Amir terms JASTA breach of trust

Transcription

1 tennis Page 40 THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT Established in 1977 / TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 / MUHARRAM 10, 1438 AH emergency number 112 NO PAGES 150 FILS Hart, Holmstrom share economics Nobel for contract theory Details Page 30 Amir terms JASTA breach of trust Amiri Diwan photo His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah addressing the 2nd Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit (ACD). Opinion The time-wasting Lebanon leaders By Ahmed Al-Jarallah Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times A POPULAR adage among Lebanese applies to the current situation in their country: If you want to destroy your country, pray for a lot of leaders. Two years and a half after the presidential vacuum comes the paralysis of the legislative authority which is just waking up from a deep slumber. There is no hope at all for the Lebanese except by cutting the hand of destruction which controls whatever is left of the country. There is also the dependence of leaders, a lot of them, for their own benefit. Besides this, there is Hezbollah the mafia maestro holding all strings of the game due to the military arsenal behind it. Everyone has seen how Hassan Nasrallah publicly brags about being a soldier in the army of Iranian governance jurist and a soldier who executes the orders of his leaders. He exploited his alliance with Michel Aoun just to impose himself as the sole candidate despite knowing he has no luck in the presidency for a number of Lebanese and regional restrictions which resulted in the breakdown of this constitutional institution, especially since the basic ally of the party has keys to the Parliament. Moreover, the manufactured sectarian balances cannot make the deputy speaker, his office or even majority of the MPs convene a session to elect the president without the approval of Nabih Berri in order to execute whatever those in the basements of the Iranian Embassy in Beirut want. All the initiatives proposed by several Lebanese leaders such as the initiative of Future Movement leader Saad Al-Hariri will not yield the desired result because Hezbollah will not relinquish power. This is a reality that made Beirut, as stated by former Iranian Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi, one of the four capitals controlled by Tehran aside from Damascus, Baghdad and Sanaa. Does Al-Hariri think that whoever has this Continued on Page 3 ahmed@aljarallah.com Follow me on: ahmedaljarallah@gmail.com Newswatch DUBAI: Ahli United Bank Kuwait will hold roadshows in the Gulf, Europe and Asia for fixed income investors starting on Wednesday ahead of a potential capital-boosting sukuk issue, arranging banks said on Monday. The funds would be raised to enhance the Kuwaiti bank s Tier 1 core capital. The lender, percent owned by Bahrain s Ahli United Bank according to Thomson Reuters data, will hold a roadshow in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, followed by meetings on subsequent days in Switzerland and London, before a final day of discussions in Singapore next Monday. Citigroup, Credit Agricole and Credit Suisse will arrange the roadshows and the sukuk issue will follow subject to market conditions. (RTRS) DUBAI: A traditional wooden shipping boat on the main waterway running through Dubai has caught on fire, sending smoke into the air. The fire started on Monday in a dhow along the Dubai Creek near the Al Maktoum Bridge. (AP) DUBAI: Dubai began construction work Monday on a tower that will stand higher than its Burj Khalifa, which is currently the world s tallest skyscraper. The Gulf emirate s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-maktoum, marked the groundbreaking of The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour as construction workers laid foundations for the skyscraper at a vast patch of sand. (AFP) Continued on Page 8 Cabinet prime focus security KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10, (KUNA): Kuwait is determined to take resolute action against all threats to the nation s security and stability, the Cabinet warned on Monday. These remarks were made during the Cabinet s weekly meeting at Seif Palace, presided over by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The Cabinet underscored the need of cooperation with security forces and support of all efforts to exterminate terrorism. At the onset of the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah gave the Cabinet an explanation of the apprehension of a so-called Islamic State (IS) sympathizer, subsequently foiling an attempted terror plot. Moreover, Sheikh Mohamad Al-Khaled noted that investigations are ongoing to uncover the details of the failed attack, and if the suspect has any accomplices. Meanwhile, the Cabinet looked over a report by a committee dealing with economic affairs over recent accomplishments and forthcoming projects. The report also contained a blueprint for a national agenda to ameliorate the business environment in the country, part of efforts to prop up the business sector. Furthermore, the report featured numerous suggestions germane to the One stop shop Continued on Page 8 US$/KD /05 Euro/KD Yen/KD British /KD KSE pts at closing Oct 10 See Page 35 Dow pts at 21:20 Oct 10 See Page 36 Nasdaq pts at 21:20 Oct 10 FTSE pts at closing Oct 10 Nikkei pts at closing Oct 10 Gold $1, per oz (London) NYMEX crude $51.36 pb Brent crude $53.22 pb 3-month $ LIBOR rate % N-power plant disrupted by cyber attack BERLIN, Oct 10, (RTRS): A nuclear power plant became the target of a disruptive cyber attack two to three years ago, and there is a serious threat of militant attacks on such plants, the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said on Monday. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Yukiya Amano also cited a case in which an individual tried to smuggle a small amount of highly enriched uranium about four years ago that could have been used to build a so-called dirty bomb. This is not an imaginary risk, Amano told Reuters and a German newspaper Respect covenants, treaties BANGKOK, Oct 10, (KUNA): Addressing the 2nd Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit (ACD) which began in Bangkok on Monday, His Highness the Amir, who heads the State of Kuwait delegation to the top-level convention, called on Asian nations to utilize joint potentials and diverse capacities that can be capitalized upon to exert further efforts and realize aspirations of our peoples, security and stability of our homelands in diverse sectors. Moreover we ought to respect our covenants and treaties and seek to resolve our differences peacefully to present to the world A fi le image released by the US Navy shows a guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) conducting formation exercises with the Cyclone-class patrol crafts USS Tempest (PC 2) and USS Squall (PC 7) on Sept 10. Two missiles fi red from rebel-held territory in Yemen fell short of a US warship patrolling the Red Sea off the coast of the war-torn country, the US Navy said on Oct 10. (AFP) Yemen rebel missiles fired near US warship DUBAI, UAE, Oct 10, (AP): Two missiles fired from rebel-held territory in Yemen landed near an American destroyer in the Red Sea, the US Navy said Monday, the second such launch targeting ships in the crucial international waterway in recent days. The missile launches Sunday came as a ballistic missile fired from Yemen apparently targeted a Saudi air base near the Muslim holy city of Mecca, the deepest strike yet into the kingdom by Shiite rebels and their allies. Yemen s Shiite rebels known as Houthis and their allies offered no reason for the launches, though they came after a Saudi-led airstrike targeting a funeral in Yemen s capital killed over 140 people and wounded 525 on Saturday. In a statement, the Navy said no American sailors were injured and no damage was done to the USS Mason, an Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyer whose home port is Norfolk, Virginia. Lt Ian McConnaughey, a spokesman for US Navy Forces Central Command, said that it s unclear if the USS Mason was specifically targeted, though the missiles were fired in its direction over an hour s time period, starting at around 7:00 pm. An American defense official said the USS Mason used onboard defensive measures after the first missile was fired, but it wasn t clear if that caused the missile to splash harmlessly into the sea. The destroyer at the time of the missile fire was north of the Bab el-mandeb during a visit to Germany that included a meeting with Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. This issue of cyber attacks on nuclearrelated facilities or activities should be taken very seriously. We never know if we know everything or if it s the tip of the iceberg. Amano declined to give details of either incident, but said the cyber attack had caused some disruption at the plant, although it did not prove to be very serious since the plant did not have to shut down Continued on Page 8 an ideal sample with respect of international dealing that may safeguard our homelands and promotion of our communities. Furthermore, we ought to defend international covenants and charters that govern our world, where the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), recently endorsed in the United States of America, constitutes a breach of such treaties rules and harm to our interests. Our second summit is being held while the continent faces grave challenges and dangers where we have all suffered from annihilating wars that resulted in many victims and weakened economies of the regional countries and obstructed their capacities and efforts for achieving the required developments. Our communities today suffer from mounting challenges such as annihilating wars, Continued on Page 3 Suspect admits to active support for IS KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: The security authorities continue to interrogate the Egyptian man, identified only as Ibrahim Suleiman, believed to be 28 years old, for carrying out a terrorist attack on a vehicle carrying five American soldiers, reports Al-Rai daily. It is alleged the man is a supporter of the DAESH organization and according to his friends he did not hide his feelings of sympathizing with the extremists because of his indignation for the Americans, who he believes, are the cause of problems experienced by the Arab world in general and Egypt in particular. During interrogation he is said to have confessed to the charges filed against him and said he was actively following up the DAESH via the Internet and morally supported murder and bombings carried out by this terrorist organization. The material which has been seized from him such as screws, wires and powder and different kinds of tools were material he collected to make an explosives belt as per instructions given on the Internet, but he did not succeed and ended up making a crude bomb which failed to explode. Continued on Page 8 Conflict most horrific Kuwait responds to Syria suffering KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10, (Agencies): The Syrian people are suffering from the most horrific conflict in the world today and thus Kuwait took on the responsibility to respond adequately to this crisis, said First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamaqd Al-Sabah. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled s statement was made in the (Kuwait Responds) book published by the United Nation Refugee Agency (UNHCR). On behalf of millions of displaced people around the world who have benefited from Kuwait s generous humanitarian action, I am honored to dedicate this book to the people, cabinet, and leadership of Kuwait as a true testament of gratitude in a world where more than 60 million people are forcibly displaced by war or persecution, a reality not witnessed since World War II, effective international solidarity, like that offered by the State of Kuwait, becomes increasingly essential, said Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled. He added that under the wise guidance of the UN Humanitarian Leader His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait, its national organizations, and people were always at the forefront, offering a helping hand to victims of war and natural disaster, supporting the development and reconstruction of devastated nations through its institutions, leaving an everlasting positive impact. Today, if we visit refugee camps in the countries neighboring Syria, we witness refugee children in field. schools and refugees being admitted to medical centers; this would have never been possible without the support of the Kuwait s cabinet, its NGOs and development institutions. Continued on Page 8 Continued on Page 8

2 LOCAL 2 Kuwaiti envoy hopes investments help revive Kurdistan economy Sudan hails Kuwait s support, humanitarian role KHARTOUM, Oct 10, (KUNA): Sudan s Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour praised on Sunday the State of Kuwait, and its humanitarian and charity work to his country. During a meeting with Kuwait Ambassador in Khartoum Bassam Al-Qabandi, Ghandour expressed his country s appreciation for Kuwait humanitarian efforts, particularly strategic and vital projects carried by Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). The Sudanese minister also hailed Kuwait s stance and support to Sudanese issues. For his part, Ambassador Al- Qabandi told KUNA after the meeting that talks between the two sides highlighted bilateral relations and boosting cooperation between the two countries. Meanwhile, Kuwait s Ambassador to Iraq Salem Ghassab Al- Zamanan expressed hope that Kuwaiti companies various investments help to revive economy s infrastructure in Iraq s Kurdistan region. Kuwait is keen on increasing its investments in Iraqi Kurdistan, in addition to boosting ties with the region in all fields, the Kuwaiti diplomat told KUNA Sunday after his meeting with Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan Nechervan Barzani. He praised the region s people for hosting a large number of local refugees despite terrorist threats and harsh economic conditions, he said. Al-Zamanan also pointed out discussions he has held with Iraqi Kurdistan s officials in the past days, that included the region s political situations in general, subjects of mutual interest, and ways to exit political and economic crisis with least harms and damages. Amir s Brunei visit to boost economic, investment ties HH Sheikh Sabah first Kuwaiti Amir to visit Brunei: envoy Photos by Mohammad Morsi Above: Some photos from the celebration S. Korean Embassy marks National Foundation, Armed Forces Days The Embassy of South Korea in Kuwait, led by Ambassador Yoo Yeonchul, recently organized a dinner party to mark the country s Foundation and Armed Forces days at Al-Jumeirah Hotel. Present at the event were Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and State Minister for Development Affairs and Planning Hind Al-Sabeeh, Minister of State for Housing Affairs Yasir Abul, representative of Kuwait s Chief of Army Staff and Director of Training at the Directorate of Operations and Planning in the Ministry of Defense Brigadier Meshal Abdullah Meshal, diplomats, members of the South Korean community in Kuwait, industry leaders, political personalities and other well-wishers. BANDAR SERI BE- GAWAN, Oct 10, (KUNA): His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah is the first Kuwaiti Amir to go on an official visit to Brunei since the country gained independence in 1984, said Kuwaiti Ambassador to Brunei Fahad Al- Dhafeeri. The historic visit set for Oct 11 to 12 comes by an invitation from Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah Mu izzaddin Wad daulah to boost economic, trade and investment ties, Al- Dhafeeri told KUNA. Brunei was among the first countries to support Kuwait s candidacy for nonpermanent membership at the UN Security Council from 2018 to 2019, he noted. He added that bilateral ties have been growing in the past few years as the two sides exchanged several visits involving senior officials. In this matter, he mentioned the visit of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to Kuwait in May last year, where he signed a memorandum of understanding on investment. Pledge The sultan also headed his country s delegation in the first Asia Cooperation Dialogue summit held in Kuwait in During the event, Brunei was among the first to pledge for the fund to support Asia, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Sabah. The country also supported Kuwait s recommendation to establish a permanent secretariat for the summit, headquartered in Kuwait, he added. The ambassador noted that His Highness visit will involve signing six agreements and memorandums of understanding on tourism, higher education, scientific research, avoiding double taxation and entry permits for diplomats. Meanwhile, Al-Dhafeeri noted the visit of Kuwait s parliamentary friendship group to Brunei in June 2014, where they met with Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister s Office Al- Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and other senior officials to discuss boosting parliamentary cooperation. Issues Moreover, Speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib is set to visit Kuwait from Nov 14 to 17, invited by Kuwaiti National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, aiming to take joint-stance against different Islamic and regional issues. Brunei s capital Bandar Seri Begawan will host the third session of the joint-economic cooperation committee between the two sides, from Dec 5 to 6. The session will discuss the previously-signed memorandum of understanding on boosting investment, said Al- Dhafeeri. Kuwait and Brunei started diplomatic mission exchange in 1990, while Kuwait Embassy opened in 2008, after an official visit by former Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah. Top and above: Some photos of students posing in groups. Unions of students in 5 colleges hold elections The unions of students in fi ve colleges at Kuwait University Arts, Education, Sharia and Islamic Studies, Social Sciences and Allied Health Sciences held their elections for academic year 2016/2017 on Sunday. The Organizing Committee for the electoral process greatly contributed to the success of the elections. Head of the Media Committee for the elections Israa Al-Kandari explained Kuwait Today Prayer Timings Fajr... 04:28 Sunrise... 05:46 Zohr... 11:35 Asr... 14:54 Maghrib... 17:23 Isha... 18:39 Weather Expected weather for the next 24 hours: By Night: Fair with light to moderate north westerly to light variable wind, with speed of km/h. By Day: Hot with light to moderate north westerly wind, with speed of km/h. Station Max Min Exp Rec Kuwait City Kuwait Airport Abdaly Bubyan Jahra Failaka Island Salmiya Ahmadi Nuwaisib Wafra Salmy days forecast - Weather Tuesday, Oct 11 Expected weather...hot Max Temp...40 C Min Temp...21 C Wind Direction...NW-VRB Wind Speed km/h Wednesday, Oct 12 Expected weather...hot Max Temp...39 C Min Temp...19 C Wind Direction...NW-N Wind Speed km/h Thursday, Oct 13 Expected weather...hot Max Temp...39 C Min Temp...19 C Wind Direction...NW-W Wind Speed km/h Friday, Oct 14 Expected weather...hot Max Temp...38 C Min Temp...18 C Wind Direction...NW-VRB Wind Speed km/h Marine Forecast Station Max Min Sea Today s Exp Rec Surf Waves Ht Dirn South Dolphin ft SE Umm Mudayrah ft SE Beacon M ft SE the university elections are part of the democracy practiced by the people of Kuwait, noting these elections aim to tap the leadership potentials of students and teach them how to choose their representatives fairly without using force. Al-Kandari added the Organizing Committee this year chose the hashtag #our university to bolster the spirit of belongingness to the university. MoCI official meets with visiting team Kuwait eager to boost trade ties with Uruguay: official KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10, (KUNA): A senior official at the Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Monday said they are keen on enhancing trade cooperation with Uruguay. The ministry s Undersecretary Khaled Al-Shamali made the statement to KUNA after a meeting with a visiting delegation from the Arab-Uruguayan chamber of integration for food security and climate change. The delegation offered the ministry a study on issues to secure food and water among nations to face climate change, Al- Shamali added, noting that it would be of great value for modifying and redirecting certain trade activities in Kuwait. The visit reiterates the distinguished ties between Kuwait and the South America Republic, he said. In 2010, the two countries signed a trade agreement, Al-Shamali said. The visit paves the way for a future meeting between the concerned bodies in both countries for further cooperation. He expressed hope that a meeting would be soon held to make the utmost benefit from the study and to discuss the investment opportunities between the private sectors in the two countries. Beacon N ft SE Qaruh Island ft SE Umm Al-Maradim ft SE Sea Island Buo Salmiya ft SE 4 days forecast - Marine Tuesday, Oct 11 Expected weather...hot Sea state... Slight to moderate Wave height ft Max Temp...40 C Min Temp...21 C Wind Direction...NW-VRB Wind Speed km/h Wednesday, Oct 12 Expected weather...hot Sea state... Slight to moderate Wave height ft Max Temp...39 C Min Temp...19 C Wind Direction... NW-N Wind Speed km/h Thursday, Oct 13 Expected weather...hot Sea state... Slight to moderate Wave height ft Max Temp...39 C Min Temp...19 C Wind Direction...NW-W Wind Speed km/h Friday, Oct 14 Expected weather...hot Sea state... Slight to moderate Wave height ft Max Temp...38 C Min Temp...18 C Wind Direction...NW-VRB Wind Speed km/h Tide times at Shuwaikh Port 1st high tide:...19:45 2nd high tide:...05:30 1st low tide:...12:15 2nd low tide:...00:15 Sunrise:...05:47 Sunset:...17:23 Recorded yesterday at Kuwait Airport Max temp...39 C Min temp...19 C Max Rh... 86% Min Rh... 09% Max Wind... S 21 km/h Total Rainfall in 24 hrs...0 mm Recorded yesterday at South Dolphin Min/Max/ Air Temp...26/32 C Min/Max Rel Hum... 40/79% Wind Direction/Wind Speed... S/22 km/h Prev Wave Dir/Max Wave Ht...N/- ft Min/Max Sea Surface Temp...26/28 C Sea Current... Downdraft Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Meteorological Dept. deaths Hessah Sulaiman Abdullah Al Matar, 71 years old, widow of Ghanim Al Saleh, buried on Monday. Condolences: (Men) Zahra, Block 6, Street 440, House 27, Tel: (Women) Rumaithiya, Block 9, Osama Bin Zaid Street, House 28, Tel: ; Ataallah Barak Al Hajri, 78 years old, buried on Monday. Condolences: Sulaibikhat, Block 4, Street 116, Avenue 10, House 9, Tel: ; Fatima Ashwa Tanoosh Al Enzi, 38 years old, wife of Saleh Naif Al Enzi, buried on Monday. Condolences: (Men) Abdullah al Mubarak, Tent opp 6th Ring Road, Tel: (Women) Sabah Al Nasser, Block 2, Street 7, House 13, Tel: Oct 10, 2016

3 LOCAL 3 Parliament s rights panel chief MP Al-Omar meets with Australian ambassador Issues concerning human rights, Bedoun, refugees discussed By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: Chairman of the Parliament s Human Rights Committee MP Jamal Al-Omar on Monday met Australian Ambassador to Kuwait Warren Hauk and Second Secretary Eleanor Hill. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Al-Omar said the ambassador asked about a number of issues including human rights, Bedouns, refugees, and victims of disasters and wars. In response to the ambassador s question on the death penalty in Kuwait, Al-Omar explained the law stipulates death penalty for those involved in serious cases like drug trafficking. He pointed out Kuwait among the targets of drug lords but the nation will not allow anyone to turn it into a port for the promotion of illegal drugs in the region; hence, the stipulation of harsher punishment for drug traffickers while stressing at the same time to respect the right of the accused to defend themselves during litigation. He said the Australian delegation talked about the role of Australia as a strong advocate for global abolition of the death penalty, one of Australia s core human rights objectives. He, in turn, highlighted the humanitarian role of Kuwait which does not deviate from the directives of International Humanitarian Leader HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah. He stressed Kuwait plays a crucial role in helping refugees, stating the country hosted some Syrian refugees who constitute 10 percent of the population. He also underscored the humanitarian efforts exerted by the Development Fund which provides assistance to more than 120 countries with three percent of the State s revenues going to this fund. Reacting to the comment of the Australian delegation that Kuwait supports the international coalition in combating terrorism which has no religion, Al-Omar stressed the GCC countries are united in their bid to maintain the integrity and stability of the region. He added the ambassador has been provided with a copy of the report of the Central System for Remedying the Status of Illegal Residents (CSR- SIR) with the assurance that Kuwait remains committed to its promise to address the problems of Bedouns. On protecting the rights of women, he cited the ratification of numerous laws in favor of women such as their right to vote and contest the National Assembly elections. He said women in Kuwait occupy high positions in companies and institutions where they continue to showcase their capabilities in various fields. In another development, MP Abdullah Al-Mayouf disclosed he was the first to oppose the decision to increase fuel prices; asserting he is against any decision that affects the citizens pockets. As a representative of the people, my duty is to protect their money, he said in a previous tweet. He also affirmed his support for the grilling request that MPs Faisal Al- Kandari, Abdullah Al-Turaiji, Ahmad Al-Mutei and Ali Al-Khamis intend to submit against the finance minister. WB urges acceleration of Kuwait economic reform Kuwait moving on right path: IMF KUNA photo Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah received on Monday CEO of Turquoise Mountain Foundation Shoshana Stewart and Executive Director Scott Liddle. During the meeting, the two sides discussed some topics of mutual interest. (KUNA) Consulate in Irbil keen on helping Kuwait distributes 1,200 food baskets to displaced persons IRBIL, Oct 10, (KUNA): State of Kuwait distributed Monday 1,200 food baskets to displaced people in Iraq s Kurdistan region, part of the country s efforts to alleviate their suffering and meeting their urgent needs. The food baskets have been distributed on the displaced persons and needy in the Dukan county in the city of Sulaimaniya, Dr Omar Al-Kandari, Kuwait s Consul General in Irbil, told KUNA. The baskets were handed over to people displaced from Ramadi and Fallujah, as well as locals in Dukan, he explained. The delivery of aid, he said, was upon instruction of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah who is always keen on helping the brothers in Iraq and standing by their side until end of current crisis, and to see return of all displaced to their homes. Al-Kandari said the consulate in Irbil was keen on helping as many displaced The time-wasting Continued from Page 1 power will accept return of the spirit of constitutional establishment, or the least acceptable, in the presence of a leader like Michel Aoun? It is unfortunate that the Lebanese abandoned their duties to the State for fear of a small country which, in reality, is merely a scarecrow compared to their capabilities if they unite to remove the threat within hours, or else, Hezbollah that controls all facets of the country, is not in a hurry to find a solution. Perhaps, Hezbollah is waiting to see what will become of the region or the green light from Tehran. Lebanon is not exceptional, because the Arab world is covered with the arms of the Iranian octopus that is using the same method as Hezbollah, albeit, in different ways. If the Iraqi mafia operations of Iran stirred sectarian seditions to execute their project, then the situation in Yemen is not any better. The Houthis are mixing the method of Hezbollah with the Iraqi way of playing with sectarian tension. They added to that the opening of the country to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard disguised as experts. As for Libya, the Iranian fingers have started frivoling with it as we see media reports stating a new Libyan part is being tampered with in the Persian expansion project. The solution in Lebanon will not come, except from the Lebanese themselves, so as the case in Iraq and Libya. As for Yemen, the public awakening has started to bear fruits as reflected in the successive defeats of the coup-plotters team and the return of legitimacy. Amir terms Continued from Page 1 poverty, low level of healthcare, illiteracy, environmental problems and rapid population growth, although we are aware of the necessity of collective action to face these challenges. However, our Asian joint action has remained below the aspirations, despite the vast geographic size of the continent and the huge demographic status. My country Kuwait realizes significance of its Asian arena and has sought to promote Asian-level joint action to realize this approach, thus it has hosted meetings of the Secretariat General for dialogue in the past three years. The State of Kuwait has also been engaged at the Asian level in realms such as communications and sustainable development, His Highness the Amir stated, noting that Kuwait had announced during the Kuwait summit at this level an initiative to as possible, either in camps or populated areas. Sheikh Abduljabbar Mohammad, Al- Mahamdah tribe leader, said the delivery of food baskets reflected Kuwait s interest to help the displaced in Iraq s Kurdistan province. Aso Baker Mustafa, governor of Dukan, said the country was hosting around 1,250 families displaced from Ramadi and its counties. He thanked Kuwait for helping the displaced in Dukan. He said he and Al-Kandari discussed means of helping the Iraqi displaced persons. Mustafa said around 50 families displaced from Fallujah have returned to their homes following the liberation of their areas from so-called Islamic State (IS). Kuwait launched last year a campaign to help the displaced Iraqis, distributing some 130,000 food baskets in Kurdish areas so far. raise $2 billion to fund development ventures in non-arab Asian countries, where Kuwait at the time contributed to its budget. His Highness the Amir called on the other States to contribute to this program for sake of achieving the high-status goals. He praised written proposals presented by Thailand including a visionary approach for regional cooperation till This is a vision that depicts our resolve for cooperation and lays down plans to move forward. Cooperation amongst members of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit (ACD) was the main theme in the address given by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the second meeting for the regional organization. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah highlighted during the event the need for utilizing joint potentials and diverse capacities to realize the aspirations of the Asian countries and also to achieve security and stability in the region. The Kuwaiti leader called for a collective effort to combat poverty and environmental problems in Asia. He stressed the importance of developing healthcare and housing welfare for the people of the continent. His Highness the Amir also called on ACD members to respect international laws and norms stipulated by world organizations. The Kuwaiti leader examined the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), recently endorsed in the United States of America, saying that it constituted a breach of international treaties rules. Kuwait will be working with its Asian partners to achieve development on all possible spheres, said His Highness Sheikh Sabah who noted that his country announced in 2012 an initiative to form an Asian development fund with a capital of $2 billion. The Kuwaiti leader called on all Asian nations to seek the 2030 development goals as one unit to achieve prosperity for the region. On his part, the Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha echoed similar statements, urging Asian nations to seek means to boost cooperation on all possible fields especially within the economic domain. Boosting ties within the political, commercial, and social spheres should also be amongst the top priorities of the ACD, said Chan-o-cha who expressed that Thailand was willing to become a vital player in building bridges of mutual understanding and cooperation amongst Asian nations. The Thai Prime Minister took a chance to thank Kuwait for hosting the headquarters of the ACD secretariat and also commended the Gulf country for its efforts in promoting ties in the Asian continent. In statements to KUNA at the ACD, the State of Kuwait Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Suleiman Al-Jarallah said that the summit helped in achieving sustainable development in the continent of Asia. WASHINGTON, Oct 10, (KUNA): Executive Director and Dean of the Board of Directors of the World Bank Merza Hasan urged Kuwait s executive and legislative powers to cooperate to hasten the execution of the state s financial and economic reform plans. The state s reform plans should be executed now, otherwise the nation will pay price later, Hasan, a Kuwaiti national, cautioned in statements to KUNA Sunday. He emphasized that all Gulf states are taking the same steps but at quicker pace, leaving Kuwait lagging behind. There is a huge pressure on the state budget due to the sharp drop in the prices of oil, the country s economic lifeline, he clarified. Hasan commended the recent government s decision to cut fuel subsidy for local consumers. The fiscal savings of such a move could be used to upgrade infrastructure and educational and health services, he viewed. He stated that the World Bank is contributing to various programs to serve the Kuwaiti economy. Meanwhile, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund Masood Ahmad has lauded Kuwait s financial reform document to diversify national economy away from energy sector. The Kuwaiti government is moving on the right path with its six-point financial reform document, Ahmad told KUNA on the sidelines of the joint annual World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting in Washington. Emphasized He, however, emphasized that Kuwait s economic still suffers from low growth rates, decline in the private businesses and non-oil projects compared with the previous year. Though the government has large buffers, it has to take necessary measures to get out of such a dilemma, he said. He suggested a three-point plan to avoid more negative impacts of the steep decline of oil prices on national economy. The government has to gradually cut spending to reduce the budget deficit, rationalize energy consumption and diversify that national economy through encouraging the private sector to be the engine of growth, Ahmad added. The same applies for other Gulf Cooperation Council states, he said, indicating that the GCC countries need to adjust spending and try to increase non-oil income resource. In this regard, he praised the Gulf states ambitious plans to lower their reliance on oil revenues. The Gulf state can also increase their non-oil revenues through the introduction of different kinds of taxes, particularly added value tax. Merza Hasan The Indian delegation The Kuwaiti delegation Advantages of investing in Gujarat state highlighted Indian Embassy in association with KCCI organizes Business-to-Business meeting By Paul Francis X. Fernandes Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: The Embassy of India in association with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) organized a Businessto-Business (B2B) meeting at the KCCI headquarters in downtown Kuwait City to highlight the advantages of investing and doing business in the Indian state of Gujarat. The two-day visit also provided an opportunity to the members of the Gujarat business delegation which was led by Dr Rajiv Kumar Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Gujarat and Managing Director, Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) to explore trade and investment opportunities in Kuwait, including collaborations and tie-ups with businesses and enterprises of Kuwait. The KCCI delegation was led by Dirrar Yusuf Al-Ghanim, a Board Member. The 16-member delegation comprising representatives of Reliance Industries Ltd, Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (Adani Group), GNFC, Kiri Industries Ltd, Dasaldhan Chemicals Pvt Ltd, Thana Acid & Chemical Co, Dineshchandra R. Agrawal Infracon Pvt Ltd, Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), Invest India and KPMG in India also held several meetings with the concerned Kuwait authorities. The delegation also held meetings with Khaled Al-Shamali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Kuwait; CEOs of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), Petroleum Industries Company (PIC), Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI); and Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC). This is in addition to KPMG, Kuwait organizing a networking event for the Gujarat delegation with the participation of the members of Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), Kuwait during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in promotion and development of economic and commercial exchange between the Government of Gujarat and IBPC, Kuwait was signed. The delegation also met Sheikh Yousef Abdullah Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah, Director-General of the Kuwait Ports Authority. During their meetings, the Gujarat delegation has extended an invitation to the Kuwaiti dignitaries to participate at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017, which is scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from Jan 10 to Jan 13, The members of the delegation represented various sectors viz., education, Islamic banking & financial services, oil & gas, LNG, petrochemicals, agrochemical, dyes & dyes intermediates, pigments, basic chemical, specialty chemicals, industrial products, pharmaceutical industries, flexible foam TDI urea formaldehyde resin. This is in addition to cattle feed & decorative lamination, infrastructure development for construction of airports & hangers including airport runways, civil aviation projects, highways, bridges, urban infrastructure and water supply projects, corporate affairs, CSR, HR, technology, infrastructure, designing, consulting, woven bags & fabrics, wires & cables, panel board, polymer, electric cable & switch, C&F, automation industrial, building & home automation, renewable energy, chemicals and petrochemicals, inward investments (i.e. into India) across, sectors with a focus on retail/e-commerce/ logistics, etc. Qatar honors Kuwaiti historian for heritage documentation DOHA, Oct 10, (KUNA): The Qatar Heritage and Identity Center (QHIC) has honored Kuwaiti historian Saif Marzouq Al-Shamlan for his role in documenting and preserving Arabian Gulf history and cultural heritage. This honoring reflects the Gulf state s great appreciation of those who spent much of their life documenting and promoting the Arabian Gulf heritage, Tareq Al-Shamlan, who represented his brother Saif in the ceremony, told KUNA. He pointed out that his brother, Saif, has dedicated his life to shed light on the great events and figures as well as the social, cultural, artistic, etc aspects of life in Kuwait s history. This honoring would have notable impact on the efforts to revive and preserve the rich heritage of the ancestors, he suggested. For his part, Director of the QHIC Khaled Al-Mulla said the ceremony is organized to show recognition of the great contributions of those pioneers in maintaining the Arabian Gulf identity in this globalization era and open world.

4 LOCAL 4 DIWANIYA A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION KUNA photos Top and above: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives the South Korean prime minister and his accompanying delegation. HH the Amir receives S. Korean premier His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Sunday, in the Conference Hall in Bangkok, Premier of the friendly Republic of Korea (South Korea), Hwang Kyo-ahn, and his Islamic contributions to science ignored: official Arab, Muslim experts work lauded Ahmadi Governor photo Governor of Ahmadi Sheikh Fawaz Khaled Al-Sabah met with the Director of Ahmadi Fire Service Lieutenant Colonel Muaz Al-Hamadi Sunday to discuss readiness of the governorate to deal with the camping and rainy seasons. The meeting was attended by head of Ahmadi Fire Station Lieutenant Colonel Omar Borseli. News in Brief Speaker condolences: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim sent on Sunday a cable of condolences Turkish Parliament Speaker Ismail Kahraman and to victims of the terrorist bombing that targeted a security post in Turkey s southeastern Hakkari province. In a statement, the National Assembly general secretariat said that the Speaker expressed solidarity and support to Turkey and its people in combating terrorism. Earlier, the Turkish army said 10 soldiers were killed and seven others were injured in a booby-trapped car explosion in Hakkari city southeast of the country. (KUNA) Kuwait tops rankings: A report by Fitch Ratings Agency indicated the Kuwaiti banking sector tops by a clear margin over other banking sectors of the other five GCC countries in terms of the percentage of financial allocations earmarked to cover bad debts compared to total debts, says Al-Anba daily. The report pointed to the rate of Kuwait s cover reaching 259 percent compared to Saudi, which came second with 174 percent, followed by Oman in third place with 144 percent, then Bahrain and United Arab Emirates recorded percent and percent respectively, while Qatar s cover exceeded percent. Teachers warned: Educational sources disclosed that government s decision to reduce rent allowance paid to expatriate teachers was recommended by Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the ministry is required to implement it, reports Al-Shahid daily. The same sources added the ministry appreciates the tremendous delegation to the Second Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) summit that got underway earlier. The meeting was attended by First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Oil rates dip Reserves bailout KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10, (KUNA): Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh said Sunday Kuwait has reserves enabling it to address challenges resulted from low oil prices. This financial surplus helped the government of Kuwait take well calculated decisions, Al- Saleh, also Acting Minister of Oil, said an interview with Sky News Arabia channels. Kuwait s wise financial and economic policies it has been following for more than 60 years have always succeeded in creating surplus which is transferred to the next generations fund, said Al-Saleh. He noted that revenues from investments are not included in the state general budget. Al-Saleh said the government s budget was based on an oil barrel with $66, but Kuwait s ability to address the low prices was limited. However, he added, the government sought to activate reforms to lower spending. Al-Saleh said the government borrowed around KD 2 billion from the local market, in addition to plans to borrow KD 3 billion from foreign markets. efforts exerted by expatriate teachers to develop education in Kuwait. With regard to the intention of expatriate teachers to hold a sit-in concerning the reduction of rent allowance, sources asserted such a step is deemed illegitimate; thus, the demonstrators may be subjected to liability and accountability if they push ahead with it. Hamad Al-Sabah and members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness to the Asian summit. His Highness the Amir and the delegation are in Bangkok taking part in the ACD summit. (KUNA) KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10, (KUNA): Islamic civilization has produced scientific breakthroughs that can be attributed to the faith s humane image, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Art and Letters (NCCAL) Ali Al- Yoha said on Monday. Speaking at a conference entitled, Sciences in Islamic Civilization, Al-Yoha noted that a number of scientists of various faiths have helped build this edifice of scientific knowledge. Moreover, he noted that the conference constitutes a part of planned cultural and scientific activities that will showcase how significant science is to our cultural lives. Speaking on the conference, he said that the title alone is testament to the scientific and intellectual contributions churned out by the Islamic civilization for centuries. Our rich scientific history is reflected well in our lives, Al-Yoha added. Meanwhile, Dr Majdi Abdulhafeth, one of many academicians who took part in the conference, said that the event allows us to reflect on the indelible mark left by those who came before us. He also spoke of Arab and Muslim scientists devotion to their works, which helped inspire intellectuals and philosophers all across the globe. Head of the conference s organizing committee Dr Abdullah Al-Jasmi said that Islamic contributions to the scientific world has often been overlooked, adding that all issues discussed in the conference will be incorporated into a book to be published soon. The two-day conference, which ends Wednesday, features a bevy of scientists and philosophers who will engage in discussions that run the gamut from scientific ideologies to development and advancement. Meanwhile, Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain s Foundation has produced a documentary titled, Roots and Leaves, as part of the national activities marking Kuwait as the Islamic Cultural Capital The foundation said in a statement on Monday that the film would be screened at theatre of Al-Babtain poetry library, on Sunday, under auspices of the Minister of Information, Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al- Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. A number of iconic national figures who have played a key role at the cultural level will be honored on the occasion. They are Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Reshaid, Sheikh Yousef Bin Isaa Al-Ginaee, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri, Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sumait and Sheikh Abdulmohsen Ibrahim Al-Babtain. The documentary chronicles history of the Islamic culture in Kuwait. Karbala calls for unity Learn lessons from revolution THESE days we remember the anniversary of the martyrdom of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Imam Al-Hussain Bin Ali, (May Allah be pleased with him). This anniversary coincides with the anniversary of the loss of its revolutionary objectives between extreme love to Al-Hussain (May Allah be pleased with him) revolution and the lovers who have seemingly relinquished these objectives, columnist Dr Hassan Abdullah Abbas wrote for Al-Rai daily Monday. May be the battle of Karbala can be seen as the most famous event in the Islamic calendar and maybe it is one the most famous event in this history, because all Muslims and the accredited historical books agree on the occurrence of this event and how the people of Koufa and Al-Sham were of one opinion on the murder of Imam Al-Hussain (May Allah be pleased with him) his companions and taking captive the women who accompanied the Imam. In spite of the above, historians emphasize that some details contained in certain books are wrong and are full of unconfirmed exaggerations, but it is needless to say this difference in the novels will not underestimate the importance of the event itself, nor negatively affect the soundness of the battle of Karbala because the historians have given their consensus to this event. As a matter of fact, the Karbala event is full of revolutionary and moral values and as such we suggest that this event should be written in golden letters. Hence, I would like to seize this opportunity and cite some of these values where the revolution of Al-Hussain (May Allah be pleased with him) is full of logical evidences and has always been looking for peaceful solutions before looking for military solutions. But the question is: Can we benefit from this revolution and its values in terms of dealing with our intellectual opponents, for instance? In this connection, we cite how Imam Al-Hussain (May Allah be pleased with him) offered all options to his foes in order to persuade them to settle the problem peacefully, but the foes insisted either to kill him or humiliate him. It is needless to say he had set an example in terms of projecting some new, Moral values that confirmed his keenness to protect his pride and dignity and for Abbas this reason he was determined to fight them although he had a few followers, but he insisted to fight for the right. In this context, we say a unique and rare sincerity and loyalty that was shown by his soldiers to their leader Imam Al-Hussain (May Allah be pleased with him) and to his wise leadership motivated by their conviction that their obedience to him means their obedience to the Almighty Allah, they were never motivated by personal grudges nor family or clannish emotions and this is exactly what was shown by all his soldiers including his family members and relatives topped by his brothers including Al-Abbas, (May Allah be pleased with him). Apart from the above, the battle of Karbala actually taught the lesson of decency that could be learnt from Imam Al-Hussain (May Allah be pleased with him) revolution where he was and during the battle to advice his opponents and urging them to abide by the intake of Islamic values even in dealing with their opponents from his companions and family members. But unfortunately, at the moment we find people ignoring the paramount values of Imam Al-Hussain (AB- PWH) and his humanitarian revolution. In other words, one may observe that the people have ignored the spirit of this revolution to such an extent, we found the nations are divided into two parts, one inflicting wounds on them even with most crude weapons to mark the anniversary of Karbala and others fast to mark this anniversary. Oh my dear Muslims, we have to keep in mind that Al-Hussain, (ABPWH) was for all of us. In other words, as you may realize that it would be shameful to be happy during the anniversary of Karbala, but it is needless to say that it would be shameful also to summarize this great anniversary by inflicting wounds on your body, simply because this anniversary is full of values and lessons are to be learnt and this means all of us must not occupy ourselves with marginal issues at the expense of our essentials. Furthermore, we have to keep in mind that Imam Al-Hussain (ABPWH) through his revolution was striving to unify the nation and revive the values of goodness, safety, mercy, pride and dignity and exert utmost efforts to boost charity work by turning his back on devilish actions. Moreover, this revolution was aimed at boosting political awareness among the people, but unfortunately, sometimes we misunderstood the objectives of this great revolution. Also: Once again, the anniversary of Karbala event returns to resurrect a state of renewable sadness among all Muslims on our planet, columnist, the representative of the State of Kuwait to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Consultative Committee and former MP Abdulmohsen Yusuf Jamal wrote for Al-Qabas daily Monday. The anniversary of Karbala comes with Hussain (RA), Zainab (RA), companions and martyrs who painted the road of pride and dignity for the entire nation. Karbala s anniversary comes to tell Muslims particularly those who have yet to comprehend the lessons, why you are still insisting to repeat Karbala s event once again? The event of Karbala which is understood by all people of the world irrespective of the religious and doctrinal belonging, except the Muslims, still insists to repeat the same without any control. This Al-Hussain (RA), who always called for boosting the right, once again calls for promoting what is right and shunning devilish actions and insists on his revolution which was aimed at consecrating justice, reforms and fighting injustice and corruption for the sake of the nation of my grandfather. But unfortunately, it appears that the nation through its current conflicts and murders is insisting not to abide by warnings which were sounded by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that the nation must not abandon religion after his death and get involved in killing each other. The advent of Karbala anniversary comes while the nation renews its involvement in killing children, enslaving women and the merciless destruction of the sacred shrines. We celebrate the anniversary of Karbala surrounded by conflicts without any religious or moral deterrent. However, the real faithful Muslim, will have no choice, but to revive the anniversary of Karbala amid emotions, screams, understanding and a lesson to be learned in order to avert the actions which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had warned us about. Such being the case, we are in need at the moment to renew the talk about Karbala in order to learn the lessons, particularly since we know that the man of Karbala is one of the masters of the youth of the paradise as his grandfather Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had mentioned. Not just that, Almighty Allah loves the people who love Al-Hussain (RA). Peace be Upon Al- Hussain every time. The article written by Khalil Ali Haider drew my attention and it had a good impact on readers from all sects. He started his article with a call to all Kuwaiti, GCC and Arab Shiites to shun the Gulf-Iran disagreement so that they do not become victims, Fahad Abdulrahman Al-Mejal wrote for Al-Seyassah daily. Such an article was written at a critical time when efforts of lawmakers, businessmen, clerics and lawyers are required to keep Kuwait safe from sectarian rifts that can tear the Kuwaiti fabric. What the writer indicated was true. We repeatedly say again that Kuwait is exceptional but the possibility of us not being exceptional by getting involved in sectarian conflicts which is tearing our region apart is likely. However, national duty makes us agree to the objectivity reflected by Haider s article. We thank God that Kuwait is still protected from such division especially after the crisis witnessed during the unfortunate attack on the Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque. We pray God will protect Kuwait and its people from all evil. While airstrikes were hitting us in Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the Israeli radio was showing more kindness to us than some Arabs who were celebrating the crimes of Sadaam Hussain against Kuwait, Mubarak Al-Muosherji wrote for Al-Rai daily. However, after the liberation of Kuwait, the late Amir of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah declared that Kuwait will be the last Arab country to normalize relations with Israel. So far Kuwait has not broken that oath taken by the late Amir. Last week, the funeral of Shimon Peres was held in the presence of the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and representatives from Arab countries surrounding Israel. Not a single representative from Kuwait was present at that event. Strangely, former minister of Commerce and Industry and current MP Yousef Al-Zalzalah accuses Kuwaiti government of cooperating with the Israeli Intelligence. Apparently, he obtained this information from Israeli sources. Why would the Israeli Intelligence, which has the largest network of spies in the world, cooperate with Kuwait? I am not saying this to belittle Kuwait but to indicate that Kuwait shares good relations with almost all countries in the world and it does not need help from that kind of intelligence. Does MP Al-Zalzalah want Kuwait to ignore information about a spying cell or a terrorist group if it obtained that information from Israel via a third party? In a TV interview, Al-Zalzalah said he is being attacked just because he fights corruption. However, his accusations lack evidences. If he does have any evidences, we request him to question the relevant minister in the parliament where he is supposed to represent the citizens. The aim behind the claims of Al-Zalzalah concerning the supposed cooperation between Kuwait and the Israeli Intelligence is to shake the relations Kuwait shares with its sisterly countries in the Arab world. Our social and moral destruction started with the discovery of oil, so we should watch out! The current crisis is not about the claim of corruption used as a cover by the opposition, and it s neither about those losing sight and unable to see further using the fall of oil prices as an excuse for the crisis, Hassan Al-Essa wrote for Al-Jarida daily. We are to blame for the current crisis and oil discovery is the cause! The above statement was culled from a recent article published in Al-Qabas daily by Abdul-Lateef Al-Duaij. The idea is synonymous with his articles such that he uses it to analyze symptoms of the disease plaguing Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf. He cited reliance on other people s work, low productivity and widespread of series of corruption as examples of the symptoms. However, one thing is to describe a disease another thing is to diagnose the real cause. The use of the pronoun we in his articles absolutely refers to State officials, because ordinary masses do not have freedom to determine their fate. Without a doubt, the inspections carried out by Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled regularly in ministry sites and venues for various occasions is regarded as a clear message that the sleepless eyes of securitymen on the nation do not accept negligence and they always focus on their job, columnist Abdulrahman Al Awwad wrote for Al-Sabah daily. The regular inspections give assurance to citizens and expatriates that security of the country is under control. This also means the Interior Ministry from top to bottom is performing its duties efficiently for everyone to live peacefully. The citizens have been following with interest a meeting between the executive and legislative authority that was held on Oct 5 in the National Assembly to come up with smart solutions as mentioned by Speaker of the Parliament Marzouq Al-Ghanim, columnist Dr Muhammad Al-Duwaihees wrote for Al Shahed daily. Al-Ghanim said the smart solutions will be put in place to solve the issue of hike in petrol prices and the economic challenges. Some followers on the social media commented saying smart solutions remind them of the story of smart board and a stupid student! The citizens in general wished that the proposed smart solution will not affect negatively the economic challenges the country is facing. MP Abdullah Al-Mayouf stated after the meeting that the petrol crisis is over since a decision was taken to grant 75 liters of petrol to each citizen who possesses a driving license. This so-called smart decision has many negative effects not only in management but identifying the required conditions to deserve the 75 liters of gasoline monthly. It will result in congestion for citizens to obtain driving licenses for all members of the family. Also liberating the petrol prices means putting their prices within international levels and this might make the prices so high if the oil prices rise as it s known that we cannot control the international oil prices especially after the Saudi-Iran agreement. I think this issue has not been studied very well from all angles. The proposed solution between the two authorities is not so smart as promised by the Speaker. If the solution is not smart then the application is expected to be stupid. Compiled by Zaki Taleb

5 LOCAL 5 Confab on impact of science on Islamic culture kicks off Sheikh Salman stresses importance of upgrading message of art, media KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10, (KUNA): The conference on the impact of science in Islamic culture kicked off on Monday, under the patronage of Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. Sheikh Salman is also Chairman of the National Council for Cul- National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim at the airport with other dignitaries. Parliament Speaker returns home National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim and his accompanying delegation have returned to Kuwait, coming from Egypt where he had attended a ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of the Egyptian parliament. The Speaker was received at Kuwait International Airport by Deputy Speaker Mubarak Al-Khurainej, Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs Dr Ali Plan to enhance cooperation among Gulf states ture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). The event, being held from Oct 10 to 12, is organized by NCCAL with the participation of a number of scientists and researchers to celebrate Kuwait as a Capital of Islamic Culture The conference focuses on the role of Islamic sciences in achieving development for humanity in different fields, said NCCAL Secretary General Ali Al-Yoha in his opening speech. On his part, head of the organizing committee Dr Abdullah Al-Jasmi said in a statement that the conference sheds light on the effect of science on different aspect of the Islamic culture. He added that discussion made in the event will be printed out and published in a book by Kuwait University. Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah has underlined the importance of developing the message of art and media so as to promote collective thought, and establish citizenship and loyalty. This came in a press statement issued by the Ministry of Information on Monday after Sheikh Salman met with Chairman of the Kuwait Artists Syn- KUNA photo dicate Tareq Al-Ali and board of directors. The minister stressed that developing collective thought and Al-Omair and Egyptian Ambassador in Kuwait Yasser Atef. essary to face challenges which establishing citizenship are nec- The Speaker attended the ceremony held in Egypt s Red Sea re- and traditions as well as modera- pose risks to the region s culture sort city of Sharm El-Sheikh at the tion and tolerance of Islam. invitation of Egyptian parliament He called for developing media and artistic works aiming to Speaker Ali Abdulal. (KUNA) discard violence, extremism and terrorism, and promote love and cooperation. Sheikh Salman indicated that the government adopted a cultural strategy with the aim of developing artistic and cultural infrastructure and setting up artistic facili- year, which led to a joint view to promote joint action, Al-Ghassani ties in all governorates. said. He reiterated that this move In addition, the meeting will aims to evolve the message of art to be delivered to all citizens. discuss how the two sectors could He affirmed support of the contribute to advancing the national economy, and enhance the GCC tional Council for Culture, Arts Ministry of Information and Na- citizens identity as well as developing human resources in tourist seeking to show the real and and Letters for all initiatives and culture. bright image of Kuwait. Aspects of GCC tourist and cultural coordination on the Arab and forts exerted by Sheikh Salman Meanwhile, Al-Ali lauded ef- the international scenes will also in buttressing artistic movement feature high on the agenda, Al- and developing media in Kuwait. Ghassani said. GCC tourism, culture ministers to meet in Riyadh RIYADH, Oct 10, (KUNA): A senior Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) official has emphasized the importance of the topics on the agenda of a ministerial meeting due in Riyadh on Tuesday. The GCC Ministers of Tourism, and Culture will hold a coordination meeting at the bloc s Secretariat in the Saudi capital. The joint meeting will be held upon a sincere desire from Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH). Prince Sultan Bin Salman, to bolster GCC ties and enhance cooperation in tourism and culture to fulfill the expectations of the GCC peoples. The GCC Assistant Secretary- General for Cultural and Information Affairs Khalid Al-Ghassani made the statement in a press release Monday. The ministers will address several issues on boosting cooperation among the tourist and cultural sectors in the member states, focusing on the topics addressed by Undersecretaries in Riyadh earlier in the Shabab Sports Club earned 42 points to win the cup in the First Karate Contest organized by Kuwait Karate Union. Some 710 players representing 14 sports clubs participated in the competition that ended on Oct 10 at the hall of Kuwait Karate Union inside Salmiya Sports Club. Yarmouk Sports Club took the second with 32 points and Tadamon Sports Club came third with 30 points. For his part, Deputy Chairman of Kuwait Karate Union Menahi Al-Fadhli was thrilled with the level of sportsmanship witnessed at the event, indicating the strong challenge reflected immense efforts exerted by the Karate Union headed by Sheikh Khaled Al-Abdullah alongside members of the board of directors that set long-term plans to develop the sport in Kuwait. Oct 6, 2016

6 LOCAL Deportation for six expatriates caught driving without licence Two African women in flesh trade nabbed MoI photo The General Staff Chief of Kuwait Army Lieutenant General Mohammad Al-Kadar Monday received in his office Colonel Ernesno Severno Montejenero, the military attaché of Argentina in Egypt, who is on an official visit in Kuwait, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The two officials discussed issues of mutual concern for the two friendly countries as well as ways to develop the military cooperation between Kuwait and Argentina. Director of Moral Guidance Department Brigadier Lafi Al-Azmi and Director of Attaché Affairs and Military Scholarships Department Colonel Najib Al-Saqr were present at the meeting. By Meshal Al-Sanousi Al-Seyassah Staff and Agencies KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: Two African women were arrested in Shaab area for offering flesh pleasure at KD 50 per client. According to security sources, when securitymen received information about the immoral activities of two African women, they kept a tab on the women. After confirming the information, the women were arrested while they were heading to a flat in Shaab area. When questioned, they confessed that they have been working as sex workers for six months through a pimp and have been paying him a commission of KD 15 per client. Necessary action was taken against them. Deportation for 6: Officers from General Traffic Department launched sudden traffic campaigns in all governorates during which they issued 32,879 traffic citations, seized 666 vehicles, arrested seven individuals for committing serious traffic violations and referred six expatriates for deportation for driving without possessing driving licenses, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The General Traffic Department affirmed that such traffic campaigns will be held in all governorates round the clock to ensure the traffic rules are followed and to ensure the safety of the road users. Many held with drugs: A Kuwaiti citizen and his girlfriend were arrested in Salmiya area in possession of drugs. According to security sources, Private Taskforce officers were patrolling Salmiya area when they stopped a vehicle with a couple based on suspicions and checked the details of the driver to realize he is a Kuwaiti citizen. They checked the vehicle to find two types of drugs including methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They were referred to the Drugs Control General Department for necessary legal action against them. Meanwhile, a Kuwaiti woman was arrested in possession of narcotic pills. Sources revealed that she was caught behaving strangely by laughing and crying at the same time. Securitymen checked her to find some narcotic pills. She was referred to the Drugs Control General Department. In addition, four Kuwaiti citizens were arrested for consuming and possessing various drugs including hashish and methamphetamine. Among the suspects, a citizen in his 20s was discovered to be involved in a hit-and-run accident. They were referred with the confiscated drugs to the concerned authorities. Sheep thief caught: A Malian expatriate was arrested for attempting to steal sheep from a farm in Qashaniya area with the help of a compatriot. According to security sources, Qashaniya securitymen were patrolling the farming area in Qashaniya when they noticed a vehicle parked near the wall of a farm with a ewe on the open trunk of the vehicle. Securitymen checked his details to discover he is a Malian expatriate. When questioned, he confessed that one of his compatriots works in the farm and they have been stealing the sheep from the farm and selling it, after which they split the money between themselves. He also revealed that they have committed several thefts of sheep. The suspect was arrested and referred to the police station of the area. Investigations are ongoing to find the other suspect. The owner of the farm was summoned for taking necessary action. Court Cases Filipina s hearing adjourned Court acquits 2 men of stealing, damaging car By Jaber Al-Humoud Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: The Misdemeanor Circuit at the Court of First Instance acquitted two individuals of stealing and causing damage to a vehicle. Legal representative of the company that owns the vehicle, which was allegedly stolen and damaged by the defendants, said the vehicle was taken away from its driver in Jahra. He added the police later notified the company that the vehicle had been found, Al-Ali but it wasn t brought to the police station because it was damaged and dumped at the crime location, and two suspects were arrested in connection with the case. In their defense, lawyer Ali Al-Ali said there was no evidence linking his clients to the crime. He added the legal representative of the company that owns the vehicle did not catch the accused in the act of stealing. He urged the court to clear the accused of all charges leveled against them. Ruling appealed: Director of the Legislation and Fatwa Department Judge Salah Al-Musad said the department appealed the court ruling on the cancellation of the Cabinet s decision to withdraw the citizenship of Ahmed Al-Jabr. Meanwhile, Attorney Emad Al- Saif mentioned on this Twitter account that the cancellation of the Cabinet s decision is due to the poor performance of the government s lawyer rather than the excellent performance of the lawyer of Al-Jabr. He pointed out the lawyer of the government insisted on describing the decision to withdraw the citizenship of Al-Jabr as a sovereignty matter despite the verdict of the Constitutional Court which declared it as an administrative concern excluded from sovereignty procedures. He added it is better for the government to be brave enough to set aside this issue and admit that the decision is not legal. Hearing adjourned: The Misdemeanor Court adjourned deliberations on a lawsuit filed by the State Security Department against a Filipino housemaid suspected to be a member of DAESH until Oct 24, The defendant denied the accusation although investigations revealed that she was ready to carry out a terrorism plot on behalf of the group in Kuwait. She is said to be married to a Libyan member of the group. Jail for Dashti: The Misdemeanor Court sentenced MP Abdul-Hamid Dashti to six years in prison with hard labor over the alleged malicious statements against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. He is to serve three years term for each of the two offenses. MP Dashti was accused of issuing written malicious statements and conducting acts deemed hostile to the two countries, which could adversely affect Kuwait s bilateral diplomatic relations with them. 6 Illegal structures are removed. Municipality in full swing Ton of rotten food destroyed KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: The Illegal Structures Demolition Department at Kuwait Municipality carried out several surprise inspection campaigns in the Capital Governorate in September, resulting in the confiscation and disposal of one ton of expired food products, collection of KD 2,175 as fees for conciliation orders and checking 54 houses prior to the connection of electricity, reports Al-Seyassah daily. In a press statement, Director of the Municipality branch in the governorate Eng Amar Al-Amar pointed out the campaigns were in line with the directives of the Capital and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Sector Chairman Eng Faisal Al-Junaa to ensure strict compliance with the regulations. Meanwhile, Head of the Illegal Structures Demolition Department Eng Abdullah Jaber affirmed they are doing their best according to the instructions of Al-Amar in order to uncover violations and demolish all illegal structures. He revealed 55 warnings were sent to those who committed violations as per ministerial decision number 206/ He added 54 houses were inspected for connecting electricity in addition to issuing two citations for violation of building regulations. He said 150 citations were issued for food-related violations, 35 warnings were issued and 33 citation stickers pasted on abandoned cars. This is in addition to 12 stickers for demolition of illegal structures, 14 citations for violation of law number 9/1987, eight pledges related to public sanitation, five citations for violating public hygiene regulations, 128 advertisement violations, removal of 26 advertisements and demolition of two structures built on State properties. News in Brief Travel ban on 20: Attorney-General Counsel Dhirar Al-Asousi has slapped a travel ban on 20 executives of a real estate company for swindling 3,000 citizens and residents by convincing them to invest real estate owned by the firm outside Kuwait, reports Al-Jarida daily. The daily added, the suspects are Arabs of various nationalities and a Kuwaiti woman, believed to be the Al-Asousi owner of the company, pending further investigation. Judicial sources said investigations revealed the company has cheated the investors to the tune of more than KD 30 million. Syrian arrested: A Syrian has been referred to the Public Prosecution for insulting the Kuwaiti citizenship, reports Al-Anba daily. A security source the arrest came after a young Kuwaiti called the Operations Room of the Interior Ministry when he saw a clip made by the Syrian to insult Kuwait. According to reports the young Kuwaiti asked the Syrian what he would do if he were granted the Kuwaiti citizenship and latter responded by making an indecent sign. Security tightened: The Ministry of Interior is said to have tightened security at the Kuwait International Airport by posting 80 officers in the rank of First Lieutenant in the framework of a comprehensive plan to prevent security breach, reports Al-Rai daily. According to security sources, the officers who have been pressed into service at the airport are all university graduates and have served the Interior Ministry for more than 10 years. This is in addition to the necessary experience in the field of security and public relations. Recycling stamps: Acting on a tipoff and armed with a search and arrest warrant issued by the Public Prosecution, personnel from the Criminal Investigations Department recently raided an apartment and seized four Asians working for a cleaning company for recycling and selling used revenue stamps, reports Al-Shahed daily. According to security sources, the suspects have confessed to removing the stamps from old transactions. It is believed the suspects work for government departments in various governorates.

7 LOCAL 7 Workshop to bridge gap in securing human rights Onus on govt: official By Ahmed Al-Naqeeb Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: Dr Yousef Al-Saqer, Board Chairman of Kuwait Association for the Basic Elements of Human Rights (KABEHR), said the recent developments in the system overseeing protection of human rights led to significant changes in the work methodologies of civil society organizations; allowing them to perform their tasks effectively the most important of which is monitoring the government and its adherence to international agreements on human rights. Al-Saqer disclosed that alongside the Kuwait Human Rights Society and in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Regional Office for the Middle East-Beirut, KABEHR is holding a workshop entitled, Following up the UN recommendations on Human Rights, which will be KUNA photo launched Monday night at the headquarters of Kuwait Human Rights Al-Enezi inaugurates the exhibition. Society. A group of workers in civil Int l finance, real estate expo begins society organizations, activists and human rights defenders will attend the event. Assistant Undersecretary of Ministry of Commerce and Industry for bition, the organizing company s and foremost, aimed at defining ways Speaking to KUNA on the exhi- He explained the workshop is, first Technical Affairs and Trade Development Abdullah Al-Enezi opened shafy said that this year s exhibition decisions of the Human Rights Council; General Manager Essam Abdel- to follow up the recommendations and on Monday the 2016 International includes offering a variety of real in addition to monitoring their implementation in committees and concerned Finance, Real Estate, and Investment Expo. apartments and lands, in addition to estate products, including houses, Held under the patronage of Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr He added that most of the ex- 250 real estate projects. authorities in order to improve the human rights situation in the country and Yousef Al-Ali, the two-day exhibition attracts 26 real estate compa- time at the Kuwaiti market at rea- this regard. hibits are put on display for the first bring about change that will fill gaps in nies, along with a number of banks sonable prices that suit all investors. (KUNA) tion for making this possible falls on the He asserted that the primary obliga- and construction companies. government, where unconditional respect and care for human rights must be met. However, this does not exempt the Safety standards lacking civil society organizations from doing their part as they possess a decisive tool in terms of following up the implementation of UN human rights agreements. Disaster waiting to happen On the other hand, Secretary General of Kuwait Human Rights Society Hussain Al-Otaibi said the workshop at US, Kuwait training camp will be conducted by a group of experts in the Arab region such as Dr Abeer KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: A series ernment-employed master electricians or fire protection engineers the program for capacity building on Khreishah head of human rights in of significant and potentially dangerous problems with electrical and and that the Kuwait Base Operations and Security Support Services Human Rights Regional Office for the treaties at the High Commissioner for fire protection systems in military housing at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, contract Performance Work Statement didn t provide requirements Khalifa head of the High Commis- Middle East and North Africa, Akram are due in part to inadequate maintenance and oversight, the Defense to ensure adequate electrical and sioner for Human Rights Regional Department Inspector General found fire-protection inspections. Office for the Middle East and North during a recent inspection, reports Most of the deficiencies were due Africa, and Judge Faten Al-Sabei representative of the Justice Ministry in Al-Rai daily. to insufficient inspection, inadequate maintenance, lack of an ef- the Republic of Tunisia. The inspection, conducted in Al-Otaibi then praised the role February, covered living quarters, fective maintenance and inspection played by the Human Rights Office at including buildings, trailers, tents, plan, and ineffective project oversight, the report found. Talal Al-Mutairi, who has always been the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by latrines, showers, and laundry and mechanical rooms. The inspectors The Army is going through all keen on coordinating with civil society also looked at the new Kuwaiti Energy Efficiency Project buildings, dressing all issues it sees, the com- following up UN human rights recom- structures at Camp Buehring and ad- organizations in preparing reports and known as KEEP, which provide mander of Area Support Group Kuwait, Col Joseph W. Power, said in munity partnership in promoting the mendations as well as enhancing com- energy-efficient housing. In total, the IG inspected 59 buildings and 178 a statement to Stars and Stripes. It is culture of human rights in society. rooms. adding electrical outlets to living areas to prevent daisy chaining. result of the concerted efforts of the two He pointed out the workshop is the Of the 538 total deficiencies identified, 198 were electrical in nature. We are telling our leadership human rights associations in Kuwait to They ranged from failure to meet they have to get in the barracks guarantee the implementation of UN the National Electrical Code for and make sure their soldiers adhere agreements and recommendations on the installation and maintenance of to Army safety standards, Power human rights in accordance with the electrical equipment to unsafe tenant practices, such as daisy chaining Camp Buehring, a temporary said. country s Constitution and Sharia laws, especially in dealing with human rights cases. power cords and unapproved use of training camp about 25 miles from He believes the people are keen on heat-generating appliances in sleeping quarters. and Kuwaiti military personnel. The es the reputation of Kuwait and they the Iraqi border, is used by both US putting an end to any issue that tarnish- The report also found that Camp US military has occupied the facilities there since will do whatever they can to make this Buehring lacked permanent, gov- happen. MoCI to remove hurdles One window system to ease workflow KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is working hard to remove impediments to the establishment of companies and expedite procedures through the automation system, reports Al Shahed daily quoting Undersecretary Khaled Al-Shamali. Al-Shamali affirmed the flow of work in one window situated at the headquarters in Ishbiliya commenced last week; saying this will help in effectively serving company owners, clients and small investors as the period for completing the paperwork will be reduced. He explained the procedures will be done online through one window. He reiterated that one window is now operating and it is implemented in Kuwait for the first time. He affirmed cooperation between different government authorities, including the ministry, in order to ease procedures for visitors. He added the establishment phase has been incorporated in one window and it is linked to all related authorities to make the entire process easier. Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) did not discuss the idea of reducing the salaries of Kuwaiti and expatriate teachers during summer, reports Al-Anba daily quoting ministerial sources. Sources disclosed the CSC has instructed high-ranking government officials to refrain from touching the salaries of employees. Asked about the Finance Ministry s plan to restructure the salary scale, sources clarified this is aimed at compensating employees who do not receive additional privileges like allowances or bonuses. A fox reportedly spread panic among female students in the Kuwait University campus, reports Al-Shahed daily. No one knows from where the fox came, but security guards succeeded in chasing the animal until it left the campus. News in Brief Abandoned cars: In a recent campaign, inspectors from Kuwait Municipality removed 10 abandoned vehicles from the roads and public squares in Ahmadi governorate. The campaign is expected to continue over an indeterminate period, reports Al-Seyassah. One hurt in mishap: An Arab expatriate was injured in a two-vehicle collision on Jahra Motorway. He was referred to Jahra Hospital by paramedics for treatment, reports Al-Seyassah. Meanwhile, an Egyptian lady sustained injuries in different parts of her body after a two-car crash in Salmiya area. She was also taken to the Mubarak Hospital by paramedics.

8 INTERNATIONAL 8 Cabinet prime Continued from Page 1 administration that deals with work related to commercial permits, direct investment and the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This administration is tasked with completing all investment transactions and will begin accepting business permits in November. The report also contained updates on environmental projects completed in the April-June 2016 period, providing intricacies of expenses and timeframes, in addition to ways to expedite the projects. The Cabinet reminisced on the life and career of late Kuwaiti musician Ibrahim Al-Sola, a man who devoted his life to national arts. The Cabinet conveyed its deepest condolences to his family in this most difficult time. The meeting also featured discussions of the latest Arab and international political developments. Suspect admits Continued from Page 1 A security source said the material which was seized from the man was sent to the Criminal Evidences Department and upon examination the experts said it was non-hazardous and did not contain any explosive substance. The source said more than 20 suspects linked to the accused had been taken into custody for interrogation and 12 of them have been released while eight others are still being interrogated by the State Security Service. It has also been reported the case file from the Abdullah Al-Mubarak Police Station has now been handed over to the State Security police. The source pointed out an unidentified imam of a mosque has also been whisked away for interrogation after police found in the suspect s wallet instructions how to spend money KD 1,300 towards the repair of the vehicle and KD 2,000 for his family. The source added the suspect was a regular visitor to a charity organization and some employees of this charity have been detained for interrogation. Police are also interrogating his coworkers. Yemen rebel Continued from Page 1 Strait, which serves as a gateway for oil tankers headed to Europe through the Suez Canal, the official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of the incident that haven t been made public. However, the Houthi-controlled SABA news agency of Yemen quoted an anonymous army official denying its forces fired on the USS Mason, without elaborating. Last week, an Emirati-leased Swift boat came under rocket fire near the same area and sustained serious damage. The United Arab Emirates described the vessel as carrying humanitarian aid and having a crew of civilians, while the Houthis called the boat a warship. US Navy officials declined to immediately discuss what kind of rockets were used in the USS Mason incident. Analysts with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy suggested in a report that the Houthis may have targeted the Emirati ship with an Iranian anti-shipping cruise missile, based on purported video of the attack. Shiite power Iran has supported the Houthis, but denied supplying them with weapons. Any Iranian involvement could stoke tension between the Islamic Republic and the US, which already have had a series of tense naval encounters since the nuclear deal with world powers. Saudi state television aired a brief clip of what appeared to be a projectile that was said to have landed in Taif in the ballistic missile attack. The video shows the flash of an explosion, followed by images of emergency vehicles. Taif is home to Saudi Arabia s King Fahd Air Base, which hosts US military personnel training the kingdom s armed forces. The Saudi military said the missile fired late Saturday night was intercepted and caused no damage. The US military s Central Command, which oversees troops in the Middle East, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Meanwhile, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday urged the UN Human Rights Council to immediately establish an independent body to investigate rights abuses and other violations in Yemen, especially following last weekend s horrendous attack on a funeral hall reportedly by the Saudiled coalition. The UN chief told reporters that Saturday s airstrikes in Yemen s capital Saana, which killed over 140 people and injured more than 525 others, were the latest disasters in the Yemen conflict, which has left over 20 million people an astounding 80 percent of the population in need of humanitarian aid. Aerial attacks by the Saudi-led coalition have already caused immense carnage and destroyed much of the country s medical facilities and other vital civilian infrastructure, Ban said. Bombing people already mourning the loss of loved ones is reprehensible. This latest horrific incident demands a full inquiry, he said. More broadly, there must be accountability for the appalling conduct of this entire war. Earlier Monday, UN human rights chief Zeid Ra ad al-hussein denounced the airstrikes and faulted the Human Rights Council for not doing more in the face of a climate of impunity in the impoverished, war-torn country. He reiterated his calls for an independent investigation of abuses in Yemen, which the 47-member Geneva- Smoke rises in the distance as pro-government forces target Islamic State (IS) group positions in Iraq s eastern Salaheddin province, south of Hawijah, on Oct 10, as they clear the area in preparation for the push to retake the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, the last Islamic State (IS) group held city in Iraq. (AFP) ZUMAR, Iraq, Oct 10, (RTRS): From the terrace of the house Abu Suhail occupies, you can see Iraq s ethnic fault lines widening. Like many houses in this northern Iraqi town, the drab concrete building used to be owned by an Arab family. Abu Suhail, a Kurd who owns a small shop, lived down the block. He and his family shared glasses of tea with their Arab neighbours; his two sons played with Arab kids in the streets. But after Islamic State seized Zumar during its lightning sweep through northern and western Iraq in 2014, most Kurds fled, leaving the town to the Sunni militant group. Two months later, the Kurds hit back, pushing Islamic State out. Now, Zumar is populated almost entirely by Kurds, many of whom, like Abu Suhail, have had no qualms about seizing homes. He said the Arab who owned the house he has taken supported Islamic State. The same shift can be seen in towns and villages across the ethnically mixed ribbon of land that divides the autonomous Kurdish area in the north of Iraq from the Arab-majority part in the south. As the Peshmerga Iraqi Kurdistan s fighting force have battled Islamic State, many Arabs have been forced from their homes. Ordinary Kurds have come in behind, seizing properties, destroying buildings, and grabbing farmland. In total, Kurds have increased the size of the region they control in Iraq by around 40 percent since This is how the map is being redrawn across Iraq and Syria: Groups fighting Islamic State are using the battle to settle older disputes and expand their territory. Kurds say they are simply redressing historic wrongs perpetrated by successive Iraqi leaders, particularly the former dictator Saddam Hussein. His policy of Arabisation in the north razed Kurdish villages and displaced hundreds of thousands. But others, including many in the Iraqi government led by Haider Map redrawn across Iraq and Syria In fight against IS, Kurds expand territory based council, which includes Saudi Arabia, all but ignored at its last session in September. Ban noted Zeid s call and said his strong message to the Human Rights Council, especially after Saturday s attacks, is to fulfill its duty and act. Despite mounting crimes by all parties to the conflict, we have yet to see the results of any credible investigations, the secretary-general said. Excuses ring hollow given the pattern of violence throughout the conflict. Parties cannot hide behind the fog of this war. Since the Saudi-led, US-backed coalition started launching airstrikes against Shiite Houthi rebels in March 2015, at least 4,125 civilians have been killed and over 7,200 wounded in Yemen, Zeid s office said in a statement, including 369 civilian casualties this month alone. The Saudi-led coalition backs the internationally recognized government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. The coalition is fighting Shiite Houthi rebels and supporters of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Zeid expressed concerns that an escalation of hostilities could follow Saturday s attack, saying the international community has a legal and moral duty to react robustly to the increasingly horrific levels of civilian casualties in Yemen, just as it has in many other situations. Ban urged a cessation of hostilities as the only way to protect civilians, and the resumption of political talks as the only way to end the conflict. Germany also expressed concern over the airstrikes, with Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier saying those responsible for this cruel act must be found, and that such attacks must not be repeated. He did not say who was responsible, but the Saudiled coalition has the only warplanes known to be operating in Yemen. The many dead at the funeral should be a warning to all in Yemen and in the region who have political responsibility to seek possibilities now to resume the UN-mediated talks on a cease-fire and a political solution for Yemen, Steinmeier said. al-abadi, say the Kurds are creating new grievances and setting up future conflicts. The growing sway of Iraq s Kurds is also worrying neighbouring states, which fear their own Kurdish minorities could follow their ethnic brethren in Iraq. Tensions have been rising in the past few months as Iraqi government forces, Kurds and Iranian-backed Shiite militias gear up for an offensive to drive Islamic State from its stronghold in the city of Mosul. The members of the uneasy alliance share a common enemy, but they agree on little else. You can see the tension in the graffiti Reserved for Kurd and Long live the Kurdish state! painted on walls in areas once held by Islamic State. In Zumar, a burntout Arab home bears one word in dark red paint: Kurd. Around the corner, the house of another long-time Arab resident appears to have been bulldozed. Abu Suhail said the owner had supported Islamic State. Owner The Arabs know right returns to the rightful owner, he said, sitting in his father s home near the house he now claims. Now our lands are in our hands. Falah Mustafa, the head of the Kurdish department of foreign relations, agrees. Many Peshmerga have died fighting Islamic State, he told Reuters. The Kurdish government cannot allow the sacrifices to be in vain by reinstituting Arabisation, which is the policy of the former regime. Definitely the Arabisation process has to be reversed. Kurds see consolidating their territory as an important step to statehood, which they have wanted ever since European powers carved up the Ottoman Empire a century ago. The new borders defined modern Iraq but spread the Kurdish people between it and three of its neighbours. In Iraq, Kurds were regularly repressed, especially under Saddam. Zumar is a case in point. The old N-power plant Continued from Page 1 its operations. He said he had not previously discussed the cyber attack in public. This actually happened and it caused some problems, he said, adding while the plant did not have to shut down, it needed to take some precautionary measures. He said the attack was disruptive, not destructive, a term used to refer to incidents like the 2014 attack that destroyed data on computers of Sony Corp s Sony Pictures Entertainment and rendered some of its internal networks inoperable. Concerns about cyber attacks on nuclear sites have grown in recent years after the emergence of computer malware that can be used to attack industrial controls. The issue flared again after Belgian media reported that the suicide bombers who killed 32 people in Brussels on March 22 originally looked into attacking a nuclear installation. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co Ltd, which operates 23 nuclear reactors in South Korea, said in 2014 it was beefing up cyber security after non-critical data was stolen from its computer systems, although reactor operations were not at risk. In April, German utility RWE increased its security after its Gundremmingen nuclear power plant was found to be infected with computer viruses. The company said they did not appear to have posed a threat to operations. Security experts say blowing up a nuclear reactor is beyond the skills of militant groups, but the nuclear industry has some vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Amano said the UN agency was helping countries increase cyber and overall nuclear security through training and a detailed database that included information from 131 countries, and by providing them with radiation detection devices. Since 2010, the IAEA said it had trained over 10,000 people in nuclear security, including police and border guards, and has given countries more than 3,000 mobile phone-sized instruments for detecting nuclear and other radioactive material. Amano flagged the issue at an IAEA cyber security conference in June 2015, and said it will be key topic at a broader nuclear security summit in Vienna in December. Kuwait responds Continued from Page 1 Over the last four years, Kuwait has galvanized support from the international community by hosting three consecutive International Conferences for Syrian refugees, six consecutive top group meetings and co-organizing the supporting Syria and the Region Conference in London, said the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister. Furthermore, during , Kuwait contributed over $1.6 billion to Syria and supported UNHCR operations around the world, standing firmly among UNHCR s top 10 global donors. These contributions have had a direct impact on millions of the most vulnerable people in the world including 3.5 million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons. For that, I would like to take this opportunity to express to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait and to the people of Kuwait my sincere gratitude and profound appreciation, he said, adding that I also greatly appreciate the pioneering role played by the State of Kuwait in the humanitarian field. I look forward to continuing to strength the important strategic partnership that exists between office and Kuwait, wishing it the of my peace, security and prosperity. Allow me at the outset to expressed my appreciation to His Excellency Mr Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner Refugees, and all those responsible for the publication. The book reflected some of Kuwait s efforts to relieve the plight and suffer- village was submerged in the 1980s during the construction of Mosul dam, Iraq s largest. When water levels in the dam are low, the tops of the tallest buildings can still be seen. Saddam built a replacement village on land that the Kurds say was taken from them. There, and in Kurdish areas across northern Iraq, he spent the next two decades resettling Arabs. Things changed after the US-led invasion in 2003 toppled Saddam. After the first Gulf War in 1990, the Kurds had carved out an enclave that was protected by a no-fly zone backed by a US-led coalition. With Saddam finally gone, the Kurds became more powerful. Many returned to their villages, or what remained of them. Arabs left, sometimes under duress, often of their own accord. A new constitutional provision called for a referendum on the future of the border areas. But the process festered because Iraq s fractious political class could not agree how to implement it. Abu Suhail, now 40, was not yet born when his ancestral village was torched in the 1970s. His family settled in another village. But by 2005, they decided to join other Kurds returning to Zumar and buy land there. The arrival of Islamic State in August 2014 revived old fears. In an interview last year, Kurdish President Masoud Barzani told pan-arab daily al-hayat that many Iraqi Sunnis were using Islamic State to strengthen their own claims. Basis Arab chauvinists... tried to strengthen themselves through DAESH, he said, using an Arabic term for Islamic State. They supported the group on the basis that this would settle the fate of the socalled disputed areas. But they miscalculated. Kurds forced Islamic State out of Zumar in October The town is now tightly controlled by camouflage-wearing Kurdish security forces known as Asayish. Remaining Arab residents say they fear retaliation if they speak out. But quietly some say that Kurdish security forces have expelled hundreds of people accused of links with the militants. Kurds have taken over entire streets and areas that once belonged to Arabs. Amnesty International puts the number of Arab residents barred from returning to their homes in all disputed areas from the Syrian border in the west to the Iranian frontier in the east in the tens of thousands. The Kurds say only those with links to Islamic State are not allowed back, and point to the Arab communities who remain as proof there is no policy of demographic change. They know that they cannot completely empty the disputed territories of Arabs. That would just not be realistic. So they ve taken as much as they could, Donatella Rovera, Amnesty s senior crisis response adviser, told Reuters. From their perspective that s progress. Around Zumar, wildlife is beginning to reclaim the smashed remains of several Arab villages. Former inhabitants, and even some Kurds, say the areas were bulldozed by the Peshmerga. In several settlements outside the town, practically every home has been reduced to a pile of rubble. In one, the only building still intact is a mosque, its minaret towering above the ruins. Kurdish officials deny targeting Arab property. They say the damage was done by coalition airstrikes and fighting against Islamic State militants. A spokesman for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said there was no coordinated effort to punish Arab residents or keep them from returning home. Where individual houses have been occupied by neighbours, definitely the KRG will not tolerate this, said Dindar Zebari, head of a government committee that has investigated reports of abuse in Zumar and other towns. ing of the Syrian people and all others affected humanitarian catastrophe, said Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled who also expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to Antonio Guterres, the former United Nations High Commissioner, and UNHCR staff stationed in conflict zones around the world. This year the number of those in need of humanitarian assistance increased to 125 million persons, and over 60 million because of soaring of conflicts and disputes around the world, said Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled. Under the guidance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah, Kuwait held three consecutive International Pledging Conferences for Syria since 2013, raising more international than $7 billion in pledges from the International community. The majority of this contribution, $330 million was allocated to UNHCR due to its extensive programs and excellence in distributing and managing aid efficiently. Moreover, in February 2016, Kuwait co-hosted and organized the Supporting Syria and the Region conference in London contributing an additional $300 million for the cause. Assault Syrian government forces kept up their blistering assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo after a divided UN Security Council failed to agree on a truce to save the war-battered city. Regime forces and their allies were advancing street by street in the eastern sector, which has been out of government hands since Clashes on the ground as well as fierce air strikes went on all night and are continuing Sunday, especially in the Sheikh Said district of eastern Aleppo, said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The monitor said regime forces took control of the Jandul crossroads in the northeast of Aleppo. The latest advances aim to clear the way for a crucial and decisive land offensive, said Syria s Al-Watan newspaper, which is close to the government. The army launched its assault on the besieged sector of Aleppo more than two weeks ago with the backing of Russian air strikes, aiming to reunite the city, which was Syria s economic hub before its conflict erupted in Air strikes and artillery fire by the regime and its Russian ally killed 290 people, mostly civilians and including 57 children, since the Sept 22 launch of operations in Aleppo, the Observatory said. The Britain-based monitor, which compiles its information from sources on the ground, said 50 civilians, including nine children, have also died in rebel bombardment of regime-controlled western districts. Syria s official SANA news agency said Sunday that rebel shelling killed a baby and wounded two people in the Hamdaniyeh neighbourhood. On Saturday at the United Nations, Russia vetoed a French-drafted resolution demanding an end to the bombing of Aleppo, but its own rival measure on a truce was rejected. The failure of the two resolutions deepened divisions at the Security Council between Moscow and the Western powers backing rebel forces in Syria s five-year war, which has killed more than 300,000 people. France s draft called for an end to all military flights over Aleppo and to air strikes on the rebel-held east that has 250,000 inhabitants. It was the fifth time that Russia used its veto to block UN action on the war in Syria. Shortly after Russia s veto, the Security Council rejected a rival draft presented by Moscow that called for a ceasefire but did not mention a halt in air strikes. Britain s ambassador to the United Nations, Matthew Rycroft, described Saturday s failure in New York as a bad day for Russia, but an even worse day for the people of Aleppo. Following the meeting, his Russian counterpart Vitaly Churkin insisted that diplomatic efforts on Syria were not dead. Newswatch Continued from Page 1 ZURICH/DOHA: A Bangladeshi man who says he was harshly exploited while working on 2022 World Cup facilities in Qatar is suing FIFA for allegedly failing to use its influence to ensure workers are treated fairly. The Gulf state has faced criticism of its treatment of foreign workers from Amnesty International, the Building and Wood Workers International organisation and others. But the case announced on Monday is the first time football s world governing body has been targeted. (RTRS) DUBAI: Qatar has launched a campaign to educate its large population of foreign workers about its new labor laws. The two-month campaign began on Monday, ahead of the laws taking affect in December. The laws change Qatar s kafala employee sponsorship system, which critics say leaves workers open to exploitation and abuse. (AP) TRIPOLI: Libyan pro-government forces are advancing into the last area controlled by Islamic State in the coastal city of Sirte, surrounding the militants after a five-month campaign backed by US air strikes, military officials say. At least eight pro-government fighters were killed over the weekend as their forces pushed into the 600 block, an area in central Sirte, with snipers and boobytraps posing the main obstacles to their advance, the officials said. (RTRS) BAGHDAD: Iraq s Supreme Court on Monday ruled against a decision by Prime Minister Haider al-abadi to scrap three vicepresident positions, weakening his political standing by overruling one of his most important measures to streamline the government. One of the VPs was former prime minister Nuri al-maliki. Abadi was elected in 2014 with the support of Iraq s top Shi ite cleric, Ali al-sistani, on a pledge to fight corruption, reform the government and defeat Islamic State. (RTRS) STRASBOURG: The Council of Europe on Monday awarded its Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize to Iraqi activist Nadia Murad, who was an IS sex slave before becoming the face of a campaign to protect her Yazidi people. The award, which honours outstanding civil society action in defence of human rights, comes with prize money of 60,000 euros ($67,000). (AFP) ISTANBUL: Russian President Vladimir Putin met Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Monday, pushing forward ambitious joint energy projects on his first visit to Turkey since a crisis in ties. Only a few months ago, the two post-imperial strongmen were exchanging bitterly personal accusations after Turkey shot down a Russian war plane on the Syrian border last November. (AFP) BANGKOK: The health of Thailand s ailing 88-year-old king has deteriorated and his condition is unstable, the palace said, adding to concerns about the eventual succession of the monarchy. Doctors performed a hemodialysis on King Bhumibol Adulyadej to purify his blood and changed a tube that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid during a 2-óhour procedure, the palace said in a statement late Sunday. (AP)

9 MIDEAST/INTERNATIONAL Chancellor in Africa aimed at stemming migrant flows Germany s Merkel pledges support for Mali BAMAKO, Oct 10, (Agencies): German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged more support to fight against drug and people smuggling from Mali, on the first day of a trip to Africa where she will try to work towards curbing future waves of migration and to repair her reputation at home. She gave no details on what form the support would take. Merkel, who has yet to declare if she will seek a fourth term as chancellor next year, has seen the popularity of her conservatives slump after her move last year to allow almost one million migrants most from the Middle East to enter Germany. Mali is among the top 10 countries of origin for migrants arriving in Italy this year, the International Organization for Migration says, and smuggling routes for migrants from other parts of West Africa also cross its desert spaces. Merkel, who visits Niger on Monday and Ethiopia on Tuesday, did not say whether Germany would also provide more helicopters for the United Nations MINUSMA mission in Mali. Afghan suicide car bombing kills 14 people in Helmand Taleban targets police checkpoints across Lashkar Gah KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Oct 10, (Agencies): A suicide car bombing killed 14 people, including 10 Afghan police officers, as the Taleban launched a large-scale attack Monday on the capital in southern Helmand province, the heartland of the insurgency. Since the beginning of this year s fighting season, the Taleban have Former Mali rebel leader killed in mine explosion BAMAKO, Oct 10, (AFP): A leader of a former rebel group in northern Mali was killed by a mine explosion in Kidal in the country s north, military and ex-rebel sources said Sunday. Cheikh Ag Aoussa s car was hit by a mine and he died on the spot after he left the office of the UN s MINUSMA mission on Saturday, according to an African military source who is part of the deployment. He was attending a meeting, then as he went to go home he was accidentally killed, the source added. The former rebel Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA), which controls Kidal, confirmed his death and called for an independent inquiry into this Germany has more than 500 soldiers in Mali. Merkel said Germany would intensify its support for the agriculture sector as well as for the security of the northern part of the country, where Islamist groups are still active. She told reporters after meeting President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita: We have a strong interest in stabilising the country. We want to contribute to the stabilisation of Mali. Meanwhile, Merkel warned against Africa suffering from a brain drain as she arrived on a three-day tour of the continent focused on security and stemming the migrant influx to Europe. Merkel also underscored the need to establish coherent cooperation in development policy and military support in Mali, her first port of call. The military cannot alone bring security and peace, she said, addressing a news conference with Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. expanded their footprint across most of the province and have been at the gates of the city of Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital, for weeks. According to Haji Marjan, police chief of Nad Ali district who has been deployed to the city, the explosion happened around a.m., after the Taleban earlier targeted police checkpoints across Lashkar Gah. Marjan said at least 10 police officers, including his brother, and four civilians died in the bombing in the Mukhtar area of police district 2. He warned the death toll was likely to rise as it was unclear how many people Pro-Kurdish activists mark bombing anniversary Turkish police thwart protests ANKARA, Oct 10, (AFP): Police in Ankara on Monday used tear gas and plastic bullets to prevent pro-kurdish activists from holding a protest to mark the first anniversary of the worst attack in Turkey s modern history. One hundred and three people were killed on Oct 10, 2015 when suicide bombers said to be linked to Islamic State (IS) jihadists blew themselves up in a crowd of pro- Kurdish peace activists planning to hold a rally outside Ankara s main train station. Nearly 500 people were wounded, some of whom are still receiving treatment. A crowd of more than 150 chanted murderous state as a line of police and water cannon trucks refused to let them through to the site of the attack to commemorate the anniversary, an AFP correspondent said. Hundreds of people carrying placards and flags from different associations were also stopped by a group of at least 20 police officers carrying anti-riot shields. Police then used tear gas and plastic bullets against the group, some of whom threw bottles and stones. Some were hit by police truncheons as they scattered, covering their mouths to limit the effects of the tear gas. Demonstrators said relatives of the victims including parents and children had been allowed through to pay their respects at the site of the attack before the commemoration began. But some families mourned their loved ones away from the station, telling AFP they did not want to split up from each other as police only allowed close relatives through. When the moment came to pause for silence at the precise time of the attack at 10:04 am (0704 GMT), the crowd burst into applause, vowing that they would not let it ever be forgotten. Two leaders of the pro-kurdish People s Democratic Party (HDP), Figen Yuksekdag and Selahattin Demirtas, were among the mourners, hugging families who lost loved ones. There has been deep frustration among relatives over the slowness of the investigation and no-one has ever been brought to justice over the attack. Haldun Aciksozlu, who was part of the demonstration waiting by the police line, said people were angry because Turkey killed 417 Kurdish militants since August 29 ISTANBUL, Oct 10, (RTRS): Turkish security forces have killed 417 Kurdish fighters since Aug 29, helping disrupt the militants attack plans in the build-up to winter, the army said on Monday. The announcement came a day after suspected Kurdish militants set off a truck bomb, killing 15 people at a military checkpoint in Hakkari province, a region bordering Iran and Iraq that has borne the brunt of the conflict with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Earlier reports had put the death count from one of the southeast region s deadliest recent attacks at 18. There has not yet been a claim of responsibility for the bombing the PKK usually issues such statements more than a day after an event. A two-year ceasefire with the PKK collapsed in July last year, adding to the turmoil in a region already struggling with the civil war in neighbouring Syria and the rise of Islamic State there and in Iraq. The PKK, which launched its separatist insurgency in 1984, is designated a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and the European Union a label it rejects. The military said Turkish warplanes had carried out air strikes against PKK targets in the Zap region of northern Iraq around midday (0900 GMT) on Sunday, after news of the truck bomb emerged, destroying PKK gun positions and shelters. they wanted to be together on this sad day. Even when they lose people, the state won t let them be together. We were only going to read poems, he told AFP, adding that a friend of his was among the victims. He said while tens of thousands had been arrested over suspected links to the movement led by Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, accused of ordering the July 15 failed coup, not a single person had yet been put on trial over the Ankara plot. odious and clearly premeditated attack. Among the theories, there is that of an attack and a car bombing, CMA member Mohamed Ag Oussene told AFP. It was a targeted assassination, the CMA said. An official in Kidal also said Aoussa was killed by a mine. MINUSMA spokeswoman Radhia Achouri said the incident happened after a routine security meeting between the mission, the CMA and the French Barkhane force held every 15 days. She said the blast occurred about 300 metres (nearly 1,000 feet) from the camp. It is important that Africa does not lose its best minds, she added. The International Monetary Fund this month said skilled workers were leaving sub-saharan Africa in rapidly increasingly numbers, producing a brain drain that causes long-term social damage. The IMF said that the number of sub-saharan migrants living in developed countries could increase from about seven million in 2013 to about 34 million by remain unaccounted for after the explosion. A doctor at the city s international emergency hospital said 14 bodies were brought to the clinic. Speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media, the physician said 15 wounded were also brought in, including 14 victims of the car bombing and one person who suffered gunshot wounds. Communications in the city appeared to have been cut as it wasn t possible to reach officials or residents for comments. In the Afghan capital of Kabul, Sediq Sediqqi, the Interior Ministry spokesman, confirmed the attack but expressed confidence security forces will soon push them (Taleban) back. He said security forces had responded quickly but gun battles were continuing, with at least seven insurgents killed and two vehicles packed with explosives destroyed. We have enough forces in Lashkar Gah, plus supportive and commando units to respond to the Taleban s attack, Sediqqi told reporters. Helmand is strategically important for the Taleban as it s the main source of the country s opium output, worth an estimated $4 billion a year, much of which funds the insurgency. Provincial officials have said the Taleban now control 85 percent of the province, while only a year ago, the government controlled 80 percent. Elsewhere, Afghan forces in the northern city of Kunduz city and Farah, a city in the west, were also battling Taleban attacks. Progress was slow as the insurgents were using civilians as human shields and their homes for cover, Sediqqi said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel shakes hands with Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (right), upon her arrival at the Bamako Airport on Oct 9. Merkel arrived on a three-day tour of Africa focused on security and stemming the migrant influx to Europe. (AFP) Dozens of Palestinians arrested Israel probes the shooting rampage ahead of holiday JERUSALEM, Oct 10, (AFP): Israeli authorities have arrested dozens of Palestinians after a deadly shooting rampage in Jerusalem raised fears of a surge in violence during this week s Yom Kippur holiday, police said Monday. Sunday s attack saw a 39-year-old Palestinian open fire from a car before being shot dead by police in Jerusalem, in an attack that killed a police officer and 60-year-old woman, both Israelis. Israeli media reported Monday that he used an M16 rifle issued by the Israeli military in the shooting, though that has not been confirmed by authorities. The attacker, who was reportedly scheduled to begin a prison term on the same day, was killed by police after he fled into an east Jerusalem neighbourhood. Rampage The shooting rampage came at a time of increased Jewish visitors to the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound in east Jerusalem for the holidays of Rosh Hashanah, which was last week, and Yom Kippur, which begins Tuesday evening. The same increase typically occurs for the Jewish Sukkot holiday that takes place next week. The site is holy to both Muslims and Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount. Tens of thousands of Jews also visit the nearby Western Wall during the holidays. Both sites are located in east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in 1967 and later annexed. Last year s Jewish high holidays led to clashes and marked the start of News in Brief Kerry calls Saudis: Saudi Arabia s Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, on Sunday received a telephone call from US Secretary of State John Kerry. The conversation focused on the bilateral relations and the latest developments of the situations in the Middle East region, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported tonight. (KUNA) Bahrain detains man: Officials in Bahrain say a man has been detained for writing a post on Twitter that may have contained defamatory statements against one of the country s main Muslim sects. A statement published Sunday on the Interior Ministry s website said the case has been referred to prosecutors. Ridiculing religious sects in Bahrain carries a maximum punishment of one year in prison or a fine of up to $265. an upsurge in Palestinian gun, knife and car-ramming attacks. The arrests after Sunday s attack included 31 Palestinians seeking to participate in celebrations in memory of the assailant as well as members of his family in east Jerusalem, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan told army radio. Some 15 other Palestinians were arrested for throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at security forces in east Jerusalem, police spokeswoman Luba Samri said. The military said it has also made preparations to demolish the home of the attacker, a practice Israel often employs in a bid to deter others from violence. In addition, police are increasing deployments throughout Israel and Jerusalem for the holidays, with more than 3,000 to be deployed to the city. Israelis have been concerned that the attack may inspire copycats. The use of a sophisticated rifle also led to worries as it was a departure from the more typical use of knives or homemade guns. Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, welcomed the attack and said the assailant was a member, but did not claim responsibility. The attacker, Misbah Abu Sbeih, was from the Silwan area of east Jerusalem, located just outside the Old City and near Al-Aqsa. He was known as an activist for the defence of the holy site and was said to have belonged to an informal group of Muslims, called the Mourabitoun, dedicated to the cause. Israel banned the group last year, accusing it of inciting hate. Though the statement did not mention the man s name, outspoken Bahraini sports journalist Faisal Hayyat recently caused an uproar after posting a Tweet demeaning a controversial and historical figure who is revered among some Sunni Muslims. (AP) Iran official resigns: Iran s state TV is reporting a cultural official has resigned after protests by religious authorities over a concert in the holy city of Qom. The Sunday report says Abbas Daneshi, head of the department of culture in Qom, resigned due to discontent among religious authorities over the event last month. Qom, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Tehran is a center for Shiite Muslim education; among Shiites, it is considered one of the holiest cities inside Iran. The move is a blow to President Hassan Rouhani who has vowed a more open cultural policy. (AP) 9

10 INTERNATIONAL 10 World News Roundup Hurricane After-effects to linger Focus now shifts to recovery & flooding CAROLINA BEACH, North Carolina, Oct 10, (Agencies): Residents of the southeastern United States ravaged by Hurricane Matthew turned their focus on Monday toward recovery and clean-up, but officials in several states warned that deadly flooding could continue as rain swollen rivers crest in coming days. Matthew, the most powerful Atlantic storm since 2007, was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone on Sunday after its rampage through the Caribbean killed 1,000 people in Haiti. In the United States, the death toll rose to at least 19 people. While power was being restored in some areas, 1.6 million people were without power in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina and Virginia, down Sunday s peak of 2.2 million. Officials were working to clear streets of downed trees and abandoned vehicles. With five people reported missing and rivers rising, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory said he expected the death toll to rise. Eight people in the state were known to have McCrory died so far. McCrory said several swelling rivers were expected to hit record levels and would not crest for days. Hurricane Matthew is off the map, but it is still with us and it is still deadly, he said. The National Weather Service said life-threatening flooding, will continue Monday over eastern portions of the state. Many coastal and inland communities remained under water, either from coastal storm surge or overrun rivers and creeks. All 2,000 residents of Princeville, the oldest town in the United States incorporated by African Americans, were told on Sunday to evacuate due to flash flood risks. The town lies on the Tar River about 25 miles (40 kms) north of Greenville. Breached Several dams have breached in the area around Cumberland County, south of Raleigh, Michael Martin, fire marshal for the city of Fayetteville, said by phone. Swiftwater rescue teams are still on alert and there have been 255 water rescue calls and 701 people rescued. In neighboring South Carolina, a vehicle trying to cross a flooded roadway in Florence County was swept away by flood waters, killing one person, Governor Nikki Haley said. Jake Williams, a resident of Florence, said on early Monday that his power had been out since Saturday morning. Trees are down in every neighborhood on almost every road, he said, adding I am no weather man, but would guess that the gusts of wind were near 100 mph (160 km), and with soggy ground a lot trees couldn t stand up to it. In Virginia Beach, the city said it had received over 13 inches (33 cm) of rain and 55,000 people remained without power on Sunday night. The city said that some 200 vehicles were abandoned and many roads remained impassable. Norfolk, which declared a state of emergency, said efforts were under way to clear streets of debris and abandoned vehicles with city offices, libraries and recreational centers set to re-open Monday. The storm center was about 200 miles (320 kms) off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and heading away from land, according to the National Hurricane Center s Sunday 5 pm (2100 GMT) report. It discontinued all tropical storm warnings. The storm still packed hurricane force winds as far as 90 miles (150 km) from the center and tropicalstorm-force winds 240 miles (390 km) away. US President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency in Georgia and Florida, freeing up federal money to help the states repair damaged infrastructure and remove debris. McCrory said 334 rescue workers risked their lives carrying out 877 rescues overnight. In one of the dramatic rescues in North Carolina, out-of-state firefighters helped save three people from the roof of an SUV in inland Cumberland County, where more than 500 rescues took place. Roaring Flash flooding turned a creek into a roaring, raging river that swept the vehicle off the roadway on Saturday night, said Battalion Chief Joe Downey of the Fire Department of New York. He was part of a team from three states that carried out 64 rescues on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Water was almost up to the roof of the SUV, Downey said in a telephone interview. It was bad. They had nowhere to go. In Jacksonville Beach, the top of the dunes collapsed onto the lower part of the dunes, creating 10- foot high cliffs of sand, rather than the usual gentle slopes of the dunes. Federal, state and local officials respond to beach erosion by depositing new sand in areas where it has disappeared, and the sand dunes act as barriers to infrastructure. Before these projects took off three decades ago, sea walls were often the only thing that stood between water, winds and buildings during storms. The good news is a lot of people don t realize our beaches are engineered. It looks natural, but we construct the sand so it s sacrificed during hurricanes and protects roads and structures and potentially human lives, said Jackie Keiser, a Jacksonville-area official with the US Army Corps of Engineers. While a statewide evaluation of beach erosion has yet to be completed, individual Atlantic-coast counties from south of the Space Coast up to the Georgia border were assessing the lost sand. Matthew was long gone from the Atlantic coast early Monday, but the devastation lingered, most notably in North Carolina, where flooded cities tried to dry out and those downstream kept a close eye on rising rivers. The flooding disaster is forecast to slowly unfold over the next several days as all that rain more than a foot in places flows into rivers and downstream, likely causing more inundation in many of the same places devastated by a similar deluge from Hurricane Floyd in Thousands of people found themselves suddenly trapped in homes and cars during the torrential rains. Rescuers in Coast Guard helicopters plucked some of them from rooftops and used military vehicles to reach others, including a woman who held on to a tree for three hours after her car was overrun by flood waters. Flood waters recede from houses of a Savannah, Georgia, neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew on Oct 9. (AP) Ron Ristaino, 47, of Rancho Mirage, sets candles at a shrine, while holding his daughter Malayna, 2, and his son Dominic, 12, holds a gift for the peace officers at the Palm Springs police station in Palm Springs, California on Oct 9, the day after multiple Palm Springs police officers were shot after a family disturbance on Saturday. (AP) Felix America Shumlin Suspect wanted to shoot police : In the minutes before two Palm Springs officers were fatally shot and a third wounded, the suspected gunman s father told a neighbor his son was armed, acting crazy and wanted to shoot police. John Felix, 26, was apprehended early Sunday after a lengthy standoff and will be charged this week with murder. Police said Felix finally emerged wearing soft body armor and carrying ammunition but no weapon after police shot a chemical agent into the home where he had holed up. Investigators were trying to piece together what led up to a 911 call about a family disturbance that preceded the coldblooded killings. A neighbor, Frances Serrano, told The Associated Press that the suspect s panicked father, Santos Felix, earlier said his son, an admitted gang member, had a gun. My son is inside and we re scared, he s acting crazy, Serrano said the older Felix told her. When it was suggested they call the police he said, Yeah, he already knows they are coming, and he is going to shoot them. Serrano said she went back inside her house and within minutes police cars arrived and gunfire erupted. Police said John Felix suddenly pulled out a gun and opened fire on the officers who had responded to a disturbance call Saturday afternoon at the home he shared with his parents in a quiet neighborhood of single-story ranch homes in this desert resort city. Palm Springs police Chief Bryan Reyes identified the slain officers as Jose Gil Gilbert Vega, 63, and Lesley Zerebny, 27. (AP) Vermont mourns loss of students: Five Vermont high school juniors were killed when the car they were riding in was hit by a wrong-way driver, who authorities said then stole a police cruiser and crashed into seven more cars before the cruiser burst into flames. The loss of five teens in such a senseless tragedy is unimaginable and heartbreaking, Gov Peter Shumlin said. State police said they believe Steven Bourgoin, 36, was behind the wheel of a pickup truck traveling the wrong way on an interstate in Williston Saturday night when he crashed into a car, which then caught fire. The five teenagers in the car were all pronounced dead at the scene. They were Policing Gun or stun gun? Different responses raise questions SAN DIEGO, Oct 10, (AP): When Alfred Olango pulled out an object from his right pocket last month and assumed a shooting stance in a strip mall parking lot in a San Diego suburb, one officer opened fire with his pistol. The other officer simultaneously stunned Olango using his Taser. Civil rights advocates say the different response by officers facing the same suspect illustrates a breakdown in police training and communication and shows that some officers are too quick to turn to deadly force. The Sept 27 shooting death of the 38-year-old Ugandan refugee who turned out to be wielding an electronic cigarette device came 11 days after another unarmed black man, 40-year-old Terence Crutcher, died in Tulsa, Oklahoma after being shot by two officers also simultaneously firing a gun and a Taser. I think when one police officer feels it is appropriate to use a less lethal weapon like a Taser, and the other officer feels like the person has to be killed it suggests a real divergence in training, said Ezekiel Edwards, director of the American Civil Liberty Union s criminal law reform project. He added: I think it highlights that we have a serious problem in this country, which has been seen played out over and over again with police using lethal force in circumstances where it is not necessary and not justified. Law enforcement experts, however, say it s not that simple because different officers don t necessarily have the same reactions for handling potential threats. The decisions they make, the experts say, can be influenced by factors ranging from what officers see of suspects based on where they are standing, the extent of their police experience and information received from police dispatchers. Officers increasingly work alone in patrol cars without partners and the identified as Mary Harris, 16, of Moretown; Cyrus Zschau, 16, of Moretown; Liam Hale, 16, of Fayston; Janie Cozzi, 15, of Fayston; and Eli Brookens, 16, of Waterbury. sharp electric sound made by the Taser when fired could prompt other officers with guns to pull the trigger in what is known as a sympathetic firing. And once an officer chooses to use a Taser instead of a gun, there often is no time to switch to a firearm if the dangerous situation escalates quickly, said Tim Dees, a retired police officer and police trainer who writes a column for the PoliceOne.com website. If there is a deadly threat to officers, you don t want bring in something less lethal, because by the time you transition you could be dead, Dees said. Stun guns, like the ones made by Taser, have been credited with saving thousands of lives by giving officers a safer alternative to guns. But they are not meant for situations officers perceive as life-threatening. The devices send dart-like electrodes into targets to cause neuromuscular incapacitation. They should be used in police situations where non-deadly force is appropriate, similar to how officers use pepper spray on crowds, said Steve Tuttle, a Taser spokesman. Standoff People have died after being shot with Tasers, including a 66-year-old man in suburban Los Angeles last week. Officers could not drag him to safety to be treated by paramedics for 14 minutes because they were in a standoff with his brother, who was threatening police with a gun. Taser says its weapons do not kill. In potentially violent situations, police often have an officer with a stun gun approach a suspect while other officers stay in the background with their guns drawn, said retired Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank. You don t want the officer with the firearm being the one doing the talking, not in the heat of the moment, said Burbank, who retired in 2015 and now works for the Center for Policing A Williston police officer was the first to arrive on the scene. As he tried to extinguish the car fire, a man, later identified as Bourgoin, jumped in the officer s cruiser This Oct 9 handout photo provided by the offi ce of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, shows damage to a Long Island Rail Road train involved in an accident late Oct 8 in New Hyde Park, New York. A New York commuter train derailed outside the city late Saturday, authorities said, without immediately confirming reports that dozens have minor injuries. The 9:22 pm train from Penn due Huntington at 10:28 pm has been canceled due to a train derailment near New Hyde Park, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) said on Twitter. According to the governor s office of the approximately 600 passengers on board at the time of the incident, 33 people sustained injuries, none of which were considered to be life-threatening. (AFP) Equity, a law enforcement think tank. You want the officer who is providing lethal cover to be removed from the situation, not emotionally involved, so they have good judgment. Burbank agrees with the ACLU that police need more training to learn how to calm down threatening incidents without using any weapons at all. Videos released by police in the city of El Cajon where Olango was shot show Officer Richard Gonsalves approaching Olango with his weapon drawn. Olango backs away, moving from side to side and refusing commands to take his hand out of his pocket. Seconds later, Officer Josh McDaniel arrives with his Taser drawn. Olango then pulls his hand out of his pocket and wraps both hands around the e-cigarette cylinder, pointing it at Gonsalves. Shots are heard moments later as both officers open fire. Taser recommends that an officer using the weapon yell Taser! Taser! Taser! just before firing so other officers know what is going to happen and don t automatically react by opening fire with their guns when they hear the sound of the Taser firing. It s not clear from the video if McDaniel shouted Taser! before firing. In the Oklahoma shooting on Sept 16, Crutcher was killed by gunfire from Officer Betty Jo Shelby, who has been charged with first-degree manslaughter and has pleaded not guilty. It s unclear whether the simultaneous Taser shooting of Crutcher by another officer will help Shelby s defense. Her lawyers could argue that the firing of the Taser by the other officer shows that the officers were threatened by Crutcher, but prosecutors could use it to contend her life was not in danger because the other officer felt non-lethal action was the best way to subdue Crutcher. and took off, state police said. When a Richmond police officer tried to stop him, Bourgoin turned the cruiser around and began heading north in a southbound lane, back toward the crash scene, hitting seven other vehicles along the way, authorities said. Bourgoin was then thrown from the cruiser, which went up in flames, state police said. He was taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition early Monday morning. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney. State police said at least nine other people were injured in the series of crashes and were taken to UVM Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. (AP) 1 dead, 8 hurt in gunfire: Authorities say eight of the nine people shot at a party in the western Michigan city of Grand Rapids are expected to survive. One man was killed in the shootings early Sunday morning at the party in a business with a sign advertising it as a clearance outlet for electronics, furniture and sporting goods. Authorities identified him as 21-year-old Juwan Boykin. No arrests have been made and police Sgt Terry Dixon says investigators are still trying to determine what led to the gunfire. Officers were headed to the site in response to a complaint when the shooting began. Dixon says four men between the ages of 20 and 34 and four women between the ages of 19 and 35 were wounded and are expected to survive. (AP)

11 INTERNATIONAL 11 US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton answer questions during the second presidential debate at Washington University in St Louis on Oct 9. (AP) Politics Politics Concerns remain Trump may have stopped bleeding WASHINGTON, Oct 10, (RTRS): Donald Trump may have done just enough in Sunday s presidential debate to keep his leaky presidential campaign afloat and that may have put Republicans considering abandoning him in an even tougher position. Had Trump imploded, the flow of lawmakers and party luminaries who deserted him at the weekend over lewd comments he made about women on a videotape likely would have become a torrent, increasing demands for him to drop out of the race. But that didn t happen. Now, Republicans who have seen their party torn apart by Trump s candidacy are once again faced with a familiar dilemma: Publicly abandon a badly wounded candidate who is endangering closely contested congressional races or stand behind him in the dimming hope that he can still win them the White House. The Manhattan real-estate mogul delivered a feistier and more disciplined performance than at the first debate, hammering his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton on her use of a private server while she was secretary of state, and again raising decades-old accusations of sexual misconduct against her husband Bill Clinton. That likely endeared him to Ryan the rowdy supporters who have packed arenas across the country for more than a year while perhaps doing little to reel in the more moderate voters in swing states that his campaign will need to defeat Clinton in the Nov. 8 election. Approach His no-holds barred approach to Hillary tonight is what conservatives have wanted to see out of a candidate since Bill Clinton was in office, said Craig Robinson, former political director of the Iowa Republican Party. The Republican base and talk radio will love this performance. But the party is still hitched to a deeply flawed candidate who has especially struggled with women, college-educated, and suburban voters. A recent Reuters/ Ipsos poll showed close to 20 percent of Americans were still undecided on which candidate to support. Sixty percent of those were women. A poll taken by CNN immediately following the debate showed Republicans have reason to be anxious. Viewers said Clinton had beaten Trump in the encounter, 57 percent to 34 percent. The furor over the 2005 videotape, in which Trump bragged about groping and trying to seduce women, led dozens of lawmakers to denounce him, including Arizona Senator John McCain. Their condemnation plunged the party into its worst crisis since the resignation of President Richard Nixon, a Republican, in The House Republican Conference, a body comprised of the almost 250 Republicans in the US House of Representatives, was set to meet on Monday to discuss the foundering Trump campaign, a House leadership aide said. House Speaker Paul Ryan pointedly disinvited Trump for a joint appearance in Wisconsin that had been scheduled for Saturday following publication of the tape. All but six of the 40 Republican officeholders whose races are considered competitive in the election have condemned Trump s comments in the video, although only three members of that group have called for him to drop out. Against this backdrop of panic and condemnation, Trump on Sunday sought to rally the party s base with a fresh barrage of provocative attacks on Clinton that will give the media something other than the tape to talk about. He offered a blistering critique of her handling of foreign policy while the country s chief diplomat and brought his rally cry for her to be jailed to the debate stage. He also carried out a threat to make an issue of her husband s sexual history. In doing so, Trump may have stopped the bleeding, but he did nothing to stop the worrying. Men watch the second presidential debate between Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in St Louis, shown on a TV screen at a restaurant in Mexico City on Oct 9. (AP) Tuchman America Putin Investors bet on Clinton win: Investors and traders in Asia indicated on Monday they are mostly increasing their bets on Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton winning the US presidential race after the second of three debates with Republican party nominee Donald Trump. Some, though remain cautious, saying there was still a chance of a surprise Trump win. They said many in the markets were wary after being burned by the shock Brexit vote in June. MSCI s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan edged up around 0.1 percent by mid-afternoon in Singapore on Monday, while Wall Street index futures were little changed after Clinton exchanged barbs with Republican party nominee Donald Trump in the televised event, which was shown live across trading rooms during Asia s morning. The 90-minute debate quickly turned into an acrimonious discussion of a 2005 video that emerged on Friday in which Trump was heard using vulgar language and talking about groping women. The controversy has caused some senior Republicans to withdraw their support for him. For those that think that Trump has a very, very low chance of winning the US elections it might be a good time to go long on global equities, said Itay Tuchman, Citi s head of markets for Australia and New Zealand. Markets could be prematurely pricing in a Clinton victory, as they did during the Brexit vote in June, when the United Kingdom voted unexpectedly to leave the European Union, said Lee Jin Yang, research analyst for Aberdeen Asset Management in Singapore. We need to remember that Brexit only became a key focus one week before the vote. The market had priced in near zero probability of it happening but it did. According to a CNN online poll, Clinton won the debate by 57 percent to 34 percent. But Josh Crabb, head of Asian equities at Old Mutual Global Investors in Hong Kong, said he is wary of such polls - especially after Brexit. The way that mainstream media, and a lot of commentators, interpret the outcome of the debate may be different to what the voting public in general takes away, Crabb said. That is a concern because often, a lot of these polls have not been quite as accurate as people are expecting. Trump threatens jail time Polls show Clinton won debate WASHINGTON, Oct 10, (Agencies): Polls suggest that Hillary Clinton won Sunday s bitter US presidential debate against Republican rival Donald Trump as he struggles to shake off a wave of criticism over lewd remarks about women. But the snap surveys of debate watchers showed a less decisive victory for the Democratic candidate than when the two presidential hopefuls first went head-to-head last month. A CNN/ORC poll of viewers gave Clinton a clear win in St Louis on Sunday, with 57 percent saying she won as opposed to 34 percent for Trump. Voters But a YouGov survey showed a narrower victory, with 47 percent of registered voters who watched the debate saying she prevailed and 42 percent saying Donald Trump did. The rest said it was a tie. Viewers had been more in agreement at the last debate that the former first lady and ex-secretary of State had emerged victorious, when 62 percent of those surveyed for CNN/ORC said she won. Expectations were low for Trump, who is under fire for recorded remarks in which he speaks of groping women and using his celebrity status to make them have sex with them. Trump, defiant amid a tide of criticism of his sexually aggressive remarks about women, said Hillary Clinton would go to jail if he were president and attacked her husband for his treatment of women in a vicious presidential debate less than a month before the US election. The Sunday night debate, the second of three before the Nov. 8 vote, was remarkable for the brutal nature of the exchanges between Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, and Clinton, Mathan Somasundarum, a strategist at stock brokerage Baillieu Holst in Sydney, said a Clinton victory would reduce the risk of the United States adopting a strong trade protectionist policy. Trump has been highly critical of the NAFTA trade deal with Mexico and Canada as well as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which has yet to be ratified by the US Congress. He has promised to build a border wall and make Mexico pay for it. his Democratic rival. The New York businessman called Clinton a devil who repeatedly lies, someone with tremendous hate in her heart. The former secretary of state called Trump an abuser of women who is unfit for the White House. There was a palpable sense of mutual contempt as they stood on stage, refusing to shake hands at the start. Moderators Anderson Cooper of CNN and Martha Raddatz of ABC both seemed at points to be grimly watching two trains collide. Through it all, Trump, 70, and Clinton, 68, both landed punches as they clashed over taxes, healthcare, US policy in the Syria civil war and Clinton s comments that half of Trump s supporters belonged in a basket of deplorables. Trump took the stage in St. Louis, Missouri, at the most perilous time of his 16-month-old candidacy. Races He gave a more disciplined performance than at the first debate two weeks ago, but left Republicans torn over whether to publicly abandon a badly wounded candidate who is endangering closely contested congressional races, or to stand behind him in the dimming hope he can still win them the White House. A 2005 video, made public on Friday, of Trump making predatory remarks about women prompted a stampede of Republican politicians to abandon him during the weekend. On Monday, Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway called Trump s comment over jailing Clinton a quip. She told MSNBC what Trump critics have already noted, that, whether she goes to jail is not up to Donald Trump. I would expect the US dollar to weaken and you would expect then there is some pressure coming off emerging markets, and then commodities, which (are a) proxy for emerging markets, Somasundarum said. China, commodities and the Aussie dollar should do better. (RTRS) Foreign Policy backs Clinton: Foreign Policy, a leading US international affairs magazine, on Sunday endorsed a US President Barack Obama waves to the crowd with Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, D-IL, (right), during a Coordinated Victory Fund Event in Chicago, Illinois on Oct 9. (AFP) Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook told NBC that Trump had not appeared to take the video seriously. Donald Trump came to try to rescue his spiraling campaign, Mook said. Even after the debate, party leaders remained concerned that Trump had not shown enough contrition over the remarks to win over independents and women voters who could decide the election. He again described the comments as locker-room talk and said he had never kissed or groped women without their permission, despite having bragged about doing so on the video that emerged on Friday. President Bill Clinton had done worse to women, Trump said in one of several forceful attacks that may reinforce his popularity with his core supporters who detest the Democratic nominee. Hillary Clinton responded that Trump s comments showed he is unfit for the White House. He has said the video doesn t represent who he is but I think it s clear to anyone who heard it that it represents exactly who he is, Clinton said. She accused Trump of dodging a discussion of policy issues to avoid talking about his campaign because of the way yours is exploding and Republicans are leaving you. A CNN/ORC snap poll of debate watchers found that 57 percent thought Clinton won the encounter, versus 34 percent for Trump. US stock futures and the Mexican peso jumped as markets saw less chance of a Trump victory. Trump s plans to slap tariffs on imports and renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are seen as negative for Mexico and Canada, which is why their currencies swing when his odds of winning change. presidential candidate for the first time, backing Hillary Clinton and slamming Donald Trump as the worst major-party candidate for the job in US history. As we deeply value our relationship with all of our readers, regardless of political orientation... FP s editors are now breaking with tradition to endorse Hillary Clinton for the next president of the United States, they said in an editorial. The litany of reasons Trump poses such a threat is so long that it is, in fact, shocking that he is a major party s candidate for the presidency. The recent furor over his vile behavior with women illustrates the extraordinary nature of his unsuitability, as does his repudiation by so many members of his own party who have so many reasons to reflexively support their nominee. Foreign Police said Trump was unqualified to lead the international community as US president. The Republican business tycoon has repeatedly demonstrated his ignorance of the most basic facts of international affairs, let alone the nuances so crucial to the responsibilities of diplomacy inherent in the US president s daily responsibilities. The Foreign Policy editors said that Trump had promoted the leadership of Russian President Vladimir Putin a tyrant and menace and had also welcomed Russian meddling in the current US election. They blasted Trump for speaking so cavalierly about the use of nuclear weapons. It has become clear he understands little if anything about America s nuclear policies not to mention the moral, legal, and human consequences of such actions. (AFP)

12 INTERNATIONAL 12 World News Roundup Britain MPs seek vote Grave danger in hard Brexit LONDON, Oct 10, (Agencies): A group of British MPs called on Monday for a parliamentary vote on Britain s future ties with the EU and warned hard Brexit was a grave danger, but the government dismissed the demand as unacceptable. The call came after May s government was forced into an embarrassing U-turn on Sunday when it backtracked on a proposal for companies to publish lists of foreign employees that caused widespread outrage. We do want parliament to debate... most notably whether we remain in the single market, Anna Soubry, an MP from May s Conservative Party, told BBC radio. Soubry said there was a grave danger of the government drawing its own conclusions from the result of the referendum about the type of future relationship that Britons wanted with the EU. It is not good for our country, she said. Former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband also Soubry said on Twitter: The PM must get parliamentary consent for her Brexit negotiating position. No referendum mandate for hard Brexit nor a Commons majority. Negotiating secrecy won t wash as an excuse. The country has a right to know the government s Brexit strategy and parliament must vote on it, he said. Impose Experts say a so-called hard Brexit would mean Britain withdrawing entirely from Europe s single market and negotiating new trade arrangements in order to impose strict immigration controls. EU leaders have said Britain must accept free movement of people if it wants access to the single market and have warned the negotiations will be tough. Concern that Britain is heading for this option dragged the pound down to 31-year lows against the dollar last week and prompted business leaders to call on May to avoid breaking economic ties. Norway is instead seen as a possible model for soft Brexit, where Britain would be out of the EU but would retain strong economic ties, make budget contributions and allow free movement of people. A spokesman for May dismissed MPs calls for a vote, saying: Parliament is of course going to debate and scrutinise the Brexit process as it goes on. But having a second vote or a vote as a sort of second guess of the will of the British people is not an acceptable way forward, the spokesman said. We are not going to make running commentaries on what s going on, he said, echoing May s words. Brexit minister David Davis was due to address parliament later on Monday about the so-called Great Repeal Bill a proposed law that May says will legally help to seal Britain s departure from the 28-nation bloc. May faces further pressure this week with a High Court legal challenge arguing that there has to be a vote in parliament on whether or not Britain can invoke Article 50, the formal procedure for exit. The dispute could end up in Britain s Supreme Court. The government has argued it has royal prerogative an executive privilege normally applied to foreign policy to trigger Article 50 without consultation. Negotiation May has said she will invoke Article 50 by the end of March, opening an expected two-year negotiation that could see Britain leave the EU in early The EU has said formal negotiations cannot start until Article 50 has been invoked but May has embarked on a flurry of diplomacy ahead of a summit with EU leaders in Brussels on October May visited Denmark and the Netherlands on Monday. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Monday he would work for a friendly divorce between Britain and the European Union when talks over an exit deal begin. I m sure we will be able to overcome any obstacles, Lokke said at a joint briefing with British PM Theresa May in Copenhagen. We should aim for a friendly divorce. That will be our starting point in the coming negotiations, Lokke said. The concerted response from Berlin, Paris and Brussels to British Prime Minister Theresa May s announcement last week of a March deadline to open divorce talks with the European Union made clear the bloc is not waiting idly for London to call. Statements from German, French and EU leaders show they have been working on maintaining a united front in anticipation of British attempts to play the other 27 members off against each other and have agreed some broad negotiating lines. Their firmly articulated, central aim is to nip in the bud British demands for free trade without open immigration once pithily summed up by Brexit leader and now foreign minister Boris Johnson as having cake and eating it. Less audibly, cracks have appeared in the EU refusal to discuss options before May triggers a formal process that will launch Britain out the door in two years, with some diplomats suggesting such talks could mean a less radical split. May s setting a timetable appeased those at home who feared she was bridling at the decision to leave the EU which voters chose in a referendum in June. But it raised fears among others that she had cornered herself into a total break with the bloc. The German chancellor, French president and heads of EU institutions in Brussels took a common line that May s demands to be free to bar EU immigrants and escape oversight by EU courts mean Britain cannot stay inside the EU single market. Britain s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, (left), his wife Britain s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (second left), and Britain s Prince Harry (second right), are greeted as they arrive for a visit to County Hall and The London Eye in central London on Oct 10. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince Harry, were due to speak at an event recognising World Mental Health day. (AFP) Denmark s Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen and British Prime Minister Theresa May, during a press conference after their meeting, at the Prime Minister s Resident Marienborg, north of Copenhagen, Denmark on Oct 10. (AP) Putin Europe Hollande Putin to visit France: Russian President Vladimir Putin still plans to visit France later this month, despite French President Francois Hollande saying he was unsure whether to receive him, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. Preparation for Putin s upcoming visit to Paris continues, Peskov told journalists. Hollande condemned Russia s unacceptable support for Syrian air strikes in excerpts from a TV interview released on Sunday and said he was asking himself whether to see Putin when he visits Paris on Oct 19. (RTRS) Fire bomb attack: A French police officer was in life-threatening condition in hospital on Sunday, investigators said a day after youths from a housing estate near Paris tried to set fire to his patrol vehicle. Four officers were injured when a group of around 15 youths swarmed their cars in the town of Viry-Chatillon and lobbed Molotov cocktails at them. The 28-year-old male officer suffered very serious burns on the hands and the entire body, prosecutor Eric Lallement said. Doctors had placed him in an induced coma while waiting to see how he responded to treatment, the prosecutor added. His 39-year-old female partner was also badly burned on the hands and face, while two other officers who arrived as backup received minor injuries. Both police cars were completely gutted by fire. The officers were patrolling a traffic junction next to a notorious high-rise estate, where robbers Migrants Take in Calais migrant minors Britain has moral duty : France PARIS, Oct 10, (Agencies): Britain has a moral duty to take in hundreds of migrant children from the Jungle camp in Calais desperate to cross the Channel, France said Monday, with the site apparently facing the bulldozer just days from now. I am solemnly asking Britain to assume its moral duty, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve told RTL radio ahead of talks in London with British counterpart Amber Rudd. There are several hundred unaccompanied minors in Calais who have family in Britain. We are in the process of drawing up a precise list and the British need to live up to their responsibilities. We have lived up to ours, Cazeneuve said. A British government spokesman responded: We are working very closely with our French counterparts to speed up the process. We are hoping to make progress in the weeks ahead. French officials have said that work to dismantle the sprawling migrant camp in Calais could begin next week, with residents to be spread around reception centres across France. The makeshift settlement has become a focal point in France of Europe s migrant crisis, the subject of heated debate among politicians and a constant source of tension with Britain. Cazeneuve said last week there were up to 950 children living in the Jungle, many of them unaccompanied. British campaigners stepped up pressure on both governments over the weekend. The British Red Cross said 178 unaccompanied children in Calais had the right to claim asylum in Britain as they had family there, but that red tape was holding things up. Action We need urgent action from both the UK and French governments, said spokesman Alex Fraser as the group released a report on the problem Sunday. While both countries were working on the problem, more can and must be done, on both sides of the Channel, he added. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the leader of Anglicans worldwide, was among signatories of an open letter calling for the children to be admitted. The children have fled conflict and persecution, are now stuck in northern France, deeply traumatised and at great risk, said the letter. The time to act is now. A number of other British religious leaders from different faiths also signed the letter, which was drawn up by the charity Citizens have repeatedly targeted passing motorists. (AFP) TV workers protest: About 200 journalists and other workers in Greek private TV stations have held a peaceful protest outside Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras office over feared job losses in a broadcasting shake-up. Some 60 of the demonstrators pushed through a police cordon to hang a protest banner on the outer fence of the central Athens building Monday. Protesters say almost 2,000 jobs will be lost in five of the seven currently functioning TV stations that have not secured licenses in an auction of broadcasting rights held last month. Marchers study the Cable Street Mural at the end of a march commemorating the 80th anniversary of the anti-fascist battle of Cable Street in east London on Oct 9. (AFP) UK. Another migrant died this weekend in the Calais region, the 14th such death this year. The Eritrean died after being hit by a car on a motorway near the port city late Sunday. A second migrant hurt in the accident required hospital treatment for minor injuries, local officials said. Migrants desperate to get to Britain regularly try to stow away on lorries heading to the Channel ports for the crossing to England. Paris demanded on Monday that Britain honour promises to take in migrant children from the notorious Jungle camp in the French port city of Calais, adding to pressure following accusations by the Red Cross that London is dragging its heels. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said he would press the case at a lunchtime meeting in London with his opposite number in the British government, Amber Rudd. There are several hundred isolated minors with family in Britain, Cazeneuve said. I solemnly ask Britain to live up to its moral duty, he told RTL radio ahead of his London meeting. The notoriously overcrowded Jungle camp is home to nearly 10,000 people who have mostly fled war and strife in countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Africa with the ultimate goal of reaching Britain. The Red Cross charity accused Britain on Sunday of leaving hundreds of young children with the right to join family in Britain in limbo in Calais, where the squalid Jungle camp is soon to be dismantled. Of the estimated 1,000 unaccompanied children who are currently living in the Calais Jungle, 178 have been identified as having family ties to the UK. This gives them the right to claim asylum in the same country, the Red Cross said. Alex Fraser, director of Red Cross refugee support, said in a statement: Right now, the system for transferring children who have a right to be in the UK has numerous problems. Children, who could be rebuilding their lives in safety with their only surviving relatives, are instead being left to fend for themselves in conditions unimaginable to most adults. Calais is one of several spots in Western Europe faced with a huge buildups of migrants as ever-larger numbers of people flee war, persecution and poverty. More than 11,000 migrants were rescued in the space of just 48 hours last week off the coast of Libya as they sought to cross the sea to Europe. Tsipras government only put up four licenses for sale, raising 246 million euros ($274 million). They come into effect in early December. (AP) Troop rotation mulled: The US and Norwegian military are discussing the possibility of deploying US troops in Norway UK warning over clowns LONDON, Oct 10, (RTRS): British police have issued warnings after a spate of creepy clown sightings across the country, mimicking a prank that began in the United States and has spread across the world. Police forces said they had received dozens of reports of killer clown sightings in the last week where individuals dressed in clown outfits sometimes carrying knives have acted suspiciously or chased people, often young children. under a rotating arrangement in the nation which borders Russia, the defence ministry in Oslo said on Monday. Assessments have taken place within the military to look at the options for additional training, storage and this kind of thing, a ministry spokeswoman, Ann Kristin Salbuvik, told AFP, saying this was a long-standing US wish. It may be something that is carried out on a rotational basis... (but) there is no question of permanent deployment, she said. Salbuvik stressed that ideas were still at an early stage and were being conducted by the two militaries and had not been broached at a political level. The Norwegian newspaper Adresseavisen on Monday said the Pentagon wanted to station 300 US Marines at Vaernes, near the western city of Trondheim, about 1,000 kms (600 miles) from the Russian-Norwegian frontier. Norway and Russia share a 200- km border in the Arctic Circle. Norway became one of NATO s founding members in 1949, but in response to Soviet fears promised not to let foreign combat forces deploy on its territory as long as the country was not under attack or threatened with attack. The commitment was subsequently revised so that foreign troops could carry out exercises on Norwegian soil. (AFP)

13 INTERNATIONAL 13 Ukraine Spy caught: SBU POWs limbo on both sides KIEV, Ukraine, Oct 10, (Agencies): Just three days after Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Lazarenko was taken prisoner in the war in Ukraine s east, a peace agreement was signed under which the sides agreed to an all-for-all prisoner exchange. A year and a half later, his wife still waits desperately for his return. The so-called Minsk Agreement on ending the war between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces is floundering on many issues, but prisoner releases appear to be one of the most intractable. Amnesty International and Human Rights watch allege that both sides have arbitrarily detained civilians, sometimes holding them incommunicado for months in prisons that authorities don t acknowledge exist. The sides cite widely varying figures for how many prisoners they re holding. Both appear to be holding the issue over the other s head to force concessions on other topics, which include holding elections in Ukraine s separatist region and restoring Ukraine s full control over its border with Russia. Oksana Our expectations have been thwarted by politicians plans, Lazarenko s wife, Natalya, told The Associated Press. After Minsk, the prisoners became an instrument of political trading, they re seen as political commodities. Even that frustration and anxiety is something of an improvement. For three months after her husband was seized, she had no information on whether he was dead or alive. Lazarenko was captured by a Cossack formation that was not under the rebels control. Eventually, he and 12 others were found by the rebel government s Committee on POWs and transferred to a detention facility in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, the rebels main stronghold. Beaten Finally allowed to call his wife, Lazarenko said the Cossacks had held him in a windowless basement where he could only lie down on sacks of potatoes. He told her that he and the other prisoners were beaten and fed scraps. Sasha simply ceased to exist, his wife said. Although the numbers held by each side are in dispute, it s clear that the pace of releases has slowed markedly for Ukrainians held by the rebels. Since the Minsk agreement was signed in February 2015, 83 Ukrainian prisoners have been released, but only 12 of them were freed this year. Before the agreement, prisoners were handed over more freely. Yuri Tandyt, an adviser to Ukraine s national security service, told Ukrainian media in August that a total of 3,080 Ukrainian prisoners had been released by rebels or had been located since the beginning of fighting in April Ukraine now lists 112 names as soldiers held by the rebels, suggesting that thousands had been released prior to the Minsk agreement. The separatists acknowledge only holding less than half that many. Irina Gerashchenko, Ukraine s deputy parliament speaker and a key figure in negotiations to implement the Minsk agreement, says the rebels admit to holding 47 and we don t know where the other hostages are held. Rebel officials said last month they had reached a tentative agreement with Ukraine to release 47 prisoners, in exchange for Ukraine freeing 618. Who those 618 might be is uncertain. Rebel military spokesman Eduard Basurin told the AP that Ukraine is holding 962 easterners, of whom 316 are fighters and the rest are either political prisoners or civilians with no connection to the conflict. Ukraine in turn says it is holding about 500 people in connection with the war. Vadim Karasev, a Ukrainian political analyst, suggests that many of those held by the Ukrainian side are not combatants. Kiev is seeking to increase its weight in the negotiations by the count of separatists detained, he said. Simply disgruntled citizens often end up (in that category), and then are proposed for exchange. Reason In many cases, the only reason for the detention of prisoners may be to use them as bargaining chips, said Oksana Pokalchuk, Amnesty International s executive director for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine s military on Sunday postponed a planned parallel withdrawal with pro-russian separatists from Stanytsa Luhanska, a town on the eastern frontline, saying rebels had disregarded the agreement by firing artillery at Ukrainian positions. In September, the two sides agreed a pilot de-escalation project in three small towns part of a push to revive a much-violated ceasefire and end a conflict that has killed over 9,600 since early The separation of forces and equipment which was planned for today was postponed, said General Borys Kremenetsky, Ukraine s representative to the ceasefire coordination centre. The main reason is the continuation of shelling along the line of separation. I would say there has been an increase over the last few days and use of heavy artillery, he told journalists. The delay is yet another setback for the struggling peace process. Both sides accuse the other of violating the 18-month-old Minsk ceasefire agreement on a near-daily basis. On Sunday, Ukrainian military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said rebels had used heavy artillery in a major attack in part of the Luhansk region. Meanwhile separatist officials accused Ukrainian troops of firing at a rebel-held residential district in southern Donetsk region, separatist news site DAN reported. Also: KIEV: Ukraine s State Security Service (SBU) said on Sunday it had caught red-handed a Ukrainian working as a spy for Russia s military intelligence agency, just days after a Ukrainian journalist was arrested on espionage charges in Russia. The unnamed suspect had come to SBU s attention after he offered a senior Ukrainian military official Russian citizenship and money in exchange for top secret documents on Ukraine s military capabilities and work with foreign partners, it said. He was caught by SBU officers red-handed while receiving a flash drive containing misinformation that he believed to be secret documents of a military nature, a SBU statement said. There was no immediate comment from Russian authorities. On Monday, Russia s FSB security service said it arrested a Ukrainian intelligence officer for gathering secret information on Russian defence and security bodies, a move that prompted Ukraine to warn its citizens against travelling to Russia. Special police forces secure the perimeter of the district court in Dresden, eastern Germany on Oct 10, after the 22 years old Jaber Albakr was arrested in the eastern city of Leipzig, following a nearly two-day manhunt after explosives have been found in his apartment on Saturday. (AP) Carla Bruni-Sarkozy (center), looks at her husband, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy before his speech as he runs for the 2017 presidential election in Paris, France on Oct 9. (AP) Gorbachev Europe Merkel World at dangerous point: Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev warned on Monday that the world had reached a dangerous point as tensions between Russia and the United States have spiked over the Syria conflict. Relations between Moscow and Washington already at their lowest since the Cold War over the Ukraine conflict have soured further in recent days as the United States pulled the plug on Syria talks and accused Russia of hacking attacks. The Kremlin meanwhile has suspended a series of nuclear pacts, including a symbolic cooperation deal to cut stocks of weapons-grade plutonium. (AFP) Merkel coalition seeks candidate: A senior figure in Germany s governing coalition says it will try to agree on a joint candidate to be the country s next president, but may not succeed amid tensions ahead of next year s parliamentary election. President Joachim Gauck, who is 76, is stepping down. An assembly of lawmakers and representatives of Germany s states will elect his successor on Feb 12. That s about seven months before Germans elect a new government. The presidency is largely ceremonial but politicians past choices have often sent political messages. Gauck is unusual in having no party affiliation. Horst Seehofer, the leader of the conservative Christian Social Union, said Monday that Chancellor Angela Merkel s current coalition of center-right and center-left intends to nominate one candidate, but there are rocky roads in politics between intention and agreement. (AP) 5 in exorcism death trial: Five South Koreans went on trial at a German court Monday, charged with murder over the death of a relative during an exorcism ritual at a Frankfurt hotel last year. The defendants in the trial at the Frankfurt state court range in age between 16 and 45. They include the 16-year-old son of the 41-year-old woman who died. Prosecutors have said the five family members wanted to expel a demon they believed had possessed their relative, who died of asphyxiation as a result of massive chest compression and violence to her neck. (AP) Paper suspension ups concern: The EU said Monday it is very concerned Extremism Germany fetes Syrian heroes who nabbed compatriot Police arrest bomb plot suspect BERLIN, Oct 10, (Agencies): A Syrian man who came to Germany during a migrant influx into the country last year was arrested on Monday after a weekend manhunt on suspicion of planning an Islamist bomb attack, Saxony state police said. Police had been looking for 22-yearold Jaber Albakr since he evaded them during a raid on Saturday on an apartment in the eastern German city of Chemnitz, where they found several hundred grammes of explosive. Tired but overjoyed: we captured the terror suspect last night in Leipzig, Saxony state police said on Twitter, adding that they seized Albakr after acting on a tip-off that other Syrians were holding him at an apartment in Leipzig. Leipzig police immediately went to the identified place and took Albakr, they said. A nationwide and international search for the Syrian was then called off. Der Spiegel magazine s website, without citing a source, said Albakr had approached another Syrian at the railway station in the eastern city of Leipzig and asked if he could sleep at his home. The man agreed and later called police, who arrested Albakr at the home at 12:42 a.m. on Monday (2242 GMT Sunday). Albakr had arrived in Germany last year and won recognition as a refugee from his homeland s civil war, police said. A spokesman for the Federal Prosecutor s Office told broadcaster SWR on Sunday: The overall picture of the investigation, in particular the amount of explosive found, suggests that the person was planning to carry out an Islamist-motivated attack. That will prove unwelcome news for Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose conservatives have lost support to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party over her open-door policy towards refugees and migrants. Stephan Mayer, a senior lawmaker with Merkel s Bavarian allies, the Christian Social Union (CSU), said Germany s security agencies needed to be consulted more intensively in the after Hungary s main opposition newspaper halted publication, sparking fears of a clampdown on press freedom by the rightwing government. Left-leaning Nepszabadsag newspaper is to be sold, its editor said on Sunday, and while the publisher cited commercial authorities handling of refugees. Germany is in the crosshairs of Islamist terror, just like France, Belgium or Britain, Mayer told television station n-tv. The threat is still high, though there are no concrete indications of planned attacks. We must be very careful. Merkel said last month she wished she could turn back the time by many, many years to have better prepared for last year s influx of almost 1 million migrants. She has yet to say whether she will seek a fourth term as chancellor in elections next year. In July, the Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for two attacks in the western German state of Bavaria - one a train near Wuerzburg and the other at a music festival in Ansbach that wounded 20 people. Suffered Western Europe has suffered several major Islamist attacks since early last year, prompting a tightening of public security measures across the continent. Islamic State gunmen killed 147 people in Paris in January and November last year, a gunman drove a truck into Bastille Day revellers in the French Riviera city of Nice in July, killing 86, and suicide bombers killed 32 people in Brussels in March. Germany on Monday hailed three Syrians who helped police capture a compatriot suspected of planning a jihadist bomb attack, with social media coming alive with jibes against antimigrant protesters. Syrian turns in terror suspect. I m celebrating this. What about you, Pegida and co? said Julia Frick on Twitter, in reference to the Islamophobic movement that has been ranting against migrants in the eastern city of Dresden. Another Twitter user took a dig at the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has been running an aggressive campaign against asylum seekers. Syrian turns in terror suspect tied up to police -- that s precisely the kind of citizen watch that AfD and Pegida reasons, activists and journalists blamed a tough environment created by Prime Minister Viktor Orban s government. The commission is aware of and concerned about the suspension of the publication of the Hungarian newspaper Nepszabadsag, said Margaritis Schinas, Lithuania s conservative Homeland Union-Christian Democrats leader Gabrielius Landsbergis and his family casts his ballot at a polling station during parliamentary elections in Vilnius, Lithuania on Oct 9. Lithuanians are voting in the first round of a parliamentary election, with the governing Social Democrats facing challenges from conservatives and an agrarian party. (AP) like to drone on about, tweeted Florian Flade. Another using the handle Kraftklub quipped that the foreigners are taking jobs away from police, turning around a common stereotype used by anti-migrant politicians. Detained terrorists: Pegida and company: 0, refugee: 1, said another user with the handle likedeeler. After it emerged on Saturday that a Syrian refugee was wanted for amassing explosives in his apartment in the eastern town of Chemnitz, concerns were running high that this could place asylum seekers under a cloud of suspicion. The arrival of 890,000 refugees last year has deeply polarised Germany, and misgivings against the newcomers run particularly deep in eastern excommunist states like Saxony. But the tide turned somewhat Monday when it emerged that the suspect, Jaber Albakr, was turned in to police by three of his compatriots. Chancellor Angela Merkel led praise for the Syrians, with her spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer pointing to recognition for the Syrian who informed police about the suspect s whereabouts, leading to his arrest. The deputy chief of the Federation of Police Officers, Sebastian Fiedler, also called it a very positive sign that shows that one must not place all refugees under suspicion. Meanwhile, others took a dig at police for not immediately pointing to the contribution of the Syrian informants in their first tweet announcing the arrest. Syrian turns Syrian in to police. And Saxony police is celebrating itself on Twitter, grumbled a user called ergu28. Meanwhile, other Syrian refugees voiced relief that their fellow countrymen had caught the fugitive. Jihad Darwish, 47, who lives near the Syrians who overpowered Albakr, stressed that not all Syrians are like the terror suspect. Lauding the man who who overpowered and restrained the suspect, Darwish said: That guy is a hero. spokesman for the European Commission, the European Union executive. Questions have been raised on the reasons of the suspension, he told a briefing in Brussels. We are following very closely, we are very concerned. Schinas said media freedom and the protection of journalists were at the very base of a free and democratic society. The Commission added however that it was limited in what it could do in this case. (AFP) Jordanian king wins award: The president of Kazakhstan says King Abdullah II of Jordan will be the first recipient of a new award established by the ex-soviet Central Asian nation to mark contributions to global security and nuclear disarmament. Nursultan Nazarbayev announced Monday that Abdullah will become the first recipient of the $1 million prize. Nazarbayev established the prize to acknowledge contributions to global security, regional stability and nuclear non-proliferation by world leaders and organizations. He hailed the king s efforts to make Jordan an anchor of stability in the turbulent Middle East region. Abdullah is to receive the inaugural prize next month in Kazakhstan s capital, Astana. During the Soviet times, Kazakhstan s territory was used for nuclear weapons tests. The prize marks the closure of the test facility in Semipalatinsk. (AP)

14 INTERNATIONAL 14 World News Roundup Rescuers search for survivors at an accident site after four buildings caved in during the early hours in Wenzhou, eastern China s Zhejiang province on Oct 10. (Inset): Rescuers carry an injured survivor on a stretcher at an accident site after four buildings caved in. (AFP) Multiple China building collapse kills at least 17: govt A series of multi-storey buildings built by local villagers and packed with migrant workers collapsed in China on Monday, killing at least 17 people, the government and reports said. Four residential buildings caved in during the early hours at Wenzhou in the eastern province of Zhejiang, the Lucheng district government said in a social media posting. By evening 17 had been confi rmed dead and six rescued, it said, without giving indications of total numbers missing. Pictures from the scene showed workers in orange suits sifting through a mountain of rubble. The official Xinhua news agency said rescuers were still verifying the number of people trapped under the debris. But it cited survivor Yan Yongfa, a 57-year-old migrant worker, as saying that each room housed at least two to three people -- many of them migrants like himself. Yan lived with four other workers in a room rented for them by their boss. Hundreds of millions of people have moved from China s countryside to its towns and cities in recent decades, their labour fuelling its economic boom. But many remain poorly paid and face restrictions on buying homes in the areas where they work. The cause of the collapse was still under investigation. To protect those who are trapped, we are mainly digging with our bare hands so that work is going slowly, fi re department offi cer Sun Jing told Xinhua, adding that the debris was piled three storeys high. (AFP) Taiwan China Won t bow to pressure President calls for talks with China TAIPEI, Taiwan, Oct 10, (AP): Taiwan s new president, Tsai Ing-wen, said Monday her self-ruled island will not bow to Chinese pressure and that Beijing should recognize her government s existence and engage with it in talks, in remarks likely to further anger China. Speaking in a National Day address, Tsai acknowledged that ties between Taiwan and China have been bumpy in recent months. But we will not bow to pressure, and we will of course not revert to the old path of confrontation, she said at a ceremony outside the Presidential Office Building in central Taipei attended by 11,000 people, including more than 360 foreign guests. China should face up to the reality of the Taiwanese government s existence and of the island s democracy, Tsai said, adding that the two sides Tsai should sit down and talk as soon as possible. China claims Taiwan is its own territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary. Tsai s election in January upended Beijing s strategy of using economic inducements to convince Taiwanese that political unification is not only inevitable but also in their best interests. Tsai said her government wants to maintain the status quo, referring to the state of tense but stable peace and robust economic exchanges between the sides, which split during China s civil war in China has said it isn t satisfied with that position and demands she endorse Beijing s formulation that the two are part of a single Chinese nation. That formula was embraced by her predecessor, Ma Yingjeou, who was seated on the stage at the ceremony. Risk Tsai s reluctance to do so, and risk alienating her party s supporters, clashes with her hopes for renewed talks between the sides that Beijing cut off shortly after her May inauguration, said Liu Yi-jiun, a professor of public affairs at Taiwan s Fo Guang University. So far I just don t see anything happening at this time, Liu said. (Tsai) really wants her counterparts to sit down and find some solution. That s something positive. But I don t think these kinds of words will turn the situation around. Whether Taiwan s public likes the speech is hard to say because it covers nothing new, Liu said, adding that China will just carry on. Tsai s reference to the need to maintain progress since a breakthrough meeting in 1992 between the sides, and her use of Taiwan s official name, the Republic of China, could be seen by Beijing as a positive sign that she intends no radical moves toward formal independence, said Nathan Liu, an international affairs professor at Ming Chuan University in Taipei. If China instead insists on maintaining the current stalemate, that s not going to help, he said. Responding to Tsai s remarks, a spokesman for China s Taiwan Affairs Office said Beijing would not budge from its fundamental demands and would oppose and contain any steps toward Taiwanese independence. Giuseppe Serafino (center), is escorted by police to a press conference at a police station in Denpasar on Bali island on Oct 10. Serafino, an Australian businessman, and a British former war correspondent have been arrested on Indonesia s Bali island for alleged hashish possession and could face up to 20 years in jail, police said Monday. (AFP) Yudhoyno Asia Turnbull Police probe vandalism: Indonesian police on Monday urged Muslims to stay calm and not be provoked by the vandalism of a mosque in the capital, aiming to dispel fears of growing ethnic tension in the run-up to next year s election for the governor of Jakarta. Over the weekend, white Christian crosses were found spray-painted at several locations, including on the green gates of the Al Falah Mosque in Jakarta, the largest city in the world s most populous Muslimmajority nation. The incident risks fueling already simmering tension ahead of February s election, which pits the Christian and ethnic Chinese incumbent, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, against Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, a son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and the previous education minister, Anies Baswedan. Yudhoyono and Baswedan are both Muslim in a nation where about 90 percent of the 250-million population follows Islam. Indonesia also has a sizeable ethnic Chinese minority, many of whom are Buddhist. The country has a history of anti-chinese violence, most sharply in the late 1990s amid the political and economic crisis that brought down authoritarian ruler Suharto. (RTRS) Seoul protests to Beijing: Seoul officials said Monday they ve lodged a formal complaint with Beijing accusing Chinese Manila looks to Beijing for farms windfall China mulls India NSG bid BEIJING, Oct 10, (RTRS): China is willing to discuss possibilities with India on its bid to become a fully fledged member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a senior Chinese diplomat said on Monday, holding out an olive branch ahead of a summit in India. India last month said it had held substantive talks with China on its attempt to join the NSG, a 48-member grouping of countries that trades in civil nuclear technology. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is campaigning to join the NSG to back a multi-billion-dollar drive to build nuclear power plants in partnership with Russia, the United States and France, and reduce India s reliance on polluting fossil fuels. Yet his bid to win accession to the group, founded in response to India s first atomic weapons test in 1974, has failed to win over strategic rival China, which enjoys a de facto veto because it operates by consensus. Speaking to reporters ahead of a visit to India this week by Chinese President Xi Jinping for a summit of the BRICS group of emerging nations, Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong said new NSG members needed to be agreed upon by all existing members. fishing boats of ramming and sinking a South Korean coast guard vessel. The sinking happened on Friday when South Korean coast guard officers were trying to stop about 40 Chinese fishing boats from suspected illegal fishing off South Korea s west coast. No causalities or injuries were reported, according to South Korea s coast guard. These rules were not set by China, Li said. On the issue of joining the NSG, China and India have all along had very good communications, and (China) is willing to have further communications with the Indian side, to increase consensus, he said. Explore On this, China is willing to jointly explore all kinds of possibilities with India, but this must accord with the charter of the NSG, and certain rules need to be respected by all sides, Li said, without elaborating. The nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) recognises the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France - as nuclear weapons powers but not others. India has ruled out signing the NPT but says its track record of non-proliferation should entitle it to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group. India was granted an NSG waiver in 2008 that allows it to engage in nuclear commerce, but deprives it of a vote in the organisation s decision making. Backers of India s NSG bid, who include the United States, hope a deal One coast guard officer was on the South Korean vessel rammed by two Chinese boats before he jumped into the water and was rescued by his colleagues. Eight fellow coast guard officers boarded a Chinese boat for an inspection, the coast guard said in a statement. On Sunday, South Korea s Foreign Ministry summoned the Chinese consul general and complained about the sinking. Veteran British war correspondent Clare Hollingworth (center), attends a celebration to mark her 105th birthday at the Foreign Correspondent s Club (FCC) in Hong Kong on Oct 10. Hollingworth, who broke the story in 1939 of Germany s invasion of Poland, turned 105 in Hong Kong. (AFP) can be reached despite a setback at the group s annual meeting in Seoul in June. Xi will also visit Bangladesh and Cambodia on his Asian trip. The BRICS group of emerging nations include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. China will lift a Philippine fruit ban and explore broader farm and fisheries imports and investments in its fledgling farm sector, the Philippine agriculture minister said, signalling serious intent by Manila to beef up business with Beijing. China would resume shipments from 27 blacklisted fruit exporters as a gift when President Rodrigo Duterte visits with a business delegation from Oct 19-21, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol told Reuters on Sunday. I would look at that as a goodwill move, he said. The atmosphere would be positive. Pinol s comments suggest Duterte is following through on his promises to build a commercial alliance with China, made repeatedly in speeches in which he has angrily alluded to cutting ties with the United States and reaching out to its geopolitical rivals. The Chinese diplomat expressed regret over the incident, according to the South Korean ministry. An official in Beijing said Chinese authorities were still verifying the situation but urged South Korea to remain calm. We hope the South Korean side can bear in mind the large picture of the bilateral relationship and regional peace, and handle the case reasonably with a level head, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a regular briefing. (AP) Leaders reaffirm commitment: The leaders of Australia s two major political parties on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to racial tolerance in Australia after several senators called for a ban on Muslim immigration. Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull introduced an anti-racial discrimination motion to the House of Representatives at the request of opposition leader Bill Shorten. A similar motion was passed by the lower chamber 20 years ago after Pauline Hanson, then an independent lawmaker, used her first speech to Parliament to warn that Australia was in danger of being swamped by Asians due to the nation s non-discriminatory immigration policy. Hanson was elected to the Senate in July after 18 years out of Parliament. The four senators in her One Nation party now want an end to Muslim immigration. Turnbull told Parliament that terrorists want the wider Australian community to turn against Muslims, who account for 2.2 percent of Australian population of 24 million people. (AP)

15 INTERNATIONAL 15 Philippines Leadership fragmented Church subdued over drug killings MANILA, Oct 10, (RTRS): Catholic priests from the Philippines Church, an institution that helped oust two of the country s leaders in the past, say they are afraid and unsure how to speak out against the war on drugs unleashed by new President Rodrigo Duterte. In interviews with Reuters, more than a dozen clergymen in Asia s biggest Catholic nation said they were uncertain how to take a stand against the thousands of killings in a war that has such overwhelming popular support. Challenging the president s Felloni campaign could be fraught with danger, some said. Duterte, who had a 76 percent satisfaction rating in a survey released last week, has quashed opposition to his war on drugs and blasted critics in curse-laden language. More than 3,600 people, mostly small-time drug users and dealers, have died at the hands of police and suspected vigilantes since he took power on June 30. In another poll conducted by the same agency, the Social Weather Stations, 84 percent of respondents said they were satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the war on the drugs, although a majority said they had qualms about the killings. Opposing the drug war in some locations becomes a dangerous job, said Father Luciano Felloni, a priest in a northern district of the capital, Manila. At least 30 people, including a child and a pregnant woman, have been killed in his barangay, or neighbourhood, where he is setting up community-based rehabilitation for drug users. There is a lot of fear because the way people have been killed is vigilante-style so anyone could become a target... There is no way of protecting yourself. Another priest, who like several others asked for anonymity because of possible reprisals, said it was risky to question the killings openly. Dozens of drug addicts and pushers are being killed every day, but anyone who criticises Duterte s campaign could suffer a similar fate, he said. Imply Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the Church was free to make statements, and there was no cause to even imply that anyone in the clergy would be targeted. However, Abella added: The Church needs to consider that recent surveys show the people trust and appreciate the president s efforts and it would do well to take heed and not presume that the people share their belief system. We expect them to be reasonable and considered. Duterte said on Monday he would not stop the campaign. I m really appalled by so many groups and individuals, including priests and bishops, complaining about the number of persons killed in the operation against drugs, he said in a speech in the southern city of Zamboanga. If I stop, the next generation would be lost. Some priests have supported Duterte s war on drugs. Are the means unnecessarily illegitimate? said Father Joel Tabora, a Jesuit priest in Davao, where Duterte was mayor for 22 years, and where about 1,400 people were killed from 1998 until the end of last year in a similar anti-crime and anti-drug campaign, according to activists. People are dying, yes, but on the other hand, millions of people are being helped, said Tabora. Three decades ago, the Church in the Philippines championed a People Power revolution that reverberated around the world and ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos. It also participated in a popular movement in 2001 that led to the impeachment and removal of another president, Joseph Estrada. For the Vatican, the Philippines is a key eastern hub: it has the third-largest population of Catholics globally and accounts for more than half of Asia s roughly 148 million Catholics. Nearly 80 percent of the 100 million people in the Philippines are Catholic and, unlike in many other countries where the faith was once strong, the vast majority still practice with enthusiasm. Duterte, who is not a regular church-goer himself and says he was sexually abused by a priest as a boy, has publicly questioned the Church s relevance and he dubbed May s presidential election a referendum between him and the Church. His victory by a substantial margin indicates that despite its appeal, the political clout of the Church is waning, some priests say. Indeed, many churchgoers who spoke to Reuters said they supported the war on drugs. At the San Felipe Neri Parish Church in Manila on a recent Sunday, Father Francis Lucas said in a sermon that the Philippines was going through a moral crisis. Why are all of these killings happening? he asked, pacing in front of hundreds of people packed into wooden pews. You have to love and care for one another. Unfair Lucas is one of the few priests to oppose the killings in his sermons. But he later told Reuters it was unfair to expect the Church to influence the course of the war on drugs because it no longer had the secular power it once enjoyed. How come everybody wants the Church to act when others don t? Lucas said. Yes, we have influence but times have also changed. In the car park outside the church, where people had spilled out and were listening on loudspeakers, his sermon did not go down well. The Church has to back off, said Jenny Calma, a 34-year-old mother of two. We voted for our president because he promised to stop drugs, Calma said as her children played between parked cars. The Church will lose if it takes on Duterte over the killings, she added. The feeling, the atmosphere in the community - sometimes the Church understands, sometimes it doesn t. Nevertheless, some in the clergy are providing shelter to individuals trying to flee the campaign. At the Vatican, a senior official said the Holy See s Secretariat of State was following the situation in the Philippines closely but, as with all countries, would leave it to the national bishops conference to make its position on internal matters known to governments. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss the issue, however called the extra-judicial killings in the Philippines worrying. Power After Duterte took power, the first official comment from the Philippines conference of bishops came in mid-september. By then the president had been in office for two-and-a-half months and almost 3,000 people had died. In that message, the CBCP said deaths because of police encounters, deaths from extrajudicial killings were cause for mourning and that drug addicts needed healing. But it also echoed the president s language, noting that the drug users may have behaved as scum and rubbish. Cruz said the Church was being prudent because so many people supported the summary execution of drug dealers. The CBCP also has to be very careful because it might unnecessarily offend a good number of people with goodwill, who are Catholics themselves, he said. Under long-serving Cardinal Jaime Sin, the Philippines Church helped topple Presidents Marcos and Estrada and campaigned against the death penalty, which was suspended in Sin, who retired in 2003 and died two years later, saw the Church s role as socio-political. However, before he retired, he initiated the division of the Archdiocese of Manila into multiple dioceses all run independently under different bishops. Now, priests say, the Church s leadership is more fragmented and, because of that, carries less clout. Since the division, the Church has lost critical political battles, most notably failing to block a reproductive health bill promoting artificial contraception in US Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade check their rifles prior to taking part in a live-fire joint US-Philippines amphibious landing exercise dubbed PHIBLEX on Oct 10, at Crow Valley, Capas township, Tarlac province north of Manila, Philippines. The combat drill, however, maybe the last under President Rodri go Duterte, who has opposed the war games partly because they may upset China and because of his disgust over US criticisms of his bloody anti-drug campaign. (AP) Ex-president Ramos slams leader Duterte govt a letdown Asia Communists eyeing amnesty: Hundreds of detained communist rebels in the Philippines are likely to be granted amnesty, officials said Monday, after fresh talks aimed at ending one of Asia s longest-running insurgencies. Government negotiators said in a Duterte MANILA, Oct 10, (RTRS): The government of Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte has been a huge disappointment and letdown, a former president and one of Duterte s mentors said, bucking popular sentiment and a high poll rating for his first 100 days in office. In rare criticism of Duterte, 88-year-old former president Fidel Ramos said the government was losing badly by prioritising a war on drugs at the expense of issues like poverty, living costs, foreign investment and jobs. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said Duterte was a reader and was aware of the commentary. Abella said Ramos, who was in office from 1992 to 1998, was acting like a father and the government respected him. Duterte picked Ramos as his special envoy to China, to manage the fallout from an arbitration case Manila won in July that dented Beijing s claims to jurisdiction over most of the South China Sea. Duterte has spoken often of his respect for Ramos and that Ramos had persuaded him to run in the May election. It was not clear why Ramos made his criticism at this time and neither he nor his spokesmen were immediately available for comment. Focus In a Sunday editorial in the Manila Bulletin newspaper, much of it written in capital letters, Ramos listed priority focus areas that could have been doable if Duterte had hit the ground running instead of being stuck in endless controversies about extrajudicial killings of drug suspects and in his ability at using cuss-words and insults instead of civilised language. The drugs crackdown, Duterte s signature policy popular among Filipinos who elected him in May by a huge margin, has killed more than 3,600 people since June 30, with 1,377 shot by police in operations. Activists believe the rest were mostly vigilante killings. Ramos is the only president to score higher than Duterte in a Philippine opinion poll traditionally conducted after the first 90 days of each presidency. Duterte was rated very good, with a net satisfaction rating of 64 percent in a Social Weather Stations Poll on Thursday, behind Ramos at 66 percent. Only 11 percent of 1,200 people polled were not satisfied with Duterte. In a separate poll on Friday, 84 percent of Filipinos supported the drug crackdown although most felt it important to arrest suspects alive. Ramos said the government s mixed statements on Philippine-US relations were discombobulating including Duterte s verbal attack on US President Barack Obama early in September at the same time his defence minister and finance minister were on visits to the United States. Duterte a week ago said Obama should go to hell and that in his time, he might break up with traditional ally Washington. On Friday, he reiterated that ongoing US-Philippines military exercises would be the last and challenged Washington to use the Central Intelligence Agency to oust him. So what gives?? Ramos asked in the editorial. Are we throwing away decades of military partnership, tactical proficiency, compatible weaponry, predictable logistics and soldier-to-soldier camaraderie, just like that?? On DU30 s say-so???, he said, referring to a popular acronym for Duterte. Ramos hoped the next 100 days would be much, much better and Duterte would consider the entire gamut of Philippine problems, starting with poverty. Presidential spokesman Abella said the government listened to what Ramos said, especially on foreign relations. He s a senior statesman. He has his opinion, he has his concerns, especially regarding foreign relations and these are also worth looking into, Abella told a regular briefing. There are really mixed reactions and while there may be some concerns, we d also like to, you know, at the end, summarize the fact that the president is a man of action and really, we need to appreciate that more. Also: OLONGAPO, Philippines: Some drug users seeking to avoid becoming a bloody statistic in Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte s crackdown on narcotics, are going into a rehabilitation program that teaches them how to make coffins. More than 700,000 drug users and pushers have registered with the authorities in a process termed surrendering, but there are few programmes or facilities to help most of them. But in Olongapo, a city of 220,000 three hours north of Manila, drug users are taught carpentry skills and paid 5,000 Philippine pesos ($103) a month to build wooden coffins as part of the local government s livelihood and rehabilitation programme. I knew that if I don t change, I will be in one of those caskets, said a 44-year-old man, who declined to be named, pointing to coffins in a small workshop where nine other former drug users were also working. Since Duterte was sworn into office on June 30, more than 3,600 people have been killed, mostly alleged drug users and dealers, in police operations and suspected vigilante killings. At least 400 self-confessed drug users have surrendered to Olongapo police since June and will be included in the coffin building programme in the coming months. The caskets, made of simple plywood and painted white, are provided to the poorest families in the city who are unable to afford funeral services, government officials said. Filipinos gave Duterte an excellent rating for his war on drugs, an opinion poll showed on Friday, but there was an indication of possible unease over the deadly campaign as most respondents said it was important to arrest suspects alive. Western governments and human rights groups have expressed concern and called for thorough investigations into the killings. The Philippines will cancel the environmental permit of a nickel miner that began operations this year, a minister said, as the government intensifies a campaign to punish mineral producers harming natural resources. The Southeast Asian country is the world s top nickel ore supplier and an environmental crackdown that has halted a quarter of its 41 mines, and the risk that 20 more maybe shuttered has spurred a rally in global nickel prices. But the nickel mine now threatened with a shutdown, in southern Davao Oriental province and run by private-owned Austral-Asia Link Mining Corp, was not among those suspended or recommended for suspension. The issue with the mine is it sits between Mount Hamiguitan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Pujada Bay, a marine protected area, said Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Regina Lopez who calls its approval madness. The ECC (environmental compliance certificate) was reviewed and as far as I know it will be cancelled, Lopez told Reuters. The ECC should have never been given, she said. Cancelling the ECC would halt the operations of Austral-Asia s nickel mine, which started up in January, said an official at the Mines and Geosciences Bureau who declined to be named because he was not auhorised to speak with media. Bello statement they had submitted a proposal to President Rodrigo Duterte to free 434 communists accused of a range of crimes including murder, kidnapping and arson. The (peace) panel has a commitment that there will be releases. We will fast-track that, chief government negotiator Silvestre Bello told reporters in Norway at the end of three days of talks with the rebels. Duterte, who took office on June 30, quickly launched peace talks with the communists, saying it was his dream to end their rebellion that has claimed an estimated 30,000 lives since To kickstart the talks, Duterte released 18 of their top leaders and pledged to grant amnesty for other rebels whom the communists insist were jailed on trumped-up charges. More than 100 of the rebels slated for amnesty have been in jail for over a decade, according to the communists. The latest statements from Bello and other government negotiators following the second round of official talks in Norway show the amnesty process is on track. Nevertheless, Duterte s peace envoy Jesus Dureza told AFP via text message from Norway the amnesty was not Dureza yet finalised, highlighting the fact that it also needed congressional approval. The two sides have said they expect to reach a final peace agreement by the middle of next year. The communists armed faction, the New People s Army, is believed to have fewer than 4,000 gunmen, down from a peak of 26,000 in the 1980s, when a bloodless revolt ended the 20-year dictatorship of late president Ferdinand Marcos. (AFP) Thailand extends help: After the birth of her second son six months ago, Narinthip Pommarin stopped work to focus on her boys but soon found her husband s sporadic $12-aday roofing jobs could not cover their needs. They were forced to borrow money for the rent on their tiny, airless room in a rowhouse behind a car wash in Samut Songkhram province, southwest of Bangkok, and were struggling to repay the debt. Then a friend suggested Narinthip sign her baby Ang Bao up for Thailand s new child support grant providing 400 baht ($12) a month. It s not a lot, but it helps, Narinthip said, sitting in the trash-strewn alley outside her home, tugging a rope to rock Ang Bao to sleep in a hammock. We save it, we have not used any of it yet, but at least when we do not have work, we can rely on this amount to buy milk and food. Thailand launched its child support grant a year ago to help tens of thousands of its poorest children get a better start in life. The initiative comes amid concerns that a lack of proper nutrition and early years care has led to Thailand s children having lower IQs than the global average which could have longterm repercussions for the country. UN children s agency UNICEF, which spent seven years helping the government develop the programme, hopes other countries in the region will follow suit. (RTRS) Cambodia jails lawmaker: A Cambodian court on Monday sentenced an opposition lawmaker who has been a strong critic of the government s handling of demarcating the border with neighboring Vietnam to 2 1/2 years in prison for online postings he made. Um Sam An is the latest member of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party to be sentenced for making comments on the politically sensitive topic and implying that Prime Minister Hun Sen s government failed to counter land encroachment by Vietnam, Cambodia s traditional enemy. In handing out the sentence, Judge Heng Sokna of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court said the accusations made by Um Sam An in Facebook posts last year aimed to cause chaos in society. The lawmaker was arrested in April in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap after having returned from a trip to the United States. A month ago, the same court sentenced Kem Sokha, deputy to the opposition party s leader, to five months in prison for twice ignoring a summons to answer questions related to a case involving his alleged mistress. Critics say Hun Sen is manipulating the courts to weaken the opposition s chances in next year s local polls and the 2018 general election. The opposition made an unexpectedly strong showing in the 2013 general election, which it claimed it was cheated out of winning. (AP) Protesters, authorities clash: Cambodian land rights protesters clashed with city security guards on Monday as demonstrators in the capital Phnom Penh called on the government to end forced evictions. Land disputes are a highly contentious issue in Cambodia, where tens of thousands of people have been evicted to make way for foreign and domestic firms, prompting widespread protests, violent clashes and, in some cases, jail terms for those who refuse to move. A video circulated on Facebook showed security guards punching and slapping protesters. Reuters couldn t independently verify the authenticity of the video. The protesters, many holding models of homes over their heads, were marking World Habitat Day, which took place last week as a reminder of people s right to shelter. Phnom Penh City Hall spokesman Mean Chanyada said that a journalist and a human rights worker were injured in the clash and that the use of violence was necessary to stop hundreds of demonstrators from marching forward. (RTRS)

16 INTERNATIONAL 16 World News Roundup Africa Indian army soldiers stand near the scene of a gunfight between the army and suspected militants in Pampore, south of Srinagar, on Oct 10. An Indian soldier was injured Oct 10 after suspected rebels fired from inside a government building near the main city of Indian-administered Kashmir, police said. The militants entered a multi-storey building inside the compound of governmentrun Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) on the outskirts of Srinagar on the main highway around dawn, a police officer speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP. (AFP) Myanmar 4 killed in one clash Yangon hunts culprits behind border raids YANGON, Oct 10, (AFP): Myanmar s Aung Suu Kyi s sarmy Monday hunted the attackers who staged deadly raids on border posts, searching homes in Rakhine state for stolen weapons, as police said four people were killed in one clash. The operations in the western state were focused in and around Maungdaw, a town near the Bangladesh border that was among the targets of Sunday s mysterious attacks which left nine police officers dead. The vast majority of its residents are Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority reviled as foreign illegal immigrants by many among Myanmar s Buddhist majority. The unrest has stoked fears of a repeat of 2012, when sectarian violence which ripped through Rakhine left more than 100 people dead and displaced tens of thousands. The state remains on edge and bitterly divided along religious lines. Suu Kyi Fighting took place today (Monday) along the border near Maungdaw as the military tracked the culprits, a senior police source in the capital Naypyidaw told AFP on condition of anonymity. Some people attacked and the military had to open fire. About four attackers were killed. Niether the toll, nor the identity of the dead, could be immediately verified in the remote area with poor communications. But people in Maungdaw said troops went house-to-house on Monday searching for dozens of weapons and more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition stolen during the raids a day earlier. Raids Eight of the attackers also died in the surprise raids on the border posts, which authorities said were carried out by mobs armed with knives and homemade slingshot-style weapons. Two others were captured alive, while another police source in Naypyidaw said a policeman who went missing after the attacks had been found. He gave no more details. Authorities have dramatically tightened security in response, extending a curfew to between 7pm and 6am, while state media reported the military had started airlifting troops to the area. Officials have given few clues about the reason for the attacks or who was behind them, with some pointing to a Rohingya militant group that has not been heard of for two decades. National police chief Zaw Win suggested the raids may have been in response to a major, recent drugs bust, state media reported on Monday, while other officials have privately blamed Bengali groups from across the border. In Bangladesh, border guards said they had increased patrols and stopped crossings through the Teknaf land port after the attacks. We ve increased our patrols and vigilance along the Myanmar border over the last two days, the head of the guards, Lieutenant-Colonel Abu Zar Al Zahid, told AFP. We want to make sure that no Myanmar miscreants or its nationals can intrude into our country. Defendants Khine Soe (left), Hla Myint Oo (center), and Myo Mint (back right), are escorted by police for their court trial in Shwe Pyi Thar township on the outskirts of Yangon on Oct 10. The three Muslim men went on trial in Myanmar on Oct 10 for illegally importing nearly 100 cows that have spent the last month under police protection, in a case Islamic leaders say targets their religion. (AFP) Asia Pak Taleban killed: Afghan security forces have killed a senior member of the Pakistani Taleban accused of masterminding a deadly attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009, militant sources said Monday. Qari Ajmal, a leader of the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi sectarian group that allied with the Tehreek-e-Taleban Pakistan, died in a raid carried out by Afghan and NATO forces in Afghanistan s Paktika province that began late Friday and continued into Saturday, a Taleban commander told AFP. Qari Ajmal along with other fellow Taleban fighters have been killed in a clash with Afghan and NATO troops, a second commander added. Ajmal had been sought in Pakistan for planning a March 2009 gun and grenade attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team bus in Lahore, killing six policemen and two civilians and injuring seven cricketers. The attack resulted in the suspension of all international cricket in Pakistan and forced the national team to play its home matches at neutral venues such as the United Arab Emirates. (AFP) India family faces homicide charges: The family of an Indian schoolgirl who died after observing a two-month fast has been charged with homicide amid allegations that she was coerced to undertake a controversial religious ritual, police said Sunday. Aradhana Samdariya, 13, collapsed and fell into a coma two days after finishing a 68-day fast and later before died of an apparent cardiac attack in southern Hyderabad city on Oct 4. M. Mattaiah, the investigating officer told AFP, the girl s parents and other family members were charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder over complaints by advocacy groups that she was coerced to fast in accordance with a Jain ritual. As of now nothing is clear, Mattaiah said. The body was cremated and our investigation will rely on the doctor s report. We will question the family before moving ahead. Jainism is an ancient, nonviolent religion with more than four million followers, mostly from affluent trading communities, living in India. According to her family, Samdariya had pledged to observe the 68-day long penance known as Chaturmas and over the marathon fasting period was only allowed to drink boiled water twice a day. (AFP) Myanmar Muslims on trial: Three Muslim men went on trial in Myanmar Kashmir Over 8,000 protesters arrested India in biggest crackdown SRINAGAR, India, Oct 10, (AP): Anxious to quell anti-india protests in Kashmir, Indian forces are carrying out their most severe crackdown in more than two decades against civilian protesters, arresting more than 8,000 this summer across the disputed Himalayan territory, police said Monday. That includes 450 or so civilians being held, possibly for up to six months without trial, under a harsh security law criticized as a humanrights violation. India has said the separatist rebels and civilians who help them are undermining the country s territorial integrity and forcing authorities to keep the Indiacontrolled portion of Kashmir under tight control. This is, so far, the biggest crackdown against miscreants, said a senior police officer, requesting anonymity because he was not authorized to share details of the crackdown. Raids For weeks, Indian authorities have carried out nighttime raids, rolling curfews and stops at roadblocks, but have failed to stop the rebel attacks and angry public rallies. On Monday, government forces were battling a group of suspected rebels near a highway running by saffron-rich Pampore town, on the outskirts of the region s main city of Srinagar. Gunshots and grenade blasts were heard from the site, where units of the army s special forces, paramilitary soldiers and counterinsurgency police had cordoned off and encircled a building, according to an officer who spoke on condition of anonymity, in keeping with department policy. The officer said the two sides were exchanging intermittent gunfire. One soldier was reported injured. Scores of people gathered on nearby streets to chant anti-india slogans in a show of solidarity with the rebels. India has faced a separatist challenge in Kashmir since 1947, when India and neighboring Pakistan gained independence and launched Monday for illegally importing nearly 100 cows that have spent the last month under police protection, in a case Islamic leaders say targets their religion. The cows were intended to be ritually slaughtered for the Islamic festival of Eid al-adha last month, an event that has become a flashpoint for Myanmar s Buddhist nationalists. Hardline monks, including firebrand Wirathu from the Ma Ba Tha movement, have railed against the practice and pressured local authorities to ban it. Police took posession of 92 cattle last month when a local monk, Pa Mouk Kha, complained they had been brought into the Ajmal Mattaiah the first of two wars they would fight over their rival claims to the Muslimmajority region. India blames Pakistan for arming and training rebels to cross the heavily militarized border that divides the region between the two countries; Pakistan denies the allegation and says it offers the rebels only moral support. Most people in the Indian-controlled portion of the divided territory favor independence or a merger with Pakistan. Rebel groups have been fighting in the region since 1989, and more than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown. While anti-india protests are somewhat common during warmer summer months, this year s have been especially fraught amid widespread anger over the killing of a popular rebel commander by Indian forces in July. India has responded with a clampdown that has nearly paralyzed daily life. More than 80 civilians have been killed and thousands injured in clashes with police and paramilitary troops. Two policemen have also been killed and hundreds of government forces injured in the clashes. Police say they have detained at least 8,000 people on suspicion of participating in anti-india protests and throwing rocks at government troops, including more than 400 people picked up in nighttime raids in the last week alone. Many detained have been subsequently released on bail as well, police said. Officers are still hunting for at least 1,500 more people suspected of participating in protests, according to three other top police officers overseeing the crackdown operations. The officers also spoke on customary condition of anonymity. Rights activists expressed alarm over the government s targeting of protesters. Almost all of the thousands of suspects arrested in a crackdown in the early 1990s were either suspected militants or people accused of harboring them. country illegally. They have been keeping the animals in a football ground north of Yangon for just under a month at a cost of some $300 a day spending more than $8,000 so far. Two cows have since died. The monks have drawn derision from social media users, who have called the case a waste of public resources in a country where one in four lives below the poverty line. On Monday, the three defendants appeared before the court, charged with illegal trading for allegedly importing the cows without the proper paperwork. One of them, Myo Myint, in his 60s, has heart disease and had to be supported by police as he approached the courtroom. His son, Ye Zarni Tun We, said he was sure the animals were bought in Myanmar, adding: We have documents for purchasing the cows. The men were remanded in custody until their next hearing, while police are still looking for more than 30 other people linked to the case. The cows will soon be auctioned off. Kyaw Nyein, leader of local Muslim group Ulama Islam, said the case amounted to religious persecution. (AFP) Ghana opp chief slams govt: Ghana s main opposition leader Nana Addo Akufo- Addo on Sunday lambasted the government for an economy in crisis as he released his manifesto ahead of presidential polls in December. Akufo-Addo accused his rival of unduly benefiting from the country s oil boom and being hopelessly out of touch with people in desperate need of an economic boost. Later in the afternoon, the candidate appeared at a rally for thousands of his supporters decked out in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) colours of red, white and blue. When Akufo-Addo was introduced as the incorruptible leader, the crowd roared and blew tiny vuvuzela-like horns, while a huge elephant balloon the party s mascot floated overhead. If the president will only look a bit closer, behind his immediate circle of family and friends, he will see and feel the agony of Ghanaians, Akufo-Addo said at the manifesto launch in the nation s capital of Accra. Akufo-Addo He will recognise that this is indeed an economy in crisis, Akufo-Addo said. If the president looked a little closer, he will see the army of desperate young unemployed who are in despair. Ghana was once hailed as a regional growth model but has lost its lustre after taking on too much debt, with electricity shortages compounding the pain of low export revenues. (AFP) Moz opp member killed: A senior member of Mozambique s main opposition party Renamo who was negotiating in key peace talks with the government has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen, his party said Sunday. Jeremias Pondeca was killed on Saturday as he was out jogging. The announcement of his death came on the eve of the resumption of stalled negotiations. The 55-year-old was a member of a joint commission established in May to find ways to end a standoff between the government and Renamo. Once yet again, one of our members has fallen to bullets fired by the enemies of democracy, Renamo said in a statement, adding that Pondeca was killed on Saturday. The European Union condemned the killing, saying in a statement: Violence can never be an alternative to peaceful dialogue when trying to reach a sustainable solution in a political conflict. (AFP) Africa unites to battle pirates: Africa will come together to battle piracy and illegal fishing for the first time at an African Union maritime security summit that kicks off in Togo on Oct 15. The continent urgently needs to fight extremely high stakes piracy and illegal fishing in its waters by joining forces over policy and working to raise necessary funds, Togo s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey told AFP ahead of the meeting. These are very high stakes for Africa. At least 92 percent of imported goods arrive on the continent across the seas and oceans. Of the 54 countries in the African Union, 33 have a coastline, said Dussey. (AFP) Gabonese doctor arrested: A Gabonese doctor who compiled a damning report on the post-electoral violence that rocked the oil-rich central African nation has been arrested, a civil society group said on Sunday. Sylvie Nkoghe-Mbot, 56, a paediatrician and the head of an NGO named Hippocrate was arrested at the end of last week, the Dynamique Unitaire civil society group said. Violence erupted in Gabon after President Ali Bongo was declared the winner with a wafer-thin majority in the Aug 27 vote. Defeated presidential candidate Jean Ping filed a legal challenge but the country s top court dismissed opposition claims of vote fraud and upheld Bongo s win. Opposition figures say more than 50 people were killed in the violence but the government has given a toll of three dead. (AFP) S.African students disrupt lectures: Student protesters at South Africa s prestigious Wits University forced their way into lecture halls and caused many lessons to be abandoned Monday, ratcheting up pressure in a battle over tuition fees. Violent clashes with police have erupted regularly on campuses across the country in recent months, and several universities have been closed to avoid further unrest. Police last week used rubber bullets, tear-gas and stun grenades to disperse protests at Johannesburg s Wits University, which had vowed to again try to re-open on Monday. The majority of lectures resumed this morning but were then disrupted by large groups of protesters, the university said in a statement. The police are present and security has been deployed to manage the situation. (AFP) Ethiopia blames foreigners for unrest: Ethiopia said Monday that foreign enemies like Egypt were behind an unprecedented wave of protests that has prompted the government to declare a six-month state of emergency. Ethiopia s government is facing the biggest challenge of its 25 years in power, with anti-government protests spreading, foreign owned companies targeted and a harsh security crackdown that has killed hundreds so far failing to quell the unrest. The kind of threats we are facing, the kind of attacks that are now targeting civilians, targeting civilian infrastructures, targeting investment cannot be handled through ordinary law enforcement procedures, said communication minister Getachew Reda. Protesters from the majority Oromo and Amhara ethnic groups say they are marginalised by the minority Tigrayan-led government which they accuse of monopolising power and controlling the economy. (AFP)

17 INTERNATIONAL 17 Haiti Many feel abandoned Matthew survivors in desperate plea for aid PORT-SALUT, Haiti, Oct 10, (AFP): Help us, pleaded survivors of Hurricane Matthew in southern Haiti on Sunday as they massed in shelters or in crumpled homes along a shredded coast. In several towns joined by a debris-strewn road, residents begged for water and food from passersby. Many said they felt abandoned by aid groups in the country who were nowhere in sight. In Port-Salut, a former tourist town mostly flattened by the storm on Tuesday, some of around 400 people taking refuge in a school said they had been without basic care for nearly a week. We ve received nothing at all. The situation is really grave, Antony Bergel told AFP. We re waiting for a lot of help. We need shelters, water, Aristide food. Around the school, houses were sliced open by fallen trees, most of them stripped of roofs. Palm trees left standing were stripped of fronds on one side and often bent over forlorn, lopsided testimony to the violent winds that had struck. Those in the school said they had been visited Saturday by a small Doctors Without Borders team that bandaged open wounds, but with no other attention from organizations that include several UN agencies operating in the desperately poor country. Late Sunday, former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was ousted in a 2004 coup, turned up with a truck full of aid to give to the people in the shelter, who pushed and shoved as they lined up by the vehicle. We are going to increase the solidarity, Aristide told the crowd before passing among them to accept hugs and handshakes. He declined to respond to requests for comment, and left with his bodyguards in a car before the donated bags of food and clothes were handed out. His appearance took place on what was meant to be an election day to choose Haiti s next president. But polls were postponed following the hurricane, further prolonging the political limbo in which the country has been mired since elections were scrapped in 2015 amid violence and massive fraud. While demand for more basic aid mounted, some in the shelter stressed that, longer term, what they needed was jobs, not handouts. We need work. How can we get by without jobs? asked Joseph Marie Juna, 50, who said she was responsible for five children. Farther along the road in the next village, a 50-yearold carpenter, Raymond Alsindor, had found one part of his business booming: making wooden coffins. General view of a Fleur-de-lis made out of more than one million aluminum cans and measuring 70 meters, at the Zocalo Square in Mexico City, on Oct 9. (AFP) Lat/Am Bone fragments found in Mexico: More than 4,000 bone fragments have been found in a field in a violence-plagued northern Mexican region since 2015, but most of the remains are linked to just three bodies. An association of families of missing people, Grupo Vida, or Life Group, has been combing the area of Patrocinio, on the slope of a mountain in Coahuila state, for remains of their loved ones. Silvia Ortiz, the group s spokeswoman, said around 700 bone fragments were found in the past week alone in what she calls an area of extermination due to the condition of the bones. It is the latest grim discovery made by relatives of the disappeared in Mexico, a country where 28,000 people are reported missing amid raging drug violence. The Coahuila state government acknowledged late Saturday that 3,488 bone fragments, including a jawbone, teeth and finger bones had been found between early 2015 and last Monday, though the statement did not mention the latest gruesome discovery. The degree to which they were charred shows that the bodies of the victims were burned with fuel so that it would not be possible to identify the person, the statement said. (AFP) Santos to donate prize money: President Juan Manuel Santos says he ll donate almost $1 million in Nobel Peace Prize money to the victims of Colombia s half-century conflict. Santos made the announcement Sunday during a visit with his family and top government officials to an impoverished town in western Colombia where dozens of people were killed while stranded in a church during an intense battle between leftist rebels and far-right militias. He promised the residents of Bojaya that he won t give up on securing peace with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia despite voters rejection of a deal with the guerrillas in a referendum a week ago. More than 96 percent of residents of Bojaya voted for the peace deal. You symbolize the suffering of the victims of 52 years of war and are at the center of the solution to this conflict, a visibly moved Santos told the crowd. The victims have taught me that the capacity to forgive can overcome hatred and rancor. Of the 81 Colombian municipalities hardest-hit by the conflict, 67 voted for the Santos Timochenko peace deal, according to the Bogota-based Peace and Reconciliation Foundation. Santos was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday less than a week after the peace accord was shot down in a vote that even surprised government opponents. Polls taken before the referendum showed the yes vote winning by an almost two-toone margin after Santos and FARC leader Timochenko signed the 297-page accord in front of world leaders six days earlier. During his visit to Bojaya, Santos attended a Mass at the church rebuilt following the mortar attack launched by the FARC. Residents gave him a replica of the Christ statue mutilated during the attack, a gift the president said he values as much as the Nobel Prize and which encourages him to find a way to implement the peace accord. I m not going to falter a single minute. I m not going to give up a single second in the search for peace, he said. (AP) Mayors to sign sister city deal: A former Guatemalan president who s now the mayor of the country s capital city is scheduled to visit Rhode Island this week to give a speech and sign a sister city agreement. Guatemala City Mayor Alvaro Arzu and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza are scheduled to sign the agreement Wednesday at Providence City Hall. Arzu also plans to deliver a speech at Brown University on Wednesday about the peace accord he signed in 1996 ending 36 years of civil war. He s leading a delegation to Rhode Island meant to strengthen its commercial, tourist and cultural ties with Guatemala. Elorza, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Guatemala, is among about 27,000 people of Guatemalan descent living in the Providence metropolitan area. The city is also home to New England s Guatemalan Consulate. (AP) Bodies belong to 4 youths: The bodies of four young people who had been missing for a week in eastern Mexico have been discovered, along with that of a cab driver, an official said Monday. Veracruz state prosecutor Luis Angel Bravo told Milenio television that the bodies were found in bags. His office earlier said that the bodies of two young men and a young woman who disappeared together on Sept 29 near the Gulf coast city of Veracruz had been identified. The bodies were found Friday in a rural area about 50 miles (80 kms) from the port. I have said that this incident has strong signs of organized crime involvement, Bravo said. He said one victim had a criminal record, but could not confirm that was linked to the killing. On Monday, Dovianid Carranza Baruch, sister of victim Octavio Garcia Baruch, said on Radio Formula that a man dressed in black had approached her on the street in the state capital of Xalapa and warned her that if she kept talking, she would be next. The fourth victim was a young man who disappeared that day separately. (AP)

18 INTERNATIONAL 18 World News Roundup Environment Calls made for clamp-down Mega-cruise ships sail Arctic as tourism surges SVALBARD, Norway, Oct 10, (Agencies): A surge in Arctic tourism is bringing ever bigger cruise ships to the formerly isolated, ice-bound region, prompting calls for a clamp-down to prevent Titanic-style accidents and the pollution of fragile eco-systems. Arctic nations should consider limiting the size of vessels and ban the use of heavy fuel oil in the region, industry players said, after a first luxury cruise ship sailed safely through Canada s Northwest Passage this summer. The route, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via the Arctic, was once clogged with icebergs but is now ice-free in summer due to global warming. With a minimum ticket price of $19,755, the 1,700 passengers and crew on board the Crystal Serenity followed in reverse the route first navigated more than a century ago by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. They left Anchorage in Alaska on Aug 15 and docked in New York on Sept 16. The ship s operator, Crystal Cruises, says on its website it will repeat the voyage in It declined a request for comment when contacted by Reuters. Amundsen Two shipping executives expressed concern that the one-off trip could become a trend, citing worries over safety, risks to the environment and the impact on small communities, in an area where there is no port between Anchorage and Nuuk, in Greenland. The Northwest Passage is thousands and thousands of nautical miles with absolutely nothing... There is a need to discuss possible regulation, said Tero Vauraste, the CEO of Arctia, a Finnish shipping firm specialising in icebreakers. Were a ship to be in trouble in the Northwest Passage, there would be little authorities could do given the lack of infrastructure, he said. So we must do everything we can do to prevent this, said Vauraste, who is also vice-chair of the Arctic Economic Council, a regional forum for business cooperation between Arctic nations. Navigation in icy waters is made more difficult by poor satellite imagery. An ice field might move at a speed of 4-5 knots, but a ship will receive a satellite picture of it that is hours old, said Vauraste. We need better quality imagery. Another concern is environmental. Potentially, an accident involving a mega-ship could represent an environmental disaster, said Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten, a cruise ship operator in the Arctic and the Antarctic, whose biggest ships can accommodate 646 passengers. Spill Cruise ships usually use heavy oil, a type of fuel that takes longer to break down in the event of a spill. The Crystal Serenity did not use heavy oil during its trip, its operator has said. Heavy oil in cold conditions is sticky and takes much longer time to break down so it has a prolonged effect on the environment, said Marco Lambertini, director-general of World Wildlife Fund International. If something happens at the beginning of winter, no cleanup can be done. Oil can get trapped under the ice and travel for a hundred kilometres, he told Reuters. A UN polar code will come into effect in 2017 which toughens demands on ship safety and pollution. It bans heavy fuel oil in the Antarctic, for instance, but merely encourages ships not to use it in the Arctic. What I call for is stronger regulations coordinated between the Arctic nations, Hurtigruten s Skjeldam told Reuters. He suggested the size of ships should be limited, without specifying by which criteria, that the use of heavy oil be banned and shipping companies should aim to reduce their emissions by, for instance, using hybrid engines. Vauraste said an update of the Polar Code, addressing some of these issues, could be on the agenda for the Arctic Economic Council. The impact of the mega-ships on small arctic communities is also becoming a concern. Svalbard an archipelago midway between Europe s northernmost point and the North Pole is experiencing a tourism boom, with the number of overnight stays by visitors rising 14 percent in July year-on-year to 18,000. I stay home when the cruise ship tourists come. Too many people at the same time. It is really stressful, said Fredric Froeberg, 37, a Swedish guide who runs excursions on snow scooters and boats from Longyearbyen, Svalbard s main settlement, with around 2,160 inhabitants. This place should not become too big. Otherwise it will become overexploited, like so many other places around the world. What is fantastic here is the nature. Also: RANOMAFANA, Madagascar: Last time, I burnt a section about that big, says Mihareta Laivoa, pointing to a parcel of land about the size of a football field, as the farmer admitted to having destroyed forest to make way for his crops. I don t own a piece of land in the valley, so I have no choice, explains the 41-year-old father in a remote corner of Madagascar. Without this, I wouldn t be able to survive. But the impact of deforestation on this south-eastern region of the African island nation has been devastating. In a countryside stripped bare by decades of burning, only a few untouched, green mountain crests bear witness to the forgotten splendour of the area. Ten years ago, there were still forests on most mountainsides. Today, there are hardly any left, says Jean Doine Raifetra, mayor of the Ranomafana community, whose 22,000 residents live scattered across several villages. In Ranomafana, on the edge of a UNESCO World Heritage site and national park, residents survive almost exclusively on subsistence farming. From a rutted patch of land, long plumes of white smoke can be seen curling into the sky as the forest is burnt to make way for arable land a practice the locals call tavy. But as forests are destroyed, vital water sources streaming down from the mountain dry up. In a cruel catch-22, farmers unable to sufficiently irrigate their crops burn even more land in search of fertile soil. From a hilltop overlooking his village, Jean Realy points to his parched rice paddy below. He could once expect to produce eight or nine sacks of rice a year from that field. This year, he s facing a dry season. This Oct 9 NASA handout image shows Tropical Storm Nicole (15L) in the western Atlantic. Tropical Storm Nicole could become a hurricane for a second time and threaten Bermuda this week, according to the National Hurricane Center, which was tracking the storm in the central Atlantic on Oct 10. As of the last advisory, at 4 am CDT Oct 10, Tropical Storm Nicole was located about 505 miles (813 km) south of Bermuda and was moving north at 7 mph (11 kph). This fi le photo taken on Sept 15, shows two monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) also known as the quaker parrot resting on a tree branch in Atena park, Madrid, on Sept 15, They may be cute, colourful and chatty, but South American quaker parrots have taken up residence in Madrid and other Spanish cities, irritating residents with their shrill squawks and destabilising the ecosystem. (AFP) Borschberg Discovery Piccard Solar Impulse team planning drone: Circling the globe in an aircraft that used no fuel would be enough for some to rest on their laurels, but the pilots of Solar Impulse 2 on Monday spoke of their new project. An unmanned version of Solar Impulse, aviator and engineer Andre Borschberg told reporters when asked what groundbreaking mission the Swiss-based team was tackling next. Borschberg and his partner Bertrand Piccard took turns captaining the solar powered plane on a record-shattering 43,000-km (26,700-mile) journey across four continents, two oceans and three seas -- without using a single drop of fuel. That trip, completed in July, aimed to promote clean technologies through a spectacular physical feat that captured public attention the world over, Piccard said at a press conference in Geneva. Having showcased clean technologies, the Solar Impulse project now wants to provide a practical application for them, Piccard added. The Swiss aviators said an unmanned version of their plane could hover at altitudes relatively low compared to other pilotless craft such as satellites -- roughly 20 kms (12 miles) -- for months, possibly bouncing wifi signals to poorly serviced areas or collecting rare agricultural data. The Solar Impulse drone would do work hardly done by other types of aircraft, said Borschberg, who is Solar Impulse s lead engineer. We are evaluating the benefits of pressing ahead with an unmanned aircraft. Piccard, an explorer who came up with the idea for the round-the-world flight, said that aside from working on a new aircraft, Health Nicole had winds of 65 mph (104 kph), unchanged from Oct 9. Hurricane force winds begin at 74 mph (119 kph), and the hurricane center thinks Nicole will begin to strengthen more tonight and reach that mark by Oct 11. The hurricane center s official forecast path takes Nicole to the north and eventually northeast, which will take it very close to Bermuda, possibly by Oct 13. (AFP) Abortion possible in Thai birth defect cases Zika likely to spread in Asia Pacific MANILA, Oct 10, (Agencies): The Zika virus is set to spread through Asia, the World Health Organization warned Monday, with hundreds of cases reported in Singapore and two Thai babies diagnosed with Zika-linked microcephaly. The mosquito-borne virus has been detected in 70 countries worldwide including at least 19 countries in the Asia Pacific region, said WHO director for health security and emergencies Li Ailan. A WHO report released at the annual regional meeting in Manila said the virus was highly likely to further spread in the region which includes China, Japan, Australia, most Southeast Asian nations and the Pacific islands. It is highly likely that the region will continue to report new cases and possibly new outbreaks of Zika, the report added. Region WHO director Margaret Chan said leaders in the region had expressed concerns over the outbreak, adding that experts were still grappling with ways to tackle the scourge. Unfortunately, scientists do not yet have answers to many critical questions, she said. There have been more than 400 Zika cases detected in Singapore, while Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia have reported fewer than 20 each, said Chan. Zika causes only mild symptoms in most, including fever, sore eyes and a rash. But pregnant women with the the Solar Impulse project would try to raise awareness about clean energies and their superiority to polluting fossil fuels. He said he plans to spearhead a clean technologies alliance that will demonstrate environmentally friendly energy solutions that are both effective and profitable for investors. The pair overcame extraordinary obstacles in piloting the single-seater Solar Impulse 2. mosquito-borne virus risk giving birth to babies with microcephaly -- a deformation that leads to abnormally small brains and heads. Li said Zika has been in the region since 1947 but said it was difficult to pinpoint if individuals had been infected overseas, with the region s tropical weather, large mosquito populations and international travel hubs potential factors. Meanwhile, predominantly Buddhist Thailand will allow abortion in cases with fetuses with proven birth defects linked to the Zika virus, health officials said on Thursday, in keeping with existing guidelines. Week Thailand last week confirmed its first known cases of microcephaly linked to the mosquito-borne virus. The two cases of the birth defect marked by a small head were the first in Southeast Asia, following Zika outbreaks in the Americas. Health experts who met this week to draft guidelines for expectant mothers with Zika concluded that abortions can be carried out at up to 24 weeks in case of serious birth defects. The difficulty with Zika is to determine microcephaly. It is usually found later in pregnancy, Pisek Lumpikanon, president of the Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, told Reuters. Legal medical abortions can be done up to 24 weeks, he added. The reason is that at 24 weeks and after the baby already has a good chance of survival. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon delivers a speech in Hamburg on Oct 7. Ban Ki-moon was awarded the 2016 German Sustainability Prize for his contributions for climate protection. (AFP) Abortion is illegal in Thailand, except in cases of rape or to save a woman s life or preserve her health, and if carried out in up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond that time, hospitals must decide on a case-by-case basis and can carry out medical abortions at up to 24 weeks, Pisek said. This is what can currently be done in Thailand in cases of Down syndrome, for example, he said. There are no specific tests to determine if a baby will be born with microcephaly but ultrasound scans can identify it in the third trimester of pregnancy, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says. Thailand has said it is considering testing all pregnant women for Zika. Inadequate screening by health authorities across Southeast Asia is likely to lead to significant under-reporting of the spread of Zika, regional experts say. Thailand has confirmed 392 cases of Zika since January, with 39 pregnant women among them, while the wealthy city-state of Singapore has recorded 393 cases, including 16 pregnant women. Despite its laissez-faire reputation among travellers, Thailand remains largely conservative, and Theravada Buddhism, the form of the religion practised by up to 95 percent of its people, regards abortion as a sin. That might lead some doctors to decline to terminate pregnancies, Pisek said, adding, Buddhism won t affect the law, but some doctors might refuse. Borschberg smashed the record for the longest uninterrupted solo journey in aviation history between Nagoya, Japan and Hawaii -- nearly 118 hours and 8,924 kms. Solar Impulse 2 circumnavigated the globe in 17 stages, with the final leg from Cairo to Abu Dhabi. (AFP) Medtech startup teams with GM: Bioservo Technologies, a medical technology firm that makes a light-weight robotic extra muscle glove for people with weak grips is teaming up with carmaker General Motor to design a model for assembly workers in industry. After built-in sensors on three fingertips record what the user does, the Swedish startup s soft textile glove mimics and reinforces the movement with the help of artificial tendons. You can find other devices that build a hard structure around the arm or rest of the body or sometimes even the fingers to activate them, but we do it in pure textile. That s unique, said Bioservo co-founder and head of research Johan Ingvast. The firm developed its motor-driven Servo Extra Muscle as a health care tool for people with reduced hand grips due to disorders such as arthritis. It is now combining the technology with that of GM s and US space agency NASA s RoboGlove for astronauts, to give extra strength to industrial workers whose jobs involve heavy or repetitive movements, to prevent strain injuries and fatigue. GM, which has licensed its technology to Bioservo, has said it plans to test the new glove in some of its plants, hoping its use will improve efficiency. Bioservo s Ingvast said he hoped to develop similar devices for other parts of the body. Can we use it for the arm?, he said. Can we use it for the back to help (against) pain in your back? We have a number of limbs in the body that we could work on. (RTRS)

19 Indian movie tells powerful story Female taxi driver docu hopes to inspire women Film LONDON, Oct 10, (RTRS): When Selvi was 14, she was married off to an abusive husband who forced her into prostitution. Over a decade later, her escape and journey to becoming one of India s first female taxi drivers are the subject of a documentary film, Driving With Selvi, that aims to inspire women to break out of traditional roles, its director said. Many girls in small villages or marginalised communities in India never learn to dream, filmmaker Elisa Paloschi said in an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation. I think that Selvi s (story) shows that you can dream and will inspire people to think about their future. India is home to a third of the world s child brides, and around 50 percent of India s women were married before turning 18, according the UN children s agency. Violence Early marriage makes it more likely that girls will drop out of school, and campaigners say it also increases the risks of exploitation, sexual violence, domestic abuse and death in childbirth. My life was over, Selvi, whose surname is not given, says in the film, explaining how her violent marriage pushed her towards suicide. I thought it was better to kill myself than to stay. But then I realised that if I were dead I wouldn t be able to prove myself. That s why I ran away. Selvi found her way to a girls shelter in the southwestern city of Mysuru, where she learned how to drive. A few years later, as she was about to set up what has been described as India s first female taxi company, she met Paloschi who was fascinated by her charisma. You can tell she has some greatness in her, the filmmaker said. Eleven years in the making, Driving With Selvi opened in London on Friday and is to premier on US television to mark the International Day of The Girl Child on Tuesday. The documentary has won praise from human rights activists. It tells so powerfully that when these girls are given the chance to be empowered, are given skills, care and support, they can change their circumstances and that s incredibly inspiring to see, UNICEF UK s deputy executive director, Lily Caprani, told filmgoers after a screening in London on Friday. Paloschi is now planning to embark with Selvi on a bus tour of southern India to bring the movie to small communities as part of a campaign called Save Her A Seat that aims to challenge the marginalisation of women. Women are among the most excluded groups in India, with almost 43 percent of working-age women confined to domestic work, according to a report published in March. This film has such an incredible power to create social change and I think that Selvi is a great spokesperson for that, Paloschi said. Also: LOS ANGELES: 20th Century Woman premiered at the New York Film Festival on Saturday to a standing ovation and Oscar buzz for Annette Bening s performance as a bohemian single mother. The actress walked the red carpet flanked by husband Warren Beatty, as a rainstorm raged outside. She told Variety that being the mother of four helped inform her work in the film. It s the center of my life, so everything I m doing emanates through that in a way, said Bening. For those of us who become parents, it becomes the linchpin of our lives. 20th Century Women was written and directed by Mike Mills, who plumbed his autobiography in Beginners to tell the story of his father s late-in-life decision to come out of the closet as a gay man. Mills latest work turns the camera on his mother, but uses her story to look at what life was like at the tail end of the 70s, when punk was emerging, the energy crisis was at full boil, and Reaganomics was on the horizon. Despite borrowing liberally from his own family stories, Mills said it was important that the cast bring their own personalities and perspectives to the film. It s Annette s body, soul, timing, and genius, said Mills. It starts from a real source, but then it becomes a performance, and it becomes something very different. It also meant schooling Lucas Jade Zumann, the film s young star, about what it was like to come of age in the pre-cellphone era. Mills gave the actor, who plays his alter ego in the film, a box of documentaries and books to help him get into the historical mindset. I watched The Seventies by CNN, said Zumann. Every time they made a pop culture reference, I d pause and look it up, so I could have an understanding. Variety Features TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 An undated handout photo released on Oct 10, by Manila-based producer Chuck Gutierrez of Voyage Studios shows a still from the documentary Sunday Beauty Queen, directed by Baby Ruth Villarama which has premiered at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in South Korea. (AFP) NEW YORK: Propelled by the popularity of Paula Hawkins best-seller, the fast-tracked bigscreen adaptation of The Girl on the Train led North American theaters in ticket sales with $24.7 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. Less successful was Nate Parker s Nat Turner biopic The Birth of a Nation, which moviegoers largely greeted with a shrug after a 17-year-old rape allegation resurfaced against its star and director. The Girl on the Train, a psychological thriller starring Emily Blunt, appealed significantly to female moviegoers, who made up 68 percent of the audience, according to the film s distributer, Universal Pictures. The film, directed by Tate Taylor ( The Help ), is about an alcoholic suburbanite woman who becomes embroiled in a mysterious disappearance. Released just last year, Hawkins novel went from best-seller lists to the top of the box office in short order. DreamWorks acquired film rights to the book ahead of its publication. While reviews for the film were weak, Blunt s lead performance was largely praised. Nick Carpou, president of domestic distribution for Universal, credited the film s success with the alliance of Universal and Steven Spielberg s Amblin Partners. Carpou said the film s box office was largely unaffected by Hurricane Matthew. (AP) LOS ANGELES: Miss Peregrine s Home for Peculiar Children topped the foreign box office, racking up $42.5 million and bolstering the expensive fantasy film s chances of turning a profit. The adaptation of Ransom Riggs best-seller about a school for superhuman children cost $110 million to produce and millions more to market. It has only been a modest performer in the US, where it has earned $51.1 million. Fox backed the film, enlisting Tim Burton of Batman and Alice in Wonderland fame to direct, with the hopes of creating a new young adult franchise. It s too early to tell if those ambitions will be realized, but overseas crowds have been receptive. Miss Peregrine s showed on 12,187 screens in 75 international markets this weekend, opening to $5.8 million in Russia, $5.4 million in France, and racking up $5.9 million in its second weekend in South Korea. Globally, Miss Peregrine s has grossed $145.1 million. Operation Mekong, a Chinese- Hong Kong action epic about a group of narcotics officers efforts to fight a murderous drug gang, picked up second place, earning Film Parvona fosters Indo-Tajik ties Domestic workers drama in Sunday BUSAN, South Korea, Oct 10, (Agencies): A documentary that takes an intimate look at the daily dramas of foreign domestic workers has premiered at Asia s largest film festival, with its director pushing a fresh perspective on the millions employed in homes across the globe. So much of what we hear and see about them is sensational or negative, said Baby Ruth Villarama on the sidelines of the 21st Busan International Film Festival in South Korea. I wanted to show them living their daily lives, with their own hopes and dreams, and hopefully that will open up a dialogue about who these people are the role they play in the world today, she said. Villarama s quietly engaging Sunday Beauty Queen is in the running for the major documentary prize in Busan and follows a group of foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong as they prepare to take part in an annual beauty pageant. By shadowing their preparations for the event, while also getting a close-up look at their daily work routines and the interaction they have with their employers, the film gives rare voice to the worries the women have over such issues as job security, pay rates and the distance between them and their families back home in the Philippines. Preparing They work six days a week and yet they spend their only day off preparing and training for this annual event I wanted to know why, said Villarama. The truth is that this event gives them a sense of identity. It s about this dream to be happy, despite their struggles, and we are all looking for a happy ending in our lives. Although exact numbers from individual nations are hard to come by, the International Labor Organization estimates there are around 50 million overseas domestic workers employed globally. They are a vital part of the Philippine economy, sending an estimated $26 billion home each year or around 10 percent of the country s GDP. Hong Kong employs an estimated 300,000 foreign domestic workers - the majority from the Philippines Parker and Indonesia. Villarama s film comes at a time when there is unprecedented attention on their lives both in that city and beyond due to a number of high-profile cases of abuse by employers, including one that resulted in a six-year prison sentence. But the Manila-based director said she was determined to avoid such controversies when charting her documentary s narrative arc. I think audiences are looking more for stories that feed their soul a bit, and the best way to do that is to go into people s individual stories and try to understand their journeys, rather than simply look for sensations, said Villarama. I think that this is a way we can understand each other more. My own dream is that people everywhere can understand the situation migrant workers everywhere find themselves in, working a long way from home. The winner of BIFF s Wide Angle documentary competition will be announced when the 10-day festival comes to a close on Saturday. India and Tajikistan do not have many ties by way of film co-production, but Bollywood films dubbed in the Tajik language are immensely popular in Tajikistan. More than 500 are dubbed every year. A battle sequence in Yash Raj Films The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey (2005), starring Bollywood icons Aamir Khan and Rani Mukerji and British actor Toby Stephens, was shot at Tajikistan s Aychi village, close to the Afghanistan border. In 2013, the Tajikistan foreign minister requested Bollywood filmmakers to shoot films there, positioning it as a cheaper and geographically and culturally closer alternative to Switzerland, and promised to make the process smooth. Nothing has come of that proposal so far. Parvona, a film project at the Busan Film Festival s Asian Project Market, aims to change this scenario. The film is about a pregnant, young Tajik woman, Parvona, who searches for a family willing to buy her unborn baby. Tajikistan-based filmmaker Sharofat Arabova will direct. Arabova is an alumnus of Busan s Asian Film Academy. Her debut feature Tasfiya won the Tajik Film DeGeneres $26.5 million to push its worldwide total to $97.5 million. (RTRS) LOS ANGELES: Pixar s Finding Dory has crossed $1 billion at the global box office to become the fifth highest-grossing animated film of all time. The film is Pixar s second billion-dollar grossing release, Experts and Critics Award at Tajikistan s Didor International Film Festival in 2014, and has seen considerable festival play. In 2015, she was on the NETPAC juries at the Moscow International Film Festival and Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival. Equity Pushpendra Singh is producing via his Indian outfit Marudhar Arts. He has put in the initial equity and is looking to begin raising the rest of the $300,000 budget at Busan. Thereafter the project will apply to European funds and grants. Singh s directorial debut Lajwanti was a Berlin selection in 2014 and he is in negotiations with Netflix on it. Singh s directorial venture Shifting Lines of the Desert has been awarded the Asian Cinema Fund for documentary from the Busan Film Festival this year. Singh and Arabova met while studying at the Film and Television Institute of India, in Pune. When I read the story, to me it was like an Indian story, says Singh. A woman, whose husband abandons her, she realizes she s pregnant. What does she do? There is no market for such films in my country, says Arabova. There is no industry and distribution for this kind of story. So the release will be in the countries that provide the funding. Singh adds that with the proliferation of streaming services, the whole world is a market. Korean independent sales house, M-Line Distribution has picked up international rights to A Single Rider, the second Korean-language film produced and presented by Warner Bros. The debut feature of director Lee Zoo-young, Single Rider sees a promising fund manager who gets suspicious of his wife s adultery and starts watching her from a distance, only to confront a shocking truth that shatters what he has stood for. The drama features Korea s top actor Lee Byung-hun ( The Magnificent Seven ) as the fund manager and prominent small screen actress Kong Hyoo-jin ( Crush and Blush ) as his wife. Lee was at the Busan Film Festival this week collecting an award and talking about his Hollywood career. Currently in post-production, the drama is set for a theatrical release in spring, joining Toy Story 3, and the 12th Walt Disney release to hit that mark. It is also the fourth film by Disney to reach that milestone in the past 12 months, joining Captain America: Civil War, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Zootopia. The Jungle Book fell just short, earning $966.2 million globally. Finding Dory is the year s highest-grossing domestic release with $485 million. It earned an additional $517 million internationally. The sequel to 2003 s Finding Nemo brought back original cast members Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brooks, and earned strong critical reviews. It follows Dory, a Pacific blue tang with short-term memory loss, as she tries to reunite with her family. (RTRS)

20 NEWS/FEATURES 20 People & Places Music Solange earns first No. 1 New mega-festival hears rock history INDIO, United States, Oct 10, (Agencies): The Desert Trip mega-festival of rock greats is meant to be historic and Paul McCartney on Saturday served as a willing instructor, presenting a musical journey from pre-beatles fare to hip-hop collaboration. Tearing through a three-dozen song set that enraptured a 75,000-strong crowd in the California desert, McCartney welcomed to the stage fellow rock elder Neil Young the day s other performer for a mash-up that built into the anthem Give Peace a Chance. Desert Trip, forecast to be the most lucrative music festival in history, is bringing together six of the biggest names in rock over backto-back weekends with identical lineups. The festival opened Friday with the Rolling Stones who, in their signature blues rock style, played an unexpected cover of Come Together by The Beatles the fellow British rock superstars often viewed as the Stones rivals. Paul McCartney The former Beatle returned the favor a day later by performing the early Stones single I Wanna Be Your Man which was written by Mc- Cartney and John Lennon. The still lissome 74-year-old turned his set into a retrospective, reaching back to 1958 s In Spite of All the Danger, an early and often forgotten song by The Beatles early incarnation, The Quarrymen. Collaboration McCartney whose audience appeared younger than the Stones baby boomer-dominated crowd on Friday quickly swung back to the present. He summoned his raspiest voice for FourFiveSeconds, his 2015 collaboration with rap and R&B mega-stars Kanye West and Rihanna. The ex-beatle also paid tribute to his late bandmates Lennon and George Harrison. For Harrison, he played the deceased songwriter s Something off the Abbey Road album on ukulele, with McCartney trying twice after finding the instrument out-of-tune. At least it proves we re live, right? he said. McCartney said he still heard nervousness in his own voice in the recording of The Beatles first single, Love Me Do, and dedicated the song to producer George Martin, who died in March. It was George who signed us to a record contract, so without him there wouldn t be any Beatle recordings, McCartney said. So we love him and we thank him. McCartney brought out a fireworks show and perilous-looking on-stage pyrotechnics for Live and Let Die, reinforcing the spirit of celebration at the festival. Young, playing his own set before McCartney, put on a more politically engaging show as the folk rocker pressed his environmental activism. A banner on an Indian teepee set up on stage read Water Is Life a pertinent message for a festival taking place in a parched but populous desert and Young played before a backdrop of an oversized bag of seeds labeled as local and organic. Young, a staunch critic of genetic modification, brought environmental questions symbolically to stage, with actors planting seeds and later dressed in protective gear as if cleaning chemical or nuclear waste. Casting the aura of a folk rock church service, Young performed triple duty on organ, harmonica and vocals for Mother Earth (Natural Anthem) as he asks the planet in hs powerful yet warbling voice, How long can you give and not receive? Jamming But Young showed that his appeal extends beyond political allies as he put on a musical tour de force, with marathon jamming alongside his band Promise of the Real and hard-driving guitar solos on his signature hits Down by the River and Rockin in the Free World. Young, who earlier denounced Donald Trump for playing Rockin in the Free World at campaign events, said that the sex scandal-plagued Republican candidate had a new campaign theme in Young s song Welfare Mothers, with its ironic refrain, Welfare mothers make better lovers. Roger Waters made his feelings about Donald Trump and Israel abundantly clear during a politically-charged performance at the Desert Trip music festival Sunday night. The 73-year-old singer-songwriter also denounced war and addressed the Black Lives Matter movement in his 2-1/2-hour set that closed out the three-day classic rock concert in Indio, California. Waters blasted the Republican presidential candidate in music and images. Trump s face appeared on the massive video screen above the stage with the word Charade across it as Waters performed the Pink Floyd song Pigs (Three Different Ones). Subsequent images showed Trump wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood. Waters followed up with Another Brick in the Wall (Part II), during which 15 school-age children came onstage wearing T-shirts that read, Derriba el muro Spanish for Take down the wall. Also: NEW YORK: Solange, the funk singer who has long endured comparisons with superstar sister Beyonce, on Sunday earned her first number-one album with an innovative and introspective work she surprisereleased. A Seat at the Table, in which Solange examines both the role of African American women and her own despair, debuted at number one on the US Billboard album chart for the week through Thursday, tracking service Nielsen Music said. A Seat at the Table is Solange s first full-length album since 2008, and she said she spent years working on it, starting with extended sessions in which she would experiment to bases of sound effects. The 30-year-old singer is believed to have a warm relationship with her older sister but has resented the constant comparisons, saying she is pursuing her own path. Solange has infused her music with electronica, psychedelica and dark New Wave and has been a frequent performer at alternative rock-dominated festivals. A Seat at the Table is interspersed with spoken word, including a snippet in which her father Matthew Knowles recalls his anger at being roughed up by police and the Ku Klux Klan as a child. This fi le photo taken on Sept 5, 2013, shows Polish director Andrzej Wajda receiving the 2013 Premio Persol award of the Venice Film Festival, which intends to celebrate a legend of international cinema, before the screening of Walesa Man of Hope presented out of competition at the 70th Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido. (AFP) Indian fi lm director Mira Nair (center), Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong o (left), and British actor and producer David Oyelowo pose on the red carpet after arriving to attend a gala screening of the fi lm Queen of Katwe during the BFI London Film Festival in London on Oct 9. (AFP) Legend Variety Tarantino SPRINGFIELD, Ohio: Oscar and Grammy-winning artist John Legend has helped dedicate an Ohio theater named in his honor. The Springfield News-Sun reports Legend spoke Sunday at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the recently renovated theater. He also performed several songs in the updated performance space. Legend, a Springfield native, donated $500,000 for the project. At Sunday s ceremony, the singer recalled memories of growing up and performing in the city. He said he wants to extend opportunities to young people living there. The 680-seat John Legend Theater is housed at the Springfield Center of Innovation: The Dome. Students from multiple districts will have the chance to use the theater and learn how to run a production. (AP) LOS ANGELES: Lee Yong-kwan, deposed earlier this year as head of the Busan Film Festival, may not even be in town this week. But there are still several people showing their quiet support in the form of stickers. The circular red or while stickers with hashtags #Support BIFF #Support Mr Lee were made by some members of the so called Korean Film Groups Emergency Committee for Defending BIFF s Independence. They were mailed to film industry professionals in September, and veteran filmmaker Jung Ji-young walked the red carpet with the sticker on his chest on Oct 6. There were more people wearing them at opening night receptions and other events. The Emergency Committee had organized a boycott of the festival, but the boycott was only partially observed after an early August vote split it down the middle. Some industry members have stayed away from the festival completely this year. Others have decided to voice their continued dissatisfaction with the outcome through the sticker campaign. The reason we made these stickers is to say that even if the BIFF is happening this year, it doesn t mean everything has been normalized, said director-producer Kim Obituary A great man, a great Pole: Walesa Polish filmmaker Wajda dies WARSAW, Oct 10, (Agencies): Polish freedom icon Lech Walesa Monday hailed legendary film director Andrzej Wajda as a great man, a great Pole after he died aged 90, leaving behind a series of acclaimed movies inspired by his country s turbulent history. Wajda s first films were marked by the painful experience of World War II and the Polish resistance against the Nazis, who occupied the country for almost six years. A great man, a great Pole, a great patriot has passed, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Walesa told AFP Monday, hailing his great wisdom. Then leader of Poland s anti-communist Solidarity trade union, Walesa appeared in Wajda s anti-regime film Czlowiek z Zelaza ( Man of Iron ), which in 1981 won the Palme d Or, the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. We ve all been shaped by Wajda. We saw Poland and ourselves through him, tweeted EU President Donald Tusk, a former Polish prime minister and Solidarity dissident. We understood ourselves better. Now it will be more difficult. Wajda s death on Sunday was confirmed to AFP by a family friend, who said Wajda had died in a Warsaw hospital of lung failure after being being in a medically-induced coma for days. Born on March 6, 1926 in Suwalki, northeast Poland, Wajda tried to follow in his father s footsteps and become a soldier, but was rejected from a military academy in He later attended Poland s renowned Lodz film school. Romanticism His first feature-length film, Pokolenie ( A Generation, 1955), a coming-of-age story of young Poles in Nazi-occupied Warsaw, is considered the debut of a Polish school of cinema which delves into heroism and romanticism. In 1957, Wajda won the Jury Special Prize at the Cannes Film Festival for Kanal ( Canal ), his masterpiece on the doomed 1944 Warsaw Uprising by Polish partisans against the Nazis. That was the beginning of everything, Wajda told AFP during a 2007 interview. At the 1977 Cannes festival, he Jho Gwang-soo, who is also a member of the emergency committee. We wanted to the mayor, the film industry and also the current BIFF organizers understand that screened Czlowiek z marmuru ( Man of Marble ), a film critical of communist Poland. It was followed three years later by Man of Iron, focused on the rise of Poland s anti-communist Solidarity trade union. That won the 1981 Cannes Palme d Or, even as Poland s then-communist regime cracked down on Solidarity and imposed martial law. The day of the Palme was a very important day in my life, of course. But I was aware that this prize wasn t just for me. It was also a prize for the Solidarity union, Wajda previously told AFP. The Palme d Or saved Wajda from internment by the communist regime during its December 1981 martial law crackdown, an episode which saw many of Wajda s friends and acquaintances imprisoned -- including Solidarity leader Walesa. Wajda s opposition to the regime drove him to make films abroad, including Danton (1983) in France, starring Gerard Depardieu. Eine Liebe in Deutschland ( A Love in Germany, 1986) followed in Germany. Wajda s rendering of Russian writers Fyodor Dostoyevsky s The Possessed (1998) was also filmed in France. Collapse After the collapse of communism in Poland in 1989, Wajda returned to his country s wartime history, focusing on stories suppressed by the communists. Korczak (1990) details the fate of Janusz Korczak, a pre-war Polish- Jewish children s author and physician who died in the Holocaust. Another film, Katyn, nominated for an Oscar in 2008, tells the tragic story of Wajda s own father during World War II. Jakub Wajda was one of 22,500 Polish officers massacred by the Soviets in 1940 in the Katyn forest. A captain of an infantry regiment, he was shot in the back of the head by the Soviets dreaded NKVD secret police. Wajda continued working into his latter years, premiering his most recent film, Powidoki (Afterimage), in September at the Toronto Film Festival. Set in Stalinist-era Poland, it focuses having Lee back is very important. However, others think that a sticker campaign does not go far enough. (RTRS) Musicians Roger Daltrey (left), and Pete Townshend of The Who perform on stage during Desert Trip at the Empire Polo Field on Oct 9 in Indio, California. (AFP) on the struggles of avant-garde artist Wladyslaw Strzeminski and will be Warsaw s Oscar entry for best foreign film this year. Refusing Though physically frail, Wajda worked until the end of his life. Using a walking aid, he appeared at last month s Film Festival in Gdynia, for the premiere of his latest film Afterimage, based on the life of Polish avant-garde artist Wladyslaw Strzeminski who was persecuted for refusing to follow the communist party line during the Stalinist era, Poland s Oscar Commission, which selected the as Poland s official entry for an Oscar in the best foreign language film category, called the film a touching universal story about the destruction of an individual by a totalitarian system. Wajda told the Polish news agency PAP that he wanted to warn against the state intervention into art. The film was seen as yet another veiled political statement from the director, coming at a time when Poland s current conservative government has been accused of interfering with the arts and media. Wajda received an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement in He was cited as a man whose films have given audiences around the world an artist s view of history, democracy and freedom, and who in so doing has himself become a symbol of courage and hope for millions of people in postwar Europe. The director trod on ground controlled by communist-era censors with Man of Marble (1977), which looked at the roots of worker discontent in communist Poland in the 1950s; and Man of Iron (1981) on the rise of the Solidarity labor union movement, which eventually led to the demise of communism in Poland. That movie featured Solidarity leader Lech Walesa, who later became Poland s president. It won the Cannes Film Festival s top Palme d Or prize in 1981 and was one of four Wajda movies to be nominated for the best foreign-language Oscar, although Poland s communist leaders unsuccessfully tried to withdraw it from Oscar consideration. LOS ANGELES: Presenting Russ Meyer s Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, part of his 1970 retrospective at Lyon s Lumiere Festival on Sunday, director Quentin Tarantino outlined a bizarre attempt, led by Fox, to take cinema mainstream in It is a story of multiple ironies, of an embarrassed establishment and a maverick vindicated over time. In other words, it is a story that Tarantino warms to. He told it with relish to a large crowd at the Pathe Bellacour in Central Lyon, despite a screening time that coincided with that most sacred of French Sunday traditions: lunch. New Hollywood became the Hollywood in 1970, Tarantino said flanked by Cannes festival chief Thierry Fremaux, who translated reprising one centerpiece idea behind his whole 1970 showcase. Old Hollywood, which had existed since the 20s, was no more. If there is any movie that illustrates how Old Hollywood is no more, Tarantino said, it is Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (AKA Hollywood Vixens ). There s a backstory, Tarantino said: 1970 was a year when, looking at the entirety of cinema, there were a lot of promises made. Some of them were kept and fulfilled, and some of them weren t. (RTRS)

21 NEWS/FEATURES 21 Aiisha Ramadan Aiisha Ramadan Fashion DUBAI: In a flowing scarlet dress, Rafeea al-hajsi fulfilled a dream by becoming the first Emirati model to strut the Arab Fashion Week catwalk after years battling social constraints. It s amazing to be on the catwalk... a lovely feeling, she said. I enjoy it with all my heart. As she prepared to model two dresses by Lebanese designer Aiisha Ramadan on Sunday, the model said excitement, fear and happiness all come together when she faces the audience. When I see the lights on my face, life lights up with the feeling that international fame is ahead, she said. A curvy brunette with long hair, a square jaw and light brown eyes, her passion for being on camera was obvious, even backstage. Surrounded by make-up artists and overwhelmingly Western models, she posed for the cameras in a black minidress, casting sultry looks. Her phone never left her hand as she took selfies, uploaded clips, and streamed live video. Even if I keep working 24 hours, I have no problem at all with modelling, she said. She said she faced many obstacles in a conservative Muslim society where most local women cover themselves from head to toe in black abaya robes. I consider myself a very courageous girl to be in this field, she said. It was very difficult for me to become a model, especially as an Emirati. Hajsi started off modelling traditional local costumes. She declined to give her age, but said she had to wait years for society to open up a little. It took around eight years for you to see me standing here in front of you, she said. After five years of modelling local clothes, she started presenting radio and television shows, which opened up opportunities to move ahead in the world of fashion. Hajsi s first appearance at a fashion show was earlier this year in France, when she modelled for Lebanese designer Ziad Nakad at Paris Fashion Week. She appeared at Thursday s opening of the third Arab Fashion Week, which takes place twice yearly. On Sunday she took to the catwalk to model a long red one-sleeved dress and another off-shoulder black gown both from Aiisha Ramadan s Spring-Summer 2017 collection. The designer, also Lebanese, said her varied and colourful dresses were inspired by trips to amusement parks with her two-yearold daughter. She said Hajsi s fuller figure made her stand out from super-thin fashion models, meaning women could relate to her. Hajsi has a waist, she said. To me, this is my client. Rafeea represents the beautiful Arab girl. We made her wear something very simple to show that the Arab girl knows how to dress in something Alberto Zambelli Above and below: Models present creations by Alberto Zambelli and Aiisha Ramadan during the Arab Fashion Week on Oct 9, in the United Arab Emirate of Dubai. (AFP) Aiisha Ramadan simple and how it suits her. She agreed that Arab models often face barriers keeping them out of the fashion world. For the model to become international, she needs to reveal a lot of her body and this can be unacceptable in (Arab) culture, the designer said. Hajsi admitted that she keeps society Aiisha Ramadan Aiisha Ramadan in mind when considering modelling offers, saying she has turned many down because of the revealing designs. There are limits that I always consider, she said. It s painful. Sometimes there is a dress I really like and which the designer wants me to wear, but I can t Aiisha Ramadan because the design is not suitable for our society. I sacrifice international fashion shows that are great opportunities for me, just to be considerate towards our society and my family, she said. But she added that Arab Fashion Week showed Emirati society was becoming more open towards fashion. (AFP) LOS ANGELES: Ryan Lochte has gotten engaged to former Playboy model Kayla Rae Reid. The pair shared Instagram pictures Alberto Zambelli DUBAI Aiisha Ramadan Aiisha Ramadan Sunday night of the 25-year-old Reid sporting a big diamond ring in front of a Malibu backdrop. Reid s photo included the note, Speechless. Absolutely beautiful. So in love with YOU. The 31-year-old Olympic swimmer and Dancing with the Stars contestant told USA Today for a story published last week that he was ready to ask Reid to marry him. He says they met in January at a nightclub and he realized she was the one after she stuck by him during his recent controversies. Two men rushed the Dancing with the Stars stage last month to protest Lochte for lying about a drunken encounter during the Rio Olympics. (AP) LOS ANGELES: FX screened the first half of the pilot for its upcoming Legion series Aiisha Ramadan at New York Comic Con, giving X- Men fans their first taste of the eightepisode first season, set to premiere in early For the uninitiated, Legion is set in the X-Men world, following mental patient and mutant David Haller (Dan Stevens). He doesn t know what s real, so you don t necessarily know what s real either, showrunner Noah Hawley told the audience. The Legion cast also includes Aubrey Plaza ( Parks and Recreation ) as David s batty friend Lenny and Rachel Keller (season 2 of Fargo ) as Syd Barrett, a mysterious young woman David meets in the Clockwork Psychiatric Hospital. Unlike Netflix s Marvel entries, the Legion is a far more ephemeral story, a trippy piece that feels period at times, modern at others, with the audience never truly sure of what is and isn t real or whether that matters. (RTRS)

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23 23 Evolution not revolution As arable land disappears, here come vertical farmers WAREGEM, Belgium, Oct 10, (AFP): As cities expand, eating up swathes of countryside in the process, agricultural pioneers are finding new ways to grow the fresh produce we need, in containers, empty buildings and any other spare space they can find to create new vertical farms. We are just trying to imitate nature. It s not as futuristic as it might sound, insists a smiling Maarten Vandecruys, the youthful founder of Urban Crops, a new Belgian company specialising in indoor growing systems with the help of LED (light emitting diodes) lamps. Behind him, in a spooky, futuristic purple halo of light, stand rows of shelves dedicated to horticulture. It is a closed environment with no natural light. The purple glow is the result of red and blue lamps and is believed to provide the optimal growing conditions. Vandecruys prides himself on the completely automated agro-system he has set up in Waregem, in eastern Belgium. At the Urban Crops lab, a conveyor belt circulates containers of germinated plants which are placed in a special substrate, using no earth to reduce the risks of disease linked to animal-life and other external factors. Controlled The containers are introduced to a closed room, the walls of which are lined with shelves. Under the artificial light the plants develop in a controlled environment, fed through a hydroponic system -- water laced with the ideal mix of mineral salts and essential nutrients. No pesticides are required in this much more sterile environment and, as the LED lamps don t heat up, they can be placed close to the plants, allowing for tight layers of plants. According to Vandecruys the future of vertical farming is to expand to an industrial scale. It s just an evolution, not an agro-industrial revolution, he says, a natural progression from fields to greenhouses, then from greenhouses to vertical farms. With his system, a 50 square-metre space (540 square feet) can be transformed into 500 square metres of usable land. And the plants grow two to three times faster than outdoors, further increasing yields. In the Urban Crops laboratory, up to 220 mature lettuce plants are produced each day in a 30-square-metre room using just five percent of the water required in traditional agriculture. However for Samuel Colasse, a teacher and researcher at the Carah agronomic research centre in Hainaut, eastern Belgium, the concept of urban farming is currently not very convincing in countries like France and Belgium where the distances between the fields and the towns aren t enormous. This photo taken on Sept 20, 2016 at the Urbaine Crops society in Waregem shows lettuce being grown within a completely automated internal agricultural system with violet LED lighting. (AFP) But in a highly urban environment like New York there are projects which work pretty well, he says. And in hostile climatic conditions, or in some military or refugee camp situations such somewhat futuristic ideas could be envisioned, Colasse adds. His own laboratory has produced everything from bananas to rhododendrons. Technology For Urban Crops the uses of its vertical farming technology are virtually boundless. The company can foresee its products being used in pharmaceutical labs to produce plants with medicinal qualities, in supermarkets which could sell their own hyper-fresh produce -- and at the same time cut out the transport costs -- or in isolated communities in Scandinavia and elsewhere. For now its clients have more modest ambitions. A top restaurant, for example, wants to experiment with the flavour, texture, size and colour of its ingredients through subtle changes to the light, temperature and nutrients during the growing process. Urban Foods claims to have produced a type of salad rocket the taste of which explodes at the back of the throat. And for the domestic goddesses, or gods, there are individual shelving and lighting set ups to grow-your-own herbs or cherry tomatoes. Swedish furniture giant IKEA has already jumped vertically onto the home-farming bandwagon, launching its own range of assemble-yourself vegetable kits. A photo from the event STECI concludes Golden Jubilee celebrations Yearlong Golden Jubilee celebration of St Thomas Evangelical Church of India Kuwait Parish has officially concluded in a splendid closing ceremony on Sept 29, 2016 at NECK, Church and Parish hall. The celebrations commenced with a warm welcome by the Parish Secretary Boney K. Abraham. The public meeting which was chaired by the Parish Vicar & KECF President Rev Saji Abraham, was inaugurated by the Guest of Honour, Bishop & Chairman of Pradhinidhisabha of St Thomas Evangelical Church Of India, Rt Rev Dr Thomas Abraham. Rev Georgie Varghese (Vicar-Kuwait City Mar Thomas Church) commenced with the prayer and KECEF Vice President Rev Abey Paul, St Thomas Marthoma Vicar Bobby Mathew, St Paul CSI Vicar Rev C.C. Sabu, St Peters Knanaya Vicar Father Kochumon Thomas, NECK Administrator K.P. Kossy, NECK-Common Council Secretary Roy Yohannan, KTMCC President, Mathew Daniel, Brethren Assembly representative Bro. Goldy Philip, etc, felicitated the Church on its Jubilee Day. The Golden Jubilee Annual report was presented by Thomas Varghese & Jubilee Project Convener George Varghese expounded on the undertakings of the Jubilee projects along with a visual presentation. A souvenir commemorating the Golden Jubilee of St Thomas Evangelical Church of India was released by Bishop Dr. Thomas Abraham & the fi rst copy was handed over to NECK Administrator K.P. Koshy A. George Cherian, the Souvenir Convener, also took time to thank all those who had endeavoured to bring the souvenir into light. The 1st Resident Vicar, Rev P.M. Joseph, along with the founder member T. John Mathews were honoured in the meeting for their valuable services. Along with them, around 16 senior members (with their spouses) who have nurtured this parish throughout the years, were honoured with a memento for their contributions. M. Thomas John gave a thanking note representing the seniors for this kind gesture. The Program Convener, George Cherian delivered the thanking note to all the guests and those who laboured to make the closing ceremony, a blessing. The whole event was blessed by the presence of respected Vicars and leaders of different Church congregations in Kuwait. Latest Samajik Adhikarita Shivir: Department of Empowerment of Persons with disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India conducted a mega camp for distribution of aids and assistive devices in Navsari, Gujarat on Sept 17, 2016 and organized by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporations of India. Ltd (ALIMCO). The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister. The camp-samajik Adhikarita Shivir witnessed three Guinness World Records. The first record was highest number of oil lamps lit simultaneously at single location on the eve of mega camp; biggest wheelchair logo with 1,000 participants depicted a message saying Happy Birthday PM in tricolour; and the third record was most people fitted with hearing aid in 8 hours. 600 hearing aids were set on the same day in a single location. It is important to mention here, Navsari Camp is the 159th Mega ADIP camp and so far is the biggest one. The Divyangjan beneficiaries were benefitted in the camp. The scheme is in force since This has been revised and further adopted from April 1, Stalls available in Eid Fair: Jannah Crew Teenage Muslimah Club Presents Eid Fair 2016, stalls now available. Please call for more information 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 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! Oct 13 YMCA Onasangamam: YMCA Kuwait is conducting Onasangamam on Thursday, Oct 13, 2016 from pm onwards at Indian Community Senior School Auditorium, Salmiya. Various programs are planned on this occasion ganamela, thiruvathirakali, vallamkali, solos, dance etc... We invite of you to attend the meeting. For more information please contact Joseph M.A. Convener (Mob # ) click Alcoholics Anonymous: If you know someone who can t stop drinking and would like to help them please check us out and we promise to try to help at There are no fees. This is a genuine public service. 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: A flyer of the event 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: webs.com/ The Pre-Primary section of the Indian Community School Kuwait, Khaitan, observed Healthy Food Week from Sept 25 to 29. Children brought different food items according to the schedule given to them. Beautiful banners were prepared by the students. Say No To Junk Food and Healthy Kids Learn Better posters clearly reflected their true spirit. Various activities organized by students were appreciated by one and all. Parents were also involved enthusiastically and provided a great support to make the Food Week successful. This celebration truly projected the efforts to reinforce the importance of health and wellness in life with awareness of healthy food. Oct 14 Indian Embassy notice on SPDC: Attention of all Indian associations/indian schools in Kuwait is once again drawn to Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) which was introduced by Government of India in the academic year with the objective to make higher education in India accessible to the children of overseas Indians and promote India as a centre for higher studies. Under the scheme, 100 PIO/NRI students were awarded scholarship of up to US$ 4,000 per annum for undergraduate courses in Engineering, Technology, Humanities, Liberal Arts, Commerce, Management, Journalism, Hotel Management, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and some other courses. The scheme is open to NRIs/PIOs from over 40 countries (including Kuwait) having substantial Indian Diaspora population. The Scheme was revamped and launched in July Under the revamped Scheme, number of scholarships has been enhanced from Continued on Page 24

24 24 By Jennifer Gonzalez Covarrubias Two items stand out in Donovan Alvarado s lost and found office at the end of a cavernous corridor of Mexico City s metro system: Urns containing the ashes of a child and of a young man. Alvarado, 40, is the guardian of the only missing objects office of a subway system with 195 stations and 5.5 million daily users, some of whom are a forgetful bunch. The 2,000 items that are lost each year end up in the badly-lit room at the end of Candelaria station, which is filled with identification cards, backpacks, bicycles, cellphones, toys, strollers, clothes and a mountain of shoes. The phones in Alvarado s dusty office date from the 1980s, but the old surroundings don t keep him down. He has worked here for six years and has headed the lost and found department for more than a year. The satisfaction that we get from returning an object to its owner is priceless, Alvarado says. The thanks people give with tears in their eyes doesn t have a price. This is such a noble office. Wearing a white shirt, a bright orange tie and a navy blue suit jacket with the metro s orange logo, the tall metro worker keeps the two most important items of all at the top of a metal shelf. The two urns were found in metro cars between December and January. While the law requires that lost objects be donated if nobody claims them after six months, Alvarado is holding on to those two until he finds the owners. The varnished, dark wood urn has a small plaque with the name Rebeca Menes Perez, who was born on Sept 14, 2010, and died on March 8, The child s urn is decorated with two red heart-shaped stickers with white dots flanking a metal angel whose wings are spread wide. The plaque on the second and bigger wooden urn indicates that the ashes are those of Gustavo Guerra Orduna, who was born in 1973 and died in Alvarado has placed an image of Jesus Christ behind the urns for their souls to rest in peace. There are two other urns on the shelf, but they are empty, which leads him to believe they were never used to store ashes. A former reporter and media department employee for the city government, Alvarado Somethin different lost ashes and his two coworkers have gone through phone books to look for the urns owners. When Alvarado thought he was close to finding the people who left behind the ashes of Gustavo and Rebeca, he went to the civil registry to get more information, but officials refused due to privacy laws. The urns are not his only mission. He still hopes to find the owner of a US passport filled with stamps from border agents, or the couple who left a large photo of their wedding in a train. But he also recalls a few successes, like the day a man forgot a medical report showing that he had a brain tumor and needed an urgent operation. There was a hospitalization order, so I looked for him. The gentleman lived in Baja California Norte (state in northwestern Mexico) and after several phone calls, I found one of his relatives, who told him that his report was here, Alvarado recalls. The gentleman came and, with tears in his eyes, blessed me 20,000 times, he says. As for the urns, his quest continues and he will keep them as long as necessary. I would like to return them to their families. I won t give up, he says. Based on the dates on the urns, Alvarado thinks the owners were taking the urns from a cemetery niche to a house and that they forgot them because of the pain of having the remains in their hands again. During his own 90-minute commute in the metro each day, Alvarado meticulously looks around to make sure that nobody forgets anything, because you never know what they can forget. (AFP) Art click People take part in teractive art installation Cloud created from 6,000 lightbulbs by Canadian artists Caitlind RC Brown & Wayne Garrett, during The White Night, a night-time art festival in Bratislava, Slovakia on Oct 8. (AFP) Neighbours Snapp Iranian Uber Hard times fuel Tehran taxi glut TEHRAN, Oct 10, (AFP): Mansour Faridfar did well on the black market until the law caught up and left him jobless, forcing him to join the thousands of shakhsi unofficial taxi drivers clogging Tehran s streets. I used to be very well off and I thought my fate was in my hands, but I gradually learned that was not true, said the 60-year-old father of two, driving a route through the north of the Iranian capital. Faridfar once made good money on Iran s vast black market, even if smuggling in Western clothes such as ties and women s coats earned him a few months in jail during the unforgiving period just after the 1979 Islamic revolution. His luck ran out in the 1990s when a $50,000 shipment was seized by customs, bankrupting him. Later, he narrowly avoided another stint in prison for selling poor-quality rice to the education ministry. So four years ago, I bought this Pride and started working as a driver, he said, gesturing around his battered car, the cheapest model in Iran. Expenses Now, he makes around 800,000 rials ($23) a day working as a shakhsi (which means personal in Farsi). More than half is lost on expenses. Such fly-by-night careers are common in Iran thanks to decades of economic mismanagement and international isolation. The jobless rate currently stands at 11 percent. Tehran s mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf this week bemoaned the growing number of shakhsi caused, he said, by the bad economic situation. I ve personally witnessed them dare to go to taxi ranks and take work away from (official) taxi drivers, he told a transport conference. Tehran already has 78,000 official taxis more than five times the number in New York and another 35,000 agency cabs. Travelling one kilometre (just over half a mile) up Valyasr Street the main north-south artery can take more than an hour once rushhour kicks in at around 4:00 pm. I m not really satisfied working like this none of us are. My expertise is the fashion business, said Faridfar. All these taxis mean you only need to stand on a Tehran curb for a few seconds before someone slows down and beeps their horn, offering a lift. Trying to fi ght sombre atmosphere with colours Syrian refugee paintings snapped up in auction ATHENS, Oct 10, (AFP): The so-called painter of Idomeni, a Syrian refugee and graduate of Damascus School of Fine Arts who fl ed war-torn Palmyra, on Sunday saw two of his paintings auctioned off in Greece. Hassan Khatib decided to sell some of his artwork to help provide for his family as they wait in Athens for their relocation request to Finland to be approved. The sale of the two paintings raised 270 euros and more are in the pipeline. Many people are asking for more and we are planning on auctioning fi ve more of Mr Khatib s paintings, said Stavros Myronidis of Myro Antiques House in the northern city of Thessaloniki, adding: We want to help this man. Khatib turned to his art while camped out at Idomeni on the border of Greece and Macedonia with his wife and four children earlier this year. The normally sleepy Greek railway post became a sprawling tent city after Macedonia closed its border to thousands of migrants preventing them from continuing their journey north to other European countries. While there Khatib decided to paint trying to fi ght the sombre atmosphere with colours, he told Athens News Agency. We left Syria to fl ee war and carnage and we found ourselves trapped on the border, he The range of options is vast. There are the yellow taxis of the municipality, the green taxis of the official private network, and neighbourhood agencies. A general view shows traffi c in the northwestern Punak neighbourhood of Tehran. Tehran already has 78,000 official taxis more than fi ve times the number in New York and another 35,000 agency cabs. Travelling one kilometre (just over half a mile) up Valyasr Street the main north-south artery can take more than an hour once rush-hour kicks in at around 4 pm. (AFP) added. A couple from a nearby village took Khatib and his family in and the family has now moved to Athens pending their hoped for relocation. Myronidis said Khatib visited his store three weeks ago accompanied by some Greek people who had befriended him. He doesn t speak English and his little daughter was trying to interpret but we understood his request and decided to sell his art work without any commission. We are looking forward to organising an exhibition with more of his artwork in the future, he said. There are also cabs that ply fixed routes through the city and pick people up along the way, like a bus. Passengers can share with strangers or pay extra for darbast ( closed door ) to have the car to themselves. With all this choice, there hardly seems room for the sort of ride-hailing apps that have transformed the industry in other countries. Problem Uber founder Travis Kalanick was famously inspired to start the company when he couldn t find a taxi one night in tightly-regulated Paris a problem he would never have encountered in Tehran. Nonetheless, a couple of start-up companies have emerged in the city. Snapp was first on the scene a couple of years ago, designed by university graduates and offering a service very similar to Uber. The company s CEO, Shahram Shahkar, says it is helping tens of thousands of customers connect to tens of thousands of drivers and has ambitious plans to expand the service nationwide. Our vision is to provide a reliable and convenient software and service solution for the transportation sector in all cities of Iran, he told AFP. Snapp is protected against competition from Uber by continuing US sanctions on Iran, which Washington has maintained despite a nuclear deal with world powers that came into force in January. Latest Continued from Page to 150 with introduction of 50 scholarships for children of Indian workers employed in the Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries. The Scheme is now applicable to four categories of applicants: (i) Persons of Indian Origin (ii) Non-Resident Indians (iii) Children of Indian workers working in ECR countries (including Kuwait). (iv) Children of Indian workers in ECR countries - studying in India The institutions that are covered under this Scheme are: (i) NITs, IIITs, Schools of Planning and Architecture (ii) A Grade institutions accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and recognised by University Grants Commission (UGC). (iii) Other institutions covered under Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) scheme. Income criteria will be applicable to all four categories. Applicants will seek scholarships after they obtain admission in the approved list of educational institutions. Applications are required to be submitted online at SPDC portal - php. Last date for submission of applications has been extended till Oct 14, Nodal officer for SPDC is P. Bharadwaj, Deputy Secretary (OIA-II), Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, Tel: , dsoia2@mea.gov.in Carnatic Vocal Concert: Sabha on the occasion of its 3rd Anniversary and Navarathri Season is organizing a grand Carnatic Music Vocal Concert by Alappuzha Sreekumar on Oct 14, Friday. Alappuzha Sreekumar is the Principal of Sree Swathithirunnal Music College, Thiruvananthapuram and son-in-law of great Carnatic Music Stalwart, Dr Omanakkutty teacher. Thrikkodithanam Sreeraj will accompany him on violin, Perunna Harikumar on mridangam and Ragesh Ramakrishnan on ghatom. The event will be a tribute to late Trichi S. Ganeshan. Sabha is the first Nrutta Sangeetha Sabha in the Middle East and promotes Indian Classical Arts in this part of the world. Sabha so far successfully conducted 9 Sabhas of rich and pure Classical Indian Dance and Music. The entry will be free and Sabha invite all Art Lovers to this evening. Puraskara Sandhya : K.T. Muhammed Padanavedi-Kuwait, the non-religious social gathering of some of the art, literature and drama lovers in Kuwait; who are highly influenced by the dramas of K.T. Muhammed, veteran play and screen writer of Malayalam drama. Our ultimate aim is to explore the influences provided by the dramas on its golden era to the old society. Also we are trying to encourage the Kuwait society s eminent personalities who are part of Kuwait s art, drama, media, music, social and cultural fields. We are conducting an honorary function in which we honor eminent personalities from art, drama, media, music, social and cultural fields for their contributions to Kuwait s society. Also we are planning musical entertainment with ever hit songs. The function will be scheduled on Friday, 14th October 2016 at United Indian School Auditorium, Abbasiya from 6.00 pm onwards. Oct 17 Dar Al Funoon expo: Dar Al Funoon will hold an exhibition titled Les oiseaux de Paradis by Rose Morant on Monday Oct 17, 2016 at 7 pm. Rose Morant finds her inspiration in elements of nature: Gold, silver lacquer, bamboo, semi precious stones. Rose is a multidisciplinary artist who renews our vision of ancient know how by reinventing unique pieces of jewelry, spheres, birdcages, trees. A universe, where the magic of the nature meets exquisite craftsmanship to enchant the viewer. The exhibition continues through 21st of October Gallery Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 10 am 1 pm & 8 pm, Saturday by appointment. Greeting to the Gallery: Al-Watiah, Behbehani Compound, House No. 28. For further information call , com Oct 21 IIK Diwali Mela 2016: After the grand success of our first ever IIK Diwali Mela, IIK is once again proud to announce for the 5th time the IIK Diwali Mela As part of our continuous endeavor to bring the Indian community together to celebrate the most popular Indian festival, the Diwali Mela will be celebrated on Friday, Oct 21, 2016 at Al Zumerida Hall, Al Bida a, Opp Salwa, Kuwait from 10 am to 8 pm. The whole-day program comprises of entertainment for the entire family and for all age groups. The visitors can enjoy cultural programs, kids fashion show, fancy dress, dandiya raas, lantern competition, mithai contest, rangoli competition, organized by various Indian associations including food at different Indian stalls and shop for Indian goods such as clothes, handicrafts, Continued on Page 27

25 25 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 Ted Houston and his dog Kermit visit the beach as Hurricane Matthew approaches the area on Oct 6, in Palm Beach, United States. (AFP) By Martha Mendoza and Natnicha Chuwiruch Cat cafes where customers sip lattes while petting resident kitties are just opening their doors around the US and Europe. But in Asia, where the first one opened more than a decade ago, the concept has moved well beyond felines. At Tokyo s Snake Center, visitors pay 1,100 yen (about $11) for a cup of coffee and a slithery friend to wind around their arm; a plate of curry bread snacks or a really big snake costs extra. At We Are The Furballs (WTF) in Singapore, Mochi and her puppy pals yap at ankles and occupy guests laps for peaceful dognaps. And at Little Zoo Cafe in Bangkok, meerkats, raccoons and little foxes with the softest ears imaginable can be cuddled near plates of crepes and French fries. Some sell the animals, or offer them for adoption. Others invite customers to bring their pets, or just offer encounters with creatures from penguins to hedgehogs. I wanted there to be a place where people can come learn about the animals, said Wachiraporn Arampibulphol, who opened an exotic animal cafe in Bangkok a year ago after visiting an owl cafe in Tokyo. Snuggling Jelly, a blond fox, Wachiraporn said she used to import chinchillas, meerkats and other exotic pets, but worried that owners bought them impulsively and then abused them or let them collapse and die in Thailand s heat. She said customers at her Little Zoo Cafe get a reality check when they re so close to the animals; she s only sold a half dozen this year. When you see pictures and photos of these animals, you see their cuteness, she said. But people don t think about what the animal would smell like or how actually raising one would be. Indeed, a musky odor floated above two red foxes Mocha and Cappuccino as they boisterously wrestled and skittered around customers legs. Nearby, Nuttida Chaloembun, 23, from Bangkok, watched a waitress grapple with Cracker, a 25-pound raccoon, who chattered and swatted her away with little hand-like paws. It s fat and really adorable but it won t let me touch it, laughed Nuttida. Shirley Chaifong came to the Little Zoo Cafe all the way from Malaysia after seeing photos of meerkats on Instagram. But it was the tail-wagging corgi, an uncommon breed in Asia, she fell for. It s a great way to see the animals, she said, her hands running through his fur. After a cat cafe opened in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2014 the concept quickly spread to more than 20 American cities, from New York to Los Angeles, and many more are planned. They re also popular in Europe, with recent openings in Netherlands, Finland and Italy. Also: MONTREAL: The city of Montreal s push to ban new pit bulls has suffered a setback after a judge ruled parts of the legislation can t be introduced until a court hearing is held on the merits of the case. That might only be several months down the road. On Monday, the SPCA obtained a temporary stay to suspend several pit bullrelated provisions of the city s animal control bylaw, which came into effect that day. It argued that some elements are discriminatory, unreasonable and unenforceable and would result in all pit bulls being penalized regardless of their behavior. Architecture The house front yard and (Al Liwan) are the fundamental pillers of the old Kuwaiti house that are inspired by the Islamic style. Ghazi Qafaf KUNA New Look Music influences his childhood Saleh scholar and pioneer critic of folklore This is the fi rst in a series of articles on Dr Saleh Hamdan Faraj Rashed Al Harbi, a scholar and pioneer critic of folklore and persistent pursuer of a dream. Editor By Lidia Qattan Special to the Arab Times Dr Saleh Hamdan Al Harbi is a worthy example of a man who never gave up his dream till he finally made it a reality. His dream was to penetrate the world of music, to study it, to delve into its mystic realm, which had been nurturing his mind from very early childhood. Saleh was born on the 15th of February 1944 in the Sharq (eastern) district of old Kuwait town on the sea-front, an area renowned for its artists, its musicians and sailors. His father, Hamdan, like his father and grand-father before him, was a Jedemi by profession (al Jedemi was the man second in command after the Nukheda (captain) aboard the old Kuwaiti sailing ships). His mother s family, Al Sherida had long been reputed for its talented singers; Atiki and Saad were the most famous Naham aboard Kuwaiti sailing ships. All the neighbors were artists of a sort Al Amiri family had musicians and singers. Al Mahanna was a renown folklore singer; the Mansoor family, the Salem family and others, were all involved, or became involved, in the performing arts. Growing up in such artistic environment it was inevitable for young Saleh to become attracted to the music and the singing going on all around him, especially in those days when music was the only medium whose rhythm, tone-color and dynamic outburst was lending warmth and physical excitement to an otherwise monotonous, drab and frugal existence. Indeed, at all times, even nowadays amidst a life of excitement and myriads distractions, music has an unparalleled magnetism on feelings and emotions; wherever there is music or singing, people will gather to listen; for music is the language of the soul; it is an infusion of vibrating energy to which not only humans but all sentient beings respond. The quickening and stirring of emotions engendered by music evoke a spontaneous reaction which engages the mind and counteracts intellectual stagnation. Influences Those early influences of childhood the physical, the social and moral surroundings into which Saleh Hamdan was growing up affecting his way of thinking, became the ruling fact that enhanced his appreciation for music and spurred him to become involved in the understanding of music in its true emotional, social and scientific portents. The closest person in his early life was his mother, Mosa Sherida, a simple God-fearing woman who nurtured him on traditional piety blended with gentleness and good-will. His father, being a sailor, was constantly out at sea, engaged in the long trading trip that usually lasted nine months at a time and in the diving season. Traditional The beginning of the traditional trading route started with the first stop at the port of Basra for a cargo of dates to be traded along the Indian coast. From Basra the next stop was at the port of Karachi, the next ports were Bombay and Mombasa. Leaving the Indian coast the Kuwaiti ship sailed towards the African coast for a cargo of mangrove; from there, on the journey home, the trading continued at other ports on the Arabian coast. Depending on the weather conditions and on the trading winds the trip lasted nine months; after that there was the pearl-diving season that lasted four months. All in all Saleh had little chance of seeing his father. Lidia Qattan Saleh was the only child in his family. He was a cheerful and happy little fellow, always engaged in making something to amuse himself, or to play with other children of his neighborhood with his own creations. Though sociable, he was quiet; he had a strong predilection for the sea, a feeling he developed quite early in life when his mother used to do the laundry on the shore and was taking him along to play on the sand by her side. Women in those days accompanied their arduous chores with singing; their songs blending with the soft rippling of the waves and other sounds of a laborious life going on around him created an orchestration that left a lasting impression on his mind. That same musical panorama was flaring his imagination with reveries, transporting him to an enchanting realm that kindled in him a happy, joyous mood. Schooling began at the Sharkyia School (which now holds the Modern Arts Museum), he then continued at the Mutanabbi Intermediate School, famous at his time for the un-ruling spirit and cleverness of the students who frequented it. There were four Seder trees in its courtyard, around which the people spun a whole legend of demons and gins to explain the rebelliousness of the youngsters. While at the Mutanabbi, Saleh joined the Boys-Scouts, underwent the discipline and mastered the arts of that organization. At the Shuwaikh Secondary School (now part of the Kuwait University) he chose to be an internal, because his home was far away and he had no transportation. There, Saleh spent some the happiest years of his young life; most of his old friends from the Mutanabbi School were with him. As leader of Sea-Boy-Scouts he was responsible of training novices in the art of sailing and canoeing, and organizing regattas for students. At graduation from high-school Saleh applied for a scholarship to study music, but his application was denied; because music was not yet considered an important subject of study in the education system. Apparently the school authorities gave little importance to the refining influence of art in general on the development of young minds. Actually there is no human need, collective or individual, that cannot be expressed in beautiful forms that enrich human life. Indeed the fine arts enhance our spiritual life through developing our intellectual and emotional faculties by which we become conscious of a larger commonwealth. Hence the ennobling influence of the fine arts in the Saleh Hamdan Faraj Rashed Al Harbi development of the human intellect. Eager to pursue his dream Saleh chose geography as his next subject of specialization and got a scholarship to study abroad. At the Alexandria University, Egypt, he took every opportunity of studying music besides his main subjects, so by the time he graduated, he had some knowledge of music. At his return home he taught for two years at government schools, but his mind was focused on the pursuit of music: its history, its value, its enigmatic attraction and charm; hence he could not rest till he could achieve his objective. Discovery Saleh s love-affair with music and his long standing dream began with the discovery of a record Sharazad in his home, he was then seven or eight years old; after playing it for the first time he was so captivated by the melody that he kept-on playing it over and over for hours on end. His mother never objected, for whatever was pleasing her little boy, made her happy. By a coincidence, at the local cinema, Al Sharq (the first that opened in town, which though it was a crude outdoors structure, it served the purpose) it was showing the sequence of the film Captain Kid in which the music was partly taken from Sharazad s symphony. From that day, while the sequence of the film lasted, Saleh was playing the record aloud to impress his friends, who believing he was running the film in his home, were pressing him to see it, but he never allowed them in. Connect During a Boy-Scouts trip to Tunis, Saleh Hamdan and his group stopped by Athens, Greece, where he bought a translation of Sharazad. Reading the novel he could connect the music to the story and that flared his enthusiasm to know more about music. Enthusiasm soon developed into a passion, he began indulging most of his spare time listening to music, reading, learning all about the works and their composers. The whole music world was open to him; the more he delved into it the greater was his desire to share his aesthetic experience with others. Every Thursday afternoon in the late sixties Saleh began holding special gatherings for music lovers, presenting a selection of music, he accompanied with a briefing of each work: the story behind it and the profile of the composer. The meetings held at a rented house in the Abdulla Salem district soon gained popularity testifying not only to the success of his experiment, but also to the growing interest of people to good music and the knowledge they were gaining through Saleh s enlightening introduction. When the Stage Al Khaleej was founded, Saleh became part of its collaborator, in it he provided specially selected music for each play. At the same time he had several programs of selected world music for the Kuwait broadcasting station: The World of Music, Program Two in the World (a selection of classics of each country), Songs and Music from the Muslim Wworld and Ramadan in the World. All these programs accompanied by Saleh s enlightened information were on the air from the late sixties to the nineties with unfailing success. To be continued

26 26 Special offer on occasion of World Day for Breast Cancer Dar Al Shifa offers discounts on services for women KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: To celebrate students return to their classes, and as part of the Bank s ongoing Back to School initiatives, a team from the Corporate Communications Unit at Kuwait International Bank (KIB) paid a visit to the students at the Atika Bint Zaid Elementary School for Girls. The visit came as part of KIB s leading social responsibility program, and the Bank s dedication to spearheading important social initiatives that contribute to the development of Kuwait and its people. During the visit, the KIB team gave the students a presentation on some of the basic principles of saving, as part of the Bank s pioneering efforts to promote financial literacy amongst the children and youth of Kuwait. At the end of the visit, the KIB team distributed gifts to the students, amidst a joyful and celebratory atmosphere full of wishes for a happy and fruitful new academic year. The KIB family wanted to congratulate our beloved students on the arrival of a new academic year, and to share in their joy and happiness. We also wanted to do our part to encourage students in their academic pursuits, as we strongly believe that education continues to be the best guarantee to help us develop and create a brighter future for Kuwait, said Nawaf Najia, Manager of the Corporate Communications Unit at KIB. We wish our students all across Kuwait an academic year full of success and accomplishments, and may it be the beginning of a bright and prosperous future. The Back to School initiatives come under the umbrella of the social responsibility strategy KIB had put in place, and which it has continued to develop over the past few years - which focuses on cementing KIB s status as a Kuwait institution committed to supporting the causes and issues that are important to the local community. Ahmad Nasrallah Dr Mohamed El Maraghy Mammography machine KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: Dar Al Shifa Hospital announced its annual campaign on the occasion of the World Day for Breast cancer, which begins on September 25 until October 31, 2016, offering a range of special offers on medical tests, which related to women s health. Ahmad Nasrallah Chief Executive Officer at Dar Al Shifa Hospital commented: Dar Al Shifa Hospital has always discounted and bundled its medical services on all occasions as part of its growing role in society and in keeping with its social responsibility, that is one of its core values and by that we hope to bring joy to many across the country. Services This year, Dar Al Shifa Hospital offers a discount on many common services for large cross-section of patients who are keen to do those tests with the same quality and efficiency of our services to become accessible to all women, he added. The offers include special discounts at Diagnostic Imaging Center up to 50% on breast cancer screening by MRI, Mammography & Ultrasound in addition to the extra discount for Osteoporosis test. Dr Mohamed Ismail, Consultant and Head of the Diagnostic Imaging Center at Dar Al Shifa Hospital said: It is crucial to highlight Breast Cancer at an early stage and to understand the signs, symptoms and methods of treatment. New technologies have been developed that helps in detecting the disease earlier in the process. Breast Cancer is a wide spread Beauty lounge a true gem disease that is considered to have high death rates amongst women worldwide, although it can be treated and cured if detected at an early stage. Through this campaign, Dar Al Shifa Hospital aims at showcasing its overall commitment towards raising more awareness while also Brigitte Khoury holds grand opening in Kuwait A photo from the event A photo from the event Bank visits Atika Bint Zaid School KIB celebrates Back to School initiative Kuwait s biggest walk/run event Register for the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon on Nov 19 KUWAIT, Oct 10: The Gulf Bank 642 Marathon will be held on Saturday, 19 November 2016 starting in the morning. Registration is now open online at: 642marathon.com In order to appeal to all levels and age groups in Kuwait, this year s marathon will include four different categories of races to walk or run. The categories include: Family Fun Run for new beginners (5kms); the Souq Run for regular runners (10kms), the Half Marathon for more advanced runners (21kms); and the Full Marathon (42kms). The route for the race will start and end at Souq Sharq and take place on Gulf Road, passing by Kuwait Towers, the Gulf Bank head office, and other landmarks. We will again be coordinating with relevant authorities to close the road to ensure the safety of the walkers and runners. Last year we achieved a record turnout for a sporting event and we hope to see you all again this year. The Gulf Bank 642 Marathon remains only road race in Kuwait to have three of its longer distance race categories accredited by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF Athletics), meaning that those races appeared in the international calendar of races. To find out more about the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon, visit the dedicated website at: 642marathon.com or its Instagram account GulfBank642. The number 642 represent the number of muscles in the human body. KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: Brigitte Khoury Beauty Lounge held a grand opening in Kuwait on Sept 25. Wonderful lounge beauty, great staff... wonderfully talented... and great customer service. Courteous, professional and always on time. Outstanding beauty technique and artistic touch, both are top notch! Brigitte Khoury Beauty Lounge is a true gem. Since 1996 we have prided ourselves in our high standards, updating our beauty therapy skills with the latest treatments and products available, and keeping a professional but relaxed atmosphere. A nationwide network with an award-winning network in Kuwait, a dedication through years of experience to express inner beauty outwardly. Brigitte Beauty Lounge aims to transform the way our customers look and feel, each and every day, making sure clients leave our place feeling like winning million. The famous artist, the queen of stage Myriam Fares is Brigitte Khoury true gem. An outstanding artistic touch. Whether it s cut, color or beauty and hair treatment, Brigitte Beauty Lounge & Spa experts get to the heart of what its clients want to achieve. The result? They walk out of our Beauty Lounge feeling more confident, more beautiful and, thanks to our top tips and best in the business hair and skincare products, more able to recreate their special look and feeling day after day, at home. Our team of caring and professional beauty therapists will make you feel at ease as they combine their knowledge and skills with beautiful products. In our hands you will enjoy personal and luxurious treatments. Whether your visit is for beauty maintenance, relaxation or just self-indulgence the results will leave you feeling and looking amazing. Our team is dedicated to nurture your body with an amazing treatments & wellness care. A photo from the event becoming a primary healthcare information source across the community. The hospital s team will be present to provide factual information that women need to be familiar with, such as for example self-exams, added Dr Ismail. Dr Mohamed El Maraghy, the Head of Laboratory Department in Dar Al Shifa Hospital explained that there are laboratory tests for screening for cancers called tumor markers. Tumor markers are either intermediate or end-products from biological activities of tumor cells or associated with the existence of the malignant cell itself. Most of these tests are carried out in blood samples which help, adjuvant to clinical examination and other investigations, to screen for cancer, monitor the effectiveness of treatment, and follow up any future recurrence. Evaluation of the tumor marker result needs to be interpreted by a specialized and experienced clinician, in order to reach an accurate diagnosis. Aim to promote healthy lifestyle The Sultan Center holds New Taste for Fun event KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: For a healthy back to school season and in order to educate children on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle to help them grow fit, The Sultan Center (TSC) hosted on Saturday October 1st in its Souq Sharq store a New Taste for Fun event for kids and parents in collaboration with Flex group. The event targeted both parents and kids to guide them through a dieting system in order to encourage children to try different types of healthy foods Al Mulla Exchange ties up with Himalayan Bank KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: Al Mulla Exchange, a leading global money transfer in Kuwait, has tied up with Himalayan Bank Nepal, to offer remittance services in real time. Now Nepalese, living outside their homeland and who have an account in Himalayan Bank, can avail API online web service (Server to Server) to send money real time to their loved ones. This facility offers real time credit to all Himalayan Bank (HBL) accounts, immediate cash pick up service across all HBL branches and also expeditious processing of third party bank transfer transactions and also intimate both sender and receiver through SMS on account credit. HimalRemit has the largest payment network covering all cities, towns and villages of the country and is capable of paying at more than two thousand locations across Nepal which is in ever growing trend as per the demand of local customers and service providers. In Nepal, other than Himalayan Bank, Sunrise Bank Limited are the other banks, which have partnered with Al Mulla Exchange. Al Mulla Exchange continually endeavors to surpass customer expectations, by bringing them newer products and better services, all of which have resulted in an overall improved offering to the customer, which is an aim we share with Himalayan Bank. Customers get a sense of satisfaction and security, when their money is transferred real time. This new convenience will further enhance their happiness. Al Mulla Exchange goes beyond the ordinary norms of remittance. With their motto Beating customer expectations, not just meeting them Al Mulla Exchange has kept customer always in the center of their technological innovation and improvements with regards to the remittances. Al Mulla Exchange also has a loyalty point system which is quite unique. Apart from getting loyalty points for every transactions being done, there are loyalty points being awarded for doing transactions early, referring a friend, association loyalty points etc. A customer of Al Mulla Exchange not only gets his transaction credited within split seconds but also has value added benefits like loyalty points, free insurance coverage, free events etc which add to their overall experience, we are trying also to connect with our customers at deeper level by fulfilling not just their remittance needs but also their aspiration and interests. A combo photo from the event On this occasion, the medical laboratories at Dar Al Shifa Hospital offers 50% discount on Breast Tumor Marker Test CA 15.3 and CEA Stream In addition to that, our present stream of life, as the majority experiences a hectic lifestyle, we are trying to meet different health demands at all levels. Consequently, we offered 25 % discount on the Elite & Complete Medical Checkup Package for Women that will grant them a significant attention to his health allowing him to sustain his daily commitments while preventing the unexpected. The complete medical check-up will be done by a specialist medical team that gives the required medical care and provides you with the necessary health instructions. The offer also includes additional discounts from the Dermatology Department on laser hair removal using the latest laser machines, PRP sessions and Mesotherapy. represented in a very unique display. The event featured different activities all designed to help kids to have a better understanding of the importance of being healthy to maintain their bodies and mind s good health. A certified nutritionist from Flex gave out free consultation and tips to kids to help them stick to integrated diet system. Also, children enjoyed the test and try session in which they were thrilled to have different selections of fruits and vegetables cut in fun and attractive shapes; they proudly wore a sticker that says I Tried it! to show off their experience. During the event TSC had on display different kinds of nutritional cereals that were sampled in a very appealing concept to help parents choose the perfect integrated morning cereal for their children. And to further encourage children to stick to their decision towards a healthy lifestyle, they participated to draw and write an oath to themselves on paper plates that were created and displayed by TSC s exit gates. Commenting on TSC s event, Lisa Al Gharib/ Marketing Manager at TSC said: TSC is committed to raise awareness about the importance of healthy dieting system to youngsters and parents; therefore, we wanted to demonstrate that healthy food can be fun and appealing by using very simple fun and attractive representation tips for our children. TSC have always been at the forefront in promoting social education on the accurate way to pursue a healthy lifestyle; it s well known as the perfect shopping destination for topnotch organic and healthy products imported from all around the world which makes it the best provider for parents needs who look forward to rising a healthy family. KPMG organises business dinner KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is a biennial investors summit which is being successfully organized by the Government of Gujarat since As part of its international investor outreach program, the delegation led by Dr Gupta is in Kuwait to promote and invite the Kuwaiti business community for the upcoming Summit scheduled in January 2017 in Gujarat. KPMG is proud to be associated with the Summit as the Knowledge Partner since In this role, KPMG has been assisting the Government of Gujarat in building its investment promotion strategies, enhancing ease of doing business in the state and thus helping the state in attracting investments.

27 27 h o r o s c o p e By Jacqueline Bigar Happy birthday for Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016: This year your optimism attracts many different people. You discover how important it is to allow more ingenuity into your life, especially your personal life. You tend to get locked into a certain type of habitual thinking; try to break out of that mode. If you are single, your challenge will be to make good choices. You could hit it off with someone who is already a part of your life. If you are attached, the two of you tend to overindulge each other. Sometimes you need to pull back and see if that is working for both of you. AQUARIUS is always a good time! 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) **** Rethink a decision more carefully, as you might not have all the facts. Curb a tendency to go overboard. Listen to a respected authority figure about a decision, or at least take into consideration this person s thoughts. Tonight: Pay bills before you decide on an expenditure. Aquarius - (Jan 20 - Feb 18) **** Reach out to someone who knows a lot of information about nearly any topic. You could be ignoring your feelings on some level, and might decide to act out. Don t allow confusion to be an excuse for a mistake. Double-check facts, figures and meeting places. Tonight: All smiles. Pisces - (Feb 19 - Mar 20) *** You might not always verbalize or express someone else s idea with precision. You ll speak your mind, and as a result, you could cause some irritation among others; perhaps they feel as though you are distorting the facts. Tonight: Express your concern and caring. Aries - (Mar 21 - Apr 19) **** You ll wake up with many ideas, and you will hop out of bed to make them so. You could have a hard time deciding which thought you d like to implement first. Your energy points to activities around your public image. Use your instincts to guide you. Tonight: Do what you want. Taurus - (Apr 20 - May 20) *** You might be pushed to look at what is going on behind the scenes at work or with a public commitment. You are driven to understand what makes others tick. As a result, you will find the best path to your goal. A partner or loved one dotes on you. Tonight: A must appearance. Gemini - (May 21 - June 20) ***** Reach out to someone at a distance. You will want to hear a different perspective on what is happening at work. A partner might be assertive to the point of being aggressive when seeking answers that could affect both of you. Tonight: Consider taking a vacation soon.yful ways melt barriers. Tonight: Be childlike. Cancer - (June 21 - July 22) **** You ll prefer to relate closely to a key person, even if he or she appears to be irate. The answers you seek will emerge no matter what. Detach and listen to the hurt behind this person s words. You will be able to relate more clearly as a result. Tonight: Say yes to living.. Leo - (July 23 - Aug 22) ***** There is no lack of opportunities around you. In fact, the issue might be discerning where your attention needs to go when dealing with these matters. You have the drive and energy to accomplish everything you need to do. A boss demands a say. Tonight: Let it all hang out.. Virgo - (Aug 23 - Sept 22): **** Schedule a lengthy lunch or a late meeting that can flow right into dinner. Opportunities come forward that you won t want to say no to. Know that you could be misreading someone s intentions; this person might not be who he or she appears to be. Tonight: Off to the gym. Libra - (Sept 23 - Oct 22) ***** Express your unusual creativity. You are likely to impress someone with whom you work or socialize. You might not be seeing the whole situation; in fact, you might be seeing only part of it. Be open to new information. Tonight: A partner is full of surprises. Scorpio - (Oct 23 - Nov 21) *** Spend more time at home if you can. Have a long-overdue conversation with a friend or loved one. Use your imagination to create a better work environment. Loosen up and get to the bottom of a disagreement. Tonight: Could you possibly be putting someone on a pedestal? Sagittarius - (Nov 22 - Dec 21) ***** Speak your mind, and understand what is happening around you. Use caution with any matter that is likely to affect your finances. Look at the possibility of a loss. Can you afford it? Reach out to someone at a distance for feedback. Tonight: Keep a personal matter to yourself. Born today: Former US first lady Eleanor Roosevelt (1884), singer Daryl Hall (1946), author Elmore Leonard (1925) home decor indoor gardening beauty tips taste buds homemade carpet cleaner calico flower plump beautiful lips tomato cream sauce pasta Supplies: Small spray bottle; 1 tsp dish washing liquid; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 1 cup warm water; 1 tsp baking soda; clean absorbent towel; clean sponge Instructions: Gather the ingredients to make your carpet cleaner. Add dishwashing liquid to the spray bottle along with vinegar, and then top with warm water. Dear Abby Woman offended by friends comments By Abigail Van Buren Calico flower scientifically known as aristolochia littoralis is native to Brazil. It is an evergreen vine with unusual flowers and heart shaped leaves. Flowers are produced throughout the growing season. Flowers look almost like an old night cap or like pipes with elegantly curved stems. Site: Does best in low to bright indirect sunlight and medium humidity. Temperature: F. Water: Drench the soil and let it become moderately dry between waterings. Get about a tsp of sugar or salt. Lick your lips twice and kiss the spoon of salt or sugar, until the majority of it is on your lips. Rub your lips together until they are slightly numb, then rinse them thoroughly. Also, every time you brush your teeth, brush your lips for three minutes. Use moisturizing lip balm with SPF whenever your lips get dry or chapped. Finish your lips off with a nice lip gloss. Go to any beauty store and buy lip gloss. When buying the gloss, don t make it super-shiny. Use a little white lip liner then blend it together. Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 whole medium onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans tomato sauce; salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; grated parmesan or romano cheese, to taste; 1-1/2 pound penne rigate Method: Cook and drain pasta according to package directions. Heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and saute for a minute or so. Pour in tomato sauce and add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Stir and cook over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in cream. Add cheese to taste, then check seasonings. Stir in pasta and serve immediately. Dear Abby: I have an 8-year-old stepson, Kaden, whom I love dearly. Kaden spends the bulk of his time with his mother on the other side of the country. When he comes to visit us in the summer, his clothing and shoes are always ragged and a few sizes too small. My Husband pays child support and buys Kaden a new wardrobe every six months. Yet every time he comes to us, he s never wearing anything his dad and I bought him, but what appear to be hand-me-down rags. We have spoken to the mother many times about it, but nothing changes. We feel if we stop buying clother for Kaden it would punish him, when it is his mom who isn t spending the child support money on the boy. We have paid for extracurricular activities (sports) only for her to not take him there. She lies and says he doesn t want to go, but we get a different story from the boy. He says she says, Judo isn t a real sport. He has gained weight and Abigail Van Buren we don t want him to be picked on for it. The state where the boy lives is not good about giving fathers custody of their kids, and the mom is not necessarily unfit. How can we make her see she s hurting her kid? Mother Doesn t Know Best Dear M.D.K.B.: You can t make another adult do something she isn t inclined to do. However, what you can do is enroll Kaden in sports programs when he visits you during the summer months. You and your husband can also talk to a family law attorney and fi nd out at what age Kaden will be able to legally request to be placed with you. While a young child may not be able to do this, I believe a teenager can make a compelling case for it. If Kaden s mother has been depriving him, it would make a persuasive argument for a change in custody. Dear Abby: I have always made it a habit to keep my home neat and tidy. I m not obsessive; we just make it a point to pick up after ourselves daily, instead of leaving everything a mess and then trying to tackle it all once every week or two. I suppose it also helps that I am child-free. On more than one occasion, friends who visit my home have commented on how neat and clean I keep it. Some of them have asked if they could pay me to come and clean their homes. I guess a small part of me should be flattered, but I m also offended. I feel it s the equivalent of inviting me to a party just to serve the drinks. I have no desire to become an indentured servant to my friends. Am I being too sensitive? Not Obsessive In New York Dear Not Obsessive: If you are not obsessive, then why are you obsessing over a compliment these friends were trying to pay you? I sincerely doubt they were serious, unless they began negotiating your weekly rate. Dear Abby: My wife and I are in good health and have been married for more than 50 years. I would like to take our three children and their spouses on a Caribbean cruise. We all get along well, but my wife refuses to go and the kids won t go without their mom. Any suggestions? Bewildered Husband In Billings, Mont. Dear Husband: I wish you had shared more information about why your wife is reluctant to take the cruise and your children are backing their mother up on this. However, since they are acting in lockstep, I suggest you come up with an alternative idea for a family outing, or take the cruise alone. 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) Photos from the event Maurya Kala Parisar Indian Embassy to hold Dinkar Poetry Awards what s on today emergency Site for checking travel ban Indian Embassy closure: The Indian Embassy will be closed on the occasion of Dussehra (Vijay Dashmi) on Tuesday, Oct 11, However, emergency consular services will be rendered to all in the Embassy. Vidyarambham by Sabha: Vidyarambham is an Indian tradition observed on Vijayadashami day mainly in Kerala and Karnataka, where children are formally introduced to academic education, learning of music, dance, languages and other folk arts. It involves a ceremony of initiation into the characters of the syllabary. The Vijayadashami day is considered auspicious for beginning learning in any fi eld. This is also considered a day when the Goddess of learning and teachers (gurus) must be revered by giving Gurudakshina. (Vidya means knowledge, arambham means beginning ). Initiation into the world of syllabary usually begins with the writing of Hari click Latest Continued from Page 24 novelties, gifts and others. Various Indian associations are called upon to be part of this mega carnival and set up stalls offering food, clothes, gifts stalls, ethnic Indian products, services, promotional, fun, and recreational or any other purposes. For more information, contact: /41. Onathanima 2016: Thanima has announced their eagerly awaited mega event ONATHANIMA 2016 the United The Indian Embassy and Maurya Kala Parisar, Kuwait have teamed up to hold an event to encourage Hindi and Hindi Literature. The event which was part of Hindi Diwas efforts and to be held at Sept 30 has been rescheduled to Oct 14, The event will have Dinkar Poetry Competition started by Maurya Kala Parisar in the name of Rashtra Kavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and also felicitation by Embassy of one Hindi Achiever from each school based on their Academic Performance in Hindi. There will also be a Mushaira / Kavi Sammelan by poets from Kuwait following the Award function. The Ambassador of India HE Sunil Jain will grace the occasion. Indian Embassy and Maurya Kala Parisar invites the Indian Community to attend and encourage the winners and achievers during Award Distribution at 6 pm on Friday, Oct 14 at Indian Embassy Auditorium and stay to enjoy the Mushaira / Kavi Sammelan. There has been enthusiastic response from schools for the Poetry competition which will have 90 students from 12 schools competing for 9 prizes in 3 Categories. The organizers were forced to restrict the Entries due to time constraint. Onam carnival of Malayalees in Kuwait, the highlight of which is the 12th National Tug O War championship on Friday, 21st October 2016, at Indian Central School premises, Abbasiya. Tug O War champions will receive cash prize and Sancelia Ever-rolling Gold Cup. The three runners up will be presented with Blue Line Ever-rolling Trophy, Jiju Memorial ever-rolling Trophy and trophy sponsored by a well-wisher, besides cash prizes. Winning team members will receive individual medals & certificates. Aji Memorial Ever-rolling Trophy will be presented to the fair play team of the tournament. The most promising team also will receive a special trophy. Besides, individual prizes for best front, best back, best coach, best all-rounder and best captain are also being distributed. The event will be held at the Indian Embassy Auditorium on Oct 14. The event schedule is as below: Competition: 1 pm to 6.00 pm; Award distribution: 6 pm to 7 pm; Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira: 7 pm to 9:30 pm. The Categories & Schedule for the competition are as follows: pm Category (B) Class VI to VIII: Recitation of Hindi poetry by students pm Category (C) Class IX to XI: Recitation of Hindi poetry by students. 5 pm Categories (A) Class IX to XI: Original poetry in Hindi by students 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. Sree... Nowadays, the Vidyarambham ceremony is celebrated by people across all castes and religions, with small variations in the rituals followed. The ritual is especially seen in many churches across Kerala, apart from the temples. Initially, the mantra is written on sand or in a tray of rice grains by the child, under the supervision of a master who conducts the ceremony (usually a priest or a guru). Then, the master writes the mantra on the child s tongue with gold. Writing on grains denotes the acquisition of knowledge, which leads to prosperity. Writing on the tongue with gold invokes the grace of the Goddess of Learning, by which one attains the wealth of true knowledge. Sabha is organising this years Vidyarambham on the Vijayadashami day, the Oct 11, Tueday at Salmiya, Kuwait. Since it is a working day, the ceremonies will begin at 5.30 am and end by The Vidyarambham will be carried out under noble personalities and free of any charges, open to all those interested irrespective of religion or language. For enrollment, please contact by watts app: / / or SabhaKuwait@hotmail.com IPC Islamic Courses registration: 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. More than 16 teams are expected to take part in the championship. Last day for team registration is set as 30th Aug. 2016, but Thanima reserves the right to close the registration before the set date. The coveted Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Pearl of the School award, instituted by Thanima, will be presented to the best allrounder from 20 Indian Schools in Kuwait. Colorful cultural procession, march-past of the athletes, folk arts, musical fusion etc, are other attractions of the event. An updated Directory with details of Indian Associations in Kuwait will be released in the event as well. Oct 22 Experience Science for Adults: Registration is now open for Experience Entries for the competition are closed. Teachers, Parents, Family and Friends of competitors and others with taste of poetry are encouraged to attend the sessions. Competition participants must report at the registration desk at least 15 minutes before the start of the session. Registration Desk Timing to 6.15 pm. For more information: Contact Ujwal Ritwik ( ) Afroz Alam ( or ); Afsar Alam ( ), Abhay Kumar Kashyap ( ) or mail to mauryakala@ gmail.com number 112 Civil ID info: 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: 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; Night vigil every last Friday of the month from 10 pm. Venue: New Mishref. For more information and direction please call , rccghouseofdavidq8@gmail.com Science for Adults. Why should kids have all the fun?! The five week programme will be held on Saturday from 10:00 am-11:30 am at the Yarmouk Cultural Centre, starting Oct 22, Registration is limited to 16. You may register at either the Amricani Cultural Centre, Sunday to Thursday 10:00-3:00 or the Yarmouk Cultural Centre, Sunday to Thursday 10:00-6:00. For more information, please education@darmuseum.org.kw Nov 12 RunQ8 charity event: Fawzia Sultan Rehabilitation Institute (FSRI) announces that its annual RunQ8 charity event will be Continued on Page 28

28 28 Deepwater Horizon Sharqia 1 12:30 (No Fri) 14:45, 22:00, 00:15 Muhalab 2 11:30, 21:30 (No Fri) 13:45, 00:15 Fanar 2 11:45 (No Fri) 14:00, 21:45, 00:05 Marina 3 11:45 (No Fri) 20:15, 22:30, 00:45 Avenues 2 14:45, 23:00 Avenues 5 15:45, 20:45 Avenues 11 11:30 (No Fri) 22:00, 00: :30 (No Fri) 13:45, 16:15, 18:30, 21:00, 23: :45, 21: :45 (No Fri) 15:15, 17:30, 19:45, 22:15, 00: :45, 00:15 Al-Kout 2 11:45 (No Fri) 14:00, 20:30, 22:45, 01:00 Bairaq 2 19:45 Grand Hamra 5 19:45, 22:15 00:30 (Thu, Fri) Grand Hamra 6 14:30, 16:45, 19:30, 22:00, 00:15 (Thu, Fri) Grand Hamra GC 15:00, 17:30, 20:00, 22:30 01:00 (Thu, Fri) Grand Gate 2 14:15, 17:00, 19:30, 21:45 00:00 (Thu, Fri) Laf Wa Dawaran (Arabic Film) Sharqia 1 17:00 Sharqia 2 11:30 (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu) 13:45, 16:00, 18:15, 20:30, 22:45, 01:00 Muhalab 1 Muhalab 3 Fanar 1 Fanar 4 Fanar 5 Marina 2 Marina 3 14:00 Avenues 3 Avenues 4 Avenues 6 11:30 (No Fri) 12:45 (No Fri) 15:00, 17:15, 19:30, 21:45, 00:15 12:15 (No Fri) 21:15, 23:30 13:15 (No Fri) 15:30, 17:45, 20:00, 22:15, 00:30 11:30 (No Fri) 12:45 (No Fri) 15:00, 17:15, 19:30, 21:45, 00:05 11:30 (No Fri) 13:45, 16:00, 18:15, 20:30, 22:45, 01:00 12:00 (No Fri) 14:15, 16:30, 18:45, 21:00, 23:15 12:45 (No Fri) 15:00, 17:15, 19:30, 21:45, 00: :30 (No Fri) 13:45, 23: :30, 15:45, 18:00, 20:15, 22:30, 00: :00 (No Fri) 15:15, 17:30, 19:45, 22:00, 00: :30 (No Fri) :30 (No Fri) 14:45, 17:00, 19:15, 21:30, 23:45 Al-Kout 1 12:30 (No Fri) 14:45, 17:15, 19:30, Couch slouch Pressure mounts on Burnett, MGM NBC suspends Billy Bush for role on Trump s tape NEW YORK, Oct 10, (Agencies): NBC on Sunday suspended Today show personality Billy Bush indefinitely after he was caught on a videotape from 2005 in a crude conversation about women with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Today Executive Producer Noah Oppenheim said in a memo Sunday that there is simply no excuse for Billy s language and behavior on that tape. Bush, who hosts the third hour of the Today show, has been suspended pending further review of the matter, Oppenheim said. NBC announced its decision two days after the videotape from the Access Hollywood archives surfaced. Bush was a host for that show in 2005, and he was taped in a hot-mic discussion with Trump when the future presidential nominee was on a Hollywood set to make an appearance on a soap opera. On the tape, Trump brags about kissing, groping. Bush joins in, laughing at some of Trump s comments and later encouraging an actress to hug Trump. Bush, 44, has been brutalized on his own Facebook page since the tape surfaced. Hundreds of hostile comments were attached to Bush s last posting Friday of him distributing a plate of bacon to Today viewers outside of the show s studio. You are sickening! one woman wrote, in a comment that nearly 5,000 had liked through Sunday afternoon. Angering women viewers of a show as important to NBC s bottom line as Today is no small matter. Many viewers upset by 2012 s messy dumping of Ann Curry as Today host took it out on colleague Matt Lauer; the show s ratings still haven t recovered. Women make up the majority of Today viewers, particularly in the last two hours. Defend Bush has only been at Today for two months, where he s had a rocky start. He was the reporter to whom American swimmer Ryan Lochte lied about being robbed at the Olympics. When Bush later tried to defend Lochte on Today, he was dressed down by colleague Al Roker. The Access Hollywood tape was an embarrassment on multiple levels for NBC News. The news division for days had been aware of the tape from the NBC-owned entertainment show, but was scooped by The Washington Post on Friday when the newspaper was tipped off about its existence and got a story out within hours. Bush issued a statement Friday apologizing for his actions. The tape showed Bush and Trump speaking as the Republican was about to appear on the daytime drama Days of Our Lives. From the bus they had ridden to the set, Bush pointed out to Trump an actress, Arianne Zucker, who was there to greet them. Mark Burnett, MGM, and NBC are facing mounting pressure to address questions about Trump s behavior during his years on The Apprentice in the wake of Friday s release of the explosive hot-mic recording from 2005 featuring Trump making lewd remarks about forcing himself on women. Many media and political circles are calling on Burnett and MGM to release any Apprentice archival footage that would shed light on the character of Trump, the Republican candidate for president. The scrutiny of Trump s Apprentice tenure comes amid a whirlwind of events since the audio recording tied to a 2005 segment on NBC s Access Hollywood was revealed by the Washington Post on Friday evening. The outrage generated by the recording has sparked an exodus of GOP leaders from supporting the Trump campaign during the past 48 hours, gravely threatening the viability of his candidacy just four weeks before Election Day. But Trump isn t the only person feeling the heat. Burnett, the uber-producer of reality hits and creator of The Apprentice, is coming under increasing fire from pundits and the public for his silence on Trump. The producer has refused to comment on Trump s politics. Revelations In light of the Access Hollywood revelations, many are reading that silence as Burnett s effort to protect the Republican nominee. NBC is under fire for failing to reveal the newsworthy Access Hollywood material earlier in the campaign and for the presumption that the network tolerated sexist behavior from Trump because Apprentice was a hit. Trump hosted 14 cycles of Apprentice and Celebrity Apprentice from 2004 through early It s no excuse, but this happened 11 years ago; I was younger, less mature, was the closest Today anchor Bush came to an explanation in the statement he issued hours after a video surfaced Friday of him talking dirty with Trump. Perhaps whichever publicity mastermind helped him craft these poorly chosen words might have advised him that at 33 years of age he wasn t exactly a child at the time of the incident. Bush and NBC are going to have to do a lot better than that if they intend to salvage his reputation, which is getting hammered right alongside Trump s. But if they thought that even the most perfectly rendered written statement will be enough to contain the damage done here, they re delusional. And while NBC hasn t made any official indication yet as to what if any action will be taken, you can be sure Bush isn t just going to re-appear on TV at 9:00 am Monday as if nothing ever happened. tv highlights 21:45, 00:05 Al-Kout 2 18:15 Bairaq 1 12:15 (No Fri) 14:30, 16:45, 19:00, 21:15, 23:30 Bairaq 2 13:30, 22:15, 00:30 Laila 15:45, 18:00, 20:15 Miss Peregrine s Home For Peculiar Children Sharqia 1 19:30 Muhalab 2 16:00 (No Fri) 18:45 (Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun) Fanar 2 16:15, 19:00 Marina 1 16:00, 18:45 Avenues 2 12:00 (No Fri) 17:15 Avenues 5 18:00 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat) Avenues 11 14:00, 16:30, 19: :30 (No Fri) 15:15, 18:00, 20:45, 23: : :15 (No Fri) 16:00 Al-Kout 3 16:30, 19:00 Bairaq 3 18:15, 20:45 Grand Hamra 5 14:45, 17:15 Grand Hamra 8 14:00, 16:30, 19:15, 21:45 Grand Gate 1 14:00, 16:30, 19:00, 21:30 Grand Gate GC 15:00, 17:30, 20:00, 22:30 01:00 (Thu, Fri) Storks Sharqia 2 11:30 (Sat) Sharqia 3 17:00 Muhalab 1 16:15 Fanar 1 17:15, 19:15 Fanar 4 13:30 (Fri) Marina 3 16:15, 18:15 Avenues 9 13:30 Avenues 10 15:15, 17:30, 19: :00 (No Fri) 14:15, 16:30, 18:45 Al-Kout 2 16:15 Bairaq 2 11:30 (No Fri) 15:45, 17:45 Bairaq 3 13:30 (Fri) Grand Hamra 1 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00 Grand Gate 4 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:15, 22:15 USS Indianapolis: Men Of Courage Sharqia 3 11:30 (No Fri) 14:15, 19:00, 21:45, 00:30 Muhalab 1 13:45, 18:15, 21:00, 23:45 Fanar 5 13:45, 16:15, 19:00, 21:45, 00:30 Marina 1 13:15 (No Fri) 13:30 (Fri) 21:30, 00:15 Avenues 5 13:00 (No Fri) 23:30 Avenues 9 16:15 (No Fri) 19:00 (Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun) 21:45, 00:30 Avenues 10 12:30 (No Fri) : :15, 00: :15 (No Fri) 15:00, 17:45, 20:30, 23: :30 (Fri, Sat) Al-Kout 3 11:30 (No Fri) Bairaq 3 14:00, 21:30, 00:15 13:00 (No Fri) 15:45, 23:15 Laila 22:30 Grand Hamra 2 14:15, 17:00, 19:45, 22:15 01:00 (Thu, Fri) Grand Gate 5 14:30, 17:15, 20:00, 22:45 Premam (Telugu Film) Muhalab 2 16:00, 21:30 (Fri) 18:45 (Fri, Mon) Fanar 3 15:30, 21:30 (Fri) 18:30 (Fri, Mon) Avenues 9 16:00 (Fri) 19:00 (Fri, Mon) Avenues 10 22:00 (Fri) Ajial 2 15:45 (Fri) 18:45 (No Thu) 21:45 (Fri, Mon) The Magnificent Seven Fanar 1 14:30 Avenues 1 13:30, 23: :00 (No Fri) 15:45 (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu) 21:45, 00:30 Al-Kout 4 13:15 (No Fri) Cinema 00:05 Tank 432 Fanar 3 11:30, 21:30 (No Fri) 13:30, 00:15 Avenues 7 12:45 (No Fri) 14:45, 16:45, 18:45, 20:45, 22:45, 00: :45 (No Fri) 13:45, 15:45, 17:45, 19:45, 21:45, 23:45 Al-Kout 4 14:00 (Fri) 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00 Lights Out Grand Gate 8 15:15, 17:45, 19:45, 21:30, 23:30 Mirzya (Hindi Film) Fanar 3 15:30 (No Fri) 18:30 (Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun) Avenues 8 18: :00 (No Mon) 22:00 Ajial 2 16:15 (No Fri) 19:00 (Thu) Ajial 3 18:45 (No Thu) Mechanic: Resurrection Grand Hamra 7 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, How to find us Zahra a Area, South Surra, 6th Ring Road, corner of King Faisal Highway 2. Ajial Ajial Complex, Fahaheel 3. Al Bairaq Between Jaber Al Ali East & Al Agalia West 4. Al Fanar Al Fanar Complex, Salem Al Mubarak Street, near Sultan Center, Salmiya 5. Al Kout Al-Kout Complex, at the end of the Coastal Road, Fahaheel 6. Al Muhalab Al Muhalab Complex, Behind Hawally Clinic, Hawally 7. Al Sharqiya Arabian Gulf Street, Souq Sharq, near the Amiri Hospital 8. Laila Gallery Salem Al Mubarak Street, near Sultan Center, Salmiya 9. Marina Marina Mall, Between Salem Al Mubarak Street & Arabian Gulf Street, Salmiya 10. Metro Metro Complex, Farwaniya, near Crowne Plaza Hotel & Farwaniya Garden 11. Plaza Salem Al Mubarak Street, near Sultan Center, Salmiya 12. The Avenues The Avenues Mall, Al Reggai near Al Rai, 5th Ring Road & Ghazali Road Intersection NB: Friday no show before 1:30 pm Regular show KD3:000; 3D-Digital KD3.500; VIP show KD On Monday, price is KD1.500 except Digital movies. Cinescape cinema movies inquiries and Fax Back hotline The Scientific Center Opp Holiday Inn, Salmiya, Gulf Road IMAX 14. Grand Al-Hamra Grand Al-Hamra, tel: , cinemas.com 15. Grand Gate Grand Gate, tel: , cinemas.com Book cover of Women of Kuwait: Turning Tides by Chaitali B. Roy Launch of book titled Women of Kuwait: Turning Tides click Latest Continued from Page 27 held this year on Saturday Nov 12 at Marina Crescent. The Embassy of India and the National Library of Kuwait will jointly launch on Wednesday, 19th October 2016 from 6 pm to 8 pm, the release of the book titled Women of Kuwait: Turning tides written by Ms. Chaitali B. Roy. The function will be held at National Library, Arabian Gulf Street (facing Kuwait National Museum). Women of Kuwait : Turning Tides is the story of Kuwaiti women who dared to pursue their dreams, at times against immense odds, and made interesting and far-reaching contributions to the evolution of Kuwait as a modern State. Interestingly, the fi rst book of its kind will be launched in Kuwait on 19th October Women of Kuwait: Turning Tides features prominent Kuwaiti women drawn from the arena of politics, diplomacy, education, sports, art, and business. The achievers The event aims to support children with disabilities, raising awareness and funds to support FSRI s non-profit Children s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC), enabling it to continue providing specialized and multi-disciplinary treatment and care for children with disabilities across the community in Kuwait. This year, RunQ8 is offering two chipped distances 5km or 10km and is open to people of Cinema programme from Thursday 06/10/2016 to Wednesday 12/10/ :00 Grand Gate 3 14:30, 16:45, 19:00, 21:00, 23:00 Sully Avenues 1 16:15 Avenues 10 00: :15, 20: :30 Grand Hamra 3 14:15, 16:15, 18:15, 20:15, 22:30 Grand Gate 7 14:45, 17:00, 19:15, 21:15, 23:15 Oppam (Malayalam Film) Avenues 1 18: :45 (Fri, Sat) 18:45 Plaza 15:30 (Fri, Sat) 18:45 Ajial 4 15:30, 18:30, 21:30 Don t Breathe (Exclusive) Grand Hamra 4 15:15, 17:45, 20:30, 22:30 00:45 (Thu, Fri) Grand Gate 6 14:15, 16:15, 18:15, 20:30, 22:30 00:30 (Thu, Fri) Ashan Khargen (Arabic Film) Avenues 1 21: :00, 20:45 Hal- Harry Potter And The Deathly lows: Part 1 Avenues 2 20: :45 The Disappointment Room Avenues 8 11:30 (No Fri) 13:30, 15:45, 23:15, 01: :00 (No Fri) 14:00, 16:00, 22:45, 01:00 Snowden Avenues 8 20:30 Avenues 10 22:00 (No Fri) :15 Remo (Tamil Film) :00 Plaza 21:45 Ajial 1 16:00, 19:00, 22:00 (No Thu) M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story Film) (Hindi :30 Plaza 15:15 (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu) Ajial 2 21:30 (Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun) Aandavan Kattalai (Tamil Film) Ajial 1 16:00, 19:00, 22:00 (Thu) Actor In Law (Pakistani Film) Ajial 3 15:45, 21:15 include Dr. Sara Akbar, Dr Masouma Al Mubarak, Dr Moudi Al Humoud, Ambassador Nabeela Al Mulla, Sheikha Altaf Al Sabah, Fareah Al Saqqaf, and Lulwa and Balsom Al Ayoub. The book is published by Har-Anand Publications, a leading publishing house of South Asia. The event on Oct 19 is sponsored by KGL. All interested are requested to be present at the inaugural function. all ages and fitness levels. For those unable to run a marathon, they can walk, jog or just stroll. Registration is now open, and participants can sign up via the official website (runq8.org). You can also call FSRI (at or ) for more information. This year the race enjoys the support of a number of local companies and organizations, but the door is still open for anyone looking to support this non-profit community initiative. 18:45 (Thu) IMAX Imax film programme at The Scientific Center Sunday Humpback Whales 3D 10:30 am, 07:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 11:30 am, 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 12:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 05:30 pm Secret Ocean 3D 08:30 pm Monday Humpback Whales 3D 12:30 pm, 06:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 10:30 am, 05:30 pm, 08:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D Journey to Space 3D 09:30 pm 11:30 pm, 07:30 pm Tuesday Humpback Whales 3D 11:30 am 09:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 12:30 pm, 05:30 pm, 08:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 10:30 am Journey to Space 3D 06:30 pm Mysteries of the Unseen World 07:30 pm Wednesday Humpback Whales 3D 05:30 am Flying Monsters 3D 11:30 am 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 08:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 12:30 pm Mysteries of the Unseen World 10:30 am Secret Ocean 3D 07:30 pm Thursday Humpback Whales 3D 11:30 am 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 10:30 am 07:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 05:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 08:30 pm Secret Ocean 3D 12:30 pm Friday Humpback Whales 3D 08:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 02:30 pm, 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 03:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 04:30 pm Secret Ocean 3D 07:30 pm Mysteries of the Unseen World 05:30 am Saturday Showtime Available for Groups 09:30 am Humpback Whales 3D 10:30 am 07:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 11:30 am, 02:30 pm, 05:30 pm, 08:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 04:30 pm, 09:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 01:30 pm, 06:30 pm Secret Ocean 3D 03:30 pm Mysteries of the Unseen World 12:30 pm Notes: All films are in Arabic. For English, headsets are available upon request. Film schedule is subject to changes without notice. For information call or visit

29 HEALTH 29 Egg group inappropriately targeted vegan spread Obesity, global killer, on rise in developing world LONDON, Oct 10, (Agencies): More people in the world are obese than underweight, with child and adolescent obesity rising rapidly, particularly in developing nations, the United Nations said ahead of the second annual World Obesity Day on Tuesday. Here are some facts about obesity: Worldwide obesity has more than doubled since In 2014, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight. Of these over 600 million, or 13 percent of the global population, were obese. 3.4 million people die each year due to overweight and obesity. Obesity is on the rise in urban areas in lowand middle-income countries. Most of the world s population lives in countries where problems of being overweight or obese kill more people than problems associated with being underweight. 41 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese in Nearly half of the children under 5 who were overweight or obese in 2014 lived in Asia. In Africa, the number of children who are overweight or obese nearly doubled to 10.6 million in 2014 from 5.4 million in Obese children experience breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and psychological effects. In Europe, Britain has the highest level of obesity in Western Europe, ahead of countries such as France, Germany, Spain and Sweden, according to a 2013 report. Obesity levels in Britain have more than trebled in the last 30 years and, on current estimates, more than half the population could be obese by Sources: United Nations World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization. An egg industry group s discussions about Haiti s former president Bertand Aristide (center) helps distribute food at a shelter in Port-Salut, southwest of Port-au-Prince, on Oct 9, days after the passage of Hurricane Matthew through Haiti. (AFP) thwarting the sale of an eggless vegan spread were inappropriate, a yearlong investigation by the US Department of Agriculture has found. The investigation also determined that the American Egg Board, which is responsible for the Incredible, Edible Egg slogan, should not have paid for pro-egg ads to appear online when people searched for Hampton Creek s Just Mayo. The USDA said it will require training on guidelines for staff at all checkoff programs that promote commodities such as eggs, beef and pork as a result. It noted that the consultant who was asked to stop Just Mayo s sales at Whole Foods grocery stores said he did not act on the request. The investigation did not find wrongdoing in other complaints made by Hampton Creek. For instance, the USDA said s by egg board individuals about putting a hit on Hampton Creek First death recorded from the disease After hurricane, Haiti confronts cholera outbreak PORT-SALUT, Haiti, Oct 10, (AFP): A week after being devastated by a hurricane, Haiti faces a growing cholera outbreak that threatens to turn its disaster even more deadly. In Port Salut, a smashed-up town on Haiti s southern peninsula that was among those that bore the brunt of Hurricane Matthew the Caribbean s most powerful storm in a nearly decade fears are rising. The town s sole hospital on Sunday recorded its fi rst death from the disease, a man of undisclosed age. Another nine patients brought in within the past two days are being treated for the illness, which is caught from contaminated water. Other cholera deaths have been reported in different parts of southern Haiti. The outbreak is especially alarming for CEO Josh Tetrick and having old buddies from Brooklyn pay him a visit were not serious. Those statements were made in jest, the USDA said in its findings published Thursday. Nevertheless, the USDA said the egg group individuals admitted the comments were inappropriate and apologized to Tetrick, who confirmed receipt of their apologies. The USDA said the egg board s inappropriate activities violated its guidelines, but not the law specifying the allowable activities for the board. The egg board noted there were no findings of violations of the law, and that it has no further comment. While some of the antics involving the egg board and Hampton Creek may seem comic, the investigation underscores the murky and often contentious space occupied by checkoff programs, and the gaps in the USDA s oversight of them. this destitute tropical nation. In the wake of a catastrophic earthquake in 2010, cholera was inadvertently introduced by UN peacekeepers and went on to kill around 10,000 people. Civil defense offi cials have put the death toll from the hurricane itself at 336, although some offi cials said it topped 400. Dr Stevenson Desravines, the director of the Port Salut hospital, told AFP that cholera was rapidly becoming a fatal danger for the town and surrounding area. It s something that is starting, he said, adding that his facility lacked personnel, medicine and equipment to tackle that and other health problems. Since the storm, we are receiving around 100 patients a day, with 85 percent from storm-related injuries, mainly broken bones, Marketing programs such as the American Egg Board, National Pork Board and National Peanut Board are funded by the industries they represent, but need USDA approval for their activities. The groups are supposed to promote commodities in a generic way, without disparaging potential competitors. That s why the USDA said it was inappropriate for the egg board to run online ads targeting people who were looking for Hampton Creek products. The USDA said it approved the ads, but was not informed they were meant to target a specific brand. The AP reported last October that American Egg Board CEO Joanne Ivy stepped down soon after the group s actions regarding Hampton Creek became public. Elanor Starmer, the USDA administrator whose division oversees the checkoff boards, bleeding and concussions from falling trees, roofs and other objects, he said. The remainder had other, regular illnesses such as asthma and high blood pressure. Before the cholera death, the hospital had registered three patients deceased from their injuries sustained last Tuesday when the storm struck with tremendous fury. The hospital, standing intact on a street of destroyed and damaged houses and fallen trees, has a staff of 55 a third of them Cuban, who are operating under a years-old cooperation agreement. One of the Cuban personnel, who declined to be identifi ed because he wasn t authorized to speak to media, said stormrelated injuries were currently the health priority for his team. said the retirement was the result of a severance agreement between Ivy and egg board. She said the USDA did not compel Ivy s departure, and that checkoff program employees are not USDA employees. The USDA s Agriculture Secretary appoints the checkoff programs board members, who in turn hire staff. But Starmer said the USDA plans to implement a new rule to give the Agriculture Secretary a consistent way to remove checkoff program employees for misconduct. Matthew Penzer, an attorney for the Humane Society, said the idea that the USDA does not already have the power to remove checkoff staffers for misconduct is a rather disturbing position. The Humane Society employs a co-founder of Hampton Creek and has sued the USDA over the pork board s activities.

30 Al Ghurair says doubling output to combat dumping DSI appoints Wael Allan new CEO as shares slump The United Arab Emirates Al Ghurair Iron & Steel LLC is doubling its steel production to meet growing demand in the Gulf and resist dumping by countries such as China and India, a senior company official said on Monday. The company, an 80:20 venture between Dubai s Al Ghurair group and Japan s Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp, expects to produce 400,000 tonnes of galvanised steel annually by the end of this year, up from 200,000 a few months ago, chief executive Abu Bucker Husain told reporters. Husain said that despite an economic slowdown in the region due to low oil prices, steel demand was continuing to grow because of preparations for events including the 2020 Dubai Expo and the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament in Qatar. About 55 percent of the company s production is exported, mainly to other Gulf markets and the wider Middle East and North Africa region. The remainder is sold within the UAE. But Husain complained that his company and other UAE producers were struggling against dumping by producers in countries including China, India and Turkey. Al Ghurair Iron & Steel is increasing its output partly to avoid losing market share to the dumping, he said. (RTRS) Dubai-listed construction and engineering company Drake & Scull International (DSI), hit by tough conditions in the regional building industry, said on Monday it had appointed Wael Allan as its new chief executive, replacing Khaldoun Tabari. Low oil prices are forcing governments to restrain spending and thus pressuring the finances of DSI and many other construction firms in Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, where DSI has been operating. In mid-august, DSI reported a second-quarter net loss of million dirhams ($57 million), compared to a profit of 10.3 million dirhams a year earlier. It is expected to report third-quarter earnings in the next few weeks. DSI shares closed at a sevenmonth low of 0.44 dirham on Sunday, down 24 percent from a peak in mid-july. Tabari will continue to serve as a non-executive board member, member of the executive committee, vice-chairman and a major shareholder, DSI said in a bourse statement on Monday. He submitted his resignation in August. Tabari has been leading DSI since 1998, when he initially bought a stake in the company. He now owns 8.3 percent of DSI, according to Thomson Reuters data. (RTRS) Market Movements Change Closing pts INDIA - Sensex , AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries , S. KOREA - KRX , GERMANY - DAX , EUROPE - Euro Stoxx , FRANCE - CAC , Change Closing pts PHILIPPINES - All Shares , HONG KONG - Hang Seng , JAPAN - Nikkei , Business Research sheds light on when to give CEO a bonus or privatize public services Hart, Holmstrom share economics Nobel for contract theory STOCKHOLM, Oct 10, (AP): Two US-based professors won the Nobel prize in economics on Monday for studying how to best design contracts, work that sheds light on when it makes sense to give a CEO a bonus or privatize public services like schools, hospitals and prisons. British-born Oliver Hart of Harvard University and Finnish economist Bengt Holmstrom of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Finland will share the 8 million kronor ($930,000) award for their contributions to contract theory. That s a field of research that deals with incentives and risks involved in contracts drawn up between companies and employees, banks and lenders or insurance agents and their customers. In research in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Hart and Holmstrom created new theoretical tools that shed light on how contracts help people and companies deal with conflicting interests and the potential pitfalls that occur when contracts are poorly designed, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said. These kinds of insights into how we should design contracts are very important because we don t want to give the wrong incentives to people, said Nobel committee member Tomas Sjostrom. We don t want to reward them for things that they were not responsible for. We want to reward the right thing. In this photo provided by Harvard University, Oliver Hart, the Andrew E. Furer Professor of Economics at Harvard, reads congratulatory s at his home in Lexington, Massachusetts on Oct 10 after winning the Nobel Prize in economics. Hart and Finnish economist Bengt Holmstrom, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, share the award for their contributions to contract theory. (AP) Hart, 68, is a London-born US citizen who has taught at Harvard since Holmstrom, 67, is an academic from Finland who used to serve on the board of the country s mobile phone company Nokia. Speaking to reporters in Stockholm by telephone, Holmstrom said he felt very lucky and grateful. I certainly did not expect it, at least at this time, so I was very surprised and very happy, of course, he said. In this fi le photo, Finnish Professor Bengt Holmstrom of Massachusetts Institute of Technology attends a business seminar in Helsinki, Finland. (AP) In the 1970s Holmstrom showed how a principal, for example a company s shareholders, should design an optimal contract for an agent, like the CEO. His informativeness principle showed how the contract should link the agent s pay to information relevant to his or her performance, carefully weighing risks against incentives, the academy said. Pay packages, for example, should avoid holding CEOs responsible or rewarding them for events beyond their control. You don t want to reward the CEO because the S&P 500 (stock index) has gone up 20 percent, said Patrick Bolton of Columbia University s School of Business, who studied under Hart and has written a textbook on the economics of contracts. You want to reward the CEO when his company outperforms the S&P. Bolton described Hart has a rigorous but open-minded thinker who challenges his students ideas: He s very determined to think for himself. He will not let go until he is persuaded, but he can be persuaded. Holmstrom said his incentive to study contract theory came before he was an academic, when he was working for a company in the 1970s that tried to use computers to figure how to make strategic plans. That s when I realized that the issue wasn t really about the difficulty of coming up with the best plans, he said. The bigger issue was also to create incentives for people to give the right information that is needed for these plans and incentivize them in general. Hart made fundamental contributions to a new branch of contract theory in the mid-1980s. His findings on incomplete contracts shed new light on the ownership and control of businesses, the academy said. His research provides us with theoretical tools for studying questions such as which kinds of companies should merge, the proper mix of debt and equity financing, and which institutions such as schools or prisons ought to be privately or publicly owned, the academy said. It cited a 1997 article co-authored by Hart which highlighted how private contractors have stronger incentives for investing in both quality and cost reduction. The authors argued that the incentives for cost reduction sometimes is too strong, and expressed particular concern about privately-run prisons, the academy said. The US Department of Justice recently decided to stop using private prisons after a report showed the conditions are worse than in government-run prisons. Pennsylvania State University economist Ran Shorrer, who taught contract theory as a graduate student at Harvard, said Hart and Holmstrom have had a huge influence on the way corporations decide to pay executives. Any modern compensation scheme is informed by their work, he said. The economics prize is not an original Nobel Prize. Formally called the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, it was added to the others in 1968 by Sweden s central bank. The Nobel Prizes in medicine, physics, chemistry and the Nobel Peace Prize were announced last week. This year s Nobel announcements will finish Thursday with the literature award. Each award is worth 8 million kronor, or about $930,000. The laureates will collect them on Dec 10, the anniversary of prize founder Alfred Nobel s death in Meetings to start from Wednesday Saudi set to meet investors ahead of int l debut bond LONDON, Oct 10, (RTRS): Saudi Arabia will meet fixed income investors starting Oct 12 as it prepares to sell its long-anticipated debut international sovereign bond, arranging banks said on Monday. The transaction, which will help the kingdom partly meet the shortfall in its state budget brought on by the slump in oil prices, is expected to be one of the largest ever debt sales by an emerging markets nation, Egypt inflation eases in Sept CAIRO, Oct 10, (RTRS): Egypt s annual urban consumer price inflation eased to 14.1 percent in September, from an eight-year high of 15.5 percent in August, the official statistics agency CAPMAS said on Monday. Headline inflation jumped in August, raising expectations that the central bank would hike interest rates on Sept 22, but the central bank held rates citing transitory factors that pushed up costs. September s fall is the first in the urban measure since March. Inflation has been rising steadily since April and economists expect it to keep rising as Egypt implements an overhaul that includes subsidy cuts and devaluing its pound. Egypt s President Abdel Fattah el-sisi is under increasing pressure to revive the economy and curb inflation to avoid a public backlash. Economists say the pound, maintained at 8.78 per dollar, will have to be devalued before the end of the year, driving up prices further given Egypt s dependence on imported goods. with commentators forecasting a trade worth upwards of $10 billion. The world s largest oil exporter will sell a dollar-denominated bond with tranches maturing after five, ten and 30 years following the roadshow programme, subject to market conditions. Citigroup, HSBC and JP Morgan have been selected as global coordinators, and seven more banks have been made joint book-runners for the trade which is structured to be sold to investors including those in the United States, an announcement said. Roadshows will be held in London on Wednesday and Thursday, before three days of meetings in the United States which will conclude on Oct 18 in New York, according to a separate statement from arranging banks. Among the Saudi officials who will participate in the investor meetings are Minister of State Mohammed al-sheikh, the head of treasury at state oil giant Saudi Aramco and staff members of the Ministry of Finance and the Saudi central bank, the separate statement added. EI aims to complete rights issue by early December DUBAI, Oct 10, (RTRS): Emirates Islamic (EI), the shariah-compliant arm of Dubai s largest lender, plans to complete a 1.5 billion dirham ($408 million) fundraising from existing shareholders by early December, its chief executive told Reuters on Monday. EI, owned by Emirates NBD, is the latest Gulf lender seeking to boost its capital after a period of strong lending and amid weakening economic growth. Banks are also beefing up reserves to meet new global regulations. Jamal bin Ghalaita said EI was not expecting a pick up in the banking market until the second half of 2017 at the earliest, once an upswing in oil prices happens. EI announced plans for the rights issue on Thursday, saying it would increase its paid up share capital to 5.43 billion dirhams from 3.93 billion. After raising $250 million from an Islamic bond tap in August, Ghalaita said the bank had no further plans to raise money from the market. All Islamic banks have been growing their assets, hence all of them have increased their capital, including EI, he said in an interview. We are also going though Basel III and IFRS 9, all of this requires you to allocate more capital, he added, referring to international banking regulations. Banks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are gearing up to fully comply with Basel III by the end of 2018, while lenders globally are preparing for a change to international accounting rules, known as IFRS 9, governing bad loans due to take effect on Jan. 1, Putin says Russia ready to join OPEC oil output curbs (From left): Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine Erdogan attend the opening ceremony of the 23rd World Energy Congress in Istanbul, Turkey on Oct 10. (AFP) Saudi says $60 oil not unthinkable ISTANBUL, Oct 10, (AFP): President Vladimir Putin on Monday said non- OPEC member Russia was ready to work with the cartel in imposing measures to limit oil production, in comments that propelled the price of crude to its highest levels in a a year. Eyes have turned to Russia, the world s top oil producer alongside Saudi Arabia, to see if it will join in a concerted effort alongside cartel members to prop up prices after OPEC last month agreed a surprise output cut in the hope of lifting rock-bottom prices. Putin said at the World Energy Congress in Istanbul that such coordinated output curbs were the only way to balance the market after a prolonged period of low prices. In response, Brent North Sea crude rose $1.53 to $53.45 a barrel, the highest level reached since October In the current situation, we believe a freeze or a cutting of the production of oil is the only way preserve the stability of the energy sector and accelerate a rebalancing of the market, Putin said. Russia is prepared to join joint measures limiting production and calls on other exporting countries to do the same, he added. He expressed hope this would lead to a concrete agreement at a November OPEC meeting and that this idea would be a positive signal to the market and investors. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak is expected to attend an informal meeting of OPEC energy ministers in Istanbul on Wednesday in a sign of increasingly tight cooperation with the cartel. The period of low oil prices has been hugely damaging to economies like Russia which has failed over the last years to reduce its dependence on hydrocarbon exports for revenues. Putin raised alarm that if the current trend of low prices continued, it could Turkey and Russia sign deal to build gas pipeline ISTANBUL, Oct 10, (AP): Turkey and Russia on Monday signed a deal to build a gas pipeline from Russia as the two countries pressed ahead with efforts to normalize ties. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan watched as their countries energy ministers sealed an intergovernmental agreement for the Turkish Stream project that would bring gas from Russia to Turkey. It would then be distributed to European Union nations. The project, which had been suspended amid tensions between the two lead to a chronic lack of financing in the sector which could in turn lead to unpredictable flare-ups in prices. Russia as prominent energy power will always make its contribution to stable development, he said, insisting that even in the current difficult times Russia was still investing in oil extrac- countries, was signed on the sidelines of the World Energy Congress. In other steps aimed at restoring ties, Putin announced that Russia had agreed to cut natural gas export prices to Turkey and resume importing fruit, vegetables and other agricultural goods from the country. Russia is building Turkey s first nuclear power plant, and Erdogan said the sides agreed to accelerate the project. I am convinced that the process of normalization of our ties will continue rapidly, Erdogan told reporters during a joint news conference. tion. Putin is making his first trip to Turkey following a crisis sparked by the shooting down of a Russian war plane over the Syrian border last November. He will later hold talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Continued on Page 31

31 BUSINESS 31 SAFCO, SABIC hire investment banks Relativity not paying vendors as financial woes escalate Two Saudi petrochemical giants have hired investment banks to advise on the potential sale of a stake in the Ibn Al-Baytar fertiliser company. Saudi Arabia Fertilizers Co (SAFCO) has hired Samba Capital, while Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) has chosen HSBC s Saudi Arabian unit, the two companies said in separate bourse statements on Monday. SAFCO is considering taking full control of chemical fertiliser producer Ibn Al-Baytar by buying out its joint venture partner SABIC, SAFCO said in a bourse statement in March. The two companies said on Monday there was no definitive sale agreement yet, and a study which will examine the economic feasibility of the transaction is due to be completed in the first quarter of Ibn Al-Baytar is a 50/50 joint venture between SABIC and SAFCO which produces ammonia, urea, compound fertiliser, phosphate, and liquid fertiliser, according to information on SABIC s website. (RTRS) Relativity Media owes vendors close to $1 million in unpaid bills and has defaulted on its overhead, according to company insiders. Lawyers have become involved in the situation, and there are fears that the company may not make payroll. Relativity is in arrears, and companies are now clamoring to get paid, sources said. The financial turmoil comes a week after Masterminds, a heist comedy with Zach Galifianakis and Owen Wilson, collapsed at the box office, earning $12.8 million. Relativity emerged from bankruptcy protection earlier this year, but has had difficulty finding new capital to help it put new films into production and pay down debt. Europa Corp, the French film studio that Relativity runs a distribution and marketing joint venture with, is trying to untangle its relationship with the studio. Relativity is behind in paying its half of the operating costs. Employees of the joint venture are not impacted by the financial issues at Relativity, according to insiders. Kavanaugh is a colorful fi gure, who attracted a great deal of media attention initially for claiming to have developed. an algorithm that could enable him to separate the fl ops from the hits. His reputation was tarnished after Relativity fi led for Chapter 11, weighed down by a series of fi lm failures and citing over $1 billion in liabilities. (RTRS) Elusive 2016 Fed rate hike coming into focus Missing ingredient is inflation LONDON, Oct 10, (RTRS): The US economy s readiness or not for an interest rate rise is likely to once again take the global economic spotlight in the coming week, just a month before a hotly contested US presidential election. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump face off in the second presidential debate ahead of the November vote, after a recent slight bounce for Clinton in the polls since the first debate two weeks earlier. Under Chair Janet Yellen, the Federal Reserve has done very little to surprise investors other than to repeatedly play up the likelihood of, and then put off, a follow-up hike to last year s baby step bringing rates a little above zero. Minutes on Wednesday of the Federal Open Market Committee s September policy meeting, at which three members voted for a hike, could do more than any data release to convince investors of what already looks like a greater than chance of a December rate rise. Markets are still mostly addicted to dovish pronouncements from central bankers and so hawkish minutes have the potential to disrupt, as would similar talk from Yellen at a scheduled speech on Friday at a Federal Reserve Bank of Boston conference. Her host, Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren, was one of the Fed s biggest doves until the last meeting when he changed his tune rather suddenly and dissented for a rate rise. The September FOMC minutes should help to shed light on what appeared to be a contentious meeting, noted economists at Credit Suisse. In our view, the data in the US should be sufficient to support a hike this year, but the Fed s cautious approach and the under appreciated risk from the presidential election make further delays more likely than not. We continue to expect the next rate increase won t occur until May of That stance is a familiar one, suggesting a degree of complacency about the Fed s intentions after it signalled rate rises several times this year only to back off from delivering. The missing ingredient is inflation. While wage inflation picked up to 2.6 percent in what was otherwise an unremarkable September employment report on Friday, broader measures of inflation show price pressure is remarkably tame this late in a multi-year economic expansion. Low inflation remains the main story in Europe as well, confounding for years now the European Central Bank s myriad prescriptions to get it anywhere near its 2 percent target. Official inflation data for September from Germany, France, Italy and Spain are all due in the coming week and, not surprisingly, none of them are expected to show any real pickup. The range of forecasts provided in Reuters polls for all inflation measures Global Q3 clean energy investment at weakest since 2013 Energy efficiency accelerates despite low oil prices: IEA PARIS, Oct 10, (Agencies): Energy efficiency accelerated last year despite low oil prices, according to a report from the International Energy Agency published Monday, driven in large part by gains in China. The 1.8 percent efficiency gain last year came as crude oil prices had dropped as far as 60 percent from 2014 highs, yet still beat the 1.5 percent increase in 2014, and was triple the average annual gain in the previous decade. Low oil prices typically reduce investment in energy efficiency as the returns are smaller, but the IEA found government regulations across these four biggest euro zone economies is just percent, giving a sense of just how ingrained low inflation expectations have become. Even China inflation, due on Friday, is forecast to rise a meagre 1.6 percent compared with 1.3 percent the month before. A continuing concern in markets will be the deteriorating outlook for how Britain will manage its divorce from the European Union, which Prime Minister Theresa May has said will begin in March. The subject may come up at a concerning vehicles and buildings were driving gains. While good news for climate change efforts, the efficiency gains come at a delicate juncture for the oil market, with global demand growth slowing and supply rising. Efficiency helped keep energy demand flat last year in the 29 industrialised nations that are members of the IEA, while it increased by just 0.9 percent in China the slowest rate in nearly two decades despite 6.9 percent growth.china led the efficiency pack, racking up a 5.6 percent gain. Given that it is the world s second largest economy, it contributed 0.4 percent to the 1.8 percent global gain. China s progress on energy efficiency is now at a scale where it is making a significant mark on global energy markets, said the IEA. The gains from efficiency are as large as China s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector, and provided the added benefit of reducing air pollution. While the acceleration in global energy efficiency gains was positive, the IEA noted they would need to shift up from a trajectory of 1.8 to 2.6 percent annual gains to achieve global climate change goals. However, there is much room for further improvement. The IEA said that efficiency standards still only cover 30 percent of global energy use, although that is up from 11 percent in Globally, two-thirds of the economic potential remains untapped, said the IEA s Executive Director, Fatih Birol, in the introduction to the report. Meanwhile, global clean energy investment fell to its lowest quarterly level since 2013 between July and September due to a lull in offshore wind financing in Europe and a slowdown in project financing in China and Japan, research showed on Monday. meeting of Eurogroup finance ministers early in the week. The British pound took a pasting in the past week, falling to a new 31-year low against the dollar, and rattling nerves on trading desks with a flash crash in Asian trading early on Friday that has not been completely explained. Renewed selling of sterling is linked to a growing perception that the Conservative government, once pushed into negotiations, may be more interested in restricting immigration than retaining access to Europe s single market. Broadly speaking, economic data have been more resilient than most expected following the June 23 Brexit vote, but that was followed by a fusillade of Bank of England stimulus in the form of renewed large-scale asset purchases and a new record low interest rate. If the data continue to beat expectations, our call that the MPC will cut Bank rate from 0.25 percent to 0.10 percent on Nov 3 might start looking shakier, wrote economists at Investec. South East Asia leads on volume Sovereign sukuk issuance stable, says Moody s DUBAI, Oct 10: Malaysia (A3 stable) and Indonesia (Baa3 stable) continue to regularly issue longterm sovereign sukuk while Gulf countries have favoured conventional debt structure to finance their deficit, says Moody s Investor Services. On balance, Moody s Investors Service considers that issuance levels will be in line with historical levels and may approach $28 billion in The robust pipeline of issuances planned for the rest of 2016 points to a stable flow of sovereign sukuk this year, says Mathias Angonin, an Analyst at Moody s. While the governments of Cote d Ivoire, Senegal and Sharjah returned to the sovereign sukuk market in 2016, issuance volumes are primarily supported by more regular issuers, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Turkey, whose annual borrowing requirements have featured Shariah-compliant instruments for several years, says Gabriel Torres, a Vice-President and Senior Credit Officer at Moody s. Moody s report, entitled Sukuk- Issuing Sovereigns Global Sovereign Sukuk Issuance Remains Stable Amid Lower Corporate Sukuk Issuance is available on Moody s subscribers can access this report via the link provided at the end of this press release. The rating agency s report does not constitute a rating action. As oil prices dropped and deficits soared, Moody s says Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have favored conventional structures over sukuk. Even so, sovereign sukuk issuance continues: so far in 2016, the government of Oman (Baa1 stable) issued its first sukuk, while Sharjah (A3 stable) issued its second. Overall, the GCC sovereign sukuk market remains dominated by Qatar (Aa2 negative), the most active and regular issuer of long-term sovereign sukuk in the GCC. The rating agency says the choice between conventional and Islamic issuance depends on the investor base. Malaysia has already developed a deep and mature Islamic finance market, while Indonesia has been the most regular issuer of sovereign sukuk in international markets. In the GCC, deposit growth (and therefore liquidity levels) has been higher among Islamic banks than conventional banks, but GCC financial institutions are constrained by the scarcity of highly rated Shariah-compliant assets, including sovereign sukuk. Sub-Saharan African (SSA) sovereigns continue to ramp up issuance. Senegal (B1 positive), Côte d Ivoire (Ba3 stable) are among a handful of new sovereign sukuk issuers, while Nigeria (B1 stable) is stepping up volumes. SSA sovereign sukuk issuance is likely to remain active as governments set up regulatory frameworks for a retail Islamic banking sector and test market appetite. Agreement boosts Brent Saudi squeezes hedge funds with bearish views on oil John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own Editor By John Kemp Saudi Arabia successfully confounded hedge funds with bearish views on oil by reaching an unexpected production deal with OPEC members in Algiers on Sept 28, sending prices soaring in a short-covering rally. Hedge funds and other money managers increased their net long position in the three main Brent and WTI futures and options contracts by a record 142 million barrels over the seven days ending on Oct 4. Hedge funds net position surged from 471 million barrels on the eve of the OPEC meeting to 612 million barrels seven days later. Short positions were cut by 69 million barrels while an extra 73 million of long positions were added, according to an analysis of data from regulators and exchanges. The surprise agreement sent frontmonth Brent prices climbing by $5-6 per barrel as hedge funds scrambled to close out losing short positions and add longs to capitalise on the rally s momentum. The Algiers agreement marked a sharp turning point in market sentiment towards oil which had been deteriorating over the previous month. Between late August and mid- September, hedge funds had cut their net long position in Brent and WTI by 178 million barrels (from 628 million to 449 million). The Algiers agreement almost exactly reversed this shift and has more or less returned the oil market to the position that prevailed in late August. Front-month Brent futures closed at $50.87 per barrel on Oct 4, essentially back to where they were on Aug 23, when they stood at $ Did Saudi Arabia deliberately set out to squeeze hedge funds with bearish bets? The question is impossible to answer without knowledge of private discussions within the petroleum ministry and royal court. (RTRS) Turkey and Russia to set up $1bn joint investment fund ISTANBUL, Oct 10, (RTRS): Turkey and Russia will establish a joint investment fund with capital of $1 billion, Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci was reported as saying by state-run Anadolu Agency. Relations between Russia and Turkey soured in November 2015, after the downing of a Russian fighter jet by the Turkish military. They have since made progress towards restoring ties, with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin holding talks. The two leaders were due to meet again on Monday in Istanbul at World Energy Congress meeting. Zeybekci made the announcement at a ceremony to sign a joint declaration on establishing the fund after meeting Russian Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyulkayev in Istanbul on Sunday, Anadolu said. Putin says Continued from Page 30 The energy minister of OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia, whose assent allowed the output cut to go ahead, meanwhile expressed cautious optimism the price of crude could rise to $60 dollars a barrel by the end of the year. We are seeing the convergence of supply and demand, said Khalid al-falih. It is not unthinkable we could see $60 (a barrel) by the year end. Oil has for months pressured by concerns of slack demand amid a global economic slowdown at a time of a glut in supply in particular in the United States. But this minister warned OPEC against the temptation of drastic output cuts to push up prices. He added: OPEC should make sure not to crimp too tightly and create a shock to the market. We do not want to shock the markets into a process that could be harmful. The minister admitted that the kingdom had become a little fat around the belly, a bit complacent during the era of high oil prices but was now fully committed to its economic reform programme set out by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The kingdom will be prepared to deal with whatever price emerges, he said. The minister said he was expecting to meet Novak in Istanbul. I look forward to Russia playing a constructive role, he said.

32 BUSINESS 32 KIB honors Mubarak Taher for receiving international patent Taher receiving award from KIB s Chairman and Manager of Corporate Communications Unit during the honoring ceremony. As part of the Bank s leading CSR program, and its continued efforts to support national talents, Kuwait International Bank (KIB) honored inventor Engineer Mubarak Taher, who received an international patent for his system The Dynamic Network for Oil & Gas Production. Accomplishing a feat that the industry has not seen the likes of in almost 30 years, Taher became the first person from the Arab world to register an international patent in the oil and gas sector. His system is expected to save Kuwait s oil sector millions of dollars, in addition to providing engineering solutions for a number of issues and challenges that face oil production. Commenting about the event, KIB Chairman, Sheikh Mohamed Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, praised Taher s achievement, calling his system a major milestone that reflects the leadership status of Kuwait within the oil & gas field. Al-Jarrah further added that KIB is committed to supporting and encouraging projects by young talents in Kuwait, as these initiatives play an important role in developing the different sectors in the country. On his part, Taher expressed his gratitude toward KIB for bestowing him with this honor, applauding the Bank s leading CSR program with its continuous efforts to support local young talents, and its dedication to encouraging development-focused projects and initiatives. Reputable global entity acknowledges innovative approach of group s team in supporting business transformation Zain legal team recognized in Legal 500 GC Powerlist DUBAI, Oct 10: Zain Group, the leading mobile telecom innovator across the Middle East and Africa announces that its in-house legal team has been included in The Legal 500 s GC Powerlist: Middle East Teams, joining some of the best General Counsels (GC) and in-house legal teams in the world who have already been recognized for their expertise and successes to date. The recognition was bestowed on Zain Group and other leading Middle East in-house legal teams at a gala reception held at the Dubai International Financial Center, UAE, on Wednesday 5th October. Zain Group s Head of Legal, Adlai Shalabi, was joined by other distinguished regional GC s from blue chip organizations including Al Jazeera Media Network, Barclays, Citigroup, GE, Honeywell, Nestle Nutrition, OSN, PepsiCo, Google, Samsung C&T, Siemens amongst others. These legal teams from across the region networked with their peers, exchanging ideas and best practice initiatives, while discussing the future role of GCs in the Middle East at the event. Scott Gegenheimer, CEO of Zain Group said, The successful track record of achievements and current work that our in-house legal counsel does is of central importance to the successful operation of our business, and I am very proud of them being recognized as being among the best in the industry by an agency as well respected as the Legal500. In a complex environment that includes technical, regulatory, and commercial oversight and more, it is Zain Group s Head of Legal, Adlai Shalabi, during the Legal 500 launch. essential to have an internal legal team that is capable, insightful, practical, and innovative, and we are fortune to have exactly this type of resource to call upon within Zain. Recognizing in-house innovation, quality and excellence for 29 years, The Legal 500 has been analyzing the capabilities of law firms across the world. In a new series, The Legal 500 has expanded its area of consideration to the in-house function, recognizing those corporate counsels that are driving the legal practice forward. In order to be selected for inclusion in the in-house legal team Powerlist for the Middle East, The Legal 500 runs a process of nominations, interviews with industry GC s and external lawyers, and background research. Using decades of experience, Legal 500 is able to select the most influential in-house legal teams by choosing those that have had a demonstrable impact on their company, either through market-leading legal work, innovative approaches to supporting the business or mastery of business transformation issues. Over the past decade, the Zain Group legal team has played a key role in the company s expansion across the Middle East and Africa. This has extended to rendering support to the Zain KSA, Zain Bahrain and Zain Iraq IPOs and listings on their respective stock markets, and providing assistance to the various departments of Zain Group and its affiliates regarding legal and compliance matters. In its 2016 GC Powerlist Middle East Teams publication, the Legal 500 noted, Given [Zain s] expansive business strategy, Zain s legal department is especially important both for due diligence on these deals and for their input into strategic decision making. Adlai Shalabi, group head of legal since 2015, leads the function and provides input based on his vast experience of the legal profession. These run the full gamut from corporate structuring and strategy to human resources, though perhaps the most significant impact has been through advising the company on its major transactions. During Shalabi s tenure, the legal team has had a major role in transactions valued at over $10bn. For more information on the Legal 500 GC Powerlist, please visit NBK is the only Arab bank among world s Best Foreign Exchange Providers in 2016 KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) was recognized as the Best Foreign Exchange Provider in Kuwait and the Middle East in 2016 in an exclusive survey compiled by the world renowned financial magazine Global Finance. The rankings, compiled by the international finance magazine, Global Finance, are based on input from industry analysts, corporate executives and technology experts. Criteria for choosing the winners included transaction volume, market share, scope of global coverage, customer service, competitive pricing and innovative technologies. NBK is the only Arab bank enlisted among the World s Best Foreign Exchange Providers along with major international financial institutions such as Citi, Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch, Societe General, Nordea, DBS, ANZ and Standard Bank. NBK continues to collectively enjoy the highest credit ratings from the top three international rating agencies; Moody s, Fitch Ratings and Standard and Poor s. The Bank s ratings are supported by its high capitalization, prudent lending policies, and its disciplined approach to risk management, in addition to its highly recognized and very stable management team. NBK also maintains its position among the 50 safest banks in the world for the eighth consecutive year. Co to support TBY to identify economic trends in key sectors KAMCO signs MoU with The Business Year KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: KAMCO Investment Company, a leading investment company with one of the largest AUMs in the region, has penned an MoU with The Business Year (TBY), an international publishing firm of annual economic reviews on over 25 emerging markets, to collaborate on The Business Year: Kuwait The MoU was signed in Kuwait City by Faisal Sarkhou, CEO of KAMCO, and TBY s Country Manager for Kuwait, Cristina Villegas. In the agreement, KAMCO s Investment Research Division will support TBY in identifying the economic trends in key sectors in order to compile the most comprehensive English-language publication on the Kuwaiti economy. The Business Year: Kuwait 2017 will not only feature a special chapter on the country s large-scale infrastructure projects under the five-year development plan ( ), but will also focus on real estate developers in Kuwait s burgeoning retail segment. KAMCO will hence assist TBY in this endeavor through a collaboration in market research, analysis of industry trends, and opportunities for the international investment community. Commenting on the signing of the MoU, Faisal Sarkhou, CEO of KAMCO, said: KAMCO s solid track record and years of market experience have played a key role in strengthening our thought QNB Q3 profit up DUBAI, Oct 10, (RTRS): Qatar National Bank (QNB), the Gulf s largest lender, reported a 10.2 percent increase in third-quarter net profit, according to Reuters calculations, broadly in line with analysts forecasts. The bank reported a net profit of 3.45 billion riyals ($947.5 million) in the three months to Sept. 30, compared with 3.13 billion riyals in the corresponding period of 2015, Reuters calculations showed, using financial statements in lieu of a quarterly earnings breakdown. A photo from the signing event leadership position in the investment arena. Our collaborative efforts with the TBY team will assist us in further demonstrating our extensive research and market analysis on the local economy. Our research team will contribute and highlight key aspects of the economy, specifically focusing on the banking sector and the overall capital market. We look forward to working more closely with TBY in the future with informative projects that not only benefit the private sector, but the Kuwaiti economy as a whole. At the same time, Cristina Villegas highlighted KAMCO s pioneering investment research: KAMCO is not only one of the most established investment firms in the country, but its research division has from time to time highlighted key trends in the Kuwait and the regional economies. It aligns with TBY s mission to provide a well-rounded insight into the country s investment climate through objective analysis. We are proud to partner up with KAMCO and to present the fruits of our collaboration in our upcoming second edition on the Kuwaiti economy. The Business Year will conduct interviews with more than 150 business and political leaders to discuss major developments in all the key segments of the Kuwaiti economy, including infrastructure and construction, retail and real estate, finance, energy, ICT, agriculture, transport, industry, health and education, and tourism. While the publication is primarily comprised of interviews, The Business Year: Kuwait 2017 will additionally feature focus articles, highlighting specific developments, major projects, and challenges in each sector. AUB participates in International Real Estate Finance Exhibition A flyer of KFH s Al-Rabeh draw AUB s booth at the exhibition Ahli United Bank (AUB), announced its participation in the International Real Estate Finance Exhibition, which will launch on Oct 10, at the Regency Hotel, Kuwait under the patronage of His Excellency, the Minister of Trade and Commerce. The Bank s participation comes as part of its keen interest to provide a host of diversified banking and financing needs to the exhibition s visitors. AUB is offering a variety of its finance services that are Shari a compliant throughout the duration of the exhibition. Individuals interested in receiving finance, will also enjoy a wide array of benefits that will support in acquiring the real estate property they desire, whether it is a building, house, apartment or even a piece of land. This is also in addition to a broad Only 3 days left for KFH s Al-Rabeh account 2nd draw KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) announced that only 3 days remaining for announcing the winners of two 2016 Range Rover s and 3 kg of gold in the 2nd draw to take place at 360 Mall on Oct 13 at 7:00 pm under the supervision of representatives of the Ministry of Commerce. KFH cordially invites all clients to join this special event that will witness the announcement of the winners amidst exciting and suspense atmospheres. Al-Rabeh salary account, which was launched last February, is an investment savings account based on Mudaraba sharia principle that gives clients annual profit distributions. Clients can open this account at any of KFH 64 branches around Kuwait. It is noteworthy that the account is offered for clients wishing to transfer their salaries and manage their personal accounts with the ability to save and invest. Al-Rabeh account is available for individuals in KD and it requires salary transfer as a prerequisite. With regards to the prizes campaign terms and conditions, KFH gives away two Range Rover s 2016 HSE for the first two winners and a 3 kg gold for the third winner in quarterly draws to be held in the months of January, April, July, and October, providing that clients should have deposited 3 salaries in the three months prior to the draw, yet their minimum monthly balance is not less than KD 50 by the end of each month, bearing in mind that each KD 50 in the account entitles clients to one entry in the draw, thus more money in an account means more chances to win. The winners of the first draw held last July at Avenues Mall were Sulaiman Ali Alsaeid and Aisha Abdullah Bandar of 2016 Range Rover s for each, while Khalaf Mohammad Al-Sabti won 3 kg of gold. KFH is keen on improving its banking products and services in line with clients requirement in efforts to achieve customer satisfaction and cater more closely for their needs. It endeavors to offer unique advantages and valuable prizes stemming from its continuing endeavors to offer outstanding products and services that address clients requirements and meet their aspirations, yet consolidate Bank s prestigious status and excellence in offering products as per the highest standards of quality. range of other exclusive benefits. AUB s customer service team will be available along with the personal finance team at the Bank s booth during the exhibition to provide the necessary information that are in line with customers varied needs, and are also Shari a compliant. The Bank s ultimate objective is to help customers achieve their dream real estate property. Shell signs initial deal with Iran NPC TEHRAN, Oct 10, (AFP): Royal Dutch Shell confirmed Monday that it had signed an initial deal with Iran s National Petrochemical Company (NPC), paving the way for its return to the Islamic republic. We can confirm that we have expressed our interest to further explore potential areas of cooperation with the National Petrochemical Company through a letter of intent, a spokesman for the Anglo-Dutch energy giant told AFP. Iran s Shana news agency, which is linked to its oil ministry, said the deal had been signed in Tehran on Sunday. Hans Nijkamp, Shell s vice president, attended the signing ceremony and told Shana that the company was seeking a long-term presence in Iran. We first need to see what are the areas where we think we can work together and then work out what commercial structures we use, what technical solutions, and ultimately you will indeed end up with a sort of a joint venture agreement, he said. But it is too early today to put any timeline on that. We are very pleased that Iran is coming back to be a part of the global community. But it is still a fragile situation, he added, according to Shana. Iran s Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia described the initial agreement as a very significant step for the start of the Shell company s involvement in Iran s petrochemical industry, which we hope will be operational very soon.

33 BUSINESS 33 UK business group worried by govt s Brexit comments pound steadies; peso surges on Trump trouble The British government is facing criticism from business groups over statements suggesting the UK is heading for a hard divorce from the European Union and pressure from lawmakers who want Parliament to have a vote on the proposed exit terms. The government s repeated emphasis on controlling immigration sent out signs that the door is being closed, to an extent, on the open economy, that has helped fuel investment, the head of employers group the Confederation of British Industry, Carolyn Fairbairn, said in comments published Monday. Prime Minister Theresa May said last week that Britain would seek to retain a close relationship with the 28-nation bloc, with continued free trade in goods and services. But she said the UK wouldn t cede control over immigration, a conflict with the EU s principle of free movement among member states. European leaders say that means Britain can t remain a member of the EU s tarifffree single market an alarming prospect for many UK businesses. In another statement that sent ripples of alarm through Britain s business world, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said that companies could be forced to disclose what percentage of their workforce was from other countries. (AP) The British pound steadied on Monday as the dollar took back some of Friday s losses against a range of currencies, while the Mexican peso surged after the damaging publication of a video of Donald Trump making vulgar comments about women. The Bank of England s tradeweighted index, which did not price during sterling s 10 percent off-session crash in Asia on Friday, hit its lowest since 2009 as worries about the impact of Britain s exit from the European Union continued to weigh. After its initial morning wobble, however, the pound was more stable than last week. I believe that sterling should eventually go lower. How much lower though? I don t think we will get below the level we saw a few days ago in the nearterm, said Brian Tomlinson, an Allianz senior fixed-income portfolio manager. Anything north of $ you are going to see a lot of shortcovering by short-term traders. My concern is that price action is now actually stable and it actually feels like it wants to try the upside in the short term. By midday in London, the pound was trading only 0.1 percent lower than Friday s US close at $ and gained a quarter of a percent to pence against the euro. (RTRS) global economic update National Bank of Kuwait Political factors key to economic outlook As we approach year-end, 2016 the rise, both in Europe and in the US. Here again, doubts are being raised chagrin. Stocks have moved up in pushing for a rate hike. Three dissenters is on the high side for the Fed than with Clinton (tax cuts, infracal stimulus would be more expansive eerily resembles 2015: unimpressive but acceptable world growth, election on November 8 of this year, (the Yen rose throughout this year). US where equities made new all-time and indicates that Fed Chair Yellen is structure spending), and deregulation The latter will hold its presidential as to the efficacy of monetary policy most advanced markets, led by the central banks hell-bent on aggressive with the unconventional outsider Furthermore, zero-to-negative rates highs recently before retreating some. having a harder time postponing raising rates. The November Fed meet- such a very stimulative scenario, the would be more pro-business. So in non-conventional policies, except for Donald Trump in close contention. seem on the verge of becoming a potent political issue, hurting savers and Brexit, though the pound lost major ing is assumed to be a dead meeting Fed may raise rates faster in 2017 For their part, UK stocks are up postthe Federal Reserve, which is likely to These events and others are bound to repeat its 2015 feat of a measly 25 bps inject more questions than answers for retirees, especially in the current volatile political times. Finally, should the Consensus projections for world week before the US election. So, bar- Also, Trump s anti-status-quo politics ground. (no change) because it takes place one (versus a Clinton Administration). hike in December of that year. However, to poach the old aphorism his- These shifting political grounds are need arise for other policy options, growth in 2017 are close to the IMF s ring a change in US data, or financial could have more of a spillover effect the markets in the months ahead. tory does not repeat itself, but it often occurring while policy and policymakers appear near exhausted. Policy limited with current debt levels at re- the US at 1.8 percent, the Eurozone Fed should be raising rates 25 bps many of these developments will have needless to say fiscal options are very 3.4 percent (3.1 percent in 2016), with market turmoil before yearend, the into European politics. At any rate, rhymes, well, so does the economy. Away from the rhyming part, the rest makers and investors alike are beginning to realize that current policies, and reforms are made very difficult by and emerging markets at 4.6 percent. rate target). The September Fed s any significant changes to internationcord highs. Economic restructuring at 1.6 percent, Japan at 0.5 percent, on December 14 (the federal funds to be gauged as they unfold, including of the background is slowly changing; in new and uncharted ways and especially the monetary kind, have the contentious/dysfunctional politics The central banks are expected to dot-plots are finally in line with the al trade policy. in politics and in economics, now and perhaps reached their limit, and that of the day. do whatever is necessary to keep current market expectation for 2016 In the GCC, we continue to expect ahead. the options will be scant should any Thus, politics is bound to be as things going, In that environment of one interest rate hike. However, as moderate GDP growth in 2016 especially if oil prices continue to improve On politics, the Brexit vote in June major economy hit a big pothole. After zero, even negative interest rates ahead, and caution is warranted. And very gradually toward $60 pb in late than the market does for The important as economics in the period the price of oil is expected to recover usual, the Fed anticipates more action was not the immediate catastrophe that many had feared. The difficult in some cases, and the recent massive while most baseline forecasts argue 2017, as supply continues to outpace markets are looking for 2 hikes next from current levels. Governments part starts next year, when the UK begins exit negotiations in earnest. Only is still trying to find a window to norvironment in the next year or two, any much less control than in the past. more right than the Fed the past few QE programs, where are we? The Fed for a steady, albeit modest, growth en- demand, and with OPEC wielding year, and these have certainly been remain committed to infrastructure spending. Adjustments to budgets are then, will more clarity come about, malize its policy rates (and missing significant deviation on the lower side Besides the Italian referendum and years. still ongoing, but continue to be gradual, as policy makers are keen on sup- and markets will get a better feel of opportunities). The ECB is promising could have more market impact than the US presidential election this November, the Fed will dominate the will be more gradual and less dramatporting GDP growth. Non-oil GDP As to the US elections, any change how contentious the issue may get. further accommodation, but is taking its time in the hope that things the politics, and there are no guaran- agenda in Q4, at its December meetic than feared, especially if no party growth should post 3.5 percent for the usual because it would further charge Similar issues may be brewing elsewhere in Europe. Italy will hold an improve and perhaps in the face of tees that financial markets would be ing. Ever so cautious, the Fed has sweeps the elections, i.e. Congress region the period ahead, somewhat important constitutional referendum its own doubts(?). The BOJ remains as welcoming of further central bank kept postponing the expected Fed and the presidency. A Clinton win lower than our previous projection. in November that may well determine committed to pushing Japanese retail inflation from negative to 2.0 In this type of environment, so far hike. Between international develop- the least change prone, and therefore ing sovereign debt in order to finance accommodation as in the past. hike(s) for the year, now down to one with a Republican Congress would be All GCC countries have started issu- the future of the current government, as well as the ability of the country to percent, via new innovative moves: this year, interest rates have fallen ments (Brexit) and some soft data the most stable for the markets. A their deficits. Debt issuance is still reform. France will hold a presidential election in These events and targeting the 10-year interest rate at to negative levels. The dollar has been decided at its September meeting to nervousness initially, but there again and central banks are addressing the pumping up the monetary base, and dramatically in the EU and in Japan, out of the US (PMIs, sales), the Fed Trump presidency would create more pressuring liquidity but governments others are taking place with populism and anti-establishment sentiment on 0.0 percent, atop the previous aggressive QE measures already in place. in a range versus the Euro, and the Japanese Yen has risen to the BOJ s leave policy rates unchanged, though three FOMC members did dissent, even a Republican Congress would still act as a check. Under Trump, fis- issue adequately when needed, thanks to their ample reserves. Britain s economy losing steam as business investment wilts: surveys LONDON, Oct 10, (RTRS): Britain s economy appears to be losing steam, with major business surveys showing a marked slowdown in the services sector and boardrooms beset by doubt about the future following the country s vote to leave the European Union. The surveys released on Monday will heighten concerns about the longer-term prospects of the economy which has so far fared better than most economists expected since June s Brexit vote. That initial resilience has been driven mostly by consumers who largely took the referendum result in their stride, but the signs of weak investment intentions in the surveys suggest companies are much more nervous. Business investment and turnover confidence hit four-year lows, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said in a quarterly survey of 7,000 businesses, the largest of its kind. Separately, chief financial officers in major British firms reported only a partial rebound in business morale after a post-brexit vote nosedive, accountants Deloitte reported. Both surveys were conducted before the government alarmed employers and financial markets last week by outlining plans to force businesses to list the proportion of foreign staff and flush out firms not doing enough to hire British workers. After fierce criticism from business groups, the government denied it wanted to name and shame companies. The confusion compounded worries among investors about the degree of access British exporters will have to the EU. Fears about a so-called hard Brexit without free access helped pushed sterling to a fresh 31-year low against the dollar last week. The BCC survey suggested the weak pound has boosted exports for manufacturers. But it also pointed to a slowdown among services firms that form the backbone of Britain s economy. The slowdown in services is concerning because it obviously is the dominant sector in the UK economy, Adam Marshall, the BCC s acting director general, told Reuters. Investors have become increasingly doubtful that the Bank of England will cut interest rates again this year, given robust consumer spending and sterling s renewed plunge. But policymakers will regard the BCC and Deloitte surveys as consistent with their view that the economy will slow markedly. The BCC said its latest survey, conducted between Aug 22 and Sept 12, supported its forecast that the economy will grow by just 1 percent next year, half its recent average. Sales among services companies hit 4-year low Germany widens trade surplus in August BERLIN, Oct 10, (AFP): Booming exports pumped up Germany s trade surplus in August, as calls grow for Europe s largest economy to use the cash it brings in to nurture growth. Firms exported billion euros ($114.3 billion) of goods in August 2016 adjusting for seasonal and calendar effects, the federal statistics office Destatis said. That was an increase of 5.4 percent over July s figure, which had seen exports fall to their lowest level since January 2015 in the wake of Brexit. Meanwhile, Germany imported 80.1 billion euros of goods in August, A file photo taken on Sept 2, 2016 shows visitors testing Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones at a Samsung showroom in Seoul. Samsung Electronics has suspended production of its Galaxy Note7 smartphone, a report said Oct 10, a month after a recall prompted by battery explosions and a day after two major overseas distributors halted replacements. (AFP) Samsung woes deepen over Galaxy Note7 a slower increase of just 3.0 percent over the previous month s value leaving the trade surplus standing at 22.2 billion euros. In unadjusted terms, exports to EU countries outside the euro single currency saw the strongest growth, gaining 11.8 percent compared with August But sales of German goods to fellow members of the 19-nation eurozone also grew strongly, up 8.8 percent over the same month last year, while sales to the rest of the world increased 9.6 percent. German imports from the EU increased 5.2 percent and from the rest SEOUL, Oct 10, (AFP): Samsung Electronics took another hit Monday over its recalled Galaxy Note7 smartphone, acknowledging it was adjusting production of the device after major distributors stopped offering replacements because of continued safety concerns. The South Korean electronics giant has struggled since issuing a global recall in early September for 2.5 million of its flagship Galaxy Note7 phablet following complaints that the lithium-ion battery exploded. Reports have since emerged of replacement units also catching fire, prompting US telecommunications firm AT&T and German rival T-Mobile to announce Sunday a halt to recall exchanges pending further investigations. Their announcement prompted a steep dive in Samsung s share price, which fell more than four percent at one point in morning trade. It recovered later to close the day at 1.68 million won ($1,515)-- down 1.52 percent. The market was also reacting to a South Korean media report that Samsung had temporarily shut down Note7 production lines after discussions with consumer safety regulators from South Korea, the United States and China. We are in the process of adjusting production volumes, Samsung -- the world s largest maker of smartphones -- of the world 5.5 percent compared with August While the month of July was a month to forget for the entire industry and export sector, August has surprised to the upside, said analyst Carsten Brzeski at ING Diba bank. Data last week showed a surge in orders for German industrial firms in August, pointing to a potentially stronger third quarter than expected, he recalled. Brexit alone can t explain the ups and downs, Brzeski said, while warning that the weak pound sterling means the German export sector should already this year pay a price for the British referendum. said in a written response to the report. The company said the move was to enhance quality control and to enable thorough investigations following the recent cases of Galaxy Note7 explosions. Analysts have suggested that Samsung, battling ever-fiercer competition in the saturated smartphone market, may have rushed production of the Note7 with bitter rival Apple s recently released iphone 7 in mind. The top-of-the-line Note7 was crucial to Samsung s growth plans this year, with the company struggling to boost sales, squeezed by Apple in the high-end sector and Chinese rivals in the low-end market, as profit has stagnated. Deutsche woes spark fears RBS s worst-case legal bill could hit $27 billion LONDON, Oct 10, (RTRS): Royal Bank of Scotland may have to pay out as much as $27 billion, roughly the market value of the bank, in misconduct fines and lawsuits over the next few years, lawyers and analysts said. That bill represents the upper end of estimates to settle a range of claims related to RBS s alleged misconduct before and during the financial crisis, including mis-selling mortgage backed securities (MBS) in the United States. Investor concern over RBS s outstanding legal and compliance woes increased after news last month that the DOJ is seeking up to $14 billion from Deutsche Bank for its role in the mis-selling of MBS in the run up to the financial crisis. The concern is that it could be another Deutsche Bankstyle situation where the fines that come in are higher than the market expects, said Laith Khalaf, an analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, Britain s largest retail stockbroker. Litigation is a real Sword of Damocles hanging over the bank at the moment and until that is out of the way it is very difficult to see a reason to invest in RBS. An RBS spokeswoman declined to comment on the potential size of the legal bill. If RBS wins the court cases and the fines are at the lower end of analyst estimates, the total would be around $5.5 billion, most of which it has set aside to cover those damages. However, analysts say the bank could have to pay the US Department of Justice as much as 9 billion pounds ($11.19 billion) in the next few months. Even the lowest estimate of 2 billion pounds ($2.49 billion) would make it largest fine in the bank s history. In addition, analysts estimate RBS will have to pay between $3.5 to $5 billion to settle a similar case with the US Federal Housing Finance Agency, after it sold $32 billion of MBS before the financial crisis. A total settlement bill at the high end of estimates would eat into RBS s core capital levels, currently 14.5 percent. A JPMorgan analyst said last month that the bank will have to pay $9.8 billion in US fines and that every additional $1 billion will cut the bank s capital by 0.34 percentage points. Levels Although at a healthy level, the analysts are keeping a close eye on capital levels following a disappointing performance in stress tests ordered by the European Banking Authority earlier this year. The litigation, investigations and reviews section of RBS s half-year results published at the end of July ran to 20 pages, or 11,457 words, and outlined 38 separate issues the bank is dealing with. In the latest legal headache, RBS customers are seeking as much as 2 billion pounds in damages for mis-selling Enterprise Finance Guarantee loans designed to help small companies. The lawsuit comes after the bank admitted last year that it misled some small businesses in default or severe distress about the amount they had to repay on the government-backed loans. Some of the small business owners say they lost their businesses because of the way the bank behaved. The scheme was heavily mis-sold. That is not in dispute. However, victims should be able to claim damages for the losses they have suffered, said Indyren Yagambrun from M&M solicitors, who is bringing the case. Within the compensation scheme RBS has implemented, that wasn t included. All the scheme provided was a minimum redress, but crucially, it did not deal with the consequential losses. RBS still faces about 13 other civil litigation cases for alleged mis-selling of asset-backed securities, according to a source at the bank. The bank also faces a potential 6 billion pound bill for allegedly misleading shareholders before the bank s 2008 bailout in a trial to start next year. The bank also faces a separate legal case involving over 100 small businesses claiming about 1 billion pounds. They say the bank deliberately pushed firms on their books into bankruptcy to pick up their assets cheaply between 2008 and The BBC reported on Monday that an RBS executive had asked staff to search the books of existing RBS customers to see if any companies could be put into restructuring, or their interest rates bumped up, in what the executive called a dash for cash. The documents show that the bank gave higher bonuses to staff based on fees collected for restructuring business customers debts, the BBC said.

34 BUSINESS 34 Chinese yuan fix drops China s central bank set the yuan s central parity rate weaker than 6.7 to the dollar for the fi rst time in six years Monday, the fi rst day of trading after it joined the IMF s special drawing rights reserve currency basket. The currency has been declining for months in the face of a globally stronger dollar, slowing growth in the Chinese economy, and capital outfl ows from the world s second-largest economy. China s Communist authorities have repeatedly pledged to liberalise trading in the unit, also known as the renminbi, but still keep a tight rein on it, only allowing it to rise or fall two percent on either side of a daily fi x on the national foreign exchange market. (AFP) 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 October 10, % -0.35% -0.99% -6.58% -9.15% % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Kuwait Only AMIC October 10, % -0.21% -1.33% -7.27% -9.66% % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Active AMIC October 10, % -2.21% -0.67% -6.76% % % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Banking Sector AMIC October 10, % -0.37% 0.08% % % % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Investment Sector AMIC October 10, % -3.50% % % % % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Insurance Sector AMIC October 10, % -7.09% % % % % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Real Estate Sector AMIC October 10, % 0.23% -0.17% % -8.91% % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Industrial Sector AMIC October 10, % -1.43% -3.89% % % % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Services Sector AMIC October 10, % -0.42% -2.67% -1.20% -4.26% % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Food Sector AMIC October 10, % 2.32% 1.24% 23.96% 10.05% % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Islamic Sector AMIC October 10, % -0.63% 0.04% % % % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Non Kuwaiti Sector AMIC October 10, % -3.57% 7.96% 14.90% 5.46% -7.52% Kuwait Stock Exchange Index - Price KWSEIDX October 10, , , % -1.19% -1.54% -5.70% -7.57% % S&P 500 SPX October 9, , , % -0.67% 0.77% 4.38% 6.89% 12.99% DJ Islamic Index. DJIM October 9, , , % -0.71% 1.86% 4.87% 5.76% 6.57% China s govt unveils plan to cut corporate debt with stock swaps Economists warn move may hamper already slowing growth BEIJING, Oct 10, (AP): Chinese authorities unveiled plans Monday to let companies give equity in themselves to banks to pay down soaring debt levels that economists warn might hamper the country s already slowing growth. Companies that show good prospects will be allowed to negotiate swaps with lenders, the chairman of the Cabinet planning agency, the National Development and Reform Commission, said at a news conference. The official, Lian Weiliang, stressed the system was intended to use market forces to impose discipline and warned that participants who lose money will not be bailed out. Latest tie-up between China and Hollywood Alibaba buys stake in Spielberg fi rm This fi le photo taken shows Chairman of e-commerce giant Alibaba, Jack Ma (left), speaking during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO summit in Manila. Chinese internet billionaire Jack Ma has bought a stake in cinema legend Steven Spielberg s company, they said, the latest tie-up between China and Hollywood as they seek to make movies for audiences in the Middle Kingdom and beyond. (AFP) BEIJING, Oct 10, (AFP): Chinese internet billionaire Jack Ma has bought a stake in cinema legend Steven Spielberg s company, they said, the latest tie-up between China and Hollywood as they seek to make movies for audiences in the Middle Kingdom and beyond. Alibaba Pictures, a unit of Ma s sprawling e-commerce conglomerate, has taken a minority shareholding in Spielberg s Amblin Partners, a film creation company that includes Dream- Works studios. The deal will see the companies co-finance and co-produce movies for Chinese and international audiences, Alibaba said on its corporate website. The agreement marks an important milestone in the Chinese firm s strategy to reach domestic and global audiences, its chairman Shao Xiaofeng said in a statement. Alibaba Pictures will also have a seat on the board of Amblin. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. At a press conference in Beijing on Sunday, Spielberg who shot his 1987 movie Empire of the Sun in Shanghai said the partnership will allow him to bring more China to America and bring more America to China, according to the Alibaba statement. Alibaba chief Jack Ma said that while the US and China may have cultural differences, the partners will focus on human stories and serve as a bridge between the two countries. Beijing has ambitions to increase China s soft power and the deal is the latest in a wave of Chinese money flowing to Hollywood, with real estate developer turned media conglomerate Wanda buying Jurassic World creator Legendary Entertainment for $3.5 billion earlier this year. Last month Wanda which snapped up US movie theatre chain AMC in 2012 for $2.6 billion announced it would invest in movies produced by Sony Pictures, its China s total debt is unusually high for a developing country at the equivalent of about 250 percent of annual economic output. It surged after the 2008 global financial crisis as Beijing used infusions of credit to prop up economic growth. That has prompted warnings that economic growth might suffer if high interest payments leave companies with no money to invest and has raised concern about the impact of potential defaults on the state-owned banking system. The latest move comes as Chinese planners are in the midst of a marathon effort to make the state-dominated economy more productive by giving market forces a bigger role. Beijing has promised to force state-owned enterprises to compete, shut down zombie companies that are kept afloat by loans and restrain growth of debt. A handful of first deal with one of Hollywood s so-called Big Six studios. Wanda s Hollywood ambitions have raised eyebrows in the US, where 16 lawmakers last month wrote to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) suggesting that company chairman Wang Jianlin who has close ties to the Chinese government may be seeking to censor topics and exert propaganda controls on American media. insolvent companies have been allowed to default on bonds. Only high-quality enterprises with temporary difficulties and those in growth-oriented emerging industries will be allowed to negotiate debt swaps, Lian said. He said zombie companies and those deemed to have no likelihood of survival would be barred. Conversion Market-oriented debt conversion is by no means a free lunch, Lian said. The relevant market players will make their own decisions, take their own risks and enjoy the benefits. The government takes no responsibility for bailing out losses. Lian gave no details of how the process will work, how much debt is expected to be cleared away or how much banks might lose. Economic growth has declined over the past five years as Communist leaders try to steer China to a self-sustaining expansion based on domestic consumption and reduce reliance on debt-fueled investment and trade. Growth held steady at 6.7 percent over a year earlier in the quarter that ended in June, but that was the lowest rate since the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The International Monetary Fund called in August for urgent action on debt. It said total debt for nonfinancial companies soared to the equivalent of 120 percent of gross domestic product from 97 percent in 2011 even as economic growth slowed. Vulnerabilities are still rising on a dangerous trajectory, James Daniel, the IMF director for China, said Aug. 12. The medium-term outlook is clouded by factors including high and rising corporate debt. Total nonperforming loans at Chinese banks, or loans on which borrowers have made no payments in 90 days, have risen above 2 trillion yuan ($300 billion), according to the banking regulator. As China s economy slows, migrant workers head home BEIJING, Oct 10, (RTRS): Every summer in Bianqiang village in northwestern China, locals gather for three nights of Chinese opera. There are children s rides, popcorn and spit-roasted chickens. Grandparents watch over their grandchildren. This summer s event was different though because more young parents were present. In previous years they had left their children in the care of grandparents while they found work in nearby cities and towns. But as China s economy slows, jobs for migrant workers are drying up and they are heading back home. China s official unemployment rate has been around 4 percent for years, despite the rapid slowdown in the economy from double-digit growth to quarter-century lows last year of less than 7 percent. But the real level of unemployment or underemployment is masked by the fact that the official data does not include China s 277 million migrant workers, such as Zhang Sihu and his wife from Bianqiang in Yulin, a region rich in coal, oil and natural gas in northwestern Shaanxi province. At the height of China s real estate boom in Yulin a few years ago, they made 10,000 yuan a month, running a canteen for construction workers. That was double the average migrant wage, but the boom is now over. It became too difficult to turn a profit last year, so I closed the canteen and went to find work as a cook, said Zhang, who left Bianqiang village 14 years ago. But it was difficult finding work, no one was hiring, and when I did find a job, I was let go after a few months. Business wasn t good so the boss is now running the restaurant himself. Zhang and his wife have now returned to their home village and are back on the family farm with their children and parents, raising 200 head of cattle. Problem It s a big problem because migrant workers can t find jobs in the city, but if they stay in their hometowns, their income is very low, a government official at Yulin s bureau of commerce said. Business surveys, which economists say may be the best monthly measure of the broader labour market, have shown renewed job shedding in both manufacturing and services. Migrant workers are a very elastic part of the labour pool that aren t captured anywhere (in official statistics), said Julia Wang, an economist with HSBC in Hong Kong. If you look at what s happened to the migrant worker pool over the past two years, the trend of people going to cities has slowed significantly. Government data shows the number of migrant workers rose 0.4 percent in 2015, the weakest increase since the global financial crisis in Migrants searching for jobs outside of their home province fell in 2015 for the first time in six years. It is not only migrant workers losing out. Employees of stateowned enterprises (SOE) and other larger firms are also being hit by stagnant or lower wages, underemployment and less job security. Reuters reported in March that China was aiming to layoff 5-6 million state workers in the next two to three years. Wang Mei said she and her husband were working for Petro- China, China s biggest oil-and-gas producer, in Inner Mongolia, but moved home to Suide county in Yulin, after their salaries were slashed. The economy isn t doing well, our child is here in Suide, this is where we grew up, so we decided to move back, she said, adding she worked in maintenance and her husband worked in IT at PetroChina. I think it was difficult for my husband to decide to quit his job. It s more stable working at a state-owned enterprise but his salary dropped from over 4,000 yuan per month to 2,000 yuan, so he finally decided to quit. 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 NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 KD Sept 27, 2016 Watani KD Money Market Fund II NBK Capital Weekly Oct 4, 2016 KD Sept 27, 2016 Watani KD Money Market Fund (Islamic) NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 KD Sept 27, 2016 Watani Foreign Currency Money Mkt Fund NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 USD Sept 27, 2016 Watani Foreign Currency Money Mkt Fund (Euro) NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 Euro Sept 27, 2016 Watani USD Money Market Fund (Acc to Islamic Shariah principles) NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 USD Sept 27, 2016 Watani USD Money Market Fund (Acc to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 USD Sept 27, 2016 Watani USD Money Market Fund NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 USD Sept 27, 2016 Watani KD Money Market Fund (Acc to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 KD Sept 27, 2016 Equity Funds NBK Gulf Equity Fund NBK Capital Weekly Sept 29, 2016 USD Sept 8, 2016 NBK Kuwait Equity Fund NBK Capital Weekly Sept 29, 2016 KD Sept 8, 2016 NBK Qatar Equity Fund NBK Capital Weekly Sept 29, 2016 USD Sept 8, 2016 Gulf Equity Investment Fund NBK Capital Weekly April 7, 2016 USD Ijara Fund Thahabi Ijara Fund VI Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly April 30, 2016 USD Feb 29, 2016 Thahabi Ijara Fund VII Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly April 30, 2016 USD Feb 29, 2016 Islamic KD Ijara Fund II Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly May 31, 2016 KD March 31, 2016 Islamic KD Ijara Fund III Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly May 31, 2016 KD Feb 29, 2016 Islamic KD Ijara Fund IV Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly May 31, 2016 KD March 31, 2016 Islamic KD Ijara Fund V Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly May 31, 2016 USD March 31, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund I Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly June 30, 2016 USD April 30, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund II Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly June 30, 2016 USD April 30, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund III Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly July 31, 2016 USD May 31, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund IV Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly June 30, 2016 USD May 31, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund V Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly July 31, 2016 USD May 31, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund VI Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly July 31, 2016 USD May 31, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund I Ltd Wafra Capital Partners L.P. Cayman Islands Monthly June 30, 2016 USD May 31, 2016 Multi Asset Funds Thahabi Multi Asset Fund Con Portfolio Frontier Capital Management (Jersey) Ltd Monthly June 30, 2016 USD April 30, 2016 Thahabi Multi Asset Fund Mo Portfolio Frontier Capital Management (Jersey) Ltd Monthly June 30, 2016 USD April 30, 2016 Gulf Bank Al Basha er GCC Equity Fund Kwt. Fin. & Inv. Co. & Gulf Fin. House Monthly Aug 31, 2016 USD July 31, 2016 Coast Fund Coast Investment & Dev. Co. Monthly Aug 31, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 Sanaya Dow Jones Kuwait Index Fund Industrial & Financial Investment Co. Weekly Aug 25, 2016 KD July 28, 2016 Markaz Capital Preservation Program 1 Monthly Aug 31, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 Markaz Capital Preservation Program 2 Monthly Aug 31, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 Markaz Gulf Real Estate Fund Monthly July 31, 2016 KD June 30, 2016 Al Ahli Bank Al Ahli Gulf Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly June 30, 2016 KD May 31, 2016 Al Ahli Kuwaiti Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly June 30, 2016 KD May 31, 2016 Burgan Bank Burgan Equity Fund Burgan Bank Monthly Aug 28, 2016 KD July 24, 2016 Boubyan Bank Boubyan KD Money Market Fund Boubyan Bank Weekly Aug 23, 2016 KD May 31, 2016 Boubyan KD Money Market Fund II Boubyan Bank Weekly Aug 23, 2016 KD Boubyan Capital Investment Co. Boubyan USD Liquidity Fund Boubyan Capital Investment Co Aug 23, 2016 USD May 31, 2016 Boubyan Kuwait Real Estate Fund Boubyan Capital Investment Co Dec 31, 2016 KD Sept 30, 2015 Kuwait Investment Co. Local Fund Al Raed Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Oct 6, 2016 KD Sept 30, 2016 Kuwait Investment Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Sept 30, 2016 KD Aug 31, 2016 Al Hilal Fund Kuwait Investment Co Monthly Oct 3, 2016 KD Sept 30, 2016 Al Atheer Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Sept 30, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 International Global Bond Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Oct 5, 2016 USD Sept 28, 2016 Diversified Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Oct 5, 2016 USD Sept 28, 2016 European Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Sept 30, 2016 Euro Aug 31, 2016 Pacific Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Oct 5, 2016 USD Sept 28, 2016 North American Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Tw. Monthly Sept 5, 2016 USD Aug 31, 2016 National Investment Co. (NIC) Al-Wataniya Fund NIC Monthly Aug 31, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 Al-Darij Fund NIC Monthly Aug 31, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 Mawarid Fund NIC Monthly Aug 31, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 Zajil Fund NIC Monthly Aug 31, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 Al Mada Investment Fund NIC Weekly Aug 31, 2016 USD July 31, 2016 Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) Mumtaz Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Sept 22, 2016 KD Sept 15, 2016 MIDAF Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Sept 22, 2016 KD Aug 31, 2016 Islamic Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Sept 22, 2016 KD Sept 15, 2016 Funds Fund Manager Valuation Valued date Currency Net Asset Prev NAV Prev NAV Dated Value (NAV) Markaz Arabian Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Sept 22, 2016 KD Sept 15, 2016 FORSA Financial Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly Aug 31, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 Real Estate Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly Aug 31, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 Markaz Fixed Income Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly Sept 22, 2016 USD Sept 15, 2016 Mawazeen International Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Sept 22, 2016 USD Sept 18, 2016 Markaz MENA Islamic Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Sept 15, 2016 USD July 31, 2016 Kuwait & Middle East Financial & Inv. Co. Al Rou yah Fund KMEFIC Monthly Sept 30, 2016 KD Aug 31, 2016 Gulf Gate Fund KMEFIC Monthly Sept 30, 2016 KD Aug 31, 2016 Global Investment House Index Funds GCC Large Cap Index Fund Global Weekly Sept 29, 2016 KD Sept 22, 2016 Equity Funds Al-Mamoun Fund A Global Weekly Sept 29, 2016 KD Sept 22, 2016 Al-Mamoun Fund B Global Weekly Sept 29, 2016 KD Sept 22, 2016 GCC Large Cap Fund Global Bi-weekly Sept 27, 2016 USD Sept 20, 2016 Al-Noor Fund Global Bi-weekly Sept 27, 2016 SAR Sept 20, 2016 Global Saudi Equity Fund Global Bi-weekly Sept 27, 2016 SAR Sept 20, 2016 Money Market Funds Global KD Money Market Fund Global Weekly March 31, 2016 KD Feb 29, 2016 Sectoral Funds EPADI Fund Global Weekly Sept 27, 2016 USD Sept 20, 2016 Islamic Funds Global GCC Islamic Fund Global Weekly Sept 27, 2016 USD Aug 2, 2016 Al-Durra Islamic Fund Global Monthly Sept 29, 2016 KD Sept 22, 2016 Kuwait Finance & Investment Co (KFIC) Al Wasm Fund KFIC Weekly Oct 5, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 Al Basha er GCC Equity Fund KFIC Monthly Sept 30, 2016 USD July 31, 2016 KAMCO KAMCO Investment Fund KAMCO Monthly Feb 29, 2016 KD Dec 31, 2015 KAMCO GCC Opportunities Fund KAMCO Monthly Feb 29, 2016 USD Dec 31, 2015 KAMCO MENA Plus Fixed Income Fund KAMCO Feb 29, 2016 USD Dec 31, 2015 KAMCO Real Estate Yield Fund KAMCO June 30, 2016 USD Dec 31, 2015 Wafra International Investment Co. Wafra Equity Fund Wafra Co. Monthly Sept 30, 2016 KD Aug 31, 2016 Wafra Bond Fund Wafra Co. Monthly Sept 30, 2016 KD Aug 31, 2016 Masaref Investment Fund ISKAN Weekly Sept 30, 2016 KD Aug 31, 2016 Fajir Islamic Fund Wafra Co. Monthly Sept 30, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 Shuaa Capital Co. Emirates Gateway Fund Shuaa Capital Weekly Oct 4, 2016 AED Sept 15, 2016 The Arab Gateway Fund Shuaa Capital Weekly Oct 4, 2016 USD Sept 15, 2016 Al Aman Investment Al Aman Islamic Fund Al Aman Investment Weekly July 31, 2016 KD June 30, 2016 Tharwa Investment Co. Tharwa Investment Fund Tharwa Investment Co Weekly Sept 20, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 Tharwa Arab Investment Fund Tharwa Investment Co Bi-weekly July 31, 2016 USD June 30, 2016 Tharwa World Fund Tharwa Investment Co Monthly March 31, 2016 USD March 15, 2016 Tharwa Islamic Fund Tharwa Investment Co Monthly Sept 22, 2016 KD July 31, 2016 Bank Al-Bilad Al Seef Fund Bank Al-Bilad Daily Sept 18, 2016 KD Sept 6, 2016 Commercial International Bank CIB Money Market Fund (Osoul) CI Asset Management Weekly Oct 4, 2016 EGP Sept 29, 2016 CIB II Equity (Isthethmar) CI Asset Management Weekly Oct 4, 2016 EGP Sept 29, 2016 CIB and Faisal Islamic Al Aman CI Asset Management Weekly Oct 4, 2016 EGP Sept 29, 2016 Hemaya CI Asset Management Weekly Oct 3, 2016 EGP Sept 1, 2016 Thabat CI Asset Management Weekly Oct 4, 2016 EGP Sept 29, 2016 Takamol CI Asset Management Weekly Oct 4, 2016 EGP Sept 29, 2016 Misr El Mostakbei CI Asset Management Weekly Oct 3, 2016 EGP Sept 27, 2016 Noor Financial Investment Co. Noor Islamic Fund Noor Financial Investment Co Monthly Feb 29, 2016 KD Dec 31, 2015 Al Zumorroda Investment Co. Zumorroda GCC Fund Al Zumorroda Investment Co Monthly Jan 31, 2016 KD Dec 31, 2015 KFH Capital Investment Co. Muthanna Islamic Index Fund (MUDX) KFH Capital Investment Company Daily Sept 30, 2016 KD Aug 31, 2016 Muthanna GCC Islamic Banks Fund KFH Capital Investment Company Daily Sept 30, 2016 KD Aug 31, 2016 Baitak GCC Fund KFH Capital Investment Company Weekly Sept 30, 2016 KD Aug 31, 2016 CapCorp Investment Co. CapCorp Local Fund CapCorp Investment Company Weekly July 31, 2016 KD April 7, 2016

35 BUSINESS 35 Masraf Al Rayan, Doha Bank to launch ETFs Qatari banks Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank plan to launch the Gulf state s first exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the end of 2016, a move that should boost capital flows into the local stock market, a bourse official said. The launch of ETFs portfolios of stocks that track an index could boost a market that has been pressured in recent months by low natural gas prices and limited liquidity. We expect both (ETFs) to launch by the end of the year, a Qatar Exchange official told Reuters, declining to be named as he was not authorised to talk publicly. He did not give further details. Spokespeople for Doha Bank and Masraf Al Rayan confirmed that ETFs were being pursued but declined to comment on any specific timeframe. Since they involve low management costs and trade on exchanges, ETFs can give foreign investors a cheap, convenient route into emerging markets. ETFs are now a $4 trillion asset class globally, so global investors understand them well. As with any new product, local investors will rightly take their time to gain comfort and understand the advantages and uses, said Akber Khan, director of Asset Management at Qatar s Al Rayan Investment. (RTRS) Kuwait dips pts amid volatile trading Zain falls 5 fils; NBK fl at By John Mathews Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: Kuwait stocks headed south on Monday extending the losses to fifth consecutive session. The price index dropped pts in volatile trade with a broadly mixed board. The heavyweights were mostly muted even as investors look for fresh cues to buoy the sentiment. The KSX 15 gauge dipped 3.37 pts to points taking the month s losses to 10 points while weighted index edged points lower. The volume turnover meanwhile saw modest rebound after plumbing a one-month low on Sunday million shares changed hands a percent jump from the day before. The sectors closed mostly in the red turf. Parallel market outshone the rest with 0.50 pct gain whereas consumer goods slid 0.96 percent, the biggest loser of the day. In terms of volume, banks accounted for the highest market share of pct and financial services stood close behind with percent contribution. Among the day s movers, KIPCO slipped 10 fils to 520 fils whereas Burgan Bank added 5 fils before settling at 325 fils. Kuwait Food Co (Americana) saw a 20 fils pullback erasing the gains in the last session. Zain fell 5 fils to 335 fils after trading 1.5 million shares while (Wataniya Telecom) Ooredoo held ground at KD with thin volume. Kuwait Telecommunications Co (VIVA) was unchanged at KD and Agility too did not budge from its earlier close of 470 fils. Sector bellwether National Bank of Kuwait was flat at 580 fils off early highs after trading 5.8 million shares and Commercial Bank of Kuwait followed suit. The bank has registered a net profit of KD million and earnings per share of 7.7 fils in the January- June period. The market opened firm but fell sharply in early trade. The main index continued to head south amid selling in select counters and troughed at 5, pts well past the mid-session. It however clawed back some of the losses at close. Top gainer of the day, Commercial Facilities Co vaulted 6.25 pct to 170 fils and Ras Al Khaimah White Cement Co climbed 6.1 percent to stand next. AWJ Holding slumped 8.77 percent, the steepest decliner of the day and National Bank of Kuwait topped the volume with 5.8 million shares. Reflecting the day s drop, the market spread was skewed towards the losers. 19 stocks advanced whereas 48 closed lower. Of the 110 counters active on Monday, 43 closed flat. 1,293 deals worth KD 9.6 million were transacted a 35.5 pct surge in value from the day before. National Industries Group took in 2 fils before closing at 108 fils while Gulf Cable paused at 370 fils. Kuwait Portland Cement Co dropped 10 fils to KD and Boubyan Petrochemical Co followed suit to wind up at 470 fils. Heavy Industries Engineering and Shipbuilding Co gave up 4 fils to close at 150 fils. ALAFCO dialed up 2 fils to close at 214 fils and Jazeera Airways Co stood pat at KD The airline has clocked a net profit of KD 5.99 million and earnings per share of fils in the January-June period. Gained Equipment Holding Co inched 0.5 fil into red whereas Combined Group Contracting Co gained 10 fils. The company has registered a net profit of KD 219,574 and earnings per share of 1.63 fils in the first six months of Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport Co eased 0.5 fil to 46.5 fils and KGL Logistics followed suit. NICBM and Al Qurain Petrochemical Co were unchanged at 194 fils and 194 fils respectively whereas Mushrif Trading and Contracting Co clipped 2 fils. Mezzan Holding Co shed 10 fils and Zima Holding Co dialed up 1 fil. The company has posted a net profit of KD 33,489 and earnings per share of 0.33 fils in the first half of 2016 as against a net loss of KD 118,457 and losses per share of 1.18 fils in the same period last year. In the banking sector, Gulf Bank fell 2 fils to KD 226 and Al Ahli Bank was down 5 fils at 305 fils. Kuwait International Bank eased 2 fils whereas Ahli United Bank was not traded during the session. Kuwait Finance House stagnated at KD after trading 3.9 million shares and Burgan Bank was up 5 fils at 325 fils. Boubyan Bank stood pat at 380 fils and Warba Bank stalled at 164 fils. Commercial Facilities Co climbed 10 fils to 170 fils and Kuwait Investment Co held steady at 84 fils. National Investment Co gave up 2 fils and Securities House Co was down by same measure. Securities Group Co stood pat at 85 fils. KMEFIC and Arzan Investment Co stagnated at 23.5 fils and 30 fils respectively whereas KFIC dialed up 2 fils. Al Mal Investment Co and Gulf Investment House clipped 1 fil each to end at 22.5 fils and 24 fils respectively. Bayan Investment Co and Osoul Investment Co were flat at 305 fils and 42.5 fils respectively while Sokouk Holding inched 0.5 fil into red. Al Deera Holding paused at 36 fils and Noor Financial Investment Co gave up 0.5 fil. Kuwait Real Estate Co slipped 6 fils to 184 fils and Mabanee Holding was down 10 fils to 800 fils. Mazaya Holding stood pat at 108 fils. The market has been negative so far during the week and has shed 26 points in the last two sessions. It has slid 104 pts so far during the month and has shed 5.7 pct year-to-date. KSE, with 198 listed companies, is the second largest bourse in the region. In the bourse related news, Hilal Cement Company has posted a net profit of KD mln and earnings per share of 0.2 fils in the sixmonths period ending June 6, 2016 rebounding from a net loss of KD 95,105 and loss per share of 1.1 fils in the same period last year. Metal and Recycling Co clocked a net profit of KD 118,386 and earnings per share of 1.58 fils in the six-month period ending June 31,2016 rebounding from net loss of KD 185,711 and losses per share of 2.48 fils in same period last year. Gulf Glass Manufacturing Company has registered a net profit of KD 941,711 and earnings per share of fils in the six-month period ending June 30 as against a net profit of KD 1.39 million and earnings per share of fils in the same period last year. Asiya Capital Investments Company has clocked a net loss of KD 5.46 million and loss per share of 7.03 fils in the January-June period sliding from a net profit of KD 1.77 million and earnings per share of 2.29 fils in the same period last year. Salhia Real Estate Company won the approval of Capital Markets Authority to buy back or sell a maximum of 10 percent of its shares for 6 months from date of the approval. Mideast Stocks Egypt retreats after four-day gains Banks lead Saudi bourse rebound DUBAI, Oct 10, (RTRS): Saudi Arabia s stock market rebounded on the back of banking shares on Monday while other major Gulf bourses were firm, with builder Drake & Scull leaping in Dubai after it replaced its chief executive. The Saudi stock index, which had tumbled 2.2 percent on Sunday as banks dropped because of concern about the impact of government austerity policies on their balance sheets, closed Monday 1.2 percent higher in moderate trading volume. The banking index, which had plunged 4.5 percent on the previous day, bounced back 1.9 percent. Qassim Cement dropped 1.5 percent after reporting a 29 percent year-on-year drop in third-quarter net profit, citing lower demand for cement as well as cost increases due to cuts in state subsidies for electricity and fuel. But Saudi Arabia Fertilizers Co rose 1.2 percent after it and Saudi Basic Industries said they had hired investment banks to advise on the potential sale of a stake in the Ibn Al-Baytar fertiliser company, a joint venture between them. SABIC fell 0.3 percent. Dubai s index rose 0.3 percent as Drake & Scull, the most heavily traded stock, surged 7.0 percent after saying it had appointed chief operating officer Wael Allan as its new chief executive, replacing Khaldoun Tabari, a major shareholder. Drake & Scull s chief financial officer, Kailash Sadangi, told Reuters in August that the company had asked advisers for proposals to review its business and find strategic investors. The change at the top of the company could clear the way for new investment and fresh action to stem its losses. Abu Dhabi s index gained 0.6 percent as First Gulf Bank rose 2.2 percent, while strength in Industries Qatar and telecommunications firm Ooredoo helped Qatar s index climb 0.5 percent. Egypt, which had risen strongly for four straight days on signs the country is nearing the completion of its $12 billion loan deal with the International Monetary Fund, fell back 0.9 percent. In a sign that Saudi Arabia may be becoming less willing to support Egypt financially as its own finances are weakened by low oil prices, an Egyptian official told Reuters that the Saudis had informed the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation, Egypt s state oil company, in early October that it would halt the supply of refined oil products to Egypt. Investment firm Qalaa Holdings, which had plunged 8.3 percent on Sunday after reporting a sharply wider quarterly net loss, was the most heavily traded stock on Monday and lost a further 7.6 percent. Global Telecom pulled back 4.1 percent. Saudi Arabia The index climbed 1.2 percent to 5,574 points. Dubai The index rose 0.3 percent to 3,359 points. Abu Dhabi The index gained 0.6 percent to 4,387 points. Qatar The index climbed 0.5 percent to 10,405 points. Egypt The index dropped 0.9 percent to 8,364 points. Kuwait The index fell 0.3 percent to 5,295 points. Oman The index edged down 0.1 percent to 5,687 points. Bahrain The index edged down 0.1 percent to 1,130 points.

36 BUSINESS 36 Noble Group sells US business for $1.05 bln China hits two more vehicle makers the Beleaguered Asian commodities trader Noble Group said Monday it has agreed to sell its North American energy business to US power generator Calpine Corp for a total $1.05 billion. The Singapore-listed fi rm said the sale brings it closer to completing an initiative to raise $2.0 billion in capital as it strengthens its fi nances to turn the company around. The Hong Kong-based company, which has strong links to China, is trying to restore investor confidence after a plunge in commodities prices last year hammered shares and led to a credit ratings downgrade. It had also faced allegations by little-known Iceberg Research of irregular accounting practices. In a statement to the Singapore Exchange on Monday, bottomline Noble Group said it sold its Noble Americas Energy Solutions (NAES) subsidiary to Calpine for $800 million, plus $248 million as repayment for the US unit s working capital. The sale of NAES substantially completes the $2.0 billion capital-raising initiative that we announced in June, the fi rm s co-chief executives Jeff Frase and Will Randall said in a statement. (AFP) China has punished two new energy vehicle makers for producing and selling vehicles with batteries that had lower power capacity than advertised, state media said on Monday, the latest move in a widening scandal involving green car subsidies. The government has accused more than 25 car makers, including Nissan and Hyundai, of breaking rules on green car subsidies in recent month, casting a pall over China s drive to support the industry and combat heavy pollution which affects large swathes of the country. China spent $4.5 billion last year in subsidies for such vehicles, although it is set to gradually phase out the payments by The plan has helped sales of electric and plug-in hybrids more than quadruple last year to 331,000 vehicles. The fi nance ministry cut 2016 subsidies qualifications for Lifan Group and Chongqing Hengtong Bus Company for the use of the sub par batteries, which involved 320 million yuan ($47.7 million) in subsidies, the official Xinhua news agency said. A Lifan exchange fi ling said problems were found in 2,395 Lifan vehicles, amounting to subsidies of 114 million yuan. (RTRS) Global equities grind higher SAN FRANCISCO: Apple Inc s stock on Monday jumped 2.2 percent, reaching a high not seen since December, after rival Samsung Electronics Co Ltd suspended production of its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphones following reports of fires in replacement devices. Fires in the smartphones that were meant to replace devices that had been recalled because of their propensity to explode could be a disaster for Samsung and a potential boon to Apple. Apple s stock was up 2.2 percent at $ in afternoon trading and was the largest contributor to gains on the S&P 500. Earlier, Samsung s stock dipped 1.5 percent.. (RTRS) NEW YORK: A&T will stop giving consumers replacement Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones because of reports that some of the replacement phones are catching fire, just as the original phones did before they were recalled last month. We re no longer exchanging new Note 7s at this time, pending further investigation of these reported incidents, A&T said. AT&T, a major phone retailer, encouraged customers with Note 7 phones to exchange them for other products. Samsung did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Samsung announced a global recall of the phone in mid-september after incidents in which the batteries overheated or caught fire. It said its replacements were safe, but several people have said those phones caught fire. Last week, a Southwest Airlines flight was evacuated because of a phone that was smoking and making popping noises after it was turned off. (AP) LONDON: Private equity firm Habour- Vest offered to buy smaller rival SVG Capital s investment portfolio, providing an alternative to its $1.35 billion cash offer for the company, as it looks to trump an already accepted offer from Goldman Sachs and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. Boston-based HarbourVest said it was willing to pay at least million ($973.8 million) for SVG Capital s investment portfolio. SVG declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. HarbourVest said on Monday that its offer would allow SVG Capital to return over 700 pence per share to shareholders. (RTRS) LONDON: Gold miner SolGold Plc said on Monday that global miner BHP Billiton Plc s offer to buy a stake in the company to gain exposure to its Cascabel project in Equador was not in its best interest. BHP Billiton on Saturday offered $30 million for a 10 percent stake in SolGold. The offer also includes an additional $275 million proposal, linked with acquiring a 70 percent stake in the unit managing the Cascabel project, SolGold said. SolGold, which owns a 80 percent stake in the Equador project, said the BHP offer was not in its best interest, as it preferred a $33 million financing proposal from investment fund Maxit Capital and gold mine operator Newcrest International. (RTRS) LONDON: British support services and construction firm Interserve Plc said it had decided to retain equipment services unit RMDK as a core part of its business, following the conclusion of a strategic review that started in February. Interserve said the international business RMDK provided an important element of diversification for the group, which otherwise had a predominantly UK-based earnings profile and has been facing near-term uncertainty in some end markets. Interserve said it would incur non-recurring charges of about 17 million ($21 million) to carry out strategic changes at RMDK, which would include restructuring operations in a number of smaller, less attractive markets. (RTRS) LONDON: British betting firm William Hill announced Monday that it was in merger talks with Canada s Amaya, which is the world s largest online gaming company. The boards of William Hill plc and Amaya Inc. note the recent press speculation and confirm that they are in discussions regarding a potential all share merger of equals, the pair said in a statement posted on the London Stock Exchange. The potential merger would be consistent with the strategic objectives of both William Hill and Amaya and would create a clear international leader across online sports betting, poker and casino, they added. (AFP) MADRID: Telefonica said Monday it had issued bonds worth two billion euros ($2.2 billion), less than two weeks after the debt-burdened Spanish telecoms giant cancelled the listing of its subsidiary Telxius over weak investor demand. In a statement, the group said some of the bonds worth a total of 1.25 billion euros would mature in 2020, and the rest in Felipe Lopez-Galvez, an analyst at Spain s Self Bank, said the debt issuance would compensate the lack of cash coming in after the failed listing of Telxius, a subsidiary that manages Telefonica s infrastructure assets. (AFP) LONDON: Randgold Resources said Monday the government of Mali had closed its offices in the capital Bamako over a $85.5 million tax claim that the South African gold producer is contesting. In a statement, Randgold Resources said it was disappointed at Bamako s move but insisted that the closure does not affect the operations of our three mines in Mali. Randgold had earlier put the amount of the disputed tax claim at $230 million. The London- and New York-quoted firm added it had been professionally advised that a large proportion of the tax claims received from the state of Mali in respect of its operations in that country are without merit or foundation. (AFP) NEW DELHI: Diversified miner Vedanta Resources Plc said it expects production at its Indian zinc unit to be significantly higher in the second half of the financial year ending March 31, 2017 compared with the first half. Zinc India s mined metal production was 318,000 tonnes in the first half ended Sept. 30, 2016, down about 33 percent on year due to lower production from the Rampura Agucha mine in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, Vedanta said. The company s shares rose as much as 2.5 percent, before paring gains to trade up about 1.1 percent at 0716 GMT on the London Stock Exchange. (RTRS) buoyed by oil prices, Apple Dollar ticks up against yen; gold recovers NEW YORK, OCT 10, (Agencies): US stocks are rising Monday as energy companies rise in tandem with the price of oil, which is trading at a three-month high. Apple is climbing after new reports of fires affecting Samsung s Galaxy Note 7 phone, which competes with Apple s iphone. That s sending technology stocks higher. The Dow Jones industrial average jumped 97 points, or 0.5 percent, to 18,337 as of 12:40 p.m. Eastern time. The index rose as much as 159 points earlier. The Standard & Poor s 500 index rose 11 points, or 0.5 percent, to 2,164. The Nasdaq composite added 41 points, or 0.8 percent, to 5,333. Benchmark US crude rose $1.33, or 2.7 percent, to $51.14 a barrel in New York while Brent crude, used to price international oils, gained $1.13, or 2.2 percent, to $53.06 a barrel in London. Exxon Mobil climbed $1.56, or 1.8 percent, to $88.30 and Murphy Oil added 64 cents, or 2.2 percent, to $ Drugmaker Mylan gained $3.11, or 8.7 percent, to $ On Friday the company agreed to pay $465 million to settle allegations it overcharged the Medicaid program for its EpiPen allergy shot. Legislators and federal health authorities had said Mylan wrongly classified EpiPen as a generic drug instead of a brand-name one, which meant Mylan paid lower rebates to federal and state Medicaid programs. The stock is down 20 percent since late August. Bristol-Myers Squibb lost $5.55, or 10 percent, to $49.89 after the company reported new data from a study of its drug Opdivo in lung cancer patients. Rival Merck rose $1.13, or 1.8 percent, to $63.91 as investors were pleased with the outcome of a study of its cancer treatment Keytruda. Bristol- Myers stock has dropped 34 percent since the company announced initial results from that trial in early August while Merck has gained 10 percent. Social media network Twitter continued to fall as investors grew less optimistic that the company will be sold. Twitter sank $2.67, or 13.5 percent, to $ It fell 20 percent Thursday on reports that possible buyers including Apple and Alphabet had decided not to make offers. Salesforce.com, which investors believe is a possible buyer, rose $4.25, or 6 percent, to $ Apple climbed $2.24, or 2 percent, to $ as investors hope it will be able to sell more iphones as competitor Samsung faced new problems with its Galaxy Note 7. Samsung said it has changed its production of the phones following reports that some of its replacement phones are overheating and catching fire, just as the original version of the phone did before Samsung recalled it last month. Samsung did not confirm or deny a report from a Korean news agency that it suspended production of the Note 7 phone. Germany s DAX rose 1.3 percent and the CAC-40 in France was 1.1 percent higher. The FTSE 100 in London rose 0.8 percent. The Kospi in South Korea rose 0.1 percent. Japan s markets were closed for a holiday. The dollar rose to yen from yen Friday. The euro fell to $ from $1.1182, and the British pound fell to $ from $ Bond trading was closed for the Columbus Day holiday. Europe London s FTSE 100 gained 0.8 percent as traders digested last week s market volatility that saw the pound sink to a 31-year low against the dollar over Brexit concerns. A weak currency typically lifts the earnings of exporters. Frankfurt rose 1.3 percent followed by Paris with a 1.1-percent increase, gaining momentum from a firmer Wall Street where petroleum-linked shares advanced. Brent North Sea crude rose to $53.45 a barrel, its highest price in a year, after President Vladimir Putin indicated Russia was ready to join measures to limit global oil production. West Texas Intermediate also rose, hitting its highest level since June. A jump in crude prices helped lift US stocks in early trading after another fascinating presidential debate left markets favourite Hillary Clinton with a firm lead in the polls, analyst Jasper Lawler, of CMC Markets, said in an investors note. A win by Donald Trump, Clinton s White House rival in November s elections would initially be negative for sentiment in global financial markets, Capital Economics Julian Jessop said. The uncertainty caused by a Trump win would reduce the chances that US interest rates are raised by the end of the year, he said in a note to clients. It would also likely see the dollar weaken against traditional safe havens such as the Japanese yen, he added. In US trading, Apple rose as rival Samsung Electronics acknowledged it was adjusting production of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone due to reports that replacement units for devices with exploding lithium-ion batteries were also catching fire. Oanda analyst Craig Erlam said investors focus was still largely on last week s so-called flash crash of the pound in Asia, in Monday s light trading volumes due to public holidays in some markets and ahead of the start of US corporate results season. Britain s finance minister Philip Hammond has downplayed the currency s plunge, blaming technical factors, but Bank of England Governor Mark Carney asked the Bank for International Settlements to investigate. US telecoms firm AT&T and German rival T-Mobile said they had stopped exchanges of the Note 7 pending probes into reports of some replacement handsets catching fire. Samsung announced a global recall of 2.5 million handsets last month after complaints that some had exploded owing to a battery problem. Key figures around 1545 GMT London FTSE 100: UP 0.8 percent at 7, points (close) Frankfurt DAX 30: UP 1.3 percent at 10, points (close) Paris CAC 40: UP 1.1 percent at 4, (close) EURO STOXX 50: UP 1.2 percent at 3, Asia Asian investors trod warily in holiday-thinned trade Monday and the dollar climbed after last week s drop on below-par US jobs data, while Samsung Electronics was hit by a renewed crisis over its troubled Galaxy Note 7. The labour department said Friday that fewer jobs than expected were created in the world s top economy in September. The news left all three main indexes on Wall Street in negative territory and sent the dollar lower against the yen Friday. However, analysts said the figures were unlikely to prevent the Federal Reserve raising interest rates by year s end. In afternoon trade on Monday, the dollar was at yen from yen in New York but well down from the yen earlier Friday in Asia. The pound was stuck at 31-year lows against the dollar after a flash crash in Asia Friday saw it plunge, with investors on edge over Britain s plans to leave the European Union. Analysts said it was unclear if sterling s sudden plunge was down to a computer generated sell-off or other reasons but Brexit was at the root of it. China set the yuan s central parity rate weaker than 6.7 to the dollar for the first time in six years Monday, the first day of trading after it joined the IMF s special drawing rights reserve currency basket. The currency has been declining for months in the face of a stronger dollar, slowing growth at home and capital outflows. In share trading, Shanghai, which was closed last week for a national holiday, ended up 1.5 percent, while Sydney closed 0.2 percent higher. However, Singapore and Wellington eased, while Bangkok tumbled three percent after officials said King Bhumibol Adulyadej s health was not stable in an update that raised fears for the 88-year-old. There are fears his demise could lead to economic instability, especially as there is no official discussion on how the country will handle his passing. Tokyo, Hong Kong and Taipei were closed for public holidays. Samsung announced a global recall of 2.5 million handsets last month after complaints that some had exploded owing to a battery problem. The firm said it would exchange the devices but its image suffered another hit following reports that the replacement handsets have also been involved in fires. Samsung fell four percent in morning trade before recovering in the afternoon to end down 1.5 percent. After the market closed the firm said in a statement it was adjusting production of the gadget to enhance quality control and to enable thorough investigations. Asian sentiment was given a lift by the emergence of a tape of Donald Trump making lewd comments about women, which analysts said could deal a severe blow to his presidential hopes. Key figures around 0730 GMT Shanghai Composite: UP 1.5 percent at 3, (close) Tokyo Nikkei 225: Closed for a public holiday Hong Kong Hang Seng: Closed for a public holiday Oil Oil eased off four-month highs on Monday as doubts over oil producers reaching a meaningful output cut deal brought some speculators to unwind bullish bets. Global benchmark Brent crude futures were down 23 cents at $51.70 a barrel at 0848 GMT, more than 2 percent lower than the four-month high reached on Friday. US futures also retreated from last week s highs, and were last down 30 cents at $49.51 a barrel. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) plans to agree on an output cut by the time it meets in late November. The goal is to cut production to a range of million barrels per day (bpd) to 33.0 million bpd. OPEC s current output stands at a record 33.6 million bpd. Saudi Arabia s Energy Minister Khalid al-falih said on Monday that OPEC should not cut oil supply too steeply, already hinting at milder market intervention. Analysts at ABN Amro took a cautious view on an OPEC deal, saying previous hints by the group at output cuts have always failed to have been followed up by action. Gold Gold recovered on Monday from its biggest weekly drop since November after downbeat US payrolls data on Friday dampened speculation of a near-term interest rate hike and as Chinese buyers returned after the Golden Week holiday. The metal slid 4.5 percent last week, touching a four-month low of $1, an ounce on Friday, after a break of support at $1,300 unleashed a wave of technically-driven selling. Spot gold was up 0.3 percent at $1, an ounce at 1400 GMT, while US gold futures for December delivery were up $10.20 an ounce at $1, 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 Oct 10 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

37 LEISURE Sherman s Lagoon By J.P. Toomey N E W Y O R K T I M E S CROSSWORD 37 Mutts By Patrick McDonnell Hagar The Horrible By Chris Browne Beetle Bailey By Mort Walker Garfield By Jim Davis Baby Blues By Rick Kirkman & Jerry Scott Conceptis Sudoku The grid must be so completed that every row, column and 3x3 box has every digit from 1 to 9 inclusive Answer to yesterday s puzzle Challenger 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. Today s Challenge Time 5 Minutes 1 Seconds Your Working Time Minutes Seconds Word by Word Speech Kalam Speech is silver, but silence is gold. Al kalam men fedah, walaken al sokoutr men thahab. Numbers Yesterday s solution A crow fl ies with a walnut in its beak in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany on Oct 9. (AFP) contract bridge By Steve Becker Scratch pad odds n ends KALAMAZOO, Michigan: A record 1,201 couples have renewed their wedding vows at a ceremony on the campus of Western Michigan University. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports a Guinness World Record offi cial on site certifi ed the record event Saturday. It broke the previous mark of 1,087 couples renewing their vows at Miami University in Ohio in Couples dressed in Western Michigan gear and even donned veils, white dresses and tuxes to celebrate their marriages. Western Michigan University President John Dunn and his wife, Linda, were among the couples who renewed their vows. The group included couples from the United States, Canada and Japan and a couple from the Western Michigan University class of 1943, university offi cials said. The ceremony was offi ciated by Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell. (AP) BOSTON: A privately funded great white shark research group has confi rmed the waters off Long Island s Montauk Point are a nursery, a fi rst in the study of great whites in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, the organization and other leading scientists say. But the OCEARCH expedition, which is wrapping up months of work in the region Friday, is generating more than just scientifi c intrigue as it works off Long Island and Nantucket. The Park City, Utah-based organization has also been embroiled in a public spat with shark researchers in Massachusetts, who complain OCEARCH is operating too close to state waters where they don t have a permit and possibly compromising the state s own white shark research with its tactics. OCEARCH founder Chris Fischer maintains his team has legally remained in federal waters off Nantucket and that there s no scientifi c basis for the concerns over his team s methods, which include using fi sh chum to lure sharks, hooking them, and then lifting them out of the water to take samples and apply GPS monitoring devices. (AP) BEULAH, Mich: Some people think they ve spotted Bigfoot on a live camera trained on an eagle s nest in Michigan. The clip from a camera mounted on a tree near a state fi sh hatchery shows baby eaglets in the nest while a dark fi g- ure walking on two legs moves on the ground below. The Detroit Free Press reports the clip was highlighted on the website of CarbonTV, which has partnered with the state to install the eagle cam. The company tells the Free Press the clip was captured in May. (AP) 7362 Seven thousand three hundred sixty-two Sabat alaaf wa thalath meah wa ethnan wa setoun Tomorrow: Hidden chance.

38 SPORTS 38 KIFF League powered by Gulf Cable & Electricals Co Goa Maroons and Kuwait Goan Association top table KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: Goa Maroons joined Kuwait Goan Association as table toppers by beating Skynet Miracles SC 2-0, while Don Bosco Oratory easily beat United Goans Centre 3-1 to remain unbeaten this season. In other matches, Curtorcares United handed DHL FC their first defeat, winning 2-1, while Santos United were once again unlucky going down to Indian Strikers 2-3 in a edge of the seat thriller in the J. P. D Mello Rolling Trophy, KIFF League organized by Kuwait Indian Football Federation and powered by Gulf Cable & Electricals SOCCER Co. All the matches were played at Al Bayan Ground on Oct 7, In the first match, Don Bosco Oratory banking on two fine goals by their hard working striker Agnelo Quadros and one by ever reliable Loyed Mascarenhas kept control of the game, although Irshad Lisman did give United Goans Centre a ray of hope by pulling one back. Boasting a host of talented youngsters, DBO were able to keep better possession throughout the game and Godfrey in the defense was as reliable as ever to thwart any attacks made by UGC. Agnelo of Don Bosco Oratory was declared man of the match and the award was presented to him by Majeed of Soccer Kerala. The officials were Victor Andrade and he was supported by Robert and Sameer on the lines. Man of the match Britto Pereira ensured Goa Maroons remained the only team in the league with a clean slate when they beat Skynet Miracles SC 2-0. Both the Maroons goals came from penalties, one in either half and executed perfectly by Steven Rodrigues. Skynet Miracles SC with a host of top class players including the crafty Ben, Shine, Diago and new signing Michael Pereira in the goal did make sporadic attacks but either wayward shooting or some fine saves by Britto in the Maroons goal ensured Maroons full points. Ricky Sebastian playing his first match this season combined well with Vishal and Jeffrey up front and as usual Steven Correia, Conrad and veterans Tiago and Jaime supported them well. The obvious choice for man of the match was Britto Pereira Toliver scores 19 points to lead LA Johnson wins title at Charlotte Speedway CONCORD, NC, Oct 10, (AP): Stuck in the longest losing streak of his career, Jimmie Johnson had a chance for a critical win that could salvage this hohum season for Hendrick Motorsports. Hardly a championship contender for most of this season, Johnson grabbed a victory at sun-soaked Charlotte Motor Speedway when nearly half the title contenders had horrible days. The win Sunday was his third of the season, but snapped a 24-race losing streak dating to March. Johnson is the only Hendrick driver to visit victory lane this season, and this win earned him an automatic berth into the third round of the playoffs. It s the first time Johnson has made it out of the second round since the elimination format was introduced in He was knocked out at Talladega in the second round of the inaugural season, and was bounced in the first round last year. Suddenly, the six-time NASCAR champion is a realistic contender for that elusive record-tying seventh title. We can t sit back and celebrate too much on this, Johnson said. We ve got to buckle down and get to work tomorrow and keep advancing our race cars. But this does buy us a couple weeks of freedom. The race was originally scheduled for Saturday night, but Hurricane Matthew washed out nearly the entire weekend and set up an 800-mile doubleheader of the Sprint Cup and Xfinity Series on Sunday. When the racing finally began on a beautiful North Carolina afternoon, it immediately shaped up as a Hendrick kind of day. Johnson and Chase Elliott dominated the race, running 1-2 for a long stretch, and a Hendrick victory all but guaranteed based on the speed the Chevrolets showed. Elliott, though, was one of five Kenseth, Kahne finish 2nd, 3rd LOS ANGELES, Oct 10, (AFP): Boxing Hall of Famer Aaron Pryor, remembered for scintillating duels with Nicaraguan Alexis Arguello, died Sunday at the age of 60 after a long battle with heart disease. We are heartbroken and sad to announce that our beloved Aaron passed away at home surrounded by his family at 5:57 a.m. Frankie Pryor, his widow, said in a statement from the family home near Cincinnati, Ohio. He was known around Pryor the world as The Hawk but to our family he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Pryor built a 39-1 record with 35 knockouts during a career that was interrupted by drug addiction. His biggest moments in the ring were his two junior welterweight victories over Arguello. Pryor s first bout against Arguello is still considered one of the greatest Beard s jumper lifts Sparks over Lynx in Game 1 Harden s preseason remains off to a flying start SHANGHAI, Oct 10, (AP): Preseason statistics often can be misleading. That might not be the case with James Harden right now. After three preseason games, Harden has three points-assists double-doubles the most recent one Sunday in Shanghai, when he had 26 points and 15 assists to help the Houston Rockets beat the New Orleans Pelicans in an NBA Global Games matchup. We re treating every game of preseason like the regular season in order to build good habits, Harden said. We don t take the preseason lightly Clearly not. The Rockets are 3-0 in exhibitions so far this Action shot taken during one of the soccer matches. of Goa Maroons and he received the award from Abdulla Kadri. The game was officiated by Dylan and he was assisted by Leslie and Clarence on the lines. In a hard fought third match, Santos United found themselves three goals down within a spate of 20 minutes, largely due to poor defending and it looked like the game would easily end in Indian Strikers favor. The ever dangerous Haris scored two while Joosapilla got one for his team. However, credit must be given to Santos United for picking themselves up and fighting back Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe s Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct 9, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AFP) Los Angeles Sparks guard Alana Beard (0) lines up the game winning shot against Minnesota Lynx forward Maya Moore (23) in the second half of Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals, Oct 9, in Minneapolis. Los Angeles won (AP) MINNEAPOLIS, Oct 10, (AP): Alana Beard hit a jumper from the baseline just before time expired to lift the Los Angeles Sparks to a victory over the defending champion Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday. With the defense collapsing on Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike in the paint, Beard found herself all alone in the corner. She took the pass Gray from Chelsea Gray and knocked down the jumper with Maya Moore in her face. As the ball splashed through, Moore put her head in her hands and the Sparks celebrated a thrilling victory, their second on Minnesota s court this season. You may not recognize the importance of her statistically for us a lot of times, Sparks coach Brian Agler said. But her presence, her leadership, obviously how disruptive she can be defensively, and then for her to hit a shot like that, it was incredible. with Denzil and the crafty Clinton Fernandes getting two goals back for their team. Referee Edwardo had to keep good control of the game as Santos United went for the equalizer with all guns blazing, however Indian Strikers held on to collect their first points in the league. Referee Eduardo Dias was assisted on the lines by Nameer and Rosario. Man of the match was Joosapilla Cletus of Indian Strikers and he received the award from Bosco. In the final match of a very hot day, Curtorcares United overcame DHL FC 2-1 in a hard fought encounter with fall, scoring 131, 130 and now 123 points in those games. Harden is averaging 23.3 points and 12 assists in those three games. And fans in China, where the Rockets are enormously popular anyway thanks in large part to Yao Ming have taken to Harden as well, with Kristi Toliver scored 19 points to lead Los Angeles and Parker had 14 points and nine rebounds in her finals debut. League MVP Ogwumike added 19 points for the Sparks in the opener of the BASKETBALL CAR RACING Agnelo of DBO receives the Man of the Match award. Cletus of Indian Strikers receives the Man of the Match award. both teams playing some excellent soccer. Curtorcares took an early lead when Brazileo Rego volleyed home from just outside the penalty area and Myron Fernandes made it 2-0 from a beautifully executed free kick. DHL FC who had so far won both their earlier games gave it their all to find the equalizers with Roland feeding Seby and Abdul, who finally managed to pull one back. Man of the match was Mayron Fernandes and he received the award from Salvodar Dias The centre referee was Derrick Gomindes and he was supported by Agnelo and George on the lines. Chase drivers to finish 30th or worse, and it was Johnson who had to carry the flag. Fitting, though. The win came on the 15th anniversary of Johnson s debut in Cup for Hendrick, which was at Charlotte, and was his eighth career win at the track. Nobody ever gave up, and you know, we know what a champion Jimmie is, team owner Rick Hendrick said. Johnson has quietly turned up his performance in the Chase and became an official title contender as the first driver qualified for the next round. He led a many sporting fake beards on Sunday to mimic his look. Great atmosphere, Harden said. They ll be seeing even more NBA in China this season. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Sunday an expansion of the NBA s partnership with BesTV, one that will see up to 1,300 games per season broadcast in China. It s a multimedia partnership that brings the very best in television and technology to the NBA in China, Silver said. In California, Lou Williams scored 15 consecutive points for Los Angeles in the fourth quarter, doing so in a span of less than 3 minutes and leading the Lakers to a victory over the Denver Nuggets for their second preseason win. DeAngelo Russell scored 33 and Williams finished with 25 for the Lakers. Jusuf Nurkic had 21 points and grabbed 16 rebounds for Denver, while Danilo Gallinari scored 19. best-of-five series. Sylvia Fowles had 18 points and 13 rebounds and Lindsay Whalen scored 18 points for top-seeded Minnesota. Moore scored all 18 of her points in the second half to move into first place on the WNBA s career finals scoring list, but the Lynx committed 16 turnovers and got caught scrambling on the final possession of the game. Britto of Goa Maroons receives the Man of the Match award. Myron of Curtorcares receives the Man of the Match award. The KIFF Managing Committee has appealed to all teams to report on time, especially the team playing the first match, which must begin on the scheduled time. Coming Friday schedule: 14th October :45 am Indian Strikers vs Skynet Miracles SC 7:45 am Kerala Challengers vs Santos United 8:45 am AVC Sports & Cultural Association vs Don Bosco Oratory 9:45 am Goa Maroons vs Soccer Kerala Organizers for the day: FC Sparx The Hawk beloved husband, friend Ex-champ Pryor dies fights in boxing history. He scored a 14th-round knockout to win the match at Miami s Orange Bowl on November 12, 1982, retaining his World Boxing Association crown. The two fighters squared off in a rematch on September 9, 1983 in Las Vegas. Pryor knocked out Arguello in the 10th round and then announced his retirement. He returned nine months later, however, successfully defending his title for the final time by defeating Gary Hinton with a 15-round split decision. It would BOXING be 29 months before he fought again as addiction led to the loss of his title due to inactivity. Upon his return to the ring he was knocked out in the seventh round by journeyman Bobby Joe Young in August of He retired for good in Among the boxing legends tweeting condolences was fellow Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard: My friend and hero of millions of Fight fans has left us! Aaron Pryor RIP Champion and you will be missed. Love you race-high 155 laps Sunday, and in four Chase races this season, he s led 363 laps and hasn t finished lower than 12th. Johnson certainly figured it out on a day when six Chase drivers had trouble. Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick both had engine issues. Austin Dillon and Elliott were in accidents. Joey Logano had tire problems, and Martin Truex Jr. had an electrical issue as he left pit road after the final pit stop. Five Chase drivers finished lower than 30th, and Harvick, the 2014 champion, is last in the standings. Hamlin was running second when his engine blew with 25 laps remaining. As the cars left pit road, Truex seemed poised to restart in second, but he appeared to stall and instead restarted 16th. Although Truex salvaged his day and finished 13th lowest of the Chase drivers still running at the end of the race Hamlin wound up 30th. Dillon was 32nd, Elliott 33rd, Logano 36th and Harvick 38th. The hectic day left only Johnson breathing easy at the end. Not even Matt Kenseth, who finished second to Johnson, is relaxed heading into races at Kansas and Talladega. Spectator dies, car hits crowd SAN MARINO, Oct 10, (AP): One spectator has died and several more are seriously injured after a car veered off course into a crowd during a rally event in the Republic of San Marino. RallyLegend organizers say in a statement that the car went off the road and hit some straw bales protecting a runoff path and that the spectators affected were standing right behind the bales. The car involved was a Renault Clio Maxi driven by Enrico Bonaso with Alice Palazzi as navigator.

39 SPORTS 39 Feedback from sailors, officials, visitors gets ever more glowing Muscat to kick off 17 Extreme Sailing in excitinmg new look circuit MUSCAT, Oct 10: For the eighth time since 2010, Muscat will bid a warm welcome to the Extreme Sailing Series fleet in March next year after Oman Sail announced that the Sultanate of Oman s capital city will host the opening Act of the 2017 season. One of the circuit s longest term and most popular venues due to the superb racing conditions and red carpet hospitality, Muscat hosted its first Extreme 40 racing event back SAILING in February 2010 when it was the last staging post of the 2009 Extreme Sailing Series Asia, following events in Hong Kong and Singapore. Oman Sail s success in planning and coordinating the activities, and also winning both the Asian and European championships that season placed Muscat firmly on the map of world class sailing venues. Hosting the opening Act in the 2011 Extreme Sailing Series and three other seasons since, has consolidated their reputation as Race heads for a thrilling finish Hinton makes big leap in World Golf Rankings DUBAI, Oct 10: Craig Hinton has made significant strides up the MENA Golf Tour s Order of Merit following his wire-to-wire victory at the Ascorp Golf Citizen Abu Dhabi Open at Yas Links last week. The 27-year-old Englishman earned $9,000 for his sterling effort, moving into the second spot in the standings with $28,173 in his kitty as England s Zane Scotland ($31,117) continued to maintain his top position after finishing tied fourth. With this convincing win, his second on the MENA Golf Tour this season, Hinton has climbed to career-high 769th spot in the latest Official World Golf Rankings after sitting at No. 1,711 at the start of the season a dramatic improvement of 942 places. With two more events to go before the season-ending Tour Championship gets under way in three weeks time, the Thame native will be hoping to break into the world s top-500 and end a fantastic season of golf on a high. The top three professionals on the Order of Merit along with the leading amateur will be invited to compete in the 2017 Omega Dubai Desert Classic in February in addition to earning full-time playing privileges on the Sunshine Tour and exemptions into the Final Stage of the Asian Tour Q-School. Hinton is followed by his fellow Englishmen Andrew Marshall ($26,962) and Luke Joy ($22,414) in the Order of Merit standings as the MENA Golf Tour reaches its business end. Meanwhile, India s Rayhan Thomas, who created history at the Dubai Creek Open, becoming the first amateur to win a MENA Golf Tour event, has assured himself of winning the leading amateur title and a place in the starting line-up of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. GOLF With 297 points to his credit, the 16-year-old prodigy, who ranked 131st in World Amateur Golf Ranking, currently leads the race miles ahead of his nearest challengers while the race for the leading MENA professional and amateur will go down to the wire. The Moroccan trio of Younes El Hassani ($5,436), Faycal Serghini ($3,314) and Ahmed Marjan ($2,592) are locked in a neck and neck battle at the top and so are the Saudi amateurs Othman Almulla (81 points) and Khaled Atieh (52). Almulla, who emerged as the leading MENA amateur in the last four events, is in no mood to take the foot off the pedal as he aims to make a strong statement about competitive fire in the region s golf. The MENA Golf Tour will travel to Kuwait City next week for the first time for the Sahara Kuwait Championship to be held at Sahara Golf and Country Club from October 17 to 19. Held under the auspices of the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation and affiliated to the Arab Golf Federation and the R&A, the MENA Golf Tour has grown from strength to strength boasting 16 events in the 2016 season, marking a major step forward from inaugural season in 2011 when it featured four events. Current order of Merit standings: Professionals: 1. Zane Scotland (England) $31,117 (Dh114284); 2. Craig Hinton (England) $28,173; 3. Andrew Marshall (England) $26,962; 4. Luke Joy (England) $22,414; 5. Antonio Costa (Chile) $20,296; 6. Fredrik Lindblom (Sweden) $13,913; 7. Lee Corfield (England) $12,250; 8. Wolmer Murillo (Venezuela) $11,400; 9. Scott Campbell (England) $11,177; 10. Adam Sagar (England) $10,265. Amateurs: 1. Rayhan Thomas (India) 297 points; 2. Benjamin David (England) 124; 3. Edward Holland (England); 114; T-4. Othman Almulla (Saudi Arabia) 111; T-4 Daniel Hendry (Scotland) 111. Craig Hinton Iannone to miss Japan GP TOKYO, Oct 10, (RTRS): Ducati MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone will miss this weekend s Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi on medical advice and will not be replaced, the factory team said on Monday. The Italian, eighth overall in the championship, has missed the last two races after suffering a fractured vertebra when he fell in practice for the San Marino Grand Prix in September. Ducati said in a statement that Iannone, who won in Austria in August and is joining Suzuki next season, had checks last week that showed his recovery was going well. However, Iannone s doctor has advised him to continue with his rehabilitation and to wait a few more days until the fracture has completely healed, before going out onto the track once again, it added. The rider...in agreement with his team, has therefore decided not to take part in the GP of Japan and to return to the championship at the Australian GP from 21 to 23 October. Ducati s only works rider in Japan will be Italian Andrea Dovizioso. There are three races remaining after Japan. Spanish Honda rider Marc Marquez has a 52-point lead in the championship over Yamaha s Italian Valentino Rossi. organisers and in 2016, a new era in Muscat s global sports status was heralded when the Louis Vuitton America s Cup World Series, the most renowned sailing event in the world, was played out in the waters off Al Mouj in front of a delighted Muscat crowd. The return of the Extreme Sailing Series to Muscat in 2017 continues to raise Oman s profile around the globe as both a high grade sporting venue and a high end tourist destination, said Salma Al Hashmi, Chief Marketing Officer for Oman Sail. It gives us great pleasure to announce Muscat as the first venue in the 2017 Extreme Sailing Series, she said. We are looking forward to welcoming guests from all four corners of the globe and to seeing the stunning pictures of Muscat, with our beautiful cerulean waters and majestic mountains, winging their way to television screens all over the world. This will be the 8th time we ve hosted this event and each year the feedback from sailors, officials and visitors gets ever more glowing as a familiarity with our culture, scenery and set up here continues to gain momentum. OC Sport Event Director Andy Tourell added: It is fantastic to start the 2017 Extreme Sailing Series in Muscat. OC Sport were involved in the very beginnings of Oman Sail, and it is a privilege to have been part of the journey through the Extreme Sailing Series that now sees them organise world class sailing events year round. 62-year-old Jay Haas wins playoff in Newport Beach NEWPORT BEACH, Calif, Oct 10, (AP): Jay Haas got the opening he needed Sunday to become the secondoldest winner in PGA Tour Champions history. Haas at 62 years, 10 months, 7 days took advantage of Bart Bryant s closing bogey to get into a playoff and won the Toshiba Classic with a birdie on the first extra hole. It s been a while since I ve been in that position to win, and to pull it off today was awfully special, Haas said. Haas trails only Mike Fetchick, the 1985 Hilton Head Seniors Invitational winner at 63 years to the day, on the age list. Just to win, to know that I can do it again at 62 is pretty amazing, said Haas, also the 2007 winner at Newport Beach Country Club. After opening with bogey-free rounds of 64 and 63 to take a five-stroke lead into the day, Haas found himself a stroke behind Bryant two groups ahead playing the reachable 18th and facing a 7-foot par putt on the par-3 17th. I m thinking I m either going to be two or three behind, Haas said. When I made that one and then looked up and saw that we were tied, it really gave me a boost. GOLF Haas parred the 18th missing a 15-footer for a 1-under 70 to match Bryant (64) at 16-under 197. I m disappointed right now, Bryant said. To bogey the 18th hole, a reachable par 5, is extremely disappointing. Then to not make a very good run in the playoff is just fairly inexcusable to hit the two shots that I hit. Haas won his 18th title on the 50-andover tour and first since He won nine times on the PGA Tour and captained the United States winning Presidents Cup team last year in South Korea. The victory was his first with wife Jan as his caddie. Maybe she ll retire on top now, Haas joked. On 18 in regulation, the 53-year-old Bryant hit into the left greenside bunker in two and struck something under the ball in the sand that sent the ball right and long. He three-putted from about 40 feet, missing a 6-footer to the left. When it was going down in the sand, it just didn t go down, it just stopped, Bryant said about the clubhead on the bunker shot. It didn t get underneath the ball, so I kind of caught a little bit the edge of the club where normally you catch that shot in the middle or high on the club. Tyrrell Hatton won his first European Tour title after taking apart the Old Course at St. Andrews for the second straight day in an impressive display of front-running at the Dunhill Links Championship on Sunday. The 24-year-old Englishman, who had a three-shot lead overnight, followed up a course record-tying, bogey-free 62 at the home of golf on Saturday with a 6-under 66 in the final round. He finished on a total of 23 under par (265). Hatton grabs Dunhill Links for 1st European Tour title He needs the enemy sometimes Snap-prat Hamilton will fight to finish: Wolff SUZUKA, Japan, Oct 10, (AFP): Lewis Hamilton will take the Formula One title race down to the wire, insisted Mercedes boss Toto Wolff after the Briton was floored by a rampant Nico Rosberg in Japan. Rosberg has opened a 33-point lead over his British foe with just four races left and will take some stopping in this form. But while Hamilton s hopes of retaining his crown were left hanging by a thread, Wolff predicted a backlash from the triple world champion. It s not over, said the Austrian, who Action shot taken during the ESS Muscat 2016 Jay Haas poses with the winner s trophy after winning the Toshiba Classic at the Newport Beach Country Club on Oct 9, in Newport Beach, California. (AFP) barely had time to savour a third successive constructors title for Mercedes in Japan. Lewis is going to come back strong, he needs the enemy sometimes. That s how he functions. Rosberg dominated all weekend at Suzuka as Hamilton appeared to lose the plot. 14-time major champ to tee it up at Silverado Resort Tiger Woods still ignites interest LOS ANGELES, Oct 10, (AFP): Tiger Woods, 14 months removed from his last competitive outing, nearing his 41st birthday and in recovery from multiple back surgeries, still ignites interest like no other golfer. The 14-time major champion will tee it up on Thursday at the Silverado Resort in Napa, California, in his first competitive start since a 10th-place finish at the Wyndham Championship on Aug 23, The normally low-key Safeway Open, start of the USPGA Tour s season in California s Wine Country north of San Francisco, is suddenly the center of the golfing world. I m sort of glad I m not there that week, Northern Ireland s Rory McIlroy said when Woods announced the projected timetable for his return in September. It s going to be a bit of a circus. Compared to 45 media outlets credentialed in 2015, 106 are credentialed for this year, with organizers doubling the physical size of their media center. A similar jump in ticket sales was expected, with some reports suggesting fans could be treated to a superstar pairing of Woods and five-time major winner Phil Mickelson in the opening rounds. Not that Woods needs any help to draw a spotlight, and rampant speculation on just where his game might be after more than a year of painstaking rehabilitation. We ve played nine holes together. He s pounding it a mile and flushing everything... his trajectory and ball flight are like the Tiger we knew 15 years ago, Sweden s Jesper Parnevik told Golf Digest in early October. Comebacks are never a sure thing, but MOTOR RACING something tells me his might be spectacular. Woods, who will turn 41 on December 30, might settle for steady, with no setbacks. His agent slammed reports in February that Woods s rehabilitation wasn t going well, and that his condition had deteriorated. In May, promoting the National tournament he hosts, Woods insisted he was making progress but plunked three shots in the water trying to reach the green of Congressional s par-three 10th. Woods said then that he d had to adapt to a new reality, his body no longer able to support eight or 10 hours of practice a Golfer Tiger Woods looks on from the sidelines during an NCAA football game between the Washington State Cougars and Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium on Oct 8, in Palo Alto, California. (AFP) The Briton hinted that sabotage may have been to blame for the engine blaze that cruelly robbed him of a certain victory in Malaysia a week earlier, much to the dismay of his Mercedes team. Hamilton s behaviour grew increasingly bizarre in Japan, where he battled back to take third after a horror start saw him fall back to eighth. He snubbed media after being widely criticised for fiddling with his mobile phone and uploading bunny-ear photos to Snapchat during an official FIA press conference. British tabloids duly let rip at Hamilton, one labelling him Snap-Prat and another Berk in the Merc slang terms for fool. Hamilton failed to see the funny side and day, or daily runs of five or six miles. Still, he said in June: I can play with these guys. I know I still can, I just need to get healthy enough where I can do it on a regular basis. On Thursday, Woods and the rest of the world will begin to find out if he has achieved that level of fitness. Although he s been sidelined before by various ankle, knee and leg injuries, not to mention the notorious collapse of his marriage amid revelations of his infidelity this 14-month hiatus is the longest of Woods s career. He hasn t won since the 2013 WGC Bridgestone Invitational, the 79th PGA Tour title of his career leaving him three shy of the record held by Sam Snead. His most recent major title came on one of those bum knees at the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines, and since then he s looked less and less likely to break the record of 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus. The man who reigned at number one for 683 weeks isn t even in the top 700 now. Doesn t matter, says McIlroy. GOLF He brings an aura and an atmosphere to a tournament that no one else in golf can bring, said McIlroy, who like everyone else is eager to see what Woods will produce next. It s different trying to get back from an injury at 40 years old than it is when you re in your 20s or early 30s, McIlroy said. I think that s why it s been over a year since we have seen him on a golf course. walked out on journalists after threatening to reduce his future media activities. The smiles on your faces will be no longer, he sneered, before stomping off. A 100th podium was scant consolation for Hamilton, who cut a forlorn figure as Rosberg toasted a ninth victory of the year and his fourth in five races. However, Wolff backed Hamilton to rediscover his mojo and push Rosberg all the way. Lewis functions best when he is under pressure and he has a target, he said. I have no doubt this will be an intense fight. It s going to go down to the end.

40 SPORTS 40 Last date to submit entries for coveted international design competition is October 16 Entries still open for Lexus Design Award 2017 KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: Lexus International reinforced the significant opportunity for talented designers from across the world to change their future and get global recognition through the Lexus Design Award, with the last date for submission of entries fast approaching on Oct 16, Twelve finalists will be chosen and announced in early Lexus is celebrating the fifth anniversary of this international design competition supporting up-and-coming designers and creators worldwide. The creative theme for the Lexus Design Award 2017 is Yet. Applicants are invited to submit innovative designs and original interpretations that demonstrate insight into the essence of the Yet theme. At Lexus, the Yet philosophy gives the courage to combine elements that at first seem incompatible superior ride comfort Yet exhilarating driving dynamics for example. Yet is the catalyst that triggers breakthroughs, the spark that ignites an explosion of creative potential. According to Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, At Lexus, we believe in the power of creativity to change the world and build a better future. Through Lexus Design Award, we want to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting designers whose work can have a positive impact on our lives. These individuals will benefit from global recognition along with the invaluable experience of working with renowned designers as mentors. We appreciate the support of our customers who have backed the Awards over the years. Lexus Design Award 2017 will introduce twelve finalists and their works to the design community and beyond at Milan Design Week Four of these 12 finalists will prototype their designs, mentored by globally recognized designers. The maximum production budget per prototype is JPY 3 million, equivalent to AED 107,000. Finalists will present their designs in the Lexus experiential space at Milan Design Week. Judges will then assess the four prototypes to choose the Grand Prix winner who may receive the opportunity to bring his prototype to production. Previous Lexus Design Award winners are displaying their talent on the world stage. Emanuela Corti and Ivan Parati s Sense-Wear, the Grand Prix winner in 2015, gained further exposure at design events Lexus LC 500h Lexus Design Award 2017 logo in Tokyo and Moscow. The Grand Prix winner of 2016, design team AMAM s Agar Plasticity a po- tential usefulness of agar for packaging and more has attracted wide interest and invitations to participate in other international exhibits. In this way, Lexus Design Award winners benefit from globe-spanning publicity and the potential for collaborative projects in the public and private sectors. About Lexus Design Award: First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Award is an international design competition that targets upand-coming creators from around the world. The award seeks to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting creators whose works can help to shape a better future. It provides a unique opportunity for four finalists to work with a globally recognized designer as a mentor to create prototypes of their designs, and then exhibit them at one of the design calendar s most important events. About Lexus: Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Lexus is the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury. The evolution of Lexus is reflected in the progressive designs of its new vehicles. The signature spindle grille, dynamic light treatments, and sculptured lines create a distinctive look of luxury for Lexus. Tsonga back from injury with victory in Shanghai SHANGHAI, Oct 10, (Agencies): Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won for the first time since retiring from his quarterfinal match at the US Open, beating Florian Mayer 6-3, 6-2 Monday in the opening round of the Shanghai Masters. Tsonga, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the Shanghai final last year, had 12 aces against Mayer and saved all five break points he faced. The ninth-seeded Frenchman hasn t played since retiring with a knee injury against Djokovic at the US Open last month after dropping the first two sets. In other matches, rising German star Alexander Zverev and his older brother Mischa both moved into the second TENNIS Kuznetsova breezes into Tianjin round two Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France hits a return against Florian Mayer of Germany during their fi rst round men s singles match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai on Oct 10. (AFP) round with straight-set victories. Alexander, ranked No. 21, defeated John Isner 6-4, 6-2, while Mischa, who is coming off a quarterfinal appearance at last month s Shenzhen Open, beat Zhang Ze 6-1, 6-2. Canadian qualifier Vasek Pospisil earned just his ninth victory of the season, edging Ivo Karlovic 7-6 (5), 6-4. He will attempt to win back-to-back matches for the first time this year against either Grigor Dimitrov or Richard Gasquet, who play their opening match on Tuesday. Other winners included American qualifier Taylor Fritz, who beat Stephane Robert of France 7-6 (2), 2-6, 6-3, and Kyle Edmund of Britain, who earned a measure of revenge after his country s loss to Argentina in the Davis Cup semifinals by defeating Federico Delbonis 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. Meanwhile, Djokovic returns from injury at this week s Shanghai Masters with the eyes of the tennis world on his form and motivation as his world number one spot comes under threat from Andy Murray. The Serb has been a peerless performer in China, and when he won his third Shanghai Masters title last year he was putting the finishing touches on one of the best tennis seasons in history. But since completing a career Grand Slam at the French Open in June, it has been a troubled period for the 12-time major winner who admitted he had lost his love for the game. Djokovic fell in Wimbledon s third round and, tearfully, in the first round at the Rio Olympics, before going down to his bete noire Stan Wawrinka in the US Open final. The Serb, who has spoken of private issues, quit his usual residence in Monte Carlo to return to his native Belgrade, revealing that he wasn t very well at an emotional level. I neither want to think nor to talk about the number one position, nor to win tournaments or Grand Slams, Djokovic told reporters in the Serbian capital. Wrist problems hampered him in New York. He then pulled out of this month s China Open in Beijing, where he was unbeaten in four appearances, with an elbow injury. Russian two-time Grand Slam champion and second-seed Svetlana Kuznetsova breezed through her opening match at the WTA Tianjin Open on Monday, beating France s Pauline Parmentier 6-1, 6-3. Meanwhile, China s Wang Yafan listed 125th in the world by the WTA clinched a surprise upset, eliminating sixth-seed Yulia Putintseva 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, despite the Kazakh ranking 91 places above her. The other Chinese players fared less well. Zhang Kai-Lin lost 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 to Croatia s Donna Vekic, while Tianjin native Duan Ying-Ying was defeated 6-4, 6-3 by Montenegrin Danka Kovinic Wimbledon doubles winner Vania King of the US was knocked out by Chang Kai-Chen of Taiwan. Lucie Hradecka and Andrea Hlavackova, the tournament s two Czech players, partnered up in doubles to win the 2011 French Open, the 2013 US Open, and a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics, but in Tianjin they faced off against each other, with Hradecka beating her compatriot 7-5, 6-4. Best of the Rest Smith apologises: Double Olympic silver medallist Louis Smith has apologised for a leaked video in which he and fellow gymnast Luke Carson appeared to mock Islam. I am not defending myself, what I did was wrong, the Briton said on his Twitter page (@louissmith1989). I want to say sorry for the deep offence I have caused and to my family who have also been affected by my thoughtless actions. I have learnt a valuable life lesson and I wholeheartedly apologise. The Sun newspaper had published a clip from the video, taken at a hotel wedding reception, showing the two gymnasts pretending to pray while shouting Allahu Akbar (God is greatest). Smith is also shown with a drink in his hand. British Gymnastics said in a statement that it does not condone the mocking of any faith or religion and is appalled by such behaviours. It said any members breaking the organisation s code of conduct risked suspension or expulsion and it would be investigating the reported behaviour. (RTRS) IOC moves not sufficient : The Institute of National Anti- Doping Organizations called conclusions from this weekend s Olympic doping summit not sufficient to protect clean athletes. The 59-member agency released a statement Sunday underlining weaknesses from the International Olympic Committee s anti-doping summit held the day before in Lausanne, Switzerland. Key downsides, according to inado: the IOC s refusal to explicitly mention state-sponsored doping in Russia, despite two investigations that found it existed; and the IOC s framing of conclusions from one of those investigations as mere allegations and not demonstrable facts. At the IOC summit, sports leaders backed the World Anti- Doping Agency and said it must be bolstered, both financially and through beefed-up authority. INADO CEO Joseph de Pencier applauded that but said the IOC only comes part way to restoring its credibility for the clean athletes of the world. (AP) Hamlin, Terdiman-Mortensen team win: Erin Hamlin and Raychel Germaine took the top two spots in the women s race and the US doubles team of Matt Mortensen and Jayson Terdiman were won Sunday at the Lillehammer Cup. Also for the US, Tucker West was second in the men s race. The Lillehammer Cup is the unofficial start of the international luge season, capping a week of training for many of the world s national teams in Norway. It was fun. We definitely treated it as a warm-up race for the World Cup season but it felt good to get into a bit of a race mode so soon, Hamlin said. It was a really busy week and the team, as a whole, slid really well. It was probably the best first week that I can think of, as far as sliding level and quality. It was a significant moment for Mortensen and Terdiman, who were World Cup contenders last winter. This morning was one that I certainly will not forget, Terdiman wrote on his Facebook page. After a long week of training (32 runs in total), Matthew and I finished the week with our first international victory. This is just an exhibition race, but with some serious competition in the field. Germaine was racing for the first time since having shoulder surgery last spring. Also in the women s race, Brittney Arndt was fourth and Emily Sweeney was fifth for the US. Another US women s luger, Summer Britcher fifth on the women s World Cup circuit last winter entered the men s race Sunday and finished 18th against 25 male sliders. Chris Mazdzer, a World Cup race winner last winner, was fifth in the men s event. The US contingent is expected back at its home base in Lake Placid, New York on Monday. Training at the track on Mount Van Hoevenberg is likely to begin next week, once the icing process at the venue is completed. (AP) Australia s Nick Kyrgios returns a shot against Belgium s David Goffi n during the men s singles fi nal at the ATP Japan Open tennis tournament in Tokyo on Oct 9. (AFP) Australia hope Kyrgios has turned corner after Japan win MELBOURNE, Oct 10, (Agencies): Melbourne s notoriously changeable weather threatened to wash out the soft launch of the Australian Open on Monday but the rain was unable to dampen the cheer among tournament organisers enthused by Nick Kyrgios s weekend victory in Japan. The tempestuous 21-year-old, Australia s brightest hope of a men s grand slam champion since twice winner Lleyton Hewitt, clinched the Japan Open on Sunday with an impressive win over rising Belgian David Goffin. For a player who professes no love for tennis and has admitted to being a little bit soft, Kyrgios has Wawrinka joins Nadal in Brisbane International TENNIS won all three of his titles this season, his latest in Tokyo the biggest of a still fledgling career. Kyrgios clobbered 25 aces past Goffin but a more telling statistic might have been the zero tantrums committed by the hot-headed Australian during the tense three-setter. The prospect of a fit, in-form and happy Kyrgios making a deep run at the Australian Open would be a dream outcome for the tournament s organisers but not one they were willing to indulge out loud on Monday, lest the wish not come true. It s a long journey; it s a long-term journey when it comes to Nick, a wary Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said after being soaked by a spring shower at the tournament s launch near Melbourne Park. Swiss world No. 3 Stan Wawrinka will use the Brisbane International as his warm-up event to the Australian Open in January, tournament organisers said on Monday. The US Open champion will join 14-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal and women s world No. 1 Angelique Kerber at the year-opening tournament. Wawrinka heads to Brisbane after beating Novak Djokovic for his third Grand Slam title in New York and reaching his highest-ever ranking behind the Serb and Briton Andy Murray. I m excited to be heading to the Brisbane International for the first time in my career, Wawrinka said in a statement. I ve heard such great things about the event and it feels like the right time to change up the start of my season.

41 SPORTS 41 Immobile rescues Italy, Spain cruise European WC Qualifying Standings Albania s Emir Lenjani (left), fi ght for the ball with Spain s Vitolo during their World Cup Group G qualifying soccer match at Loro Borici Stadium, in Shkoder, northern Albania on Oct 9. (AP) PARIS, Oct 10, (AFP): Lazio striker Ciro Immobile grabbed an injury-time winner as four-time champions Italy snatched a 3-2 comeback win at Macedonia on Sunday, narrowly avoiding a World Cup qualifying embarrassment. Italy, who had needed a late penalty to salvage a point against Group G rivals Spain on Thursday, were staring at a shock defeat in Skopje against a Macedonia side ranked a Kazakhstan vs Romania AD SPORTS 3HD 19:00 local Slovenia vs England AD SPORTS 3HD 21:45 local Germany vs N. Ireland AD SPORTS 4HD 21:45 local lowly 146 in the world. Torino striker Andrea Belotti had given Italy a 24th-minute lead just four minutes after Palermo marksman Ilija Nestorokvski had crashed a drive off the crossbar for the hosts. But Nestorokvski levelled just before the hour mark when he robbed Marco Verratti before tucking the ball past veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Two minutes later, Macedonia were ahead when midfielder Ferhan Hasani finished a smart move involving Goran Pandev and Nestorovski. However Immobile put Italy back on equal terms at 2-2 with 15 minutes left after good approach work from Verratti and Antonio Candreva. On 90 minutes, Marco Parolo had a header ruled out for offside before club teammate Immobile saved Italy with the winner two minutes into injury time, finishing off a Candreva cross. We were weak and let up in the second half. You can t give anything away at international level, we had to be more ruthless, admitted Immobile. Italy are second in Group G with seven points but Spain lead the way on goal difference after a deserved 2-0 win over Albania in Shkoder. Chelsea star Diego Costa tucked away the first on 55 minutes past goalkeeper Etrit Berisha who had pulled off a series of fine saves in the first half. Nolito hit the second of the night just three minutes after coming on as a substitute for Vitolo. This was a very difficult match even if it appeared easy, said Nolito. Albania are a good side who know how to play. The only downside for Spain was seeing key defender and skipper Sergio Ramos suffer a left knee injury which could sideline him for three matches with his club side, Real Madrid. In Group D, Southampton s Dusan Tadic scored the winner as Serbia beat Austria 3-2 in Belgrade. Newcastle s Alexsandar Mitrovic had scored Serbia s first two goals in the opening half as his side went top on seven points. They lead the way on goal difference from the Republic of Ireland who beat Moldova 3-1 in Chisinau. Wes Hoolahan fed Shane Long to score after just two minutes for Ireland but Moldova, beaten 3-0 by Serbia at home on Thursday, levelled in injurytime when Igor Bugaiov scored his first goal in five years. West Brom s James McClean was on target twice after the break to give Ireland the three points. Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Georgia in Cardiff as their push to reach a first World Cup since 1958 hit a roadblock. Tadic the hero as Serbia edge Austria Saudis have home advantage vs UAE Cahill factor haunts Japan in Aussie clash MELBOURNE, Oct 10, (AFP): The Tim Cahill factor threatens Japan s hopes of re-energising their World Cup campaign in a crucial qualifier against Australia in Melbourne on Tuesday. Talismanic Cahill is in line for a recall for the Socceroos against the Blue Samurai in the Asia qualifying Group B encounter after playing only a few minutes as substitute in Australia s 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah last week. It is also an important night elsewhere in Asia with China desperately needing a win against Uzbekistan in Group A in Tashkent to keep their faint hopes alive and the so far point-less 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar at home to Syria. The Saudis again have home advantage against Gulf rivals United Arab Emirates, while Tehran hosts an inter-group doubleheader with Iraq and Thailand seeking their first points in an afternoon game in the Iranian capital. Iran and South Korea are protecting their unbeaten starts to the Asian campaign in the evening kick-off. Japan hold a winning 8-7 record over reigning Asian Cup champions Australia, but they have had problems preventing the mercurial Cahill from scoring against them. Cahill, 36, who has returned home to play in the A-League with Melbourne City after 18 years plying his trade overseas, has scored five of his 48 international goals against the Japanese. His scoring record against them could sway coach Ange Postecoglou to start him after late substitute appearances in the last The draw followed a 2-2 stalemate against Austria four days ago as Chris Coleman s side were left to regret not making the most of a host of chances in the first half. Real Madrid star Gareth Bale headed Wales into a 10th-minute lead but Georgia hit back after the break, equalising through Tornike Okriashvili s 57thminute header. Georgia nearly won the game late on when Valeri Kazaishvili struck the crossbar. People will look at it as two points dropped but it might be a point gained at the end of the day, in the second half, said Coleman whose team went from top of the group to third place. Qatar s head coach Jorge Fossati gives a press conference the day before the World Cup 2018 Asia qualifying football match between Qatar and Syria at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Oct 10. (AFP) two Russia 2018 qualifiers. We ll be ready against Japan and looking forward to it. I m here ready if I start or don t start and we all have to be, Cahill said. I got five minutes (against Saudi) and I ve got some amazing memories to score a lot of goals against these Asian teams. Australia and Saudi Arabia lead Group B with seven points. Japan and the UAE are one point behind in the race for the two automatic World Cup qualifying spots. In Group I, Croatia won 1-0 in Finland at Tampere with Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic scoring the only goal after 18 minutes when Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky allowed a cross from Andrej Kramaric to slip from his grasp. Croatia have seven points and lead on goal difference from Iceland who followed up their come-from-behind 3-2 win over Finland with an impressive a 2-0 victory over Turkey in Reykjavik. Turkey defender Omer Toprak put through his own goal in the 42nd minute before Alfred Finnbogason added a second just before the break. Ukraine are third, two points back, after a 3-0 win over Kosovo in a game played at Krakow in Poland. Ukraine s Ivan Ordets (right), challenges Kosovo s Milot Rashica during their World Cup Group I qualifying soccer match at the Jozef Pilsudski Stadium in Krakow, Poland on Oct 9. (AP) Australia vs Japan bein SPORTS 1HD 12:00 local Iraq vs Thailand bein SPORTS 1HD 15:30 local Uzbekistan vs China bein SPORTS 2HD 16:00 local Iran vs S. Korea AIKASS six HD 16:45 local Qatar vs Syria bein SPORTS 2HD 19:00 local Saudi Arabia vs UAE bein SPORTS 1HD 20:45 local It is make-or-break time for China, who were stunned 1-0 at home by war-ravaged Syria earlier this week as they slipped to fifth in Group A. Seventy-eighth ranked China have ambitions of hosting and even winning a World Cup, but have regularly foundered in their qualifying campaigns and face the Uzbeks, who have already beaten Syria and Qatar. Qatar cannot afford another slip-up after suffering their third straight defeat to South Korea in Suwon and must beat the Syrians in Doha. Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk will be looking to press home the Saudis advantage over rivals UAE after this week s draw with Australia, while Iran have yet to concede a goal so far as they face Uli Stielike s South Korea, seeking their 10th World Cup appearance. Group A P W D L GF GA Pts Netherlands France Sweden Bulgaria Belarus Luxembourg Group B P W D L GF GA Pts Switzerland Faroes Portugal Latvia Hungary Andorra Group C P W D L GF GA Pts Germany Azerbaijan Northern Ireland Czech Republic Norway San Marino Group D P W D L GF GA Pts Serbia Ireland Wales Austria Georgia Moldova Group E P W D L GF GA Pts Montenegro Romania Poland Denmark Kazakhstan Armenia Group F P W D L GF GA Pts England Scotland Slovenia Lithuania Slovakia Malta Group G P W D L GF GA Pts Spain Italy Albania Israel Macedonia Liechtenstein Group H P W D L GF GA Pts Belgium Greece Bosnia-Herzegovina Estonia Cyprus Gibraltar Group I P W D L GF GA Pts Croatia Iceland Ukraine Turkey Finland Kosovo Note 1: Nine group winners in Europe qualify for the 2018 finals in Russia; eight best runners-up play-off with four winners qualifying for the finals. Note 2: Standings read as played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against and points. Kick out six Israeli clubs based in WB, FIFA urged RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories, Oct 10, (AFP): Palestinian officials have called on FIFA to kick out six Israeli clubs based in West Bank settlements ahead of a key meeting of football s governing body. FIFA s executive committee is meeting Thursday and Friday and is expected to discuss the issue of clubs in the Israeli football league based in Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. In a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino seen by AFP Monday, the Palestine Football Association called on FIFA to demand the Israeli football association expel the clubs or force them to move inside Israel s recognised borders. It said the world football body was failing to enforce its policies on illegal, immoral and unethical behaviour as it was permitting association football to be organised on the basis of an occupying power s internationally prohibited acts. Israel seized the West Bank in the 1967 Six Day War in a move never recognised by the international community. The Palestinians have long opposed the participation in the Israeli championships of the clubs, which play in Israel s third, fourth and fifth divisions. Infantino last week told AFP the issue was a priority for him and that FIFA would try to put politics aside and talk football to find the best conditions for football in this region. Human Rights Watch said last month FIFA was tarnishing the beautiful game by holding games on stolen land. The Israel Football Association has said sport has been dragged from the football field into a political one but it had faith FIFA would deal correctly with the issue. Brazil aim to maintain sparkling form Must-win for Chile in Clasico del Pacifi co MONTEVIDEO, Oct 10, (AFP): Chile face a must-win showdown with fierce regional rivals Peru on Tuesday as the South American champions aim to make up lost ground after a stumbling start to their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign. After a 3-0 thrashing by Ecuador in Quito on Thursday, the Chileans limped back to Santiago a full five points adrift of the qualifying places in South America s marathon battle for World Cup berths. Chile, the dominant force in South America over the past two years with back-to-back wins in the 2015 and 2016 Copa Americas, still have plenty of time to turn their campaign around with nine games left. But anything less than a win against Peru on Tuesday risks leaving them with a mountain to climb if they are to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Veteran defender Gonzalo Jara admitted the team was baffled by its failure to take more than one point from its last three games, a scrappy 0-0 home draw against Bolivia, one of the weakest teams in the qualifying competition. The only upside for Chile is that Peru, who have not won in Santiago since 1985, have barely performed any better. The Peruvians, who held Argentina to a 2-2 draw in Lima on Thursday, are in eighth place after nine games, three points behind Chile. The high stakes nature of Tuesday s meeting adds fuel to the Clasico del Pacific one of South America s most potent footballing rivalries, with the Andean neighbours having a long historical enmity that dates back to the War of the Pacific. Football has often been a bone of contention, with Bolivia vs Ecuador bein SPORTS 2HD 23:00 local Colombia vs Uruguay bein SPORTS 3HD 23:30 local Argentina vs Paraguay bein SPORTS 1HD 02:30 local (Wednesday) Chile vs Peru bein SPORTS 2HD 02:30 local (Wednesday) Venezuela vs Brazil bein SPORTS 4HD 03:30 local (Wednesday) differences of opinion remaining to this day over which country was responsible for the invention of the bicycle kick. Chileans insist they invented it in a 1914 match, christening the overhead volley as La Chilena. Peruvians maintain it was fact first attempted in the port city of Callao in the late 1800s, being given the name, La Chalaca. Elsewhere Tuesday, Brazil will aim to maintain their sparkling form under new coach Tite, still buoyant after a 5-0 drubbing of Bolivia last week that has left commentators breathlessly talking about a renaissance of jogo bonito ( the beautiful game ). Brazil travel to winless Venezuela and on form should have no problem picking up another three points to keep the pressure firmly on group leaders Uruguay, who face an awkward away game against fourth placed Colombia. Argentina meanwhile will aim to get back to winning ways after being held to a second consecutive draw in Thursday s 2-2 battle with Peru. The Argentinians, who will be without injured captain Lionel Messi once more, host Paraguay in Cordoba.

42 SPORTS 42 Germany target perfect 12 on road to Russia England bench beckons for captain Rooney LONDON, Oct 10, (AFP): England captain Wayne Rooney is in line to be dropped to the bench for the World Cup qualifier away to Slovenia on Tuesday, several British media outlets reported Monday. The BBC said that, in the absence of any last-minute injuries, interim manager Gareth Southgate would leave Rooney, now among the substitutes as England look to preserve their perfect record. Rooney, England s all-time leading goalscorer, started but did not score in England s 2-0 win over Malta at Wembley on Saturday and was booed by some sections of the home support during a lacklustre display. Former England captain Alan Shearer has led calls for Rooney to be dropped. Best known as a forward, the 30-yearold Rooney has only been a substitute for Manchester United s last three matches. Southgate said after the Malta match he was very pleased with Rooney s performance. But asked whether he would be prepared to take a decision as significant as benching Rooney, also England s most-capped outfield player, he replied: There s a lot of hypothetical parts to the question, but whenever we pick a team, we select a team we feel is right for the game. Given the number of chances we created, I don t think we were far away from that. He also said: I ve got to make decisions which are right for the team and whenever you select a team, with England, you re going to leave some (players disappointed). You look at the bench (against Malta) and there are guys that are playing every week in the Premier League for their clubs and so you have to be prepared to do that, that s part and parcel of the job. Southgate added he was not overly concerned that Rooney had been left out of United s recent starting sides. I think at this moment in time that s irrelevant, said former England defender Southgate. Part of that is because we ve Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (18) stiff-arms Detroit Lions outside linebacker Steve Longa (59) during the second half of an NFL football game, on Oct 9, in Detroit. (AP) Ex-England captain Jeeps dies aged 84 LONDON, Oct 10, (AFP): Former England captain Dickie Jeeps has died aged 84, the BBC reported Monday. Jeeps, a scrum-half, played 24 internationals for England, captaining the side on 13 occasions. He also played 13 Tests for the British and Irish Lions on three separate tours starting with the 1955 trip to got 30 percent of the Premier League eligible for England. Of that, some don t want to play; of that, some aren t good enough to play. Meanwhile, Germany want another win in Tuesday s World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland in their bid for a perfect 12 points from their first four games on the road to Russia. Victories away to Norway last month and at home to the Czech Republic on Saturday by the same 3-0 scorelines leave Germany top of Group C in their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. The world champions are in no mood to drop points against Michael O Neill s Northern Ireland in Hanover. A win over the Irish, then again at minnows San Marino on November 11, would yield a maximum 12 points from four qualifiers leaving Germany in pole position to qualify for Russia. South Africa. At club level, he played for Cambridge University and Northampton. After his playing days were over, Jeeps served as president of England s governing Rugby Football Union in 1976/77. Northampton great David Powell said Jeeps was on par with legendary I have told the team I ll only be happy if we get the maximum number of points from our next two games, said Germany head coach Joachim Loew in Monday s press conference. We are concentrating on ourselves, that we develop further and make sure we win our games, but we re self-confident enough to say we ll qualify. Germany top the group on goal difference from surprise-package Azerbaijan, who have also won their opening two games. Northern Ireland are third after beating San Marino 4-0 in Belfast on Saturday following last month s goalless draw against the Czech Republic in Prague. After Germany beat the Irish 1-0 in their Euro 2016 group match in June, Loew expects another hard-fought match. The team is passionate, the players have a big heart, he said. A large part of their Euro 2016 squad will also be in Hanover, so we know what to expect. Defender Mats Hummels admits Germany s desire for 12 points from their first four qualifiers is motivated by their less-than-perfect qualifying campaign for Euro 2016 when they suffered two away defeats. Chubb runs for 121 yards, 2 TDs Georgia beats S. Carolina in hurricane-delayed game COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Oct 10, (AP): Nick Chubb ran for 121 yards and two touchdowns and Georgia bounced back from a Hail Mary loss to Tennessee to beat South Carolina on Sunday in a game pushed back a day because of Hurricane Matthew. The Bulldogs (4-2, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) turned things around by doing what they do best, running repeatedly and effectively. Along with Chubb, Sony Michel had 133 yards on 21 carries. In all, Georgia finished with 326 yards on the ground for its highest total this season. The Sunday Chubb showcase came about because of Matthew, a destructive storm that struck the state on Saturday. The SEC and both teams agreed to the new date, although the crowd was sparser than the 77,221 announced by the school. Chubb, who had just one carry the past two games with a left-ankle sprain, was on his game from the start. He scampered 18 yards on his first carry and ended the sequence with 15- yard TD run. Chubb added a 1-yard touchdown as the Bulldogs moved in front The Gamecocks (2-4, 1-4) could not keep up in losing their third straight game. The Gamecocks cut it to on Rico Dowdle s 1-yard TD run with 1:40 left. But Terry Goodwin picked up South Carolina s on-side kick attempt and took it 43 yards for a clinching score. Slovenia vs England AD 3HD 21:45 local Germany vs N. Ireland AD 4HD 21:45 local Rooney Wales scrum-half Gareth Edwards. People ask me who were the greatest scrum-halves I ve seen and you look at Gareth Edwards and Jeeps are very close, Powell told BBC Radio Northampton. They re different sort of players but Dick was an amazing player. He had this great power and strength for a small man. Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown after catching a pass as Cincinnati Bengals free safety George Iloka (43) defends in the fi rst half of an NFL football game, on Oct 9, in Arlington, Texas. (AP) Brady returns Continued from Page 44 Bills 30, Rams 19 In Los Angeles, Nickell Robey-Coleman returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown while LeSean McCoy rushed for 150 yards as the Bills won their third consecutive game by defeating the Rams. Robey-Coleman stepped in front of rookie receiver Pharoh Cooper and strolled down the sideline to put the Bills (3-2) ahead with 3:54 left in the third quarter. The big play allowed the Bills to finish off the Rams (3-2) and end their three-game winning streak. Robey-Coleman added another interception in the final minutes. Raiders 34, Chargers 31 In Oakland, California, Derek Carr threw a go-ahead 21-yard touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree on a fourth-and-2 gamble and added another TD pass to Amari Cooper to lead the Raiders to a victory over the mistake-prone Chargers. San Diego (1-4) committed four turnovers and then botched the hold on a potential tying field goal. Rookie Drew Kaser couldn t hold the snap on what would have been a 36-yard field goal attempt. The Raiders (4-1) took over with 2 minutes left and ran out most of the clock to get a third straight win for the first time in five years and hand San Diego its 10th straight division loss. Titans 30, Dolphins 17 In Miami Gardens, Florida, Marcus Mariota threw for three touchdowns and ran for another score, helping the Titans overcome a handful of big plays by the Dolphins. Mariota bounced back with a strong game after totaling three interceptions and no TD passes in losses the past two weeks. He went 20 for 29 for 163 yards with no interceptions, and ran seven times for 60 yards. DeMarco Murray added 121 yards rushing for the Titans, who totaled 235 on the ground. They improved to 2-3, and Miami fell to 1-4. Vikings 31, Texans 13 In Minneapolis, Adam Thielen caught a touchdown pass to cap Minnesota s opening drive and finished with a career-high 127 yards as the Vikings defense flustered Brock Osweiler and the Texans. Marcus Sherels returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown and Cordarelle Patterson scored on another sharp throw by Sam Bradford, who produced another turnover-free game and deftly guided the Vikings (5-0) into their bye week. Colts 29, Bears 23 In Indianapolis, Andrew Luck threw a 35-yard TD pass to T.Y. Hilton with 3:43 left to lead the Colts (2-3) past the Bears. Brian Hoyer was solid in his third straight start throwing for 397 yards and two touchdowns for Chicago (1-4).

43 SPORTS 43 A terrible accident, says Barnes at opening of inquest Death of Australia s Hughes inevitable after blow SYDNEY, Oct 10, (AFP): The death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes was likely inevitable after he was struck by a ball, an inquest heard Monday as it raised concerns about on-field sledging and short, fast deliveries. Hughes, who played 26 Tests, died from bleeding on the brain in November 2014 after being hit on the neck by a rising ball while batting in a domestic match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Quite clearly the death was a terrible accident, Coroner Michael Barnes said at the opening of the five-day inquest. But that does not mean that cricket cannot be made safer. The death of the 25-year-old, who had risen through the ranks to play for his country, stunned Australia and the world cricket community, sparking an outpouring of grief. In her opening address, counsel assisting the coroner Kristina Stern said Hughes had been excited about playing that day, with his mother and sister in the stands, as he worked to regain a place on the national team. He had opened the batting for South Australia in the domestic Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales and was playing well. But he tried to hook a delivery from Sean Abbott which hit him in the neck, causing him to step to the side before collapsing to the ground face first. Footage of the blow and Hughes collapse was played in court, with some of his family leaving the room. Fellow cricketers and medical staff raced to help but Stern noted that the first person to call for an ambulance was unaware of the severity of the injury and that it took about an hour to get Hughes to hospital. But she said none of that seemed to have had an effect on his death which appears to have been inevitable from the point of impact. Nor did there appear to be any defect in the helmet he was wearing, given that the area in which he was hit was unprotected, she said. At hospital, Hughes underwent scans and surgery but died two days later on November 27, CRICKET Stern said that concerns had been raised about the number of short balls delivered by fast bowlers to Hughes that day but the players involved did not believe he had been unfairly targeted. There were also concerns about whether players had engaged in sledging -- insulting or verbally baiting him -- during play. Under questioning, bowler Doug Bollinger did not recall telling Hughes or his batting partner that, I m going to kill you, as suggested by counsel for Hughes family Greg Melick. I know in my heart I didn t say that, Bollinger said, The Australian newspaper reported. Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who was captaining New South Wales that day, said while he did not see where the ball hit Hughes, the event was something I ve never witnessed before in my life. It was the noise. The groan. The way he fell straight down, motionless without trying to break the fall, Haddin told the inquest, The Australian said. Coroner Barnes is examining the manner and cause of Hughes death and also has jurisdiction to make recommendations, particularly in the interest of public health and safety. The findings may come on Friday, but could take weeks. An independent review into the death, ordered by Cricket Australia, has already recommended that helmets be compulsory for batsmen and fielders near the wicket. Soccer Roundup Milik injured Ramos sidelined with knee sprain MADRID, Oct 10, (Agencies): Real Madrid s Spanish international defender Sergio Ramos suffered a left knee sprain in the weekend s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win in Albania, the La Liga side confirmed on Monday. Spain captain Ramos, 30, was hurt late in the game after falling awkwardly following an aerial duel before he was eventually replaced by Inigo Martinez. He has been diagnosed with Ramos a grade two sprain of the medial collateral knee ligament in the left knee. His recovery will continue to be assessed, Real said in a statement. Real did not reveal for how long he would be sidelined but Spanish press reports speculated he would be out for at least six weeks. His absence will be a further blow for Spain and Real with Zinedine Zidane s side already without injured Brazilian Casemiro and Croatian Luka Modric in midfield. Ramos should miss upcoming La Liga games against Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao and promoted Alaves and Leganes. Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik will be out for several months after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in Poland s World Cup qualifying victory over Denmark. Following an MRI scan, Napoli issued a statement confirming Milik had suffered a total rupture during the 3-2 win in Warsaw on Saturday. He will likely go under the knife on Monday and is expected to be absent from the pitch for 4-6 months. The Polish federation had earlier taken to Twitter to announce that Milik would likely need surgery and be out for several months. Libya have fired coach Javier Clemente after a heavy defeat at the weekend, making the Spaniard the first casualty in the group phase of African qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup finals. The federation made the announcement in a statement, without going into detail, a day after Libya had been hammered 4-0 by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Group A encounter in Kinshasa on Saturday. West Ham United will move up the Premier League table once they have weathered the injury crisis currently plaguing the side, believes left back Aaron Cresswell. West Ham finished seventh last season but languish at 18th in the Premier League and have also been dumped out of the Europa League in the qualifying rounds. The Hammers have been unfortunate with injuries, with six influential players on the sidelines, including striker Andy Carroll, club s record signing Andre Ayew and Cresswell. Everton have improved defensively this season because new manager Ronald Koeman has put more emphasis on a high work rate and greater solidity, right back Seamus Coleman said. Former manager Roberto Martinez played a more attacking style of football but under Koeman Everton have lost only one of their first seven Premier League games of the season to climb to fifth in the table. It s difficult doing these interviews because it looks as though you are hammering the old regime and that s not the case. Ashwin puts India in firm control INDORE, India, Oct 10, (AFP): Wily off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin backed himself Monday to outfox any batsman in the world after his six wickets in the third and final Test against New Zealand put India in pole position to complete a whitewash. Ashwin, who is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 20 dismissals, was again the standout performer as the hosts bowled out the tourists for 299 and secured a 258-run lead on day three of the match. India, who did not enforce the follow-on, were 18 for no loss in their second innings at stumps, with Murali Vijay (11) and Cheteshwar Pujara (1) stretching the lead to 276. Opener Gautam Gambhir retired hurt on six after aggravating a shoulder CRICKET injury, which he first suffered while fielding, as he dived into his crease to avoid a run-out. Earlier Ashwin ensured that India continued their domination of the series at their newest Test venue, Indore s Holkar Stadium, after recording his 20th five-wicket haul to destroy the New Zealand batting. It is pretty special (five-for). It is very important for me to get into a good rhythm... once I get into that good rhythm I think I can beat any batsman in the world: that s where I stand right now, he told reporters. Opener Martin Guptill, who struck form with a gritty 72, and James Neesham (71) put up the main resistance against an inspired Indian attack. The Black Caps, who began the day on 28 without loss, had made a strong start in response to India s commanding first innings score of 557 for five declared, but then lost five wickets for just 30 runs. After Tom Latham fell just before lunch for 53, caught and bowled by Ashwin, India turned the screws on the visitors by taking a further five wickets in the afternoon session. Hosts lead NZ by 258 runs on course for whitewash New Zealand batsman James Neesham (right), plays a shot as Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha watches on the third day of the third Test cricket match between India and New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Oct 10. (AFP) India vs New Zealand Scoreboard INDORE, India, Oct 10, (AFP): Scoreboard at stumps on day three of the third and final Test between India and New Zealand in Indore on Monday: INDIA 1st innings: 557 for five declared (V. Kohli 211, A. Rahane 188, R. Sharma 51 not out) NEW ZEALAND 1st innings: overnight 28/0 (M. Guptill 17 not out, T. Latham six not out) M. Guptill run out (Ashwin) T. Latham c & b Ashwin K. Williamson b Ashwin... 8 R. Taylor c Rahane b Ashwin... 0 L. Ronchi c Rahane b Ashwin... 0 J. Neesham lbw b Ashwin B.J. Watling c Rahane b Jadeja M. Santner c Kohli b Jadeja J. Patel run out (Ashwin) M. Henry not out T. Boult c Pujara b Ashwin... 0 Extras (b6, lb5, w1, penalty 5) Total (all out; 90.2 overs) Fall of wickets: (Latham), (Williamson), (Taylor), (Guptill), (Ronchi), (Watling), Guptill counter-attacked with 10 fours and two sixes during his 144-ball stay but was unlucky to be run out by Ashwin while backing up. Ashwin s other victims included New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who was bowled for eight after dragging a turning delivery onto his stumps. It was the third time in a row that the Black Caps star batsman had been dismissed by Ashwin. I came into the series with a plan, especially taking off from where Kane Williamson got out in Bangalore when they came here last time in 2012, said Ashwin. He lunged forward and got out at slip. He just lunges outside off stump so that s one thing I thought I would repeat in good certainty in the series. (Left): India s captain Virat Kohli jumps to stop a ball during the third day of the third Test cricket match between India and New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Oct 10. (Right): India s bowler Neesham and B.J. Watling put on 53 for the sixth wicket to raise hopes of a revival, but left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja broke the stand by bowling Watling for 23 after the wicketkeeper-batsman had struck four boundaries. Neesham carried on the good work after tea to register his fourth Test fifty in 10 games but ran out of steam after being trapped lbw by Ashwin, who Bangladesh detains Indian over illegal gambling soon wiped out the tail. I think New Zealand has definitely batted well. They have been in the game more than any other team has been when they toured here, said Ashwin, praising the fighting quality of the opposition batsmen. Indian skipper Virat Kohli had played a vital role Sunday with a career-best 211, his second double-century in Tests. Ravichandran Ashwin appeals successfully for the wicket of New Zealand batsman James Neesham on the third day of the third Test cricket match between India and New Zealand. (AFP) B desh, England players disciplined after clash DHAKA, Bangladesh, Oct 10, (Agencies): Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza and middle-order batsman Sabbir Rahman have been fined 20 per cent of their match fees, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a press release. England captain Jos Buttler has received an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during their sides second One-Day International in Mirpur on Sunday. Both the Bangladesh players were found to have breached the ICC Code of Conduct relating to using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batsman upon his/her dismissal during an international match. Buttler was found guilty of using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an international match. (Santner), (Neesham), (Patel), (Boult) Bowling: Shami , Yadav , Ashwin , Jadeja , Vijay INDIA 2nd innings: M. Vijay not out G. Gambhir retired hurt... 6 C. Pujara not out... 1 Extras... 0 Total (0 wickets; 6 overs) Fall of wickets: 0-11* (Gambhir, retired not out, 2.5 overs) Bowling: Boult , Patel , Santner To bat: V. Kohli, A Rahane, R. Sharma, R. Ashwin, W. Saha, R. Jadeja, M. Shami, U. Yadav Toss: India Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI) and Bruce Oxenford (AUS) TV umpire: Chettithody Shamshuddin (IND) Match referee: David Boon (AUS) Reserve umpire: Nitin Menon (IND) While this was the first offence for the rival captains, Rahman has been sanctioned for the second time since the introduction of the ICC s revised code. The incident happened in the 28th over of England s run-chase when Mortaza and Rahman reacted after Bangladesh s review against Buttler was successful and the England captain responding by making inappropriate comments. The three players admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions. Commenting Mortaza on his decision, match referee Javagal Srinath said: The Bangladesh players overstepped in their celebration of Jos Buttler s wicket, which prompted an inappropriate reaction from the dismissed batsman and required the on-field umpires intervention. We all want to see high intensity on the field of play, but only as long as it is not provoking or antagonising or disrespecting the opponent. Bangladesh cricket authorities said Monday they have detained an Indian for suspected links with illegal gambling operations during a cricket series between Bangladesh and England. The suspect was detained during Friday s first one-day international of the controversial tour, held despite the country s deadliest terror attack on a Dhaka cafe in July. Our anti-corruption officials found his movements suspicious so they detained him and handed him over to local police, said Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) spokesman Jalal Yunus. Gambling is illegal in Bangladesh, whose cricket authorities threw out four Indian nationals last year for suspected involvement during a Twenty20 tournament. Local police official Bhuiyan Mahboob Hossain said the suspect had been handed to the Indian High Commission after being interrogated, and had not been charged. England agreed to tour Bangladesh only after the Bangladeshi authorities promised unprecedented security during the month-long tour. The three-match ODI series is currently locked at 1-1 after England won the first match by 21 runs and Bangladesh levelled with a 34-run win in the second match. The two teams will head now to Chittagong, where the third and final match of the series will be held on Wednesday. The teams will also play two Tests. Uncapped spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi were named in South Africa s squad for next month s three-match Test series in Australia on Monday as the Proteas seek to exploit a perceived weaknesses in their hosts batting. Faf du Plessis will again captain the team in the absence of injured AB de Villiers after leading the side in the two-test series against New Zealand last month, which they won 1-0. Basically, we are following a horses for courses policy as we feel that spinners who turn the ball away from the right-hander are going to be particularly useful under Australian conditions and against the Test batsmen we are likely to face, selector Linda Zondi said in a statement.

44 PRIME TIME tuesday (all times are kuwait local) 12:00 australia vs japan/soccer... bein sports 1hd 15:30 iraq vs thailand/soccer... bein sports 1hd 16:00 uzbekistan vs china/soccer... bein sports 2hd 16:45 iran vs s.korea/soccer... alkass six hd 19:00 qatar vs syria/soccer... bein sports 2hd 20:45 saudi arabia vs uae/soccer... bein sports 1hd 21:45 slovenia vs england/soccer... ad sports 3hd 21:45 germany vs n.ireland/soccer... ad sports 4hd 44 Sports Latest sports scores at Blue Jays complete sweep of Rangers Nats tie Dodgers LOS ANGELES, Oct 10, (AFP): Josh Donaldson made a mad dash from second base to score the winning run in extra innings as the Toronto Blue Jays advanced to their second straight American League Championship Series on Sunday. The Blue Jays completed their first series sweep in franchise history with a 7-6 victory over Texas on a winning run that was set up by an error from Rangers second BASEBALL baseman Rougned Odor in the bottom of the 10th. We came out and executed well. They took advantage of some of our mistakes and we took advantage of some of their mistakes, Donaldson said of the win in front of a crowd of 49,500 at Toronto s Rogers Centre. It was a back and forth battle. We were able to get the last one. With the score tied 6-6 with one out and runners on first and second, Canadian Russell Martin started the play with a ground ball to shortstop Elvis Andrus. The ball was flipped to Odor and the Rangers appeared to have a routine double play in the making but Odor bungled the throw to first base. That allowed Donaldson to charge home from second. His head-first slide beat the throw from Rangers Mitch Moreland. Donaldson reached second earlier in the inning with a line drive to centre field. I tried to get a pitch, and I was able to take advantage of a pitch that stayed over plate, Donaldson said. Edwin Encarnacion and Martin homered for the Blue Jays, who took the best-of-five Major League Baseball series 3-0. That is the best ground ball to short I have ever hit, Martin said. We are built to be resilient. We ve been through a lot this year. We didn t let them get to us. It wasn t pretty, but we got it done. Odor and Andrus homered for the Rangers. In the other playoff game played Sunday, Jose Lobaton belted a threerun homer and Daniel Murphy drove in two runs as the Washington Nationals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2 to knot their series at one game apiece. Washington Nationals Jayson Werth celebrates after scoring on a single by Daniel Murphy during the seventh inning of Game 2 of baseball s National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park on Oct 9, in Washington. (AP) Toronto Blue Jays Josh Donaldson slides in to score the winning run past Texas Rangers catcher Jonathan Lucroy during tenth inning Game Three American League Division Series action, in Toronto on Oct 9. (AP) Lobaton went deep on a curveball from Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill in the fourth inning to give the Nationals a 3-2 lead. He smacked the two-out shot into the Dodgers s bullpen in left field after Murphy drew a leadoff walk and Danny Espinosa was hit by a pitch with two outs. I think I hit it really good, Lobaton said. When it went out it was like, That is pretty cool. I think everyone is going to feel good (going to Los Angeles). That is what we wanted. Lobaton, starting because regular catcher Wilson Ramos is out for the rest of the season with a torn knee ligament, last hit a post-season home run in 2013, when he was playing for Tampa Bay. Winning pitcher Blake Treinen retired all four batters he faced, lefty Oliver Perez retired both batters he saw in the eighth and closer Mark Melancon pitched the ninth for the save. The contest was postponed from Saturday, so the teams will have a quick turnaround to game three in Los Angeles on Monday. The winners of the series will face either the Chicago Cubs or San Francisco Giants for a World Series berth. The Cubs take a 2-0 series lead into game three in San Francisco on Monday. There was another rain delay on Sunday, as the American League game between the Cleveland Indians and Red Sox in Boston was washed out. That means the Indians, up 2-0, have to wait until Monday to try to close out that series. Falcons hand Broncos first defeat of season Brady returns as Patriots pummel Browns CLEVELAND, Oct 10, (AP): Tom Brady, looking razor-sharp at times and relatively rust-free after serving his four-game Deflategate suspension, passed for 406 yards and three touchdowns to Martellus Bennett in his hyped return as the New England Patriots thumped the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Brady was back following a ban for his role in the scandal in which an NFL investigation found the Patriots underinflated footballs in the 2015 AFC championship game. Brady threw two short TD passes in the first half to Bennett before hooking up with his new teammate again on a 37-yarder to give the Patriots a 30-7 lead in the third quarter. Packers 23, Giants 16 In Green Bay, Wisconsin, Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdown passes to lead the Packers to a win over New York. Rodgers was 23 of 45 for 259 yards and also threw two interceptions. Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams each had highlight-reel touchdown catches to help the Packers (3-1) build an 11-point halftime lead. New York s Eli Manning was 18 of 35 for 199 yards and was sacked three times. NFL Results/Standings LOS ANGELES, Oct 10, (Agencies): Results and standings on Sunday in the National Football League: Thursday Arizona 33 San Francisco 21 Sunday Tennessee 30 Miami 17 Pittsburgh 31 NY Jets 13 Minnesota 31 Houston 13 Detroit 24 Philadelphia 23 American Football Conference AFC East W L T OTL PF PA PCT New England Buffalo NY Jets Miami AFC North W L T OTL PF PA PCT Pittsburgh Baltimore Cincinnati Cleveland AFC South W L T OTL PF PA PCT Houston Tennessee Indianapolis Jacksonville AFC West W L T OTL PF PA PCT Oakland Denver Kansas City San Diego Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) scrambles as Atlanta Falcons linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) pursues during the fi rst half of an NFL football game on Oct 9, in Denver. (AP) Lions 24, Eagles 23 In Detroit, Matt Prater kicked a 29-yard field goal with 1:28 left then Darius Slay made an over-the-shoulder interception on the next snap, helping the Lions hand Carson Wentz his first loss with a victory over the Eagles. Matthew Stafford set up the gamewinning kick by converting a thirdand-4 from the Eagles 39 with a perfectly placed pass to Golden Tate, who drew an unnecessary roughness penalty on Malcolm Jenkins. Redskins 16, Ravens 10 In Baltimore, the Redskins used an Indianapolis 29 Chicago 23 Washington 16 Baltimore 10 New England 33 Cleveland 13 Atlanta 23 Denver 16 Dallas 28 Cincinnati 14 Buffalo 30 Los Angeles 19 Oakland 34 San Diego 31 Green Bay 23 NY Giants 16 National Football Conference NFC East W L T OTL PF PA PCT Dallas Philadelphia Washington NY Giants NFC North W L T OTL PF PA PCT Minnesota Green Bay Detroit Chicago NFC South W L T OTL PF PA PCT Atlanta New Orleans Tampa Bay Carolina NFC West W L T OTL PF PA PCT Seattle Los Angeles Arizona San Francisco yard punt return by Jamison Crowder and an uncharacteristically strong performance by their defense to beat the Ravens. It was the third straight win for the Redskins (3-2), who came in with the league s 29th-ranked defense. Washington allowed a touchdown on the game s opening drive and smothered the Ravens (3-2) the rest of the way. The game wasn t decided until the final minute, when an apparent 23- yard touchdown catch by Baltimore s Breshad Perriman was overturned FOOTBALL by replay. Perriman got his right foot down in the end zone, but his left foot was out of bounds. Cowboys 28, Bengals 14 In Arlington, Texas, Ezekiel Elliott ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns while fellow rookie Dak Prescott threw for a score and ran for another TD as the Cowboys beat the Bengals. Prescott had his first turnover in five games starting in place of injured Tony Romo, a fumble when being sacked late in the third quarter. But Prescott extended his NFL rookie record to 155 passes without an interception to start his career. He completed 18 of 24 passes for 227 yards. Falcons 23, Broncos 16 In Denver, Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons handed the Denver Broncos their first loss since Dec 20 last year and left the Minnesota Vikings (5-0) as the NFL s last unbeaten team. The Falcons (4-1) didn t need another 300-yard performance from Julio Jones to decipher the Super Bowl champs dazzling defense and wreck Paxton Lynch s first NFL start. Steelers 31, Jets 13 In Pittsburgh, Ben Roethlisberger passed for 380 yards and four touchdowns as the Steelers pulled away in the second half for a win over the Jets. Sammie Coates caught six passes for a career-high 139 yards and two scores, including a 72-yard catch-andrun for a score on Pittsburgh s opening drive as the Steelers moved the ball at will against a secondary missing injured star Darrelle Revis. Steelers running back Le Veon Bell racked up 154 yards of total offense, including a career-high nine receptions, while Antonio Brown caught nine passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. Continued on Page 42 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: /7 Fax: advt@arabtimesonline.com Annual Subscriptions: Individuals KD 45/- Companies and Official Departments KD 75 Airmail charges extra for overseas Tel: Fax: