Amir orders National-Liberation Day grants to orphans

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1 Page olympics THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT Established in 1977 / TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2018 / JUMADA AL THANI 4, 1439 AH emergency number 112 NO PAGES 150 FILS Amir orders National-Liberation Day grants to orphans KUNA photo His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Monday at Seif Palace the head of the Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of his visit to the country. The reception was attended by Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah. (KUNA) No rise in tuition fees at all private schools KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Hamid Al-Azmi issued a decision to stop tuition fee increase in all private schools American, English, bilingual, French, Arabic, model, Indian, Pakistani, Philippines and Iranian; hence, the fees for academic year 2018/2019 should be the same as the previous year, reports Al-Anba daily. Al-Azmi urged all private schools to abide by the directive; otherwise, a warning will be issued to them and they will be required to correct the violation within 30 days. If the erring schools do not respond within the specified period, their transactions in all State institutions will be suspended for one month. If the violation continues after this, the license of the concerned school will be cancelled by the end of the academic year, the minister added. KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19, (KUNA): His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah ordered on Monday giving financial grants to the orphans at his personal expense. His Highness the Amir made the initiative toward the orphans on the occasion of the 57th anniversary of Kuwait s National Day and the 27th anniversary of Liberation Day. His humanitarian move toward this segment of the society came a day after he ordered payment of debts for imprisoned citizens and expatriates, also on the same occasions. Meanwhile, Minister of Information Mohammad Al-Jabri on Sunday hailed His Highness the Amir s Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah s initiative to pay debts of imprisoned citizens and expatriates. A statement Al-Jabri, who heads the national celebrations committee, said that this initiative reflects His Highness kindness. He added that this generous initiative, that followed many other gestures by His Highness the Amir at all levels, coincided with the 57th anniversary of the national day, and the 27th liberation day. Al-Jabri wished His Highness the Amir everlasting wellness, and for Kuwait to maintain its position as a humanitarian center, under leadership of His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness the Amir ordered earlier today the payment of debts for citizens and expatriates in prison as Kuwait celebrated the national days. Earlier, the National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim on Sunday praised His Highness the Amir s initiative to pay debts of imprisoned citizens and expatriates. His Highness the Amir s desire to pay debts of these prisoners from his personal funds and enable them to reunite with their families during the national days is the latest in his record Continued on Page 25 Opinion Sabah of goodness... May your grants include children of Kuwaiti women By Ahmed Al-Jarallah Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times HUMANITARIAN Work Leader is not an ephemeral global title. It reflects the nature of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who feels people s concerns and pains, while exerting tremendous efforts to ease and lessen the impact of such concerns and pains. Grants to settle debts of citizens and expatriates imprisoned for nonpayment of debts and those given to orphans are the personal expenses of HH the Amir. These are just two of several local and foreign initiatives by HH the Amir. If this is the essence of a true leader in dealing with his people, then the foreign initiatives of HH the Amir like the donor conference for Syrians and the reconstruction of Iraq conference are manifestations of the veteran leader s awareness that stability of sisterly countries is beneficial for the entire humanity. This is due to the fact that stability prevents many evils which bring suffering to nations because of conflicts and wars. A leader of this high caliber fully realizes that countries cannot be ruled except through compassion and empathy, and that stringent laws might sometimes lead to major problems. Therefore, HH the Amir interpreted compassion and empathy by transforming the general social course and reviving the innate Kuwaiti demeanor through grants which we wish to include granting citizenship to children of Kuwaiti women married to non-kuwaitis. This kind of grant can only come from a genuine humanitarian leader; given that these children were born, nurtured, studied and are living in Kuwait. They do not know any other country than this land. Their mothers are the children of this blessed land which only grows good plants. A question is posed to every human being: What is your mother tongue? Here, it does not mean the spoken language, but the language a person is brought up with. Continued on Page 25 ahmed@aljarallah.com Follow me on: ahmedaljarallah@gmail.com US$/KD /45 Euro/KD Yen/KD British /KD KSE pts at closing Feb 19 See Page 35 Dow pts at 21:10 Feb 16 See Page 36 Nasdaq pts at 21:10 Feb 16 FTSE pts at closing Feb 19 Nikkei +428 pts at closing Feb 19 Gold $1, per oz (London) NYMEX crude $62.42 per barrel Brent crude $65.72 per barrel 3-month $ LIBOR rate % DEAL REACHED TO NORMALIZE HIRING Kuwait invites Duterte to visit KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19, (Agencies): Kuwait has invited Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to visit, state news agency KUNA said on Monday, as the countries seek to settle their differences over allegations of extreme abuse of migrant workers in the wealthy Gulf state. After the body of a Filipino was discovered in a freezer in a Kuwait apartment, Duterte arranged free flights for workers wishing to leave an evacuation that Kuwait said was an unnecessary escalation of a diplomatic rift. The Philippines suspended sending workers to Kuwait in January after reports that abuse by MP queries expat hire for KAC post By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: MP Saleh Ashour has forwarded questions to Minister of Finance Nayef Al- Hajraf on the appointment of a foreigner as assistant commercial chief executive officer at Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC). Ashour disclosed that Philip Sander was previously appointed as assistant commercial chief executive officer but he was dismissed following charges of contract manipulation and then he fled from the country. Now, they intend to hire a German woman for this position and she was invited to Kuwait for this purpose, he added. He wants to know the reasons for taking such a decision, if Kuwaitis were offered the post, their names, qualifications and reasons for not appointing them. He also requested for copies of the contract with the German woman and curriculum vitae detailing her experience in the field of aviation. In another development, Ashour, in his capacity as member of the Kuwaitization and Employment Committee, revealed they will submit a request to the National Assembly to extend the tenure of the committee until May. He stressed the need to issue legislation on the work of the private sector, determine the required specialties in the labor market and accelerate the recruitment process. He said the committee received many letters regarding Kuwaitization and employment, indicating a plan to give jobs to the unemployed will be submitted to the National Assembly soon. He added the committee is focusing on employment in the public and private sectors based on statistics; pointing out there are more than 300,000 administrative jobs in the private sector, as well as technical jobs in factories and companies. Meanwhile, the Environment Affairs Committee on Monday decided to set a period of one month for separating the functions of environmental bodies after receiving reports on their accomplishments. In addition, Chairman of the committee MP Mohammed Al-Huwailah said they will invite the concerned bodies like the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) and Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) to a meeting soon to tackle the sewage pools issue in Sabah Al-Ahmad residential area. Philippine National Police Chief Gen Ronald Dela Rosa presents to the media arrested foreigner Fehmi Lassoued, also known as John Rasheed Lassoued, allegedly a native of Egypt, along with a Filipino companion Anabel Moncera Salipada on Feb 19, at Camp Crame in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines. (AP) Interpol seeks suspect couple in murder Syrian Kurds mourn in the northern town of Afrin during the funeral on Feb 18, of fighters from the People s Protection Units (YPG) militia and the Women s Protection Units (YPJ), killed in clashes in the Kurdish enclave in northern Syria on the border with Turkey. (AFP) Turks warn Syria on Syria Turkey threatened on Monday to hit back at Syrian pro-government troops if they deploy in an enclave in northern Syria to protect a Kurdish militia that Ankara is battling there. The warning by the Turkish foreign minister came shortly after Syrian state media said pro-government forces will begin entering the Kurdish-controlled enclave of Afrin in the country s northwest within hours, after reaching an agreement with the Kurdish militia in control of the region. The official SANA news agency said the forces will deploy in Afrin to bolster local forces in confronting Turkish aggression, suggesting the Syrian government and Kurdish fighters have struck a deal under which the government forces would help repel an ongoing Turkish offensive on the enclave. Manila nabs IS commander Continued on Page 25 employers had driven several to suicide. Kuwait s Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid Al-Jarallah said on Monday that the two countries had agreed to sign a deal to regulate working conditions. We proposed to the Philippine authorities to resolve and contain these issues and not to escalate them in the media. There was agreement on this... and we received a response, he was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, Al-Jarallah went on to say that the parliamentary committee has been assigned to investigate the Filipino President s comments, pending a report to be referred to Parliament. On the meeting, the Kuwaiti deputy foreign minister noted MANILA, Philippines, Feb 19, (AP): Philippine police and army troops have arrested an Arab man they believe was a former commander of the Islamic State group along the Syria and Turkey border in a raid on a Manila apartment, where they found bomb-making materials and an IS-style flag, the national police chief said Monday. Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa said Fehmi Lassoued, who is reportedly from Egypt, and his Filipina companion, Anabel Moncera Salipada, were arrested last week based on intelligence provided by foreign counterparts. He said investigators were looking into possible links between the two suspects and local and foreign militant groups, and whether they were involved in any terrorist activity. Dela Rosa said at a news conference that Lassoued has a fake Tunisian passport and may be a militant recruiter, but did not offer any evidence. Clad in an orange detainee shirt, handcuffed and held on Continued on Page 25 Extension for amnesty seen KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: There are chances the amnesty that was given for the residence law violators to leave the country without paying fine or legalize their stay may be extended to another 30 days, reports Al- Anba quoting reliable Interior Ministry sources. The 25-day amnesty ends in four days on Feb 22, 2018, and the daily quoting sources said the Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid Al-Jarrah is studying the request in this regard. Meanwhile, the ports sector, under the supervision of the Assistant Undersecretary for Ports Affairs, Major-General Mansour Al-Awadhi and the General Administration of Airport Security are facilitating the exit of violators. About 50 expatriates who carry the travel ban were prevented Continued on Page 25 Newswatch Royals sentenced KUWAIT CITY: A lawyer says two Kuwaiti ruling family members have been found guilty of insulting the country s National Assembly Speaker. Sheikh Athbi Al Sabah, a nephew of Kuwait s ruling Amir and former head of Kuwait s National Security Office, and Sheikh Khalifa Al Sabah, the publisher of the now-shuttered Al Watan newspaper, were among six people sentenced Monday. Lawyer Saud Al-Hamdan, who represented Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, confirmed the sentences to The Associated Press. Those convicted could not be immediately reached for comment. Al-Hamdan says they received five-year prison sentences and 5,000 Kuwaiti dinar ($16,700) fines. The case involves a group on the mobile phone messaging app WhatsApp that sought to spread fabricated videos of Kuwaiti judges receiving bribes. Sheikh Athbi faces another five-year prison term in another trial over the group. (AP) Continued on Page 25 that prices of domestic service, which have gone through the roof as of late, was among topics discussed. We are working closely with our embassies abroad to address this issue, he added. Two planes full of workers arrived in Manila from Kuwait last week on flights provided for free by commercial airlines at the president s request. The Philippine labour minister has said more than 2,200 Filipinos were ready to take up the offer to be repatriated. It was not immediately clear if Duterte had accepted Kuwait s invitation for him to visit in early March. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Interpol upon a request from its Kuwaiti counterpart is looking for the alleged murderers of Filipino domestic worker Joanna Daniela Demafelis, reports Al-Anba daily. The Lebanese man Nader Issam Assaf and his Syrian wife Mona Hassoun are accused of murdering the Filipina and dumping her body in a freezer. However, the Al-Rai daily quoting the mother of the Lebanese man Nader Issam Assaf said her son is innocent and blamed his wife for what has happened. The mother said she was on a visit to Kuwait and saw the wife grabbing the victim by the hair and hitting her head on the wall. The mother added, she then told her daughter-in-law to return her to the recruitment office if she was not satisfied with her work and the latter ignored. The mother added, she could not stick to the behavior of the wife and decided to leave Kuwait before the expiry of her visit visa. She went on to say she saw her son 10 months ago in a police station in Syria. He was in a very bad health condition and he told her he had a bypass surgery. She also said two months ago she called her son and he told her his wife had given birth to a baby. Philippine officials in Kuwait said they had been coordinating with their Kuwaiti counterparts to launch rescue missions to save distressed OFWs from abusive employers and harsh working conditions. They had also been conducting information campaigns to Continued on Page 25

2 LOCAL 2 His Highness the Amir expresses gratitude to charities HH the Amir while hosting Minister Al-Sabeeh and heads of local charities. HH the Amir while receiving KCCI chief Al-Ghanim and the board members. KUNA photos KCCI ready for outcome of Iraq conference KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19, (KUNA): His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Monday expressed deep gratitude to Kuwaiti charities for soothing hardships of peoples in need for aid. I can only say thank you in the name of all your Kuwaiti brethren... you have acted and fulfilled your blessed duties, said His Highness as he hosted, at Seif Palace, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hind Al- Sabeeh and heads of local charities. His Highness the Amir also praised the associations for partaking in the recently held international conference for reconstructing Iraq. Good and charitable actions are ideal principles; instilled in the Kuwaiti people s conscience since old times and embraced by the generations, His Highness the Amir said, alluding to the ongoing multiple initiatives to relieve the needy and catastrophes victims in and Arab and foreign countries. For his part, Dr Abdullah Al-Maatouq, Chairman of the International Islamic Charitable Organization and Advisor at the Amiri Diwan, indicated that he and his colleagues came to see His Highness, listen to his guidelines and brief him about aid activities. Jamal Al-Nouri, Chairman of Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity, told His Highness that $37 million, out of $48 million earmarked for Iraq, had been disbursed for housing for the displaced, aiding widows and teaching crafts to enable the needy earn bread on sustainable basis. Chairman of Kuwait Relief Society Ahmad Al-Jasser affirmed that the Iraq conference, held on Feb 12-14, constituted an opportunity to shed light on the Kuwaiti charitable work. Faisalm Al-Zamel, representative of Al-Najat Charity, said he and his colleagues were honored to meet His Highness the Amir. An identical statement was made by Nabil Al-Oun, General Director of Al-S alam charity. Meanwhile, Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Chairman Ali Al-Ghanim said on Monday KCCI stands prepared to work with the government to put in place the outcome of the recent conference on Iraq s reconstruction in Kuwait. Speaking to reporters following his meeting with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah, Al-Ghanim mentioned in particular Kuwaiti investments in Iraq. He added that he and KCCI board members had listened to advice from His Highness the Amir in this regard, quoting His Highness the Amir as confirming that the government would work with the private sector to carry out recommended projects in Iraq. He cited the Kuwait International Conference for Reconstruction of Iraq (KICRI) as a clear-cut paradigm of His Highness the Amir and Kuwaiti people s goodwill towards their neighbors. Cabinet expresses deep sorrow over deadly Iran, US incidents Ministers congratulate Their Highnesses on National Days HH the Crown Prince with NSA chief Sheikh Thamer. HH the Crown Prince meets NSA chief National Day celebration His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received National Security Apparatus (NSA) Chairman Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah at Seif Palace on Monday. His Highness the Crown Prince also met Dr Mohammad Barrak Al-Heifi at Seif Palace on Monday. (KUNA) Ambassador of Mexico sends congratulations to Amir, Kuwait By Miguel Angel Isidro Ambassador of Mexico ON behalf of the Government and people of Mexico, I would like to extend to His Highness The Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah my heartiest congratulations and best wishes Isidro on the auspicious occasion of Kuwait s National Day, Institute mulls intensive civil visit course 47 pc of MoFA staff graduates of Diplomatic Inst KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: About 47 percent of the staff in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs graduated from the Diplomatic Institute which is keen on developing its courses regularly, reports Al-Rai daily quoting Director of the institute Dr Abdulaziz Al-Sharekh. wishing your Highness continued good health and the people of Kuwait continue to be blessed with peace, prosperity and happiness under Your Highness s leadership. I want to congratulate Your Highness on Kuwait s new seat on the United Nations Security Council and for your leadership in promoting unity in the Gulf region. May I again offer congratulations to the State of Kuwait (Leadership, Government and People) on the auspicious occasion of the National Day, and wish you all a happy celebration. Speaking to the daily, Al-Sharekh revealed the institute is now working on the intensive civil visit course involving 20 civil institutions in the country. He said 28 students are currently enrolled in this course and they will graduate after a few months. KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19, (KUNA): The ministers at the weekly regular Cabinet session on Monday congratulated Their Highnesses the Amir and the Crown Prince on the National Days, admiring His Highness the Amir s pledge to pay prisoners debts and aid orphans as well as examining the outcome of the Iraq rebuilding conference. At the external level, they expressed deep sorrow at the deadly shooting spree in Florida, the US, and Sunday s crash of an Iranian passenger plane. The session, held at Seif Palace, was chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Following the session, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh said the ministers extended in the beginning of the meeting their sincere felicitations to Their Highnesses the Amir and the Crown Prince on the 57th anniversary of the National Day and the 27th anniversary of Kuwait s Liberation. The ministers were notified about His Highness the Amir s latest humanitarian initiatives, pledging to pay debts burdening imprisoned citizens and residents and allocating financial grants for the orphans at his expense. They lauded His Highness for the generous acts, which depicted the distinguished relationship with his faithful people. They expressed satisfaction at outcome of the recently held international conference for rebuilding Iraq, namely the donors pledges to aid the neighboring country with $30 billion, including $2 billion to be given by Kuwait, in appreciation for Iraq s sacrifices in fighting terrorism. Above: Some photos from the celebration. Nottingham British School marks Kuwait s National Days Nottingham British School in Kuwait celebrated the National Days of Kuwait on Monday, Feb 19. The school was decorated with the colors of the They turned to some local matters, examining two recommendations by the legal affairs committee regarding a bill amending some provisions of the Law 71/2013, enacting a legislation for regulating patents in the GCC states and another related to the unified regulations for combating commercial fraud in the GCC countries. The two bills were blessed and referred to His Highness the Amir, pending submission to the Parliament. Moreover, they reviewed a recommendation by the economic affairs committee on honoring offset commitments, whereby the Cabinet assigned the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority to prepare a list of proposed ventures and report back in a month. The ministers were briefed about a recommendation by the commission about the eighth regular report by the permanent committee for improving the business environment and enhancing competition. Public service committee s Kuwaiti fl ag, and the students and teachers were dressed in national attire of Kuwait. A number of stage programs were organized in the auditorium of the schools. Many students and their parents participated by singing traditional songs and dancing with swords to the beat of the drums. recommendation was also scanned regarding a report by the Public Authority for Housing Welfare on removing obstacles at Saad Al-Abdullah South City. The ministers decided to task the Public Authority for Industry and the Public Authority for Agricultural Resources and Fisheries to rapidly remove these hurdles and report back in two weeks. The ministers were also informed about a recommendation regarding a report by the housing authority about Al- Metlaa housing venture.

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4 LOCAL 4 HH the Crown Prince A story of love, loyalty to the State of Kuwait 12th anniversary of his designation today KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19, (KUNA): His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah will be celebrating tomorrow, Tuesday, the 12th anniversary of his designation for this position by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. By virtue of this designation under an Amiri Order on Feb 7, 2006, His Highness the Crown Prince became the closest aide of His Highness the Amir in his efforts to build Kuwait as a modern country and continue its march towards development and prosperity. After the MPs unanimously approved the nomination, His Highness the Crown Prince was sworn in at the National Assembly and took up his duties on Feb 20, His Highness the Crown Prince won the trust of His Highness the Amir, as well as the broad spectrum of the political life and the man in the street due to his personal capabilities that qualified him for this post in keeping with the provisions of the Constitution and the rules of succession of the hereditary Emirate Ḣis popularity stems from his care and great interest in the Kuwaiti people and all issues of public concern. His Highness the Crown Prince gained the unanimous allegiance of the people who shared him love and felt his personal humanitarian qualities such as mercy, fairness and benevolence. He holds the people of Kuwait in high esteem, puts them at the core of his interests and spares no effort Top offi cials heap praises on HH the Crown Prince KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19, (KUNA): Kuwait s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Monday hailed His Highness the Crown Prince as among the beacons of the country, a man whose contributions to national development are immeasurable. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is an exemplary leader and the epitome of national pride, the Kuwaiti defense minister told KUNA roughly 12 years to the day His Highness the Crown Prince took the oath of office. Deputy Chief of Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Sheikh Mishaal Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah expressed great pride and appreciation to His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah s sincere efforts and achievements since throughout the years. He added that His Highness Sheikh Nawaf showed leadership in meeting their aspirations for a bright future. On the political front, His Highness the Crown Prince offered over the last five decades outstanding contributions to Kuwait s drive to become a modern, advanced and prosperous country. He was nominated by the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah as governor of Hawalli on Feb 21, 1961, and maintained the post until March 19, 1978; during this period, Kuwait gained independence from Britain in June He served as minister of interior between March 19, 1978, and Feb 26, 1988, when he took up the portfolio of defense during the reign of late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. skills in all his posts, including as the governor of Hawalli, interior minister, defense minister, social affairs minister, and at the National Guard, stressing that in each of these posts, he left a clear mark and achievement. Minister of Information Mohammad Al-Jabri congratulated His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of His Highness s designation as Crown Prince. He assured that the Kuwaiti people will always remember actions taking by His Highness toward Kuwait to maintain peace, security, development, law and sovereignty in every position he held during five decades of serving the country, during which he was one of the most prominent and contemporary figures in building the new Kuwait. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is one of the founders of After Kuwait s liberation from the Iraqi invasion, he served as minister of social affairs and labor between April 20, 1991, and Oct 19, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf was nominated as deputy chief of the National Guard on Oct 16, 1994, until July 13, 2003, when he was designated to the portfolio of the interior. On Oct 16, 2003, he was nominated as first deputy prime minister and minister of interior and maintained the post until Feb 7, 2006, when he was designated as Crown Prince. During his tenure as governor of Hawalli, he was able to turn the governorate from a primitive village into a lively business center featured modern Kuwait and contributed in the process of renaissance and construction of the country after independence, KUNA Board Chairman and Director General Sheikh Mubarak Al- Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah said. His Highness s march that extended for more than five decade replete with achievements that will remain memorable in the history of Kuwait, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij said in a statement on the 12th anniversary of His Highness s designation as Crown Prince on Feb 20, His Highness, since the early 1960s, was a model for the distinguished leader who devotes all his efforts and time to achieve success in line with his love for Kuwait and its people, Sheikh Mubarak Al- Duaij said. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah s life is full of eternal achievements and works, says the Minister of Trade and Industry. by modern urban planning and economic activities. As minister of interior, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf managed to preserve the security and stability of the country and address all concerns of the public through introducing the latest security systems and equipment, and building the capacity of the police personnel. He optimized use of the information technologies in the combat against all forms of crimes and tightening the control over the borders. He laid down a comprehensive strategy for preserving the security on the land and maritime borders, thus denying access to hostile infiltrators who might tamper with the security and stability of the country. KUNA photo HH Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah taking oath of offi ce before the National Assembly in this file photo. KUNA Photo His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives Kuwait State Audit Bureau-appointed team. HH the Crown Prince meets state auditors His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Monday at Seif Palace a Kuwait State Audit Bureau-appointed team tasked with monitoring His Highness the Crown Prince s Diwan budget. During the encounter, His Highness the Crown Prince commended the State Kuwait Today Bid to promote research activities Faculty of Destistry to organize 17th Conference for KuDAR KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: The Faculty of Dentistry Kuwait University is organizing 17th Conference for Kuwait Association for Dental Research (KuDAR) tited Innovations in Dentistry which will be held under the Patronage of the President of Kuwait University Professor Husian Al-Ansari on Tuesday, March 6, The Chairman of the Conference of (KuDAR), Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Dr Adel Al-Asfour mentioned that the conference is part of the Prayer Timings Fajr... 05:04 Sunrise... 06:23 Zohr... 12:02 Asr... 15:15 Maghrib... 17:41 Isha... 18:58 Weather Al-Ansari cooperation activities between the Faculty of Dentistry Kuwait University and the International Association for Dental Research to promote research activities, and that the conference will discuss the scientific updates in Oral Dental Research at the local and international levels. The speakers of the conference Professor Arai Yoshinori, Nihon University Japan Expected weather for the next 24 hours: By Night: Cool with light to moderate north westerly wind to variable wind, with speed of km/h and some scattered clouds will appear. By Day: Warm with light variable wind to light to moderate north westerly wind, with speed of km/h and some scattered clouds will appear. Station Max Min Rec Exp Kuwait City Kuwait Airport Abdaly Bubyan Jahra Failaka Island Salmiya Ahmadi Nuwaisib Wafra Salmy days forecast - Weather Tuesday, Feb 20 Expected weather...clouds will increase gradually Max Temp...25 C Min Temp...10 C Wind Direction... NW-VRB Wind Speed km/h Wednesday, Feb 21 Expected weather...partly cloudy to cloudy with a chance for scattered light rain later on Max Temp...24 C Min Temp...11 C Wind Direction... VRB-SE Wind Speed km/h Thursday, Feb 22 Expected weather... Partly cloudy Max Temp...28 C Min Temp...13 C Wind Direction...SE Wind Speed km/h Friday, Feb 23 Expected weather Partly cloudy to cloudy with a chance for rain that might be thundery later on Max Temp...25 C Min Temp...15 C Wind Direction...SE Wind Speed km/h Marine Forecast Station Max Min Sea Today s Rec Exp Surf Waves Ht Dirn South Dolphin ft SE Umm Mudayrah ft SE Beacon M ft SE Beacon N ft SE Audit Bureau and its personnel for their efforts to protect public funds, saying the audit body s contributions towards public interest are appreciated. Sheikh Mubarak Al-Faisal Al-Sabah, who heads His Highness the Crown Prince s Diwan, was present at the meeting. (KUNA) will talk about the Advances in Maxillofacial Radiography and Professor Kerstin M. Galler Regensburg University-Germany will discuss the updates in Dental Pulp Regeneration and Repair Vital Pulp Therapies and Revitalization. The Organizing Committee is pleased to invite researchers, dentists and those who are interested to attend the important conference. Social Development Sector in the Ministry of Social Affairs has been organizing campaigns to raise funds for the victims of mudslides and floods in the Philippines, reports Al-Anba daily. The daily quoting Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development in the Ministry of Social Affairs Hassan Kazem stated the sector has set out on campaigns, simultaneously with the collection of donations for Syrians refugees fleeing to neighboring states, dubbed Winter Warmer. He urged charities authorized to collect donations to apply for extension at the ministry if necessary, indicating approval of extension is the only way to save them from legal procedures. Qaruh Island ft SE Umm Al-Maradim ft SE Sea Island Buo Salmiya ft SE 4 days forecast - Marine Tuesday, Feb 20 Expected weather......clouds will increase gradually Sea state...slight to moderate Wave height ft Max Temp C Min Temp C Wind Direction...NW-VRB Wind Speed km/h Wednesday, Feb 21 Expected weather Partly cloudy to cloudy with a chance for scattered light rain later on Sea state...slight to moderate Wave height ft Max Temp C Min Temp C Wind Direction...VRB-SE Wind Speed km/h Thursday, Feb 22 Expected weather...partly cloudy Sea state...slight to moderate Wave height ft Max Temp C Min Temp C Wind Direction... SE Wind Speed km/h Friday, Feb 23 Expected weather...partly cloudy to cloudy with a chance for rain that might be thundery later on Sea state... Slight to moderate, rough at times Wave height ft Max Temp C Min Temp C Wind Direction... SE Wind Speed km/h Tide times at Shuwaikh Port 1st high tide:... 14:35 2nd high tide:... 02:08 1st low tide:... 08:27 2nd low tide:... 20:31 Sunrise:... 06:24 Sunset:... 17:40 Recorded yesterday at Kuwait Airport Max temp C Min temp C Max Rh...78% Min Rh...21% Max Wind...W 60 km/h Total Rainfall in 24 hrs mm Recorded yesterday at South Dolphin Min/Max/ Air Temp... 18/25 C Min/Max Rel Hum...35/79% Wind Direction/Wind Speed...S/63 km/h Prev Wave Dir/Max Wave Ht... N/- ft Min/Max Sea Surface Temp...-/- C Sea Current...Upwelling Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Meteorological Dept deaths Khaleel Ibrahim Ali Al-Baloshi, 68 years old, buried on Monday. Condolences: Jabriya, Huseiniyat Al Balosh, Tel: Tahani Ahmad, Shahab Ahmad Al- Mejadi, 47 years old, wife of Ahmad Musa Al-Rasheed, buried on Monday. Condolences: (Men) Mansouriya, Huseiniyat Al Hazeem, Block 1, Avenue 14, House 51, Tel: (Women): Mansouriya, Huseiniyat Al Zahra, Block 1, Street 11, House 10, Tel: Feb 19, 2018

5 LOCAL KU to promote professors Cabinet has decided to form Private Universities Council KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: The Cabinet issued a decision on the formation of the Private Universities Council, reports Al-Anba daily. Article One of the decision states that the council s tenure will be three years and it will be presided by the minister of Higher Education while the members are as follows: 1. Ministry of Higher Education Undersecretary Dr Subaih Al-Makhazim 2. Secretary General of the Private Universities Dr Al-Makhazim Council Secretariat General Professor Dr Habib Abol 3. Ministry of Commerce and Industry Undersecretary Dr Khalid Al-Fadheil 4. Faculty of Medicine Dean Professor Dr Adel Khedr Abdullah 5. Abdulwahab Al-Wazzan 6. Dr Rasheed Al-Hamad 7. Professor Dr Majid Al-Daihani 8. Dr Mishari Al-Hajri The Supreme Council of Kuwait University recently discussed the promotion of professors and allocations for scholars, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting sources. Sources disclosed the council decided to disburse the allocations for scholars in the relevant foreign currency in order to avoid any discrepancy due to the exchange rate. The Admission and Registration Deanship at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) will meet in March to prepare a comprehensive plan on the number of students who will be admitted in the next academic year, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting sources. Sources explained this is in accordance with the instruction of Education and Higher Education Minister Dr Hamid Al-Azmi to prepare the plan in order to avoid the annual admission crisis, referring to the problems in the admission mechanism last year. Source stressed the need to lay down such a plan to put a stop to the annual admission crisis, especially since a big number of students who enrolled in less than 10 academic units which prompted students to hold a sit-in led by the Students Union. Sources also called on PAAET to increase the budget to accommodate the large number of students. Dr Al-Awadhi gets new post KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Minister of Health Dr Basel Al-Sabah has nominated Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi for the position of undersecretary of Ministry of Health, reports Al- Nahar daily quoting sources. They revealed that the name of former minister Dr Jamal Al-Harbi was proposed to work as a consultant in one of the overseas treatment bureaus, adding that meetings are ongoing in the ministry to fill the available vacancies. Meanwhile, Dr Basel Al- Sabah has allotted every Monday of each week to receive citizens and listen to their complaints and suggestions. The undersecretary and assistant undersecretaries will receive citizens from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. District heads and hospital directors will receive citizens on Tuesdays. Citizens, expats urged to avoid wasting water during holidays KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Undersecretary of Ministry of Electricity and Water Eng Mohammad Bushahri called on all citizens and expatriates to avoid wasting water during the celebrations of the National Days, reports Al-Rai daily. Bushahri warned about the water that people would use during the celebrations, as the source of the water is unknown and may contain harmful substances. He affirmed that the ministry shares with the citizens the joy of celebrating the Independence Day and Liberation Day of Kuwait. However, the celebrations should not involve wastage of water especially since it is subsidized and costs the state a large sum of money. Eng Bushahri stressed the need to celebrate the National Days in an elite manner that matches the culture of Kuwait. He revealed that the consumption of water during the National Days celebrations in the last few years increased by 14 million gallons compared to the regular consumption rate. Eng. Bushahri also urged citizens to instruct their domestic workers and drivers to minimize the consumption of water and advise them to use buckets for washing cars instead of hoses. Ministry of Social Affairs Undersecretary Saad Al-Kharaz said 937 Kuwaiti employees were referred for retirement as they either reached the legal retirement age or have been in service for 30 years, indicating most of them are assigned in the Handicapped Care Sector, reports Al-Anba daily. Al-Kharaz added the ministry terminated the services of 31 expatriates effective June 2018 in line with the Civil Service Law. He also disclosed that the Personnel Affairs Committee filled 937 Kuwaiti employees referred for retirement A photo from the event. Martyrs Bureau organizes marathon By Abdul-Nasser Al-Aslami Al-Seyassah Staff The Martyr s Bureau recently organized Shukran Al-Shahed Marathon, and over 500 people in their various age groups participated. The event was part of Shukran 2 exhibition organized in commemoration of Kuwait s National and Liberation Days celebrations. Assistant Undersecretary and Director General of Martyr s Bureau Fatmah Al-Amir disclosed the marathon race was meant to create a healthy competition among individuals in the society. She stressed the issue of martyrs does not matter to the children of martyrs alone but the entire society. She noted over 500 people from different age groups and social classes and genders participated in the marathon included people with special needs. 35 leadership posts including department directors, observers and division heads. He said the committee is now waiting for approval from the Civil Service Commission (CSC). On the other hand, the ministry issued a decision on the dissolution of Kuwait Society for Helping Students after referring it for investigation on alleged irregularities. A decree was issued recently on the appointment of Sara Fahad 5 Photo by Bassam Abu Shanab She applauded the excellent standard of organizing the event and rate of success recorded, especially as they were able to create awareness on the significance of physical exercise and patience during difficulties. She reiterated determination of the bureau to relate to all rather than operate in isolation, noting the option of sporting activities is founded on the saying Sound mind in a sound body. Al-Duaij as assistant undersecretary in the Amiri Diwan, reports Al-Anba daily. Another decree was issued appointing Tariq Al-Faraj as non-resident ambassador to Kyrgyzstan in addition to his post as ambassador to Kazakhstan. Oct 6, 2016

6 LOCAL Pledge to hunt bachelors Residential homes survey vowed KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Faisal Al-Hamoud has affirmed that the governorate will leave no stone unturned in fighting the problem of bachelors residing in private residential areas, reports Al-Rai daily. He stressed that it is not allowed for bachelors to stay in private houses, disclosing about a comprehensive survey that will be conducted on private houses that are rented out to bachelors in order to eradicate this phenomenon. In a press statement, Sheikh Faisal Al- Hamoud explained that the presence of bachelors in private residential areas has become a problem that is depriving citizens of sleep because of the social and security repercussions. This matter necessitates bringing together official and societal efforts and taking measures that will help curb the problem from its roots. The governorate has received lots of complaints in this regard, and it informed Ministry of Interior and Kuwait Municipality to take necessary measures. The governor called on citizens to be partners in combating the phenomenon of bachelors living in private houses. He said, We are looking for a radical solution to this phenomenon. We are seeing a positive response from concerned authorities. Sheikh Faisal Al-Hamoud stressed the important role mayors can play in fixing this problem, revealing that he has requested all mayors to conduct a comprehensive survey of all the houses rented out to bachelors to eliminate this problem once and for all. The governor said he held meetings with officials from Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) to discuss the proposal of issuing civil IDs to expatriates based on the address of their sponsors, adding that labor cities represent the solution to the problem related to the presence of bachelors in private houses. DIWANIYA A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION Boost in people-to-people ties vital Need to build bridges of trust FROM a realistic point of view it is inevitable that the government seriously translate the purport of the speech of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, the speech he delivered during the inauguration of the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq (KICRI), particularly since he has stressed that the stability of Iraq is part and parcel of the security and stability of the State of Kuwait, columnist Khaled Ahmad Al-Tarrah wrote for Al-Qabas daily. The second phase which is presumably to be followed by KICRI should be confined to supporting of Iraq and help it to confront both the internal and external terrorist schemes in addition to assisting Baghdad to encounter the plight which comes in the form of sectarian quota and political corruption in order to enable Iraq to return as unified nation basking in security and political stability. There is no doubt that among the mechanisms that can play an important and influential role towards achieving these objectives is the role to be played by the Kuwaiti society institutions to establish strong bases for relations between the two peoples, Kuwaitis and Iraqis, with mutual understanding and partnership to rescue Iraq from the current schemes that target and conspire against its national unity. Besides the Kuwaiti communal institutions can play a role in terms of handling the opinions and the attitudes of some Iraqi forces which still are enemies of Kuwait and every now and then hostile voices can be heard against Kuwait. Perhaps some of the voices with hostile notes have coincided with the conference to reconstruct Iraq confirms the absence of the Iraqi street of minds mistakenly branded and remain unsoundly poisoned by the Saddamist informational machinery. In other words, we need a joint and intensified action between the community institutions of the two countries, particularly since we know that injuries caused by the Saddamist invasion of the State of Al-Tarrah Kuwait remain deep-rooted in the Kuwaiti hearts and bodies. We are in need of joint and intensive work between the institutions of society in both countries. The wounds of the Saddam invasion are still deep-rooted in the hearts and bodies of Kuwaitis. However, after the liberation of Kuwait and after the fall and execution of the tyrant of Baghdad even the Iraqi songs had been listed in the list of prohibited things and not allowed to enter into Kuwait. The State of Kuwait supported by the international community except the Muslim neighbor Iran, has actually succeeded in its international conference, given the fact Iran has not contributed to anything even the value of a ticket for the reconstruction of Iraq and may be because Tehran will be one of those which will benefit from the instability of Iraq by penetrating into the Iraqi community through the windows of the reconstruction of Iraq process and eventually take some of the money that has been endorsed by the conference through some pro-tehran powers or through pro-iranian influence in Iraq. Iraq, as it is known, is not a poor country. It has huge wealth of oil, gas and sea ports that Baghdad can invest in an unprecedented economic and developmental renaissance in the history of Iraq, but the bloody political and sectarian conflicts that Iraq has been suffering from for years have prevented security and stability, the sovereignty over sectarian, isolationist and racist ideology that is still tearing the fabric of the Iraqi society. Given the above, we suggest the billions of dollars that have been allocated by KICRI for the reconstruction of Iraq, will not save Iraqi society of all its sects and sectarianism and corruption, but support the basics of the Iraqi National Initiative and any similar initiative that would consolidate national unity in Iraq and create a real partnership between Kuwait and Iraq, particularly at the popular level as well as at the level of the communal institutions of the two countries and this will help establish a good neighborly relationship built on strong foundations that shall benefit both the State of Kuwait and Iraq at various levels. In other words, the process of reconstruction between the Kuwaiti and the Iraqi peoples will not be in need of funds, rather build bridges of popular, effective and impactful communication that should be officially blessed by the two countries. Also: The Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq (KICRI) ended about a week ago, but the echoes can still be heard along the streets of Kuwait, columnist Waleed Ibrahim Al-Ahmad wrote for Al-Rai daily. The echoes range between acceptance and disapproval. Moreover, we see the methodical and unfair attack that has been waged by some people against the charity societies because of their contribution to humanity in Iraq. This happened although these societies have repeatedly said the money of the donors is safe safety and will not be touched and will not go to Iraq, unless the donor himself/herself request so. However, if we discuss the reasons behind this fear among the Kuwaitis, and not the government, we shall find that the same can be ascribed to many indicators and the first is a big question as to who will receive this money. In this context, one we say many consecutive Iraqi governments were responsible for implanting sectarianism to such an extent they even formed militias and the latter tore apart the Iraqi social fabric. This is in addition to embezzling and looting money instead of this money finding its way to the needy and the poor according to what has been said by the Iraqis themselves. According to these Iraqis the money found its way to Iraqi parties which supported the relevant governments. Such being the case, the donated money will go with the wind and the basic objective for which the money was collected (the reconstruction of Iraq) no longer exists. Besides, we found many Iraqis ordinary citizens and officials were involved in attacking the State of Kuwait to such an extent they even branded Kuwait as the biggest country that sill constitutes a danger to them. Some other Iraqis consider $30 billion donated for the reconstruction of Iraq during the KICRI as ordinary and will not meet the target or may be this money was given to blackmail them (the Iraqis) through the implementation of some projects in favor of the relevant donors. There have been over five generations of Bedouns among the participants of the 1965 census and those who were present before independence. All of them worked diligently in various state institutions, especially the military and oil sectors, Hassan Al-Hadad Al-Shammari wrote for Al-Anba daily. Today, pressure is mounting on this category under various names under the pretext that they are connected to specific nationalities without verifying the truth behind the assertion! Bedouns going to the concerned department to renew their security cards are compelled by officials to sign and affirm nationalities created as their origins. I am sure their identities will eventually be detected if they are truly guilty, but the truth of the matter is they do not own the purported documents. The issue requires looking into all relevant corners, because it s improper to judge people solely on their origins, tribes or sects. Bedouns are Kuwaitis, as they belong to the fifth or sixth generations, and their level of patriotism is unmistakable. They deserve the nationality more than anybody else. I wonder the source of traffic congestion when students are in school and employees are in various ministries? Who are those behind the heavy congestion we observe everywhere in Kuwait?, Talal Al-Sa eed wrote for Al-Seyassah daily. These questions run in the minds of road users whenever they waste the better part of their day trying to get around the traffic snarl in one area only to encounter another one before reaching their destinations. We all know the majority of people in Kuwait are employees, and retirees constituting one-third of the population hardly leave their homes in the day, because their movement is restricted to the cooperative stores, clinics and senior citizens diwaniyas. All Kuwaitis unanimously agree that the problem is with General Traffic Department, and the lapse is technical or administrative in nature. Technically, all Kuwaiti roads have remained the same for several years without improvement, and the same error of nepotism and wasta is repeated in terms of administration. Drivers licenses are issued to applicants who do not deserve, and the process is so fast that applicants receive the license while their files are still on the desks. Unjustifiable exemptions have led to instances where many people that are not really qualified obtain the license to drive. Compiled by Zaki Taleb 6 News in Brief Graduates honoured: Under the patronage and in the presence of Undersecretary of Ministry of Interior Lieutenant General Mahmoud Al-Dosari, a ceremony was held recently in honor of the graduates of the 39th foundation course on aircraft security and protection as well as the Air Force officers of the Kuwaiti Army who participated in the first course on protection of progressive aviation. A total of 40 trainees from various sectors of the ministry had participated in the 39th foundation course on aircraft security and protection. Fortune for expat?: Is it a misfortune of the part of a company, or did an expatriate reaped a fortune when he signed a contract with a company, or is it a human error as usual for which a high price was paid, reports Al-Anba daily. This is a story of a foreign worker who signed a contract with a company. The monthly salary was KD 1,200. The contract was documented and sent for approval and documentation in the country of the worker. The work permit and all official papers were obtained from the competent authority. However, it was found that the monthly salary recorded in the work permit and contract was KD 12,000 which worked out to approximately $40,000 a month, $480,000 annually. The company tried hard to correct the error and sought the assistance of the Public Authority for Manpower, which was unable to correct it because the salary can be adjusted in the work permit only when the contract is renewed according to specific procedures. Two held with drugs: Two Kuwaiti citizens were arrested in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia on Coastal Road opposite a commercial mall, says Al-Seyassah. Ahmadi securitymen were patrolling Coastal Road when they suspected a vehicle with two occupants and ordered the driver to pull over. They checked the civil IDs of the two men to discover they are Kuwaiti citizens. Noticing their disoriented state, securitymen checked them to find drugs and drug paraphernalia. They were arrested and referred with the confiscated items to the concerned authorities for necessary legal action. Meanwhile, Hawally securitymen arrested a Kuwaiti citizen, who was standing in front of a building in Salmiya area, for consuming liquor and possessing a bottle of imported liquor. In addition, a GCC national was arrested in Jahra area in possession of cigarettes stuffed with a drug, narcotic pills and drug paraphernalia.

7 LOCAL Other Voices Ignorance expensive Fraud continues unabated By Ahmad Al-Sarraf educational grades. I The Cassation Court justified its f you think education is very refusal because the educational system in Kuwait does not recognize expensive in Kuwait, try ignorance and you will discover its cost this system because it violates the is much higher. decisions of the Ministry of Higher I read the newspapers every day Education. This final ruling by the hoping I will come across a statement made by the Undersecretary Court of Cassation overturned the verdict of a lower court which had of the Ministry of Higher Education accepted the accreditation by such to revive the Committee that was universities. formed to look into the issue of fake We hope the new Minister of certificates in the education sector Education and Minister of Higher the least expected. Education, who once was the Feeling disappointed, I look for a Undersecretary at the Ministry and statement from the Minister of part of the process of revealing the Education, Minister of Higher names of fake certificates holders, Education to disclose will put an end to this name of at least one scandal and a decision by person who is holding the Council of Ministers a fake certificate a teacher or a university will allow him to name professor. names of holders of fake When I do not find certificates complete with anything, I expect a their places of work and firm action from the designation and give them Kuwait Association of the option to resign or University Professors refer them to the on the issue of fake Prosecution. Al-Sarraf certificates. Silence The closure of this file, may mean either collusion due to which represents a moral, the involvement of some of them, humanitarian and educational scandal, should not be ignored other- or sympathy with them and unwilling to disclose fraud in order to wise I would not hesitate to file a protect what remains of the Kuwait case against the ministry on this University reputation. issue, because I feel harm has been Or perhaps, because the association has been instructed not to touch caused to me. The problem of forging educational certificates has become com- the issue of manipulation in degrees and doctorate certificates hoping mon and is increasing and has now the scandal will die with time, when seeped into various disciplines. the issue is completely either forgotten or totally ignored. Forgery has become rampant in various ministries and private universities. It looks crystal clear our technocratic government does not want to It is common knowledge that big open the file of fake certificates to gangs in Europe, Pakistan and India protect the homes of a few thousand forgers, irrespective whether ies. If there was no demand, they are at the heart of frauds and forger- this negative attitude subverts the would not continue in their dangerous trade which is punishable by minds of tens of thousands of students. law. It looks like we have no recourse This practice is a crime against but to resort to the judiciary to solve the homeland and should not be this problem, especially after our tolerated. We repeat those who morale got a boost following the believe education is expensive verdict by the Court of Cassation should try ignorance and find it not to recognize British university more expensive. Those who graduate under the forgers are ignorant. degrees after taking into account the years of practical experience during the tenure of their study or habibi.enta1@gmail.com Amir contributions in global stability substantial: official KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19, (Agencies): His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has made profound contributions towards political and economic stability around the world, said a ruling family official on Monday. Addressing a gala hosted by the ministry of oil, as part of Kuwaiti national celebrations, the deputy head of the ruling family council Sheikh Ibrahim Duaij Al-Sabah pointed out that His Highness the Amir s diplomatic prowess was conspicuous even at the tender age of 20. He went on to say that His Highness the Amir has held lofty positions through the years and has immersed himself in the Arab region s political affairs. With His Highness the Amir at the helm, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij said the country has witnessed an epoch of development, citing a number of major projects to have come to fruition under his watch, including the construction of cultural centers and hospitals. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Oil s Acting Undersecretary Sheikh Talal Al-Sabah told the press that the ministry typically holds seminars and lectures during this time of year over Kuwaiti history, which dates back more than 300 years. He added that the purpose of such activities is to acquaint Kuwaitis with their country s rich and illustrious history, which is dotted with notable accomplishments. In another development, the US Ambassador of Kuwait HE Lawrence Silverman says the United States will do everything in its power to solve the Gulf crisis, indicating that the solution however lies in the decisions that the heads of the concerned states take, reports Al-Shahed daily. Ambassador Silverman said this in response to a question about the US-Gulf Summit, which is expected to be held in Camp David in May. He indicated that the US President, US Secretary of State and the State Secretary of Defense have clearly US keen to solve Gulf crisis: envoy KUNA photo First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah receives Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Alexey Solomatin. Defense minister meets envoys First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah discussed on Monday with Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Alexey Solomatin accompanied by Military, Air and Naval Attache Valery Kotogarov, several issues of joint interest. expressed the desire of the United States for the GCC dispute to be solved for the interest of the concerned states and the region as a whole as well as to confront the challenges that the region is currently facing. The ambassador said, The presence of a united GCC enhances our activities on various fronts especially in combating terrorism and defeating DAESH in addition to confronting Iran s malicious influence in the region. He stressed the need for all parties to exercise restraint and avoid escalation of the crisis, adding that it is also important for the concerned parties to minimize the intensity of the language used and to work on reaching out to find a He praised, during the meeting, the level of bilateral relations between the two countries. Later Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad also received Tunisia s Ambassador to Kuwait Ahmad bin Saghir, discussing issues of joint interest. The discussions also dealt with solution as previously stated by the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah on Monday congratulated His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on his 12th anniversary of assuming office. The Kuwaiti interior minister expressed his well wishes to His Highness the Crown Prince in a cable he sent on behalf of the entire interior ministry personnel, read a statement by the ministry. He went on to wish His Highness the Crown Prince continued health and prosperity, as he continues to means of boosting cooperation on issues of common concern. The meetings was also attended by Chairman of the Office of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Major- General Waleed Al-Sardi and Sheikh Hamad Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. (KUNA) stand by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Monday received congratulatory letters from His Highness Chairman of the National Guard Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, his deputy Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of assuming post. 7

8 LOCAL 8 Hawkers selling wares near signals are beggars: official Musical shows in cafes not allowed Participants of the course. Determine causes, probe fire mishaps Assistant Director General for Human Resources Development at Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) Major General Khaled Yousef Al-Tarkit officially inaugurated a course on methods of investigating fire sources. According to a press statement issued by KFSD, the course is being held at Regency Hotel until Thursday. Officers and personnel KFSD photo Asians held with 100 bottles liquor By Meshal Al-Sanousi Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Three Asian expatriates were arrested in Riggae area in possession of 100 bottles of locally manufactured liquor. According to security sources, Farwaniya securitymen were patrolling Riggae area when they suspected a vehicle with two occupants and ordered the driver to pull over. Securitymen checked their details and discovered they are both Asian nationals. They checked the vehicle and found a large number of liquor bottles. When questioned, the suspects confessed that they were planning to sell liquor to their clients. They were arrested and referred with the liquor bottles to the concerned authorities for necessary legal from Ministry of Defense and the National Guard, as well as KFSD officers from various fire stations are participating in the course. The first lecture was given by KFSD s fire investigation superintendant Lieutenant Colonel Sayyed Hassan Al-Mousawi. He said the objective of the training course is to learn how to conduct investigations on fire incidents, and to determine the causes through scientific methods, as well as study ways to prevent fire incidents. Lieutenant Colonel Al-Mousawi added that the course will also focus on tests conducting in laboratories to test fire samples in order to determine whether a fire incident occurred accidently or was an act of negligence or crime. action. Meanwhile, a 33-year old Bedoun man who is wanted by law for four cases of swindling including one involving KD 20,000 was arrested and referred to the concerned authorities by securitymen. In addition, a drunken Asian expatriate was arrested in front of a building in Farwaniya area and referred to the concerned authorities for investigations. KUWAIT CITY, Feb 18: Chairman of the Emergency Team at Capital Municipality Zaid Al-Enezi disclosed that hawkers who sell wares in the surrounding areas of traffic lights and roundabouts are categorized as beggars, reports Al- Rai daily. In an interview with the daily, Al-Enezi said beggars are not regarded as hawkers of wares, because the activity is devoid of displaying wares at locations approved by the Municipality, which begging is not included. He denied assumption that the Municipality is slack in its duties concerning the eviction of bachelors from private and model residential areas. He assured all complaints received in the governorate were prosecuted in line with Decree No. 125/1992 that prohibits bachelors from living in model and residential areas. He stressed the procedure includes establishing the status of the alleged bachelor through an official letter to the Ministry of Interior for research and investigation. This is based on assumption that the Municipality will deal with the landlord, and in case it is confirmed that bachelors are residing in a building, an arrest order will be issued and power disconnection to the building will be sought. However, majority of responses proved the complaints after detecting the occupants are families, he said, indicating a total of 346 complaints were dealt with in the governorate, while each of the complaints have separate files. He said the officials were able to evict tenants from 141 buildings and disconnected electricity from 12 others where the Interior Ministry confirmed the occupants were bachelors. He added it is against the law to organize a musical show in restaurants and café joints, because the rule of law applies to everybody without an exemption. Workers rights violated : Kuwait Human Rights Society revealed about a company that has been violating the rights of its employees, and urged the concerned state authorities to help these employees, reports Al-Seyassah daily. According to a press statement Court Cases Chasing lady on Ferrari Return passport, lift woman s travel ban By Jaber Al-Hamoud Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: The Administrative Court has cancelled the decision of Ministry of Interior to withdraw the passport of a Kuwaiti woman, and instead ordered the ministry to give her a renewed passport and lift the travel ban that was imposed on her. In a lawsuit filed by Lawyer Yousef Zayed Al-Delmani on behalf of his client, he said his client was surprised when she was arrested at the Al-Delmani airport after she returned from a GCC country and her passport was confiscated. The passport was only returned to her ten months after she had filed a complaint. She was arrested again three months later after she returned from London and was locked up for three days. Ministry of Interior had then withdrawn her passport. Lawyer Al-Delmani said his client had not committed any crime that required the withdrawal of her passport, as the first incident was based on allegations of misuse of drugs. Chasing a lady: The Criminal Court acquitted two Kuwaiti youths of resisting arrest and consuming the illicit substance Chemical after the officers foiled their attempt to catch up with a lady driving a Ferrari whom they were trail- issued by the society, the company is one among the leading companies in Kuwait but it has been violating the rights of its employees. The society appealed to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah to intervene in this matter and assist in improving the situation of these workers, especially since he had issued a decision to offer amnesty to violators of residency law to rectify their legal status before February 22. The society affirmed its readiness to offer legal support to expatriate workers in Kuwait, declaring that they can call the hotline number if they are seeking legal consultation and support. Missing girl found: Police are looking for an unidentified young man who allegedly lured a young woman who is believed to be in her late teens to elope with him, ing from Surra toward Damascus Street. In their defense, Lawyer Abdullah Al-Elanda faulted the investigation carried out by the Public Prosecution Department. He declared the interception, search and arrest of his clients to be null and void, especially as there was no justification for the officers to take such action. He argued the substance found on his clients was different from what was sent to the Criminal Evidences Department, noting the allegation was a set up. He also said his clients maintained innocence from the beginning to the end. For patients good: The Court of Appeals upheld the Administrative Court s decision obliging the Ministry of Health to regularly dispense Pethidine to patients suffering from Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDD), which is also known as the red blood cell breakdown. The case was filed by Attorney Ahmad Failakawi on behalf of his client who suffers from the abovementioned condition. The client used to receive Pethidine from Amiri Hospital regularly, but he was suddenly asked to substitute his medication with morphine despite its negative reaction which was worse than the previous medicine. The Ministry of Health appealed against the decision but the court rejected the appeal and upheld the lower court s decision citing the Constitution which states that the ministry is obliged to provide treatment and proper health care for citizens. reports Al-Rai daily. The suspect reportedly kept the woman in his apartment for a couple of weeks. However, when the woman sensed his bad intentions she escaped from him. She went to a café and when the workers saw her falling asleep they contacted the Operations Room of the Ministry of Interior. Police questioned the girl and when they ran a check on her they discovered she was a resident of Jahra and the family had filed a missing persons report on her. Ex-GF robbed: Police have arrested an unidentified person for breaking into the home of a young Kuwaiti woman and stealing KD 600, reports Al-Rai daily. In her complaint to the police the woman said the suspect is her ex-boyfriend. She added, he broke into her home after she abandoned him and beat her and escaped with the money.

9 INTERNATIONAL 9 World News Roundup Shooting WH background checks Trump fumes about Russia probe as nation mourns Trump WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Feb 19, (Agencies): As the nation mourned, President Donald Trump kept largely silent about the Florida school shooting victims and the escalating gun control debate, instead raging at the FBI for what he perceived to be a fixation on the Russia investigation at the cost of failing to deter the attack. From the privacy of Mara-Lago, Trump vented about the investigation in a marathon series of tweets over the weekend. He said Sunday they are laughing their off in Moscow at the lingering fallout from the Kremlin s election interference and that the Obama administration bears some blame for the meddling. Trump was last seen publicly Friday night when he visited the Florida community reeling from a school shooting that left 17 dead and gave rise to a student-led push for more gun control. White House aides advised the president against golfing so soon after the tragedy, so Trump spent much of the holiday weekend watching cable television news and grousing to club members and advisers. Trump met Sunday afternoon with Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, discussing immigration, taxes, infrastructure and the Florida shooting, the White House said. Amid a growing call for action on guns, the White House said Sunday the president will host a listening session with students and teachers this week, but offered no details on who would attend or what would be discussed. On Monday, 17 Washington students plan a lie-in by the White House to advocate for tougher gun laws. Students who survived the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland are planning a march on Washington next month to pressure politicians to take action on gun violence. Some lawmakers said it would take a powerful movement to motivate Congress. I am not optimistic that until there is real action by the American public to demand change in Congress that we re going to see real action to confront gun violence out of this Congress, said Sen Chris Coons, D-Del, on CBS Face the Nation. Also: WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump signaled support Monday for a bipartisan effort to improve a national system of background checks for gun purchases in the wake of the Florida school shooting. While discussions are ongoing and revisions are being considered, the president is supportive of efforts to improve the Federal background check system, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. Magaly Newcomb (right), comforts her daughter Haley Newcomb, 14, a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, at a makeshift memorial outside the school in Parkland, Florida on Feb 18. Nikolas Cruz, a 19-yearold who had been expelled from the school, is being held without bail in the Broward County Jail, accused of 17 counts of first-degree murder. (AP) America Close police loophole : The 18-yearold woman was driving with two friends near Coney Island in September when the two plainclothes detectives pulled her over and found marijuana. The officers released the two male passengers, handcuffed the woman and told her she was under arrest, prosecutors say. Then, investigators say, detectives Eddie Martins and Richard Hall repeatedly sexually assaulted her before releasing her. The woman went to the hospital, where prosecutors say DNA was obtained that matched both men. But the officers have pleaded not guilty to rape and other charges, and the case has highlighted an apparent loophole in the laws of New York and many other states that may allow police to escape sexual assault charges by claiming sex acts were consensual. While New York law already bars sexual contact between corrections workers and inmates, it doesn t apply explicitly to police. I was shocked, Democratic state Sen Diane Savino said of when she learned of the oversight. It should be clear across the state for officers from every department, that when someone is in custody they do not have the ability to consent to sexual activity. Gov Andrew Cuomo is part of a bipartisan push to close what the Democrat calls an egregious loophole with legislation that would make it clear that people in police custody cannot give consent. A bill has already passed the state Assembly and was pending in Cuomo Hatch the Senate. (AP) Hatch has apologized : Ex-wife of former White House staff secretary Rob Porter says she has received a letter of apology from Sen Orrin Hatch, the Utah Republican who defended his former aide from a vile attack after two ex-wives accused Porter of domestic abuse. Porter resigned Feb 7 after the accusations from Colbie Holderness and Jennie Willoughby became public, though he denied them. Porter had been Hatch s chief of staff for three years. When the allegations first surfaced, Hatch defended Porter as kind and considerate towards all and referred to a vile attack and character assassins. After details of the alleged abuse came to light, Hatch said he was heartbroken, didn t know the details of Porter s personal life, and called domestic violence abhorrent. Holderness told The Associated Press in an Sunday that she had received an apology letter from Hatch and that she appreciated it. The Washington Post s Erik Wemple first reported that both Holderness and Willoughby had received letters of apology from Hatch. (AP) Montgomery denied parole: A 71-year-old Louisiana inmate whose case led to a landmark US Supreme Court decision on juvenile-offender sentences was denied parole on Monday, more than a half-century after he killed a sheriff s deputy at age 17. A three-member panel from the state parole board voted 2 to 1 to keep Henry Montgomery imprisoned. The hearing was his first chance at freedom since his conviction decades ago. He now must wait another two years before he can Montgomery request parole again. A vote to free him would have had to be unanimous. (AP) Father seeks clemency for son: A Texas man who survived a deadly domestic attack hatched by his son is pushing the state to grant clemency to the condemned man, although it has never spared a death row inmate solely at the formal request of the victim s family. Thomas Bart Whitaker is set to be put to death by lethal injection on Feb 22 for masterminding a 2003 plot near Houston that left his mother Tricia, 51, and brother Keith, 19, dead and his father Kent with a bullet wound near his heart. In the 31 states with capital punishment, district attorneys make the decision whether to seek death, balancing the punishment that they consider best serves society with the wishes of the victim s family. In this case, the local Texas prosecutors pursued death and jurors decided Bart Whitaker, 38, deserved to be executed. (RTRS) AP photographer Desfor dies: Former Associated Press photographer Max Desfor, whose photo of hundreds of Korean War refugees crawling across a damaged bridge in 1950 helped win him a Pulitzer Prize, died Monday. He was 104. Desfor died at his apartment in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he d been living in his retirement, said his son, Barry. Desfor volunteered to cover the Korean War for the news service when the North invaded the South in June He parachuted into North Korea with US troops and retreated with them after forces from the North, joined by the Chinese, pushed south. (AP)

10 INTERNATIONAL 10 World News Roundup Probe Election officials prep No evidence Russia meddled in US poll Peskov MOSCOW, Feb 19, (Agencies): Russia s government on Monday insisted there was no evidence that it meddled in the US elections, after Washington indicted 13 Russians for alleged covert efforts to sway voters. There are no indications that the Russian government could be involved in this, President Vladimir Putin s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. It was the Kremlin s first comment since the indictments were filed on Friday by a US special prosecutor as part of a federal government probe. The indictments allege that an associate of President Vladimir Putin led a Russia-based operation churning out social media content, using fake US identities, that included criticisms of Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 race. US President Donald Trump on Sunday glossed over any Russian responsibility and offered no indication of what his administration would do about it. He wrote on Twitter that Russia had indeed succeeded in sowing discord in the US but denied that his campaign colluded with Russia, saying that this was what Moscow wanted people to believe. If it was the GOAL of Russia to create discord, disruption and chaos within the U.S. then, with all of the Committee Hearings, Investigations and Party hatred, they have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams, Trump tweeted. They are laughing their asses off in Moscow. Get smart America! he added. Meanwhile, ten months before the United States votes in its first major election since the 2016 presidential contest, US state election officials huddled in Washington this weekend to swap strategies on dealing with an uninvited guest: Russia. A pair of conferences usually devoted to staid topics about election administration were instead packed with sessions dedicated to fending off election cyber attacks from Russia or others, as federal authorities tried to portray confidence while pleading with some states to take the threat more seriously. Everyone in this room understands that what we are facing from foreign adversaries, particularly Russia, is real, Chris Krebs, a senior cybersecurity official at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), told an audience of secretaries of state, who in many states oversee elections. Russia, he added, is using a range of tools against us. In this June 4, 2012 fi le photo, a girl looks at Facebook on her computer in Palo Alto, Calif. Baffl ed in 2016 by Russian agents who bought ads in an attempt to sway the US presidential campaign, Facebook told the National Association of Secretaries of State on Feb 17, that the America Billionaires should pay more taxes : Bill Gates says he has paid more than $10 billion in taxes over a lifetime but billionaires like him should pay significantly more because they benefit more from the system. The Microsoft co-founder, the world s second richest man after Amazon s Jeff Bezos, was critical of a recent US tax overhaul that slashed corporate taxes and lowered the top bracket for individual income. I ve paid more taxes, over $10 billion, than anyone else, but the government should require the people in my position to pay significantly higher taxes, he said in an interview Sunday with CNN. He said the tax overhaul passed in December favors the rich despite Republican claims it will help the middle and working classes. People who are wealthier tended to get dramatically more benefits than the middle class or those who are poor, and so it runs counter to the general trend you d like to see, where the safety net is getting stronger and those at the top are paying higher taxes, he said. With a sixth of the US population living in what he called disappointing conditions, he said US policymakers need to think about rising inequality and ask, Why aren t we doing a better job for those people? (AFP) Gorsuch holds deciding: America s union leaders are about to find out if they were right to fiercely oppose Neil Gorsuch s nomination to the Supreme Court as a pivotal, potentially devastating vote against organized labor. The newest justice holds the deciding vote in a case to be argued Feb 26 that could affect the financial viability of unions that are major supporters of Democratic candidates and causes. The unions represent more than 5 million government workers in 24 states and the District of Columbia who could be affected by the outcome. The other eight justices split 4 to 4 when the issue was last at the court in The court is being asked to jettison a Gates company would send postcards to potential buyers of political ads to confi rm they reside in the US. The plan was unveiled a day after special counsel Robert Mueller charged 13 Russians with interfering in the presidential election. (AP) Gorsuch 41-year-old ruling that allows states to require government employees who don t want to be union members to pay for their share of activities the union undertakes on behalf of all workers, not just its members. These socalled fair share fees cover the costs of collective bargaining and grievance procedures to deal with workplace complaints. Employees who don t join the union do not have to pay for the unions political activities. Conservative anti-union interests are backing an Illinois government employee who says that being forced to pay anything at all violates his First Amendment speech rights. I m not against unions, said the employee, 65-year-old Mark Janus, who is represented by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31. I don t oppose the right of workers to organize. But the right to say no to unions is just as important as the right to say yes. He said he opposes his union s fight for wage and benefit increases when the state is in pretty terrible financial condition right now. (AP) Year of upheaval at Interior Dept: A year of upheaval at the US Interior Department has seen dozens of senior staff members reassigned and key leadership positions left unfilled, rules considered burdensome to industry shelved, and a sweeping reorganization proposed for its 70,000 employees. The evolving status quo at the agency responsible for more than 780,000 square miles (2 million square kilometers) of public lands, mostly in the West, has prompted praise from energy and mining companies and Republicans, who welcomed the departure from perceived heavyhanded regulation under President Barack Obama. But the changes have drawn increasingly sharp criticism from conservationists, Democrats and some agency employees. Under Zinke President Donald Trump, the critics say, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has curbed outside input into how land administered by the agency is used, and elevated corporate interests above the its duty to safeguard treasured sites. The differing views illustrate longstanding tensions over the multifaceted role of America s public lands an amalgam of pristine wilderness retreats, recreational playgrounds and abundant energy reserves. (AP) Secret service detains driver: The driver of a van carrying journalists covering President Donald Trump was detained on Monday after Secret Service officials found a gun in his bag during a security sweep before the vehicle was to drive onto the president s Florida property. The male driver told reporters he had forgotten to leave his personal firearm in another vehicle. He and the other drivers of three media vans were replaced before the vehicles drove on to Trump s Mar-a-Lago compound, where the vans joined the president s motorcade. The man could be seen being questioned as journalists were driven away from the area where the security sweeps had taken place. A pool of reporters travels as part of the president s motorcade in Washington and when he travels domestically or abroad. Drivers of the vans are sometimes volunteers and are sometimes hired for the job. (RTRS) AI poses questions on war: Artificial intelligence and its impact on weapons of the future has made US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis doubt his own theories on warfare. A question on the subject prompted the retired Marine general to give an impromptu seminar on his theory of war Saturday to reporters returning with him from a week-long tour of Europe. Recalling his own writings, he differentiated between the essential nature of war, which is unchanging because it is human, and war s character, which is changing. The fundamental nature of war is almost like H2O, he said. It s equipment, technology, courage, competence, integration of capabilities, fear, cowardice, all these things mixed together into a very unpredictable fundamental nature of war. (AFP)

11 INTERNATIONAL 11 Europe Conference France weighs migrant law Chancellor taps heir apparent for top role BERLIN, Feb 19, (Agencies): Angela Merkel on Monday tapped the popular female premier of Germany s tiny Saarland state to take over as secretary general of her conservative party, fuelling speculation the veteran chancellor is lining up her successor. At a joint Berlin press conference, Merkel said she was moved that close confidante Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, 55, would take the reins from her right-hand man Peter Tauber at a difficult time for their Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party. The surprise reshuffle comes after Tauber said at the weekend he was stepping down for health reasons, and with Merkel struggling to form a new government after a tricky general election last September. The chancellor praised Kramp-Karrenbauer, known as AKK, as someone who has experience and knows her Annegret own mind, whose work I have valued for years. Both women were coy however about whether the move meant Merkel had effectively anointed AKK as her heir apparent. I would not give myself that label, Kramp-Karrenbauer told reporters. Merkel also refused to make predictions for the future, saying only she wanted to see the state premier fully unfold her skills and capabilities in the new role. Kramp-Karrenbauer, dubbed the Merkel of Saarland and mini-merkel by German media, is expected to be formally appointed at a CDU congress on Feb 26. Macron s migrant law faces rough ride: French President Emmanuel Macron faces a difficult week as lawmakers weigh up a controversial bill that toughens France s stance on migrants, with even some of his own party reluctant to back it. After France processed a record 100,000 asylum applications last year, Macron vowed to grant asylum faster but also to deport economic migrants more swiftly, while better integrating those who stay. The new law will be presented to his cabinet Wednesday ahead of parliamentary debates that promise to be stormy, with migrant charities and left-wingers blasting the bill as repressive. Staff at France s asylum court and the Ofpra refugee protection office are even set to strike Wednesday over a law that unions have blasted as an unquestionable break with France s tradition of asylum. Centrist upstart Macron came to power in May in an election that saw his far-right opponent Marine Le Pen ride concerns over immigration to a record 34 percent of the vote. Orban calls for anti-migrant alliance: Hungarian leader Viktor Orban called on Sunday for a global alliance against migration as his right-wing populist Fidesz party began campaigning for an April 8 election in which it is expected to win a third consecutive landslide victory. Popular at home but increasingly at odds politically and economically with mainstream European Union peers, Orban has thrived on external controversy, including repeated clashes with Brussels and lately the United Nations. Those conflicts, mostly centred on migration since people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa flooded into Europe in 2015, have intensified as the elections approach and Orban poses as a saviour of Europe s Christian nations. Pope OKs Nigerian bishop resignation: Pope Francis backed down Monday and accepted the resignation of Nigerian bishop who had been rejected for years by the priests of his diocese, setting a precedent that could have repercussions in Chile and elsewhere when papal authority is challenged. The announcement came after Francis in June issued a harsh ultimatum to the priests of Nigeria s southern Ahiara diocese, warning they would lose their jobs if they didn t obey him and accept Monsignor Peter Okpaleke as their bishop. Francis gave each priest 30 days to pledge their obedience. The Vatican said Monday that 200 priests obeyed, but some still expressed problems in working with Okpaleke. Catalan separatist walks free on bail: A Spanish judge on Monday allowed leading Catalan separatist Marta Rovira, who faces charges over her region s independence bid, to walk free but ordered her to post bail of 60,000 euros ($75,000), a source close to the case said. Judge Pablo Llarena placed Rovira under judicial control, but stopped short of putting her behind bars for the duration of an ongoing probe into charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds. Rovira is the deputy leader of the leftwing separatist ERC party, whose chief Oriol Junqueras has been in custody since November. Macedonia hopes to settle name row: Macedonia expects to reach a settlement of its decadesold name row with Greece by a NATO summit in the summer, its prime minister said on Monday. The two countries have agreed to step up negotiations this year to resolve the dispute, which has frustrated the ambitions of Greece s small northern neighbour to join NATO and the European Union. Greece is a member of both. Greece objects to the former Yugoslav republic s use of the name Macedonia, arguing that it, along with contentious articles in Skopje s constitution, could imply territorial claims over its own northern region of the same name. 2 Americans, 6 others held in Serbia: Eight foreign citizens, including two Americans and two Ukrainians, have been arrested in Serbia on suspicion that they tried to photograph and enter military facilities without authorization, officials said on Monday. State TV said the US and Ukrainian citizens allegedly tried to take shots of the military security headquarters in downtown Belgrade with a drone. The report did not identify them or give details, saying only that the Ukrainians are women and that they are all in police custody. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres delivers a speech after being awarded an honorary degree from the University of Lisbon on Feb 19, in Lisbon. (AP) In this video grab provided by the RU-RTR Russian television a Russian National Guard s soldier patrols the place outside of the Russian Orthodox Church where shooting took place with bodies of victims covered by white material in Kizlyar, Russia, on Feb 18. (AP) Russia probes church killing for extremist links Russia is investigating whether the gunman behind a deadly attack on an Orthodox church in the North Caucasus had extremist ties, the Kremlin said Monday after Islamic State claimed the shooting. There is an investigation into whether the attacker was linked to extremist organisations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists a day after five women were shot dead near an Orthodox church in Britain s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson holds a rhinoceros horn as he visits a Metropolitan Police wildlife crime unit facility in London on Feb 19. The Foreign Secretary visited the Metropolitan Police wildlife crime unit facility on Feb 19, to learn more about the work they do internationally to tackle the illegal wildlife trade (IWT). (AFP) Britain Oxfam staff bullied witness : British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday described the behaviour of some Oxfam staff in Haiti as horrific after the charity released an internal report revealing that a former top official admitted to paying for sex and three staff threatened a witness. The behaviour that we ve now discovered was horrific, May said during a visit to a London school. It was far below the standards that we expect for the charities and the NGOs that we re working with. We will not work with anybody who does not meet the high standards that we set and we believe are important, she added, after the charity was suspended from bidding for new government funding. The 2011 report into aid workers deployed to Haiti following a devastating earthquake the previous year, revealed that seven staff were accused of using prostitutes at an Oxfam-funded residence. Country director Roland Van Hauwermeiren admitted paying for sex and was offered a phased and dignified exit of resignation if he cooperated with the inquiry. The report also said three Oxfam employees were involved in physically threatening and intimidating a witness who spoke to the investigators. (AFP) Academic gets 32 yrs for abuse: A Cambridge University graduate who admitted 137 criminal offences involving online abuse, including encouraging the rape of a four-year-old boy, was sentenced on Monday to 32 years in prison. Matthew Falder, blackmailed many of his 45 victims into sending severe abuse images of themselves, according to Britain s National Crime Agency (NCA). The images were defined as hurtcore by prosecutors. Hurtcore does what it says on the tin really its aim is to hurt the individual to their very core, NCA investigator Matthew Long said. Falder, whose victims ranged from young children to people in their 30s, Kizlyar, a town in the Dagestan region. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group who referred to the gunman shot dead by police as a soldier of Islam in a post on the Telegram messaging app. Peskov did not mention IS explicitly, saying only there are indeed several organisations, including those tied to international terrorism, who are continuing their destructive activities. The Investigative Committee said Brexit UK will leave EU on March 29, 2019 New party anti-brexit LONDON, Feb 19, (RTRS): A new British party inspired by French President Emmanuel Macron s movement launched a campaign on Monday to thwart Brexit by convincing lawmakers to block any EU withdrawal deal Prime Minister Theresa May can strike. With just over 13 months left until Britain is due to leave the EU, opponents of Brexit are exploring ways to stop what they call Britain s biggest mistake since World War Two. The Renew party, founded last year after Macron s En Marche! movement propelled him to power, said it would target pro-brexit lawmakers in constituencies with high levels of support for EU membership. We intend to be tough on Brexit and tough on the causes of Brexit, said James Torrance, the party s head of strategy. We ll pressure MPs to consider the national interest and put Remain back on the table in a vote on the final EU deal. Founded The party, founded by an accountant, a former journalist and a consultant, plans to contest seats in May local elections and all 650 parliamentary seats if there is a national election. In the United Kingdom s 2016 referendum, 51.9 percent, or 17.4 million people, voted to leave the EU while 48.1 percent, or 16.1 million, voted to stay. Blocking any withdrawal deal that May brings back from Brussels would pose as a woman and get his victims to send naked images. He would then manipulate them into sending increasingly depraved abuse images. Judge Philip Parker described the 29-year-old as an internet highwayman May Falder Sunday the assailant was a local resident born in A murder probe was launched but an act of terror was a possible motive, it said. Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill condemned the attack, saying it aimed to sow discord between religious groups in the Caucasus. He was expected to lead a memorial service for the victims Monday in Moscow s main Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. (AFP) in October would probably sink her minority government and prompt a national election that could throw Britain s exit into doubt. May s government and party is divided over Brexit. She campaigned for a remain vote in 2016, but now insists Britain will leave at 2300 GMT on March 29, She says there will be no rerun of the referendum. Oppose An ICM survey published last month showed 47 percent of voters favour having a final say on Brexit once the terms of the departure are known, while 34 percent oppose a rerun of the referendum. But the survey showed just a twopercentage-point lead for remaining in the EU once the don t knows are excluded. EU leaders, if they voted unanimously, could allow Brexit to be delayed if there was political turmoil in Britain on the eve of Brexit. That would still probably leave investors uncertain about the nature of the future trading relationship. Among those who have called for Brexit to be halted are former Prime Minister Tony Blair, Goldman Sachs Group Inc Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein and George Soros, who made a fortune by betting against the British pound in We have had informal discussions with En Marche, said Torrance, a former accountant who helped found Renew. who had a lust for controlling and tormenting victims. It is a tale of ever-increasing depravity, he said. (AFP) Airbnb vows to tackle trafficking: Short-term home rental company Airbnb said on Monday it would invest in new technology to crack down on modern slavery amid concerns that traffickers are turning its properties into pop-up brothels to sexually exploit vulnerable women and girls. Airbnb exclusively told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that it has teamed up with anti-trafficking charity Polaris to train its employees, develop new systems and work with the police to spot signs of slavery and prevent people from being trafficked. (RTRS) Western diplomacy Bad guy Russia is central player MUNICH, Feb 19, (RTRS): European and US officials divided over US President Donald Trump s foreign policy found common cause this weekend in decrying what they say is Russia s covert campaign to undermine Western democracies. But despite the transatlantic show of anger at Russia during the Munich Security Conference, Western officials and diplomats also acknowledged an uncomfortable truth: that Jensen Russia is critical to resolving many of the world s worst conflicts. From eastern Ukraine to North Korea, Russia s status as a nuclear power, its military intervention in Syria and its veto on the United Nations Security Council mean any diplomacy must ultimately involve Moscow, officials said. We can t find a political solution without Russia, Norwegian Defence Minister Frank Bakke Jensen told Reuters. We need to reach a point where we can work to find a political solution, and they must be central to that. Publicly at least, Russia was the bad guy in Munich, roundly criticised for interfering in the 2016 US presidential campaign after the US indictment of 13 Russians this week, and more broadly for its 2014 annexation of Ukraine s Crimea. Unity For the West, such unity of purpose marked a change after a year of Trump s America First rhetoric, his inconsistent statements on NATO and the European Union, his decision to pull out of the Paris climate change accord and his move not to certify Iran s compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal. At the annual Munich event, a rare gathering of European and US security officials that also attracts top Russian diplomats, American policymakers were visibly irritated with Moscow s public denials of accusations of meddling. I am amazed that... the Russians come, they send someone, every year to basically refute the facts, US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said of the Russian presence at the event. But behind the scenes, diplomats said there was a different tone, as top officials including NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the gold-and-white panelled rooms of the Bayerischer Hof hotel. There is a diplomatic network that works, said Russian senator Aleksey Pushkov, citing contacts to resolve the Syrian civil war including Moscow, Ankara, Washington and Tel Aviv. It s something that, if used efficiently, can prevent bigger confrontations. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel met several times with Lavrov, offering the prospect of easing economic sanctions imposed over Moscow s role in eastern Ukraine and calling Russia an indispensable partner in global efforts to prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons. Negotiated Former US secretary of state John Kerry, who negotiated the 2015 accord curbing Iran s nuclear ambitions, said the West needed to compartmentalise issues with Moscow, so that diplomacy could achieve more. Part of the challenge for the West is that international crises have been interlinked. Russia is allied to Israel s nemesis Iran in Syria while Moscow s support for separatists in Ukraine draws NATO s ire. But NATO-ally Turkey is seeking to complete an arms deal to buy Russian air defences. It has struck US-backed Kurdish forces in northern Syria with Russia s blessing. Meanwhile, Estonia, worried about a continued Russian military buildup, called on Sunday called for the European Union to spend more on the defence of its external borders. Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid said her country was already spending 2.2 percent of economic output on the military and could not afford to spend more, although there were additional military needs. Our little country cannot do more than it is already doing, she told Reuters in an interview at the Munich Security Conference. But more needs to be done in our region. Kaljulaid said the EU functioned as a redistribution mechanism, with money to be spent in those areas where it made the most sense. In the case of security, that would clearly be the border areas, she said, calling for a true defence union that included a mechanism to help all members meet security needs.

12 INTERNATIONAL 12 World News Roundup A US marine is fed the blood of a cobra during the Cobra Gold joint military exercise between US and Thai military in the coastal province of Chonburi on Feb 19. (AFP) Marines drink cobra blood in US-Thai war drills US and Thai marines slurped snake blood and ate scorpions in a jungle survival programme on Monday as part of the two nations annual Cobra Gold war games. Now in its 37th year, Cobra Gold is one of the largest military exercises in Asia, bringing thousands of troops from the United States, Thailand and other countries for 10 days of field training on Thai shores. Asia Thaksin calls for party unity Duterte s aide denies frigate deal meddling MANILA, Feb 19, (Agencies): Philippine senators began a public inquiry on Monday into the $300 million purchase of two navy frigates, to determine whether President Rodrigo Duterte s closest aide had interfered in the procurement process. The inquiry was prompted by media reports that carried a leaked document with an annotation that links the president s longtime special assistant, Christopher Bong Go, to the process of procuring a combat management system for the frigates from South Korea s Hyundai Heavy Industries. The hearing called by the Senate committee on national defence and security is looking to establish whether or not Go had gone beyond his remit by getting involved in a defence contract. He has not been accused of corruption. Go Go denies any wrongdoing and read a statement critical of the media, calling it fake news. He said he was simply passing on to the defence department a complaint the Office of the President had received. The Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper and news site Rappler last month carried leaked copies of a white paper originating from the president s office and asking the navy to look at a proposal by a South Korean subcontractor, Hanwha Land Systems, to supply the weapons system. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has confirmed he added an annotation to that document telling the navy chief to look at the proposal, and that the document had been given to him by Go. However, Lorenzana told the inquiry on Monday that he could not be certain who gave it to him. Thaksin calls for party unity: Fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra met lawmakers from his Puea Thai Party in Hong Kong where he called for party unity ahead of an approaching general election, party members said on Monday. Many are watching to see how Puea Thai Party performs in a vote which the military government has promised to hold in November but which could be delayed. Thaksin, who founded Advance Info Service Pcl, Thailand s largest mobile phone operator, was prime minister from 2001 to 2006 when he was overthrown in a military coup supported by the Bangkok-based establishment. Indonesia blocks negative sites: Indonesia has blocked more than 70,000 websites displaying negative content such as pornography or extremist ideology in the first month of using a new system to help purge the internet of harmful material, the communications minister told Reuters. The world s most populous Muslim-majority country has stepped up efforts to control online content after a rise in hoax stories and hate speech, and amid controversial anti-pornography laws pushed by Islamic parties. Hundreds stranded in cable car accident: Hundreds of tourists were stranded for hours after a cable car broke down on the Malaysian island of Langkawi, authorities said Monday, with some left dangling in cabins over a jungle-clad mountain as night fell. Over 1,000 tourists, including some Western and Chinese visitors, and scores of cable car workers were trapped Sunday when a faulty part caused the popular attraction to grind to a halt, officials said. On Monday, several dozen US and Thai marines took part in an annual jungle survival drill on a Thai navy base in Chonburi province, where troops took turns drinking blood from a severed cobra before grilling and eating the snakes. Thai military trainers also taught the group which included South Korean troops how to remove venom from scorpions and tarantulas before eating them, Maritime China challenging US at Sea Miscalculation risk rising MANILA, Philippines, Feb 19, (AP): The risks of a miscalculation and armed conflict have risen in the disputed South China Sea with a militarily stronger China now able to challenge the United States, which used to be the dominant power in the strategic waterway, the Philippine envoy to Beijing said Monday. Ambassador Chito Sta. Romana said the balance of power was shifting with the two global powers vying for control of the waters, adding the Philippines should not get entangled in the increasingly tense maritime rivalry. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea, where the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also have overlapping claims, and it has built seven mostly submerged reefs into islands that reportedly could be used as forward air naval bases and have been installed with a missile defense system. The US Navy has sailed warships on freedom of navigation operations near the artificial islands, actions China has protested as US intervention in an Asian conflict. Whereas before the South China Sea was dominated by the US 7th Fleet, now the Chinese navy is starting to challenge the dominance, Sto. Romana told a news forum in Manila. I think we will find water in jungle vines and identity edible plants. The key to survival is knowing what to eat, said Thai Sergeant Major Chaiwat Ladsin, who led the drill that also saw the marines take bites of a raw gecko. Definitely my first time drinking snake blood... It s not something we do too often in America, US Sergeant Christopher Fiffie told AFP after the training. (AFP) see a shift in the balance of power. It is not the case, that the South China Sea is now a Chinese lake, not at all, Sto. Romana said. Look at the US aircraft carrier, it s still going through the South China Sea, he added, referring to the US Carl Vinson that recently patrolled the disputed waters and is currently on a visit to the Philippines. He compared the two powers to elephants fighting and trampling on the grass and said: What we don t want is for us to be the grass. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte s policy of befriending China has worked, Sto. Romana said, citing Beijing s decision to lift its blockade around the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippine military could now freely send new supplies to Filipino marines guarding the disputed area. China has also allowed Filipino fishermen into another disputed area, the Scarborough Shoal, after Duterte visited Beijing and raised the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi reportedly told Duterte: Give me a few days, I ll take care of this, Sto. Romana quoted Duterte as saying about the meeting with his Chinese counterpart a few months after he won the Philippine presidency in Subcontinent Khan marries for third time: Pakistani politician and former playboy cricketer Imran Khan has married a woman described as his spiritual adviser, party officials said, the third wedding for the World Cup champion once touted as Pakistan s most eligible bachelor. Khan, 65, married Bushra Wattoo in a private ceremony attended by relatives and friends in the eastern city of Lahore on Sunday, his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) party announced on Twitter. Pictures of the ceremony, showing the bride in a full veil, were posted on the account. Khan, once known internationally for his high-profile tabloid romances, cuts a more conservative persona in Pakistan, Khan often carrying prayer beads and nurturing beliefs in living saints. PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry told AFP the couple had known one another for a long time but declined to provide further details. She has been widely reported to be the politician s spiritual adviser. (AFP) 20 Maoist rebels, 2 soldiers killed: Two soldiers and at least 20 Maoist rebels were killed in Sukma district of central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police sources said. Quoting Special Director General, anti- Naxal operations D. M. Awasthi, Asian News International said on Monday that more than 20 Maoist rebels were killed in the encounter that took place late Sunday. For more than 5 hours, our forces endured heavy firing from Naxals in which two of our soldiers died. We also gave a befitting reply to their attack. More than 20 Naxals were killed in the firing, Awasthi told the agency. The Maoist rebellion is considered a major internal domestic threat to the country as majority of the states are affected by them and their presence in the states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar and Maharashtra is very strong. The banned group is waging an armed struggle for decades against the government and its developmental projects in order to establish a communist society toppling the current system which they call as semifeudal and semi-colonial. (KUNA) Blast kills Indian politician: Four people including a candidate in upcoming state elections have been killed by a bomb while travelling in a restive northeast region of India, police said Monday. The blast tore through a car in Meghalaya state late Sunday as Jonathone N. Sangma, a 43-year-old candidate for a regional party, travelled to a campaign event in the East Garo Hills district. He was going to address a public meeting at a village. Three other persons in his car including a policeman and two civilians were killed, Challang Ch Momin, deputy superintendent of Meghalaya police, told AFP. (AFP) B desh, Myanmar to discuss returns: Representatives from Bangladesh and Myanmar will meet on Tuesday to discuss the repatriation to Myanmar of more than 6,500 Rohingya Muslims trapped on a strip of unclaimed land between the two countries, Bangladeshi officials said. It is about taking them back to Myanmar, Relief and Refugee Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam, told Reuters on Monday. They are on the zero line and actually on the Myanmar side. However, several officials contacted in neighbouring Myanmar said they were not aware of plans for a meeting, which Kalam said would take place on the zero line near a place called Gundum. A spokeswoman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which will not be involved in the talks, said the agency was concerned the Rohingya may be forcibly returned to Myanmar without due consideration for their safety. (RTRS) Extend emergency Yameen: The president of the Maldives asked Parliament on Monday to extend the state of emergency that has helped him reinforce his power, as political turmoil continued to churn in the Indian Ocean nation. The 85-member Parliament was expected to vote on the proposal later Monday, one day before the current state of emergency expires. President Yameen Abdul Gayoom declared the emergency after the Supreme Court ordered the release of a group of his imprisoned political opponents, who had been convicted in widely criticized trials. Yameen asked Parliament to extend the state of emergency by two weeks. Under the emergency law, Yameen had two Supreme Court judges arrested, accusing them of corruption. Later, the remaining three judges annulled the order to release Yameen s opponents. (AP)

13 INTERNATIONAL 13 Africa Mozambique rains kill 17 S. Africa widens search for Zuma allies to India, China JOHANNESBURG, Feb 19, (Agencies): South Africa has widened a corruption probe into allies of expresident Jacob Zuma to other countries including India, China and Dubai, the police minister said Sunday. Fikile Mbalula made the announcement days after Zuma South Africa issued an arrest warrant for one of the brothers of the Gupta business family, close associates of scandal-plagued Zuma who was forced from power on Wednesday. Mbalula told public broadcaster SABC that Ajay Gupta and another four people who are being sought in connection with the case were all out of the country. While there was no indication that they fled the country fearing arrest, Mbalula vowed that they will be followed up through Interpol with the possibility of extradition to face trial in South Africa. He said two of the suspects were of Indian descent and one other was Chinese. All are thought to be in India, China or Dubai. We operate through Interpol, we operate through bilateral (means), if you ever resist there will be extradition. All means necessary will be employed to ensure these people are brought to book, said Mbalula. Rains kill 17 in Mozambique: Mozambican media say at least 17 people died when heavy rains triggered the partial collapse of a huge mound of garbage in Mozambique s capital, Maputo. Radio Mocambique reported Monday that rescue workers believe more bodies could be buried in the debris at the Hulene garbage dump. It said five houses were buried in the disaster and that some families in the area have fled their homes for fear of another collapse. Tsvangirai hailed: Zimbabwe s president on Sunday praised opposition icon Morgan Tsvangirai who died last week as an outstanding political figure who had endured political hardship and deserved his place in the country s history. Tsvangirai, the strongest and fiercest opponent ever to Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party s four decades of rule, died on Wednesday, aged 65 at a hospital in South Africa where he had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer. Sudan frees activists: Sudan on Sunday released dozens of opposition activists arrested last month in a crackdown on protests against rising food prices, an AFP correspondent reported. The release of detainees, including some top opposition figures, came three days after the US embassy voiced concern over the arrests and said many of them were being held in inhumane conditions. Those released emerged from Kobar prison in northern Khartoum shouting Freedom! Justice! Revolution! the correspondent reported, after authorities had invited journalists to the scene. Gambia stops death penalty: Gambian President Adama Barrow announced on Sunday a suspension of the death penalty in his country, in a break from the former regime of the dictator Yahya Jammeh. Barrow, a onetime security guard in London who was elected president in December 2016, signed a UN treaty on the abolition of capital punishment last year. I will use this opportunity to declare a moratorium on the use of the death penalty in the Gambia, as a first step towards abolition, Barrow said in a speech marking the 53rd anniversary of independence from Britain. Jammeh ruled Gambia, a small English-speaking country surrounded by Senegal and a narrow Atlantic coastline, with an iron fist for 22 years. Mexico s former finance minister Jose Antonio Meade cheers the crowd during the National Convention of Delegates of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) after being sworn in as an offi cial presidential candidate in Mexico City, on Feb 18. The top three contenders to be Mexico s next president start the race in earnest Sunday when their parties and coalitions officially nominate them as their candidates for the July 1 election. (AFP) Lat/Am Trump wall slammed: Two Mexican opposition candidates on Sunday vowed to take a tougher line against US President Donald Trump s border wall, at events where they were selected by their parties to seek the presidency in a July 1 election. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, 64, of the leftist Morena party holds a double-digit lead in recent polls although right-left coalition leader Ricardo Anaya has recently gained traction. Former finance minister Jose Antonio Meade, 48, nominated on Sunday by the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), trails behind Lopez by as much as 20 points. Lopez told several hundred Morena supporters gathered at a Mexico City hotel that Trump s plan for a US-Mexico border wall is unnecessary and bound to leave problems unresolved. (RTRS) Quake hits Mexico: The US Geological Survey says an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 has struck the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, days after a more powerful temblor hit the same area. The epicenter of the quake, which struck just before 0700 GMT Monday, was about 30 kms (20 miles) northeast of the town of Santa Catarina Mechoacan. It had a depth of 40 meters (130 feet). On Friday, Mexico escaped major destruction from a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that jolted southern and central parts of the country, though 13 people were killed in the crash of a helicopter sent to assess the damage. The epicenter of that quake wasn t far from the latest one. (AP) Brazil gang leader killed: A leader in one of Brazil s most powerful criminal gangs implicated in cocaine trafficking has been murdered along with another gang member, local media reported on Sunday. Rogerio Jeremias de Simone, a chief in the First Capital Command crime group, was found dead in the northeastern state of Ceara, the reports said. State authorities confirmed to AFP the discovery on Friday of two unidentified corpses at an indigenous reserve. (AFP) Fire guts Haiti market: A fire gutted a textiles market in Haiti s capital on Sunday, less than a week after a blaze partially destroyed a historic market, underscoring authorities failure to ensure public safety. Officials in Port-au-Prince sent in the few fire trucks available to fight the blaze. They were reinforced by private water tankers and police and UN vehicles outfitted with water cannons, normally Obrador Anaya used for crowd control The capital s mayor voiced regret at authorities poor capacity to protect people in Haiti, the most impoverished nation in the Americas. (AFP) Brazil rioters free hostages: Prisoners who rioted in an overcrowded Rio de Janeiro prison and took 18 hostages have released all the captives and the facility is under the control of guards, authorities said Monday. Eight guards and 10 inmates had been taken hostage during the riot that began Sunday afternoon, the Rio state penitentiary administration said in a statement. They were freed early Monday. There was no word on injuries. The incident was the latest in a string of deadly uprisings in Brazil s prisons, which experience endemic violence and are under the de facto control of powerful drug gangs. (RTRS) Pastor eyes presidency: A little-known Venezuelan evangelical pastor on Sunday launched his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election, an illustration of the growing religious influence in Latin American politics. I want to make this nation great, I want to bring Jesus to this nation, because Jesus dignifies the heart of any believer, said Javier Bertucci of the religious organization The Gospel Changes in an internet broadcast. He is unlikely challenger to the unpopular President Nicolas Maduro, who is seeking re-election in an April vote that the international community has broadly described as stacked in Maduro s favor, and the country s opposition has not made a unified decision as to whether or not it will take part. (RTRS)

14 INTERNATIONAL 14 World News Roundup Wildlife France to grow wolf packs Anti-poaching dogs wildlife best friends MAASAI MARA, Kenya, Feb 19, (Agencies): Fivemonth-old bloodhound Shakaria gambols through the long savannah grasses of Kenya s Maasai Mara reserve, her playful mood swiftly turning to keen determination as she is ordered to track a human scent. Straining at the leash, she pulls her handler along an invisible scent path laid down for her until she finds a ranger hiding in the grass, pretending to be one of the poachers she is training to sniff out. Shakaria is top of her class of five puppies being trained by American experts to join a tracker dog unit, which has become pivotal in the fight against poaching in the Mara Triangle, part of the vast Maasai Mara ecosystem in southern Kenya that merges into Tanzania s Serengeti. It is here that over one million wildebeest, and tens of thousands of other animals cross from Tanzania into Kenya on their annual migration, attracting hordes of tourists, but also poachers seeking an easy target. Lema Langas, 30, a Maasai from the local community, who is warden of the canine Porter unit, said the main challenge in the park was poaching for the commercial bushmeat trade, with dried meat exported to Uganda, Rwanda and further afield. Thomson s gazelles, impalas, giraffes, buffalos and during migration season when the wildebeest are here they become an easy target... (poachers) put down wire snares or maybe they can chase them into valleys and use machetes to cut them, he told AFP. Elephants, lions and other members of the famed Big Five also get trapped in the snares. Chase Rangers used to struggle to chase or spot poachers across the flat, seemingly endless grasslands, so the Mara Triangle first introduced two tracker dogs in The unit is now comprised of four tracker dogs and two more trained specifically to sniff out ivory and guns at the entrances to the park. They use their noses to see, not like us who use the eyes, said Langas. So sometimes you are not able to see the footprint of the poachers... but when you suspect the poacher might have passed here you allow the dog to follow the scent... and you are able to retrieve that poacher at the end of the day. The bloodhound puppies are being trained by former police officers Linda Porter and her husband John Lutenberg, who spent decades hunting escaped convicts across the United States. The couple trained and brought the first two dogs to Kenya in 2009, however one was so terrified by all the unusual smells that it impacted his tracking. The new crop of puppies were born in Kenya and are progressing very fast, Porter told AFP. In the late nineties, the Mara Triangle, which makes up a third of the entire reserve, was crippled by rampant poaching and such bad insecurity that one ranger recalls tourists being robbed, stripped and dumped on the side of the road. Management of the reserve was then taken over by the Mara Conservancy, a public-private partnership with the local Maasai community. While the dog unit has greatly reduced daytime poaching, other technology such as the use of a thermal imaging camera, has helped track poachers at night. Meanwhile, the use of community scouts and private spies has strangled local poaching gangs on the Kenyan side of the border, and Langas says the majority of poaching now occurs on the almost invisible border between Kenya and Tanzania. Allows A joint agreement between Kenya and Tanzania allows the rangers and their dogs to patrol deep into the Serengeti, with any poachers handed over to Tanzanian authorities. We are the first line of defence from Tanzania. We prevent poachers coming into the Mara and the Kenyan side, said Asuka Takita, a Swahili-speaking Japanese vet, who helped start the canine unit. There is still a lot of work to do but we have caught over 4,000 poachers in the past 18 years, she said. During migration season, in July and August, the rangers find thousands of deadly snares set up in the park, and Langas recalls removing 511 in a single day last year. Translating poaching arrests into convictions has long been a major struggle in Kenya, Takita said. However since Kenya boosted its wildlife law in 2013, this has improved. The fact that you are getting imprisoned for life or fined 20 million shillings ($20,000, 16,000 euros) is a deterrent. A huge amount of people those small-scale poachers are all deterred and that is great for us. Ivory poaching may garner the most attention, however a 2014 report by a government-appointed taskforce warned that bushmeat poaching was going largely ignored and had hit unprecedented levels in Kenya. France to grow wolf packs: The French government announced Monday that it will allow the wolf population to grow 40 percent over the next five years, resisting pressure from farmers concerned about their flocks. A new strategy unveiled by the centrist government of President Emmanuel Macron will enable the number of wolves to grow to 500 by 2023 compared with an estimated 360 now. Hunting wiped out the grey wolf in France during the 1930s and they only returned in 1992 via Italy currently home to around 2,000 wolves before spreading into Switzerland and Germany. 5 who killed orangutan held: Indonesian police say they have arrested four men and a boy who shot a critically endangered orangutan at least 130 times with an air gun. Villagers spotted the wounded orangutan in a lake in the East Kutai district of East Kalimantan province on Borneo two weeks ago. It died days later. Local police chief detective Yuliansyah said police arrested four members of a family, including a 13-year-old boy, and a neighbor last week. He said the suspects admitted they shot, stabbed and clubbed the great ape, which they considered a pest because it ruined the family s pineapple plantation. School children walk as Mount Sinabung erupts in Karo, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Feb 19. (AP) Indonesia raises aviation warnings after Sumatra volcano emits ash cloud Indonesia on Monday raised flight warnings around the Mount Sinabung volcano on Sumatra island to their highest level after it sent a towering plume of ash more than 7 kms (4.4 miles) into the air, its biggest eruption this year. Areas around the crater of the volcano, located about 1,900 km (1,181 Japanese veterinarian Asuka Takita, who helped to start the canine unit, reacts with a five-month-old bloodhound puppy which has been trained as a tracker dog before their trace training in the Mara Triangle, the north-western part of Masai Mara national reserve managed by nonprofit organization Mara Conservancy, in southern Kenya on Jan 24, (AFP) Pech Discovery Keat Poland forest damage done: When Poland sought to ease tensions with the European Union by declaring a halt to logging in the ancient Bialowieza forest, it did not announce how many trees it had already cut down. In fact, logging quotas to 2021 had already been reached and in one part of the forest an expanded quota, declared illegal by the European Commission, had been more than half fulfilled despite an injunction, official forestry data shows. State Forests, the state-run body in charge of harvesting timber and protecting woodland, also confirmed that the forest s two remaining administrative units were aiming to increase the quota of wood that they can harvest by The woodland, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to the largest roaming population of European bison and some of the continent s oldest trees, is emblematic of the rift between the EU executive and the nationalist party ruling Poland since At the beginning of this year, a reshuffled Law and Justice government in Warsaw said it had complied with an order from the European Court of Justice, first issued in July, to stop logging in Bialowieza, setting a new tone it wants Brussels to match. Environmentalists said the announcement came too late to prevent irreparable damage, albeit to a limited area. The standoff over the forest is one of several flashpoints between Warsaw and Brussels that include pan-european migration quotas and judicial reform plans. At stake is not only the unique biodiversity of the woodland but also, some lawyers and environmentalists say, the future of European institutions and the rule of law. miles) northwest of the capital, Jakarta, have been off-limits for several years because of frequent volcanic activity. The Bureau of Meteorology s Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VACC), in Australia s northern city of Darwin, issued maps on Monday showing an ash cloud heading in Science three directions from Sinabung, to the north, northwest and south-southeast. Indonesia also upgraded its Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) to red, its highest warning, and said the ash-cloud top had reached 23,872 feet (7,276 metres), according to a ground observer. Sinabung is about 75 km (47 miles) People will not rest without answers southwest of Kualanamu International Airport in Medan. Nur Isnin Istianto, head of the regional airport authority, said Kutacane airport in Aceh province had been closed, but the wind direction allowed the airport of Kualanamu, Meulaboh and Silangit to remain open. (RTRS) DNA science helps find missing persons NEW YORK, Feb 19, (AP): For families who have searched years for missing loved ones, donating a sample of their DNA is often a last, desperate act to confirm their worst fears. New York City s medical examiner is leading a nationwide effort to collect genetic material and match it with unidentified human remains. It s a way to finally give family members some answers and maybe some solace. People will not rest without answers, at least some answers, said Dr. Barbara Sampson, the city s chief medical examiner. Over the last decade, thousands of DNA samples have been donated to the city s medical examiner s office. Most include swabs of saliva from close relatives, but also DNA taken from items used by the missing persons themselves, including toothbrushes, combs, razor blades and, once, even a sanitary napkin. They ve led to the identification of about 50 missing people each year, all of whom had been found dead. But for many who have submitted samples, the wait continues. Part of you hopes they never call you, because if they call, that means it s over, said Rose Cobo, who submitted DNA to the program after her adult niece vanished in 2016 after being treated at a Brooklyn hospital for postpartum depression following the birth of a son. Chelsea Cobo s whereabouts are still unknown. The European Court of Justice ordered a halt to logging in July last year while it looked into the Commission s case that the sharp increase in the logging target for the southeastern Bialowieza Forest section broke European environment law. Warsaw refused to comply and four months later, the court threatened to fine Poland $100,000 for each day it felled trees for sale. (RTRS) Mock Mars mission completed: A African produce is displayed during opening of Food and Agriculture Organization s 30th Africa regional conference in Khartoum on Feb 19. (AFP) The program helped end Luis Merchan s quest to find his younger brother, Manuel, who was reported missing in 2015 after he left his native Ecuador and crossed the U.S. border from Mexico. DNA matched with the remains of a 35-year-old John Doe who succumbed to exposure and dehydration in the Texas desert. It s sad, Merchan said. We hoped Manuel would call one day. But we at least know what happened. Safe On any given day, there are as many as 100,000 active missing-persons cases in the US, according to the FBI s National Crime Information Center. Most of those people are eventually found safe. The medical examiner s office program is open to people whose loved ones have been missing 60 days or more. The New York City medical examiner s office has been a pioneer in advanced DNA techniques since 9/11, when it was tasked with using genetic evidence to identify and sort tens of thousands of small pieces of human remains found in the rubble of the World Trade Center. One such advance, Sampson said, was learning how to get good genetic material out of bone fragments. DNA testing once required a large sample of blood or saliva that was often destroyed in the process. The latest genetic technology allows a few cells to be reproduced for DNA that lasts indefinitely. Pulverized genetic material is spun in a centrifuge and turned into a clear liquid that s poured into test tubes on a robotic assembly line. The tubes are bar-coded and padlocked in metal cages in a secure vault. Genetic profiles developed from the tests are plugged into the databank called the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. The system is capable of searching for unique similarities in DNA strings that indicate two people are related. Our job is to help identify your loved one and return them to you, no matter where in the United States. They don t have to have died here in New York City, says Mark Desire, assistant director of the medical examiner s Department of Forensic Biology. Mary Lyall submitted her DNA to the New York City medical examiner, along with her husband s, as part of her hunt for her missing daughter. Suzy Lyall was 19 when she disappeared in She was last seen on the University at Albany campus getting off a bus. After she vanished, her mother sifted through her room at home looking for clues. In a wastebasket, she found a sanitary napkin Suzy had wrapped and discarded amid crumpled paper. Two decades later, no match has been made. I still look out the window and think, Where is she? Lyall said. team of six Israeli researchers on Sunday ended a four-day Mars habitat experiment in Israel s Negev desert where they simulated living conditions on the Red Planet, Israel s Science and Technology Ministry said. The experiment was held near the isolated Israeli township of Mitzpe Ramon, whose surroundings resemble the Martian environment in its geology, aridity, appearance and desolation, the ministry said. The participants were investigating various fields relevant to a future Mars mission, including satellite communications, the psychological affects of isolation, radiation measurements and searching for life signs in soil. Participant Guy Ron, a nuclear physics professor from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, said the project was not only intended to look for new approaches in designing a future mission to the Red Planet but to increase public interest. D-Mars is half about the research, and the other half is about the outreach. A major part of this project is getting public interest and getting students interested in space, he said. (RTRS) S pore to impose carbon tax: Singapore said Monday it would impose a carbon tax from next year to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and make companies more competitive as global agreements on climate change take effect. Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said the tax would be levied on all facilities producing 25,000 tonnes or more of greenhouse gas emissions a year. The tax, to be applied to all sectors, will be Sg$5.0 ($3.8) per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 to 2023, after which the levy will be reviewed and possibly raised to between Sg$10 and Sg$15 per tonne by Singapore produces less carbon emissions per dollar of GDP than most countries, he said, as he unveiled the measure as part of the city-state s 2018 budget. We intend to further reduce our emissions intensity to make a bigger effort to combat climate change. (AFP)

15 Film Film explores oppositional ideas of motherhood Daughter of Mine shows every mother is a person fi rst By Jessica Kiang It has been a little while since the heyday of the Italian island melodrama, since Anna Magnani shaded her eyes from the glare over a darkly sparkling sea, or Ingrid Bergman staggered her stony way up Stromboli. But even back then it would have been rare to come across such a film in which the tempestuous tug-of-love does not involve a man, but a little red-headed girl and the two women she calls Mamma. This is Laura Bispuri s sunswept, emotive, and elemental sophomore film, after her sensitive culture and gender exploration Sworn Virgin. And even when it trips up in its later stages, Daughter of Mine is a noble rarity, passionately involved in the exploration of oppositional ideas of motherhood not just as an abstract concept, but as a real and vivid, painfully sacrificial thing. Wash between your toes, you always let it get so dirty in there, says Tina (Valeria Golino) to her 10-year-old daughter Vittoria (Sara Casu). But when Vittoria parrots the line to Angelica (Alba Rohrwacher) as she soaks the foot she wounded in a hangover-related stumble, Angelica replies airily, Dirt goes everywhere anyway. It is a neat summation of the different perspectives of the two women (rather too neat the use of seemingly casual dialogue to illustrate these contrasts and parallels becomes a little too obvious as the film wears on). The respectable and sensible Tina believes that if you remain vigilant you can manufacture order out of chaos. The debt-ridden, alcoholic Angelica is convinced that chaos will always win, so why bother? This unusual triangular relationship is the result of an unwritten agreement between the women that began on the night Angelica, the town party girl gave birth to Vittoria. Since then, Tina has raised the unwitting child as her own, while she and her husband Umberto (a graceful, deliberately recessive performance from Michele Carboni) have helped to support the dissolute, free-spirited, animal-loving Angelica. Unhappiness But Vittoria is of an age now when not only is she starting to resemble her fair-haired biological mother much more than brunette Tina, she is also learning to recognize her own unhappiness and to look for someone to blame for it. When, Angelica s debts finally come due on an unpayable scale, Tina becomes paranoid that somehow she will restake her claim to her daughter. And, as is so often the way, fearing that eventuality helps bring it about. Vittoria and Angelica meet, and without knowing their real relationship, Vittoria is transfixed by Angelica s vivacity, her seeming fearlessness. Daughter of Mine unfolds with such a barefoot sense of place that you can almost feel the Sardinian sand between your unwashed toes. Vladan Radovic s handheld camerawork pops with color and light, and scurries like the wind alongside the characters, who are sometimes suddenly swept up in composer Nando Di Cosimi s tawngy guitar motif, only for it to cut out just as suddenly at the next scene. This sense of immediacy however does slight battle with the script s tendency for overliteralization. In sight of Vittoria, the wayward Angelica throws her shoe at her little whore of a dog for getting knocked up by a stray and not the dog whose puppies would have been valuable. Vittoria asks her father whether it s true that eels swim miles into the ocean to spawn, only to abandon their offspring. And the very day that Angelica s carelessness finally puts Vittoria in real peril, is the same day that Tina organizes a party for her, complete with pink-frosted birthday cake: her heart on a platter. The immediacy and sensuality of the presentation suggests these moments are random, simply happened-upon, when they are clearly premeditated and chosen with a slightly heavy-footed sense of their significance. Those excesses, however, are constantly reined in by a trio of terrific performances. Rohrwacher, in her second riveting role for Bispuri after Sworn Virgin, is a force of sea-salted, screwed-up nature, whether messily demanding another drink from her fellow barflies, or dancing joyfully as the car radio belts out Gianni Bella s disco-pop hit Questo Amore Non Si Tocca. Golino, playing the straighter role, is more quietly impressive, as the strained, level-headed, but ferociously loving Tina. And newcomer Sara Casu is so good as Vittoria, she becomes not just the passive bone of contention between the two adults, but an idiosyncratic, watchful presence of her own. Too often we let the word mother subsume the entire identity of any woman who bears it. But however overdetermined Daughter of Mine may become, it is valuable for acknowledging and caring for the women inside that freighted term. Every mother is a person first, and between these three fine actresses and the restive camera, that is the truth that shines through all the film s contrivances, like sunlight blown through tangles of hair. (RTRS) Variety Features TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2018 NEW YORK: A wave of feverish anticipation, fawning critical acclaim and groundbreaking cultural meaning pushed Black Panther to a record-setting $192 million debut in US and Canada theaters, firmly establishing the superhero sensation as a box-office landmark. The Marvel film from the Walt Disney Co blew past expectations to become the fifth-highestgrossing debut ever, not adjusting for inflation, following only Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Jurassic World and The Avengers. In estimates Sunday, Disney predicted a four-day holiday weekend of $218 million domestically and a global debut of $361 million. Chadwick Boseman stars as T Challa/Black Panther in the first stand-alone film for the superhero created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in The cast also features Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong o, Daniel Kaluuya and Letitia Wright. (AP) BERLIN: British actor Rupert Everett said his Berlinale entry about the exile of Irish playwright Oscar Wilde in the 1890s was an expression of homosexuals tragedy which is still present in some parts of the world today. The Happy Prince, written and directed by Everett, is a biography of Wilde s exile in Paris after he was convicted of gross indecency in 1895 for having sex with a man during a Victorian clampdown on homosexuality. Everett, who also plays the leading role, said Wilde s story illustrates the struggle of people turned into outcasts for their sexuality that was still happening in some countries such as Russia, Uganda and India. The slow motion assassination of Oscar Wilde from the moment he went to prison to the moment he died is a story that possibly goes on in some parts of the world, still, Everett told Reuters TV. (RTRS) BERLIN: The director of China s biggest blockbuster said on Sunday he was totally surprised Actress Allison Janney poses with her award for Best Supporting Actress for I, Tonya backstage at the BAFTA 2018 awards in London, Feb 18. (AP) with the success his film, Monster Hunt, while its sequel broke records on its opening day in China. Monster Hunt, a fantasy epic about an ancient Chinese town where monsters and humans live side by side, became China s biggest grossing film of all time in 2015, making a record $380 million in the box office. Its sequel, Monster Hunt 2 BAFTAs Women make waves at UK film awards Three Billboards tops BAFTAS LONDON, Feb 19, (Agencies): Ferocious female-led tragicomedy Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri was the big winner Sunday at the British Academy Film Awards in London, where women demanding an end to harassment, abuse and inequality dominated the ceremony. Martin McDonagh s film about a bereaved mother seeking justice won five trophies including best film, outstanding British film and best actress, for Frances McDormand. Producer Graham Broadbent said the movie is the story of a woman taking on the establishment and status quo. It seems more timely now than we could ever have imagined, he said. Writer-director McDonagh said it was fitting, in the year of the Time s Up campaign, that Three Billboards is a film about a woman who refuses to take any s(asterisk)(asterisk)(asterisk) anymore. Our film is a hopeful one in lots of ways, but it s also an angry one, McDonagh said. As we ve seen this year, sometimes anger is the only way to get people to listen and to change. McDonagh won the original screenplay prize for Three Billboards, which also netted Sam Rockwell the supporting actor trophy. Allison Janney was named best supporting actress for playing ice skater Tonya Harding s domineering mother in I, Tonya. Guillermo del Toro won the directing prize for monster fantasy The Shape of Water, which also took trophies for music and production design. Gary Oldman, the favorite among bookies, won the best actor prize for playing British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. The British prizes, known as BAFTAs, are considered a key indicator of likely success at Hollywood s Oscars in two weeks time. The film awards season in the United States and elsewhere has been overshadowed by the allegations of sexual harassment and abuse leveled at scores of entertainment figures since women began coming forward to accuse Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein last year. Boseman England s Old Vic Theatre has been rocked by allegations against former artistic director Kevin Spacey. London police are also investigating nine claims of sexual assault by Weinstein. The red carpet and the auditorium at London s Royal Albert Hall were a sea of black as actresses such as Lupita Nyong o, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lawrence and Margot Robbie eschewed color as a statement against sexual misconduct and gender inequality. Several actresses brought feminist activists as guests, and men showed solidarity with Time s Up lapel pins. Solidarity McDormand opted to wear black and red rather than all black, and noted: I have a little trouble with compliance. But I want you to know that I stand in full solidarity with my sisters tonight in black, she said. On the red carpet, actress Andrea Riseborough, who brought UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah as her guest, said she also hoped the film industry was on the road to greater equality and diversity. It s more likely we ll see an alien onscreen than we ll see an Asian woman at the moment, which is disgraceful, Riseborough said. Prince William the British Academy s president and the Duchess of Cambridge were guests of honor at Sunday s ceremony, hosted by Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley. Kate acknowledged the evening s muted fashion by wearing a dark green Jenny Packham dress with black belt. The call to wear black put Kate in a delicate position, because the royal family is careful to avoid political statements. Ahead of the ceremony, almost 200 British women in entertainment called for an international movement to end sexual misconduct. Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson, Naomie Harris, Emma Watson and Gemma Arterton were among signatories to a letter saying that 2018 should be the year that time was up on sexual harassment and abuse. Everett was released on Feb 16, coinciding with the Lunar New Year holidays, taking $85 million, the biggest single-day performance in Chinese box-office history. Starring Asian A-listers Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Bai Baihe, the film follows the journey of a young couple in search of their son Wuba, a friendly monster baby capable of bringing eternal peace Winners Winners of the 2018 British Academy Film Awards, presented Sunday: Film: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri British Film: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Director: Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water Actor: Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour Actress: Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Supporting Actor: Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Supporting Actress: Allison Janney, I, Tonya Rising Star: Daniel Kaluuya British Debut: Writer-director Rungano Nyoni and producer Emily Morgan, I am Not a Witch Original Screenplay: Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Adapted Screenplay: James Ivory, Call Me By Your Name Film Not in the English Language: The Handmaiden Music: Alexandre Desplat, The Shape of Water Cinematography: Roger Deakins, Blade Runner 2049 Editing: Jonathan Amos, Paul Machliss, Baby Driver Production Design: Paul Austerberry, Jeff Melvin, Shane Vieau, The Shape of Water Costume Design: Mark Bridges, Phantom Thread Sound: Dunkirk Visual Effects: Blade Runner 2049 Makeup and Hair: David Malinowski, Ivana Primorac, Lucy Sibbick, KazuhiroTsuji, Darkest Hour Animated Film: Coco Short Film: Cowboy Dave Short Animation: Poles Apart Documentary: I am Not Your Negro Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: Jon Wardle, National Film and Television School Academy Fellowship: Ridley Scott between humans and monsters. (RTRS) LOS ANGELES: US director Bennett Miller ( Foxcatcher ) and Oscar-winning British costume designer Sandy Powell ( The Aviator ) have been recruited by the Doha Film Institute to give master classes and mentoring sessions during the Doha Film Institute s annual Qumra event which has also announced participating projects for the event that blends creative workshop and festival elements. Miller and Powell will be joining join Andrey Zvyagintsev, Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Gianfranco Rosi as 2018 Qumra Masters. (RTRS)

16 16 Salma Hayek Karen Gillar Time s Up on harassment Black-clad stars in show of force against abuse LONDON, Feb 19, (Agencies): Women s rights activists walked the red carpet with some of British cinema s biggest female stars at the BAFTA film awards on Sunday, the latest salvo in a campaign against sexual harassment in the entertainment industry. The Death of Stalin star Andrea Riseborough was accompanied by Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, a co-founder of activist group UK Black Pride. There are so many people to look up to in the world, and Lady Phyll is one of them, Riseborough told Reuters of her decision to invite the activist to the event. Their Finest star Gemma Arterton was also among those taking part. Some female stars dressed in black outfits, echoing a similar protest at last month s Golden Globes awards ceremony in Los Angeles. Both male and female attendees sported badges name-checking the Time s Up campaign against sexual harassment. British newspaper The Observer had earlier published an open letter calling for sexual harassment and abuse to be stamped out, signed by Margot Robbie 190 actresses including British Oscar winners Emma Thompson and Greta Gerwig Kate Middletohn Allison Janney Saoirse Ronan Kate Winslet and Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan. This movement is bigger than just a change in our industry alone. This movement is intersectional, with conversations across race, class, community, ability and work environment, to talk about the imbalance of power, said the letter, whose signatories also included Sophie Okonedo, Olivia Colman, Carey Mulligan and Emma Watson. The #MeToo and Time s Up movements have seen victims use social media to share their stories of harassment and abuse as allegations have emerged in recent months of sexual misconduct by many powerful men in business, politics and entertainment. Britain s BAFTA film awards got under way Sunday at London s Royal Albert Hall, with stars dressed mainly in black in a show of support for the fight against sexual harassment, as The Shape of Water topped the nominations list. With Hollywood still reeling from the fallout of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, the all-black dress theme mirrors other recent American red carpets -- including last month s Golden Globes -- showing solidarity with the #MeToo and Time s Up anti-sexual harassment campaigns. Darkest Hour star and supporting actress nominee Kristin Scott Thomas was among the first to arrive Sunday evening, while actress Andrea Riseborough was joined on the red carpet by Phyll Opoku- Gyimah of LGBT rights group for ethnic minorities, UK Black Pride. Equality The Baftas are being hosted this year by British film and TV star Joanna Lumley, who praised the gender equality movement as a continuation of the work of the Suffragettes a century ago. Naomie Harris She hailed the determination to eradicate the abuse of women the world over as she took to the stage. Emma Roberts Kate Mara Cressida Bonas Zhou Dongyu Jane Lush, chair of BAFTA, opened the evening soberly telling the star-studded audience it was important to acknowledge a difficult past year, and noted efforts to tackle gender imbalance issues. Brave revelations have followed brave revelations of bullying and sexual harassment, and which to all our shame has been hidden in plain sight for decades, she said. This is a moment in history, it should be a watershed, a catalyst for lasting change. Guillermo del Toro s fantasy film The Shape of Water leads the nominations with 12 nods. Crime drama Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Darkest Hour, about British wartime leader Winston Churchill, each have nine. All three are up for the best film award, along with another World War II drama, Christopher Nolan s Dunkirk, and Luca Guadagnino s coming-of-age romance Call Me By Your Name. Del Toro, Guadagnino, Nolan and Martin McDonagh ( Three Billboards ) are up for best director alongside Denis Villeneuve for Blade Runner an all-male lineup that has drawn criticism, particularly this year. British royals avoid making overtly political statements or gestures and the Duchess of Cambridge chose to wear dark green as she accompanied husband Prince William, president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, to the ceremony. Jennifer Lawrence Angelina Jolie Leslie Bibb Haley Bennett Lily James Gemma Chan Florence Pugh Amy Jackson Kristin Scott Thomas FASHION bafta awards

17 NEWS/FEATURES 17 People & Places Obits Ouedraogo dead at 64 French jazz violinist Lockwood dies at 62 PARIS, Feb 19, (AFP): Noted French jazz violinist Didier Lockwood, a disciple of the late Stephane Grappelli, has died of a heart attack in Paris, his agent said. Lockwood, who turned 62 on Feb 11, died early on Sunday morning. The night before his death, he had performed at Paris jazz venue Bal Blomet. His wife, his three daughters, his family, his agent, his co-workers and his record label are sad to announce the sudden passing of Didier Lockwood, his agent said in a statement. Lockwood was playing at a jazz festival when he met Grappelli, another French jazz great who founded a string quintet called the Hot Club of France in 1934 with gypsy guitar legend Django Reinhardt. The violinist invited the then 20-year-old Lockwood to join him on a European tour, kicking off an international career in which he Lockwood gave around 4,500 concerts and released more than 35 records. That was the start of my career, the launchpad that got me into the world of popular jazz, Lockwood told Radio France in Lockwood was committed to music education, in 2001 setting up the Didier Lockwood Music Centre in a town south of Paris teaching improvisation according to a jazz violin method he developed. French culture minister Francoise Nyssen described Lockwood as deeply generous and outgoing and said he would be missed by his friends, music and all the children he wished to enlighten with his passion. Borders He wanted to make music without borders or prejudices, she added. Born in 1956 in Calais to a French-Scottish family, Lockwood, whose father was a music teacher, gained an early taste for improvisation thanks to his elder brother Francis, a jazz pianist. Aged 17, Lockwood joined a popular French prog rock band called Magma. He later threw himself into a multitude of musical projects and collaborations, experimenting with varied jazz styles, both electric and acoustic, from classical fusion to gypsy swing. During his career, he wrote two operas, violin and piano concertos, lyrical works and music for films and cartoons. France has lost an exceptional musician, a man with rare qualities, wrote violinist Renaud Capucon on Twitter. Lockwood s widow is the coloratura soprano Patricia Petibon, acclaimed for her interpretations of French Baroque music. The couple had just recorded an album together, said Lockwood s agent Christophe Deghelt, who called him Mr. 100,000 volts and said the musician had a huge number of projects under way when he died. Lockwood was previously married to the singer Caroline Casadesus, with whom he had created a musical called Jazz and the diva. Burkinabe filmmaker Idrissa Ouedraogo, a towering figure in African cinema, died Sunday at the age of 64, the national film makers guild announced in a statement. Ouedraogo produced or directed some 40 films from the 1980s to the 2000s, set in Africa and often exploring the strains between modern urban and traditional rural lifestyles. In 1990, he won the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival for Tilai, an African version of a Greek tragedy about family dishonour, which is set in a village and is probably his bestknown work internationally. Burkina Faso has lost a filmmaker of immense talent, President Roch Marc Christian Kabore said in a statement. Profile Ouedraogo worked hard to raise the profile of Burkinabe and African cinema outside our borders, he added. He died at 0530 GMT of an unspecified illness in a hospital in the capital Ouagadougou, the union of filmmakers said. He was the maestro of Burkinabe cinema. It s painful, an inestimable loss for us and for Africa as a whole, said Rasmane Ouedraogo, who starred in Tilai. Ouedraogo began his career as a cinematographer on the 1981 movie Poko which won the best short film award at FESPACO, Africa s biggest film festival. After completing his film studies at the prestigious Sorbonne in Paris, he created his first feature-length film Yam Daabo (The Choice) about poverty-stricken villagers in the Sahel who must choose to stay and await international aid or leave for a more fertile region. As well as winning at Cannes, Tilai went on to win the Golden Stallion of Yennenga, the top prize at FESPACO, in Served by a cast of non-professional actors, the film was in the Moore language, rather than French, to preserve its authenticity. It was shot in the Mossi area in northern Burkina Faso, where the filmmaker grew up. I like this beautiful and brutal scenery, Idrissa Ouedraogo told AFP in He has inspired a whole generation of young African filmmakers. He has managed to share our stories with the world, said Burkina Faso filmmaker and documentary maker Michel Zongo. British-Irish filmmaker Martin McDonagh (left), producer Peter Czernin (second left), US actor Sam Rockwell, and British producer Graham Broadbent (right), pose with citation reader US actress Frances McDormand (second right), after receiving the award for Best Film for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri at the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Feb 18. (AFP) Left to right: Special effects artists Richard R. Hoover, Gerd Nefzer, John Nelson and Paul Lambert pose with the award for Special Visual Effects for their work on the film Blade Runner (AFP) Serena Low (left), and Paloma Baeza pose with their British Short Animation awards for Poles Apart. (AP) Valeria Golino (right), and Alba Rohrwacher (left), pose at a photocall for the film Daughter Of Mine during the 68th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival, in Berlin, Germany on Feb 18. (AP) Variety SARAJEVO: Bosnian Roma actor Nazif Mujic, who won a Silver Bear acting award at the Berlin Film Festival in 2013, has died aged 48, following a harrowing descent into extreme poverty despite his film success. We were together yesterday, he was all right, and then this morning I received a call and I was told he was dead, the actor s brother, Suljo Mujic, told AFP on Sunday. (AFP) LOS ANGELES: Anne Hathaway is in negotiations to star in Mudbound director Dee Rees The Last Thing He Wanted, based on the Joan Didion political thriller. Elevated s Cassian Elwes will produce and The Fyzz Facility s Wayne Marc Godfrey and Robert Jones will produce and finance. Bloom is introducing the project to buyers in Berlin. Marco Villalobos penned the screenplay, which is a thrilling story of one woman, alone and unrelenting in a race against time, according to a statement. Elwes ( Dallas Buyers Club ) optioned the book from Didion to develop it with Rees following their collaboration on Mudbound, which received four Academy Award nominations, including one for Rees for adapted screenplay. (RTRS) Left to right: Japanese special effects make-up artist Kazuhiro Tsuji, Lucy Sibbick, make-up and hair artist Ivana Primorac and British special effects make-up artist David Malinowski pose with the award for Make Up And Hair for their work on the film Darkest Hour. (AFP) Film Left to right: Canadian set decorator Jeff Melvin, Production designer Paul Austerberry and set decorator Shane Vieau pose with the award for Production Design for work on the film The Shape Of Water with citation readers Swedish actress Rebecca Ferguson (left), and British actor Toby Jones (right). (AFP) Actor Gary Oldman poses with his Best Actor Award for Darkest Hour. (AP) Film at Berlinale probes how IS jihadists recruit European brides Refugees stories inspire filmmakers BERLIN, Feb 19, (RTRS): Migration, an issue that has vexed Germany since its 2015 refugee crisis, proved fertile ground for filmmakers at this year s Berlin Film Festival where they showcased movies looking at refugees stories of escape, arrival and integration. This year s Berlinale the 68th edition of the festival set up in 1951 to showcase films addressing social and political issues shows refugees experiences in at least eight entries ranging from documentaries to an adaptation of a 1940s novel. Filmmakers at the festival said they wanted to send a political message and show how migration was changing Europe. It s much more that you now look at what refugees are doing after they arrived in our Europe. What is their future? said Dieter Kosslick, the festival s director. Eldorado, by Swiss director Markus Imhoof, follows migrants who were rescued from near the Libyan coast and taken to Italy where they could either wait in shelters and sometimes end up being deported or leave the camps to work illegally and risk being exploited. In the film, Imhoof also tells a personal story of his family taking in an Italian girl after World War Two and LOS ANGELES: Netflix has signed an agreement with Dubai-based pay-tv OSN under which OSN subscribers will be able to access Netflix content across the Middle East and North Africa. The unusual deal marks the US streaming giant s first partnership in the region. A new OSN Box set-top service is to be launched towards the end of the second quarter via which Netflix content will be available. (RTRS) having to give her up. Another documentary, Central Airport THF, shows the lives of those who stay and wait in asylum shelters through a 15-month blog of a Syrian refugee living in Berlin s Tempelhof airport. The most important question politically speaking to Europe now is how can Europe be a diverse continent. It is really great that there are films that are dealing with that, said Karim Ainouz, the Brazilian film director. Through a fictional story that is set in contemporary France showing Germans escaping troops that are occupying Marseilles, Transit, adapts a novel by Jewish author Anna Seghers telling her own escape story from Nazi Germany in The film which is one of 19 films competing for the festival s Golden Bear award, details the desperate journey of refugees trying to secure visas and official papers in a bid to escape persecution. A movie at the Berlin Film Festival that looks at how Islamic State fighters recruit young European women online highlights the dangers of using the internet, the actress in the starring role told Reuters. Mujic Hathaway In the film Profile, British journalist Amy Whittaker goes undercover to investigate the workings of the militant group by creating a fake Facebook profile and pretending to be a Muslim convert called Melody Nelson. Attracted She comes up with a cover story, disguises her tattoo, learns a bit of Arabic and dons a hijab. Over the coming days she spends hours chatting online to an Islamic State fighter called Bilel, with whom she makes curry via video link in one scene, and gradually finds herself being attracted to him. It s dangerous for us all to be online because there s so much access to everything, said Valene Kane, who plays Amy. You can basically do anything online and I suppose that s what the film shines a light on, this new world that we live in. It s not just Syria it s all over. People are being manipulated into different situations with the anonymity of being online and having an avatar or whatever it is that they use to represent themselves, Kane said. Bilel, who in the film is originally from London and describes his job in Syria as killing people, promises the woman he knows as Melody he will treat her like a queen and get her a cat. KUALA LUMPUR: A rapper in Muslimmajority Malaysia is under police investigation for allegedly insulting Islam with a Lunar New Year video that features dancers wearing dog masks and performing suggestive moves, reports said Monday. The video features controversial rapper Wee Meng Chee, known by his stage name Namewee, sitting on a chair in front of a domed building and mimicking barks of canines from around the world. (AFP)

18 18 The grid must be so completed that every row, column and 3x3 box has every digit from 1 to 9 inclusive Conceptis Sudoku Brazilian guitar virtuoso Yamandu Costa gives unique performance Waves of Brazil concert regales audience in Kuwait KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Dar al- Athar al-islamiyyah, in cooperation with the Brazilian Embassy presented a guitar performance by the Brazilian guitarist Yamandu Costa Waves of Brazil on Sunday, Feb 18 at Yarmouk Cultural Centre. While the six-string guitar has been more or less the standard instrument since the mid-19th century, guitarists and luthiers have experimented with additional strings to extend the range of the instrument practically since the emergence of the modern guitar form, sometime in the 15th century. Seven, eight, nine, ten and more strings have been used by guitarists seeking to increase the range of pitches available from the instrument. Some of these guitars are ethnic instruments, specific to different cultures such as Russian and Brazilian guitars. During the 90s the seven string guitar became popular among metal bands such who used the additional string for extra low end. The Brazilian seven-string guitar (Portuguese: violão de sete cordas) is an acoustic guitar used primarily in choro and samba. It was introduced to Brazil in the late 19th century as a steel string guitar. The style of baixaria counterpoint and accompaniment technique was developed throughout the 20th century, especially by Dino 7 Cordas and Raphael Rabello. In the early 1980s, guitarist Luiz Otavio Braga had a nylon string version made, and this has become the norm for most contemporary choro musicians such as Yamandu Costa. The Brazilian seven-string guitar is typically tuned like a classical guitar, but with an additional C below the low E as follows: C2 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4; although some musicians tune the C down to a B resulting in: B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4. Yamandu Costa s diverse styles include chorinho, bossa nova, milonga, tango, samba and chamamé. Yamandu Costa, 7-string guitar virtuoso, has created his very particular style of compositions, somewhere between the typical A flyer of the event. A flyer of the event. A flyer of the event. (Top): Brazilian guitarist Yamandu Costa performs at the Yarmouk Cultural Centre on Feb 18. (Above): A section of the audience. (Right): Brazilian Ambassador to Kuwait and Bahrain Norton de Andrade Mello Rapesta. music from the south of Brazil, Choro and Samba with finger acrobatic like passages, high tempo and yet very delicate and melodious pieces. For the audience his music is somewhere between breath taking and breath holding, accompanied by Yamandu s way of melting with his instrument and being one for the duration of the Answer to yesterday s puzzle concert. Yamandu is embracing the range of root Latin-American music with a clear basis on South Brazilian swing. One of the greatest geniuses of Brazilian music of all times, Yamandu deserves the highest praise. Whenever he is on stage, he fills with joy the most select audience since his impressive Challenger performance shows the deep intimacy between Yamandu and his guitar. The recognition he has earned throughout the years reveals what he can offer the audience recreation of the magic of music once the music he plays from his fingers travels through his body and soul when it is miraculously transformed. click Drinking problem?: Friends of Bill W. are available to help. Totally confidential. rohsecretary@gmail.com Narcotics Anonymous: NA can help with addiction problems. Totally confidential: English/Arabic. Cancer online support group: If you are Cancer patient or family member fighting with 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 can t 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 effective way to save lives by detecting breast cancer at early stage. For more information visit: fightingwithcancer.webs.com/ contract bridge By Steve Becker Latest Feb 21 MCA 6th Ecumenical Quiz: MCA Kuwait is conducting the 6th Annual Bible Quiz for the members from all the churches in Kuwait on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2018 at Light House Church, NECK from 6:30 pm onwards. The selection of the Bible based on which the quiz is going to be conducted are all Chapters from the book of Exodus, Joshua, Acts of Apostles, 1st Corinthians and 2nd Corinthians. The first three winners will be presented with ever rolling trophies and medals. YMCA Kuwait cordially invite all members and families to attend the program. Bangladesh Embassy closure: The Embassy of the People s Republic of Bangladesh in Kuwait will remain closed on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2018 on the occasion of Shaheed Dibash and International Mother Language Day. The embassy will arrange the following program on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2018 at Chancery to observe the day: Chancery roof: 09:00 Ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag at half mast. Multipurpose hall: 09:10 Recitation from the Holy Quran; 09:15 Observance of one-minute silence; Continued on Page 19 Word by Word Cat A cat has nine lives. Lelhera teso arwah. Hera DIRECTIONS: Fill each square with a number, one through nine. Horizontal squares should add to totals on right. Vertical squares should add to totals on bottom. Diagonal squares through center should add to total in upper and lower right. THERE MAY BE MORE THAN ONE SOLUTION. Yesterday s solution Numbers 7792 Seven thousand seven hundred ninety two Sabat alaf wa sabou maaha wa ethnan wa tesoun Today s Challenge Time 4 Minutes 27 Seconds Your Working Time Minutes Seconds

19 19 BSK hosts Poetry By Heart competition, setting a high bar in literary circles The British School of Kuwait hosted the 2018 Poetry by Heart competition where students from Reception to Year 8 from The English School (TES), New English School (NES) and The British School of Kuwait (BSK) each took part, reciting poems that they had memorised by heart. The fi nalists had all won their heats in their respective schools before making it to the Photos from the event fi nal at BSK. Whilst TES took the top honours, BSK and NES came a very creditable second, with all of the students performing exceptionally well, reciting complicated and mature poems with confidence, eloquence and style. The age of the youngest, fi ve years, certainly belied their ability to recite poetry. The event was very well attended by students, teachers and parents who all supported the performers. BSK was honoured to host Dr Lavinia Davenport, wife of His Excellency the British Ambassador, as special guest and chief judge of the event. Our eyes turn to 2019 when the competition will be hosted by The English School, Salmiya. ESF click ESF celebrates National Day The English School Middle School Arabic Department held their annual colourful National Above and below right: Photos from the event and Liberation Day concert yesterday at The Lloyd Webber Theatre. The concert full of patriotic fervour was organized by Ms Al Ghouti. Latest Continued from Page 18 09:16 Reading out the messages on the day; 09:30 Discussion on the day; 10:15 Closing speech by HE the ambassador This information is for all concerned. Feb 26 IMA family desert picnic: Indian Muslim Association is organizing a Family Picnic 2018 on Monday, Feb 26, in a desert camp at the outskirts of Kuwait City under the theme Enter into Islam Completely (02:208). As usual, it provides a unique opportunity for the entire family to rejoice in fun-filled interludes and educational discourses. Activities include variety of sports for children and elders alike, cultural event, skit, literary session (Mushaira) and prize distribution ceremony at the end. All basic amenities shall be provided for a comfortable stay for elders & children. Picnic event kicks off with the breakfast at am followed by Sports and other varied activities to keep you engrossed until 5.00 pm. Zohar and Asr Salat as well as sumptuous lunch will also be arranged in the same tent. Ladies are provided with separate adjacent tent to have enough privacy and segregated activities like sports, mehendi, calligraphy, 1 minute games etc. For convenience bookstall and emergency medical services are made available during the occasion. Picnic spot is located at 85.5 Milestone on Road No. 30 or 40 towards Nuwaiseb. Free bus services are arranged to reach the location from Kuwait City, Salmiya, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh/ Abbasiya, Khaitan and Mangaf/Fahaheel. All are cordially invited to attend this joyous occasion. For entry passes and for further details please contact below numbers: Kuwait City , Khaitan , Abu Halifa , Fahaheel , Salmiya , Abbasiya , Youth Wing , Ladies Wing (sisters only). General Q8BBall Season 13: Q8BBall is beginning our 13th season with Boys U13 (ages 10-13) and U17 (ages 14-17). We train three times a week and play regular games throughout the year with schools and clubs. In June 2018, we plan to travel for camp and tournaments in the US. Contact Coach T for information. Continued on Page 20

20 20 Ali Alghanim & Sons hosts McLaren owners in Kuwait Photos from the event Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the exclusive dealer of McLaren vehicles in Kuwait, hosted a group of McLaren owners as part of its ongoing program to highlight the exclusive ownership experience of McLaren cars. The event included a gathering at Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive showroom in Shuwaikh and a group drive to Jumeira Beach Hotel in Messila. At the hotel, the group enjoyed an exclusive lunch at Arabesque restaurant. Commenting on the event, Yousef Al Qatami, General Manager of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive said: Owning a McLaren is one of life s Firm supports international competition Zain concludes Arabian Horse Fest sponsorship Alaa Al Roumi with Waleed Al Khashti during the awarding ceremony. A photo from the event ACK hosts LinkedIn Workshop The Alumni and Career Placement Center at the Australian College of Kuwait, in partnership with LinkedIn, hosted the LinkedIn Recruiter Workshop on Feb 7, This event occurs once per year and it aims at developing the social recruiting skills of recruiters coming from different companies in Kuwait. A total of 20 representatives from 15 different companies attended this workshop. The day entailed a tour on campus and to the Aviation Hangar where they visited the Boeing plane and learned its history. Pay your bill via ABK s app Feedback from the day confirmed that attendees have immensely benefited from this event and from their visit to ACK. It was indeed a very fruitful day. The participants in the workshop: Combined Group Contracting, Touristic Enterprises Company, Diyar United Company, Ebla Computer Consultancy, Acico, Commercial Bank of Kuwait, Zain, Ooredoo, Mohamed Naser Al Hajery, Ahli United Bank, Kuwait Financial Center, National Aviation Services, Safir International hotels & Resorts Management co, and Agility. ABK offers 5 pct cash back on bill payments KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: In line with its Simpler Banking strategy and to commemorate the National & Liberation Day Celebration, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) announced today that it is bringing back the 5 percent cash back promotion for customers who pay their phone bills via ABK s mobile app or online banking service on eahli.com. During the campaign period, customers will receive 5 percent cash back of the value of the bills they have paid up to KD 200 (cash back is up to KD 10). The campaign will run from Feb 20 to March 10, 2018 and is open for all ABK customers. The service offers customers easy mobile bill payments, for both prepaid and postpaid numbers through a familiar, secure and convenient channel. Customers are not required to enter their card details to make a payment, but are only requested to enter the mobile number for which the bill will be paid. This promotion comes in line with ABK s Simpler Banking strategy, which focuses on providing its customers with a simpler banking model that offers speed, security and easy banking. For more information about ABK please visit eahli.com or contact an ABK customer service agent via Ahlan Ahli at KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Zain, the leading telecommunications company in Kuwait, concluded its main sponsorship of the Kuwait International Arabian Horse Festival 2018 during the All Nations Cup Straight Egyptians competition. The event was organized by the Arabian Horse Center - Bait Al Arab under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. Zain took part in awarding the winners of the All Nations Cup Straight Egyptians competition, which witnessed the attendance of H.H. the Amir s representative H.E. the Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Al Jarah Al Sabah, Chairman of the Arabian Horse Center s Board of Trustees Alaa Al Roumi, as well as a large number of Arabian horse admirers from the public. Zain s support to this international competition came in line with the company s belief in the importance of taking part in projects and initiatives that strengthen the valuable Arabian identity and cherished Kuwaiti culture, reflecting the vital role of the private sector in contributing to the preservation of the heritage, culture and history of Kuwait. Zain also took part in awarding the winners of the 7th International Championship - Arabian Horse Breeder Award, which was held early February and attracted many purebred Arabian horse owners from inside and outside of Kuwait, as well as a large number of Arabian horse admirers from the public. Zain stressed its keenness in providing the needed support and encouragement to all activities and initiatives that further pushes the national economic and touristic development wheel. The company is committed to continuing to support all kinds of national projects that support the national economy and offer innovative ideas that contribute to the further progress of Kuwait. The Kuwait International Arabian Horse Festival 2018 mainly aims at raising awareness about preserving the breed of the Arabian horse. The Arabian Horse Center - Bait Al Arab is considered an official organizer of horse breeding competitions both on local and international levels, and partners with the Hunting and Equestrian Club and ECAHO (European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations). click General Continued from Page 19 Invitation to Grand Mosque: The Visits Department is pleased to invite you to visit the Grand Mosque, which is one of Kuwait s most treasured religious and cultural landmarks to discover the beauty of Islamic arts and architecture. Free guided tours are available all year round on official working days between Continued on Page 22 most sought dreams for automotive enthusiasts. After all, you are driving in one of the world s best sports cars. We had pleasure in hosting a group of those who have achieved that dream and have enjoyed the lifestyle that owning a McLaren embodies. Burgan Bank marks Kuwait s National and Liberation Days KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: In celebration of Kuwait s annual independence and liberation days festivities, Burgan Bank will share in the spirit of joy and cultural unity with its esteemed customers through exciting activities. Following the yearly tradition, the festivities carried out during the month of February are aimed at commemorating alongside its customers an important period in the lives of the Kuwaiti people. Burgan Bank decorated all of its branches both inside and outside with livery that includes the national flag and respective imagery that depicts the triumphs along with special giveaways for the bank customers. Additionally, customers were greeted by Burgan Bank staff dressed in traditional national day attire throughout the entire month to add to the festive atmosphere. The bank also launched a competition through its social media channels to reward the best photo-shoot depicting the country s celebration. On this occasion, Burgan Bank extends its best wishes and greetings to the public on Kuwait s nationwide celebrations for the 57th Independence Day and the 27th Liberation Day. Gulf Bank launches 2018 FIFA world Cup campaign for visa cardholders KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Gulf Bank is pleased to announce the launch of its new promotional campaign, designed for its Visa Credit Card customers and allows them to get a unique chance to win 5 days package for two to watch 2018 FIFA World Cup RussiaTM Semi final match in Moscow. Each package includes flights, accomodation, match tickets, pre-match hospitality, and $450 Visa pre-paid card. Gulf Bank will have a draw on April 8, 2018 to select three lucky customers who will win the 2018 FIFA World Cup RussiaTM Semi-final match package. Visa Credit Card Customers will automatically enter this draw by using their Visa Credit Card during the campaign period Jan 10, 2018 to March 31, Customers will get one chance to the draw for every KD 10 spent locally, and three chances for every KD 10 spent abroad on their Visa Credit Card. Gulf Bank is committed to providing its customers with best financial solutions, products and services, as well as the most exciting offers and promotions. Customers can find out more about Gulf Bank s latest promotions by visiting the Bank s bilingual website or one of Gulf Bank s 57 branches, or by calling the Customer Contact Center on , or following its social media channels. Convenient and accessible TSC opens new store in Ahmadi Park KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Out of its commitment to reach customers across all areas of Kuwait, The Sultan Center opened its 20th convenience store located in Ahmadi Park, serving Ahmadi area residents and those who want an easy and quick shopping experience. The TSC Express Center is easily accessible, fully equipped and designed to provide a selected range of groceries, fresh food, snacks and beverages. Opened from 6:00 am to midnight, customers can drop in any time of the day or night for quick pick-ups. Today, TSC has 20 convenience stores spread across Kuwait catering to neighborhoods and on the go customers for an easy and quick shopping experience. TSC Express is another milestone to be added to TSC achievements in providing unparalleled services and reaching customers across Kuwait making TSC the preferred shopping destination. TSC is adapting to the modern way of living by providing smaller stores positioned in convenient locations, which will continue to evolve to match the community s needs.

21 21 PET PALACE people & their pets Look out for the Arab Times series, the Pet Palace, and read about how people and their animals enrich each other s lives. The Palace welcomes submissions by our readers. If you d like to tell the world about your pet, send us a photograph and accompanying article for publication. Editor This picture taken on Feb 3, shows a dog getting the hair on its face trimmed during a spa treatment session at a pet groomers in Hong Kong. (AFP) By Vivian Lin For Hong Kong poodle Cream, grooming goes way beyond a brush and toeclip her deluxe once-a-month pampering includes lavender oxygen therapy and a milk bath. As the city welcomes the Year of the Dog, pet owners are pushing out the boat more than ever to ensure their pooches are glossed and spritzed, with money no object. I treat her as my daughter, says Cream s owner, Margaret Lam, 45. I want her to be beautiful, she adds, picking out a tiny HK$600 ($76) furtrimmed jacket off a clothing rack at dog spa SexySushi, where Cream is having her treatments. With a lack of parks and dog-friendly open spaces, pooches in Hong Kong are often wheeled around in strollers or carried in their owners handbags. Pint-sized breeds like bichons, poodles, teacup yorkies and chihuahuas are particularly popular in the space-starved city. SexySushi, in the fashionable neighbourhood of Sai Ying Pun, sells itself as a prestige pet grooming salon and refers to dog owners as parents. It offers milk and herbal spa treatments, designed to improve fur quality and treat skin problems, and oxygen therapy, which the salon says calms the animals. There are also ear-cleaning and manicure services, with some treatments costing well over HK$1,000. Owners can buy accessories and clothing, including hoodies, bowties and even lace panties for their dogs. To celebrate Chinese New Year, all dogs receiving spa treatments at the shop pose for a bonus photo shoot, surrounded by red and gold-coloured traditional hanging ornaments and stuffed dog toys. SexySushi founder Monna Lam says she doesn t think the treatments are over the top. Pets also deserve better things for their lives, insisted Lam, who has 12 dogs herself, while her pomeranian named Cupcake enjoyed an extravagant afternoon. The dogs are very happy in here, Lam said. Sometimes they even fall asleep during the grooming service. Lam, 30, who set up the store three years ago, said most clients bring their dogs in every two weeks for upkeep and trimming, and once every few months for full grooming. Owen Evans, 39, a web developer who has been in Hong Kong for a year, had brought his Yorkshire terrier Jackson to the shop for the first time and vowed to return. We just wanted to treat Jackson to a really nice cut and a really nice time, he said. Also: NEW YORK: The Westminster Dog Show crowned a fluffy white Bichon Frise named Flynn Best in Show last Tuesday over a diverse array of other four-legged options, concluding the Big Apple s annual dogfest. Flynn s cheeks beamed as he navigated the expanse of Madison Square Garden before a raucous crowd, most of which kept their seats for the big reveal after sitting through nearly four hours of competition. It feels a little unreal. It s just magic, said Flynn s handler Bill McFadden shortly after the announcement as he cradled a dog originally named for Billy Flynn the shady lawyer in the musical Chicago. Kuwait A flock of Socotra cormorant during its migration season near Umm Al Namil Island. (Mohammad Alsaleh - KUNA) New Look An energetic and active sotul Dr Abdul Al Awadhi a man of strong initiative, determination This is the fourth and the last in a series of articles on Dr Abdul Rahman Abdullah Al Awadhi, a physician, four times minister, writer, environmentalist. Editor By Lidia Qattan Special to the Arab Times Finally the good work began to reap results. With a shift in world public opinion the Kuwaiti cause began to gain ground. A coalition of nations was formed to free the country and when the Gulf War got underway Dr Abdul Rahman resigned, feeling the intense satisfaction of having done his duty in the best of his ability. When at the beginning of the Gulf war the Iraqi proved their sinister intentions by releasing a huge oil-spill on the water of the Gulf, causing devastating damages to marine life and to the environment, Dr Abdul Rahman Al Awadhi braced himself for yet more diabolic strategies on the part of the Iraqis. He suffered yet more intensely when at the close of the Gulf war the entire oil field was set on fire. This criminal act affecting mankind on a global scale revealed the diabolic nature of the Saddam Hussein. Even his supporters realized that given a chance he would have carried out his deadly intention of using his chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction. Environmentalists were appalled by the damages caused to the region, first among them was Dr Abdul Rahman for whom protecting the environment had been his main concern since the sixties, he knew the long term consequences of the burning oil on local health and its side-effects on a global scale. Seeing hundreds of roaring fires rising from the bowel of the earth amidst acrid smoke dismay and anger filled his heart. When on the third day after the liberation he entered Kuwait with a team of experts to assess the damages a whole panorama of filth and destruction opened in front of him. Distillation In some hospitals were discovered bodies devoid of eyes and interior organs; at the National Zoo animals were left to die of starvation or were burned in their cages; at the Equestrian Club were the rotting carcasses of prized horses; all the water distillation plants were blown-up and the entire electricity and water network was destroyed; at the Kuwait University, in schools, in factories, even in private houses and in gardens there were bobby-traps; all along the shore and on the beach there were trenches and bunkers. Mines were everywhere, there were so many that in spite of the extensive mine-sweeping, many are still claiming victims. Such a desolation and destruction Dr Abdul Rahman found at his return home was like a stab in his heart. After the shock, came the determination to restore the country back to normal in the shortest of time, rebuild what was destroyed and bring back life to normal; but that was easier said than done because the administration was in chaos. There was confusion, uncertainty and hesitation in the people in charge; the colossal problem was causing panic; someone was needed with a clear mind and the power to delegate and correlate efforts. Dr Abdul Rahman Al Awadhi proved to be a man of strong initiative and energy during the invasion, but he resigned from politics because, frustrated by the drag of indecisions of people he had to work with, but the call to duty came at a time he could not ignore. Miracles As soon as he was put in charge he took action and set to work with characteristic energy; he still had to fight the indolence and hesitation of some of the people he was working with, but in a short time he and his team worked miracles. Experts and technicians were brought into the country to deal with the burning oil-field. Later in the process young Kuwaiti engineers, a woman included, were allowed to join in the effort and in record time the fire was brought under control. The titanic struggle of seven Lidia Qattan months ended in a victory of human endurance and ingenuity. At about the same time life was brought back to normal especially after electricity and water were restored and rebuilding could take place. For Dr Abdul Rahman Al Awadhi the aftermath was no less challenging than the seven months of invasion. Having done his duty he left the ministry and politics altogether; happy to continue his good work at the Environment Protection Council as the Executive Secretary of the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment since it was established in 1981, and the Secretary General of the Arab Center for Medical Literature since As member and Chief Editor of the Kuwait Medical Association Journal Dr Abdul Rahman Al Awadhi has been contributing extensively with scores of articles and studies. Other articles on environment and related subjects were published in environmental magazines and newspapers in Kuwait and in other Arab countries. In his involvement with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society Dr Abdul Rahman was the Secretary General in and Vice-President since He was also the Vice President of the Kuwait Association for Handicapped Welfare; the Chairman of the Kuwait Radio Amateur Association since in was founded; President of the Kuwait Society for smoking and cancer prevention, since it was formed in 1980; President of the Islamic Organization for Medical Science since Dr Abdul Al Awadhi 1984, and President of the Kuwait Kidney Transplant Society since it was formed in Dedication For his active involvement and dedication to international health and environmental affairs at all levels,in regional and international organizations, Dr Abdul Rahman Al Awadhi was awarded with many Honorary Fellowships by the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, Scotland, by the Royal College of Medicine, Ireland, by the Royal College of Surgeons & Physicians, Glasgow; he was made Honorary Doctor of Law by the Si-Chang Bon University of Korea and Honorary Member of the American Public Health Association. After liberation Dr Abdul Rahman Al Awadhi became Member in scores of institutions among them the WHO Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS since 1991; the WHO Director General Council on the Earth Summit Action program for Health and Environment since 1993, of the WHO Certification Commission for Global Polio Eradication since 1995, of the Harvard School of Public Health Visiting Committee since 1994, and of Environmental Health Council since Dr Abdul Rahman Al Awadhi lectured and wrote extensively on a variety of subjects, some dealing with health, other about environment awareness, even on sport, traffic and occupation. Always energetic, when he is not busy on something, he loves taking a brisk walk, or swimming or gardening. Since he was teenager photography has been his favorite hobby especially capturing in film the Flora and Fauna of the desert or a glorious sunset. But among his best photographic shots is not nature in its splendor or charming quietness; it is the dramatic scene of a devastated land consumed by roaring flames rising high among clouds of black smoke reflecting on lakes of crude oil. The shot was taken at his return to Kuwait soon after the liberation as a reminder of that terrible event. In the golden summer of his life Dr Abdul Rahman Al Awadhi is still energetic and active in trying to ameliorate living conditions, to which he has dedicate his life since a trauma in childhood opened his mind and shaped his destiny. Concluded

22 22 h o r o s c o p e By Jacqueline Bigar Happy birthday for Tuesday, Feb 20, 2018: This year you bypass many problems as you focus intensely on certain areas of your life. You have a spontaneity that others wish they had, except sometimes the results might not be positive. Your finances could be a victim of this unpredictability. The more disciplined you are, the better off you will be. If you are single, you have an unusual allure that draws others to you. Make sure you really want to be with someone before you commit. If you are attached, your relationship will become deeper this year. Make sure to give your sweetie some space. TAURUS adds an interesting dimension to conversations. The Stars Show the Kind of Day You ll Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult Capricorn - (Dec 22 - Jan 19) *** You could be witness to some uproar around your family or domestic life. Remain sensitive to the possibilities that surround this situation. A solution will appear, given some time. Consider applying some of the information you recently learned to a project. Tonight: Let off some steam. Aquarius - (Jan 20 - Feb 18) **** You hear news that could surprise you and possibly force your hand. You might be taken aback by what you hear. Return calls in the morning as quickly as you can. Listen to the information that someone shares. Do more investigating in the evening. Tonight: All smiles. Pisces - (Feb 19 - Mar 20) **** Your finances continue to be high priority in the morning. You could feel as if you are on a roller coaster ride and can t predict the ups and downs. You need to stay calm in order to gain a new perspective. Pick up the phone, and ask for what you want. Tonight: Hang out with a friend. Aries - (Mar 21 - Apr 19) *** Use the morning for any matter that is significant. Your ideas could shock an associate or a friend. How you deal with a personal matter could change radically. Handle finances with clarity and force. Do not take a risk financially if you cannot afford a loss. Tonight: Indulge yourself. Taurus - (Apr 20 - May 20) **** You might get up in the morning feeling somewhat sluggish. The good news is that you will feel a lot better by midday. This change in mood might be so unexpected that you could surprise yourself with how great you feel. Tonight: Make plans that you find exciting. Gemini - (May 21 - June 20) ***** You might accept an unexpected invitation for breakfast. Not only will you have the opportunity to catch up on a friend s news, but you also will be in a good mood for the remainder of the day. Know that you can handle a challenge. Focus, and don t panic. Tonight: Head home. Cancer - (June 21 - July 22) **** Accept your role at work. You could be tired and withdrawn in the morning, but you will be full of energy by midafternoon. At some point, an unexpected event could throw you off your present course. Handle what you must in order to get back on track. Tonight: Time for some fun! Leo - (July 23 - Aug 22) **** Detach in order to see the whole story. Loosen up and relax by getting out of your own head. See what it would be like to walk in someone else s shoes. By the afternoon, you are likely to take on more responsibility with a project than you had anticipated. Tonight: Out and about. Virgo - (Aug 23 - Sept 22): *** Deal with a loved one directly in order to get the results you want. You seem to understand each other well and can handle most hassles together. A partner might have drawn the wild card with funds. Hold on tight, as you could be affected. Tonight: Detach, and you ll gain clarity. Libra - (Sept 23 - Oct 22) **** Defer to a partner. You will discover a lot more about this person throughout the day. Detach, and you ll gain a new perspective. Try to determine what the best way is to continue on a long-term basis. You might not like constantly playing second fiddle. Tonight: Dinner for two. Scorpio - (Oct 23 - Nov 21) *** Tackle your errands and other various tasks in the morning, when you are likely to be at your best. Whether you re networking or just taking an afternoon off to socialize, you will want some people time. Your humor helps you to enjoy the moment. Tonight: Respond to an offer. Sagittarius - (Nov 22 - Dec 21) *** Pace yourself, knowing that your energy could be limited. You might need to deal with a loved one in the morning. Be more flexible and creative with this person. Take your open-mindedness into a work situation, and you ll be happy with the outcome. Tonight: Make it early. Born today: Singer/songwriter Kurt Cobain (1967), singer/songwriter Rihanna (1988), comedian Trevor Noah (1984) home decor indoor gardening beauty tips taste buds polka dots glass dinner plate aralia long lasting curled lashes jam tarts Supplies: Acrylic paint Paint brush Glass Instructions: Dip the back end of a paint brush into the acrylic paints and dot your glasses. Then put the glasses into a cold oven and preheat to 350 C let them sit for 30 minutes. Turn off oven and let the glasses cool inside. Dear Abby Longtime employee irked by colleagues work ethics By Abigail Van Buren A wonderful small oriental like indoor tree with large rounded leaves. The dark branches twist giving each plant its own unique character. Maximum height may reach 6 foot after many years of growth. Site: Partial to light shade. Temperature: Keep warm minimum of 16 C / 60 F. If the temperature drops in winter it will loose leaves but these will return in late spring. Water: Do not let the compost dry out, water less over the winter. Humidity is the main requirement mist as much as you can and if possible place the container on a tray of wet pebbles/gravel. Curling your lashes is one of the best beauty secrets to opening up your eyes. For a longer lasting curl, blast your curler with hot air from your blowdryer. Always wait a few minutes before using to avoid burning off your lashes. Take some of your chosen moisturizer and apply it on your lashes. Push your lashes upwards to open up your eyes. This will also curl them slightly without damaging your lashes. Then you can apply your mascara. Ingredients: 1 cup plain flour; 1/2 cup butter; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp baking powder; 1 to 2 tbsp cold water; 6 tbsp jam. Method: Preheat the oven to 200 C. Put the butter in mixing bowl and beat with a wooden spoon till it is soft and creamy. Add the sugar and mix well. Add the flour and baking powder to the butter and sugar mixture and mix well. Slowly add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water and gently knead the dough with your hands till it is smooth. Divide the dough into 12 equal balls. Press the balls into 12 tarts molds, place 1-1/2 tsp jam in each tart. Bake the tarts for minutes. Dear Abby: I am almost 62 and struggling to get through the day at work. It s not because of the work itself, but I am extremely unhappy in the work environment. I have been here more than 20 years, and I have a real problem with the work ethic of the younger employees. They come in to work anywhere from a half-hour to two hours late. One of them takes hourlong breaks, two-hour lunches and then leaves early. Another comes to work and complains nonstop about her drive, her ex and all her aches and pains. (She just turned 40.) I go home every night frustrated and so stressed out I snap at my poor husband. I really want to retire. It wouldn t be a financial burden, although we would have to cut back on a little spending. My husband won t offer an opinion, but I know I d be much Abigail Van Buren happier and healthier if I did. Any advice? Stressed and tired Dear stressed: You might be happier and healthier if, rather than retire early, you talked to a licensed mental health professional about how to manage your stress. You can t control the behavior (or misbehavior) of your younger coworkers. That s your boss s responsibility. If their lack of punctuality and poor attendance doesn t bother your employer, you should not be letting it affect you. And as to the woman who complains about her aches, her pains and her ex why are you listening to that garbage? You have only a few more years until you reach an age at which you can retire with all the benefits you have earned and without having to cut back. Please consider what I have said and ride it out. Dear Abby: I recently had a phone conversation with a cousin who lives on the other side of the country. We talk once a month. She has always been judgmental and negative about our cousins, aunts, uncles, etc., who for the most part she rarely communicates with. In the past, when she would put them down, I d cut the conversation short because I didn t want to listen. During our last chat, she started in on my brother. That s when I lost it. I gave her a piece of my mind and hung up. Since then, she has texted and called a few times, but I haven t responded. I feel bad for what happened, but at the same time, I refuse to listen to her talk badly about and judge other family members. How should I handle this? Should I respond to her? In one of her texts she said she didn t mean to upset me, but I don t consider that an apology. Hates judgment in Ohio Dear hates judgment: Yes, you should respond to your cousin. She needs to understand that you are changing the rules regarding further conversations with her. Explain that it has always made you uncomfortable when she said unkind, judgmental things about family members, and that when she started in on your brother, you finally reached your limit. Tell her that in the future when you talk, it must be about positive things and not family members. After that, the ball will be in her court. See if she follows through. 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 or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA (Source: Universal Uclick) The Pakistani community in Kuwait celebrated the Basant festival in Kabd over the weekend organized by JAG organization, the event included a funfair, music, games and food and handicraft stalls. Many families participated and enjoyed flying kites along with other activities. what s on today emergency Site for checking travel ban click General Continued from Page 20 (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: 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 visitors 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; Arabic (English upon prior request); Arabic- English- French; Arabic (English upon IPC Islamic Courses: Say: O my Lord, let me grow in knowledge. IPC is offering Islamic courses in English (for ladies only). Muslims and non-muslims are welcome. 1. Tilawa Surah Ar-Rad and Surah Ibrahim Sundays at 5:30-7:00 pm; 2. Principles of Tafsir (part 2) - Sundays at 7:00-8:30 pm; 3. Tajweed 3 - Tuesday, at 5:30-7:00 pm; 4. Jesus in Surah Mariam (part 2) - Tuesdays at 7:00-8:30 pm. Instructor: Sr Zeinab Hassan Ashry Place: IPC - Women Section Al-Rawdah, Area 3, Street 30, House 12, opp 4th Ring Road. ipc_sch@yahoo.com, Telephone: ISF opens amnesty helpline: Indian Social Forum Kuwait (ISF) highly appreciated the new amnesty declared by Ministry of Interior. This will help thousands of expatriates including Indians illegally living in Kuwait due to various reasons. ISF urged all illegal residents especially Indian citizens to utilize this opportunity either to legalize their residency or to leave the country as soon as possible. Indian Social Forum has opened Amnesty Helpline in various languages to assist the beneficiaries of amnesty during the amnesty period from Jan 29 to Feb 22, The on call/whatsapp support helpline service is available in English ( / ), Hindi/Urdu ( / ), Telugu ( ), Tamil ( / ), Kannada/Beary/ Tulu ( / ) and Malayalam ( / ) 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 mosque s dress code. Male visitors A flyer of the event. TIES Center events: TIES Center announces following events Tajweed and Recitation: Learn and practice the art of reciting the Holy Quran (tajweed). The instructor will also answer questions related to the meaning of the Arabic words and verses. Every Sunday & 10 11:30am; every 5-6:30pm. The TIES Center is the social and educational hub for English Speaking expats in Kuwait. For more information, please call or info@tiescenter.net or visit Redeemed Christian Church: The Redeemed Christian Church of God (HOD Parish) worship in English. Celebration Service: Friday 9 am 11 am; Divine encounter: Sunday, 6:30 pm 8:30 pm; Digging Deep (Bible studies): Tuesday, 6:30 pm 8:30 pm; 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 prayer halls. number 112 Civil ID info: Items for the What s On page can be sent directly to the Arab Times, P.O. Box 2270, 13023, Safat or faxed to or to arabtimes@ arabtimesonline.com. All items on this page are published as a courtesy to the public. These announcements can include birthday greetings, weddings, social functions or any other non-commercial events. Photographs of all events are welcome. Night vigil every last Friday of the month from 10 pm. Venue: New Mishref. For more information and direction please call , rccghouseofdavidq8@gmail.com For school visits, teachers are responsible for 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: / / gmvisits@gmail.com Fax: 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 Lemraicani) during the years from , the official 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 address: Mystory@darmuseum.org. kw Notes: 1. Please send your story only to the above mentioned . Story shared in Continued on Page 24

23 23 Eating speed affects obesity Linger over lunch to lose weight study suggests PARIS, Feb 19, (Agencies): People who wolf down their food could lose weight simply by chewing longer and pausing between bites, study results suggested Tuesday. Research involving nearly 60,000 Japanese people showed a link between eating slower or faster, and losing or gaining weight. Changes in eating speed can affect changes in obesity, BMI and waist circumference, a research duo from Japan s Kyushu University wrote in the journal BMJ Open. Interventions aimed at reducing eating speed may be effective in preventing obesity and lowering the associated health risks. BMI stands for Body Mass Index, a ratio of weight-to-height used to determine whether a person falls within a healthy range. The WHO considers someone with a BMI of 25 overweight, and 30 or higher obese. In line with recommendations by the Japanese Society for the Study of Obesity, however, a BMI of 25 was taken as obese for Japanese populations for the purposes of the study. The researchers analysed health insurance data from 59,717 individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes a form of the disease that generally hits in adulthood as a result of being overweight. AstraZeneca s immunotherapy drug wins key lung cancer approval Vaping may boost pneumonia risk: study The participants had regular checkups from 2008 to Data captured included their age and gender, BMI, waist circumference, PARIS, Feb 19, (Agencies): Vaping may help pneumonia-causing bacteria stick to cells lining the airways, likely boosting disease risk, researchers said on Thursday. A study published in the European Respiratory Journal did not directly compare vaping s effect to that of smoking tobacco cigarettes. But the findings did suggest that users of electronic cigarettes may be at higher risk of lung infection than people who do not vape, the research team reported. If you choose to take up e-cigarettes this indicates a red flag that there may be an increased susceptibility to pneumococcal bacteria, study co-author Jonathan Grigg of the Queen Mary University of London told AFP. Grigg and a team conducted three types of experiment. One exposed human nose lining cells to e- cigarette vapour in the lab, another involved mice inhaling vapour and then being exposed to pneumococcal bacteria, the main cause of pneumonia. A third trial studied the nose lining of 11 e-cigarette users compared to six non-vapers. The team noticed a sharp increase in the amount of bacteria sticking to airway cells after e-cigarette exposure. Such adhesion has previously been shown to increase susceptibility to disease. Some people may be vaping because they think it is totally safe, or in an attempt to quit smoking, but this study adds to growing evidence that inhaling vapour has the potential to cause adverse health effects, said Grigg. By contrast, other aids to quitting such as (nicotine) patches or blood pressure, eating habits, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use. From the outset, the slow-eating group of 4,192 had a smaller average gum do not result in airway cells being exposed to high concentrations of potentially toxic compounds. Last month, a US study said vaping may increase cancer risk because it leads to DNA damage, despite containing fewer carcinogens than tobacco smoke. That study, too, did not compare the effects of cigarette smoking directly to vaping. Research in the journal Tobacco Control last October said a largescale switch from tobacco to e- cigarettes would prevent millions of premature deaths by the year 2100, even assuming the gadgets are themselves not risk-free. E-cigarettes, said to contain no tar and fewer toxins than tobacco cigarettes, were developed as a safer alternative to tobacco smoking. But many people fear that a harmless veneer may make e-cigarettes a gateway for young people to lifelong nicotine addiction. Also: LONDON: AstraZeneca s immunotherapy drug Imfinzi has won crucial approval from US regulators for use in lung cancer, opening up a multibillion-dollar market for a medicine that has so far lagged behind competitors. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said late on Friday it had granted approval for expanded use of Imfinzi to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with inoperable mid-stage disease that has not spread widely around the body. Imfinzi is the first immunotherapy to be approved in this setting and the company s shares rose 1 percent in early trade on Monday. waist circumference, a mean BMI of 22.3, and fewer obese individuals 21.5 percent of the total. By comparison, more than 44 percent of the fast-eating group of 22,070 people, was obese, with a mean BMI of 25. The team also noted changes in eating speed over the six years, with more than half the trial group reporting an adjustment in one direction or the other. The main results indicated that decreases in eating speeds can lead to reductions in obesity and BMI, they found. Other factors that could help people lose weight, according to the data, included to stop snacking after dinner, and not to eat within two hours of going to bed. Skipping breakfast did not seem to have any effect. Also: NEW YORK: A federal judge in Delaware has overturned a jury s verdict requiring Gilead Sciences Inc to pay a record $2.54 billion because its hepatitis C drugs Sovaldi and Harvoni infringed a patent held by rival Merck & Co Inc. The verdict had been the largest ever in a US patent case but US District Judge Leonard Stark in Wilmington, Delaware, on Friday ruled Merck s patent was invalid. He said it did not meet a requirement that it disclose how to make the treatment it covered without undue experimentation. Gilead in a statement on Saturday said it always believed the patent was invalid and was pleased the judge confirmed that opinion.

24 24 Trump blasts Oprah Manigault talks leaving Clinton campaign for Trump on Brother LOS ANGELES, Feb 19, (Agencies): The longer Omarosa Manigault is in the Big Brother house, the more its audience is learning about her political escapades. Previously, Manigault talked about her loyalty to president Donald Trump but on Sunday s episode she revealed she was originally pro-hillary Clinton. The former White House staffer, and current Head of Household on the CBS reality show, told fellow houseguest Ross Mathews that she thought Clinton as a presidential candidate was strong and sharp and smart. Manigault also said she had worked with the Ready for Hillary organization because she felt Clinton would have made an exceptional president. However, some bad blood between Manigault and the organization s management had her calling the group a little bit of a scam and ultimately caused her to switch sides. When it was time to roll it over into the Hillary for America campaign, they just completely discarded all of the people who had done work, Manigault said, noting that the action soured a lot of people in addition to herself. It wasn t hard when called me and said Can you be on board? because I had just been used and abused by the Ready for Hillary organization. I could go down the list of people who were abused and misused by that organization and decided to go a different direction as a result of it. Manigault said working on campaigns is wonderful but exhausting and rather than directly answer Mathews question about whether or not she d work on a campaign again, she teased that she had her own story to tell. I m looking forward to telling about my life, when I decide to do it, Manigault said. Last week Manigault temporarily left the Big Brother house after suffering an asthma attack during one of the competitions. However, she returned a few days later and made it through that week s eviction. This week, she proved her physical prowess by outlasting the other houseguests, including runner-up James Maslow, in the Head of Household competition, which put her in the power position. Interestingly, she nominated Mathews, who previously called himself the reporter of the house and has been the most frequent ear for her political tales, for eviction. US President Donald Trump blasted media mogul Oprah Winfrey on Twitter on Sunday night over a segment on CBS s 60 Minutes program and again said he hoped she would face him as an opponent in the 2020 presidential race. Actress and television host Winfrey, now a contributor to the CBS program, led a panel of 14 Republican, Democrat and Independent voters from Grand Rapids, Michigan in a wide ranging discussion about Trump s first year in office. Trump tweeted: Just watched a very insecure Oprah Winfrey, who at one point I knew very well, interview a panel of people on 60 Minutes. The questions were biased and slanted, the facts incorrect. Hope Oprah runs so she can be exposed and defeated just like all of the others! Winfrey has told various media outlets, including Entertainment Weekly, that she is not running for president, but has considered it, after there was much recent media speculation. The panelists ranged from voters who said I love him more and more every day, to others questioning Trump s stability, saying, All Couch slouch he does is bully people. Winfrey made no declarative statements for or against the president in the program. But she did ask questions ranging from whether the country is better off economically to whether respect for the country is eroding around the world. In a room lined with computer terminals buzzing all night during the Olympics, an intern raises a hand. He s spotted an amusing piece of film footage of a dropped walkietalkie skittering down a mountain closed to competition because of bad weather, eluding the grasp of a couple of skiers trying to stop it. A producer edits the film into a brief clip and sends it electronically to a room down the hall, where a social media team posts it on NBC s Olympic website, Facebook, Twitter and other social media destinations. Within a few days, it has been seen more than 1.6 million times. Welcome to NBC s Highlights Factory, responsible for culling the best and oddest moments of the Pyeongchang Olympics and blanketing the world with them. The network, which paid $963 million for the rights to show the Olympics in the United States, has built a facility for some 2,500 staff members in Pyeongchang. But it also has around 1,000 people working in an office off the Connecticut Turnpike, and for each Olympics it is increasing its domestic workforce, said Tim Canary, vice president of engineering. The curling and cross-country competitions are called by announcers working in booths in Connecticut, not South Korea. The popular online Olympic Zone show is fully staffed here, and the office opened in 2012 is the nexus for everything its cameras collect. Then there are the sleep-deprived staffers of the Highlight Factory, who are responsible for combing through and cataloguing every piece of footage shot by NBC and the Olympic-run feed for other broadcasters. There are some 778 hours of live competition in the games, said Eric Hamilton, director of digital video production. Pretty much every moment is the most important moment in somebody s life, some athlete s life, he said. It s the moment that they ve prepared for years, and they have just a few seconds in which to do it. Our job is to draw the curtain back on that and let everyone see it. The staff members produce the typical clips of game-winning goals and gold-medal runs down the mountain. A recent 12-hour shift that ended at 8 am produced some 130 videos for dissemination online. We train the interns to note not only the obvious stuff, but to see through things that are hidden in plain sight, Hamilton said. Cameras catch the competition, but also the moments before they start and when they re over. They follow coaches biting their nails in the stands and family members who have followed loved ones across the globe. At the figure skating rink, cameras go into the workout room and the booth where competitors wait for scores. They catch final conversations between coaches and athletes. Through these backstage moments, Hamilton has found that the young athletes competing in the extreme sports that made traditionalists wince the halfpipe, the slopestyle races display some of the best camaraderie and sportsmanship at the Olympics. A flyer of the event. A flyer of the event. KayanCreate Islamic Motifs in Architecture #KAYANCREATExDAI Submissions must be done via to: photocomp@darmuseum. org.kw No more than three photos per photographer Title must be given to the photo Photographer s name, and mobile number Portrait format, 25 cm x 30 cm; Submission deadline for consideration: April 14, 2018 The decisions of the judges are final Instagram voting will be saved for 10 days (until May 17, 2018) Photographers will be notified that their picture has been selected for exhibition on May 30, 2018 Portrait, 25 cm x 30 cm must be mounted on black mat board (30 cm x 35 cm) and submitted by 4:00 pm on May 7, 2018 to Americani Cultural Center Photographs must be picked up after June 23 and before July 1, 2018 By entering the competition photographers give permission to Kayan and DAI to use their images to promote the competition/exhibition. click General Continued from Page 22 Instagram, Facebook or Twitter 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 confident that your contributions will be an essential part of the history of Amricani. Share with us! KIFF anti-drugs campaign: As part of the Fraternity fest, Kuwait India 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 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 Kuwait informed President Saifudheen Nalakath in a press release. For more details contact: or 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 teacher for all age groups. Classes are given on the basis of different health problems, stress and other problems by different techniques. Contact: tv highlights Cinema Cinema programme from Thursday 15/2/2018 to Wednesday 21/2/2018 A Bag Of Marbles (Un Sac De Billes) French Film :25 Aadhi (Malayalam Film) :50 (Daily Exc Sun) Ajial 15:30, 18:30, 21:30 (Daily Exc Thu) 15:30, 18:30, 21:30, 22:00 (Thu) Avenues 18:35 Plaza 18:30, 21:30 (Daily Exc Thu) 15:30, 18:30, 21:30 (Thu) Aiyaary (Hindi Film) :55 (Daily Exc Sun) Ajial 16:00, 19:00 Muhalab 16:00 All The Money In The World :30 (Fri) Black Panther :15, 16:00, 18:45, 21:30, 00:15, 12:30, 15:15, 18:00, 20:45, 23:30 (Daily Exc Fri) 12:00, 13:30, 14:45, 15:50, 16:15, 17:30, 19:00, 20:15, 21:45, 22:30, 23:00, 00:25, 00:30 (Fri, Sat) 13:30, 14:45, 15:50, 16:15, 17:30, 19:00, 20:15, 21:45, 22:30, 23:00, 00:30, 15:15, 18:00, 20:45, 23:30, 16:00, 18:45, 21:30, 00:15 (Fri) 11:30, 12:00, 13:30, 14:45, 15:50, 16:15, 17:30, 19:00, 20:15, 21:45, 22:30, 23:00, 00:25, 00:30 (Sat) Ajial 18:40 (Daily Exc Thu, Fri) 15:40, 18:40 (Thu) Bairaq 15:00 12:15, 17:45, 18:45, 20:30, 23:15, 00:05 (Daily Exc Fri) 17:45, 18:45, 20:30, 23:15, 00:05 (Fri) Fanar 13:00, 14:00, 15:45, 16:45, 18:30, 19:30, 21:15, 22:15, 00:05 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:00, 15:45, 16:45, 18:30, 19:30, 21:15, 22:15, 00:05 (Fri) Muhalab 12:30, 15:15, 18:00, 19:00, 20:45, 21:45, 23:30, 00:30 (Daily Exc Fri) 15:15, 18:00, 19:00, 20:45, 21:45, 23:30, 00:30 (Fri) Sharqia 13:30, 16:15, 19:00, 19:50, 21:45, 22:30, 00:30 Avenues 13:00, 15:45, 12:45, 15:30, 18:15, 21:00, 23:45 (Daily Exc Fri) 18:30, 21:15, 00:05 11:30, 12:50, 13:30, 14:15, 16:15, 17:00, 17:30, 19:00, 19:45, 21:45, 22:30, 00:30 (Daily Exc Fri, Sat) 13:30, 14:15, 16:15, 17:00, 17:30, 19:00, 19:45, 21:45, 22:30, 00:30, 15:30, 18:15, 21:00, 23:45, 15:45 (Fri) 11:30, 13:30, 14:00, 14:15, 16:15, 17:00, 17:30, 19:00, 19:45, 21:45, 22:30, 00:30 (Sat) Laila 15:30, 18:05, 22:35 Marina 11:30, 14:15, 17:00, 18:45, 19:45, 22:30, 23:50 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:15, 17:00, 18:45, 19:45, 22:30, 23:50 (Fri) Grand Hamra 5 21:30 00:30 (Thu, Fri) Grand Hamra 6 14:00, 17:00, 19:45, 22:30 01:00 (Thu, Fri) Grand Hamra GC 15:00, 17:30, 20:00, 22:30 01:00 (Thu, Fri) Grand Gate 1 14:15, 17:00, 19:45, 22:30 01:15 (Thu, Fri) Grand Gate GC 15:00, 18:00, 21:00 00:00 (Thu, Fri) Braven :35, 20:40, 01:15 (Daily Exc Fri, Sat) 14:05, 20:40, 01:15 (Fri) 11:35, 14:05, 20:40, Fanar Avenues 01:15 (Sat) 13:45 (Fri) 15:50, 01:10 (Daily Exc Fri) 15:05, 01:10 (Fri) Marina 01:15 Grand Hamra 7 14:45, 16:45, 18:45, 22:00 Grand Gate 7 14:30, 16:30, 18:45, 20:45, 22:45 Chelsea Vs Barcelona (Live) Arabic :45 (Tue) Den Of Thieves :55, 22:20, 23:35 (Daily Exc Sat) 13:00, 19:55, 22:20, 23:35 (Sat) Bairaq 21:25 Fanar 12:50, 18:00 (Daily Exc Fri) 18:00 (Fri) Muhalab 13:30 Avenues 12:40, 21:40, 00:10 (Daily Exc Fri) 21:40, 00:10 (Fri) Marina 11:50, 21:25 (Daily Exc Fri) 21:25 (Fri) Grand Hamra 1 14:00, 16:45, 19:30, 22:15 Grand Gate 3 14:00, 16:45, 19:30, 22:15 Early Man :35, 13:35, 15:35, 17:35, 19:35 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:35, 15:35, 17:35, 19:35 (Fri) Bairaq 12:35, 14:35, 16:45 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:35, 16:45 (Fri) Fanar 15:00, 17:15, 19:10 Muhalab 11:35, 17:15 (Daily Exc Fri) 17:15 (Fri) Sharqia 11:40, 16:00, 17:55 (Daily Exc Fri) 16:00, 17:55 (Fri) Avenues 12:35, 14:35, 15:15, 16:35, 18:00 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:35, 15:15, 16:35, 17:00 (Fri) Marina 14:25, 16:35 Grand Hamra 2 14:15, 16:15, 18:15, 20:15 Grand Hamra 5 14:30, 16:30, 18:30 Grand Gate 2 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00 Etlaoly Barah (Arabic Film) :50, 12:15, 13:10, 13:50, 14:10, 15:05, 16:10, 17:00, 18:15, 18:25, 20:15, 20:25, 21:20, 22:15, 22:25, 23:15, 00:15, 01:10 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:50, 14:10, 15:05, 16:10, 17:00, 18:15, 20:15, 21:10, 21:20, 22:15, 23:10, 23:15, 00:15, 01:05, 01:10 (Fri) Ajial 22:00 Bairaq 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 19:55, 21:55, 23:50 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 19:55, 21:55, 23:50 (Fri) Fanar 12:25, 14:20, 16:15, 18:10, 20:05, 22:00, 23:00, 00:05, 01:00 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:20, 16:15, 18:10, 20:05, 22:00, 23:00, 00:05, 01:00 (Fri) Muhalab 13:00, 15:00, 19:15, 21:15, 23:15, 01:15 (Daily Exc Fri) 15:00, 19:15, 21:15, 23:15, 01:15 (Fri) Sharqia 12:00, 14:00, 15:55, 18:10, 20:10, 22:10, 00:10 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:00, 15:55, 18:10, 20:10, 22:10, 00:10 (Fri) Avenues 11:40, 11:50, 12:30, 13:50, 14:45, 15:35, 16:45, 18:45, 19:55, 20:10, 20:45, 21:55, 22:10, 22:45, 23:55, 00:10, 00:45 (Daily Exc Fri, Sat) 13:40, 14:45, 15:35, 16:45, 18:45, 20:10, 20:45, 21:55, 22:10, 22:45, 23:55, 00:10, 00:45 (Fri) 11:40, 11:50, 12:00, 12:30, 13:50, 14:45, 16:45, 18:45, 19:55, 20:10, 20:45, 21:55, 22:10, 22:45, 23:55, 00:10, 00:45 (Sat) Laila 20:40 Marina 16:20, 18:15, 20:15, 22:15, 00:15 Slumber Grand Hamra 2 22:15 Grand Gate 8 14:45, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00, 23:00 Ferdinand :30 Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle :20 Sharqia 13:40 Avenues 13:40, 20:20 Marina 11:40, 14:00 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:00 (Fri) Grand Gate 5 14:15, 16:45, 19:15, 21:45 00:15 (Thu, Fri) Kickboxer: Retaliation :50, 00:50 Fanar 00:50 Sharqia 01:10 Avenues 00:40 Grand Hamra 3 15:15, 17:45, 20:15, 22:30 00:45 (Thu, Fri) Grand Gate 6 14:45, 17:15, 19:45, 22:00 00:30 (Thu, Fri) Maze Runner: The Death Cure :55, 19:40 (Daily Exc Sun) 16:45, 19:40 (Sun) Avenues 17:10 Okdat El Khawaga (Arabic Film) :35 Avenues 22:40 Space Chicken (Condorito: The Movie) :50, 16:50 (Daily Exc Fri) 16:50 (Fri) Avenues 11:45, 16:05 (Daily Exc Fri) 16:05 (Fri) The 15:17 To Paris :40, 13:35, 22:25 (Daily Exc Fri, Tue) 13:35, 22:25 (Fri) 11:40, 13:35 (Tue) Fanar 11:30 (Daily Exc Fri) Avenues 13:20, 17:30, 21:30 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:45, 17:30, 21:30 (Fri) Grand Hamra 4 15:00, 17:15, 19:15, 21:45 00:00 (Thu, Fri) Grand Gate 4 14:30, 16:30, 18:30 The Commuter :40, 01:05 (Daily Exc Sun) 13:40, 22:35, 00:45 (Sun) Avenues 15:20 Grand Hamra 8 16:00, 19:00, 21:00 23:15 (Thu, Fri) The Greatest Showman :40 The Post :00 (Daily Exc Mon) The Shadow Effect :50, 20:50, 22:45, 00:40 Fanar 12:45, 21:30, 23:30 (Daily Exc Fri) 21:30, 23:30 (Fri) Avenues 20:00, 22:00, 23:55 Grand Gate 4 20:30, 22:45 00:45 (Thu, Fri) Winchester :30, 17:40, 00:20 (Daily Exc Fri, Tue) 13:45, 17:40, 00:20 (Fri) 11:30, 17:40, 01:10 (Tue) Fanar 15:30, 21:00 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:30, 15:30, 21:00 (Fri) Sharqia 11:30 (Daily Exc Fri) Avenues 19:25, 23:30 13:30 (Fri) Wonder :00 Awe (Telugu Film) Ajial 15:40, 21:40 (Daily Exc Thu, Fri) 15:40, 18:40, 21:40 (Fri) Shikkari Shambhu (Malayalam Film) Ajial 15:45, 18:45, 21:45 Plaza 15:30 (Daily Exc Thu) Coco Avenues 18:10

25 INTERNATIONAL 25 Extension for Sabah of Manila nabs Amir orders Kuwait invites Turks warn Continued from Page 1 from leaving the country because they had not checked with the General Department for Immigration Investigation to lift the travel ban on them. According to the sources, about 30,000 of the approximately 150,000 illegal residents of all nationalities have taken advantage of the amnesty. The sources also said the Philippine embassy repatriates between 150 and 200 of its illegal citizens on a daily basis. Continued from Page 1 Thus, it is unfair for a woman who was raised, worked and struggled in this country to be separated from her children when they grow up and then ask these children to go to the countries of their fathers; whereas they are strangers in those countries. Indeed, the law does not see with a merciful eye but the humanitarian leader completely understands what it means to grant nationality to those who belong to this social category without waiting for their fathers to die or their mothers to be divorced. It is as if the current law encourages breaking down of homes just to obtain citizenship, while the Kuwaiti society is one of the societies where family ties are strong. Furthermore, irrespective of the number of these children, they will form the Kuwaiti labor force at the end. This means that investment on their education will go to the proper course and tackle the population structure issue positively. Indeed, only Sabah of humanity can solve this problem. Once solved, it will elevate a social layer within Kuwaitis. This is why we wish that HH the Amir takes into consideration this category of children who do not know any other nation apart from Kuwait. Continued from Page 1 both sides by soldiers, Lassoued stood with his head often bowed in front of a table where bomb-making parts and other evidence were displayed at the news conference. Salipada is from the southern town of Upi in Maguindanao province, where Muslim militants operate, according to her identity card. Lassoued apparently entered the Philippines in July 2016 from Iran using a fake passport which Philippine immigration personnel failed to detect, dela Rosa said, adding that he traveled to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and the Turkish city of Istanbul from 2016 to Investigators were also trying to determine if Lassoued was involved in a siege by hundreds of Islamic State group-aligned militants on the southern Islamic city of Marawi last year, dela Rosa said. The five-month uprising left more than 1,100 combatants dead, mostly Muslim militants, and displaced hundreds of thousands of villagers before troops crushed it with ground assaults and airstrikes. The Marawi siege, which was joined by several Indonesian, Malaysian and Arab militants, reinforced fears that the Islamic State group was gaining a foothold in Southeast Asia following battle setbacks in Syria and Iraq. Continued from Page 1 of such good and humanitarian initiatives, the Parliament Speaker said in a statement. His Highness the Amir s humanitarian act presents anew an example of how the ruler is aware of citizens and residents hardships and preoccupations. Moreover, he has represented Kuwait as the Humanitarian Center and a home of social and humanitarian solidarity and relieving the underprivileged. Echoing identical thoughts, Deputy Speaker Issa Al-Kandari said the latest initiative was registered in his record of humanitarian deeds, wishing His Highness lasting wellbeing. Continued from Page 1 warn Filipinos from being victimized by illegal recruiters, the DFA said. The DFA said each of the repatriated OFWs would receive P5,000 in financial aid from the government to help them resettle in the country while they search for other employment opportunities. Many of the repatriated OFWs expressed their desire to work in other countries outside of the Middle East, it said. Continued from Page 1 The agreement may prompt Turkey to pull out and end a month-long air and ground offensive that aims to oust the Syrian Kurdish militia known as the People s Protection Units, or YPG, from Afrin. Ankara considers the YPG a terrorist group linked to its own Kurdish insurgency within Turkey s borders. Turkey s foreign minister promptly issued the warning, saying that his country is ready to battle Syrian government troops if they enter Afrin to protect the Kurdish fighters. Speaking in the Jordanian capital of Amman, Mevlut Cavusoglu added that if the regime is entering to protect the YPG, then no one can stop us, stop A Syrian man carries an infant rescued from the rubble of buildings following government bombing in the rebel-held town of Hamouria, in the besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, on Feb 19. Heavy Syrian bombardment killed 44 civilians in rebel-held Eastern Ghouta, as regime forces appeared to prepare for an imminent ground assault. (AFP) Munich security conference discusses combating terrorism MUNICH, Germany, Feb 19, (KUNA): Combating terrorism and relations between countries as well as concerns over military confrontations by using nuclear weapons featured high on the agenda of the 54th Session of the Munich Security Conference, which concluded on Sunday. In the first day of the conference, Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah said that Kuwait backs peace everywhere and stands by states to resolve conflicts. Sheikh Khaled made the statement to KUNA, affirming his participation in Munich Security Conference is based on Kuwait s keenness to continue making mediation efforts to resolve differences between countries diplomatically in order to avoid the armed conflicts, and boost peace and security, mainly in the Middle East region. He elaborated that this comes within the framework of the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in this regard. He referred to the Kuwaiti role to resolve the Yemeni crisis, saying that Kuwait has hosted the intra-yemeni peace talks for more than three months, and is ready to host the talks until a final agreement is signed. On humanitarian field, the minister stated that Kuwait has hosted several conferences to back humanitarian situation of Syrians. Kuwait took part in two international conferences in London and Brussels. It spared no efforts to meet needs of disastrous humanitarian situation of Yemenis. Also it hosted the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq (KICRI), he said. He noted that terrorist elements are mainly depending on technological development in recruiting new individuals and carrying out their attacks and plots. During their speeches, German defense minister Ursula von der Leyen and her French counterpart Florence Parly have stressed the necessity of setting up a unified European military force and enhancing military cooperation among EU member states. The French minister urged the European countries governments to increase their investments in the defense field. She said the shift in the US military policy prompts Europeans to depend necessarily on themselves in the face of new security challenges. In his speech, North Atlantic Kuwait backs peace everywhere: Al-Jarrah Bid to boost trade, economic ties with Belgium Brussels host Kuwait Economic Forum BRUSSELS, Feb 19, (KUNA): High-ranking Kuwaiti diplomats and economic officials presented tremendous opportunities and facilities available for Belgian entrepreneurs to do business in Kuwait, at a conference held in Brussels Monday. The Kuwait Economic Forum (Kuwait Vision 2035) was organized by the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) in collaboration with the Embassy of Kuwait in Brussels and with Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). Qaisar Hijazin, Secretary General of ABLCC, in his welcome remarks said that the forum represents a good occasion for Belgian entrepreneurs to find out more about the various business opportunities offered by Kuwait and to restore the image of Kuwait as a commercial and financial center. He underlined the important role of Kuwait to preserve stability in the region. In turn, Kuwait s Ambassador to Belgium, EU, NATO and Luxembourg, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, in his welcome address said Kuwait is in the best position of major oil exporting nations to have a balanced budget. This is mainly due to our fiscal reforms, diversification, and our investment income. Kuwait s financial buffers have allowed the country to pursue an expansionary budget this year, he said. Perhaps the best indication of Kuwait s fiscal health is our sovereign credit rating where major credit agencies have rated Kuwait positively, he noted. Al-Budaiwi added that IMF projects Kuwait s economic growth to reach 4.1 percent in 2018, the highest among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. As of June 2017, Kuwait s sovereign wealth fund was managing $524 billion worth of assets, he added. Kuwait Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs Amal Al- Hamad, in her brief remarks, said this is an opportunity for Belgian and European companies to have more in-depth knowledge of what is available as investments in Kuwait. She highlighted the importance of the forthcoming Kuwait Investment Forum, which will be on March 20 and 21, under the patronage of His Highness the Amir. She noted that already 300 companies have registered to attend this forum in Kuwait. We ask you to come to Kuwait and have your say in this regard. You will be amazed to see the enormous opportunities in our Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also welcomed the German-French plans, but also warned that boosting military cooperation among European countries will affect negatively NA- TO s performance. He said there is a risk that the European Union and the United States might be alienated, if the European plans are implemented. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged countries to strengthen efforts so as to counter-terrorism internationally and provide more assistance to enable international organizations to assist refugees and shelter them. Guterres said that military solutions are the only way to deal with crises and terrorism, appealing to the governments to provide development assistance that helps, as he thinks, fight the roots the crisis. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Theresa May focused on the consequences of the country s withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit), mainly on the security and military levels. She said that Britain would maintain close relations with the EU after Brexit. Addressing the session, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker called on the European countries to assume more responsibilities on international level. He said new international challenges and conditions require that we should be able to shoulder responsibilities. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel touched upon situation in northern Syria without mentioning the United States and Turkey. He said there is a real danger of a war in northern Syria even among NATO partners. During the conference, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and his Iraqi counterpart Haidar Al-Abadi discussed, in a meeting, bilateral ties, the Syrian crisis, as well as security and energy dossiers. Al-Abadi delivered a speech in the conference in which he lauded victories made by the Iraqi army over the so-called Islamic State. He said Iraq has finally managed to defeat IS fighters and recapture its land. Turkey or the Turkish soldiers. On the other hand, he said that Ankara would have no problem if Syrian government forces enter Afrin to clear the area from YPG fighters. The announcements came as violence continued in Afrin. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Syria s state media reported that Turkish troops pounded villages in the enclave with artillery shells. SANA gave no further details about the deployment of the troops, known as popular forces, to the area. The Syrian government withdrew from much of the border area with Turkey in 2012 and maintains no presence in Afrin. The popular forces joining the resistance against Turkish occupation in Afrin comes in the framework of supporting residents as well as defending Syria and its sovereignty, SANA said, adding that the deployment aims to frustrate attempts by (Turkish President Recep Tayyip) Erdogan s regime and its mercenaries of terrorist organizations to occupy the area, referring to Turkish-backed Syrian insurgents. A Syrian Kurdish official told The Associated Press that Syrian troops will enter Afrin form the Shiite villages of Nubul and Zahraa through the Ziyara crossing that links governmentheld parts of the country with those held by the YPG. The army will deploy in several border areas in coordination with the People s Protection Units and the Syrian Democratic force, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to reveal details of the agreement. The army will set up military positions in the border area and the agreement is that the Syrian army and the YPG will defense Syria together. He added that the agreement so far does not include anything about running the administration affairs in Afrin, saying this will be discussed in the future. The move could be a first step toward restoring Syrian government presence along the border with Turkey, which has been an active supporter of President Bashar Assad s opponents and sponsored rebels fighting to oust him throughout the seven-year Syrian country and the variety of our projects, she said. Meanwhile, Cecile Jodogne, state secretary for the Brussels- Capital Region, in charge for foreign trade, in her keynote speech, underlined the importance Belgium attaches to its relations with Kuwait noting the Belgium established its embassy in Kuwait in Since then we have maintained a dynamic political and economic relations, she sad and praised Kuwait s role as mediator in the region. I would like to take the occasion to praise Kuwait in its mediator efforts and setting up a dialogue with its neighbors, she said. Jodogne also noted the increased exchange of visits by officials and business community of both countries as a sign of growing partnership between the two friendly countries. The increase in trade ties between Belgium and Kuwait will be beneficial for all of us present here. All the Belgian participants in this Forum are excited about Kuwait s 2035 vision she stressed. Furthermore, Majed Al-Ajeel, Chairman of Kuwait Banking Association and Chairman of the Burgan Bank presented the opportunities and facilities offered by Kuwait s banking sector to traders and businessmen. The Turkish premier spoke about the improvement of relations between Ankara and Berlin, saying that Turkish President would visit Germany as soon as the new cabinet is formed to meet Chancellor Angela Merkel. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al- Jubeir on Sunday accused the Iranian government of continuing exporting the Iranian revolution to the region s countries. Al-Jubeir, addressing the session, said Iran has continued to export revolutionary ideas to the Gulf region and support the Lebanese organization Hezbollah, which is the largest terrorist organization in the region. For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif saw Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu s speech at the conference as comic. The three-day event included more than 30 heads of state and government, in addition to 100 defense and interior ministers across the globe. It discussed means of addressing security challenges in the world, mainly combating terrorism and conflicts in the Middle East, and the Ukrainian crisis. civil war. However, Turkey in recent years has focused more on limiting expanding Kurdish influence along its borders. Turkey s private Haberturk newspaper said the Syrian government forces were expected to deploy at 52 locations within the week and to four locations in the next two days. The paper claimed that under the deal, the YPG had agreed to hand over heavy weapons it holds. The paper did not provide a source for the report. The Kurdish official told the AP that the reports about the YPG handing over their weapons are totally untrue. (AP) Newswatch Continued from Page 1 MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called on Monday for establishing an integrated security order in the Arabian Gulf. Russia reaffirms necessity of establishing a cohesive system bonding regional countries including Iran in the Arabian Gulf region, said Lavrov in his statement at Valdai Club Conference on the Middle East. Lavrov expressed his belief that cooperation is possible to launch dialogue involving Iran and the GCC countries for establishing such a security order in the region. The Russian proposal does not imply intention to dissolve the GCC, Lavrov said, indicating that the proposed order could be set up with support from what he termed external players. Such support can be provided; he elaborates, by the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the European Union and the five permanent members of the Security Council. (KUNA) ABU DHABI: Switzerland has not seen any major inward or outward movement of funds from Saudi Arabia, the chairman of the Swiss Bankers Association said on Monday when asked about an increase in flows following Riyadh s anti-corruption campaign. We have not observed any major movement of funds being transferred, not at all, Herbert Scheidt told reporters during a tour of the Gulf. Saudi Arabia detained dozens of top officials and businessmen last year and vowed to confiscate money and assets held by them, raising fears that authorities would also target Saudi assets parked in offshore centres such as Switzerland. (RTRS) TEHRAN, Iran: Iranian search and rescue teams on Monday reached the site of a plane crash that authorities say killed all 65 people on board, Iran s Press TV reported. The Aseman Airlines ATR- 72, a twin-engine turboprop used for short-distance regional flying, went down on Sunday in foggy weather, crashing into Mount Dena in a remote area of southern Iran. The airliner said all on board Flight EP3704 were killed, including six crew members. (AP) PARIS: France reaffirmed its commitment to the Iran nuclear deal on Monday, saying it wanted it to be strictly implemented and was continuing talks with its European and US partners on the programme. The foreign ministry said France was concerned about Iran s ballistic missile programme and its activities in the region, mentioning its support for Houthi rebels in Yemen but making no mention of its role in Syria. (RTRS) BAGHDAD: Islamic State militants ambushed a group of Iraq s Shiite-led paramilitary fighters, killing at least 27 more than two months after Baghdad declared victory over the extremist group, officials said Monday The Popular Mobilization Forces, an umbrella group of mostly Shiite militias, said in a statement that the attack took place southwest of the northern city of Kirkuk, where the paramilitaries were conducting overnight raids. (AP) BAGHDAD: An Iraqi court has sentenced a Turkish woman to death by hanging for joining Islamic State, a spokesman for the criminal court in Baghdad said in a statement on Monday. Ten other women of various nationalities were sentenced to life in prison, he said. All the verdicts can be appealed. The court has issued ten verdicts of life in prison against ten women after convicting them of terrorism, and sentenced to death by hanging another terrorist who holds Turkish citizenship, said Judge Abdul-Sattar al- Birqdar. (RTRS) HAMMURIYEH: Heavy Syrian bombardment killed 44 civilians in rebel-held Eastern Ghouta on Monday, as regime forces appeared to prepare for an imminent ground assault. The escalation came as pro-government forces were expected to enter the northern Kurdish-controlled enclave of Afrin, to take a stand against a month-old Turkish assault there. Held by rebels since 2012, Eastern Ghouta is the last opposition pocket around Damascus and Syrian President Bashar al- Assad has dispatched reinforcements there in an apparent bid to retake it. (AFP) JOHANNESBURG: Johannesburg s O.R. Tambo airport, Africa s largest, was evacuated on Monday and passengers forced to wait for two hours to return after South African officials identified a suspect bag. Images of the deserted terminal were posted to social media while other photographs showed crowds of passengers waiting on roadways for the all-clear to return inside. (AFP)

26 Saudi oil exports rose slightly in December ORPIC in talks for potential debut dollar bond sale Saudi Arabia increased its crude oil exports slightly in December to million barrels per day (bpd), offi cial data showed on Monday. OPEC s biggest producer, which has cut output since last year under an agreement between OPEC and other producers to ease a supply glut, pumped million bpd of oil in December, according to the data from the Joint Organizations Data Initiative (JODI). That was up from million bpd in November but still below Saudi s output limit of million bpd agreed under the supply pact. Saudi Arabia told OPEC that it pumped million bpd in January. Saudi exports in December rose from million bpd in November, as a seasonal drop in domestic crude demand is freeing up more oil for export during the winter months. In December, use of crude oil in Saudi Arabia to generate power fell to 260,000 bpd from 304,000 in November, the JODI data showed, as cooling temperatures reduced demand for air conditioning. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producers including Russia have extended their output curb agreement until the end of (RTRS) Oman Oil Refi neries and Petroleum Industries Co (ORPIC) is in talks with banks about a potential US dollar-denominated bond sale, sources familiar with the matter said. The company, owned by the government of Oman, has not appointed banks yet for the possible fi nancing and talks are still at an early stage, said the sources ȮRPIC, which operates four industrial plants at two locations in Muscat and Sohar, has borrowed extensively in the past through project fi nancing and bank debt, but the potential bond sale would be its fi rst deal in the international debt capital markets. The company did not respond to a request for comment. It raised a $2.8 billion loan in 2014 with a consortium of banks to fund various projects, including the expansion of its refinery in Sohar. In early 2016 it secured $3.8 billion in project fi nancing for its Liwa Plastics Industries Complex, a project with a total value of $6.5 billion. ORPIC has been in talks with a number of banks over the past few months to discuss its funding options, which one source said could also include new loans. (RTRS) Market Movements Change Closing pts AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries , JAPAN - Nikkei , S. KOREA - KRX , PHILIPPINES - All Shares , HONG KONG - Hang Seng , Change Closing pts INDIA - Sensex , GERMANY - DAX , FRANCE - CAC , EUROPE - Euro Stoxx , Business Kuwait economic update National Bank of Kuwait Bank reserves rise to KD 5 bln in Dec Credit growth slows to 3.2%; money supply growth increases KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Bank credit contracted for the third consecutive month in December, with growth slowing to 3.2% y/y. Outstanding credit declined by KD 65 million, despite the usual end-of-quarter spike in lending for the purchase of securities. Business credit was particularly weak, registering its largest monthly decline in over a year. By contrast, private deposits rose for the second consecutive month, pushing money supply growth to its most rapid pace in 13 months. Meanwhile, interest rates were higher on the month, pricing in the CBK s repo rate increase. Business credit (excluding nonbanks and securities lending) dropped by KD 225 million, with growth slowing to 3.4% y/y. The declines were in the industrial, construction, trade and other sectors. The only sector to see a noticeable gain was oil & gas, which added KD 52 million and grew by 25% y/y in December. Separately, lending for the purchase of securities rose by KD 100 million: a smaller jump than the usual end-of-quarter increases seen in the past. Meanwhile, the non-bank financial sector saw a small gain. Household lending saw a moderate gain during the month, with growth steady at 7.3% y/y. The KD 53 million net increase in household debt (personal facilities excluding securities lending) came from a KD 60 million increase in installment loans, which are used primarily for financing a home, while consumer credit shrank during the month. The contraction in consumer loans continued to widen to -4.9% y/y while installment loan growth was steady at 8.8% y/y. Private deposits rose by KD 383 million in December, on gains in KD time and foreign currency deposits. Money supply (M2) growth accelerated to 3.8% y/y. Meanwhile, government deposits, which have been weakening over the last year, saw a small KD 51 million gain, with growth at just 0.9% y/y. The banking system s liquid reserves edged higher in December. Bank reserves (cash, deposits with the CBK, and CBK bonds) increased by KD 271 million to KD 5 billion or 7.9% of bank assets. This coincided with the absence of public debt issuance in December; in fact, outstanding domestic public debt instruments (PDIs) were steady at KD 4.77 billion, or an estimated 12% of GDP. Domestic rates were higher in December, pricing in the CBK s 25 basis point increase in the repo rate. Customer deposit rates were up 8-11 basis points across the board. The average 3-month interbank rate rose one basis point in December to settle at 1.80%. Rates have moved higher since, with the 3-month Kibor now at 1.88%. Kingdom wants long-dated crude price ideally at $70/b sources For timing of Aramco IPO, watch forward oil price curve LONDON, Feb 19, (RTRS): It s the burning question in the oil industry: when will Saudi Arabia pull the trigger on the Aramco stock market listing? Many industry experts are focusing on the current level of oil prices. However another key consideration for Saudi officials in floating up to 5 percent of the state oil producer is where they see prices in one to two years time, two sources close to the IPO said. The Riyadh government is carefully analysing the future price curve structure in oil markets because it regards prices further out as an important element in achieving a high valuation in what could be the biggest initial public offering in history, Near-record imbalance remains source of downside risk Hedge funds lighten bullish positions in oil LONDON, Feb 19, (RTRS): Petroleum markets were hit by a heavy bout of profit-taking in the second week of February as hedge funds liquidated some of the record long positions they accumulated over the previous seven months. Hedge funds and other money managers cut their combined net long position in the six most important petroleum futures and options contracts by the equivalent of 152 million barrels in the week to Feb 13. Fund managers have now cut the combined net long position in Brent, NYMEX and ICE, US gasoline, US heating oil and European gasoil by a total of 215 million barrels over the three most recent weeks. Even so, the combined net long position is still 959 million barrels higher than at the end of June 2017, when fund managers began to turn bullish. The most recent week saw large reductions in net long positions in Brent (-32 million barrels) and WTI (-31 million barrels). Move paves way for Germany s Weidmann to replace Draghi EU chooses Spaniard for ECB vice-chair BRUSSELS, Feb 19, (RTRS): Eurozone finance ministers on Monday chose Spanish Economy Minister Luis de Guindos to succeed European Central Bank Vice President Vitor Constancio in May, a move likely to boost the chances of a German becoming head of the ECB next year. The choice of a Southern European for vice president increases the likelihood that a northerner such as German Bundesbank governor Jens Weidmann could be elected to replace Mario Draghi as head of the ECB in This could influence the bank s ultraloose monetary policy. The Eurogroup (of euro zone finance ministers) today gave its support to the candidacy of Luis de Guindos for the position of Vice President of the European Central Bank (ECB), an EU statement said after a brief discussion among finance ministers. But in proportionate terms, there were even larger reductions in European gasoil (-38 million barrels), US heating oil (-32 million barrels) and US gasoline (-20 million barrels). Refined fuels accounted for 25 percent of hedge fund managers net long position in the petroleum complex but almost 60 percent of the liquidation in the week to Feb 13. The reduction in net long positions across the complex was the largest pull for nine months, according to position records published by exchanges and regulators. In every contract, the liquidation of long positions far outstripped the creation of new short ones, indicating fund managers were realising some profits after the strong rally in oil prices, rather than turning outright bearish. Portfolio managers positioning remains very lopsided across the complex, with longs outnumbering shorts by a ratio of more than 10:1, down from almost 12:1 at the end of January, but still exceptionally high. The near-record imbalance remains De Guindos said he would resign as Economy Minister within days after being chosen as ECB Vice-President. Initially faced with two candidates de Guindos and Irish central bank governor Philip Lane the ministers had their choice made simple for them by Ireland s decision to withdraw Lane s name. I believe that it is crucial that the election of a new Vice-President for the ECB is based on consensus, and should not be a source for any disagreement, Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said in a statement. In that context, I have decided that, on balance, it would be in the interests of the Euro-area as a whole to withdraw Philip s candidacy in advance of any vote, he said, adding that de Guindos had an excellent track record. Ministers said the appointment of De Guindos should be finalised by EU the sources told Reuters. Ideally, so-called long-dated prices for one and two years ahead need to move at least $10 higher to around $70 per barrel for the government to be happy to launch the listing, said the sources, who declined to be named as the information is confidential. When will the ideal moment come? said one of the sources. Maybe you should also look at the forward curve for oil... as the forward curve will be key for investors valuing Aramco. The Saudi energy ministry and Saudi Aramco did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Many considerations are likely to influence the IPO timing, and the final decision may rest with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. But if longdated prices at around $70 are an important factor, this could indicate a listing may be some way away. a significant source of downside risk Brent oil futures for March 2019 and could lead to a further sharp drop are valued now at $60.60, about a $4 in oil prices if anything triggers further profit-taking. discount to the $64.50 current spot Fund managers still hold more than price, and for two years away at 1,400 million barrels of long positions $ in petroleum futures and options, a Saudi officials have given few clues scale that was unprecedented until two about the IPO, with energy minister months ago. Khalid al-falih and finance minister There are fewer than 140 million Mohammed al-jadaan saying only that barrels of hedge fund short positions, the government will proceed when which is close to the lowest level since the time is right. prices started falling in 2014, and Spot and long-dated prices often do means there will be little support from not move together. Immediate prices short-covering should prices fall. are more influenced by developments But the fundamental backdrop remains strong, with oil consumption ages or natural disasters, while prices such as politically driven supply out- growing rapidly, reported inventories further down the curve are more affected by broader expectations of supply declining and OPEC signalling production cuts will be extended through and demand, factoring in issues such the end of as OPEC output policy and the rise of Strong fundamentals have discouraged aggressive short-selling and con- Spot prices rose to a three-year high electric vehicles. vinced many fund managers to retain above $70 in January but have since (most of) their existing long positions slid nearly 15 percent together with a despite the recent pull back in crude broader decline in the stock markets prices. due to fears about global inflation as well as renewed concerns about rising US oil production. The concern about long-dated prices could also cast OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia s oil-supply policies in a new light. The kingdom has orchestrated a global oil output cut deal to support prices, a move which Reuters has previously reported was partly driven by leaders in a regular summit on March The European Parliament s a desire to maximise Aramco s valuation for the IPO. economic committee, which has only a consultative role, said after an informal Falih has repeatedly said he sees hearing of both candidates last week OPEC cuts lasting until the end of that Lane was a better choice, but euro 2018 and even then that the exit would zone officials said de Guindos was the be very gradual comments that favourite. helped support not only near-term but Spain, the euro zone s fourth-largest also longer-dated prices. economy, has not had a representative The Saudi government says Aramco on the executive board of the ECB is worth $2 trillion and aims to list on since Jose Manuel Gonzalez-Paramo s one or more foreign stock exchanges in term ended in addition to Riyadh. Ireland has never held a post in the Saudi sources have said the listing ECB at all, but Lane is widely seen as on a local bourse could happen before a top candidate to become ECB chief the international listing. It is not clear economist when Peter Praet leaves his if the forward oil price indicator will position next year, euro zone officials be a key consideration for the timing said. of a local listing. The IPO is a central The choice of a Southern European part of the crown prince s reform drive for vice president could pave the way aimed at restructuring the kingdom s for Weidmann to be elected at the head economy and reducing its dependence of the ECB next year. on oil revenue. ABLV accused of sanctions busting Latvia rocked by US probe, cenbank chief s detention RIGA, Feb 19, (RTRS): Latvia s third-biggest bank sought emergency financial support on Monday after US officials accused it of helping breach North Korean sanctions, hours after the central bank governor was arrested over separate bribery allegations. The financial sector in Latvia, a small euro zone state that shares a border with Russia, has come under wider scrutiny for being a conduit for illicit financial activities. ABLV Bank was ordered by the European Central Bank to stop all payments as its liquidity position had deteriorated sharply since the US Treasury accused it of allowing clients to conduct business with North Korea. The Treasury s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FCEN) said bank executives and management had bribed Latvian officials to cover up their activities. ABLV has institutionalized money laundering as a pillar of the bank s business practices, the FCEN said in a statement linking some of the alleged activities to North Korea s ballistic missiles program. The bank has said the US accusations were based on unfounded and misleading information. The Latvian central bank said it had agreed to provide 97.5 million euros worth of funding to ABLV but the bank had yet to receive the money. ABLV said it had ample collateral so was not seeking a bailout, just temporary liquidity support. The bank will hold a news conference at 1500 GMT. Gained The economy in Latvia, which gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, has boomed in recent years. Its commercial banking sector is dominated by Nordic banks alongside a number of privately-owned local lenders. In its document detailing the allegations against ABLV, the FCEN said the reliance of the Latvian banking system on non-resident deposits for capital exposed it to increased illicit finance risk. It said such deposits amounted to roughly $13 billion. Non-resident banking in Latvia allows offshore companies, including shell companies, to hold accounts and transact through Latvian banks, it said, adding criminal groups and corrupt officials may use such schemes to hide true beneficiaries or create fraudulent business transactions. (Former Soviet Union) actors often transfer their capital via Latvia, frequently through complex and interconnected legal structures, to various banking locales in order to reduce scrutiny of transactions and lower the transactions risk rating. In a separate development, Latvia s anti-corruption authority said it had detained central bank governor Ilmars Rimsevics, an ECB policymaker, over the weekend for demanding a bribe. Connected It said its investigation was not connected to the probe into ABLV. (Rimsevics arrest)... is about demanding a bribe of no less than 100,000 euros, Jekabs Straume, the head of Latvia s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau told reporters at a news conference. Rimsevics lawyer said the central bank governor rejected the allegations made by the anticorruption authority. But they (the allegations) have been expressed only orally, so we have not seen a specific document at the moment, Saulvedis Varpins said. Neither the police nor the anticorruption authority gave details of the alleged request for a bribe. Latvia s government increased pressure on the central bank boss to quit. I can t imagine that a governor of the Bank of Latvia detained over such a serious accusation could work, Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis said on Monday. After joining the European Union in 2003, Latvia adopted the euro as its currency at the start of 2014, a move which gave its central bank governor a seat on the currency bloc s top policymaking council. Rimsevics was arrested on Saturday after police searched his office and home. He can be held for 48 hours, a period which is due to expire late on Monday. The European Commission said on Monday that Rimsevics detention was a matter for Latvian authorities.

27 BUSINESS 27 Richard Branson announces Hyperloop plan for India Siemens plans to float Healthineers in H Virgin Hyperloop One, the futuristic transport startup backed by British tycoon Richard Branson, has announced plans for a superfast rail network linking India s fi nancial capital Mumbai to the city of Pune. The proposed hyperloop which aims to deliver transport at near-supersonic speeds in sealed tubes would reduce travel time between the Indian cities from 3 hours to around 25 minutes, the company said. Branson said Sunday the company had signed a preliminary agreement with the Maharashtra state government to build the fi rst phase of a hyperloop network that could eventually crisscross India. I believe Virgin Hyperloop One could have the same impact upon India in the 21st century as trains did in the 20th century, Branson said in a statement. The proposed route would connect Mumbai s secondary airport in Navi Mumbai with Pune city, located 150 kilometres away. Branson, whose Virgin Group entered a partnership with California startup Hyperloop One in October, said a demonstration track would be built within two to three years of the fi nal agreement. (AFP) Industrial giant Siemens on Monday said it plans to list its Healthineers medical unit in the first half of 2018, in what is expected to be Germany s largest initial public offering in over two decades. The group said it would fl oat a meaningful minority share in the medical equipment division on the Frankfurt stock exchange to create a liquid market for the Siemens Healthineers shares. The IPO is expected to be completed in the first half of year 2018, subject to capital market conditions, it said in a statement. German media have speculated that Siemens will sell off a 15-to- 25 percent stake in Healthineers. They have described the fl o- tation, expected to raise some nine billion euros ($11.2 billion), as the country s largest since Deutsche Telekom s roughly 10-billion-euro IPO in Siemens gave no such details in its statement, saying only that it will retain a majority stake in Siemens Healthineers in the long term. Siemens Healthineers is now ready for its market debut, said Michael Sen, a member of the Siemens managing board. Healthineers, which makes medical devices such as X-ray machines and lab diagnostics gear, is one of Siemens largest and most profitable divisions and a leading player worldwide in industry. (AFP) Event aims to share insights on markets and industry with clients and investors NBK Capital hosts fourth annual Investment Forum KUWAIT CITY, Feb 20: Watani Investment Company (NBK Capital) hosted its fourth annual Investment Forum entitled The Insight during which the Company s economic, investment and asset management experts presented an outlook on the dynamics and developments in the investment industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Also speaking at the Forum were financial experts from regional and international companies whom focused on investment solutions and ideas to provide analysis-based insights to investors. Through such forums, NBK Capital aims to provide its clients and investors with insights on the latest development and trends in the investment industry, giving them expert opinion in the world of finance and offering them valuable recommendations to help shareholders make informed investment decisions to benefit their investments. In his talk, Chief Executive Officer of NBK Capital, Faisal Al- Hamad, said, We are pleased to host our fourth annual Forum, a vital platform allowing us to exchange insights, open a dialogue and further strengthen our partnership with clients amidst fluctuations in the local, regional and global financial markets and the rapid developments in technologies. Our ultimate goal is to continue developing innovative financial solutions that address the specific investment needs of our clients. Participants in the Forum discussed key economic and financial challenges affecting today s markets, including a presentation titled Global Markets Review & Outlook highlighting challenges and opportunities in global markets. It was mentioned that strong growth and slowly rising inflation can keep the rally going, and we should expect more volatility after the completion of Brexit by coming Autumn. The investors should beware of political risks in 2018, even though emerging markets may look healthy and promising. NBK Capital Managing Director Concert brings back nostalgic memories of MENA Asset Management, Dr Husayn Shahrur, have a presentation on The Interplay Between Active and Passive Investing, highlighting historical evidence from global and regional markets showing how investment evolves from focusing on single products and performance to solutions based on outcomes and goals. NBK Capital Smart Wealth Chief Executive Officer, Fahed Al Bader, Al Mulla Exchange conducts 156th and 157th shows KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Al Mulla Exchange concluded their 156th and 157th shows at American International School for their Indian customers. The 2-day concert was led by Shrikant Narayan popularly known as the voice of Mohammed Rafi, a legendary singer and composer. He was accompanied by the very talented Jayant Pingulkar, Shefali Taggarsi, Mona Prabhugaonkar and anchor Renu Saxena. The customers were taken back to the yesteryears popularly known as the Golden Era of Hindi music. Customers form the central sphere of our business and we are excited to conduct such events continuously for our customers, said R. Shankar, General Manager of Al Mulla Exchange speaking at the event. He also pointed out the introduction of the Al Mulla Faisal Al-Hamad welcoming the guests Photos from the event. Exchange App, the first remittance app in Kuwait. This is now available on the Google Play store for Android phones and will be soon available on the App store. The App has been designed keeping in mind simplicity, ease of usage and the best user interface immersive technology. Overall the customer experience will be unparalleled. Al Mulla Exchange has been known as a pioneer in the field of remittances. Starting from being the first to introduce RTGS, NEFT in Kuwait which led to the demise of an obsolete draft product, Al Mulla Exchange showed the way for 3 seconds credit with the API technology. Now remittances through Al Mulla Exchange gets credited within split seconds enabling beneficiaries to withdraw money almost immediately. Al Mulla Exchange website and the online portal has also undergone a major haul. The website and the portal is now in sync with the best according to global standards with the customer able to navigate through the website and the online portal effortlessly. The App which is an extension of the online complements the ease of use for the customer. Customers get to gain more by being a client of Al Mulla Exchange. Other than the free events conducted by them, some of the value-added services that are provided by Al Mulla Exchange include the free loyalty points which lead to sending transactions without commission and the free insurance coverage which has benefited more than 200 families since they had started the program. Dutch review finds 72 errors in recent tax deals AMSTERDAM, Feb 19, (RTRS): The Dutch Finance Ministry said on Monday a review of tax deals offered to international companies found 72 mistakes, including five cases in which decisions were either wrong or likely wrong, and tax policies should be revised in some ways. The Dutch government is carrying out modest reforms to its tax policies, which contain provisions seen as lax by critics but as necessary by The Hague to attract foreign business. The policies include so-called advance rulings, which can include arrangements wherein a tax authority approves in advance prices one branch of a company charges another when they do business. Multinationals value the certainty advance tax rulings bring, while critics say they are often used to shift profits into zero tax jurisdictions. Tax campaigners say that the Netherlands and Luxembourg specifically rubber-stamp such deals in order to attract investment and jobs. In addition, such deals are also often not available to smaller or less sophisticated firms. The results of this review...give cause to revise in some ways giving advance rulings, Deputy Finance Minister Menno Snel said in a letter to Parliament. However, the Cabinet remains a steadfast advocate for giving clarity to taxpayers at an early stage. The ministry began reviewing all deals offered to international companies in the period in November, after being stung by a leak that showed it failed to follow its own vetting procedures in a 2008 case involving Procter & Gamble, though it said that deal did not contain errors of substance. Panel discussion hosted by international analysts and specialists in the real estate sector. PARIS, Feb 19, (Agencies): EU Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said Sunday he does not expect a perfect accord on reforming the single currency at an EU summit in June. We won t get everything, we won t have a perfect accord, but if there is progress on crisis management, the ability to combat shocks... we will have made a great step forward, he told French radio RFI on the eve of a meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels. As the 19-nation currency area finally emerges from years of crisis, there is agreement in many eurozone capitals that it must be buttressed to better weather future economic storms -- but not all countries agree on how best to do it. Moscovici said a real window of opportunity opened last year with the election of reformist President Emmanuel Macron. The French leader has set out an ambitious vision for European reforms, including having a separate eurozone budget and finance minister. But the window will probably close in the run-up to next year s European Parliament elections, discussed innovations in investment management and the use of technology to drive best-in-class solutions, emphasizing on the convenience and efficiency of digital investment solutions. The Forum concluded with a panel discussion hosted by international analysts and specialists in the real estate sector to share thoughts on mature real estate markets. Speakers stressed that investors appetite for real estate continues to grow and discussed means and opportunities that generate valuable returns. Discussions also showed the importance of efficient and professional management of financial assets, today more than ever. Since its inception in 2005, NBK Capital prides itself on a reach and scale that is global, a focus that is regional and a service level that always remains personal. Ratings upgrade lifts Greek debt Italy succumbs to pre-election nerves LONDON, Feb 19, (RTRS): Greek government bond yields dipped on Monday after a ratings upgrade from Fitch that highlighted improving sentiment towards the country while Italian bonds came under pressure from jitters ahead of next month s election. Bond yields across the euro zone were broadly higher in the absence of any fresh drivers with overall trade subdued due to holidays in Asia and the United States. Greece was the exception following news on Friday that Fitch had upgraded Greece s long-term rating to B from B- and kept its outlook positive despite its debts. Fitch said general government debt sustainability would improve on sustained economic growth and reduced political risks. That marks the second ratings upgrade this year S&P Global Ratings last month lifted Greek ratings for the first time in two years on improvements in the finances and fiscal outlook. Sentiment has been boosted by expectations that Greece will exit its latest bailout in August and get debt relief from its international creditors. Greece s ratings story is on track and strongly supported by progress in reforms, said DZ Bank rates strategist Sebastian Fellechner. Keep in mind that it is possible that Greece will get debt relief, which is a supportive factor. Euro zone finance ministers meet in Brussels later on Monday, with Greece s economic adjustment programme expected to be among the topics of discussion. Greece s 10-year bond yield was down 5 basis points at 4.23 percent, pulling the gap over top-rated German bond yields to 351 bps and close to its tightest in a week. Outside Greece, 10-year bond yields in the euro area were 2-4 basis points higher. Italy was the laggard, with the premium investors demand for holding Italian bonds over German ones rising to 131 bps from around 128 bps on Friday. Analysts cited some unease among investors ahead of the March 4 national election. Silvio Berlusconi s centre-right bloc has a clear lead but is unlikely to win a working majority, a batch of final opinion polls showed on Friday, pointing to possible political deadlock. Under a new, untested voting system introduced last year, the next Italian government will need to have won about 40 percent of the vote for a working majority, some pollsters say, but results in dozens of marginal, firstpast-the-post constituencies, especially in the south, will prove crucial. This leaves the door open to a possible surprise triumph for Berlusconi s bloc, which has an average of around 36 percent in seven polls released on Thursday and Friday. EMF should be independent of Commission: Regling EU single currency reform won t be perfect Moscovici said. The left-right grand coalition reached in EU powerhouse Germany last week between Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Social Democrats is cautiously supportive of Macron s reform proposals. But Moscovici, France s former finance minister, said Sunday that while he was in favour of a real eurozone budget... we know we won t have it. He said he nevertheless hoped we take the first real steps forward at the June summit. Also: BERLIN: The European Monetary Fund (EMF) being planned to replace the eurozone bailout fund should be controlled by member states and independent of the European Commission, the fund s head Klaus Regl ing said on Monday. The Commission wants the European Stability Mechanism to become an EU institution governed by a separate treaty signed by eurozone countries. Regling said the ESM should be an intergovernmental body controlled by eurozone member states. It would be good for the ESM to be included in the EU treaty, Regling told the Ausburger Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper. However, the path proposed by the Commission is ambiguous. What I would like for the ESM is a role similar to the European Investment Bank. It is expressly mentioned in the EU Treaty but is relatively independent of the Commission and largely controlled by the member states, he said. Such arrangements for the ESM are only achievable through modifications to the EU treaty, which is unlikely to happen in coming years, said Regling. The Commission last year unveiled a package of proposals on deeper economic integration of the 19 countries that share the euro, aimed at making the single currency area more resilient to crises. Those included turning the ESM into a full-blown European Monetary Fund. The main task of the ESM now is to lend cash to governments that have been cut off from markets in exchange for reforms that put their economies back on track. It has helped Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Cyprus over the past few years.

28 BUSINESS 28 Dutch flights canceled Dutch budget carrier Transavia has canceled or delayed dozens of flights because of a strike by pilots angry at the lack of progress in months of negotiations toward a new collective labor agreement. Transavia, part of the Air France KLM group, posted an online list of the service disruptions, which are expected to last until noon (1100 GMT; 6 am EST) Monday. The Dutch pilots association and Transavia blamed one another for the strike. The association says that Transavia pilots working at Schiphol, Eindhoven and Rotterdam-The Hague airports see no other option than to stop work. (AP) Name: Kuwait Sharia Compatible Indices Providers: Al Madar Finance & Investment Co. Description: Index of Sharia compatible companies traded on the KSE Website: Bloomberg Today s Today s 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 Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Composite AMIC February 19, % -0.99% 2.57% 0.92% % 15.74% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Kuwait Only AMIC February 19, % -0.90% 2.75% 1.09% -8.47% 15.00% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Active AMIC February 19, % -3.33% -0.51% -1.38% % 18.85% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Banking Sector AMIC February 19, % -0.35% 9.41% 3.27% -4.91% 15.97% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Investment Sector AMIC February 19, % -1.63% -2.60% -3.74% % 17.07% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Insurance Sector AMIC February 19, % -1.91% -9.64% % % 21.07% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Real Estate Sector AMIC February 19, % 1.64% 11.00% 9.19% -4.41% 12.62% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Industrial Sector AMIC February 19, % -1.04% 4.61% 2.14% -1.66% 28.18% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Services Sector AMIC February 19, % -1.31% 0.69% -2.54% -1.56% 29.85% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Food Sector AMIC February 19, % -2.23% % -4.31% % % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Islamic Sector AMIC February 19, % -0.93% 8.19% 3.23% -8.61% 22.41% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Non Kuwaiti Sector AMIC February 19, % % -9.06% % % 37.14% Kuwait Stock Exchange Index - Price KWSEIDX February 19, , , % 0.05% 7.69% 4.73% -1.18% 30.54% S&P 500 SPX February 18, , , % 4.30% 5.81% 1.66% 16.21% 41.80% DJ Islamic Index. DJIM February 18, , , % 3.98% 3.75% 1.66% 20.21% 40.61% SINGAPORE, Feb 19, (AFP): Singapore announced Monday it would raise its sales tax for the first time in years to support an ageing population, but unexpectedly delayed the measure until at least The tiny city-state has long had low taxes. Supporters say this has attracted global companies and wealthy expatriates, and helped to spur its rapid development from a down-at-heel port to an affluent financial hub. But the model is coming under pressure as the population ages and birth rates remain low, with the government expecting the number of those aged over 65 to double by 2030 meaning authorities have to find more money for healthcare and welfare. Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) would be increased by two percentage points from 7.0 to 9.0 percent but not until sometime between 2021 and Heng also announced that spending on healthcare would increase to Sg$10.2 billion ($7.7 billion) this year, over double the amount spent in 2011, as the government builds new hospitals and other healthcare facilities and raises healthcare subsidies. In the coming decade, with an ageing population and an increasing chronic disease burden, the demands on families and government will rise, Heng said as he unveiled the measure in Singapore s 2018 budget. GST, which is levied on everything from buying a TV to visiting a spa, was last raised in In the budget, Heng also extended sales tax to include imported services such as consultancy and marketing with effect from Some analysts said the ruling party, which has been in charge for decades, may have decided to delay the GST rise to avoid inflicting economic pain on voters in the country of 5.6 million before elections due by They are deferring the pain to possibly after general elections, Selena Ling, an economist from Singapore s OCBC bank, told local TV station Channel NewsAsia. But Song Seng Wun, regional economist with CIMB Private Banking, believed the delay was to give the government time to ramp up spending on healthcare and in other areas, so people understood the GST hike was necessary when it happened. Giving a long lead time of at least three years and... in the meantime do what they said they will do, like spending on healthcare and infrastructure this will soften the blow when the GST is finally hiked, he said. Even after the hike, Singapore will still have one of the lowest sales taxes in Asia. Australia and South Korea both have sales taxes of 10 percent, although rival financial hub Hong Kong has no GST. There was also no increase in personal income tax or corporate tax in the budget. Spending on healthcare to increase to $7.7 bln this year Ageing Singapore to raise key tax for first time in years Japan logs first trade deficit in eight months A container is unloaded onto a truck at the international cargo terminal at Tokyo s port on Feb 19. Japan logged a trade deficit in January, the first negative figure in eight months, as imports of fossil fuel overwhelmed the revenue from exports, government data showed on Feb 19. (AFP) Imports jump 8% TOKYO, Feb 19, (AP): Japan s trade sector started out the year on a strong note though it slipped into deficit for the first time in eight months due to higher oil prices and seasonal factors. Customs data released Monday showed imports rose 8 percent from a year earlier to 7.03 trillion yen ($66 billion). Exports jumped 12 percent to 6.09 trillion yen ($57.1 billion), leaving a deficit of billion yen ($8.8 billion). Exports to China jumped 30 percent from a year earlier. Oil prices have gained over the past year, rising from about $55 per barrel in January 2017 to more than $70 per barrel for part of last month. As a resource-scarce nation, Japan imports nearly all of its non-renewable energy needs. Imports of oil, gas and coal jumped nearly 10 percent in January from a year earlier, to almost 1.6 trillion yen ($15 billion). South Korea urges stern response to new US tariffs SEOUL, Feb 19, (AFP): South Korean President Moon Jae-in called Monday for a stern response to new US tariffs on the South s exports as concern grew over looming trade restrictions by Washington. US President Donald Trump last week threatened retaliatory action against China and South Korea and vowed to revise or scrap a 2012 free trade deal with the South which he described as a disaster. Trump also put his America First doctrine into action last month by imposing duties of 20 to 50 percent on large washing machines made in nations including the South, as well as tariffs on solar panels imported from China and elsewhere. Seoul has said it would take the issue to the World Trade Organization while Beijing expressed strong dissatisfaction with the move, adopted to protect US manufacturers. The trade frictions have strained ties at a time when Seoul and Washington are seeking to present a united front against North Korea s nuclear threat. Moon, at a meeting with aides, expressed concern over intensifying protectionism that may take a toll on the South s export-reliant economy also the world s 11th largest. I am concerned that widening restrictions by the US on our exports, including steel, electronics, solar panels and washing machines, may take a toll on the exports despite their global competitiveness, he said. I d like (officials) to respond to unreasonable protectionist measures in a confident and stern manner by... reviewing whether the measures violate the current Korea-US free trade pact, he said. Moon also urged officials to actively argue the unfairness of the tariffs when renegotiating the bilateral free trade deal. Gitanjali exec resigns Govt says PNB fraud points to supervisory failure at RBI MUMBAI/NEW DELHI, Feb 19, (RTRS): India s government has said the $1.77 billion fraud at staterun Punjab National Bank (PNB) was a manifestation of supervisory failure at the country s central bank, local media reported on Monday. In a letter to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the government said the failure to detect the fraud, the biggest ever in India s banking sector, raised questions about the central bank s efficacy of supervision to detect and check systemic failure, NewsRise and other local media reported. Either the framework designed by RBI to prevent and detect such frauds is inadequate or RBI is unable to ensure its effective implementation, they quoted the letter as saying. The RBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday, which was a holiday in Mumbai. A finance ministry spokesman declined comment. Rajeev Kumar, the top government bureaucrat overseeing banks, told Reuters in New Delhi the finance ministry had written to the country s banks to take effective steps to avoid a repeat of a PNBlike fraud. Kumar declined to comment if the government had written to the RBI. Federal The government action comes as federal police briefly locked down the PNB branch in south Mumbai that was at the heart of the scam and continued searches on Monday to gather evidence. The bank would have been closed on Monday anyway because of the holiday. A source at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said the branch was likely to resume operations on Tuesday. Besides searching the premises, the police also questioned more PNB officials on Monday, the CBI source said, taking the total number bank staff who have been questioned so far to 13. Three people, including two employees of PNB, India s second largest state-run lender, were arrested and presented before a Mumbai court over the weekend in the case that involves billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi. Police also questioned some executives from Nirav Modi s group, the source said. The bank has said that the two employees arrested by police colluded with companies belonging to Modi and another jeweller Mehul Choksi, who heads jewellery retailer Gitanjali Gems Ltd and other companies. Jeweller Modi, whose clients include Hollywood stars such as Kate Winslet and Dakota Johnson, has not commented on the allegations. Police have said Modi and his family left India before PNB filed a complaint on the alleged fraud. Choksi has also not commented, and police have said he also left India last month. Lent PNB has said the two bank officials issued fraudulent letters of undertaking to overseas branches of other Indian banks which lent money to the jewellers based on the guarantee from PNB. All the letters of undertaking were issued by the two employees who were working at the Brady Road branch in south Mumbai. PNB shares slid for a fourth straight day on Monday, closing 7.2 percent lower. The sell off has wiped out about $1.7 billion, or more than a quarter of the bank s market value, since it disclosed the fraud last Wednesday. Meanwhile in a sign of the widening fallout from the PNB case, shares of Choksi s Gitanjali Gems fell 9.9 percent after its chief financial officer and company secretary resigned on Monday. In a letter shared with stock exchanges, Company Secretary Pankhuri Warange said she was resigning because of the company s lack of disclosure despite her advice to be forthcoming. I have advised the management on the required disclosures to be made. There is however no consensus in my opinion on the disclosures to be made and that of the management, and in these circumstances, my conscience doesn t permit me to continue with my position, she wrote. Warange did not disclose additional details. The other executive, Chief Financial Officer Chandrakant Karkare, cited his wife s health as the reason for his resignation, according to a Gitanjali filing to stock exchanges. investment funds Funds Fund Manager Valuation Valued date Currency Net Asset Prev NAV Prev NAV Dated Value (NAV) National Bank of Kuwait Money Market Funds Watani KD Money Market Fund II NBK Capital Weekly Feb 13, 2018 KD Jan 30, 2018 Watani USD Money Market Fund NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Feb 13, 2018 USD Jan 30, 2018 Watani KD Money Market Fund (Acc to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Feb 13, 2018 KD Jan 30, 2018 Watani USD Money Market Fund (Acc to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Feb 13, 2018 USD Jan 30, 2018 NBK Kuwait Equity Fund Watani Investment Co. Weekly Feb 8, 2018 KD Jan 25, 2018 Gulf Equity Investment Fund Watani Investment Co. Weekly Feb 8, 2018 USD Jan 25, 2018 Regional Bond and Sukuk Investment Fund NBK Capital Weekly Feb 8, 2018 USD Jan 25, 2018 Gulf Bank Al Basha er GCC Equity Fund Kwt. Fin. & Inv. Co. & Gulf Fin. House Monthly Jan 31, 2018 USD Dec 31, 2017 Coast Fund Coast Investment & Dev. Co. Monthly Jan 31, 2018 KD Dec 31, 2017 Markaz Real Estate Fund Bi-annual Jan 31, 2018 KD Dec 31, 2017 Al Ahli Bank Al Ahli Gulf Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly Jan 31, 2018 KD Dec 31, 2017 Al Ahli Kuwaiti Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly Jan 31, 2018 KD Dec 31, 2017 Burgan Bank Burgan Equity Fund Burgan Bank Monthly Jan 2, 2018 KD Nov 26, 2017 Boubyan Bank Boubyan KD Money Market Fund Boubyan Bank Weekly Jan 30, 2018 KD Jan 16, 2018 Boubyan KD Money Market Fund II Boubyan Bank Weekly Jan 30, 2018 KD Jan 16, 2018 Boubyan Capital Investment Co. Boubyan USD Liquidity Fund Boubyan Capital Investment Co Jan 30, 2018 USD Jan 16, 2018 Boubyan Multi-Asset Holding Fund Boubyan Bank Jan 30, 2018 USD Sept 30, 2017 Kuwait Investment Co. Local Fund Al Raed Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Jan 31, 2018 KD Jan 18, 2018 Kuwait Investment Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Jan 31, 2018 KD Dec 28, 2017 Al Hilal Fund Kuwait Investment Co Monthly Feb 5, 2018 KD Jan 29, 2018 Al Atheer Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Dec 30, 2017 KD Nov 30, 2017 International Global Bond Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Jan 31, 2018 USD Jan 17, 2018 Diversified Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Feb 7, 2018 USD Jan 31, 2018 European Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Dec 29, 2017 Euro Nov 30, 2017 Pacific Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Feb 7, 2018 USD Jan 17, 2018 North American Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Tw. Monthly Dec 29, 2017 USD Nov 30, 2017 National Investment Co. (NIC) Al-Wataniya Fund NIC Monthly Dec 31, 2017 KD Nov 30, 2017 Al-Darij Fund NIC Monthly Dec 31, 2017 KD Nov 30, 2017 Mawarid Fund NIC Monthly Dec 31, 2017 KD Nov 30, 2017 Zajil Fund NIC Monthly Dec 31, 2017 KD Nov 30, 2017 Al Mada Investment Fund NIC Weekly Dec 31, 2017 USD Nov 30, 2017 Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) Mumtaz Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Feb 8, 2018 KD Jan 25, 2018 MIDAF Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Feb 8, 2018 KD Jan 25, 2018 Islamic Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Feb 8, 2018 KD Jan 25, 2018 FORSA Financial Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly Dec 31, 2017 KD Nov 30, 2017 Real Estate Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly Dec 31, 2017 KD Nov 30, 2017 Markaz Fixed Income Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly Feb 8, 2018 USD Jan 25, 2018 Markaz MENA Islamic Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Dec 31, 2017 USD Jan 15, 2018 Funds Fund Manager Valuation Valued date Currency Net Asset Prev NAV Prev NAV Dated Value (NAV) Kuwait & Middle East Financial & Inv. Co. Al Rou yah Fund KMEFIC Monthly Nov 30, 2017 KD Sept 30, 2017 Global Investment House Index Funds GCC Large Cap Index Fund Global Weekly Feb 8, 2018 KD Jan 25, 2018 Equity Funds Al-Mamoun Fund A Global Weekly Feb 8, 2018 KD Jan 25, 2018 Al-Mamoun Fund B Global Weekly Feb 8, 2018 KD Jan 25, 2018 GCC Large Cap Fund Global Bi-weekly Feb 6, 2018 USD Jan 23, 2018 Global Saudi Equity Fund Global Bi-weekly Feb 6, 2018 SAR Jan 23, 2018 Sectoral Funds EPADI Fund Global Weekly Feb 6, 2018 USD Jan 23, 2018 Islamic Funds Global GCC Islamic Fund Global Weekly Feb 6, 2018 USD Jan 23, 2018 Al-Durra Islamic Fund Global Monthly Feb 8, 2018 KD Jan 25, 2018 Kuwait Finance & Investment Co (KFIC) Al Wasm Fund KFIC Weekly Jan 31, 2018 KD Jan 10, 2018 Al Basha er GCC Equity Fund KFIC Monthly Jan 31, 2018 USD Dec 31, 2017 KAMCO KAMCO Investment Fund KAMCO Monthly Nov 30, 2017 KD Oct 31, 2017 KAMCO Real Estate Yield Fund KAMCO Dec 31, 2017 USD Oct 31, 2017 Wafra International Investment Co. Wafra Equity Fund Wafra Co. Monthly Dec 31, 2017 KD Nov 30, 2017 Wafra Bond Fund Wafra Co. Monthly Dec 31, 2017 KD Nov 30, 2017 Masaref Investment Fund ISKAN Weekly Dec 31, 2017 KD Nov 30, 2017 Fajir Islamic Fund Wafra Co. Monthly Dec 31, 2017 KD Nov 30, 2017 Al Aman Investment Al Aman Islamic Fund Al Aman Investment Weekly Dec 30, 2017 KD Nov 30, 2017 Tharwa Investment Co. Tharwa Investment Fund Tharwa Investment Co Weekly Feb 1, 2018 KD Jan 18, 2018 Tharwa Islamic Fund Tharwa Investment Co Monthly Feb 1, 2018 KD Jan 18, 2018 Bank Al-Bilad Al Seef Fund Bank Al-Bilad Daily Feb 14, 2018 KD Feb 4, 2018 Commercial International Bank CIB Money Market Fund (Osoul) CI Asset Management Weekly Feb 14, 2018 EGP Feb 7, 2018 CIB II Equity (Isthethmar) CI Asset Management Weekly Feb 14, 2018 EGP Feb 7, 2018 CIB and Faisal Islamic Al Aman CI Asset Management Weekly Feb 14, 2018 EGP Feb 7, 2018 Hemaya CI Asset Management Weekly Feb 1, 2018 EGP Jan 2, 2018 Thabat CI Asset Management Weekly Feb 19, 2018 EGP Feb 7, 2018 Takamol CI Asset Management Weekly Feb 19, 2018 EGP Feb 7, 2018 Misr El Mostakbel CI Asset Management Weekly Feb 19, 2018 EGP Feb 4, 2018 KFH Capital Investment Co. Muthanna Islamic Index Fund (MUDX) KFH Capital Investment Co Daily Nov 30, 2017 KD Sept 30, 2017 Muthanna GCC Islamic banks Fund KFH Capital Investment Co Daily Nov 30, 2017 KD Sept 30, 2017 Baitak GCC Fund KFH Capital Investment Co Weekly June 29, 2017 KD Feb 28, 2017 Noor Financial Investment Co. Noor Islamic Fund Noor Financial Investment Co Monthly Nov 30, 2016 KD Sept 30, 2015 CapCorp Investment Co. CapCorp Local Fund CapCorp Investment Company Weekly Sept 28, 2017 KD Aug 30, 2017

29 BUSINESS 29 Iraqi oil minister to visit Turkey Iraqi Oil Minister Jabar al-luaibi will visit Turkey at the end of the week at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart to discuss the resumption of oil exports through Turkey s Ceyhan port, the Iraqi oil ministry said in a statement on Monday. Oil exports from Iraq s north have been halted since Iraqi forces took control of the Bai Hasan and Avana oilfields northwest of Kirkuk, after Kurdish Peshmerga fighters pulled out from the region. Oil minister Luaibi s visit to Turkey will target reaching an agreement to resume shipping Iraqi crude exclusively through Iraq s state oil marketer SOMO, said oil ministry spokesman Asim Jihad. Iraqi oil officials accuse Kurdish authorities of not responding to requests made by the oil ministry to use the Kurdish pipeline to resume exports from Kirkuk. The Kurdish region operates a pipeline that connects to the twin Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline at Khabur on the border with Turkey. Iraq plans to build a new export pipeline from the Kirkuk oilfields which will replace an old and severely damaged section of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline. It will start from oilfields near Kirkuk and extend to the Fish-Khabur border area with Turkey. (RTRS) Kuwait stock index ends, lower in volatile trading Al Ahli Bank gains 13 fils; Mabanee slips By John Mathews Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Kuwait stocks pulled slightly lower on Monday extending last session s losses. The price index slipped 9.93 pts in volatile trading to points even as the overall sentiment remained mixed on absence of strong drivers. The KSX 15 benchmark rose 2.3 points to 942 pts while weighted index edged 0.59 points higher to 408 pts. The volume turnover meanwhile fell slightly following Sunday s modest rebound million shares changed hands - down 6.5 pct from the day before. The sectoral closings diverged. Healthcare outshone the rest with 3.4 pct gain whereas financial services slipped 1.22 percent, the biggest loser of the day. Volume wise, banks clocked the highest market share of 45 pct and real estate trailed with 20 percent contribution. Among the day s movers, Al Ahli Bank climbed 13 fils to 344 fils while sector bellwether National Bank of Kuwait was up 3 fils on back of 3.9 million shares. Tamdeen Investment Co slid 49 fils to 242 fils and Mabanee Co pulled 8 fils into red erasing last session s gains. Zain rose 5 fils to 451 fils on back of 1.5 million shares and Ooredoo ticked 1 fils into red. Kuwait Telecommunications Co ( VIVA) added 2 fils before settling at 758 fils and logistics major Agility gave up 4 fils to end at 837 fils. Gulf Bank rose 3 fils and Kuwait Finance House clipped 1 fil after trading 3.3 million shares. The bank has registered a 10 pct rise in profits to KD percent during Q4, 2017 compared to the same period in In fiscal year 2017, profits was up 11.5 pct year-on-year to KD million. The market opened firm but fell briefly in early trade. The main index charted a volatile course amid swinging sentiment and scaled the day s highest level of 6734 pts past the midsession. It retreated thereafter to bottom at 6701 points before clawing back most of the losses at close. Top gainer of the day, UPAC soared 19.2 pct to 539 fils and YIACO jumped 16 percent to stand next. Burgan Well Drilling Co tumbled 20 percent, the steepest decliner of the day and Ithmaar Bank topped the volume with 10.3 million shares. Despite the day s downtick, the winners outnumbered the losers. 54 stocks advanced whereas 46 closed lower. Of the 116 counters active on Sunday. 16 closed flat deals worth KD million were transacted a 24.3 pct surge in value from the day before. National Industries Group inched 1 fils lower to 160 fils while Gulf Cable and Kuwait Portland Cement Co stood pat at 430 fils and KD respectively. Heavy Engineering Industries and Shipbuilding Co took in 1 fils to end at 203 fils. Jazeera Airways took in 1 fils while Combined Group Contracting Co gained 9 fils. Boubyan Petrochemical Co dipped 14 fils after trading over 1 million shares and Qurain Petrochemical Co gave up 6 fils to close at 338 fils. Paused Humansoft Holding paused at KD and NAPESCO gained 14 fils. the company s fourth quarter earnings rose 2 pct to KD 2.02 million in from KD 1.98 million in the same period a year earlier. During fiscal year 2017, earnings surged by 30.1 pct to KD million. Kuwait National Cinema Co climbed 14 fils to KD recouping Sunday s fall while Independent Petroleum Group rose 6 fils to 396 fils. Kuwait and Gulf Links Transport Co dropped 7.9 fils to 94.1 fils and KGL Logistics dialed down 1.1 fils. Metal and Recycling Co clipped 1 fils and OSOS added 2.8 fils to close at 100 fils. Al Rai Media Group gained 8 fils and Mezzan Holding was up 2 fils at 772 fils. EK Holding scaled 12 fils to wind up at 297 fils. In the banking sector, Commercial Bank was unchanged at 430 fils off early highs and Al Mutahed ticked 1 fils into red. Burgan Bank inched 1 fils up to 296 fils. Kuwait International Bank fell 2 fils to 233 fils and Boubyan Bank gave up 3 fills. Warba Bank rose 3 fils to 233 fils on back of over 1 million shares. KIPCO dialed up 2 fils while Coast Investment Co and Securities House Co took in 0.4 fils each. Kuwait Investment Co added 1 fils and National Investment Co eased 0.1 fils to 98.1 fils. International Financial Advisors ticked 0.1 fils into green. KAMCO fell 1 fils to 65 fils and Bayan Investment Co edged 0.7 fils up. Unicap added 1.2 fils and Al Mal Investment Co clipped 0.9 fils. Al Deera Holding inched 0.1 fils higher and Ektittab Holding closed 0.5 fils higher. Noor Financial Investment Co and Al Imtiaz stood pat at 53.2 fils qand 143 fils respectively whereas Al Madina gave up 2.2 fils. Kuwait Insurance Co paused at 284 fils and Warba Insurance Co rose 3.4 fils to 60 fils. National Real Estate Co was flat at 120 fils while Kuwait Real Estate eased 0.1 fils to 58.5 fils. Salhiya Real Estate climbed 4 fils and Mazaya Holding took in1 fils. Al Aqaria was up 2 fils at 32 fils. The bourse has been trending lower so far during the week and has shed 53 points in last two sessions. It had rallied 110 points from start of the month and is trading 4.88 pct higher year-to-date. KSE, with 188 listed companies, is the second largest bourse in the region. In the bourse related news, Warba Bank has penciled a 18.9 pct rise in profits to KD 2.02 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the same period last year. Earnings surged by 163 percent to KD 6.77 million in the fiscal ending Dec 31, 2017 as against KD 2.58 million in the previous fiscal year. The jump in profits is attributed to a 53 pct increase in the financing portfolio on an annual basis. Kuwait Telecommunication Co (Viva) logged a 9.8 pct rise in profits to KD 11.8 mln during the fourth quarter of 2017 as against Q4 of During 2017, earnings was up marginally by 1 percent to KD mln compared to KWD million in FY16. The board has recommended a cash dividend of 30 percent for FY2017 or 30 fils per share. Aqar Real Estate Investments fourth quarter profits dropped by 14.7 pct from the same period last year to to KD 732,000. During fiscal year 2017, earnings saw a marginal year-onyear rise of 1.1 percent to KD 1.76 million. The board of directors has recommended cash dividend of 6 pct or 6 fils per share for FY17. Al Imtiaz Investment Group slipped into red in the fourth quarter of 2017 as it incurred KD 2.9 million in losses in the quarter against profit of KD 6.7 million in the year-ago period. In the full-year 2017, it posted a profit of KD mln, up 124.7% from previous year. The company attributed its higher annual profits to selling a part of its stake in an associate, Big bank boosts Egypt Gulf sluggish as Waha cuts dividend DUBAI, Feb 19, (RTRS): Gulf stock markets were sluggish on Monday, with a dividend cut pulling down major Abu Dhabi-listed financial firm Waha Capital, but Egypt s bourse rose on the back of a gain by its biggest bank. Equities in the Gulf rallied along with oil late last year and Saudi Arabia saw its largest-ever inflow of equity funds last month. But Brent oil s retreat from above $70 a barrel since late January has visibly reduced liquidity in many bourses. In a report at the end of last week, JP Morgan Cazenove said that with oil at $70, it had been on the point of upgrading its assessment of regional markets to overweight, but had decided not to after oil fell back. $63 ain t $70, JP Morgan said, adding: Lower oil increases nearterm doubts. The Abu Dhabi index edged down 0.1 percent as Waha, which had been trading near 10-month highs, pulled back 4.1 percent. It proposed a 2017 cash dividend of 15 percent, down from 20 percent for Dubai edged up 0.2 percent as DAMAC Properties gained 1.8 percent. But courier Aramex, which had surged in the last few days on strong fourth-quarter earnings, pulled back 1.3 percent. Saudi Arabia s index added 0.3 percent as telecommunications firm Mobily, dragged down in the last several days by weak fourth-quarter earnings, rebounded 4.9 percent. Saudi Industrial Export, which deals in bulk commodities and chemicals, jumped its 10 percent daily limit for a fourth day in row, to riyals. The stock has been massively volatile in recent years, plunging from a peak of above 1,000 riyals hit in 2013, but the company could play a role in an export boom which the government hopes to engineer as part of economic reforms. Qatar s index rose 0.3 percent as Mesaieed Petrochemical, the most heavily traded stock, jumped 5.0 percent. Late last week the company reported a slight rise in annual profit and a hike in its dividend to 0.7 riyal per share from 0.6 riyal. In Egypt, the index climbed 0.8 percent as Commercial International Bank added 1.1 percent. Al Ezz Dekheila Steel, which has doubled in price since November, partly because of improving prospects for the Egyptian economy, surged a further 10 percent. Saudi Arabia Index rose 0.3 percent to 7,528 points. Dubai Index gained 0.2 percent to 3,298 points. Abu Dhabi Index edged down 0.1 percent to 4,579 points. Qatar The index rose 0.3 percent to 9,107 points. Egypt Index climbed 0.8 percent to 15,158 points. Kuwait Index fell 0.2 percent to 6,711 points. Bahrain Index was flat at 1,333 points. Oman Index dropped 0.1 percent to 5,008 points.

30 BUSINESS 30 Australia says open to UK joining TPP Alibaba, Tencent rally troops amid retail battle Australia said on Monday it would be open to the idea of Britain joining the Trans-Pacifi c Partnership regional trade group after it leaves the European Union. But Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, visiting Britain as Prime Minister Theresa May tries to unite her cabinet on what they want from Brexit, also said Australia would only be able to strike a bilateral trade deal with Britain if London sticks to its plan to leave the EU s customs union. We would of course welcome interest from an economy the size of Britain s, she said in response to a question about Britain joining the TPP after delivering a speech at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia in London s financial centre. British trade minister Liam Fox said earlier this year that joining the Trans-Pacifi c Partnership was an option for the country after Brexit. The 11 TPP countries which include Japan, Canada and Mexico as well as Australia are due to sign their agreement in March. US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the group soon after taking office, but he said in January that Washington might yet stay in. (RTRS) China s tech giants Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Tencent Holdings Ltd, worth a combined $1 trillion, are on a retail investment binge, forcing merchants to choose sides amid a battle for shoppers digital wallets. Since the start of last year, the two companies have between them spent more than $10 billion on retail-focused deals, boosting their reach online and in brick-andmortar stores. The aggressive drive, supported by large cash piles and soaring share prices, is part of a battle to win over consumers and store operators to the two fi rms competing payment, logistics, social media and big data services. The result: fewer and fewer retailers left without allegiance to either Tencent of Alibaba. All of the retailers in the brickand-mortar world are very worried. They have to take a side, said Jason Yu, Shanghai-based General Manager of market research fi rm Kantar Worldpanel. Otherwise they are afraid they will be eaten alive in the future. Alibaba is China s top e-commerce player and its affi liate Ant Financial leads in mobile payments. Tencent s strengths lie in social media, digital payment and gaming. It also has a major stake in the second-largest online retailer, JD.Com. (RTRS) Investment drops sharply Catalan corporate mkt cools on political fl ux MADRID, Feb 19, (RTRS): Global pension funds, insurers and other investors are holding back on buying office space in Catalonia due to fears a split from Spain could lead to an exodus of business from the region. Corporate property in the wealthy northeast and its capital Barcelona has been a hot ticket but interest has cooled since October s disputed independence referendum and proindependence parties bid to reinstate sacked leader Carles Puigdemont. Investment in office space in Catalonia from October to December dropped by 63 percent from the previous quarter and 84 percent on the year-ago period to 71.5 million euros ($88.4 million), according to data provided by Los Angeles-based real estate services and investment adviser CBRE. The concern is that if Catalonia splits from Spain, it would drop out of the European Union, forcing companies to move from the region to avoid being subject to tariffs. We speak regularly to our investors and they have told us they don t want to touch Barcelona office investments for now, said Carsten Czarnetzki, country head for Spain at AEW Europe which has 26.6 billion euros of assets under management in Europe of which 430 million euros are in Spain. The figures, along with a drop in tourist numbers, are a sign the political standoff is already having an economic fallout as funds wait to if companies which have already moved their registered headquarters follow up by shifting employees. Some investors are using the uncertainty to win discounts. Meridia Capital, a Barcelonabased fund investing in Spanish real estate on behalf of global pension funds, insurers and sovereign funds, got five percent off the price of Barcelona shopping centre Barnasud, bought for 21 million euros in November, said Javier Faus, founder and chief executive officer. I said: Give me a small discount to reflect the Catalan situation, said Faus, whose firm has invested 800 million euros in real estate over the last four years, mostly in office space split more or less equally between Madrid and Barcelona. Meridia has 400 million euros of assets under management in Barcelona and Faus said high demand and a scarcity of buildings had made discounts harder to get earlier in the year. Real estate accounted for 11 percent of foreign investment in Spain in the first nine months of 2017, making it the second-biggest sector to receive funds from abroad after energy, according to economy ministry figures. Spain is still an attractive destination for those seeking to invest in commercial real estate. The government expects the economy to grow by around 3 percent this year, making it one of the fastest-growing in Europe. However, the weighting of Catalonia in investment in Spanish office space roughly halved in the fourth quarter compared to the three previous quarters to 18 percent, the CBRE data showed. Catalonia s capital Barcelona is a thriving Mediterranean city that has drawn many corporate tenants in the technology and media businesses in recent years from Amazon.com Inc to online game maker King, creator of Candy Crush. The region is a manufacturing and industrial hub, accounting for one fifth of the Spanish economy and a quarter of exports, and it was named top European large region of 2018/19 for its strategy in attracting foreign investment by FDI Intelligence, a Financial Times unit. It s true that many have put investment on hold. On the bright side, no-one has told me to get out of Catalonia for the next ten years, said Faus of Meridia Capital. The Catalan rental market, which has seen prime office rents rise by nearly a third since Spain emerged from recession in 2013, has so far held up, said Ines Arellano, director of investor relations at Merlin Properties, which has around 250,000 square metres of office space under management in Catalonia. There were fewer deals in the office rental market in the fourth quarter, but rents and occupancy rates continued to rise, she said, adding that the rental market took longer to react to external factors than investors. Rents averaged 23.5 euros per square metre for prime office space in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to 31 euros in Madrid, according to CBRE. Average yield was 4.25 percent. That compared to euros per square metre in the fourth quarter of 2013, the year that Spain emerged from recession. More than three thousand companies moved their registered headquarters out of the region from October to December after a chaotic referendum led to a declaration of independence and the sacking of the regional administration. Madrid attempted to derail the independence movement by calling elections. But pro-independence parties won the December election and it is unclear whether the new administration yet to be formed will continue to push for secession. Previous leader Carles Puigdemont is in self-imposed exile in Brussels and faces arrest on charges of sedition and rebellion if he comes back to Spain. Pro-independence parties are trying to put him back in power. Companies continue to move their registered headquarters from the region, with the Spanish units of Ray- Ban sunglasses maker Luxottica and chewing gum company Wrigley both shifting to Madrid earlier this month, according to company register data. Equities break recovery streak with US and China mkts closed LONDON, Feb 19, (Agencies): World stocks were set to post their first loss in five days on Monday, breaking a winning streak that saw them recover almost half their losses from a violent sell-off two weeks ago. In a day of relatively quiet trading owing to market holidays in the United States and China, losses in Europe weighed on stocks globally, which had earlier been propped up by gains in Japan. European markets had opened positive, setting up the MSCI world index for its sixth day of gains but, by afternoon, the pan-european STOXX index had slipped over half a percent. A poor update from Reckitt Benckiser hit the consumer staples sector, outweighing gains among financials and strength in steel makers after the US outlined proposals for hefty import curbs. Shares in Tenaris, Outokumpu and Arcelor Mittal - which have facilities in the United States - were the biggest gainers in Europe, up between 1 and 4 percent. The MSCI world index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, was down 0.1 percent. The index has recovered nearly half what it lost between late January and last week s low. The 4.3 percent gain it ultimately posted last week was its best weekly performance since December January s two-week rout, triggered by worries about a rise in US inflation, had wiped more than $6 trillion off the value of global stock markets. The sell-off took place despite global growth was helping to improve the corporate earnings outlook. Just before the plunge, world shares were trading at times expected earnings, the highest levels since 2004, according to Thomson Reuters Datastream. They are currently at times. Equity investors have drawn some reassurance from a fall in the VIX - a measure of implied volatility on the S&P 500 index, also known as Wall Street s fear gauge. The index has remained below 20 for three days, last reading at It spiked to a 2-1/2-year high of 50.3 two weeks ago, a jump that caused massive losses among investors who had bet equity markets would stay stable on a combination of solid economic growth and moderate inflation. The dollar edged up from threeyear lows against a basket of currencies. The euro stood at $1.2396, backing down from Friday s three-year high of $ The dollar traded at yen, bouncing back from its 15-month low of set on Feb 16. Oil prices near two-week high, gold steady Oil prices hit their highest level in nearly two weeks, lifted by the recovery in stocks and by tensions in the Middle East. US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 1.2 percent to $62.47 per barrel. Brent crude rose over 1 percent to $65.63 per barrel. Gold was flat. UK British shares lost some ground on Monday as weak results from Reckitt Benckiser underlined the murky growth outlook for big consumer goods makers and banking holidays in the US and China slowed European markets. The UK s top share index closed down 0.64 percent at 7, points, a decline broadly in line with other European bourses. Reckitt fell the most, down 7.5 percent as the group missed 2017 profit estimates and tough trading conditions and rising commodity costs hit its outlook. Another factor weighing on Reckitt s shares was the heightened expectation of it buying the consumer health business being sold by Pfizer, which could dilute shareholders through an equity capital increase. Consumer staples makers were the biggest drag on the FTSE. Some investors say prices of their branded goods now look unsustainably high compared to the private labels of big retailers. European consumer staple stocks have fared worse only than telecoms over the past six months on such concerns, combined with a rise in bond yields that could eventually dim the appeal of their stable dividends. UK shares last week recovered some of the losses they suffered in a sharp sell-off earlier in the month driven by rising bond yields. Many investors took the declines as an opportunity to buy shares in big UK-based multinational companies as the global growth picture still appears strong. JPMorgan strategists advised investors a week ago to add to their global equity holdings and reiterated that view on Monday. We still believe that the correlation between bond and equity prices remains firmly inverse, i.e. that equities will tolerate higher yields, they said in a note. The session s highest gainer was Evraz which added 4.4 percent after it signed a long-term agreement for the supply of rails and related products to the Russian Railways. Asia Asian stock markets mostly edged up in thin holiday trade on Monday, with Tokyo s benchmark index surging nearly two percent as investors regained some confidence. A weaker yen and continued gains on Wall Street last week helped push the bellwether Nikkei 225 index up 1.97 percent or points to close at 22, The broader Topix index was up 2.17 percent or points at 1, Stocks in Sydney and Seoul also ended higher, but trading was generally subdued in the region as many major markets, including in China and Hong Kong, remain closed for the Lunar New Year break. Japanese stocks this week will likely test a rebound from sharp drops earlier in the month, Okasan Online Securities said in a note. Given falling volatility both in Japan and in the United States, we can expect a calm market, it said. The dollar, which fell below 106 to hit the lowest since November 2016 against the yen on Friday, rebounded to , compared with in New York late Friday. Investors were relieved to see the yen stop rising, said Toshikazu Horiuchi, a broker at IwaiCosmo Securities. They will remain cautious about foreign exchange rates for the time being as the dollar was still hovering around the 106 yen level, Horiuchi told AFP. Market sentiment was also boosted by a relatively positive end to the week in the US and Europe. In the markets that were open in Asia on Monday, the Australian ASX closed up 0.64 percent while New Zealand closed down 0.12 percent. South Korea s KOSPI was up 0.87 percent. Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.97 percent to 22, (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: Closed for a public holiday Shanghai - Composite: Closed for a public holiday Dollar/yen: UP at yen from yen Oil Oil prices hit their highest level in nearly two weeks on Monday, lifted by a global equity market recovery and tensions in the Middle East, although concerns of rising US production tempered gains. European shares rose for a fourth straight session, with global stocks set for a sixth session of gains, following a sell-off triggered by fears of creeping inflation and higher borrowing costs. Brent crude was up 34 cents at $65.18 a barrel at 1356 GMT, after rising to an 11-day high of $65.45 a barrel earlier in the session. US West Texas Intermediate crude for March delivery was up 46 cents at $62.14 a barrel, after earlier gaining as much as 1.4 percent to its highest since Feb 7. Benign stock markets are providing... as are geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Commerzbank said in a note. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel could act against Iran itself, not just its allies in the Middle East, after border incidents in Syria brought the Middle East foes closer to direct confrontation. Trading is expected to be slower than usual on Monday due to market holidays in the United States and Greater China. The US oil rig count, an indicator of future production, rose by seven to 798, its highest since April 2015, according to a weekly report from General Electric s Baker Hughes unit. That marked the first time since June that drillers added rigs for four consecutive weeks, and the figure was well up on the 597 rigs that were active a year earlier as energy companies have boosted spending since mid-2016 when crude prices began recovering from a two-year crash. Surging US production is offsetting efforts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some other producers including Russia to curb production by 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) until the end of Gold Gold prices were mostly flat on Monday as the dollar clawed back some recent losses and stocks rose, but US inflation fears kept buyers in the metal. Spot gold was flat at $1, an ounce at 1623 GMT. Gold rose 2.4 percent last week in its biggest weekly gain in more than five months. US gold slipped 0.5 percent to $1,350 per ounce. Gold is doing relatively well in a risk-on environment. The safe-haven appeal (in gold) is a bit in question but it has lot to do with movements in the dollar which has recovered somewhat, said ABN AMRO commodity strategist Georgette Boele. The dollar index, which measures the currency against a basket of currencies, was up 0.2 percent after shedding 1.4 percent last week. Investors piled into gold last week on concerns that US inflation could heat up. Gold is likely to battle between USD weakness and inflationary fears against rising rates, but we believe the broad price risks remain to the upside, in the current environment, Standard Chartered said in a note. Gold is often used as a hedge against geopolitical uncertainty. Hedge funds and money managers cut their net long positions in COMEX gold in the week to Feb 13, US Commodity Futures Trading Commission data showed on Friday. Trading is expected to be slower than usual this week due Lunar New Year celebrations in China. Monday is also a market holiday in the United States. BEC Muzaini Dollarco Commercial Bank Gulf Bank NBK Burgan Bank ABK KFH KBE BEC Muzaini Dollarco Commercial Bank Gulf Bank NBK Burgan Bank ABK KFH KBE BEC Muzaini Dollarco Gulf Bank ABK KFH KBE exchange rates Feb 19 Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy US dollar Danish krone Cyprus pound Sterling pound Indian rupee Yemeni riyal travellers cheques US dollar Sterling Euro local gold BEC Commercial Bank Gulf Bank Al-Ahli Bank BEC Muzaini Exchange Euro Pakistani rupee Thai baht Japanese yen Sri Lanka rupee South African rand Swiss franc Bangladesh taka Korean won Gold 999 kg 12, Canadian dollar Philippine peso Syrian pound Gold tola 1, Gold ounce Swedish krona Australian dollar Iranian Riyal Gold gm 22k Saudi riyal Gold gm 21k Hong Kong dollar Lebanese pound Gold gm 18k UAE dirham Singapore dollar Malaysian ringgit gm Bahraini dinar gm Jordanian dinar Indonesian rupiah Omani riyal Egyptian pound New Zealand dollar All rates in KD per unit of foreign currency

31 SPORTS 31 Walkathon contestants raising Kuwait s flag. ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico, Feb 19, (AP): Christian Coleman broke the world indoor record in the 60 meters in 6.34 seconds Sunday to win his first US title in the final event of the USA Track & Field Indoor National Championships. Coleman had run a world-best a month ago at the Clemson Invitational, but the mark was not recognized because electronic blocks were not used. This time there was no doubt when he put on an extra burst about midway through the run, pulling away from former champion Ronnie Baker, who finished with a personal best of I was just trying to come out with the win, Coleman said. I knew it would take something special with a great group of guys in the field and so I was just running to win. The world record was just icing on the cake really. Despite the record, he said there s room for improvement. My start was decent but every Carefully listening to trainer s instructions. Remarkable turnout and positive interaction from KIPIC s employees. Trainer Abdul Aziz Al-Bader leading KIPIC s staff Coleman time I feel like I got a lot of work to do, Coleman said. And so, when I transitioned and I stood up, I felt as good as I have ever felt. I kept running and saw that tape and got that line. It was a world record and it was pretty special. A pretty special race. When the time was posted, Coleman celebrated, raising his arms and bouncing back down the track. I just love this sport and it s so competitive, he said. Either you ve got it or you don t on this day. And I love racing in the big races when everybody is watching. I just flourish in those moments. It s not really my personality but when the lights are on, it just comes out. Huge turnout in 4km race KIPIC organizes fi rst walkathon KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: KIPIC s Financial Group organized a 4-km walkathon which started at Kuwait Science Club (KSC) with the participation of a large number of employees. The walkathon coincided with the launching of an integrated health program. The program includes a health challenge for employees to adopt a healthy lifestyle, as well as encouraging them to maintain the ideal body weight. It also offers specialized courses on dealing with corporate pressure and creating a healthy work environment. KIPIC has offered the Kuwait Science Club (KSC) visitors a national model, symbolizing the name of Kuwait, as part of the celebrations of the National Days. The walkathon was a great idea as it reflected concern for employees health and safety, said Deputy CEO for Al-Zour Refinery Hatem Al-Awadhi. The response was remarkable as a huge number of employees took part in the walkathon, Al-Awadhi, who himself participated in the event, added. He called for organizing more of such sports events. The walkathon aimed to raise employees awareness on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and improve relations in a relaxing atmosphere; away from the hustle and bustle of routines in the workplace, Financial Group Manager Hadeer Al-Husseini explained. Nelvis sets crowd buzzing Rising star Coleman breaks world indoor record in 60m DCEO for Al-Zour Refi nery Hatem Al-Awadhi in a group photo after the walkathon. Turnout exceeded expectations and this is a manifestation of cohesion among the staff, Al-Husseini added. The top management s participation demonstrated their commitment to ensure the success of such activities, she stated. Senior accountant at the Financial Group Nada Al-Qaoud affirmed the walkathon was the first of its kind. She said the event was aimed at encouraging the company s staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Interaction was remarkable and everyone enjoyed the event, she added. Abdulaziz Al-Bader, the trainer who delivered a lecture at the event Sharika Nelvis set the crowd buzzing with an American record in the 60 hurdles at I feel great, she said before getting a hug from a fellow competitor. It s been a long road. I finally got my break and I m happy. I m never about numbers, I m about winning. You win, it gets you on the team. I don t focus on numbers, I focus on winning my race. Nelvis had to come from behind to win it, surging over the final hurdle to kick it to the finish. The thing is, I m always backing off coming off the last hurdles so I just say, You better run your ass off, she said. I came off that hurdle and I just took off. For Nelvis, Coleman and most other winners and runners-up, at stake was a spot on the US team that will compete in the world championships March 1-4 in ATHLETICS Birmingham, England. Among those who will make the trip, Vashti Cunningham won her third straight high jump, clearing 6 feet, 5-1/2-inches, then received her championship medal from father Randall Cunningham, the former NFL quarterback. That was a good moment with my dad, she said. I ve never really accepted an award from him or anything like that since I was a little kid. It felt good to have him there with me. In other performances of note, Shelby Houlihan duplicated her feat of last season by sweeping the two distance races, this year winning the 3,000 and 1,500, and Paul Chelimo did the same on the men s side, becoming just the second man to do so. And pole vaulter Katie Nageotte surprised the field as well as herself by pushing her personal best up four heights to win her first national championship. It s surreal, she said. and led the walkathon participants, thanked KIPIC for organizing the event while lauding the enthusiastic response of the staff. He said he was keen on imparting knowledge on the importance of observing the healthy way of sitting, benefits of drinking a lot of water, and the necessity to take a break every two hours at work. Power engineer Abdullah Al-Humoud, who competed in the walkathon, stressed the significance of the event, saying: There is a need to encourage employees to practice sports, especially walking considering its physical and psychological benefits. Texans to release lineback Cushing HOUSTON, Feb 19, (RTRS): The Houston Texans have told linebacker Brian Cushing that he will be released before the new league year begins March 14, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle. Cushing, 31, spent his first nine seasons with the Texans after they selected him in the first round (No. 15 overall) out of Southern California in He made the Pro Bowl in his first season and was the NFL s defensive rookie of the year. Houston signed Cushing to a sixyear, $52.5 million deal in 2013, but his production was stunted by injuries and suspensions. Cushing was suspended 10 games last season for violating the league s policy on performance-enhancing substances, which marked his second career infraction for PEDs. NHL Results/Standings WASHINGTON, Feb 19, (RTRS): Results and standings from the NHL games on Sunday. Philadelphia 7 NY Rangers 4 Edmonton 4 Colorado 2 New Jersey 3 Carolina (OT) 2 Pittsburgh 5 Columbus 2 Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L OTL GF GA Pts Tampa Bay Boston Toronto Florida Detroit Ottawa Montreal Buffalo Metropolitan Division W L OTL GF GA Pts Pittsburgh Washington Philadelphia New Jersey NY Islanders Carolina Columbus NY Rangers McDavid s hat-trick lifts Oilers past Avs DENVER, Feb 19, (AP): Connor McDavid had his third hat-trick of the season and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 on Sunday to snap a six-game losing streak. McDavid has 11 goals in the last nine games and two hat tricks. His first two goals tied it, and the third was into an empty net with 1:26 left. He has five goals in two games against Colorado this season. Ryan Strome also scored, and Cam Talbot had 24 saves to help the Oilers snap Colorado s 10- game home winning streak. Tyson Jost and Alexander Kerfoot scored for the Avalanche. Penguins 5, Blue Jackets 2 In Columbus, Ohio, Riley Sheahan scored two goals in the first period and rookie Tristan Jarry made 35 saves in Pittsburgh s victory over Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2. Jake Guentzel had a goal and two assists, and Brian Dumoulin and Zach Aston-Reese also scored for the Penguins. They have won five straight and 10 of their last 12. The win in front of a sellout crowd at Nationwide Arena moved them past Washington into first place in the Metropolitan Division. Artemi Panarin and Alexander Wennberg scored for Columbus. Maple Leafs 3, Red Wings 2 In Detroit, Auston Matthews scored with 30.2 seconds left to push Toronto past Detroit. Matthews took William Nylander s pass and snapped a high shot into the roof of the net from a sharp angle for his 27th goal of the season, but just his fourth winner. James van Riemsdyk and Mitch Marner also scored for Toronto, and Curtis McElhinney made 27 saves. Anthony Mantha and Hen- Matthews, Leafs edge Wings 3-2 Columbus Blue Jackets Alexander Wennberg (left), of Sweden, tries to control the puck as Pittsburgh Penguins Jamie Oleksiak defends during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Feb 18, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP) rik Zetterberg scored for Detroit. Flyers 7, Rangers 4 In New York, Travis Konecny broke a tie late in the second period and Alex Lyon made 25 saves in relief to help Philadelphia beat New York. Claude Giroux and Jori Lehtera scored in the third to finish off ICE HOCKEY the win, Lyon s first in the NHL. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist allowed all seven goals. Andrew MacDonald, Scott Laughton, Brandon Manning and Nolan Patrick also scored for the Philadelphia. The Flyers have six of seven and are since Dec 4. They have won five in a row in the road. Kevin Hayes, Rick Nash, Mats Zuccarello and Peter Holland scored for New York. Toronto 3 Detroit 2 San Jose 5 Dallas 2 Winnipeg 7 Florida 2 Western Conference Central Division W L OTL GF GA Pts Nashville Winnipeg Dallas St Louis Minnesota Colorado Chicago Pacific Division W L OTL GF GA Pts Las Vegas San Jose Anaheim Calgary Los Angeles Edmonton Vancouver Arizona Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L). Sharks 5, Stars 2 In San Jose, California, Mikkel Boedker scored twice in San Jose s four-goal first period and the Sharks beat Dallas for their fourth victory in five games. Joe Pavelski, Melker Karlsson and Justin Braun also scored and Martin Jones made 26 saves. Matthew Gemel Smith and Tyler Pitlick scored for Dallas. Ben Bishop was chased after allowing four goals on five shots, and Kari Lehtonen made 22 saves in relief. The Stars had won six of their previous seven. Devils 3, Hurricanes 2, OT In Raleigh, North Carolina, Taylor Hall scored on a rebound with 22 seconds left in overtime to lift New Jersey past Carolina and extend his NHL-best points streak to 11 games. Keith Kinkaid stopped 40 shots, and Nico Hischier and Pavel Zacha added goals. Teuvo Teravainen and Jeff Skinner scored for Carolina. Jets 7, Panthers 2 In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Kyle Connor scored twice, Blake Wheeler and Tyler Myers each had three assists and Winnipeg beat Florida to take the Central Division lead. Nikolaj Ehlers, Mark Scheifele, Bryan Little, Mathieu Perreault and Patrik Laine also scored and Connor Hellebuyck made 25 saves to help the Jets win their third straight. They are with a game left on a 10-game homestand. Denis Malgin and Aleksander Barkov had power-play goals for Florida.

32 SPORTS 32 Thiem wins Argentina Open for 2nd time in 3 seasons Anderson beats Querrey to clinch NY Open title UNIONDALE, New York, Feb 19, (AP): Kevin Anderson had already dealt with the disappointment of falling short in a final in New York. His surprising run to the US Open final last summer jump-started his climb back into the top 10, but his loss to Rafael Nadal was a painful reminder that he kept coming up short at the finish line. Back in New York this week, he finally got the ending he wanted. The top seed won the first New York Open on Sunday, beating No. 2 seed Sam Querrey 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (1) for his fourth career ATP Tour title. Anderson came into Sunday 3-11 in ATP Finals, with one loss already this year. I have been runner-up quite a few times in my career, Anderson said. One of the big goals I had for this year was to try to be a bit more successful in that final stage. I fell a little short earlier this year in India and it feels great to come through and get today s win. So, gives me a lot of TENNIS confidence for the year. The South African dominated the tiebreaker after a tight third set, winning the first six points and leading Querrey to slam his racket to the court in frustration. Anderson will move to career-high ninth in the ATP rankings Monday, continuing a strong rise that began in nearby Flushing Meadows when he reached his lone Grand Slam final as the world s No. 32 player, the lowest-ranked US Open finalist since the inception of the rankings in He won his first title since 2015, when he made his only other appearance in the top 10 when he was ranked 10th for one week in October. Anderson won four consecutive three-set matches in the tournament s first year at Nassau Coliseum after moving from Memphis, Tennessee. Obviously, during US Open was a terrific few weeks for me. It was Kevin Anderson, of South Africa, returns a shot during his fi nals match against Sam Querrey, of the United States, at the New York Open tennis tournament in Uniondale, NY, Feb 18. (AP) tough to lose in the finals so it feels very special to get today s win, Anderson said. Querrey remained at 10 ATP titles, snapping a three-match winning streak in finals. He would have risen to a career-best No. 11 with a victory. Querrey had held serve in 37 of 38 games entering this week before Anderson broke him in the second game of the final for a 2-0 lead. Querrey broke right back and broke Anderson again later in the set to move ahead. The second set started the same way. Anderson broke again in the second game, but this time held in the third to seize control of the set en route to a 5-0 lead. I just kind of lost a little bit of momentum, Querrey said. He picked his game up, he started making a few more first serves. Feel like he was hitting the ball a little bigger, making a few more. Then I kind of got some momentum back at the end of the second there but it was kind of too little, too late. In the doubles final, the secondseeded team of Max Mirnyi of Belarus and Philipp Oswald of Austria edged Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands and Artem Sitak of New Zealand 4-6, 6-4, 10-6 in a match tiebreaker. For the 40-year-old Mirnyi, it was his 100th career ATP Tour final, with 96 having come in doubles. Also: BUENOS AIRES: Top-seeded Dominic Thiem of Austria beat Slovenia s Alijaz Bedene 6-2, 6-4 on Sunday to win the Argentina Open for the second time in three seasons. The 24-year-old Thiem, ranked No. 6 in the world, didn t lose a set in the clay-court event. He won his ninth career title and first since an event in Rio de Janeiro in February When you win a tournament it s good news, because we re used to losing more than winning, Thiem said. With these conditions slow and hot there are many chances for me to play well. It was my goal before starting the week and it is incredible to have achieved it. The 24-year-old Bedene dropped to 0-3 against Thiem. In the doubles final, fourth-seeded Andres Molteni and Horacio Zeballos of Argentina beat top-seeded Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah of Colombia 6-3, 5-7, Watson ends drought with third Genesis Open triumph Bubba Watson poses with his trophy on the 18th green after winning the Genesis Open golf tournament at Riviera Country Club on Feb 18, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. (AP) Township Rollers eye shock CL triumph Nigerian club Akwa in CAF Confederation Cup trouble JOHANNESBURG, Feb 19, (AFP): Nigerian club Akwa United face a second humiliating CAF Confederation Cup preliminary-round exit unless they score at least twice away to Banjul Hawks in the Gambia this week. The west African teams meet Wednesday with the unfancied Hawks holding a shock 2-1 lead from the first leg in southern Nigerian city Uyo this month. Muhammed Jallow and Lamin Charty gave the unfancied Gambians a two-goal half-time lead before Victor Mbaoma offered Akwa a glimmer of hope by halving the deficit. A draw will suffice for the Hawks at home and even a 1-0 loss would take them through to the round of 32 on away goals. We learnt Jallow a very painful lesson at home, admitted Akwa coach Abdu Maikaba. Lots of mental strength will be needed in the Gambia to turn the tie around. I respect the Hawks as a very good side who play compact football and are quick to get behind the ball when dispossessed. Akwa were bundled out of the second-tier Confederation Cup the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League in the preliminary round two seasons ago. After winning 1-0 away to Congo Brazzaville s Vita Club Mokanda, they fell by a similar score at home and lost the penalty shootout. Being felled by the Hawks would be an even greater embarrassment for Akwa as Nigeria are a top-10 African football nation while the Gambia are among the lowest ranked. Hawks coach Ansumana Fatty is banking on another outstanding performance from goalkeeper Yankuba Colley, a star of the first-leg triumph. SOCCER Akwa created many chances at home only to be defied by our brilliant goalkeeper. We have the overall advantage, but dare not assume the tie is over. Several CAF title winners are in danger of being eliminated with at least one guaranteed to fall by the wayside. Former African champions CARA of Congo Brazzaville and Asante Kotoko of Ghana meet in central Africa after a bizarre first leg. Kotoko missed three penalties and CARA one before Yakubu Mohammed converted the fifth spot-kick of the match in stoppage time to give Kotoko a 1-0 win. Hafia of Guinea, who reached five African Cup of Champions Clubs finals in the 1970s and won three, trail Energie of Benin 1-0, but have home advantage. Three-time CAF competition winners Africa Sports of the Ivory Coast are away to Nouadhibou of Mauritania having been held 1-1 in Abidjan. Meanwhile, Township Rollers from Botswana top a list of clubs capable of creating shocks when the CAF Champions League preliminary round resumes Tuesday with return matches. Generation Foot of Senegal, Otoho of Congo Brazzaville, LISCR of Liberia and Williamsville of the Ivory Coast are also in advantageous positions to cause upsets. Rollers last weekend sprang the surprise of the first legs in the elite African club competition when they hammered Sudanese visitors Al Merrikh 3-0 in Gaborone. The southern Africa club have never made an impact in various CAF competitions while Merrikh reached the Champions League semifinals three seasons ago. Leading by two goals at half-time, Rollers sealed their finest international performance when substitute Segolame Boy netted from his first touch. Durant claims Chubb Classic title LOS ANGELES, Feb 19, (Agencies): Bubba Watson fired a two-under-par 69 on Sunday to win an emotional third Genesis Open title, ending a drought that stretched back to his 2016 triumph here at Riviera Country Club. One-over for the day after three bogeys and two birdies on the front nine, Watson produced three birdies without a bogey coming home for a 12-under-par total of 272. A spectacular hole-out for birdie from a greenside bunker at the 14th gave him sole possession of the lead for good. He admitted that his physical struggles, including significant weight loss, sapped his confidence and even had him considering retirement. Watson finished two strokes in front GOLF of Kevin Na and Tony Finau, who both carded 69s for 10-under 274. Watson s 10th PGA Tour victory capped a halcyon week in Hollywood for the two-time Masters champion, who recorded a show with US comedy icon Jay Leno, dropped in on comedian and chat show host Ellen DeGeneres, took in a taping of TV sitcom The Big Bang Theory and played in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday night. He shot to the top of the leaderboard on Saturday with a third-round 65. A birdie at the par-five first on Sunday looked promising, but three bogeys on the front nine left him trailing at the turn. Na s back-to-back birdies at 10 and 11 saw him move to 11-under, but his bid stalled with a brace of bogeys at 12 and 13. Patrick Cantlay, who trailed Watson by one stroke going into the round, also reached 11-under before bogeys at 12 and 13. Cantlay, who was seeking a second title of the season, closed with a 71 to share fourth place with Scott Stallings, who carded a 68 for 275. Watson said making two testing seven-footers for par at the 12th and 13th after his birdie at 11 were crucial to his round -- more so than the impressive hole-out at 14. Even after taking a two-shot lead at 14, Watson said, I was still nervous as can be on every shot. Five-time major-winner Phil Mickelson, chasing a first title since his 2013 British Open triumph, briefly pulled within one shot of the lead before settling for a 68 that saw him head a group on 276 that also included Australian Cameron Smith (71) and Canadian Adam Hadwin (66). On a day when Riviera yielded few low scores, world number one and defending champion Dustin Johnson was unable to mount a charge and finished tied for 16th, eight shots off the lead. Also: NAPLES, Florida: Joe Durant birdied the final two holes and got some help from Steve Stricker to win the PGA Tour Champions Chubb Classic. Durant shot a 5-under 67 on Sunday for a four-stroke victory over Stricker, David Toms, Lee Janzen, Billy Mayfair and Tim Petrovic. Tied with Durant with two holes left, Stricker dropped a stroke back when Durant birdied the par-5 17th. On the par-4 18th, Stricker hit into the water and made a double bogey for a threeshot swing. The 53-year-old Durant closed with a 15-footer to finish at 19-under 197 on TwinEagles Talon course. He was safely on the 18th green when Stricker needing birdie to tie hit into the water. Durant earned $240,000 for his third victory on the 50-and-over tour after winning four PGA Tour titles. The 50-year-old Stricker shot 70. He made his first start of the year on the senior tour after playing six tournaments last year a runner-up finish in his debut along with three third-places ties. Pogba illness concerns Mourinho ahead of Sevilla trip Messi aims to score against Chelsea at 9th attempt Bayern vs Besiktas bein SPORTS 2 HD 22:45 local Chelsea vs Barca bein SPORTS 1 HD 22:45 local Sevilla vs United bein SPORTS 1 HD 22:45 local (Wednesday) Donetsk vs Roma bein SPORTS 2 HD 22:45 local (Wednesday) LONDON, Feb 19, (AP): As unlikely as it sounds, Lionel Messi is still waiting to score his first goal against Chelsea after drawing a blank in eight previous Champions League matches. The five-time World Player of the Year is likely to get another chance to break his duck this week and Chelsea manager Antonio Conte believes the past will count for little when Barcelona visits Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. The teams have produced some epic games in the past although they have not met in the Champions League since Chelsea pulled off a remarkable backsto-the-wall semifinal victory over Barcelona on the way to winning the trophy in Messi missed a penalty in the second leg at the Nou Camp as the London club overcame the first-half dismissal of captain John Terry, and a 2-0 deficit, to draw the game 2-2 and secure an unforgettable 3-2 aggregate win. Bayern Munich hosts Besiktas in Tuesday s other game while the following day sees Manchester United traveling to Sevilla, and Shakhtar Donetsk playing host to Roma. Two weeks ago, the prospect of a Chelsea win over Barca would have been unthinkable after Conte s men had slumped to successive defeats by two of the Premier League s lesser lights. The London club was still smarting from a 3-0 home loss against Bournemouth when it traveled to Watford and succumbed to an embarrassing 4-1 reverse. Chelsea has got back on track since then, though, easing past West Bromwich Albion 3-0 in the league last Monday before swatting aside secondtier Hull 4-0 in the FA Cup four days later. Conte has several selection dilemmas. He must choose between captain Gary Cahill and Antonio Rudiger for a place at the back, and between Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud up front. Cesc Fabregas will also be desperate to play against his former team but may Soccer Roundup LONDON, Feb 19, (Agencies): Ex-football coach Barry Bennell has been jailed for 30 years on 50 counts of child sexual abuse by a judge who called him the devil incarnate, the BBC reported on Monday. The 64-year-old Bennell, once a scout for Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra, abused 11 boys aged eight to 15 between 1979 and 1990 on an industrial scale, Liverpool Crown Court had heard. To those boys you appeared as a god... in reality you were the devil incarnate, Bennell Judge Clement Goldstone said. You stole their childhoods and their innocence. Arsenal have signed a five-year extension to their shirt sponsorship deal with Emirates airline, the Premier League club announced on Monday. The club said it was their largest shirt sponsorship deal ever and will run through to the end of season, extending their partnership with Emirates to at least 18 years. At least 19 people were arrested in Spain on Monday in an operation into alleged match-fixing in the country s lower leagues, police sources said. Arrests were made across the country, including in Barcelona, the sources said. The operation into alleged fraud and corruption is being led by a court in Zafra in the west of Spain. La Liga strugglers Las Palmas on Monday confirmed that Span- Barcelona s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (right), vies with Eibar s Spanish defender Anaitz Arbilla during the Spanish league football match between SD Eibar and FC Barcelona at the Ipurua Stadium in Eibar on Feb 17. (AFP) Arsenal, Emirates extend deal Ex-UK coach jailed for 30 yrs for child abuse ish international attacking midfielder Jonathan Viera is leaving the club to join Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League. Las Palmas did not reveal the transfer fee for the 28-year-old Gran Canaria native, although club president Miguel Angel Ramirez admitted that they could not match the money on offer in China. Belgian Paul Put on Monday quit as Kenya s national football coach just two months after taking up the position. Football Kenya Federation (FKF) said 61-year-old Put, who took charge of the Harambee Stars in November and led the team to win the CECAFA Challenge Cup the following month, had resigned for personal reasons. Former England women s captain Casey Stoney is to join Phil Neville s coaching staff on the national team after announcing her retirement on Monday. The Football Association (FA) said she would work with Neville for the annual SheBelieves tournament in the United States next month and qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup in France. Thousands of Palestinian football fans took photographs with the World Cup trophy Monday as it tours the globe ahead of this summer s tournament in Russia. More than 10,000 people queued to see the trophy during three days it was displayed near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, organisers said. It is the second time the World Cup has been displayed in the Palestinian territories and comes as part of a wider tour of the trophy ahead of the World Cup. The cup left Monday afternoon for Jordan before it goes to Dubai later in the week. It visited Israel last week. have to settle for a spot on the bench. Here s a closer look at the week s other games: Bayern-Besiktas Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes must decide which of his in-form attacking midfielders should play. Arjen Robben shone for the runaway Bundesliga leader in Saturday s 2-1 win at Wolfsburg but Thomas Mueller could take his place on the right, with James Rodriguez coming in to partner Arturo Vidal, having been rested at the weekend. The victory means Heynckes has won 21 out of 22 games since returning as coach. Besiktas surprised many by advancing from a group featuring Porto, Monaco and Leipzig. Sevilla-Man United France midfielder Paul Pogba missed Saturday s 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round win over Huddersfield through illness and United manager Jose Mourinho is unsure whether he will feature against Sevilla. Asked whether Pogba had a serious problem, Mourinho replied: I don t know and, honestly, I don t care. United is a distant second in the Premier League, 16 points behind Manchester City. Mourinho s team has been inconsistent in recent weeks, winning two and losing two of its last four games in all competitions. Sevilla, fifth in its domestic league, has won three matches in a row and is hoping to have Ever Banega and Luis Muriel back after injury. Shakhtar-Roma After a difficult run domestically, Roma has turned things around with three straight wins. Turkish winger Cengiz Under scored his fourth goal in three matches to help the team to a 2-0 victory at Udinese on Saturday that left Roma in third place, two points ahead of Inter Milan. We ve got to make the most of the fact they ve had a winter break and might not be match fit, Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco said of Ukraine s Shakhtar. Last week The first-leg matches played last week saw defending champion Real Madrid beat Paris Saint Germain 3-1 and Liverpool crush Porto 5-0. Manchester City cruised to a 4-0 win at Basel while Tottenham retrieved an early two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 at Juventus.

33 SPORTS 33 Wallace finishes second, Hamlin third Dillon takes No. 3 back to victory lane at Daytona CAR RACING DAYTONA BEACH, Fla, Feb 19, (AP): The No. 3 is No. 1 again at Daytona, on a day, in a race and at a place forever linked with the great Dale Earnhardt. Austin Dillon won the Daytona 500 on Sunday night driving the iconic No. 3 Chevrolet that Earnhardt piloted for most of his career. Earnhardt was behind the wheel of No. 3 when he won his only Daytona 500 in 1998, and when he was killed in an accident on the final lap of the race three years later. Dillon s victory, in the 60th running of The Great American Race came 17 years to the day of Earnhardt s fatal crash. Man, this place is awesome, said Dillon. I don t know what it is about storylines and Daytona. This place just creates history and I m proud to be a part of it and make some history here. Dillon wasn t a factor in his Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet until the final lap in overtime when he got a push from Darrell Bubba Wallace Jr that helped him get to leader Aric Almirola. Dillon spun Almirola then whizzed on by to give Childress, his grandfather, another iconic victory in the beloved No. 3. My grandfather has done everything for me and everybody knows it, Dillon said. There s a lot of pressure on me to perform because I ve had a little bit of everything. But I like that pressure, the same with the No. 3, there s a lot of pressure behind it, but I m willing to take it and go with it. As for the aggressive move that wrecked Almirola? Dillon was doing what has to be done to win at Daytona, where he led just once for one lap the final one. I think I blacked out and just everything just kind of kept going, and we were staying in the gas, and things were happening fast. The last lap of the Daytona 500, you just don t lift, actually the last couple laps, Dillon said, adding his only other option was to ease off the gas and avoid Almirola. I guess I could have lifted and gave it to him, he said. I guess that was my other Champions Salwa Barmy Army team PSA holds Kuwait Expat League 2017/2018 The Premier Sport Academy (PSA) Celtic FC, under the sponsorship of Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company, held The Kuwait Expat League 2017/2018. Four months of competitive matches involving eight teams from the expat community in Kuwait taking place every Tuesday evening at the PSA Celtic ground in Bayan. After a closely contested competition the Salwa Barmy Army (SBA) team captained by Bill Broadhurst were well deserved Champions with some fantastic performances, Vision Academy (VAA) team captained by J.T. Walters clinched the runners up option, give up a Daytona 500 ring that I m wearing. If he needs to do it to (retaliate) at Talladega for everybody to feel good, I ve got a Daytona 500 championship trophy, ring, whatever. I don t care. I ve got the 3 back in Victory Lane at Daytona. spot. Top Scorer Award went to Jack Saunders from SBA team who won the Golden Boot with an impressive 29 goal tally. Celtic Executive Director Baker Al-Nazer and League Organiser James McAllister presented individual trophies and gifts and thanked the British Officials Ryan McAllister, Andy Cook and Kai Stone. The defending champions SBA and Runners Up VAA will now compete with teams from International Schools and expat teams and last year s Cup Champions 2017 Kuwait Football Legends (KFL) in the Expat Cup For more information please visit our website Almirola, in his debut race for Stewart-Haas Racing, was devastated. My heart is broken. I thought I was going to win the Daytona 500, Almirola said. Childress was overjoyed. To come back 20 years later after Dale s great victory, and to be able to celebrate 20 years later, with my grandson, it is just a storybook tale, Childress said. It s tough on him running that 3, but we had, I d say, 97 percent support from Earnhardt fans who wanted him to run that number. The No. 3 was dormant in the Cup Series from Earnhardt s death until Childress brought it back in 2014 for his grandson. The final scoring tower showed the No. 3 on top, then the No. 43 two of the most seminal numbers in NASCAR. I looked up, seen the board up here, the 3 and the 43, I thought, how special is that for the history, Childress said. Wallace, the first black driver in the Daytona 500 field since 1969, finished second in a 1-2 finish for Chevrolet and Childress engine program. Wallace drives the No. 43 car for Richard Petty and sobbed in his post-race news conference after his mother came to the front of the room to give him a hug. The two had a long embrace in which she told Wallace repeatedly you ve waited so long, baby. After another moment with his sister, Wallace sat at the dais sobbing into a towel. His finish is the highest for a black driver; Wendell Scott finished 13th in Pull it together, bud, pull it together. You just finished second, he told himself. Wallace, from Mobile, Alabama, received a telephone call from Hank Aaron before the race and Lewis Hamilton, the four-time Formula One world champion and only black driver in that series, tweeted his support to Wallace. Denny Hamlin, the 2016 winner, finished third in a Toyota. Ryan Blaney, who led a race-high 118 laps, faded to seventh after giving the win away in regulation. He wrecked Kurt Busch, the defending race winner, trying to reclaim his lead and the contact damaged Blaney s Ford. It spoiled what should have been a Team Penske party car owner Roger Penske had three contenders, all considered favorites but all came up empty. Brad Keselowski wrecked early racing for the lead and although Joey Logano finished fourth, it wasn t the victory Penske expected from one of his drivers. Team LeBron edge Team Steph in All-Star Classic Player-captain James claims MVP award Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, poses in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb 18, in Daytona Beach, Florida. (AFP) IBAK to hold IBAK-Pizza Hut Masters Cup 2018 KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: The Indian Badminton Association of Kuwait will organize the first badminton this year the IBAK-Pizza Hut Masters Cup 2018 on Feb 22 and Feb 23 at the IBAK Salwa Gym (Saad Al Awzi School). The tournament will be inaugurated by HE the Ambassador of India to Kuwait on Thursday Feb 22 at 7.00 pm. Capt Ali Al Marri, president of the Kuwait Badminton Federation will grace the event with other top dignities from the Kuwait Badminton Federation and media. The title sponsor of the event is the Kout Food Group (Pizza Hut) and other sponsors for their continuous support and cooperation. The Kout Food Group is sponsoring this event for the second consecutive year. Competitions in a whopping six categories will be held during the course of the event in which hundreds of players of different nationalities are expected to participate. Tournament will showcase badminton in all categories such as Flight 1: Men s Doubles (Professional Level), Flight 2: Men s Doubles (Advanced Level), Flight 3: Doubles Open for all genders (Intermediate Level), Flight 4: Doubles Open for all genders (Lower Intermediate Level), Above 40: Men s Doubles, Age cut off 15/02/2018, (Open for all except professional level) Singles. The tournament is open for all. For more enquiries, please feel free to contact tournament directors, Allen Jose ( ) and Bipin Madhvan ( ). IBAK-Pizza Hut Masters Cup 2018 poster. Red Bull launch new F1 car with temporary livery LONDON, Feb 19, (RTRS): Red Bull became the first of Formula One s top three teams to lift the covers off their new-look car on Monday, a week before pre-season testing starts in Spain, but kept some secrets under wraps. The four times world champions, third overall last year after winning three of the 20 races, are hoping to be back in the championship mix for the first time since Mercedes began to dominate in Images of the RB14 car were revealed online, with a temporary blue and black livery and branding for new title sponsor Aston Martin prominent. Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who partners Dutch 20-year-old Max Verstappen in one of the sport s most exciting driver pairings, was giving the car its track debut at Silverstone circuit. Teams are each allowed two such filming days a year, with limited mileage and on special tyres. Red Bull said the race-ready paint job would be unveiled at the Circuit de Catalunya next week. The 2018 regulations mean all teams have had to introduce the prominent halo head protection device, that rises from a central pillar and circles the driver s head to shield LOS ANGELES, Feb 19, (AP): LeBron James and Kevin Durant swarmed all over Stephen Curry in the final seconds, preventing the NBA s best shooter from finding even a patch of open air to launch a tying 3-pointer. Defense? In an All-Star Game? That was just one of the many exciting surprises created by a big change to the league s midseason showcase. After James and Curry got to draft their own teams, this exhibition really seemed to matter to basketball s best. And LeBron picked a winner. James scored 29 points and hit the go-ahead layup with 34.5 seconds to BASKETBALL play, winning his third All-Star Game MVP award while his team rallied to win an uncommonly entertaining edition of the event, beating Team Stephen Sunday night. For the first time in 67 All-Star games, the league abandoned the traditional East-West format used since 1951, instead allowing the two captains to pick their sides. That twist turned a sometimes staid event into the world s richest pickup game, and the intrigue was reflected on the Staples Center court, where a real basketball game broke out. I think the format was great, said James, who added 10 rebounds and eight assists in front of LA fans salivating at the still-remote possibility of the Lakers landing the superstar as a free agent this summer. The great thing about our commissioner (Adam Silver), he s absolutely OK with trying something new, to change the format, and it definitely worked out for everybody, James added. It worked out not only for the players, not only for the league, but for our fans, for everybody. It was a great weekend, and we capped it off the from aerial impacts and flying wheels. The aerodynamic shark fins, rear wing monkey seats and T-bars have been removed. Some years it s difficult for the casual viewer to differentiate the new car from the old: that isn t going to be a problem this time around, said Red Bull, who launched their car earlier than in the past. The team, who use Renault engines re-branded Tag Heuer, said the stability of the rules after a big change for 2017 allowed them to get the new car out in good time rather than leaving it as late as possible. Team LeBron s Kyrie Irving (left), of the Boston Celtics, shoots as Team Stephen s Joel Embiid, of the Philadelphia 76ers, defends during the first half of an NBA All-Star basketball game, on Feb 18, in Los Angeles. (AP) Tongue-tied NBA star Redick in racial slur storm LOS ANGELES, Feb 19, (AFP): Philadelphia 76ers star J. J. Redick defended himself on Sunday after the emergence of a video in which he appeared to use a racial slur to address NBA fans in China. In an online video compilation of NBA players sending seasonal greetings to fans celebrating Chinese New Year, Redick appears to refer to chink fans. I just want to wish all of the NBA chink fans in China, a very happy Chinese New Year, the 33-year-old right way. Both teams played real defense for long stretches and contested many shots, with LeBron s group even picking up full-court late in the first half. And after an entertaining dunk contest won by Donovan Mitchell and a record-setting effort by Devin Booker in the 3-Point Shootout, the All-Star weekend ended with a recent novelty for the main event: a thrilling finish. The game was so good, said a grinning Durant, who scored 19 points in his ninth All-Star Game. It was so competitive. It was the best one I ve been a part of. Team LeBron rallied from an 11-point deficit with six minutes to play, finishing the game on a run. James tied it at on a stepback 3-pointer with 1:31 to play. LA native DeMar DeRozan hit one free throw to put Team Steph back ahead, but LeBron claimed the lead with his layup after some sharp passing by his teammates. DeRozan then made a turnover on an attempted pass to Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Russell Westbrook broke out for a layup with 10.7 seconds left. Team Steph had one last chance, but even the usually unguardable Curry couldn t elude James and Durant, who forced him to give up the ball to DeRozan, who couldn t score over Team LeBron s LeBron James, of the Cleveland Cavaliers, holds the MVP trophy after his team defeated Team Stephen at the NBA All-Star basketball game, on Feb 18, in Los Angeles. (AP) says. Redick responded to the controversy on Twitter early Sunday, blaming a verbal slip for his use of the word. Just saw a video that is being circulated of me wishing a happy new year to NBA fans in China, Redick wrote. Clearly I was tongue tied, as the word I purportedly said is not in my vocabulary. I m disappointed that anyone would think I would use that word. I love and respect our friends in China. Durant s arm in his face. That was great defense by myself, said a grinning Durant, who scored 19 points in his ninth All-Star Game. I m patting myself on the back. Curry finished with 11 points on 4-for-14 shooting. Two tall giants out there not letting me shoot, Curry said with a laugh when describing the last play. Tried to make a play, and it just didn t work out. The All-Stars shooting percentages and final scores were way down from recent seasons, reflecting the effort on the floor. The relaxed All-Star vibe was still at Staples, however: Curry chowed down on a box of popcorn on the bench during the third quarter, and the stars made time and room for plenty of goodlooking dunks and alley-oops. They put on a show, but they gave the crowd something to root for rather than just wilding with dunks and lobs, said Paul George, who scored 16 points for Team LeBron. Each member of the winning team made a cool $100,000, a distinct raise from previous seasons in another attempt to make things more interesting.

34 34 hockey chief wants joint Korean team at Beijing 2022 The unified Korean women s hockey team would be welcome at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics as a message of peace, the head of the International Ice Hockey Federation said Monday. The team was hastily assembled following a landmark deal between the two Koreas only a few weeks before the Pyeongchang Games, and has 12 North Koreans on its roster. They have found little success, having shipped 22 goals and scoring only once in four games. But they have been hailed as a potent symbol of the Peace Olympics in Pyeongchang. We are thinking about this, whether we should continue. I say, Why not? IIHF chief Rene Fasel told a press conference at the Gangneung Hockey Centre. I think that would be a very good operation to do it in 2022 to still keep the joint team in Beijing and have this unified team as a message of peace, Fasel added. Lee Hee-beom, head of the Pyeongchang organising committee, said the joint team was a proud achievement for the Games. (AFP) Ronja Savolainen, of Finland, and Brianna Decker (14), of the United States, battle for the puck during the first period of the semifinal round of the women s hockey game at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, on Feb 19. (AP) Five-star Canada, USA set up showdown Dream come true GANGNEUNG, South Korea, Feb 19, (AFP): Fourtime defending champion Canada and reigning world champion United States advanced to the Pyeongchang Olympic women s hockey final with clinical shutout triumphs on Monday, setting up another showdown for gold between the Knight arch-rivals. The Canadians stretched their Olympic win streak to 24 games and kept alive their drive for five consecutive gold medals by thrashing the Olympic Athletes from Russia 5-0. It s kind of exciting, but we re only here for one reason, Canada s Meghan Agosta said. We just need to carry on the momentum. There s no doubt in my mind we re the better team. The US women, who haven t won ICE HOCKEY Canada s Meaghan Mikkelson and Russia s Valeria Pavlova (right), chase the puck in the women s semifinal ice hockey match between Canada and the Olympic Athletes from Russia during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Hockey Centre in Gangneung on Feb 19. (AFP) Papadakis suffers worst nightmare Virtue, Moir set new ice dance world record GANGNEUNG, South Korea, Feb 19, (AFP): Canada s Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir smashed the short dance world record as French rival Gabriella Papadakis suffered my worst nightmare with a wardrobe malfunction at the Olympics on Monday. As Virtue and Moir glided, twizzled and spun their way to a best-ever score of 83.67, Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron performed stoically in the face of the embarrassment of her dress becoming unclipped early in their routine, exposing a breast. It was pretty distracting, my worst nightmare at the Olympics, the 22-year-old Papadakis said. I felt it right away and I prayed. I told myself you have to keep going and that s what we did, and we have to be proud of ourselves, delivering a great performance with that happening. A great performance it was with the Olympic debutants samba-rhumbasamba to two Ed Sheeran hits earning them to go into Tuesday s free dance final just behind the Canadians. Lying in the bronze medal position Olympic gold in 20 years, blanked Finland 5-0 to reach Thursday s title game. It s honestly a dream come true, US forward Hilary Knight said. It s the world s biggest stage. It s the game you ve been dreaming of. You have to keep working and do the things you do well. Only once in Olympic or world championship history has the final not been contested by the two teams, and when the two meet they are usually chippy and physical affairs. That kind of intensity is why you love the game and why you want to play it, said Canada coach Laura Schuler. It s important for our girls to play physical... this is how you want it, best-on-best competition. Count on physical play from both teams if Canada s 2-1 group stage win over the Americans is any indication. It s going to be a rough game and everyone is going to give their all, said Canada s Rebecca Johnston. It should be a great game. Canada needed over-time to beat the Americans in the 2014 Olympic final, but has since dropped three world finals to the Americans. We re confident. We ll stick with what has gotten us success the last three years, US forward Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson said. We ll enjoy this. It s what we came here and worked hard for, to put ourselves in position for a gold medal. Canada s Jennifer Wakefield scored 1:50 into the semi-final and Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin netted a backhander 3:10 into the second period to make it 2-0. Wakefield struck again 1:59 into the third, Emily Clark followed 31 seconds later and Johnston added the last goal with 5:52 remaining. Shannon Szabados made 14 saves in the shutout. Dani Cameranesi scored two goals and goaltender Maddie Rooney made 14 saves in the American triumph. Lamoureux-Davidson, Knight and Gigi Martin also scored as the US women dominated. It s spectacular to see our team come out and perform that well because there was a lot of pressure, US coach Robb Stauber said. This was really a gold medal preparation for us. We had to be ready. One item of concern for the Americans was the hard hit US captain Meghan Duggan inflicted on Finland s Ronja Savolainen, sending her facefirst into the boards. My head just got hit on the boards. But I m good, Savolainen said. I was taking so long my feet were pretty in this discipline likened to ballroom dancing on ice were Americans Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue. Remarkably, all three couples are Canada s Tessa Virtue and Canada s Scott Moir compete in the ice dance short dance of the figure skating event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Ice Arena in Gangneung on Feb 19. (AFP) cold. Duggan said she didn t expect an issue regarding a possible ban for the final. I don t think so, Duggan said. There wasn t a call on the ice. We kept going. FIGURE SKATING coached at the same centre of skating excellence in Montreal run by Marie- France Dubreuil and her husband Patrice Lauzon. After bettering the record they themselves had set of 82.68, Virtue commented: Better than setting the record was the feeling we had when the music ended, we were able to look at each other and take a moment and feel that pride, knowing that we had to have a strong skate today. Despite their show-stopping sambarhumba-cha performance to the Rolling Stones and the Eagles Hotel California a second ice dance title is by no means in the bag for Scott and Moir as Papadakis and Cizeron could well overtake them if they produce their best free dance. Our work is not over, conceded Moir, who despite his vast experience this is his third Olympics admitted to an attack of the jitters as the music for their routine began. The Americans, who have not won Olympic gold since the first women s tournament in 1998 at Nagano, outshot Canada in the loss last week. We had a lot of point-blank scoring opportunities. We ve got to find a way I was pretty nervous today, but I was able to look into Tessa s eyes and squeeze her hand, she was a rock today, I needed that. The pair were ice dance champions in Vancouver in 2010 but in Sochi four years ago Virtue and Moir, who joined forces way back in 1997, were edged out of defending their title by their then training partners Meryl Davis and Charlie White. They then took two years out, switched coaches, and returned better than ever, claiming their second world title at the expense of Papadakis and Cizeron in Helsinki last year. Having taken silver in the team event in Sochi too they helped Canada turn that into gold in Pyeongchang last week, and are now barring disaster certain to claim a record fifth figure skating medal. For Moir, the Olympic experience is truly awe-inspiring. At this point in our career we have a better grasp of what it s like to skate with the (Olympic) rings on the ice. This is what the spirit of the Games is all about. to get those in the net, Lamoureux- Davidson said. When you put 45 shots on goal you ve got to be able to put more than one into the net. We just have to find a way to finish.

35 35 Japan PM congratulates gold medallists Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe congratulated figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu and speed skater Nao Kodaira on Monday for winning the country s first two golds at the Pyeongchang Winter Games. This weekend was indeed an exciting and emotional one, Abe told reporters in Tokyo, the host city for the next Summer Games in I hope to continue this excitement through to the Tokyo. Hanyu won the men s singles on Saturday, overcoming an ankle injury to become the first man in 66 years to defend his Olympic title and give Japan its first Pyeongchang gold. Japan erupted in joy, flooding social media with 1.1 million tweets using the hashtag #Hanyu-kun an affectionate diminutive within 90 minutes of his win. Abe also phoned Hanyu on Saturday to offer his personal congratulations. I was quite impressed by your concentration, capable of achieving your best under such pressure, Abe told him during the phone call reported by TV Tokyo. Kodaira followed Hanyu by setting an Olympic record of seconds in the women s 500m on Sunday. She also became the first female speed skater from Japan to win an Olympic title in an individual event. (RTRS) Photo dated on Feb 8, shows Russia s Aleksandr Krushelnitski brushes the ice surface during the curling mixed doubles round robin session between the US and the Olympic Athletes from Russia during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Curling Centre in Gangneung. (AFP) There could be consequences for Russia: IOC Oly reels as clean Russian curler hit by doping case PYEONGCHANG, South Korea, Feb 19, (AFP): A Russian curler who passed rigorous vetting to attend the Pyeongchang Olympics was hit by a drug case on Monday, raising questions over the testing programme and the move to let Russians compete despite systemic doping. Alexander Krushelnitsky, who won bronze in the mixed doubles curling with his wife Anastasia Bryzgalova, was the subject of a new procedure at the Court of Arbitration for Sport s (CAS) anti-doping division. The case could have wider repercussions Olympic officials will decide this week whether to lift a ban on Russia and let them march behind their national flag at the closing ceremony on Sunday. Krushelnitsky was one of 168 athletes passed as clean and allowed to compete as neutrals after a targeted testing programme stretching back over several months. But it has emerged that he failed his A and B test samples and CAS will now decide if there has been a violation and possible sanctions. A source close to the matter told AFP the case involves meldonium, which increases endurance and helps recovery. Tennis star Maria Sharapova served a 15-month ban after testing positive for meldonium in Russia were banned as a team from the Olympics in December after investigations revealed an extensive doping plot culminating at the Sochi 2014 Winter Games, where the hosts topped the medals table. Russian curling coach Sergei Belanov earlier dismissed the claims against Krushelnitsky, saying doping would be no advantage in curling, a sedate ice sport. No benefits. No advantage, said Belanov, women s curling coach for CURLING the Olympic Athletes from Russia team, when asked why a curler would want to use performance-enhancing drugs. And I don t believe a young man chooses risk or will use the same drug that has been around for two years. It s stupid and Alexander is not a stupid man. Krushelnitsky, 25, and his wife last week picked up bronze in the mixed doubles curling after beating Norway 8-4 in the third-place play-off. I would never believe someone on our team would do that, said women s curling captain Victoria Moiseeva, adding: I can t imagine how he and his wife feel. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said there could be consequences for Russia a special panel will meet this week to discuss lifting Russia s suspension before the closing ceremony. IOC spokesman Mark Adams, when asked if the Russian flag could still be allowed at the closing ceremony, said the panel will examine whether they have followed the letter and the spirit of the (December) ruling. And if it hasn t been there will obviously be consequences. He said that the IOC stands by the decision to allow supposedly clean Russian athletes compete in Pyeongchang, saying they were tested at significant levels more than others. We went through a very, very rigorous programme... there was a sense from the IOC that we wanted individual athletes, if we could prove they were clean, to have the chance to participate in the Olympic Games, Adams said. I think we would very much stick by that decision that athletes should not be judged as a group but we should find a way to rigorously test them and provide a route for clean athletes to compete. Russian athletes have won 11 medals so far in Pyeongchang, including the curling bronze as well as silvers in figure skating, cross-country skiing and skeleton. Russian competitors were subjected to targeted testing under a special taskforce including senior experts and several national anti-doping agencies, Adams said. Only athletes for whom there was no suspicion were invited to the Games, he said, adding: Unfortunately wherever there s competitive sport, you ll have people cheating. But I think you can be pretty confident we have a very, very thorough testing process in place and we have the experts with the expertise who are doing that. Norway soar to ski jump victory Dutch & Japan lead qualifying GANGNEUNG, South Korea, Feb 19, (AP): The Netherlands is in position to win another gold medal in speedskating at the Pyeongchang Olympics. No surprise, since the Dutch have earned six of nine golds so far. The Americans have a shot at the podium for the first time, although they ll have to go up against the Dutch in the semifinals of women s team pursuit. Marrit Leenstra, Ireen Wust and Antoinette de Jong set an Olympic record of 2 minutes, seconds in the quarter-finals on Monday. The Netherlands is the defending champion and has won five of the last six women s team pursuit events at the Winter Olympics and world single distance championships combined. Japan qualified second-quickest in 2:56.08, followed by Canada in 2: The US team of Heather Bergsma, Brittany Bowe and Mia Manganello was fourth in 2:59.75, grabbing the last spot for the semifinals. Probably wasn t the prettiest thing but I know we left our heart and soul out there, Bowe said, so looking up SKIING From left: Silver medallists team Germany, gold medallists team Norway and bronze medallists team Poland celebrate on the podium during the victory ceremony in the men s large hill team ski jumping final round event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games on Feb 19, in Pyeongchang. (AFP) PYEONGCHANG, South Korea, Feb 19, (AFP): Robert Johansson and his magnificent moustache anchored Norway to a stunning Olympic ski jumping gold in the men s team event Monday to deny Poland s Kamil Stoch a Pyeongchang double. The 27-year-old, who has lit up social media with his bushy ginger whiskers and picked up two individual bronze medals in Korea, produced a final jump of 136 metres to edge Germany into silver and leave large hill champion Stoch with a team bronze. We ve been a bit nervous today, said Johansson, his bristly moustache quivering in the chill night air. I think it s fantastic to perform like we did, he added, after leading Norway to their first Olympic team gold. I did see on the top that we had 22 points on Poland before the last jump. That made me a bit calmer but anyway the nerves are coming more and more as it s closing in to your own jump. I just tried to calm myself down to deliver what it took. Nervous, but a fantastic feeling afterwards. Norway finished with a winning total of 1,098.5 points to Germany s 1,075.7 to snatch top spot in the Olympic gold medal table with 11, one more than the second-placed Germans. Andre Daniel Tande set the tone for Norway by unleashing a monster jump of metres before Andreas Stjernen s effort of put their rivals under serious pressure. Germany s normal hill gold medal- Wellinger secures silver for Germany list Andreas Wellinger pulled out a leap of metres, which was good enough to earn him a second silver of the Games after finishing behind Stoch in the large hill at the weekend. Stoch, who did the normal and large SKI JUMPING hill double in Sochi four years ago, had it all to do on his final jump, but came up short as Poland s men in chocolate brown suits finished third with a total of 1,072.4 points. It s still a historic moment for us because it s the first medal for Poland in (team) ski jumping, said Stoch, who tied fellow ski jumper Adam Malysz on a Polish record four Olympic Winter Games medals. We did everything that we could. It s a little bit (of a) pity because we were so close to the silver but we re happy. Germany, meanwhile, won their sixth Olympic ski jumping team medal, a joint record with Austria. After the first round we were close to the gold medal but the Norwegian guys were really, really strong today and also the last weeks, said Germany s Karl Geiger. Norway s Robert Johansson reacts after his jump as his team wins gold in the men s large hill team ski jumping fi nal round event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games on Feb 19, in Pyeongchang. (AFP) Organisers switch race schedule Shiffrin out of Oly downhill PYEONGCHANG, South Korea, Feb 19, (AFP): American ace Mikaela Shiffrin has pulled out of Wednesday s Olympic downhill after a switch in the race schedule caused by approaching bad weather, US officials said Monday. Her decision came after Pyeongchang organisers announced they would bring forward Friday s combined event to Thursday because of strong winds forecast later in the week. As much as I wanted to compete in the Olympic downhill, with the schedule change, it s important for me to focus my energy on preparing for the combined, said two-time Olympic champion Shiffrin. I m looking forward to cheering on our girls racing in the downhill and to compete myself in Thursday s combined. The 22-year-old, who had targeted multiple gold medals at these Games, won the giant slalom earlier this week but bombed in Friday s wind-delayed slalom, her signature event, finishing fourth after vomiting with nerves before the start. Shiffrin s shock result in the slalom, the discipline she won in Sochi four years ago at just 18, punctured the exuberant hype over her potential assault on five gold medals in South Korea. But after the race, the American, who pulled out of Saturday s super-g because of the compressed schedule, tried to put a positive spin on her slalom flop. You know what? I wouldn t change that (race) for the world, she wrote on social media. For me the Olympics is about showing heart and passion as much as it is about medals, added Shiffrin. I wouldn t take back my emotions or excitement after the GS (Giant Slalom) in order to have better shot at a SL (Slalom) medal too. Shiffrin s topsy-turvy Games took another strange twist earlier on Monday when her boyfriend, the French skier Mathieu Faivre, was ordered to pack his bags and return to France by French team officials over an angry rant he made after a race at the weekend. Mathieu will return to France for disciplinary reasons, David SKIING Chastan, director for French men s skiing, told AFP on Monday. He made remarks after the race that were not in the spirit of the team and will not be retained for the team event. Shiffrin trained on the downhill course on Sunday and Monday but has not competed in a speed race either downhill or super-g since early January. As with the conundrum she faced over the super-g, Shiffrin opted to skip the downhill after suddenly being faced with the prospect of racing on consecutive days. Heavy winds at the start of the Games caused havoc with the alpine ski programme, but organisers have taken an early decision to bring forward the combined event after looking at the weather reports. and seeing a fourth-place finish knowing that got us to the next round felt like a victory. The Americans were racing together for the first time after only one practice. All three had been busy with their individual events earlier in the games. Though we haven t been able to prepare like these other teams, we have just as much heart if not more heart than them, Bowe said. On Wednesday, the US will skate against the Dutch, while Japan and Canada square off. The winners advance to the final with gold on the line. The best will come in the final, Wust said. The losers skate for bronze. The last 21 team pursuit events in World Cup competition were won by either the Dutch or the Japanese, making the Americans and Canadians underdogs in the semifinals. That leaves both countries to decide on the best strategy: go all-out in the semifinals against tougher opponents or conserve a bit to ensure something left to claim a potential bronze. We have a day to discuss that with our coaching staff, Bowe said. They put together a great race plan for us and set us up for success here in this first round so I m sure they re going to put together a plan that benefits us. A medal of any color would sound good to the Americans, who have been kept off the podium so far at the big oval for the second straight Olympics. Honestly, right now a medal is our goal, Manganello said. Team Germany with Roxanne Dufter (rear), Gabriele Hirschbichler (center), and Claudia Pechstein (front), competes during the quarter-finals of the women s team pursuit speedskating race at the Gangneung Oval at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea on Feb 19. (AP)

36 PRIME TIME tuesday (all times are kuwait local) 13:00 hyundai vs kawasaki/soccer... bein sports 5hd 13:00 kashiwa vs tiangin/soccer... bein sports 4hd 15:00 sipg vs melbourne/soccer... bein sports 3hd 16:00 qarshi vs al wasi/soccer... bein sports 2hd 18:10 al ain vs al rayyan/soccer... bein sports 3hd 18:30 al sadd vs persepolis/soccer... bein sports 2hd 22:45 bayern vs besiktas/soccer... bein sports 2hd 22:45 chelsea vs barca/soccer... bein sports 1hd 36 Sports Latest sports scores at Canada, Germany in golden dead heat Lorentzen wins gold in photo finish Cha PYEONGCHANG, South Korea, Feb 19, (Agencies): Canada and Germany shared gold in a crazy climax to the two-man bobsleigh on Monday at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics after they finished in a remarkable dead heat. It is the first time since Nagano 1998, and only the second time in Games history, that has happened the first time also involved Canada. The Canadian vintage of 2018, led by Hawaiian-born Justin Kripps, went in the final run to snatch a place alongside the Francesco Friedrich-piloted German duo at the top of the podium. Bronze went to Latvia just 0.05sec behind in the highoctane event in which competitors whizz around the icy track at speeds of up to 150 kilometres (90 miles) per hour. After the Canadians surged to the finish line in the last run in the fourth and final heat, the waiting Germans raced onto the track to congratulate their rivals as all four men celebrated wildly and hugged one another. Kripps s brakeman Alexander Kopacz later admitted that the Canadian duo did not immediately know that they had shared gold. We just thought we had won outright. You see a number one on the time and it doesn t really tell you that you ve tied so Justin realised sooner than I did that we had tied for first, said a disbelieving Kopacz. It took me a couple of minutes, we were in the changing room and I said that I wasn t sure what just happened. It does not take anything away, we are all extremely happy and it s such an honour to tie with such a strong team. The medal places were fiercely contested throughout, with a mere 0.13secs splitting five teams three of them German going into the last heat. Four-time former world champion Friedrich and his brakeman Thorsten Margis must have thought they had done enough to claim the Olympic title outright. But Kripps and Kopacz had other ideas and romped home with the exact same aggregate time, 3: Like his teammate, Kripps said it took a few moments for him to realise that they had clocked the same time as the Germans. I found out slightly sooner than Alex did and I actually couldn t find him for a while after we crossed the finish line, said the 31-year-old Kripps. Winter Olympic Medals Table/Medalists I managed to see the clock that said One on it and at first I thought we had won outright as well, then these guys (the German pair) jumped over and they re super excited and I thought, Wow, these guys are really happy for us, that s great. Then Thorsten was giving me a hug and he said... it was a tie, and I thought, Oh, it was a tie. It s crazy. A triumphant Margis could hardly believe what had happened either. I love the Olympic spirit and I hope this race will show the Olympic spirit to the world, said the German. By coincidence, Pierre Lueders, one of the Canadians involved when they similarly shared gold in 1998, that time with Italy, was in attendance on Monday night. Lueders is now in charge of the South Korean bobsleigh team at their home OLYMPICS Games. Norwegian Havard Lorentzen struck gold in the men s 500 metres speedskating at the Gangneung Oval on Monday after edging out South Korea s Cha Minkyu in a dramatic photo finish. After Cha had broken the Olympic record in a blistering lap, the ice-cool Lorentzen went 0.01 seconds faster, zooming around the track in a time of Chinese Gao Tingyu took the bronze medal. I was tying my skates when Cha did his race and the atmosphere was amazing. Then he sets the Olympic record, Lorentzen told reporters. I wasn t sure I could beat that but I knew I could at least do a medal. And when I did the last 50 metres I said to myself this has to be a medal... And then to cross the finish line and the entire stadium just goes to silence it s quite cool. Lorentzen was the first Norwegian to win the Olympic 500m title since Finn Helgesen 70 years ago and he became his country s first medallist in the event since Magne Thomassen won silver in Norway, once a powerhouse in the sport alongside the Netherlands, has struggled in recent decades and until Monday had not won a gold medal in speedskating at the Olympics since Adne Sondral s victory in the 1,500m in Nagano in Racing in the 14th pair, Cha stormed out of the gates to send the crowd wild and the Korean brought the house down when he crossed in record time with eight racers to come. It has more meaning that it (happened) in my own country, the Korean said of his silver medal, speaking through and interpreter. There might not be another time when the Winter Olympics might be From left to right: Germany s Francesco Friedrich and Thorsten Margis, Canada s Justin Kripps and Alexander Kopacz and Latvia s Janis Strenga and Oskars Melbardis celebrate during the victory ceremony at the end of the 2-man bobsleigh heat 4 fi nal run during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games, at the Olympic Sliding Centre on Feb 19, in Pyeongchang. (AFP) G S B T Norway Germany Canada Netherlands US Sweden France Austria South Korea Japan Switzerland Italy Czech Republic Slovakia Belarus Medalists Bobsled Men s Two-Man Gold: Germany (Francesco Friedrich, Thorsten Margis) Gold: Canada (Justin Kripps, Alexander Kopacz) Bronze: Latvia (Oskars Melbardis, Janis Strenga) Ski Jumping Team Event Large Hill Gold: Norway (Andreas Stjernen, Robert Johansson, Johan Andre For- G S B T Britain Poland Ukraine China OAR Australia Slovenia Finland Spain Latvia Liechtenstein Kazakhstan G = Gold; S = Silver; B = Bronze; T = Total fang, Daniel Andre Tande) Silver: Germany (Richard Freitag, Karl Geiger, Andreas Wellinger, Stephan Leyhe) Bronze: Poland (Kamil Stoch, Stefan Hula, Maciej Kot, Dawid Kubacki) Speedskating Men s 500 Gold: Havard Lorentzen, Norway Silver: Cha Min-Kyu, South Korea Bronze: Gao Tingyu, China. (Agencies) Gold medalist and new Olympic record holder Havard Lorentzen of Norway competes during the men s 500 meters speedskating race at the Gangneung Oval at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Feb 19. (Inset): Gold medalist Havard Lorentzen celebrates setting a new Olympic record during the men s 500 meters speedskating race. (AP) happening in Korea, so I m so happy to get this medal. Lorentzen, who was in the third-last pair alongside Sochi bronze medallist Ronald Mulder of the Netherlands, was behind Cha after the first 100 metres, but edged in front over the race. He ended with a flurry of effort, his arms and legs pumping like pistons, before waiting nervously until the timekeepers put his name up on the big screen. It s the best race I ve ever done, said the 25-year-old, who is coached by Canadian Jeremy Wotherspoon, a former 500m world record holder. It s been 20 years since the last gold (for) Norway in speedskating, so it s been a while. It was time for Norway to step up on the top of the podium again. It feels so good to do that. The Dutch, who swept the podium in Sochi, finished outside the medal places for the second race in succession after their failure to medal in the women s 500m on Sunday. Mulder, whose twin brother Michel won gold at the last Olympics but failed to qualify for the Pyeongchang Games, was the highest-placed of the three Dutch skaters in seventh. Khan leads Afghanistan to thumping series win SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates, Feb 19, (AFP): Legspinner Rashid Khan starred as Afghanistan wrapped up a dominant 4-1 series win over Zimbabwe on Monday, cruising to a 146-run victory in the fifth and final one-day international at Sharjah. After winning the toss and batting first, Afghanistan posted from their 50 overs, before bowling out Zimbabwe for just 95. The two teams meet again in Zimbabwe at the 2019 World Cup qualifiers next month, with the Asian side clear favourites to qualify for the tournament in England and Wales based on the evidence of this series. The 19-year-old Khan struck a 29-ball 43, before taking the final three wickets to fall to finish with figures of Khan continued his march towards becoming the fastestever bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets with his 16 in the series taking him to 86 from 37 games in total. Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc holds the record for least amount of ODIs to take 100 wickets, with 52. Zimbabwe leave the United Arab Emirates with only one At the Sochi Games, the Netherlands dominated the speedskating events, winning 23 of 36 medals, including eight golds. The have won six speedskating golds in Korea so far, and 11 of the 27 medals on offer. It s not good when one nation dominates (speedskating) too much. Today and yesterday there were no Dutch on the podium, Lorentzen said. It s good for the sport. A doping case involving a medalwinning Russian curler rocked the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics on Monday, as Mikaela Shiffrin s turbulent Games took another twist when she pulled out of the downhill skiing. Alexander Krushelnitsky s failed drug test came to light a week after he won mixed doubles bronze with his wife, Anastasia Bryzgalova, and could extend Russia s suspension from the Olympics. The case, now with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, will be considered by Olympic officials deciding whether to lift Russia s ban in time for Sunday s closing ceremony. Should this case be proven... that will also be part of the consideration as to whether there will be an allowance for them to march in the closing ceremony win from seven matches, having lost the preceding T20 series 2-0. A second-wicket partnership of 129 between Javed Ahmadi and Rahmat Shah set Afghanistan up for a big score at 142-1, but Shah s dismissal for 59 triggered a collapse of Ahmadi was run out shortly afterwards for a well-compiled 76, but Afghanistan were hauled to a decent total by number nine Khan, who hit three sixes before falling to the final ball of the innings. Zimbabwe got off to a solid start with Brendan Taylor CRICKET and Craig Ervine both getting starts, but wicketkeeper Taylor was trapped lbw by left-arm spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf for 27 and the last eight wickets tumbled for only 23 runs. Scores in brief: Afghanistan in 50 overs (Javed Ahmadi 76, Rahmat Shah 59, Rashid Khan 43) v Zimbabwe 95 in 32.1 overs (Rashid Khan 3-13) Result: Afghanistan win by 146 runs Series: Afghanistan win series 4-1. Driver Francesco Friedrich and Thorsten Margis of Germany celebrate after the fi nal heat during the two-man bobsled fi nal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Feb 19. Friedrich and Margis tied for the gold medal with Canada. (AP) under their flag, said International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams. Russia were banned from the Olympics after investigations revealed an extensive doping plot culminating at the Sochi 2014 Winter Games, where the hosts topped the medals table. But 168 Russian athletes declared clean after extensive vetting were allowed to compete in Pyeongchang as neutrals, under the banner of Olympic Athletes from Russia. Only athletes for whom there was no suspicion were invited to the Games, Adams said, adding: Unfortunately wherever there s competitive sport, you ll have people cheating. But I think you can be pretty confident we have a very, very thorough testing process in place and we have the experts with the expertise who are doing that. Robert Johansson and his bushy handlebar moustache anchored Norway to victory in the men s team ski jump, while Havard Lorentzen won the men s 500m speedskating as Norway went clear on the medals table with 11 golds to Germany s 10. In figure skating, Canada s Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir smashed the short dance world record, but French rival Gabriella Papadakis was left in tears by an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. See Also Pages 34 & 35 THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT Published by: Arab Times Publishing House Editor-in-Chief AHMED AL JARALLAH Editorial Office: Airport Road, Shuwaikh P.O. Box 2270, Safat, Kuwait Telephone: & Fax: arabtimes@arabtimesonline.com Advertising: Tel: Ext: 175 Fax: advt@arabtimesonline.com Annual Subscriptions: Individuals KD 45/- Companies and Official Departments KD 75 Airmail charges extra for overseas Tel: Fax:

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