayyan, Al-
Fazari, and others, made signicant contribu-
tions to their elds.
Experience Science is a special programme
led by Dr B (Dr Bahareh Azizi), whos
planned some pretty cool experiments that
include strawberry DNA, Oreo moon phases,
and bending light! Designed for children ages
10-13, each Experience Science 90 minute
session (3:30 - 5 pm), which will be held at
the Yarmouk Cultural Centre, includes a look
at the role of Muslim scientists in a specic
eld, whats happening in that eld today and
a couple of hands-on experiments.
Week One (April 15): Human Biology and
DNA
Week Two (April 22): Astronomy
Week Three (April 29): Chemistry and
Alchemy
Week Four (May 6): Optics and Physics
Week Six (May 13): Family Day at Amri-
cani
To register your 10-13-year-old for this
programme, please visit the museum shop
at either the Yarmouk or Amricani cultural
centres. Spaces are limited; to register, email:
education@darmuseum.org.kw
April 28
Buntara Sangha Buntaayana: Buntara
Sangha Kuwait will be organizing its Mega
event of the year Buntaayana 2017 on Friday,
April 28, 2017 at Cambridge English School
Auditorium Mangaf, Makka Street, Al Mangaf,
Kuwait.
Prominent Writer and researcher Dr Indira
Hegde will grace the occasion as chief guest.
The highlight of the event will be the
Badaguthittu style Yakshagana Show from the
famous artists from Northern Costal Karnataka
for the rst time in Kuwait. Famous Yak-
shagana Artist Theerthahalli Gopal Acharya,
Subramanya Hegde Yelaguppa, Sridhar Bhat
Kaasaragodu, Ashok Bhat Siddapura, Ram-
akrishana Hillur will be performing rst time
in Kuwait.
Prashanth Shetty famously known as
Chitra Mithra will perform rapid art perfor-
mance along with music and dance. Variety
entertainment artist Ashok Polali with Vishwas
Gurupura will be presenting unique dances
and melodious songs. Young emerging talent
Saiheel Rai will be hosting the entire event.
For further information, one can contact:
Yadunath Alva 99558231, Uday Kumar
Shetty 66071763, Jaysheel Shetty
65582402 Praveen Kumar Shetty 50278788,
NiranjanMalli 60392127, Shodhan Shetty
65945161, Sandesh Kumar Shetty 6008 1181
or Email on: managing@kuwaitbunts.org
May 3
YMCA Kuwait Ecumenical Quiz: YMCA
Kuwait is conducting the 5th Annual Bible
Quiz for the members from all the churches in
Kuwait on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Light
House Church, NECK from 6:30pm onwards.
The sections of the Bible based on which the
quiz is going to be conducted are all Chap-
ters from book of Genesis, Zachariah, Luke
and Revelation. The rst three winners will
be presented with ever rolling trophies and
medals. First winner Mariam Ever Rolling
Trophy, second winner Dr A.T. Varghese
and Family Ever Rolling Trophy and third win-
ner Mathew Eapen and Family Ever Rolling
Trophy. YMCA Kuwait cordially invites all
members and families to attend the program.
Continued on Page 23

Al Sadu to hold talk on art of Egyptian Serma needle work
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: Al Sadu
Society is delighted to invite you to
the exhibition and talk on the art of
the Egyptian Serma needle and thread
work on Sunday, April 16 at 6.30 pm
at Sadu House (Gulf Road, next to the
National Library).
The Exhibition will be opened by
the Honorary President of Al Sadu
Society, Sheikha Altaf Salem Al-
Sabah and The Ambassador of the
Arab Republic of Egypt Mr Yasser
Atef. The opening will be followed by
Events
A yer of the event.
click
Latest
Continued from Page 22
For more information please contact
Mathew Varkey (Convener) Mob#
99876828.
May 5
KDNA Babuka Kelkkan: To
promote and continue the charity ac-
tivities of KDNA, organizing a Ghazal
Night Babukka Kelkkan by Grand
Daughter of M.S. Baburaj Miss.
Nimisha Saleem on May 5th 2017 at
Abbasiya Community Hall at 6.00
pm onwards. Famous Music Director
Exhibition and workshop to celebrate historical craft
a talk on the art of the Egyptian Serma
needle and thread work.
This event is a celebration of
historical crafts that have played
important role in the Arab World. The
celebration is under the auspices of
the National Council for Culture, Arts
and Letters (NCCAL).
The workshops that will accompany
the exhibition aim at teaching the art
of this needlework and demonstrate
its secrets to Sadu House community.
The workshops will be conducted by
Berny (Berny-Ignatius) and Akbar
Malappuram (Tabla) will also perform
along with Miss Nimisha Saleem. Free
entry for all music lovers in Kuwait.
Legendary Music Composer M.S.
Baburaj was born in Kozhikode and
his greatest achievements was the
introduction of Hindustani strains into
Malayalam popular music. He suc-
cessfully composed melodies based
on Hindustani Ragas and blended
Malayalam lyrics into them. Most of
the lyrics were written by eminent
Malayalam poets like P. Bhaskaran
and Vayalar and most of his clas-
sic duets sung by K.J. Yesudas & S.
Janaki.
its going to take a lot more than cus-
BAIA to present Bugsy Malone:
Audiences can enjoy a foaming frenzy
at BAIAs performances of Bugsy
Malone on May 5 & 6.
It is 1920s New York and life on
the streets is tough. Its a dark night
and mobster, Roxy Robinson, nds
professional craftsmen from Cairo.
The craftsmen are members of the
Serma craft community located at
the footsteps of Al Azhar mosque, in
Cairo, and who were once among the
leading embroiderers of the Kiswa of
the Kaaba. The workshops will span
three days and aim to spread knowl-
edge and promote this traditional
craft.
For years, the handmade gold
metallic embroidered textiles known
as Serma were among the most
A yer of the event.
himself in the middle of the war for
new turf!
Fat Sam, who runs the most popular
club in town, is at loggerheads with
his arch rival, the dapper Dandy Dan
who has manufactured a new weapon
the Spurge Gun!
Armed with this new style machine-
gun that has never before been seen
before on the streets, Dan and his
hoodlums are spreading fear and
destruction wherever they go.
Only the penniless, ex-boxer,
Bugsy Malone can halt this havoc but
can he do so without being splurged
himself.
Whatever happens, Bugsy knows
cal events for the benet of its members.
tard pies to defeat the rival mob and
protect Fat Sams Grand Slam!
A fantastic fun lled show with
great songs and plenty of messy
splurge where the cast of over 40
children have great fun playing all the
adult parts.
prestigious tableaus adorning the halls
and household items; from curtains,
to slippers to bed covers and cushions
and above all royal costumes. And
because it was a durable, expensive
but stunning decorative technique,
it was chosen to be used as the main
decoration on the Kiswa of the Holy
Kaaba, at the heart of Makkah, Saudi
Arabia.
The art of embroidering in the
Serma technique relies on the skill of
the craftsmen, who need to raise the
A show not to be missed so book
your tickets now!
General
IEI Kuwait Chapter membership:
The Institution of Engineers (India),
Kuwait chapter invites all its members
to update their membership informa-
tion for the year 2016-17 and actively
participate in the chapter activities.
Indian engineers residing in Kuwait
are welcome to join the pool of more
than 700,000 engineers by becoming
corporate or non-corporate members of
The Institution of Engineers (India). IEI,
Kuwait Chapter conducts many techni-
cani) during the years from 1914-1967,
Please watch for the upcoming events in
your registered e-mail or announcement
in the media. The chapter has science
club activities for members children,
and ladies wing activities for the mem-
bers family. IEI, Kuwait chapter has
facility to register student members for
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
surface of the desired area at least a
centimeter high, where this protrusion
creates a visible impression and as it
is embroidered in gold and silversh
threads, it reects and attracts visitors
to read and admire.
The design is accordingly preset
and the backing are prepared with
cardboard, which is then nely ap-
plied on the surface of the tableau.
Each unit is thus carefully stitched
back and forth till perfectly com-
pleted.
A yer of the event.
AMIE Examination for those interested
in pursuing career enrichment.
For more information and on chapter
membership, kindly contact IEI, Kuwait
chapter ofce on 22445588 extn. 314
between 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm (Sunday
through Thursday) or through email to
ieikwt@hotmail.com. You may also
contact Engr Ashok Kumar (97275974)
or Engr Karthikeyan (99840191) for any
further clarication.
Share your story with Amricani:
Do you or any of your family members,
acquaintances or friends happen to have
a story with the American Missionary
hospital in Kuwait (Mustashfa Lemrai-
part of the Fraternity fest, Kuwait India
the ofcial period of offering medical
services in Kuwait?
Please share with us your story or
your memory during those old days by
writing the event and sending it to the
following email address: Mystory@
darmuseum.org.kw
23
Although it is a meticulous craft,
yet it is a distinguished one, and their
professional craftsmen are considered
artists with outstanding talents. Serma
technique and worn by the royalty
during the 18th and 19th centuries.
This technique was also employed in
the Coptic Christian church in Egypt
and adorned their outts and furnish-
ings.
For any inquires please contact our
colleague Mona AlSayed at info@
alsadu.org.kw or call 22452856.
Notes: 1. Please send your story only
to the above mentioned email. Story
shared in Instagram, Facebook or Twit-
ter will not be considered.
2. Please write your story or memory
and sign it with your full name, and your
contact number.
3. It will be great if you send us your
personal photos or those of the place
related to the story (optional).
Your story will be part of a new book
to be published by DAI.
I am condent that your contributions
will be an essential part of the history of
Amricani. Share with us!
KIFF anti-drugs campaign: As
Fraternity Forum (KIFF) is conducting
Anti-Drugs Campaign among Indians
living in Kuwait. According to the
available statistics of Indian Embassy,
60% of the convicted Indians in Kuwaiti
Continued on Page 24

GUST launches official Student Life Records Transcripts
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: Gulf University for
Science and Technologys (GUST) Ofce of
Student Life (OSL) announced on Sunday the
launch of its Student Life Records Transcript.
Originally piloted in the 2015/2016 fall se-
mester, this transcript ofcially recognizes the
students accomplishments and involvements
in the universitys out-of-class activities. This
initiative aims to expand learning beyond the
academic setting, all the while supporting their
future career options through the recognition
of these activities.
GUST seeks to foster a dynamic environ-
ment and is committed to improving the stu-
dents social intelligence while steering them
towards a promising future and a successful
career. It also provides student-centered
services, programs, and experiences through
exposing the students to out of the classroom
learning opportunities, engaging them in
different events and activities internally and
externally, locally and internationally. This
includes collaborating with students through
OSL to engender a diverse and energetic
campus life in.
The transcript will validate students non-
click
General
Continued from Page 23
Jails are arrested on drug-related cases. The
recent cases of death and captives of Indian drug
abusers is a threatening news. To defend and to
campaign against such social crisis by protecting
individuals as well as the society has become
obligatory. In this current situation, Kuwait
India Fraternity Forum is conducting campaign
by distributing handouts, conducting counseling,
seminars etc. to educate the Indians living in Ku-
wait informed President Saifudheen Nalakath in a
press release. For more details contact: 55062071
or email at kiffkuwait@gmail.com.
NYF offers free yoga classes: NYF Kuwait
offers free yoga, breathing, meditation and reiki
classes by a well-experienced female yoga teach-
er for all age groups. Classes are given on the
basis of different health problems, stress and
other problems by different techniques. Contact:
99315825.
lywood chartbusters.
Leadership Excellence Course: The
Leadership Excellence Course (LEC) is a course
modeled on the Seerah of Rasoolullah who is the
best model of leadership for all mankind. The
LEC focuses on the lessons that we can learn
from the Seerah of Rasoolullah and see how we
can apply them in our lives to become winners in
this world and the next.
The objectives of the course are 1. Understand
what leadership is from the Seerah of Rasoolullah
and how to apply it in our lives today 2. Under-
stand the purpose of our lives and learn to live
that purpose with condence 3. Understand the
importance of connecting to Allah and learn
how to do it 4. Understand how to leverage your
strengths and overcome weaknesses 5. Under-
stand how to articulate your life goal and create a
road map to achieve it.
For more information please visit www.lecku-
wait.com or call 99514995 / 66363310.
forward to her performance.
AWL registration: If you would like to join
the American Womens League (AWL), please
call 99039723 or 94067999 or email: kuwait-
awl@yahoo.com. All American women and
wives of Americans are welcomed.
Queen. She has to her credit some of the
Ugandans register with UIK: Are you
a Ugandan living and working in Kuwait?
Would you like to get in touch with other
Ugandans in Kuwait both socially and profes-
sionally? Then please get in touch with us.
We would like to invite you to register with
the Ugandans in Kuwait (UIK) association,
an informal organization of Ugandans living
and working in Kuwait. The purpose of this
exercise is to get together as Ugandans and to
consider taking the first steps to establishing a
more formal organisation. This association is
voluntary. It is designed to create a forum for
Ugandans in Kuwait to foster a sense of com-
munity, to communicate more effectively with
each other and to encourage Ugandans out
here to work together. We are also planning
a celebration to mark 50 years of Ugandans
Independence this year. If you have any ques-
tions regarding this association or if you are
interested in registering, then please send us
an email at ugandansinkuwait@gmail.com. We
hope to hear from you soon.
with Arab Times.
Free drum music classes: Free profession-
al drum music classes are available at Salmiya for
all age groups from beginners to advanced by a
well experienced drum teacher. For more details:
94974295.
age of 8, I gave my rst professional perfor-
Indian Embassy SPDC notice: Attention of
all Indian associations/Indian schools in Kuwait
is once again drawn to Scholarship Programme
for Diaspora Children (SPDC) which was intro-
duced by Government of India in the academic
year 2006-2007 with the objective to make higher
education in India accessible to the children of
overseas Indians and promote India as a centre
for higher studies.
Under the scheme, 100 PIO/NRI students
were awarded scholarship of up to US$ 4,000 per
annum for undergraduate courses in Engineering,
Technology, Humanities, Liberal Arts, Com-
merce, Management, Journalism, Hotel Manage-
ment, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and some
other courses.
The scheme is open to NRIs/PIOs from over
40 countries (including Kuwait) having substan-
tial Indian Diaspora population.
The Scheme was revamped and launched in
July 2016. Under the revamped Scheme, number
of scholarships has been enhanced from 100
to 150 with introduction of 50 scholarships for
children of Indian workers employed in the
Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries.
The Scheme is now applicable to four categories
of applicants:
(i) Persons of Indian Origin
(ii) Non-Resident Indians
(iii) Children of Indian workers working in
ECR countries (including Kuwait).
(iv) Children of Indian workers in ECR coun-
tries - studying in India
The institutions that are covered under this
OSL aims to officially recognise students accomplishments
Head of OSL Anwar S. Al-Sabah
class related achievements, activity history,
and social activities. These records will enlist
Music
Richa Sharma: voice of Sufi Music in India
By Chaitali B. Roy
Special to the Arab Times
Sdifcult
he is God gifted with a voice as compel-
ling as her effortless singing. It traverses
scales with such ease that at times it
seems almost magical. She renders Chaap
Tilak, a Su kalam by Amir Khusrau with
as much devotion as a romantic Mahi Ve
or an earthy peppy Billo Rani. The range of
her voice is extraordinary as is her grasp of
the grammar of Indian vocal music. Her voice
ows smoothly into the mood of each song
rendering it special. Her repertoire is extensive
and inclusive ranging from semi-classical and
devotional to ghazal, folk, rock/dance and Bol-
She is Richa Sharma, one of Indias most
gifted playback singers, and she will perform
live in Kuwait at one of Indian Cultural Soci-
etys most power packed shows Mahi Ve on
Thursday, April 13 at the American Interna-
tional School auditorium in Maidan Hawally.
Pioneers of live entertainment in Kuwait,
the Indian Cultural Society has set a track
record for blockbuster shows featuring great
entertainers including Mohit Chauhan, Himesh
Reshamiyya, Daler Mehendi, Shreya Ghosal,
Alka Yagnik, Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam
Kher, Salim- Sulaiman, Udit Narayan, Kumar
Sanu, Shibani Kashyap, Talat Aziz, Hema
Sardesai and many others.
Speaking to Arab Times, Ashfaq Khan,
President of ICS said, We planned to invite
Richa Sharma for a long time. She is one of
Indias most versatile singer with an enviable
track record of chartbusters. We are looking
Awards
Winner of multiple awards and nomina-
tions, Richa has been hailed as the voice
of Su Music in India and as the Fusion
most popular songs of recent times includ-
ing Jag Soona Soona Lage (Om Shanti Om),
Sajda (My Name is Khan), Kahin Aag Lage
(Taal), Billo Rani (Dhan Dhan Goal), Zor
Ka Jhatka (Action Replay), Chodo More
Baiyan (Zubeida), and Mahi Ve (Kante). She
also has to her credit some basic albums like
Ni Main Yaar Nu Sajda Kardi, Piya and
Winds of Rajasthan that have done very
well.
Richa Sharmas journey with music
began at a young age. She was born into
the middle-class home of Pandit Dayanand
Upadhyay, a Hindu priest who was gifted
with a rich baritone. Richa took her rst un-
certain steps into the world of singing in her
childhood. She watched her father worship
God with his music, and she followed suit.
Soon she was singing devotional songs at
religious gatherings in her hometown, Farid-
abad, Haryana. I was born with music. In
fact, I believe I was gifted with music while
in my mothers womb, shares the singer
Although my father was not a professional
singer, he had a god gifted voice, which I think
I inherited.As a child, I used to sing along with
him. That was my introduction to music. Soon
I started singing in local functions, and at the
made the singer spiritual and more inclined
mance for which I received a token of Rs 8,
she smiled. Perhaps it was her upbringing that
Scheme are:
(i) NITs, IIITs, Schools of Planning and
Architecture
(ii) A Grade institutions accredited by
National Assessment and Accreditation Council
(NAAC) and recognised by University Grants
Commission (UGC).
(iii) Other institutions covered under Direct
Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) scheme.
Income criteria will be applicable to all four
categories. Applicants will seek scholarships
after they obtain admission in the approved list of
educational institutions.
Applications are required to be submitted
online at SPDC portal - http://spdcindia.gov.
in/login/index.php. Last date for submission
of applications was extended till Oct 14, 2016.
Nodal ofcer for SPDC is P. Bharadwaj, Deputy
Secretary (OIA-II), Ministry of External Affairs,
New Delhi, Tel: 00-91-11-24197952, Email:
dsoia2@mea.gov.in
Experience Science for Adults: Regis-
tration is now open for Experience Science for
Adults.
Why should kids have all the fun?!
The ve week programme will be held on
Saturday from 10:00 am-11:30 am at the Yar-
mouk Cultural Centre.
Registration is limited to 16. You may
and verify all participations in arts and music,
athletics, student clubs, community services,
ICS to present Mahi Ve on April 13
Richa Sharma
God. The environment at home was geared to-
towards devotional music. Richa agrees. I am
very a spiritual person with a strong belief in
register at either the Amricani Cultural Centre,
Sunday to Thursday 10:00-3:00 or the Yar-
mouk Cultural Centre, Sunday to Thursday
10:00-6:00.
For more information, please
email:education@darmuseum.org.kw
TIES Center classes: TIES Center is con-
ducting a series of classes about some of the
Prophets and Messengers of God who strove
very hard to spread monotheism and teach
their respective peoples how to worship
God. Their message was not only spiritual;
they also taught people how to conduct their
daily lives and develop the living conditions
on earth.
In this series, we will focus on the follow-
ing prophets: Adam, Nouh (Noah), Ibrahim
(Abraham), Ayoub (Job), Yousuf (Joseph),
Mousa (Moses), and Eisa (Jesus) may
peace, mercy and blessings of Allah (to
Whom all might and majesty is ascribed) be
upon them all.
We will not only focus on historical facts,
but will also deduce some important lessons
whose application in our daily interactions
and chores determine our success and salva-
tion.
Join us every Thursday at 7 pm to learn
about the life and times of those messengers of
honors and awards, student bodies and entities,
and training and workshop seminars. Student
participations in the universitys student
employment program are also recognized and
documented in the transcript. Each semester,
more than 70 students are hired by various
university departments as tutors, note-takes,
photographers, and administrative assistants.
Notable previous community service participa-
tions include the Guinness World Record
Clothes Charity Drive, New York City Home-
less Aid Initiative, and Flower Giveaway on
Mothers Day.
Head of OSL, Anwar S. Al-Sabah said,
Life experience gained at the university is as
crucial as the academic journey. We believe
that students involvements and their profes-
sional performance outside the classroom
should be recognized and documented ofcial-
ly. This co-curricular transcript is an initiative
that will attest to the students participation in
these activities.
Known for its lively campus and active stu-
dent life, GUSTs 16 student clubs hold more
than 80 events a year. These events include
expos, seminars, discussions, competitions
the movie Taal in 1996. And then there was
had opened up to new and gifted singers who
towards meaningless lyrics or lyrics with
meaningless lyrics. If I am offered such a
song, I request for some poetry or ornamenta-
numbers, she is rm.
worked hard on her voice. She gives different
her fans. For more information on the show
wards puja (the act of worship) and devotion,
and I grew up imbibing that spirit.
rm resolve.
The TIES Center is the social and educa-
tional hub for English Speaking Muslims in
Kuwait. For more information, please call
25231015 or e-mail info@tiescenter.net or visit
www.tiescenter.net.
saviosgomes@gmail.com with CCR in the e-mail
Scrabble sessions are back: Scrabble
sessions are back for all to come, learn and
play with us at Better Books, Salmiyah, Bldg
19, next to Badur Travel, opposite the Ministry
of Private Education, on Friday afternoons
from 2:30-5:30 pm. Inviting all kids aged 8 and
above to join me and play competitively with
me Rohaina. Classes are held every Saturday
from 12-1.30 pm. Bknelled, Euphuize, Waqf,
Zooeae are some of the lovely words and there
are 200,000 more you can learn with us. But
the fun part is playing this wonderful game
competitively. So come and see us and call me
@66634224, Rohaina Tanweer.
site can be accessed at www.kbfsa.co.uk.
Bridge game: Bridge tournament is being
held every Sunday and Wednesday at 20:00
hours, played at the Graduates Club, next to
Kuwait Engineering Society. Interested Bridge
pairs or individual players please contact Mo-
hammed Merchant, Tel: 24815622, 24841158,
99612287.
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
24
and tournaments, exhibitions, performances,
charity drives, and trips. Students are also
presented with various volunteering opportu-
nities within the university where they learn
event organization, teamwork, creativity, time
management, and leadership.
As for sports, students partaking in any of
the Athletic Departments teams participate
in local and international tournaments and
championships. All of these aforementioned
activities are ofcially recognized by the
university and are recorded in the new Student
Life Records Transcripts.
GUST seeks to foster a dynamic environ-
ment and is committed to improving the stu-
dents social intelligence while steering them
towards a promising future and a successful
career. It also provides student-centered
services, programs, and experiences through
exposing the students to out of the classroom
learning opportunities, engaging them in
different events and activities internally and
externally, locally and internationally. This
includes collaborating with students through
OSL to engender a diverse and energetic
campus life in.
Armed with her talent and self-belief, young
Richa landed in Mumbai, the City of Dreams
to seek out her destiny in 1994. For a couple of
years, she sang cover versions and performed
in religious congregations before she landed
her rst lm in 1996. But she got her rst real
break when she sang Kahin Aag Lage for
the Grammy Award winner A.R. Rahman in
no looking back. She moved between genres,
sang songs of different ranges and made a
niche for herself in Bollywood. Because of
her strong rendition, she came to be associated
with songs that required very nuanced and yet
powerful singing.
Powerful
By the nineties, playback singing in Bol-
lywood had undergone a change. It was no
longer a monopoly of a powerful few who
were and continue to be legends. The eld
had talent, persistence, and courage to brave
out the ruthless world of lms. We grew up
listening and learning from the legends, but
trends changed with time. In the past, there
was one government-run channel on radio and
television, but now there are more avenues.
Reality television and talent shows provide
more exposure to both singers and listeners. I
believe that artists should get the opportunity
to show and share their gifts, but they should
be passionate and committed towards their art.
There are artists who use technology to add
texture and melody to their voice; I am strictly
against that, she avers.
Richa Sharma has also taken a strong stand
vulgar innuendoes. In the fast-paced and
competitive world of Bollywood, she has the
courage to refuse songs that do not appeal to
her. I take a stand against unreasonable and
tion to be added to the lyrics. But since I dont
have the right to change the songs, and if the
lmmakers are unwilling to do so, I politely
avoid it by saying I am not suitable enough. A
certain element of fun is permissible, but I can-
not sing songs with abusive and absurd lyrics.
I prefer to sit back at home and not sing such
In 2014, Richa Sharma was invited to open
the Ottawa Jazz Festival. Her performance on
the opening nights main stage sent a strong
signal that South Asian music is reaching out
to the West. As a singer, whenever I sing,
I feel I am singing for God, and that is what
helps me connect with my audience. I gave a
one and a half-hour performance at the Jazz
Festival that the audience enjoyed. I sang fu-
sion, Bollywood, Su and folk and I am plan-
ning to do the same in Kuwait, she promises.
Richa Sharma has a phenomenal presence on
stage. She enjoys performing live as it gives
her the freedom to improvise and be creative.
Refusing to be typecast, Richa Sharma has
nuances and textures to her rendition which
enhances and invests each song a differ-
ent colour. The artist is excited and looking
forward to her rst performance in Kuwait in
which she says she will go all out to entertain
contact 66550065 - 97428028 97984603
97690035.
Sports
Chess Round Robin Challenge: Registra-
tions are open for chess coaching and the Annual
Round Robin Challenger Series. Send your name,
Civil ID No., mobile number, age, rating to
subject. No entry fee.
Kwt-Brits football supporters: A new foot-
ball supporters website for British expats living
and working in Kuwait has been set up by an
Everton supporter, Trevor Powell. The Kuwait
Brits Football Supporters Association (KBFSA)
site aims to provide contact information for sup-
porters of each others whereabouts and also in
the future hopes to organise social events such as
quizzes and even five-a-side matches on a home
international teams basis. We need expats to reg-
ister their support and hence we can then start to
cast around for a suitable meeting venue. The
Free fitness classes: Free tness classes at
B.FIT studio in Salmiya! Classes include Zumba,
Masala Bhangra workout, aerobics, toning &
much more. Contact +965-65077062 for further
Continued on Page 25

High note
Cezarys Picks
Love to music present in our genes
Lullaby earliest tool in
cementing human bond
By Cezary Owerkowicz
Special to the Arab Times
T his is how it began? Twinkle,
twinkle, little star/How I won-
der what you are/Up above the world
so high/Like a diamond in the sky/
Twinkle... This is how mummy
sings or whispers, the most wonder-
ful words in the world of singing
which has only one meaning: I love
you! You are my diamond.
Lullaby (or the cradle song) soothing
song or piece of music, usually played for
or sung to children is for most human be-
ings the rst contact with words and mel-
ody. With simple and repetitive melodies,
lullabies can be found in every country
and have existed since time immemorial.
How ancient, this is the question.
The dark cave is lit with a little re.
Women dressed in animal pelts, frenzy
cuts, strips of meat dry near the re. Si-
multaneously a mother strains her ears to
listen to the crawling sounds of the wild
beasts who may have been attracted by
the stench of
meat.
Suddenly
she hears her
baby sleeping
in the corner
of the cave
beginning to
whimper. The
mother, since
she cannot stop
her work, be-
gins to murmur Owerkowicz
the simple si-
lent melody to calm the child. It works;
the baby falls asleep in a moment.
This behavioral pattern has not come
out of the blue. This is what people have
been doing for centuries when the prehis-
toric homo sapiens (the binomial nomen-
clature for the only extant human species.
Homo is the human genus, which also
includes Neanderthals and many other
extinct species of hominid; H. sapiens is
the only surviving species of the genus
Homo) survived by hunting animals for
food and reaping groups had just started
creating the bases of human culture.
As time passed by more advanced
tools were discovered, attempts were
made at languages and even arts. This
was also a time when the music was dis-
covered. The anthropologists had no idea
why prehistoric humans began to make
music during their time. The explanation
for this question was given by Prof. Max
Krasnov and Dr Samuel Mehr from the
Harvard University. In their opinion the
beginning of our love to music comes
from lullabies. They described their the-
sis in scientic periodical Evolution and
Human Behavior.
Prof Krasnovs idea is based on the
theory of conict of interest between
a parent and a child. The theory was re-
leased in the 1970s of the last century by
Prof. Robert Trivers, also from the Har-
vard University.
Attention
That theory says children are continu-
ously trying to attract the attention of the
parents to ll the gap in their time and to
the contrary parents are using all possible
means to limit this to only the needed
amount of time. The exact sample was
the lullaby, says Prof. Krasnov. That was
the way to inform the child the presence
of a parent, without stopping to do what
he/she was doing, because time to pay at-
tention at that was very limited.
The mother couldnt sacrice her time
and attention exclusively for the infant.
She had to prepare meals, take care of
older children, and protect them against
attacks from wild animals.
Humming a simple melody was to in-
form the infant that the parent is nearby
and is taken care of. It was a clear sig-
nal: somebody singing cannot talk to the
other. Constant intensity of voice is in-
formation that a parent is just around the
house. This is the reason why lullabies
often made the infants quiet, explained
Prof. Krasnov.
A scientist from the Harvard states
lullabies debuted in the life of the Homo
sapiens thousands of years ago much be-
fore even any known language was spo-
ken. Universalism of lullabies and proof
that melody is the most important part of
life is a result of research by Prof. Isabelle
Peretz from the University of Montreal.
Listening to simple, quiet melody
calms a child two times faster than speak-
ing. She came to the council after making
a research on 60 infants (a few months
old babies). Her choice of lullabies was
fragments of Turkish and of other per-
sons. Thanks to her research, she discov-
ered infants dont pay attention or react
only to known language and the voice
of the mother.
During the experiments parents sat
behind a child, unseen. The scientist
then played the Turkish lullabies. It ap-
peared children listening to the melodies
remained calm (parents unseen) for nine
minutes but after they heard the voices
of their parents, they began to cry in less
than four minutes.
It means music is much more efcient
than talk to keep the children calm. Prob-
ably it means it is a much older process
in evolution, says Prof. Peretz. NB: The
Montreal scientist repeated experiments
with other languages such as French and
so on and the result was identical!
Children instinctively sense that cer-
tain melody is a calm lullaby. Words are
not so important as rhythm and tempo,
says Prof. Peretz. You will not succeed
to calm down an infant playing Rihanna
or even Mozart according to Dr. Sandra
Trehub from the Toronto University.
She presented to children records of
pieces for adults and lullabies and ob-
served their reaction. It appeared when
they listened to music for adults they
were restless but became calm while lis-
tening to the lullabies and - as stated by
Dr. Trehub - they looked happy.
Most probably our love for music
came from lullabies sung for the prehis-
toric babies, say scientists. Amazing uni-
versalism of singing for children allows
me to believe that love to music we have
in our genes, says Prof. Krasnov.
Developed
I am sure the evolutionary adaptation
to listening to the music began from lis-
tening to lullabies. Our musical abilities
developed over the thousands of years. At
the beginning probably there were simple
mumbles or murmuring which slowly
changed into more complicated vocalizes
and nally - real hum melodies.
In the end we started to create music
using instruments. It took around twenty
thousand years; it is an age of the most
ancient instruments known to us, prob-
ably their makers in their attempts to
copy human voices became their sounds
similar to singing.
The interest in music already appeared
in the fetus life. The children in the womb
began to hear from the twentieth week
and in the thirtieth week began to recog-
nize the difference between music and
speaking.
It has been proved by the scientists
from the Helsinki University, who carried
out the experiments on pregnant women.
The future mothers in their third trimester
of pregnancy listened to well-known lul-
laby, every day, loud enough and all the
time the same, to allow the fetus to hear
it well.
It appears that when the children were
born they remembered it well. Scientist
checked it with the EEG - babies brains
activated evidently up to fourth month of
life listening to lullaby heard as a fetus.
Music soon developed as being the
only reason to calm down babies. It be-
came the way of strengthening links
among the rst human race. Charles Dar-
win has already afrmed that it plays an
important role in social life of the group,
present in even the most primitive com-
munities during important moments of
their life: funerals, weddings, wars, etc.
On such occasions everybody sings. In
Darwins opinion music unites people
around one act or activity.
Music since the beginning of his-
tory is the main binder of our social life,
states Prof. Jay Schulkin from George-
town University in Washington, DC,
another scientist who is involved in such
researches.
In his opinion joining in common
singing or playing was one of the rst
customs in primary communities, which
created emotional links. This was maybe
because we were listening to the music
since birth and we identify it safely, with
mothers voice. It evokes in us a very
positive emotion and directs us to con-
tacts with the others.
Influences
Music, of course not in every form,
inuences our brain in a unique man-
ner, initiates production of endorphins,
evoke pleasant feelings. While listening
to the music we release a big quantity of
oxytocin neuro-hormone, responsible for
creating ties, especially between mother
and child just after delivery.
It is produced also during hugs, kisses
and other forms of close social links.
Maybe because of this one of the most
sensitive behavior music people are suf-
fering from the Williams Syndrome
disease (distemper of oxytocin produced
among others).
The children suffering from that, even
mentally handicapped, are extremely
friendly empathic, cuddle up to other
people and above all love music. Some-
times they are excellent musicians having
absolute hearing power.
The research with functional magnetic
resonance shows that they have more than
average primary structure of brain respon-
sible for emotions. It seems that musical
sensibility and emotional contact with
people have common roots in our brain.
It is not surprising, of course, that
music also strengthens the sensibility of
healthy children. Next proof comes from
the German scientist from the Leipzig
Max Planck Institute of Anthropology.
In their opinion psychologists Sebas-
tian Kirschner and Michael Tomasello
express opinion that between children lis-
tening to the music has established much
stronger emotional ties than between
those playing in silence. They have be-
come more empathic.
Is it a cure for the entire world to lis-
ten to obligatory favorite lullaby before
going to sleep (alone or with your dear
ones?) Lullaby and goodnight, with roses
bedight/With lilies oer spread is babys
wee bed// Lay thee down now and rest,
may the slumber be blessed/2x/ (Brahms
Lullaby)
Editors Note: Cezary Owerkowicz
is the chairman of the Kuwait Cham-
ber of Philharmonia and talented pia-
nist. He regularly organises concerts
by well-known musicians for the ben-
et of music lovers and to widen the
knowledge of music in Kuwait. His
e-mail address is: cowerkowicz @
yahoo.com and cowerkowicz@hot-
mail.com
Pioneers of Kuwait
Strong believer of tolerance and forgiveness
Sheikh strives for stability in region
This is the 17th in a series of
articles on His Highness Sheikh
Sabah Al Ahmad pioneer of the
political development in modern
Kuwait and 15th ruler of Kuwait.
Editor
By Lidia Qattan
Special to the Arab Times
W hen on the 9th of April 2003
the war ended, Sheikh Sabah
Al Ahmad called for an immedi-
ate transferring of power to the
Iraqis, for they alone had the right
to choose their leader, but this was
easier said than done.
After more than three decades of
oppression, during which the people
of Iraq were conditioned to live in
fear and suspicion of one another,
at the time of liberation they were
too divided, too disoriented and too
uncertain to take matters into their
own hands.
The political vacuum left behind
with the removal of the Saddam
Regime triggered a bewildering
situation hard to control even under
a provisory military government.
Only minority groups, which in-
spite of all the reprisals maintained
their solidarity were strong enough
to make a stand. Indeed their unity
gave them a sense of purpose and
the structure needed to resist and
ght for their rights. Those minori-
ties were the Kurdish in the north
and the Shiite in the south, which at
the moment of freedom presented
the greatest challenge to the unica-
tion of Iraq.
However when they elected a
leader, the civil government that
formed needed outside support
to meet the countless problems
demanding immediate action.
Wars and revolutions are cata-
clysmic affairs, they are yet more
terrible and consequential when the
nation is split apart.
Inspite of this fact, at the removal
of the Saddam regime from power
from 8 am to 7 pm at Kuwait Disa-
click
Sports
Continued from Page 24
information. Hurry and enroll now!
more information, please contact Dr
FBC tournament: Filipino Bad-
minton Committee (FBC) is inviting
Photo taken recently shows Mubarakiya Souk in Kuwait City.
in 2003, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad
was still hoping that Iraq would be
reunited under a democratic, stable
government that could guarantee
internal security and political stabil-
ity necessary for peace in the region
to the ultimate benet of the whole
Arab world.
Discover
In the meantime eager to discover
the fate of the Kuwaiti POWs still
held in Iraq , he intensied his effort
in collaboration with the coalition
forces, determined to solve this
enigma once and for all.
The Kuwait Council of Ministers
also offered one million US dollars
to any one coming forward with
concrete information.
Teams of Kuwaiti volunteers
joined the search. Finally the grim
truth was revealed at Abbaniya,
a locality north-east of Baghdad
where some mass graves were
discovered; in them the remains
of many Kuwaiti POWs were
identied through their DNA. This
discovery obliterated any hope of
nding any survivor of Kuwaiti
POWs.
The action and general behavior
of a nation is determined by its
mentality.
Kuwait was born and made pros-
perous through commerce and trade.
Such an activity fostered a merchant
mentality.
There are
three golden
rules that dif-
ferentiates the
true merchant:
honesty, open-
mindedness and
generosity.
Honesty
keeps and in-
creases his
Lidia Qattan clientele; open
mindedness
gains him respect and business op-
portunities, and generosity wins him
friends which is good for business.
all badminton enthusiast in Kuwait
to join their regular badminton
tournament being held every Friday
bled Sports Club, Bin Khaldoun
Hawalli. Over 10 badminton courts
are now available for badminton
practices and tournament and it is
open for all nationalities and from
different badminton organizations.
Exclusive-private court are also
available on per hour rental. For
Chie Umandap 97197268
Free IFRA coaching classes:
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
marketing of its oil industry and
transportation, and exporting two
Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad
with generous aids to spur their
From the start such a mentality
has been instrumental in making
Kuwait prosperous and internally
stable through the cooperation of
every member of the community for
the common interest.
At the same time Kuwaits for-
eign policy has been aimed at gain-
ing friends on all fronts to enhance
uidity of commerce and ensure its
prosperity.
Such a policy fostered by the
merchant mentality has enabled
Kuwait to sail through many storms
that threatened its survival including
the latest the Iraqi invasion.
Incidentally it has been the mer-
chant mentality that enabled Kuwait
to make good use of its oil revenues
in the development of its economic
infrastructure based on diversity, by
establishing factories and expand-
ing its commercial enterprises and
investments on a global scale.
It even spurred agriculture for
the production of vegetables and
grains, inspite of Kuwait being a
desert land with no fertile land, nor
river or lakes. Its limited quantity of
brackish water in its subsoil has to
be mixed with potable water to yield
good results in horticulture.
The same merchant mentality has
enabled Kuwait to dispense with
middle-men in the production and
Arnis/Eskrima training:
Eskrimador-Kuwait a member of
Cacoy Doce Pares World Fed-
ing referees, new recruits, those as-
eration now opens a new batch
of training. Learn the Philippine
national sports, which is Arnis/
Eskrima with the authentic style
and techniques. Training schedule
will be every Friday from 11:00
am to 1:00 pm @ Kaifan Sports
Complex-Karate Gym. Text or call
#50292148-Herms.
IFRA member for registration.
25
Photo by Bassam Abu Shnab
enhance its oil revenues through
the utilization of the oil resources
more effectively: processing the
natural gas instead of burning it, and
integrating the whole oil opera-
tion exploration, production and
thirds of its oil production as high
quality rened products.
Reflected
The Kuwaiti merchant mentality
is also reected on its foreign aid,
programmed to spur the devel-
opment of the Gulf countries in
particular and other Arab and poorer
countries, through providing them
development for mutual benet and
to promote stability in the world.
Through the years of his involve-
ment in foreign affairs Sheikh Sabah
Al Ahmad has modied the Kuwaiti
nancial aid to widen its scope in
spurring cooperation in the Gulf
region and in the Arab and Muslim
world in order to foster peace in the
world.
Incidentally till 1973, Kuwait was
the only donor of the total sum of
Arab development assistance.
The Kuwait Fund for Economic
Development was the rst Arab as-
sistance to be established. The other
Arab funds were established in 1974
following the sharp increase in the
oil price.
The same merchant mentality has
inclined Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad to
be a strong believer of tolerance and
forgiveness through which one can
gain friends.
Indeed he believes that revenge
only causes more trouble and pain.
Hence for the sake of unifying the
Arab world in a common endeavor
and a common objective the Sheikh
has been constant in his foreign
policy, even supporting those
countries that stood against Kuwait
during the invasion.
To be continued
Indian Football Referees Associa-
tion (IFRA) will be starting free
refresher/coaching classes for exist-
piring to be referees and even those
who would like to learn about the
laws of the game at IEAS Salmiya
(Don Bosco).
Classes will be from 9:00 am to
12:00 pm every Friday.
Those interested may call
99519439 or get in touch with any
Continued on Page 26
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

26

Firm presents latest technologies in space transmission and communication

Gulfsat participates for 12th time in CABSAT Dubai

KUWAIT CITY, April 9: Gulfsat
Communications Company (Gulfsat),
the leading company specialized in
providing communications and TV
broadcasting and re-broadcasting
through satellites, has announced its
active participation at the 23rd CAB-
SAT the foremost exhibition for
the broadcast content delivery, digital
media and satellite industries, which
was held at the Dubai World Trade
Center in Dubai, United Arab Emir-
ates during the period 21- 23 March
2017. This was Gulfsats participation
for the 12th year running, building on
the success of its participation in the
past years.
The company has been keen to keep
pace with the latest developments in
the satellite broadcasting industry and
its technologies. It also seeks to offer
its own highly developed technologies
that cater for the requirements of cus-
tomers in the Middle East and North
Africa region in all elds related to
TV broadcasting in line with its policy
Chairman and Chief Executive Ofcer
of Gulfsat, Mohammed Al-Haj, stated
to press: Gulfsats participation in
CABSAT, the prestigious international
exhibition of digital media and satellite
communications is a vital element of our
strategy of being present and visible, and
an essential part of our annual business
plan to participate in a selected number
of global events and forums directly
concerned with broadcasting the media
content and satellite TV broadcasting.
He explained that CABSAT is of a
prime importance to satellite communi-
cations companies, as it hosts more than
900 companies and brands specialized in
satellite broadcasting, satellite technolo-
From left to right: Yousef Farah, Mohammed Al-Haj, Sara Tulaimat, Sabah gy and digital broadcasting in more than
Al-Sultan and Sanjay Cherian. 110 countries worldwide, making it the
global platform which brings together
to remain in touch with its wide cus- Manager, Sabah Al-Sultan and Dr experts, specialists, satellite broadcasting
tomer base in the region and its efforts Reyad Douglas, Director of Com- companies, producers, studios, creative
to identify future trends. Gulfsat was mercial and Sales, in addition to the content producers and distributors from
represented at this prestigious event technical support, marketing and busi- the Middle East, North Africa and South
by its Chairman and CEO, Moham- ness development team. Asia.
med Al-Haj, Chief TV Broadcasting In the occasion of this participation, Al-Haj added that, given these
facts, CABSAT is of a momentous
uniqueness for Gulfsat. This is un-
derlined by the fact that this was the
companys participation for the12th
successive year, prompted by the
desire to keep pace with the latest de-
velopments in media and TV content
broadcasting and keeping abreast with
this industry. At the same time, the
importance of keeping in touch with
the companys wide customer base
cannot be exaggerated, for this base
includes customers from all countries
within the MENA region. Al-Haj went
on to say that Gulfsat signed agree-
ments with a number of new and
existing customers from the region,
which include TV stations that wish to
benet from the companys services
in promoting and strengthening their
footprint in this region and maximize
their outreach to TV audience. The
company will announce these during
the coming phase.
Al-Haj added that Gulfsats participa-
tion in this years version of CABSAT
was hugely successful, building on the
companys remarkable success during
the past few years and the expansion
of its data base. The companys booth
at the exhibition was a focal point for
visitors and customers from several
countries, particularly the Middle East
and North Africa. This year, he said,
we were keen to display the latest
technologies of space broadcasting and
media content. In doing so, we were
supported by our strong and highly
developed infrastructure.
CABSAT provided Gulfsat with
an excellent opportunity to present
up-to-date services and state-of-the-
art High Definition technologies
in the field of satellite TV broad-
casting and media content. We
were careful to adopt the highest
standards and technologies in over-
coming jamming and piracy in order
to safeguard intellectual property
rights. Our services included Cloud
Bro which particularly targets infor-
mation cities and TV channels.

Contact Centre recognised with Award of Excellence

Alshaya wins customer service award

Ms. Manal Barakat, representative of Gulf Bank, handing the prize to one
of the redTM account draw winners
Presented with Apple prizes
Gulf Bank welcomes redTM
winners to its head office
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: Gulf Bank
was pleased to welcome the new
winners of the third monthly redTM
account draw on Thursday, 6 April
2017, and present them with their Apple
prizes. The redTM account draw was
held live on Al Dewaniya program
at Marina FM 90.4, on Thursday, 30
March 2017, under the supervision of
Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Abdullah Ali Habeeb Redha, winner
of the iPhone 7 Plus, Ahmed Khaled
Salem Hashem Salem, winner of the
iPad Pro, and Jawaher Dawoud Ghloum
Awadh, winner of the Apple Watch, all
visited Gulf Bank Head Ofce where
Ms. Manal Barakat Manager of
redTM and Nassour Consumer greeted
them and handed them the prizes.
Before making the ofcial announce-
ment, Gulf Bank invited its custom-
ers to tune in to Marina FM 90.4, Al
Dewaniya program to nd out who the
lucky winners of the redTM account
prizes were.
Gulf Banks redTM is an account
for high school students, college and
university students aged between 15
and 25. Eligible customers will get the
chance to enter the draw automatically
and on a monthly basis, upon transfer-
ring their student allowances.
Each month, an iPhone 7 plus, an
iPad Pro, and an Apple Watch will be
gifted to three lucky winners monthly
and until January 2018. The next draw
dates are announced as follows: April
24, May 22, June 29, July 24, Aug 21,
Sept 28, Oct 23, Nov 207, Jan 11, 2018.
In addition to the Apple prizes, stu-
dents will have the opportunity to win a
Fiat 500c -Model 2017 at the annual car
draw, upon transferring their allowance!
Also, movie tickets at all Cinescape
theatres will be available for only KD
2 seven days a week by simply being a
redTM account holder; not to men-
tion the exclusive offers from Edfa3ly,
which is an international internet shop-
ping services company.
Gulf Bank invites all students to take
part in its redTM account draws, as they
might be the lucky winners for year
2017!
To take part in the redTM account
draws, prospective customers can open
an account at any one of Gulf Banks
56 branches, transfer online using the
Banks App or through the banks bilin-
gual website at www.e-gulfbank.com,
or call the Customer Contact Center on
1805805.
Burgan Bank announces names
of daily winners of Yawmi draw
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: Burgan
Bank, the second largest in terms of
assets, announced today the names of
the daily draw winners of its Yawmi
account draw, each taking home a
cash-prize of KD 5,000.
The lucky winners are: 1. Tariq
Mahmood Mohammad Sha; 2. Mo-
hammad Mousa Al Baram; 3. Ali Ab-
dulrahman Mohammed Dashti; 4. Ah-
mad Abdullah Bander Al Qamlas; 5.
Mariam Hassan Ahmad Al Madhoun.
In addition to the daily draw, Bur-
gan Bank also offers a Quarterly Draw
with more chances to win higher re-
wards, offering the chance to one
lucky customer to win KD 125,000 ev-
ery three months. The Yawmi Account
offers Daily and Quarterly Draws,
wherein the Quarterly Draw requires
customers to maintain a minimum
amount of KD 500 in their account for
Al Tijari announces
winners of Al Najma
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: Commer-
cial Bank of Kuwait held the Al Na-
jma Account daily draw on 9th April
2017.
The draw was held under the su-
pervision of the Ministry of Com-
merce & Industry represented by
Abdulaziz Ashkanani.
The winners of the Al Najma dai-
ly draw are:
Mohammad Abduljaber Ibraheem
Abduljaber KD 7000/-; Shabaan Jad
Alrab Ali Abdulazez K D
7000/-; Raed Faisal Al Khalaf KD
7000/-
Khalil Abdulateef Mandani Mo-
hammed KD 7000/-; Samera Hus-
sain Ahmad Kankuni KD 7000/-
Al Najma awards are now bright-
er and bigger than ever. With the re-
vamped Al Najma account, all your
dreams will be turned to reality. On
top of offering the highest daily
prize in Kuwait for KD 7,000, now
our Mega prize draws got bigger to
reach KD 250,000.
The new prizes scheme for Al Na-
jma account Daily draw to win KD
7000 Quarterly draws to win great
prizes that would start from KD
100,000 to KD 250,000
1st quarter KD 100 000; 2nd quar-
ter KD 150 000; 3rd quarter KD 200
000; 4th quarter KD 250 000
With Al Najma you have more
chances to win greater prizes
Each KD 25 kept in your account
gives you one chance to win
Each KD 25 kept in your account
for one week will give you a chance
to enter the daily draw.
Each KD 25 kept in your account
for 3 months will give you chance to
enter the quarterly draw.
Additional features
ATM card
Issue a credit card against your
account
Obtain all CBK banking services
You deserve to win! Open an ac-
count now with just KD 500 and you
will enter all draws.
two months prior to the draw date. Ad-
ditionally, every KD 10 in the account
will entitle customers to one chance of
winning. If the account balance is KD
500 and above, the account holder will
be qualied for both the quarterly and
daily draws.
Burgan Bank encourages everyone
to open a Yawmi account and/or in-
crease their deposit to maximize their
chances of becoming a winner. The
higher the level of the deposit, the
higher the likelihood to win.
For more information on opening
a Yawmi account, the new quarterly
draw or on any of the banks products
and services, customers are urged to
visit their nearest Burgan Bank branch,
or simply call the banks Call Center at
1804080. Customers can also log on to
Burgan Banks www.burgan.com for
further information.
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: International
retail franchise operator M.H. Alshaya
Cos commitment to customer service
has once again been recognised, with its
Contact Centre winning an award at the
Public Relations and Customer Service
Award ceremony held in Kuwait last
week under the patronage of His High-
ness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber
Al-Sabah.
Alshayas Contact Centre won the
Award of Excellence in customer sat-
isfaction for best practices in providing
customer service in the caf category,
based on the way it handled customer
feedback on Starbucks services in par-
ticular. The award highlights Alshayas
ability to provide world-class customer
service by taking quick and effective
action in following up on each piece of
customer feedback it receives.
Alshayas Matthew Holgate, Presi-
dent of Starbucks, and Mona Dabbah,
Director of Customer Service, received
Contact Centre and SBX Teams
the award from Her Excellency Hind Al-
Sabih, Minister of Social Affairs and La-
bour and Minister of State for Economic
Affairs. The event was organised by the
Kuwait Public Relations Association.
Based on surveys and customer feed-
back, Starbucks was found to have the
highest levels of excellence and profes-
sionalism of all coffee shops in deliver-
ing services and products to customers,
nurturing positive relationships with
them, and efciently responding to their
enquiries through the Contact Centre.
Alshaya operates more than 3,400
stores for over 75 of the worlds
best-known and best-loved brands,
including Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare,
Debenhams, The Cheesecake Factory,
Victorias Secret, and Boots, and Pottery
Barn across the Middle East, North
Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe.
Alshayas Contact Centre manages a
broader customer service offering that
builds connections with the customers of
all the brands that the company operates, Group picture at the Kuwait Educational Academy School Football League.
365 days a year.
Ms Dabbah says the award highlights
the efforts the company makes to put the
Football league held for special needs students
customer at the heart of its business.
A team of bilingual professionals
operates the Contact Centre seven days a
week from 7am to 3am, serving custom-
ABK sponsors KEAS football finale again
ers in 10 countries across the Middle
East and North Africa. It services KUWAIT CITY, April 9: Al Ahli
include elding enquiries and orders re- Bank of Kuwait (ABK) recently an-
nounced that it sponsored the Kuwait
Remit to win
lated to food delivery, home furnishings,
store opening hours, marketing activi- Educational Academy School (KEAS)
football nale, for the second consecu-
ties, and ongoing support for Privileges
Club, Alshayas loyalty programme.
Alshayas Contact Centre serves over
tive year, marking the end of the foot-
ball league held by KEAS for a group
Al Mulla Exchange promotion
of special needs schools. The event
500,000 customers annually.
was held at the Al-Arabi Sports Club
in Mansouriya, on 5 April, 2017.
gives free tickets to IPL final
AUB names KD 250K The football league was held in an
effort to engage students with special KUWAIT CITY, April 9: With the week until May 14, 2017.
needs and encourage them to partici- exciting Indian Premier League sea- This promotion will see 11 win-
grand prize winner pate in sports and use their skills, while son on Al Mulla Exchange Company ners and a total of 22 tickets to the
giving them the opportunity to enjoy begins its new promotion to provide its dream IPL nal match. The highpoint
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: On March Indian customers the unique chance to of the draw is the grand prize which
29 Ahli United Bank held its Lifetime the excitement of the tournament rst
be part of the electrifying nals on May
hand. includes special hospitality services
Salary annual grand prize draw as part 21, 2017, in Hyderabad. in addition to the other prizes. The
of the Al Hassad Islamic Savings Ac- ABKs sponsorship of this event
comes in line with its Corporate So- Starting from Wednesday, April grand prize winner will be announced
count program. It was a momentous
cial Responsibility (CSR) strategy for 5, anyone transferring money to India on May 15.
occasion for Ibrahim Al Mansoury
2017 that focuses on individuals with through any of Al Mulla Exchange Talking about the latest promo-
who won KD 250,000 as a lifetime
salary for 250 months. special needs. The Bank aims to raise branches or via the companys online tion, Rakesh Joshi, General Manager,
awareness of the special needs seg- services will automatically enter a Al Mulla Exchange, said cricket has
Ahli United Bank congratulates
Ibrahim Al Mansoury who is now ment and the importance of engaging draw for to get two tickets to the IPL always been a craze in India and with
able to achieve his dream of acquiring them within Kuwaits communities, 2017 nals, in addition to two airline the advent of T20, the cricket fever
a house or his favorite car, to travel by involving them in ongoing activi- tickets. A winner will be chosen every has gone higher. The IPL has become
abroad, establish a new business or ties that instill the sense of importance a festivity in India that has the whole
any dream he might have along with and equality among them. country in frenzy. As a token of our
his aspirations. The Bank will continue to offer its gratitude to the support and trust of
The Al Hassad Islamic Savings support to such initiatives with the aim our loyal Indian customers, we thought
Account program is the largest in of making a positive impact and a dif- of providing them with a chance to be
Kuwait with a total annual prize ference in the lives of these individu- part of the peak of this season, the nal
draw of KD 3,400,000 aimed at
realizing the dreams and ambitions
als.
For more information about Al Ahli
match.
The Indian customers are an im-
of customers since inception in Bank of Kuwait, please visit eahli.com portant part of the Al Mulla Exchange
[INSERT YEAR].The program also
provides 26 weekly prizes, which
or contact an ABK customer service
agent via Ahlan Ahli at 1899899.
business, and we have been providing
continuous promotions to them as a to-
represents the biggest number of ken of our gratitude. This is one of the
weekly winners. biggest promotions we have conducted
To qualify for the Al Hassad so far and we believe this will be well
Islamic Savings Account prizes, received in the community.
customers only need to open a saving click The IPL matches are being played
account with a minimum of KD 100. between April and May with approxi-
For every KD 50 of quarterly balance Continued from Page 25 mately 57 matches played between
in the account, customers earn one eight teams. Al Mulla Exchange with
chance to enter the quarterly draw.
Moreover, customers earn one chance
Courses 71 branches in Kuwait continues to
give customers out of the box market-
to enter the weekly draws for every Islamic and Arabic courses: A yer of the promotion ing promotion.
KD 50 of balance. Islamic and Arabic courses are being
For more information on Ahli offered at the Enlightenment into Islam
Center starting from 5:00-7:00 pm. Ladies Section will commence the Ara- Islamic classes in French: The
United Banks Hassad Islamic Sav- bic Conversation Course. The students
Registrations can be done at the Enlightenment into Islam is offer-
ings Account and the wide range ing Islamic Classes in French for
main ofce Womens Committee in must have successfully completed at
of prizes it presents, along with the ladies. Timings 4:30 to 7 pm. Every
requirements to qualify for the draw, Qurtoba. least 3 levels of Arabic. Placement test
For more information contact: will be taken by those who took Arabic Wednesday. Please register at the of-
customers are invited to visit any of ce (Womens Section), 2nd oor. For
the Banks branches, call the customer 24322684, 25362693, 97743327 and class outside IPC.
25362681. more information please contact us.
service Hayakum on 1812000 or Class is every Friday from 9-11 am. Telephone 25362684, 99789954,
visit the Banks website www.ahli- IPC Rawdah-22512257
united.com.kw IPC Arabic Course: IPC Rawdah Continued on Page 28
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

27

h o
By Jacqueline Bigar
Happy birthday for Monday, April 10, 2017:
This year you have the gift of being able to
identify with both sides of an issue. Others
might not be sure which point of view you are
more likely to agree with. You have much more
compassion for others than in the past. If you
are single, you could meet a potential suitor in
the next six months. Just remember to stay
open-minded! If you are attached, your com-
passion and understanding will benet your
bond. Stop causing disagreements between you
and your sweetie, and allow greater closeness
to build. LIBRA teaches you how to keep the
peace.
The Stars Show the Kind of Day Youll
Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average;
2-So-so; 1-Difcult
Capricorn - (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
**** You might want to rethink a decision
and head in a more appropriate direction. Rec-
r o
ognize how many choices you have. Assess
whether you need to choose the path that is the
most realistic. Listen with care when following
through on a decision Tonight: In the limelight.
Aquarius - (Jan 20 - Feb 18)
**** Look at the big picture. Consider what
is going to happen next. What are you going
to push for? You play a major role in todays
events. When you detach, youll see many dif-
ferent routes to your desired destination. Dont
be too set in your ways. Tonight: Follow the
music.
Pisces - (Feb 19 - Mar 20)
**** Deal with a partner directly, regardless
of whether you want to. Remain secure in your
judgment of what is going on. A friend might
be displaying some excessive or outlandish
behavior. Stay on course, and feel secure about
your decision. Tonight: Where the action is..
s c
Aries - (Mar 21 - Apr 19)
**** Positive moments surround a vivid
discussion, which encourages you to embrace
a change in the status quo. You realize that you
can resist all you want, but eventually you will
need to bend. Be aware that mixed messages
mark the next few days. Tonight: Try not to be
provocative.
Taurus - (Apr 20 - May 20)
*** You shoulder a lot of responsibilities
that you dont necessarily have to. Honor a fast
change of pace. You might judge a partner as
being inordinately pushy. Find out what this
persons intentions are, and then respond ac-
cordingly. Tonight: Refuse to get caught up in
a power play.
Gemini - (May 21 - June 20)
***** You might not be in the mood for
serious matters, and it will be obvious to those
around you. Allow more lightness and humor
into your life. Help others to understand that it
is up to them to decide how they behave and
what choices to make. Tonight: Let the sun-
shine in!
Cancer - (June 21 - July 22)
*** Pressure builds around the homefront.
So many offers come forward that you could
be overwhelmed by your choices. Know what
you want, and dont hesitate to ask for just that.
You might be overwhelmed by someone elses
stubbornness. Tonight: Hang in there!
Leo - (July 23 - Aug 22)
***** You have the right words to drive a
very hard bargain. Your actions follow your
thinking. You are unlikely to take anyones
attitude, especially if it is not supportive. You
o p
have a strong sense of knowing whether you
are on the right path. Tonight: Know when to
call it a night.
Virgo - (Aug 23 - Sept 22):
**** Know that you might be overly opti-
mistic about a personal matter. Use caution if
this attitude is affecting your nances. Be
aware of your limits. Question your ability to
fulll a childs or friends request. Tonight:
Make no promises unless you are 100 percent
condent.
Libra - (Sept 23 - Oct 22)
**** You walk a ne line between reality
and a distorted vision. A roommate or family
member wont hesitate to tell you what he or
she thinks. You initially could have a negative
reaction. Look at the big picture. Tonight: Try
to make a long-term desire a possibility.
e
Scorpio - (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
**** You know when enough is enough, but
others might not be able to hear your warning.
Act on what you know to be true, despite oth-
ers reactions. Display your innate intelligence
and intuition. This combination of traits works
well for you. Tonight: Follow a hunch.
Sagittarius - (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
**** You are full of get-up-and-go. Fol-
low through on a long-term desire. Friends are
likely to support you in a meeting where you
present a unique idea. Recognize others for
supporting you, and let them know how much
you appreciate it. Tonight: So what if it is Mon-
day night?
Born today: Actor Steven Seagal (1952),
actor Omar Sharif (1932), publisher Joseph
Pulitzer (1847)

home decor indoor gardening beauty tips taste buds

bottle bud vases
Materials: Empty bottles, spray paint, painters
tape, puff paint
Method: First, wash out those bottles! If your
bottles have labels on them, soak in warm water
until its easy to peel the label off. Spray your rst
bottle. You may need two coats if your bottle is
printed. To take it to the next level, take your paint-
ers tape and start making patterns of your choice
like stripes, a sun burst, and more stripes! Use puff
paint to create dotted designs that pop out from the
bottle. Let dry for about 30 minutes before spray
painting. Now youve got all your bottles ready to
go, put owers or buds into the bottles to turn them
into bottle vase.
scented geranium
Start exploring the world of scented geraniums and
youll be amazed at the range of aromas they offer:
Choose from rose, lemon, lime, nutmeg, ginger, or
chocolate scents, just to name a few. They also
present a lovely range of leaf shapes, from lacy to
shield. And many have soft, fuzzy foliage thats as
fun to touch as it is to smell.
What it needs: Grow scented geraniums in a
bright spot protected from drafts. Water and feed
regularly with a general-purpose plant food.
Test garden tip: Make sure your scented ge-
raniums get plenty of light; otherwise theyll grow
long and leggy. If they become lanky, pinch them
back to encourage bushy growth. Use the parts you
pinched off as cuttings.
home remedies for dry hair
Vinegar acts like a conditioner on dry hair; it also
has the desirable effect of removing dandruff. Take
about half a cup of vinegar and mix in 2 cups of wa-
ter. Use this liquid as a conditioner after you have
rinsed the shampoo out of your hair. Allow it to stay
on for a few minutes and then rinse off completely
with water.
Aloe vera treatment can help give a shine and
soft texture that makes frizzy hair manageable.
Make a paste with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 4
tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 3 tablespoons of
curd and leave this on your hair for about half an
hour.
BBQ chicken pizza
Ingredients: 1 (10-ounce) Italian cheese-avored
thin pizza crust, 3/4 cup tomato chutney, 2 cups
chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken
breasts, 2/3 cup diced plum tomato, 3/4 cup shred-
ded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, 1/3 cup
chopped green onions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 450. Place crust
on a baking sheet. Bake at 450for 3 minutes. Re-
move from oven; spread chutney over crust, leav-
ing a 1/2-inch border.
Top chutney with chicken. Sprinkle diced tomato,
cheese, and green onions evenly over chicken.
Bake at 450 for 9 minutes or until cheese melts.
Cut pizza into 6 wedges.

Dear Abby
Long-distance relationship
may be too far to overcome
By Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby: My boyfriend and I have been together
off and on for more than two years. We have been in a
long-distance relationship the entire time. I live in Cali-
fornia, and he lives in the Midwest. Ive been trying to
get him out here because I have a job I love, and he could
easily get a job in his sector out here.
His issue is that this area has too many people and is
too fast-paced for him. Im not sure what to do. I dont
want to quit my job and move there.
Finding a job there wouldnt be easy
since construction is not booming as
much. What do I do? Do I just give
up my job, or keep trying to convince
him to move? Or should I cut my
losses and start over?
Long-distance dating
Dear long distance: I dont
think you should give up a job
Abigail Van Buren you love in an environment you
enjoy on the chance that this
two-year relationship might become permanent.
If it goes nowhere, where does that leave you?
Its time to ask yourself whether you really want to
tie your future to someone who prefers a different
way of life. Once you answer that question, you
will know what to do.
Dear Abby: My son has his masters degree in inter-
national relations, so he travels to places I will never see.
Hes in Italy now, and he asked me what I would like for
a souvenir. I said I wanted his memories.
I asked him to get a bag and put in it menus, train tick-
ets and bar napkins, and to jot down at night on hotel
stationery what he did, saw, how the weather was. I asked
him to mention anything different or unusual and collect
coasters, valet stubs, anything that would help him share
his experiences with me when he gets back.
I said that when we go through all the stuff, I will
get my vicarious thrill then better that than some
tchotchke Id have to dust. Good idea?
Proud mom in Florida
Dear proud mom: Great idea! As the years
go on, those memory joggers will let you both
relive the adventures hes having now, and they
will become increasingly precious. I know it from
experience.
Dear Abby: I am sure this issue affects many people,
but I have not seen it addressed in your column. Often-
times married partners are separated by many years in
age. Eventually the older of them has to enter a long-term
care facility due to a mental/physical defect.
Even though the bond and love that kept them together
over the years still exists, the younger still has physical
and emotional needs that can no longer be met by the
older spouse. What are the ethics in the younger one hav-
ing a friend with benets to address those needs, if its
done discreetly without causing embarrassment and hu-
miliation to the older spouse?
Friends with benefits
Dear friends: This is a highly personal deci-
sion that no one can make for anyone else. While
many readers may disagree, I see nothing wrong
with taking care of yourself as long as you remem-
ber you have a moral obligation to support your
spouse til death do you part. To me that means
visiting and spending time with your spouse every
day to ensure his/her needs are taken care of in
a compassionate and diligent manner, and to let
the person know he or she is loved.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also
known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by
her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby
at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los
Angeles, CA 90069.
(Source: Universal Uclick)
Kozhikode District NRI Association (KDNA) orga-
nized medical screening camp in association with
Badr Al Sama Medical Center on World Health Day
on April 7, at Badr Al Sama Medical Center, Far-
waniya.
Hundreds of association members including ladies
and children and people from various labour camps
visited and utilized the medical screening camp. Free
medical tests such as blood sugar, blood pressure,
creatinine, cholesterol, Kidney and Liver function and
whats on today
Site for checking travel ban www.kuwaitcourts.gov.kw/mojweb/NGeneral/Main.jsp
Arabic courses at AWARE: We are
pleased to announce that registration for
the Summer I Arabic courses Schedule
(April 9-May 20, 2017) has started at the
AWARE Center.
We will offer beginners weekday
evening & weekend morning courses.
AWARE Members are eligible for a
20% discount off each course & group
registration of 5 or more will be eligible
for a 10% discount off the course. For all
course details & registration, please visit:
www.aware.com.kw/class.aspx
For more details, do not hesitate to
contact us by email: info@aware.com.kw
or call: 65523746
Fresh at Dar Al Funoon: Dar Al Fu-
noon is presenting exhibition titled Fresh
by Karim Ghidinelli until April 22
Karim Ghidinelli was born in Brescia,
Italy. He received his Bachelors and Mas-
ters degrees at Savannah College of Art
& Design, Savannah, GA. He has widely
exhibited in the United States of America
and Europe. For the third time, Ghidinelli
will present his most recent work at Dar
Al Funoon. Karim lives and works in New
York, USA.
Artists statement: Fresh, as in re-
newed, innovative and free. Freshness
as the liberation from stagnant and re-
dundant policies and tendencies. Fresh
as positive, peaceful and meaningful
evolution. In this ever certain world of ab-
solute truths and populist totalitarianism.
I offer no answer, merely the honesty of
my journey, my reections and dilemmas,
Id rather continue to ask, than attempt an
overly simplistic answer.
Gallery hours Sunday to Thursday:
10:00 am-1:00 pm and 4:00-8:00 pm.
Saturday: by appointment. Getting To
The Gallery A1-Watiah, Behbehani Com-
pound, House No. 28. For further infor-
mation call +965 2243 3183. website:
www.daralfunoon-kwcom.
EduEX 2017 Education Fair: The
EduEX 2017 Education Fair will take
place Saturday, April 08-Monday, April
10, 2017, at Kuwait International Fair-
specialist doctors service was available for Gynecol- lundi, Santhosh Punathil, Ubaid Chakkittakandy also
ogy, Urology, Ortho and Pediatrics. attended the inaugural function.
Medical camp was inaugurated by Ashraf Ayoor, Santhosh Nambayil, Abdurahman M.P., Abdul
Project Manager Badr Al Sama Medical Center and Salam, Karunakaran Perambra, Mohammad Ali Ara-
Nitin Menon, Marketing Manager offered up to free kkal, Haneefa Kuttichira, Dinesh Meppurath, Shabin
Medical Tests up to KD 10 (ten) for next one month to Pateri, Vinayan Calicut, Ashraf Balussery, Womens
celebrate world health month. Forum Representative Jayalalitha Krishnan, Shahina
KDNA Ofce bearers Suresh Mathur, Zubair M.M., Zubair, Indira Karunakaran, Shibija Raj were among
Kalathil Abdurahman spoke during the inaugural func- the few volunteered the camp and Aysha Sana Anas
tion. Zaheer Alakkal, Ilias Thottathil, Krishnan Kada- controlled the Registration process.
emergency number 112
Civil ID info: 1889988
grounds Hall 7 from 9.30 am-1.30 pm, Savannah College of Art and Design. respite from school & siblings and a de-
4.30 pm - 9.30 pm. The fair will include EducationUSA Advisers will be present parture from the pressures of normal life,
representatives from 25 US colleges and at the fair to answer students questions Venalthanima is here once again to drive
universities who will provide information about higher education in the US, includ- the participants to a world of their dreams.
about their schools and answer questions ing the admissions process. US Embassy This years theme is Back to Books.
from students and parents about educa- Consular Ofcers will also be present to Inter-active and activity oriented train-
tional opportunities in the United States. answer questions about the student visa ing sessions by experts on diverse top-
The following universities will attend the ics, outdoor activities etc, are part of the
application process.
event: Temple University; Colorado State Additional information about the fair camp. Renowned Human/personality de-
velopment trainers will lead various ses-
University, Fort Collins; Indiana Universi- can be found at www.KUWAIT-EDUEX.
ty, Bloomington; Kansas State University; com sions along with a team of experts.
Participants will be divided into 3
Virginia Tech; University of Missouri, Co- For more information about studying in
lumbia; Wayne State University; Portland the United States please visit http://www. groups based on their age Sub Jun-
State University; West Virginia University; educationusa.state.gov/. Visit us @Ku- iors (Class 4 & 5), Juniors (Class 6-8)
Loyola University of Chicago; University wait.uscmbassy.gov and Seniors ( Class 9-12). The number of
of Oklahoma; NewSchool of Architec- participants will be limited to 50 in each
Group on a rst-come rst-serve basis, in
ture & Design, San Diego; University of
Kentucky; Missouri University of Science Venalthanima 2017: The purpose order to give maximum personal attention
& Technology; University of Dayton; driven annual camp for students Ven- to each participant. The camp is sched-
Saginaw Valley State University; Univer- althanima 2017 a three day personality uled to be from May 4-6, 2017 (Thur-Sat)
sity of Oregon; St. Cloud State University; development & leadership training work- at Thanima Centre, Julaiah.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale; shop organized by Thanima, the socio- Those who look forward to a fantabu-
cultural group active in Kuwait, is gearing lous camping experience to develop their
University of California-Irvine (UCI); Uni-
versity of Colorado, Boulder; University up for an explosion this year too with one independence, self-esteem and a long
lasting friendship amongst each other,
of California-Davis; University of South and only aim of a total educational expe-
Florida; University of Central Florida; and rience much more than a recreation. A pursue new interests, develop tness
& sports skills, are invited to register at
the earliest at www.thanimakuwait.com/
vtapps/ until April 10, 2017, subject to
seat availability.
For more details, please contact
Alex Varghese (General Convener M
96004319), Mrs Beena Paul (Jt Con-
vener M. 66637801), Pratapan Nair (Jt
Convener M: 66243243) or any Thanima
Hardcore members.
Football coaching workshops: Inter-
ested in Coaching/professional develop-
ment?
This weekend Everton Academy, Bay-
an will be welcoming three top coaches
from Glasgow Celtic F.C., the Scottish
Premier League Champions, including
their International Academy Manager,
Tony Massie.
They will be delivering a certied Celtic
Coach Education program on Saturday,
6-8pm, Sunday, 6-8pm and Monday, 8-
9.30pm. Certicates will only be awarded
to coaches attending all 3 sessions.
Places are limited - register at Bayan
A yer of the event. ofce any evening 5-8pm.
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

28

Couch slouch
Writers say Peak TV has hurt them

Baldwin does double duty

as OReilly, Trump on SNL
LOS ANGELES, April 9, (Agencies): Alec
Baldwin raised eyebrows in the middle of last
nights Saturday Night Live by doing an
impression of embattled Fox News anchor Bill
OReilly hosting a virtually ad-free OReilly
Factor and then interviewing a supportive
President Donald Trump, also played by the
actor.
In doing so, Baldwin created the effect of
being on screen twice, a feat accomplished
by taping one of the performances ahead of
time. The show has employed this technique in
the past, when Dana Carvey would play both
President George H.W. Bush and presidential
candidate Ross Perot during debate sketches.
Baldwin scored laughs by telling Fac-
tor viewers the show still had a few reliable
sponsors, like Dog Cocaine. Fox News
Channel has seen dozens of advertisers seek
to move their commercials out of OReillys
program in the wake of a New York Times
report detailing payments made to women who
levied allegations of inappropriate behavior at
OReilly, who has said in a recent statement
that he had been a target, but had never been
the subject of any complaints made to Fox
News Human Resources department.
Baldwin also reprised his popular impres-
sion of the President in the shows cold
open, in which the fake Commander-in-Chief
appeared at a meeting in a rural Kentucky
town. At a town hall meeting, he tried to elicit
support for the recent US missile strike against
Syria while telling attendees his administra-
tion would cut many government services and
benets upon which they rely.
Comedian Louis C.K. delivered an extended
stand-up monologue that included a routine
asking about animals inner thoughts.
Another standout sketch poked fun at the
recent controversy surrounding Pepsis latest
commercial, which was pulled within a day
of going on the air. In a taped segment, Beck
Bennett plays a writer who calls friends from
the set of the commercial shoot to tell them
about the concept - only to learn its offensive
to people from many backgrounds.
Next week, the show will air live in prime-
time from coast to coast for the seasons last
four episodes, starting with Jimmy Fallons
hosting gig.
So-called Peak TV and its expansive array
of series has been great for viewers, say Hol-
lywood scribes, but not so much for writers.
On Monday, the Writers Guild of America will
resume negotiations over a new contract with
the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television
Producers, which represents broadcast and
cable networks and movie studios.
With the WGA moving to authorize a strike,
Hollywood is hoping to avoid a crippling work
stoppage like the 100-day strike of 2007 that
put prime-time TV into reruns and blockbuster
movies on hold.
Several issues are on the table but the most
prominent point of debate revolves around the
changing nature of the television landscape.
That there are more series than ever 455
this season, more than double the number six
years ago may seem like a plus for TV
writers. But those shows also run for fewer
episodes than the traditional 22-24 episode
broadcast series. Short seasons of 8, 10 or 12
episodes means less pay for writers whose
payment is structured on a per-episode basis.
Nowadays, two-thirds of all shows includ-
ing some on broadcast, are produced with
fewer episodes but were still paid episodic
fees, says Chris Keyser, a veteran writer and
WGA negotiating committee co-chair. I, for
example, have a show on Amazon. And I will
work for about the same amount of time as I
used to work, almost a year, for eight episodic
fees. So I am working for a fraction of what I
used to work for, even though the companies
are making double what they used to make
and I am not alone.
Five days of bargaining are scheduled to
begin Monday after an initial two weeks of
talks ended with an impasse and an offer NHK WORLD TVs oat featuring NHK NEWSLINE follows the networks mascot Domo in balloon form during The National Cherry Blos-
som Festival parade on April 8. NHK WORLD TV is a news and lifestyle channel produced fully in English and broadcast from Japan. (AP)
rejected by the guild. The WGA negotiating
committee recommended a strike authorization
vote, which the guild board and council both issued in Kuwait and to be used in China Entry of one year duration KD 51; (c) Busi-
seconded. If no settlement is reached, Guild mainland shall first be notarized and legal- ness visa: Multiple Entry of ten years duration
members will begin voting on whether to give ised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in KD 76.
their bargainers the authorization to strike Kuwait, and then be legalised by Chinese 2. Visa fee for Canadian and Japanese
on April 19. The current three-year contract
expires May 1.
click Embassy in Kuwait.
Specific requirements and information for
nationals:
(a) Tourist visa: Multiple Entry of six
Many doubt negotiations will end in a document legalisation, please refer to the months duration KD 14; (b) Tourist visa:
strike; the two sides came to agreement in Courses website of Chinese Embassy in Kuwait. Multiple Entry of one year duration KD 22;
2010 and 2013. Still fresh on the minds of both For documents issued by member countries (c) Tourist visa: Multiple Entry of ten years
writers and producers is the protracted 2007 Continued from Page 26 of the Apostille Convention*, after getting duration KD 42; (d) Business visa: Multiple
Apostilles from the competent authorities, they
strike. Without writers, late-night hosts were Entry of one year duration KD 39; (e) Busi-
forced to improvise on the y, the production can be used in Hong Kong SAR and Macao ness visa: Multiple Entry of ten years duration
99507076, 97743327. Fax 25342573 (attention SAR of China directly.
schedules of major lms were jumbled and a Enlightenment into Islam) KD 64
*Refer to the Convention of Abolishing the 3. Visa fee for Kuwaiti nationals:
season of scripted television was virtually shut Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public
down. Estimates suggest the strike cost the Los (a) Tourist visa: Multiple Entry of six
IPC Islamic Courses: Say: O my Lord, Documents months duration KD 14; (b) Business visa:
Angeles economy somewhere in the neighbor-
hood of $1.5-$2 billion. let me grow in knowledge. IPC is offering Multiple Entry of One year duration KD 39;
Islamic courses in English (for ladies only). (c) Business visa: Multiple Entry of Five years
But screenwriters, who have seen their earn- Muslims and non-Muslims are welcome. Chinese Embassy notice: Please be noted duration KD 64.
ings slide over the last decade, are emboldened 1. Tilawa Surah Ar-Rad and Surah Ibrahim that effective starting today, the photo used in a
All applicants may visit Passport and Visa
to claw back some of their losses. Sundays at 5:30-7:00 pm; 2. Principles Chinese visa application must meet the require-
ments (For details, please visit the website of Centres of CKGS at (a) 17 Floor, Behbehani
One of the most important thing we learned of Tafsir (part 2) - Sundays at 7:00-8:30 pm; Building, Sharq, Kuwait: Tel. No. 22440392
from 2007-2008 is that you get nothing with- Chinese embassy http://kw.chineseembassy.org/
3. Tajweed 3 - Tuesday, at 5:30-7:00 pm; 4.
eng/). (e-mail: indiavisa.kuwait@ckgs.com) or ;
out ghting for it, says Keyser. We didnt Jesus in Surah Mariam (part 2) - Tuesdays at (b) Complex Kais Alghanim, 4 Floor, Mecca
have our minimums, our credits, our pension 7:00-8:30 pm. Application with non-compliant photos will
not be processed. Street, in front of Annod Complex, Fahaheel,
and health plan or our jurisdiction over new Instructor: Sr Zeinab Hassan Ashry Kuwait: Tel. No. 22909229 (e-mail: indiavisa.
media without ultimately saying that we were Place: IPC - Women Section Al-Rawdah, Thank you for your attention and coopera-
tion. kuwait@ckgs.com). (c) Jleeb Al Shuyoukh
willing to ght for those things. Thats the Area 3, Street 30, House 12, opp 4th Ring (Abbasiya) 2nd Floor, Jleeb Al Shuyoukh
resolution that we bring to this negotiation. Road. Block 1, Street 1, Xcite Building, Kuwait Tel.
Yet Keyser, a former WGA president, says Email: ipc_sch@yahoo.com, Telephone: Indian Embassy notice: India has further No. 24342428) (e-mail: indiavisa.kuwait@
hes hopeful for an agreement. There is 22512257. liberalized grant of visas to nationals of USA, ckgs.com). CKGSs website is http://www.
plenty of room for the companies to make a Canada and Japan. Fee structure is as below: kw.ckgs.in.
move here, he says, claiming they collective-
ly made a record $51 billion last year. They
Embassies 1. Visa fee for USA nationals: In emergency cases, Indian Embassy accepts
visa applications directly at its Visa Wing from
(a) Tourist visa: Multiple Entry of ten years
certainly can afford to do it. Chinese Embassy notice: Documents duration KD 36; (b) Business visa: Multiple applicants.

tv highlights
Cinema
Cinema programme from Thursday 06/04/2017 to Wednesday 12/04/2017

Aftermath Al-Kout 1 11:30 (No Fri) 20:00, 22:00, 00:05 Get Out Avenues 1 11:30 (No Fri) Showtime Available for Groups 09:30 am
13:30, 15:30, 17:30, Bairaq 2 12:45 (No Fri) 15:45 A Beautiful Planet 3D 10:30 am
Sharqia 1 12:00 (No Fri) Fanar 1 15:45, 22:30
19:30, 21:30 14:45 360 5 23:45 05:30 pm, 07:30 pm
14:00, 18:00, 22:00 Marina 3 23:45
Al-Kout 3 12:30 (No Fri) Bairaq 3 20:00, 22:00, 00:05 360 14 11:30 (Sat) Humpback Whales 3D 11:30 am
Sharqia 3 00:45 Avenues 3 14:30
14:30 Grand Hamra 1 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00 15:45 (No Mon) 09:30 pm
Muhalab 1 11:45 (No Fri) Bairaq 1 13:00 (No Fri) Avenues 9 22:15, 00:30
23:00 (Thu, Fri) Flying Monsters 3D 12:30 pm, 06:30 pm
13:45, 18:30, 20:30, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 360 3 11:45 (No Fri) Yabani Asly
22:30, 00:30 Grand Gate 5 14:00, 16:15, 18:45, 21:15 Journey to Space 3D 08:30 pm
21:00, 23:00 14:15, 16:30, 18:45,
23:30 (Thu, Fri) Grand Hamra 7 15:45, 19:45, 22:00
Fanar 3 12:00 (No Fri) Laila 18:30, 20:30 (No Wed) 21:00, 23:15 Tuesday
00:15 (Thu, Fri)
14:00, 16:00, 20:00 Ajial 3 19:00 Smurfs: The Lost Village Grand Hamra 2 15:15, 17:45, 20:00, 22:15
Grand Gate 3 14:45, 17:15, 19:15, Showtime Available for Groups 09:30 am
Fanar 4 22:15, 00:15
Marina 1 12:00 (No Fri)
Grand Hamra 5 14:45, 16:45 (Arabic Film) Safra 5 Njoom (Arabic Film) 21:15, 23:15 Journey to Space 3D 10:30 am
Grand Hamra 6 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00 Muhalab 3 14:00, 18:00
14:00, 16:00, 22:00, 00:05 Fanar 5 19:00, 21:00, 23:00 Les Malheurs De Sophie 04:30 pm
Grand Gate 1 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, Fanar 5 13:00 (No Fri)
Avenues 4 01:15 Avenues 3 12:15 (No Fri) Flying Monsters 3D 11:30 am
20:00, 22:15 Avenues 7 13:00 (No Fri)
Avenues 10 12:30 (No Fri) 15:00, 17:00 16:45, 19:00, 21:15, 23:30 09:30 pm
Marina 3 17:45 17:15, 19:30
14:45, 17:00, 19:15 Max Steel Avenues 4 20:30 (No Thu) 360 5 12:00 (No Fri)
A Beautiful Planet 3D 12:30 pm, 02:30 pm,
Avenues 11 22:00, 00:05 Avenues 9 13:15 (No Fri) 360 9 21:00, 23:15 05:30 pm, 08:30 pm
Grand Hamra 3 14:15, 18:15, 20:15, 22:15 14:15, 16:30, 21:30
360 8 11:30 (No Fri) 15:15, 17:15 360 11 13:15 (No Fri) Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 01:30 pm
01:00 (Thu, Fri)
13:45, 16:00, 18:15, 360 4 12:00 (No Fri) 15:30, 17:45, 20:00, Salt And Fire Humpback Whales 3D 03:30 pm, 06:30 pm
Grand Gate 6 14:45, 16:45, 19:00,
20:30, 22:45, 01:00 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 22:15, 00:30 Secret Ocean 3D 07:30 pm
21:00, 23:00 Avenues 8 12:45 (No Fri)
360 9 01:15 20:00, 22:00 Al-Kout 3 16:30, 18:30, 20:30, 14:45, 16:45, 00:45 Wednesday
Al-Kout 1 23:30 Kong: Skull Island Bairaq 3 12:00 (No Fri) 22:30, 00:30 360 2 13:30, 17:45, 22:00
Al-Kout 4 13:00 (No Fri) 14:00, 16:00, 18:00 Bairaq 2 19:15, 23:30 Showtime Available for Groups 09:30 am
Sharqia 2 23:30 360 4 00:05
17:00, 21:00 Muhalab 1 15:45 Ajial 3 17:00, 21:00 Grand Gate 8 14:30, 16:30, 18:30, Flying Monsters 3D 10:30 am
Grand Hamra 4 14:30, 16:30, 18:30, Muhalab 2 23:00 20:30, 22:45 Kaatru Veliyidai (Tamil Film) 05:30 pm
20:30, 22:30 Power Rangers
Fanar 1 13:15 (No Fri) 360 7 19:30 (Fri, Sat, Mon) A Beautiful Planet 3D 11:30 am
00:45 (Thu, Fri) 17:45 Grand Hamra 5 19:15, 21:45 Mahbas (Solitaire) 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm
Grand Hamra GC 15:00, 17:30, 20:00, 22:30 Plaza 15:30, 18:30,
Avenues 2 11:45 (No Fri) Akher Deek Fe Masr (Arabic Film) Marina 1 18:00, 20:00 21:30 (No Thu) Humpback Whales 3D 12:30 pm
01:00 (Thu, Fri) 22:15, 00:45 Avenues 8 18:45, 20:45, 22:45 Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 07:30 pm
Grand Gate 2 14:30, 17:00, 19:15, 21:30 Fanar 1 13:30 (Fri) Ajial 4 16:00, 19:00,
Avenues 4 22:45 360 14 17:45 (No Mon) 22:00 (No Thu) Journey to Space 3D 08:30 pm
23:45 (Thu, Fri) Avenues 9 19:30 20:15, 00:30 19:45, 21:45
Grand Gate GC 15:00, 17:30, 20:00, 22:30 Avenues 10 21:30, 00:05 Avenues 1 13:30, 17:45, 20:00, Laila 16:30, 22:30 (No Wed) Life Thursday
01:00 (Thu, Fri) 360 5 18:45 22:15, 00:30 Grand Hamra 3 16:15 360 13 14:00, 21:15 Showtime Available for Groups 09:30 am
360 7 12:00 (No Fri) 360 6 12:15 (No Fri) Grand Hamra 7 17:45
Eat Local 14:30, 16:45, 19:00,
360 14 13:30 (Fri, Sat) A Beautiful Planet 3D 10:30 am
14:30, 17:00, 22:15, 00:45 Grand Hamra 8 19:30 07:30 pm
Sharqia 1 16:00, 20:00, 00:05 23:45
19:30 (No Fri, Sat, Mon) 21:15, 23:30
Grand Hamra 8 15:30, 17:30, 22:30 Flying Monsters 3D 11:30 am
Fanar 3 18:00, 22:00, 00:05 360 13 11:30 (No Fri) Bairaq 2 21:15 Collide 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm
Fanar 5 01:00 16:15, 18:45, 23:30 Naam Shabana (Hindi Film) Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 12:30 pm
Avenues 7 15:15, 21:45, 23:45 360 15 21:15, 23:45
360 2 15:30, 20:00, 00:15 Bairaq 2 16:45
How to find us Ajial 2 15:45 (No Fri) Journey to Space 3D 05:30 pm
360 12 23:00, 01:00 18:45, 21:45 Humpback Whales 3D 08:30 pm
Grand Gate 4 14:15, 16:45, 19:30, 22:00 1. 360 Zahraa Area, South Surra, 6th Ring Road, corner of
Al-Kout 4 15:00, 19:00, 23:00, 01:00
Grand Hamra 6 22:00 Going In Style
King Faisal Highway Loot 2 (Nepali Film) Friday
2. Ajial Ajial Complex, Fahaheel Ajial 2 16:00 (Fri) A Beautiful Planet 3D 02:30 pm, 06:30 pm,
00:00 (Thu, Fri) Sharqia 3 12:45 (No Fri) 3. Al Bairaq Between Jaber Al Ali East & Al Agalia West
Grand Gate 7 14:15, 16:15, 18:15, 14:45, 16:45, 18:45, 09:30 pm
4. Al Fanar Al Fanar Complex, Salem Al Mubarak Street, near Kavan (Tamil Film) Journey to Space 3D 03:30 pm
20:15, 22:15 20:45, 22:45 Sultan Center, Salmiya Plaza 15:30, 21:30 (Thu) Humpback Whales 3D 04:30 pm
00:15 (Thu, Fri) Muhalab 2 13:00 (No Fri) 5. Al Kout Al-Kout Complex, at the end of the Coastal Road, Ajial 4 16:00, 19:00, 22:00 (Thu) Secret Ocean 3D 05:30 pm
15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00
Smurfs: The Lost Village Muhalab 3 00:05
Fahaheel Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 07:30 pm
Sharqia 2 11:30 (No Fri) 6. Al Muhalab Al Muhalab Complex, Behind Hawally Clinic, Hawally Angamaly Diaries Flying Monsters 3D 08:30 pm
Fanar 2 11:45 (No Fri)
13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 13:45, 15:45, 17:45,
7. Al Sharqiya Arabian Gulf Street, Souq Sharq, near the Amiri Hospital (Malayalam Film)
19:30, 21:30 19:45, 21:45, 23:45
8. Laila Gallery Salem Al Mubarak Street, near Sultan Center, Salmiya Plaza 18:30 (Thu) Saturday
Muhalab 3 12:00 (No Fri) Marina 2 12:15 (No Fri) 9. Marina Marina Mall, Between Salem Al Mubarak Street & Ajial 1 15:30, 18:30, 21:30 Showtime Available for Groups 09:30 am
16:00, 20:00, 22:00 14:15, 16:15, 18:15, Arabian Gulf Street, Salmiya Flying Monsters 3D 10:30 am
Fanar 4 12:15 (No Fri) 20:15, 22:15, 00:15 10. Metro Metro Complex, Farwaniya, near Crowne Plaza Hotel &
IMAX 05:30 pm, 07:30 pm
14:15, 16:15, 18:15, 20:15 Avenues 4 11:45 (No Fri) Farwaniya Garden A Beautiful Planet 3D 11:30 am
Imax film programme at The Scientific
Marina 3 11:45 (No Fri) 13:45, 16:00, 18:15 11. Plaza Salem Al Mubarak Street, near Sultan Center, Salmiya Center 03:30 pm, 08:30 pm
13:45, 15:45, 19:45, 21:45 Avenues 5 21:00, 23:15 12. The Avenues The Avenues Mall, Al Reggai near Al Rai, 5th Ring Journey to Space 3D 12:30 pm, 06:30 pm,
Avenues 2 14:15, 16:15, 18:15, 20:15 Avenues 6 11:30 (No Fri) Road & Ghazali Road Intersection Sunday 09:30 pm
Avenues 5 13:00 (No Fri) 13:30, 15:45, 18:00, NB: Friday no show before 1:30 pm Showtime Available for Groups 09:30 am Humpback Whales 3D 01:30 pm
15:00, 17:00, 19:00 20:15, 22:30, 00:45 Regular show KD3:000; 3D-Digital KD3.500; VIP show Flying Monsters 3D 10:30 am Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 02:30 pm
Avenues 11 12:00 (No Fri) 360 1 12:30 (No Fri) KD6.000. On Monday, price is KD1.500 except Digital movies. 07:30 pm Secret Ocean 3D 04:30 pm
14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00 14:45, 17:00, 19:15, A Beautiful Planet 3D 11:30 am
360 10 12:15 (No Fri) 21:30, 23:45
Cinescape cinema movies inquiries and Fax Back hotline 1803456 Notes: All films are in Arabic. For
06:30 pm, 09:30 pm
14:15, 16:15, 18:15 360 9 11:45 (No Fri) 13. The Scientific Center IMAX Opp Holiday Inn, Salmiya, Gulf Road English, headsets are available upon
Journey to Space 3D 12:30 pm
360 12 13:00, 17:00 (No Fri) 14:00, 16:30, 18:45 request. Film schedule is subject to chang-
14. Grand Al-Hamra Grand Al-Hamra, tel: 22270333, www.grand cinemas.com Humpback Whales 3D 05:30 pm
es without notice.
15:00, 19:00, 21:00 360 10 20:15, 22:30, 00:45 Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 08:30 pm
360 15 13:15 (No Fri) Al-Kout 2 12:00 (No Fri) 15. Grand Gate Grand Gate, tel: 22056464, www.grandcinemas.com For information call 1 848 888 or visit
15:15, 17:15, 19:15 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, Monday www.tsck.org.kw

HEALTH
Connecticut optometrists seek to limit online eye exams
HARTFORD, Conn, April 9, (Agencies): Some
optometrists are pushing back against new
technology that allows consumers to get pre-
scriptions for contact lenses and glasses with
the click of a keyboard and a smartphone.
While proponents of these limited online eye
exams argue they provide both nancial sav-
ings and convenience, medical professionals
contend patients could be put at risk. Without
a full, face-to-face exam from a doctor, they ar-
gue potential medical problems could be over-
looked.
Our concern is making sure that people get
the health of their eyes checked, said Connect-
icut state Rep Kevin Ryan, who has a doctor of
optometry degree. He has proposed legislation
this session that would require in-person eye
examinations conducted by an optometrist or a
physician who specializes in ophthalmology for
contact lens prescriptions.
More than a dozen states have decided to
regulate online exams in recent years, accord-
ing to the American Optometric Association.
In Virginia, for example, online eye exam pro-
viders must meet certain consumer protection
standards, while South Carolina last year barred
consumers from getting a prescription for
glasses or contact lenses from an online exam.
Calif women have banned flame retardants in their bloodstreams
Ryan said an optometrist will make sure a
patients contact lenses, which he referred to as
a medical device on the eye, are a good t.
Ryan said lenses can cause damage to the eye
if theyre not properly tted. Also, he said pro-
fessional ttings typically include checking the
pressure in the eye and basic eye health to make
sure no adverse conditions have developed. In
contrast, Ryan said the online tests are unprov-
en and untested and there have been examples
of patients receiving the wrong prescription.
Risk
Im going to say for like 95 percent of the
people ... they can get away with this, he said,
referring to the online exams, which typically
include a refraction test that measures a per-
sons prescription for glasses or contacts. But
everybody is kind of taking a risk. Another
health condition can develop in your eye that
you just wont be aware of.
Chicago-based Opternative is one of several
companies offering a variation of an online eye
test. According to the companys website, their
test takes 15 minutes or less to complete. The
patient tells Opternative what he or she sees on
a computer screen, standing 10 feet away, by
using a smart phone as a remote control. The
website states how a previous prescription is re-
quired most of the time. An ophthalmologist
in the patients state will review the test results
and their prior prescription.
The procedure costs $40 for a prescription
for eye glasses or contracts and $60 for both,
while a typical exam by an optometrist can cost
$127 on average, according to the company.
Opternative states how the procedure is not a
replacement for a comprehensive eye health
examination.
Opternative, which led a lawsuit last year
challenging the South Carolina law banning on-
line exams, is ghting the proposed Connecti-
cut legislation.
New clinically proven technologies like
Opternative would be blocked from providing
patients access to safe, convenient and low-cost
prescriptions for glasses and contacts, said Dr.
Steven Lee, OC, chief scientic ofcer and co-
founder of Opternative, in written testimony.
He said state lawmakers should pass legislation
that enhances patient access to telehealth, not
diminish it.
But Dr. Brian Lynch, a practicing optom-
etrist in Branford, Connecticut, and the legisla-
tive chairman for the Connecticut Association
of Optometrists, argues such online tests dont
meet the benchmark already created in the
states telemedicine laws.
It will leave patients with serious ocular
and systemic issues undiagnosed and delay
the care patients should be receiving, he said.
But without a medical history, how could they
know?
Two toxic chemicals banned in the US in
2005 are still nding their way into the blood-
streams of California women, suggesting that
sources of exposure persist in homes and in the
environment, researchers say.
The flame retardant chemicals called
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers, or PBDEs,
were used to treat polyurethane foam, hard
plastics, textiles, glues and wire insulation,
among other products, until 2006 in the US.
They were banned a few years earlier in Eu-
rope.
We dont fully understand the health conse-
quences of exposures to these chemicals in hu-
mans. Laboratory studies in animals, however,
have shown that PBDEs can interfere with nor-
mal development of the neurologic system, dis-
rupt the proper functioning of the immune and
hormonal systems, and may promote cancer
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
29
lead author Susan Hurley told Reuters Health
in an email.
Effects
Concerns that similar effects might occur
in people led to the voluntary phase-out and
banning of these chemicals, said Hurley, a re-
searcher with the Cancer Prevention Institute of
California, in Berkeley.
Small studies in the past, almost entirely fo-
cused on young women, suggested that PBDE
levels in people dropped immediately after the
chemicals were banned, Hurley said.
To check more recent levels in a larger and
different population, the researchers analyzed
blood samples from 1,253 women participating
in an ongoing study of California teachers. The
participants, mostly between the ages of 60 and
79, provided blood samples regularly between
May 2011 and August 2015.
Exposure to PBDEs was common, Hurley
said, (they) were found in at least three-
quarters of the women we tested. And there
was a small, but statistically meaningful in-
crease in the blood levels of both chemicals
over the four-year study period, the study
team reports in Environmental Science and
Technology.
 Mubadala expected to raise over $1 billion
Abu Dhabis government-owned fund
Mubadala will raise in excess of $1 billion
with a dual-tranche dollar bond, banking
sources close to the matter said on Sunday.
The bond issuance, with tranches of
seven and 12 years, is expected to be of
benchmark size for each tranche, the
sources said. Benchmark bonds are tradi-
tionally meant to be upwards of $500 mil-
lion.
A Mubadala spokesman declined to com-
ment.
Barclays, HSBC, Natixis, National Bank
of Abu Dhabi, SMBC Nikko and Standard
Chartered are the joint lead managers and
bookrunners for the new deal.
The company started pre-marketing the
potential transaction to investors last Friday
and will have a global investor call on April
10, the bankers said. The deal is expected
to price as early as April 11.
Mubadala is merging with Abu Dhabi-
owned International Petroleum Investment
Company (IPIC). It said last January that
the merged entity will have assets of about
$125 billion. (RTRS)
Iran security body reviewing new IPC oil contracts
Irans top security body is still reviewing
the Iran Petroleum Contract (IPC)
model, Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh
was quoted as saying on Sunday, as
the contracts aimed at attracting foreign
investors appear to face fresh delays.
In January, Iran named 29 compa-
nies from more than a dozen coun-
tries as being allowed to bid for oil
and gas projects under the IPC, which
Tehran hopes will boost production
after years of sanctions.
But the IPC model has been
delayed several times due to opposi-
tion from hardline rivals of President
Hassan Rouhani.
The new oil contracts (IPCs) are
currently being reviewed by the
Supreme National Security Council,
Zanganeh told parliament, the stu-
dents news agency ISNA reported.
Zanganeh did not elaborate or say
how long the review might take, ISNA
and other agencies reported.
The IPC model ends a buy-back
system dating back more than 20
years under which Iran did not allow
foreign firms to book reserves or take
equity stakes in Iranian companies.
Oil majors have said they would only
go back to Iran if it makes major chang-
es to the buy-back contracts, which
companies such as Frances Total or
Italys Eni have said made them no
money or even incurred losses. The IPC
has more flexible terms that take into
account oil price fluctuations and invest-
ment risks, a senior Iranian oil official
told Reuters in November. (RTRS)

Market Movements 07-04-2017

Business
Change Closing pts Change Closing pts
JAPAN - Nikkei +67.57 18,664.63 INDIA - Sensex -220.73 29,706.61
PHILIPPINES - All Shares +15.35 4,524.16 HONG KONG - Hang Seng -6.42 24,267.30
AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries +5.30 5,902.60 S. KOREA - KRX 100 -5.73 4,324.59
GERMANY - DAX -5.83 12,225.06
FRANCE - CAC 40 +13.84 5,135.28
EUROPE - Euro Stoxx 50 +6.23 3,495.80

Antitrust settlement conditional on market reaction

Business trumps politics as utilities back EU deal with Gazprom

RIGA/BRUSSELS, April 9, (RTRS):
Some big utilities in eastern Europe are
backing a proposed EU antitrust settle-
ment with Russian state gas exporter
Gazprom, increasing the chances of a
deal that is opposed by countries striv-
ing to loosen the Kremlins grip over
their energy sectors.
The provisional agreement,
announced last month, would see
Gazprom avoid a fine of up to 10 per-
cent of its global turnover over EU
charges it abused its dominant market
position and overcharged clients in
eight eastern European nations.
In return the Kremlins gas giant,
which denies the charges, has offered
concessions on contract terms and
pricing to settle one of the EUs larg-
est, longest-running antitrust cases.
However, the deal is subject to feed-
back from EU states and market play-
ers in the region and could still be
amended or even abandoned.
Many of the countries involved
once in the orbit of Moscow and reli-
ant on Gazprom for the bulk of their
gas supplies are disappointed at the
EUs deal-making. They believe
Russia has been exploiting their
dependence in a region where gas pric-
es can make or break governments and
want to see Gazprom punished, EU
diplomats said.
Russia uses the full arsenal of tools
to deploy influence: military, econom-
ic, political and even cultural, an EU
diplomat said. Is there a country that
doesnt want this case solved? Probably
not ... but there is a lot of anger.
EU antitrust authorities say the case
is not political and that the market
response will take priority. A settle-
ment would smooth business ties with
Russia, which supplies around a third
of its gas, despite tensions over
Ukraine and Syria.
The agreement has drawn a positive
response from some big utilities and
network operators which said it would
allow them to strike better deals with
Gazprom, increasing the likelihood the
EU will accept the Russian companys
concessions.
Bowing to EU conditions,
Gazproms offer would see it do away
with contract terms that bar clients
from exporting its gas to other coun-
tries and tie deals to investments in
pipelines. The company would also
link its prices to benchmarks such as
European gas market hub prices, rath-
er than oil, and allow clients to renego-
tiate the prices every two years.
It (the deal) is a very welcome step
if it is made a reality, the head of
Latvias public utilities commission,
Rolands Irklis, told Reuters. It would
give Latvia a direct access to the
European markets even if (it) is not
directly connected to the infrastruc-
ture, he said.
Aigars Kalvitis, head of gas utility
Latvijas Gaze, which is partly owned
by Gazprom, said the settlement could
help it negotiate more favourable
terms for its long-term Russian gas
contracts, which expire in 2030.
Slovakian gas utility SPP said
Gazprom had already scrapped curbs
on cross-border trade and shown more
flexibility on pricing in recent years.
The pledges could further boost inte-
gration on gas markets, a spokesman
said, leading to higher energy securi-
ty.
The EU member states where
Gazprom has allegedly engaged in
anti-competitive behaviour are Poland,
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria,
Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech
Republic.
The eight governments and industry
players have until May 4 to lodge
objections to the proposal in the final
chapter of a case which began with
raids on offices in 10 countries in 2011.
A spokeswoman for the European
Commission declined to comment
ahead of the EU executives final
assessment, saying there no formal
deadline for its decision.
Its complex, politically-charged
investigation has played out against
the backdrop of tense relations since
the EU imposed sanctions on Russia
over the annexation of Crimea in 2014
and the subsequent conflict in east
Ukraine, as well as deep disagree-
ments over the Syrian civil war.
Brussels officials have repeatedly
said they want to reduce the EUs reli-
ance on Russian gas. Moscow argues
the antitrust case is politically moti-
vated something denied by Brussels.
With a settlement, however, Russia
would accept EU authority in applying
competition law something it has
long balked at. If it fails to abide, the
EU could still impose fines.
In the five years since the EU began
its antitrust probe, Gazprom has shift-
ed its strategy under pressure from
increased competition from LNG
imports, price arbitration cases brought
by Western customers and more
liquidity on Europes energy markets.
It abandoned some of its most con-
tentious practices and sold stakes in
some gas pipelines in response to new
EU energy rules.
Gazprom is offering new trade
tools, adapting and perfecting the con-
tract model in accordance with our
clients needs, Elena Burmistrova,
who heads its export arm, wrote in an
industry publication earlier this year.
Some EU diplomats have ques-
tioned the Commissions decision to
pursue a case against US tech giant
Google that will likely lead to hefty
fines while settling with Russias gas
exporter.
Poland has threatened to take the
European Commission to court if it
settles on a deal that its state-run ener-
gy company PGNiG called far from
enough. PGNiG estimates it has been
losing almost $1 billion per year from
buying Russian gas at oil-linked prices
but reselling it at hub-linked prices.
Others say the settlement is too lit-
tle, too late particularly in the Baltic
states and Czech Republic, which have
taken their own steps to break
Gazproms supply monopoly.
The Czech Republic, for example,
has been buying Norwegian gas for
several years.
We have done the homework,
Czech energy security ambassador
Vaclav Bartuska told Reuters. You
can only force your supplier to behave
if he knows you have alternatives? ...
fines and investigations can alleviate
the situation for some time but are not
a permanent solution.
After Lithuania broke Gazproms
supply monopoly by opening a
Liquefied Natural Gas terminal in
2014, it won a 20-percent discount on
Russian gas supplies. Since 2015, it
has been trading gas with Estonia and
plans to include Latvia this year.
Gazprom no longer has meaningful
levers for influence in the Baltic
states, the head of its state-owned gas
network operator Dalius Misiunas said.
Latvia, meanwhile, regards
Gazproms settlement pledges as sim-
ply agreeing to abide by existing EU
energy rules rather than making mean-
ingful concessions, said Olga
Bogdanova, head of energy at the eco-
nomics ministry.
Despite the cautious optimism from
bigger market players, traders and
smaller clients said Gazproms con-
cessions came with too many strings
attached, such as restrictions on time,
volume, location and fees for gas
swapping.
What kind of commitment is this,
if I have to walk through fire to use
them? one executive in the Baltics
said. These commitments do not cost
Gazprom anything ... Gazprom should
be punished.

Pacific Controls owes $381 mln

Creditors pursuing legal

action against Dubai co
DUBAI, April 9, (RTRS): More
creditors of Dubai technology
company Pacific Controls are
pursuing court action against the
company as they seek to recoup
some of the 1.4 billion dirhams
($381 million) theyre owed,
banking sources said.
The company, which has
served clients including tele-
coms firm Etisalat and Dubai
Civil Defence, has been strug-
gling since last year as cashflow
has dwindled. Several of the
roughly 19 banks that have
exposure to the company have
now asked for court consent to
seize its data centre in Dubai and
other assets, the sources said.
Pacific Controls did not
respond to an emailed request
for comment and staff answering
the phone at the firm directed
requests for comment to be sent
by email to Chief Executive
Sanjay Nayak. Nayak did not
respond to an emailed request
for comment.
The data centre acts as secu-
rity against a syndicated loan the
company has been unable to
make payments on, while other
assets the firm holds are security
against bilateral debt the firm
has not been able to meet, the
sources said.
Pacific Controls is one of
many Gulf companies that are
floundering as more than two
years of low oil prices drag
down economic growth and
business activity, leaving banks
with a rising number of bad
loans.
Mashreq, National Bank of
Fujairah, Dubai Islamic Bank,
Ajman Bank, United Arab Bank
and Noor Bank are among the
lenders pursuing legal action
against Pacific Controls via the
Dubai civil courts, the sources
said. They join Emirates NBD,
43 tenders worth $915 mn
which is already pursuing legal
action.
Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq
and United Arab Bank declined
to comment, while the other
banks did not respond to requests
for comment.
Banks hope to sell the data
centre to telecommunications
firm Etisalat, which is a current-
ly using it as a customer.
Pacific Controls built the data
centre in 2011 with an invest-
ment of $85 million in order to
manage data services for build-
ing control and automation.
More recently, the privately-
owned firm has branched out
into cloud computing and the
internet of things.
Bankers hope a sale will allow
them to recover at least part of
the outstanding amount theyre
owed, although several banks
have taken provisions against
their exposure, the sources said.
Creditors optimism about a
turnaround of the firm has
soured in recent months as the
companys founder and execu-
tive chairman and former chief
executive Dilip Rahulan remains
overseas, having left for the
United States last summer for
surgery, the sources said.
Staff answering the compa-
nys office confirmed his
absence and said there was no
information on his return. They
declined to provide Rahulans
contact details, instead directing
enquiries about the firm to
Nayak, who was appointed chief
executive after Rahulans depar-
ture overseas.
KPMG, which was hired last
year to advise on a potential
restructuring of the companys
debt, has stopped working on the
matter because of non-payment
of its fees, a source with direct
knowledge of the situation said.
Saudi prepares debut dollar
sukuk with US risk disclosure
Move seen as precedent for future international sukuks
DUBAI, April 9, (RTRS):
Saudi Arabia has included
a disclosure on credit risk
retention requirements,
part of the US Dodd-Frank
Act, in the prospectus of a
debut dollar sukuk which
it is expected to issue this
week and could total $10
billion.
The disclosure to comply with
the act, which the US Congress
introduced after the financial crisis
to reduce risk-taking, has not been
made for other sovereign sukuk
issues.
The US retention rule was set to
align the interests of issuers of asset
backed securities (ABS) with those of
ABS investors by asking the sponsor
of an ABS securitisation to have skin
in the game by retaining 5 percent of
the credit risk associated with the
securities it is issuing.
In its sukuk prospectus, Saudi
In this file photo, an Iraqi worker operates valves in Nihran Bin Omar field north of Basra, 340 miles (550 kms) Arabia says that it does not consider its
southeast of Baghdad, Iraq. Addressing an energy conference in Baghdad, Iraqs oil minister said that the country
plans to increase daily crude oil production to 5 million barrels by the end of this year, up from the current rate of planned sukuk a securitisation, but that
about 4.4 million barrels per day. (AP) the issuance may be captured, as a
technical matter, by the language of
the US risk retention rules.
24th Forum on Fundamentals of Oil and Gas Industry kicks off in Kuwait Considered
Sukuk are generally considered to
Future of oil prices unpredictable: OAPEC chief be asset-based, rather than asset-
backed, but in order to comply with
the rules, it will purchase at least 5
KUWAIT CITY, April 9, (KUNA): It
percent of the aggregate principal
is hard to predict international oil pric-
es over the coming period, Secretary
General of the Organization of Arab
Qatar GDP growth slows in Q4 amount of each tranche it issues, the
Saudi prospectus shows.
Saudi Arabias ministry of finance
Petroleum Exporting Countries declined to comment.
(OAPEC) Abbas Ali Al-Naqi said on
Sunday. as oil and gas sector shrinks The kingdoms decision to comply,
should the rules apply, has rung some
The Organization of the Petroleum DOHA, April 9, (RTRS): Qatars which account for 22 percent of the alarm bells. People are now worried
Exporting Countries (OPEC) plays a Ministry of Development Planning consumer basket, dropped 1.0 per- that Dodd Frank risk retention could
major role in determining oil prices and and Statistics released the follow- cent from a year earlier while food apply to sukuk in general, a capital
levels of production, added to contribut- ing preliminary fourth-quarter gross and beverage costs, which account markets legal expert of a Dubai-based
ing to addition to concluding pacts over domestic product data, adjusted for for nearly 13 percent, fell 0.4 per- firm told Reuters.
the past period which had a significant
effect on market stability, Al-Naqi told
the 24th Forum on Fundamentals of Oil
inflation.
Qatar Real GDP Q4/16 Q3/16 Q2/16 Q1/16
pct change year/year 1.7 3.9 1.8 1.4
cent. But transport costs jumped
8.0 percent after domestic prices of
fuels including gasoline rose.
Legal firm White & Case, which
worked as legal adviser for the banks
arranging the debut sukuk, said in a

awarded in first qtr CTC

KUWAIT CITY, April 9, (KUNA):
Forty-three tenders worth KD 279.9
million (USD 915 million) have
been awarded during the first quarter
of 2017, the Central Tenders
Committee (CTC) said on Sunday.
The estimated value of the tenders
was KD 339.5 million (USD 1.1 bil-
lion), while the saving rate hit KD
59.6 million (USD 195 million), the
CTC added in a statistical report
Sunday.
Up to 24 meetings have been held
during the first three months of the
year to discuss measures for the
offers, receiving applications, award-
ing tenders and other relevant steps.
Five tenders worth KD 171.2 mil-
lion (USD 560 million) were award-
ed in the oil sector, compared to 38
ones for the government bodies
worth KD 132.1 million (USD 431
million).
The National Council for Culture,
Letters and Arts (NCCAL) came
first among the ministries and other
government bodies in terms of the
awarded tenders, with one worth KD
36.4 million (USD 119 million).
The Ministry of Electricity and
Water followed in the second place
with five tenders worth KD 31.8
million (USD 103.9 million). Then
the Ministry of Public Works third
with five tenders.
As for the oil sector, the Kuwait
Oil Company (KOC) was first
regarding awarded tenders, with five
worth KD 147.7 million (USD 483
million).
and Gas Industry, Kuwait April 9-13.
OAPECs role focuses on preparing
reports and specialized studies on the
economic and technical aspects of the
oil and gas industry, the secretary gen-
eral told the opening session of the
forum. The organizations produces up
to 10 studies annually.
The Secretariat organizes the forum
every year so that participants can
enhance their perception of the funda-
mentals of the oil and gas industry, as
well as keeping pace with the relevant
direct and indirect developments
worldwide, he said.
The forum aims to provide a favor-
able atmosphere for consolidating the
professional and the personal ties
among the participants.
The agenda of the five-day event
comprises 12 lectures, to be given by
specialists, both from the Secretariat and
non-OAPEC, focusing on four pivots of
the industry, technical, economic, media
pct change qtr/qtr -2.1 3.8 2.3 -2.2
Note: The base year is 2013.
Previous figures are revised.
The mining and quarrying sector,
which includes oil and gas, shrank
2.5 percent year-on-year in the
fourth quarter and decreased 6.4
percent quarter-on-quarter. The rest
of the economy expanded 5.9 per-
cent from a year earlier and grew 2.2
percent from the previous quarter.
Qatars Statistics Authority
released the following March con-
sumer price data on Sunday.
Qatar Consumer Inflation 03/17 02/17 03/16
pct change month/month 0.2 0.1 0.0
pct change year/year 0.9 0.7 3.3
Note: Housing and utility costs,
and environmental sides of the industry.
The forum is a tool through which
the OAPEC seeks to realize its major
targets, namely boosting cooperation
publication on April 7 that the major-
Qatars M2 money supply ity of sukuk in the international mar-
expanded from a year earlier in kets are asset-based, making them
February after shrinking for 12 dependent on the creditworthiness of
straight months, while annual the sponsor.
growth in bank lending accelerat- Since last December, US credit risk
ed, central bank data showed. retention rules have become effective
Qatar Money Supply End End End for all types of asset-backed securities
-Feb 17 -Jan 17 -Feb 16 generally defined as securities collat-
M1 change yr/yr (pct) 0.4 -7.2 3.9 eralised by any type of self-liquidating
M2-M1 yr/yr 3.2 1.6 -4.6
financial asset.
M2 change yr/yr 2.5 -0.8 -2.5 Such a definition could cover
Total credit yr/yr 14.1 12.4 17.1
many asset-based sukuk that are not
Qatar C.Bank Net Foreign Reserves
traditionally thought of as asset-
bln riyals 123.2 122.9 132.2
change yr/yr (pct) -6.8 -7.1 -6.2 backed or a securitisation, White &
Note: Percentage changes are cal- Case noted, with reference to certain
kinds of sukuk structures such as the
culations by Reuters. Previous figure
for foreign reserves is slightly revised. murabaha one which is partly being
used by Saudi Arabia.
Given the breadth of the US risk
and exchange of expertise and knowl- retention rules, their potential impact
edge among the member states on the must be considered when structuring
various technical and economic international sukuk transactions, the
aspects of the oil and gas industry. law firm said.
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

BUSINESS 31

Schaeuble wants EBA to move to Frankfurt
German Finance Minister Wolf- states.
gang Schaeuble wants the Euro- Frankfurt, Germanys nancial
pean Banking Authority (EBA) to capital, already has many private
move to Frankfurt from London, banks, its main stock exchange,
German magazine Der Spiegel re- the German nancial watchdog
ported on Friday, as Britain gears Ban, the Bundesbank national
up to leave the European Union. bank and the European Central
The EBA, whose 159 London Bank. This amounts to a unique
employees write and coordinate selling point compared to other
banking rules across the bloc, nancial centres, the magazine
needs to be relocated after Britain cited a paper that Schaeuble has
voted to quit the EU because EU sent to his colleagues in the cabi-
agencies are all based in member net as saying.
A spokeswoman for Schaeuble
conrmed the paper existed and
said a cabinet committee on Brex-
it would discuss it next Wednes-
day. But she declined to comment
on any details.
Several attractive properties in
a central location are available for
immediate use in Frankfurt, said
the paper, which also pointed to
advantageous transport connec-
tions and a skilled workforce in
Frankfurt. (RTRS)
debt relief is a condition for more austerity: Tsipras
Greece will implement additional
austerity measures agreed with
its ofcial creditors on condition
of further debt relief that will en-
able the country to be included in
the ECBs bond buying scheme,
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras
said on Sunday.
Athens struck a deal with its
international creditors at Fridays
meeting of euro zone nance
ministers in Malta on key ele-
ments of a reform package that
could unlock bailout funds for the
country to help it repay maturing
debt in July.
Medium-term debt relief
measures, able to include us in
(the ECBs) quantitative easing,
and a scal path that will not be
unattainable, is the condition for
us to implement the measures
we decided, Tsipras told his left-
ist Syriza partys central commit-
tee.
Athens agreed to take meas-
ures that will cut government
spending on pensions by 1.0
percent of economic output in
2019, a year after its current 86
billion euro bailout programme
expires.
It also committed to tax re-
forms in 2020 to generate addi-
tional revenue equal to another
1 percent of gross domestic
product, mainly by lowering the
current income tax exemption
threshold. (RTRS)

Critics warn subsidizing N-power could chill investment in lower-cost energy sources

Nuclear plant owners expand search for rescue to more states

HARRISBURG, Pa, April 9, (AP):
The natural gas boom that has ham-
mered coal mines and driven down
utility bills is hitting nuclear power
plants, sending multi-billion-dollar
energy companies in search of a -
nancial rescue in states where com-
petitive electricity markets have
compounded the effect.
Fresh off victories in Illinois and
New York, the nuclear power in-
dustry is now pressing lawmakers in
Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio and
Pennsylvania for action. Lobbying
efforts are bubbling up into propos-
als, even as court battles in Illinois
and New York crank up over the
billions of dollars that ratepayers
will otherwise foot in the coming
decade to keep nuclear plants open
longer.
Perhaps nuclear powers biggest
nemesis is the cheap natural gas
ooding the market from the north-
easts Marcellus Shale reservoir,
the nations most prolic gas eld.
Meanwhile, electricity consumption
hit a wall after the recession, while
states have emphasized renewable
energies and efciency.
You put all of this together and
its a perfect storm, said John
Keeley, a spokesman for the Nuclear
Energy Institute, an industry group.
Opposition to a so-called nuclear
bailout is uniting rivals and the natu-
ral gas exploration industry. The po-
tential for a hit to utility bills is draw-
ing pushback from the AARP and
manufacturers.
Subsidizing nuclear power could
chill investment in lower-cost energy
sources and erode competitive mar-
kets, critics say, and, with natural gas
prices expected to stay low for some
time, shutting down nuclear plants
may have no impact on electricity
bills.
For steel companies, paper com-
panies, food processors and pharma-
ceutical makers whose electric bill
might be their biggest expense, a
mil of an increase in a kilowatt hour
turns into a lot of money, said David
Kleppinger of the Industrial Energy
Consumers of Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, the nations No.
2 nuclear power state after Illinois, it
could mean propping up ve nuclear
plants to help feed the sprawling mid-
Atlantic power grid that stretches
from New Jersey to Illinois.
The owners of the 11 nuclear
plants in Connecticut, New Jersey,
Ohio and Pennsylvania are no small
potatoes: Exelon, PSEG, FirstEnergy
and Dominion, among them.
The plant owners strategy is simi-
lar to that in Illinois and New York:
give nuclear power megawatts the
kind of preferential treatment and
premium payments that are given to
renewable energies, such as wind and
solar.
The industrys pitch is part eco-
nomic, part environmental. A plant
shutting down would devastate a
local economy, they say. And, nu-
clear waste and water consumption
issues aside, zero-carbon nuclear
plants are better suited than natural
gas or coal to ght climate change,
they say.
The claim to environmental cre-
dentials has drawn jeers from nuclear
powers traditional critics.
When did highly carcinogenic
toxic waste become green? said Eric
Epstein, a longtime nuclear power
watchdog in Pennsylvania.
The most vulnerable nuclear plants
are those with just one unit such
as Exelons Three Mile Island in
Pennsylvania, where a second unit
was destroyed in a partial meltdown
in 1979 or those in need of expen-
sive upgrades, analysts say.
FirstEnergy says it could decide
next year to sell or close its three
nuclear plants Davis-Besse and
Perry in Ohio and Beaver Valley in
Pennsylvania unless states make
them more competitive.
Exelon is warning that it could
close Three Mile Island and PSEG
says it wont operate nuclear plants
it owns all or parts of all three in
New Jersey and part of Peach Bot-
tom station in Pennsylvania that
are long-term money losers.
Should nuclear power disappear, it
can be replaced.
The question is, at what cost
and whether or not you can nd
other resources that have the same
emission characteristics, said Joe
Dominguez, an Exelon executive
vice president.
In the mid-Atlantic grid, it likely
would be natural gas. Some 190 nat-
HK leaders affordable home plan
up against wall of Chinese capital
Home prices up 364% since 2003, incomes up just 61%
HONG KONG, April 9,
(RTRS): A pledge by Hong
Kongs incoming leader
Carrie Lam to make the
citys vertiginous proper-
ty prices more affordable
could founder on the bot-
tomless pockets of main-
land Chinese developers,
who are bidding up the
price of land.
Home prices in Hong Kong have
jumped 364 percent since 2003,
while the median monthly house-
hold income has risen just 61 per-
cent, pushing home ownership out
of reach for many.
While the mass protests that para-
lysed parts of Hong Kong for 79 days
in 2014 were primarily about
demands for full democracy from
Beijing, many were also motivated
by the rising cost of living in the city,
and the cost of accommodation in
particular.
A typical Hong Kong apartment
costs 18.1 times gross annual median
income, according to research group
Demographia, and the city topped its
survey of the worlds most expensive
places for accommodation for the
ural gas power projects comprising
roughly 59,000 megawatts are being
studied or built, according to PJM In-
terconnection, the grid operator. That
dwarfs the grids nuclear capacity.
The closure of nuclear plants
would not necessarily drive up costs
in the mid-Atlantic grid and Swami
Venkataraman, a Moodys Investors
seventh straight year. Second-placed
Sydney was a long way behind on
12.2.
Anything over a multiple of 5.1 is
usually deemed as being severely
unaffordable, said Denis Ma, JLLs
Head of Research in Hong Kong.
With most of the citys more than
7 million citizens living in cramped
apartments some no bigger than a
parking space Lam, who takes
over as chief executive on July 1, is
aiming to tackle the problem by
increasing housing and land supply.
But Alice Mak, head of the Hong
Kong legislatures housing panel,
said the influx of capital from main-
land developers will make Lams job
very difficult.
When theres overseas capital
investment in Hong Kong, it will
stimulate the local property market.
If the government wants the housing
market to grow at a stable rate, this
will be a very big challenge for
them, Mak said.
Chinese companies successfully
bid for six out of 27 plots of land sold
by the government in the fiscal year
starting April 2016, Lands
Department data shows, but in
money terms they accounted for 44
percent of total transactions.
In the previous fiscal year, Chinese
Service analyst, said he did not fore-
see it having a noticeable impact on
electric bills.
But propping up more expensive
sources of energy, like nuclear, could
discourage the entry of lower-cost
power sources into the competitive
market, said Stu Bresler, PJM Inter-
connections senior vice president of
firms paid more on land deals than
their Hong Kong competitors, taking
up 55 percent of the value and nearly
half of the land sold.
Mainland developer KWG
Property, which won a plot of resi-
dential land for a record price co-
bidding with Logan Property, said
lower lending rates and taxes make
development in Hong Kong more
profitable than in China.
Theres still a gap between flour
and bread prices in Hong Kong, but
in China the prices are basically the
same, so I boldly predict that more
and more Chinese developers will
come to Hong Kong to buy land in
the future, KWG chairman Kong
Jian Min told an earnings conference
last month.
The direct impact of this influx on
home prices is stark in the Kai Tak
district, overlooking Victoria
Harbour. Prices there rose as much as
50 percent in less than a year, consul-
tancy JLL said, after Chinese con-
glomerate HNA Group bought four
land parcels in the past five months at
eye-popping prices. Hong Kongs
homegrown property companies are
being edged out of their own market
and are looking overseas to do busi-
ness. Local developer David Chiu,
chairman of Far East Consortium
operations and markets.
In Illinois, where consumer advo-
cates feared a jump in utility bills,
Exelon won billions of dollars in
subsidies to prop up two unprotable
nuclear plants in a heavily negotiated
package that included money for en-
ergy efciency measures.
The Chicago-based nonprot Citi-
International, said he had become
increasingly disheartened after see-
ing his companys auction bids fall
below the average.
In the past there were 20 develop-
ers fighting for land, but now with
Chinese developers joining, it means
another 20 more, he told a confer-
ence in February, adding that he was
glad his company had already invest-
ed elsewhere and had plans to expand
in the UK and Australia.
I think itll be very difficult for
Hong Kongs small and medium
developers to win a tender; it
wouldnt surprise me if Hong Kong
developers became landlords relying
only on rental income (from com-
mercial properties) after 10 years,
he said. Lam has already conceded in
an interview with the Hong Kong
Economic Journal there is nothing
she can do to stop outside capital
competing in the land bids.
Even established professionals say
buying a home is an increasingly
daunting prospect and doubt that
government will succeed in holding
down prices.
They wont be able to help us,
said 30-year-old accountant Mok
Ho-man. Buying a flat is not an
impossible dream ... but it will only
get more and more difficult.
zens Utility Board estimated it would
shave $15 a year from the average
residential electric bill, executive di-
rector David Kolata said.
Our advice for other states is you
have to get into the details, Kolata
said. Energy issues are holistic, and
you have to make sure that what you
do is best for consumers.

New offers on rooms and restaurants

Marriott Hotels in Kuwait launch array of promotions

KUWAIT CITY, April 9: Marriott
Hotels in Kuwait are offering their
guests exclusive deals and benets
on rooms and restaurants. The ex-
citing array of promotions include
the perfect weekend escape which
offers GCC nationals and residents
discounts of up to 30 percent on
rooms and suites at JW Marriott
Kuwait City, Courtyard by Marriott
Kuwait and Residence Inn by Mar-
riott Kuwait City. In addition, the
package also includes complimen-
tary buffet breakfast, free WIFI,
and free meals for children under 6
years old.
To add to the exclusive benets,
guests can enjoy free access to the
swimming pool and health club.
Free valet parking and shared air-
port transfers will also be available
along with early check-in and late
check-out, subject to availability. It
is also worthy to note that JW Mar-
riott Hotel Kuwait and Courtyard
by Marriott Kuwait have a direct Courtyard suite Crossroads restaurant
exclusive entrance to Salhia and
Arraya Shopping Malls, where
guests can shop between an array
of world-class retail brands.
A superb dining experience can
be enjoyed at the Terrace Grill
Restaurant at JW Marriott Kuwait.
The restaurant offers certied US
Angus beef and dishes like let mi-
gnon, rib-eye steak and other pre-
mium cuts. In addition, guests can
also enjoy a wide range of seafood
dishes such as grilled gulf shrimps,
fresh salmon and a lot more.
Furthermore, guests can celebrate
Easter in style with a relaxed Sun- Residence Inn Steak Salmon dish
day Easter feast, with a menu of tra-
ditional treats and mouth-watering
oriental and international favorites,
at Crossroads Restaurant at JW
Marriott Kuwait and Atrium Res-
taurant at Courtyard Kuwait. The
Easter Sunday Lunch is on April 16,
from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
George Aoun, Cluster General
Manager at Kuwait Marriott Hotels
said, With everything from the n-
est dining to value-oriented hotels
and ultimate shopping experiences,
our goal is to offer great value for
money deals and the highest level of
customer service to our guests. Easter greeting Dessert Easter eggs
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

BUSINESS 32

IMF delegation in Tunisia for reform talks official
A delegation from the Interna-
tional Monetary Fund arrived
in Tunisia on Friday for talks on
accelerating the North African
countrys economic reforms, after
postponing payment of a second
tranche of $350 million from a
$2.8 billion loan.
The IMF put back the pay-
ment scheduled last December
citing a lack of progress in re-
forms, including the public sec-
tor wage bill, public finances
and state banks, Finance Min-
ister Lamia Zribi said earlier
this year.
Six years after its 2011 pro-
democracy uprising, Tunisia is
seeking to revive its economy
but is struggling in the aftermath
of the deadly attacks in 2015 by
Islamist militants that hit the tour-
ism industry, a major source of
jobs and revenue.
The IMF delegation started a
visit today to urge Tunisia to ac-
celerate the stalled reforms, a
government ofcial, who asked
not to be named, told Reuters.
The source said the IMF del-
egation would meet UGTT union
leaders to discuss their reserva-
tions about some reforms, in-
cluding the possibility of selling
shares in public banks.
Tunisia expects that the IMF
will release the second payment
after this visit, the government of-
cial said. (RTRS)
Wonga warns customers of personal data hack
British lender Wonga has
warned customers in Britain
and Poland that their personal
data may have been stolen in
the latest major corporate secu-
rity breach.
Cyber attacks have recently
affected other British banks,
businesses and institutions,
including Tesco Bank, Lloyds,
Talk-Talk, and the National
Health Service
Wonga is urgently investi-
gating illegal and unauthorised
access to the personal data of
some of its customers in the UK
and Poland, the rm, which of-
fers short-term unsecured con-
sumer loans, said in a state-
ment on Sunday.
A source close to Wonga
said the data could include the
addresses and bank account
numbers of up to 270,000 past
and present customers, includ-
ing 245,000 in Britain.
We are working closely with
authorities and we are in the
process of informing affected
customers. We sincerely apol-
ogise for the inconvenience
caused, Wonga said.
The source said a hack was
detected on Tuesday, but that
the rm was not aware person-
al data had been compromised
until Friday and it began noti-
fying customers on Saturday.
(RTRS)

MRC announces its financial results for 2016

Company achieves significantly enhanced earnings performance across various sectors
KUWAIT CITY, April
9: Metals and Recycling
Company (MRC) Ku-
waits leading eco indus-
trial company and its
subsidiaries, exhibited sig-
nicantly enhanced earn-
ings performance across
various sectors during the
nancial year (FY) ended
31 December 2016 in com-
parison to the nancial
year ended 31 December
2015.
Core Businesses: Optimiza-
tion and Operational Efciency
The plastics and waste manage-
ment business units contribution
to the results came from strategic
streamlining aimed at maximizing
capacity, raising the efciency of
were also major contributors to the ensuring that its earnings perfor- as a result of successfully bidding
processes, cost optimization, and
intelligent materials sourcing. In results. mance will remain strong. UES is a for new cleaning contracts across
the metals and steel division, com- Subsidiaries leading provider of HVAC, mainte- various clients and customers.
petitive sourcing and participation United Engineering Services nance and other related services in Kawoosh has positioned itself
in more auctions to maximize ca- (UES) continues to exhibit solid the State of Kuwait. as a reputable player in the medi-
pacity as well as an increased utili- earnings performance as a result Silver Ocean continues its cal waste incineration industry as
zation of existing assets. Improved of its large base of ongoing gov- growth as a provider of cleaning it seeks to bid for new contracts
cash ow management and better ernment contracts, and successful services for the public and private for medical waste incineration in
streamlining of the sales cycle bids for new government contracts, sectors, with strong performance Kuwait.

Bank boosts its real estate portfolio

Warba acquires a facility

of KIA Motors in Britain
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: In-line with
its development strategy to position
the bank as the Islamic Corporate &
Investment Banking champion in Ku-
wait while providing top-notch Islam-
ic banking and investments services,
Warba Bank is proud to announce
that it has recently purchased a newly
constructed sole UK vehicle imports
/ exports facility strategically located
on Kiln Lane Industrial Estate, just
one and a half miles from the docks
at nearby Immingham, which receives
imported vehicles from Korea to UK,
and also from other manufacturing
plants in Europe.
The Ports of Immingham and Shaheen Hamed Al Ghanem,
Grimsby combined are the UKs larg- Warba Bank CEO.
est ports by tonnage, handling up to
60 million tonnes, including nearly 20 refuelling, ofces and gatehouses. The
million tonnes of oil and 10 million site receives on average c.1,200 vehi-
tonnes of coal per annum. cles a week. KIA anticipate 100,000
Commenting on the new acquisi- UK car sales target by 2020. Howev-
Mazin Al-Nahedh with Rawd AlSaleheen Bilingual School delegation led by Dr Abdulrahman AlElayan, RSS GM and Hamad AlElayan, Deputy GM. tion, Shaheen Hamed Al Ghanem, er, its largest operation lies in Bristol,
Warba Banks CEO said: we see in where around 400,000 vehicles are
Bank sponsors Rawd Alsaleheen participation in UN program this acquisition the start of the banks processed each year.
vigorous international real estate in- Al Ghanem further added: This ac-
vestment program in order to ensure quisition is one of the best risks miti-

KFH supports youth to develop their country: CEO
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: Group Chief Executive
Ofcer at Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Mazin Saad
Al-Nahedh stressed the importance of boosting con-
dence in the Kuwaiti youth, while endowing them
with the core skills that enable them to contribute in
the development of their country.
Al-Nahedh statement was made on the sidelines
of receiving a delegation of students from Rawd Al-
saleheen Bilingual School chaired by School GM Dr
Abdulrahman AlElayan, and DGM Hamad AlElayan
at KFH Headquarters.
Al-Nahedh added that the youth and students are
the main pillar of society. This calls for attaching
Agency upgrades and withdraws FGBs deposit rtgs
great interest in this signicant segment by empow-
ering them and equipping them with all the tools they
need to overcome challenges and beat the odds.
He raised the importance of honing their skills
and qualifying them to shoulder responsibility and
take part in the development process of the country,
indicating KFH sponsored the United Nations Pro-
gram for Rawad Alsaleheen High-school Students
as part of its endeavors to support students and the
youth.
He expressed his pride that Rawd Alsaleheen Bi-
lingual School is the only school in Kuwait to partic-
ipate in the UN program, noting that the achievement
of the students in the program is a plaque students in
Kuwait wear proudly upon their chests.
The students demonstrated their experience that
had been crowned with success. Two female students
from the delegation were honored in recognition of
their distinguished participation in the UN program.
Meanwhile, Dr AlElayan expressed his thanks
and appreciation to KFH for the sponsorship and the
support, indicating this motivated students for fur-
ther hard work and dedication, while reiterates KFH
keenness to prioritize the role of education and sci-
ence in the society and development.
steady and secured returns for the
investors and depositors. The Invest-
ment Banking Group is fully commit-
ted to make risk mitigated investments
strictly following the investment poli-
cy and procedures with a target to gen-
erate secured long term returns for the
bank and its investors.
The property is leased to KIA Mo-
tors UK Limited for unbreakable lease
term of 20 years, expiring in 2037 on
full repairing and insuring terms. The
site is the sole import/export facility
for KIA Motors UK Ltds business op-
erations. This includes the import of
C.100, 000 new vehicles into the port
of Immingham each year as well as the
refurbishment and administration of re-
turn vehicles for KIA Lease eet.
It comprises a substantial new sole
gated real estate investment of the bank
generating a steady and secured return
beneting from unbreakable long lease
to one of the largest car manufacturer
of Asia that would set standards for our
future investment program.
He elaborated that for 2017, the
investment plan is very robust and
highly ambitious and we are seriously
looking for more international real es-
tate investment opportunities in USA,
UK and other continental European
countries, but without compromising
quality and security on fully compli-
ant basis with banks policy and risk
standards.
Recently, Warba bank has recorded
a tremendous success in the under-
writing of its $250 million Sukuk,
which have attracted investors form

Moodys affirms deposit ratings of NBAD
LONDON, April 9: Moodys Inves-
tors Service has afrmed the long
and short term foreign and local cur-
rency deposit and debt ratings of Na-
tional Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD)
at Aa3/P-1, upgraded the long-term
local and foreign-currency deposit
and foreign-currency debt ratings of
First Gulf Bank (FGB) to Aa3 from
A2 and afrmed the short-term lo-
cal and foreign-currency deposit
rating of First Gulf Bank (FGB) at
P-1. At the same time, Moodys has
also afrmed their baseline credit
assessments (BCA) at a3 and baa2,
respectively.
The outlook on NBADs long-
term deposit and debt ratings re-
mains negative, in line with the
outlook for the Aa2 long term is-
suer rating of the Government of
the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
. The outlook on FGBs long-
term deposit and debt ratings was
changed to negative from positive,
in line with the outlook for NBAD.
Subsequent to the action, Moodys
also said that it will withdraw the
ratings of FGB.
Moodys has today also assigned a
provisional local and foreign curren-
cy (P)Aa3 long-term and denitive
local and foreign currency Prime -1
short-term ratings to NBADs USD
1 billion Negotiable Certicate of
Deposits (NCD) programme acting
through its Singapore Branch.
Rating action follows the ofcial
public announcement on 30 March
2017 (Effective Merger Date) that
NBAD and FGB have completed
their merger. Following the merger,
NBAD has assumed all of FGBs li-
abilities and assets in exchange for
new NBAD shares issued to FGBs
shareholders.
Ratings Rationale
Moodys afrmation of NBADs
a3 BCA reects our view that fol-
lowing the merger, the banks nan-
cial fundamentals remain compatible
with the a3 BCA, although over time
the merger has the potential to en-
hance the banks domestic franchise.
The combination creates one of the
largest banks in the GCC region,
which will support organic growth
opportunities and moderate NBADs
very high borrower concentrations.
We expect the stronger retail
franchise of the merged entity to
drive solid margins, which will
support improved protability go-
ing forward. The merged entitys
net income to tangible assets will
also improve to around 1.6%, from
NBADs current 1.2%, putting it in
line with the UAE average of around
1.7%. At the same time, NBADs
capitalisation is expected to ben-
et as a result of this merger from
FGBs higher capitalisation. On a
pro-forma basis as of December
2016, the TCE ratio of the combined
entity is around 15.6% (up from
NBADs current 14.5%).
The BCA, however, also captures
risks related to still very high lev-
els of related-party exposures and
signicant borrower concentrations
two factors that are common to
many banks in the GCC. Although
asset quality remains strong, with
gross NPLs standing at 3% of gross
loans for the combined entity, it re-
mains below the 1.2% global median
for banks with a3 BCA. Additional-
ly, NBAD has strong liquidity and a
diversied funding prole, although
this remains counterbalanced with
a relatively high reliance on market
funding (market funds to tangible
assets is estimated at around 25%
for the combined entity).
Moodys afrmation of NBADs
Aa3 deposit rating is based on very
high government support assump-
tions for the bank, which translate
into three notches of uplift from
the banks a3 BCA. Although
government ownership (through
the Abu Dhabi Investment Coun-
cil -- ADIC) had been reduced
to 33.5% from 70% as a result of
this merger, Moodys continues to
assign a very high likelihood of
government support for NBADs
deposit ratings.
This is based on: (1) NBADs D-
SIB status (Domestic Systemically
Important Bank) in the UAE, given
its market share of around 27% of
system assets; (2) the key role of
the bank in the nancial operations
of the Abu Dhabi government; (3)
the position of the Abu Dhabi gov-
ernment as the single largest share-
holder through both the Abu Dhabi
Investment Council (around 33.5%
ownership) and Mubadala Develop-
ment Company PJSC (3.7%); and
(4) the signicant ownership by
members of the Abu Dhabi ruling
family.
UK vehicle import/export facility Kuwait, MENA region and beyond.
with a capacity of over 15,550 cars Warba Sukuk achieved 5 more times
and totalling 86.68 acres (35.08 hec- the issuance value with approx. 1.3$
tares) of land. In addition, on site also billion; they have been recently listed
includes a warehouse space of 63,515 in Nasdaq Dubai and are scheduled
ft. (5,901 m), facilitating distribu- for listing in the Irish stock exchange
tion, refurbishment, valet, inspection, soon.
Saudi min says no income
taxes for Saudi citizens
DOHA, April 9, (RTRS): Saudi Ara- income tax, nor are Saudi companies
bias nance minister said on Sunday taxed on their prots.
that citizens would not pay taxes on in- He also said a value-added tax
come and Saudi companies would not planned for 2018 would not be raised
see their prots taxed under sweeping above 5 percent before 2020.
economic reforms being introduced in The six Arab monarchies of the Gulf
the oil-rich kingdom. Cooperation Council are aiming to intro-
The collapse in oil prices after mid- duce a 5 percent value-added tax at the
2014 has pushed Saudi Arabia to con- start of next year to raise non-oil rev-
template a radical overhaul of all parts enues. But economists and ofcials in
of its economy, including new taxes, some countries have said privately that
privatisations, a changed investment simultaneous introduction in all coun-
strategy and sharp cuts in government tries may not be feasible.
spending. That is because of the complexity of
Mohammed al-Jadaan sought in a creating the administrative infrastruc-
statement carried by state news agency ture to collect the tax and the difculty
SPA to allay concern that people would of training companies to comply with
be taxed as part of the ambitious reform it in a region where taxation is mini-
plan. Saudis currently do not pay any mal.
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

BUSINESS 34

Intesa opens ME branches Name: Kuwait Sharia Bloomberg Todays Todays closing Prev closing % 1-week 3-month YTD 12-month 24-month
Index name ticker value as of value value change change change change change change
Compatible Indices Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Composite AMIC April 9, 2017 180.98 180.21 0.43% 1.19% 6.48% 8.45% 18.43% -2.35%
Intesa Sanpaolo, Italys biggest bank by market value, Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Kuwait Only AMIC April 9, 2017 172.04 171.25 0.46% 1.21% 5.64% 7.66% 15.95% -5.15%
said on Sunday that it had set up new branches in Abu Providers: Al Madar Finance & Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Active
Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Banking Sector
AMIC
AMIC
April 9, 2017
April 9, 2017
101.60
281.14
100.56
277.53
1.03%
1.30%
3.92%
2.73%
16.84%
4.49%
28.01%
5.64%
49.95%
12.27%
10.63%
-13.66%
Dhabi and Doha as part of plans to expand its corporate Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Investment Sector AMIC April 9, 2017 58.78 58.06 1.24% 3.66% 8.57% 25.12% 35.37% -10.04%
and investment banking and trade finance business. Investment Co. Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Insurance Sector AMIC April 9, 2017 22.49 22.30 0.85% 0.00% 35.45% 42.63% 33.09% -14.16%
The bank, which already operates a regional hub in Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Real Estate Sector AMIC April 9, 2017 52.80 53.32 -0.96% 0.60% 2.68% 8.32% 12.29% -6.40%
Dubai, will focus on structured export finance services as Description: Index of Sharia Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Industrial Sector AMIC April 9, 2017 151.34 151.04 0.20% 1.68% 23.17% 24.86% 24.63% 7.90%
Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Services Sector AMIC April 9, 2017 210.79 210.20 0.28% 0.50% 5.14% 6.77% 22.01% -0.45%
well as oil and gas, fashion and luxury and infrastructure Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Food Sector AMIC April 9, 2017 366.20 366.30 -0.03% -2.23% -3.51% -3.67% -1.48% -4.94%
and transport, it said.
compatible companies traded on Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Islamic Sector AMIC April 9, 2017 141.86 140.68 0.84% 2.24% 8.02% 9.96% 21.40% -3.35%
Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Non Kuwaiti Sector AMIC April 9, 2017 548.31 548.84 -0.10% 0.88% 22.86% 23.67% 85.36% 111.85%
Intesa Sanpaolo has had a presence in the Gulf since the KSE Kuwait Stock Exchange Index - Price KWSEIDX April 9, 2017 7,015.30 7,029.80 -0.21% -0.09% 17.87% 22.05% 34.12% 11.75%
2008 and last year was involved in a $4 billion syndicated S&P 500 SPX April 8, 2017 2,355.54 2,355.54 0.00% -0.30% 3.45% 5.21% 15.04% 13.14%
loan for Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). (RTRS) Website: www.almadar-fi.com DJ Islamic Index. DJIM April 8, 2017 3,116.34 3,117.75 -0.05% -0.45% 5.52% 7.22% 11.36% 4.85%

weekly report on FX markets

Swiss International Financial Brokerage Co

Geopolitics clouds risk appetite trends

Report prepared by Ahmed facturing industries that still heavily
Shibley depend on exports, and in turn, will
help to stabilize the economic growth

T he US dollar rose for a second

week as Fed rate hike expectations
continued to recover. An encouraging
jobs report and US President Donald
Trumps seemingly cordial meeting
with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jin-
ping stood out as catalysts.
March employment gures fell short
of expectations on the headline pay-
rolls reading but the jobless rate de-
clined even as labor force participation
held steady and wage ination held
near eight-year highs. That suggests
the smallish payrolls gain speaks to
nearing full employment rather than
something ominous.
As for the Trump/Xi sit-down, the
US head of state called their budding
relationship outstanding and senior
cabinet ofcials echoed similar senti-
ments after meetings with their Chi-
nese counterparts. That appeared to
ease worries about a globally destabi-
lizing rift, removing a potential barrier
to Fed tightening.
Next week, a speech from Fed Chair
Janet Yellen is likely to reiterate an
intent to press on with stimulus with-
drawal and CPI data is expected to
show a pickup in core ination. That
may keep the greenback marching
higher as traders weigh the US policy
path against standstill elsewhere in the
G10.
Geopolitical jitters may yet over-
shadow macro fundamentals however.
The full ramications of last weeks
surprise US missile strike on Syria will
take time to emerge. Escalating ten-
sions may undermine market-wide risk
appetite. Since the Fed is not keen to
hike rates gains such a backdrop, this
may hurt the US unit.
Performance may be disparate in a
risk-off scenario given the benchmark
currencys haven asset status how-
ever. It may track lower against the
Japanese Yen but stands to gain versus
sentiment-geared alternatives like the
Australian and New Zealand Dollars if
the markets mood sours.
The broader outlook for GBP/USD
remains tilted to the downside amid
the deviating paths for monetary poli-
cy, and the British Pound may struggle
to preserve the advance from March as
the economic docket is anticipated to
show a downtick in U.K. price & wage
growth.
Despite the mixed market reaction
to the U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP)
report, GBP/USD stands at risk of fac-
ing further losses as the headline and
Trader Michael Milano (right), works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. The US dollar rose for a second week as Fed rate hike expectations
core U.K. Consumer Price Index (CPI)
are expected to narrow in March, while
Average Hourly Earnings are pro-
jected to slow to an annualized 2.1%
from 2.2% in January. Even though the
Bank of England (BoE) warns there
are limits to the extent that above-
target ination can be tolerated, signs
of easing ination may encourage the
central bank to retain the current poli-
cy at the next meeting on May 11, and
Governor Mark Carney and Co. may
boost their efforts to buy more time as
Brexit clouds the long-term outlook
for growth and ination. With that
said, the Monetary Policy Committee
(MPC) may continue to tame interest-
rate expectations for the foreseeable
future as ofcials warn monetary pol-
icy can respond, in either direction,
and GBP/USD may continue to track
the downward trend carried over from
late-2016 as the Federal Reserve ap-
pears to be on course to implement ad-
ditional rate-hikes in 2017.
Fed Fund Futures are now highlight-
ing a greater than 60% probability for
a June rate-hike as the FOMC Minutes
showed a growing discussion to ad-
continued to recover. (AP)
just the balance sheet later this year,
and the data prints on tap for the week
ahead may put increased pressure on
the committee to raise the benchmark
interest rate sooner rather than later as
the core U.S. Consumer Price Index
(CPI) is anticipated to rise an annual-
ized 2.3% following a 2.2% expansion
in February. Even though the FOMC
argues recent increases in consumer
energy prices could cause ination to
temporarily reach or even rise a bit
above 2 percent in the near term, a
pickup in underlying price growth may
push the committee to adopt a more
hawkish tone at the next meeting on
May 3, and the dollar may continue
to benet from the deviating paths
for monetary policy as Fed ofcials
continue to forecast three to four rate-
hikes for 2017. With that said, market
participants may put increased empha-
sis on the fresh rhetoric coming out
of the FOMC with Chair Janet Yellen
scheduled speak next week, and the
greenback may stage a larger advance
over the days ahead should the central
bank head show a greater willingness
to implement higher borrowing-costs
over the coming months.
The failed attempt to test the Fibo-
nacci overlap around 1.2630 (38.2%
expansion) to 1.2680 (50% retrace-
ment) keeps the broader outlook for
GBP/USD tilted to the downside,
with the pair at risk of facing further
losses as it comes off of trend line
support. Indeed, the Relative Strength
Index (RSI) appears to be highlight a
similar dynamic as it breaks the bull-
ish formation carried over from the
previous month, with a break/close
below 1.2370 (50% expansion) opens
up the next downside region of inter-
est around 1.2270 (23.6% retracement)
followed by 1.2100 (61.8% expan-
sion).
What happened over the past 24
hours have led to the most dramatic
moves in the USD/CNH this week.
U.S. striking Syria sent the pair higher
as investors sought for safe haven; a
disappointing Non-Farm Payroll print
led to selling in the Dollar, though it
was quickly eased and reversed. The
highly-anticipated summit between
Trump and Xi, on the other hand, did
not reveal many details. As of 4pm ET
Friday, the USD/CNH remained con-
solidating, around 6.8980, the 61.8%
retracement of March high to low.
Next week, China will have a packed
economic calendar, with monetary
supply, New Yuan Loans, Consumer
Price Index and trade data for March.
As the USD/CNH is at a major resist-
ance level, a better-than-expected Chi-
nese print may lead to a reversal in the
pair.
Among all the event risks, exports
and imports reads could have a greater
direct impact to the Dollar/Yuan than
others. China has been shifting from
an export-driven economy to domes-
tic-consumption-driven. However, this
will need to take a long process; so far,
Chinese producers still largely rely
on international demand. In the U.S.-
China leaders meeting, Trump told that
the U.S. has made progress in the
relationship with China and lots of
very potentially bad problems will be
going away. The bilateral trade issue
is considered to be one of those bad
problems. For China, avoiding major
conict with its U.S. counterpart will
give it more time to upgrade the manu-
when a slowdown is already seen.
Another Chinese indicator at a key
resistance level is Shanghai Composite
Index. The introduction of a new Spe-
cial Economic Zone (SEZ) in Xiongan
may not have directly impacted the
exchange rate, but has driven Chinese
equities as well as local property prices
soaring for the past week. Shanghai
Composite Index extended gains on
Friday, with multiple Xiongan-related
shares hitting the daily limit-up for
the third day. The stock index closed
above 3483 on Friday, the November
high day close. However, whether it
can hold above this level is a question.
On one hand, a couple of compa-
nies have published ofcial announce-
ments Friday evening in response to
the extreme moves seen in their shares.
BBMG and eight other rms claried
that the setup of Xiongan SEZ will
have no or little impact to the com-
panies performance in the near fu-
ture. This will likely stop speculators
scrambling for their shares next week.
On the other hand, Chinese investors,
especially retail investors, are eager to
take advantage of this new theme. Al-
most immediately after the release of
the SEZ, many investors rushed into
Xiongan to purchase local properties.
After Xiongans local government
imposed tight restrictions on real es-
tate purchases to avoid chaos, equi-
ties become the most available tool
to investors. BBMC and other rms
clarication may ease the heat in their
shares, but Chinese investors could
nd another batch of equities that they
see a possibility to benet from this
new theme. Under Chinas current
not-fully-developed capital markets,
stocks and properties remain the most
widely-used investment vehicles. As a
result, the volatility in Chinese stocks
could elevate signicantly next week.
US crude oil continues its push
higher, hitting a one-month high, as
traders fear that supply may be af-
fected after the recent US air strikes
on Syria. But further upside may prove
tricky as crude enters a congested trad-
ing zone between $52 and $55 a barrel.
The upwards channel in crude re-
mains intact as long as crude closes
above $51.20/brl Friday. On the up-
side, bulls will be looking at the March
7 high of $54.08/brl.
For more information please visit
www.swissfs.com

investment funds
Funds Fund Manager Valuation Valued date Currency Net Asset Prev NAV Prev NAV Dated Funds Fund Manager Valuation Valued date Currency Net Asset Prev NAV Prev NAV Dated
Value (NAV) Value (NAV)

National Bank of Kuwait Index Funds GCC Large Cap Index Fund Global Weekly March 23, 2017 KD 1.202 1.183 March 9, 2017
Equity Funds Al-Mamoun Fund A Global Weekly March 23, 2017 KD 0.655 0.647 March 9, 2017
Money Market Funds
Watani KD Money Market Fund II NBK Capital Weekly March 28, 2017 KD 1.024 1.022 Jan 17, 2017 Al-Mamoun Fund B Global Weekly March 23, 2017 KD 0.655 0.647 March 9, 2017
Watani USD Money Market Fund NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly March 28, 2017 USD 10.190 10.182 Jan 17, 2017 GCC Large Cap Fund Global Bi-weekly March 21, 2017 USD 144.580 144.080 March 7, 2017
Watani KD Money Market Fund (Acc Al-Noor Fund Global Bi-weekly Jan 31, 2017 SAR 197.090 197.090 Jan 24, 2017
to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly March 28, 2017 KD 1.022 1.020 Jan 17, 2017 Global Saudi Equity Fund Global Bi-weekly March 21, 2017 SAR 203.290 206.020 March 7, 2017
Watani USD Money Market Fund (Acc Money Market Funds Global Money Market Fund Global Weekly Nov 20, 2016 USD 1.160
to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly March 28, 2017 USD 10.069 Sectoral Funds EPADI Fund Global Weekly March 21, 2017 USD 107.050 107.850 March 7, 2017
NBK Kuwait Equity Fund Watani Investment Co. Weekly March 23, 2017 KD 0.670 Islamic Funds Global GCC Islamic Fund Global Weekly March 21, 2017 USD 99.020 98.670 March 7, 2017
Gulf Equity Investment Fund Watani Investment Co. Weekly March 23, 2017 USD 10.105 Al-Durra Islamic Fund Global Monthly March 23, 2017 KD 1.202 1.182 March 9, 2017

Gulf Bank Kuwait Finance & Investment Co (KFIC)
Al Bashaer GCC Equity Fund Kwt. Fin. & Inv. Co. & Gulf Fin. House Monthly March 28, 2017 USD 7.037 7.070 Feb 28, 2017 Al Wasm Fund KFIC Weekly March 16, 2017 KD 0.420 0.421 Feb 15, 2017
Coast Fund Coast Investment & Dev. Co. Monthly March 28, 2017 KD 0.666 0.672 Feb 28, 2017 Al Bashaer GCC Equity Fund KFIC Monthly Feb 28, 2017 USD 7.073 6.853 Dec 31, 2016
Sanaya Dow Jones Kuwait Index Fund Industrial & Financial Investment Co. Weekly Jan 26, 2017 KD 0.561 0.561 Dec 30, 2016
Markaz Capital Preservation Program 1 Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.912 0.917 Dec 31, 2016
Markaz Capital Preservation Program 2 Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.942 0.940 Dec 31, 2016
KAMCO
KAMCO Investment Fund KAMCO Monthly Jan 31, 2017 KD 1.065 0.889 Nov 30, 2016
Markaz Gulf Real Estate Fund Bi-annual Feb 28, 2017 KD 1.417 1.418 Jan 31, 2017
KAMCO GCC Opportunities Fund KAMCO Monthly July 31, 2016 USD 115.890 114.380 Feb 29, 2016

KAMCO MENA Plus Fixed Income Fund KAMCO Jan 31, 2017 USD 12.551 10.260 Dec 31, 2016
Al Ahli Bank KAMCO Real Estate Yield Fund KAMCO Jan 31, 2017 USD 10.220 10.270 Dec 30, 2016
Al Ahli Gulf Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly March 31, 2017 KD 0.894 0.893 Feb 28, 2017 Kuwait Education Fund KAMCO Quartely Sept 30, 2016 KD 1.457
Al Ahli Kuwaiti Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.818 0.824 Jan 31, 2017

Wafra International Investment Co.

Burgan Bank Wafra Equity Fund Wafra Co. Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.902 0.911 Jan 31, 2017
Burgan Equity Fund Burgan Bank Monthly March 26, 2017 KD 1.809 1.794 Feb 26, 2017 Wafra Bond Fund Wafra Co. Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD 1.034 1.032 Jan 31, 2017
Masaref Investment Fund ISKAN Weekly Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.816 0.817 Jan 31, 2017
Fajir Islamic Fund Wafra Co. Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.675 0.695 Jan 31, 2017
Boubyan Bank
Boubyan KD Money Market Fund Boubyan Bank Weekly March 28, 2017 KD 1.062 1.061 Feb 28, 2017
Boubyan KD Money Market Fund II Boubyan Bank Weekly March 28, 2017 KD 1.009 1.006 Feb 28, 2017 Shuaa Capital Co.
Emirates Gateway Fund Shuaa Capital Weekly Feb 7, 2017 AED 15.110 15.070 Jan 31, 2017
The Arab Gateway Fund Shuaa Capital Weekly Feb 7, 2017 USD 28.160 29.040 Jan 31, 2017
Boubyan Capital Investment Co.
Boubyan USD Liquidity Fund Boubyan Capital Investment Co March 28, 2017 USD 10.190 10.180 Feb 28, 2017
Boubyan Multi-Asset Holding Fund Boubyan Bank Feb 28, 2017 USD 10.250 10.125 Jan 31, 2017 Al Aman Investment
Al Aman Islamic Fund Al Aman Investment Weekly Dec 31, 2016 KD 0.342 0.322 Nov 1, 2016

Kuwait Investment Co.
Local Fund Al Raed Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly March 31, 2017 KD 0.992 1.014 March 23, 2017 Tharwa Investment Co.
Kuwait Investment Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly March 30, 2017 KD 0.694 0.695 Feb 28, 2017 Tharwa Investment Fund Tharwa Investment Co Weekly March 13, 2017 KD 1.379 1.406 Dec 31, 2016
Al Hilal Fund Kuwait Investment Co Monthly March 31, 2017 KD 0.541 0.541 Feb 28, 2017 Tharwa Arab Investment Fund Tharwa Investment Co Bi-weekly July 31, 2016 USD 1.977 2.251 June 30, 2016
Al Atheer Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly March 31, 2017 KD 1.095 1.089 Feb 28, 2017 Tharwa World Fund Tharwa Investment Co Monthly March 31, 2016 USD 1.024 0.986 March 15, 2016
International Global Bond Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly March 22, 2017 USD 24.510 24.210 March 15, 2017 Tharwa Islamic Fund Tharwa Investment Co Monthly March 13, 2017 KD 0.571 0.590 Dec 31, 2016
Diversified Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly March 29, 2017 USD 18.680 18.550 March 22, 2017
European Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Feb 28, 2017 Euro 20.330 19.890 Jan 31, 2017 Bank Al-Bilad
Pacific Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly March 29, 2017 USD 29.880 29.430 March 22, 2017 Al Seef Fund Bank Al-Bilad Daily March 15, 2017 KD 0.422 0.415 March 1, 2017
North American Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Tw. Monthly Feb 28, 2017 USD 18.100 17.570 Jan 31, 2017

Commercial International Bank

National Investment Co. (NIC) CIB Money Market Fund (Osoul) CI Asset Management Weekly March 6, 2017 EGP 286.620 286.450 April 4, 2017
Al-Wataniya Fund NIC Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.613 0.630 Jan 31, 2017
CIB II Equity (Isthethmar) CI Asset Management Weekly March 6, 2017 EGP 144.440 143.730 April 4, 2017
Al-Darij Fund NIC Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.355 0.361 Jan 31, 2017
CIB and Faisal Islamic Al Aman CI Asset Management Weekly March 6, 2017 EGP 81.610 8.830 April 4, 2017
Mawarid Fund NIC Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.513 0.515 Jan 31, 2017
Hemaya CI Asset Management Weekly April 2, 2017 EGP 172.460 169.020 March 1, 2017
Zajil Fund NIC Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.744 0.749 Jan 31, 2017
Thabat CI Asset Management Weekly March 6, 2017 EGP 168.810 168.760 April 4, 2017
Al Mada Investment Fund NIC Weekly Feb 28, 2017 USD 0.773 0.779 Jan 31, 2017
Takamol CI Asset Management Weekly March 6, 2017 EGP 138.910 138.240 April 4, 2017

Misr El Mostakbel CI Asset Management Weekly April 2, 2017 EGP 24.850 24.880 March 27, 2017
Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz)
Mumtaz Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly March 16, 2017 KD 4.036 4.023 March 9, 2017
MIDAF Kuwait Financial Center Weekly March 16, 2017 KD 3.083 3.075 March 9, 2017
Noor Financial Investment Co.
Noor Islamic Fund Noor Financial Investment Co Monthly Feb 29, 2016 KD 0.613 0.645 Dec 31, 2015
Islamic Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly March 16, 2017 KD 1.572 1.565 March 9, 2017

Markaz Arabian Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Nov 10, 2016 KD 2.990 2.920 Nov 3, 2016
FORSA Financial Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.972 0.996 Jan 31, 2017 Al Zumorroda Investment Co.
Real Estate Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD 1.412 1.419 Jan 31, 2017 Zumorroda GCC Fund Al Zumorroda Investment Co Monthly Jan 31, 2016 KD 0.481 0.543 Dec 31, 2015
Markaz Fixed Income Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly March 31, 2017 USD 11.520 11.490 March 16, 2017
Mawazeen International Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly March 19, 2017 USD 9.140 9.070 March 12, 2017 KFH Capital Investment Co.
Markaz MENA Islamic Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly March 16, 2017 USD 10.640 10.720 Feb 28, 2017 Muthanna Islamic Index Fund (MUDX) KFH Capital Investment Company Daily Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.357 0.354 Jan 31, 2017
Muthanna GCC Islamic Banks Fund KFH Capital Investment Company Daily Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.683 0.673 Jan 31, 2017
Kuwait & Middle East Financial & Inv. Co. Baitak GCC Fund KFH Capital Investment Company Weekly Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.916 0.957 Jan 31, 2017
Al Rouyah Fund KMEFIC Monthly March 31, 2017 KD 1.386 1.414 Feb 28, 2017
Gulf Gate Fund KMEFIC Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.944 0.918 Sept 30, 2016 CapCorp Investment Co.
CapCorp Local Fund CapCorp Investment Company Weekly Feb 28, 2017 KD 0.941 0.962 Jan 31, 2017
Global Investment House

BUSINESS
France to lend Tunisia 135 million euros
France has agreed to lend Tu-
nisia 135 million euros ($143
million) to nance two infrastruc-
ture projects, Tunisias prime
minister said.
France will nance two pro-
jects, the rst worth 60 million
euros and another with 75 million
euros, Prime Minister Youssef
Chahed said at a news confer-
ence with French Prime Minister
Bernard Cazeneuve in Tunis.
The French Development
Kuwaits index gives up
early gains, ends down
KIPCO drops 15 fils; Zain gains
By John Mathews
Arab Times Staff
KUWAIT CITY, April
9: Kuwait stocks headed
south on Sunday after
seesawing in the previous
week. The bourse dropped
14.5 pts in choppy trade to
7,015.3 points weighed by
last minute selling in select
counters even as heavy-
weights diverged.
The KSX 15 benchmark rose
1.86 pts to 959.88 points taking
the months gains to 25 points
while weighted index was up
1.59 points. The volume turno-
ver meanwhile receded after
hitting months highest level
on Thursday. 354.8 million
shares changed hands a 27.8
percent drop from previous
session.
The sectors closed mixed. Paral-
lel market outshone the rest with
1.25 pct gain whereas real estate
shed 2.26 percent, the worst per-
former of the day. In terms of vol-
ume, nancial services notched the
highest market share of 47.3 per-
cent while real estate trailed with
34.6 pct contribution.
In the individual shares, Burgan
Bank reversed last sessions gains
with a 5 ls drop to 350 ls and
Gulf Bank followed suit to wind up
at 250 ls. Investment conglomer-
ate KIPCO shed 15 ls with a vol-
ume of 1.6 million shares.
Zain rose 10 ls to 465 ls on
back of 2.9 million shares and
Ooredoo gained 20 ls with thin
trading. Kuwait Telecommunica-
tions Co (VIVA) was unchanged
at 920 ls and Agility was down 10
ls at 640 ls.
Kuwait Finance House climbed
10 fils to 550 fils and Gulf Bank
of Kuwait gave up 5 fils. The
banks Q4 net profit rose 7.8% to
KD 10.14 m and during the fiscal
year 2016.
The market opened weak and
moved sideways in early trade.
The main index slipped to days
lowest level of 7,006.27 and re-
bounded thereafter as sentiment
turned slightly positive. It con-
tinued to rise in choppy trade
and peaked at 7,050.95 pts in
the final minutes before pulling
sharply lower to close in the red
territory.
Top gainer of the day, KBMMC
jumped 8.62 pct to 126 ls and
Bayan Investment Co rallied 7.8
percent to stand next. REAM slid
25 pct, the steepest decliner of the
day and Al Mal Investment Co
topped the volume with over 40
Mideast stocks
Egypt dips on bomb blasts
Most regional markets close lower
DUBAI, April 9, (RTRS): Egyptian
stocks fell on Sunday, hurt by bomb
blasts in the country, while most
other Middle East stock markets also
ended lower as geopolitical tensions
weighed on investor sentiment.
Some of the Middle East markets
started the day in positive territory as
higher oil prices briey offset con-
cerns about a US missile strike on a
Syrian air base, but lost momentum
as the day progressed.
The Egyptian index closed 1.55
percent lower with Commercial In-
ternational Bank Egypt down 1.5
percent and Egyptian Iron and Steel
losing 4.4 percent.
This was an immediate (mar-
ket) reaction to the terrorist at-
tack, Ahmed Abu Taleb, head of
sales at Pharos Securities in Cairo,
said.
At least 36 people were killed
and more than 100 injured in bomb
attacks on two Coptic churches on
Palm Sunday in Alexandria and
the Nile Delta city of Tanta, in the
latest assault on a religious minor-
ity increasingly targeted by Islamist
militants.
Abu Taleb said the Egyptian stock
index has traded between 12,800
and 13,400 points for the past three
Agency (AFD) will nance a pro-
ject to expand the potable water
network and will fund a metro
project.
France, one of Tunisias big-
gest economic partners, will also
convert 35 million euros of debt
into investment after an opera-
tion last year to convert Tunisian
debt worth 60 million euros, the
French Prime Minister said.
Cazeneuve said France would
continue to support Tunisia after it
million shares.
Despite the days fall, the mar-
ket spread was skewed towards
the winners. 60 stocks advanced
whereas 39 closed lower. Of the
137 counters active on Sunday, 38
closed at. 6,397 deals worth KD
23.2 million were transacted a
34 pct dip in value from the day
before.
National Industries Group rose
2 ls to 128 ls and Gulf Cable
climbed 15 ls to 480 ls. Heavy
Engineering Industries and Ship-
building Co gained 10 ls while
Contracting and Marines Services
Co gave up 4 ls. NCCI slipped 7
ls to 97 ls.
Kuwait Cement Co jumped 25
ls whereas Kuwait Portland Ce-
ment Co was down 10 ls at 990
ls. Boubyan Petrochemical Co
shed 10 ls and Al Qurain Petro-
chemical Co followed suit. Equip-
ment Holding Co inched 1l into
green.
Kuwait National Cinema Co dived
40 ls to KD 1.460 while KPPC and
OSOS dialed up 2 ls each. Jazeera
Airways slipped 10 ls to 560 ls and
ALAFCO added 4 ls . Burgan Well
Drilling Co inched 1 ls higher to set-
tle at 94 ls.
Bounced
Humansoft Holding bounced
40 ls to KD 3.120 and Napesco
closed at. Zimah Holding gave up
1 l and Mezzan Holding stood pat
at KD 1.020.
Yiaco rose 10 ls to 240 ls and
Automated Systems Co dropped 20
ls. The company has posted a 41.3
pct drop in prots to KD 333,000
during the fourth quarter of 2016
while in the full year period, prots
grew by 22.8 percent to KD 1.67
million.
Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport
Co inched 1 l up to 68 ls while
KGL Logistics Co eased 1 l. AWJ
Holding clipped 2 ls after trading
2.3 million shares and Al Rai Me-
dia Group paused at 176 ls.
In the banking sector, National
Bank of Kuwait was unchanged at
700 ls off early lows while Al
Ahli Bank and Ahli United Bank
rose 5ls each to end at 310 ls and
455 ls respectively.
Kuwait International Bank was
up 5 ls at 255 ls and Boubyan
Bank stood pat at 415 ls. Warba
Bank stalled at 265 ls and Com-
mercial Bank of Kuwait was not
traded during the session.
Kuwait Investment Co was
flat at 102 fils while Coast In-
vestment Co and Noor Financial
Investment Co dialed up 2 fils
each. Securities House Co took
in 1 fil whereas Securities Group
and KMEFIC paused at 99 fils
and 32 fils.
months, but he added prospects for
the market are brighter due to a sta-
ble currency, increasing ow of tour-
ists and ination that is expected to
peak.
At the macro level things are
looking okay, slightly improving,
he said.
Egyptian stocks are still up nearly
4.5 percent this year as condence
has returned to the market after the
country let the currency oat freely
last year. In 2016, Egyptian stocks
surged 76 percent.
In other markets, Abu Dhabis
index fell 0.5 percent with con-
sumer cyclicals and nancials lead-
ing among losers. In neighbouring
Dubai, the benchmark index dipped
0.3 percent.
In Saudi Arabia, the main index
was 0.2 percent lower with nan-
cials and consumer cyclicals trend-
ing lower.
In neighbouring Bahrain, the stock
index rose 1.6 percent, helped by
gains in nancial stocks such as Ahli
United Bank BSC, which added 4.86
percent.
Markets are looking at more fun-
damental triggers such as forthcom-
ing earnings, rather than politics, as
the Syrian conict has been going
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
35
launched courageous economic
reforms and called on foreign
tourists to visit Tunisia to help re-
vive an economy struggling after
deadly attacks on tourists in 2015
by Islamist militants.
The North African country has
been lauded as the only political
success story of the Arab Spring
for its democratic transition. But
it has made slow progress on
economic reform to curb public
spending and decits. (RTRS)
Bayan Investment Co rallied 4
ls on back of 13.8 million shares
while Osoul Investment Co and
Al Deera Holding 65 ls and 36.5
ls respectively. Sokouk Holding
added 2,5 ls with brisk trading
whereas Tamdeen Investment Co
slipped 5 ls.
KAMCO fell 2 ls to 88 ls and
KFIC was up 1.5 ls at 46.5 ls.
Ektittab Holding inched 0.5 l
whereas Al Deera Holding closed
at.
Mabanee Co tripped 10 fils
and National Real Estate Co was
up 4 fils at 106 fils. Kuwait Real
Estate Co eased 1 fil to 67 fils
and ERESCO inched 1 fil higher
on back of 6.8 million shares.
United Real Estate Co clipped
2 fils.
The market was mixed during last
week. The price index closed lower
in three of the ve sessions and
was unchanged week-on-week. It
had has shed 14 points during from
start of the month and is trading 22
pct higher year-to-date. KSE, with
208 listed companies, is the second
largest bourse in the region.
In the bourse related news,
Al Mazaya Holding net profits
soared 31.7 pct to KD 2.59 mil-
lion in last quarter of 2016 while
profits rose 10 pct to KD 10.25
million during the fiscal year
of 2016. The board has recom-
mended an annual cash dividend
of 8% or 8 fils per share.
Gulf Glass Manufacturing Cos
fourth quarter net prot dipped o
64% in KD 14,000 from KD 39,000
in same period last year. During
the scal year of 2016, prots was
down 48 percent to KD 1.21 mil-
lion from KD 2.34 mln in the previ-
ous year.
Al Mowasat Health Care has
posted KD 1.8 million prots dur-
ing the fourth quarter of 2016 and
for the scal year of 2016, earnings
rose 35.3 pct to KD 4.52 million
from the year before. The board of
directors has recommended a divi-
dend payout of 20% or 20 ls per
share.
Injazzat Real Estate Develop-
ment has posted a net prot of KD
550,000 in the last quarter of 2016
and during the scal year of 2016,
the bank earned KD 3.2 million.
The board has recommended a cash
dividend of 5% or 5 ls per share
for FY 2016.
Ajial Real Estate Entertainment
Company (AREEC) net losses nar-
rowed by 22.7 pct to KD 888,620
from KD 1.15 million in Q4 of
2115. The annual prots in 2016
clocked KD 1.5 million and the
board has recommended the distri-
bution of cash dividends at 5% of
capital.
on for a while and is unlikely to
end soon and markets have already
absorbed this risk, said Nishit Lak-
hotia, head of research at Manama-
based Securities & Investment Com-
pany BSC.
Saudi Arabia
The index fell 0.24 percent to
7,058.58 points.
Dubai
The index fell 0.32 percent to
3,554.96 points.
Abu Dhabi
The index dropped 0.52 percent
to 4,591.41 points.
Qatar
The index gained 0.52 percent
to 10,509 points.
Kuwait
The index fell 0.2 percent to
7,015.30 points.
Egypt
The index fell 1.55 percent to
12,895 points.
Bahrain
The index rose 1.58 percent to
1,374.7 points.
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

BUSINESS 36

WH split clouds trade banks future: EXIM chief
An internal White House conflict
over the future of the US Export-
Import Bank is keeping the gov-
ernment trade lender hobbled in
the face of Chinas massive
state export finance offensive,
EXIMs acting chairman said.
Charles CJ Hall told Reuters
in an interview late on Thursday
that Commerce Secretary Wilbur
Ross supports restoring the
banks full lending powers as
part of President Donald Trumps
push to boost US exports and
manufacturing jobs.
He said there also were state-
ments from several lawmakers
that Trump himself supports
EXIMs mission, but the same
conservative Republican ideo-
logues who tried to close the
bank in 2015 are standing in the
way of nominating new board
members.
There is a debate in the admin-
istration between differing views
digital media startup Mic raises $21 mln
on EXIM Bank. I would character- Mic, a digital news and lifestyle an ad-tech startup formed by ex- its content. The company last
ize that debate in its simplest form media startup targeting (whom Havas CEO David Jones. Mics week in a move mimicking Vice
as between pragmatists and ideo- else?) millennials, announced other backers have included Medias strategy announced
logues, Hall said. that it has raised $21 million in Axel Springer, Advancit Capital plans to launch nine new channels
Conservative Republicans, Series C financing from inves- and Lerer Hippeau Ventures. covering different audience seg-
including House Speaker Paul tors including Time Warner. The funding brings the New ments. The company claims to
Ryan, have fought for years to The round was led by previous York startup, founded in 2011, to already reach two-thirds of U.S.
revoke EXIMs charter, charging investor Lightspeed Venture a total of $52 million raised to millennials each month. That audi-
that it provides unnecessary Partners, which led Mics Series date. With the funding, Time ence reach, combined with its
corporate welfare to giant cor- B round of funding in June 2015, Warner Investments SVP Allison credibility, positions Mic to win on
porations such as Boeing Co, with participation from Time Goldberg is joining Mics board. tvOS, just as it has on social,
General Electric Co and Warner Investments, Kyu Mic says more than 66 million Lightspeed partner Jeremy Liew,
Caterpillar Inc. (RTRS) Collective and You & Mr. Jones, unique monthly users read or view said in a statement. (RTRS)

Dollar gains momentum on Fed hike hopes

By National Bank of Kuwait
United States
P resident Trumps failure to gather
sufcient support in Congress to
pass changes to the Obamacare pro-
gram has raised concerns over his
ability to deliver other scal stimulus
promises that he had made during the
presidential campaign, such as cut-
ting taxes and increasing spending on
infrastructure projects.
The latest FOMC minutes state-
ment echoed those concerns as some
members have continued to under-
score the considerable uncertainty
about the timing and nature of po-
tential changes to scal policies as
well as the size of the effects of such
changes on economic activity. Ac-
cordingly, several members expected
that scal stimulus will not com-
mence this year and, accordingly, did
not alter their economic projections.
The minutes statement also showed
that equity prices remain high relative
to standard valuations measures, and
that prices of other risky assets, such
as emerging market stocks, high yield
corporate bonds, and commercial real
estate, have increased considerably
recently.
The FOMC minutes statement also
showed that there seems to be a disa-
greement amongst the policy mem-
bers as to the direction of ination
in 2017. Some members cautioned
that the progress on ination should
not be overstated given that it had
run persistently below 2% during the
expansion and that core ination was
little changed in recent months.
On the currencies front, the Dol-
lar index gained positive momentum
at the start of the week, supported by
expectations of higher interest rates.
The index reached a 20-day high of
100.95 ahead of the US nonfarm pay-
roll report, boosted by robust private
sector job gains. The DXY opened
the week at 100.39 and closed the
weekly session at 101.130.
It was a tough week for the Ster-
ling Pound as the majority of reports
released last week came in negative
and missed market expectations. The
GBP/USD started the week at 1.2550
and descended to a low of 1.2380.
The pair ended Fridays session at
1.2372.
The USD/JPY began on a negative
tone last week after the bearish reac-
tion towards the ISM Manufacturing
PMI data. However, the pair revered
some of its losses after the release of
the US private sector job growth g-
ure. The USD/JPY opened the week
at 111.32 and ended the weekly ses-
sion at 111.05.
In the commodities space, the price
of oil was on a ve- day gaining
streak last week as speculators con-
tinue to bet on the prospect of market
tightening. Brent hit its highest level
in one month after the US airstrike
on Syria, despite of the US Energy
Information Administration report
which showed that crude oil invento-
ries have increased by 7.4% year on
year to a record high of 535.5 million
Sterling pound drops amid negative reports; yen trims losses
barrels last week.
On Friday morning, demand for
safe haven assets increased after po-
litical tensions between the US and
Russia escalated following the US
airstrike on Syria. The yield on the 10-
year US Treasury fell below 2.29%
for the rst time since November 30th
while the yield on Germanys 10-year
government bonds declined by 2.5 ba-
sis points to a one-month low.
The minutes of the latest FOMC
meeting showed that the committee
discussed the size of the Feds bal-
ance sheet and how to reduce it. Most
participants saw changes in the rein-
vestment policy happening later in the
year, but views were mixed on how
and when the changes would occur.
On monetary policy, nearly all Fed
ofcials thought the US was at full
employment, but there were no clear
indications that policymakers were
ready to pull the tightening trigger
again as soon as next month. Overall
economic risks were generally por-
trayed as balanced, although the risks
were biased as to what to expect from
the potential scal policies from the
new administration.
Philadelphia Fed President Harker
also spoke this week mentioning
that the Fed could begin to reduce its
bond portfolio as early as this year.
Possibly by the end of this year or
the beginning of next year would be
an appropriate time to stop reinvest-
ing maturing assets, but thats all de-
pendent on how the economy evolves
between now and then.
The latest ADP gures showed that
US businesses added the most jobs in
more than two years in March. The
private sector added 263,000 jobs up
by 18,000 from the previous month,
versus a forecast of 184,000. The data
continues to provide further evidence
that the US labor market nished the
rst quarter on a strong note and sup-
ports the Federal Reserve decision to
tighten its loose monetary policy.
Looking at the non-farm payroll,
employers hired fewer workers than
expected in March as 29,750 employ-
ees left the retail sector and winter
storms weighed on economic activ-
ity. The economy added only 98,000
jobs versus expectations of 180,000.
On the other hand, the unemployment
rate fell sharply to a 10-year low at
4.5%. Moreover, average hourly
earnings rose by 5 cents or 0.2%,
after a 0.3% increase in the previous
month. Year on year, average hourly
earnings eased to 2.7%.
The soft payrolls data could raise
concerns about the economys health
especially given signs that gross do-
mestic product may have slowed to
around 1.0% in the rst quarter of
2017. With rising ination, moder-
ate job growth and gradual wage
gains, the Federal Reserve may stay
on course to raise interest rates again
in June.
On the manufacturing front, the
sector still remains in expansionary
mode with the PMI slightly falling by
0.5% to 57.2 in March. New orders
fell by 0.6% and the production index
declined by 5.3%, while the employ-
ment and price index increased by
4.7% and 2.5% respectively. Overall,
the continuous increase in consumer
demand and the turnaround in energy
production accompanied by a weaker
US Dollar continue to support the in-
dex.
Europe & UK
The ECB president said last week
that a pick-up in ination across the
Euro area isnt yet strong enough and
that a reassessment of the current
monetary policy stance is not war-
ranted at this stage.
Less than a month to the French
election, it seems that investors dont
seem to allocate much risk premium
to the election result any more. Al-
though currency markets are still
favoring the USD over the lower
yielders, investors are pricing in a
much smoother path through the two
rounds than they did few weeks ago.
With the underperformance of
populists in Europe, especially during
the latest French presidential debate
alongside the market focusing on po-
tential ECB rate hikes, markets seem
to have priced out the possibility of a
Le Pen win.
Although our base case scenario
remains that the French elections re-
sult will not yield a Le pen victory,
volatility could easily return, at least
for the rst round of the election.
German factory orders rebounded
sharply in February from Januarys
6.8% contraction. The increase was
mainly due to an 8.1% jump in do-
mestic demand, while demand for
producer goods surged 8.5%. Foreign
orders were mainly at and new or-
ders to the Eurozone fell by 2.4%.
The data suggests that the private
sector is likely to continue to accel-
erate due to a stronger domestic de-
mand in a period of high optimism in
business condence.
Despite the positive gures, Euro-
pean political risks continue to over-
shadow the optimism towards Ger-
many as uncertainty over US trade
policies, Brexit negotiations and Sep-
tembers federal election continue to
pressure future prospects and invest-
ments.
According to the UK Prime Min-
ister, Britain may not nalize a new
trade deal with the EU until after
Brexit is complete in 2019. These
comments have brought the UK more
closely in line with the EUs Brexit
negotiating draft, which says that the
two-year talks between the UK and
EU might include only a framework
for the future relationship. The Eu-
ropean Council has insisted that a
nal trade deal would have to be con-
cluded with the UK as a third coun-
try; i.e. after it has left the EU.
On the economic front, the UK
economic data continues to falter
with the construction sector expand-
ing at a slower pace once again in
the month of March. The construc-
tion PMI declined by 0.3 points to
52.2, below expectations of 52.5.
The slower growth is attributed to a
weaker trend for residential work as
rising ination has started eating into
consumers demand and businesses.
Since the Brexit vote, Britains
economy outperformed all European
Group of Seven in 2016; however,
growth is expected to slow down this
year as rising ination starts to take
its toll on the economy.
Other economic data were also
under pressure with UKs manufac-
turing PMI declining for a third con-
secutive month in March. High ina-
tionary pressures in Britain caused
export orders to expand at a slower
rate and demand for consumer goods
to lose momentum. Looking at the
data, manufacturing PMI slipped for
the month of March by 0.3 points to
54.2. However, the index is above the
long run average of 51.6.
The service sector on the other
hand held up and reversed two months
of declining PMI readings in March
and reached three months high. The
index climbed by 1.7 points settling
at 55 against a consensus of 53.5. If
the combination of resilient economic
data and higher inationary pressures
continue, interest rate expectations
could change, with the market cur-
rently only pricing in a 50% probabil-
ity of rate hike by December 2018.
Asia
According to a survey released
by the Bank of Japan, business con-
dence improved in the rst quarter
of 2017. The Tankan Manufacturing
Index rose to 12 points, up from 10 in
Q4 and non-manufacturing sector im-
proved by 2 points to 20. Across all
industries, conditions also improved
by 2 points to 16.
As mentioned last week, the latest
Japanese economic data continue to
show an expansion in the rst quar-
ter of 2017, mainly led by solid ex-
ports and rmer capital expenditure.
Moreover, the latest Japanese trade
data showed a surplus rebounding in
February as Japanese exports rose for
the third straight month by 11.3%.
Replying to speculation that the
BoJ might be looking at options for
reducing its extraordinary monetary
stimulus program, Bank of Japan
Governor Kuroda mentioned it was
Previous Week Levels
Currencies Open Low
EUR 1.0658 1.0578
GBP 1.2539 1.2361
JPY 111.38 110.11
CHF 1.0021 1.0005
too early to discuss an exit strategy
from the central banks current mon-
etary policy. Kuroda also said the
BoJs equities purchases were aimed
at meeting the 2% ination target and
dont distort the price mechanism for
stocks.
On the economic side, operating
conditions in most private service
companies expanded at a slower
pace for a third consecutive month
in March. The survey indicated costs
incurred by service companies inat-
ed at the fastest pace since February
2013. Hence, businesses transferred
the higher costs on to their clients
causing business activities and new
orders to grow at a slower rate.
The Chinese Composite PMI re-
leased earlier came at 52.2 in March,
falling from Februarys 52.6 record-
ing the slowest increase in Chinese
business activity in six months.
Weaker increases in new business
have clouded the economic outlook
as the service industry has become
an increasingly important part of the
Chinese economy, reecting its shift
away from traditional heavy-industry
manufacturing and exports.
The rst meeting between Presi-
dent Trump and Chinese President Xi
kicked off last week, with the main
issues likely to be centered on North
Korea and trade agreements. The out-
come of the meeting will set the polit-
ical agenda for the two largest econo-
mies for at least the next four years.
Trump may try to convince Xi to
tighten economic sanctions on North
Korea. China is by far North Koreas
largest trading partner. However, the
two countries have very different
views of their preferred outcome.
The Reserve Bank of Australia held
rates at 1.5% this week. The accom-
panying statement was slightly dov-
ish, with the central bank noting the
softening of labor market indicators
and the modest pace of employment
growth. The RBA also mentioned the
desire of the board to reinforce strong
lending standards in the country.
These measures are likely to slow the
housing sector and potentially delay
the date of the rst rate hike.
On the economic front, Australias
trade surplus came larger than expect-
ed in February, rebounding to a near
record AUD 3.6 billion offsetting the
surprising drop to AUD1.5bn in Janu-
ary. Total export values surged by a
30% on a yearly basis, driven by high-
er commodity prices. It is important to
note that the large percentage in com-
modities prices from a year ago were
the main driver of such an increase.
Kuwait
The USD/KWD opened at 0.30525
on Sunday morning.
Rates
This Weeks 3-Month
Expected Range
High Close Minimum Maximum Forward
1.0689 1.0588 1.0360 1.0660 1.0650
1.2555 1.2372 1.2195 1.2450 1.2410
111.58 111.05 109.10 112.60 110.65
1.0096 1.0088 0.9960 1.0300 1.0035

exchange rates April 9

US dollar Sterling pound Euro Japanese yen Swiss franc Canadian dollar Swedish krona Saudi riyal UAE dirham Bahraini dinar Omani riyal
Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer
BEC Buy .301750 .303500 .303500 .378489 .377489 .377489 .321205 .321205 .321205 .002734 .002734 .002734 .301657 .302657 .302657 .221161 .219161 .219161 .029458 .029458 .029458 .079993 .080493 .080493 .081357 .081300 .081300 .799929 .799428 .799428 .783320 .777819 .777819
Sell .306150 .305850 .305850 .388489 .387089 .387089 .330205 .328305 .328305 .002914 .002914 .002914 .312657 .309657 .309657 .230161 .229161 .229161 .034458 .034458 .034458 .081293 .081133 .081133 .083057 .082750 .082750 .808429 .807928 .807928 .789000 .788819 .788819
Muzaini Sell .304650 .305850 .305850 .385980 .385980 .327870 .327870 .002697 .002697 .302970 .302970 .230510 .230510 .081654 .081654 .083356 .083356 .813070 .813070 .795218 .795218
Dollarco Sell .306000 .305500 .305500 .386000 .384717 .384717 .330000 .327087 .327087 .003500 .003690 .003690 .310000 .309220 .309220 .235000 .233480 .233480 .083000 .082500 .082500 .084000 .083680 .083680 .813000 .810915 .810915
Commercial Bank Buy .301000 .304450 .304450 .381000 .382191 .382191 .323000 .324300 .324300 .002837 .002837 .306000 .306109 .306109 .224000 .225454 .225454 .033372 .033372 .077000 .080741 .080741 .082149 .082421 .082421 .800355 .803169 .803169 .784615 .786308 .786308
Sell .306800 .306550 .306550 .389000 .384828 .384828 .333000 .326537 .326537 .002871 .002871 .315000 .308233 .308233 .235000 .227019 .227019 .033603 .033603 .083000 .081301 .081301 .082975 .082993 .082993 .808399 .808742 .808742 .792501 .791764 .791764
Gulf Bank Buy .304450 .304450 .304450 .378070 .378070 .378070 .320830 .320830 .320830 .002810 .002810 .002810 .308020 .308020 .308020 .222680 .222680 .222680 .033320 .033320 .033320 .080170 .080170 .080170 .081890 .081890 .081890 .797750 .797750 .797750 .781220 .781220 .781220
Sell .306550 .306550 .306550 .389790 .389790 .389790 .330720 .330720 .330720 .002890 .002890 .002890 .317690 .317690 .317690 .229520 .229520 .229520 .034340 .034340 .034340 .081890 .081890 .081890 .083600 .083600 .083600 .814380 .814380 .814380 .797480 .797480 .797480
NBK Buy .303700 .303700 .375890 .375890 .323290 .323290 .002863 .002863 .307200 .307200 .225290 .225290 .033320 .033320 .080610 .080610 .082340 .082340 .801620 .801620 .785390 .785390
Sell .306800 .306800 .386170 .386170 .333030 .333030 .002895 .002895 .310750 .310750 .227610 .227610 .033630 .033630 .081310 .081310 .083030 .083030 .808570 .808570 .791970 .791970
Burgan Bank Buy .303200 .303200 .372069 .372069 .320585 .320585 .002792 .002792 .307446 .307446 .225799 .225799 .033837 .033837 .080340 .080340 .082054 .082054 .799406 .799406 .782777 .782777
Sell .307300 .307300 .392484 .392484 .338196 .338196 .002946 .002946 .309736 .309736 .227450 .227450 .034084 .034084 .081115 .081115 .082850 .082850 .807107 .807107 .790274 .790274
ABK Buy .301950 .304450 .304450 .377740 .381110 .381110 .321580 .324450 .324450 .002729 .002729 .303430 .303430 .228110 .228110 .338800 .338800 .079750 .080460 .080460 .082637 .082420 .082420 .800590 .800590 .786930 .786930
Sell .308050 .306550 .306550 .387830 .385630 .385630 .330540 .328650 .328650 .002761 .002761 .307680 .307680 .230820 .230820 .346200 .346200 .082480 .082000 .082000 .083467 .083800 .083800 .815750 .815750 .799850 .799850
KFH Buy .302490 .303200 .303200 .362625 .368024 .368024 .312805 .318087 .318087 .002776 .002776 .305609 .305609 .224967 .224967 .033368 .033368 .080090 .080518 .080518 .081786 .082223 .082223 .794037 .801697 .801697 .777623 .785047 .785047
Sell .308020 .306300 .306300 .398639 .390287 .390287 .346368 .336777 .336777 .002933 .002933 .311255 .311255 .228483 .228483 .033799 .033799 .081861 .081369 .081369 .083591 .083088 .083088 .816600 .808785 .808785 .799556 .791970 .791970
KBE Sell .306250 .306250 .380900 .380900 .332100 .332100 .082810 .082810 .806500 .806500
Danish krone Indian rupee Pakistani rupee Sri Lanka rupee Bangladesh taka Philippine peso Australian dollar Hong Kong dollar Singapore dollar Jordanian dinar Egyptian pound
Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer
BEC Buy .040530 .040529 .040529 .000030 .004461 .004461 .002697 .002869 .002869 .001651 .002020 .002020 .003383 .003827 .003827 .006142 .005800 .005800 .224322 .222322 .222322 .037033 .036532 .036532 .213951 .214951 .214951 .423775 .422147 .422147 .017442 .021482 .021482
Sell .045530 .045529 .045529 .004184 .004537 .004537 .002987 .002901 .002901 .002231 .002062 .002062 .003967 .003871 .003871 .006442 .006267 .006267 .236322 .235322 .235322 .039783 .039632 .039632 .223951 .220951 .220951 .432775 .429647 .429647 .024695 .022251 .022251
Muzaini Sell .004578 .004578 .002917 .002917 .002062 .002062 .003853 .003853 .006156 .006156 .039456 .039456 .215040 .215040 .431200 .431200 .023900 .017300 .017300
Dollarco Sell .004650 .004568 .004568 .003100 .002917 .002917 .002300 .002022 .002022 .004150 .003854 .003854 .006350 .006082 .006082 .435000 .432620 .432620 .023000 .019476 .019476
Commercial Bank Buy .044221 .044221 .004000 .002000 .005000 .229000 .228750 .228750 .038936 .038936 .216649 .216649 .420000 .016000
Sell .044749 .044749 .006500 .004547 .004547 .002923 .002923 .003500 .002065 .002065 .003897 .003897 .007900 .006315 .006315 .235000 .231477 .231477 .039400 .039400 .219232 .219232 .434000 .432199 .432199 .024000 .034598 .034598
Gulf Bank Buy .043920 .043920 .043920 .230110 .230110 .230110 .038790 .038790 .038790 .214770 .214770 .214770
Sell .045260 .045260 .045260 .004660 .004660 .004660 .002960 .002960 .002960 .002090 .002090 .002090 .003940 .003940 .003940 .006370 .006370 .006370 .234790 .234790 .234790 .039570 .039570 .039570 .221340 .221340 .221340 .435960 .435960 .435960 .034920 .034920 .034920
NBK Buy .044130 .044130 .004470 .004470 .002010 .002010 .006090 .006090 .232450 .232450 .216640 .216640 .424370 .424370 .033890 .033890
Sell .045080 .045080 .004650 .004650 .002950 .002950 .002080 .002080 .006260 .006260 .235440 .235440 .219340 .219340 .431750 .431750 .034430 .034430
Burgan Bank Buy .043536 .043536 .004399 .004399 .002829 .002829 .002044 .002044 .003838 .003838 .006239 .006239 .228040 .228040 .218767 .218767 .424741 .424741 .033796 .033796
Sell .045929 .045929 .004667 .004667 .003003 .003003 .002066 .002066 .003894 .003894 .006321 .006321 .229778 .229778 .220417 .220417 .428904 .428904 .034417 .034417
ABK Buy .043540 .043540 .004652 .004652 .231160 .231160 .039110 .039110 .217710 .217710 .428480 .428480
Sell .044650 .044650 .004763 .004763 .003003 .003003 .002132 .002132 .006683 .006683 .234220 .234220 .039560 .039560 .220280 .220280 .435740 .435740 .018290 .018290
KFH Buy .044029 .044029 .004492 .004492 .002868 .002868 .002033 .002033 .003802 .003802 .006148 .006148 .231898 .231898 .216405 .216405 .424743 .424743 .017393 .017393
Sell .044901 .044901 .004632 .004632 .002934 .002934 .002078 .002078 .003914 .003914 .006328 .006328 .235376 .235376 .219743 .219743 .429924 .429924 .017702 .017702
KBE Sell .004594 .004594 .002901 .002901 .002057 .002057 .003873 .003873 .006211 .006211 .017995 .017995
Cyprus pound Yemeni riyal Thai baht South African rand Korean won Syrian pound Iranian Riyal Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Indonesian rupiah New Zealand dollar
Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer
BEC Buy .001374 .001364 .001364 .008291 .008230 .008230 .016426 .000255 .001286 .001285 .001285 .000084 .000147 .000181 .000181 .068677 .067416 .067416 .000019 .000018 .000018 .215304 .213304 .213304
Sell .001454 .001464 .001464 .008841 .008645 .008645 .024926 .000270 .001506 .001505 .001505 .000085 .000247 .000201 .000201 .074677 .074416 .074416 .000025 .000025 .000025 .224804 .224304 .224304
Muzaini Sell .001229 .001229 .008601 .008601 .002182 .002182 .002040 .002040 .068841 .068841
Dollarco Sell .695000 .167990 .167990 .009000 .009715 .009715 .000980 .002425 .002425 .076000 .069500 .069500
Gulf Bank Buy .215310 .215310 .215310
Sell .022540 .022540 .022540 .000020 .000020 .000020 .219690 .219690 .219690
ABK Buy .212340 .212340
Sell .216090 .216090
KFH Buy .001199 .001199 .008485 .008485 .000197 .000197 .070853 .070853
Sell .001229 .001229 .008803 .008803 .000206 .000206 .071672 .071672
KBE Sell .001550 .001550 .002377 .002377

travellers cheques US dollar Sterling Euro local gold Gold 999 kg Gold 999 10 tola Gold ounce Gold gm 22k Gold gm 21k Gold gm 18k 100 gm 999 10 gm 999
BEC .3058500 .3870890 .3283054 BEC All rates in KD per unit of
Commercial Bank .3065500 .3848280 .3265370 Muzaini Exchange 12,431.890 1,469.720 397.125 11.410 10.890 9.330 131.145
.3065500 .3897900 .3307200
foreign currency
Gulf Bank
Al-Ahli Bank .3065500 .3856300 .3286500

INTERNATIONAL
Left: In videos made available by Egyptian Interior Ministry, a suicide bomber (bottom of screen), tries to walk into St Marks Coptic Cathedral, but security guards force him to pass through the metal detector, then he detonated a
bomb, in Alexandria, Egypt on April 9. Center: A man sits at right as a suicide bomber detonates at the front gates into St Marks Coptic Cathedral in Alexandria, Egypt on Sunday. Right: A man sitting at right is engulfed by the blast
Panel firm
Continued from Page 1
The committee said before lifting
the subsidy, the Government should
have rst implemented other reform
programs, either the one contained
in the economic document or the one
submitted by the Central Bank.
In its report, the committee recom-
mended, among others, the need to di-
versify sources of income by promot-
ing the vital and effective role of the
private sector in economic activity and
labor market reform and encouraging
job creation suitable for citizens in the
private sector.
It also recommended addressing im-
balances in the general budget and its
structural decits and the need to nd
alternatives to nance the budget de-
cit; because the overall economic and
nancial reform is due even in the case
of higher oil prices and further delay
would raise the reform costs for the
country and future generations.
Meanwhile, the Legislative and
Legal Affairs Committee of the Na-
tional Assembly has approved during
its meeting Sunday two government
draft laws and a parliamentary bill set-
ting 40 days as the appeal period at the
Court of Cassation and also approved
another bill on amnesty and postponed
the discussion of another bill concern-
ing ghting corruption and conicts of
interest.
The committee Rapporteur MP Al-
Humaidi Al-Subaie explained to re-
porters that the committee endorsed
the government draft law to allow ap-
peal on rulings of the Cassation Court
in offences issued by the Criminal
Court after the appeal was limited to
the rulings issued by the Court of Mis-
demeanors only, indicating that the
period of the appeal has also been in-
crease to forty days.
He added the committee also ap-
proved another draft law to allow ap-
peals on rejection by the Consultation
Chambers of the Cassation lawsuits
within 30 days of the decision of re-
jecting the lawsuit, asserting that these
are important laws for lawyers.
He noted the committee also ad-
opted by a majority of 5-to-1 a bill on
amnesty for offences specied in the
parliamentary proposals submitted for
the period from the beginning of the
year 2011 to Sept 2016, explaining that
the committee excluded from the Am-
nesty complaints made by individuals
in private institutions.
Al-Subaie added the committee
discussed the amendment on anti-Cor-
ruption and conict of interest law and
decide to complete the discussion at a
future meeting.
Moreover, the Interior and Defense
Committee of the National Assembly
postponed until Monday to vote on
proposals of specifying the number of
persons to be granted Kuwaiti nation-
ality in 2017.
Committee Chairman MP Askar
Al-Enezi said the Interior Ministry hs
expressed its reservation on the pro-
posal which stipulates that the number
of naturalized persons should not be
less than 4,000, while it agreed on the
proposal that states the number should
not exceed 4,000.
He added the committee has in-
formed the Ministry that a guarantee is
needed from the government to apply
the law after a compromise is reached,
noting that the last list of naturaliza-
tion was issued ten years ago which
was very long.
He stressed, We want an unequivo-
cal promise from the government to
enforce the law concerning people
who have sacriced their lives for this
country.
Security stepped
Continued from Page 1
upon his arrival yesterday from the
Philippines.
He criticized what he called the abuse
of power by the security services, the
manner in which the raid was conducted
and the arbitrary arrest of seven members
of his family without charge.
On the other hand, reliable sourc-
es told the daily, security has been
stepped up following additional infor-
mation from the Gulf security agencies
on the terrorist sleeper cells which are
prone to carry out terrorist operations
as the holy month of Ramadan ap-
proaches.
The sources said the State Security
authorities have circulated the names
and pictures of suspicious elements at
all border crossing points in anticipa-
tion of their entry into Kuwait.
The Kuwait General Administration
of Customs, the sources said, has been
alerted after receiving information
from the Ministry of Interior to tighten
measures and conscate any forbidden
items that may be smuggled into the
country.
The administration has been asked
to report any suspicious activity to the
State Security police.
In the meantime, the Al-Rai daily
said the Philippines authorities are
checking on the possibility of other
foreign terrorists operating in the
country following the arrest of the Ku-
waiti and his Syrian wife suspected
of being members of terror group Is-
as suicide bomber detonates at the front gates into St Marks Coptic Cathedral in Alexandria, Egypt on April 9. (AP)
Assad allies say US attack
on Syria crosses red lines
Iraqi Shiite leader urges Assad to step down
AMMAN, April 9, (RTRS):
A joint command centre
made up of the forces of
Russia, Iran and militias
supporting Syrian Presi-
dent Bashar al-Assad said
the US strike on a Syrian
air base on Friday crossed
red lines and it would
respond to any new aggres-
sion and increase its sup-
port for its ally.
The United States red dozens
of cruise missiles at a Syrian air
base on Friday from which it said
a deadly chemical weapons attack
had been launched earlier in the
week, escalating the US role in
Syria and drawing criticism from
Assads allies including Russia
and Iran.
What America waged in an aggres-
sion on Syria is a crossing of red lines.
From now on we will respond with
force to any aggressor or any breach
of red lines from whoever it is and
America knows our ability to respond
well, said the statement published
by the group on media outlet Ilam al
Harbi (War Media).
US Secretary of State Rex Tiller-
son, meanwhile, blamed Russian in-
action for helping fuel the chemical
weapons attack it had reacted to, say-
ing Moscow had failed to carry out a
2013 agreement to secure and destroy
chemical weapons in Syria.
He said the United States expected
Russia to take a tougher stance against
Syria by rethinking its alliance with
Assad because every time one of
these horric attacks occurs, it draws
Russia closer into some level of re-
sponsibility.
Aggressive
Russian President Vladimir Putin
and Irans Hassan Rouhani said in a
phone call that aggressive US actions
against Syria were not permissible and
violated international law, the Kremlin
said on Sunday.
The two leaders also called for an
objective investigation into an inci-
dent involving chemical weapons in
Syrias Idlib and said they were ready
to deepen cooperation to ght terror-
ism, the Kremlin said in a statement on
its website.
Syrian army forces had been losing
ground across the country until Rus-
sia intervened militarily in September
2015, propping up Assad and protect-
ing its own interests in the region.
Assad has also drawn heavily on
foreign Shiite militias sponsored by
Iran, led by Lebanons Hezbollah
group, for his most important gains
since the Russian intervention.
The joint command centre also said
the presence of U.S troops in northern
Syria where Washington has hundreds
of special forces helping the Syr-
ian Democratic Forces (SDF) to oust
lamic State.
Philippines Justice Secretary was
quoted as saying, We are going to
continue in partnership with our intel-
ligence units to verify if there are other
persons involved.
He added the Philippine Bureau of
Immigration (BI) is readying deporta-
tion proceedings against Al-Dhufairi
and Zina. With the arrest of the couple,
presidential spokesman Ernesto Abel-
la called on the public to be vigilant
against possible terror acts and crimi-
nality.
Equate builds
Continued from Page 1
Company and the Dow Chemicals.
The company produced more than
ve million tonnes of petrochemicals
last year and another 250,000 tonnes
is expected to be added to the produc-
tion capacity in 2017.
We will look at increasing the ca-
pacity further in coordination with
our shareholders, he said.
Asia is a major market and most of
our exports are in that direction. We
also export to Europe, Africa and the
United States. More than 90 per cent
of our production is exported.
The company recently did a sukuk
and raised $500 million, he said.
It [the money raised from sukuk
was used for renancing and to build
our portfolio. The company has no
further sukuk plans this year.
US president not moored to any coherent ideology
Trumps emerging doctrine is flexibility
PALM BEACH, Florida, April 9,
(AP): In the aftermath of President
Donald Trumps surprise strikes on
Syria, his allies and adversaries
have searched for some broader
meaning in his decision.
Is Trump now a humanitarian in-
terventionist, willing to wield Ameri-
can military power when foreign
governments threaten their own citi-
zens? Is he a commander in chief
who once warned against interven-
tion in Syria but is now prepared to
plunge the United States deeper
into the conict? Is he turning on
Russia, one of Syrias most impor-
tant patrons, after months of irting
with closer US ties with Moscow?
Trump would say hes simply
exible, an emerging foreign policy
doctrine that leaves room for evolu-
tion and uncertainty.
I dont have to have one specic
way, and if the world changes, I
go the same way, I dont change,
Trump said Wednesday, a day af-
ter the chemical weapons attack in
Syria that compelled him to order
airstrikes against a government air
base. Well, I do change and I am
exible, and Im proud of that ex-
ibility.
Allies in the Middle East and Eu-
rope who panned Trumps efforts
to ban Syrian refugees from the
United States cheered his decision
to strike against Syrian President
Islamic State was illegal and that
Washington had a long-term plan to
occupy the area.
The regional alliance said the US
cruise missile strikes on a Syrian base
which Washington said was involved
in a chemical attack that killed dozens
of civilians would not deter their forces
from liberating all of Syrian territory.
In Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatol-
lah Ali Khamenei said the US missile
strike was a a strategic error, and a
repeat of the mistakes of the past, the
state news agency IRNA reported.
The Islamic Republic has shown
that.. it does not back off and its people
and ofcials ... do not retreat in the face
of threats, said Khamenei.
Many Syrians opposed to Assads rule
consider Lebanons Hezbollah and Irani-
an-backed troops as occupiers seeking to
drive out mainly Sunni Syrians from the
areas they live in. They hold Iran and its
allies responsible for the displacement of
millions outside the country.
They also see Russia as a foreign
occupier whose relentless aerial
bombardment of rebel-held areas
has led to thousands of civilian ca-
sualties. Some accuse Moscow of
applying a scorched-earth policy
that targets hospitals, schools and
residential areas more than frontlines
to break the resolve of the anti-Assad
On the outlook for the petrochemi-
cals industry, he said it is going to be
volatile in the short-term but is ex-
pected to stabilise beyond 2019.
The company announced $679
million in total net prot for the scal
year ending Dec 31, 2016.
Speaking at the same event, Mo-
hammad Al Mulla, chief executive
ofcer and managing director of Qa-
tar Petrochemical Company (Qapco),
said the petrochemical industry in
the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council)
grew by ve per cent last year reach-
ing a production capacity of 27 mil-
lion tonnes.
The governments in the region
beneted from the growth of pet-
rochemical industry in diversifying
their portfolios and in creating more
value added solutions, said Al Mulla.
O head of
Continued from Page 1
For instance, in Turkey, its presi-
dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not
wait for the outcome of parliamen-
tary discussions when he felt danger
coming from within in the form of a
military coup which was threatening
his country. Because the president
exercised all his powers relentlessly,
Turkey regained stability despite all
the campaigns organized by coun-
tries and human rights organizations
against him, which immediately
were pushed aside after they wit-
Bashar Assads military after view-
ing images of young children killed
in the chemical attacks. Yet they did
so without any clear guidance from
Washington on the next steps in
Syria.
Trumps ambassador to the Unit-
ed Nations, Nikki Haley, said the
United States was willing to take
more action against Assad, while
White House ofcials cautioned that
the strikes did not signal a broader
shift in US policy.
Policy
Mark Feierstein, who served in the
National Security Council under pres-
ident Barack Obama, said its difcult
to glean a direction for US policy from
Trumps actions in Syria because
Trump is not moored to any coher-
ent ideology or set of ideas.
But for some of Trumps support-
ers, ideological elasticity is a virtue
for a president who took ofce with
no practical foreign policy experi-
ence. They say it gives the former
real estate mogul breathing room to
learn on the job and accept advice
from more seasoned advisers.
I think as time goes on, every
day that has passed, he more and
more has understood the gravity of
US leadership, said GOP Sen Bob
Corker of Tennessee, the chairman
of the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee.
insurgency.
Elsewhere, Iraqs inuential Shiite
cleric Moqtada al-Sadr called on Syr-
ian President Bashar al-Assad to take
a historic heroic decision and step
down, to spare his country further
bloodshed. Sadr, who commands a
large following among the urban poor
of Baghdad and the southern cities, is
the rst Iraqi Shiite political leader to
urge Assad to step down.
But his call was wrapped in kind
words about the Syrian president and
condemnation of the US strikes car-
ried out on a Syrian airbase on Friday,
in retaliation for a chemical attack on
civilians in a rebel-held area of Syria.
Sadr said the US strikes would drag
the region to war and could help the
expansion of Daesh, the militant Is-
lamic State group, which controls parts
of Iraq and Syria.
Iraqs Shiite-led governments have
maintained good relations with the Syr-
ian government throughout the six-year
Syrian civil war. Sadr is the only Iraqi
Shiite leader to keep some distance
from Iran, a main backer of Assad
along with Russia.
I think it would be fair for President
Bashar al-Assad to offer his resigna-
tion and step down in love for Syria,
to spare it the woes of war and terror-
ism ...and take a historic, heroic deci-
nessed the lurking danger.
This is the main task of any leader
who strives to protect his country
and avoid chaos. It is when the lead-
er does not turn towards slogans or
reports. Such a leader does not un-
derestimate any kind of aggression
because the ultimate goal of the lat-
ter is to take over all state domains
and control them; in fact, to get hold
of the rule.
In the past decades, some of the
Arab countries paid huge prices for
holding on to the outer democratic
faade while the pillars of the house
were silently crumbling. There was
division, killing, chaos and economic
crisis which ended up in civil wars,
just like in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Libya
and Somalia.
Today, the GCC countries are wit-
nessing storms all around your house,
thanks to some who are waiting for
an opportunity to pounce on the rule.
Therefore, if some GCC leaders have
already taken drastic measures to pro-
tect their countries, then completing
that protection process necessitates
them to be more aware of the lurking
dangers.
This is because experience has
proven that betting more on de-
mocracy under the hope of ending
tribulations will result in a loss, es-
pecially when the culprits are hiding
evil agendas.
The head of the authorities in any
nation has the power to use all his/
her authorities which are completely
guaranteed by the Constitution. That is
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
Trump ran for ofce as a Re-
publican but has few ties to the
partys traditionally conservative
philosophy. He often has relied on
his exibility as a way to reassure
Americans that some of his more
unconventional and controversial
proposals were merely sugges-
tions.
Yet on some issues, he has
shown a willingness to follow
through. He has ordered construc-
tion of a wall along the US-Mexico
border and signed executive orders
banning entry to the US for people
from some majority Muslim coun-
tries, including Syria. Those travel
orders have so far been blocked by
the courts.
The angry reaction to the Syria
strikes from some of his strongest
campaign supporters showed that
they expected him to fulll promises
to stay out of Syria.
Those who wanted us meddling
in the Middle East voted for other
candidates, Ann Coulter, the con-
servative commentator, wrote on
Twitter.
As a candidate and private citi-
zen, Trump cast Syrias civil war
as a quagmire from which the
United States should steer clear.
Until the chemical weapons at-
tack, Trump mainly saw Syria as
a hotbed for terrorists seeking to
attack the US.
sion before it is too late, Sadr said in
a statement.
The Shiite-led Iraqi government
issued a statement on Friday that re-
ected the difcult balancing act it
maintains between its alliance with the
United States and with Shiite Iran. It
condemned the chemical attack, with-
out naming Assad, calling instead for
an international investigation to iden-
tify the perpetrator.
The statement also criticized the
hasty interventions that followed the
chemical attack, in an apparent refer-
ence to the US strikes.
A US-led coalition has been pro-
viding air and ground support to Iraqi
forces battling Islamic State, allowing
them to recapture most of the cities
they had overrun in 2014 in Sunni areas
of northern and western Iraq.
Meanwhile, Islamic State militants
launched two suicide attacks on US-
backed Syrian rebels near the border
with Iraq, leaving at least 12 dead in
the ghting and many wounded, rebels
sources said on Sunday.
They said eight Islamic State ghters
and four of their own men died.
An attack at midnight on a heavily
defended base near the al Tanf border
crossing involved at least one explo-
sive-laden vehicle that rammed an en-
trance to the base.
the only way to escape from such pre-
dicament which could lead to the fall
of the state. When that happens, there
will neither be democracy nor freedom
of expression or even the Constitution
to talk about because of those who are
striving to throw the country into the
pit.
Blasts kill 43,
Continued from Page 1
and the unity of the Egyptian people,
running contrary to all heavenly faiths
and human values.
His Highness the Amir reafrmed
Kuwaits support to Egypt and what-
ever measures Cairo might take to
counter such acts of terrorism that tar-
get the countrys security and stability.
His Highness the Amir reafrmed
Kuwaits unwavering stance rejecting
all forms of terrorism, renewing the
countrys support to the international
community to ght terror and dry up
its nancing resources.
Offering condolences to families
of the blast victims, His Highness the
Amir wished those wounded in the at-
tack speedy recovery.
His Highness the Crown Prince
Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber
Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime
Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-
Hamad Al-Sabah sent two similar
cables of condolences to the Egyptian
President.
His Highness the Amir also sent a
37
cable to Coptic Pope Tawadros II, the
head of the Coptic Church in Egypt
expressing condolences and sympathy
over the victims of the terrorist at-
tacks.
His Highness the Crown Prince
Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber
Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime
Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-
Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar cables.
Thousands gathered outside the
Tanta church shortly after the blast,
some weeping and wearing black.
They described a scene of carnage.
There was blood all over the oor and
body parts scattered, said a Christian
woman who was inside the church at
the time of the attack.
There was a huge explosion in the
hall. Fire and smoke lled the room
and the injuries were extremely se-
vere, another Christian woman, Viv-
ian Fareeg, said.
Islamic States branch in Egypt ap-
pears to be stepping up attacks and
threats against Christians, who com-
prise about 10 percent of Egypts 90
million people and amount to the big-
gest Christian minority in the Middle
East.
In February, scores of Christian
families and students ed Egypts
North Sinai province after a spate of
targeted killings.
Those attacks followed one of the
deadliest on Egypts Christian minor-
ity, when a suicide bomber hit its larg-
est Coptic cathedral, killing at least
25 people. Islamic State later claimed
responsibility for that attack.
Islamic State has waged a low-lev-
el war against soldiers and police in
Egypts Sinai Peninsula for years. It
now seems to be changing tactics, tar-
geting Christian civilians and broaden-
ing its reach into Egypts mainland.
That is a potential turning point in a
country trying to prevent a provincial
insurgency from spiralling into wider
sectarian bloodshed.
Though Copts have in the past faced
attacks by Muslim neighbours, who
have burnt their homes and churches
in poor rural areas, the Christian com-
munity has felt increasingly insecure
since Islamic State spread through Iraq
and Syria in 2014 and ruthlessly going
after religious minorities.
Of course we feel targeted, there
was a bomb here about a week ago
but it was dismantled. Theres no se-
curity, said another Christian woman
in Tanta. She was referring to an attack
earlier this month near a police train-
ing centre that killed one policeman
and injured 15.
Wahby Lamie, who had one nephew
killed and another nephew injured in
the Tanta blast, expressed exaspera-
tion at the growing number of attacks.
How much longer are we going to be
this divided? Anyone whos different
from them now is an indel, whether
theyre Muslim or Christian. They see
them as indels, he said.
How much longer are these peo-
ple going to exist? And how much
longer will security be this incompe-
tent?
Newswatch
Continued from Page 1
that experts said might identify
computers used to obscure US
electronic eavesdropping. (AP)
PALM BEACH, Fla: Presi-
dent Donald Trumps deputy
national security adviser, K.T.
McFarland, is expected to step
down and has been offered the
position of US ambassador to
Singapore, a US ofcial said on
Sunday.
The move comes as Trumps
national security adviser, H.R.
McMaster, retools the national
security team he inherited from
retired General Michael Flynn,
who resigned as Trumps rst
national security adviser in Feb-
ruary. (RTRS)
LONDON: The body of a police
ofcer killed in last months at-
tack in London has been brought
to lie in a chapel at Parliament,
an honor usually reserved for
senior politicians.
Constable Keith Palmer
was stabbed to death by Khalid
Masood inside the gates of Par-
liament on March 22. Moments
earlier, Masood had plowed a
rented SUV into pedestrians
on Westminster Bridge, killing
four. (AP)
QARAQOSH, Iraq: Hundreds
of Christians ocked to the Iraqi
town of Qaraqosh on Sunday to
celebrate Palm Sunday for the
rst time in three years, packing
into a church torched by Islamic
State to take communion at its
ruined altar.
In October, Iraqi forces ex-
pelled the Sunni Muslim mili-
tants from Qaraqosh as part of a
campaign to retake nearby Mo-
sul, the countrys second-largest
city seized by the group in June
2014. (RTRS)
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

LEISURE 38

Shermans Lagoon By J.P. Toomey

N E W Y O R K T I M E S CROSSWORD

Mutts By Patrick McDonnell

Cinco de Mayo
beverage

Hagar The Horrible By Chris Browne

Beetle Bailey By Mort Walker

Scratch pad

odds n ends
DALLAS: Hackers struck the
sirens Dallas uses to alert resi-
dents to take shelter from in-
clement weather, triggering in-
termittent false alarms for about
an hour and a half until ofcials
deactivated the system early
Garfield By Jim Davis Saturday morning.
The person or people re-
sponsible were able to hack
into a part of the system that
was communicating with all 156
of the citys sirens, Rocky Vaz,
who heads the citys Ofce of
Emergency Management, said
at a news conference.
Technicians were trying to de-
termine how to bring the system
back online without the risk of it
being hacked again, he said. In
the meantime, the public has ac-
cess to other alert systems. Vaz
said he hoped to have the siren
system back up by Sunday.
The sirens began sounding
at 11:42 pm, Friday. Ofcials
deactivated the entire system
Baby Blues By Rick Kirkman & Jerry Scott by 1:17 am Saturday. Vaz said
the sirens went through about
15 cycles of a 90-second siren
activation.
We shut it down as quickly
as we could, taking into con-
sideration all of the precautions
and protocols we had to take
to make sure that we were not
compromising our 156-siren
system, he said.
City spokeswoman Sana
Syed said ofcials believe the
hack came from the Dallas
area. Vaz said city ofcials have
asked the Federal Communica-
tions Commission for help in
determining who was behind
the hack. He said police were
not involved yet.
Conceptis Sudoku Challenger We cant talk a whole lot
about the hack itself, because
obviously we dont want this to
A dog with a cherry blossom-shaped pin, is seen in the cherry blossom festival in happen again, Syed said.
The grid must be so completed that every row, column Seoul, South Korea on April 9. (AP) Syed said that there was a
and 3x3 box has every digit from 1 to 9 inclusive surge in calls to 911 during the
time the sirens were sounding.
DIRECTIONS:
Fill each square contract bridge She said that they had about
4,400 calls from about 11:30
pm Friday to about 3 am Satur-
day. (AP)
with a number, one By Steve Becker
through nine.
Horizontal TOLEDO, Ohio: A north-
squares should west Ohio zoo is welcoming a
add to totals on 130-pound (59-kilogram) bun-
right. dle of joy that stands 5-feet,
Vertical squares 7-inches (171 centimeters) tall.
The Toledo Zoo says a Masai
should add to giraffe has given birth to a female
totals on bottom. calf named Kipenzi (kee-PEHN-
Diagonal zee). That means beloved or
squares through precious one in Swahili.
center should add The zoo says the calf born
Yesterdays solution Monday and her mother, Elli,
to total in upper
wont be on public display until
and lower right. cleared by the zoos veterinary
staff. That could be sometime
THERE MAY BE around Memorial Day.
MORE THAN ONE Much attention has been
SOLUTION. generated lately by a New York
animal park that has had lives-
tream video of its pregnant gi-
Todays Challenge raffe waiting to give birth.
Time 5 Minutes But Toledo Zoo ofcials say
Answer to yesterdays puzzle 37 Seconds they wont livestream births or
Your Working similar events. A zoo spokes-
Time __ Minutes woman tells The Blade news-
paper that too many things can
__ Seconds possibly go wrong. (AP)

Word by Word

Safe Salama
It is better to be safe than sorry.
Al salama khair men al nadama.

Numbers

7526 Seven thousand five hundred

twenty six
Sabat alaf wa khamso maah
wa seta wa eshroun
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

SPORTS 39

White Sox hand Twins first loss of season

Os still perfect
CHICAGO, April 9, (AP):
Avisail Garcia went 3 for 4
with three RBIs and Geo-
vany Soto homered as the
Chicago White Sox hand-
ed the Minnesota Twins
their rst loss of the Ma-
jor League Baseball season
with a 6-2 victory on Satur-
day.
Sotos homer
was his third in
four games.
Garcia fell a
double shy of
the cycle. He
had a two-run
triple in the
second inning
Garcia against Minne-
sota starter Adalberto Mejia (0-1).
Garcia and Soto hit back-to-back
home runs in the sixth.
The Twins (4-1) were looking to start
5-0 for the rst time since 1968.
Orioles 5, Yankees 4
In Baltimore, Hyun Soo Kim hit a tie-
breaking RBI single off Dellin Betances
in the seventh inning after a rare stolen
base by slugger Mark Trumbo, and Bal-
timore remained the only unbeaten team
in the majors by rallying past New York.
BASEBALL
One day after making up a four-run
decit, the Orioles came back from be-
ing down 4-1 and improved this season
to 4-0.
Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez left in
the fth after straining his right biceps
during his follow-through on a swing.
New York placed him on the 10-day
disabled list after the game.
The Orioles trailed 4-3 in the seventh
when Chris Davis doubled with one out.
Trumbo followed with an RBI single,
and the major leagues defending home
run champ promptly stole second off
Betances (0-1), against whom runners
were 21 for 21 last year in attempted
steals. Kim then safely popped is hit into
the outeld for Trumbo to score.
It was the 23rd career stolen base for
Trumbo in 553 games. It was also the
second steal of the day for Baltimore,
which had only 19 all last year.
Mychal Givens (1-0) pitched a score-
less seventh and Zach Britton got his
third save. New York has lost four of
ve.
Angels 5, Mariners 4
In Anaheim, California, Mike Trout
hit a tiebreaking homer in the seventh
inning and Andrelton Simmons made
a spectacular tag at third base to com-
plete a double play during Los Angeles
fourth victory in ve games.
Simmons made the latest jaw-drop-
ping defensive play in a week full of
gems by the Angels, who have standout
elders at most positions this season.
When Jean Segura tried to advance
from rst to third on Mitch Hanigers
grounder in the third inning, Sim-
mons covered third base. The shortstop
snagged Jefry Martes off-target throw
and twisted in midair to apply a behind-
the-back tag to the sliding Segura, who
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish, of Japan, throws to the Oak-
land Athletics during the rst inning of a baseball game on April 8, in Arling-
ton, Texas. (AP)
St Louis Cardinals third baseman Greg Garcia knocks down a ground ball off the bat of Cincinnati Reds Patrick Kivlehan during the eighth inning of a baseball game on April 8, at Busch Stadium
was initially called safe before video
replay revealed what the naked eye
couldnt process. Trout connected for
a two-run shot off Evan Scribner (0-1).
J.C. Ramirez (2-0) got the win after
blowing a lead, and Cam Bedrosian got
ve outs for his second save.
Diamondbacks 11, Indians 2
In Phoenix, David Peralta hit a go-
ahead solo homer in the sixth inning and
Arizona came from behind again before
pulling away late.
Peraltas second home run of the sea-
son pinged off the right eld foul pole
with one out to give the Diamondbacks
a 2-1 lead against starter Trevor Bauer.
The Diamondbacks (5-1) scored four
runs in the sixth and six more in the
eighth, and theyve come from behind
for all ve of their wins this season.
Zack Greinke (1-0) pitched 6 2/3
solid innings, allowing a run and ve
hits while striking out six. Bauer (0-1)
made his rst start of the season and was
charged with four runs and seven hits
with seven strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.
Phillies 17, Nationals 3
In Philadelphia, Howie Kendrick had
a bases-loaded triple while Philadelphia
scored 12 runs for the biggest rst in-
ning in team history, and the Phillies
routed Washington 17-3.
Philadelphia piled up nine hits and
four walks off Jeremy Guthrie (0-1) and
Enny Romero in the rst. The Phillies
didnt hit any homers in the inning, but
did have three doubles. Maikel Franco,
Michael Saunders and Tommy Joseph
each had two RBIs while Washington
set a team mark for runs allowed in an
inning. Kendrick had three hits and four
RBIs for the game, Saunders had three
hits and two RBIs and Cameron Rupp
homered and drove in three.
Phillies starter Aaron Nola (1-0)
pitched six solid innings, allowing three
runs, seven hits and two walks while
striking out seven.
too, starting in place of injured Sonny
in St Louis. Kivlehan was out at rst. (AP)
Atlanta United extend unbeaten streak to four
Adi breaks Timbers career goals mark
CHESTER, Pennsylvania, April 9, (AP): Fanendo Adi Neither team had a shot on goal in the rst half, but
became Portlands career goals leader with 46, scoring to in the 52nd minute, Lee Nguyen nudged the ball past a
close out the MLS-leading Timbers 3-1 victory over the couple of defenders through to Kamara for a breakaway
winless Philadelphia Union on Saturday. score. Goalkeeper Tyler Deric blocked the initial shot but
Elsewhere, expansion club Atlanta United had a 2-2 the rebound came back to Karama for his second goal of
draw at undefeated Toronto to extend its unbeaten streak the season for New England.
to four and New England cruised to a victory at home to Agudelo, who had sent a close-in header over the
Houston, while San Jose scored an injury-time equalizer charging Deric and the bar during extra time in the
to share the spoils with Seattle. rst half, doubled the lead off a rebound in the 72nd
Roy Miller had put Western Con- minute after Deric had punched out a cross by Kelyn
ference-leading Portland on top with Rowe.
his rst goal in the 66th minute. Di- New England improved to seven points and Houston
ego Valeri had a great service off a In this April 8, 2017 photo, Japa-
nese baseball player Shohei Otani
free kick from the left wing that was SOCCER
headed in by Miller. of the Nippon Ham Fighters dashes
to the rst base after hitting a third
The ball was curving left and remained on nine points and third in the Western Confer- base grounder in the rst inning of
Miller had just enough of a touch to a game against the Orix BlueWave
send it the other way. ence. Hector Villalba scored twice and Atlanta survived
being a man down for the last 15 minutes to take a 2-2 in Osaka, western Japan. Otani will
Adis goal, on a penalty kick in be sidelined for about six weeks be-
the 88th minute, moved him past John Adi draw at Toronto FC, to extend its unbeaten run to four
games. cause of a left-thigh muscle strain,
Bain (1978-82). He started the season in third place with his team said on Sunday. Otani,
41 goals, one behind Byron Alvarez (2003-06). Philadel- Atlantas Yamil Asad was sent off in the 75th minute who is expected to move to Major
after referee David Gantar ruled that he used an elbow to
phia opened the scoring in the 26th minute on a perfectly League Baseball in 2018, hurt his
timed header by Richie Marquez off of a corner kick by oor Eriq Zavaleta. Atlanta assistant coach Jorge Theiler left leg trying to beat out an ineld
Haris Medunjanin. also was dismissed. single in the Fighters loss to the
The Timbers got the equalizer in the 32nd minute when Sebastian Giovinco and Justin Morrow scored for To- BlueWave on Saturday. (AP)
Darlington Nagbe intercepted a pass and put a shot from ronto, which has seven points after its fourth draw in ve
outside the box just inside the left post. games. a six-run eighth inning, helping Kansas
Kei Kamara and Juan Agudelo scored second-half At San Jose, Chris Wondolowski scored from Marco City rally over Houston.
goals to help New England to a 2-0 home win over Hous- Urenas deep cross in the 90th minute to rescue a 1-1 The Royals trailed 2-1 and managed
ton. draw for the Earthquakes against Seattle. just two hits off Dallas Keuchel before
Luke Gregerson (0-1) took over for the
eighth. Alex Gordon put Kansas City
ahead with a two-run double, Lorenzo
Guthrie turned 38 on Saturday and runner before Napoli sent a drive into Greg Holland pitched a perfect ninth for
was pitching in the majors for the rst Oaklands bullpen in left-center for his his fourth save. Cain hit an RBI single and then Hos-
mers rst homer this season extended
time since 2015. rst home run of the season. Nolan Arenado lined a hanging
Cubs 11, Brewers 6 A pair of As relievers nished the curveball from Kershaw in the rst to the lead to 6-2. Two pitches later, Perez
sent an 88 mph fastball into the seats in
In Milwaukee, NL MVP Kris Bryant combined two-hitter. deep center. He has two homers after ty-
broke out of his early slump by driving Yu Darvish (0-1) allowed one run in ing for the NL lead with 41 last season. left eld to chase Gregerson.
Danny Duffy (1-0) allowed eight hits
in his rst three runs of the season and six innings on four hits and three walks, Padres 2, Giants 1
Chicago overcame a shaky start by Kyle striking out ve. His 3-10 career record In San Diego, Rookie Manuel Margot and two runs over seven innings for the
Hendricks to beat Milwaukee. against Oakland is his worst against any doubled twice off Madison Bumgarner, win, and the Royals took their second
Bryant had managed a mere single in big league opponent. Jhoulys Chacin and two relieves held straight from Houston after being swept
16 at-bats this year before going 3 for Rockies 4, Dodgers 2 San Francisco to ve hits and San Diego in a three-game series at Minnesota to
6. He hit a two-run double in the third In Denver, Clayton Kershaw surren- beat the Giants. open the season.
inning and an RBI single in the fourth. dered back-to-back homers for the rst Margot stayed hot a day after hitting Marlins 8, Mets 1
The World Series champions got a time in his career, with Mark Reynolds his rst two big league home runs in a In New York, Marcell Ozuna hit a
season-high 17 hits. An ineld single and Gerardo Parra going deep in the home-opening win against the Giants. mammoth home run and Adam Conley
by Hendricks put the Cubs ahead to stay sixth to help Colorado beat Los Angeles. He hustled for a double on a grounder allowed one hit through ve innings to
5-4 in the fth off reliever Jhan Marinez Reynolds lined a two-run homer to left leading off the rst and scored on lead Miami over New York.
(0-2). Hendricks (1-0), who led the ma- off Kershaw (1-1). Three pitches later, Hunter Renfroes double. He doubled Christian Yelich crashed into the
jors with a 2.13 ERA last year, made his Parra followed with a solo shot to help with one out in the second to bring in outeld fence for a fantastic catch that
rst start of the season and gave up four the Rockies improve to 5-1 for the third rookie Allen Cordoba, who hit a leadoff robbed Yoenis Cespedes of extra bases
runs in the rst inning. time in franchise history. single to left for his rst big league hit. in the eighth. Otherwise, the Marlins
Athletics 6, Rangers 1 This was only the third time Kershaw Chacin (1-1) rebounded nicely from breezed to their third consecutive win on
In Arlington, Texas, Kendall Grave- has allowed multiple homers in an in- being roughed up in a 14-3 loss to the another windy night at Citi Field.
man held Texas hitless until Mike Nap- ning over his career. The Dodgers ace Dodgers on opening day. After outhitting the Mets 13-3 in this
oli homered with two outs in the seventh went six innings and gave up four runs, Bumgarner (0-1) allowed two runs one and outscoring them 15-3 during the
inning, and Oakland beat the Rangers. including three homers, in his rst loss and six hits in eight innings, struck out rst two games of the series, the Mar-
Graveman (2-0) gave up two hits to the Rockies since July 12, 2013. ve and walked two. lins will go for a sweep Sunday night on
in seven innings, striking out ve and Jon Gray turned in a strong outing Royals 7, Astros 3 national television. Miami had lost its
walking one. He won on opening day, during a no-decision, allowing one run In Houston, Cheslor Cuthbert hit a previous ve series against the Mets, si-
over 5-1/3 innings. Mike Dunn (2-0) got solo homer early and Eric Hosmer and lenced at the plate by Conley (1-0) once
Gray. Graveman had allowed only one two outs in the sixth to earn the win and Salvador Perez both went deep during again.

MLB Scoreboard

WASHINGTON, April 9, (Agencies): Results from the MLB games on Saturday.

San Diego 2 San Francisco 1 W L PCT GB Texas, Napoli. Ottavino (7), McGee (8), Holland (9) and Garneau. W_Dunn Hernandez, Philadelphia, 6; Lamb, Arizona, 6; Realmuto, Mi-
Colorado 4 LA Dodgers 2 Chicago Cubs 3 2 .600 - Seattle 200 000 1104 8 1 2-0. L_Kershaw 1-1. Sv_Holland (4). HRs_Los Angeles, Toles. ami, 6; 10 tied at 5.
Oakland 6 Texas 1 Cincinnati 3 2 .600 - Los Angeles 011 010 20x5 13 0 Colorado, Arenado, Reynolds, Parra. RBI: Belt, San Francisco, 7; Solarte, San Diego, 7; Lamb,
Chicago Cubs 11 Milwaukee 6 Pittsburgh 2 2 .500 0-1/2 F.Hernandez, Scribner (7), Pazos (8) and Zunino; Nolasco, MLB Leaders Arizona, 6; Ozuna, Miami, 6; Realmuto, Miami, 6; Reynolds,
Kansas City 7 Houston 3 St Louis 2 3 .400 1 J..Ramirez (7), Bedrosian (8) and Maldonado. W_J..Ramirez American League Colorado, 6; Shaw, Milwaukee, 6; Werth, Washington, 6; 9
Miami 8 NY Mets 1 Milwaukee 2 4 .333 1-1/2 2-0. L_Scribner 0-1. Sv_Bedrosian (2). HRs_Seattle, Haniger. BATTING: Garcia, Chicago, .500; Mazara, Texas, .476; tied at 5.
Pittsburgh 6 Atlanta 4 Western Division Los Angeles, Trout, Escobar. Simmons, Los Angeles, .421; Leon, Boston, .417; Headley, HITS: Murphy, Washington, 11; Realmuto, Miami, 10; Ozu-
Philadelphia 17 Washington 3 W L PCT GB Interleague New York, .412; Souza Jr, Tampa Bay, .409; Castro, Minne- na, Miami, 9; Cozart, Cincinnati, 8; Kemp, Atlanta, 8; Kendrick,
Tampa Bay 3 Toronto (11 Innings) 2 Arizona 5 1 .833 - Cleveland 000 100 001 27 0 sota, .400; Morrison, Tampa Bay, .400; Alonso, Oakland, .389; Philadelphia, 8; Nunez, San Francisco, 8; Pollock, Arizona, 8;
Baltimore 5 NY Yankees 4 Colorado 5 1 .833 - Arizona 000 014 06x11 15 0 Odor, Texas, .389; 1 tied at .385. JTurner, Los Angeles, 8; 12 tied at 7.
St Louis 10 Cincinnati 4 LA Dodgers 3 3 .500 2 Bauer, B.Shaw (6), Logan (8), Armstrong (8) and R.Perez; RUNS: Sano, Minnesota, 6; Castro, Minnesota, 5; KDavis, DOUBLES: Shaw, Milwaukee, 5; Kemp, Atlanta, 4; JTurn-
Chicago White Sox 6 Minnesota 2 San Diego 3 3 .500 2 Greinke, Hoover (7), De La Rosa (9) and Mathis. W_Greinke Oakland, 5; Haniger, Seattle, 5; Lindor, Cleveland, 5; Longoria, er, Los Angeles, 4; Murphy, Washington, 3; Panik, San Fran-
LA Angels 5 Seattle 4 San Francisco 1 5 .167 4 1-0. L_Bauer 0-1. HRs_Arizona, Peralta. Tampa Bay, 5; Lowrie, Oakland, 5; Mazara, Texas, 5; Santana, cisco, 3; Pollock, Arizona, 3; Reynolds, Colorado, 3; Russell,
Arizona II 11 Indians 2 MLB Linescores National League Cleveland, 5; 12 tied at 4. Chicago, 3; Tomas, Arizona, 3; 16 tied at 2.
Detroit 4 Boston 1 American League Cincinnati 000 100 021 47 0 RBI: Mazara, Texas, 9; Lindor, Cleveland, 7; Springer, TRIPLES: Arcia, Milwaukee, 1; Belt, San Francisco, 1; Co-
MLB Standings Boston 010 000 0001 6 0 St Louis 200 403 01x10 10 0 Houston, 7; Morales, Toronto, 6; Odor, Texas, 6; Sano, Min- zart, Cincinnati, 1; Dietrich, Miami, 1; Drury, Arizona, 1; Free-
Detroit 001 030 00x4 5 0 Arroyo, Stephenson (5), W.Peralta (6), Storen (8) and Barn- nesota, 6; Santana, Cleveland, 6; 10 tied at 5. man, Atlanta, 1; Hamilton, Cincinnati, 1; Hellickson, Philadel-
American League HITS: Mazara, Texas, 10; Souza Jr, Tampa Bay, 9; Dick- phia, 1; Hernandez, Philadelphia, 1; Kendrick, Philadelphia, 1;
Rodriguez, Taylor (6), Ramirez (7) and Vazquez; Zimmer- hart; Wacha, Bowman (7), J.Broxton (8), Tuivailala (9) and
Eastern Division mann, Greene (7), Ryan (8), Wilson (9) and J.McCann. W_ Molina, Fryer. W_Wacha 1-0. L_Arroyo 0-1. HRs_Cincinnati, erson, Tampa Bay, 8; Garcia, Chicago, 8; Lowrie, Oakland, 8; Markakis, Atlanta, 1; Mathis, Arizona, 1; Panik, San Francisco,
W L PCT GB Zimmermann 1-0. L_Rodriguez 0-1. Sv_Wilson (1). HRs_De- Schebler, Suarez. St Louis, Diaz 2. Morrison, Tampa Bay, 8; Simmons, Los Angeles, 8; 12 tied at 7. 1; Pence, San Francisco, 1; Peterson, Atlanta, 1; Realmuto,
Baltimore 4 0 1.000 - troit, McCann, Iglesias. Atlanta 021 000 0104 11 2 DOUBLES: Cabrera, Chicago, 3; Santana, Cleveland, 3; Miami, 1; Saunders, Philadelphia, 1.
Tampa Bay 4 2 .667 1 Minnesota 000 002 0002 9 2 Pittsburgh 022 002 00x6 10 1 Souza Jr, Tampa Bay, 3; 16 tied at 2. HOME RUNS: Belt, San Francisco, 3; Puig, Los Angeles,
Boston 2 2 .500 2 Chicago 120 003 00x6 8 0 Dickey, Krol (6), Jose Ramirez (8) and K.Suzuki; Kuhl, Nicasio TRIPLES: Andrus, Texas, 1; Bradley Jr, Boston, 1; Castel- 3; 16 tied at 2.
NY Yankees 1 4 .200 3-1/2 Mejia, Haley (2), Tonkin (6) and J.Castro; M.Gonzalez, Putnam (6), Rivero (7), Hudson (8), Watson (9) and Cervelli. W_Kuhl lanos, Detroit, 1; Davidson, Chicago, 1; RDavis, Oakland, 1; STOLEN BASES: Nunez, San Francisco, 3; TTurner,
Toronto 1 4 .200 3-1/2 (7), Jennings (9) and Soto. W_M.Gonzalez 1-0. L_Mejia 0-1. 1-0. L_Dickey 0-1. Sv_Watson (2). Garcia, Chicago, 1; Sano, Minnesota, 1; Trout, Los Angeles, 1. Washington, 3; Diaz, St Louis, 2; Eaton, Washington, 2; Gor-
Central Division HRs_Minnesota, Castro. Chicago, Garcia, Soto. Washington 000 102 000 310 2 HOME RUNS: KDavis, Oakland, 3; Lindor, Cleveland, don, Miami, 2; Hamilton, Cincinnati, 2; Owings, Arizona, 2; 18
W L PCT GB New York 020 020 0004 9 0 Philadelphia 1210 001 21x17 15 0 3; Odor, Texas, 3; Perez, Kansas City, 3; Soto, Chicago, 3; tied at 1.
Minnesota 4 1 .800 - Baltimore 000 120 20x5 10 1 Guthrie, Romero (1), Blanton (3), O.Perez (6), Kelley (8) and Springer, Houston, 3; 7 tied at 2. PITCHING: Anderson, Colorado, 1-0; Arrieta, Chicago, 1-0;
Detroit 3 1 .750 0-1/2 Tanaka, Warren (6), Layne (7), Betances (7), Holder (8) and Wieters; Nola, Neshek (7), Ramos (8) and Rupp. W_Nola 1-0. STOLEN BASES: Dozier, Minnesota, 3; Gardner, New Chen, Miami, 1-0; Conley, Miami, 1-0; Cueto, San Francisco,
Cleveland 3 2 .600 1 G.Sanchez, Romine; Gausman, Drake (5), Givens (7), Brach L_Guthrie 0-1. HRs_Philadelphia, Blanco, Rupp. York, 3; Mondesi, Kansas City, 3; Semien, Oakland, 3; Smith, 1-0; De La Rosa, Arizona, 1-0; Dunn, Colorado, 1-0; Garrett, Cin-
Chicago White Sox 2 2 .500 1-1/2 (8), Britton (9) and Castillo. W_Givens 1-0. L_Betances 0-1. Miami 111 000 1228 13 0 Tampa Bay, 3; Bogaerts, Boston, 2; Cain, Kansas City, 2; Kier- cinnati, 1-0; Harvey, New York, 1-0; Hellickson, Philadelphia, 1-0;
Kansas City 2 3 .400 2 Sv_Britton (3). New York 000 010 0001 3 1 maier, Tampa Bay, 2; Segura, Seattle, 2; 16 tied at 1. Johnson, Atlanta, 1-0; Kershaw, Los Angeles, 1-0; Kuhl, Pitts-
Western Division Kansas City 000 010 0607 7 0 Conley, Ziegler (6), Barraclough (7), Phelps (8), Urena (9) PITCHING: Graveman, Oakland, 2-0; 24 tied at 1-0. burgh, 1-0; Lackey, Chicago, 1-0; McCarthy, Los Angeles, 1-0;
W L PCT GB Houston 001 100 0013 9 1 and Realmuto; Gsellman, Smoker (6), Robles (7), Sewald (8), ERA: Brach, Baltimore, 0.00; Britton, Baltimore, 0.00; Nova, Pittsburgh, 1-0; Peralta, Milwaukee, 1-0; Reed, Cincinnati,
LA Angels 4 2 .667 - Duffy, Moylan (8), Minor (9) and Butera; Keuchel, Gregerson Blevins (8), Montero (9), Salas (9) and T.dArnaud. W_Conley Claudio, Texas, 0.00; Fulmer, Detroit, 0.00; Paxton, Seattle, 1-0; Roark, Washington, 1-0; Robles, New York, 1-0; Rodney,
Houston 3 3 .500 1 (8), Peacock (8) and B.McCann. W_Duffy 1-0. L_Gregerson 1-0. L_Gsellman 0-1. HRs_Miami, Ozuna. New York, Duda. 0.00; Putnam, Chicago, 0.00; Sabathia, New York, 0.00; Sale, Arizona, 1-0; Scherzer, Washington, 1-0; Strasburg, Washing-
Oakland 3 3 .500 1 0-1. HRs_Kansas City, Hosmer, Cuthbert, Perez. Houston, Chicago 003 120 14011 17 0 Boston, 0.00; Triggs, Oakland, 0.00; Warren, New York, 0.00; ton, 1-0; Torres, San Diego, 1-0; Walker, Arizona, 1-0.
Texas 1 4 .200 2-1/2 McCann. Milwaukee 200 200 002 67 0 Ynoa, Chicago, 0.00; 1 tied at 0.64. ERA: Arrieta, Chicago, 0.00; Finnegan, Cincinnati, 0.00;
Seattle 1 5 .167 3 Toronto 000 000 110 002 5 1 Hendricks, Strop (7), Grimm (8) and Contreras; Milone, Marin- STRIKEOUTS: Archer, Tampa Bay, 13; Graveman, Garrett, Cincinnati, 0.00; Gonzalez, Washington, 0.00; Iglesias,
National League Tampa Bay 000 010 010 013 8 0 ez (5), Suter (7), Hughes (8), Knebel (9) and Bandy. W_Hen- Oakland, 12; Duffy, Kansas City, 11; Verlander, Detroit, 10; Cincinnati, 0.00; Martinez, St Louis, 0.00; Nova, Pittsburgh,
(11 innings) dricks 1-0. L_Marinez 0-2. HRs_Milwaukee, Villar, Franklin, Darvish, Texas, 9; Happ, Toronto, 9; Salazar, Cleveland, 9; 0.00; Peralta, Milwaukee, 0.00; Richard, San Diego, 0.00; Riv-
Eastern Division A.Sanchez, Biagini (8), Grilli (10), Lawrence (11) and Martin; Bandy. 5 tied at 8. ero, Pittsburgh, 0.00; Senzatela, Colorado, 0.00; Syndergaard,
W L PCT GB Archer, Hunter (8), Colome (9), Cedeno (10), E.Ramirez (10) San Francisco 000 000 0011 5 1 National League New York, 0.00; Taillon, Pittsburgh, 0.00; Teheran, Atlanta, 0.00;
Miami 3 2 .600 - and Norris, Sucre. W_E.Ramirez 1-0. L_Lawrence 0-1. San Diego 110 000 00x2 6 0 BATTING: Realmuto, Miami, .556; Murphy, Washington, Volquez, Miami, 0.00; deGrom, New York, 0.00; 1 tied at 1.13.
Washington 3 2 .600 - Oakland 000 001 1316 10 1 Bumgarner and Posey; Chacin, Hand (7), Buchter (9) and .524; Cozart, Cincinnati, .500; Kemp, Atlanta, .500; JTurner, STRIKEOUTS: Bumgarner, San Francisco, 11; Martinez, St
NY Mets 2 3 .400 1 Texas 000 000 1001 2 1 Hedges. W_Chacin 1-1. L_Bumgarner 0-1. Sv_Buchter (1). Los Angeles, .471; Kendrick, Philadelphia, .444; Ozuna, Mi- Louis, 10; Velasquez, Philadelphia, 10; Finnegan, Cincinnati,
Philadelphia 2 3 .400 1 Graveman, Casilla (8), Madson (9) and Vogt; Darvish, Bar- Los Angeles 000 010 0102 7 0 ami, .429; Panik, San Francisco, .412; Nunez, San Francisco, 9; Samardzija, San Francisco, 9; Anderson, Colorado, 8; Gsell-
Atlanta 1 4 .200 2 nette (7), Jeffress (8), Alvarez (8), Hauschild (9) and Lucroy. Colorado 100 003 00x4 9 0 .400; 2 tied at .389. man, New York, 8; Kershaw, Los Angeles, 8; Nelson, Milwau-
Central Division W_Graveman 2-0. L_Darvish 0-1. HRs_Oakland, Alonso. Kershaw, Dayton (7), Hatcher (8) and Grandal; Gray, Dunn (6), RUNS: Goldschmidt, Arizona, 7; Eaton, Washington, 6; kee, 8; 12 tied at 7.
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

SPORTS 40

Verstappen 3rd after starting 16th

Hamilton beats Vettel for Chinese Grand Prix win

SHANGHAI, April 9, (RTRS):
Lewis Hamilton mastered Shang-
hais changing conditions and stayed
clear of squabbling rivals to win the
Chinese Formula One Grand Prix on
Sunday.
The Briton eased his Mercedes
across the line 6.2 seconds ahead of
Ferraris Sebastian Vettel. Max Ver-
stappen, who started 16th, nished a
surprise third to hand his Red Bull
team their 100th podium.
MOTOR RACING
It was Hamiltons 54th career win
and a record fth in Shanghai. But
it was the triple champions rst this
season and returned Mercedes to the
top of the podium after Vettel won
last months season-opening race for
a resurgent Ferrari.
Im so happy with my rst win
of the year and I cant believe it if Im
honest, said Hamilton after the race,
which also handed him his 106th po-
dium, putting him joint second with
Alain Prost on the list of drivers with
most rostrum results.
What I said to Sebastian as I left
the last race I said Im coming back
in the next one. When I got on the
podium it was like I told you.
Hamilton, who nished second to
Vettel in Melbourne, heads into the
Formula One Driver and Constructor Standings
SHANGHAI, April 9, (RTRS): Driver and Constructor Stand- 14. Romain Grosjean (France) Haas..................................... 0
ings after the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai 15. Antonio Giovinazzi (Italy) Sauber .................................... 0
International Circuit on Sunday 16. Stoffel Vandoorne (Belgium) McLaren ............................ 0
Drivers Points 16. Jolyon Palmer (Britain) Renault ....................................... 0
1. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes .................................. 43 18. Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) Sauber ................................. 0
1. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari................................. 43
3. Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull ......................... 25 Constructors Points
1. Mercedes ......................................................................... 66
4. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Mercedes .................................. 23
5. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari ..................................... 22 2. Ferrari .............................................................................. 65
6. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull .............................. 12 3. Red Bull TAG Heuer ................................................... 37
7. Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Toro Rosso ................................ 10 4. Toro Rosso Renault .................................................... 12
8. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams .......................................... 8
9. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India .................................... 8
5. Force India Mercedes ................................................. 10
6. Williams-Mercedes ............................................................ 8
10. Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) Haas................................. 4 7. Haas Ferrari .................................................................. 4
11. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) Toro Rosso.................................... 2 8. Renault .............................................................................. 0
12. Esteban Ocon (France) Force India ................................ 2 9. Sauber Ferrari ............................................................... 0
13. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Renault ............................ 0 10. McLaren........................................................................... 0
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain leads the eld at the start of the
next race in Bahrain in a weeks time the other Mercedes, who had started The four-times world champion
tied on points with the German. third. found himself bottled up behind Ric- Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit in
Shanghai, China on April 9. (AP)
Mercedes, meanwhile, lead the Lance Stroll, the 18-year-old ciardo and his slower team-mate Kimi
constructors standings by one point rookie, spun off the track on the rst Raikkonen, costing him valuable time. tions. hind the safety car.
over Ferrari. lap after making contact with Force As the trio squabbled for position, But then I had a very exciting Fifteen cars nished Sunays race,
Hamilton started from pole posi- Indias Sergio Perez. The Canadian Hamilton pulled clear at the front. race. with neither McLaren making it to
tion, but the conditions were a bit beached his Williams in the gravel, By the time Vettel managed to get Ricciardo nished fourth for Red the ag.
of a lottery for all the drivers with bringing out the virtual safety car. past, with a series of spectacular over- Bull, crossing the line just 0.8 sec- Fernando Alonso, who pushed
the track damp in patches but dry- Vettel took the opportunity to dive taking moves that included banging onds behind Verstappen after has- like an animal on Saturday to qual-
ing quickly. into the pits to change to dry weather wheels with his former team-mate, sling the Dutchman in the closing ify 13th, had gone into the race aim-
He kept the lead off the line ahead tyres. Hamilton was too far ahead. stages of the 56-lap race. Raikkonen ing to capitalise on the mixed condi-
of Vettel, who came under investiga- His gamble backred when An- The safety car came just when I crossed the line a frustrated fth. tions to score his rst points of the
tion for lining up out of position on tonio Giovinazzi standing in for was about to start to feel that the dry Bottas nished sixth. The Finn, year, but his hopes were dashed by
his grid slot. Pascal Wehrlein at Sauber crashed, tyre was a lot quicker, Vettel said. who has replaced retired champion a driveshaft failure. Team-mate Stof-
The German, though, stayed sec- bringing out the actual safety car two So I couldnt use the momentum, Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, dropped fel Vandoorne was sidelined with
ond, fending off Valtteri Bottas in laps later. the advantage and I lost a lot of posi- him down the eld after spinning be- fuel pressure problems.

Capitals defeat Bruins 3-1

in possible playoff preview
Maple Leafs clinch last playoff spot
BOSTON, April 9, (AP): The NHL-lead- the fth time in six seasons since relocating from Atlanta,
but ended the season in record-breaking form for the Jets/
ing Washington Capitals sent Boston to a Thrashers franchise.
season-ending 3-1 loss on Saturday that Kyle Connor, playing in his rst NHL game since Nov
set up a potential NHL rst-round playoff 29, also scored for Winnipeg. Ryan Ellis had a short-handed
goal for Nashville.
matchup between them.
Kings 3, Blackhawks 2, OT
Backup Philipp Grubauer made 21 saves for the In Los Angeles, Drew Doughty scored 27 seconds into
Capitals, who won for the 10th time in their last 11 overtime, leading Los Angeles over Chicago.
games. Dustin Brown scored with 55 seconds remaining to send
Bruins No. 2 goalie Anton Khudobin stopped 21 of 24 shots it to overtime and Tyler Toffoli added a power-play goal for
he faced in the rst two periods before he was replaced by starter the Kings. Jonathan Quick made 25 saves.
Tuukka Rask. The team said Khudobin wasnt feeling well. Artemi Panarin and Jonathan Toews scored and Corey
Rask stopped all eight shots he faced in the third period. Crawford made 23 saves for the Blackhawks, who will head
Earlier, Ottawa beat the New York Rangers to reach 98 into the playoffs on a four-game losing streak. However,
points with one game remaining and eliminate the possibil- Chicago had already locked up home-ice advantage through-
ity Boston could nish second in the Atlantic Division. That out the Western Conference playoffs.
means the Bruins will start on the road, but they still have a Canadiens 3, Red Wings 2, OT
chance to avoid Washington in the rst round if they can stay In Detroit, Alex Galchenyuk scored 1:42 into overtime,
ahead of Toronto. giving Montreal the victory over Detroit.
The Maple Leafs were to host Pittsburgh on Saturday and Co- The Atlantic Division-champion Canadiens, with nothing at
lumbus on Sunday. If they get three points out of their last two stake, rested many players in their nal game of the regular sea-
games, they would pass Boston and nish third in the Atlantic. son. Carey Price, Max Pacioretty and Alexander Radulov were
Columbus Blue Jackets Scott Hartnell (left), controls the puck as Philadelphia Flyers Nick Schultz pursues during Washington has already clinched home ice throughout the among their healthy scratches. A few Montreal players, includ-
the rst period of an NHL hockey game on April 8, in Philadelphia. (AP) playoffs. ing Shea Weber, are allowing injuries to heal before facing the
Maple Leafs 5, Penguins 3 New York Rangers in the rst round of the playoffs.
In Toronto, Connor Brown broke a tie with 2:48 left and Detroits Frans Nielsen and Dylan Larkin scored tiebreaking
NHL Results/Standings the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Pittsburgh Penguins to
wrap up their rst playoff spot since 2013.
goals in the rst and second periods. Montreals Nathan Beaulieu
and Artturi Lehkonen scored game-tying goals in the second.
James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak, Kasperi Kapanen and Blues 5, Hurricanes 4, SO
Auston Matthews also scored for Toronto, and Curtis McElhin- In Raleigh, North Carolina, Vladimir Tarasenko scored in
WASHINGTON, April 9, (RTRS): Results and standings from the NHL games on Saturday: ney stepped in for an injured Frederik Andersen with 12 saves. the fourth round of the shootout, and St. Louis beat Carolina.
Edmonton 3 Vancouver 2 Florida 3 Buffalo 0 Phil Kessel, Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel scored for Pitts- Scottie Upshall scored a short-handed goal, Alexander
San Jose 3 Calgary 1 St Louis 5 Carolina (SO) 4 burgh, and Marc-Andre Fleury gave up four goals on 30 shots. Steen, Ryan Reaves and Ivan Barbashev added goals and
Minnesota 3 Arizona 1 NY Islanders 4 New Jersey 2
Dallas 4 Colorado (SO) 3 Los Angeles 3 Chicago (OT) 2 Senators 3, Rangers 1 Alex Pietrangelo and Tarasenko had two assists apiece. The
Winnipeg 2 Nashville 1 Washington 3 Boston 1 In Ottawa, Ontario, the Ottawa Senators wrapped up sec- Blues clinched the No. 3 seed in the Central Division after
Toronto 5 Pittsburgh 3 Ottawa 3 NY Rangers 1 ond place in the Atlantic Division and home-ice advantage earning at least a point for the 16th time in 18 games.
Montreal 3 Detroit (OT) 2 Philadelphia 4 Columbus 2 in the rst round of the playoffs. Jeff Skinner scored twice, giving him an NHL-leading 17
Western Conference Eastern Conference goals since March 1, and Joakim Nordstrom and Klas Dahl-
Central Division Atlantic Division beck also had goals for Carolina.
W L OTL GF GA PTS Montreal
W
47
L OTL
26
GF
9 226
GA
200
PTS
103
ICE HOCKEY Panthers 3, Sabres 0
Chicago 50 23 9 244 213 109 Ottawa 44 27 10 210 210 98 In Sunrise, Florida, Jonathan Huberdeau scored twice and
Minnesota 49 25 8 266 208 106 Toronto 40 26 15 249 239 95 The Senators postseason opponent remains unknown at this
St Louis 45 29 7 232 216 97 Boston 44 31 7 234 212 95 James Reimer made saves to help Florida beat the Buffalo
Tampa Bay 41 30 10 230 225 92 point, but they have the luxury of resting players for Sundays Sabres in the Panthers home nale.
Nashville 41 29 12 240 224 94
Winnipeg 40 35 7 249 256 87 Florida 34 36 11 208 237 79 nal regular-season game against the New York Islanders. Nick Bjugstad also scored, and Jaromir Jagr had two assists,
Dallas 34 37 11 223 262 79 Buffalo 33 36 12 199 233 78 Craig Anderson made 18 saves for the Senators. The shutout was the second this season for Reimer, who
Colorado 22 55 4 164 275 48 Detroit 32 36 13 203 243 77 Henrik Lundqvist stopped 30 shots for the Rangers, who
Metropolitan Division also blanked the Chicago Blackhawks in a 7-0 home victory
Pacic Division W L OTL GF GA PTS have lost back-to-back games. They have earned the top two weeks ago. Robin Lehner had 34 saves for the Sabres.
W L OTL GF GA PTS Washington 55 18 8 263 180 118 wild-card spot and will face Montreal in the playoffs.
Anaheim 45 23 13 219 197 103 Pittsburgh 50 20 11 280 231 111 Wild 3, Coyotes 1
Edmonton 46 26 9 242 210 101 Columbus 49 24 8 246 193 106 Islanders 4, Devils 2 In Glendale, Arizona, Darcy Kuemper stopped 20 shots,
San Jose 46 29 7 221 201 99 NY Rangers 47 28 6 253 218 100 In Newark, New Jersey, Jaroslav Halak made 37 saves Martin Hanzal scored in his return to the desert and the Min-
Calgary 45 33 4 226 221 94 NY Islanders 40 29 12 237 240 92 and Anders Lee scored twice, but the New York Islanders
Los Angeles 39 35 7 198 201 85 Philadelphia 39 33 9 216 232 87 nesota Wild set a franchise record with their 49th win.
Arizona 30 42 10 197 260 70 Carolina 35 31 15 211 233 85 were eliminated from playoff contention despite running The Wild already clinched home-ice advantage for the
Vancouver 30 42 9 180 238 69 New Jersey 28 39 14 182 240 70 their winning streak to ve games. rst round of the playoffs and the victory over the Coyotes
Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L) Roughly an hour after beating the New Jersey Devils 4-2 gave them a franchise-record 105 points. Erik Haula and
on Saturday night, the Islanders playoff hopes were dashed Eric Staal scored in the rst period. Hanzal scored in the
when Toronto clinched the nal playoff spot in the Eastern third in his rst game in Arizona since being traded with
Conference by rallying for a 5-3 win over Pittsburgh. Ryan White to Minnesota on Feb 26.
Only nine drivers finished on lead lap Adam Pelech and Jason Chimera also scored for the Is- Brendon Perlini scored for the Coyotes and captain Shane
landers, who put their nal run together with Halak in goal. Doan had an assist in what may be the nal game of his 21-
He is 6-1-0 since being recalled from Bridgeport of the AHL
Erik Jones gets 7th Xfinity victory on March 23.
Beau Bennett scored twice for the Devils, who have three
wins in their last 23 games (3-16-4). Keith Kinkaid had 16
year NHL career. Mike Smith stopped 41 shots his 312th
game with the Coyotes, passing Bob Essensa for most in
franchise history.
FORT WORTH, Texas, April 9, (AP): ty decent right there, Blaney said. who nished seventh and got points saves. Stars 4, Avalanche 3, SO
Erik Jones skipped his high school We didnt come out with the lead in the rst two stages, was trimmed In Dallas, Tyler Seguin scored the only goal in the shoot-
Flyers 4, Blue Jackets 2 out, and the Dallas Stars beat the Colorado Avalanche.
graduation ceremony three years ago to and that hurt us. I think if we would from 17 to six points. In Philadelphia, Steve Mason made 20 saves to help Phil- Seguin beat Colorados Jeremy Smith on Dallas rst
run in a NASCAR truck race at Texas, have come out with the lead, I dont Still only 20, and now a full-time adelphia beat reeling Columbus. shootout attempt. Kari Lehtonen stopped all three attempts
where he was presented his actual di- know if I could have held him off. driver in the upper-level Monster The Flyers will miss the playoffs for the third time in ve years. by the Avalanche.
ploma before the event. Only nine drivers nished on the Energy NASCAR Cup Series for Columbus has lost six straight. Seguin had tied the game at 3 with 6:16 remaining in regu-
Two years ago, he went to Victory lead lap. Furniture Row Racing, Jones got his Jets 2, Predators 1 lation. An apparent goal by John Klingberg with 1:08 left in
Lane at Texas Motor Speedway for Kevin Harvick, the polesitter for fth top-ve nish in his ve Xn- In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Blake Wheeler scored a short-hand- overtime was disallowed when a video review showed that
the rst time in the NASCAR Xn- Sundays Cup race, nished third ity races at Texas in the No. 20 Joe ed goal with 45 seconds left in regulation to lift the Winnipeg Dallas was offside.
ity Series. more than 21 seconds off the lead, Gibbs Racing Toyota. Jets to their franchise-record seventh straight victory. Devin Shore and Jamie Benn also scored for Dallas. Col-
On Saturday, he won again at the ahead of Austin Pretty stout, Gibbs said. Winnipeg was already eliminated from the playoffs for orado got goals from Mikko Rantanen, Gabriel Landeskog
1-1/2-mile track that has since been Dillon and Cole and Tyson Barrie.
completely repaved and recong- Custer. CAR RACING Oilers 3, Canucks 2
ured in Turns 1 and 2. Darrell Wal- In Vancouver, British Columbia, Mark Letestu scored the
Yeah, its been a good track for lace Jr. overcame winning goal on a power play in the third period and the Edmon-
me, Jones said. The rst time I a spin 67 laps I always felt really comfortable ton Oilers clinched at least second place in the Pacic Division.
came here, its funny, it really wasnt into the race to on the old track here, I knew what Jordan Eberle and Iiro Pakarinen also scored for the Oil-
that good to me, but after that it just nish sixth, the I needed the car to do, Jones said. ers, who can still nish rst in the division if they beat the
kind of clicked and I felt really good fth consecutive Honestly, the new surface here, Canucks in Sundays regular-season nale in Edmonton and
here ever since. race in that posi- I felt like I was able to get back to the Anaheim Ducks lose to the Los Angeles Kings in regula-
Jones led 112 of 200 laps for his tion. That is the what the car needed. Denitely more tion. Cam Talbot made 29 saves in his sixth straight start.
Brock Boeser and Alexander Edler had goals for the Ca-
seventh career Xnity victory, four Jones second-longest challenging too on this surface than nucks, and Ryan Miller made 32 stops.
of them coming on 1-1/2-mile tracks. streak in the se- the old surface. A good day of learn-
Jones nished a half-second ahead ries with the same top-10 nish, one ing. Sharks 3, Flames 1
of Ryan Blaney, another full-time behind Jack Ingrams string of six con- Jones will be in a backup Cup car In San Jose, California, Chris Tierney scored one goal and
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series secutive runner-up nishes in 1983. after his crash in practice Friday, and set up Mikkel Boedker for another in the second period to
help the banged-up San Jose Sharks nish the regular season
driver and the second-place qualier Wallace also won stage two, after will start 36th in the 40-car eld. by beating the Calgary Flames.
for Sundays race. Blaney led 43 laps Harvick won the rst stage of the The repave was really treacher- The Sharks played a mostly meaningless nale without
and went into his nal pit stop still race. ous to start the weekend and this is a six regular starters and a backup goalie, but still managed to
with the lead before Jones went back in Elliott Sadler kept the Xnity sea- nice way to bounce back for myself Ottawa Senators Kyle Turris (7) attempts to move the win. Danny ORegan added his rst career goal and Aaron
front for good on lap 156. son points lead after a 10th-place n- after going to a backup the other day puck as New York Rangers Brady Skjei (76) tries to Dell made 19 saves.
We passed him before the last pit ish, the rst driver off the lead lap. in the Cup car, he said. Hopefully reach it during the third period of an NHL hockey game Curtis Lazar scored his rst goal of the season and Brian
stop and I thought our car was pret- But his gap over William Byron, this is a good start for tomorrow. in Ottawa on April 8. (AP) Elliott made 15 saves in the rst two periods for Calgary.
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

SPORTS 41

Fiji rugby team celebrate on the podium after winning the final match against South Africa, at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament in Hong Kong on April 9. (AP)

Fiji win Hong Kong Sevens title for 17th time

Fiji won the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens for
a record-extending 17th time on Sunday,
beating South Africa 22-0 in a lopsided final
to win their first tournament since the Rio
Olympics.
Still rebuilding after several senior players
and their former coach Ben Ryan left after
winning the Olympic gold medal, the South
Pacific Islanders ended their lean run this
season in spectacular fashion by claiming the
most prestigious event on the World Series
circuit for the third year in a row.
Running their opponents ragged with a
combination of power, pace and improvisa-
tion, Fiji opened up a 10-0 at halftime after
tries from Sevuloni Mocenacagi and
Mesulame Kunavula then put the result
beyond doubt when Kalione Nasoko
crossed twice more in the second half.
Theres been a lot of pressure, said Fiji
captain Oseo Kolinisau. At the start of this
tournament, I told the boys lets not think
about the three-peat, lets chase it like
were gunning for our first Hong Kong title.
The relief was evident too for new coach
Gareth Baber, though the Welshman said
the result would not reduce the expecta-
tions on Fiji to keep winning.
Theres always huge expectations on.
The are the world champions and the
Olympic champions for a reason, he said.
Ben did a fantastic job and now I have to
try and pick up that baton and move it on.
And even though weve got Olympians
in there, theyre still humble enough to
know they can still add to their skill set.
For South Africa, the current World
Series leaders, the long wait for their first
Hong Kong title goes on after the Blitzboks
finished runners-up for the fourth time. (AP)

NBA Results/Standings

WASHINGTON, April 9, (RTRS): Results and standings

Brooklyn Nets beat Bulls 107-106
from the NBA games on Saturday.
Golden State
Portland
123 New Orleans
101 Utah
101
86
Durant returns as Warriors rout Pelicans
LA Clippers 98 San Antonio 87
Milwaukee 90 Philadelphia 82
Miami 106 Washington 103 NEW YORK, April 9, (AP): eighth in the Eastern Conference. scored a franchise-record 59 points and and Los Angeles beat San Antonio for its
Boston 121 Charlotte 114 Wade started and played 25 minutes, matched his career high with nine 3-point- fifth straight victory.
Indiana 127 Orlando 112 Dwyane Wade returned but scoring 14 points. He had been expected to ers to help Portland beat Utah. DeAndre Jordan added 17 points and 17
Brooklyn 107 Chicago 106 the Chicago Bulls sustained a miss the remainder of the regular season Lillard surpassed Damon Stoudamires rebounds to help Los Angeles preserve its
Eastern Conference
potentially costly loss when the when he sprained his right elbow on March previous record of 54 points with a step-back hopes of hosting a first-round playoff
Atlantic Division 3-pointer. The crowd on its feet, he raised his
15. series.
W L PCT GB Brooklyn Nets beat them 107- But the Bulls allowed 32 points in the arms in celebration then pounded his chest. Doc Rivers tied Mike Dunleavy for the
Boston 51 29 .638 -
Toronto 49 31 .613 2 106 on Saturday. fourth quarter, with Dinwiddie snapping a The win kept the Blazers ahead of the Clippers franchise record with his 215th
NY Knicks 30 50 .375 21 Spencer Dinwiddie made four free 103-all with two free throws with 13.6 sec- Denver Nuggets for the eighth and final regular-season victory.
Philadelphia 28 52 .350 23 throws in the final 13.6 seconds for the onds to play. Butler missed a jumper and playoff spot in the Western Conference Kawhi Leonard had 28 points, and
Brooklyn 20 60 .250 31 Dinwiddie put it away with another pair with just two games left. LaMarcus Aldridge added 18 points for San
Nets in their home finale. He scored 19 It was Lillards 27th game with 30 or
Central Division with 2.4 to play. Antonio. The Spurs closed out their home
points, as did rookie Caris LeVert. more points this season, a franchise high. schedule with just their 10th loss at the
W L PCT GB Trail Blazers 101, Jazz 86
Cleveland 51 28 .646 - Jimmy Butler scored 33 points for the Stoudamire set the previous franchise AT&T Center.
Milwaukee 41 39 .513 10-1/2 Bulls, who fell into a tie with Miami for In Portland, Oregon, Damian Lillard record for points on Jan. 14, 2005, at New San Antonio is playing out the regular
Indiana 40 40 .500 11-1/2 Orleans.
Chicago 39 41 .488 12-1/2 Gordon Hayward had 21 points for the
Detroit 36 43 .456 15
Southeast Division
Jazz, battling with the Los Angeles Clippers BASKETBALL
for the fourth spot in the West and home
W L PCT GB court advantage.
Washington 48 32 .600 -
Atlanta 41 38 .519 6-1/2 Warriors 123, Pelicans 101 season after securing the No. 2 seed and
Miami 39 41 .488 9 In Oakland, California, Kevin Durants first-round matchup against seventh-seeded
Charlotte 36 44 .450 12 Memphis.
Orlando 28 52 .350 20 first touch after missing 19 games with a
Western Conference knee injury? Just a driving baseline reverse Celtics 121, Hornets 114
Northwest Division and emphatic one-handed slam, and KD In Charlotte, North Carolina, Isaiah
W L PCT GB
triumphantly returned to finish with 16 Thomas scored 32 points, and Boston
Utah 49 31 .613 - points, 10 rebounds and six assists in help- remained in contention for the No. 1 seed in
Oklahoma 45 34 .570 3-1/2 ing Golden State rout New Orleans. the Eastern Conference playoffs with a vic-
Portland 40 40 .500 9 With two-time reigning MVP Stephen tory over Charlotte.
Denver 38 41 .481 10-1/2 Curry sidelined by a bruised left knee,
Minnesota 31 48 .392 17-1/2 Al Horford added 16 points and Kelly
Durant shined in 31 minutes and the bal- Olynyk had 13 points and 11 rebounds for
Pacific Division anced Warriors won their 14th straight his first double-double of the season as the
W L PCT GB game the longest unbeaten run in the NBA Celtics swept the four-game series and
Golden State 66 14 .825 - this season. He hadnt played since getting
LA Clippers 49 31 .613 17 pulled within a half-game of the Cleveland
Sacramento 31 48 .392 34-1/2
hurt Feb. 28 at Washington, then resumed Cavaliers.
LA Lakers 24 55 .304 41-1/2 full practice Friday.
Klay Thompson scored 20 points, The Cavaliers (51-28) have road games
Phoenix 23 57 .288 43 remaining against Atlanta and Miami
Southwest Division Draymond Green had 13 points and eight
rebounds, and the do-everything Warriors before closing at home against Toronto.
W L PCT GB The Celtics (51-29) have two home games
San Antonio 61 19 .763 - sure look poised for another deep playoff
run. left, against Brooklyn and Milwaukee.
Houston 53 26 .671 7-1/2 Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr (12) and Miami Heat guard Wayne
Memphis 43 37 .538 18 Nicolas Batum had 31 points and Kemba
New Orleans 33 47 .413 28 Ellington (2) scramble for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball Clippers 98, Spurs 87 Walker added 23 for the Hornets, who were
Dallas 32 47 .405 28-1/2 game in Washington on April 8. Miami won 106-103. (AP) In San Antonio, Chris Paul had 19 points eliminated from postseason contention.

New Zealand to retain all 5 teams Force edge Kings in Perth try-fest

S. Rugby to cut from 18 to 15 teams Stormers end Chiefs perfect start

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, April
9, (AP): Super Rugby organizer
SANZAAR has confirmed the south-
ern hemisphere rugby tournament will
be cut from 18 to 15 teams next season
with the removal of two sides from
South Africa and one from Australia.
But in a statement Sunday
SANZAAR left open the question of
which ones will go, saying the teams
from Australia and South Africa that
will compete in Super Rugby will be
confirmed in due course by the respec-
tive national unions.
SANZAAR was expected to
announce that the Perth-based Western
Force would be removed from the
Australian conference and the Port
Elizabeth-based Kings and
Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs from
South Africa.
Instead, it stopped short of naming
the teams, heaping more anxiety on
players from Australia and South
Africa who fear their livelihoods are in
jeopardy.
The absence of detail around the
plan has plagued Super Rugby since
its member nations decided in London next-best performed teams will contest
a month ago that the tournament the playoffs.
should be reduced in size to improve Broadcasters have agreed not to
the quality of the competition and sim- reduce rights payments despite the
plify its structure. Now several teams downsizing of the tournament.
remain in limbo. The decision to revert to a 15-team
SANZAAR has confirmed Super format reflects a consensus view of the
Rugby will have three five-team con- mandated SANZAAR executive com-
ferences in 2018. mittee that met in London recently,
New Zealand will SANZAAR chairman Brent Impey said.
retain all five of It was not the determination of any one
its current teams union or stakeholder and follows a thor-
while Australias ough assessment and review of the tour-
four remaining nament over the last nine months.
teams will be Impey said SANZAARs major
joined by Japans broadcast partners had endorsed the
Sunwolves in the new structure after due consider-
Australian confer- ation.
ence. South This decision has not been an easy
Africas four one and we recognize the difficulty asso-
Impey teams will play in ciated with reducing the number of
a conference teams in Australia and South Africa,
including Argentinas Jaguares. Impey said. Naturally we understand
Teams will play each team in their that there will be some very disappoint-
conference twice and will play eight ed franchises but the tournaments long-
matches against teams from other con- term future and the economic reality of
ferences during the regular season. the business at present is something that
The conference winners and the five had to be addressed.
CAPE TOWN, April 9, (Agencies): The Stormers main-
tained their unbeaten start to Super Rugby and inflicted the
Chiefs first defeat with a 34-26 win in Cape Town on
Saturday.
The Chiefs beat the Stormers 60-21 in the first stage of
last seasons playoffs but memories of that defeat were
partly expunged as the Chiefs became the first New Zealand
team to lose this year to a team from another conference.
Tries to Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Siya Kolisi, and Robert du
Preez put the Stormers ahead 24-18 after a first half in which
RUGBY
they dominated possession.
The Chiefs stayed in the match with several examples of
backline brilliance, including a 95-meter attack which led to
the first of two tries to winger Toni Pulu.
The Stormers produced a brilliant moment of their own to
create a try for SP Marais, who also kicked two long-range
penalties on either side of halftime.
The Chiefs struck back with a try to James Lowe but
couldnt break down the Stormers defense in the final quar-
ter.
The seventh round also saw Japans Sunwolves achieve
an historic 21-20 win in Tokyo over South Africas Bulls.
The win, clinched by a 74th-minute penalty to Yu Tamura,
was the Sunwolves first of the season and only their second
since they entered Super Rugby last year.
Travis Ismaiel scored a try in the 64th, converted by Tiaan
Schoeman to give the Bulls a 20-11 lead. But the hosts
responded six minutes later on a try by Takaaki Nakazuru
that was converted by Tamura to cut the lead to 20-18.
Argentinas Jaguares came to the end of a three-match
winning streak when they were beaten by the Sharks 18-13
in Durban.
Curwin Bosch kicked a late penalty to clinch the win in a
close fought match which saw the Sharks lead 8-6 at half-
time.
The Western Force edged the Port Elizabeth-based Kings
46-41 for their second win of the season as the two teams
most likely to be cut from Super Rugby for next year played
out a 12-try thriller at Perth Oval on Sunday.
Fullback Malcolm Jaer grabbed a hat-trick as the visitors,
marshalled superbly by flyhalf Lionel Cronje, gave a mas-
terclass in counter-attacking rugby in a thrill-a-minute sec-
ond half.
The Force always had the edge up front, however, and a
penalty try as well as a late score from loose forward Ben
McCalman allowed the hosts to get back in front in the final
quarter.
The match between the two teams that finished bottom of
last years standings was played out against the backdrop of
the restructuring of Super Rugby for next year, which was
announced soon after the final whistle.
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

SPORTS 42

Kohli, De Villiers miss out for second successive game

IPL victories for Royal Challengers, King XI

Winners holding their trophies on the podium.
Kuwaits Jet Ski team win 9 trophies
Kuwaits Jet Ski team collected
nine trophies in the seventh nal
round race of the UAE International
Jet Ski Championship organized by
Dubai International Marine Club.
The Kuwait team also took top
positions in the general standings.
The outstanding champion Salem
Al-Mutawa won the trophy of the
Ski Expert category, and came sec-
ond in the general standings.
The internationally classied
Zaid Al-Zaidi took rst place in Ski
Junior Stock category and second
place in the general standings. The
defending champion of last three
years in Pro Ski GP category and
the world champion Mohammed
Burabea came second in the race
and second in the general stand-
ings, following a hot chase with the
world champion jet skier Hungarian
Georgi Kaza who won the title of
the championship. World champion
Mohammed Jassem Al Baz came
third in the same category.
In the Expert Runabout Stock
category, the world champion Ab-
dulrahman Ghazi Al-Omar took
the trophy of the third position, and
so did Abdulaziz Matar in the Free
Style Category.
Bader Al-Shatti came fth in the
general standings of the Ski Junior
Stock category. Nawaf Al Farhan
managed to grab the fourth place in
Pro Ski category and fourth in the
general standings.
The nal round held at Umm
Suqeim Beach in Dubai saw a wide
international attendance and of-
cial presence of media and fans.
The Kuwaiti national team showed
class by their performance.
BANGALORE, India, April 9, (AP):
Injury-depleted Royal Challengers
Bangalore hung on to beat Delhi
Daredevils by 15 runs for their rst
win in the Indian Premier League
and Kings XI Punjab strolled past
Rising Pune Supergiant by six wick-
ets on Saturday.
Without the injured Virat Kohli,
and AB de Villiers missing out for
the second successive game, Royal
Challengers posted a modest 157-8
and restricted Daredevils to 142-9.
The 19-year-old Rishabh Pant
(57 off 36 balls) kept Daredevils in
the hunt, but with 19 needed off the
last over the left-hander was bowled
round his legs by left-arm spinner
Pawan Negi (2-3) off the rst ball.
Pant smashed three fours and four
sixes, but wickets tumbled around
him.
Billy Stanlake (2-29) and spinner
Iqbal Abdulla (2-36) were the main
wicket-takers.
Eight out of 10 times we would
have got this total, but we could not
Team captain Lleyton Hewitt (top),
celebrates with Nick Kyrgios of Aus-
tralia after he won his match against
Sam Querrey of the US. (AP)
get the partnerships going, Dare-
devils captain Zaheer Khan said.
Earlier, after stand-in captain
Shane Watson won the toss and
opted to bat, Royal Challengers to-
tal revolved around Kedar Jadhavs
brilliant 69 off 37 balls against his
former team.
Chris Gayle opped for the sec-
ond successive time in the absence
of Kohli and de Villiers, and fell for
just 6, while Watson could manage
only a run-a-ball 24.
Jhadav smashed legspinner Amit
Mishra for 24 runs in one over, but
his dismissal in the 17th over after
CRICKET
hitting ve sixes and as many fours
stymied Royal Challengers.
Chris Morris and Pat Cummins
leaked only 15 runs in the last three
overs, and Morris claimed two wick-
ets in the last over to nish with
3-21.
Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell led
Kings XI Punjab to a commanding
victory over Supergiant with an over
to spare at their new home in Indore. Action from a volleyball match
Supergiant lost all of their seven Kazema team to play Al-Arabi on April 10
matches while batting rst in last
years IPL, but won their opener
In the ongoing Super Cup of Vol- In case Al-Arabi and Al-Qadsiya
against Mumbai Indians on Thurs- leyball Tournament, Kazema team teams win, there will be a match on
day.
will meet Al-Arabi team in the return April 17.
Maxwell won the toss and man- match to be held at 5:00 pm on April Kuwait team are seeking to reach
aged to restrict Supergiant to 163-6 10, and Kuwait team will meet Qad- the nals in order to accomplish an
in his debut match as skipper. siya team at 7:00 pm. The matches unrecorded historical achievement
Supergiant captain Steve Smith will be held at Yousef Shaheen Al- represented in winning the Super
(26) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (5) Ghanem Hall. Cup after it won the Premier League
left their team in trouble at 71-4 by The away matches were held on and the Etihad Cup earlier. However,
the 12th over. April 5 during which the Kazema Al-Qadsiya team have nothing to
team easily defeated Al-Arabi team lose but the players presented an ex-
Englands Ben Stokes took charge with a score set of 3-0 and Kuwait ceptional season and performed very
with 50 off 32 balls and gave the in- defeated Al-Qadsiya by a score set well. In the other match, Kazema
nings some respectability by adding of 3-2. If Kazema and Kuwait team team seem closer to winning than Al-
61 runs off 37 deliveries with Manoj win the matches of Monday, they will Arabi team which had lost much of
Tiwary, who remained unbeaten on face each other in the nal match its previous high-level despite having
40 off 23 balls. which will be held on April 22. experienced players.

France win 4-1 vs Britain

Kyrgios sends Australia into semifinals of Davis Cup

SYDNEY, April 9, (Agencies):
Nick Kyrgios overcame a shaky
start to down Sam Querrey 7-6(4),
6-3, 6-4 and send Australia into the
Davis Cup semi-nals with a 3-1
victory over the United States in
Brisbane on Sunday.
The world number 16 roared in
delight and was mobbed by his
team mates after sealing the vic-
tory with an ace after just over two
hours on Pat Rafter Arena to set up
a last four meeting with Belgium
or Italy.
I couldnt be prouder of my
boys, said Australia captain Lley-
ton Hewitt.
Theyve put so much effort into
this campaign and they deserve
this.
Australia led 2-0 after Fridays
opening singles with world num-
ber 79 Jordan Thompson stunning
Jack Sock 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 and
Kyrgios easing past John Isner 7-5,
7-6(5), 7-6(5).
Sock replaced Querrey in Satur-
days doubles and paired up with
Steve Johnson to beat Sam Groth
and John Peers 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 2-6,
6-3 to keep the visitors alive at 2-1.
Visiting captain Jim Courier
continued to mix things up on Sun-
day and sent Querrey in for world
number 15 Sock, a gambit that
initially looked like succeeding in
unsettling Kyrgios.
The 21-year-old Australian, who
has been in the form of his life over
the last month, gave up an early
service break on the back of a cou-
ple of double faults.
A whipped forehand return got
the set back on serve at 4-3 but
Kyrgios needed an ace to save a set
point and force the tiebreak.
Roared on by a partisan crowd,
Kyrgios won the tiebreak 7-4
when Querrey went long with a re-
TENNIS
turn and 33 minutes later was two
sets up after the American erred in
almost identical fashion.
Querrey rustled up two break
points on the Australians rst ser-
vice game in the third set and al-
though Kyrgios saved them both,
the American converted a third
two games later for a 3-1 lead.
Kyrgios, whose 2016 season
ended with an ATP ban for not
trying at the Shanghai Masters,
rallied to win ve of the next six
games, sealing the victory with a
thunderbolt of an ace - his 21st of
the contest.
I knew that I hit a bit of a at
Sam Querrey.
France sealed victory over Brit-
Basketball panel awaiting approval from LOC ain on Saturday and will face No-
vak Djokovics Serbia who also
KUWAIT CITY, April 9: The Basketball Transition players to form the team. saw off Spain in two days.
Committee is awaiting a letter from the Local Olym- The Kuwait Olympic Committee received an invi- Belgium, beaten by Britain in
pic Committee (LOC) to guarantee participation in the tation from its counterpart in Azerbaijan to partici- the 2015 nal, had been one point
Fourth Islamic Solidarity Games to be held in Baku, pate alongside over 50 other Islamic countries in the away from beating Italy on Sat-
Azerbaijan on May 12-22, during which the national 10-day long games to be held in Baku. urday only for Joris de Loore and
team will participate in the three competitions. About 20 different types of sports have been ap-
Expectations are high that the technical and admin- proved for the games. They include football, hand- Rubens Bemelmans to lose their
istrative crew which will lead the team to the champi- ball, basketball, volleyball, athletics, Paralympics, doubles against Simone Bolelli
onship will be selected after completing the FA Cup swimming, diving, table tennis, judo, blind judo, and Andreas Seppi having had a
by end of this month. This is when preparation for Greek wrestling, freestyle wrestling, tennis, shooting, matchpoint.
the championship will take off alongside selection of boxing, karate, taekwondo and weight lifting. Any hope of an Italy comeback
were snuffed out by Gofn though
who was ruthless against Lorenzi
patch at the start of the third set times. a breakpoint chance against the as he took his record to 13 wins in
but Lleyton told me to compete for Earlier, Dan Evans salvaged 44th-ranked Evans. 14 Davis Cup singles matches.
every point and its easy to get up some pride by thrashing Julien France hosts Serbia in Septem-
I am very happy, I knew David
out here, Kyrgios said. Benneteau 6-1, 6-2 in the fourth ber. They have not met since the had the level but you have to de-
Australia have not won the Da- rubber to make it 3-1. 2010 nal, which Serbia won 3-2 liver and he did. He played a very
vis Cup since they bagged their With France safely through to at home. professional match, handling the
28th crown in 2003. Belgium led the seminals after winning Satur- Furthermore, David Gofn sent nerves, Belgium skipper Johan
Italy 2-1 going into Sundays re- days doubles for an unassailable Belgium into the their second Da- van Herck said.
verse singles matches in Charleroi. 3-0 lead, France captain Yannick vis Cup seminal in three years I think we have a really good
Meanwhile, Jeremy Chardy beat Noah rested 17th-ranked Lucas on Sunday with a decisive victory team. Australia do too ... we have
Kyle Edmund 6-4, 6-4 in reverse Pouille and replaced him with over Italys Paolo Lorenzi in Char- the home advantage. We have a
singles to give France a compre- Benneteau. leroi. chance to beat them.
hensive 4-1 win against Britain in Benneteau, who played in Sat- Gofns 6-3 6-3 6-2 triumph in This doesnt have to end here.
their Davis Cup quarter-nal on urdays doubles triumph, strug- front of a boisterous home crowd We are going to go into the semi-
Sunday. gled to compete against Evans in gave Belgium a 3-1 lead and sent nal with a lot of ambition and try
Both players had seven aces a one-sided match lasting just 43 them into a home seminal against to reach our second nal in three
on indoor clay at the Kindarea in minutes. The 35-year-old Ben- Australia who also wrapped up years.
Rouen. Chardy dropped his serve neteau, ranked 113, dropped his victory over the United States The semi-nals will take place
once and broke Edmund three serve ve times and failed to force thanks to Nick Kyrgioss defeat of in September.

SPORTS
Felipe Scolari
raises doubt
HONG KONG, April 9,
(RTRS): Luiz Felipe Scolari
questioned the form of his
Guangzhou Evergrande play-
ers after Gao Lins late header
salvaged a 2-2 draw against
cross-city rivals Guangzhou
R&F, who moved a point clear
at the summit of the Chinese
Super League.
Evergrande, six-time win-
ners of the league title, took the
lead after just nine minutes
through Brazilian striker Alan
Carvalho before an Eran
Zahavi penalty and a curling
free kick from Renato looked
set to secure all three points for
Dragan Stojkovics team.
But Gaos late header earned
a point for Evergrande, who sit
in fifth place in the standings
with seven points, three points
behind new leaders R&F.
Im very
worried
about their
form, said
Scolari of
his players.
The fact is
the whole
team seemed
very low and
Scolari I need to
know what
has happened to this team. I
have a feeling that something
weird must have happened, at
least five, six or seven players
were not in form.
I think there is one reason
the team seem to make trouble
for themselves. Normally, if
we seize the opportunities, we
can make the game very easy
because we are very strong.
But everyone knows if you
dont seize the opportunities,
you will pay the price. I think
were still on the right track
and we can still defend the
championship.
Shanghai SIPG bounced
back from last weeks defeat
by Evergrande to beat
Shandong Luneng 2-1 to move
into second place, level on nine
points with Felix Magaths
side, who led the standings at
the start of the round.
Hulk gave SIPG the lead
before going off with a knee
injury that looks set to keep
him out of Tuesdays Asian
Champions League meeting
with Japans Kawasaki
Frontale while Wei Shihao
scored the winner after Papiss
Cisse had levelled for
Shandong.
Manuel Pellegrinis Hebei
CFFC handed Shanghai
Shenhua a 4-2 thrashing - with
Brazilian striker Aloisio scor-
ing twice - to claim their sec-
ond win in a row and move up
to fourth in the standings with
eight points due to their
unbeaten start to the season.
Fiorentinas Gonzalo Rodriguez (left), celebrates with his teammate Da-
vide Astori after scoring, during a Serie A soccer match between Samp-
doria and Fiorentina, at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium in Genoa, Italy on April
9. (AP)
Best of the Rest
Vissel Kobe keep lead: Yuya Na-
kasaka and Takuya Iwanami scored
goals in each half as Vissel Kobe
defeated winless Omiya Ardija 2-0 to
maintain its lead in the J-league.
Nakasaka put the visitors ahead in
the 37th minute and Iwanami doubled
the lead eight minutes after the break
as Kobe improved to 15 points, two
ahead of Urawa Reds which thrashed
Vegalta Sendai 7-0 on Friday.
Kashima Antlers are in third place
on 12 points after a 1-0 loss to Cerezo
Osaka.
In other games on Saturday, Kawa-
saki Frontale and Ventforet Kofu
nished in a 1-1 draw while Sagan
Tosu beat Albirex Niigata 3-0.
Also, Quenten Martinus and
Takashi Kanai scored goals as
Yokohama F Marinos edged Jubilo
Iwata 2-1, and Shimizu S-Pulse beat
Kashiwa Reysol 2-0. (AP)
paid by Russia for the 2014 World
Newcastle miss chance: New-
castle United missed the chance to
return to the top of the Championship
after they were beaten 2-1 by play-off
hopefuls Shefeld Wednesday on
Saturday.
Newcastles defeat means leaders
Brighton & Hove Albion, who had
beaten Queens Park Rangers 2-1 on
Friday, remain two points clear at the
top of Englands second-tier league
with ve games remaining. (RTRS)
Sydney takes advantage: The A-
League says Sydney FC became the
rst side in world domestic football
to benet from the use of new video
review rules after the system granted
Roma keep up dogged pursuit
MILAN, April 9, (Agen-
cies): AS Roma maintained
their dogged pursuit of Se-
rie A leaders Juventus with
a 3-0 win at Bologna on
Sunday while Inter Milans
European hopes suffered a
setback as they slumped to
a 2-1 defeat at lowly Cro-
tone.
Crotones win was only their
fth of the season and by far the
most impressive scalp for the team
from Calabria who are playing in
the top ight for the rst time.
Roma stayed six points behind
Juventus who beat Chievo 2-0 on
Saturday. Both teams have seven
matches to play, including a meeting
at the Stadio Olimpico on May 14.
Federico Fazio put Roma ahead
from close range in the 26th minute
and Mohamed Salah added another
before halftime when he latched onto
SOCCER
Edin Dzekos pass and cleverly lobbed
the ball over Antonio Mirante.
Dzeko completed the scoring in the
75th minute when he tapped in Diego
Perottis cross for his 24th goal of the
season, making him the leagues joint
topscorer.
Crotone oored Inter with two goals
from forward Diego Falcinelli in four
minutes midway through the rst half.
Falcinelli converted a penalty,
awarded for handball by Gary Medel,
in the 19th minute and then beat the
offside trap to run onto Marcelo Trot-
tas pass and lob the ball over Samir
Handanovic.
Danilo DAmbrosio pulled one back
for Inter in the second half but Crotone
held out for an historic win which in-
creased their hopes of pulling off a
great escape.
They remain in the drop zone but are
just three points adrift of Empoli and
safety.
Inter, meanwhile, dropped to sev-
enth and outside the Europa League
places, increasing the pressure on
coach Stefano Pioli.
AC Milan moved above their neigh-
bours into sixth with a comfortable 4-0
win over Palermo, who are one off the
bottom with 15 points and look almost
certain to go down.
Fiorentina twice came from behind
to draw 2-2 at Sampdoria and Torinos
Andrea Belotti scored his 24th goal of
the season in the 3-2 win at Cagliari to
stay neck-and-neck with Dzeko at the
top of the scoring charts.
Inter Milans hopes of qualifying for
Europe were dented on Sunday when
it slipped to a shock 2-1 defeat at rele-
gation-threatened Crotone in Serie A.
Inters dreams of Champions
League football next season were al-
the side a penalty in the second half
of its 1-1 draw with the Wellington
Phoenix in the New Zealand capital
on Saturday.
With 20 minutes remaining in a
scoreless match, Sydney fullback
Michael Zullo swung a corner into
the box, which was deected off Wel-
lington defender Marco Rossi before
being cleared away.
Immediately, Sydney players told
referee Shaun Evans that the Phoenix
player used his hand to knock the
cross down. (AP)
ers committed by us which were given
Russia accuses FIFA: Host Russia
has accused FIFA of overcharging for
TV rights for next years World Cup
to cover nancial difculties.
Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly
Mutko said Saturday that FIFA has
asked for $120 million from Russian
TV channels, up from $32 million
Cup, in comments reported by state
news agency Tass. (AP)
US, Mexico, Canada joint bid:
The United States, Mexico and
Canada are going to announce a
joint bid for the 2026 World Cup on
Monday, a person familiar with the
decision said.
The Confederation of North and
Central America and Caribbean As-
sociation Football is moving ahead
with the bid that was widely expected
the net for Malaga but his effort was
before Donald Trump was elected
president. There has been concern the
plan was unworkable under Trumps
anti-immigrant policies, but even if
he serves a second term Trump would
not be president in 2026. (AP)
Inters European hopes suffer setback
Udineses Gabriel Da Silva (right), and Genoas Oliver Ntcham vie for the ball during a Serie A soccer match between Udinese and Genoa, at the Friuli
ready over but it now faces the pros-
pect of failing to qualify for the Europa
League following a rst-half double
from Diego Falcinelli.
Inter has picked up just one point in
its three matches since thrashing Ata-
lanta 7-1 and dropped to seventh, two
points behind AC Milan and the last
qualifying spot for the Europa League.
The two Milan teams face off in a der-
by on Saturday.
We should have looked at this
match with a different mentality, and
instead we had the wrong approach,
Inter coach Stefano Pioli said. The
season is still long and the chances are
not nished. We shouldnt apologize,
we just need to react immediately to
this awful defeat. If Crotone was an
exam, Inter failed.
Crotone gave itself hope of escaping
Valencia turn season around with 3rd straight win
Barcelona fall to shock Malaga defeat
MADRID, April 9, (Agencies): Ney-
mar was sent off as Barcelona suffered
a shock 2-0 defeat at Malaga on Sat-
urday that scuppered their hopes of
going top of La Liga and handed con-
trol of the title race to leaders to Real
Madrid.
Zinedine Zidanes Real were held to
a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the
capital derby earlier in the day, giving
Barcelona the chance to go top on goal
difference, but Luis Enriques side
squandered the opportunity and now
sit three points behind Los Blancos,
who have played a game less.
Former Barcelona striker San-
SOCCER
dro Ramirez opened the scoring for
Malaga with a breakaway goal in the
32nd minute before Jony added a 90th-
minute second for the hosts.
Neymar was shown his second
yellow card and dismissed midway
through the second half.
Luis Enrique was angry with sever-
al of referee Gil Manzanos decisions,
including the award of a free kick rath-
er than a penalty after Charles fouled
Sergi Roberto in the box.
Its curious that a team like us that
doesnt usually kick people gets so
many yellow cards in such an incom-
prehensible manner, he said.
There was some very ugly tackles
from behind from their team which
didnt see them get booked and oth-
yellows.
The rules are there to be interpret-
ed, but equally for everyone. I dont
understand how the foul on Sergi Rob-
erto was given outside the area, but we
are used to it.
After the Madrid derby ended in a
draw a victory at La Rosaleda would
have sent Barcelona level with Madrid
on 72 points.
Barcelona started well but Juankars
long ball caught the visitors off guard
and Sandro beat Jeremy Mathieu for
pace before nishing past Marc-Andre
ter Stegen with aplomb.
Neymar was booked in the rst half
for tying his laces in front of a Malaga
player trying to take a free kick and re-
ceived his marching orders for a late
tackle on Diego Llorente in the 65th
minute.
Adalberto Penaranda put the ball in
incorrectly ruled out for offside.
Malaga grabbed a second at the
death, however, with the excellent Pa-
blo Fornals unselshly teeing up Jony.
Simone Zaza scored two early goals
to lead Valencia to a third consecutive
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017
43
Stadium in Udine, Italy on April 9. (AP)
relegation as it moved to within three It was almost 3-0 shortly before half- scored an early free kick, before setting
points of 17th-placed Empoli with a time but Joao Miranda stopped Marcus up Mario Pasalic for Milans second.
second successive victory. Rohdens goalbound effort with his Carlos Bacca headed in a third before
We have a very demanding calen- chest near the line. halftime and Gerard Deulofeu scored
dar, but ... we want to be competitive Inter got back into the match in the after the break.
right until the end, with a dream in our 65th. Ever Banegas corner was nodded Palermo defender Giancarlo Gon-
hearts, said Crotone coach Davide on by Geoffrey Kondogbia for Danilo zalez was sent off following a second
Nicola, who has promised to cycle the DAmbrosio to volley in from close booking seven minutes from time.
1,300 kilometers (808 miles) from Cro- range. Fiorentina moved to within ve
tone to Turin if his side avoids the drop. The visitors almost leveled seven points of a European spot as a last-
Crotone took a deserved lead in the minutes later but Eders effort rebound- minute goal saw it snatch a 2-2 draw
18th minute when Gary Medel han- ed off the inside of an upright. at Sampdoria.
dled in the area and Falcinelli drilled Inter poured forward but Crotone Elsewhere, Torino came from be-
the resulting penalty into the bottom held on through a tense seven minutes hind to win 3-2 at Cagliari. Han
left corner. Inter goalkeeper Samir of stoppage time before the nal whis- Kwang-Song had become the rst
Handanovic guessed the right way but tle sparked scenes of celebration at the North Korean to play in Serie A when
could not make the save. Stadio Scida. he came on for the nal four minutes
Falcinelli doubled his tally four min- AC Milan leapfrogged above bitter against Palermo last weekend and the
utes later as he narrowly avoided being rivals Inter with a comfortable 4-0 vic- 18-year-old netted Cagliaris second in
caught offside, sprinted forward and tory over Palermo. stoppage time.
lifted the ball over Handanovic. Suso came back from injury and Udinese beat Genoa 3-0.
Stybar leapfrogged on the final straight
Ice-cool Van Avermaet claims Paris-Roubaix title
ROUBAIX, France, April 9, (RTRS): Belgiums Olympic leading pack down to three.
champion Greg Van Avermaet claimed his rst Monument Van Avermaet, Langeveld and Stybar played mind games in
title in the Paris-Roubaix classic, battling through early set- the nal lap in the Roubaux velodrome, so much that chasers
backs and keeping his cool in the velodrome nale to win a Gianni Moscon of Italy (Team Sky) and Belgian Jasper Stuyven
ve-man sprint on Sunday. (Trek Segafredo) caught them with about 200 metres left.
BMC rider Van Avermaet leapfrogged Czech Zdenek Stybar launched the sprint a tad too early, allowing Van
Stybar (Quick Step Floors) on the nal straight in the famed Avermaet, who nished last weekends Tour of Flanders in
outdoor velodrome in Roubaix after 257km featuring 55km of second position, to win with seeming ease.
cobbled sections. Stybar started the race, also known as the Queen of the
Dutchman Sebastian Langeveld (Cannondale Drapac) n- Classics, as one of former world champion Boonens lieuten-
ished third. ants but he eventually proved the main challenger in his team.
Belgiums four-time champion Tom Boonen, chasing a Its disappointing because we did everything for Tom,
record-breaking fth title, ended his glittering career in his be- said Stybar.
loved race in 13th after being in contention for most of the At the end of the day I was in a position to win the race
afternoon as the peloton rode through clouds of dust in north- but we worked very early in the race with all these groups
ern France. riding away.
I suffered a lot but when you win you forget everything.
Stybar did not work with us in the nale but I felt strong, said
Van Avermaet, his face covered in dust and sweat.
CYCLING
It had been a hell of a day for Van Avermaet in the race Boonen, the 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2012 champiion, as
famed as The Hell of the North as he came close to dropping well as world champion Peter Sagan, of Slovakia, and 2014
out of contention early on and looked far from likely to better champion John Degenkolb of Germany, were not able to fol-
his fourth place of 2013 and third place in 2015. low when Van Avermaet and others jumped away from the
He was caught up behind a crash just ahead of the de- main group.
manding Trouee dArenberg cobbled section 95km from the Sagan, who suffered two punctures, dropped out of con-
line and had to change bikes but he fought his way back to tention when he cracked 30km from the nish.
the main pack. Dutchman Niki Terpstra, the 2014 champion, abandoned
He then beneted from precious help from Italian team 106km from the line shortly after suffering a heavy tumble.
mate Daniel Oss, who rode himself into the ground as his Paris-Roubaix is the third of ve Monument one-day
leader and others broke clear some 35km from the nish. races on the calendar after Milan-San Remo and the Tour
Van Avermaet accelerated in the much feared Carrefour de of Flanders, before Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Tour of
lArbre cobbled sector, 14.5km from the nish line, to skim the Lombardy.
win on Sunday as it aims to nish a coach of the season at the end of De- Its an important step to have won
poor Spanish League season on a high cember. all three matches we played over the
note. Valencias longest winning streak past week, and to do so playing well
Valencias commanding 3-1 win of the campaign caps a strong run over and improving with each match, Voro
over Granada extends a run of form the last 10 rounds of six victories in- said. We know we have had our dif-
under interim coach Salvador Voro cluding one over leader Real Madrid, a culties and have to remember that no
Gonzalez, who became the teams third draw and three losses. team is too small and that we have to
work for each victory.
Valencia, the last team to win La
Liga other than Barcelona, Madrid
and Atletico Madrid, in 2004, stayed
in 12th place, still far off the European
berths for next season.
Zaza, who joined Valencia in the
winter transfer window, opened the
scoring in the 19th minute with a pow-
erful header after muscling past Sverrir
Ingason to thump home Martin Mon-
toyas cross.
Zara beat the Iceland centerback
again two minutes later when he
slipped behind him to tap in a cross by
Santi Mina.
Mina added a third goal in the 55th
at Los Carmenes Stadium when Carlos
Soler found him alone in the area, as
Granadas defenders showed a puz-
zling lack of pace.
Ten minutes later Ezequiel Ponce
FC Barcelonas Lionel Messi from Argentina (center), duels for the ball pulled one back for the hosts, but he
against CF Malagas Recio (left), and Ignacio Camacho, during a Spanish spoiled the celebration when he put a
La Liga soccer match between Malaga and Barcelona in Malaga, Spain on nger to his mouth as if silencing the
April 8. (AP) home crowd.
 ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 44
monday (all times are kuwait local)

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Man Utd boost top-four hopes

Everton win
LONDON, April 9,
(RTRS): Manchester
United put a spate of re-
cent draws behind them to
boost their top-four hopes
with a routine 3-0 victory
at bottom club Sunderland
to move fth in the Premier
League on Sunday.
Once again it was veteran Swede
Zlatan Ibrahimovic who provided
the inspira-
tion for Jose
Mourinhos
side, scoring
the opener
and setting up
a late goal for
Marcus Rash-
ford.
Henrikh
Mkhitaryan was
Lukaku also on target
while Sunder-
land had Seb Larsson sent off shortly
before halftime.
Six draws in their last nine league
games had eroded Uniteds hopes of a
top-four finish and victory over Sun-
derland was imperative if they were to
stay in touch.
Sunderland have gone seven league
games without scoring and with seven
games remaining they are 10 points
adrift of safety and seemingly doomed
to relegation.
United took the lead at a sun-
drenched Stadium of Light when Ibrahi-
movic, receiving the ball with his back to
KUNA photo
SOCCER The Kuwaiti athletes display their medals as they celebrate.

goal, shook off his marker and buried a

low 20-metre shot past Jordan Pickford. Kuwaiti athletes win 35 medals
Any Sunderland hope disappeared
with Larssons red card and 46 seconds A team of Kuwait athletes has won countries.
after the break Mkhitaryan fired past a total of 35 medals in the world Taqi said he was proud of his
Pickford. martial arts championship, cur- team having achieved these med-
In the 89th minute Ibrahimovic rently held in Portugal, the teams als and hoisted the ag of Kuwait in
combined with substitute Rashford manager said Sunday. this tournament.
who beat Pickford with a cross-shot for Abdullah Taqi, in a phone call He said his ghters were admired
his first league goal since September. with KUNA, said the athletes suc- by the other teams due to their pro-
ceeded in winning 11 gold, 14 silver fessionalism and skills.
Everton 4, Leicester City 2 and 10 bronze medals in the Shao- Taqi said the Kempo Karate is
Romelu Lukaku scored twice as lin Kempo Karate. a powerful martial art technique,
Everton defeated champions Leicester He said the April 7-10 cham- which did not only depend on
City 4-2 at Goodison Park in a game pionship, featured participation strength but speed and accurate
which saw four goals inside the open- of around 6,000 ghters from 20 observation. (KUNA)
ing 23 minutes.
Leicester, who face Atletico Madrid on Claudio Ranieri as manager. and Marc Albrighton beating a poorly
Wednesday in the first leg of their Cham- Everton took the lead after 30 sec- positioned Joel Robles with a curling
pions League quarter-final, made five onds through Tom Davies but the free kick.
changes ahead of their trip to Spain and visitors struck back with two goals in The home side got back on level
the defeat ended the run of five straight nine minutes Islam Slimani finish- terms with a 23rd-minute Lukaku
wins since Craig Shakespeare replaced ing off a Demarai Gray counter-attack glancing header from a brilliant Ross
Barkley cross from the right and skip-
per Phil Jagielka headed in a corner
four minutes before the break.
Lukaku struck again, with his 23rd
league goal of the season, in the 57th
minute, firing home at the back post
after Leicester failed to clear a corner.
Standings
P W D L GF GA Pts
Chelsea 31 24 3 4 65 25 75
Tottenham 31 20 8 3 64 22 68
Liverpool 32 18 9 5 68 40 63
Man City 31 18 7 6 60 35 61
Man United 30 15 12 3 46 24 57
Arsenal 29 16 6 7 61 36 54
Everton 32 15 9 8 57 36 54
West Brom 32 12 8 12 39 41 44
Southampton 30 11 7 12 37 37 40
Watford 31 10 7 14 36 52 37
Leicester 31 10 6 15 39 51 36
Burnley 32 10 6 16 32 44 36
Stoke 32 9 9 14 34 47 36
West Ham 32 10 6 16 42 57 36
Bournemouth 32 9 8 15 45 59 35
Palace 30 9 4 17 39 50 31
Hull 32 8 6 18 33 64 30
Swansea 32 8 4 20 37 67 28
Manchester Uniteds Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left), and Sunderlands Jason De- Middlesbrough 31 4 12 15 22 37 24
Sunderland 31 5 5 21 24 56 20
nayer battle for the ball during their English Premier League soccer match Note: Standings read as played, won, drawn, lost,
at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England on April 9. (AP) goals for, goals against and points.

Hertha halt
3-game skid
BERLIN, April 9, (AP):
Hertha Berlin capitalized on
its strong record at home to
defeat Augsburg 2-0 on Sun-
day, ending its three-game
losing run while leaving the
visitors in the Bundesligas
relegation zone.
With 11 wins from 14
games at home compared to
seven straight defeats away,
Hertha would doubtless gladly
play all of its games at the
Olympiastadion, though it re-
cently announced plans for a
new purpose-built stadium.
American defender John
Anthony Brooks headed the
home side into an early lead
when he stretched to deect
Valentin Stockers shot past
Augsburg keeper Marwin
Hitz.
Stocker made it 2-0 be-
fore the break thanks to good
work from Vedad Ibisevic.

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