UAE SAYS DOHA COULD FACE FRESH SANCTIONS RIFT RAISES DOUBT ON SUSTAINABILITY OF GCC QATAR STOCKS FALL Kuwaiti banks to stay invested in Qatar

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1 baseball Page 39 THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT Established in 1977 / MONDAY, JULY 3, 2017 / SHAWWAL 9, 1438 AH emergency number 112 NO PAGES 150 FILS UAE SAYS DOHA COULD FACE FRESH SANCTIONS RIFT RAISES DOUBT ON SUSTAINABILITY OF GCC QATAR STOCKS FALL Kuwaiti banks to stay invested in Qatar US envoy backs Kuwait mediation THE United States supports and highly values Kuwait s efforts to mediate the dispute among Qatar and Saudi Arabia, says a statement released by US Ambassador Lawrence Silverman. We share the view that there is a strong need to resolve this dispute as soon as possible through diplomatic dialogue. As the United States continues to engage in the matter, we urge the countries involved to remain open to negotiation and calls on all parties to exercise restraint to create space for a fair resolution of the dispute, the statement added. The United States believes we and our allies and partners are strongest when we work together toward a single, common goal; and that goal is stopping terrorism and confronting extremism. The United States Silverman Newswatch will continue to stay in close contact with all parties and support the mediation efforts of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, the statement concludes. KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaiti Interior Ministry on Sunday dismissed reports that it was taking extraordinary security measures to address external or terrorist threats. The Ministry said in a statement that precautionary plans and preventive measures are part of a security plan that has been launched since the holy month of Ramadan. The plan is subject to the supervision of Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah and all relevant security organs, ministry added. (KUNA) ADEN: A drone strike likely to have been carried out by the United States killed two suspected al-qaeda members in southern Yemen, a security official said on Sunday. The attack took place on Saturday night in Wadhie, a region in the southern province of Abyan, the official said. One of the suspects was identified as Ibrahim al-adani, who was said to have run al-qaeda s finances in the region. The other was one of his relatives. The pair were riding a motorcycle when the drone struck, the official added. The United States considers the Yemen-based al-qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP, to be the group s most dangerous branch and has conducted a long-running drone war against its leaders. Since President Donald Trump took office in January, the campaign has intensified. In May, US commandos conducted a ground raid on an AQAP headquarters compound in the central province of Marib, killing at least seven militants in an operation that left several American troops wounded. In January, an air raid ordered by Trump, the first since he took office, in the Yakla region of Baida province, killed a US Navy SEAL and several Yemeni civilians. AQAP has taken advantage of a running war between the Saudi-backed Yemen government and Shiite rebels to expand its presence in several areas of eastern and southern Yemen. (AFP) CAIRO: An Egyptian court has sentenced 20 people to death for their part in the August 2013 massacre of more than a dozen policemen in a village west of Cairo. Sunday s ruling caps three years of legal proceedings in the case, which in 2015 saw another court sentencing 186 people to death. An appeal against the mass death sentences was accepted last year and a retrial was ordered. The charges the defendants faced were related to the ransacking of a police station in the village of Kerdassah and the subsequent killing of the policemen. The assault was believed to be revenge for the deadly breakup by security forces on Aug 14, 2013 of sit-in protests staged by supporters of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, ousted a month earlier by the military. (AP) LONDON: Some 181 high-rise buildings have failed safety tests carried out after a fire that killed at least 80 people in London last month, the British government said on Sunday. Officials are conducting tests on some 600 high-rise buildings across England after fire ravaged the Grenfell tower block in west London on June 14. The Department for Communities said in a statement that the cladding from 181 high-rise buildings in 51 local authority areas had failed tests. (RTRS) BEIJING: A natural gas pipeline exploded in southwest China on Sunday, killing at least eight people and injuring another 35, the official Xinhua news agency reported. The pipeline, operated by the state-owned oil giant China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) in the town of Shazi in Guizhou province, sprang a leak after it was crushed by a landslide triggered by heavy rains, Xinhua reported. It blew up around 10:00 am (0200 GMT). Emergency workers put out the blaze and evacuated residents, Xinhua said, citing rescuers. Industrial accidents are common in China, where safety standards are often lax. Continued on Page 9 DUBAI, July 2, (Agencies): Kuwaiti banks have no intention of withdrawing their deposits and investments from Qatar, a Kuwaiti official source told Reuters on Sunday. The source, speaking on condition of unanimity because of political sensitivities, noted that Kuwaiti banks had not announced plans to withdraw deposits or take other exceptional measures when detailing their exposure to Qatar in bourse statements over Kuwaiti institutions confident of financial solvency Photo provided by Najd Al Taher Photo shows Lost from Najd Al Taher s fi rst solo expo entitled Fulfi llment. In today s Special Report, 23-year-old visual artist Najd Al Taher traces her nascent artistic journey and expresses her relentless push forward against dismissals on account of her youth. See Pages 19 & 20 the last few days. This reflects the confidence of Kuwaiti banks and Kuwaiti companies in the financial solvency of the state of Qatar, the Qatari banks and financial institutions and their ability to meet their obligations, the source said. This confidence is confirmed by the international rating institutions. These investments are generating good returns for Kuwaiti banks. There is no reason to worry about them at the moment. KUNA photo HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah being welcomed back to Kuwait after a private visit to India. See Page 6 Civilians flee Iraq presses Mosul assault MOSUL, Iraq, July 2, (Agencies): Iraqi forces were battling the last few hundred jihadists in Mosul s historic centre Sunday as they pressed the final stages of an assault to drive the Islamic State group from the city. More than eight months since the country s forces launched a gruelling operation to retake Mosul, IS has gone from fully controlling the city to holding a few neighbourhoods on its western side. The number is... more or less 300 fighters, most of them of European nationalities, Arabs of other nationalities or of Asian origin, said Staff Brigadier General Nabil al-fatlawi, a commander in the elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS). We are not able to specify when the battles will end because of the narrow type of streets in the Old City and also the presence of civilian detainees, Fatlawi said, referring to residents being used as human shields by IS. But I can say within days, he said. Earlier in the day, Iraq s Joint Operations Command announced CTS forces had recaptured the Makawi area of the Old City, in a further blow at the heart of the jihadists crossborder caliphate. Iraqi forces have been closing in on the Old City for months, but its narrow streets and closely spaced buildings combined with a large civilian population made for an extremely difficult fight. Security forces recaptured a series of nearby districts, cornering the jihadists, and launched an assault inside the Old City on June 18. They have since made significant progress. Continued on Page 9 Abu Dhabi s airport exempt in laptop ban DUBAI, UAE, July 2, (AP): The capital of the United Arab Emirates became the first city to be exempt from a US ban on laptop computers being in the cabins of airplanes coming from the Mideast, the country s flag carrier said Sunday. Long-haul airline Etihad said it welcomed the decision by the US Department of Homeland Security, which comes subject to enhanced security measures at Abu Dhabi International Airport. That airport already has a US Customs and Border Protection facility that allows passengers to clear screening they d otherwise have to go through Continued on Page 5 Suicide car bomber in E. Damascus kills 18 DAMASCUS, July 2, (AFP): A suicide car bomber pursued by security forces blew himself up in eastern Damascus on Sunday, with a monitor reporting 18 killed in the deadliest attack to hit the Syrian capital in months. Syrian state media and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said security forces intercepted three car bombers on their way into the city early in the morning. State television said two of the vehicles were blown up on the outskirts of the city. A third managed to reach the eastern Tahrir Square district, where the driver was surrounded but able to detonate a bomb. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but previous deadly attacks in Damascus have been claimed by the Islamic State group and rival jihadist factions. The Britain-based Observatory said 18 people were killed in the bombing, including at least seven members of pro-regime security forces and two civilians. It had not identified the remaining victims. It said at least 12 other people were wounded in the blast. Destroyed Syrian state news agency SANA quoted an interior ministry statement as saying two of the vehicles had been destroyed at a roundabout on the road to the city s airport. The driver of the third blew himself up while being pursued, it said, killing a number of civilians, injuring others, and causing material damage to public and private properties. An AFP correspondent at Tahrir Square saw extensive damage to nearby buildings. Two bombed-out cars were visible to one side of the square, which was strewn with debris. Yara, 23, who lives near Tahrir Square, said her apartment had been rattled by the blast. It was like war had returned after we felt that it had faded away, she said. I haven t left the house yet today I m not afraid anymore, but I just want to do nothing today. In the hours after the attack, a woman could be seen crying in a heavily-damaged apartment near the blast site. Her balcony had collapsed and the living room was a mess of broken glass and shattered masonry, with pictures and curtains strewn across the floor. The woman said her daughter had been taken to hospital after being injured by flying glass. Tahrir Square resident Mohammad Tinawi told AFP that he had heard gunfire at around 6:00 am (0300 GMT), then an explosion which smashed the glass of houses in the neighbourhood. Continued on Page 9 Among the statements by Kuwaiti banks, Burgan Bank, for example, said its total exposure to Qatar was 66.7 million dinars ($220 million), or 0.9 percent of the bank s total assets. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting terrorism. A deadline for Doha to comply with their demands was expected to expire late on Sunday with no sign of the crisis ending. The four Arab states have warned they may impose further sanctions against Qatar. They did not give details but bankers believe, for example, that governments may ask their banks to pull deposits from Qatar. Kuwait has not sided with the coalition against Qatar and has instead tried to mediate between the two sides. Fresh sanctions eyed Qatar faces possible further sanctions by Arab states that have severed ties with Doha over allegations of links to terrorism, as a deadline to accept their demands is expected to expire on Sunday night. Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-thani said the demands were made to be rejected, adding that the Arab ultimatum was aimed not at tackling terrorism but at curtailing his country s sovereignty. But he told reporters in Rome that Doha remained ready to sit down and discuss the grievances raised by its Arab neighbours. This list of demands is made to be rejected. It s not meant to be accepted or... to be negotiated, Sheikh Mohammed said. The state of Qatar instead of rejecting it as a principle, we are willing to engage in (dialogue), providing the proper conditions for further dialogue. He added that no one had the right to issue an ultimatum to a sovereign country. The feud erupted last month when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic and travel ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and being an ally of regional foe Iran, charges that Doha denies. The countries have threatened further sanctions against Qatar if it does not comply with their list of 13 demands presented to Doha by Kuwaiti mediators 10 days ago. The demands include closing a Turkish military base in Qatar and shutting the Al Jazeera pan-arab television network, which Doha also rejected. Qatar s Gulf critics accuse Al Jazeera of being a platform for extremists and an agent of interference in their affairs. The network has rejected the accusations and said it will maintain its editorial independence. Gulf countries have insisted the demands were non- negotiable. The UAE ambassador to Russia has said Qatar could face fresh sanctions if it does not comply with the demands. Gulf states could ask their trading partners to choose between working with them or with Doha, he said in a newspaper interview last week. They have not specified what further sanctions they could impose on Continued on Page 9 US$/KD /05 Euro/KD Yen/KD British /KD KSE pts at closing July 2 See Page 35 Dow pts at closing June 30 Nasdaq pts at closing June 30 FTSE pts at closing June 30 Nikkei pts at closing June 30 Gold 1, per oz (London) NYMEX crude $46.27 per barrel Brent crude $48.94 per barrel 3-month $ LIBOR rate %

2 LOCAL 2 From left: HH the Crown Prince with Speaker Al-Ghanim, HH the Prime Minister and FM Sheikh Sabah Khaled. From left: HH the Crown Prince with Sheikh Mohammad Khaled, Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah and Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah. His Highness the Crown Prince receives senior officials KUNA photos His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Sunday at Bayan Palace National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim. His Highness Sheikh Nawaf also received His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. His Highness also received First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Mohammad Khaled Al- Al-Azeb s statement on travel ban tied to judicial fees, financial fines 3 conditions govern taking precautionary measures Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Information Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al- Mubarak Al-Sabah. (KUNA) KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Minister of Justice and State Minister for National Assembly Affairs Dr Faleh Al-Azeb s statement concerning suspension of the decision to impose travel ban over financial cases for amounts less than KD 100, is related to judicial fees, financial fines and government dues. It does not involve judicial rulings which follow a different mechanism, reports Al-Rai daily quoting legal sources from Ministry of Justice. They affirmed that the minister s move to link transactions in the government quarters with payment of money owed to the state instead of imposing travel ban is a victory for the right guaranteed by the Kuwaiti Constitution concerning freedom of move- Swarming of jelly fi sh seen at inlet of water coolers KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Assistant Undersecretary for South Al-Zour Water Station and Distillation Plant affiliated to the Ministry of Electricity and Water Engineer Fouad Al-Oun confi rmed the swarming of jelly fi sh at the inlet of the water coolers in Al- ment and is aimed at reducing travel ban orders determined by the legislator in the narrowest scope possible. Regarding the mechanism of applying for travel ban on those in debt, the sources explained that, Some creditors, companies and individuals rush to apply for travel ban on their debtors over cases of very small amounts. The department in charge of execution of judicial rulings does not issue travel ban except after the creditors have in hand the payment order or payment invoice to force the debtor to pay. They stressed the fact that Zour Station over the past three days. In a statement, Engineer Al- Oun said the phenomenon is usually witnessed once a year when temperature increases at sea. However, the quantity of jelly fi sh invading the inlet this such kind of mechanism is different from the mechanism of the judiciary rulings, especially for travel ban related to criminal charges which the ministry cannot lift. The sources indicated that, Travel ban is not execution means, instead, it is a precautionary and temporary measure that aims at countering a certain situation once all conditions are available. They affirmed that it is irrational for a Kuwaiti to leave the country and not return because he owes a debt of KD 100. The sources explained, According to articles 297 and 298 time around exceeds previous years and poses great risk to the propeller stirrer that fi lters sea organisms and prevents them from entering the distillers, indicating the wave of jellyfi sh may reduce functioning of the coolers. of procedural law, there are three conditions that govern taking temporary precautionary measures against a debtor. They are maturity of debt, the creditor should produce evidences to back the reason why the debtor is a flight risk, and proof that the debtor is about to settle the debt. All three conditions should be made available at once or else it is not permissible to issue a travel ban. They urged the need for balance between the constitutional text freedom of movement, and legal text, which restricts issuance of travel ban order for abovementioned three conditions. KUNA photo Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah signing the condolence book. Condolences offered to Botswana Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah on Sunday visited Botswana s Embassy in Kuwait where he conveyed condolences of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah over the death of Botswana s former president Ketumile Masire. He also offered condolences on behalf of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the government and the people of Kuwait. (KUNA) KFAS sponsors event Two-day Engineering Design Exhibition commences today KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Director of Engineering Training and Alumni Center at the College of Engineering and Petroleum Dr Bader Al-Buseiri declared that the 32nd Engineering Design Exhibition will be held for two days Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4 under the patronage of Minister of Commerce and Industry and Acting Minister for Youth Affairs Khaled Al-Roudhan, and under the supervision of the center. According to a press release, the event will take place at Al-Baraka Hall of Crowne Plaza Hotel in Farwaniya. It is sponsored by Kuwait Foundation for Advancement of Science (KFAS). The main objective of the exhibition is to encourage students to present and document their academic achievements, and appreciate their efforts and Dr Al-Buseiri hard work in acquiring knowledge, which is the fruit of their many-years of studies in the university. The exhibition also aims at introducing the community, college s students and new high school graduates, who are looking forward to enter the college, to the projects and accomplishments of the graduates of the College of Engineering and Petroleum. The two-day exhibition will start on Monday at exactly 10:30 am. It will be attended by the patron of the events, sponsors and officials from the university, stockholders, parents and visitors from both private and public sectors. It will continue until 10 pm. On Tuesday, the exhibition will be held from 9 am to 12 pm and then from 4 pm to 10 pm. Dr Al-Buseiri praised the role played by KFAS in supporting events that focus on youth s activities and highlight their creativity as well as promote young engineers by enhancing their abilities in the field of engineering design. He stressed that this will serve as a strong motivation for further accomplishments by the youths. He explained that the engineering design is a module which teaches students about the principles of engineering design and helps them in interpreting in reality the science of engineering they learned. The module is characterized by group work and productive spirit among students, and it also highlights skills in research, presentation and explanation of information to the public.

3 LOCAL 3 legal clinic PRO BONO LEGAL ADVICE Service Period I am a doctor in a private clinic and I was hired from India. I have completed one year of service. Kindly clarify if the minimum service period for doctors is one year or three years. Thanking you. Name withheld Answer: Since you were hired from abroad by your current employer, you can not leave the company before serving three years; that is if the company insists on holding on to you. However, if the company has no objection and is prepared to forego the remaining two years of your service, then you will be free to move on. Notice Period I am working for construction company for the past 20 years. Unfortunately I have not been paid the last three months salary and I have got a new job. They want me to join immediately. When I submitted the resignation the old company wants me to serve the three months notice period. They have already violated the contract (non-payment of salary) so is it necessary to serve the three months notice. Anticipating you valuable guidance Thanking you Name withheld Answer: It is true that your company has violated the terms of the contract by not paying you for three months. It is however not in your bossom to determine that the contract has been breached. That determination can only be made by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour or by a court of competent jurisdiction. We therefore suggest that you file a case immediately at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour through the Labour Department in your area against the company for an breach of contract and demand for an immediate release. Visa Good morning It s amazing to read the issues and queries daily and which helps us to know the rules and laws of the country where we have come to work. It s wonderful and our pleasure to read such issues without any fees. I heartily thank the Arab Times Legal Clinic portion for providing us such kind of help and awareness. My wife works in company under Visa 18 transferable, which was converted earlier from Visa 22 when the salary cap of dependent visa was 250. But now it s 450 and where my work permit shows only KD 427, is it possible to transfer under husband sponsorship again from 18 to 22. I have one child who is under my sponsorship already. Seeking your help to know more. Name withheld Answer: Since your wife was originally on Visa 22 but later transferred it to Visa 18, we believe that you will be able to bring her back under your sponsorship despite the fact that your salary falls short of the KD 450 salary cap. As indicated, you have one child under your sponsorship, this we believe will help your case to bring back your wife under your sponsorship. Resignation I am working as an engineer for a company for the past seven years in Kuwait. My visa is company visa only. Now I got an opening with very good salary in another company. When I gave my resignation the company refused to accept it. My Passport is with the company. I don t know what to do next. Please guide me to do the next step. Regards. Name withheld Answer: The company is wrong in not accepting your resignation and subsequent release under this circumstance, your have no choice but file a case with the ministry of Social Affairs and Labour through the labour department in your area. We assume that your engineering qualification is at a degree level and if our assumption is right, you can change companies at any point in time. Dependent Visa I want to know about family visa rules my husband have 350 KD salary. I am in dependent visa. I am here for past 6 years but our kids are in India they are 4 years and 2 years. Soon I will apply for a job. Can we get family visa for children? If we are bringing them on visit visa can it be transferred to family visa. Thanks and regards Name withheld Answer: We are sorry, your husband who is legally permitted to sponsor the children on dependent visa. Cannot do so because his salary is below the minimum salary of KD 450 required. Bringing the children on a visit visa will not change anything even if your husband were to meet the salary cap. Indeed, the window through which one could transfer a vist visa to family visa has been closed for sometime now except for infants two years and below. Project Visa I came to Kuwait in 2014 on a project visa. I have been working in a construction company as an electrician since Now I have good offer from another company but my company did not give release to me. Please tell me what should I do, give suggestions please. Name withheld Answer: Unfortunately for you, the company is acting within the law by refusing to give you a release. Under current laws, you can only transfer your visa to another project visa of the same sponsor or another project of a different sponsor if the current project has been completed or to the general file of the current sponsor. With the above explanation, you will agree with us that there isn t much you can do with regard to a release if the current sponsor insists on holding on to you. The only other alternative if you can t awail of the above possibilities is to resign and go back to your country. Resignation I am working in a private sector in Kuwait. It s been 18 months (3 month notice period not included), now I am resigning due to some personal reason even though I got some job issues I don t want to mention them because I just want to leave my current company and go back to my country. So oncei gave my resignation (notice period of 90 days) to my manager they refused and the reason they are giving is that I cannot leave the company until I complete 2 years with them. Please advise me if that is legal. Don t I have the right to give notice period to my company before 2 years? I just received only an offer letter when I joined and nothing was more mentioned in the offer letter about 2 years service. What management informed us was about company ticket after 2 years that s it. The company saying that this is as per GP visa Kuwait law. Please I need your advice. Name withheld Answer: The company is damn wrong in refusing to accept your resignation under the guise that you have to complete two years of service. The company s stand is not supported by the Kuwait Labour Law and hence not legal. It looks like the company is confusing eligibility for a plane ticket after two years service to also mean that you are legally bound to work for them for two years. They can only deny you the ticket if you resign now but they can t insist on keeping you to work for them for the full two years before resigning. If they are insisting on the letter we suggest you file a case against them with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour through the Labour Department in your area. Visa I am regularly reading your suggestions and thanks for helping in Laws/Bylaws. This is my first time I am writing requesting for your valuable suggestion. I am working in Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait Free Trade Zone under visa 18 as an engineer (certificate approved), salary 750+KD. Now completed 2 years and was recruited from my home country India. No previous experience in Kuwait before. I would like to ask regarding: 1. Can I change job at any point of time by giving 3 months notice period? 2. As I listen that without completing 3 years, I can t change job because I was hired from out of Kuwait, so I have to fulfill at least 3 years. 3. Also some have told me that there is no any problem for engineers seeking job change. 4. Also rumours have it that Free Trade Zone is at risk now. All factories closing, so no transfer allowed and visas direct cancelled. Too much confused. I have a dependent family here and not able to plan future in this scenario. Name withheld Answer: Generally, if you are on an open-ended contract and have completed the initial service requirement of either one or three years, you can at any point of time change job after giving the mandatory 3-month notice period. With particular reference to your case, you can not change a job since you have not yet completed three years of service to your current employer who recruited you from India. You may only be allowed to quit the job if the sponsor has no objection as willing to let you go. If he however insists on keeping you for the three years, you have no choice but to obey regardless of whether you are an engineer or whatever. As regards your last inquiry, we are sorry to say that we have no knowledge of what you talked about and hence have no suggestions to offer. We however hope that the other answers we offered will help you clear the confusion you are embroiled in. The Arab Times invites questions on all aspects of Kuwaiti law. If you face a problem, or need specific advice on any legal matter, from commercial and investment law to divorce and labour, send questions to the Managing Editor, Arab Times, P.O. Box 2270, Safat, Kuwait, or Fax to arabtimes@arabtimesonline.com Kindergarten students during class Students using school s transportation. Public education tops state priorities The State of Kuwait pays great attention to public education, considering it one of its top priorities in the (New Kuwait 2035) vision. Always a believer in the signifi cance of this Students participating in national activities. Elementary students eating at school. Students during morning assembly Chairman of KAC s board issues decision to set up cargo section Comm real estate sector accomplishes six deals worth KD 62m KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Board Chairman of Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) Sami Al-Rushaid has issued a decision to establish a Cargo Section, reports Al-Rai daily. The decision, which has been communicated to the executive director and his deputy and directors of different sectors, indicates the section will be in charge of all cargo related activities inside and outside Kuwait with immediate effect. This implies all cargo departments affiliated to the Marketing, Sales and Ground Services sectors will be moved to the new section and directly overseen by the executive director. The daily quoting a source said the organizational structure of the new section will indicate its supervision directly by the executive director. Manager of Cargo Services will head the section, while combining headship of two sections; cargo services and commercial cargo respectively. He explained each of the two sections will be supervised by an assistant manager. He stressed assistant Cargo Services manager will handle six responsibilities that include cargo support, foreign stations cargo, parcel, import, export and storage services. He reiterated the assistant manager for Commercial Cargo will oversee five activities, including quality control, cargo sales, contracts and regulations, cargo marketing and planning services. Report from the Justice Ministry showed the commercial real estate sector accomplished six commercial real estate deals last May exceeding KD 62 million, noting the deal is considered 5th grade students during final exams the major transaction of its kind in three years, reports Al-Rai daily. Real estate experts indicated commercial real estate has started achieving hot deals since the second quarter of the year, adding the majority of the deals exceeded the barrier of KD 10 million an achievement not seen for a very long time. Experts added the commercial real estate deals were achieved in three transactions conducted in the Capital Governorate, Hawally Governorate and two more in Al-Ahmadi, affirming the sector will continue to achieve multi-million deals due to high demand of shopping complexes in vital areas characterized by high population density. They also said the increase in value of commercial deals last May was five-fold compared to the value of the previous month (April) when three deals valued at KD 12 million were accomplished. Public Authority for Manpower has affirmed that the work regulations of small and medium enterprises were not prepared in vain but were mainly aimed at serving young graduates and to open the doors of self dependence and financial independence for them, reports Aljarida KUNA photos sector in raising generations and investing in humans, Kuwait s great interest in education is reflected in caring for public and private schools and facilities, Islamic institutes and elderly learning centers. There are more than 1,450 schools and learning centers in Kuwait, with more than 82,000 teachers in 24,000 classes. (KUNA) KUNA photo daily. Acting Director of the authority Ahmad Al-Mousa said those above the age of 45 years who have not been able to register and gain from the benefits included in the resolution can open a file in any department of the authority in the six governorates. He revealed that those financed by the state s portfolios and funds such as the National Fund for the Welfare and Development of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Industrial Bank of Kuwait are excluded from the registration requirements. Meanwhile, the Public Authority for Manpower has issued an administrative decision concerning the regulations for the transfer of registered labors among small business owners. It also issued another decision concerning the regulations and requirements for estimating the labor need of small and medium enterprises and for the issuance of clearance certificate and the work conditions of small business owners, reports Al-Shahed daily. The decision issued by the authority will allow transfer of labors, provided three years have passed from the date of issuance of the work permit, and that the transfer shall be with the owner of another small or medium project. Regarding the requirements and conditions for estimating the need for labor, the decision stipulates that the owner of the project shall have ten workers at the time when the file is opened one worker for every five meters and not less than 10 workers. The total number of workers in each establishment of the employer shall not exceed 100 workers. The parent company and its subsidiaries should not have more than 500 employees and the project owner should deposit a bank guarantee of KD 500 for each worker.

4 LOCAL 4 MP submits queries regarding expenses for official missions Complete work in Sabah Al-Ahmad Housing City By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, July 2: MP Ahmed Al-Fadel has submitted questions to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh about the official mission expenses in ministries and other government institutions. He said the government, represented by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), issued several decisions on the rationalization of expenses for official missions and overseas travel in ministries and other government institutions. He pointed out these decisions include regulations on days going to and from official missions, number of delegates, reduction of travel expenses and regulation of expenses for all State workers. He explained that when the document on supporting financial and economic reforms was issued in March 2016, it included actions related to reduction and rationalization of expenditures such as limiting participation in official missions and conferences by identifying which ones are important and required in serving public interests with the approval of the concerned minister. He wants to know the ministry s level of compliance with these regulations, official tasks of heads of authorities under the minister s supervision, their objectives and expenses from the April 1, 2016 to March 31, Meanwhile, MP Mohammed Al-Huwailah has reiterated his call for the concerned ministers and agencies to complete their work in Sabah Al-Ahmad Housing City. He affirmed that he is closely coordinating with ministers and other concerned officials Al-Mirqab project to be 1st actual financial center: Jabri Reply to query about abuses case at KASCO KUWAIT CITY, July 2: National Assembly Inspector MP Nayef Al-Mirdas has warned the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Development and Planning Hind Al-Sabeeh will face political accountability if she fails to respond to his questions concerning violations related to the case of Kuwait Aviation Services CO (KASCO), reports Al- Qabas daily. In an interview with the daily, MP Al-Mirdas pointed out that at least three Cabinet members have become a burden on the Cabinet, and they need to conduct ministerial changes. MP Al-Mirdas mentioned the opposition MPs are not the kind of MPs who follow the principle of give and take with the government, and those who want to bring down the Cabinet should grill the ministers instead of targeting the head of the Cabinet. He affirmed the parliamentary opposition bloc will return stronger in the next session with 20 MPs, adding recent news about the bloc distancing itself from MPs Muhammad Al-Mateer and Shueib Al-Muweiziri is not true. Al-Mirdas explained the style to provide all the needs of the city including public services and facilities. He also monitors the services hub file and he will follow up the problems and obstacles that residents are facing until completion of infrastructure works. He urged Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah to ensure the police station in the city is fully operational. He said the stations does not receive complaints Nayef Al-Mirdas of dialogue the opposition MPs adopted has been fruitful in the restoration of citizenships, and he vehemently denied the prime minister is fortified from any accountability measures. Meanwhile, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and State Minister for Municipal Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri affirmed that the Al-Mirqab project will be the first actual financial center in the country, reports Aljarida daily. In a press statement, he indicated that the structural design is ready, revealing about an ongoing coordination with the concerned state bodies for accomplishing this project. Al-Jabri said Kuwait Municipality recently handed over this project to the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW). He revealed that a joint committee has been formed between PAHW, Kuwait Municipality and Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) in order to float the project for international consultant offices. Regarding the latest developments on commercial license for mobile wagons and tow trucks after the temporary suspension of it, the minister said, Discussions are ongoing with the parliamentarians concerning the issuance of such licenses in order to give more opportunities for the youths of this country. Reportedly, the size of the Al- Mirqab project is 470,000 square meters. It is aimed to have housing units of size 400 square meters each. or cases until now although the building is ready along with a security checkpoint, indicating that complaints or cases are still referred to Mina Abdulla Police Station which is 30 kilometers away from the city. He also asked the minister to increase the number of stationary and mobile security patrols to deter those who disturb residents and violate laws, particularly the traffic regulations; thereby, endangering their lives and that of other people. He thanked Health Minister Dr Jamal Al-Harbi for responding positively to the request of residents in the city for Sabah Al- Ahmad Clinic to operate round the clock instead of closing at 11:00 pm. He asked the minister to open the other clinics which should be manned by qualified medical personnel in order to provide comprehensive healthcare to residents. A picture taken on July 2, shows motorists driving past a billboard, from the American University of the Middle East, bearing the portrait of Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber al-sabah and Arabic text that reads God save our Gulf... God save our Amir placed on a main road in Kuwait City. Kuwait, which retains warm diplomatic ties with Tehran, did not follow its Gulf neighbours in severing diplomatic relations with Qatar, and instead has been trying to mediate. (AFP) EPA allocates KD 100,000 budget KISR says eager to work with neighbors in environ protection KUWAIT CITY, July 2, (Agencies): Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) Director Dr Samira Omar said on Sunday that KISR is interested in coordination with neighboring countries in the field of environment protection as per relevant international treaties and conventions. Omar said in a press statement released by the KISR that a KISR delegation had recently visited the Oceanology Center and College of Agronomy of Iraq s Basra University to discuss the implementation of a memo of understanding signed by both sides last year. During the visit, the two sides addressed several subjects and matters, primarily joint scientific studies bearing on sea environment in the Arab Gulf, according to the statement. They also agreed to carry out a set of various environmental studies aiming at controlling the migration of fish and sea creatures, it added. Meanwhile, Environment Public Authority (EPA) has allocated budget of KD 100,000 for the development plan project related to supply, installation, operation and maintenance of quality air monitoring station in Shuaiba port and its environs, reports Al-Rai daily. Earlier, a sum of KD 155,000 was allocated to manage two projects: the first project related to equipping and operating, and the second involved inspection, test and compliance lab for hazardous chemical materials for fiscal year 2017/2018. The daily quoting a source said the expenditure covered monitoring of biodiversity projects in various sites beyond the natural reservoirs in Kuwait. He noted EPA participated in the development plan through the execution of several development projects to monitor condition of the environment and to reduce environmental deterioration. The projects included supply, installation, operation and maintenance of five stations for monitoring air quality in Shuaiba East Industrial Area (Shuaiba port) since April 1, He said the project continues until the end of December 2018.

5 LOCAL 5 Low-performing Kuwaiti teachers transferred to administrative depts Expat teachers terminated due to non-performance Mohammad Abdoh Saudi, Kuwaiti singers mesmerize crowd Rotana Audio and Visual Group Company recently organized a concert in the covered hall of Al- Jowhara playground in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia which has a capacity of 8,000 seats, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Saudi singer Mohammad Kuwait, Japan viewpoints identical Kuwait policy a well-balanced one, says ambassador Ashiki KUWAIT CITY, July 2: The Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait HE Takashi Ashiki affirmed the strong and solid relations shared by Kuwait and Japan, describing them as historic and advanced in all aspects and different cooperation levels, reports Al-Anba daily. He indicated that the viewpoints of the two countries are identical over many regional and international issues. Ambassador Ashiki described the Kuwaiti policy as a well-balanced one, owing to the experience and wisdom of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who enjoys the confidence of leaders of countries around the world. He said his country supports the efforts exerted by Kuwait as well as His Highness the Amir s constructive efforts to achieve Gulf reconciliation. Regarding trade with Kuwait, the ambassador explained that Japan was the fourth biggest trading partner of Kuwait with the volume of trade exchange between the two countries reaching $14 billion in His country imports seven percent of its total need for oil and oil derivatives from Kuwait. He highlighted the participation Mental disorders, family problems Center for children, adolescents receives 132 cases Al-Aradi KUWAIT CITY, July 2, (KUNA): Dr Wafa Al-Aradi, the Acting Director General of the Kuwaiti Social Development Office affiliated to the Diwan of His Highness the Premier, revealed on Sunday that the various branches and specialized treatment centers affiliated to the office received 1,415 cases this year until end of June. In a statement, Dr Al-Aradi said the reception of these cases was based on the office s interest in community development particularly human development, and comes within the framework of achieving psychological and social security for Kuwaiti citizens so as to contribute in raising the level of mental health in the society. She explained that the Center for Children and Adolescents in the office received 132 cases ranging from mental disorders and behavioral and family problems. The vital information center received 86 cases ranging from anxiety disorders, stress, marital problems and family problems. The telephone counseling center in the office received 227 cases ranging from family and marital problems. The speech and hearing center received 144 cases ranging from speech difficulties (stuttering) Abu Dhabi s Continued from Page 1 when landing in America. Homeland Security spokesman David Lapan said US officials already had seen that the measures have been implemented correctly and to the full extent required in Abu Dhabi. He said American monitors would make further visits to ensure the checks were being done properly. The enhanced security measures, both seen and unseen, include enhanced screening of passengers and electronic devices, Lapan said, declining to elaborate. We commend Etihad for working swiftly to implement these additional measures. Their efforts are a model for both foreign and domestic airlines. Abu Dhabi International Airport did not respond to a request for comment. The airport is home to Etihad, which has over 120 planes in its fleet and 204 aircraft on order. It operates 45 flights a week between Abu Dhabi and six cities in the US. The US ban, first announced in March as a security measure, now applies to nonstop US-bound flights from nine international airports in Amman, Jordan; Kuwait City; Cairo; Istanbul; Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Casablanca, Morocco; Doha, Qatar; and Dubai in the UAE. Abdullah Ruwaished Abdoh, known as artist of Arabs, and Kuwaiti singer Abdullah Ruwaished, known as ambassador of Gulf songs, performed a number of masterpieces, mesmerizing the huge crowd including their fans who thronged the hall. HE Takashi Ashiki of Japanese companies in the implementation of large strategic projects in Kuwait, revealing that the Japanese company JGC is executing the largest part of the environmental fuel project worth KD 1.36 billion. Ambassador Ashiki also affirmed the efforts exerted by the Japanese Embassy to spread Japanese culture and extend the bridge of cultural exchange between the two countries, insisting that Japan is a unique tourist destination. He revealed that 3,060 Kuwaiti tourists visited Japan in to letter pronunciation in addition to language learning delays. The psychological testing center in the office applied 187 psychometric tests related to IQ tests, and personal tests while the vocational guidance and rehabilitation center in the office provided 52 awareness lectures in various Kuwaiti schools and academic institutions such as Kuwait University and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET). As for the branches of the office in all the governorates, they received cases from people of different age groups. Consultations for 197 cases were provided in the Mirqab branch, which includes the main headquarters of the office. The Jaber Al-Ahmad branch received 97 cases, while the branch in Yarmouk received 177 cases and Mansouriya branch 116 cases. Regarding the role of the office in achieving human development, Dr Al-Aradi said the office provides community training courses in the evenings for citizens on skills for dealing with problems, mental map and anger management with the aim of achieving human development and self rehabilitation. In late May, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said he was considering banning laptops from the passenger cabins of all international flights to and from the United States. Kelly s comments came after US President Donald Trump shared highly classified intelligence about the Islamic State group wanting to use laptops to target aircraft with senior Russian officials visiting the White House. The laptop ban, as well as a Trump administration travel ban on six predominantly Muslim nations, has hurt Gulf carriers. Dubai-based Emirates has slashed 20 percent of its flights to America in the wake of those decisions. The airline also has been trying to get the laptop ban lifted for its direct flights to the US It did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Dubai International Airport, Emirates home, is the world s busiest international air travel hub. Meanwhile, long-haul carrier Qatar Airways has been hurt amid a diplomatic dispute with Arab nations that has seen its own routes in the region cut off. All this also comes amid a wider dispute between Gulf airlines and American carriers, which accuse the Middle East airlines of flooding the market with capacity while receiving billions of dollars of unfair government subsidies. The Gulf carriers all vigorously deny that. KUWAIT CITY, July 2: The Ministry of Education has transferred a number of low-performing Kuwaiti teachers to administrative departments and terminated expatriate teachers whose performance did not improve as per the report of the committee tasked to follow up those with poor performance during school year 2016/2017, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources. Sources explained the decision was taken based on the committee s report which was endorsed by the first technical instructor of the subject, general instructor of the subject, Educational Affairs Department director and directors general of educational districts. According to the report, results of the assessment of the performance of Kuwaiti teachers over the last two school years included recommendations on whether to transfer them to administrative work or retain them in their teaching positions after improving their performance; whereas the contracts of expatriate teachers who did not improve will be terminated. Education Ministry Undersecretary Dr Haitham Al-Atari has formed an ad-hoc committee tasked to interview candidates for the post of supervisor in the Curricula Development Department, reports Al-Rai daily. The committee is chaired by Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Researches and Curricula Dr Saoud Al-Harbi with four directors as members. It will interview the candidates who met the conditions for the abovementioned post and submit results to the undersecretary for approval. Around 350,000 individuals are expected to return to the country after spending their summer holiday abroad, reports Al-Anba daily quoting Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Director General Yousif Al-Fawzan. Speaking to the daily, Al- Fawzan disclosed a large number of teachers are among these passengers who will return before the next school year begins. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently issued decisions on the renewal of Dr Abdullah Saleh Mohammad Al-Owaidi s tenure as assistant undersecretary for four years starting from Feb 20, 2017; as well as the appointment of Ahmad Mishari Abdulwahab Al- Fares and Mohamed Mekhlef Mansour Al-Enzi as undersecretaries, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources. Ministry of Public Works has submitted to the Environment Committee a proposal to purchase fountains and turbines to pump oxygen in Kuwait Bay to raise its rate of availability to an appropriate and natural level, reports Al-Rai daily. According to the Assistant Undersecretary for Sewage Engineering at the Ministry of Public Works Engineer Abdul- Mohsen Al-Enezi, the committee membership includes several government agencies. The proposal is to ensure safety of sea environment and prevent harms that may occur due to low level of oxygen in the bay water. He explained the ministry presented to the Environment Committee details of abuses against the sewage network by various agencies. He said the offer includes presentation of future solutions to face the abuses as a measure of protecting the sea environment. Move to encourage, appreciate women Women above 50 to be exempted from Quranic exams KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and State Minister for Municipal Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri has announced that women above the age of 50 years should be exempted from recitation exams at Quranic memorization centers, reports Al- Qabas daily. The minister said these women should be entitled to obtaining certificate recognized by the ministry. He clarified that this decision was taken to encourage and appreciate women who are either mothers or sisters for their commitment to activities that could bring human beings closer to Allah. He wished them the best of luck KFAS launches a new initiative KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) has launched a new initiative to conserve natural resources of the country through a pilot project for the installation of free water guides in 5,000 homes, reports Al-Shahed daily. This will not only reduce the consumers annual water bills by 50 percent but will also contribute to saving more than 200,000 liters of water per house per year with an average annual total of 220 million gallons. The water guides will be distributed in six areas Ishbiliya, Saad Al-Abdullah, Qairawan, Adan, Shuhada and Egaila. The project will include installation of a set of rationalization tools in the selected houses, specification of a clear mechanism for measuring water consumption and comparing it with the previous consumption level to determine the amount and quantity of rationalization achieved through it. in their bid to memorize the Quran. The minister indicated that curricula of all departments are unique with moderation and consistent close monitoring. He stressed the determination of the ministry to spread the principles of moderation, toleration and magnanimity, especially by steadily following up the curricula. Al-Jabri revealed that Quranic memorization centers are enriching the society by increasing the number of memorizers in every home, highlighting the fact that Quran preaches forgiveness and love, and it condemns exaggeration, extremism and discrimination. A team from the Public Relations Department of Capital Governorate visited the children s wards in Sabah Hospital and the National Bank of Kuwait Hospital to check up on young patients, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The team, in their tour, was accompanied by officials from the hospitals. They visited several sick children and distributed presents to them in a bid to instill joy. The team s tour is part of its efforts to enhance the social role of the governorate and to stay in continuous touch with various social categories including the sick and injured people.

6 LOCAL 6 DIWANIYA A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION Amiri Diwan photo HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is received by HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah upon his return from a private visit to India. HH the Amir returns from India His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by Deputy Chairman of National Guard Sheikh Prices of cigarettes to shoot up after GCC tax Kuwait records most smokers: report Other Voices By Ahmad Al-Sarraf do not think that I will look racist I or prejudiced in this article when I write about a group of residents, as long as my writing about them will not go beyond the truth, and at the same time reflects the reality of the situation based on the records available in police stations. I asked a friend, who has been dealing with tens of thousands of South East Asian workers over the years to choose the best nationality among these workers. He surprised me by saying that the Bangladeshi worker is the most powerful and committed to duty hours, which is completely contrary to my knowledge about this category of workers. It is right. They do not have the ability to work in the most difficult environments, such as grazing of sheep in the desert, in all seasons, managing highspeed grocery stores, guarding and caring for camps, and working in construction sites in the desert! However, I began to contemplate the idea and I found he was fully right because the expatriates from no other nationality have the same ability to work in the most difficult environments, such as rearing cattle in the desert around the year, managing grocery stores on highways, guarding and taking care of the camps and working at construction sites in the desert. Just as they are more devoted to their work than others, we also find them more skilful than others in creating ways and means to become rich and this usually is not overlooked by many. Some of them, and there are a few deviants, are skilled in stealing manholes covers, or covers of rainwater draining system in the streets, but now they have abandoned this profession for others after becoming more professional in other trades. These workers are seen selling state revenue stamps for a little bit higher price or at the same price and wait to be given a tip after they empty the machines from particular denomination stamps which sell more within that particular government institution. Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has returned to the country from a private visit to India. His Highness the Amir was The enviable bunch Al-Sarraf Others buy stamps from machines that are placed at a distance and then sell them to the public after convincing them that it is difficult for them to walk a long distance and women particularly fall for this trick because they do not prefer to walk and opt for stamps readily available. We also find these workers leave their cleaning work and look for making money when the queue at a government office or hospital is big and then pick up the right victims by offering them their services after coaxing them to leave the queue by saying they can take care of completing their procedures or any sort of transaction in return for just one dinar or more according to the generosity or stupidity of the visitor. This happened to me twice and every time I regretted my straightforwardness for refusing the dishonest service. Some may say that writing about these phenomena is secondary and unimportant, and there are more important things to write about. This is true, but these workers, with all their problems (and I am not here to harm them) contribute, either fully aware or unaware, to fan the flames of corruption in society and we believe this is normal and acceptable. Based on my concern about the interest of the country, I contacted the manager of a major labor recruitment firm and I explained the issue to him. However, he said I envy these workers and accused me of hurting the livelihood of these people and here lies the problem. I thanked him for his naiveté, and I did not tell him that some people s keenness to earn reward from God has negatively affected the many values of society, and this is one of them. Labor providing companies are actually under obligation to demand their employees to stop practicing activities other than their duties. The relevant department in ministries of services such as the Interior, Health and Social Affairs are required to warn the public against buying revenue stamps other than from the machines. habibi.enta1@gmail.com received at the airport by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other senior officials. KUWAIT CITY, July 2, (Agencies): Customs fees for tobacco and its derivatives will increase by 100 percent as per the agreement signed by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on imposing selective commodity tax which will be collected by the Customs Department, reports Al-Shahid daily quoting sources. Sources said the prices of cigarettes in the country are expected to be double the current prices once the abovementioned decision is implemented. Sources added the prices of various types of cigarettes in Kuwait have been increasing continuously around 60 to 100 percent. Sources pointed out the volume of Kuwait s tobacco import is expected to increase to KD 100 million after applying the decision more than double the volume in fiscal 2014/2015. Number Sources went on to say that Kuwait recorded the highest number of smokers among its peers in the Gulf and the percentage increased to 32 percent recently. In another development, the Manpower and Government Restructuring Program (MGRP) has tasked a consultancy office with preparing the preliminary, and the operational studies of setting up a business city. The project will be established on an area of more than 33,000 square meters, and a threestorey building of 8,125 square meters, the MGRP Secretary General Fawzi Al-Majdali said in a press release on Sunday. Al-Majdali referred to the expected distinct role of the would-be city that will be the major incubator for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with several halls for at least 10 various professions. The project will totally include 142 sub-incubators for business with different areas, in addition to 30 virtual ones, offering priority for the disabled, he said. Kuwait national airways (KAC) will launch their first commercial flights to a limited number of destinations on July 11, 2017 and then it will increase to 10 destinations to cover several countries in the region in addition to Sarajevo in Bosnia, Tbilisi in Georgia and Baku in Azerbaijan, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources. Sources revealed the airways has opened its online booking system but it takes days to activate the actual booking. Arabs, Muslims must set their house right Can t blame West for all ills THE victory achieved against the State of Khelafat, or the Islamic State (IS) or the so-called DAESH and bringing to an end the very existence of this organization in Mosul, Iraq, has satisfied many people, particularly those who had suffered from the rule of the terrorists who had made the lives of people in this city a living hell with continuous torture, rape, holding people captive, massacres, slavery and homelessness, columnist and former director of the Culture Department at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters Waleed Al-Rujaib wrote for Al-Rai daily Sunday. But in my opinion the victory in one battle does not sum up all because we know that some of DAESH elements and pockets still exist. Moreover, the Ex-Communication Ideology of this organization is still prevalent in some Muslim and European countries. Such being the case, the danger of individual terrorist acts is still vivid to such an extent this danger can be perceived on daily basis in many European countries in the form of bombing, stabbing and car mishaps. But the most significant aspect in this connection are the incubators which breed such mentalities the religious schools which have mushroomed in some Muslim countries and the existence of extremist groups supported by some governments the governments which have allowed these groups to dominate vital institutions in their countries as a result of which the financial standing of these groups is strong. Apart from the above, we have observed how these groups currently dominate the mentalities of the students through educational curriculums to such an extent these curriculums have now been imposed on the relevant governments in a bid to dominate the educational process. Besides, these groups have managed to boost their influence in every nook and corner of the societies and associations which have sprung up under various names. As a matter of fact, extremism and fanaticism doesn t begin by carrying weapons, rather by imposing the culture of fanaticism into life style, behavior and thought of the people and eventually changing the civil life of the relevant community into a life that has nothing to do with contemporary developments and modern life. Such being the case, we have Al-Rujaib found over the decades these groups were allowed to have a free hand because the concerned authorities had turned a blind eye and as a result these groups and organizations exploited this leniency and imposed their influence on the Arab communities to such an extent we venture to say these groups became States within our States. Given the above, we have observed that these groups paid no concern after losing one battle here and there, for instance, simply because these groups feel they have managed to sow the seeds of their culture everywhere in our communities. Moreover, they feel their existence is deep-rooted in these communities and as such they believe that this culture shall affect the structure of our thought for a longer time. However, we know the great powers have played significant role in creating and prolonging terrorism. Not just that, some Western reports show some of the Western intelligence agents can be found in the ranks of DAESH to support this organization against its foes. But certainly, we shall remain shortsighted if we insist to hold the West alone accountable for the creation of the terrorist organizations, because our communities also offer a fertile environment for them and this environment has become an appropriate ground for the Western intelligence to derive its schemes to tear apart and divide our countries. Hence, we expect this division will not be achieved unless we get rid of the culture of extremism and fanaticism. In conclusion, we certainly, would like to congratulate Iraq for getting rid of the State of Khelafat rule, but in the meantime, we would like to say we have yet to defeat the springs and the culture of terrorism, and still liberate ourselves from intellectual terrorism and the style of this backward life that was imposed on us by the extremist Islamic groups. Also: The Iraqi government on its state-run Satellite TV Channel declared the end of the Islamic State (IS) or the so-called DAESH. The government declared the downfall of this organization s misguided State in Mosul on Thursday, June 29, 2017, columnist Waleed Abdullah Al-Ghanim wrote for Al-Qabas daily Sunday. This happened after the Iraqi troops took control of the Al-Nouri Mosque from where DAESH had declared its fake Khelafat three years ago. In the meantime, we have observed that the downfall of DAESH was declared after a few days following the announcement that the Amir of DAESH Abu Baker Al-Baghdadi was killed in an air raid. It is needless to say Al-Baghdadi was the fake Amir of DAESH, because this man was seen only once when he declared the Khelafat from the Al-Nouri Mosque, but he was never seen after that neither he nor any of his senior aides or prominent leaders, motivated by this suspicious organization s keenness to evade arrest. However, as long as DAESH suddenly appeared, it looks like the world wants to see it suddenly disappearing, but none of the leaders of this organization who dominated over the Arabs and Muslims in general and the Sunnis in particular, have been apprehended. Anyway, throughout its short tenure, DAESH had directly and indirectly supported the Syrian regime troops against the Syrian opposition parties to such an extent, DAESH in some areas of Syria provided secure areas for this regime and this paved the way for Russia to intervene in the Syrian revolution. Meanwhile, we say DAESH committed many terror crimes in Iraq, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Turkey, but what surprised the world is to see neither DAESH nor al-qaeda carrying out any terrorist operation in Iran following the downfall of Taleban. Moreover, the DAESH elements found secure refuge in Iran following the downfall of Taleban in Afghanistan during the past decade. As a matter of fact, DAESH appeared following the grand flight of Iraqi troops from Mosul three years ago. The withdrawal of the Iraqi troops looked like a big scandal the details of which are yet to be known, following the Iraqi parliament s consent in April 2015 to refer the issue of the fall of Mosul in the hands of DAESH to the Iraqi judiciary. This happened following the decision taken by the Iraqi parliamentary panel to hold thirty-six senior government officials including the former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki responsible for the defeat of the then Iraqi troops in Mosul because these troops abandoned their weapons into the hands of DAESH fighters and escaped from the battlefield. But the question that still grips the minds of many people is who was behind the foundation of DAESH and who was financing this group and who had opened the door before the mercenaries to join this organization and from where it had got its heavy duty equipments and how the said organization managed the oil fields and who was responsible for providing the organization with vital services electrical, telecommunication and Internet services. It is also a mystery how it had access to all Hollywood movies and who provided it with the muchneeded air cover that enabled it to move freely from North Syria to Baghdad for three years and how this organization lost the real confrontation in its fight with the Kurds and why this organization was never involved in any serious confrontation with the Syrian regime. It is needless to say these big questions need big answers. As we leave the month of good and mercy, many countries in the region and surrounding areas continue to suffer the scourge of conflict and strife, columnist Abdulrahman Awwad wrote for Al-Sabah daily. Here we must recall the words of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad on the twenty-fourth of last April, when the leader of humanity received Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark the Evangelist of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria to emphasize the importance of dialogue and understanding between all religions and cultures. The call has two concepts: the first is the call for goodness, which is the best, and the second is that Kuwait was and remains the country of centrism, love, peace and coexistence. His Highness also stressed on the need to promote the principles of tolerance and coexistence among the peoples of the world in order to spread the culture of love and brotherhood, based on His Highness s deep understanding and his great experience during his diplomatic and political work. These good calls by His Highness the Amir are a clear message that Kuwait does not accept the interpretation of all sick souls who may think that Kuwait is a suitable place to practice its exclusionary or hostile ideas against the citizens or residents of this pure land. Kuwait was and will remain a safe haven under the shadow of a leadership of His Highness the Amir. If we shed light on the situation around the world and compare it with the current situation in the GCC countries, we would thank God for the blessings He has bestowed upon us, Ahmad Al-Dawas wrote for Al-Seyassah daily. Let us take a brief look at the conditions of nations around the world to learn lessons. There are corrupt and miserable regimes in some Asian countries such as Myanmar and North Korea as well as repeated coups in Thailand. People of many East Asian countries live in constant tension because of North Korea s threats to strike Japan, South Korea and other US allies using nuclear weapons. Poverty exists even in a developed country like Japan. A poor Japanese man hides his physical situation from others because it is considered as a shame, according to Japanese tradition. In America, there are about 46 million poor citizens with monthly pension of about KD 300. This forces millions of Americans to take up more than one job. In Europe there are about 124 million people who are threatened with poverty. Millions of Russians are poor because of the poor economic situation there. Ukraine s war has brought poverty to the people there particularly the elderly. In Africa, several countries are struggling with famine, and millions of people there are living in abject poverty. This is the international situation in brief. Many countries are suffering from either poverty or repressive regimes. When we look at the situation in the Gulf region, we find stability in comparison. If we compare global political blocs, we find that the GCC is based on strong elements, better than the Mercosur in South America, and the BRICS bloc, but perhaps stronger in composition than the European Union itself. In fact, there are very strong ties between the GCC countries due to one language, one environment, similar dress code and traditions, and love and intimacy between the ruler and the ruled. However, the dangers aimed at destabilizing the Gulf have come to us. Since the eruption of the Qatar crisis, thousands of posts on Twitter from fake accounts appeared on social media to attack the Gulf countries. This was followed by a foiled terror attack on the Sacred Mosque. And of course more of fabricated news to stir up sedition and divide us will follow. Therefore, let us exterminate the plots of those who are aiming to harm the stability of GCC countries. We hope that Qatar will make the necessary concessions in order to preserve the unity of the Gulf and to heal the rift in the Gulf house. We are all one Gulf family. Mind you, we are envied by many countries of the world due to our blessing of stability. Domestic employment has become a necessity and a basis for all families, especially Kuwaiti families, in terms of at least cooks, drivers, care givers and to do the cleaning, washing and ironing clothes, columnist Abdullah Al-Abd Al-Jader wrote for Al-Anba daily. The number of domestic workers in Kuwait has reached 700,000 and cost of hiring a worker for the first time from an agency has reached KD 1,500, this is in addition to the worker s monthly salary of KD 120. Add to this the terms and conditions which the countries supplying this labor has imposed in the name of protecting this category of workers. For these reasons, the National Assembly intervened and drafted the Domestic Employment Law. It was also approved. A government domestic labor company was also established in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Federation of Cooperative Societies and some government agencies. It has been agreed to establish six branches in each governorate, one branch within the cooperative at a price of up to 50 percent less than that is charged by the domestic workers hiring offices. The branches are expected to be opened in September But the question is: has the government examined the population density of each governorate and if one employment office can accommodate all residents of that particular governorate? For sure most families will go to these offices because they are cheaper and because they are operated by the government. If the domestic labor company is ill prepared to open its branches and fail to increase the number of branches in order to absorb the population density congestion will result and many problems will arise. It will neither succeed in its work not will it be able to serve domestic workers. Compiled by Zaki Taleb

7 LOCAL 7 People bidding farewell to those embarking on the annual traditional pearl diving trip Ghazi Qaffaf KUNA State Security Second marriage sole right of Kuwait Today Security situation stable Strict check on entry visas Prayer Timings Fajr... 03:18 Sunrise... 04:53 Zohr... 11:53 Asr...15:26 Maghrib... 18:52 Isha... 20:23 Weather Expected weather for the next 24 hours: By Night: Relatively hot with light to moderate south easterly wind changing to south westerly wind, with speed of km/h. By Day: Very hot and relatively humid over coastal areas with light to moderate south westerly wind changing to south easterly 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 Monday, July 3 Expected weather... Very hot Max Temp...49 C Min Temp...29 C Wind Direction... SW-VRB Wind Speed km/h Tuesday, July 4 Expected weather... Very hot Max Temp...49 C Min Temp...30 C Wind Direction...SW-SE Wind Speed km/h Wednesday, July 5 Expected weather... Very hot Max Temp...49 C Min Temp...31 C Wind Direction...SW-SE Wind Speed km/h Thursday, July 6 Expected weather... Very hot + with a chance for carried dust over open areas later on Max Temp...50 C Min Temp...33 C Wind Direction...NW Wind Speed km/h Marine Forecast Station Max Min Sea Today s Exp Rec Surf Waves Ht Direction South Dolphin ft N Umm Mudayrah ft N Beacon M ft N Beacon N ft N Qaruh Island ft N Umm Al-Maradim ft N Sea Island Buo Salmiya ft N 4 days forecast - Marine Monday, July 3 Expected weather...very hot Sea state...slight to moderate Wave height ft Max Temp C Min Temp C Wind Direction...SW-VRB Wind Speed km/h Tuesday, July 4 Expected weather...very hot Sea state...slight to moderate KUWAIT CITY, July 2: The State Security has put in place a close-knit strategic security plan to prevent the terrorists from entering the country following the liberation of Mosul from the DAESH stronghold, reports Al-Shahed daily. The daily quoting knowledgeable security sources said the State Security has the database containing the names of a large number of terrorists from around the world. The sources confirmed the State Security has been working for six years to compile this database which includes the names and movements of the DAESH members and other terrorist activities. The State Security has intensified its presence at the air, land and sea ports with particular stress on arrivals. Instructions have also been given by the State Security to the concerned authorities to stop issuing visit or family visas without its prior approval. The sources confirmed the security situation in the country is stable; thanks to the efforts exerted by the security authorities. On the other hand, the Al-Anba daily said the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Lieutenant General Mahmoud Al-Dosari has placed the entire Interior Ministry force on full alert until July 10, According to the instructions issued by Al-Dosari strict security measures will be taken around all vital installations, especially the oil facilities and borders, fuel stations, embassies including airports. Instructions have also been given to shoot at any suspect if the person fails to comply with orders and/or refuses to heed warnings such as firing in the air. deaths Saad Naif Taher Al-Khaldi, 82 years old, buried on Sunday. Condolences: Saad Al Abdullah, Block 9, Street 926, House 19, Tel: / Ibrahim Hasan Ali Al-Qattan, 75 years old, buried on Sunday. Condolences: (Men) Bayan, Al Imam Al Hasan Mosque, Tel: (Women) Mubarak Al Abdullah, Block 2, Street 202, House 69, Tel: Haya Said Hussein Al-Azemi, 84 years old, wife of Salem Fnaitel Al-Azemi, buried on Sunday. Condolences: (Men) Jaber Al Ali, Block 6, Street 7, House 2, Diwan Member of the National Assembly, Hamdan Al Azemi, Tel: (Women) Ali Sabah Al Salam, Block 4, Street 13, House 13, Tel: Najeebah Ramadan Hussein Mulla Ali, 69 years old, widow of Ali Abdul Rassoul Al-Ostath, buried on Sunday. Condolences: (Men) Mishref, Al Wazzan Mosque, Tel: / (Women) Bneid Al Gar, Huseiniyat Sayed Ali, Tel: July 2, 2017 Wave height ft Max Temp C Min Temp C Wind Direction... SW-SE Wind Speed km/h Wednesday, July 5 Expected weather...very hot Sea state...slight to moderate Wave height ft Max Temp C Min Temp C Wind Direction... SW-SE Wind Speed km/h Thursday, July 6 Expected weather...very hot + with a chance for carried dust over open areas later on Sea state...slight to moderate Wave height ft Max Temp C Min Temp C Wind Direction... NW Wind Speed km/h Tide times at Shuwaikh Port 1st high tide:... 18:31 2nd high tide:... 08:10 1st low tide:... 12:42 2nd low tide:... 00:44 Sunrise:... 04:52 Sunset:... 18:52 Recorded yesterday at Kuwait Airport Max temp C Min temp C Max Rh...30% Min Rh...06% Max Wind...S 39 km/h Total Rainfall in 24 hrs... 0 mm Recorded yesterday at South Dolphin Min/Max/ Air Temp... 32/38 C Min/Max Rel Hum...13/70% Wind Direction/Wind Speed... SE/32 km/h Prev Wave Dir/Max Wave Ht... N/2 ft Min/Max Sea Surface Temp...-/- C Sea Current...Downdraft Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Meteorological Dept. men, no need to ask first wife KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Muslim clerics are of the view that it is wrong in Islam to seek permission from a wife before marrying another one, indicating the act of informing the first wife about the intention to marry another wife can only take place in the form of a friendly notification rather than seeking permission, reports Al-Rai daily. The above-stated issue became a subject of discussion after MP Omar Al-Tabtabaei submitted a draft bill to amend law number 51/1984 concerning personal status. The proposal stipulates that Religious Documentation Department should inform the first wife whenever a man applies for marriage to another woman. For his part, Dr Ahmad Al-Hajji Al-Kurdi from Fatwa Department in the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs said nothing mandates the husband to seek permission from the first wife before taking another wife, noting it is the absolute right of a man to marry another wife. However, informing the first wife is a commendable step, because the woman cannot prevent or impose the second marriage, he stressed. Director of Moderation Consolidation Center at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr Abdullah Al-Shuraikah explained that a wife in such instance is informed based on social consideration to avoid problems since the couple may have agreed on the issue. He pointed out that the first wife has no right to put down any condition before her husband if he decides to take another wife. He reiterated the decision is the sole right of men, indicating Islam does not give women the right of approval or consent in that concern. Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, Minister of Justice and State Minister for National Assembly Affairs Dr Faleh Al-Azeb has announced a meeting with the representatives of Ministry of Justice at the end of this month. He stressed that the delegates who did not achieve their administrative tasks will be transferred after the meeting while those who achieved between 90 and 95 percent of the case declarations will be rewarded, reports Al-Anba daily. Regarding the extradition agreements with Egypt and Britain, the minister said the agreement with Britain has come into effect while the agreement with Egypt is still with the parliament for approval. During an interview, Dr Al-Azeb said the experts sector of the ministry has been expanded with the addition of eight departments. The new supervisors and Extradition treaty with UK effective, Egypt awaits nod Top: Municipality inspectors from the Capital seize foodstuff at a store in Al-Rai and a store is sealed after the raid in the area (above). Two tons expired foodstuff seized The Kuwait Municipality branch in the Capital Governorate launched an inspection campaign targeting stores in Al-Rai, resulting in the confiscation of two tons of expired foodstuff. In a press statement, Head of the Violations Removal Section in the branch Eng Abdullah Jaber disclosed the shift B inspectors seized and disposed heads of sections make the number of incumbents in supervisory positions 200. He affirmed that the recent appointment of 550 Kuwaitis as experts represents an important addition to the sector to speed up the transactions. The minister disclosed that the experts department will be distributed to all governorates and to the corridors of the courts so that an expert will be available in the court whenever a judge requires expert opinion. This will help in expediting the completion of cases. Dr Al-Azeb explained that it is two tons of expired food items during the campaign. The inspectors also issued 49 citations 29 for nutritionrelated violations and 20 for other violations including nonrenewal of license and failure to display the license in a conspicuous area, in addition to the closure of stores whose owners committed certain violations. Jaber appealed to the owners of stores and restaurants to strictly comply with the rules and regulations of the Municipality. He also confirmed continuation of inspection campaigns to uncover violations and take legal action against those proven to have violated regulations. not possible to prevent or deprive a person of the right to movement in this era of technology except those involved in criminal cases. As for financial cases of amounts ranging from KD 100 to even KD 1,000, it is unlikely a Kuwaiti citizen will escape the country for not paying this amount.

8 LOCAL 8 Court Cases/Crime Bail for royal denied Petition fi led to block co-op s yearly meeting By Jaber Al-Hamoud Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Lawyer Khawlah Al-Hassawi filed an urgent lawsuit to stop the annual general meeting of Al-Na eem Cooperative Society after Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor did not act on a petition submitted by Faisal Al-Shammari on June 22. Lawyer Al- Hassawi declared that the first reason for the lawsuit was the failure to announce the start and end of official duties for which interested candidates could Al-Hassawi submit applications for membership in the administrative board for 2017/2018 fiscal year. She said the failure is evident especially since the timing in the advertisement was deliberate. Lawyer Al-Hassawi stated that the advertisement only specified that nominations would be held for 10 days after the end of work on the last day. However, her client could not submit his nomination since the office was shut by 4:30 pm and Eid Al-Fitr holidays started the same day from June She declared that the other reason was the fact that the chairman and members of the board submitted their nominations, which affirms deliberate prevention of the complainant from contesting against them. KUNA photo Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Acting State Minister for Youth Affairs Khaled Al-Roudhan Sunday received well-wishers on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. He declared that the online mechanism for issuance of licenses for microenterprises will be completed by mid-july to early August. Oud oil... popular among the Gulf citizens. Mishari Bin Ghaith KUNA) News in Brief Italian s death probed: The Interior Ministry has opened an investigation into the death of a 40-year-old Italian who is said to have jumped to his death, reports Al-Anba daily. The Ahmadi Prosecutor has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and close the file marked suicide. The corpse has been referred to Forensics. The daily did not give more details. Kuwaiti drowns : A 37-year-old Kuwaiti who was rushed to the Adan Hospital by his friends was declared dead upon arrival, reports Al-Anba daily. According to the investigator at the Adan Hospital the citizen was brought to the hospital by his friends and claimed it was a case of drowning. Police are investigating. s opposed: Frequent reports about the transfer of a number of Defense Ministry officers to the Interior Ministry (MOI) have given rise to discontent among military personnel amid warnings there could be more in the next few days, reports Al-Seyassah daily. This action violated article 12 of the society s regulations. Bail denied: The Court of Cassation has denied bail for a member of the ruling family after he filed an appeal against the verdict issued by the Court of Appeals which had upheld the verdict of the Court of First Instance. He was accused of using words deemed offensive to the leadership of Kuwait. The court has decided to detain him until July 16. According to the case file, the Public Prosecution accused the defendant of offending the entity of His Highness the Amir, Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah and Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah. He was also charged with intentionally misusing his smartphone and the social networking application SnapChat on which he uploaded the offensive video clips. Indian shot in eye: Three Kuwaiti juveniles have been referred to the Juvenile Prosecution for shooting at an Indian driver in the eye with air gun, reports Al-Anba daily. It has been reported the juveniles were playing in the vicinity of their homes in Al-Qurain and one of them sneaked into the room of his father and stole his air gun. The juveniles were reportedly trying to scare the Indian and as one of them pulled the trigger the pellet hit the Indian in the eye causing him severe bleeding. The father of one of the juveniles rushed the Indian to the Al-Bahar Ophthalmology Center. In this context, military sources disclosed the circulation of the names of a number of officers from the tribes who are transferred from the army to the Ministry of Interior looks confusing since many officers from the Ministry of Defense may opt for transfer to the MOI. Man held with drugs: Police have arrested a young Kuwaiti for possession of narcotic pills and consuming drugs, reports Al-Rai daily. A security source said the arrest came when someone thought the suspect was dead because he had slumped over the steering wheel and informed the Operations Room of the Interior Ministry. Police and paramedics rushed to the spot and found the suspect under the influence of drugs. The addict has been referred to the authorities. Fire engine mishap: A fire engine overturned and lay on its side while on its way to put out the fire to two buildings under construction in Sharq, reports Al-Shahed daily. No casualties were reported. Outcry over plan to suspend driver s licence for residents By Najeh Bilal Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Several citizens and expatriates expressed displeasure and resentment over the decision taken by Ministry of Interior to deny driver s licenses for expatriates, except domestic workers and those with licenses from their countries of origin. They said such a decision contradicts the least of the human rights to which people are entitled, especially considering the fact that expatriates buy cars for work purposes. A Kuwaiti citizen, Abdullah, expressed his surprise over the trend of event, saying the decision is against human rights. Mohammad Bakri said he believed the decision to suspend issuance of driver s licenses to expatriates, except domestic workers, indicate that some laws are specifically aimed against expatriates. He declared that expatriates do not buy cars for recreational purposes but due to necessity and demand of their jobs. Another respondent Jamal Azeb said the regulation which claims that expatriates can qualify to apply for driver s license only if they possess one from their countries of origin is untenable, because Kuwait has several driving schools where applicants can learn driving. He stressed that expatriates may not see any need to buy a car in their home countries, considering the availability of various means of transport such as metro, effective public transportation and railway systems there. However, those means of transport are not available in Kuwait, except for public buses. In addition, Ibrahim Al-Uqaili insisted that the idea of suspending driver s license for expatriates for one year has never happened in any other country across the world. He stated that the issue is more complicated, considering the fact that the expatriates need cars for their jobs. Al-Uqaili quipped, In case an expatriate s family member be- Necessity, not luxury: resident The car in which the citizen burnt to death. Kuwaiti citizen burnt to death in accident By Munaif Nayef Al-Seyassah Staff A Kuwaiti citizen in his 20s died in a traffi c accident on Airport Road when his vehicle toppled and then burst into flames. comes ill at night, will the concerned person go about knocking on the doors of his neighbors for assistance to go to hospital? He urged the concerned authority to be merciful to expatriates. According to security sources, when the Operations Room of Ministry of Interior received information about the accident, securitymen, fi refi ghters and paramedics rushed to the location. They pulled out the victim from Agencies add: Forgers face law: The recommendations of the fact-finding committee of Kuwait University that was formed to study the issue of fake certificates at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training will be implemented, reports Al-Anba daily quoting legal sources. However, this does not include the certificates of those who were on scholarships. The sources revealed according to the corrective decisions two categories will be deprived from taking up posts and this includes legal positions obtained as a result of fake either issued by universities that really do not exist or certificates issued by universities but have no records at these universities. In addition to depriving the forgers of employment, they will be referred to the Public Prosecution. No pay for 3 years: A Kuwaiti was forced to pay KD 3,700 to a Sri Lankan housemaid after she complained to the Home Employment Department that she was not paid her salary for more than 3 years, reports Al-Anba daily. The housemaid said her sponsor did not pay her salary and each time she asked for her pay, he said he was saving it for her and continued to refuse to pay her. The source said when the citizen was summoned he admitted to not paying the salary and said he was saving the money on her behalf. The sponsor is also said to have paid her one-way ticket to Sri Lanka. KFSD photo the burning vehicle and tried to rescue his life but in vain, as the victim had succumbed to serious burns and injuries. The corpse was referred to the Forensics department and a case was registered. Reports rejected: The head of the Nutrition and Feeding Department at Jahra Hospital, Hisham Al-Faras, has rubbished what has been posted in the social media, reports Al-Rai daily. A video clip posted on the social media shows stray dogs freely moving in the kitchen of the hospital. He added, the clip was not made inside the Jahra Hospital kitchen and stressed the entrances and exits of the main kitchen of the hospital cannot be penetrated by animals. The doors are locked and only the staff has access to enter. He said it is very difficult for dogs to enter the kitchen. The head of Public Relations Department at the Jahra Hospital Ghazi Al-Dhafiri stressed on the keenness of his staff to control the corridors of the hospital. The clip that was circulated was made at one of the outside corridors of public services, not the kitchen. B deshi found dead on Abdali Road Workers protest increase in working hours By Munaif Nayef Al-Seyassah Staff and Agencies KUWAIT CITY, July 2: The corpse of a 1966-born Bangladeshi expatriate was discovered on Abdali Road Kilo-mark 59. According to security sources, when the Operations Room of Ministry of Interior received information about the discovery of a corpse, securitymen and paramedics rushed to the scene. Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased is a 1966-born Bangladeshi expatriate. The corpse was referred to the Forensics Department and a case has been registered. General Department for Criminal Evidences has launched investigations to determine the cause of the victim s death. Can suspension of driver s licences reduce the traffic congestion on the road? Workers protest: About 500 laborers of a contracting company held a demonstration on Abdali Road to protest the decision taken by the company to increase their working hours. According to security sources, when the Operations Room of Ministry of Interior received information about the demonstration, Jahra securitymen and officers from Public Security and Rescue sectors rushed to the scene. They discovered that the laborers were protesting against a recent decision taken by their company. The concerned authorities contacted the company to solve their problem and securitymen dispersed the crowd. Pakistani robbed: An unknown individual attacked a Pakistani expatriate and robbed him of KD 220 in Qasr area. According to security sources, the victim went to the nearest police station with a medical report. He explained to securitymen that he was walking on the pedestrian bridge in Qasr area when an unknown individual approached him, punched him on his nose, and hit him several times until he fell on the ground. The suspect then pulled out a knife and threatened to butcher him if he did not give him all the money in his possession. The suspect was given KD 220 after which he fled from the location. Investigations have been launched to find and arrest the suspect. Beware jellyfish : The Ministry of Electricity and Water is currently dealing with huge quantities of jellyfish that have slowed down the condensation process at the Al- Zour power station, reports Al-Anba daily. This is a recurring phenomenon at this time of the year but this year it is considered the heaviest. On the other hand, the Environment Public Authority said the increase in the number of jelly fish during seasonal high temperatures is a natural phenomenon. He has appealed to the citizens and expatriates to take caution when swimming. He has also asked the beachgoers not to touch the floating jellyfish seen drifting along the beaches to ensure their safety and avoid getting injured.

9 INTERNATIONAL 9 Kuwaiti banks Continued from Page 1 Doha but commercial bankers in the region believe that Saudi, Emirati and Bahraini banks might receive official guidance to pull deposits and interbank loans from Qatar. A more serious sanction would be to ban investors from holding Qatari assets, but authorities have given no sign of doing this. UAE minister of state for foreign affairs Anwar Gargash played down the chances of an escalation, saying the alternative is not escalation but parting ways, suggesting Qatar may be forced out of the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The Western-backed body was formed in 1981 in the wake of Iran s Islamic Revolution and the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq war, by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. Speaking in Washington last week, the Qatari foreign minister said the GCC was set up to guard against external threats. Doubts on GCC sustainability When the threat is coming from inside the GCC, there is a suspicion about the sustainability of the organization, Sheikh Mohammed told reporters. Qataris appeared defiant on Sunday, with newspapers decrying a siege and sharing on social media a cartoon of David and Goliath to illustrate Qatar s struggle with its larger neighbours. A Qatari artist whose portrait of Qatar s Amir has been draped from skyscrapers and affixed to car windows across the capital signed t-shirts for Qataris at a museum on Saturday. As you see the photo is now all over, it s a sign of loyalty to the Amir and love for the country, he said. Saudi Arabia s permanent representative to the United Nations, Abdullah bin Yahiya al-moallemi, said on Twitter that Qatar had failed to take opportunities offered by its neighbours in the past to stop supporting terrorism. Qatar had insisted on shaking the security of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and interfering in the affairs of countries in the region, Moallemi said. The crisis has hit travel, food imports and ratcheted up tensions in the Gulf and sown confusion among businesses, while pushing Qatar closer to Iran and Turkey. But it has not hit energy exports from Qatar, the world s biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas and home to the region s biggest US military base. The rift opened days after US President Donald Trump met Arab leaders in Riyadh and called for unity against regional threats such as Iran and hardline Islamist militant groups. Qatar stocks fall Qatar s stock exchange dropped Sunday following an extended holiday closure as the tiny Gulf nation faced a deadline to accept demands from four Arab countries in part over what they allege is its support for extremist groups. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain cut off ties with 2022 World Cup host Qatar in early June, restricting access to their airspace and ports and sealing Qatar s only land border, which it shares with Saudi Arabia. They issued a 13-point list of demands to end the standoff June 22 and gave the natural gas-rich country 10 days to comply. Qatar s main QE stock index lost more than 3 percent when it reopened for the first time since the demands were issued because of the Eid al-fitr holiday break. It eventually recovered some of its losses later in the trading session to close down 2.3 percent at 8, The deadline is expected to expire at some point Sunday, though the countries involved have not provided a precise time or detailed what immediate penalties, if any, Qatar will face. Qatar has repeatedly denied charges it supports extremism and says the demands are an affront to its sovereignty. Its foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, showed no signs of giving in during a press briefing in Rome on Saturday, saying they were never meant to be accepted and that his country is prepared to face whatever consequences. Qatar s government offered no additional comment Sunday. While in Rome, Al Thani met with Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano, who gave his backing to ongoing mediation efforts led by Kuwait. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has also tried to resolve the dispute, with the US last week urging Saudi Arabia and its allies to stay open to negotiation with Qatar. Russian President Vladimir Putin has separately spoken with the leaders of Qatar and Bahrain, urging direct dialogue among all the states involved, according to statements released by the Kremlin on Saturday. Iraq presses Continued from Page 1 On Saturday, officers announced the recapture of a hospital and its surroundings north of the Old City, removing a nearby but unconnected pocket of IS resistance. Interior ministry forces recaptured the Ibn Sina hospital along with other medical facilities including a blood bank and a clinic, said Staff Lieutenant General Abdulamir Yarallah. IS has occupied several of Mosul s hospitals during the battle for the city. Some security personnel have complained that restrictions on using heavy weapons against hospitals, intended to protect the facilities, have made operations riskier and more time-consuming. Federal police chief Lieutenant General Raed Shakir Jawdat said the area around the hospital, Al-Shifaa, had been completely retaken, limiting US-backed fighters reinforce frontlines in Syria s Raqqa IS s presence in Mosul to the Old City. Our forces are advancing from three sides and are pursuing the terrorist groups in the few remaining areas of the Old City, said Jawdat. On Thursday, Iraqi forces retook the remains of the Grand Mosque of al- Nuri in their greatest symbolic victory since the battle began. IS chief Abu Bakr al-baghdadi gave a triumphal sermon at the mosque after the jihadists captured Mosul in 2014, calling on Muslims to obey him. The mosque thus became a symbol of Baghdadi s rule and IS s caliphate. The jihadists made sure that the Nuri mosque was not captured intact, blowing it up as Iraqi forces closed in, along with its famed leaning minaret -- known affectionately as Al-Hadba Rebels accuse Syrian army of chlorine attack This photo provided by the Qab Elias Emergency Services, shows the charred remains of dozens of tents in a Syrian refugee camp in Qab Elias, a village in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon on July 2. Lebanon s state news agency and the Red Cross say a major fire has broken out in a Syrian refugee settlement, killing at least one person and sending large plumes of black smoke into the sky. (AP) BEIRUT, July 2, (Agencies): The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) deployed around a thousand additional fighters to the front lines with Islamic State in Raqqa on Sunday, the SDF media office said. The fighters were sent to the east and west of the city, Islamic State s de facto capital in Syria. The SDF launched its US-backed assault to capture Raqqa last month. They had completed their training in SDF camps in cooperation with the coalition forces, with the aim of supporting the campaign and achieving new progress, the SDF media office said in a statement, citing SDF commanders. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based organisation that reports on the war, said the SDF had made advances on Sunday in the south of the city, and had also retaken ground lost in an Islamic State counterattack on Friday. The clashes are extremely violent, Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman said. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday held talks with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Istanbul as tension soared on the Syrian border between Turkish troops and a Kurdish militia. Turkey and Russia were long at loggerheads over the Syrian conflict, with Ankara seeking the ouster of President Bashar al-assad and Moscow remaining his chief international ally. But cooperation had tightened markedly since last year, with the two countries jointly sponsoring peace talks in the Kazakh capital Astana. Attendance Sunday s meeting took place at Istanbul s Tarabya Palace by the Bosphorus, the presidency said, with images showing Turkey s top general Hulusi Akar and spy chief Hakan Fidan were also in attendance. Last August, Turkey launched its Euphrates Shield cross-border operation aimed at clearing the border zone in northern Syria of both Kurdish militia fighters and jihadists. The operation was wound up in March but Erdogan has not excluded a new cross-border offensive should the need arise. Turkish troops and Syrian Kurdish People s Protection Units (YPG) have repeatedly exchanged cross-border fire in recent days and there is speculation Ankara may be planning an assault on the group in Afrin. Ankara considers the YPG a terrorist group and the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) which has waged an insurgency inside Turkey since But Washington is arming the YPG and the group is heavily involved in the US-backed operation to oust Islamic State (IS) jihadists from their stronghold of Raqqa. The Sabah daily said Sunday that pro-ankara Syrian rebels were on standby for an operation against the YPG and Russia could ensure security in the air. Asked about the possibility of an operation around Afrin, presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Saturday: We take all measures to protect our borders and national security. He said the Turkey would instantly hit back against any threat from Syria, be it from IS, the PKK or the YPG. In other news, a Syrian rebel group accused the Syrian army of using chlorine gas against its fighters on Saturday in battles east of Damascus an accusation the military swiftly denied as a fabrication. The Failaq al-rahman group said more than 30 people suffered suffocation as a result of the attack in Ain Tarma in the Eastern Ghouta region, which government forces have been battling to take back from insurgents. In a statement circulated by staterun media, a military source said the army command completely denied the accusation. It has not used any chemical weapons in the past, and will not use them at any time. The United States said on Wednesday the government of Syrian President Bashar al-assad appeared so far to have heeded a warning issued earlier in the week not to carry out a chemical weapons attack after saying it saw possible preparations for one. Western governments including the United States say the Syrian government was behind an April gas attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun that killed dozens. In response, the United States fired cruise missiles at the air base from which it said the attack was launched. The Syrian government has denied any role in that attack. On Saturday the government also dismissed a report by the international chemical weapons watchdog that said the banned nerve agent sarin was used in the April attack in Khan Sheikhoun, saying it lacked any credibility. A joint United Nations and OPCW investigation has found Syrian government forces were responsible for three chlorine gas attacks in 2014 and 2015 and that Islamic State militants used mustard gas. Elsewhere, a US Navy supercarrier anchored off the Israeli port of Haifa Saturday on a break from operations Intel sharing... advising plans of attack US plays larger role in Mosul MOSUL, Iraq, July 2, (AP): The day after Iraq s prime minister declared an end to the Islamic State group s caliphate, US Army Col. Pat Work and a small team of about a dozen soldiers drove through western Mosul in two unmarked armored vehicles to warn Iraqi forces of a pressing threat: friendly fire. The American colonel had a series of urgent face-to-face meetings with generals from the Iraqi Army, the federal police and the Iraqi special forces ahead of a major offensive Saturday morning to drive out the remaining IS positions in Mosul. American troops are taking on an increasingly prominent role in the fight. Once largely restricted to working within highly fortified Iraqi bases, US commanders now travel in and around Mosul with small teams of soldiers, sharing intelligence and advising plans of attack, revealing how the US role in Iraq has steadily deepened throughout the operation to retake the country s second largest city. The gains in the Old City bringing Iraqi troops closer to victory against IS in Mosul have also meant the three branches of the country s security forces are now fighting in closer quarters than ever before. Weaving in and out of civilian traffic along the city s main thoroughfares, thick plumes of black smoke from airstrikes and artillery were just visible on the horizon from Work s convoy. He explained that the new battle space and lingering communication shortcomings mean Iraqi ground troops are at increased risk of being hit by non-precision fire like mortars and artillery launched by (The Hunchback). IS claimed on its Amaq propaganda agency that the site was hit in a US air strike, but the US-led coalition said it was the jihadists who had destroyed one of Mosul and Iraq s great treasures. Even though it lies in ruins, the mosque s recapture has provided a boost to Iraq s forces and its government. Prime Minister Haider al-abadi declared the jihadists caliphate was coming to an end. The next day, a senior Iraqi commander said victory in Mosul would be declared within the next few days. IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led coalition air strikes have since regained much of the territory they lost. their partner Iraqi forces We re helping (Iraqi forces) see across the boundaries between their different units... just helping them understand where they are and how rapidly things might be changing. said Work. Throughout the course of the day Work shuttled between bases, meeting with Iraqi commanders deep inside Mosul. While the US-led coalition has closely backed Iraqi forces with airstrikes in a number of fights against IS, the Mosul operation is the first time US troops have openly partnered with Iraqi forces on the ground within just a few kilometers (miles) frontline fighting. Violent It s a very violent close fight, said Work, the commander of the 82nd Airborne s 2nd Brigade Combat Team who deployed to Iraq in January. When the bullets aren t enough the (Iraqi) commanders want to turn to high explosives which might be mortars or artillery... so understanding where the other guy is all the time is kinda rule number one, so the lethal effect is directed at the target and not accidentally at another player that s on your team. The various forces that make up Iraq s military have long struggled with coordination. While the Mosul operation is overseen by a joint operations command and the prime minister, forces on the ground maintain independent command structures, standards and cultures. The Mosul fight is the first time all three forces have had to cooperate in an urban environment and throughout the operation the army, federal police and special forces have faced deadly setbacks when they acted supporting the US-led coalition s fight against the Islamic State group. It is the vessel s first visit to Israel in 17 years, according to the Israeli military. Also: BEIRUT: President Bashar al-assad has appeared on the Syrian currency for the first time, his portrait printed on a new 2,000-pound banknote that went into circulation on Sunday. Central bank governor Duraid Durgham said the 2,000-pound note was one of several new notes printed years ago but the decision to put it into circulation was delayed due to the circumstances of the war and exchange rate fluctuations. The new note is equal to around $4 at current exchange rates. The currency has plunged in value since the conflict began in 2011, from 47 pounds to the The recapture of Mosul will not however mark the end of the war against IS. The jihadist group still holds territories in both Iraq and neighbouring Syria, where it has been able to carry out attacks in government-held areas. The jihadist group has also inspired lone wolf attacks overseas. As airstrikes pound the last pockets of territory held by the Islamic State group in Mosul Sunday, hundreds of civilians are fleeing, many so badly injured they had to be carried over the mounds of rubble clogging the Old city s narrow streets. The civilians mostly women and children are fleeing the city in waves of displacement as Iraqi forces push toward the Tigris River, according to Iraqi special forces Maj Gen independently, allowing IS fighters to concentrate their defenses on a single front. One of Work s stops was at a modest house in a residential west Mosul neighborhood. About a dozen US troops and Iraqi soldiers were hunched over computers identifying IS targets just a few hundred meters away ahead of the next day s operation. The presence of US forces at the small patrol base deep inside Mosul is a level of support that had not been authorized when the Mosul fight first began. Under the administration of US President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis moved US combat advisers closer to the fight by authorizing US troops to partner with Iraqi forces at the battalion level. The US-led coalition s fight against IS in Iraq has slowly expanded over the past three years from a campaign of airstrikes carried out by coalition forces who largely stayed within heavily fortified bases to an operation with some 6,000 American troops on the ground, many operating close to frontline fighting. The evolution suggests that despite a large training program designed to generate enough soldiers to retake Mosul, Coalition officials assessed Iraqi forces lacked the tactical skills to conduct the operation without close support. Between meetings, as Work s vehicle rolled through a traffic circle in western Mosul, he said being on the ground beside his Iraqi counterparts is essential. For any commander there is no substitute for seeing it with your own eyes... for talking to the stake holders who are in it making the decisions every day, he said. dollar in 2010 to around 500 pounds to the dollar at present. Citing wear and tear of the existing notes, Durgham said the time was right to put the new note into circulation, the state news agency SANA reported. Previously, the highest denomination of Syrian banknote was 1,000 pounds. Assad s father, the late president Hafez al-assad who died in 2000, appeared on coins and on an older version of the 1,000 pound note, which is still in circulation. Durgham said the new note was put into circulation in Damascus and a number of the provinces. After years of war estimated to have killed hundreds of thousands of people, Assad appears militarily unassailable thanks in large part to direct military support from his allies Russia and Iran. Sami al-aridi. Iraq s special forces are now some 450 meters from the river s bank, al- Aridi said. He expects to reach the Tigris within days. After a strike, groups of civilians appeared covered in dust. Dozens were injured with what appeared to be shrapnel wounds. One woman collapsed trying to climb through a destroyed home, apparently suffering from dehydration. Civilians trapped inside the undersiege Old City where temperatures have soared to 45 degrees Celsius and are expected to climb in the days ahead have suffered water and food shortages for months. The United Nations estimates that tens of thousands of civilians are still trapped inside the Old City. Iraqi forces launched the operation to retake the Old City in mid-june. After eight months of grueling battles to retake Mosul, the dense west Mosul neighborhood is IS last stand in Iraq s second-largest city. Iraq s Prime Minister declared an end to the IS so-called caliphate in June after Iraqi forces retook the landmark al-nuri mosque in the Old City and pledged victory was near. Suicide car Continued from Page 1 He said he had seen Red Crescent volunteers treating two wounded soldiers. A shopkeeper confirmed that the explosion had gone off at around 6:00 am Ḣours after the blast, security was still tight at checkpoints around the city centre although local authorities had reopened some streets leading to Tahrir Square. University exams that were supposed to be held on Sunday near the site of the first two blasts were postponed. Damascus has been spared the large-scale battles that have devastated other major Syrian cities during the country s six-year civil war. But dozens of people have been killed in bombings, usually on the outskirts of the capital. In mid-march, bomb attacks on a courthouse and restaurant in central Damascus killed 32 people. That rare assault in the heart of the city, which remains under government control, was claimed by IS. It came days after two explosions that left 74 dead in the capital s Old City and were claimed by the Tahrir al-sham coalition, led by the jihadist Fateh al-sham Front. Battlefronts around Damascus have calmed since a May deal that saw opposition fighters withdraw from several neighbourhoods, along with a separate agreement on de-escalation zones including one in a rebel stronghold just outside the capital. Syria s conflict broke out with antigovernment protests in 2011, but has since evolved into a multi-front war that has killed more than 320,000 people. Newswatch Continued from Page 1 Last year a pipeline explosion at a power station in central China killed at least 21 people. In 2015, giant blasts killed at least 165 people in the northern port city of Tianjin, causing over $1 billion in damage and sparking widespread anger over a perceived lack of transparency by officials about the accident s causes and environmental impact. A government inquiry into the Tianjin accident released in February 2016 recommended 123 people be punished. (AFP) QUETTA, Pakistan: At least 11 people were killed and scores more people were injured in flash floods triggered by heavy rains in Pakistan s southwestern province of Balochistan, officials said Sunday. Heavy rainfall on Friday triggered flash floods which swept away mud houses Lasbela district of Balochistan causing damage to life and property, Hashim Ghilzai, a district administration official told AFP. The rain had swept away 14 people and we have recovered 11 dead bodies today while three people are still missing, he said. Provincial disaster management authorities said twenty house had been damaged by the flash floods. Abuzar Ghaffari, chief of paramilitary troops in the area, said they were searching for dead bodies with the help of sniffer dogs. Poorly built homes across Pakistan, particularly in rural areas, are susceptible to collapse during the annual spring and monsoon rains in July-August, which are often heavy. Severe weather in recent years has killed hundreds and destroyed huge tracts of prime farmland. The worst flooding in recent times occurred in 2010, when they covered almost a fifth of the country s total landmass, killed nearly 2,000 people and displaced 20 million. (AFP) JAKARTA: At least two people have been killed and several more are missing after an Indonesian search and rescue helicopter crashed, an official said Sunday, in the country s latest aviation accident. The helicopter was carrying at least eight people including four crew when it hit a cliff in Temanggung, Central Java province, late Sunday afternoon, a senior official at the social affairs ministry told AFP. It is a mountainous area, but it is reachable and our team is already on the ground so we are doing our best to find the other passengers, the official Adhy Karyono said. Two unidentified bodies have already been recovered, he added Ṫhe chopper was on a mission to oversee the situation in Central Java, where a volcanic crater erupted at the Dieng Plateau on Sunday afternoon. About five people were lightly injured when the Sileri crater spewed cold lava, ash and mud as high as 50 metres (164 feet) into the sky, with officials quick to deploy officers to clear the popular tourist area. (AFP)

10 INTERNATIONAL 10 World News Roundup People gather in the rain to celebrate Canada s 150th birthday on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on July 1. Britain s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are visiting to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canada s founding. (Inset): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses the crowd as people celebrate Canada s 150th birthday. (AFP) On rainy 150th birthday, nation celebrates the meaning of Canada Canada s long-anticipated 150th birthday celebrations on Saturday were marked by heavy rains and some protests, though the downpour failed to dampen spirits of revelers who thronged in large numbers to enjoy musical performances and parades. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kicked off celebrations amid heavy security and some 25,000 people assembled at a large outdoor celebration in front of the national Parliament in Ottawa, where Irish singer Bono and other members of rock band U2 enthralled the audience. When others build walls, you open doors; when others divide, your arms are open wide; where you lead, others follow, Bono said. But the bad weather meant a fly-past featuring Canadian warplanes was canceled and later on, an evening concert was delayed by an hour to allow the rain storms to pass. The long-anticipated Canada Day festivities, which included other features such as acrobats, and special citizenship ceremonies across large cities, concluded with fireworks. Trudeau, accompanied by Britain s Prince Charles, shook hands with some of the thousands of revelers who converged on Canada s capital Ottawa. Canada is a country made strong not in spite of our differences but because of them, Trudeau told the gathering. We don t aspire to be a melting pot indeed, we know true strength and resilience flows through Canadian diversity. (RTRS) Politics Democracy Parks shut, services disrupted New Jerseyans feel impact of shutdown TRENTON, New Jersey, July 2, (AP): New Jerseyans were feeling the impact as a state government shutdown took effect Saturday, shuttering parks and other public sites and disrupting ferry service to Liberty and Ellis islands. Among those affected were a group of Cub Scouts forced to leave a state park campsite and people trying to obtain or renew documents from the state motor vehicle commission, among the agencies closed by the shutdown. Meanwhile, Republican Gov Chris Christie and the Christie Democrat-led Legislature returned to the statehouse Saturday to try to resolve the shutdown, the state s first since 2006 and the first under Christie. It came about after leaders failed to reach an agreement on a new budget by Friday night s deadline. Andrew Spears, a leader with Cub Scout Pack 124 in Tinton Falls, said his group was told to leave Cheesequake State Park on Saturday morning. His group of roughly 45 including about 25 children had planned to camp all weekend. We knew this was probably coming, but it s still a shame we have to head out, Spears said. Also closed was Island Beach State Park, where the state owns a residence that the governor can use. Christie said earlier this week that his he and his family were planning to be there for the Fourth of July holiday, but he amended that Friday to say he would stay in Trenton this weekend if government remained shut down but his family would still go. Asked Saturday if it was fair for his family to be able to use the park while others couldn t, Christie was defiant. The governor has a residence at Island Beach, he said. Others don t. That s the way it goes. Run for governor and you can have the residence. Remaining open under the shutdown will be New Jersey Transit, state prisons, the state police, state hospitals and treatment centers as well as casinos, race tracks and the lottery. Liberty State Park was closed, forcing the suspension of ticket sales and ferry service from the site to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. But the latter two sites remain open. Christie and the lawmakers are in a stalemate over whether to include legislation affecting the state s largest health insurer into the state budget. He and Democratic Senate President Steve Sweeney agree on legislation to make over Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, including allowing the state insurance commissioner to determine a range for the company s surplus that if exceeded must be put to use benefiting the public and policyholders. But Prieto opposes the plan, saying that the legislation could lead to rate hikes on the insurer s 3.8 million subscribers and that the legislation is separate from the budget. Boys wear Make America Great Again hats at the Gettysburg National Military Park on July 1 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The US Park Service issued protest permits for three groups, including Sons of Confederate Veterans, and Real 3% Risen, on the 154th anniversary of the battle. (AFP) Picard America Zhang Councilman defends ignore ODs : A city councilman in Ohio says he doesn t regret his suggestion that emergency crews should stop saving people who repeatedly overdose. Middletown City Council member Dan Picard asked just over a week ago if there is a law requiring the city to respond to overdose calls. He suggested that people who overdose should be forced to do community service to make up for the cost of an emergency run. If they overdose a third time, he said, no medics should respond. If you have a solution, give it to me, Picard told the Hamilton-Middletown Journal-News. We re doing all these things, but at some point you have to have some personal responsibility in your life. I want to send a message to the world that you don t want to come to Middletown to overdose because someone might not come with Narcan and save your life, Picard said. We need to put a fear about overdosing in Middletown. (AP) Doc covered shift as favor: A doctor disguised as one who would save lives came to the New York hospital that had spurned him only to try to destroy them instead, replacing his stethoscope and scalpel with an automatic weapon, authorities say. US nears its 241st birthday Americans debate democracy In an instant, Dr Henry Bello triggered a Code Silver at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, sending his one-time colleagues diving for cover on the hospital s two top floors while he repeatedly pulled his trigger, killing a doctor who had the misfortune of covering someone else s shift as a favor and injuring six others, including a patient. Little Rock Police Chief Kenton Buckner speaks during a news conference at City Hall in Little Rock, Arkansas on July 1. Clubgoers screamed and scrambled for cover as dozens of gunshots rang out during a rap concert in downtown Little Rock. No deaths were reported but several people were injured. (AP) NEW YORK, July 2, (AP): In his 4-ó years as a state senator from Manhattan, Brad Holyman has handed out everything from flashlights to T-shirts at political rallies. But for a gathering held soon after President Donald Trump s inauguration, he decided on something more substantial: Copies of the Constitution. My constituents had been asking me, What can I do to help? How do I prepare myself? says Holyman, a Democrat in his third term who has since distributed thousands of copies. A year ago, who would have imagined that giving away the Constitution would be seen as an act of resistance? Americans have disagreed about government and civic life since the country s founding, about who should vote, who should run for office and the risks of political factions. But as the US nears its 241st birthday, many say democracy itself is in the dock. Trump, with his labeling the mainstream press the enemy of the people and his disparagement of socalled judges and other traditional checks on executive power, has critics anxious about not just a given policy but the fate of self-rule at the same time that his supporters view his rise as the kind of anti-elitist triumph democracy is supposed to represent. The debate extends from classrooms and policy institutes to popular culture, to the Trump-influenced staging of Shakespeare s Julius Caesar at Manhattan s Public Theater and the wave of dystopian best-sellers such as 1984 and The Handmaid s Tale. I think it s highly unusual and disconcerting to have so many people worried about the foundations of our democracy, says Wendy R. Weiser, who directs the Brennan Center for Justice s Democracy Program, based at New York University School of Law and focusing on voting rights and elections, among other issues. We re always talking about democracy and struggling to live up to our ideals, but never with so many fundamental questions as we re doing right now. But when activists vow to revitalize democracy, they don t mean the society imagined by the men who helped create it. None of the founders envisioned our modern democracy, with its broad suffrage and competing political parties, says Gordon Wood, the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian of the Revolutionary War era. Running for office was demagogic and dangerous. The founders believed in equality but they essentially meant equality of opportunity. Sons of weavers and cobblers could go to college and become gentlemen, but weavers and cobblers themselves were not to become politicians and campaign for office. American leaders in the early years exchanged accusations of being too pro-british or pro-french, a division marked by two ongoing concerns: The country would relapse into Britishstyle monarchy or fall into violence and lawlessness like the murderous Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. In 1788, the year before the French Revolution began, Americans were deciding whether to ratify the Constitution. The new details of Bello s rampage emerged Saturday along with an rant against colleagues he blamed for forcing him to resign from the hospital amid sexual harassment allegations two years earlier. The was sent to the New York Daily News just two hours before the shooting Friday afternoon that left six other people wounded and Bello dead from a selfinflicted shot. (AP) Man held was grad student: The 28-year-old Illinois man charged with kidnapping a Chinese scholar now believed to be dead was among a select few admitted to the University of Illinois highly competitive physics graduate program in Brendt Allen Christensen originally planned to earn a doctorate degree, but told his graduate adviser in 2016 he had changed his mind, Professor Lance Cooper recalled on Saturday. He didn t say why, and Christensen continued taking classes and teaching as a graduate assistant. He earned his master s degree in mid-may. Christensen is in federal custody awaiting a court appearance Monday in the June 9 kidnapping of Yingying Zhang, the 26-year-old daughter of a working-class factory driver from China. Weeks ago, Zhang arrived at the university to conduct research in agricultural sciences and planned to begin work on her doctorate in the fall. Her body hasn t been found. (AP)

11 INTERNATIONAL 11 US President Donald Trump speaks during the Celebrate Freedom concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC on July 1. (AFP) Supreme Court Politics Position could hurt rights Trump Microsoft, WH clash over searches WASHINGTON, July 2, (AP): On the surface, the investigation was routine. Federal agents persuaded a judge to issue a warrant for a Microsoft account they suspected was used for drug trafficking. But US-based Microsoft kept the s on a server in Ireland. Microsoft said that meant the s were beyond the warrant s reach. A federal appeals court agreed. Late last month, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to intervene. The case is among several legal clashes that Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft and other technology companies have had with the government over questions of digital privacy and authorities need for information to combat crime and extremism. Privacy law experts say the companies have been more willing to push back against the government since the leak of classified information detailing America s surveillance programs. Another issue highlighted in the appeal is the difficulty that judges face in trying to square decades-old laws with new technological developments. In the latest case, a suspected drug trafficker used Microsoft s service. In 2013, federal investigators obtained a warrant under a 1986 law for the s themselves as well as identifying information about the user of the account. Microsoft turned over the information, but went to court to defend its decision not to hand over the s from Ireland. The federal appeals court in New York agreed with the company that the 1986 Stored Communications Act does not apply outside the United States. The administration s Supreme Court appeal said the decision is damaging hundreds if not thousands of investigations of crimes ranging from terrorism, to child pornography, to fraud. The s, the administration noted, may reside on a server somewhere, but said Microsoft can retrieve them domestically with the click of a computer mouse. Microsoft s president, Brad Smith, said in a blog post following the high court appeal that the administration s position would put businesses in impossible conflict-of-law situations and hurt the security, jobs, and personal rights of Americans. Technology companies and privacy experts are among those watching the case closely. Foreign-stored This is a big deal in an era of a global internet. Servers are not just in the United States. They re all over the world, and figuring out the rules for foreignstored data is really important, not just for us, but for foreign governments, said Orin Kerr, a George Washington University law professor whose work is cited in the appellate ruling. One problem identified by Kerr and other privacy scholars is that courts might not be the best place to resolve these issues. Should the same rules apply to the s of an American citizen and a foreigner? Does it matter where the person is living? The Supreme Court can t answer these questions in the nuanced way that s needed, said Jennifer Daskal, an American University law professor. Even Judge Gerard Lynch on the New York panel that sided with Microsoft called for congressional action to revise a badly outdated statute. The Stored Communications Act became law long before the advent of cloud computing. To the extent personal information was kept online, it was mainly on personal computers. Today, companies build data centers around the world to keep up with their customers demands for speed and access. Members of Congress have introduced legislation to update the law, but nothing has been enacted. Sen Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, opposes the administration s appeal, but said in a statement that Congress can and should modernize data privacy laws to ensure that law enforcement can access evidence in a timely manner. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and his wife, Amy Elaine Wakeland, are cheered as they walk down before Garcetti s being sworn in for his second term along with other city officials who have been re-elected this year at Los Angeles City Hall on July 1. (AP) America House cool to end heating aid: The summer air is sizzling as the Fourth of July approaches, yet 86-year-old Richard Perkins already worries about how he s going to stay warm this winter. President Donald Trump has proposed eliminating heating aid for low-income Americans, claiming it s no longer necessary and rife with fraud. People needn t worry about being left in the cold, he says, because utilities cannot cut off customers in the dead of winter. But he is wrong on all counts. The heating program provides a critical lifeline for people like Perkins, and officials close to the program don t see any widespread fraud. Guidelines for winter shutoffs by utilities vary from state to state and don t apply to heating oil, a key energy source in the brittle New England winter. It s beyond my thinking that anyone could be that cruel, said Perkins, a retired restaurateur who relies on the program to keep warm in Ogunguit, Maine. The proposal to kill the program, which has distributed $3.4 billion to about 6 million households this fiscal year, will face strong opposition in Congress. Forty-three senators from mostly coldweather states already signed a letter urging the Republican chairman and ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee to ensure funding for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, known in many states by its acronym, LIHEAP (pronounced LY -heep). In Maine, the poorest state in New England, the program helped nearly 77,000 people over the past winter, and those numbers represented less than a quarter of eligible households, said Deborah Turcotte of MaineHousing, which helps to run the program. Perkins is a typical recipient. (AP) No vote on budget this weekend: Illinois lawmakers returned to work Saturday after missing a key deadline to prevent the state from starting an unprecedented third consecutive fiscal year without a budget, but the House leader said a vote wouldn t be taken over the weekend, meaning the state is entering dangerous territory. A $36.5 billion plan to rebuild Illinois crumbling finances passed a critical test on Friday, but a final deal hasn t been reached. House Speaker Michael Madigan appeared brief on his chamber s floor Saturday and said negotiations on a budget deal were continuing. Without a budget, the state comptroller will be unable to cover basic services ordered by courts, road construction and Powerball ticket sales could halt, and the state s credit rating could be downgraded to junk. The fiscal morass is the longest of any state since at least the Great Depression, with Illinois ringing up a $6.2 billion annual deficit and a $14.7 billion stack of past-due bills. Democrats who control the Legislature said the latest proposal, which won a States criticized for refusing to hand over voter data Trump lauds veterans, hits media WASHINGTON, July 2, (Agencies): US President Donald Trump honored military veterans in Washington on Saturday at a Kennedy Center event that resembled both a political rally and an evangelical Christian religious service ahead of the July 4 Independence Day holiday. Using the podium again to lash out at the news media, Trump worked to energize evangelicals in his political base, noting that the US currency was inscribed with the words: In God We Trust. Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence 241 years ago, America always affirmed that liberty comes from our creator. Our rights are given to us by God, and no earthly force can ever take those rights away, he said. Attendees at the event for veterans waved miniature American flags from their seats in the theater and raised their hands as a sign of praise while a large choir sang ahead of Trump s remarks. The president praised veterans from each of the US military branches and highlighted his administration s work to reform veterans services. Trump, who is spending a long weekend at his property in Bedminster, New Jersey, flew back to Washington for the rally but did not spend the night at the White House, preferring to return to Bedminster. Later, in a rare late-night post on Twitter, which he uses prolifically and sometimes controversially, Trump wrote: We will always take care of our GREAT VETERANS. You have shed your blood, poured your love, and bared your soul, in defense of our country. Trump has held campaign-like rallies regularly during his first few months in the White House and kicked off his own re-election campaign far earlier than other incumbents in recent history. Strategy Part of his strategy to connect with his supporters has included criticizing the media, and he included harsh words for the press again in his remarks. The fake media is trying to silence us, but we will not let them, he said. The fake media tried to stop us from going to the White House. But I m president, and they re not. In recent days, the US leader has railed against major news organizations as fake news, and launched a crude personal attack on Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, who headline the Morning Joe program on the left-leaning MSNBC cable network. Crazy Joe Scarborough and dumb preliminary vote in the House on Friday, would be fueled by a $5 billion income tax increase and $2.4 billion in spending reductions. Revenue details have yet to appear in the legislation, but lawmakers weary of the two-year standoff with Republican Gov Bruce Rauner approved the spending outline. Lawmakers were negotiating spendingand-revenue work as well as issues demanded for two years by the first-term governor, such as freezing local property taxes. Madigan Harris as a rock Mika are not bad people, but their low rated show is dominated by their NBC bosses. Too bad! he wrote Saturday, seemingly trying to get in the final word in his clash with the journalists. Apparently stung by critical coverage on the show, Trump on Thursday had tweeted: I heard poorly speaks badly of me (don t watch anymore). Then how come low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe came to Mar-a-Lago 3 nights in a row around New Year s Eve, and insisted on joining me. She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no! The comments sparked a major backlash, as well as condemnation from within Trump s own Republican Party. The TV hosts responded on Friday with an opinion piece in The Washington Post titled Donald Trump is not well, questioning his unmoored behavior and fitness to serve. Trump also targeted CNN, a frequent punching bag for the president. Exposed I am extremely pleased to see has finally been exposed as #FakeNews and garbage journalism. It s about time! he tweeted, referring to an article that the cable news channel retracted, that claimed Congress was investigating links between Trump s administration and a Russian investment fund. Three CNN journalists resigned over the article, which was posted on the network s website on June 22 before being yanked the next day. I am thinking about changing the name #FakeNews CNN to #Fraud- NewsCNN! Trump posted. He also suggested in a tweet that veteran ex-fox journalist Greta Van Susteren, who left MSNBC this week, was let go by her out of control bosses because she refused to go along w/ Trump hate! Trump s deputy spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that Trump s attacks on Brzezinski, Scarborough and other media were part of his natural instinct to fight fire with fire. On Saturday, those instincts seemed to be on display. My use of social media is not Presidential it s MODERN DAY PRESIDENTIAL, Trump posted on Twitter, before adding his classic tagline Make America Great Again! Capping his day of derision, Trump lambasted the press at a Fourth of July Freedom Rally in Washington, stating that the fake media tried to stop us from going to the White House, but I m president and they re not. The dishonest media will never keep us from accomplishing our objectives on behalf of our great American people, he added. The fact is, the press has destroyed themselves because they went too far. US President Donald Trump lashed out on Saturday at the growing number of states refusing to give voters names, addresses and sensitive personal information to a commission he created to investigate alleged voter fraud. Numerous states are refusing to give information to the very distinguished VOTER FRAUD PANEL, he wrote on Twitter. What are they trying to hide? More than 20 states, including Virginia, Kentucky, California, New York and Massachusetts, have declined to provide some or all of the information, saying it was unnecessary and violated privacy. This commission was formed to try to find basis for the lie that President Trump put forward that has no foundation, Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes told Reuters previously in an interview. The Republican president has made unsubstantiated claims that millions of people voted illegally for his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, in last November s election. Trump s Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, created in May, sent a letter to 50 states asking them to turn over voter information including names, the last four digits of Social Security numbers, addresses, birth dates, political affiliations, felony convictions and voting histories. The request from commission Vice-Chairman Kris Kobach has caused a backlash from state election officials. Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson said in a statement on Friday that while certain voter information is available to the public, the media, and any other person who requests the information, the information is restricted to name, address and congressional district assignment. Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann had said in a statement that he did not see the letter but would rebuff the commission. They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico, and Mississippi is a great state to launch from, he said. Trump won the White House through victory in the Electoral College, which tallies wins in states, but he lost the popular vote to Clinton by some 3 million votes. He has claimed he would have won the popular vote had it not been for voter fraud. Civil rights activists say the commission will encourage voter suppression by justifying new barriers to voting, such as requiring identity cards to vote. Republicans responded to Madigan s announcement Saturday by standing in objection. One GOP member shouted Speaker Junk a reference to the state s creditworthiness as Madigan left the floor. The Prairie State s last annual budget expired two years ago. Without a deal this time, the United Way reports that 36 percent of all human services agencies in Illinois face closure by year s end, according to Rep Greg Harris, the Chicago Democrat sponsoring the fiscal blueprint. (AP)

12 INTERNATIONAL 12 World News Roundup Protestors march through central London as they take part in an anti-austerity demonstration on July 1. (AFP) Politics Migrants Thousands protest Ministers tell May to end austerity May LONDON, July 2, (Agencies): Prime Minister Theresa May is under pressure from her ministers to end the government s policy of economic austerity as a new poll shows her popularity has slumped, according to the Observer. Health minister Jeremy Hunt wants the government to drop a cap on public sector pay rises of a belowinflation 1 percent for nurses, while education minister Justine Greening wants more money for schools, according to the newspaper. Despite her party s expectations of a landslide victory, May lost her majority in parliament in last month s election, pushing her into a deal with a small eurosceptic Northern Irish Protestant party. The opposition Labour Party fared better than expected in last month s election with its promises of measures such as the end to a 1 percent cap on public sector pay increases. May s approval rating is now at minus 20 percentage points against a positive rating of 21 percentage points in April, according to a new Opinium survey for the Observer. British Agriculture Minister Michael Gove told the Sunday Times newspaper that the government should accept the findings of any future public sector pay reviews. Meanwhile, thousands of people marched through London on Saturday to protest over austerity and demand Prime Minister May s government resign after its disastrous showing in last month s election. Demonstrators converged in front of the BBC headquarters in central London to demand an end to belttightening that has led to cuts in spending for public services. Silence Many brandished signs and placards reading: No More Austerity, Cuts Cost Lives and Tories Out. After holding a minute s silence in honour of the victims of a deadly fire in London, which killed at least 80 people, and staging a round of applause for the emergency services, protesters headed towards Parliament Square. Main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn took to the stage to blast the Conservatives spending programme, describing it as brutal and selective to the poorest people and the poorest parts of our community. The Tories are in retreat, austerity is in retreat, the economic arguments of austerity are in retreat, he added. The union-backed march was organised a day after the June 14 Grenfell Tower inferno in west London. An investigation into the fire is under way, but critics blame lax standards and cost-cutting, which they say is a consequence of austerity. The prime minister, who lost her parliamentary majority in last month s snap election, narrowly survived a confidence vote on Thursday thanks to the support of Northern Ireland s small DUP party. Their deal has been attacked by both Labour and some of May s own Conservative MPs, in part because the DUP secured an extra billion pounds (1.1 billion euros/$1.3 billion) in state aid for Northern Ireland. A day earlier, the government had also narrowly voted down a Labour Party amendment to its legislative programme known as the Queen s Speech calling for an end to a six-year cap on public sector pay. Emergency workers carry an injured migrant on a wheelchair, after clashes between migrants involving Eritreans and Ethiopians in Calais on July 1. (AFP) Britain UK withdraws from fishing pact: Britain said Sunday it is to withdraw from a 50-year-old agreement allowing some foreign countries to fish close to the UK coastline, fulfilling a key Brexit pledge. The deal pre-dates Britain s EU membership and would therefore still have applied after the UK completes its divorce with the bloc, expected in March Britain will trigger on Monday a two-year withdrawal period from the agreement, the London Fisheries Convention. The convention allows vessels from five European countries Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands to fish within an area that is six miles off the UK s coastline. Leaving the London Fisheries Convention is an important moment as we take back control of our fishing policy, Environment Secretary Michael Gove said in a statement. The agreement is in force alongside the EU s Common Fisheries Policy allowing vessels from EU member states to fish between 12 and 200 nautical miles off the UK which Britain will be excluded from after its exit from the bloc. This is an historic first step towards building a new domestic fishing policy as we leave the European Union, Gove said. (AFP) Deal unlikely in coming days : Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said on Saturday that Northern Ireland s political parties were unlikely to reach a deal to restore the province s power-sharing agreement in the next few days. The region has been locked in a political crisis since January s collapse of the coalition between pro-british unionists and Irish nationalists mandated under a 1998 peace deal that ended three decades of sectarian violence. The British government last week said last week it would give the parties a few more days to agree a way to restore the executive after the latest deadline passed without a deal. Britain s minister for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, is due to update parliament on Monday. I think it is very unlikely that there will be an agreement by Monday, Adams said in a statement. If power-sharing is not restored, Northern Ireland risks reverting to direct rule from London for the first time in a decade, a step backwards in the delicate balance between mainly Catholic Irish nationalists seeking union with Ireland and predominantly Poland has right to say no : Kaczynski Open ports to migrants: Italy ROME, July 2, (Agencies): Italy s interior minister called Sunday on other European countries to open their ports to rescue ships ahead of talks with France and Germany on tackling the migrant emergency. Marco Minniti, who meets his counterparts in Paris later Sunday to prepare for EU talks in Tallinn this week, said in an interview with Il Messaggero daily that we are under enormous pressure. With arrivals in Italy up nearly 19 percent compared to the same period last year, Rome has threatened to close its ports to privately-funded aid boats or insist funding is cut off to EU countries which fail to help with the crisis. There are NGO ships, Sophia and Frontex boats, Italian coast guard vessels saving migrants in the Mediterranean, he said in a reference to the aid boats as well as the vessels deployed under EU border security and anti-trafficker missions. They are sailing under the flags of various European countries. If the only ports refugees are taken to are Italian, something is not working. This is the heart of the question, he said. I am a Europhile and I would be proud if even one vessel, instead of arriving in Italy, went to another European port. It would not resolve Italy s problem but it would be an extraordinary signal that Europe wanted to help Rome, he said. Over 83,000 people rescued while attempting the perilous crossing from Libya have been brought to Italy so far this year, according to the UN, while more than 2,160 have died trying, the International Organisation for Migration says. Critical Italy s Red Cross has warned the situation in the country s overcrowded reception centres is becoming critical. Interior minister Minniti was set to meet counterparts Gerard Collomb of France, Thomas de Maiziere of Germany and European Union Commissioner for Refugees Dimitris Avramopoulos at 1800 GMT in the French capital. The Italian minister said Rome would be pushing for a way to shift the asylum application process from Italy to Libya, and safely bring to Europe those who win the right to protection. We have to distinguish before they set off (across the Mediterranean) between those who have a right to humanitarian protection and those who don t. And, on the basis of the decisions made by the UNHCR, we must ensure Protestant unionists who want to stay in the United Kingdom. (RTRS) Sports minister to hold talks: UK Sports Minister Tracey Crouch is to hold talks with sports governing bodies later this year over how they can help athletes who suffer from mental health issues. Crouch s decision comes in light of Everton winger Aaron Lennon being hospitalised under the Mental Health Act for a Gove Adams the former depart for Europe while economic migrants are voluntarily repatriated to their countries of origin, he said. Unsourced Italian media reports said Rome was likely to call for a European code of conduct to be drawn up for the privately-run aid boats, with the Corriere della Sera saying vessels that did not comply could be seized. Critics have said the NGOs attract traffickers by sailing close to the Libyan coast. The NGOs insist they have no choice, because smugglers put the migrants out to sea in flimsy vessels that sink as they reach international waters. Rome would like a regional maritime command centre to oversee all rescue operations from Greece to Libya to Spain, which would spread the migrant arrivals between European countries, the Corriere della Sera said. Refugee And Italy insists that the EU refugee relocation programme -- which is largely limited to people from Eritrea and Syria -- should be expanded to include other nationalities, such as Nigerians, La Repubblica said. Between September 2015 and April 2017, some 5,001 asylum-seekers percent of the 34,953 target -- were relocated from Italy to 18 European countries, the UN s refugee agency said. While some participating states have showed greater commitment towards relocation, the number of pledges made available continues to be inadequate and implementation remains slow and challenging, it added. Meanwhile, Poland has a moral right to say no to refugees, the country s most powerful politician said on Saturday. Jaroslaw Kaczynski, head of the ruling party Law and Justice (PiS), gave his views on immigration at a party convention in Przysucha, 100 km (60 miles) south of Warsaw. We have not exploited the countries from which these refugees are coming to Europe these days, we have not used their labour force and finally we have not invited them to Europe. We have a full moral right to say no, Kaczynski said in a speech broadcast on television. Last month the European Commission launched a legal case against Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic for refusing to take in asylum seekers, highlighting the feud within the 28-nation bloc over how to deal with migration. Kaczynski, who has criticised the European Union s relocation schemes for migrants on many occasions, also said that the PiS could not be accused of being anti-european, as it backed Poland s joining the block in 2004 and now appreciates the inflow of EU funds. The fact that we appreciate them (the funds), does not mean that we have lost the right to various assessments, including those regarding the historical context, Kaczynski said, adding that Poland has never received any compensation for the losses it suffered during the Second World War. During his 70-minute speech, the PiS leader suggested the government increase social spending if the economic situation allows. He also said there was a need to reduce the share of foreign capital in the media sector. In related news, the UN refugee agency is heaping pressure on Europe to help Italy defuse the unfolding tragedy of tens of thousands migrants flooding its shores. Cope Italy needs more international support to cope with a growing number of migrants who have braved a perilous Mediterranean crossing to reach Europe this year, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said on Saturday. What is happening in front of our eyes in Italy is an unfolding tragedy, Grandi said in a statement. In the course of last weekend, 12,600 migrants and refugees arrived on its shores, and an estimated 2,030 have lost their lives in the Mediterranean since the beginning of the year. Italy, he said, was playing its part in taking in those rescued and offering protection to those in need. These efforts must be continued and strengthened. But this cannot be an Italian problem alone. Separately, a source in Paris said the interior ministers of France, Germany and Italy would meet in the French capital on Sunday to discuss a coordinated approach to help Rome. Last week, Italy threatened to close its doors to people arriving on boats which were not flying Italian flags. Europe has to get fully involved through an urgent distribution system of migrants and should widen legal channels so that migrants can be admitted, Grandi said. He also called for greater international efforts to tackle the causes of migration, to protect people and to fight trafficking. stress-related illness, and a moving interview given by former England defender Steven Caulker to The Guardian, where he remarked football did not deal well with those who suffered from mental illness like him. Crouch, who suffered from depression when she was first elected a British lawmaker in 2010 and eschewed anti-depressants, preferring to use a technique called mindfulness to resolve it, told The Times her idea is not just to change prejudices over those suffering from mental health issues. (AFP)

13 INTERNATIONAL 13 Decorated boats take part in the traditional Fisherman s Wedding procession on Lake Starnberger See near Tutzing, Germany on July 2. (AP) Russia Bid to dispel suspicions Kaspersky CEO offers up code for US scrutiny MOSCOW, July 2, (AP): The chief executive of Russia s Kaspersky Lab says he s ready to have his company s source code examined by US government officials to help dispel long-lingering suspicions about his company s ties to the Kremlin. In an interview with The Associated Press at his Moscow headquarters, Eugene Kaspersky said Saturday that he s also ready to move part of his research work to the US to help counter rumors that he said were first started more than two decades ago out of professional jealousy. If the United States needs, we can disclose the source code, he said, adding that he was ready to testify before US lawmakers as well. Anything I can do to prove that we don t behave maliciously I will do it. Kaspersky, a mathematical engineer who attended a KGB-sponsored school and once worked for Russia s Ministry of Defense, has long been eyed suspiciously by his competitors, particularly as his anti-virus products became popular in the US market. Some speculate that Kaspersky, an engaging speaker and a fixture of the conference circuit, kept his Soviet-era intelligence connections. Others say Kaspersky it s unlikely that his company could operate independently in Russia, where the economy is dominated by state-owned companies and the power of spy agencies has expanded dramatically under President Vladimir Putin. No firm evidence has ever been produced to back up the claims. But this has not stopped what was once gossip at tech conferences from escalating into public accusations from American politicians and intelligence officials amid rising concerns over Russian interference in the United States. Senior US intelligence officials have advised Congress to steer well clear of Kaspersky s products and Congress is weighing a proposal to ban the company from the Pentagon. Law enforcement seems to be taking a hard look at the company as well. On Wednesday, NBC news reported that at least a dozen US employees of Kaspersky were visited at their homes by FBI agents. Kaspersky confirmed the NBC report, although he said he didn t know what the focus of the FBI s questioning was. He did say his relationship with the FBI was now shot. Ruined Unfortunately, now the links to the FBI are completely ruined, he said, explaining that the agency had frozen out his company, one of the few connected to both US and Russian law enforcement. It means that if some serious crime happens that needs Russian law enforcement to cooperate with FBI, unfortunately it s not possible. The FBI didn t immediately return a message seeking comment, but agents are unlikely to lose much sleep over that. Kaspersky allowed that cooperation between Russia and the United States on cybercrime has often been far from perfect. But lawmakers moves to single out the company for special punishment worries even Kaspersky s critics, who note that it would set an unfavorable precedent for American technology firms many of whom are known to work closely with the US National Security Agency. Kaspersky defended his work during the interview, saying he never benefited from official protection of any kind. I do understand why we look strange. Because for Russia it s very unusual, a Russian IT that s very successful everywhere around the world. But it s true, he said. Kaspersky said his company does exclusively defensive work, although under questioning he allowed that some unnamed governments had tried to nudge him toward hacking what he calls the dark side. There were several times it was close to that, he said, adding that the officials involved weren t Russian. He said in one case a discussion about defensive cybersecurity cooperation turned to the offensive. I stopped that immediately. I don t even want to talk about it, he said. Kaspersky s offer to have his code audited may not quiet all the skeptics, some of whom are concerned less about the integrity of the company s software and more about the company s staff and the data they gather. Like many cybersecurity outfits in the US and elsewhere, some Kaspersky employees are former spies. Kaspersky acknowledged having ex-russian intelligence workers on his staff, mainly in our sales department for their relationship with the government sector. But he added that his company s internal network was too segregated for a single rogue employee to abuse it. It s almost not possible, he said. Because to do that, you have to have not just one person in the company, but a group of people that have access to different parts of our technological processes. It s too complicated. Former mayor of Milan and leader of Progressive Field Movement, Giuliano Pisapia speaks during a demonstration held by the group Insieme (Together), a new coalition of left-center parties on July 1, in central Rome. The goal of the coalition Insieme is to build dialogue, autonomous from Democratic Party leader Matteo Renzi, but also to speak with the electors and to give the progressive electorate a reference. (AFP) Mueller Europe Hamon 2,000 evacuated after scare: At least 2,000 people were evacuated from Paris s main airport on Saturday and eight flights cancelled after an individual went into a restricted area without going through security controls, airport sources said. We had to evacuate to decontaminate the zone, meaning check to make sure no object had been left, said one of the sources. The evacuations were from a zone in terminal 2F at the Charles de Gaulle airport that passengers access after passing through security and before boarding, a second source said. Police searched the terminal from top to bottom and found no suspicious object, the source added. The incident also led to about 20 flights being delayed. Charles de Gaulle airport is Europe s second-biggest airport, with some 180,000 passengers transiting through one of its eight terminals each day. France remains under a state of emergency after a wave of jihadist assaults in the past 18 months which have left more than 230 people dead since (AFP) Hamon quits to start movement: France s failed Socialist presidential candidate Benoit Hamon on Saturday announced his departure from the crisis-hit party to establish a new First of July movement aimed at rebuilding the ailing left. Today I have decided to quit the Socialist Party. I am leaving the party but I am not giving up on the socialist ideal, said the 50-year-old as he launched his new movement before a 11,000-strong crowd in Paris. The Socialist Party has perhaps had its time... My belief is that it is time to turn the page, said Hamon who was the surprise winner of the Socialist nomination for president but who crashed in the first round of the vote in May. Scoring just 6.2 percent, he finished a humiliating fifth as voters abandoned the former ruling party which has been crippled by deep ideological divisions. (AFP) 14 dead in crash in Russia: Fourteen people died, two of them children, when a long-haul passenger bus collided with a truck in Russia on Sunday, the authorities said. The bus was travelling from Samara on the Volga river to Izhevsk, around 900 kms Germany Growth must be inclusive: Merkel Thousands rally over summit HAMBURG, July 2, (Agencies): Thousands of people rallied in Hamburg on Sunday to protest at next week s G20 summit, where US President Donald Trump is make his maiden appearance at the forum of major economies. A police spokesman put the turnout at the demonstration the first of dozens scheduled in the runup to the summit on Friday and Saturday at around 10,000, while the organisers said the figure was far higher. The protest was completely peaceful, the police spokesman told AFP. The gathering outside city hall took place in parallel with protests by canoeists on the nearby river Alster, while in the port of Hamburg, Greenpeace staged a climate demonstration near a ship laden with coal. The Group of 20 (G20) comprises leaders of the world s major industrialised and emerging economies. Hamburg, where summit host Chancellor Angela Merkel was born, is a bustling city that is also an anti-establishment bastion. Around 30 protests have been scheduled ahead of the summit, and the organisers are hoping for a total turnout of more than 100,000 people. Hamburg is a citadel of leftwing radicals, and the authorities say they are bracing for possible clashes and property damage. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere, in the Sunday edition of the daily Bild, warned that any violence should be nipped in the bud. Freedom of assembly is only valid for peaceful demonstrations, he said. Around 15,000 police will be deployed to protect the summit, in addition to 3,800 officers monitoring airport and train security. Merkel said on Sunday leaders will have to focus on sustainable and inclusive economic growth rather than their own prosperity. Distribution In her weekly podcast, the German chancellor said this year s G20 summit will delve into issues championed by protesters such as distribution of wealth and consumption of resources alongside related issues like climate change, free markets, consumer protection and upholding social standards. It s not only going to be about (economic) growth but rather sustainable growth, Merkel said. We ve got to (550 miles) east of Moscow, when the accident happened, according to the Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes. The committee said it was possible the bus driver was blinded by headlights. The bus rolled over and caught on fire as have a win-win situation for everyone. The issues obviously revolve around: how do we achieve inclusive or sustainable growth? Merkel, seeking a fourth term in a Sept 24 election, outlined the issues as: What are we doing with our resources? What are the rules for distribution of wealth? How many people are taking part? And how many countries are able to profit from that? Without mentioning the protests that have German security officials worried about possible acts of sabotage this week in the country s second-largest city, Merkel noted that these non-traditional issues were forced onto the G20 agenda. If we simply try to carry on as we have in the past, the worldwide developments will definitely not be sustainable and inclusive, she said. We need the climate protection agreement, open markets and improved trade agreements in which consumer protection, social and environmental standards are upheld. Efforts In a speech to parliament last week, Merkel promised to fight for free trade and press on with multilateral efforts to combat climate change at the summit, challenging the America First policies of US President Donald Trump. The G20 meeting follows a G7 summit in Sicily a month ago that exposed deep divisions between other Western countries and Trump on climate change, trade and migration. Trump later announced he was pulling the United States out of a landmark agreement to combat climate change reached in 2015 in Paris. German authorities are bracing for trouble in Hamburg, worried that the protests could turn violent as they did outside a G8 summit in Genoa, Italy in 2001 when one person was shot dead and hundreds injured. The German Federal Crime Office warned that violent G20 opponents could carry out arson and sabotage at infrastructure targets such as the Hamburg harbour and airport, newspaper Welt am Sonntag said on Sunday. Germany s Parliament voted Friday to punish social media giants with fines of up to 50 million euros ($57 million) if they systematically fail to remove illegal hate speech. Berlin took the measure, one of the a result of the collision, the regional interior ministry said, adding that it would be arresting both drivers. The committee said it has already detained the director of a passenger transport company and searched the firm s premises, Belgium s Royal Family (from left), King Philippe, Princess Elisabeth, Princess Eleonore, Queen Mathilde, Prince Gabriel and Prince Emmanuel pose on deck of the ship Mercator during their summer holiday in Ostend, Belgium on July 1. Arctic traveller Adrien de Gerlache designed the three-masted ship which was built in Scotland. (AP) toughest in the world, after a surge in racist and incendiary speech online, particularly since the arrival of around one million asylum-seekers since Under German law, Holocaust denial, incitement of hatred, and racist and anti- Semitic speech are illegal. But critics warned that the prohibitive fines would stifle legitimate free speech by prompting online giants like Twitter and Facebook to excessively delete and censor posts as a precaution. Power They also said it would give social networks, rather than the authorities, the power to decide which content flouts the law. But Justice Minister Heiko Maas argued that freedom of opinion ends where criminal law begins. Death threats and insults, incitement to hate or (Holocaust denial) are not part of freedom of expression rather, they are attacks against other people s freedom of opinion, Maas said in a statement before the bill passed the lower house on the last day of the session. They are intended to intimidate and mute others, he said. Under the new law, companies like Twitter and Facebook would have 24 hours to remove posts that openly violate German law after they are flagged by users. Offensive content that is more difficult to categorise would have to be deleted within seven days after it is reported and reviewed. The government emphasised that the heavy fines would be imposed only if companies systematically failed to follow the new directive, and not for individual cases. Social media companies pledged in 2015 to examine and remove within 24 hours any flagged hateful comments, but a government report in April tracking progress on this front found that not enough had been done. The online platforms are not taking adequate action. Our experience has clearly shown that without political pressure, the social networks will unfortunately not budge, Maas said. In the April report, Maas said Twitter took down just one percent of the content reported by users deemed to run afoul of Germany s anti-hate speech laws, while Facebook deleted 39 percent. Google s YouTube video sharing platform fared far better, with a rate of 90 percent, according to a government study cited by the minister. although it was not clear how the company could have been involved in the crash. Another deadly accident occurred in southern Russia, where a passenger car span out of control and collided with a tree and a parked vehicle, killing five people inside, the regional traffic police force was cited by Interfax agency as saying. (AFP) Pope shakes up Vatican: In a major shake-up of the Vatican s administration on Saturday, Pope Francis replaced Catholicism s top theologian, a conservative German cardinal who has been at odds with the pontiff s vision of a more inclusive Church. A brief Vatican statement said Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Mueller s five-year mandate as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a department charged with defending Catholic doctrine, would not be renewed. The position is the most important one that a pope fills in the Vatican hierarchy after the Secretary of State. Most incumbents keep it until they retire, which in Mueller s case would have been in six years. Mueller, 69, who was appointed by former Pope Benedict in 2012, will be succeeded by the department s number two, Archbishop Luis Francisco Ladaria Ferrer. Ladaria, a 73-year-old Spaniard who, like the Argentine pope is a member of the Jesuit order, is said by those who know him to be a soft-spoken person who shuns the limelight. Mueller, by contrast, often appears in the media. (RTRS)

14 INTERNATIONAL 14 World News Roundup Mideast Hidden problem Stigma keeping drug addicts quiet in Gaza GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories, July 2, (AFP): After Umm Mazen found her husband shivering in his bed and complaining of a migraine, he confessed he was addicted to painkillers and could no longer provide for the family. In the Gaza Strip, the tiny Palestinian territory sandwiched between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean and ravaged by three wars in a decade, drug abuse is often a hidden problem. While no reliable statistics are available, experts and medical support groups estimate there are tens of thousands of drug users in Gaza. Young men are among those most affected in a territory suffering 45 percent unemployment, rising to more than 60 percent among the youth. Narcotics such as cannabis are sold illegally in the enclave of some two million people, but many of the most serious addicts are hooked on illicitly bought prescription medicines. Gaza s Islamist rulers Hamas, who have ruled the Strip for a decade and take a firm line on drugs, launched a fresh crackdown this year. Hamas military courts have sentenced four Palestinians to Ghattas death for drug smuggling, the first such punishments since Hamas seized the Strip in Raids have also uncovered record hauls of drugs, particularly Tramadol a powerful opiate-based painkiller that is widely available. Umm Mazen, a 32-year-old mother of three who refused to give her full name for fear of consequences in Gaza s conservative society, said the drug nearly ruined her life. Fearing a scandal, her husband refused hospital treatment. I warned his family and I even threatened to report it to the Hamas police, she told AFP. Iyad al-bozum, spokesman for the Hamas-run interior ministry, told AFP there was an organised plan to smuggle large quantities of drugs into Gaza, saying dealers were targeting young people. While some drugs are smuggled through the Israeli border, most enter from Gaza s southern border with Egypt, the ministry said. The Gaza Strip has been blockaded for more than a decade by Israel, which has fought three wars with Hamas since The Rafah crossing with Egypt, the only entrance to the territory not controlled by Israel, has been almost completely closed since the military ousted Egypt s Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in Gaza has almost no industry and suffers from a chronic lack of water and fuel. Interviewed at a Hamas prison where he is serving seven years for drug dealing, a trafficker arrested in 2013 said he had turned to selling narcotics to make ends meet and pay for his own addiction. It was easy to sell them lots of people were using them because of unemployment and the bad situation in Gaza, he said in an interview monitored by prison guards. Egyptian forces have since destroyed hundreds of cross-border tunnels and Hamas has launched a crackdown against dealers, but drugs have continued to flow into the territory. In January Hamas authorities announced they had seized as many drugs in one month as in the whole of 2016, with a street value of around $2 million. They seized 1,250 packets of cannabis and 400,000 Tramadol pills in January alone, the interior ministry said. As a result of the crackdown, the price of a 10-pill pack of Tramadol is said to have doubled in two years to $120. In a territory where more than two-thirds of the population rely on humanitarian aid, it is often the inability to pay that forces people to seek rehabilitation, said Sami Aweida from the Gaza Community Mental Health Program. Gaza has no centre dedicated to treating drug addicts, making reliable figures on abuse all but impossible to obtain. Addicts who want to get clean often avoid specialists, Aweida said. People prefer to do it discreetly through a liberal doctor. Umm Mazen did convince her husband to seek treatment, but mainly for economic reasons. He could not afford (Tramadol) because of the high prices, she said. Arab-Israeli ex-lawmaker imprisoned: An Arab- Israeli former lawmaker entered prison Sunday to begin a two-year sentence after he pleaded guilty to smuggling mobile phones to Palestinian detainees, a prisons spokeswoman said. Basel Ghattas of the Arab-dominated Joint List resigned his seat in the Israeli parliament as part of a plea bargain reached in March. The 61-year-old admitted handing phones and SIM cards to Palestinian inmates. Prosecutors dropped charges of terrorism and endangering state security, for which he could have faced up to 10 years in prison. I enter prison with my head held high and I will continue my battle for prisoners rights, Ghattas said before entering Gilboa prison in northern Israel, in comments broadcast on army radio. Israeli media have reported that 12 mobile phones were found on two prisoners in searches after Ghattas visited the high security Ketziot prison in December, using his parliamentary immunity to avoid being searched. One of the prisoners is serving time for kidnapping and murdering an Israeli soldier in 1984, the Ynet news website said. Ghattas has said his actions were motivated by humanitarian and moral positions towards prisoners. Lawmakers of the Joint List, the third largest bloc in parliament with 13 seats, frequently clash with Israeli authorities. Ghattas s party, Balad, is especially critical of Israeli policies. Its three lawmakers triggered outrage among Jewish Israelis last year by meeting relatives of Palestinians authorities say were killed while carrying out attacks. Arab Israelis make up some 17.5 percent of the country s population and are descended from Palestinians who remained on their land after the creation of Israel in They hold Israeli citizenship but most see themselves as Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have rearrested a prominent Palestinian lawmaker in an overnight raid over her leadership in a movement Israel considers a terrorist organisation, officials said Sunday. Khalida Jarrar was arrested in the raid in the Ramallah area in the occupied West Bank, Israel s army said. The 54-year-old was released in June 2016 after 14 months in an Israeli jail for allegedly encouraging attacks against Israelis. Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert (left), exits prison after his sentence, in Ramle, Israel on July 2. The parole board of Israel s Prison Service has granted Olmert early release from prison. Prison Service spokesman Assaf Librati says the board granted Olmert s request to reduce a third of his 27-month incarceration sentence. (AP) This fi le photo taken on June 3, 2016 shows prominent Palestinian lawmaker Khalida Jarrar (center), fl ashing the sign for victory as she is lifted up by supporters at the Jubara checkpoint near the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem, following her release from an Israeli jail on June 3, 2016, after serving a 15-month sentence for encouraging attacks against Israelis and violating a travel ban. Israeli authorities have rearrested a prominent Palestinian lawmaker in an overnight raid over her leadership in a movement Israel considers a terrorist organisation, officials said on July 2. (AFP) Erdogan Mideast Mercan Pride march organisers defiant: Turkish authorities on Saturday banned transsexual rights activists from holding a planned march in Istanbul, the country s largest city, this weekend, a week after police used rubber bullets to thwart a Gay Pride parade. Organisers however vowed to press ahead with the Trans Pride March, planned for Sunday afternoon, despite the ban. The Istanbul governor s office said in a statement the march could not take place because the venue for the event the central Taksim Square was not suitable and because the office had not received a proper application for permission to hold the march. After an evaluation... it has been decided not to give permission for the holding of this event, the office said in a statement. City officials also urged citizens to ignore calls to participate in the parade and abide by the security forces warning. But the organisers wrote on their Facebook page that we don t recognise bans... we will be at Taksim tomorrow for the Trans Pride. The Trans Pride march, if held, would have been the eighth edition of the event, which promotes rights for transsexuals in Turkey, but it has suffered crackdowns in recent years. Similarly, the Gay Pride parade had been held annually in Istanbul until 2015 an event routinely attended by thousands of people before a police crackdown. Last Sunday, police fired rubber bullets at a group of around 40 activists attempting to hold a gay pride march, an AFP journalist reported, and at least four people were detained. Witnesses said there was a heavy police presence which outnumbered the activists. The year before, organisers were denied permission to march with the city on the edge over bombings blamed on Islamic State group and Kurdish militants, sparking anger from gay rights activists. Critics have accused President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of having overseen a creeping Islamisation since he came to power, first as prime minister in 2003 and then president in (AFP) Two AK party officials killed: Kurdish militants shot and killed two officials from the ruling AK Party in southeast Turkey Israel Ehud: from promise to prison Israeli ex-pm Olmert freed from jail RAMLA, Israel, July 2, (AFP): Israeli ex-prime minister Ehud Olmert was freed from prison on Sunday after being granted parole from a 27-month sentence for corruption scandals that brought down his promising political career. Olmert, the country s first former premier to serve jail time, did not speak to reporters when leaving the Maasiyahu prison in central Israel. Wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt, he was seen exiting the jail shortly after dawn on Sunday before being driven away to his home in Tel Aviv, accompanied by Israeli security agents. The 71-year-old, premier between 2006 and 2009, was convicted of graft and entered prison in February He was granted early release by a parole board on Thursday, reducing his sentence by around a third. Prosecutors decided not to appeal the decision. The conditions of his parole were not made public, but Israeli media reported that they include reporting to police twice a month and a ban on leaving the country. He must also volunteer at associations that help the poor, Haaretz newspaper reported. He can request a pardon from President Reuven Rivlin that would lift the restrictions. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked told army radio she would favour such a request. In March, Rivlin rejected a request for clemency by Olmert, but said he could consider pardoning him if he were granted parole. Olmert, of the centre-right Kadima party when prime minister, resigned in September 2008 after police recommended he be indicted for graft. He however remained in office until March 2009, when right-wing Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in to the post, which he has held ever since. Olmert won international acclaim for relaunching peace efforts with the Palestinians at the Annapolis conference in the United States in 2007, but they failed to bear fruit and the corruption charges against him have come to define his legacy. over the weekend, while the Turkish military killed more than a dozen militants in air strikes, state authorities said on Sunday. Orhan Mercan, the AKP s deputy head in the Lice district of Diyarbakir province, was shot in front of his home on Friday night and died of his wounds in hospital, the provincial governor s office said. Militants killed Aydin Ahi, deputy head of the AKP in the Ozalp district of Van province on Saturday night, the governor s office said. Security sources said the gunmen seized Ahi from his home at gunpoint and killed him nearby. Energy Minister Berat Albayrak wrote on Twitter that Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) A member of the Hamas security forces sets fi re to a pile of confi scated bars of hashish and analgesic pills, seized since the beginning of the year in Gaza City on May 11, In the Gaza Strip, the tiny Palestinian territory sandwiched between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean and ravaged by three wars in a decade, drug abuse is often a hidden problem. (AFP) The parole board said last week that while Olmert s crimes were severe, he was punished for his deeds and paid a heavy price. The inmate underwent a significant rehabilitation process in prison and displays motivation to continue it, it said. The decision came after Olmert was recently rushed to hospital after experiencing chest pains in prison. The former premier underwent examinations which determined he was healthy and he returned to prison after a number of days. A picture of a gaunt Olmert in hospital robes eating from plastic utensils found its way to social media, evoking a wave of sympathy from the public as well as politicians calling for his early release. Olmert could still face new criminal charges, though some Israeli media reported that the probe is expected to be dropped. Investigate Last month, the state attorney s office instructed police to investigate suspicions Olmert had smuggled a chapter of a book he was writing out of prison, an act that would constitute a felony due to the secretive content, the justice ministry said. Olmert s lawyer Yehiel Gutman said the book would especially focus on his legal troubles. His book contains 1,200 pages and deals with very long periods of time in his public life as well in his personal life, he told army radio. Ehud Olmert was once described as probably the best politician Israel ever produced, but the debonair expremier who was released from prison on Sunday has seen a humiliating fall from grace. Olmert, 71, became Israel s first exprime minister to serve jail time when he walked into the Maasiyahu prison in the central city of Ramle in February 2016 for the 27-month term over corruption scandals. He was granted early release by a parole board last week, shaving about a third off his sentence. He did not speak to reporters when leaving prison on Sunday. Once known for relaunching peace efforts with the Palestinians while prime minister between , Olmert is now likely to be remembered for allegations that led one judge to speak of corrupt and filthy practices. A balding father-of-four with a lean physique, roguish grin and a reputed taste for fine cigars, Olmert maintained his innocence in a video message before entering prison. You can imagine how painful and strange this change is to me, my family, loved ones and supporters, Olmert said in the video. He added that he believes the public will eventually see that while I was prime minister, there were sincere and promising attempts to reach peace. The main allegations against him date to before his time as prime minister, to the years when he served as mayor of Jerusalem and economy minister, among other positions. Olmert was born near Haifa on Sept 30, 1945 during the British mandate of Palestine. A lawyer by trade, he surprised many right-wing friends in the early 1970s by marrying left-leaning artist Aliza Richter, who brought up their children with equally liberal views. He entered the cabinet in 1988 and five years later was elected mayor of Jerusalem, a post he held for a decade but in which he rarely distinguished himself, before returning to the government under Ariel Sharon in With Sharon, he broke away from the right-wing Likud party in 2005 to form the centre-right Kadima and became premier the following year after Sharon suffered a massive stroke and slipped into a coma. Before taking over as prime minister, Olmert was recognised as a key strategist behind many of Sharon s boldest moves, including Israel s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza as well as their split from the Likud. Time magazine was so impressed that it dubbed him the 12th Israeli to serve as prime minister and probably the best politician of them all. militants had killed both men. There was no immediate comment on the attacks from the PKK, but the group has targeted officials from the party in the past. The PKK launched a separatist insurgency against the state in 1984 and more than 40,000 people, mostly Kurds, have been killed in the conflict. It is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and European Union. A ceasefire between the Turkish state and the militants broke down in July 2015 and the southeast region of the country, where the PKK is strongest, subsequently saw some of the worst violence since the insurgency began. (RTRS) 44 Libya soldiers dead in month: Forty-four soldiers loyal to Libyan military strongman Khalifa Haftar were killed in June fighting jihadist groups in Benghazi, according to a medical source in the city. The troops were killed in the Al-Sabri and Soug al-hout districts, the last jihadist bastions in Benghazi, said Hani al-aribi, spokesman for the health ministry of authorities in eastern Libya aligned with Haftar. No toll was immediately available for the jihadists. Haftar, who heads the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA), does not recognise the authority of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord and instead backs a rival parliament based in the country s far east. His forces have retaken most of Benghazi since the coastal city was overrun by jihadists in (AFP)

15 INTERNATIONAL 15 Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong on July 1, to mark the 20th anniversary of the city s handover from British to Chinese rule. China s President Xi Jinping warned that any challenge to Beijing s control over Hong Kong crossed a red line, as thousands calling for more democracy marched through the city 20 years since it was handed back by Britain. (AFP) Hong Kong Japan Taiwan scrambles Xi leaves Hong Kong smarting, say analysts HONG KONG, July 2, (Agencies): A landmark visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Hong Kong left little doubt that Beijing views the city as a destabilising hotbed of unacceptable political dissent that must prove its loyalty, analysts said Sunday. His three-day trip to celebrate 20 years since Hong Kong was handed back to China by Britain, culminated Saturday in a 30-minute speech warning that any challenge to Beijing s control over the city crossed a red line. That was seen as a salvo against a new wave of activists calling for self-determination Xi or independence for semiautonomous Hong Kong, concepts intolerable to Beijing. Throughout the televised address, Xi played up Hong Kong s role in upholding China s national security and sovereignty, casting it as a potential breeding ground for instability that must be reined in. It comes after major political turbulence in recent years which saw mass rallies calling for democratic reform bring parts of the city to a standstill for months in Since then, a localist movement has emerged promoting Hong Kong s own separate identity as fewer young people see themselves as Chinese. Some in that camp want a complete split from the mainland. The address laid out a very strong warning against dissenters, said Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a political science professor at Hong Kong Baptist University. Xi s acting as a schoolmaster, warning there will be consequences if they misbehave, he added. Xi also called on authorities to enhance education to raise awareness of China s national history and culture, alluding to the need to bring young people back into the fold. By putting national security and education front and centre, Xi is pushing Hong Kong s new Beijingfriendly leader Carrie Lam to revisit two potentially explosive catalysts for social and political unrest. The last attempt to implement a compulsory patriotic curriculum was shelved in 2012 after huge rallies by parents, teachers and students who feared it was Beijing brainwashing. Those protests were led by a then 15-year-old Joshua Wong, now an internationally known pro-democracy campaigner. A proposed anti-subversion national security law also triggered massive demonstrations in 2003 over concerns it would lead to suppression of rights and freedoms. It has never been implemented. If Carrie Lam does what Xi Jinping said, which is to relaunch the national education campaign and to draft a national security law, she s going to antagonise a lot of Hong Kong people, said Cabestan. Xi appeared relaxed, almost disinterested at times, during a visit which included presiding over Hong Kong s biggest military parade since the 1997 handover. Also: BEIJING: Taiwan military jets scrambled to shadow a Chinese aircraft carrier passing through narrow waters separating the two sides en route to Hong Kong to mark the 20th anniversary of the former British colony s return to China. The Liaoning fleet will be open to the public in Hong Kong and showcase the military might of the Chinese naval force, Xinhua citied Yang Liang, China s People s Liberation Army Navy spokesman, as saying. It is due to arrive on Friday, Hong Kong media said. Chinese President Xi Jinping swore in Hong Kong s new leader on Saturday with a stark warning that Beijing will not tolerate any challenge to its authority in the divided city, in his strongest speech yet amid concerns over what some perceive as increased meddling by Beijing. The Soviet-built Liaoning, whose home port is in northern China, entered Taiwan s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Saturday and was sailing just west of the middle of the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, Taiwan s defence ministry said in a statement. Taiwan military jets and ships were deployed in response to monitor the fleet s passage, the ministry said. Voters cast their ballots for Tokyo metropolitan assembly election at a polling station in Tokyo on July 2. Tokyo goes to the polls Sunday in a local election that could have national consequences as the capital s governor mounts a challenge to the party of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose popularity has slumped. (AFP) Trump Asia Abe Trump to speak with leaders: President Donald Trump will speak by telephone with the leaders of China and Japan on Sunday, in talks likely to be dominated by North Korea s nuclear drive and the threats posed by its belligerent leadership. The Trump administration has been growing increasingly exasperated with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un s regime, which has staged a barrage of missile tests in recent months. Trump had been pinning his hopes on China North Korea s main diplomatic ally to bring pressure to bear on Pyongyang, but declared last week that their efforts had failed. He has presented sanctions as the best way to proceed with the hermit state, opting for that approach over dialogue with the regime. On Sunday, Trump will speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping at 8:45 pm (0045 GMT Monday) and with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at 8:00 pm. During talks with South Korean leader Moon Jae-In who has pushed for a policy of engagement with Pyongyang on Friday, Trump called for a determined response to the North. But the pair failed to map out a joint strategy on how to respond to North Korean threats. (AFP) Obama pushes tolerance: Following another week of dust-ups between the media and President Donald Trump, his predecessor shared a bit of wisdom from the other side of the world about tolerance and taking the daily news cycle in stride. I wasn t worried about what was in the newspapers today, former president Barack Obama said Saturday during a nostalgic visit to Indonesia s capital, his childhood home. What I was worried about was, What are they going to write about me 20 years from now when I look back? Obama has largely stayed away from US politics and the Trump administration, but he did tout one of his accomplishments while in office. In Paris, we came together around the most ambitious agreement in history Abe s LDP takes beating in Tokyo poll for recent scandal Koike s party heads for win TOKYO, July 2, (Agencies): The new party of the Japanese capital s populist governor appeared headed for a thumping victory Sunday over Prime Minister Shinzo Abe s scandal-laden ruling party in a Tokyo assembly election that could alter national politics, with Abe s historic defeat likely making it difficult for him to achieve his agenda. Gov Yuriko Koike s Tomin First no Kai, or Tokyoites First party, won 49 of the 127 assembly seats, or all but one of the candidates it fielded, Japanese television stations reported Sunday evening after the voting ended. Abe s Liberal Democratic Party, meanwhile, took a beating for recent scandals and an increasingly criticized high-handed approach. The LDP won only 23 seats down from its current 57, and even less than its previous record low of 38 seats set in 1995 and 2009, according to national broadcaster NHK. The LDP fielded 60 candidates. Koike s Tomin First party and the Komei party, its new ally and the LDP s longtime coalition partner in parliament, together secured 72 seats, comfortably exceeding the majority of the assembly, making it easier for Koike to push through her political agenda. All of Komei s 23 candidates won. For Abe, the results mean it will be more difficult for him to achieve his goals to stay as prime minister until the 2020 Olympics, and to achieve his long-cherished revision to the war-renouncing constitution. Although official results were not expected until Monday, Koike declared victory as she decorated the names of her party s projected winners on a white board with flower-shaped ribbons in the shade of green her signature color. We are certain to become the leading party in the assembly, she said, adding about climate change, an agreement that even with the temporary absence of American leadership, can still give our children a fighting chance, he said. Trump shocked many countries last month by announcing he was pulling out of the accord. He has also had a difficult relationship with members of the press and was recently condemned by Democrats and Republicans for a tweet that attacked a female MSNBC host. Obama stressed the importance of stepping away from news sites where only like-minded views are shared, and warned about social media giving rise to resentment of minorities and bad treatment of people. The former president was greeted by a crowd of thousands, including leaders, that the results had exceeded her expectations. I believe our policies from the perspective of the Tokyo residents won a mandate from voters. Opinion polls ahead of the election predicted a big win for Koike s party, with Abe s Liberal Democrats taking a hit after being buffeted by scandals and gaffes. Shigeru Ishiba, a senior LDP lawmaker seen as a possible successor to Abe, called the results a historic defeat for the party. The results underscored that not many Tokyo residents thought the LDP was modest and sincere, Ishiba said. Party Television footage showed Abe coming out of a restaurant after meeting with top officials from his party Sunday night, but the prime minister briskly walked away, refusing to comment. The result of the Tokyo assembly election has in the past set the tone for national elections. Koike is rumored to be eyeing a return to parliament to run for prime minister. A former TV newscaster, Koike became Tokyo s first female leader last summer and earned a reformist image after repeatedly clashing with the maledominated city government. She portrayed the LDP-dominated assembly as a place of murky politics run by an antireform old boys club that is interfering with her agenda, including cost-cutting of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She has approval ratings of about 60 percent. Koike, 64, had shifted parties until settling with the LDP in 2002 and since held key party and Cabinet posts, including defense minister. She angered party seniors when she abruptly ran for Tokyo governor last year, but did not officially leave the party until last month to head her own. She keeps friendly relations students and businesspeople, in Jakarta, where he opened the Fourth Congress of Indonesian Diaspora. He is wildly popular in Indonesia, where many view him as an adopted son. A statue of the boy still remembered as Barry stands outside his old elementary school. (AP) Woes mar PNG voting: Polling in Papua New Guinea has been hampered by reports of disruptions and voters being left off the electoral roll, but the head of an international election observer group said on Sunday there was no evidence they were deliberate. The two-week long election to decide who will lead the resource-rich South Pacific nation began on June 24, pitting 3,332 candidates from 44 political parties Former US president Barack Obama delivers his speech during the 4th Congress of the Indonesian Diaspora in Jakarta, Indonesia on July 1. (AP) with Abe, prompting speculation that she may eventually run for his job. Abe had long enjoyed stable approval ratings since taking office in 2012, but he and his party have been hit by a series of scandals in recent months. Most recently, Defense Minister Tomomi Inada was grilled over her questionable remark at an election rally for a local LDP candidate when she asked for support from her ministry and the Self- Defense Force, which was seen as violating laws stipulating neutrality of civil servants and the military. Abe is also embroiled in his own scandal, in which he is alleged to have influenced an approval of a school run by his friend. He has repeatedly denied the allegations and has rejected intensifying calls from opposition lawmakers and civil groups for an investigation or to provide further explanation in parliament. Throughout the Tokyo assembly election campaign, Abe stayed behind the scenes, reportedly out of concern that his presence would not help his party s image. On Saturday, when he made his first appearance during a street rally, he faced a big crowd that yelled Step down Abe! Gerry Curtis, professor emeritus at Columbia University, speaking before the results, said Japan s political landscape could be set for a shake-up. We may discover that Japan is not all that different from Britain, France, and the US in its ability to produce a big political surprise, he said, referring to recent elections in those countries. The LDP s thrashing could also make it harder for Abe to pursue his cherished goal of revising the US-drafted constitution s pacifist Article 9 by 2020, a politically divisive agenda, said Sophia University professor Koichi Nakano. against each other for a place in the 111- seat parliament. But reports of problems at voting booths and allegations of ballot fraud have soured the mood among some in a country which has a history of electoral violence and corruption. There has clearly been problems... but to be fair, in our observation, the government has endeavored to address these, Sir Anand Satyanand, chairman of the Commonwealth observer group, told Reuters by phone. Problems with the 2017 electoral roll have meant that the 2012 roll was being used in some areas, preventing some people from casting votes. Logistical issues, poor transportation links and bad weather had disrupted voting in other parts of the country. Prime Minister Peter O Neill, who is in a strong position to retain power, has rejected accusations by opposition politicians that he is to blame for the election issues. The electoral roll is the responsibility of the Electoral Commission and is independent, he said in a statement on Sunday. Failed leaders can make any claim they like, but they never back this up with proof. Satyanand said he had seen no evidence to suggest the issues were planned. Despite its mineral wealth, which includes Exxon Mobil s $20 billion LNG plant, most of Papua New Guinea s nearly eight million people live at subsistence level on islands, atolls and in remote mountain village. The rugged terrain and poor infrastructure make holding an election difficult and expensive, according to Associate Professor Sinclair Dinnen, a Melanesia expert at the Australian National University. (RTRS)

16 INTERNATIONAL 16 World News Roundup Subcontinent Bomb kills 4 in Pakistan Taleban ambush kills 13 pro-govt fighters KABUL, Afghanistan, July 2, (Agencies): Afghan officials say the Taleban have attacked a local militia, killing 13 pro-government fighters. Munir Ahmad Farhad, spokesman for the governor of the northern Balkh province, says the local forces were on their way to take part in a security operation when they were ambushed in the Chemtal district. The men were part of a local militia established under the authority of the Interior Ministry to defend the area from insurgents. The Taleban, who have increased their attacks since the start of their annual spring offensive in April, claimed responsibility for the ambush. Meanwhile, Afghanistan s Interior Ministry under president Ashraf Ghani says a Taleban shadow district chief was killed in fighting with security forces in eastern Wardak province. According to a statement released Saturday, Mullah Bashir, the Taleban-appointed governor of the Nirkh district, was killed and two militants were wounded late Friday night. Ghani In a separate statement, the ministry said at least 13 militants, including five Islamic State fighters, were killed after Afghan warplanes targeted their hideouts in eastern Paktika, northern Sar-e Pul and Jawzjan provinces. Polio worker shot dead: A health worker who had been immunising children against polio was shot dead in Pakistan s northwestern province Saturday, the provincial health department said. He was shot by two motorbike riders armed with assault rifes as he returned to his base from an outreach campaign. Nobody claimed responsibility for the attack but Taleban militants have attacked polio workers in the province in the past. More than 100 people have been killed in such attacks since December Islamist opposition to all forms of inoculation grew after the CIA organised a fake vaccination drive to help track down al-qaeda s former leader Osama Bin Laden in the Pakistani garrison town of Abbottabad. He was killed there by US forces in Despite the attacks, Pakistan hopes to be removed from the list of polio-endemic countries by 2018 by achieving its goal of no fresh cases for a year. Plastic bomb kills 4 in Pakistan: Four people were killed including a soldier and two paramilitary troops when a bomb concealed in a plastic bag went off in Pakistan s northwestern tribal area near the Afghan border, officials said Saturday. The incident occurred in the Khyber district when security officials spotted a suspicious plastic bag near a security checkpoint. Khyber is one of the seven semi-autonomous tribal areas where the army has for more than a decade been battling militants linked to the Taleban and al-qaeda. As the security officials were inspecting the plastic bag, the bomb concealed in it went off, killing a solider, two paramilitary troops and a civilian, a local administration official told AFP, requesting anonymity. The incident was confirmed by other local security officials. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Violence across Pakistan has declined in recent years following a series of military offensives against insurgents but the remnants of militant groups are still able to carry out periodic bloody attacks, particularly in the northwest. B desh holds 3 female militants: Bangladesh police have arrested three female members of an Islamist extremist group blamed for the deadly Dhaka café siege, officials said Sunday, as authorities continue to crack down on militant outfits a year after the attack. The three women were arrested late Saturday following a failed suicide bombing after their hide-out was raided in western Kushtia district s Bheramara town, 228 kilometres (141.6 miles) from the capital Dhaka. Local police chief Nur Hossain Khandker told AFP that one of the suspects wearing a suicide bomb vest tried to blow herself up as she rushed towards authorities after being asked to surrender. She failed and we arrested her without any harm. Later she said she couldn t find the trigger, or else, there would have been many casualties, Khandker said. Kushtia police chief Mehedi Hasan said the women were members of Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a local group blamed for the 2016 Holey bakery attack in Dhaka s diplomatic zone where militants killed 22 people. Police said one of the women, Tithi Khatun, 30, is the wife of acting JMB chief Ayyub Bacchu who is on the run and allegedly visited the hideout frequently. We conducted a clean sweep operation inside the den and found 10 kilos of gunpowder, two armed (suicide) vests and a loaded pistol, Khandker said. Two minor children were also rescued from the hideout, he added. Bangladesh has been reeling from a spate of extremist violence in recent years, with dozens of foreigners, secular writers, atheist activists and members of religious minorities killed. Lanka troops tackle dengue crisis: Sri Lanka deployed hundreds of soldiers to destroy mosquito breeding grounds as the country battles the spread of deadly dengue fever that has killed a record 215 people this year, officials said Sunday. Humid monsoon weather, stagnant water from recent flooding, as well as mounting piles of rotting garbage accumulating in the capital, have combined to create abundant areas for mosquitoes to multiply. This has caused rates of dengue, a tropical disease that is spread by mosquitoes, to surge to over 71,000 people infected in the first six months of this year, a record figure that far surpasses last year s total of 55,000. Troops, backed by police and health officials, have launched an intensive campaign to identify dengue hotspots to be sprayed with insecticides, the military said in a statement. Twenty five teams will separately move into the worst-affected areas in and around Colombo and search for dengue breeding spots and other vulnerable areas, the statement said. The scale of the spread of the disease has been unprecedented and caught Sri Lankan authorities off guard. Health ministry officials said the 215 deaths in the first six months of this year compared with 78 reported during the whole of Indian army soldiers shout slogans in support of India and against Pakistan as they leave the site of a gunbattle in Dialgham, about 60 kms south of Srinagar, Indiancontrolled Kashmir on July 1. A woman and a young man were killed and several other people injured during anti-india protests and clashes in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Saturday following a counterinsurgency operation by government forces that killed two rebels in the disputed region, police said. (AP) In this file photo, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures while addressing Filipino Muslim leaders during a reception at the Presidential Palace to celebrate the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan known as Eid al- Fitr in Manila, Philippines on June 27, (AP) Lat/Am Pope appeals for solution: Pope Francis on Sunday called for an end to violence in Venezuela and urged the country to find a democratic solution to its problems. I assure my prayers for this beloved nation and express my closeness to the families who have lost their children in the streets, he said two days after four more protesters died, bringing the death toll to 89. I call for an end to violence and a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis, the Argentine said at the end of the Angelus prayer in Saint Peter s Square. No official details were provided as to what led to the latest deaths late Friday, although at least one opposition member of Venezuela s legislature said the victims, who ranged in age from 20 to 49, died by gunfire. Saturday marks three months of opposition protests demanding the ouster of Venezuela s President Nicolas Maduro whose term in office runs until January (AFP) Ex-Brazil lawmaker freed: A former Brazilian lawmaker arrested last month in a corruption case was transferred from prison to house arrest on Saturday. Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin ordered the move of Rodrigo Rocha Loures, who was fitted with an electronic ankle bracelet. A police video released in May shows Loures carrying a bag holding the equivalent of $154,000. Prosecutors have said it was bribe money offered by Joesley Batista, former chairman of meat-packing giant JBS. JBS is at the center of the political crisis engulfing President Michel Temer. In a secret recording made in March by Batista, Temer appears to condone the payment of hush money to the imprisoned former Speaker of the House Eduardo Cunha. (AP) Phantom cocaine kingpin nabbed: One of South America s biggest cocaine kingpins, who evaded police for three decades and even underwent surgery to change his face, has been captured, Brazilian authorities said Saturday. Luiz Carlos da Rocha, nicknamed White Head, was arrested in the western state of Mato Grosso in a city called Sorriso, which means smile, the federal police said in a statement. Da Rocha had changed his name to Vitor Luiz de Moraes and undergone plastic surgery to successfully dodge police while continuing to run his international drug business. His alleged right-hand man was also captured in a separate location during the operation in which police said 150 agents carried out 24 raids, seizing an estimated $10 million worth of luxury cars, aircraft, farms and other property. (AFP) More proof against Temer : Brazil s Philippines Philippines, Indonesia to patrol Celebes Sea Duterte threatens to jail critics MANILA, July 2, (Agencies): Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to jail critics of his use of martial law in the violence-wracked south, days before the Supreme Court is set to rule on its legality this week. Duterte declared military rule across the region of Mindanao, home to about 20 million people, in late May to quell what he said was a fast-growing threat from the Islamic State (IS) group there. The Philippine leader has insisted he would ignore the findings of the court, which has constitutional oversight, vowing only to listen to recommendations from the armed forces. It s not dependent on the whim of the Supreme Court. Should I believe them? When I see the situation is still chaotic and you ask me to lift it? I will arrest you and put you behind bars, Duterte said in a speech before local officials on Saturday. We can talk of anything else and make compromises maybe but not when the interest of my country is at stake. Government forces are continuing to battle militants occupying the city of Marawi, with aerial bombardment and ferocious street-to-street combat that has left some 400 people dead and forced nearly 400,000 people in the wider area to flee their homes. Duterte has faced a backlash from opposition lawmakers, who last month asked the Supreme Court to reject the declaration of martial law, which they have slammed as unconstitutional. The 1987 constitution imposes limits on martial law to prevent a repeat of the abuses under dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who was deposed by a famous People Power revolution the previous year. The charter allows the Supreme Court to review the factual basis for proclaiming martial law, which is limited to an initial period of 60 days. If a president decides to extend martial law, congress can review and revoke it. The fighting has left over 400 people dead, while the Maute fighters still control parts of the city, using snipers and improvised explosive devices to slow the military s advance. Liza Mazo, the regional civil defence director, said it was not just the city s residents leaving the area but also people living in the surrounding communities. Out of 389,300 who have fled, over 70,380 people have been housed in 79 government-run evacuation centres, while the rest have sheltered with their relatives, according to social welfare department figures. Also: MANILA: The Philippines and Indonesia will jointly patrol the Celebes Sea this week to stop Islamist militants reaching the Philippines restive southern island of Mindanao, where rebels have seized a city, an army spokesman said on Sunday. The joint patrol is aimed at strengthening border security and improving top federal prosecutor said on Saturday that he took no pleasure in charging President Michel Temer with corruption, but given the clear indications of graft committed by the leader, there was no alternative. Prosecutor General Rodrigo Janot said at an investigative journalism conference that he was in no rush to level new charges of racketeering and obstruction of justice against Temer. He said he wanted to Snipers & mortars Philippine troops battle against Islamists MARAWI CITY, Philippines, July 2, (RTRS): Sprawled on the boardedup balcony of a two-storey house, the barrel of his rifle poked into a hole cut in the wood, the Philippine army sniper calls for quiet before taking his shot. Firing, he says evenly, before the.50 calibre shot rings out, sending tremors through the house. He was firing at a home less than a kilometre (a half mile) away, believed to be a stronghold of Islamist militants who have been holed up in Marawi City for over five weeks. A spotter sat next to him, with his scope set into another hole. The two spoke quietly to each other as the sniper took three more shots across the Agus river into the militant-held commercial district of Marawi, now a battleground strewn with debris from ruined buildings. Scores of bodies are rotting in the area, and the stench mixes with the smell of gunpowder. Thousands of soldiers are battling to retake the southern Philippine city, where militants loyal to Islamic State launched a lightning strike on May 23. The southern Philippines has been marred for decades by insurgency and banditry. But the intensity of the battle in Marawi and the presence of foreign fighters from Indonesia, Malaysia, Yemen and Chechnya fighting alongside local militants has raised concerns that the region may be becoming a Southeast Asian hub for Islamic State as it loses ground in Iraq and Syria. As troops poured in to contain the siege, few were expecting a slow, difficult and unfamiliar urban war. We are used to insurgencies... but a deployment of this magnitude, this kind of conflict is a challenge for our troops, said Lt Col Christopher Tampus, one of the officers commanding ground operations in Marawi. He said progress in clearing the city has been hindered by militant interoperability, military spokesman Major Ezra Balagtey said in a statement. The two countries warships will sail from the Philippines Davao city on Thursday. The coordinated patrol... is intended to strengthen the security of the Davao Gulf and the common boundary of the two countries in the southern archipelago, particularly along the Celebes Sea, said Balagtey. Regional governments fear fighters sympathetic to the Islamic State group will cross maritime borders from Malaysia and Indonesia to join rebels who Pope Francis Maduro fire and booby traps like gas tanks rigged with grenades. After weeks of military airstrikes and shelling, Marawi, a lakeside city of around 200,000 is now a ghost town, the centre of which has been reduced to charred rubble and hollow structures. Buildings in the military-controlled areas of the city are still standing but deserted after residents fled. Authorities estimate around 100 to 120 fighters, some of them as young as 16 years, remain holed up in the commercial district of the city, down from around 500 at the beginning of the siege. The fighters are holding around 100 hostages, according to the military, who have been forced to act as human shields, take up arms or become sex slaves. Military aircraft drop bombs on the militant zone almost every day. From the outskirts of the city, mortar teams take aim at what they call ground zero, the heart of the conflict. Mortars are designed to target people and smaller areas than the airstrikes. said mortar specialist Sgt Jeffery Baybayan, as he jotted down coordinates that come crackling over a radio from an observer closer to the conflict area. Hitting targets accurately can be difficult and we re expending rounds without hitting targets. We are concerned about our own troops that are very close to the enemy area, he added, as the mortars exploded in the city, sending up plumes of thick black smoke. During the day s battle, Tampus received reports that three civilians, trapped for weeks near the fighting, were trying to escape. Several soldiers responded to help rescue them moving to the area in two lines along the sides of streets to avoid sniper fire. Three civilians two men and a woman using a walking stick came out and sat by the side of the street once they were in the military zone. seized Marawi City five weeks ago. About 300 militants, 82 members of the Philippines security force and 44 civilians have been killed in fighting. The coordinated patrol is the third in the region in a month as pirates and militants step up attacks on commercial shipping. The Philippines was joined by the United States on Saturday to patrol southern Philippine waters. Two weeks ago, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines jointly patrolled their common maritime borders in the Celebes Sea and Sulu Sea. investigate each allegation as thoroughly as possible. As long is there is ammunition, I will keep firing, Janot said. Until Sept 17, the power lies with me and I will maintain my own rhythm. Janot said Saturday that there was still ample proof against Temer that will be revealed, which he did not include in the charging document against the president this week. (RTRS)

17 INTERNATIONAL 17 Fraud 20 go on trial Benin, a Ponzi scheme and a wait for answers COTONOU, July 2, (AFP): Sadiatou used to be a well-off trader of traditional cloth at the market in Benin s economic hub of Cotonou but now sells school equipment from the doorstep of her home. In 2010 she sank more than five million CFA francs ($8,700, 7,600 euros) into an investment scheme that promised a quick profit. It s a deposit I should never have made, she told AFP. My business took a hit and my health as well. I ve been depressed for a long time. I was counting on the savings I d make to expand my business. But it was useless. All my money has gone. Seven years after what was described as the biggest financial scandal in Benin s history was revealed, 20 people this week went on trial. Sadiatou is one of nearly Engelsman 150,000 people that the International Monetary Fund estimates were defrauded of more than 150 billion CFA francs in the Investment Consultancy and Computing Services (ICC Services) case. Some estimates, however, say as many as 300,000 people were lured into parting with their hard-earned or borrowed cash and life-savings on the promise of 150 to 200 percent per quarter returns. Despite repeated warnings about investing in socalled pyramid or Ponzi schemes, such scams are becoming commonplace throughout Africa. Frank Engelsman, who heads the Amsterdam-and Paris-based Ultrascan, which specialises in detecting international financial fraud, says such schemes are booming. First, because the infrastructure in big cities of Africa is improving rapidly, both phone as well as internet infrastructure and that s what these fraudsters need.... Second, because in those cities... police are not trained to handle internet international communication crimes that always cross a border between the fraudster and the victim. In Gabon, a business run by a Pentecostal church pastor, Yves David Mapakou, allegedly swindled up to 30,000 French and Gabonese clients by promising profits on investments. A complaint was lodged in Paris in August last year. Africa s most populous nation Nigeria remains the undisputed champion of fraud, having assiduously developed 419 scams over the years a reference to the relevant section of the criminal code. Victims from around the world have been duped into handing over billions of dollars through a barrage of unsolicited appeals and job offers as well as promises of marriage. Engelsman said this type of fraud has spread from Nigeria to neighbouring countries in West Africa, taking advantage of the lack of capacity of law enforcement agencies to investigate. French President Emmauel Macron (left), walks with Mail s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita as he arrives at the Modibo Keita International Airport in Mali on July 2. Macron is in Mali to consolidate Western backing for a regional anti-jihadist force, as France beefs up its counter-terror operations in the area. (AFP) Diplomacy Qaeda releases video showing foreign hostages Macron in Mali for diplomatic push BAMAKO, July 2, (AFP): French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mali on Sunday to boost Western backing for a regional anti-jihadist force, with France urging greater support for the Sahel region amid mounting insecurity. The so-called G5 Sahel countries south of the Sahara Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger have pledged to fight jihadists on their own soil with instability and Islamist attacks on the rise. Macron is joining these nations heads of state in Bamako for a special summit where France s backing for the force will be announced, with a likely focus on providing equipment. Based in Sevare, central Mali, the 5,000-strong G5 Sahel force aims to bolster 12,000 UN peacekeepers and France s own 4,000-member Operation Barkhane, which is operating in the region. Macron is also looking to extra backing from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States which already has a drone base in Niger beyond a pledge of 50 million euros ($57.2 million) made by the European Union. Serge Michailof, a researcher at the Paris-based IRIS institute, described the EU contribution as a joke given the EU s very deep pockets and the poverty of the Sahel countries. This force is going to cost $ million ( million euros) at the very least, he told AFP. Al-Qaeda s Mali branch, meanwhile, offered a reminder of the jihadists threat, with the release of a proofof-life video of six foreign hostages. The clip posted Saturday by Nusrat al-islam wal Muslimeen, also known as the Group to Support Islam and Muslims, includes elderly Australian surgeon Arthur Kenneth Elliott and Frenchwoman Sophie Petronin. Elliott was abducted in January 2015 in Djibo, Burkina Faso, where he and his wife had run the district s sole medical clinic since Petronin was abducted in late 2016 in the northern Malian town of Gao. In the video, the hostages are separately introduced by a narrator, who says that so far there have been no negotiations for their release. Macron visited Gao in northern Mali in May, his first foreign visit as president outside Europe, and promised French troops would remain until the day there is no more Islamic terrorism in the region. France intervened to chase out jihadists linked to al-qaeda who had overtaken key northern cities in Mali in That mission evolved into the current Barkhane deployment launched in 2014 with an expanded mandate for counter-terror operations across the Sahel. The new Sahel force will support national armies trying to catch jihadists across porous frontiers, and will work closely with Barkhane. Operations across Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, all hit with frequent jihadist attacks, will be co-ordinated with French troops, a source in the French presidency told AFP earlier this week, while help would be given to set up command centres. While weighing up the challenges of the G5 Sahel operation, analysts frequently compare it with the Multinational Joint Task Force battling Nigerian jihadist group Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, composed of troops from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. Africa Bombers kill 1 in Cameroon: One civilian was killed and two others injured Saturday when four female bombers blew themselves up in Cameroon s Far North, an area regularly targeted by Boko Haram jihadists, local sources told AFP. The incident took place in Mora, near the northwestern border with Nigeria, during the early hours of Saturday morning, when four female bombers set off the deadly blasts near the edge of town, a source close to the security services said. Mora is home to the headquarters of the first sector of the Mixed Multinational Force, an anti-insurgent regional force, as well as a large artillery unit of the Cameroonian army. There was one civilian victim and two injured, the source said, adding that all four bombers also died. The attackers were trying to reach the centre of town when they were spotted by members of the vigilance committee and troops, the source said. They then detonated the bombs. (AFP) 1 killed in Johannesburg airport: Authorities at Johannesburg s main international airport say an armed robber has been killed in a shootout and another has been arrested after they held up security guards in the cargo area. The management of O.R. Tambo International Airport says the shootout with police and security guards occurred Saturday at a highway ramp after robbers allegedly fled from the airport s Swissport warehouse in a seized cargo truck. In March, thieves using what authorities said was a marked police vehicle took at least $1.5 million in a heist at the airport. Detained suspects included a police constable and members of a private security company. Authorities at the airport also are investigating whether any workers there have helped robbers who follow arriving travelers and mug them at their homes or other destinations. (AP) Fighters posing as refugees: Boko Haram fighters have been found among refugees returning to northeast Nigeria from neighbouring Cameroon, the Borno State Emergency Management Agency said on Saturday. At least nine Boko Haram insurgents and 100 accomplices were identified among 920 Nigerian refugees who returned from Marwa in Cameroon on Wednesday, the agency s head, Ahmed Satomi told AFP. They were arrested during screening of the returnees at the (Nigerian) border town of Banki by security personnel. The eight-year conflict in northeast Nigeria has left at least 20,000 people dead and forced more than 2.6 million others to flee their homes. Most of those who have fled have remained in Nigeria, staying with distant relatives and friends or in sprawling camps for the displaced. (AFP)

18 INTERNATIONAL 18 World News Roundup In this fi le photo, Mount Sinabung spews volcanic ash into the air, as seen from Berastagi, North Sumatra, Indonesia on June 26. Sinabung which has sporadically erupted since 2010 after being dormant for 400 years, is among more than 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia. (AP) Endangered It depends on officials Can fi sh catch break with a giant tunnels? SAN FRANCISCO, July 2, (AP): Gov Jerry Brown s plan to route much of California s mightiest river into two massive tunnels poses new perils for salmon and other struggling native species, but could give them a couple of breaks as well, experts and project supporters and opponents say in the wake of two newly issued wildlife rulings on the $16 billion project. Ultimately, water experts say, whether Brown s two 35-mile (55-km) tunnels hurt salmon, whales and other imperiled species depends, as always, on the intent and smarts of the officials who manage the Sacramento River s delta with the San Joaquin River, that fought-over, over-tapped spigot for the US state with the most people, most crops and the biggest estuary on the West Coast. People just don t trust that it will be operated as planned, Peter Moyle, a professor emeritus and fishery expert at the University of California at Davis, notes of Brown s tunnels project. The giant tunnels would make it easier to ship water from California s wetter north to cities and farms in the San Francisco Bay and Central and Southern California, even during droughts. They got an initial, crucial OK from federal fish and wildlife officials this week. Moyle s career has followed decades of decline of native fish in California s Brown Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and their Delta, now reengineered with dams, pumps, levees and canals to supply at least part of the water supply for two-thirds of the state s people. The complex north-south water delivery system has helped put three-fourths of the state s salmon and trout species on the path to extinction within 100 years, according to a study Moyle and others released earlier this year. Another Delta native fish, the small and silvery Delta smelt, is so near extinction that scientists talk of freezing samples to preserve its genes. In the 1980s, the smelt were so plentiful that researchers once sampled them by the pickup load, Moyle recounts. Brown s father, the late Gov Pat Brown, helped put in the water projects that the younger Brown now wants to modernize. He is pushing to get the tunnels approved before he leaves office next year. Bloc Moyle is on the side of those open to letting Brown s administration and a bloc of influential local water districts put in their tunnels. If nothing else, getting their way will incline supporters to follow through on separate, longstanding pledges to restore a big part of the Delta as fish habitat, he hopes. Personally, I feel we don t have a choice but to trust them, given the bad state of much of the Delta, Moyle said. Brown and officials from various local water districts most of them in Central and Southern California, but a few in the San Francisco Bay Area want to run two, four-story-high tunnels underground to take water from the Sacramento River just above its delta with the San Joaquin River. Backers say the tunnels would take no more water from the Delta than present, although the tunnels would have the capacity to divert nearly the full flow of the Sacramento during summers or droughts. The National Marine Fisheries Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service declared last week that the project would not drive any endangered species to extinction. Other state and federal agencies still have to rule on the project. Water districts also have to decide whether to fund it. California s once bountiful salmon and other species already have a tough time. Dams block most of their upstream spawning ground. Huge pumps at the south end of the delta often make the water, and the fish in it, flow in reverse. Salmon are an anchor species, and their decline makes life harder for everything from forests in the Sierras to whales in the Pacific. In this fi le photo, a worker is seen installing solar panels nearly 4.9 million homes are powered by solar energy in California and the number is expected to continue to grow, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, a non-profit trade association. (AP) Discovery China rocket launch fails: China, on Sunday announced the launch of a powerful rocket designed to carry communication satellites into orbit had been unsuccessful, in a glitch for the country s ambitious space programme. The Long March-5 Y2, Beijing s second heavy-lift rocket, blasted off at 7:23 pm (1123 GMT) Sunday from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in the tropical island province of Hainan Abnormity was detected during the flight of the rocket, the Xinhua news agency reported. Further investigation will be carried out, the report added, without giving any further details. Capable of carrying up to 25 tonnes, the Long March-5 Y2 had taken off with the Shijian-18 experimental communications satellite (7.5 tonnes), which it was supposed to put into orbit. It said the satellite will operate on geosynchronous orbit and provide communications services over China s territory boosting internet access and providing access to more television channels. China successfully launched the Long March-5 from the same Wenchang center in November 2016, which it said at the time was the most powerful launcher it had yet developed. Beijing, under President Xi Jinping, sees its multi-billion-dollar space programme as a symbol of its rise and of the Communist Party s success in turning around the fortunes of the once povertystricken nation. Last month it successfully launched the Long March-4B, its first X-ray space telescope to study black holes, pulsars and gamma-ray bursts. (AFP) Skulls cast light on Aztecs: A tower of human skulls unearthed beneath the heart of Mexico City has raised new questions about the culture of sacrifice in the Aztec Empire after crania of women and children surfaced among the hundreds embedded in the forbidding structure. Archaeologists have found more than 650 skulls caked in lime and thousands of fragments in the cylindrical edifice near the site of the Templo Mayor, one of the main temples in the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, which later became Mexico City. The tower is believed to form part of the Huey Tzompantli, a massive array of skulls that struck fear into the Spanish conquistadores when they captured the city under Hernan Cortes, and mentioned the structure in contemporary accounts. Power Central America hit by massive power outages Calif takes a shine to solar power LOS ANGELES, July 2, (AFP): Jacquie Barnbrook had grown tired of the high electricity bills and her gasguzzling luxury car when she finally decided to take the plunge last year. The 52-year-old Los Angeles resident joined an ever-growing number of Californians who are switching to solar power for their energy needs in a bid to not only save money but to also do their part for the environment in a state setting the pace for the rest of the country in that sector. At this time of year, my power and water bills usually were around $400 a month, Barnbrook said. Right now, it s $150 a month. As for her vehicle, Barnbrook said she ditched it in favor of a hybrid one that she now plugs in and charges at her house. I was previously spending $80 on gas every three or four days and now I haven t put gas in my new car since the beginning of March, she noted. That s four months ago! Nearly 4.9 million homes are powered by solar energy in California the nation s green trailblazer and the most populous state and that number is expected to continue to grow, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, a non-profit trade association. Even President Donald Trump, an avowed sceptic on climate change, is considering putting solar panels on the wall he plans to build on the Mexican border. Although solar installations have slowed this year due, in part, to a record number of people rushing to sign up in 2016 for fear of losing a tax incentive, the market is expected to continue to grow, especially in places like California which has a plethora of sunny days, experts say. Driving this expansion is the plummeting cost of solar panels which were traditionally limited to relatively affluent homeowners and improving technology on batteries to store energy, they add. Right now, we re in throes of rapid change in the solar industry, said Rajit Gadh, director of the UCLA Smart Grid Energy Research Center. As people process all the information out there and report their success stories and it starts to become mainstream Also: SAN JOSÉ: A huge power outage plunged millions of people across Central America into darkness Saturday, as authorities from Panama to Costa Rica to El Salvador scrambled to restore electrical service. Firm looks to bring cheap, green energy to the poor MELBOURNE, July 2, (RTRS): A small Australian solar and wave energy fi rm aims to spearhead an effort to bring cheap, clean power to the poor by 2030, targeting hundreds of millions of dollars of projects, one microgrid at a time. Carnegie Clean Energy was chosen by a team called the Unreasonable Group over at least 10 other fi rms, from countries including Brazil, the Netherlands and the United States, for its fl exible approach using a mix of renewable energy. The Unreasonable Group was set up by a Denver-based entrepreneur to tap businesses to speed up efforts to meet the United Nation s 17 global development goals, from eradicating hunger to building infrastructure, by The group set to host two weeks of brainstorming in Washington in July with the US State Department, 17 entrepreneurs, development banks, and some major corporations has set an ambitious target for Carnegie, a $115 million firm. We do expect that within the next fi ve to ten years, Carnegie will deliver some of the largest microgrids and utility scale batteries ever developed in Australia and replicate these types of projects throughout the South Pacific s island communities, rural mainland Asia, and even Africa, Unreasonable Group said in ed comments. The blackout affected some five million people in Costa Rica alone, where officials largely had managed to restore service after a nationwide power outage lasting about five hours. Authorities pinned blame for the power outages on a downed Panamanian transmission line that adversely affected the power supply for much of the region. Countries in the region, from Guatemala to Panama, are connected by the same power grid, covering an expanse of some 1,800 kms (1,100 miles). But that interconnectedness means that the countries of Central America are vulnerable when there are power grid malfunctions in any one. Chaos reigned in the Costa Rican Historians relate how the severed heads of captured warriors adorned tzompantli, or skull racks, found in a number of Mesoamerican cultures before the Spanish conquest. But the archaeological dig in the bowels of old Mexico City that began in 2015 suggests that picture was not complete. We were expecting just men, obviously young men, as warriors would be, and the thing about the women and children is that you d think they wouldn t be going to Xi Barrera Carnegie Chief Executive Michael Ottaviano, based in Western Australia, has yet to decide where to begin, and has more modest ambitions. We don t want to try and deliver clean and affordable energy to the entire developing world. That s possibly a bit more than we could chew, Ottaviano told Reuters in an interview. He pointed to Indonesia as a possible starting point. We want to go into a developing region or country where we can deploy hundreds of these microgrid style systems. So we re talking hundreds of millions of dollars of investment associated with that, he said. Working with the Unreasonable Group gives Carnegie access to partnerships with development banks and major corporations that operate in developing countries that can help it overcome some of the challenges of trying to invest in poorer nations. The main challenge is not technology, but navigating local regulations and issues like counter-party risk, Ottaviano said. Investment in so-called distributed energy systems, as opposed to big central power stations that also need transmission and distribution lines, would pay off for households and governments that have to subsidise expensive power. capital after traffic lights ceased to function, while the main airport in San Jose had to run on backup power until the power system was up and running again. The blackout was the first experienced in Costa Rica, among the most developed countries in Latin America, since Officials said as many as two million people were left in the dark in Panama, with an undetermined number affected in Nicaragua and El Salvador. Details were not immediately available about how many people were affected by the blackout elsewhere in Central America, or whether they had managed to get their power systems back up and running. war, said Rodrigo Bolanos, a biological anthropologist investigating the find. Something is happening that we have no record of, and this is really new, a first in the Huey Tzompantli, he added. Raul Barrera, one of the archaeologists working at the site alongside the huge Metropolitan Cathedral built over the Templo Mayor, said the skulls would have been set in the tower after they had stood on public display on the tzompantli. (RTRS)

19 19 SPECIAL REPORT firdaus heaven al-haawiyah hell adeema earth Photos provided by Najd Al Taher Exploring corners By Cinatra Fernandes Arab Times Staff In her sophomore solo exhibition that opened just before Ramadan, Najd Al Taher pondered on ponderings, and explored the corners and recesses of thought to find spaces of both anguish and peace in the pensive moments and quiet contemplation that surrounds, and even engulfs waking life. In this interview, the 23-year-old visual artist traces her nascent artistic journey and expresses her relentless push forward against dismissals on account of her youth. Arab Times: Can you begin by telling us when and how it all began for you? Najd Al Taher: I became interested and captivated by visuals at a very young age. We grew up watching Michael Jackson and Madonna s music videos and we started going to museums and concerts at a young age so I was entranced by that whole visual experience. I knew I wanted to play around with visuals and sound at the same time. My first experiments with videography began as a child when we used to make short films for family viewing. I recall we used to put the camera in front of the actual TV and shoot previews. Later I picked up a few musical instruments on my own and got more involved in music and I always compelled to combine music with visuals so got into videography and photography. AT: When did you become committed as an artist? Tell us about your journey. NT: In 2014, I had my first experience exhibiting an artwork. I showed a piece at the Peace One Day exhibition at the Contemporary Art Platform. I saw that a lot of people reacted to my pieces and that s when I realised that I wanted to pursue this. I had been freelancing since the end of high-school. I am the founder and creator of the Lady Gaga Kuwaiti fan book for which I went all out and do consider it an accomplishment. It was very well done, we had a lot of participants and we did end up giving it to her. It was created to show her the fan base in Kuwait. I met her back in the day before an MTV performance and she was shocked to know that she had fans here so I took it upon myself, as an ardent fan, to create you a fan book. That s when I knew I Najd Al Taher loved graphic design, which was my major at AUK. I freelanced creating short videos for different magazines, Athnain was one of my main clients. I ve shown in a couple of group exhibitions and then had my first solo show Fulfillment at the Dar Al Funoon Gallery in October Two highlights of my artistic journey was winning the Crossway Foundation twice, to Japan in 2015 and to the USA in AT: Tell us a bit about your last exhibition. NT: The exhibition was called Al Yaqeen which translates to certainty and was also held at the Dar Al Funoon Gallery. It was composed in three chapters. The first chapter which was darker in tone was called al-haawiyah which is a name of hell in Islam. All of the names here are taken from the Islamic vocabulary. The second chapter was called Adeema which is the name for the first layer of earth on which we are living on right now. The third one was Firdaus which is one of the names of heaven. The exhibition, for me, started with the installation that was accompanied with a black and white shot behind. I created that installation for people to go in and zone out while looking at it. The exhibition talked about that moment when someone gets deep into their thoughts. It is that moment of isolation when you detach from everything on earth and dive deep into your thoughts. You either think about all the things you ve done wrong, all of the things that are heavy on your heart, you fight your demons which is represented in al-haawiyah or you think of the positive peaceful and hopeful things presented in Firdaus while Adeema is signified reflecting on the present. I played around with the colour scheme to fit each concept to reflect the emotions I was actually feeling. I wanted to create an obvious contrast because I wanted people to feel the transition as strongly as possible. The exhibition started right before Ramadan because in the Holy Month people are more in contact with their inner-selves and I wanted to evoke something in my audience. It was a great time to start. I wanted people Continued on Page 20 arts

20 20 An artwork from Peace One Day exhibition 2014 SPECIAL REPORT Exploring corners Continued from Page 19 to leave thinking. That is my main goal when I create something. Every piece I create, I want it to evoke some kind of emotions. I don t want them to just walk in, take a picture and leave. I want them to stand, stare, think, and question. AT: What is your process of creating an artwork? NT: All of my artworks, the series and pieces I create, talk about a current social issue. I like to express my point of view on different aspects of society through my work. In my previous exhibition, Fulfilment, I looked at capitalism and how people are chasing the new dream and what they think is going to satisfy them. In Islam, we believe that we were created on earth for two things, one is to pray and get in touch with our religious side, and the other, to evolve and build the world. But people nowadays are running after the wrong things, the materialistic pursuit of cars, houses, and brands. So I tried to make people question whether they will actually be fulfilled by these acquisitive trappings because you keep lusting for more, the new and seemingly better and so keep running after it. But for me, Al Yaqeen was the more personal, I was going through this. I lived through every stage of these chapters so I translated my emotions into my work. The concepts and stages develop when something arises or a thought crosses my mind. I don t talk a lot and choose my words very carefully. Now that I ve found photography and a visual language, I don t need to talk at all. I can just let my work speak for me. AT: How is this last exhibition a departure from your previous work in terms of style? NT: Al Yaqeen was more minimal in terms of content and much more straightforward. I let the images speak for themselves. I always identify as a visual artist, not as a photographer because I do a lot of installations and I play a lot with other components in visual media in terms of videography, composing sounds and playing with lights. My earlier exhibition, Fulfilment, had all of this, it had a lot of colours and the fabrics were custom-made and it was shot in Asia so the backgrounds were very busy, it was more of a live experience and I worked heavily with lights while the last one had just images, I didn t embellish it with anything else. AT: What are the challenges you face as a young artist? What are the common dif- Imitation of life from Fulfillment ficulties you encounter? NT: It is really hard to get my voice out there as a young artist, people always dismiss you for being young. But I have a point of view and I want to express it out loud. I have realised that my work speaks to the youth in Kuwait which is something that took me by surprise. It wasn t intentional at all. Most of the crowd at my exhibitions is made up of the youth and I recall, during Fulfilment, a girl cried and told me that I was giving them hope. That is something that I never thought would happen. I am really glad that I am speaking to the younger crowds and that they are actually seeing some hope being painted through me, that s amazing! I was just doing something to express and let out what I have inside but I never knew that it would actually impact people. Another difficulty I face as an artist in Kuwait is that I don t have a lot of places to get things done. Production is very limited so it is very frustrating. As an artist and as a designer we are not advanced at all in this field. Although it is a struggle to get the right place, I don t want to get used to doing things outside, so I do it here. AT: Are young people in Kuwait responsive and reactive to art? NT: Yes, I have to admit they are, and especially nowadays. There is growing engagement and attendance from the youth. They would stay at the last exhibition an hour or two just doing photoshoots and being creative. I see them hungry for art and engaging with it. I did an installation after Fulfilment it was a mirror box with the word ana inside that reflects infinitely and the box is a mirror inside and outside, so it could disappear if you put it somewhere. Entering this dark space was quite like the confession room of a church with one spotlight shining on you and a sound I created on a loop of people defining themselves. This really resonated with those who went in as they had the opportunity to reflect about who they are. A guy cried inside there and that was also one of the moments that I realised that I am very happy doing what I m doing. There are hard times when you feel it s not worth it because there is a lack of support from certain corners but when I see the young coming in and being moved by my work, it really is worth it. At the end of the day, I am doing this to help Kuwait grow. AT: What influences and inspires your work? NT: I am inspired by everything, my everyday life and Kuwait. But I would say that as far as individuals influences are concerned, my brother Yousef, is my main influence. If it wasn t for him, I don t think I d be here today. He was my main supporter, my main inspiration. There are a lot of people that I look up to but most of my work is inspired by music. When I hear a song and it gets me thinking, that s when I start visualising. AT: Have you explored other mediums? NT: I do a lot of installations where I play with lights neon, LED, all sorts. I play around with videography and I love to experiment with it. In terms of audio, I mix and compose a lot and I even like to build stuff with concrete and construction materials. AT: What do you think of the state of art education in Kuwait? NT: I am a public school student and I would say that unfortunately the arts in public schools of Kuwait isn t up to standard at all. I studied graphic design and my professors were good. Some of them were very interested in me and really saw potential in me and pushed for me to be something. But design programmes in Kuwait are lacking in terms of facilities. Often you don t have studios and printers to work with, the offering can be very basic. AT: As an emerging artist, how do you view the Kuwait art scene? NT: We do have an active art scene in Kuwait but it is not as big or as vibrant as it should be. Unfortunately, the general society is not that aware of what s happening and I think it needs more light to bring it back to life. The younger crowds are hungry for it and they are supportive so I guess we need to support more emerging artists. I don t see much variety in terms of content but there are some really great artists. I look up to Amira Behbehani, she was the Lost, from Fulfillment one who gave me my first chance, she is such an amazing person. I also love Ghadah Al Kandari s work, it is pretty cool. The photographer Faisal Al Bisher is amazing and he is like my mentor. These are a few among a host of brilliant artists that we have in Kuwait. AT: What s next for Najd Al Taher? NT: I want to continue creating and put my work out there. For me, building and investing in my country is the number one thing. I want to help make a change, help evolve this country. arts Tokyo Content 2017 goes beyond anime and manga LOS ANGELES, July 2, (RTRS): Last week s Tokyo Content 2017 was an eye-popping demonstration of just how wide-ranging the definition of content has become in Japan. With its seven exhibitions and 1,650 exhibitors, the trade show featured the anime, manga and games that have become emblematic of Japanese content to the world at large. But the cavernous exhibition halls were also abuzz with visitors examining and experiencing the latest advances in entertainment technology, particularly in augmented-reality and virtual-reality software and hardware. At the booth of Hado, which designs entertainment content for Fuji TV, TV Tokyo and other clients, visitors played Hado Shoot, a game in which players wearing VR headsets shot virtual light balls at each other and racked up points by scoring body hits. Meanwhile, Marza Animation Planet, a CGI animation house affiliated with Sega, offered a VR exhibit inspired by the Resident Evil sci-fi/ fantasy action series. Visitors tried to thread their way through a 3D battle in an underground corridor without getting blasted. Courtesy of music producer Grandfunk Inc. and animation studio Koo-ki was Around the Sound, an immersive 360-degree VR environment that melded music and colored triangles, cubes and other shapes to entrancing effect. In a keynote address, Naomi Tomita, head of robotics company Hapi-Robo St and chief information officer for the Huis Ten Bosch theme park, said that the ultimate goal for VR development was the merging of the virtual and the real as the technology advances.

21 NEWS/FEATURES 21 People & Places Palestinian singer Omar Kamal performs on stage at the Beiteddine Palace in Lebanon s Chouf mountains, south of the capital Beirut, during the Beiteddine Internatioanl Art Festival on July 1. (AFP) Film Music Midway Oscars forecast Cluttered landscape for indies, streamers By Kristopher Tapley It was barely four months ago that director Barry Jenkins stood alongside the baffled cast and crew of Moonlight at the Dolby Theatre after defying virtually every known Oscar convention in spectacular, immortal fashion. But just eight short weeks from now, the season will purr right back to life at the Venice and Telluride Film Festivals. Hollywood will set its sights on that coveted gold statuette for the 90th time, and a new flock of prestige productions will vie for the industry s top honor. New York-based distributor A24 s victory brought the best picture tally for independents (and studio dependents) up to nine over the past decade. The only major studio to score in Chastain that stretch was Warner Bros with Argo, as the game of Oscar continues to be one of bolstering the financial outlook of artistic risks that conglomerate-tethered companies feel they can t afford. A glance at the horizon this year reveals a healthy market for those projects. This is not, by any means, a set of Oscar predictions. Rather, it is an attempt to fix the landscape from afar. There will be plenty of time for the usual guessing games in the fall. An unlikely reigning champ even in this indie-focused fray that has left its unique mark on the season with remarkable confidence, A24 comes to the table with a full plate this time. A pair of festival pick-ups appear to lead the way: James Franco s SXSW hit The Disaster Artist, about the making of Tommy Wiseau s cult classic The Room (not to be confused with A24 s own 2015 Oscar success story Room ) and Sean Baker s Tangerine follow-up The Florida Project, which played to great acclaim in Cannes and could also be actor Willem Dafoe s ticket to the dance. Another Cannes entry, Yorgos Lanthimos The Killing of a Deer, may prove too esoteric for Academy tastes (which are obviously shifting), but it does have a prime release date of Nov 3. And after all, A24 has made believers of skeptics before; no need to arbitrarily thin the herd just yet. Kate and Laura Mulleavy s debut Woodshock should find 2017 real estate, Andrew Haigh s 45 Years follow-up Lean on Pete, will also be looking to stand out in a wide-ranging stable that includes films like David Lowery s masterful metaphysical study A Ghost Story (anchored by a worthy Rooney Mara) and Trey Edward Shults exacting It Comes at Night (fodder for the indie-centric Spirit and Gotham Awards, at minimum), among others. Moving on, talk about full plates: Focus Features, for one, is prepping its most promising lineup in years. An early look at Joe Wright s Darkest Hour, shown to exhibitors at CinemaCon in March, revealed a fiery and committed Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill on the precipice of his most defining moment. Awash in mouthwatering photography and period detail, it s poised to be a force across many categories. Another period piece to tickle the throwback fancy is Stephen Frears Victoria and Abdul, from the writer of Billy Elliot and starring Judi Dench as Queen Victoria. But many eyes will no doubt be glued to Paul Thomas Anderson and a retiring Daniel Day-Lewis, together again a decade removed from There Will Be Blood. Their new film, about the 1950s fashion scene (currently untitled but having been called everything from Phantom Thread to, according to recent crew T-shirts, Woodcock ), will command attention. Already released by Focus this year are two more period dramas: Sofia Coppola s Cannes prize-winner The Beguiled with Nicole Kidman and Niki Caro s The Zookeeper s Wife with Jessica Chastain. Both deserve notice and, happily, help maintain a presence for female directors this year. Which brings us to Kathryn Bigelow. It s been five years since the only woman to win a best director Oscar was unceremoniously ignored for the daring Zero Dark Thirty. She s back with another harrowing angle on American history, Detroit, about the 1967 Detroit riot. (RTRS) Singer Jazmine Sullivan performs at the 2017 Essence Festival Day 2 at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on July 1 in New Orleans. (AP) Norman Variety Jagger LOS ANGELES: Barry Norman, the veteran British movie critic and former host of the UK s top TV show about cinema, who had a strong influence on movie-going in the country over several decades, has died at the age of 83. He died in his sleep on Friday, according to his family. Norman fronted BBC movie-show Film from 1972 to 1998 interviewing the hottest Hollywood actors and filmmakers of the period and became one of the UK s top celebrities. He had started his career as a print journalist on the Kensington News, and was the Daily Mail s show-biz editor. He also contributed to several other newspapers, including the Guardian, the Times and the Observer, and wrote a number of books. (RTRS) LONDON: Rock superstar Mick Jagger says a newspaper editorial was responsible for helping him avoid prison for a minor drug offense in The Rolling Stones frontman tells the Times of London on Saturday that he had been sentenced to three months in jail not because of the severity of his crime but because band members were being scapegoats by an older generation critical of their lifestyle. The Times editorial underscored this point, saying Jagger should be treated exactly the same as anyone else. The 73-year-old singer tells the newspaper that editorial got me out jail. One day it dropped, and the next thing I was out. (AP) LOS ANGELES: Love story Breathe, Andy Serkis directorial debut, is set to open the BFI London Film Festival with its European premiere. The Lord of the Rings actor s production company The Imaginarium made the movie, which is based on the story of Imaginarium co-founder Jonathan Cavendish s parents. It follows Robin Cavendish, played by Andrew Garfield ( Hacksaw Ridge ), and the attempts by his wife Diana, Claire Foy ( The Crown ), to help him lead a normal life after he is paralyzed by polio. Teen musicians ready to venture out Stax bring Memphis to Europe MEMPHIS, Tenn, July 2, (Agencies): The roster of American musicians was impressive: Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd, Booker T. and the MGs. They arrived in Europe in 1967, bringing with them the powerful, soulful Memphis Sound. Ahead was a tour with stops in London, Paris and elsewhere. These artists from the Stax Records music studio captivated audiences with their music born from blues and gospel a mesmerizing sound created from the black experience in the US last century. Fifty years later, a group of young musicians educated at Stax Music Academy are newly bringing the music of Memphis back to Europe. They are set to perform at festivals and music halls in England, France and Ireland from July 9 until July 22, joining Stax legends Mavis Staples and William Bell for a couple of shows. The teenage musicians are eager to follow in the footsteps of their influential predecessors. Created in 2000, their academy is an after-school program for youngsters from some of Memphis poorest neighborhoods who learn how to dance, sing and play instruments. They pay nothing to attend. Just to be able to say that I was part of this upcoming overseas tour, being able to sing songs by Otis Redding and William Bell, it s monumental not only for Memphis, but for Stax, said Johnathon Lee, a 17-year-old academy vocalist. To know that Stax music is still relevant today, and to know that was done in 1967, that s monumental as well. Before it went bankrupt, Stax Records in Memphis generated some of America s most memorable soul music of the 1960s and 1970s, including songs like Redding s Dock of the Bay, Sam & Dave s Soul Man, Floyd s Knock on Wood, and Booker T. and the MGs Green Onions. Driven by tight horn and rhythm sections and strong-voiced singers, the Memphis Sound had a raw, emotional Both stars, Serkis, and Jonathan Cavendish will be at the premiere at London s Odeon Leicester Square on Oct 4, and the film will play simultaneously in cinemas quality to it. Some Stax songs were energetic and raucous, others smooth and sexy. Stax had a sister record label called Volt, so when they put together the 1967 trip, it was called the Stax/Volt European Tour. The tour came at a time when Stax was having trouble getting its music aired on larger US radio stations because of racial issues during the civil rights era, said Al Bell, who at the time was the music label s national promotions director. So, when the Stax musicians hopped off a plane in London, they were surprised by the welcome they received. It stunned us. We didn t know how to act, Bell said. All these white people in the airport and everywhere, hollering about Stax, calling the artists names. In Paris, fans were going crazy over the Stax musicians, especially Redding, Bell said. If there was ever a question in my mind about our music being acceptable to the masses and to whites, Paris, France, removed that completely from my mind, he said. Viewed Bell said Europeans told him that they viewed the music as an art form that comes from the African-American culture. And I m saying, what? Bell said, laughing. We hadn t even thought about having a culture, let alone our music being considered an art form because it came out of slavery. When they returned to Memphis, the Stax artists used the momentum from the successful tour to churn out hits. When we came out of Europe, you couldn t tell us nothing, Bell said. Writers got to writing, producers got to producing. You couldn t get the musicians out of the studio. Some of the momentum stalled when Redding was killed in a plane crash in December Bell later ran Stax before the company was forced into involuntary across the UK ahead of its Oct 27 general release in the country by STX International. (RTRS) In this June 30, 2017 photo, Joe Newman, lead singer and guitarist of British indie rockband Alt-J performs on the stage of the Montreux Jazz Lab during the 51st Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland. (AP) bankruptcy in Bell was indicted on bank fraud charges related to the company s demise, but was acquitted. The glory days of Stax Records are gone, but the Stax Music Academy is going strong. About a dozen teenagers ranging in age from 15 to 18 will be on the Europe tour, and they ve spent hours rehearsing in the academy s studios. It will be the first time Lee will travel out of the country, and he s looking forward to staying in new places and eating foreign foods. He called the trip a big deal. I m a little nervous, but I m excited, Lee said. I m ready to venture out. Also: LOS ANGELES: Not everyone is happy about Jay-Z s new album 4:44. A number of Shawn Carter s fans took to Twitter Friday to vent about the star s release strategy for the album. 4:44 is exclusive to Tidal, the streaming music service co-owned by Jay-Z himself. However, fans who signed up for a new account Friday often faced an unwelcome surprise. That s because 4:44 isn t just exclusive to Tidal, it s also limited to existing Tidal subscribers, as well as anyone who signs up for a new trial subscription via Sprint. The mobile carrier acquired a third of Tidal earlier this year, and now promises Sprint subscribers 6 free months of Tidal, plus access to 4:44. This means that anyone who signed up for a trial of Tidal after the album dropped Thursday night hasn t been able to listen to it which predictably didn t go over well with everyone: A number of users took to Twitter Friday to suggest that they might simply get the album elsewhere, which likely includes unauthorized streams or pirate sites. The angry voices even included renowned producer Mark Ronson, best known for for producing Uptown Funk as well as Amy Winehouse s Back to Black. WASHINGTON: Actress Kate del Castillo is seeking international help in a dispute with the Mexican government stemming from the secret meeting she arranged with Sean Penn and former fugitive drug boss Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. Del Castillo says Mexican authorities leaked false information to the media and damaged her career in apparent anger over her role in the 2015 meeting. She filed a human rights complaint Thursday with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in Washington. The star of the Netflix series Ingobernable says she has been unable to return to Mexico to work because of investigations into her communications with Guzman. (AP) LOS ANGELES: After 16 months of marriage, Paramore singer Hayley Williams and New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert are separating. The couple made the announcement on July 1 posting a statement on social media that read, in part: We want to publicly state plainly, and only this time that we are splitting up. We also feel it s important to state that we are going to be OK and in fact, we remain close friends who are good in each other s eyes. (RTRS)

22 22 Proenza Schouler Xuan Fashion Proenza Schouler 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: English/Arabic. Cancer online support group: If you are Cancer patient or family member fighting with this deadly disease, come join our online support group. Best way of dealing with this disease is providing support and share our experience with each other. There are lot of things which even doctors can t tell so be member of this website and start sharing your experiences which may help others. October is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). The primary purpose is to promote self examination and screening mammography as the most effective way to save lives by detecting breast cancer at early stage. For more information visit: fightingwithcancer.webs.com/ Latest Indian Embassy notice: Indian nationals are issued Emergency Certificates (EC) to facilitate their oneway travel to India due to urgency or deportation, under the circumstances of loss of passport or non-retrieval of passport from their sponsors in Kuwait. Since it is illegal to hold two travel documents in India at the same time, the concerned passport has to be cancelled before an Emergency Certificate (EC) is issued to an Indian national. At times, Indian nationals who are either detained or due for deportation may not have their passports with them. They apply for travel documents (Emergency Certificate) either directly or through Kuwait Police. In such cases, ECs are issued to them after cancelling their passports. However, in certain cases, they recover their passports later and travel on those passports which already stand cancelled in data available with immigration authorities in India. These passports are immediately seized by Immigration authorities in India. This results in much harassment and inconvenience to these Indian travelers, whose passports are seized. They are also liable to pay penalties as A.F. Vandevorst Above and below: Models present creations by A.F. Vandevorst; Xuan and Proenza Schouler during Fall/Winter Haute Couture Collection in Paris on July 2. (AFP) A.F. Vandevorst A.F. Vandevorst per the law. Indian Embassy advises all Indian nationals that if an EC is issued to anyone of them, that implies that his/ her passport has been cancelled and that he/she should travel only on the EC issued to him/her. Chess coaching, round robin: Proenza Schouler Registrations are open for chess coaching and the summer round robin Challenger Series. Send your name A.F. Vandevorst PARIS Xuan A.F. Vandevorst Civil ID no., mobile number, age, rating to saviosgomes@gmail.com with CCR in the subject. No entry fee. Invitation to Grand Mosque: The Visits Department is pleased to invite you to visit the Grand Mosque, which is one of Kuwait s most treasured religious and cultural landmarks to discover the beauty of Islamic arts and architecture. Free guided tours are available all year round on official working days between (9-11 am) and (5-7 pm), within a special tour program designed to cater to the needs of different age groups. The program is as follows: Reception; Auditorium show; (according to age group); Touring the Mosque; Q & A; Art workshops; (according to age group between 5 and 18 years old); Snack break; Distribution of the Grand Mosque publications and souvenirs; End of tour. According to these age groups: Age A.F. Vandevorst group: 5 to 9 years old: Morning: 60 visitors max; Evening: 20; 10 to 15 years: Morning: 100 visitors max; Evening: 45; 16 and above: Morning: 140 visitors max, Evening: 105: Tour language: Arabic- English- French; Arabic (English upon prior request); Arabic- English- French; Arabic (English upon prior request); Arabic- English- French: Arabic (English upon prior request) Rules and Regulations: Please arrive in time for your visit. All visitors are kindly required to abide by the mosque s dress code. Male visitors should wear long pants. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Female visitors: should wear head cover and long loose clothing (available at the mosque). Foods and drinks are not allowed inside the prayer halls. For school visits, teachers are responsible for their students and are required to cooperate with the staff members of the Grand Mosque. Photography is allowed inside the Grand Mosque (please note that Continued on Page 23

23 23 Book sales to raise funds for retreat, community center Hundreds of books owned by Warren Zevon to be sold WEST BARNET, Vermont, July 2, (AP): Late singer and songwriter Warren Zevon s heroes were writers and classical musicians. That s clear by the Werewolves of London singer s large and eclectic library of books now for sale. The collection of nearly 1,000 books includes copies signed by authors with personal notes to Zevon. Among the books are collections of W. Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene novels as well as detective fiction. Some are by friends like Hunter S. Thompson, Carl Hiaasen or Stephen King, who dedicated a book to Zevon after his death. Other books contain items within their pages from the musician s life, like a fax from a record company or a restaurant receipt. What he did was he used the books kind of like a filing system, said Zevon s ex-wife, Crystal Zevon, who along with their daughter Ariel Zevon is selling the books to raise money for a retreat and community center they ve started in Vermont. In the pages of the Maugham collection, there are letters, written itineraries and plane tickets. Things that were his that his fans would be interested in, she said. Zevon s books are now being catalogued and will gradually be sold online on ebay. One just sold for $400 and another one, a Robert Craft biography of Igor Stravinsky, who Zevon met as a teenager, is now up for sale. Zevon, who died in 2003, never graduated from high school but read everything, his daughter said. He loved classic writers, he loved current writers, he loved hanging out with writers, he loved to talk about books, Ariel Zevon said of her father, who also played with the Rock Bottom Remainders, a band made up of published authors including King, Dave Barry and Amy Tan. Crystal Zevon said she has donated some books to libraries. The remaining books have been sitting in boxes in her garage. She and her daughter decided to sell them to raise money to support a community retreat house that Crystal Zevon bought in her village of East Barnet, Vermont. So far, the 100-year-old house she purchased in March called Brookview R&R has been used as a retreat for activist groups, for gardening talks, weekly potlucks and will be used for classes by an herbalist. Most of the furnishings have been donated. It s creating a safe haven for activists, artists, educational communities, but really a safe haven, a sanctuary place for people that are not necessarily fitting into our current system, said Ariel Zevon. A group of locals is figuring out how the space will be funded to pay taxes, insurance and other expenses and whether it should be a nonprofit. Resident Dakota Butterfield, who is part of the group, also serves on a local committee that looks for ways to enrich community life in the small town with a population of 1,700. She said aside from providing a space for the community to meet for knitting or book groups or weekly suppers: I think that Brookview will become, is becoming a place where people who are away from Barnet can come and retreat and move forward their agendas for change that they re committed to and connected to. Events A flyer of the event. A flyer of the event. A flyer of the event. click Latest Continued from Page 22 disrespectful poses are strictly prohibited). If you would like to book a tour, please contact us: Tel: / / gmvisits@gmail.com Fax: General 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! KIFF anti-drugs campaign: As part of the Fraternity fest, Kuwait India Fraternity Forum (KIFF) is conducting Anti-Drugs Campaign among Indians living in Kuwait. According to the available statistics of Indian Embassy, 60% of the convicted Indians in Kuwaiti Jails are arrested on drug-related cases. The recent cases of death and captives of Indian drug abusers is a threatening news. To defend and to campaign against such social crisis by protecting individuals as well as the society has become obligatory. In this current situation, Kuwait India Fraternity Forum is conducting campaign by distributing handouts, conducting counseling, seminars etc. to educate the Indians living in Kuwait informed President Saifudheen Nalakath in a press release. For more details contact: or at kiffkuwait@gmail.com. NYF offers free yoga classes: NYF Kuwait offers free yoga, breathing, meditation and reiki classes by a well-experienced female yoga teacher for all age groups. Classes are given on the basis of different health problems, stress and other problems by different techniques. Contact: Leadership Excellence Course: The Leadership Excellence Course (LEC) is a course modeled on the Seerah of Rasoolullah who is the best model of leadership for all mankind. The LEC focuses on the lessons that we can learn from the Seerah of Rasoolullah and see how we can apply them in our lives to become winners in this world and the next. The objectives of the course are 1. Understand what leadership is from the Seerah of Rasoolullah and how to apply it in our lives today 2. Understand the purpose of our lives and learn to live that purpose with confidence 3. Understand the importance of connecting to Allah and learn how to do it 4. Understand how to leverage your strengths and overcome weaknesses 5. Understand how to articulate your life goal and create a road map to achieve it. For more information please visit or call / AWL registration: If you would like to join the American Women s League (AWL), please call or or kuwaitawl@ yahoo.com. All American women and wives of Americans are welcomed. Ugandans register with UIK: Are you a Ugandan living and working in Kuwait? Would you like to get in touch with other Ugandans in Kuwait both socially and professionally? Then please get in touch with us. We would like to invite you to register with the Ugandans in Kuwait (UIK) association, an informal organization of Ugandans living and working in Kuwait. The purpose of this exercise is to get together as Ugandans and to consider taking the first steps to establishing a more formal organisation. This association is voluntary. It is designed to create a forum for Ugandans in Kuwait to foster a sense of community, to communicate more Continued on Page 24

24 24 EU accused of double standards Eastern Europeans bite back over food apartheid SOFIA, July 2, (AFP): It looks like Nutella, smells like Nutella and yet doesn t quite taste like the famous Italian chocolate spread. Eastern European leaders are fuming after tests suggested that big Western brands use cheaper ingredients in food products sold in former communist countries. While Bulgaria s burly premier Boyko Borisov has slammed the practice as food apartheid, Czech Agriculture Minister Marian Jurecka declared in late February that the east was tired of being Europe s garbage can. Recent government-backed studies in Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic indicated that many items sold with identical packaging were of superior quality in richer neighbouring European Union countries. The findings prompted Bulgaria last month to carry out its own tests. A team of chemists in Sofia spent the last few weeks diligently measuring, filtering and analysing samples of popular items like butter, cheese, sausages, chocolate, baby puree and soft drinks. On Wednesday, the national food watchdog confirmed there were discrepancies with at least seven out of 31 products bought from the This picture taken on June 22, 2017 shows a Bulgarian scientist testing the content of chocolate samples at a laboratory of the Sofia-based National Centre for Public Health and Analysis in Bulgaria s capital Sofia. (AFP) same food chain stores in Bulgaria, Germany and Austria. A chocolate dessert had less milk and cocoa than its German counterpart, for instance, although this did not have a major impact on taste, according to the national food safety agency. Soft drinks purchased in Bulgarian supermarkets contained sweeteners, while those in Austria were prepared with sugar. Many of these deviations are considered minor from the viewpoint of (European Union) regulations, the agency s chief Damyan Iliev told Bulgarian media on Wednesday. But Bulgarian consumers are being misled in that they believe they are buying the same product when in fact they are not. The experts also noted that 16 of the tested products were sold at higher prices in the EU s poorest member state than in Germany and Austria, with baby purees twice as expensive. Controversy The controversy has struck a raw nerve in the region where Western foods used to be a luxury that could only be bought with foreign currency in special shops. The issue perfectly encapsulates the Eastern European anxiety about becoming second-class citizens in the bloc, Bulgarian political expert Ivan Krastev wrote in the New York Times earlier this month. It feeds into fears over an emerging twotiered Europe, in which big nations like Germany push for greater EU integration while ex-eastern bloc members demand more sovereignty, Krastev wrote. The firms, however, argue that recipes are merely tweaked to suit local palates and point out that the practice doesn t break any rules. Under EU directives, companies are free to change a product s ingredients from one member state to another as long as they are clearly listed on the packaging. But that has done little to cool boiling tempers. I don t see how substituting good chocolate for the cheapest local one will adapt better to my taste? fumed Bulgarian mother-of-two Yana Mihailova. The 46-year-old said she always stuffs her luggage with jars of chocolate spread whenever she travels abroad. The price is higher but it s totally worth it -- there s definitely much more cocoa in there, she added. While the Bulgarian tests did not mention any actual brands, Hungary s food authority in February named food giants Ferrero and Coca- Cola among the culprits. The agency said the version of Nutella sold in Budapest appeared to be less creamy than the Austrian version. The aroma of Coca-Cola was seemingly less rich, less complex in Hungary while the flavour of Nestle s Nesquik cocoa powder was more harmonious and intense in Austria. The government of populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a fervent critic of Brussels, accused the EU of double standards over the findings. The battle is a war horse for populist governments wanting to prove that the European Union is incapable of guaranteeing the equal treatment of its citizens, according to analyst Antony Galabov of the New Bulgarian University. Some consumers see the tests as an important step in the east s emancipation. It s good that Bulgarians finally try to shake off their mentality of second-class people who put up with being fed with lower quality food, Lyudmila Pavlova, 40, told AFP while queueing in the supermarket. Lifestyle Palestinians play at an amusement park in the West Bank city of Tulkarem on July 1. (AFP) Durban July attracts country s celebrities and politicians Fashion dominates Africa s biggest horse race DURBAN, South Africa, July 2, (AFP): Combining high fashion with sport, nearly 50,000 racegoers marked the 120th anniversary of Africa s biggest horse race on Saturday at a packed course in the South African coastal city of Durban. The annual Durban July handicap race attracts one of the continent s most fashionconscious crowds, with the trackside glamour and party atmosphere often threatening to overtake the horse action. Me and my friends always come here for the entertainment and fashion, we know nothing about horses and betting, said Thina Thusi, a 31-year-old public relations manager from Johannesburg. We usually start planning for this day from February the clothes to match perfectly, plus travel arrangements and entertainment, she said. It requires a lot of money. The race, held at Greyville racecourse on the first Saturday of July, traditionally attracts a host of South African celebrities and politicians keen to be seen at one of the country s biggest social occasions. President Jacob Zuma is usually a regular at the race, surrounded by loyal ANC party supporters and wealthy business leaders who pay thousands of dollars for access to the powerful elite. But the ANC held a major conference in Johannesburg this weekend, keeping Zuma away and depleting the political contingent at the track. Among the crowds was renown fashion follower Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, as well as Bongi Ngema, who is one of Zuma s four wives, King Letsie III of Lesotho and many television personalities. Culture For fans, the race combines fun with oldworld charm and South Africa s exuberant modern social culture. Everyone wants to be at the Durban July, It s like a national day, the country comes to a standstill, said Gill Mostert, spokeswoman for Gold Circle, the country s racing and betting company. Fashion has always been a big part of the Durban July, even in the 1900s. People of all ages, even grannies from old-age homes, set out to dress well and have fun. This year s theme The Colour of Above and below: Models display creations of a local designer during the fashion show at the 2017 edition of the Durban July horse race in Durban on July 1. (AFP) Magic saw participants experimenting with multi-coloured outfits and outlandish hats, vying for best-dressed prizes. Ladies in high heels and men in tuxedos and designer suits paid limited attention to the horses, as champagne and buffet lunches were served in dozens of plush marquees lining the trackside. As live music drifted across the course, models dressed by top South African designers such as Terrence Bray sashayed down makeshift runways at several fashion shows. The first recorded race event in South Africa took place in 1802, since when the sport has developed into a major gambling draw. Saturday s 12 races were expected to attract 200-million rand ($15 million/13 million euros) in bets from punters nationwide. According to Imagine Racing magazine, a win in the race places a horse in an elite group of equine champions and paves the way for a potential stud career. Tourism officials said the event generates about $20 million in revenue for the city of Durban. click General Continued from Page 23 effectively with each other and to encourage Ugandans out here to work together. We are also planning a celebration to mark 50 years of Ugandan s Independence this year. If you have any questions regarding this association or if you are interested in registering, then please send us an at ugandansinkuwait@gmail.com. We hope to hear from you soon. Free drum music classes: Free professional drum music classes are available at Salmiya for all age groups from beginners to advanced by a well experienced drum teacher. For more details: Indian Embassy SPDC notice: Attention of all Indian associations/indian schools in Kuwait is once again drawn to Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) which was introduced by Government of India in the academic year with the objective to make higher education in India accessible to the children of overseas Indians and promote India as a centre for higher studies. Under the scheme, 100 PIO/NRI students were awarded scholarship of up to US$ 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 Continued on Page 25

25 25 High note Cezary s Picks Baltic waves among Alps Sounds of mountains at Trentino Music Fest By Cezary Owerkowicz Special to the Arab Times The scorching heat in the country gives rise to many topics and one the hot topics is people leaving for cooler places. Those who are able and lucky enough leave the rest behind to carry out the daily chores. But the problem is choosing the destination. Well it depends on taste or preference (I wouldn t offer a prize). There are people who prefer the seashores or mountains, staying put or travelling and sight-seeing, enjoying urban holidays or the nature more or less wild. I love all the sea and the mountains and I love to travel, go sight-seeing and also urban areas and nature... well, music too. Speaking of music I will introduce you to an excursion to the mountains on the wings of music. From sunrise at the peak of Col di Margherita in the valley of Val di Fassa you can listen to the Sound of the Dolomites. Owerkowicz After taking the touristic route and after reaching the place of the event the audience enjoys the music in front of Pale di San Martino. Between the Alpine peaks (the Dolomites are the lovely part of the Alps) at sunrise and during the day ring you hear the Sounds of the Dolomites, the only such event in the world. You can walk with music stars (carrying sometimes their instruments on shoulders) taking the touristic routes to the natural amphitheatres created by nature, to the lakes or simple mountaineers cottages, where the unforgettable concerts are held. Admiring the ensembles or virtuosos of piano in the high mountains is an exceptional pleasure. The emotions run high complete with museums of masterpieces, castles or historical routes. This unique festival runs continuously for the past 23 years. It is called the Trentino Festival. The name is derived from an autonomous Italian province, whose historical capital is Trent (Italian, Trento). Culture The music and mountains, the culture and the exceptional views and the Italian cello virtuoso Mario Brunello calls it Music in the Heavens. This year the event will start on July 7 and end on August 31. On inauguration day on July 7 twelve leading cellists of the Berliner Philharmonic will climb to the shelter-house Fuciade (1,982 meters high) to start on 48 strings to sing songs of nature beauty. The Italian virtuoso Mario Brunello, called A Conjurer of Cello and constant guest of the festival says the event should be named Music in the Heavens. He plays at concert halls, open-air, in the deserts and in Trentino Mountains. When I am in Dolomites I have a feeling that I am in front of several roads leading to the heavens. It is fascinating: open space to discover; you have to sink in it to find really the place looking alike. What is the link between music and silence of the mountains? The fruit of that link is a vertical silence, a silence not leaving a human lonely, because it leads to the certain destination, the peak of the mountain. It is not necessary to reach it yourself. Every place there gives us a chance to discover that unique sort of silence, says the magic of music. He plays on cello made in 1700 by ancient Master Maggini from wood imported from nearby Panaveggio. Full of harmony spruces Panaveggio have such rare privilege that they are grown in undisturbed calm, and its noble structure is ideally suitable for making instruments such as the violins, violas or cellos. I know from experience that every tree from this region is unique and allows producing a unique instrument on its kind sound, says the artist who is in love with both Sounds and Dolomites. Only two days later the 14 years old, already a star of jazz from Indonesia, Joey Alexander, who performed in front of (former) President Barak Obama will sit near the piano just on the mountain pass Lavaze. From there you have the possibilities to admire massifs of Catinaccio (not famous Italian soccer catenaccio! it means: bolt, bar) and Latemar. Orchestra Mario will perform on his magic cello for seven days from July 17 to July 23 with an excellent orchestra Kremerata Baltica. The name orchestra takes from its founder, the fantastic Latvian violinist and conductor, Gidon Kremer, who primarily completed his ensemble from musicians of Baltic countries for whom a special part of the festival is booked in Madonna de Campiglio, called Brenta Special Week. For the lovers of fusion jazz and to give them great satisfaction there is a performance by the winner of twenty-two Grammy Awards, the famous pianist Chick Corea who will play with the banjo-virtuoso Bela Fleck. They will play at the 19th century Villa Welsperg in Primiero. The rich offer of the Trentino summer festival is not limited to pure music only. It includes important museums as Mart or Muse, the glory of the remains of Roman Emporium, medieval castles, Habsburg fortresses and routes of historical wars less than 30 kilometers from Trento. Italy was fractioned a long time ago and as a result Trentino was reunited with it as the last province just after WW I and paid a high price for it. The frontline was 350 km long and it is seen until today: trenches, fortifications, eighty Austro-Hungary forts that create the historical routes, routes to national unity. Route from Rovereto to mountain pass Paradiso (2.573 m.) where there is a deep tunnel with multimedia exhibition Sounds and Voices of The War in the Mountains. The exhibition calls for the need for peace as the huge Bell of the Peace in Roveto cast from the old shells. In Trentino the beauty of the forests, masterpiece of the nature harmonizes perfectly with masterpieces of human, discretely encrusted landscape but without any disturbance for our mother - nature (rather like interpretation of the nature ). First the plant gallery, which since 30 years has already and always changed under the impression of elements and passing time, is Arte a in Val de a. Around the impressive plantcathedral created by Giuliano Mauri there is a place for various art experiments - musical, ballet or theatrical. Its competitors are galeries Bosco Arte a in Val Giudicarie and Respirart under Alpe di Pampeago, one of the world s highest parks of art (2,000 m). The author Marco Nones invites us for meditation and observation of pieces of art changing under the pressure of nature as sun, snow and so on. In elegant Rovereto (less than 30 km from Trento) the Mart museum is one of the most important Italian museums of modern art with twenty-two thousand masterpieces from futurism to Artepovera. In Rovereto there is also the Mozart s Week in mid-september, like encore of the Trentino Festival. In contrast there are historical places after the Roman Emporium - 1,700 sq.m. of streets and shops under the surface of the Trento. Of course, plenty of paintings: except plenty of museums and galleries the amazing cycle of frescos from the fourteenth century on Castello del Buonoconsiglio and multimedia museums of The Mountaineers and ethnographic centre of their culture and tradition. The classical music from Baroque to contemporary masters, jazz, ethnic melodies, pop, and folk - the heritage of human art rounded by heritage of nature recognized as a treasure of humanity by UNESCO just one step from the heavens. Difficult not to be delighted... Maybe even happy!? Editor s Note: Cezary Owerkowicz is the chairman of the Kuwait Chamber of Philharmonia and talented pianist. He regularly organises concerts by well-known musicians for the benefit of music lovers and to widen the knowledge of music in Kuwait. His e- mail address is: yahoo.com and cowerkowicz@ hotmail.com Though small in size, this miniature house/portrait tells stories from Kuwait s past. Pioneers of Kuwait Early influences molded his character (KUNA -Ghazi Qafaf) Sheikh Fahad an ardent freedom fighter This is the second in a series of articles on Sheikh Fahad Al- Ahmed Al-Jaber Mubarak Al- Sabah ( ), a legendary figure and pioneer in the African- Asian sport movement, a poet, a writer and man of action. Editor By Lidia Qattan Special to the Arab Times In the fifties the oil revenues pouring into the country made possible large-scale innovations in every field of social, cultural and civic life. It was a decade of rapid changes transforming the face and the heart of the country through many factors: urbanization, advanced education, new ideas sipping from abroad and the flow of people of many nationalities and different cultures entering the country for work. Fast social changes of far reaching consequence were taking root in the country spurred by the fermentation of new ideas and a wider interaction with the outside world. To encourage young people to develop their potentials the government sponsored the birth of many cultural clubs and social organizations, sport clubs included. The appearance of the first daily newspapers in town in 1962, including two in English language, followed by a growing variety of monthly and weekly magazines enhanced intellectual freedom. The radio and television stations were also being developed with the aim of spurring a genuine enthusiasm in progressive ideas. As in all transitions the more alert individuals were at the vanguard of events taking advantage of opportunities that transformed their lives and the life of those they influenced. In the flare of innovations the simplicity and frugality of the old days rapidly faded away, a bright new form of culture was in the making with sport an important element in social life. Growing in such an atmosphere of rapid changes inevitably affected Sheikh Fahad Al Ahmad s outlook on life and special philosophy. From the beginning of the fifties, when Sheikh Fahad started his schooling several sport clubs were established in town, the first were click General Continued from Page 24 July Under the revamped Scheme, number of scholarships has been enhanced from 100 to 150 with introduction of 50 scholarships for children of Indian workers employed in the Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries. The Scheme is now applicable to four categories of applicants: (i) Persons of Indian Origin (ii) Non-Resident Indians (iii) Children of Indian workers working in ECR countries (including Kuwait). (iv) Children of Indian workers in Lidia Qattan Nadi Al-Jazira and Nadi Al-Ta auan in 1953, soon followed by Nadi Al Oruba, Nadi Al-Nahtha, and Nadi Al-Shark Al Riathy. All these clubs and those established later-on were supervised by the General Football Association founded in 1952 by the Education department. Passion Like many youngsters of his days Sheikh Fahad Al-Ahmad developed a passion for sports and culture in general influenced by his early family upbringing and by the healthy school atmosphere of his days. Besides his love of poetry and literature, he nurtured a strong admiration for the stage. Indeed whenever there was a new play in town he never missed it. If a particular play enticed him, he attends it repeatedly. Once in Cairo, Egypt he attended a play for seven consecutive nights, each time enjoying it with the same enthusiasm as on the first night. He was particularly fond of humorous and witty plots, especially those delving in social problems. This preference reveals his own mental inclination as a writer, giving his frank, often daring analytical opinion on politics and social issues. The same probing frankness was reflected in the poetry of his later days, for this reason he kept it for a narrow circle of friends. Sheikh Fahad Al-Ahmad firmly believed that culture and sports should coexist in the education system to influence a harmonious development of the personality. Indeed higher culture stimulates the flux and varying tension of the inner life of feelings, while sport is the projection of life in its most ardent emotional elements, detached from ordinary daily experience. He believed that the implicit and direct aim of education was to further the expansion of human life and ennoble the human spirit; for, the true purpose of education is to stimulate all the physical, mental and spiritual 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 was extended till Oct 14, Nodal officer for SPDC is P. Bharadwaj, Deputy Secretary (OIA- II), Ministry of External Affairs, Sheikh Fahad faculties into a self conscious and ever self-renewing activity, in order to create in the individual a realization of his vital relationship to the world and to society. He also believed that recreation was necessary, indeed it is an important part of life, hence he considered sport as the best tonic and the most effective means for building character, by overcoming laziness, bashfulness, cowardice, fear and selfishness, especially when made to yield physical strength, grace and moral stamina. Indeed, there is nothing more exhilarating than feeling vigorous with a clear healthy minded disposition! This belief was the secret of Sheikh Fahad s success as a pioneer and innovator in the world of sport, it enabled him to bring Kuwait on to a plane of recognition and prestige in the world of sport. The same belief prompted him to make feasible his long-standing dream of drawing the world of sport closer by the abridgement of friendship and mutual cooperation. Unfortunately his life was cutshort while he was in the process of accomplishing still greater things. Captivated Sheikh Fahad Al-Ahmad began his schooling at about the time the Palestinian issue became the nucleus of Arab struggle, flared by the rising star of Jamal Abdul Nasser, the Egyptian charismatic leader who captivated the heart and mind of people throughout the Arab world with his inflammatory speeches. When in 1956, Jamal announced New Delhi, Tel: , dsoia2@mea.gov.in Experience Science for Adults: Registration is now open for Experience 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. 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 TIES Center classes: TIES Center is conducting a series of classes about some of the Prophets and Messengers of God who strove very hard to spread monotheism and the nationalization of the Suez Canal, the declaration of war on Egypt by France, England and Israel unleashed such a widespread world criticism that made Jamal the hero of the Arab world and flared patriotic sentiments that electrified the masses, especially the young intellectuals and reactionaries who saw in him the martyr in the conflict. Sheikh Fahad Al-Ahmad was then eleven years old, the feeling and sentiments he experienced then remained indelible in his mind, making him an ardent freedom fighter. His sympathy for the Arab cause intensified, when in 1958 Egypt and Syria united to form the UAR confederation headed by Jamal Abdul Nasser, but when it was dissolved in 1961, it thwarted his expectation in Arab unity. Sheikh Fahad was yet more disappointed when, shortly after Kuwait became a sovereign independent state on the 19th of June 1961, Abdul Karim Qasim, the Iraqi dictator declared it an Iraqi province, and was threatening the Amir, Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem with reprisal if he did not obey. Sheikh Fahad Al-Ahmad was then a sixteen years old teenager eager for adventure and action. At once he joined the demonstrators who took to the street in a flare of heated emotion and patriotic feelings, enhanced by martial songs, born in the first hours of the Iraqi threat. Like his compatriots the young Sheikh got ready to defend his country, patrolling the streets of town at night and during the day with gun in hand till the crisis subsided. Such an experience and the lukewarm reaction of the Arab world in the cause of his country strongly affected his outlook on the Arab brotherhood! In the crisis while the British government that promptly sided with Kuwait, representing its cause before the United Nation s Security Council, and British forces were guarding the frontier, the Arabs were divided and protesting. Later their protesting was silenced by the clever political maneuver of the Amir, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem that made Kuwait part of the Arab League, and an Arab coalition army replaced the British troops. To be continued teach their respective peoples how to worship God. Their message was not only spiritual; they also taught people how to conduct their daily lives and develop the living conditions on earth. In this series, we will focus on the following prophets: Adam, Nouh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Ayoub (Job), Yousuf (Joseph), Mousa (Moses), and Eisa (Jesus) may peace, mercy and blessings of Allah (to Whom all might and majesty is ascribed) be upon them all. We will not only focus on historical facts, but will also deduce some important lessons whose application in our daily interactions and chores determine our success and salvation. Join us every Thursday at 7 pm to learn about the life and times of those messengers of firm resolve. The TIES Center is the social and educational hub for English Continued on Page 28

26 26 Group picture of Alsubaiei, AlMerri with recruits KFH holds training program for 25 new recruits Kuwait Finance House (KFH) inaugurated a training program for 25 new recruits in order to raise their bar, enrich their banking knowledge and put them on track to be well equipped and prepared to assume the responsibility of optimally serving customers. Deputy General Manager Sales and Distribution at KFH, Khaled Alsubaiei said that the training program was designed to prepare the employees to get fully functional in banking transactions and financial services at KFH branches to better serve clients and cater for their aspirations. He added that such training programs contribute in encountering any obstacles and challenges that face employees at work, yet raise their service level to the highest international standards of service quality. Moreover, Alsubaiei urged trainees for putting forth extra efforts, while striving towards pursuing leadership positions. Meanwhile, Amani AlMerri, an official at the National Labor Force Development Department at Manpower and Government Restructuring Program - MGRP praised KFH in recognition of its efforts in training the national labor through comprehensive training plans, hailing its commitment towards qualifying and honing the skills of its human resources. She expressed, on the sidelines of inaugurating the training program, her pride of Kuwaitis working at the private sector, affirming MGRP s support for the Kuwaiti nationals in collaboration and coordination with KFH and the private sector in general. It is worth noting that the 5-week program includes training courses and workshops on banking products, such as; banking cards, bank accounts, deposits, letters of guarantee, and KFH eservices. In addition, the program tackles subjects on sharia basics, counterfeiting and fraud, IT systems, etc. ALAFCO, KAC partnership heralded as a collaboration for nation s future Kuwait Airways welcomes 8th Boeing ER KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Kuwait Airways, the official national airline of the State of Kuwait, welcomed the eighth of the 10 Boeing ER aircraft it has on order to Kuwait International Airport, on 1st July. The eighth aircraft has been named Auhah after the small island situated 41km east of the Kuwaiti mainland. Following the recent partnership with ALAFCO, the Kuwait-based aircraft leasing company, the last four aircraft will now be financed as part of a sale-lease-back agreement, each on 12-year leases. According to Kuwait Airways Chairman, Sami Fahad Al-Rushaid, the leasing arrangement underlines a strategic decision to ensure the short and long-term financial stability of the airline. The Kuwait Airways - ALAFCO collaboration will have wide-ranging influence on the stable growth and development of Kuwait Airways. This partnership is not just a key milestone for the airline, but it is also one that promotes the future success of the nation as a whole. Ensure Since becoming chairman, in April, it has been a key priority to ensure the long-term financial stability of the airline. After conducting a review and doing our due diligence on the airline s aircraft acquisition strategy, the board of directors and I concluded that 12-year leases for the four remaining aircraft presents the best way to apportion the airline s exposure to risk and bring the airline back into profitability sooner, added Al-Rushaid. On board the latest edition to Kuwait Airways fleet, included KAC s technical team of engineers that s comprised of Kuwaiti nationals. The Boeing ER ( ER for Extended Range) is the second largest passenger aircraft in the skies today and boasts one of the longest ranges of any commercial passenger aircraft, at around 7,370 nautical miles (13,650 km). Kuwait Airways bespoke interior design offers a three-class cabin configuration: Royal, Business, and Economy. The latter is inclusive of a 54-seat Premium Economy section. The ER aircraft are the first to be painted in the airline s dynamic new livery, as revealed at the Boeing Factory, in Everett, Washington State, in October last year. Enjoy moments beyond the ordinary ABK Premium cardholders get exclusive offer from Platinum Health Club KUWAIT CITY, July 2: As part of ABK s Advantage Discount program, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) is presenting its ABK Premium cardholders with two exciting offers from Platinum Health Club, Ooredoo s Nojoom now offers more benefits KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Ooredoo, Kuwait s fastest network s newly revamped Nojoom rewards program offers its customers the best exclusive discounts. Accessible to all Ooredoo customers, the program offers members free upgrades, vouchers and discounts from a large variety of partners, ranging from service providers, retailers and hotels, and airline companies. In addition, customers use their Nojoom points to buy products from the Nojoom Online Rewards Store. Ooredoo is committed to providing customers with a comprehensive experience that enriches their life and meets their expectations. Ooredoo has carefully selected partners for our Nojoom program to ensure that all Ooredoo customers, no matter what their needs are, get a rewarding experience. Established in 2012, the Nojoom Rewards Program is now revamped to match the Kuwaiti lifestyle, which is modern and youthful and is on the which is valid until December The offer presented to ABK s Premium cardholders entails a 20 percent discount when signing up for a 3 month, 6 month and annual membership at Platinum Health Club, in A photo from the event. New Boeing ER aircraft same pace of the international trends. Nojoom has been awarded the best loyalty program in the Middle East and Africa for three consecutive years in 2012, 2013, and Partners The Nojoom program has a wide array of partners which boasts Alshaya, X-Cite, Al Oula Gas Stations, IKEA and many other partners that will suit the lifestyle needs of Ooredoo customers. Ooredoo intends to increase the number of partners in the future to ensure that all customers have a rewarding experience that matches their needs. The revamped Nojoom rewards program has many new benefits which include transferring Nojoom points to friends and family, donate Nojoom points for charitable causes, and redemption for partners voucher which are readily accessible through nojoom. ooredoo.com.kw or the My Ooredoo app. addition to a free massage session when signing up for the Platinum subscription at select locations. In order to benefit from this offer, ABK Cardholders are required to make their payments using their Nukhba Members of Nukhba, Ooredoo s VIP plan, get enrolled automatically in the Nukhba tier of the Nojoom Rewards Program. Nukhba members get special rewards for all the points accrued for every KD spent on using Ooredoo s services. The points can then be redeemed with vouchers from any of Ooredoo s partners, which include prominent retailers, hotels, airline companies, spas, restaurants and many more premium service providers. It is worth mentioning that all of Ooredoo s Nukhba clients are taken care of with a designated account manager, a special hotline (110) to answer any of their queries around the clock, and are always kept up to date with future packages and products before they are released in the market. This is in addition to the customary Ooredoo benefits such as unlimited minutes, contract freeze, and easy transfer of contract ownership for customers convenience. Promotion runs until Aug 5 X-cite launches 2017 travel season offers on electronics and gadgets KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Ahead of the summer vacation, X-cite by Alghanim Electronics, Kuwait s largest electronic retailer launches its annual summer promotions on travel products that include a selection of cameras, mobile phones, chargers, tablets, drones and accessories, enabling travelers to pick up the ideal travel essentials to preserve great memories with families and friends. The promotion, which runs from June 22 to Aug 5, comprises the latest electronics and gadgets in the market, including the latest and most advanced mobiles phones in the market such as the LG G6, Samsung S8/ S8+, HTC U11 and Lenovo P10/P10+ ensuring your mobile lasts the trip. Travel is never complete without great memories that you can preserve a lifetime with the Sony RX100V and the extreme-sports camera, the Go Pro Hero 5 Black. Get ready to pack your bags with X-cite s travel products and amazing deals including the American Tourister travel bags, and all-in-one cases that will ensure your items are well preserved throughout your travels. Visit any of their 19 showrooms spread across Kuwait. You can also shop without leaving the comfort of your home with X-cite s free-todownload app as well as the store s official website Customers can also enjoy many of ABK cards, namely Visa Infinite, Visa Signature or Prestige Salary Account cards. ABK s Advantage Discount Program aims to offer its customers unique and exclusive offers through various partnerships, which offer value added services and enrich the overall banking experience with ABK. For more information about ABK please visit eahli.com or contact an ABK customer service agent via Ahlan Ahli at X-cite s convenient services including Easy Credit, shopping at any of X- cite s select stores that are open 24/7, extended and accidental warranty programs; in addition to the free delivery and installation services. X-cite also provides its customers with a fullfledged service center that operates six days a week, and a professional field technician team. To stay updated on the latest product launches, monthly promotions and offers, customers are invited to subscribe to the daily newsletter on xcite.com, follow X-cite s social media channels on Instagram, Twitter and or Facebook, XcitebyAlghanim, or visit their online store Al-Tijari reveals Al-Najma Q2 and daily draw winners KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held the mega draw for the 2nd quarter and the daily draw on July 2, The draws were held under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry represented by Abdulaziz Ashkanani. The winner of the mega draw of KD 150,000 is Shaikh Ghousia Begum The winners of the Al Najma daily draw are: Naseeb Mohammad Naseeb Taleb, KD 7,000; Mansour Ahmed Abdulla Bourkhan, KD 7,000. Al Najma awards are now brighter and bigger than ever. With the revamped Al Najma account, all your dreams will be turned to reality. On top of offering the highest daily prize in Kuwait for KD 7,000, now our Mega prize draws got bigger to reach KD 250,000. The new prizes scheme for Al Najma account. Daily draw to win KD 7,000. Quarterly draws to win great prizes that would start from KD 100,000 to KD 250,000. 1st quarter, KD 100,000; 2nd quarter, KD 150,000; 3rd quarter, KD 200,000; 4th quarter, KD 250,000. With Al Najma you have more chances to win greater prizes Each KD 25 kept in your account gives you one chance to win Each KD 25 kept in your account for one week will give you a chance to enter the daily draw. Each KD 25 kept in your account for 3 months will give you chance to enter the quarterly draw. Additional features: ATM card, Issue a credit card against your account, Obtain all CBK banking services. You deserve to win! Open an account now with just KD 500 and you will enter all draws. Burgan Bank names Yawmi draw winners KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Burgan Bank, the second largest in terms of assets, announced Sunday, the names of the daily draw winners of its Yawmi account draw, each taking home a cash-prize of KD 5,000. The lucky winners are: 1. Abdulla Hassan Al-Abad; 2. Zafar Iqbal Mirza. In addition to the daily draw, Burgan Bank also offers a Quarterly Draw with more chances to win higher rewards, offering the chance to one lucky customer to win KD 125,000 every three months. The Yawmi Account offers Daily and Quarterly Draws, wherein the Quarterly Draw requires customers to maintain a minimum amount of KD 500 in their account for two months prior to the draw date. Additionally, every KD 10 in the account will entitle customers to one chance of winning. If the account balance is KD 500 and above, the account holder will be qualified for both the quarterly and daily draws. Burgan Bank encourages everyone to open a Yawmi account and/ or increase their deposit to maximize their chances of becoming a winner. The higher the level of the deposit, the higher the likelihood to win. For more information on opening a Yawmi account, the new quarterly draw or on any of the bank s products and services, customers are urged to visit their nearest Burgan Bank branch, or simply call the bank s Call Center at Customers can also log on to Burgan Bank s for further information.

27 27 h o r o s c o p e By Jacqueline Bigar Happy birthday for Monday, July 3, 2017: This year you have the creativity, drive and energy to manifest more of what you want. You possess an innate charm that draws others to you, no matter where you are. If you are single, sometime after summer you could meet someone who feels right for you. Take your time getting to know this person before you commit. If you are attached, you and your sweetie enter a very romantic period once fall arrives, and you ll act as if you are new lovers. The intensity between you will be noticeable to those around you. SCORPIO understands you very well. 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) ***** Zero in on your priorities in a meeting. Others have heard your opinions, but have you really internalized their message? Recognize that you are not the only one with great ideas. Be more open, and acknowledge what others opt to share. Tonight: Don t head directly home. Aquarius - (Jan 20 - Feb 18) **** You need to take charge and find out what is happening between you and someone else. Your sense of humor emerges when dealing with a situation involving a key person in your day-to-day life. Pressure remains high to perform well. Tonight: A must appearance. Pisces - (Feb 19 - Mar 20) ***** You cannot deny the role of your intuition. Some of you might feel as if you are practically psychic. Honor your feelings, whether they pertain to a relationship, travel or your in-laws. You don t need to let others know where you are coming from. Tonight: Out and about. Aries - (Mar 21 - Apr 19) **** Take an in-depth look at a domestic issue or a real-estate matter. Knowing how to invest your time and money requires more information. Touch base with an expert, especially if your intuition seems to be holding up a warning flag. Tonight: Visit with a close loved one. Taurus - (Apr 20 - May 20) ***** Others are likely to reveal more of themselves than they have in a while. Touch base with an artistic friend. Make plans to get together with this person as soon as possible, as the experience of being with him or her is always different and exciting. Tonight: Go along with a suggestion. Gemini - (May 21 - June 20) *** Pace yourself. A boss can be inspirational and full of ideas, but you might not be receiving his or her message clearly. Perhaps you are on a different track and unable to hear this person s words in the spirit in which they were intended. Tonight: Run some errands on the way home. Cancer - (June 21 - July 22) **** You could be going through a problem that, up until now, has not been easily resolvable. Open up a discussion, and listen to someone who wants to play devil s advocate and brainstorm with you. This person will help you get past a self-imposed barrier. Tonight: Be creative. Leo - (July 23 - Aug 22) *** Your instincts play a key role in your choices and actions. Honor your priorities, and also your values; both demand your attention. You can integrate them more easily than you realize. A discussion needs to be kept between the parties involved. Tonight: Happiest at home. Virgo - (Aug 23 - Sept 22): **** Defer to someone who is very important to you, and go along with his or her wishes. You often question how grounded this person is, but today is different. At this moment in time, you are receptive to his or her ideas and positivity. Tonight: Hang out at a favorite place. Libra - (Sept 23 - Oct 22) **** Reach out to someone who is better at handling money than you are. The issue might be that you tend to go overboard. Know when to say enough is enough. Listening to others ideas does not mean that you have to agree with them. Tonight: Buy a favorite treat on the way home. Scorpio - (Oct 23 - Nov 21) ***** You remain actively involved in a creative project. Listen well, and try not to skip right over any comments. Take in the whole conversation. You are likely to remain more upbeat than anyone else. Others will respond to your positive energy. Tonight: Do what you want. Sagittarius - (Nov 22 - Dec 21) **** You feel more creative and open with one specific person than you have in a while. Keep some of your thoughts and opinions to yourself for now. You are coming out of a period of being somewhat withdrawn, and you ll need to take your time. Tonight: Keep a secret hush-hush. Born today: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (1971), author Franz Kafka (1883), actress Olivia Munn (1980) home decor indoor gardening beauty tips taste buds see it through sansevieria black gold crunch on vegetables french toast corners Any time you can unblock the sightlines and let the eye naturally see through the entire space, you make it seem larger. In the case of this itty-bitty bathroom, the owners eliminated congestion: A glass shower door is an invisible barrier. The pedestal sink takes up little real estate. The window has an adjustable shade, so you can see beyond the wall when you don t need privacy. Even the storage containers on the shelves are transparent. Dear Abby The upright, spikey nature of the plant suits many minimalistic interiors. Sansevieria is an erect plant with long, leathery, sword-shaped leaves emerging in clumps from underground rhizomes. The Sansevieria Black Gold is one of approximately seventy species of Sansevieria, all of which are evergreen perennials native to the semi-deserts of southern and western Africa. The leaf fibres can be used to make ropes and the bowstrings of musical instruments. Sansevieria is named after an Austrian prince of Sanseriero. It was introduced to Europe in the late seventeenth century. Crunchy vegetables such as raw celery and carrots, and crispy fruits like raw apples and pears are naturally abrasive, which means they ll polish your teeth and remove stains from your tooth enamel - and they ll do it without harming or eroding enamel, the outermost layer of a tooth. Ingredients: 6 slices white bread, 2 eggs, 2/3 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon butter. Directions: Cut each slice of bread twice diagonally to make each slice into 4 triangles. Beat together eggs, milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Dip the bread slices into egg mixture. Heat butter over medium-high heat in a frying pan or skillet. Cook bread until golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite topping. No room for mother and bf in woman s life By Abigail Van Buren Dear Abby: I was in a relationship for 12 years. Jenny was my best friend. I had to end our relationship because she had allowed her mother to destroy it. Jenny is 35 and her mother cooks, cleans, does her laundry and makes her bed for her. I would return from work and find her mother sleeping next to her in bed every day. It seemed to me to be her way of putting a wedge in between us. If we went to a concert, we had to buy three tickets because Jenny always had to bring her mother. When I would ask Jenny out to dinner, she would say, Can Mom come? Is this normal? If we had an argument, her mother would get involved and it would become two against one, and I would always be in the wrong. Nothing I did was right. Since we broke up, Jenny doesn t Abigail Van Buren speak to me. I lost my best friend, and I don t know what to do. Three s too much company Dear too much company: Jenny s primary relationship was and probably forever will be with her mother. You may have felt that Jenny was your best friend, but Jenny s best friend is her mother a bond that her mother works very hard to keep intact. Accept it, expand your social circle and move on. That s all you can do because Jenny is taken. Dear Abby: I hope you will let me unload on you. I lost my much-loved cat a year ago and would like to get another pet, but I cannot afford it. Having been in business, there are some costs I can understand, such as vet care, grooming and kennel fees if a trip is planned. But the pharmaceutical prices are simply unaffordable, with vaccinations, flea medicine and meds when the pet is sick not to mention end-of-life care. I cannot put a pet down just because it is old. I am elderly and, while not rich, I do get by. But I cannot afford pet insurance, either. I am a widow, and a pet would be a great comfort to me. Any ideas? Mona in Yuba City, Calif. Dear Mona: Have you considered fostering a cat while an animal rescue group finds a permanent home for it? Contact some in your area and ask whether they cover the cost of veterinary expenses while the cat is staying with you. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that they do. Also, contact a no-kill shelter and inquire if it s possible to foster a pet or to volunteer there. In addition to the gratification you will get from having a furry houseguest, you will be doing the kitty a huge favor. Dear Abby: I am 64 and my live-in fiance is 73. He has no retirement or savings. He has a winter job he loves and works occasionally in the summer. We will not marry so we can keep our finances separate, and he has contributed onefifth toward my home. My problem is he wants to go out to dinner all the time. I suggest that we eat at home to save money, which is also more healthy. We have upcoming roof and boiler expenses that he won t be able to contribute to. Any suggestions? Money management in Colorado Dear M.M.: Just this. Point out to your fiance that because of the upcoming maintenance expenses, eating out as often as he wants is more than you can manage, and tell him that if he wants to eat out, he will be the one paying for it. Summer is here now, and he should arrange his work schedule so he can afford it. 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) A flyer of the event. what s on today emergency Site for checking travel ban TIES Center events: TIES Center announces following events Tajweed and Recitation: Learn and practice the art of reciting the Holy Quran (tajweed). The instructor will also answer questions related to the meaning of the Arabic words and verses. Every Sunday & 10 11:30am; every 5-6:30pm. The TIES Center is the social and educational hub for English Speaking expats in Kuwait. For more information, please call or info@tiescenter.net or visit Football coaching workshops: Interested in Coaching/professional development? This weekend Everton Academy, Bayan will be welcoming three top coaches from Glasgow Celtic F.C., the Scottish Premier League Champions, including their International Academy Manager, Tony Massie. They will be delivering a certifi ed Celtic Coach Education program on Saturday, 6-8pm, Sunday, 6-8pm and Monday, pm. Certifi cates will only be awarded to coaches attending all 3 sessions. Places are limited - register at Bayan office any evening 5-8pm. El Shaddai weekly fellowship: The El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI Kuwait Chapter invites all the Filipino in our weekly fellowship. Every Monday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm St Joseph Hall (Basement), Holy Family Cathedral, Kuwait City. Every Friday (except 1st Friday), 12:30 pm to 4 pm, Sacred Heart Hall, Holy Family Cathedral, Kuwait City. For more information please call any of the following nos: , , , , and BBBC weekly services: Bible Believers Baptist Church (BBBC) in Mangaf invites you to visit us for our weekly services in English. Friday morning Bible teaching starts at 10:30 am. The Sermon and Children s Church begins at noon. On Monday evening we hold our prayer meeting and Bible study at 7 pm. For more details, please call or faithful.stewards@ gmail.com Enlightenment into Islam course: Enlightenment into Islam would like to announce the courses on Tawhid is Salvation And Shirk is Destruction. Every Monday from 5 7 pm in Qurtuba. For details contact: , , fa-tanweer@hotmail.com. KTCC activities: Worship service every Wednesday 7:00-9:00 pm at North Tent, NECK. Children s Bible School every Wednesday 7 to 9 pm at Activity Building, NECK. Overnight prayer every 1st Thursday from 10 pm 4:00 am at Diwaniya, NECK. Communion Service every 3rd Wednesday. The Following meeting are held at our KTCC Prayer House: 1) Children Bible School Teacher s Prayer 1st Saturday 7 to 9 pm. 2) Children s Prayer 2nd Friday 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. 3) Bible Study every 2nd and 4th Sunday at 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. 4) ISOM Batch 1 Class Tuesdays 7 to 9 pm and Batch 2 Class Fridays 4 to 6 pm. 5) Choir Practice Mondays 6 to 8 pm. 6) Men s Fellowship 4th Friday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A flyer of the event. number 112 Civil ID info: Items for the What s On page can be sent directly to the Arab Times, P.O. Box 2270, 13023, Safat or faxed to or to arabtimes@ arabtimesonline.com. All items on this page are published as a courtesy to the public. These announcements can include birthday greetings, weddings, social functions or any other non-commercial events. Photographs of all events are welcome. 7) Women s Prayer (Abbasiya) 3rd Sunday 6:30 to 8:30 pm and (Salmiya) 4th Tuesday 6:30 to 8:30 pm. 8) Fasting Prayer every 3rd Friday from 12:00 Noon 3:30 pm. 9) Cottage Prayers every 2nd and 4th Week. 10) Baptism Service every 4th Friday. Welcome to all Tamil known people to participate in our regular activities to worship the Lord in our own mother tongue and be blessed! For details or for any prayer needs contact Tel No: /

28 28 Couch slouch Carmichael Show ending Mahershala Ali in early talks to join HBO s True Detective LOS ANGELES, July 2, (RTRS): Mahershala Ali is in talks to star in the third season of True Detective at HBO, Variety has confirmed with sources. While discussions are underway with the Oscar winner, Ali s deal is not in place plus, True Detective technically has not been greenlit for Season 3, though sources close to the network say the third season is happening. Plot details for the third season are being kept under wraps, so no word on the character Ali will be playing. Should Ali officially sign on as first reported by Tracking Board his starring role will follow A-listers on True Detective including Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson for the first season, and Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams and Taylor Kitsch in for the second season. Ali would be the first African-American lead in the HBO series. While True Detective hasn t been renewed for a third season, it s likely the anthology s official order is contingent on the cast, along with the quality of the script, so Mahershala s deal closing will surely speed up the process. After a stellar first season and then a rocky second season, HBO recruited Deadwood s David Milch to collaborate with True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto on the third installment. Pizzolatto was said to have settled on a concept for Season 3 earlier this year, and began working on scripts in March. Following poor critical response for the second installment, insiders said HBO had been looking to make a change in the way the show is run and presented Pizzolatto with a number of options, including working with a staff of writers and having a new showrunner come on board. The second season struggle is what has stalled an official greenlight for Season 3. For Ali, the series marks a return to television for the breakout movie star who won an Oscar for Moonlight this year, becoming the first Muslim actor to take home an Academy Award. His TV credits include prominent roles in Netflix s Luke Cage and House of Cards, among others. He is repped by WME. The Carmichael Show is ending after three seasons, as its star and creator Jerrod Carmichael has opted to exit to series, Variety has learned. For three seasons (okay 2.5), I got to make a show that I love with my friends, Carmichael said in a statement released to Variety. It s something I ve wanted to do since I was 13. Now, I m excited to go make other things that I love. Thank you to every person who worked on or watched the Carmichael show. We are enormously proud of The Carmichael Show and Jerrod s talent and vision to do a classic family sitcom that also taps into issues and relevant stories from the real world. We thank and salute the cast, crew, and producers and especially Jerrod for three critically-acclaimed seasons, said NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt and NBC entertainment president, Jennifer Salke. 20th Century Fox Television presidents, Jonnie Davis and Howard Kurtzman, said: The Carmichael Show was such a wonderful show that we choose to focus today not on its loss but on the three incredible seasons we had the pleasure to produce. We are thankful to the brilliant Jerrod Carmichael and his talented cast, and to showrunner Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, our fantastic writers and devoted production team. It s a rarity that a comedy series tackles the social and political issues of the day in such a clever and hilariously funny way. This show was special, and we will miss it. The Carmichael Show was co-created by Carmichael, Ari Katcher, Willie Hunter and Nicholas Stoller. Carmichael starred alongside Amber Stevens West, Lil Rel Howery, Tiffany Haddish, Loretta Devine and David Alan Grier. The family sitcom debuted in summer 2015 and is currently in the midst of its third season. The six-episode first season averaged a 1.0 rating in adults and 4.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen Live+Same Day data. Season 2, which was 13 episodes, averaged a 0.9 and 4.2 million. Season 3 is currently averaging a 0.8 and 3.7 million. The Carmichael Show has been criticallypraised for its inclusion of topics such as racism, rape, Black Lives Matter and Bill Cosby s scandal, which enabled the show to stand out from other typical broadcast comedies. The show also aired an unedited episode with the N-word this season. Variety TV critic Maureen Ryan wrote, The Carmichael Show is an NBC comedy you should be watching. Stars Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park have departed CBS Hawaii Five-0. Their characters, Chin Ho Kelly and Kono Kalakaua, will not appear in the upcoming eighth season. The characters absence will be referenced in the season premiere. Sources tell Variety that Park and Kim had been seeking pay equality with stars Alex O Loughlin and Scott Caan, but were unable to reach satisfactory deals with CBS Television Studios, which produces the series. Kim and Park were believed to be making 10-15% less than O Loughlin and Caan. I will never forget meeting Daniel while still writing the pilot and being certain there was no other actor who I d want to play Chin Ho Kelly, said executive producer Peter Lenkov. Needless to say, Daniel has been an instrumental part of the success of Hawaii Five-0 over the past 7 seasons and it has personally been a privilege to know him. Grace s presence gave Hawaii Five-0 a beauty and serenity to each episode. She was the consummate collaborator, helping build her character from day 1. They will always be ohana to us, we will miss them and we wish them both all the best. A CBS spokesperson said in a statement: We are so appreciative of Daniel and Grace s enormous talents, professional excellence and the aloha spirit they brought to each and every one of our 168 episodes. They ve helped us build an exciting new Hawaii Five-0, and we wish them all the best and much success in their next chapters. Mahalo and a hui hou... Kim and Park have both been cast members on Hawaii Five-O alongside O Loughlin and Caan since CBS premiered a rebooted version of the classic television cop show in click General Continued from Page 25 Speaking Muslims in Kuwait. For more information, please call or info@tiescenter.net or visit net. IMA summer classes: Indian Muslim Association (IMA) announces its much awaited Summer Islamic classes this year immediately after Eid ul Fitr. A flyer of the event. The classes were launched in 1994 when it was widely felt by the parents that there was a need to impart fuller knowledge to students when compared to that imparted in their regular schools This year IMA (Indian Muslim Association, Kuwait) with the coordination of IPC, opens the doors of its well-known 2-month long, Summer Islamic Classes program to students in Kuwait from LKG up to 12th standard. Offering a syllabus with a wide range of Islamic subjects such as Quran reading/understanding/ memorization, Prophet s Life and Day to day Jurisprudence. Apart from this, teachers work on Personality Development of the students and also engage them in various activities including field visits. Competitions are held on Islamic Quiz, Recitation of Quran and Elocution Date: July 1 to Aug 24; Timings: 4:00 to 6:30 pm; Venue: Indian Community School, Junior Branch; Salmiya, Kuwait. Scrabble sessions are back: Scrabble sessions are back for all to come, learn and play with us at Better Books, Salmiyah, Bldg 19, next to Badur Travel, opposite the Ministry of Private Education, on Friday afternoons from 2:30-5:30 pm. Inviting all kids aged 8 and above to join me and play competitively with me Rohaina. Classes are held every Saturday from pm. Bknelled, Euphuize, Waqf, Zooeae are some of the lovely words and there are 200,000 more you can learn with us. But the fun part is playing this wonderful game competitively. So come and see us and call Rohaina Tanweer. tv highlights Cinema Cinema programme from Thursday 29/06/2017 to Wednesday 05/07/2017 The Mummy Sharqia 1 11:45 (No Fri) 22:30, 00:45 Muhalab 1 16:30, 21:30 Fanar 1 16:30, 21:45 Fanar 5 12:30 (No Fri) 14:45, 00:30 Marina 2 11:30 (No Fri) 16:15 Marina 3 22:45, 01:00 Avenues 2 22:15 Avenues 5 16:45, 00:45 Avenues 6 11:30 (No Fri) 16:30, 18:45, 21:15, 23:30 Avenues 11 01: : :00, 22:45, 01: :15 (No Fri) 15:30, 17:45, 20:00, 22:15, 00: :45, 00:45 Al-Kout 2 00:05 Al-Kout 3 Bairaq 1 01:00 Bairaq 2 16:30 Laila 22:30 11:30 (No Fri) 16:45, 22:00 Tubelight (Hindi Film) Sharqia 1 14:00, 19:45 Muhalab 1 13:45, 18:45 Fanar 2 13:45 Fanar 3 21:30, 00:30 Avenues 1 13:00 (No Fri) 15:45, 18:30, 21:15, 00:05 Avenues 5 14:00, 19:00 Avenues 10 15: : :00 (No Fri) 14:45, 17:45, 20:45, 23: :45 (No Fri) 15: :15 (No Fri) 17:15 Bairaq 2 13:45, 18:45 Plaza 16:00, 18:45, 21:45 Ajial 1 16:15, 19:00, 21:45 Ajial 3 15:30, 18:15, 21:00 Transformers: The Last Knight Sharqia 1 16:45 Muhalab 1 23:45 Fanar 1 13:30, 18:45, 00:05 Marina 1 23:45 Marina 2 21:15 Avenues 9 12:30 (No Fri) 15:30, 21:30, 00: :30 (No Fri) 14:30, 17:30, 20:30, 23: :30 (No Fri) 15:30, 18:30, 21:30, 00:30 Al-Kout 3 13:45, 19:00, 00:15 Despicable Me 3 Sharqia 2 12:00 (No Fri) 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00 Muhalab 3 11:30 (No Fri) 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30 Fanar 1 11:30 (No Fri) Fanar 4 12:00 (No Fri) 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00 Marina 3 12:45 (No Fri) 14:45, 16:45, 18:45, 20:45 Avenues 2 11:30 (No Fri) 13:30, 15:30, 17:30 Avenues 4 12:45 (No Fri) 19:30 Avenues 8 11:45 (No Fri) 13:45, 15:45, 17:45, 19:45, 21:45 Avenues 11 12:30 (No Fri) 14:30, 16:30, 18:30, 20: :30 (No Fri) 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30, 21:30, 23: :00, 18: :45 (Thu, Sat) 14:45, 16:45, 18: :45 (No Fri) 13:45, 15:45, 20:00 Al-Kout 1 Bairaq 1 11:45 (No Fri) 13:45, 15:45, 17:45, 19:45 13:00 (No Fri) 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00, 23:00 Bairaq 2 11:45 (No Fri) Laila 18:30 Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Sharqia 2 22:00, 00:45 Sharqia 3 17:00 Muhalab 3 21:30, 00:15 Fanar 3 13:30, 16:15, 18:45 Fanar 4 22:00, 00:45 Marina 2 13:45, 18:30, 00:15 Avenues 2 19:30, 00:30 Avenues 5 Avenues 6 13:45 Avenues 7 21:30 Avenues 8 23:45 Avenues 9 18:30 Avenues 11 22: : : :00 11:30 (No Fri) 22: :15 (No Fri) 15:15, 18:15, 21:00, 23: :00 Al-Kout 1 21:45, 00:30 Al-Kout 2 15:45 Al-Kout 4 13:30 Bairaq 2 21:30, 00:15 Laila 15:45 Tisbah Ala Khair (Arabic Film) Sharqia 3 12:30 (No Fri) 15:00, 19:45, 00:30 Muhalab 1 11:45 (No Fri) Muhalab 2 12:30 (No Fri) 17:15, 22:00 Fanar 2 11:45 (No Fri) 16:30, 18:30, 20:30, 22:30, 00:45 Marina 1 12:15 (No Fri) Avenues 3 17:00, 21:45 12:00 (No Fri) 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00, 00:05 Avenues 4 17:30, 00: :15, 20:15, 22:15, 00: :00 (No Fri) 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00, 23:00, 01: :30 (No Fri) 20:45, 22:45 Al-Kout 2 Al-Kout 4 Bairaq 3 Laila 20:30 How to find us 13:45 (Fri) 11:30 (No Fri) 16:30, 18:45, 20:45, 22:45, 00:45 13:15 (No Fri) 18:00, 22:45, 00:45 Khammis & Jumma (Horoob Ejbary) Arabic Film Sharqia 3 21:45 Muhalab 2 14:30, 19:15, 00:05 Fanar 5 19:00, 21:45 Marina 1 14:15, 19:00 Avenues 4 14:45, 21:30 Avenues 10 12:15 (No Fri) 18:00, 20:45, 23: :00 (No Fri) 15: :30, 19:15, 22:00, 00: : :45, 23: 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 IMAX Opp Holiday Inn, Salmiya, Gulf Road 14. Grand Al-Hamra Grand Al-Hamra, tel: , cinemas.com 15. Grand Gate Grand Gate, tel: , Al-Kout 2 13:00 (No Fri) 18:30, 21:15 Bairaq 3 15:15, 20:00 Mr Frog Fanar 3 11:30 (No Fri) Fanar 5 17:00 Avenues 7 13:30, 17: :30, 20:30 Overdrive Avenues 7 11:30 (No Fri) 15:30, 19:30, 00: :00 (Thu, Sat) 15:00 (Thu, Fri, Sat) 17:00 (No Mon) 19:00, 21:00, 23:00, 01: :30 (No Fri) Puthan Panam (Malayalam Film) Ajial 2 15:30, 18:30 Anbanavan Asarathavan Adangathavan (Tamil Film) Ajial 2 21:30 Vanamagan (Tamil Film) Ajial 4 15:45 Duvvada Jagannadham (DJ) (Telugu Film) Ajial 4 18:30 Lakshyam (Malayalam Film) Ajial 4 21:15 IMAX Imax film programme at The Scientific Center Sunday Showtime Available for Groups 09:30 am Flying Monsters 3D 10:30 am 07:30 pm A Beautiful Planet 3D 11:30 am 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 12:30 pm Humpback Whales 3D 05:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 08:30 pm Monday Showtime Available for Groups 09:30 am A Beautiful Planet 3D 10:30 am 05:30 pm, 07:30 pm Humpback Whales 3D 11:30 am 09:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 12:30 pm, 06:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 08:30 pm Tuesday Showtime Available for Groups 09:30 am Journey to Space 3D 10:30 am 04:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 11:30 am 09:30 pm A Beautiful Planet 3D 12:30 pm, 02:30 pm, 05:30 pm, 08:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 01:30 pm Humpback Whales 3D 03:30 pm, 06:30 pm Secret Ocean 3D 07:30 pm Wednesday Showtime Available for Groups 09:30 am Flying Monsters 3D 10:30 am 05:30 pm A Beautiful Planet 3D 11:30 am 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm Humpback Whales 3D 12:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 07:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 08:30 pm Thursday Showtime Available for Groups 09:30 am A Beautiful Planet 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 Humpback Whales 3D 08:30 pm Friday A Beautiful Planet 3D 02:30 pm, 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 03:30 pm Humpback Whales 3D 04:30 pm Secret Ocean 3D 05:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 07:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 08:30 pm Saturday Showtime Available for Groups 09:30 am Flying Monsters 3D 10:30 am 05:30 pm, 07:30 pm A Beautiful Planet 3D 11:30 am 03:30 pm, 08:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 12:30 pm, 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm Humpback Whales 3D 01:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 02:30 pm Secret Ocean 3D 04:30 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 Experts manipulate signaling molecules Scientists find mechanism to control cell migration KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Johns Hopkins researchers report they have uncovered a mechanism in amoebae that rapidly changes the way cells migrate by resetting their sensitivity to the naturally occurring internal signaling events that drive such movement. The finding, described in a report published online March 28 in Nature Cell Biology, demonstrates that the migratory behavior of cells may be less hardwired than previously thought, the researchers say, and advances the future possibility of finding ways to manipulate and control some deadly forms of cell migration, including cancer metastasis. In different tissues inside the body, cells adopt different ways to migrate, based on their genetic profile and environment, says Yuchuan Miao, a graduate student at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and lead author of the study. This gives them better efficiency to perform specific tasks. For example, white blood cells rhythmically extend small protrusions that allow them to squeeze through blood vessels, whereas skin cells glide, like moving fans, to close wounds. Cancer On the other hand, Miao notes, uncontrolled cell migration contributes to diseases, including cancer and atherosclerosis, the two leading causes of death in the United States. The migration of tumor cells to distant sites in the body, or metastasis, is what kills most cancer patients, and defective white blood cell migration causes atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, which affects 54 million Americans and costs more than $125 billion annually in medical expenditures and lost earnings. Because cells migrate in different ways, many drugs already designed to prevent migration work only narrowly and are rarely more than mildly effective, fueling the search for Photo credit: Tim Phelps/Johns Hopkins University Researchers have found a way to tweak cells movement patterns to resemble those of other cell types. new strategies to control migratory switches and treat migration-related diseases, according to senior author Peter Devreotes, PhD, a professor and director of the Department of Cell Biology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine s Institute for Basic Biomedical Research. People have thought that cells are typed by the way they look and migrate; our work shows that we can change the cell s migrating mode within minutes, adds Devreotes. For the new study, Devreotes and his team focused on how chemical signaling molecules activate the motility machinery to generate protrusions, cellular feet that are a first step in migration. To do this, they engineered a strain of Dictyostelium discoideum, an amoeba that can move itself around in a manner similar to white blood cells. The engineered amoebae responded to the chemical rapamycin by rapidly moving the enzyme Inp54p to the cell surface, where it disrupted the signaling network. The cells also contained fluorescent proteins, or markers, that lit up and showed researchers when and where signaling molecules were at work. Experiments showed that the engineered cells changed their migration behavior within minutes of Inp54p recruitment. Some cells, DR Congo declares end of Ebola outbreak Yemen s cholera death toll rises to 1,500: WHO ADEN, July 2, (RTRS): The death toll from a major cholera outbreak in Yemen has risen to 1,500, Nevio Zagaria, the World Health Organization s (WHO) representative in Yemen, said on Saturday, and appealed for more help to put an end to the epidemic. Yemen has been devastated by a 27-month war between a Saudi-led coalition and the armed Iran-aligned Houthi group, making it a breeding ground for the disease, which spreads by faeces getting into food or water and thrives in places with poor sanitation. Speaking at a joint news conference with representatives of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank, Zagaria said that had been some 246,000 suspected cases in the period to June 30. The WHO said this week that the outbreak had reached the halfway mark at 218,798 cases as a massive emergency response has begun to curb its spread two months into the epidemic. Although most of Yemen s health infrastructure has broken down and health workers have not been paid for more than six months, the WHO is paying incentives to doctors, nurses, cleaners and paramedics to staff an emergency cholera network. With funding help from the World Bank, the WHO is setting up treatment centres with beds each, overseen by shifts of about 14 staff working around the clock. The aim is to reach 5,000 beds in total. Democratic Republic of Congo declared its two-month Ebola outbreak officially over on Saturday after 42 days without recording a new case of the disease. which the researchers termed oscillators, first extended protrusions all around the cell margins and then suddenly pulled them back again, moving in short spurts before repeating the cycle. Fluorescent markers showed that these cycles corresponded to alternating periods of total activation and inactivation, in contrast to the small bursts of activity seen in normal cells. Other cells began to glide as fans, with a broad zone of protrusions marked by persistent signaling activity. Devreotes describes the signaling behavior The outbreak in Congo s remote northeastern forests, a record eighth for the country where the disease was first discovered in 1976, killed four out of the eight people infected, Health Minister Oly Ilunga said in a statement. I declare on this day, at midnight, the end of the outbreak of the hemorrhagic fever of the Ebola virus in DRC, Ilunga said. Congolese health authorities approved the use of a new experimental vaccine but ultimately declined to deploy it due to the small scale of the outbreak and logistical challenges. The latest outbreak came a year after the end of the virus deadliest episode in West Africa, which killed more than 11,300 people and infected some 28,600 as it swept through Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia and caused alarm around the world. at the cell surface as a series of waves of activated signaling molecules that switch on the cellular motility machinery as they spread. In their normal state, cells spontaneously initiated signaling events to form short-lived waves that made small protrusions. In contrast, oscillators had faster signaling waves that reached the entire cell boundary to generate protrusions before dying out. Fans also showed expanded waves that continually activated the cell front without ever reaching the cell rear, resulting in wide, persistent protrusions.

30 Iraq exports up UAE s Centurion raises stake in NMC yields on Egypt bonds fall Iraq s daily oil exports averaged million barrels per oil in June, up slightly from million bpd the previous month, the oil ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Iraq shipped more than 97.5 million barrels from southern ports and 677,413 barrels from the northern Kirkuk field, spokesman Asim Jihad said. Iraq generated $4.13 billion and sold its oil for $42 per barrel, he said. Iraq is the second largest OPEC producer after Saudi Arabia. (RTRS) NMC Health, the Londonlisted and United Arab Emirates-based healthcare provider, said on Saturday its shareholder Centurion Investments had raised its stake in NMC by 4.9 percent. Centurion Investments has acquired 10 million shares, representing 4.9 percent of the issued capital of NMC from B.R. Shetty, also a shareholder in NMC, a company statement said. The shares were acquired at a price of pounds per share. Privately owned Centurion Investments and Shetty jointly hold percent of the issued share capital of NMC, the statement said, adding that Shetty, as joint non-executive chairman, will remain a significant shareholder with a percent interest in NMC. Centurion holds percent shares in the company. NMC, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Shetty, is one of the largest private sector healthcare providers in the UAE. It operates general and specialist hospitals, pharmacies and medical centres across the UAE and plans to expand across the Gulf. (RTRS) The average yields on Egypt s 10-year treasury bonds fell at an auction on Sunday, while yields on six-month and oneyear bills rose at another auction, data from the central bank showed. The average yield on the 10-year bond fell to percent from percent at the last auction on June 19. The average yield on the 182-day bill rose to percent from percent at the last sale held June 15, while the yield on the 357- day bill rose to percent from percent in a similar auction. Appetite for Egypt s domestic debt has increased since the central bank floated the pound currency in November as part of an International Monetary Fund loan agreement aimed at reviving the economy. (RTRS) Market Movements Change Closing pts PHILIPPINES - All Shares , INDIA - Sensex , Change Closing pts AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries , JAPAN - Nikkei , GERMANY - DAX , FRANCE - CAC , EUROPE - Euro Stoxx , S. KOREA - KRX , HONG KONG - Hang Seng , Business Boursa Kuwait monthly report Bayan Investment Company Boursa indices wind up June in red zone Boursa Kuwait ended June in the red zone. The Price Index closed at 6, points, down by 0.33% compared to the closings of the month before, the Weighted Index decreased by 1.27% after closing at points, whereas the KSX- 15 Index closed at points decreasing by 0.62%. Furthermore, last month s average turnover decreased by 35.91%, compared to the preceding month, reaching K.D 8.38 million, whereas trading volume average was million shares, recording a decrease of 65.65%. Boursa Kuwait ended last month s trading with various losses to its three indices, compared to May closings, amid the selling trend that the market witnessed during most of the daily sessions of the week, which included many listed stocks and headed by the leading and heavy stocks, which had a clear impact on the Weighted and KSX-15 indices in particular, the most declining indices by the end of the month. Losses The Boursa recorded its losses in parallel with the noticeable decrease in the trading activity, as the total cash liquidity during the month declined to reach K.D million only, while the volume dropped to reach million stock. The market witnessed such performance in light of the traders refrain from trading during this period, due to the absence of any positive motivator that can return the lost confidence in the market, which negatively affected the daily trading indicators, that in turn declined compared to May s trading. Moreover, the selling operations witnessed by the market during the last month included many listed stocks of different sectors, especially in the Health Care and Consumer Services sectors, the most declining sectors during the month of June. On the contrary, the purchasing operations were not absent from influencing the trading behavior in the Boursa during the month, as it was present in few sessions and were able to push the indices to realize some daily gains, however it were not enough to push the market indices to close in the green zone on the monthly level. In addition, the Boursa lost around K.D. 317 million last month, as the market capitalization reached K.D billion by the end of June, down by 1.18% compared to its level in May, where it was K.D billion. On an annual level, the market cap for the listed companies in the market recorded a growth of 4.43% compared to its value at end of 2016, where it reached K.D billion. On the other hand, the first half period of the current year had ended by the end of June, as the Boursa ended this period with limited gains to its three indices, whereas the Price Index recorded an increase of 3.49% since the beginning of the current year, and the Weighted Index recorded a growth of 3.53%, while the increase in the KSX-15 Index since the beginning of the year reached 3.49%. As by the end of the last month, the Boursa will enter a new phase of watch state waiting for the listed companies results to be disclosed for the first half of the current year, which will define to a great extent the investors plans in the Boursa for the coming period, where it is expected to be announced during the few coming weeks. For the annual performance, the Price Index ended last month recording 17.65% annual gain compared to its closing in 2016, while the Weighted Index increased by 5.06%, and the KSX-15 recorded 2.83% growth. Sectors Indices Eight of Boursa Kuwait sectors ended last month in the red zone, while the other four recorded increases. The Oil & Gas sector headed the losers list as its index declined by 8.07% to end the month s activity at points. The Consumer Goods sector was second on the losers list, which index declined by 5.60%, closing at 1, points, followed by the Financial Services sector, as its index closed at points at a loss of 3.56%. The Telecommunications sector was the least declining as its index closed at points with a 0.18% decrease. On the other hand, last month s highest gainer was the Health Care sector, achieving 15.31% growth rate as its index closed at 1, points. Whereas, in the second place, the Consumer Services sector s index closed at 1, points recording 10.26% increase. The Insuranse sector was the least growing as its index closed at 1, points with a 0.36% increase. Sectors Activity The Financial Services sector dominated a total trade volume during the last month of million shares changing hands, representing 33.21% of the total market trading volume. The Banks sector was second in terms of trading volume as the sector s traded shares were 24.62% of last month s total trading volume, with a total of million shares. On the other hand, the Banks sector s stocks were the highest traded in terms of value; with a turnover of K.D million or 40.65% of last month s total market trading value. The Industrial sector took the second place as the sector s last month turnover of K.D million representing 22.80% of the total market trading value. For further details, please visit our web site: IMF-backed reform programme Egypt s recent fuel price hikes fan inflation fears CAIRO, July 2, (AFP): Hisham Gaber had been preparing his wedding for months, but started to have second thoughts as inflation in Egypt rocketed due to government austerity measures, including sharp increases in fuel prices. Marriage and handling the additional burdens in these conditions have become an unsound decision, said the 28-year-old engineer. The government on Thursday announced an increase in fuel prices of up to 55 percent, the second since November when it also floated the currency in an IMF-backed reform programme, which fuelled inflation. Analysts believe the fuel price rises will further increase inflation although it was announced to have decreased in May to an annual rate of 30.9 percent, from 32.9 percent the previous month. Prices are still rising but not as sharply as before, said Amr Adly, an analyst with the Carnegie Middle East Center. Spike Radwa El Sweify, an analyst with Pharos Holding for Financial Investments, believes that inflation will spike. Inflation over the next two months may rise to percent but the rate of inflation in the last two months of this year will be less than the same period last year when the pound was floated, she said. The pound has depreciated sharply from 8.8 per dollar to following its flotation, which came after the International Monetary Fund agreed a $12 billion loan disbursed over three years. The move, in a country that relies on imports, drove inflation to a record high in April. The exchange rate is key to price fluctuations in a country where food and medicine make up more than 40 percent of imports, said Adly. The government has announced a raft of measures to protect low income Egyptians, saying it boosted social spending to 75 billion pounds ($4.1 billion). About 28 percent of Egypt s 90 million people are poor, according to official figures from But government social spending will cover only between 40 percent and 50 percent of the recent price hikes, said El Sweify. The government doubled social spending, but prices have tripled, she said. With the latest fuel increases that affect transport costs, the prices of vegetables and fruits may rise by between 20 and 25 percent, said Omar El Shenety, the founder of Multiples Group, an investment firm. Prime Minister Sharif Ismail said the fuel subsidies were straining government financing. Projection The projection for next year at the same levels is 150 billion pounds. This is a big number that neither the oil sector nor the budget can handle, he said at a press conference. But despite widespread consternation among Egyptians, it is unlikely that the soaring cost of living will lead to unrest, El Shenety said. The government s conviction that there will not be a backlash by people allowed it to make these reforms forcibly, he said. Economic grievances had fuelled the 2011 uprising that overthrew veteran strongman Hosni Mubarak, ushering in years of unrest that decimated tourism and investment. Many Egyptians now are weary of further unrest, while the government shows little tolerance for dissent, having jailed thousands of Islamists and secular dissidents over the past few years. President Abdel Fattah el- Sisi, the former army chief who toppled his Islamist predecessor Mohamed Morsi in 2013, has said the country has no choice but to undertake the tough economic reforms his predecessors had put off, fearing unrest. S&P revises Gulf Bank s credit rtg outlook to Positive from Stable Bank improved its capitalization and reduced risk KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Standard and Poor s (S&P) Global Ratings has revised the outlook of Gulf Bank s Credit rating to Positive from Stable and affirms its A-/A-2 long and short-term counterparty credit ratings on the Bank. S&P Global Ratings announced in its recent research update of Gulf Bank that the Bank has improved its capitalization and reduced the risk on its loan book over the past three years. They now Biggest deal since sanctions lifted Total to develop Iranian gas field TEHRAN, July 2, (AFP): French energy giant Total will finally sign its multi-billion-dollar agreement to develop an Iranian offshore gas field on Monday, the oil ministry said, in the biggest foreign deal since sanctions were eased last year. The international agreement for the development of phase 11 of South Pars will be signed on Monday in the presence of the oil ministry and managers of Total, the Chinese company CNPC and Iranian company Petropars, a ministry spokesman told AFP. Total signed a preliminary deal with Iran in November, taking a 50.1 percent stake in the $4.8 billion (4.2 billion euro) project. China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) will own 30 percent and Petropars 19.9 percent. Total will put in an initial $1 billion for the first stage of the 20- year project. The gas produced will feed into the domestic Iranian market starting from 2021, a Total spokesman told AFP in Paris. He said the company would implement the project with the strictest respect for national and international law. The contract was initially due to be signed in early 2017, but CEO Patrick Pouyanne said in February that Total would wait to see whether the US adminstration of President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on Iran. Trump threatened during his campaign to tear up the landmark accord between Iran and six world powers that came into force in January 2016 and eased sanctions in exchange for curbs to Tehran s nuclear programme. His administration has taken a tough line on Iran and imposed fresh sanctions related to its ballistic missile programme and military activities in the region. But the White House has kept the nuclear deal alive, continuing to waive the relevant sanctions every few months as required under the agreement. It is partway through a 90-day review on whether to uphold the deal, although any move to abandon it would be strongly opposed by the other signatories Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia. Monday s signing will mark Total s return to Iran, which has the second-largest gas reserves and fourth-largest oil reserves in the world. The French firm led development of phases two and three of South Pars in the 1990s and had signed up to develop phase 11 back in But it was forced to abandon believe the bank can maintain a risk-adjusted capital (RAC) ratio above 10 percent, assuming a normalizing cost of risk, a marginal improvement in margins, and growth of more than 5 percent in lending over the next two years. In addition, Gulf Bank has continued with initiatives to improve its risk profile. The Bank has made visible progress in resolving its large legacy problems as shown by recoveries on old problem loans in S&P Global Ratings affirmed their ratings because of Gulf Bank s business position and stability, its projects in Iran in 2012 when France joined European Union partners in imposing sanctions, including an oil embargo, over the country s nuclear programme. Iran s oil officials have been keen to attract Western investment and know-how to improve the country s outdated energy infrastructure. Iran has also signed preliminary agreements with Shell and Russia s Gazprom to develop oil and gas projects. Such deals have not been without controversy in Iran, which has bitter memories of exploitation and interventions driven by foreign oil interests. Conservatives criticised the move to award tenders to foreign firms last year. That forced the oil ministry to confirm that domestic conglomerates, including one controlled by the elite Revolutionary Guards, would be allowed to compete. The first stage of the new 20- year project at South Pars will cost around $2 billion and consist of 30 wells and two well-head platforms connected to existing onshore treatment facilities. The site will eventually pump 50.9 million cubic metres (1.8 billion cubic feet) of gas per day into Iran s national grid. derived from its status as the fourth-largest commercial bank in Kuwait. Gulf Bank has market shares in loans and deposits of close to 10 percent and is improving its revenue mix. In S&P s view, the Bank has delivered on its commitment to turn around its business model since the global turmoil in Gulf Bank s funding and liquidity profile will remain resilient to the low oil-price environment and support our ratings, said S&P Global Ratings. The bank s broad liquid assets sufficiently cover short-term wholesale funding needs. Reflect The ratings continue to reflect S&P Global Rating s view of Gulf Bank s high systemic importance in Kuwait and the Kuwaiti authorities highly supportive stance toward the banking sector. As a result, the long-term rating on Gulf Bank benefits from three notches of uplift, reflecting their view of a high likelihood of extraordinary government support for the bank if needed. The positive outlook reflects a one-in-three likelihood that Gulf Bank will maintain the positive momentum in capital and risk over the next 24 months. S&P mentioned that the rating of the Bank will be raised if the RAC ratio sustainably exceeds 10 percent, most likely through improved capital generation and moderate dividends.

31 BUSINESS 31 Seattle s $15 minimum wage costs jobs US fund walks away from Fairfax bid Seattle s $15-an-hour minimum wage law has cost the city jobs, according to a study released Monday that contradicted another new study published last week. A University of Washington team studying the law s effects found that the law has boosted pay in low-wage jobs since it took effect in 2015, but that it also caused a 9 percent reduction in hours worked, The Seattle Times reported. For an average low-wage Seattle worker, that s a loss of about $125 per month, the study said. If you re a low-skilled worker with one of those jobs, $125 a month is a sizable amount of money, said Mark Long, one of the authors. It can be the difference between being able to pay your rent and not being able to pay your rent. There would be about 5,000 more low-wage jobs in the city without the law, the study estimated. Seattle was one of the fi rst US cities to adopt a $15 minimum wage law, and its experience is being closely watched as other cities have followed suit and as advocates push for a higher federal minimum wage. The city s law is raising the minimum to $15 for all businesses by (AP) US private equity giant TPG Capital Sunday walked away from its offer to buy Fairfax Media, with reports saying the embattled Australian media empire would spin-off its property advertising business instead. TPG and its partner Canada s Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board was in a bidding war with US investment fi rm Hellman & Friedman former owners of US multimedia company Getty Images and German publisher Axel Springer over Fairfax. TPG made an offer in May of Aus $1.20 (92 US cents) a share that valued Fairfax at Aus $2.82- Aus $2.87 billion, while Hellman & Friedman proposed to buy the fi rm at Aus $1.225-Aus $1.250 a share. But after a period of due diligence, TPG said it was withdrawing from the sale process. The TPG/OTTP consortium has today (Sunday) exited the Fairfax due diligence process and has elected not to proceed with an offer, a TPG spokesman said in a statement. Hellman & Friedman on Friday sent a letter to Fairfax s board saying it had not walked away, but did not submit a binding bid, Fairfax publication The Australian Financial Review reported. (AFP) PORTO VELHO, Brazil/ GUAYARAMERN, Bolivia, July 2, (RTRS): Holding a plastic bottle of toxic mercury with his bare hands on an illegal gold mining barge in the Amazon basin, the 22-year-old miner says he is well aware of the dangers of the job. In shorts and sandals, he lights a blow torch, training a blue flame on a piece of ore which his barge dredged up from the bottom of the Madeira River in Brazil s northwestern Rondonia state, on the border with Bolivia. Hundreds of similar barges fashioned from plywood and metal and powered by roaring diesel motors troll the rivers of the world s largest rainforest leaving trails of destruction in their wake, according to government officials. I know this is a bit dangerous, but what else am I going to do to make a living here? said the miner, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to his involvement in illegal activity. When asked about safety equipment he just laughed. Tens of thousands of illegal miners or garimpeiros as they are known have poured into the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela and Colombia looking to strike it rich. The gold rush has decimated the forest in parts of Amazon, while poisoning people who depend on the rivers for their food with mercury and other toxins used in the extraction process. The illicit industry is fuelled by the trafficking of men to extract the gold and women to work as prostitutes servicing miners, according to Brazilian prosecutors. With billions of dollars at stake and complex criminal networks laundering illegally-mined gold across borders, officials admit they are struggling to contain the problem. We have immense difficulties, Ranilson Monteiro Camara from Brazil s Ministry of Mining told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in Porto Velho, Rondonia s gritty state capital. Dozens of boats with no legal registration openly haul gold out of the river just two kilometers from his office. Camara said he is the department s only official in Rondonia State responsible for monitoring the garimpeiros and their billion dollar industry. Levels of irregular (mining) activity on the river are high, Camara said. Inspectors and other officials are working to try shutter illegal boats, while formally registering others so they can operate Thousands of illegal miners pour into LatAm rainforest Amazon s billion dollar gold rush leaves trail of toxins legally, he said. It s no easy task. In a given year, illegal miners ship 40 tons of gold extracted from across the Amazon into the United States, according to a 2016 study by Verite, a Massachusetts-based watchdog. This is nearly twice the legal gold exports from the five Amazonian nations covered by the study. Between 2006 and 2016, 68 tons of gold were illegally extracted from the Amazon and smuggled out of the region through Bolivia, according to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Illegal miners dump more than 30 tons of deadly mercury into Amazon Rivers each year, poisoning fish and causing brain damage to people living hundreds of kilometers (miles) downstream, according to the Carnegie Amazon Mercury Project, a US-based scientific group. Gold producers, for their part, say they are unfairly stigmatised as bandits despite many working within the law. We are seen as bad by society, but actually we work, pay tax and support the local economy, said Fabiano Sena Oliveira, a senior member of a gold producers cooperative in Rondonia. Only 20 percent of the miners operate illegally, Oliveira told the Thomson Reuters Foundation from a storefront with barred windows where he buys and sells gold. Cooperatives of mining boat owners are working to improve their environmental monitoring, and to make sure people register with authorities and pay their taxes, said Oliveira, a huge man wearing a gold chain and Ralph Lauren polo shirt. In the past it s true miners used a lot of mercury, he said, but today they use far less as it is expensive. As part of the mining process mercury is mixed with rocks dredged from the bottom of the river. The mixture of mercury and sediment is then heated up, helping to separate the gold. But visits to garimpeiro boats by the Thomson Reuters Foundation appeared to contradict his remarks about miners moving away from mercury use. Sidney Magrao has spent the past 35 years as a garimpeiro. He works on a large mining boat with a powerful tube which sucks sediment from the bottom of the Madeira River. Miners on the boat then sift through the rocks and dirt for tiny pieces of gold. Magrao started off in the business wading into small rivers with a hand-held tube and is now a senior operator on a boat worth 3 million reais ($900,000). I earned 23,000 reais last month ($7,000), a huge salary for a working-class man in the Amazon, 62-year-old Magrao told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. He spoke while maneuvering levers to direct the boat s suction tube with a cigarette dangling in his mouth. The two story-barge with humming motors looks like something out of a science fiction movie like Mad Max or Water World. It has several sleeping rooms with bunk beds and a fulltime cook. Workers say it is formally registered with Brazilian authorities, meaning they have to pay tax on their earnings. We are paid in gold, said 60-year-old Valda Mendes, the boat s cook, as she prepared a lunch of rice and steak on open flames. While some boats obey the law, much of the Amazon s gold is extracted from jungle land where mining is prohibited, said a local professor who studies the illicit trade. In other cases gold is taken from lands or waters where mining is permitted but then smuggled from Brazil into Bolivia to avoid taxes, said Aurelio Herraiz from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Amazonas State. Many buyers go on boats to buy gold... This is invisible, Herraiz told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. There is no record of it anywhere. Mercury contamination is one of the biggest environmental threats from the trade, Herraiz said, and the toxic chemical is cheap and easy to obtain in neighbouring Bolivia. Police officials say tracking the movement of illicit gold and chemicals between different Amazon countries is difficult. Like all frontiers, there are problems and issues here to be solved, said Heliel Martins, a police chief in Rondonia. Back on the illegal mining boat, the 22-year-old worker opens a plastic bottle of mercury before pouring it onto a nugget of gold. The boat s captain started as a cook in the industry 18 years ago, saved her money and then bought the vessel. It s bureaucratic and expensive to get registered, she said, adding that she had been fined heavily for operating illegally. To pay the fines for breaking the rules, she had just one source of revenue gold. Travel support for this reporting was provided by the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ). Wonderland Villas A tale of Hong Kong s property rollercoaster HONG KONG, July 2, (AFP): Red-whiskered bulbuls start chirping around 5:00 am at Wonderland Villas, a hilltop complex in leafy northern Hong Kong whose own history charts the city s political, economic and social fortunes. Built in 1984, the year colonial power Britain signed an agreement to hand Hong Kong back to China, the complex was one of the pioneering designs of its time, a cluster of 22 curvaceous white apartment blocks complete with clubhouse, tennis courts and swimming pool. Prices at Wonderland have risen, waned and risen again, as Hong Kong property has swung through boom and bust to become one of the world s most expensive markets. The lack of affordable housing has become a major political issue for Hong Kong as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the British handover of the city. But Wonderland was once an attainable aspiration. Former tailor Winnie Wong, now 70, bought a three-bedroom apartment there with her husband in 1997, when Hong Kong was transferred to China and became a semi-autonomous city. Worried Some emigrated ahead of the handover, worried about Beijing calling the shots. Wong said she was concerned, but decided to hold on. My dad once said, the more you flee, the harder it gets, she told AFP. From the late 1970s, China began to open up its economy, helping transform Hong Kong from a manufacturing hub to a service oriented gateway to the mainland. The Wongs are typical of a savvy post-war generation who traded up as Hong Kong grew. They bought their first apartment in 1970 for HK$45,000 (US$5,775), moving seven times before they splashed out HK$7.85 million on their Wonderland Villas home it is now worth double that. The comfortable 1,600-squarefeet (149-square-metre) apartment, decorated with artworks and family photos, boasts lush green views and a large terrace. For my generation, it was easier to buy a home if you worked hard, Wong says. After rising steadily through the 1980s and 90s, property prices crashed in the last quarter of 1997 as the Asian financial crisis sent markets tumbling. Hong Kong s economy was dealt another blow in 2003 when an outbreak of the respiratory virus SARS killed 299 people in the city. Those crises were reflected at Wonderland while the Wongs kept their heads above water, almost 30 indebted homeowners were forced to forfeit their flats between 1997 and 2003 and prices plunged by more than two thirds. However, thanks to China s economic growth and Hong Kong s encouragement of mainland tourists, which boosted retail industries, the market rallied as the 2000s wore on. Industrialists and wealthy businessmen snapped up homes at Wonderland as they had in its heyday. A handful of mainland buyers also bought there, but most preferred higher-profile central condos expected to rise more in value, albeit with less space. From the perspective of expats or mainland Chinese, when they invested in an unfamiliar place they would choose well-known properties or those built atop subway stations. So that started to turn around the direction of investment, local estate sales manager Ken Lee said. Despite falling out of fashion, a Wonderland Villas home like the Wongs still fetches $HK16 million. But while they have watched their investment grow, younger generations find it increasingly hard to buy. A 2017 survey by research organisation Demographia named Hong Kong the world s least affordable city for housing the median property price exceeds the median annual household income 18.1 times, well ahead of Sydney and Vancouver in second and third place. Mainland buyers parking their capital in Hong Kong property is one factor driving up prices. Colluding The local government also stands accused of colluding with developers instead of pushing for affordable accommodation. Residents are increasingly forced to live in cramped conditions at spiralling costs. Some analysts say a recent government pledge to create more homes should eventually bring values down. With more projects going to be launched in the market, (developers) have to price them more competitively, property analyst Joyce Kwock of Nomura told AFP. Residents at Wonderland Villas are now mostly retirees, their families, and those who enjoy proximity to nature. US investors now setting their sights on European companies American markets crowded and generally overvalued NEW YORK, July 2, (AFP): After buying big American brands like Apple, Pepsi and Yahoo!, activist shareholders investors in search of big dividends now are setting their sights on European companies like Nestle. No company is really immune from activism except perhaps for the very largest companies, says Gregory Taxin, managing director of Spotlight Advisory, a consulting firm for activists. Traders work on the fl oor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on June 30, 2017 in New York City. Recovering some of their losses US stocks were up Friday morning with the Dow Jones industrial average up over 80 points. (AFP) Retailers attempting to merge to survive US antitrust crackdown on Amazon not yet NEW YORK, July 2, (AFP): US antitrust regulators have shown little sympathy thus far for the plight of brickand-mortar retailers attempting to merge as a way to survive, as Amazon and e-commerce roils the world of shopping. The Federal Trade Commission last year blocked Staples attempt to buy rival Office Depot, rejecting the stationary chains arguments that they were fighting for survival against a growing set of competitors, including Amazon. The FTC also balked at Walgreens Boots Alliance attempted $17.2 billion acquisition of rival Rite Aid, even after revisions. In the end, the companies on Thursday spiked the merger in favor of a pared-down transaction. But regulators have shown little appetite for taking on Amazon as it has expanded from an online bookseller into a marketplace for everything from household cleaners to fancy electronics, as well as a purveyor of critically-acclaimed and hit movies and television series. Some are calling for tougher action from President Donald Trump, who said during the presidential campaign that Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos has a huge antitrust problem. Last week, Trump issued a cryptic tweet that appeared to question whether Amazon was paying enough taxes. Trump has also taken issue with the Bezos-owned Washington Post, which has aggressively covered the White House. Estimates vary sharply as to Amazon s exact share on e-commerce. Some reports have said Amazon s share of the online market is as high as 50 percent, but others put the figures much lower. Critics say Amazon should be required to disclose more detail about its sales. Barry Lynn a leading authority on competition policy, at the Washingtonbased New American Foundation think tank, has called for an antitrust The favored targets of activists, said corporate attorney David Katz, at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, are companies that have a lot of cash that haven t been returned to shareholders. In announcing plans last week to buy $3.5 billion of Nestle shares, US billionaire Daniel Loeb revealed the European ambitions of these investors with bulging wallets who say they want to restore power to shareholders. In addition to cost-cutting, Loeb is asking Nestle to sell its historic stake in L Oreal in order to boost the share price and dividends. investigation into Amazon s $13.7 billion Whole Foods takeover announced in June. They dominate retail online, Lynn said. That s huge power across the part of the economy where all the future growth will be. And longtime consumer advocate Ralph Nader said, With every move of this Goliath, Amazon is inviting a thorough anti-trust investigation. This company is breaking records for destroying Main Street and hollowing out communities through such mechanisms as predatory pricing, and for many years in the past, avoiding state sales taxes. Yet some experts are skeptical of an antitrust case against Amazon. It s not an antitrust violation just to be dominant. You have to perpetuate or attain your dominance through anticompetitive means, said Daniel Crane, a professor at the University of Michigan Law School specializing in antitrust. L Oreal has been a fantastic investment, Loeb s spokeswoman Elissa Doyle told AFP. However, it is a noncore investment for a primarily Food & Beverage and packaged goods business. In the wake of Loeb s move, Nestle announced the acquisition of $21 billion of its own shares, which should boost the stock price. But Katz said, I do not know if this will be enough to remove the pressure. Loeb is not the first US activist to go after a foreign giant. His compatriot Nelson Peltz, through his investment fund Trian Partners, holds a stake in the French yogurt-maker Danone. And Paul Singer has invested, via his Elliott Management fund, in South Korea s Samsung, the Australian- British mining group BHP Billiton and the Bank of East Asia. Sales All want the same thing: quick returns on investment by requiring cost-cutting, asset sales or share buyback programs. And when they do not succeed, these activists usually engage in high profile media campaigns. And they often win. More than 2,900 activist campaigns have been recorded in the United States since 2010, including 645 in 2016 alone, according to FTI Consulting. Most sectors of the economy are affected. But the US market remains crowded and generally overvalued, (so) activist investors will continue to focus their sights on foreign jurisdictions, including not only Europe, but Australia and Asia as well, says Andrew Freedman, co-head of the Shareholder Activism group at the Olshan Frome Wolosky law firm. The type of corporate self-reflection occurring in the US is happening to a much lesser degree in Europe, leaving more opportunities at European companies for activist investors to catalyze value creation. Dan Zacchei, one of the leaders of Sloane & Company, a firm advising activists, said Europe is attractive because of friendly laws and many companies do not have deterrent measures against potential predators. European companies have less stringent corporate defenses and may be more shareholder (or in this case activist shareholder) friendly, he said. The Continent also is in the midst of political stabilization with the start of negotiations on Brexit, while in the United States there remain questions about the major reforms tax cuts and infrastructure investment promised by Donald Trump. To succeed in Europe, however, activists will have to deal with strong trade unions and government interventions, which is rarely the case in the United States.

32 BUSINESS 32 S.Africa risks recession South Africa risks slipping into a long and painful economic recession if the central bank is forced to abandon its policy of reducing inflation and protecting the currency, Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago said on Sunday. In an editorial article published in the Sunday Times newspaper, Kganyago said the recent recommendation by an anti-graft agency for the central bank to focus on growth misunderstood the dangers of persistently high consumer prices. The past half-century is littered with examples of painful recessions caused by the need to reduce runaway inflation created by authorities trying to create growth by printing money, Kganyago said. (RTRS) Samsung Electronics said Sunday it would start selling a refurbished version of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone this week after an embarrassing recall over exploding batteries rocked the tech giant last year. The recall of millions of Galaxy Note 7 devices cost the world s largest smartphone maker billions of dollars in lost Samsung confirms launch of refurbished Galaxy Note 7s profits and hammered its global reputation. The refurbished device, made of recalled, unsealed Note 7 handsets and unused components are outfitted with new batteries, Samsung said in a statement. The limited-edition phone the Galaxy Note Fan Edition (FE) will hit shelves in South Korea on July 7, Samsung said, weekly report on FX markets adding it would only sell 400,000 units at home. The firm said it would decide later whether to release the refurbished edition elsewhere, which is priced at 699,000 won ($611) domestically, far lower than the previous version that was nearly $1,000. About three million Galaxy Note 7 handsets were returned to the firm last year, but campaign groups including Greenpeace have expressed concern that discarding the phones could harm the environment. The latest launch of the Galaxy Note FE... has a significant meaning as an environment-friendly project that minimised the waste of resources, Samsung said in a statement. (AFP) Swiss International Financial Brokerage Co Will new quarter, cenbank detail spur volatility KD 250,000 grand prize AUB announces winner of Hassad Islamic draw KUWAIT CITY, July 2: On June 28 Ahli United Bank held its Lifetime Salary annual grand prize draw as part of the Al Hassad Islamic Savings Account program, which is the the largest prize draw in Kuwait. It was a momentous occasion for Mrs Afeefah Ali Bin Nekhi who won KD 250,000 as a lifetime salary over 250 months. Ahli United Bank congratulates Mrs Afeefah Ali Bin Nekhi who is now able to achieve her dream of acquiring a house or her favorite car, to travel abroad, establish a new business or any dream she might have along with her aspirations and all this, simply by having an account with AUB in Kuwait. The Al Hassad Islamic Savings Account program is the largest in Kuwait with a total annual prize draw of KD 3,400,000 aimed at realizing the dreams and ambitions of customers since inception. The program also provides 26 weekly prizes, which represents the biggest number of weekly winners. To qualify for the Al Hassad Islamic Savings Account prizes, customers only need to open a saving account with a minimum of KD 100. For every KD 50 of quarterly balance in the account, customers earn one chance to enter the quarterly draw. Moreover, customers earn one chance to enter the weekly draws for every KD 50 of balance. This means the more deposits made, the higher the chances of winning. The Al Hassad Islamic Savings Account s customers in Kuwait and Bahrain are eligible to participate in the draw in line with the account s terms and conditions. For more information on Ahli United Bank s Al Hassad Islamic Savings Account and the wide range of prizes it presents, along with the requirements to qualify for the draw, customers are invited to visit any of the Bank s branches, call the customer service Hayakum on or visit the Bank s website com.kw. Report Prepared by Ahmed Shibley The U.S. Dollar put in a precipitous decline this week, setting yet another new low as price action fell below the election night swing from November of last year. This means that we re now looking at an -8% decline in the Greenback, peakto-trough, from the 2017 high to this morning s low; and surprisingly, the Federal Reserve has remained persistently hawkish throughout this period as we ve now seen three rate hikes in the past seven months. But this recent decline probably has less to do with the Fed and more to do with what else is happening in U.S. economic data relative to the rest of the world; which has opened the possibility of the European Central Bank moving closer to exiting their stimulus program, or perhaps even the prospect of an actual rate hike from the Bank of England in the U.K. This theme really came to life on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week when the who s who of global Central Banks met in Europe. While Janet Yellen echoed the cautiously-confident tone that she s become so wellknown for, Mario Draghi delivered a speech that many market participants construed in a hawkish light: The Euro jumped-higher and continued runningup for most of the week, and the decline in the Dollar really began to show as DXY plummeted down to fresh eight-month lows. The day after Mr. Draghi s comments we heard that an unnamed ECB source indicated that the speech was misjudged, as the intent was to be more balanced in nature rather than signaling any potential tightening of policy. But by then, it was too late, and markets seemed to care little about this anonymous source s opinion as Euro strength and Dollar weakness just continued to run after a momentary dip in both trends were soundly pounced upon. The bane of the Dollar appears to be the softening in U.S. data that s been gaining prominence since mid-march, right around the Fed s previous rate hike. The Citi Economic Surprise Index measures where U.S. data prints relative to expectations, with higher values indicating stronger data relative to lower expectations, and the index was at 57.9 on March 15th. Since then, the index has cratered lower and just last week we saw this indicator hit a five-year low below -70.0, its weakest level since August of So, while the Fed remains really confident about near-term conditions and economic outlook, the data simply has not supported that feel-good euphoria and, frankly, it has not kept pace with stronger expectations for growth and inflation in Europe. This has filtered into spot rates, and is playing a key role in the Dollar s downtrend as the currency is down by almost 1/12th of its value so far in 2017, even with the Federal Reserve maintaining a hawkish outlook, looking to continue with rate hikes. On that topic of data - next week is a big one for the Greenback, despite the holiday-shortened backdrop in U.S. markets with Tuesday being Independence Day. Monday is a halfday across U.S. equities exchanges, and the ISM Manufacturing Survey is released at 10 AM ET. Matters thicken considerably on Wednesday afternoon, as we get the meeting minutes from the Fed s rate decision in mid- June, and this should be very interesting considering the topics of balance sheet reduction along with the four hikes that the Fed says they are expecting out to the end of And then on Friday, we get the tip of the spear on the data front with the release of Non- Farm Payrolls for the month of June. The current expectation is for +180k jobs to have been added in the most recently completed month, an improvement from the +147k print that was seen for May. For the British Pound, last week was dominated by comments from Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, whose remark that some removal of monetary stimulus is likely to become necessary was interpreted as bringing closer an increase in UK interest rates. Speech What took the markets by surprise was that just the week before a speech by him was interpreted as being dovish. And to add to the confusion there were comments from the central bank s chief economist in between, which appeared to contradict his boss s first statement. In fact, as so often with central bankers, the explanation could be that Carney used rather careful language that some market analysts oversimplified. He actually said that some removal of monetary stimulus is likely to become necessary if the trade-off facing the MPC [the bank s monetary policy committee] continues to lessen and the policy decision accordingly becomes more conventional. The trade-off he was talking about was presumably the one between slow growth and high inflation, which makes UK monetary policy decisions particularly difficult. So essentially he was saying only that if growth picks up and inflation fails to come down a decision to raise rates will become easier. If the markets were to begin to understand that and reinterpret Carney s comments, it s quite possible that the Pound will ease back again after the gains it made in their wake. It s also important to note that the to level has proved to be strong resistance for GBPUSD. Mario Draghi of the European Central Bank, the Bank of Canada s Stephen Poloz and even the Brexittossed Bank of England s Mark Carney all sang variations on the same theme. And that theme was that ultraaccommodative monetary policy s sell-by date is very nearly here. For the Aussie market then, there s only one question in hand as a new week starts. Will the Reserve Bank of Australia swell this chorus? The RBA will give us its July monetary policy decision on Tuesday, when the Official Rate is firmly expected to remain at its 1.50% record low. Assuming it does, all will hinge on what the RBA says to the market in the aftermath. AUD/USD has reportedly risen in the last few days precisely on the expectation that RBA Governor Philip Lowe will indeed join his international colleagues and warn that ultra-low rates best days are behind them. But are the markets getting ahead of themselves here? It may yet be too early for a credible shift in the neutral tone that the RBA struck in June. It s surely arguable that not enough has changed on the inflation or likely-growth fronts since to warrant any change. Rate Moreover, bets on any actual rate increases from the RBA remain long shots. According to index provider ASX, futures markets do not yet fully price a rise at any meeting between now and November That said, the yield curve now implied by 30-day cash-rate futures suggests somewhat higher rates than it did at the start of last week; just not a full, quarter percentage point rise. Clearly if there is any shift in RBA rhetoric then it will have to be in the hawkish direction and, if it is, then the Aussie can expect the sort of support which the Euro, British Pound and Canadian Dollar enjoyed last week. However, on the basis that it s too soon to expect a definitive tonal shift, those buying AUD/USD in expectation of one could be disappointed. It s a bearish call for AUD/USD this week. Gold prices were down this week with the precious metal off by 0.98% to trade at 1243 ahead of the New York close on Friday. The losses come alongside weakness in broader equity markets with all three major US indices flat / lower on the week. However, with concerns over a broader shift in the tone of global central bankers and growing doubts regarding the future of fiscal policy, gold is caught between a rock and hard place with the technical outlook also highlighting a near-term consolidation range. Rhetoric from the FOMC, ECB, BoE & BOC continued to weigh bullion as concerns mounted that global central banks are becoming more inclined to scale back on their accommodative policy stance. The result has fueled a sell-off in bonds (rally in yields), putting pressure on non-yielding assets like gold. Highlighting the economic docket next week are the U.S. ISM figures, FOMC minutes and the June Non- Farm Payrolls report. With the Fed looking to begin offloading its massive $4.5 trillion balance sheet, U.S. data will need to continue to perform - as it stands markets are pricing just a 54% chance the central bank will hike in December. For gold, the outlook heading into the monthly open remains precarious with the decline now approaching broader up-trend support as sentiment begins to level off. Crude oil prices may stage a larger recovery over the days ahead as data coming out of the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) highlights the risk for a more meaningful shift in supply. The EIA s monthly update showed U.S. production narrowed to 9.08M b/d from 9.1M b/din March, with the slowdown led by a 5.8% contraction in the Gulf of Mexico. The recent downtick in U.S. output may keep oil afloat in July, but a broader look at the data set instills a long-term bearish outlook for energy prices especially as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) remains unwilling to implement deeper production cuts. After bottoming out in 2008, crude oil outputs have increased at an exponential rate, with U.S. production moving back towards the fastest pace of growth since If the resurgence in shale persists, energy prices stand at risk of trending lower in the second-half of the year as the slowdown from 2015 largely dissipates. Near-term outlook for USOIL remains constructive, with the topside targets in focus as it extends the series of higher highs & lows from the previous week. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) also highlights the risk for a larger recovery as it bounces back from oversold territory and clears the bearish formation carried over from late-may. Keep in mind the broad outlook in weighed to the downside as USOIL preserves the downward trending channel from earlier this year, with the RSI reflecting a similar dynamic. For more information please visit China opens massive bond market to foreign investors Hong Kong marks 20th anniversary as investments flow into Beijing Move to ensure comparable pricing Indonesia sets tariff regulation for online car-hailing services JAKARTA, July 2, (RTRS): Indonesia has set minimum and maximum tariffs for online carhailing services, aiming to ensure comparable pricing with conventional transport providers whose drivers have complained about being undercut by their newer competitors. Gain Ride-hailing services such as US group Uber Technologies Inc, Southeast Asia s Grab and Indonesia s GO-JEK have heavily subsidised their drivers in Indonesia in order to gain market share in the country of 250 million people, analysts say. The transport ministry said it had set a tariff range for online car-hailing services of 3,500- Canada s 150th birthday 6,000 rupiah ($0.26-$0.45) per kilometre for the islands of Java, Bali and Sumatra. For Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku and Papua, the range is 3,700-6,500 rupiah per kilometre. The regulation kicked in on July 1 and will be evaluated in the next six months, the ministry said in a statement. There has to be a balance between conventional and online transport, so that has to be regulated, Pudji Hartanto Iskandar, director-general of land transport at the ministry, told Reuters by phone. Investor Indonesia s two biggest established taxi operators are PT Blue Bird Tbk and PT Golden Dalla company congratulates all Canadians KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Canadians now witness a great and big celebration of their national day, which marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Canadian Federation. We Golden Dalla International Company, offer our warmest and most sincere congratulations to the Government and people of Canada on this great anniversary and wish them more prosperity and progress in all fields. Since we are a company specialized in importing high quality foodstuffs and most of our products are Canadian production from large Canadian factories, Canada is always famous for its high quality food. Our high-quality Canadian food products are available in all Cooperatives and Central Markets: Canola Oil (CAN Oil Classic); Canola oil (CAN Oil Hilo for deep fry); Canolive oil (a blend of canola oil and olive oil); Flaxseed oil Roasted flaxseed Golden flax flour. Express Transindo Utama Tbk, whose shares have fallen on investor concerns about competition from the cheaper ridehailing services. Drivers of Blue Bird and Express have called for a ban on ride-hailing services, claiming they were subject to less stringent requirements than conventional taxis. Uber said in an ed statement it had yet to receive a copy of Indonesia s regulations. However, we remain committed to working with the government to find a path forward that accommodates the interests of riders and driver partners and supports innovation, competition and customer choice, Uber said. BEIJING, July 2, (AFP): China will allow foreign investors direct access to its massive bond market from Monday, the Chinese central bank said. A platform allowing one-way northbound investments from Hong Kong into the Chinese bond market will go into experimental operation on July 3, the People s Bank of China and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority said in a joint statement Sunday, which came as Hong Kong marked the 20th anniversary of its handover to China by Britain. Access to the market will be restricted to qualified investors including central banks and sovereign wealth funds, but also commercial banks, insurers, brokerage firms and investment funds, according to the PBOC. China s debt market is the third largest in the world, with a cumulative value of about $10 trillion according to Bloomberg news agency. However, this booming market has been virtually out of reach for foreign investors, who currently hold only a small portion of the bonds issued in China less than 1.5 percent according to Bloomberg estimates. China has moved gradually toward opening its capital markets. Is French the next trendy yogurt? NEW YORK, July 2, (AP): There s Greek yogurt, Icelandic yogurt and Australian yogurt. Now, the US maker of Yoplait is hoping to revive its declining sales by marketing yet another culture in the yogurt section. Enter Oui, which General Mills is hailing as the arrival of French-style yogurt in the United States. Like the yogurts that channel the heritages of other countries, however, the company says there is no official definition for French yogurt. French is more a standard we have created, said David Clark, head of the US yogurt unit at General Mills. The attempt to cultivate a trendy new yogurt comes as overall US sales are slumping. Yogurt sales are down 3 percent so far this year compared to a year ago, according to Nielsen. General Mills Inc has been particularly hard-hit, with its yogurt sales down 20 percent in its latest quarter. The company attributes the industry-wide weakness to a lack of exciting new options since Greek yogurt upended the market. Though Yoplait s usual yogurts also have French roots, they come in flavors like key lime pie and contain ingredients such as modified corn starch and sucralose. That may not be exactly what comes to mind when people think of authentic French food. To create the pricier Oui, General Mills said it imagined how yogurt might have been made in French farmhouses 100 years ago.

33 BUSINESS 33 May could walk out of Brexit talks over exit bill Renault shareholders approve CEO Ghosn s salary British business leaders have been told to brace for the possibility that Prime Minister Theresa May s government may walk out of Brexit talks this year, according to the Sunday Telegraph. The move would be designed for domestic consumption to show the government is negotiating hard with the European Union, the newspaper reported. The newspaper did not reveal how it obtained the information. The Sunday Telegraph said the briefing of business leaders by a senior May aide took place after last month s general election and the person has since left in the recent overhaul at the top of government. May s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Sunday Telegraph quoted a source in May s office saying a retreat from talks is not part of its plans. Brexit minister David Davis said two months ago that Britain will not pay 100 billion euros ($114 billion) to leave the European Union after it was reported that the EU was preparing to demand that amount. The EU wants to agree with Britain on a formula for calculating how much it will owe the bloc after it leaves before it starts talks on its future trading relationship. (RTRS) Renault shareholders narrowly backed the pay package of longserving chief executive Carlos Ghosn, overcoming protests about an issue that has divided the carmaker and the French government for several years. Shareholders voted in favour of a resolution on Ghosn s 7 million euro ($7.8 million) package for 2016 and his 2017 deal, which has yet to be defined. The 2016 package received the backing of 53 percent of shareholders meeting in Paris, while the outline of the 2017 deal was backed by 54 percent. The Brazilian-born head of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance was last year locked in a tussle with Renault shareholders who voted to reject his salary. The shareholders decision last year was not binding and the Renault board dismissed their concerns and signed off on Ghosn s salary. The then-economy minister Emmanuel Macron, who swept to the French presidency in May, was a frequent critic of Ghosn s pay and the two also clashed over the state s infl uence over the carmaker. Representatives for the government, which is Renault s biggest shareholder with a stake of nearly 20 percent, voted against Ghosn s pay packet on Thursday. (AFP) Most capital controls from the crisis lifted in March Red hot Iceland economy keeps some investors out in the cold LONDON, July 2, (RTRS): Iceland spent nearly a decade trying to keep foreign money in the country after a financial collapse, now it is trying to keep some of it out. The economy is booming again and hedge funds and other foreign investors want exposure to a surging tourism sector, banks, property, infrastructure and the soaring krona currency. Most capital controls from the 2008 banking crisis were lifted in March allowing money to flow in and out of the country more freely. But with over 20 financial crises since 1875 and warnings from economists about the risk of overheating again, the government is being cautious. It has left in place restrictions making it prohibitively expensive to buy government bonds which offer returns of 4.5 percent, the highest of any developed economy. On Monday, the central bank took another step to try and break the cycle of boom and bust on the isolated North Atlantic island, clamping down on derivatives and other avenues it was worried were being used to bet on the krona. There are a bunch of people I know who would love to put money into Iceland but they simply can t because of restrictions on the inflows, said Mark Dowding, who runs a hedge fund at BlueBay Asset Management and bought into the Icelandic government bond market in 2015, before the central bank rules were introduced. The government is preparing other steps to make Iceland less attractive - a contrast to other economies recovering from crisis which have welcomed inflows of money. The government is preparing to raise taxes for the tourism industry which has been growing at percent a year as foreigners flock to its volcanoes, glaciers and geysers. It is also considering a currency peg for the krona. Iceland offers other exciting investment opportunities. Growth of more than 6 percent is forecast this year and the krona is up 20 percent versus both the dollar and euro over the last 12 months. The central bank has cut interest rates four times in the last year and analysts say it would need to cut further if it wants to slow the rise of the currency. That could further stimulate the economy. Once every decade or two, I come across a market overseas which is most attractive and is worth considering, said Gervais Williams, a portfolio manager at London-based Miton Group. That last happened in 1995 in Ireland and Iceland is the market I now like. Cumulative net capital inflows have gone from almost nothing to 150 billion crown ($1.45 billion) in two years. New cars sales are at the highest in 10 years, Marriott will open Iceland s first five-star hotel next year. Data centre firms are also moving in as the climate and cheap geothermal energy cut the costs of cooling huge server stacks. A potential float of Arion Bank, the domestic arm that emerged from the collapsed Kaupthing bank, meanwhile is expected to lead to a surge of new foreign money into the stock market which currently lists just 17 firms. Several hedge funds Och-Ziff Capital Management Group, Taconic Capital Advisors and Attestor Capital bought stakes in Arion privately, after the bulk of capital controls were lifted earlier in the year. On the back of the shifts, London and Iceland-based fund firm GAMMA Capital Management launched its first two funds including one hedge fund for foreign investors in November last year after requests from abroad. We have been getting a lot of interest... but investing in Iceland brings a lot of hurdles, so we created a simple conduit, said Hafsteinn Hauksson, economist at GAMMA. Both funds have more than doubled in size this year, he said. Nevertheless, there are concerns that Iceland could overheat again. The International Monetary Fund said in a report last week that there was a need for vigilance with regards to credit growth and the real estate sector, labour market tightening and wage increases. It called for capital inflows to be managed carefully. Iceland has a history of spectacular booms and bust. The head of Iceland s central bank regularly describes its banking bust when the top-three banks, Kaupthing, Glitnir and Landsbanki collapsed under heavy debts as the third biggest bankruptcy in the history of mankind. A 2015 report by Bank of Iceland economists noted that this was not Iceland s first financial crisis. In fact, over a period spanning almost one and a half century ( ), we identify over twenty instances of financial crises of different types, it said. Recognising that crises tend to come in clusters, we identify six serious multiple financial crisis episodes occurring every fifteen years on average. The report said the crises typically involved a sudden collapse in the currency and capital inflows. Wary of its history and nervous that the end of capital controls would bring a wave of foreign money, the central bank brought in a rule in May 2016 forcing buyers of its bonds to park additional money in a low interest account. That costly special reserve ratio arrangement has meant foreign investment in Icelandic debt has dropped close to zero. Along with repeated interest rate cuts, it has taken some of the steam out of the crown over the last month. In the current domestic and global circumstances, the risk of excessive and volatile carry-trade type capital inflows was becoming significant a central bank spokesman said of why the measure was brought in. Monday s decision to scale back some exemptions to its post capital controls Foreign Exchange Act aimed to make it harder for foreign investors to bet on the krona. Those exemptions had made it possible to conduct carry trades by issuing krona-denominated bonds nicknamed Glacier bonds and entering derivatives contracts with domestic banks. Experience has shown that capital inflows in connection with foreign issuance of krona-denominated bonds (Glacier bonds) could weaken monetary policy, the central bank said. Iceland also still has controls in place that prevent proceeds from the sale of pre-crisis bonds leaving the country unless the investor signs up to the terms of the central bank s buy back arrangement which offer a punitive exchange rate. It makes absolutely no sense Italy s broadband battle likely to drive up costs PERUGIA, Italy, July 2, (RTRS): In Perugia, crews from Telecom Italia (TIM) and Enel s rival broadband divisions have been working side by side, digging cable trenches along the same roads, sometimes inches apart. At times, hundreds of workers vied for space across the medieval Umbrian city, the first battleground between the corporate heavyweights as they race to roll out superfast broadband networks across Italy. The contest to install fiber-optic cables across a country with among the lowest internet speeds in Europe is still in its early stages, but it is already shaping up to be one of the fiercest European telecom battles for years. This is likely to benefit domestic and business customers by keeping down prices, but it is testing the financial commitment and muscle of both companies, which are being forced to expand their original rollout ambitions, driving up costs. Since being launched last year, Open Fiber (OF), the broadband unit owned by Enel and state lender CDP, has more than doubled its planned investments to 6.5 billion euros ($7.4 billion), added more cities to its rollout and also included rural areas under a state-subsidised scheme. Phone group TIM said in March it would reach 95 percent of Italy s population with ultrafast broadband by mid almost two years ahead of its original schedule. The concern, according to industry experts, is that the race to get there first, in Perugia and beyond, could lead to a mutually damaging war where both firms lose money and infrastructure is duplicated across the country. It s house by house combat and we re all rushing to plant the flag first, said a person involved in one of the rollouts, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. It makes absolutely no sense: we are digging and opening up buildings twice and all we needed was some sort of collaboration. The battle mirrors one of the most infamous overspends in telecoms history. During the 1990s internet boom in Australia, dominant carrier Telstra and new rival Optus rolled out separate networks, often wiring up the same homes. By duplicating the Optus network, Telstra s defensive move effectively killed the economics of its rival s plan but it was a Pyrrhic victory: Telstra and Optus both took heavy losses, writing a total of more than $2 billion off their investments. The duplication of infrastructure in Perugia might serve commercial and competitive purposes, though not a practical one given fiber-optic cable, unlike copper wire, has practically unlimited capacity. We re happy because we now have a choice but I realise having two parallel networks doesn t make much sense, said city manager Francesco Calabrese, part of a team that traipsed around Italy for a year to campaign for companies to digitalise Perugia. It was that effort that made Perugia OF s first port of call. The Rome government has long been pushing for an all-fiber optic network to be rolled out to boost productivity across a country with the lowest take-up of fixed broadband in Europe. For years it had accused TIM of acting too slowly to upgrade its ageing copper network to fiber and publicly backed state-controlled Enel to do the job instead. TIM s reluctance was premised on the belief that the demand was not there to justify over-ambitious investments. It has focused more on cabling fiber to street cabinets junction boxes rather than homes, which is less costly and faster, and using alternative technologies over the last mile of copper. The struggle goes beyond corporate Italy as TIM s biggest shareholder is French media conglomerate Vivendi, which has made no secret of its desire to use the Italian firm to help it create a southern European media empire. TIM has much at stake: it owns almost all of Italy s wholesale market selling access to retail telecom operators, who sell it on to consumers and has ruled the roost for years. This business brings in about 2 billion euros a year - a significant chunk of its overall Italian revenues of 15 billion, and one which the heavily-indebted group can ill afford to lose. Morgan Stanley estimates TIM could lose a third of the 2 billion euros by 2022 as a result of the competition from OF. Retail operators such as Vodafone, Wind Tre and Tiscali are already warming up to the new infrastructure entrant. Like all other telecom operators, we want to wean ourselves off TIM, gain full control of our customers and boost our profitability, said Riccardo Ruggiero, CEO of Tiscali. In Perugia, the population is already benefiting from jumping from the web slow lane to the expressway. IT specialist Luca Braconi is now able to stream Netflix movies without any hiccups after Enel cabled up his home with a new super-fast link. TIM will soon be laying its own 1 gigabyte cable under the cobbled streets of Perugia s centre, but Braconi says his loyalties are with Enel for now. Enel got there first and I like what I ve got. I m not going to change for the sake of saving a few euros, he said. With the stakes rising and no obvious winner, the gloves are off. TIM is running more fiber past street cabinets into homes. OF is wooing banks to address concerns about its ability to stay the course. Both are competing to secure critical permits first. The row ratcheted higher last week when the government said TIM had gone back on its word not to invest in rural areas, undermining Rome s efforts to tender them out using state subsidies and threatening the economics of OF s project there. Industry and political sources said the two companies might ultimately have to join forces if losses become too painful, suggesting TIM could potentially spin off its network and merge it with OF or else buy out its smaller rival. Rome is already using its sway to get the two companies to reach a compromise, one industry ministry source said. They need to agree to build just one network or otherwise it ll turn into a battlefield and the only thing battlefields throw up are dead, a person involved in the roll-out said. Russian crude output unchanged in June, in line with compliance All producers except Rosneft cut or froze production France s president Emmanuel Macron (right), French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Drian (left), French national state-owned railway company SNCF Guillaume Pepy (3rd right), and French Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne (3rd left), pose upon their arrival to Rennes on July 1, following the inauguration of a new TGV (High Speed Train) line between Paris and Rennes. (AFP) New routes to link Paris with Bordeaux, Rennes France launches new high-speed rail lines RENNES, France, July 2, (RTRS): France inaugurated two new highspeed rail lines on Saturday linking the capital to the western cities of Bordeaux and Rennes in what is likely to be the last launches of their kind for years as public cash becomes increasingly scarce. The state-owned SNCF railway operator expects 35,000 passengers to use the new route to Bordeaux daily and 30,000 to use the line to Rennes. Nearly eight billion euros ($9.1 billion) were invested in the stretch to Bordeaux while 3.4 billion euros went into the Rennes line, both under public-private partnerships, SNCF said. While local politicians often fight hard to bring high-speed lines to their regions to boost jobs and activity, such projects have fallen out of favour with the central government due to the costs. A 60-km (37-mile) high-speed stretch is due to open at the end of the year in the south of France, but after that nothing major is in the works, with the government preferring to support instead high-use commuter lines. With nearly 45 billion euros in debt, the SNCF capacity to finance major new projects is also now severely constrained by a rule taking effect this year limiting how much new debt it can take on as a function of its operating margin. Budgetary pressure is also adding up for France s new government, which is due to announce a wave of spending cuts in the coming days after an audit found this week that the 2017 finances were overshooting targets. The line to Bordeaux, which links up with existing high-speed rail lines in the central city of Tours, was financed under a unique public-private partnership that will see a consortium led by construction group Vinci operate it under concession for 50 years. However, the price of usage has left the SNCF concerned and its president Guillaume Pepy told Le Monde newspaper it would lose 90 million euros on the line this year. Despite the huge costs of highspeed lines, a study from the IN- SEE statistics agency found this year that they do bring significant economic activity, boosting companies profitability and productivity. Czech euro adoption unlikely in next decade PRAGUE, July 2, (RTRS): The Czech Republic is unlikely to adopt the European Union s common currency, the euro, in the next decade because it lacks the political will to make the change, central bank Governor Jiri Rusnok was quoted as saying. The Czechs joined the EU in 2004 and committed to one day giving up its own currency, the crown, for the euro. But successive governments have put off setting a date for the change. Asked at a conference on Wednesday if the country would join the euro zone in the next five to 10 years, Rusnok said, If I had to... bet, I would say no. Generally, I do not see enough power and enough will, he added in comments reported by Czech news agency CTK. It is up to the government to decide on adopting the euro, with the central bank mainly advising. The euro has gained little support among Czech politicians, expecially since the global financial crisis almost a decade ago. The euro zone has struggled to cope with problems like Greece s debt, and economists say one reason is the rigidity of a single monetary policy imposed by the European Central Bank. MOSCOW, July 2, (RTRS): Russian oil output stood at million barrels per day (bpd) in June, unchanged from the previous month, Energy Ministry data showed on Sunday, pointing to the country s full compliance with a global pact to curb crude production. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producers led by Russia initially agreed late last year to reduce their total oil output by almost 1.8 million bpd in the first half of 2017 to boost the price of crude, a key source of revenue. The deal was extended until the end of March 2018 as global oil stockpiles are still brimming. Russia pledged to cut 300,000 bpd. This compares to output of more than 11.2 million bpd in October last year, taken as the baseline for the global deal. In tonnes, oil output reached million, versus million in May. Russian oil pipeline exports in June stood at million bpd, down from million bpd in May. Almost all Russian oil majors cut or froze their output last month, except for the country s largest producer, Rosneft, which increased production by 0.2 percent. Production at Gazprom Neft declined by 0.9 percent, and output at Slavneft fell by 2.2 percent. For the first six months of the year, Russian oil output rose 1.4 percent, year-on-year, to an average of million bpd. In OPEC, oil output rose in June by 280,000 bpd to a 2017 high, a Reuters survey found, as a further recovery in supply from the two member countries exempt from the production-cutting deal offset strong compliance by their peers. High compliance by Gulf producers Saudi Arabia and Kuwait helped keep OPEC s adherence with its supply curbs at a historically high 92 percent in June, compared with 95 percent in May, the survey found. The recovery adds to the challenge the OPEC-led effort to support the market is facing from a persistent inventory glut. If the recovery lasts, calls could grow within OPEC for the exempt countries to be brought into the production deal. Natural gas production in Russia was at billion cubic metres (bcm) last month, or 1.71 bcm a day, versus bcm in May.

34 BUSINESS 34 July 4th weekend travel Americans are expected to put down the TV remote and hit the road in record numbers for the July 4th weekend. Auto club AAA said Thursday that it expects 44.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles (80 kms) from home, a 2.9 percent increase over last year s record for the holiday. The majority of those revelers will go by car. But airline travel over the holiday is also expected to rise for the 8th straight year. Travel industry officials expect domestic demand to remain strong, even while they worry that proposed travel bans and the prohibition on laptops in the cabins of some USbound planes could hurt travel to the US from abroad. (AP) Name: Kuwait Sharia Compatible Indices Providers: Al Madar Finance & Investment Co. Description: Index of Sharia compatible companies traded on the KSE Website: Bloomberg Today s Today s closing Prev closing % 1-week 3-month YTD 12-month 24-month Index name ticker value as of value value change change change change change change Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Composite AMIC July 2, % -1.26% -2.95% 3.76% 16.52% -2.63% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Kuwait Only AMIC July 2, % -1.32% -2.14% 3.86% 14.95% -4.10% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Active AMIC July 2, % -3.48% % 2.02% 20.87% % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Banking Sector AMIC July 2, % -1.32% -6.02% -3.73% 9.55% % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Investment Sector AMIC July 2, % -3.66% % 5.04% 4.46% % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Insurance Sector AMIC July 2, % 0.00% -0.73% 46.36% 44.62% % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Real Estate Sector AMIC July 2, % -1.79% -7.80% -0.73% 7.66% % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Industrial Sector AMIC July 2, % -1.09% -5.09% 17.15% 21.54% 3.60% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Services Sector AMIC July 2, % -1.45% 8.05% 14.85% 29.44% 17.82% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Food Sector AMIC July 2, % 0.01% -2.28% -5.95% -2.30% % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Islamic Sector AMIC July 2, % -1.79% -6.30% 0.52% 16.84% -9.40% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Non Kuwaiti Sector AMIC July 2, % -0.11% % 3.51% 63.12% 54.42% Kuwait Stock Exchange Index - Price KWSEIDX July 2, , , % -2.36% -5.53% 15.04% 23.26% 6.97% S&P 500 SPX July 1, , , % -0.61% 2.57% 8.24% 15.24% 16.65% DJ Islamic Index. DJIM July 1, , , % -1.28% 4.50% 12.49% 14.84% 11.95% Tax will transform economy Little India struggles with GST revolution NEW DELHI, July 2, (AFP): India has vowed that a new nationwide tax will transform the economy by bringing more businesses into the digital system and filling state coffers, but for shopkeeper Sanjay Kumar Rai, who has never used a computer, the transition is terrifying. Rai is one of hundreds of thousands of small traders fearful of the goods and services tax (GST) launched Saturday that aims to create a single market in place of a labyrinthine system of more than a dozen national and state levies. Under the new regime, businesses must register with the GST network and file invoices and tax returns online at least once a month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has compared the changes to getting used to a new pair of eye glasses. Ministers say there will be teething troubles but India s army of small business owners like Rai are in a digital panic. At his shoebox-sized stationery store in central Delhi, Rai carefully notes down all sales in a traditional thick ledger book in Hindi. He has no laptop and says he would not know how to use one if it was placed in front of him. Navigate I m uneducated, he told AFP. I don t know English. I only know Hindi so how do I navigate this new system? Till now he has made all tax returns on paper. In theory, traders like Rai with annual revenues of less than two million rupees ($31,000) do not need to register on the GST network. However, the bigger clients which buy paper and pens from him want suppliers to be in the GST system or they will go elsewhere. The government is pressing for proof of all sales, regardless of size, so that it can go after tax cheats. Analysts say the GST has been set up to force compliance in a country with a poor tax base and a reputation for avoidance. It s a very clever system design, Credit Suisse managing director Neelkanth Mishra told AFP. There will be an automatic compliance upstream because it s up to the companies to ensure that all their suppliers are GST compliant. In Rai s case, an accountant client came to his rescue and completed his online registration. But the shopkeeper is still not confident about filing monthly returns under the new system. They take out a new law and then we small people have to find a way to fit in it, he said. He is not the only one worried about the massive changes rippling through India s economy. Thousands of traders across the country closed their shutters on the day before the launch to protest against the tax. Strike Vijay Prakash Jain, secretary general of the Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal, a national traders association, was among those supporting the strike. The rules and regulations are complicated and hard-hitting and we, especially small businesses, can never comply, he told AFP. Earlier we filed returns once a quarter but now we have to file three returns a month and that s 37 in a year, he said. Plus the government wants everything done online. Less than two percent of the country s 60 million traders may have computers. Where is a small trader going to get a computer from? Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal has asked the government to reduce the filings to once a quarter and to let businesses file manually. Ruling BJP party chief Amit Shah said this weekend that changes could be made to the tax law. Ratings agency ICRA said the transition would reduce the competitiveness of the informal sector in favour of organised business. Nevertheless, higher compliance is expected to boost the tax base and the revenues of the central and state governments over the medium term, it said. Moody s Investors Service also said in a report that GST would boost productivity, economic growth and government revenues. China drilling deep into ocean floor to tap combustible ice for energy needs Historic breakthrough to meet growing fuel demand This photo shows a semi-submersible drilling platform in the waters off Yantai, in China s Shandong province. China has joined efforts to tap the world s vast deposits of natural gas hydrates or combustible ice, but it will be years before the fossil fuel is part of the global energy mix. (AFP) BEIJING, July 2, (AFP): China is drilling deep into the ocean floor in the hope of tapping vast deposits of a frozen fossil fuel known as combustible ice but it will be years before it is part of the global energy mix. Gas hydrates are found in the seabed as well as beneath permafrost but experts say extracting methane from the ice crystals is technologically challenging and expensive. Energy-guzzling China, one of several countries hoping to exploit the hard-to-reach resource to meet growing demand, recently announced a historic breakthrough in drilling tests in the South China Sea. In six weeks China extracted more than 235,000 cubic metres (8.3 million cubic feet) of gas hydrate off the coast of Guangdong province, according to a statement on the China Geological Survey s website. China has beaten expectations in completing the trial explorations of combustible ice using local innovations in technology and engineering, said Ye Jianliang, head of the Guangzhou Marine Geology Survey. It marks a historic breakthrough, he added. One cubic metre of gas hydrate, which is also known as flammable ice because methane can ignite, releases 164 cubic metres of conventional natural gas once extracted, the US Department of Energy says. Methane is extracted by heating or reducing the pressure inside the well to break down the hydrates. Estimates for the size of the planet s gas hydrate deposits vary widely but the US department says it could exceed the combined energy content of all other known fossil fuels. Analysts say the substantial resource could be a game changer for countries that have limited access to conventional natural gas. The perfect example is Japan because they don t have much conventional gas and for them it could be an important reserve, said Ingo Pecher, a senior lecturer in the science faculty at New Zealand s University of Auckland. Japan is heavily reliant on liquefied natural gas imports, with most of the country s fleet of nuclear reactors still offline more than six years after the 2011 tsunami disaster at Fukushima. But Pecher said: It boils down to economics. While known and presumed gas hydrate deposits have been identified from New Zealand to Alaska, the challenge is to find ones that are highly concentrated and accessible. Several countries are hoping to turn gas hydrate into a viable source of energy, including Japan which has reported drilling success off its Pacific coast. The United States, which is also looking into the potential of gas hydrate, has obtained positive results from exploratory drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. But commercially viable production is another 10 years away, said Paul Duerloo, partner and managing director at Boston Consulting Group in Tokyo. We know where the resource is, the technology we need to apply but the production rates out of the wells are not commercially sustainable at the current prices, said Duerloo, noting that shale gas, another unconventional energy source that faced similar challenges, took a long time to take off. China expects to start commercial production of gas hydrate around 2030, according to the Ministry of Land and Resources. Another concern surrounding gas hydrate extraction is the potential for methane a greenhouse gas to leak into the atmosphere and fuel global warming, said Xu Yuan, associate professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong s geography and resource management department. Nevertheless, gas hydrates have huge potential if the cost and technological hurdles can be overcome, he added. investment funds Funds Fund Manager Valuation Valued date Currency Net Asset Prev NAV Prev NAV Dated Value (NAV) National Bank of Kuwait Money Market Funds Watani KD Money Market Fund II NBK Capital Weekly June 20, 2017 KD May 30, 2017 Watani USD Money Market Fund NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly June 20, 2017 USD May 30, 2017 Watani KD Money Market Fund (Acc to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly June 20, 2017 KD May 30, 2017 Watani USD Money Market Fund (Acc to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly June 20, 2017 USD May 30, 2017 NBK Kuwait Equity Fund Watani Investment Co. Weekly June 15, 2017 KD May 25, 2017 Gulf Equity Investment Fund Watani Investment Co. Weekly June 15, 2017 USD May 25, 2017 Gulf Bank Al Basha er GCC Equity Fund Kwt. Fin. & Inv. Co. & Gulf Fin. House Monthly June 15, 2017 USD April 30, 2017 Coast Fund Coast Investment & Dev. Co. Monthly May 5, 2017 KD March 28, 2017 Sanaya Dow Jones Kuwait Index Fund Industrial & Financial Investment Co. Weekly Jan 26, 2017 KD Dec 30, 2016 Markaz Capital Preservation Program 1 Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD Dec 31, 2016 Markaz Capital Preservation Program 2 Monthly Feb 28, 2017 KD Dec 31, 2016 Markaz Gulf Real Estate Fund Bi-annual May 31, 2017 KD April 30, 2017 Al Ahli Bank Al Ahli Gulf Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly May 31, 2017 KD April 30, 2017 Al Ahli Kuwaiti Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly May 31, 2017 KD April 30, 2017 Burgan Bank Burgan Equity Fund Burgan Bank Monthly May 28, 2017 KD April 23, 2017 Boubyan Bank Boubyan KD Money Market Fund Boubyan Bank Weekly June 20, 2017 KD June 6, 2017 Boubyan KD Money Market Fund II Boubyan Bank Weekly June 20, 2017 KD June 6, 2017 Boubyan Capital Investment Co. Boubyan USD Liquidity Fund Boubyan Capital Investment Co June 20, 2017 USD June 6, 2017 Boubyan Multi-Asset Holding Fund Boubyan Bank April 30, 2017 USD April 25, 2017 Kuwait Investment Co. Local Fund Al Raed Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly June 22, 2017 KD June 8, 2017 Kuwait Investment Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly May 31, 2017 KD April 30, 2017 Al Hilal Fund Kuwait Investment Co Monthly June 26, 2017 KD May 31, 2017 Al Atheer Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly May 31, 2017 KD April 30, 2017 International Global Bond Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly June 21, 2017 USD June 7, 2017 Diversified Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly June 21, 2017 USD June 7, 2017 European Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly May 31, 2017 Euro April 28, 2017 Pacific Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly June 21, 2017 USD June 7, 2017 North American Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Tw. Monthly May 31, 2017 USD April 28, 2017 National Investment Co. (NIC) Al-Wataniya Fund NIC Monthly May 31, 2017 KD April 30, 2017 Al-Darij Fund NIC Monthly May 31, 2017 KD April 30, 2017 Mawarid Fund NIC Monthly May 31, 2017 KD April 30, 2017 Zajil Fund NIC Monthly May 31, 2017 KD April 30, 2017 Al Mada Investment Fund NIC Weekly May 31, 2017 USD April 30, 2017 Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) Mumtaz Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly June 22, 2017 KD June 15, 2017 MIDAF Kuwait Financial Center Weekly June 22, 2017 KD June 15, 2017 Islamic Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly June 22, 2017 KD June 15, 2017 Markaz Arabian Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Nov 10, 2016 KD Nov 3, 2016 FORSA Financial Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly April 30, 2017 KD March 31, 2017 Real Estate Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly April 30, 2017 KD March 31, 2017 Markaz Fixed Income Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly June 22, 2017 USD June 15, 2017 Mawazeen International Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly March 26, 2017 USD March 19, 2017 Markaz MENA Islamic Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly June 15, 2017 USD May 18, 2017 Kuwait & Middle East Financial & Inv. Co. Al Rou yah Fund KMEFIC Monthly April 30, 2017 KD March 31, 2017 Gulf Gate Fund KMEFIC Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD Sept 30, 2016 Funds Fund Manager Valuation Valued date Currency Net Asset Prev NAV Prev NAV Dated Value (NAV) Global Investment House Index Funds GCC Large Cap Index Fund Global Weekly June 22, 2017 KD June 15, 2017 Equity Funds Al-Mamoun Fund A Global Weekly June 22, 2017 KD June 15, 2017 Al-Mamoun Fund B Global Weekly June 22, 2017 KD June 15, 2017 GCC Large Cap Fund Global Bi-weekly June 20, 2017 USD June 15, 2017 Global Saudi Equity Fund Global Bi-weekly June 20, 2017 SAR June 15, 2017 Sectoral Funds EPADI Fund Global Weekly June 20, 2017 USD June 15, 2017 Islamic Funds Global GCC Islamic Fund Global Weekly June 20, 2017 USD June 15, 2017 Al-Durra Islamic Fund Global Monthly June 22, 2017 KD June 15, 2017 Kuwait Finance & Investment Co (KFIC) Al Wasm Fund KFIC Weekly June 7, 2017 KD March 16, 2017 Al Basha er GCC Equity Fund KFIC Monthly May 31, 2017 USD Feb 28, 2017 KAMCO KAMCO Investment Fund KAMCO Monthly April 30, 2017 KD Jan 31, 2017 KAMCO GCC Opportunities Fund KAMCO Monthly July 31, 2016 USD Feb 29, 2016 KAMCO MENA Plus Fixed Income Fund KAMCO March 31, 2017 USD Jan 31, 2017 KAMCO Real Estate Yield Fund KAMCO April 30, 2017 USD March 31, 2017 Kuwait Education Fund KAMCO Quartely Sept 30, 2016 KD Wafra International Investment Co. Wafra Equity Fund Wafra Co. Monthly May 31, 2017 KD April 30, 2017 Wafra Bond Fund Wafra Co. Monthly May 31, 2017 KD March 30, 2017 Masaref Investment Fund ISKAN Weekly May 31, 2017 KD April 30, 2017 Fajir Islamic Fund Wafra Co. Monthly May 31, 2017 KD April 30, 2017 Shuaa Capital Co. Emirates Gateway Fund Shuaa Capital Weekly Feb 7, 2017 AED Jan 31, 2017 The Arab Gateway Fund Shuaa Capital Weekly Feb 7, 2017 USD Jan 31, 2017 Al Aman Investment Al Aman Islamic Fund Al Aman Investment Weekly April 30, 2017 KD Dec 31, 2016 Tharwa Investment Co. Tharwa Investment Fund Tharwa Investment Co Weekly June 8, 2017 KD May 5, 2017 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 June 8, 2017 KD May 5, 2017 Bank Al-Bilad Al Seef Fund Bank Al-Bilad Daily June 4, 2017 KD May 21, 2017 Commercial International Bank CIB Money Market Fund (Osoul) CI Asset Management Weekly June 19, 2017 EGP June 15, 2017 CIB II Equity (Isthethmar) CI Asset Management Weekly June 19, 2017 EGP June 15, 2017 CIB and Faisal Islamic Al Aman CI Asset Management Weekly June 19, 2017 EGP June 15, 2017 Hemaya CI Asset Management Weekly June 1, 2017 EGP May 2, 2017 Thabat CI Asset Management Weekly June 19, 2017 EGP June 15, 2017 Takamol CI Asset Management Weekly June 19, 2017 EGP June 15, 2017 Misr El Mostakbel CI Asset Management Weekly June 18, 2017 EGP June 12, 2017 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 Feb 28, 2017 KD Jan 31, 2017 Muthanna GCC Islamic Banks Fund KFH Capital Investment Company Daily Feb 28, 2017 KD Jan 31, 2017 Baitak GCC Fund KFH Capital Investment Company Weekly Feb 28, 2017 KD Jan 31, 2017 CapCorp Investment Co. CapCorp Local Fund CapCorp Investment Company Weekly May 31, 2017 KD March 30, 2017

35 BUSINESS 35 WB approves $345m loan for Tanzania port The World Bank said on Sunday it had approved a $345 million loan for the expansion of a port in Tanzania s commercial capital Dar es Salaam, which the East African country aims to turn into a regional gateway. Dar es Salaam is vying with the port of Mombasa in Kenya to become the trade hub for landlocked neighbours such as Zambia, Rwanda, Malawi, Burundi, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but both ports are hobbled by congestion and inefficiency. The port handled 13.8 million tonnes in an increase from 10.4 million in 2011, reflecting an average growth of 9 percent per year, according to the bank. Tanzania wants to lift its capacity to 28 million tonnes a year by The project represents the start of an incremental process towards increasing the capacity of the port of Dar es Salaam and strengthening its economic role in the region, Richard Martin Humphreys, the World Bank s lead transport economist, said in a statement. In a 2014 report, the bank said inefficiencies at the port was costing Tanzania and its neighbours up to $2.6 billion a year. (RTRS) Kuwait index tumbles as regional impasse weighs NAPESCO dives 149 fils; NBK gains By John Mathews Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Kuwait stocks swung sharply lower on Sunday as it kicked off the week on sour note. The bourse, after a tame start, tumbled points to 6, points weighed by heavy selling in select counters. The heavyweights however closed mixed. The KSX 15 benchmark climbed 5.03 points to points taking the year s gains to 30 points while weighted index eased 0.42 points. The volume turnover meanwhile rebounded after hitting a two-week low in the last session million shares changed hands a 39.5 pct surge from Thursday. The sectors closed mostly in red turf. Consumer goods outshone the rest with 1.71 percent gain whereas technology slumped 6.29 pct, the steepest decliner of the day. In terms of volume, financial services mustered the highest market share of 40 pct and real estate trailed far behind with 20 percent contribution. Among day s losers, NAPESCO plunged 149 fils to KD while Eyas For Higher and Technical Education tanked 190 fils. Automated Systems Co slid 43 fils and Mabanee Co was down 10 fils at 769 fils. Zain fell 7 fils to 413 fils after trading 1.8 million shares while Ooredoo dipped 47 fils to KD taking year s losses to 145 fils. Kuwait Telecommunications Co inched 1 fil up and Agility took in 2 fils to settle at 822 fils. National Bank of Kuwait climbed 15 fils to 690 fils and Burgan Bank was up 7 fils at 332 fils. The bank has registered a 24.6% year-on-year increase in profits to KD mln for the first quarter of The net operating profit however saw a drop of 3.4 pct to KD million. The market opened on flat note and moved sideways in early trade. The main index hit the day s highest mark of points and headed south thereafter as selling in select counters roiled the sentiment. It bottomed at 6, pts in the final minutes before paring back some of the losses at close. Top gainer of the day, IFA Hotels and Resorts spiked 20 pct to 252 fils and NCCI climbed percent to stand next. Ream dived 40 pct, the steepest decliner of the day and Al Imtiaz topped the volume with 6.5 million shares. Reflecting the day s slide, the market spread was heavily skewed towards the losers. 27 stocks advanced whereas 69 closed lower. Of the 115 counters active on Sunday, 19 closed flat. 2,528 deals worth KD 9.38 million were transacted a 39.2 pct jump in value from the previous session. National Industries Group fell 2 fils to 111 fils and Gulf Cable was up 5 fils at 420 fils. Heavy Engineering Industries and Shipbuilding Co was unchanged at 216 fils while Contracting and Marine Services Co inched 1 fil lower. Jazeera Airways was flat at 474 fils and Kuwait Portland Cement shed 20 fils. Metal and Recycling Co dialed up 2 fils and Educational Holding Group clipped 2 fils to close at 371 fils. Dropped Burgan Well Drilling Co dropped 16.5 fils while Combined Group Contracting Co added 5 fils to end at 619 fils. Boubyan Petrochemical Co gave up 2 fils and Al Qurain Petrochemical Co was down 8 fils at 334 fils. Equipment Holding Co clipped 1 fil and Acico Industries rose 6 fils to 262 fils. The company s first quarter profits rose by 0.78 pct to KD 3.88 mln as compared to KD 3.85 million in Q1 of Net operating profits was up 11.8 percent to KD 9.87 million. Humansoft Holding Co eased 1 fil and Al Rai Media Group followed suit. The company has posted 66.7% drop in profits in the first quarter of 2017 to KD 449,760. The net operating profit dipped 64.9% to KD 495,540. In the banking sector, Gulf Bank was unchanged at 247 fils and Kuwait Finance House too did not budge from its earlier close of 483 fils after trading 1.3 million shares. Boubyan Bank took in 1 fil and Warba Bank inched 1 fil into red. Commercial Bank and Al Ahli Bank were not traded during the session. Kuwait International Bank paused at 244 fils. KIPCO was unchanged at 336 fils whereas National Investment Co closed 2 fils down at 99 fils. Kuwait Investment Co eased 0.1 fil whereas Coast Investment Co and Osoul Investment Co stood pat at 40.5 fils and 58 fils respectively. KFIC trimmed 0.5 fils and Securities House Co gave up 1.5 fils to close at 40.5 fils. Ektittab Holding slipped 5 fils and Sokouk Holding dialed down 1.8 fils. Alola fell 2.1 fils to 44.8 fils and Al Salam dropped 3 fils. Noor Financial Investment Co clipped 0.4 fils whereas Tamdeen Investment Co stalled at 300 fils. Warba Insurance Co dipped 13.5 fils to 85 fils and International Financial Advisors closed 1.2 fils in red. National Real Estate Co and Kuwait Real Estate Co gave up 1 fil each whereas United Real Estate Co held ground at 84.9 fils. Mazaya Holding trimmed 1 fil to end at 110 fils and Marakez closed 2.5 fils in red. The market was downbeat during last week. The main index closed lower in both sessions and slipped 10 points week-on-week. It had shed 26 points during whole of June and is trading 15 pct higher year-to-date. KSE, with 188 listed companies, is the second largest bourse in the region. In the bourse related news, Kuwait Finance and Investment (KFIC) rebounded to post a net profit of KD 146,350 in the first three months of 2017, from KD 255,510 loss in first quarter of Operating income grew 76% year-on-year to reach KD 1.65 million. Aayan Real Estate has recorded a percent jump in its profits to KD 536,890 for the first quarter of 2017 from same period in the year before. During 2016, the profit saw a 1.5% uptick to KD 2.75 million in 2016 from the previous year. Ooredoo Kuwait has posted 26.6 pct jump in profits during the first quarter of 2017 to KD million from KD million in same period last year. It had recorded a growth of 75% in profits to KD million during Mowasat Healthcare has registered a 40.2% increase in net profits in the first quarter of 2017, to reach KD 1.92 million as compared to KD 1.37 million in the year before period. Al Ahleia Insurance s first quarter net profit dropped by 14.5% in the first to KD 2.88 million from KD 3.37 million in Q1 of Operational income dipped 39.6 pct to KD 1.58 million National Ranges Company s (Mayadeen) losses shrank by 18.2 pct in the first quarter of 2017 to KD 642,620 from about KWD 785,610 in same period of 2016 Mideast Stocks Saudi bourse rally stalls Qatar falls as deadline looms DUBAI, July 2, (RTRS): Qatar s stock market dropped in early trade on Sunday as a deadline for Doha to accept a series of political demands by four Arab states was expected to expire late in the day with no sign of the crisis ending. Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al- Thani said at the weekend that the demands were made to be rejected. He insisted Qatar would not close a Turkish military base or shut Doha-based satellite channel Al Jazeera. The four Arab states have warned they may impose further sanctions if Qatar does not comply; they did not give details, but bankers believe, for example, that Saudi, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain banks might receive official guidance to pull deposits from Qatar. Nine-fold increase in 2016 Doha s stock index was down 2.0 percent after 45 minutes of trade as all 18 companies with a value above $1 billion dropped. Constituents of the MSCI emerging market index were some of the worst performers, with Vodafone Qatar down 4.1 percent. On June 22, the last day on which the market traded before closing for a week-long Eid al-fitr holiday, foreign funds were net buyers of Qatari shares for the first time since the crisis erupted on June 5. Saudi Arabia s index was nearly flat early on Sunday as it reopened after Eid. It had risen sharply between June 20 and 22 on news that international index compiler MSCI had placed Riyadh on a watch list for upgrade to emerging market status and that the architect of Saudi economic reforms, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was named crown prince. Some of the recent top performers fell because of profit- taking on Sunday, with property developer Emaar the Economic City dropping 2.4 percent. Medical insurer BUPA Arabia rose 1.5 percent after the company said it had renewed its insurance contract with blue-chip petrochemical producer Saudi Basic Industries. BUPA expects the contract to have a positive impact on 2017 net earnings, but it did not give a monetary value. Dubai s index was down 0.3 percent, hit by a 1.2 percent decline in Dubai Islamic Bank. In neighbouring Abu Dhabi the index was also dragged lower by banking shares; Union National Bank was down 1.1 percent. Foreign investment in Egypt debt instruments soars CAIRO, July 2, (RTRS): Egypt attracted almost a nine-fold increase in foreign investment in domestic debt instruments in the fiscal year, the finance ministry said on Sunday. Appetite for Egypt s domestic debt has increased since the central bank floated the currency in November as part of an International Monetary Fund lending programme aiming to revive the economy. For the 2016/17 fiscal year, beginning July 1 in Egypt, foreign investment rose to $9.8 billion compared with $1.1 billion the previous year, the finance ministry said. Foreign investment in domestic treasury bills and bonds reached $1.250 billion in June alone, and about $9 billion since the flotation, Deputy Finance Minister Ahmed Kojak told Reuters by telephone. The three-year IMF reform programme also includes tax raises and subsidy cuts. Egypt s economy has been struggling since a 2011 uprising drove tourists and foreign investors away, drying up foreign reserves. Meanwhile, the lowest dollarpriced offer at a soyoil tender issued by Egypt s GASC was $799 a tonne for 30,000 tonnes of soyoil, traders said. The offer was presented by ADM, they said. Olam also offered 30,000 tonnes of soyoil at $833 a tonne. Both dollar offers were made with 180-day credit facilities. Alex Company for Seeds offered 18,000 tonnes of soyoil in Egyptian pounds at 14,100 pounds ($778.15) a tonne or at 15,651 pounds ($863.74) a tonne if a 180- day credit facility is used. Results of the tender are expected later Sunday.

36 BUSINESS 36 South African Airways gets state funds to avoid default South African Airways (SAA) has been provided with state funds to help it repay loans of about 2.3 billion rand ($176 million) to Standard Chartered, the government said on Saturday. The airline faced around nine billion rand of debt maturing at the end of June involving six or seven lenders, according to the Treasury. On Thursday the Treasury told lawmakers it was in discussions with lenders to roll-over the nine billion owed to them. In a statement issued on behalf of the Treasury, the government said the funds provided to SAA had been sourced from the National Revenue Fund (NRF), which under law allows any minister to authorise the use of funds for expenditure of an exceptional nature. A default by the airline would have triggered a call on the guarantee, leading to an outflow from the NRF and possibly resulting in elevated perceptions of risk related to the rest of SAA s guaranteed debt, the statement said. SAA already relies on government guarantees of about 20 billion rand to keep it solvent. It has been cited by all three major rating agencies repeatedly as a threat to South Africa s economy. Two of those agencies cut the country s debt to sub-investment grade following President Jacob Zuma s fi ring of the fi - nance minister in March. Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba s office said Standard Charted had requested immediate payment of the money owed but that the remaining lenders had indicated they were open to deferring the debt. Drawing on the NRF was a tough decision versus the worse one of defaulting. It was taken to reassure lenders that state fi rms and more importantly government won t default, ministry spokesman Mayihlome Tshwete said. The Treasury is under pressure to keep recent pledges to cut spending and reform governance at state fi rms to fend off credit downgrades deeper into junk. Such downgrades would trigger a spike in already soaring borrowing costs on public debt of more than 2.2 trillion rand. On Friday Finance Minister Gigaba, speaking at the opening of ruling Africa National Congress s policy conference, unnerved markets when he said the country may need outside fi nancial assistance. Asked by Reuters if he was referring to the International Monetary Fund, Gigaba smiled and said Any. The official opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, said Standard Chartered s refusal to defer the debt showed it had no faith in the management of the state carrier and that it was also a blow to the credibility of the Treasury. (RTRS) Dollar meltdown likely to continue in H2 Euro hits new highs of the year on Draghi s comment By National Bank of Kuwait United States The second half of 2017 seems to be taking the shape of nonconsensual Fed members views over the current state of the US economy. Whether St. Louis Fed Bullard reiterating his views that the current level of the policy rate was appropriate given the current macroeconomic environment, some Fed members have started doubting the idea that U.S. inflation is reliably returning toward the set target. Over the size of the Fed balance sheet, there at least seems to be a consensus to be prudent to announce a balance-sheet adjustment anytime soon and any decision is likely to be pushed toward the end of the summer. With the market more and more unconvinced about a much higher terminal Fed Funds rate in the US and with a honeymoon period likely to continue in Europe, we are likely to witness a continuation of the US dollar meltdown in the second half of 2017, with a risk of higher lower yielding currencies that have been shunned in the past three years. Should market expectations about ECB tightening rise much further as they did this week, this would likely tighten financial conditions in the Euro area and push the currency higher against the Dollar. More global central banks seem to be jumping on the tightening wagon by changing their view. Whether the Bank of Canada, the Bank of England and the ECB; all have helped weakening the US dollar by sending the Euro, Canadian dollar and Pound higher this week. On the foreign exchange side, the U.S. dollar index extended its recent losses almost day by day after recent prospects of monetary tightening emerging at both the European Central Bank and the Bank of England. The index lost 1.56% of it s value during the week. The DXY depreciated to its weakest level since October 2016 on Thursday, falling to The dollar was on course for its worst quarter in seven years on Friday, recovering only marginally against major peers. The index opened on Monday at and ended its weekly session at Last week, the single currency began its upward momentum on Tuesday when ECB s President Draghi presented an optimistic view of the Eurozone economy, and put a positive spin on inflation, stating that deflationary forces have been replaced by reflationary ones. Moreover, Draghi mentioned that the loose monetary policy was needed for now, but would be gradually withdrawn once inflation moved higher. The EUR/USD on Thursday was elevated to new highs for the year at The pair opened the week at and closed on Friday at In terms of the British Pound, the GBP/USD started the week at and was in consolidation mode until Wednesday. The Sterling pound gained support on Wednesday by the head of the BoE Mark Carney who stated that that raising interest rates in the UK in the next few months could become more appropriate and tolerance for higher inflation from the MPC could soon start to disappear. At the end of the week, GBP/USD soared to 6 weeks high amid growing expectations that interest rates could soon rise, while political uncertainty following the election fades. In Commodities, oil has delivered a 5% gain this week, with prices gaining support from government data that showed a drop off in US gasoline supplies, which have previously remained stubbornly high, leaving to a close firmly above $45. Fed Chair Yellen didn t give any indications this week whether the current policy tightening has changed, saying we ve made very clear that we think it will be appropriate to the attainment of our goals to raise interest rates very gradually. The caveat was when she said that asset valuations, by some measures, look high, but there s no certainty about that. In parallel, Fed Vice Chairman Fischer said that rising valuations in equities and other segments of the global market are partly explain by a brighter economic outlook, but also by elevated risk appetite. Fischer also warned against complacency. So far, the evidently high risk appetite has not led to increased leverage across the financial system, but close monitoring is warranted. On the current state of the economy, San Francisco Fed President Williams said that the US economy has regained, and even surpassed, full employment benchmarks. Although our inflation rate is still somewhat below our 2% mediumterm target, I and my colleagues on the Federal Open Market Committee expect us to reach that goal in the next year or so. On the lesser bright side, Philadelphia Fed President Harker also was on the wires, saying he thought the central bank may have to rethink its plans for hiking interest rates if US inflation continues to wane. My forecast is for the ceasing of reinvestment of bond profits this year and possibly one more rate increase, but if we start to see inflation continue to deteriorate... then I would revisit that. We have to be open to that. With low inflation and wages showing little sign of an upward surge, Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari doesn t think the central bank should be in a hurry to lift interest rates. Why are we trying to cool down the economy, when there may still be some slack in the job market, and there is still some room to run on the inflation front? Kashkari said Currencies Open Low High Close Minimum Maximum Forward EUR GBP JPY CHF Tuesday. We re not seeing wages climb very fast, and we re not seeing inflation. That tells me the economy is not on the verge of overheating The US consumer confidence index rose to in June, up from previously while estimates were for 116. The improvement was driven by the present situation component, which increased to from 140.6, while the expectations index declined to from last month. The Richmond Fed manufacturing index also rose to 7 in June, up from 1 in May and above the consensus estimate for 5. Looking at the details, the subcomponents for shipments and new orders increased. Employment was relatively flat On the brighter side, US first quarter GDP was revised up to a 1.4% while consensus was for a 1.2%. This is twice the growth rate of the original print for the first quarter, which came in at 0.7%. There were revisions throughout the report but the biggest change was in consumption, which was revised up to 1.1% from 0.6%. Investment was lower from 4.8% to 3.7%, mostly reflecting business spending. Europe & UK This week, ECB President Draghi decided to rock the boat saying that the global recovery is firming and broadening and that a key issue facing policymakers is ensuring that this nascent growth becomes sustainable. However, he said that inflation dynamics remain more muted than one would expect, citing external price shocks and more slack in the labor market. Draghi thinks that these effects are only temporary in nature and should not cause inflation to deviate from its trend over the medium term. In parallel, ECB Governing Council member Jens Weidmann was more upbeat saying that citizens must be able to rely on the Governing Council to expeditiously end its expansive monetary policy if it is necessary from the point of view of price stability. We have to make it clear that we are guided by monetary policy considerations alone and that the finance ministers have to cope with rising financing costs of public budgets when ECB exits its very loose monetary policy. He added that the ECB council hasn t discussed a possible extension of the bond-buying program and that the ECB should look at the exit from the very loose monetary policy if economic growth and inflation develop as expected. French real GDP grew more than expected in the first quarter and rose 0.5%, up from 0.4% previously and above estimates for 0.4%. With this figures, the expected growth of 1.5% for the whole of 2017 would be the strongest since Moreover, the preliminary manufacturing PMI also surprised to the upside and rose to 55 in June, while the services PMI declined to 55.3, down from Nonetheless, the PMI data suggests that the French economy continues its recovery. A breakdown showed that firms expanded their payrolls the most since August In Germany, the preliminary manufacturing PMI declined less than expected to 59.3 in June, down from 59.5 in May whereas consensus was for 59. Strong demand from Europe, America and Asia translated into growth in new orders for the sixth time in seven months. New orders grew at the fastest pace since March Moreover, the services PMI declined more than expected to 53.7, down from 55.4 and below the consensus estimate for According to Bank of England Governor Carney, the MPC may need to begin raising interest rates in the coming months. Some removal of monetary stimulus is likely to become necessary if the trade-off facing the MPC continues to lessen and the policy decision accordingly becomes more conventional. To reiterate the point, BoE s Chief Economist Andrew Haldane said that we need to look seriously at the possibility of raising interest rates to keep the lid on those cost of living increases. For now we are happy with where the rates are, we need to be vigilant for what happens next. He noted that weak pay growth has repeatedly surprised the BoE. He added that policy makers are watching for signs of a pickup in wages and that weak productivity is helping to suppress pay. He reiterated that any policy tightening will be limited and gradual. On the economic data side, the GfK consumer confidence index fell to -10 in June, lower than the consensus estimate of -7 and down from -5 in May. It was the lowest reading since last July s -12 shortly after the UK s EU referendum. According to the report, strong consumer spending has propped up the economy since last June, but now the twin pressures of higher prices and sluggish wage growth are squeezing household finance and adding to widespread fears of a Brexit-induced economic slowdown. Asia China s June manufacturing PMI came in at 51.7 for June, above both the previous month at 51.2 and expectations of a 51. This was the second highest level of 2017, on the back of improving market sentiment and industrial upgrading, according to the report. Both inflation indicators were higher, as the input prices index rose to 50.4 from 49.5 in May, and the output price index rebounded to 49.1 from 47.6 in May after three consecutive months of decline. Both new export order index and the import index increased by more than one point reaching 52.0 and 51.2 respectively. As a whole, the economic activity this year has proven to be more resilient than expected, giving policymakers time to focus on cutting back on financial risks and cooling a bubble in the property sector. This week, the release of China s Beige Book showed the economy improving in the second quarter, but moving forward, the report tackle the deleveraging which is likely to pose risks on the performance of the economy in the second half of the year. According to the article, while leaders have pledged to cut back on excessive leverage, business activity remains resilient because companies assume curbs will prove transient. In the BoJ s minutes for its June meeting, several policymakers called for the central bank s monetary policy stimulus to be maintained, with some members noting that achievement of the 2% inflation target will take some time. The price stability target cannot be achieved easily within a short time-frame. It is crucial to maintain accommodative financial conditions and keep the economy expanding as long as possible, one board member said. Policymakers also focused on how best to communicate their intentions to the market, as an improving economy draws more attention to the timing of an exit from easy monetary policy. As the economy continues to improve, the BOJ needs to be accountable for its thinking on monetary policy to avoid raising concern among market participants, one board member said. The minutes also stated that an increase in wages has been observed and private consumption has increased its resilience. Kuwait Kuwaiti Dinar at The USDKWD opened at on Sunday morning. Rates - 02 July, 2017 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 July 2 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

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No. Kuwait National Public Library Al-Mubarakia, Souk Al-Mubarakia Kuwait University Library Khaldiya Heritage Manuscripts & Documents Center Jabriya, Block 5, Street 3 British Council Mansuriyah, Block 2, Street 2 Library of Gulf University Hawalli, Musa Bin Naseer Street Al Ahmadi Public, Ahmadi Al Dae ah Public Al Dae ah, Block 4 Dahiyat Abdulla Al Salem Public Block 3, beside Co-op Al Dasma Public (Women), Dasma Al-Faiha a Public Al-Faiha a, Block 5 Al Farwaneia Public Al-Farwaniya, behind Police Station Al Fehaheel Public Fahaheel, in front of Post Office Al Khaldia Public, Khaldia Al Qadseia Public, Qadsia Al Rumaitheia Public Rumaitheia, Block 7 Al Shameia Public, Shameia Al Sabaheia Public, Sabaheia Hawally Public Hawalli, Tunis St., beside Gulf Bank Kaifan Public, Kaifan, Block Kheitan Public, Kheitan Al-Babtain Central Library Gulf Road, Next to Ministry of Planning MUSEUMS Name and address Tel. No. Bait Al-Bader Est Kuwait City, beside National Museum Kuwait House Museum Shuwaikh, B17, Str 7, beside Public Theatre, Villa No. 32 Kuwait National Museum Gulf Road Mohd Al-Shaybani Museum Jabriya, Block 5, Street No. 3 Tareq Rajab Museum Jabriya, Block 12, Street No. 5 Educational Science Museum Merqab, Abdullah Al Mubarak Str. Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyah In Kuwait National Museum, Gulf Str. KOC Display Centre, Ahmadi Sadu House In Kuwait National Museum, Gulf Str. Popular Traditional Museum In Kuwait National Museum, Gulf Str. Bayt Al-Qurain Al-Qurain, Block 4, Street 3, House 59 THEATERS Name and address Tel. No. Abdulaziz Hussein Cultural Center Mishref, beside Co-op Al Dasma Theater Al Dasma, Al-Qahera Street, Block 4 Al-Shameia Theater Shamiya, in front of Shamiya Union Co-op Al-Tahreer Theater, Kaifan, Block Kuwait Public Theater South Shuwaikh, Bl 7, Str 71, House 43 Kuwait Elizabethans (Eng. lang.) Salwa Kuwait Players (Eng. lang.) Rumaithiya The Little Theater (Eng. lang.) Ahmadi Sha ab Theater Sha ab Leisure Park ext. 228 Kuwait Theater Salmiya, Block 5, Street No. 3 THE BEST RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS JAPANESE CUISINE Name and address Tel. No. Bonsai Japanese Restaurant Le Méridien Kuwait Hotel, Gulf Rd. Kei J. W. Marriott Kei Marina Crescent Edo Shaab, Block 8, Str. 80, Villa 5 Kamikaze The Palms Beach Hotel & Spa Maki Salmiya, Plajat Str. Sushi Club Salmiya, Plajat Str., Al Saraf Complex Wasabi Kuwait City, Al Mashoora Tower Hashi /5 Kuwait City, Salhiya Plaza THAI CUISINE Blue Elephant Royal Thai Cuisine Hilton Kuwait Resort Thai Chi /1 Al-Bedaa, next to Regency Hotel PIZZA RESTAURANTS Domino s Pizza Sbarq Salmiya, Salem Al Mubarak Str., opp. Al Fanar Complex Prego Salmiya, Salem Al Mubarak Str., opp. Al Rabea Bldg. Pizza Express Mangaf, Hilton Resort Villa Pizza Salmiya, Salem Al Mubarak Str. Peppe s Pizza Salmiya, Arabian Gulf Str., Beside Holiday Inn Hotel. The Pizza Company Salmiya, Souk Salmiya Pizza Inn Salmiya, Al-Rai, Fintas GREEK CUISINE Zorba s Green Taverna Salmiya, Arabian Gulf Street MEXICAN CUISINE Chi-Chi s Salmiya, Arabian Gulf Str., Sultan Center Restaurant Castello Fintas, Restaurants Str. Burrito Bneid Al Qar, 2nd Road, Behind Al-Salam Hospital SPANISH CUISINE Viva Espanole Salmiya, Salem Al Mubarak Str., Al Thuraya Complex, Mezzanine INDIAN CUISINE Caesars Kuwait City, behind Sheraton Hotel Mughal Mahal /2 Sharq, opp. Khaleejia Bldg. Dawat Bneid Al Gar, beside Al Kazmi Tower Asha s /3 Marina Mall, Crescent Side Rangoli Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait Winner s Salmiya, Hamad Al-Mubarak, Al-Tahreer Complex TAAL /3 Al-Bidaa, Gulf Road ITALIAN CUISINE Johnny Carino s Kitchen Sha ab, Arabian Gulf Street Nino Sharq, Arabian Gulf Street Pizza Express Al-Bedaa, next to Regency Hotel Piano Piano Mansuriyah, Mansuriyah Co-op Society Loranzo Kuwait City, Beside Sheraton Hotel Ciro s Pomodoro Kuwait City, Al-Watiah, Behbehani House La Piazza Kuwait City, Al-Watiah, Behbehani House Biella Marina Mall Crescent Side Spago Sharq, Arabian Gulf, at Opp. Souk Sharq Tosca The Palms Beach Hotel & Spa SEA FOOD Danah Salmiya, Arabian Gulf St., Opp. Sheikha Complex Al-Marsa Le Meridien Hotel, Bneid Al-Gar Totally Fish Marina Mall Crescent Side Al Boom Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait INTERNATIONAL CUISINE Olas Restaurant Costa Del Sol Hotel The Jungle Salmiya, Salem Al Mubarak St., Landmark Store Fresh Salmiya, Al-Khalid Complex Lamarine Sharq, Arabian Gulf Street, Souk Sharq Bait Kuwait City, Al-Watiah, Behbehani House Sultan Center Jean s Salmiya, Arabian Gulf Street Jeans Grill Sharq, Arabian Gulf Street, Souk Sharq Bredz Sharq, Arabian Gulf Street, Souk Sharq Square Kuwait City, Al-Watiah, Behbehani House Ritz METROPOLITAN AREA BUS ROUTES Salmiya, Salem Al Mubarak St., Al-Thuraya Complex Teatro Hilton Kuwait Resort Ext 7309 Jamaica Blue Salmiya, Salem Al Mubarak St., Marina Mall Water Lemon Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Marina Mall Richoux Salmiya, Salem Al Mubarak St., Marina Mall Bays Movenpick Hotel Lebresserie J.W. Marriott Avenue Restaurant Kempinski Julai a Resort, King Fahad Highway, Road 245 Sea Shell Kempinski Julai a Resort, King Fahad Highway, Road 245 Teatro Hilton Kuwait Resort Ext 7309 Astra Lounge Shaab, Behind Abha Complex La Marina Sharq, Arabian Gulf St., Souk Sharq Al Bustan Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait Flavors Restaurant Al Aqeelah Beach Seashore 209 CASUAL CUISINE Hard Rock Cafe /5 Salmiya, Arabian Gulf Street, Opp. Sultan Center Chili s Sharq, Arabian Gulf Street, Beside Kuwait Towers Johnny Rockets Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St. Fuddruckers Sharq, Arabian Gulf Street, Beside Kuwait Towers TGI Fridays Bneid Al-Gar, Arabian Gulf Street Applebee s Sharq, Arabian Gulf Street, Beside Kuwait Towers Buffalo s Café Salmiya, Arabian Gulf Road, opp. Scientific Center Ruby Tuesday Sharq, Arabian Gulf Street, Beside Aqua Park Subway Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St. Opp Land Mark Burger Boutique Sharq, Al-Raya Complex, 2nd Floor The Burger Hub Kuwait City, Arabian Gulf St., Opp Al-Seif Palace Chit Chat Restaurant & Cafe Al Aqeelah Beach Seashore 209 STEAK HOUSE The Gaucho Grill The Palms Beach Hotel & Spa Terrace Grill J.W. Marriott Le Entrecote Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Al-Fanar Mall Ponderosa Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Beside Marina Mall Cascade Restaurant Steaks & Grills Le Méridien Tower Kuwait ARABIAN CUISINE Berdawni Palace Salmiya, Al-Khalid Complex Al-Saraya Palace Salmiya, Arabian Gulf Street Mais Al Ghanim Sharq, Arabian Gulf Street, Opp. Kuwait Towers Villa Fayrouz Sha ab, Bl 8, St., 80, Bld 1 Al-Bustan Sha ab, Arabian Gulf Street Classical Cafe & Restaurant Salmiya, beside Marina Mall Yaldez Palace Kuwait City, Al-Shohada St., Beside Marriott Hotel Palm Palace Salmiya, Hamad Al-Mubarak St. Veranda Cafe & Restaurant Salmiya, Arabian Gulf Road, Behind Showbiz Burj Al-Hamam Arabian Gulf Street Kababji Al-Adeiliya, Beside Kazma Sport Club Zaatar W Zeit Marina Mall Crescent Side Sarai /1 Al-Bedaa, next to Regency Hotel Awtar Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Beside Marina Mall Al-Safadi Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Beside Marina Mall Fircej Suweileh Salmiya, Beside Marina Mall Al Roshinah Restaurant Al Aqeelah Beach Seashore 209 FRENCH CUISINE Le Notre Paul Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Marina Mall Dalloyau Paris Salmiya, Al-Fanar Complex PQ (Le Pain Quotidien) The Palms Beach Hotel & Spa PQ (Le Pain Quotidien) /2 Marina Mall, Crescent side Cafés Starbucks Coffee Sharq, Souk Sharq,Arabian Gulf Street Costa Coffee Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Galleria 2000 Second Cup Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Marina Mall Song Bird Cafe Hilton Kuwait Resort Ext 7314 Casper & Gambini s /6 Kuwait City, Al-Watiah, Old Arabic Houses Diva s Restaurant & Cafe /4 Salmiya, Blajat Street Cafe Rio Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Al-Fanar Complex Numi Tea House Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St. Bus No. Origin Destination Via 11 Orthopaedic Sharq Shuwaikh 12 Orthopaedic Sharq 4th Ring Rd 13 Kheitan* Mirgab Airport Rd 14 Messila Mirgab Ras Salmiyah 15 Salmiyah* Mirgab 4th Ring Rd 16 Kheitan* Jahra Gate 4th Ring Rd 17 Salmiyah Sharq Hawalli 18 Orthopaedic Mirgab Shuwaikh 20 Al-Jleeb Sharq Kheitan 21 Al-Jleeb* Mirgab Farwaniyah 22 Al-Jleeb Sharq 3rd Ring Rd 23 Kheitan Mirgab King Faisal Rd 24 Salmiyah Mirgab Hawalli 25 Jahra Gate Jabriya Hawalli 26 Sulaibiya Sharqq Andalus 29 Al Jleeb Mirgab Shuwaikh 31 Kheitan Sharq Shamiyah 32 Jabriya Sharq Nuzha 34 Salmiyah Sharq Farwaniyah 36 Al-Jleeb Salmiyah Farwaniyah 38 Messilah Jahra Gate Bayan 39 Kheitan Sharq Shuwaikh 40 Fahaheel Sharq Suwaikh 41 Kheitan UN Al Rai 51 Al Jleeb* Mirgab 6th Ring Rd 59* Al-Jleeb* Mirgab Al Hasawi 66 Al-Jleeb Salmiya Farwaniya & Hawally 99 Al-Jleeb Civil ID Shuwaikh & Farwaniya 101 Fahaheel Mirgab Sabah Salem 102 Fahaheel Mirgab 3rd Ring Rd 103 Jahra Mirgab Jahra Rd 105 Fahaheel Al-Jleeb Shuwaikh 139 Jahra Gate Fahaheel UN 501 Airport Mirgab Jahra Rd 502 Fahaheel Mirgab Fahaheel Rd 506 Al-Jleeb Jahra Gate Hawalli 507 Al-Jleeb Sharq Shuwaikh 602 Fahaheel Fahaheel Ahmadi 999 Jahra Fahaheel Hawally (beside Layla Gallery) Lazord Kuwait City, Salhiya Complex Jamaicablue Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Fanar Complex Jamaicablue Sharq, Souk Sharq Milano Plaza Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Plaza Complex Chateau Cafe Sharq, Souk Sharq, front of Sultan Center Zahra Cafe Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Zahra Complex Chocolate Bar Marina Mall Crescent Side Lina s Cafe Marina Mall Crescent Side Cafe Blanc Marina Mall Crescent Side Shay W Nanaa Sharq, Arabian Gulf St., in front of Seif Palace Columbus Cafe Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Al-Fanar Complex Danish Cafe Kuwait City, Sour St., beside NBK Tea Lounge Movenpick Hotel The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., beside Al-Fanar Complex Astra Lounge Shaab, Arabian Gulf St., Abha Complex Hangout Lounge Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Galleria 2000 Café Supreme Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St., Al Bustan Mall Arabic Cafés Latino Cafe Salmiya, Arabian Gulf Road, beside Sultan Centre Rest. Puerto Banus Cafe & Restaurant Sharq, Arabian Gulf Street, beside Souq Sharq Port Cafe Sharq, Arabian Gulf Street, beside Souk Sharq Classical Cafe & Restaurant Salmiya, beside Marina Mall Balbak Cafe & Restaurant Salmiya, beside Marina Mall Veranda Cafe & Restaurant Salmiya, Arabian Gulf Road, behind Showbiz HOME DELIVERY Burger King Domino s Pizza Hardee s KFC Kebabjee Little Ceasars Pizza Piza Hut Shrimpy Chicken Tikka Turkish Grill Zaatar W Zeit Hotels in Kuwait Name & Website/Address Tel. No. Hilton Kuwait Resort Fax: Kempinski Julai a Hotel & Resort Sheraton Hotel Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait Fax: Sales.Kuwait@Radissonblu.com JW Marriott Hotel Kuwait City Costa Del Sol Hotel Fax: Crowne Plaza wwwkuwait.crowneplaza.com Sakura, Layla Gallery Noukhaza, Abu Halifa Sakura, Abu Halifa Ruby Tuesday, Abu Halifa Ruby Tuesday, Sharq Ruby Tuesday, Salmiya Peppes Pizza, Hawally Peppes Pizza, Salmiya The Palms Beach Hotel & Spa Kuwait wwwthepalms.com.kw Kuwait Palace Hotel Swiss Inn Plaza Hotel Kuwait Four Points Sheraton Kuwait Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Safir Heritage Village, Failaka Safir International Hotel Kuwait Marina Hotel Kuwait Fax: Mövenpick Hotel Kuwait Ramada Kuwait Hotel Holiday Inn Down Town Holiday Inn Salmiya Tang Chao, Ayman Zaman, L a Roma Café Le Meridien Tower Kuwait Fahed Al Salem Street, Kuwait City Oasis Hotel Imperial Hotel Spring Continental Hotel New Park Hotel Safir Airport Hotel Le Meridien Kuwait Hotel Arabian Gulf Rd., Bneid Al Gar Royal Suite Bneid Al-Gar, Gulf Str., Sea Side Ritz Sharq Boutique Sharq, Al-Shuhadaa Str. 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38 LEISURE Sherman s Lagoon By J.P. Toomey N E W Y O R K T I M E S CROSSWORD 38 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 8 Minutes 1 Seconds Your Working Time Minutes Seconds Word by Word When Endama When you are in Rome do as the Romans do. Endama takoon fe Rooma tassaraf kama yatasaraf al Rooman. Numbers Yesterday s solution In this July 1, 2017 photo, a white wagtail has caught a dragonfl y on the terrace of a restaurant in Markkleeberg, eastern Germany. (AP) contract bridge By Steve Becker Scratch pad odds n ends BOSTON: In the shadow of giant war machines, a tiny rare butterfl y is fl ourishing. Oddly, experts say, the US military gets the credit. The frosted elfi n, which fl utters along on a 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) wingspan, has found a home at several defense installations because of the way the military manages open spaces, said Robyn Niver, an endangered species biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Military training requires vast open areas, so these bases are some of our last great wild places, Niver said. The little brown butterfl y has been confi rmed at Westover Air Reserve Base and Camp Edwards in Massachusetts; Fort McCoy in Wisconsin; Fort Bragg in North Carolina; and the New Hampshire State Military Reservation, she said. The common thread among the bases is the way they manage vegetation through controlled burns, which create the perfect conditions for wild blue lupine and indigo to grow, the frosted elfi n caterpillar s two host plants. The dainty butterflies were first spotted at Westover in Chicopee, Massachusetts, about 20 years ago, according to Jack Moriarty, the base s chief of environmental engineering. Proper vegetation control is critical for the safety of the massive C5 military transport aircraft that call the base home. If the vegetation is cut too short, it attracts geese and gulls, increasing the risk of aircraft strikes. If it is allowed to grow too tall, turkeys, deer, and coyotes move in. Lupine and indigo are just the right height. Although there have been anecdotal reports of its presence in the past, the frosted elfi n was confi rmed at Camp Edwards on Cape Cod just this spring, said Jake McCumber, the Massachusetts Army National Guard s natural resources manager. It was pretty exciting. I was thrilled, he said. Our grasslands are in the headquarters area, so it s probably the busiest part of the base. (AP) SOUTHAMPTON, New York: A female fi n whale has been found dead on a beach on eastern Long Island. The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society says the fi n whale beached about 7:30 am Saturday in Southampton. There is evidence of shark bites, but no other signs of injury have been found. The whale appeared to be between 40 and 50 feet (12 and 15 meters) in length. Fin whales are common in the waters off New York. The whale had been seen fl oating 9 miles (14 kms) south of Shinnecock Inlet on Tuesday. It appears to be fairly decomposed. (AP) 7596 Seven thousand five hundred ninety six Sabat alaf wa khamso maah wa seta wa tesoun

39 SPORTS 39 Sale pitches 7 shutout innings, Red Sox dominate Blue Jays Tigers, Indians split DH as Mets overcome Phillies Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox delivers a pitch in the fourth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on July 1, in Toronto, Canada. (AFP) MLB Scoreboard WASHINGTON, July 2, (Agencies): Results from the MLB games on Saturday. Arizona 6 Colorado 2 LA Dodgers 8 San Diego 0 LA Angels 4 Seattle 0 Minnesota 10 Kansas City 5 Cleveland 4 Detroit 1 Houston 7 NY Yankees 6 St Louis 2 Washington 1 MLB Standings American League Eastern Division W L PCT GB Boston NY Yankees Tampa Bay Baltimore /2 Toronto /2 Central Division W L PCT GB Cleveland Minnesota Kansas City Detroit Chic Sox Western Division W L PCT GB Houston LA Angels /2 Texas /2 Seattle Oakland /2 National League Eastern Division W L PCT GB Washington Atlanta /2 NY Mets /2 Miami Philadelphia Central Division W L PCT GB Milwaukee Chicago Cubs St Louis /2 Pittsburgh Cincinnati /2 Western Division W L PCT GB LA Dodgers Arizona /2 Colorado San Diego San Francisco MLB Linescores American League Tampa Bay Boston Toronto Sale, Boyer (8), Scott (9) and Leon; Liriano, Harrell (7), Beliveau (9) and Martin. W_Sale L_Liriano 4-4. HRs_Toronto, Pearce. Cleveland Detroit x Tomlin, McAllister (5), B.Shaw (7), Armstrong (7) and Gomes; A.Sanchez, Daniel Stumpf (7), Greene (7), Rondon (8), J.Wilson (9) and McCann. W_Greene 2-2. L_B.Shaw 2-3. Sv_J.Wilson (8). HRs_Cleveland, Santana. Detroit, Cabrera, Martinez. Texas Chicago Hamels, Claudio (7) and Chirinos; Holland, Beck (6), Holmberg (7), Ynoa (8), Minaya (9) and Narvaez, K.Smith. W_Hamels 3-0. L_Holland 5-8. HRs_Texas, Napoli, Andrus, Odor. Chicago, Abreu. Minnesota Kansas City x Berrios, Duffey (6), Pressly (7) and Gimenez; Farrell, Strahm (3), Alexander (4), Minor (6), Soria (8), Feliz (9) and S.Perez. W_Minor 4-1. L_Duffey 0-2. HRs_Minnesota, Sano. Kansas City, Escobar, Gordon, Moustakas, Moss. Tampa Bay Baltimore Odorizzi, E.Ramirez (6), Kolarek (9) and Ramos; Bundy, Asher (5), Hart (6), Bleier (9) and Castillo. W_Odorizzi 5-3. L_Bundy 8-7. HRs_Tampa Bay, Souza Jr Morrison 2, Ramos. Baltimore, Schoop. Cleveland Detroit Carrasco, Allen (8), Miller (9) and R.Perez; Zimmermann, Daniel Stumpf (6), A.Wilson (7), Saupold (8), C.Bell (9) and Avila. W_Carrasco 9-3. L_Zimmermann 5-6. Sv_Miller (2). HRs_Cleveland, Ramirez. New York Houston x7 8 0 Montgomery, Green (6), Betances (8), Chapman (8) and Au.Romine; Martes, Harris (6), Gregerson (6), Sipp (7), D.Diaz (8), Giles (9) and Gattis. W_D.Diaz 1-1. L_Betances 3-3. Sv_Giles (19). HRs_New York, Frazier, Gregorius. Houston, Correa, Gattis, Gurriel. Minnesota Kansas City Jorge, Boshers (6), Belisle (6), Rogers (8), Kintzler (9) and Castro; Hammel, McCarthy (6), Almonte (8), K.Herrera (9) and Butera. W_Jorge 1-0. L_Hammel 4-7. HRs_Minnesota, Sano. Kansas City, Soler, Hosmer. Seattle Los Angeles x4 7 0 Gaviglio, Rzepczynski (7), Zych (7), Altavilla (8) and Ruiz; Nolasco and Maldonado. W_Nolasco 4-9. L_Gaviglio 3-3. HRs_Los Angeles, Simmons. Interleague Atlanta Oakland Dickey, J.Ramirez (7), Vizcaino (8), Freeman (8), Johnson (9) and Flowers; Blackburn, Doolittle (7), Madson (7), Casilla (9) and Phegley. W_Freeman 1-0. L_Casilla 1-3. Sv_Johnson (18). HRs_Oakland, Davis. National League Miami Milwaukee x Koehler, Worley (2), Wittgren (5), Tazawa (7) and Realmuto; Davies, Hader (7), Hughes (8), Drake (9) and Vogt. W_Davies 9-4. L_Koehler 1-3. HRs_Milwaukee, Arcia, Santana. Chicago Cincinnati x5 8 0 Butler, Duensing (4), Strop (6), Uehara (7), Edwards (8) and Contreras; Stephens, Storen (6), Cingrani (7), Lorenzen (8), R.Iglesias (8) and Barnhart. W_Stephens 1-0. L_Butler 4-3. Sv_R.Iglesias (15). HRs_ Chicago, Contreras, Jay. Philadelphia New York x Hellickson, Neshek (7), Milner (8), Benoit (8) and Rupp; Wheeler, Goeddel (4), Salas (6), Sewald (8), Reed (8) and T.d Arnaud. W_Salas 1-2. L_Neshek 2-2. Sv_Reed (14). HRs_Philadelphia, Joseph. New York, Rivera, Cabrera, Duda. San Francisco Pittsburgh (11 innings) M.Moore, Kontos (6), Okert (8), Strickland (8), Osich (10), S.Dyson (11) and Posey; Kuhl, Watson (7), Nicasio (8), Rivero (9), Hudson (11) and E.Diaz. W_Osich 2-1. L_Hudson 1-4. Sv_S.Dyson (1). HRs_San Cincinnati 5 Chicago Cubs 3 Milwaukee 8 Miami 4 NY Mets 7 Philadelphia 6 Atlanta 4 Oakland 3 San Francisco 2 Pittsburgh (11Innings) 1 Tampa Bay 10 Baltimore 3 Kansas City 11 Minnesota 6 Texas 10 Chic Sox 4 Detroit 7 Cleveland 4 Boston 7 Toronto 1 Francisco, Slater. Washington St Louis x2 4 1 G.Gonzalez, Solis (8) and Wieters, Lobaton; Wacha, Cecil (7), Oh (8), Lyons (8), Rosenthal (9), Bowman (9) and Molina. W_ Wacha 5-3. L_G.Gonzalez 7-3. Sv_Bowman (1). HRs_St Louis, Mejia. Colorado Arizona x6 8 0 Chatwood, Dunn (7), Oberg (7) and Wolters; Greinke, Bradley (8), Chafi n (9), Rodney (9) and Mathis. W_Greinke L_ Chatwood 6-9. Sv_Rodney (21). HRs_Colorado, Story. Los Angeles San Diego Hill, Stewart (8) and Barnes; Overton, Stammen (5), Buchter (8), Yates (9) and Hedges. W_Hill 5-4. L_Overton 0-1. HRs_ Los Angeles, Turner, Taylor, Seager. MLB Leaders American League BATTING: Altuve, Houston,.327; Dickerson, Tampa Bay,.325; Judge, New York,.325; Ramirez, Cleveland,.319; Garcia, Chicago,.318; Bogaerts, Boston,.314; Castro, New York,.313; Correa, Houston,.311; Reddick, Houston,.308; Hosmer, Kansas City,.305; 1 tied at.304. RUNS: Judge, New York, 70; Springer, Houston, 63; Dickerson, Tampa Bay, 60; Correa, Houston, 56; Gardner, New York, 56; Ramirez, Cleveland, 55; Altuve, Houston, 53; Betts, Boston, 53; Castro, New York, 52; 3 tied at 50. RBI: Judge, New York, 62; Cruz, Seattle, 59; Sano, Minnesota, 58; Cano, Seattle, 57; Morrison, Tampa Bay, 57; Davis, Oakland, 56; Correa, Houston, 55; Abreu, Chicago, 54; Souza Jr Tampa Bay, 53; 4 tied at 52. HITS: Dickerson, Tampa Bay, 104; Altuve, Houston, 100; Andrus, Texas, 96; Ramirez, Cleveland, 96; Bogaerts, Boston, 95; Abreu, Chicago, 94; Hosmer, Kansas City, 93; Castro, New York, 92; Garcia, Chicago, 92; Correa, Houston, 91; 1 tied at 89. DOUBLES: Betts, Boston, 27; Lowrie, Oakland, 26; Ramirez, Cleveland, 26; Altuve, Houston, 23; Lindor, Cleveland, 23; Schoop, Baltimore, 23; Abreu, Chicago, 21; Dickerson, Tampa Bay, 21; 4 tied at 20. TRIPLES: Castellanos, Detroit, 5; Bogaerts, Boston, 4; Merrifi eld, Kansas City, 4; Ramirez, Cleveland, 4; Sanchez, Chicago, 4; 6 tied at 3. HOME RUNS: Judge, New York, 27; Morrison, Tampa Bay, 24; Springer, Houston, 24; Davis, Oakland, 22; Moustakas, Kansas City, 22; Smoak, Toronto, 22; Gallo, Texas, 21; Sano, Minnesota, 20; Healy, Oakland, 19; 5 tied at 17. STOLEN BASES: Maybin, Los Angeles, 24; Andrus, Texas, 20; Dyson, Seattle, 19; DeShields, Texas, 18; Altuve, Houston, 16; Cain, Kansas City, 15; Betts, Boston, 14; Buxton, Minnesota, 14; Simmons, Los Angeles, 13; Pillar, Toronto, 11; 5 tied at 10. PITCHING: Vargas, Kansas City, 12-3; Sale, Boston, 11-3; Santana, Minnesota, 10-5; Carrasco, Cleveland, 9-3; Keuchel, Houston, 9-0; Bundy, Baltimore, 8-7; Pineda, New York, 8-4; Stroman, Toronto, 8-4; 10 tied at 7. ERA: Vargas, Kansas City, 2.22; Sale, Boston, 2.61; McCullers, Houston, 2.69; Kluber, Cleveland, 3.03; Santana, Minnesota, 3.07; Darvish, Texas, 3.11; Severino, New York, 3.15; Fulmer, Detroit, 3.19; Stroman, Toronto, 3.41; Carrasco, Cleveland, 3.50; 1 tied at STRIKEOUTS: Sale, Boston, 166; Archer, Tampa Bay, 131; Darvish, Texas, 115; Severino, New York, 107; Estrada, Toronto, 105; Kluber, Cleveland, 105; Carrasco, Cleveland, 103; McCullers, Houston, 103; Porcello, Boston, 99; Bauer, Cleveland, 96; 1 tied at 94. National League BATTING: Posey, San Francisco,.340; Zimmerman, Washington,.335; Murphy, Washington,.334; Cozart, Cincinnati,.323; Goldschmidt, Arizona,.317; Blackmon, Colorado,.315; Votto, Cincinnati,.315; Peralta, Arizona,.314; Harper, Washington,.313; Ozuna, Miami,.312; 1 tied at.305. RUNS: Goldschmidt, Arizona, 69; Blackmon, Colorado, 64; Harper, Washington, 61; Votto, Cincinnati, 60; Seager, Los Angeles, 56; Murphy, Washington, 53; Turner, Washington, 53; Inciarte, Atlanta, 52; 4 tied at 51. RBI: Goldschmidt, Arizona, 66; Lamb, Arizona, 65; Zimmerman, Washington, 62; Arenado, Colorado, 61; Reynolds, Colorado, 61; Shaw, Milwaukee, 59; Duvall, Cincinnati, 58; Harper, Washington, 58; Blackmon, Colorado, 57; Votto, Cincinnati, 57; 1 tied at 56. HITS: Blackmon, Colorado, 104; Inciarte, Atlanta, 103; Murphy, Washington, 100; LeMahieu, Colorado, 96; Arenado, Colorado, 94; Ozuna, Miami, 94; Zimmerman, Washington, 93; Goldschmidt, Arizona, 92; Votto, Cincinnati, 90; Gordon, Miami, 89; 1 tied at 88. DOUBLES: Arenado, Colorado, 27; Herrera, Philadelphia, 25; Murphy, Washington, 24; Duvall, Cincinnati, 23; Zimmerman, Washington, 22; Owings, Arizona, 21; Drury, Arizona, 20; Kemp, Atlanta, 20; Shaw, Milwaukee, 20; 6 tied at 19. TRIPLES: Blackmon, Colorado, 10; Arenado, Colorado, 5; Cozart, Cincinnati, 5; Hamilton, Cincinnati, 5; 8 tied at 4. HOME RUNS: Bellinger, Los Angeles, 24; Votto, Cincinnati, 23; Stanton, Miami, 21; Bruce, New York, 20; Ozuna, Miami, 20; Schebler, Cincinnati, 20; Thames, Milwaukee, 20; 4 tied at 19. STOLEN BASES: Turner, Washington, 35; Hamilton, Cincinnati, 33; Gordon, Miami, 29; Nunez, San Francisco, 17; Peraza, Cincinnati, 15; Villar, Milwaukee, 15; Broxton, Milwaukee, 14; Goldschmidt, Arizona, 13; 3 tied at 11. PITCHING: Kershaw, Los Angeles, 12-2; Davies, Milwaukee, 9-4; Greinke, Arizona, 9-4; Scherzer, Washington, 9-5; Senatela, Colorado, 9-3; Strasburg, Washington, 9-2; Wood, Los Angeles, 9-0; 5 tied at 8. ERA: Scherzer, Washington, 2.06; Kershaw, Los Angeles, 2.32; Gonzalez, Washington, 2.77; Martinez, St Louis, 2.88; Anderson, Milwaukee, 2.89; Leake, St Louis, 2.97; Ray, Arizona, 3.06; Greinke, Arizona, 3.08; Nova, Pittsburgh, 3.08; Nelson, Milwaukee, 3.43; 1 tied at STRIKEOUTS: Scherzer, Washington, 151; Kershaw, Los Angeles, 135; Ray, Arizona, 128; degrom, New York, 125; Strasburg, Washington, 122; Martinez, St Louis, 121; Samardzija, San Francisco, 117; Greinke, Arizona, 116; 3 tied at 104. TORONTO, July 2, (AP): Chris Sale pitched seven shutout innings to win his third straight decision, Xander Bogaerts had three RBIs and the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-1 on Saturday. Sale (11-3) struck out 11, boosting his major league-leading total to 166. He s 2-0 with 24 strikeouts in 15 scoreless innings against the Blue Jays this season. Blaine Boyer pitched the eighth and Robby Scott gave up Steve Pearce s solo home run in the ninth. Jackie Bradley Jr hit a two-out, two run double in the first and Dustin Pedroia did the same in the second. Bogaerts had a sacrifice fly in the fifth and added a two-run single off Lucas Harrell in the ninth. Mookie Betts walked three times and scored three runs for the AL Eastleading Red Sox, who have won five of six. Hanley Ramirez had three hits. Blue Jays left-hander Francisco Liriano (4-4) allowed five runs in six innings. Tigers 7, Indians 4, 1st game Indians 4, Tigers 1, 2nd game in Detroit, Jose Ramirez hit a tworun homer to cap a four-run sixth inning, and Carlos Carrasco pitched Cleveland to a doubleheader split against Detroit. The Tigers won the opener and led 1-0 in the second game before the Indians broke through against Jordan Zimmermann (5-6). The right-hander allowed one hit through five innings, but didn t make it through the sixth. Carrasco (9-3) yielded four hits in seven innings. He struck out seven and walked one. Andrew Miller worked a perfect ninth for his second save, aided by a spectacular catch from Bradley Zimmer. In the opener, Nicholas Castellanos hit a tiebreaking triple in the seventh off Bryan Shaw (2-3). J.D. Martinez and Miguel Cabrera hit back-to-back homers for the Tigers. Mets 7, Phillies 6 In New York, Asdrubal Cabrera hit the winning homer as part of a four-run rally in the seventh inning that carried New York past Philadelphia. The resurgent Mets overcame three errors and a short start by Zack Wheeler in his return from the disabled list to win their fourth straight. They ve won seven of eight since getting swept in four games at Dodger Stadium. Phillies starter Jeremy Hellickson left with a 6-4 lead in the seventh after giving up seven hits, including solo homers by Lucas Duda and T.J. Rivera. Pinch-hitter Wilmer Flores stroked an RBI single and Cabrera connected off Pat Neshek (2-2), who began the day with a 0.57 ERA. He had not permitted a run since May 14, making 19 straight scoreless appearances. Rangers 10, White Sox 4 In Chicago, Cole Hamels overcame a shaky start to win for the first time since April, and Texas hit three home runs. Hamels (3-0) allowed two runs and two hits while striking out six in 6 2/3 innings for his first win since April 26. He retired 19 straight batters after giving up a double and a homer and hitting a batter with a pitch in the first inning of his second start since returning from a strained right oblique. Elvis Andrus, Mike Napoli and Rougned Odor homered for the Rangers, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Royals 11, Twins 6, 1st game Twins 10, Royals 5, 2nd game In Kansas City, Missouri, Miguel Sano belted a three-run homer, Felix Jorge pitched five-plus solid innings to win his major league debut and Minnesota beat Kansas City to split their doubleheader. Brandon Moss, Alcides Escobar and Alex Gordon, the Royals hitters, went a combined 6 for 12 with three home runs, seven RBIs and six runs as the Royals rallied from a fourrun deficit to win the opener. Sano has five home runs and 24 RBIs in 11 games against the Royals this season. He went deep in both games. Eddie Rosario went 5 for 5 and scored three runs in the nightcap. Jorge (1-0) was charged with three runs and seven hits. Kansas City starter Jason Hammel (4-7) gave up seven runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. Eric Hosmer hit a two-run homer. Reds 5, Cubs 3 In Cincinnati, Jackson Stephens Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers hits into a groundout against the Cleveland Indians during game two of a doubleheader at Comerica Park on July 1, in Detroit, Michigan. (AFP) lasted five innings in his major league debut and drove in the go-ahead runs with a bases-loaded single to lead Cincinnati. The Cubs fourth loss in five games dropped them to 40-41, well off their pace from a year ago (51-30) when they were on their way to an NL Central title and a World Series championship. Stephens (1-0) gave up a solo homer by Jon Jay and a two-run shot by Willson Contreras. He was called up to help the Reds fill an opening in the rotation created by Brandon Finnegan s arm injury. Brewers 8, Marlins 4 In Milwaukee, Domingo Santana hit a two-run homer off Giancarlo Stanton s glove, sparking a seven-run second inning that lifted Milwaukee past Miami. BASEBALL Santana tied it with a home run to right off Tom Koehler (1-3), who walked Travis Shaw to start the second. Stanton jumped and got the tip of his mitt on the ball, but it bounced off and fell into the seats. Stanton put his hands on his head as Santana circled the bases. Shaw had a two-run single later in the inning. Brewers starter Zach Davies drove in a run on a fielder s choice, Stephen Vogt drew a basesload walk and Jonathan Villar added a run-scoring single as Milwaukee sent 13 batters to the plate in the inning. Braves 4, Athletics 3 In Oakland, California, Dansby Swanson hit a tiebreaking double off closer Santiago Casilla in the ninth inning to drive in Danny Santana one of two unearned runs scored by Atlanta and the Braves held on for the win. Santana had two hits and two runs and Matt Adams added a sacrifice fly in his return to the lineup as Atlanta won its second straight in this interleague series. The Braves have won 10 of 14 overall. Atlanta led 3-1 behind knuckleballer R.A. Dickey before Khris Davis hit a tying two-run home run off Arodys Vizcaino in the eighth. After Johan Camargo struck out swinging against Casilla (1-3) to open the ninth, Santana reached base on Oakland shortstop Franklin Barreto s second error of the game. Santana stole second then scored when Swanson doubled down the left-field line, Giants 2, Pirates 1, 11 innings In Pittsburgh, Denard Span scored on a wild pitch in the 11th inning to give San Francisco a win over Pittsburgh. Span walked against Daniel Hudson (1-4) and stole second. Joe Panik singled, and Buster Posey faced a full Stephen Vogt #12 of the Milwaukee Brewers slides into home plate to score a run past J.T. Realmuto #11 of the Miami Marlins in the second inning at Miller Park on July 1, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (AFP) count when Hudson s pitch got past catcher Elias Diaz, allowing Span to score. Josh Osich (2-1) got the win. Sam Dyson pitched a scoreless 11th for his first save since being acquired from the Texas Rangers in early June. Rays 10, Orioles 3 In Baltimore, Logan Morrison homered twice, Wilson Ramos hit a three-run drive and Tampa Bay beat Dylan Bundy and Baltimore. Steven Souza had a solo shot for the Rays, who have 23 home runs in their last 12 games. Morrison, who connected in the first inning and again in the third, has 24 for the season a career high. Jake Odorizzi (5-3) was the beneficiary of Tampa Bay s 14-hit attack, which included four doubles. The right-hander pitched five innings, allowing at least three earned runs for the sixth start in a row. He also yielded a home run in his 12th successive appearance, a club record. Cardinals 2, Nationals 1 In St Louis, Alex Mejia s first two major league hits, including an eighthinning home run, were the difference as St. Louis defeated Washington. The Cardinals have won four straight and six of seven. Washington, the only team in the National League yet to be shut out this season, has lost three in a row and five of seven. Michael Wacha (5-3), celebrating his 26th birthday, tossed six scoreless innings. He allowed four hits and struck out a season-high nine. Gio Gonzalez (7-3) was nearly as good. He yielded one run and two hits over seven innings, striking out nine. With the bases loaded, Matt Bowman threw a called third strike past pinch-hitter Adrian Sanchez for his first major league save. Astros 7, Yankees 6 In Houston, Yuli Gurriel hit a tworun homer in the fifth and a two-run double off Aroldis Chapman that put Houston on top in a four-run eighth inning as the Astros rallied to beat New York. Houston trailed 6-3 in the eighth before Jose Altuve walked with one out before stealing second and third and scoring on a groundout by Carlos Correa. Evan Gattis hit a long home run off Dellin Betances (3-3) to make it 6-5. Gurriel, who finished with three hits, ended the game when he tagged out Brett Gardner at first after the Yankees outfielder tried to get back to first base after making too wide a turn on a single to left-center with two outs. Dayan Diaz (1-1) worked a scoreless eighth and Ken Giles got his 19th save. Correa had a solo homer in the sixth. Diamondbacks 6, Rockies 2 In Phoenix, Zack Greinke struck out eight in seven strong innings and Arizona topped Colorado to stop a threegame losing streak. Greinke (10-4) allowed three hits, one of those being Trevor Story s tworun homer in the seventh to make it a one-run game. But the Diamondbacks scored three times in the bottom half to take control. David Peralta doubled twice and drove in two runs for the Diamondbacks, who have not lost more than three consecutive games this season. Fernando Rodney got two outs for his 21st save and has a career-best 11 straight hitless outings. Dodgers 8, Padres 0 In San Diego, Chris Taylor hit a grand slam, Corey Seager and Justin Turner had consecutive homers and Sun top Fever Stewart shines as Storm rout Wings ARLINGTON, Texas, July 2, (AP): Breanna Stewart scored a seasonhigh 30 points and the Seattle Storm ended a three-game losing streak with an victory over the Dallas Wings on Saturday. Stewart grabbed 10 rebounds and made 13 of 21 shots with Seattle (7-8) hitting 57 percent from the fi eld. Crystal Langhorne added 19 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Sue Bird scored 12 points and had eight assists for 2,506 in her career, second-highest in WNBA history Stewart behind Ticha Penicheiro with 2,599. Alysha Clark added 10 points in reaching the 1,000 career mark. Dallas (8-9), which had a four-game win streak snapped, was just 1 of 17 from 3-point range. Glory Johnson had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Sun 91, Fever 85 In Indianapolis, Jonquel Jones scored a career-high 29 points and grabbed 15 rebounds and Jasmine Thomas added 22 points to lead Connecticut over Indiana. BASKETBALL Thomas hit a 3-pointer with 47.3 seconds left to put the Sun up and the Fever missed three shots on their next possession. Indiana had to foul twice before Jones went to the free throw line with 11.4 seconds to go. She made the second free to make it a two possession game. The Fever then turned the ball over and Thomas iced the game with two more free throws with 4.1 seconds left. Rich Hill tied his career high with 11 strikeouts in Los Angeles victory against San Diego. Bench coach Bob Geren managed the Dodgers in place of Dave Roberts, suspended one game by Major League Baseball for his role in an altercation with Padres manager Andy Green the night before. Roberts was also fined, as were Green and Dodgers pitcher Alex Wood. Taylor s slam came off Craig Stammen in the seventh inning. It was his third of the season and the fourth of his career. The Dodgers had 14 hits, and even Hill (5-4) got his share with two singles for his first career multi-hit game. Among them was a run-scoring base hit in the fourth. Angels 4, Mariners 0 In Anaheim, California, Ricky Nolasco pitched a three-hitter for his second straight scoreless outing as Los Angeles blanked Seattle. Nolasco (4-9) did not walk a batter and struck out seven in his first complete game of the season. He was coming off 6 1/3 sharp innings in a 4-0 win over the Dodgers, a stark turnaround from a disappointing stretch that left manager Mike Scioscia defending Nolasco s place in the rotation. Nolasco s sixth career shutout was the first by an Angels pitcher this season.

40 SPORTS 40 DAYTONA BEACH, Florida, July 2, (AP): Junior went to victory lane at a restrictor-plate race again. Just like last time, it was Ricky Stenhouse Jr celebrating after the checkered flag. Stenhouse raced to his second victory of the season second consecutive on a restrictor-plate track Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway. Both events were billed as showcases for retiring driver Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Stenhouse stole Stenhouse both shows. Stenhouse picked up his first career NACAR Cup Series win in May at Talladega. Just like last time, girlfriend Danica Patrick was there to greet him in victory lane she had wrecked out shortly before and was the first person at his car window when he pulled in to celebrate. It validates what we did in Talladega, Stenhouse said. He earned this one for Roush Fenway Racing in a two-lap overtime sprint when leader David Ragan tried to block RALLYING CAR RACING Belgium Thierry Neuville (right), from Belgium and his co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul (left), stand on the roof of their Ford Fiest WRC as they celebrate fi rst place victory of the Rally of Poland in Paprotki, on July 2. (AFP) Bowyer in second, Menard third as Patrick wrecked Stenhouse survives crash-fi lled race to win at Daytona the field and lost momentum. Stenhouse squirted by and held on for the victory. He did it in a new car, too, because he wasn t giving back the Ford he drove at Talladega to his first career Cup victory. I kept my Talladega car and told them to build a new one, he said. I have been coming here since I actually came in 2006 one time with Bobby Hamilton Jr and it is cool to put it in victory lane and get our second win this year. Clint Bowyer was second for the second consecutive week. This bridesmaid deal sucks. I want to win. We re in this business to win, said Bowyer. But second is better than third. Bowyer joined Stenhouse to give Ford Performance a 1-2 finish for the manufacturer and engine builder Doug Yates. Ford also won all three plate races this season. Paul Menard was third, followed by Michael McDowell, Ryan Newman and Ragan. Brendan Gaughan, AJ Allmendinger, Erik Jones and Chris Buescher rounded out a bizarre top 10. Many of the top contenders were knocked out in accidents, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, driver of the #17 Fifth Third Bank Ford, races during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 59th Annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on July 1, in Daytona Beach, Florida. (AFP) including Patrick, who kicked her car in frustration when she wrecked. She also was out of the race and in street clothes when Stenhouse won at Talladega. The race had hit full intensity in the final 10 laps with series points leader Kyle Larson slicing his way back into contention. He was chasing Ty Dillon for the lead with seven laps remaining when he German Grand Prix Results HOHENSTEIN-ERNSTTHAL, Germany, July 2, (AFP): Results from the German motorcycling Grand Prix on Sunday: MotoGP 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 40min sec, 2. Jonas Folger (GER/ Yahama Tech3) at 3.310sec, 3. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) , 4. Maverick Vinales (ESP/ Yamaha) , 5. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) , 6. Alvaro Bautista (ESP/Ducati Aspar) , 7. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Aprilia) , 8. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) , 9. Johann Zarco (FRA/Yamaha Tech3) , 10. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/LCR Honda) MotoGP world championship standings (after race nine of 18): 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 129 pts, 2. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 124, 3. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/ Ducati) 123, 4. Valentino Rossi (ITA/ Yamaha) 119, 5. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/ Honda) 103, 6. Johann Zarco (FRA/ Yamaha Tech3) 84, 7. Jonas Folger moved up a lane to block Stenhouse. There wasn t enough room for Larson s car in front of Stenhouse, and the contact turned Larson toward the wall and lifted his car off the track. It triggered an eight-car accident that collected Daytona 500 winner Kurt Busch and whittled down the field to just a handful of contenders. Marquez wins in Germany to claim overall champ ship lead Folger settles for 2nd as Pedrosa finishes 3rd HOHENSTEIN-ERNSTTHAL, Germany, July 2, (AFP): Reigning world MotoGP champion Marc Marquez stormed to his eighth consecutive German Grand Prix win on Sunday to snatch the overall championship lead. The Spaniard held off a spirited challenge from home favourite Jonas Repsol Honda Team s Spanish rider Marc Marquez celebrates on the podium after winning the MotoGP competition of the Moto Grand Prix of Germany at the Sachsenring Circuit on July 2, in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, eastern Germany. (AFP) Hayden finishes 2nd as Ogier in 3rd place Neuville avoids trouble to win in Poland MIKOLAJKI, Poland, July 2, (AFP): Thierry Neuville cranked up the pressure on four-time defending world rally champion Sebastien Ogier by charging to a third win of the season in Poland. The Belgian entered Sunday with a 3.1-second lead over Ott Tanak, but the Estonian s hopes evaporated on the penultimate stage as he was forced to abandon the rally after slamming into a bank. Neuville won two further stages on the final day posting the quickest time in nine of 22 specials in total to finish 1min 23.9sec clear of fellow Hyundai driver Hayden Paddon of New Zealand. What a great result for the whole team! said Neuville. I am really de- lighted for everyone involved. It was a closely fought battle this weekend, as it seems to have been for the past few events. It was certainly a relief to retake the lead after Ott s retirement this morning, as it allowed us some breathing space in the final stages. While Hayden posted his best performance of the season, Ogier took third ahead as Finland s Jari-Matti Latvala was forced out while less than 15 seconds off the lead on Saturday due to mechanical problems. Neuville, a winner in France and Argentina earlier this season, trails Ogier by just 11 points with five races left on the calendar. Our goal for the weekend was to outscore Seb, which we did, and we have closed the gap in the championship for the second rally in a row, added Neuville, runner-up to Ogier in the championship in both 2013 and Ogier, who damaged his Ford Fiesta early on Saturday and lost more than 30 seconds as he skidded off the road, was just relieved to have made it over the finish line. I m just happy to have finished it. This podium isn t deserved but that happens sometimes and you have to take it, said Ogier. I m sorry for Ott, he had done fantastic work and was very quick. It s a shame things finished like that for him. Tanak, who was chasing a second successive victory after his maiden triumph in Italy last month, accepted his misfortune was part and parcel of rallying. It happens. You have to push very hard if you want to win, Tanak said, who was cruelly denied victory in last year s Rally of Poland after suffering a puncture on the final day. Results 1. Thierry Neuville-Nicolas Gilsoul (BEL/Hyundai i20) 2hr 40min 46.1sec, 2. Hayden Paddon-Seb Marshall (NZL-GBR/ Hyundai i20) at 1min 23.9sec, 3. Sebastien Ogier-Julien Ingrassia (FRA/Ford Fiesta) 2:20.8, 4. Dani Sordo-Marc Marti (ESP/ Folger to claim his second win of the season after starting from pole position. German rookie Folger produced a stunning ride for Yamaha s satellite team to claim his maiden podium finish, as Marquez s Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa came home in third. Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso went into the race at the top of the standings, but finished down in eighth place to slip to third overall. Marquez, who was fourth going into the day, now leads the championship by five points from Maverick Vinales, with Dovizioso a point further back in third. It was a really fast race. The rhythm was incredible. I was riding really good but I saw Jonas overtook me, Marquez said. Leading the championship is something I couldn t believe. We are doing a really good championship. Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi showed good form to back up his first win of the season last time out in Assen by finishing fifth behind Vinales, but the Italian still dropped Hyundai i20) 2:47.4, 5. Stephane Lefebvre- Gabin Moreau (FRA/Citroen C3) 3:11.8, 6. Teemu Suninen-Mikko Markkula (FIN/ Ford Fiesta) 3:16.8, 7. Mads Ostberg-Ola Floene (NOR/Ford Fiesta) 3:39.6, 8. Elfyn Evans-Daniel Barritt (GBR/Ford Fiesta) 4:39.1, 9. Andreas Mikkelsen-Anders Jaeger Synnevaag (NOR/Citroen C3) 4:43.5, 10. Juho Hanninen-Kaj Lindstrom (FIN/ Toyota Yaris) 4:53.7 Stage winners (SS6 cancelled): Evans (SS1, SS10, SS19), Neuville (SS2, SS5, SS8, SS9, SS14, SS15, SS18, SS21, SS22), Latvala (SS3, SS4, SS11, SS23), Suninen (SS7), Tanak (SS12, SS20), Paddon (SS13, SS16, SS17) World championship standings (after eight rounds) 1. Sebastien Ogier (FRA/Ford Fiesta) 160 points, 2. Thierry Neuville (BEL/Hyundai i20) 149, 3. Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN/ Toyota Yaris) 112, 4. Ott Tanak (EST/Ford Fiesta) 108, 5. Dani Sordo (ESP/Hyundai i20) 82, 6. Elfyn Evans (GBR/Ford Fiesta) 57, 7. Hayden Paddon (NZL/Hyundai i20) 51, 8. Craig Breen (IRL/Citroen C3) 43, 9. Juho Hanninen (FIN/Toyota Yaris) 30, 10. Kris Meeke (GBR/Citroen C3) 27 Constructors standings 1. M-Sport (Ford) 259 points, 2. Hyundai Motorsport 237, 3. Toyota Gazoo Racing 153, 4. Citroen Racing 117. MOTOR CYCLING to fourth overall. Folger thrilled the home crowd in the opening stages by passing Pedrosa and Marquez to take a shock lead on his Yamaha Tech3 after qualifying in third. He maintained the lead for a few laps before Marquez retook control. The 24-year-old was made to work hard by Folger, but pulled away in the last two laps to win by seconds. I don t know what to say. I never expected this. I was really strong and could follow Marc, said Folger. I burned the tyre. I couldn t match him at the end. I thought I could beat him but two laps at the end the tyre was gone. I m so happy. Marquez, having taken his eighth straight Sachsenring pole on Saturday, has now won eight races in a row at the circuit across the three classes. With the season at its halfway stage, the five-time world champion is poised to claim his fourth MotoGP crown in just five years. But this is one of the tightest title races in history, with just 10 points separating leader Marquez from fourth-placed Rossi. Yamaha s Rossi did well to make up four places having started from ninth on the grid, although he couldn t find a way past his teammate Vinales. Ducati, who went five years without a podium finish in Germany until Dovizioso came third last season, struggled again and Dovizioso had to dig deep to hold off last year s Moto2 champion Johann Zarco for eighth. (GER/ Yahama Tech3) 71, 8. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati Pramac) 66, 9. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) 65, 10. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/LCR Honda) 64 Moto2 1. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Kalex) 41min sec, 2. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) at 0.066sec, 3. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Kalex) 0.574, 4. Simone Corsi (ITA/Speed up) 0.749, 5. Mattia Pasini (ITA/Kalex) 1.300, 6. Jorge Navarro (ESP/Kalex) 8.958, 7. Brad Binder (RSA/KTM) 9.204, 8. Sandro Cortese (GER/Suter) , 9. Marcel Schrotter (GER/Suter) , 10. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/ Kalex) Moto2 world championship standings (after race nine of 18): 1. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Kalex) 173 pts, 2. Thomas Luethi (SUI/Kalex) 136, 3. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) 114, 4. Alex Marquez (ESP/Kalex) 113, 5. Mattia Pasini (ITA/Kalex) 93, 6. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Kalex) 77, 7. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/Kalex) 68, 8. Simone Corsi (ITA/Speed Up) 52, Byron wins at Daytona for 2nd straight Xfinity victory DAYTONA BEACH, Florida, July 2, (AP): William Byron got his second win of the season, and this time he got to do it in front of his bosses. Byron won his second consecutive Xfinity Series race on Saturday by leading a 1-2 finish at Daytona International Speedway for JR Motorsports. Byron raced to his first career Xfinity victory last weekend at Iowa, but team owners Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick weren t at the track to see him. This time, Hendrick was the first person to the window of his car in victory lane. The 19-year-old became the youngest series winner at Daytona. He used a push from teammate Elliott Sadler to clear the traffic on the CAR RACING restart. Byron was aided when Erik Jones was knocked out of line, and it gave Byron a clear lead. An accident behind the lead pack caused the race to end under yellow. I have to go around one more time, right? Byron radioed his crew about the procedures. He did a celebratory burnout and was interviewed live by NBC Sports on the frontretch for the crowd to hear in a new wrinkle from the network. This is so cool to win in Daytona, Byron said. We ve had a great last three weeks. We re bringing faster cars, executing better and as a team we re getting more and more confident. Byron was prepared to stick around Saturday night ant watch the Cup race, which is being billed as the last at Daytona for retiring driver Earnhardt Jr. 9. Dominique Aegerter (SUI/Suter) 50, 10. Marcel Schrotter (GER/Suter) 44 Moto3 1. Joan Mir (ESP/Honda) 39min sec, 2. Romano Fenati (ITA/ Honda) at 0.121sec, 3. Marcos Ramirez (ESP/KTM) 0.218, 4. Nicolo Bulega (ITA/KTM) 5.074, 5. Philipp Oettl (GER/KTM) , 6. Enea Bastianini (ITA/Honda) , 7. Livio Loi (BEL/Honda) , 8. Bo Bendsneyder (NED/KTM) , 9. Tatsuki Suzuki (JPN/Honda) , 10. Darryn Binder (RSA/KTM) Moto3 world championship standings (after race nine of 18): 1. Joan Mir (ESP/Honda) 165 pts, 2. Romano Fenati (ITA/Honda) 128, 3. Aron Canet (ESP/Honda) 110, 4. Jorge Martin (ESP/Honda) 89, 5. Fabio Di Giannantonio (ITA/Honda) 85, 6. John McPhee (GBR/Honda) 83, 7. Marcos Ramirez (ESP/KTM) 79, 8. Andrea Migno (ITA/KTM) 78, 9. Enea Bastianini (ITA/Honda) 59, 10. Juanfran Guevara (ESP/KTM) 58 The owner of the winning Xfinity Series car was scheduled to start from the pole in Saturday night s main event. Dale is so good here and I ve watched a lot of his stuff, seen how he side drafts, Byron said. I never thought I d win one of these things and I ve kind of learned some things watching him. Sadler was second, followed by Dakoda Armstrong, Jeb Burton and David Starr. Rain postponed the race from Friday night until Saturday, and then a second weather delay of nearly two hours made for a lengthy 250 miles. Seven drivers were scheduled to run both the Xfinity Series race and the 400-mile Cup race. William Byron, driver of the #9 AX- ALTA/Vorteq Chevrolet, poses with the trophy in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR XFINITY Series Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 1, in Daytona Beach, Florida. (AFP) Rabbitohs pound Panthers US rout Canada to book 2019 Rugby WCup berth RUGBY SAN DIEGO, July 2, (AFP): The US Eagles thrashed Canada to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup on Saturday in a triumphant finale for veteran captain Todd Clever. The Americans ran in eight tries against an overpowered Canada side and will now advance directly to the pool stage of the finals in Japan as the top seeds from the Americas zone. The reward for Eagles is a place in Pool C which will contain England, France and Argentina as well as a yetto-be determined qualifier from the Oceania region. It marks the first time in World Cup history that the United States have qualified for the tournament ahead of Canada, who now face a two-leg playoff against Uruguay next year for a further tilt at qualification. After last week s first leg in Canada finished in a thrilling draw, the two teams met at San Diego s Torero Stadium knowing that the winner would take all. The Eagles who have now won seven straight games against their North American rivals set off at a furious pace to surge into an early lead. Number eight Cam Dolan crashed over for the opening try after only eight minutes, rounding off a flowing move which began with A.J. MacGinty s searing break on the halfway line that split Canada s defense. Dolan then grabbed a second try converted by MacGinty to put the Americans 12-0 ahead after 15 minutes. Canada scrum-half Gordon McRorie slotted the first of three penalties to make it 12-3 but the US swept forward with a third try through lock Nate Brakeley after more good work from Dolan. Two more McRorie penalties kept Canada in touch at 19-9 at half-time and the visitors stunned the Eagles early in the second half when Admir Cejvanovic dived over for a try. But the Canadian fightback was shortlived, Worcester Warriors prop Joe Taufete e rumbled over from an attacking line-out to help put the Eagles 10 points clear at The sin-binning of Canada No.8 Tyler Ardron was the cue for the flood- Williams banned O Brien cleared to play 3rd test WELLINGTON, July 2, (RTRS): British and Irish Lions fl anker Sean O Brien has been cleared to play the third and fi nal test against the All Blacks at Eden Park next Saturday after being found not guilty of dangerous play during the second match in Wellington. O Brien was cited after television footage showed his forearm clearly made contact with the face of All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo as the Irish loose forward joined a tackle in the 59th minute of the match at Wellington Regional Stadium. Meanwhile, All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams has been suspended for four weeks and will miss the third and deciding test against the British and Irish Lions at Eden Park in Auckland next Saturday. Williams was sent off for a dangerous shoulder charge on Lions winger Anthony Watson during the second test, won by the visitors to level the series at 1-1, at Wellington Regional Stadium on Saturday. gates to open, with the Eagles cutting loose with two more tries from Taufete e, scrum-half Nate Augspurger and Dino Waldren. Meanwhile, Winger Alex Johnston helped himself to five tries as the South Sydney Rabbitohs pounded Penrith Panthers in Australia s National Rugby League on Sunday. While Johnston cashed in on South Sydney s dominance, it was scrum-half Adam Reynolds, who orchestrated the rout, putting in four kick assists for his side s seven tries. Johnston s five-try haul equalled the club record and took over as the leading NRL season try-scorer with 15. It was only the Rabbitohs sixth win of a disappointing season and lifted them to 11th spot behind competition leaders Melbourne Storm after 16 rounds. The Storm hammered the Brisbane Broncos to open a four-point lead over Cronulla, Manly and Sydney Roosters. Suliasi Vunivalu, Curtis Scott and Josh Addo-Carr all claimed try doubles as the Storm remained unbeaten over the Broncos in Brisbane since Defending champions Cronulla overpowered the Roosters to send a reminder that the NRL premiership isn t a one-horse race. The Sharks put in easily their best performance of the season, with backrower Wade Graham leading the way with two try assists and running a total of 108 metres. Manly continued their mid-season surge with a win over the New Zealand Warriors in Perth. Daly Cherry-Evans produced a manof-the-match performance as the Sea Eagles fought back from 16-0 down. A dominant display from North Queensland scrum-half Michael Morgan helped the Cowboys to victory over Canberra, leaving the Raiders season on life support. The Cowboys scored a victory, with Morgan scoring a tryscoring double and setting up two more in the absence of Johnathan Thurston s season-ending shoulder injury.

41 SPORTS 41 Qatar s Barshim trumps Bondarenko in men s high jump Thompson wins, advantage Kendricks in pole vault PARIS, July 2, (AFP): Jamaica s Elaine Thompson, the reigning double Olympic sprint champion, put on the afterburners in the final 20 metres to rack up a convincing victory at Saturday s Diamond League meet in Paris. Thompson clocked seconds to finish ahead of Ivorian Marie-Josee Ta Lou (10.96sec), with Nigerian Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor claiming third (11.09). The Jamaican s time was well short of the world s leading best of 10.71sec she set at last month s national championships in Kingston, but she looks in good, understated form going into the August 4-13 world championships in London, where she will focus on the blue riband event. The result is not bad, especially after two false starts, said Thompson This was great preparation for the world championships. Coming straight from the Jamaican trials, it was important to get back in the blocks, to stay focused and get as much rest as possible. At the moment, I m exactly where I want to be, feeling good, feeling excited with one month to go to the world champs. There was no joy for 41-year-old Kim Collins in the men s 100m, the St Kitts and Nevis veteran who won the 2003 world championships in Paris disqualified for a false start. Ivorian Youssef Meite eventually ran out the winner in 9.99sec. American Sam Kendricks, bronze ATHLETICS medallist at the Rio Games, scored a psychological blow over French rival Renaud Lavillenie with victory in the men s pole vault. Hendricks won the US championships with his first vault over 6m and racked up a best of 5.82m in the French capital, Lavillenie having failed three times at 5.77m and ending the night with just one successful vault, at Kenyan-born Ruth Jebet, who competes for Bahrain, set last year s Paris meeting alight by sprinting away for a world record in the women s 3000m steeplechase just six days after winning gold in the Rio Olympics. Although a new tilt at the world record had been mooted, there was Sam Kendricks, of the United States, celebrates after winning a men s pole vault event during a IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting at Charlety Stadium, in Paris, France on July 1. (AP) to be no such repeat performance in balmy conditions at the Stade Charlety, Jebet coming in fourth as Beatrice Chepkoech led home a Kenyan podium sweep in 9: Ohuruogu fails to make world championships LONDON, July 2, (RTRS): Former Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu has missed out on a place in Great Britain s 400-metre team for next month s world championships after failing to make the fi nal in the British team trials in Birmingham on Saturday. Ohuruogu, 33, who won gold at the 2008 Games and was twice world champion, failed to qualify for Sunday s fi nal, fi nishing a disappointing third in her heat. She has said she would be available if required to compete Qatar s Mutaz Barshim underlined his credentials as current undisputed world number one by winning the men s high jump with a best of 2.35m, the Olympic silver medallist beating off competition from Ukraine s Bohdan Bondarenko (2.32m). All s going according to plan and my coach is satisfied with my recent situation, said Barshim. I wanted to jump even higher but I don t know what hapened -- I in the 4x400-metres relay at the London event, starting on Aug 4. Also in danger of missing out is Britain s third-fastest sprinter of all time, Chijindu Ujah, who faces an agonising wait to see whether he will be picked as a selectors choice after pulling out moments before his 100-metres fi nal in Saturday s qualifiers. Ujah, who had won his semifi nal heat in 9.98 seconds, withdrew from the fi nal with cramp, leaving Reece Prescod and started to feel some pain so I just did not want to take a risk. There ll be no limits for me in London. Germany s Olympic champion Thomas Roehler, with a best of 87.23, was upstaged in the men s javelin by teammate Johannes Vetter (88.74m), with Czech Jakub Vadlejch in second. There was a similar upset in the men s 110m hurdles, Jamaica s Olympic champion Omar McLeod trailing in last in 13.41sec, teammate James Dasaolu to take the two guaranteed places in the squad. The fi nal place is likely to be between Ujah and Adam Gemili, who has competed in an Olympic fi nal. European champion Dina Asher-Smith fi nished sixth in the women s 100-metres on her return after suffering a broken foot, and looks unlikely to make the championships in that discipline, although she may still make the 200-metres and sprint relay events. Ronald Levy claiming a surprise victory in a personal best of 13.05sec. There were no such troubles for double Olympic champion Christian Taylor, however, the American winning the triple jump with 17.29m from teammate Will Claye (17.18). The women s 1500m saw Ethiopian-born Dutch runner Sifan Hassan notch up her third victory of the season in 3:57.10, Kenyan Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon in second at 0.41sec. Hasaranga bags hat-trick as Sri Lanka crush Zimbabwe Jamaica s Elaine Thompson (right), competes during a women s 100m race at the IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting at Charlety Stadium, in Paris, France on July 1. (AP) SA defeat WI by 10 wickets Windies 48 all out in WCup thrashing by South Africa LONDON, July 2, (AFP): West Indies collapsed to 48 all out in a 10-wicket defeat by South Africa as their Women s World Cup campaign suffered a new low in Leicester on Sunday. The reigning World Twenty20 champions, who ve now lost all three of their group matches so far this tournament, posted the sixth lowest completed one-day international total in women s cricket. Chedean Nation, with 26, was the only West Indies batsman to make double figures as South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk became the first bowler, in either men s or women s international cricket, to take four wickets without conceding a run in her final figures. But the real damage to the West Indies hopes was done by Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail, who reduced the Caribbean side to 16 for five. Kapp took four for 14 and van CRICKET Van Niekerk Niekerk an astonishing four for none in 3.2 overs. It was quite surreal, if I could script it I would not have written it like that, said van Niekerk. We had our plans coming into the game and it worked to the tee. I m really proud of the bowlers, especially my two opening bowlers, they were world-class. To make matters even worse for the West Indies, they dropped both South Africa openers off successive balls. Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt needed no second invitation as they saw South Africa to victory in a mere 6.2 overs, with a match scheduled for 100 overs lasting just 31.4 in total. The end of the match saw West Indies star batsman Deandra Dottin, Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Scoreboard GALLE, Sri Lanka, July 2, (AFP): Scorecard from Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe second one day 50-over international at Galle on Sunday: ZIMBABWE H. Masakadza c and b Gunaratne...41 S. Mire c Dickwella b Pradeep...0 C. Ervine c Dickwella b Sandakan 22 S. Williams c Pradeep b Gunathilaka 13 S. Raza c Pradeep b Sandakan...8 R. Burl b Sandakan...9 M. Waller b Hasaranga...38 P. Moor b Sandakan...11 A. Cremer not out...1 D. Tiripano lbw b Hasaranga...0 T. Chatara b Hasaranga...0 Extras (b1, lb5, w4, nb2)...12 Total (33.4 overs Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-67, 3-74, 4-91, 5-102, 6-119, 7-147, 8-155, Bowling: Malinga (1nb), Pradeep Chameera (2w), Sandakan (1nb, 2w), Best of the Rest Kashima beat Kashiwa 3-2: Pedro Junior scored the winning goal midway through the second half on Sunday as Kashima Antlers defeated J-League leaders Kashiwa Reysol 3-2. Mu Kanazaki and Ryota Nagaki also scored in the second half as defending champions Kashima improved to 30 points, four behind Kashiwa. Hidekazu Otani and Cristiano scored for Kashiwa which saw its 10-match unbeaten streak come to an end. Elsewhere, third place Cerezo Osaka beat FC Tokyo 3-1 to improve to 32 points. (AP) Hulk, Villas-Boas banned: Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas and Brazilian player Hulk have been suspended for two games each by the Chinese Super League for speaking out against an eightmatch ban for their Shanghai SIPG colleague Oscar. Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar was banned after SIPG s 1-1 draw with Guangzhou R and F on June 18 for kicking the ball into two R and F players in succession in the last minute of the first half, which led to a melee on the field. Villas-Boas subsequently wrote on his Instagram account: 355 career games; 5 years in the English Premier League; 47 appearances for Brazil; 70 goals. ZERO RED CARDS!!! 8 games suspended. (AP) out for a duck to Kapp, in tears. I think their bowling was very good, it s a good bowling line-up, they have a lot of strong players. But from our side, we just needed to execute our skills much better, said West Indies opener Hayley Matthews, out for four. The wicket had a little grass on it, but the openers bowled really well today. Gunaratne , Gunathilaka , Hasaranga SRI LANKA N. Dickwella c and b Cremer...35 M. Gunathilaka b Chatara...8 B. Mendis c Moor b Chatara...0 U. Tharanga not out...75 A. Mathews not out...28 Extras (b2, lb2, w6, nb2)...12 Total (3 wickets; 30.1 overs) Did not bat: D. Gunaratne, W. Hasaranga, L. Malinga, N. Pradeep, D. Chameera, L. Sandakan. Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-10, 3-77 Bowling: Chatara (2nb, 2w), Raza , Tiripano , Cremer (1w), Williams (2w), Burl Sri Lanka won toss and put Zimbabwe in to bat. Sri Lanka win by seven wickets Umpires: N. Long (Eng), R. Palliyaguruge (SRI) Match referee: B. Broad (Engl) GALLE, Sri Lanka, July 2, (AFP): Teenager Wanidu Hasaranga took a hat-trick on his international debut as Sri Lanka took revenge on Zimbabwe with a seven wicket drubbing in their second one day international on Sunday. Fellow-spinner Lakshan Sandakan also took four wickets, to earn the manof-the-match award, as Sri Lanka hit back at their critics with a confident performance in Galle. Sri Lanka bowled out Zimbabwe for 155 and then reached in 30.1 overs. Upul Tharanga ended unbeaten on 75. The win relieved pressure on Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews after the squad was accused of being unfit by the country s sports minister. CRICKET I wouldn t call it a clinical performance, he said. We still dropped catches. But Mathews said Sri Lanka s attitude and intensity was superb. We just need to regroup, and it was great effort from the boys. The captain hailed Sandakan and Hasaranga, two of the three changes made after Zimbabwe tore apart the Sri Lanka bowlers in their six wicket win on Friday. Sandakan was brilliant, so was Wanidu. Credit should go to the selectors to pick him. I, honestly, haven t seem him much, Mathews said of the newcomer. Nineteen-year-old all-rounder Hasaranga bowled only 16 balls but tore through Zimbabwe s tail. Malcolm Waller hit Hasaranga for four but was bowled the next ball going for another big hit. The teenager then snapped up Donald Tiripano and Tendai Chatara with googlies. Mathews won the toss and put Zimbabwe into bat. Hasaranga replaced Lahiru Madushanka with fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera and Sandakan coming in for Amila Aponso and Akila Dananjaya. Zimbabwe looked rocky from the start. Solomon Mire, who scored his maiden one-day century in Friday s win, was out for zero after facing just five balls. Hamilton Masakadza scored a patient 41 and Waller hit out for his late 38. But Zimbabwe never got to grips with Sri Lanka s spinners. We thought the wicket was a little bit different. Maybe 230 would have been a good score, said Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer. It was just one of those days. Zimbabwe could have worries over bowler Tendai Chatara before the third of the five internationals on Thursday in Hambantota. Charata walked off with a suspected knee injury. The two sides will also play a Test during Zimbabwe s tour. Hosts beat tourists by seven wickets Sri Lankan cricketer Upul Tharanga (right), plays a shot as Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Peter Moor (left), looks on during the second one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle on July 2. (AFP) Ledecky withdraws from 1,500 freestyle Dressel captures third US title CHICAGO, July 2, (AFP): Caeleb Dressel captured his third title of the US Swim Championships by winning the 50-meter freestyle Saturday in the final race of the World Championships qualifying meet. Dressel, who earlier captured the 50 and 100 butterfly titles, won the 50 free in seconds, beating Nathan Adrian by.34 of a second. He will also swim in the worlds July at Budapest in the 100 free after a runner-up effort in that event. It feels good, Dressel said. I just have to work on my last 25 meters in the next few weeks. If your focus is set on one race at a time, all of your energy is going to go into that one race that s what really helps me. Five-time Olympic champion Katie Ledecky withdrew from the 1,500 freestyle Saturday after winning the women s 200, 400 and 800 free titles. Because Ledecky is already on the team, she can be named to join US champion Leah Smith, who won in 16:01.02, in the event at worlds. Since Ledecky set the world record of 15:25.48 at the 2015 worlds in Russia, it would be a stunner if she weren t chosen for the spot. In Saturday s other men s races, SWIMMING Clark Smith won the men s 800 free in 7:50.43, edging Zane Grothe by.54 of a second, and Chase Kalisz won the 200 individual medley in 1:56.51, the fastest time in the world this year. On the women s side, Simone Manuel won her fourth career national title and third in the 50 freestyle in while the 200 individual medley went to Melanie Margalis in 2: Results Men 50 freestyle: 1. Caeleb Dressel seconds, 2. Nathan Adrian 21.87, 3. Cullen Jones freestyle: 1. Clark Smith 7:50.43, 2. Zane Grothe 7:50.97, 3. True Sweetser 7: individual medley: 1. Chase Kalisz 1:56.51, 2. Abrahm DeVine 1:56.79, 3. Josh Prenot 1:57.14 Salford beat Huddersfield Burgess scores two tries, Wigan overcome Widnes Caeleb Dressel celebrates after winning the Men s 50 LC Meter Freestyle Final during the 2017 Phillips 66 National Championships & World Championship Trials at Indiana University Natatorium on July 1, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (AFP) Women 50 freestyle: 1. Simone Manuel 24.27, 2. Abby Weitzeil 24.74, 3. Lia Neal ,500 freestyle: 1. Leah Smith 16:01.02, 2. Hannah Moore 16:08.68, 3. Ashley Twichell 16: individual medley: 1. Melanie Margalis 2:09.57, 2. Madisyn Cox 2:09.69, 3. Ella Eastin 2: LONDON, July 2, (AFP): Joe Burgess scored two tries as champions Wigan overcame Widnes on Sunday to end their eight-game run without a win in Super League. The former South Sydney winger touched down twice in the second half to secure a much-needed victory that kept alive Wigan s hopes of going all the way to the Grand Final at Old Trafford in October. Tony Clubb also scored a try on his return to the Wigan team after having a kidney removed. Defeat ended Widnes slim hopes of avoiding a bottom four finish and left them having to fight for their top-flight status via the qualifiers, while Wigan s win saw them move up to seventh in the table. In Sunday s other game, Salford comfortably beat Huddersfield to move up to second. Leroy Cudjoe gave the Giants an early lead before tries in quick succession by Junior Sa u, Rob Lui and Kris Welham put Salford in control. Aaron Murphy reduced the arrears before the break but Gareth O Brien touched down for the hosts. Sa u scored his second try before Greg Johnson and Ben Murdoch- Masila added to Salford s leadlead. Huddersfield slip below Wigan in to RUGBY eighth in the table following the defeat. Saturday saw Catalans Dragons win their first game under coach Steve McNamara as Julian Bousquet s lastminute try sealed a win over Leigh Centurions. Leigh were 16 points up at halftime, thanks largely to 20 points from Ben Reynolds, but they were unable to hold onto their lead in the second half. Mickael Simon and Vincent Duport went over to give Catalans two tries in as many minutes after the break, and, after Reynolds crossed again, tries from Australian Sam Moa and Justin Horo levelled the scores and set up a tense last 10 minutes. A Reynolds penalty put Leigh ahead before Bosquet powered over in the dying seconds. In Saturday s other game, Wakefield returned to winning ways with a gritty victory over Warrington. The win kept Trinity in touch with the top four while defeat for the Wolves left them in serious trouble at the other end of the table.

42 SPORTS 42 US down Ghana Debutants strike in 2-1 friendly win WASHINGTON, July 2, (AFP): English-born striker Dom Dwyer scored a goal on his international debut as the United States defeated Ghana 2-1 in a friendly international on Saturday. Sporting Kansas City forward Dwyer, who became a US citizen three months ago, lashed home a first-half volley to fire the Americans ahead as they build towards this month s CONCACAF Gold SOCCER Kellyn Acosta #23 of the United States battles Ebenezer Ofori #8 in the fi rst half during an international friendly between USA and Ghana at Pratt & Whitney Stadium on July 1, in East Hartford, Connecticut. (AFP) Cup. Another debutant, FC Dallas s Kellyn Acosta scored the American side s second goal on 52 as Bruce Arena s team with several first-choice players rested claimed a well-earned win. Ghana s veteran forward Asamoah Gyan pulled a goal back for the visitors with a stunning free kick in the 60th minute but the US held on for victory. Although a friendly international, the game pitted two sides who have battled against each other in memorable World Cup encounters during the 2006, 2010 Dom Dwyer #14 of the United States battles defender Jerry Akaminko #14 of Ghana in the fi rst half during an international friendly between USA and Ghana at Pratt & Whitney Stadium on July 1, in East Hartford, Connecticut. (AFP) and 2014 finals. The rivalry was evident at East Hartford s Rentschler Field on Saturday with a series of full-blooded challenges flying in throughout the game. Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori was lucky to stay on the pitch after a wild lunge on Dwyer as the striker raced in on goal midway through the first half. Dwyer, who moved to the United States to pursue football after being told as a teenager in England he would not be able to play professionally, enjoyed an impressive first appearance for his adopted homeland. The 26-year-old was a lively presence throughout until he was substituted midway through the second half. NEW YORK, July 2, (AFP): Free agent swingman Andre Iguodala has agreed on a three-year deal to remain with the NBA champion Golden State Warriors, with the 33-year-old reserve confirming the move on Twitter. Sources close to Andre Iguodala reporting agreed to terms to return to the bay... Iguodala tweeted, a poke at the uncertainty surrounding all news in the first days of the NBA s free agency frenzy. Talks with free agents began Saturday but the league forbids contract signings until Thursday. That doesn t prevent dealmaking but Tucker joins Rockets Iguodala stays with Warriors Iguodala it does keep teams from talking about their moves until they are finalized. Iguodala s deal, worth $48 million (42 million euros) according to multiple reports, comes after he met with the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets. The Warriors are working to retain the core of a club that has won two NBA crowns in three seasons and came within a game of sweeping all three. Golden State agreed to terms on the richest contract in NBA history with a five-year supermax deal worth $201 million to star guard Stephen Curry, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player reaping the benefits of a salary cap jump and a willingness to take less than he could make elsewhere to keep the Warriors a title contender and on budget. That s much the same decision that appears to have been made by NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant, who left Oklahoma City for Golden State in a free agent deal last July. Durant opted out of his contract so the Warriors had more money to pay top reserves Iguodala and Shaun Livingston but is expected to rejoin the club. He would likely command a huge deal next year but his sacrifice this season keeps the nucleus of a championship dynasty together for another campaign. Iguodala was the 2015 NBA Finals MVP, his insertion into the lineup producing matchup issues Cleveland could not overcome, and he was a finalist for this year s NBA Sixth Man of the Year award given to the top bench player. Iguodala averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 76 games last season and has averaged 13.0 points, 4.5 assists and 5.3 rebounds over 13 seasons with Philadelphia, BASKETBALL Denver and Golden State. His rejection of the Rockets, who landed point guard Chris Paul in a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to join star shooting guard James Harden, prompted Houston to strike a deal with forward P.J. Tucker, multiple reports saying it was for four years and $32 million. Tucker met with the Toronto Raptors, who obtained him last February in a deal with Phoenix, but talks with Houston players, including Harden and Paul according to ESPN, prompted him to join the Rockets. Known for intense defensive play, Tucker averaged 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 81 games for the Suns and Raptors last season. The Rockets also might be a landing spot for Carmelo Anthony if the New York Knicks decide to trade the 33-year-old forward, a three-time US Olympic gold medalist. ESPN reported the Knicks found little traction in talks with Houston, but that Anthony s split with Rockets coach Mike D Antoni when he guided the Knicks would not be a limiting factor. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who lost to Golden State in the finals for the second time in three seasons last month, agreed to terms with point guard Jose Calderon, the 35-year-old Spaniard s agent announced. The one-year deal would see him serve as a backup to Cavs guard Kyrie Irving. Wimbledon braced for new women s shock Fed poised for record Wimbledon triumph LONDON, July 2, (AFP): Twelve months after shutting down his season in the wake of a devastating semi-final defeat, Roger Federer returns to Wimbledon as favourite to capture a recordbreaking eighth title and become the tournament s oldest champion. The evergreen Swiss, who turns 36 in August, has stunned the critics who wrote him off as yesterday s man when he went down to Milos Raonic in five gruelling sets on Centre Court in The loss forced him off tour for the remainder of the year to rest a knee injury, leaving his Grand Slam title count on 17 where it had been since Fast forward a year and Federer is poised to break the tie for seven Wimbledon titles he shares with Pete Sampras and take his career tally at the majors to 19. With eternal rivals Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic in slumps of varying degrees, and Rafael Nadal fretting over whether or not his knees will bear the stress of grass courts, it is Federer once again in the box seat. Federer, who captured a fifth Australian Open in January, will go into Wimbledon buoyed by a ninth title on the grass of Halle and refreshed by skipping the claycourt season. However, he will not write off his three major rivals with whom he has shared all the Wimbledon titles since his maiden triumph in If Andy is anything close to 100 percent physically, I consider him one of the big favourites to win. It s that simple. It s the same for Novak and the same for Rafa, said Federer who will start his Wimbledon campaign against Alexander Dolgopolov of Ukraine. I think it s very even when we put it all out on the line. Everybody has their own little story right now. For tennis storylines of 2017, Federer shares top billing with Nadal after the Spaniard defied the doubters to win a 10th French Open. That took him to 15 Grand Slam titles, one ahead of Sampras and just Poland s Agnieszka Radwanska attends a practice session at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London on July 2, on the eve of the start of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament. (AFP) three behind Federer. But for Nadal, Wimbledon has always been bittersweet. He was champion in 2008 where he beat Federer in a final widely regarded as the greatest ever played and 2010 as well as finishing runnerup in 2006, 2007 and Injury forced him to skip Wimbledon in 2009 and 2016 while the years saw him lose to Lukas Rosol (world ranked 100), Steve Darcis (135), Nick Kyrgios (144) and Dustin Brown (102). A fourth round run in 2014 represents his best recent effort. Nadal admits that if he suffers a new problem with his knees on the Wimbledon grass, where the lower bounce of the ball piles more pressure on the legs and joints, then his visit to London may again be short-lived. If I have pain in the knees, then I know from experience that it s almost impossible, said the 31-year-old. Nadal, who could face Federer in the final, opens against John Millman of Australia, added that the first week will be crucial. If I am able to go through at the beginning, I think I m with confidence. Defending champion Murray is fresh off a first round exit at Queen s at the hands of Australian world number 90 Jordan Thompson. The world number one, who was also Wimbledon champion in 2013, has also been dogged by a hip problem which left him grimacing in pain in training this week. Murray opens proceedings on Centre Court on Monday against lucky loser Alexander Bublik with coach Ivan Lendl insisting the champion will be fit. Unlike before Paris, he is hitting the ball really well. Practice has gone well, said Lendl. Djokovic, the three-time Wimbledon champion, warmed up by claiming a morale-boosting title triumph at Eastbourne on Saturday, his first trophy since Doha in January. The Serb was on top of the world just over 12 months ago when he arrived at Wimbledon with all four Grand Slams in his possession. However, a third round loss to Sam Querrey set him on a slide which has been more or less constant ever since. The jury is still out on his decision to hire Andre Agassi as coach while his quarter-final loss at Roland Garros to Dominic Thiem was his first in straight sets at the majors in four years. All the top players go through this. I have to get through it and learn the lessons and come back stronger, said the 30-year-old Serb who will also work with former Wimbledon semifinalist Mario Ancic who famously defeated Federer at the All England Club back in Djokovic faces fiery Slovakian Martin Klizan in the first round with a potential third round blockbuster against Juan Martin del Potro. With Serena Williams preparing for the birth of her first child and Maria Sharapova sidelined by a thigh injury, the race to be crowned Wimbledon champion is the most wide-open in a generation. Having stepped away from the court as she waits to become a mother in September, Williams, who won Wimbledon in 2015 and 2016, has created a power vacuum at the top that Sharapova was expected to fill when the Russian returned from her doping suspension. Instead, Sharapova lasted just three tournaments before a muscle injury in Rome forced the five-time major winner to withdraw from the Wimbledon qualifying tournament. In the absence of American great Williams, who has 23 Grand Slam titles on her CV, and the headlinegrabbing Sharapova, women s tennis has an undeniable lack of star power heading into Wimbledon, which gets underway on Monday. But the flip-side is the opportunity for the sport s less heralded names to seize the spotlight, as Latvia s Jelena Ostapenko showed with her unexpected breakthrough triumph at the French Open. Of course, it s different if Serena is TENNIS not here. Everything is possible, in two weeks especially, world number one Angelique Kerber said. There are so many good players right now, they can win the big tournaments. Ostapenko, 20, shot up to 13th in the world from 47th after coming from a set and 3-0 down to defeat Simona Halep in the Roland Garros final. Now she has to prove that stunning success was more than a flash in the pan. A junior Wimbledon champion in 2014, Ostapenko s game is well suited for the low-bouncing lawns of the All England Club, now that she has learned to enjoy a surface she once thought was only for soccer. While Ostapenko, who faces Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the first round, arrived in London on a wave of post- Paris euphoria, second seed Halep is still struggling to come to terms with her failure to win her first Grand Slam.

43 SPORTS 43 Critics slam it as hometown decision Pacquiao loses contentious WBO title fight to Horn Roach BRISBANE, Australia, July 2, (AP): It went all the way and ended in a contentiously bitter loss, the opposite of what Manny Pacquiao s handlers predicted for his WBO welterweight world title fight against Jeff Horn. Pacquiao s long-time trainer Freddie Roach tipped a short and sweet knockout win for the 11-time world champion in Sunday s so-called Battle of Brisbane, but Horn got a unanimous points decision in his first world title fight delighting the 51,052-strong crowd. The 38-year-old Philippines senator arrived in Brisbane a week ahead of the fight with a chartered plane carrying more than a hundred supporters and as the hot favorite to beat Horn. He leaves without the WBO belt. All three judges awarded it to Horn, with Waleska Roldan scoring it and both Chris Flores and Ramon Cerdan scoring it Some critics slammed it as a hometown decision, saying the statistics had Pacquiao landing twice the number of power punches as Horn. That s the decision of the judges. I respect that, Pacquiao was quoted as saying by broadcaster ESPN. We have a rematch clause, so no problem. But Pacquiao s conditioning trainer, BOXING the Los Angeles-based former Australian heavyweight Justin Fortune, was critical of the referee and the judging. Manny lost the fight, but Jeff Horn looks like a pumpkin. Those scores, that card? he said, It should be the other way. Fortune said Pacquiao should have taken any risk out of the equation. When you come into someone s backyard, you need to really do a number on them or knock them out, he said. That s boxing. You get given a gift sometimes, you get (swindled) sometimes. But when you come to someone s house, you re supposed to mess them up, make a statement. Never leave it in the judge s hands. Horn started strongly and won at least three of the first five rounds on all three Manny Pacquiao (right), of the Philippines fights Jeff Horn (left), of Australia during the World Boxing Organization bout at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on July 2. (AFP) of the judge s cards. But Pacquiao, after twice needing treatment for a cut on top of his head in the 6th and 7th rounds, appeared to dominate most of the rounds from the eighth. He was close to finishing it in the 9th when he relentlessly pounded Horn and had him wobbling to the point where referee Mark Nelson asked the 29-yearold former schoolteacher if he could continue and could also have come out with the win. Pacquiao didn t attend the formal post-fight news conference, sending a spokesman to say he was getting treated for the cuts. He also declined to do any interviews in the dressing room. Horn was confident he was always ahead on points, and was startled after the 9th when the referee asked if he was OK to continue. I felt buzzed for sure, but I m the Hornet I ve got to come back, Horn said. I m not a quitter. Australians aren t quitters to start with. We ve showed we re winners. It was the battle of Brisbane, that s for sure. Absolutely unbelievable. Co-promotor Bob Arum said it was a close fight. It could have gone either way. A couple of close rounds, but you can t argue with the result, he said. I scored a lot of the early rounds for Jeff. Then I had Manny coming back in the middle. The 12th round, Jeff really won. If you give Manny the 11th, you have it a draw. You give Jeff the 11th, it s 7-5. Roach had said earlier in the week that he d think about advising Pacquiao to retire if he lost the fight, but they re already considering a rematch. Horn can t see Pacquiao retiring any time soon. I m sure he ll want to come back. It was a close decision and I m sure he ll want to come back and prove himself, he said. Arum said there was a clause for a rematch, but he d give it time before talking to Pacquiao about it. I don t know Manny s future position. Is he going to stay in politics and not continue in boxing? I don t know, and he doesn t know, Arum said. It s unfair to ask him now. Pacquiao s camp had talked about a rematch with Mayweather if he got past Horn, hoping to avenge his loss on points in the 2015 mega fight. That seems to be a long shot now. Tearful Kittel wins 10th Tour stage, Froome limits damage Thomas maintains five-second lead Jeff Horn of Australia celebrates after beating Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines during their WBO World Welterweight title fi ght in Brisbane, Australia on July 2. (AP) Earthquakes edge Galaxy Nikolic brace sends Fire into East lead BRIDGEVIEW, Illinois, July 2, (AP): Nemanja Nikolic scored two early goals, pushing his MLSleading total to 16, and the Chicago Fire beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 4-0 on Saturday to take the Eastern Conference lead. The Fire has won four straight and are unbeaten in their last 10 as it surged past Toronto FC into the Conference lead. Arturo Alvarez and Michael de Leeuw also scored for the Fire, which saw Bastian Schweinsteiger leave the game in the second half with what appeared to be a problem with his right hip. Chicago has 37 points, two ahead of Toronto. Vancouver remained on 21 points. Earthquakes 2, Galaxy 1 In Stanford, California, Shea Salinas came off the bench and scored a stoppage time winner to give San Jose a last-gasp victory over Los Angeles. Salinas, substituted into the game just past the hour mark, put in a strike from the right side for his first goal of the year and a victory before 50,617 fans at Stanford Stadium. The Earthquakes (24 points) were playing their first game under Chris Leitch, the former player who made his MLS coaching debut after the team fired head coach Dom Kinnear and assistant coach John Spencer last Sunday. Leitch had been the team s technical director. Defenseman Jelle Van Damme scored his first goal in 46 career MLS starts with a hard volley off his left foot in the 11th minute for Los Angeles (23 points), capitalizing on Jose Villarreal s cross off a free kick from the left side. Van Damme was given a red card after Salinas winning goal. San Jose s Chris Wondolowski equalized in the 75th minute when he out-paced the Galaxy defense to Earthquakes goalkeeper David Sporting Kansas City forward Latif Blessing (9) and Portland Timbers forward Dairon Asprilla (27) race for the ball during the fi rst half of an MLS soccer match in Kansas City, Kansas on July 1. (AP) Bingham s long kick. It was Wondolowski s seventh goal of the season. SOCCER FC Dallas 3, Toronto FC 1 In Frisco, Texas, Roland Lamah scored two goals to lead FC Dallas past Toronto FC, knocking the Canadian club from the atop the Eastern Conference. Maximiliano Urruti added a goal and an assist for Dallas (28 points), as it continued its home dominance of Toronto, having never lost in nine meetings. Toronto has 35 points and trail leaders Chicago by two points. Sporting Kansas City 1, Timbers 1 In Kansas City, Missouri, Daniel Salloi scored his first career MLS goal in the second half and Sporting Kansas City shared the spoils with Portland and remained unbeaten at home. LIEGE, Belgium, July 2, (AFP): Reigning champion Chris Froome emerged unscathed, but for some missing skin, as Marcel Kittel won his 10th Tour de France stage on Sunday. Froome was caught up in a huge crash around 30 kms from the finish of the kms second stage that left him with shredded shorts and needing to change bikes twice before latching back onto the peloton 10 kms later after a tense chase. CYCLING But after the finish of the second stage from Dusseldorf to Liege, the three-time winner insisted he was fine. No injury. I just lost a bit of skin on my backside, the Briton told ITV. That s the nature of the race, in slippery conditions and at those speeds you can t avoid it. I m so happy to get to the finish without losing any time to my rivals. His Sky team-mate and race leader Geraint Thomas also went down in that crash but recovered quickly to get to the finish and retain his hold on the yellow jersey. I m not sure who was first down, myself and Froomey must have been in the top Some guys went down in front of us, we had nowhere to go, said Thomas. So we hit the deck but just kind of slid. No damage at all, it took off a bit of skin but all good. The crash happened as the sprinters Tour de France Results/Standings A km (126.4-mile) flat ride from Duesseldorf, Germany to Liege 1. Marcel Kittel, Germany, Quick-Step Floors, 4:37: Arnaud Demare, France, FDJ, same time. 3. Andre Greipel, Germany, Lotto-Soudal, same time. 4. Mark Cavendish, Britain, Dimension Data, same time. 5. Dylan Groenewegen, Netherlands, LottoNL-Jumbo, same time. 6. Sonny Colbrelli, Italy, Bahrain-Merida, same time. 7. Ben Swift, Britain, UAE Team Emirates, same time. 8. Nacer Bouhanni, France, Cofidis, same time. 9. Michael Matthews, Australia, Sunweb, same time. 10. Peter Sagan, Slovakia, Bora-Hansgrohe, same time. 11. Andrea Pasqualon, Italy, Wanty-Groupe Gobert, same time. 12. Pieter Vanspeybrouck, Belgium, Wanty- Groupe Gobert, same time. 13. John Degenkolb, Germany, Trek-Segafredo, same time. 14. Daniel McLay, Britain, Fortuneo-Oscaro, same time. 15. Alexander Kristoff, Norway, Katusha Alpecin, same time. 16. Matteo Trentin, Italy, Quick-Step Floors, same time. 17. Dion Smith, New Zealand, Wanty- Groupe Gobert, same time. 18. Angelo Tulik, France, Direct Energie, teams were trying to reel in the four escapees and that incident disrupted the charge, and almost gave the breakaway a chance to go all the way. But once the sprint happened, it was a chaotic one with no-one s sprint train able to function and set up their leader. same time. 19. Edvald Boasson Hagen, Norway, Dimension Data, same time. 20. Alexey Lutsenko, Kazakhstan, Astana, same time. Also 35. Geraint Thomas, Britain, Sky, same time. 37. Chris Froome, Britain, Sky, same time. 43. Nairo Quintana, Colombia, Movistar, same time. 61. Andrew Talansky, United States, Cannondale Drapac, same time. 71. Alberto Contador, Spain, Trek-Segafredo, same time. 88. Romain Bardet, France, AG2R La Mondiale, same time Taylor Phinney, United States, Cannondale Drapac, same time Nathan Brown, United States, Cannondale Drapac, same time Thibaut Pinot, France, FDJ, same time. Overall Standings (After two stages) 1. Geraint Thomas, Britain, Sky, 4:53: Stefan Kueng, Switzerland, BMC Racing, 5 seconds behind. 3. Marcel Kittel, Germany, Quick-Step Floors, : Vasil Kiryienka, Belarus, Sky, : Matteo Trentin, Italy, Quick-Step Floors, : Chris Froome, Britain, Sky, : Jos van Emden, Netherlands, LottoNL- Jumbo, : Michal Kwiatkowski, Poland, Sky, same time. (Left): Great Britain s Geraint Thomas celebrates his overall leader yellow jersey on the podium at the end of the 203,5 km second stage of the 104th edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 2, between Dusseldorf, Germany and Liege, Belgium. (Right): Germany s Marcel Kittel celebrates as he crosses the fi nish line at the end of the 203,5 km second stage of the Tour de France cycling race on July 2, between Dusseldorf, Germany and Liege, Belgium. (AFP) 9. Edvald Boasson Hagen, Norway, Dimension Data, : Nikias Arndt, Germany, Sunweb, same time. 11. Taylor Phinney, United States, Cannondale Drapac, : Andriy Grivko, Ukraine, Astana, same time. 13. Daryl Impey, South Africa, Orica-Scott, : Jonathan Castroviejo, Spain, Movistar, : Michael Matthews, Australia, Sunweb, same time. 16. Pierre-Roger Latour, France, AG2R La Mondiale, : Peter Sagan, Slovakia, Bora-Hansgrohe, same time. 18. Alexey Lutsenko, Kazakhstan, Astana, : Philippe Gilbert, Belgium, Quick-Step Floors, : Robert Gesink, Netherlands, LottoNL- Jumbo, :31. Also 48. Nairo Quintana, Colombia, Movistar, : Andrew Talansky, United States, Cannondale Drapac, : Thibaut Pinot, France, FDJ, : Romain Bardet, France, AG2R La Mondiale, : Alberto Contador, Spain, Trek-Segafredo, : Nathan Brown, United States, Cannondale Drapac, 1:06. (AP) Our leadout wasn t perfect but other leadouts weren t either, said the burly German, who wept with joy after crossing the line. I tried to do my best but all sprinters were on their own today. Frenchman Arnaud Demare took second place with Andre Greipel of Germany third, and Briton Mark Cavendish fourth. With king of the mountains points up for grabs just 6 kms into the stage, the attacks were launched from the gun as four riders escaped into the day s breakaway. American Taylor Phinney, in his first Tour, snatched the first mountain point atop the Grafenberg climb to put him in pole position to claim the polkadot jersey. Frenchmen Thomas Boudat, Laurent Pichon and Yoann Offredo joined Phinney but the quartet never managed to eke out a lead of more than three and a half minutes in miserable, wet conditions. Their lead had stabilised at around two and a half minutes as they left Germany and entered Belgium, where things got even wetter, 145 kms into the stage. They were close to being caught with around 30 kms left when a massive crash in the peloton took down a number of top riders, including Foome, Thomas, Australian Richie Porte and Frenchman Romain Bardet. A Katusha rider working for Alexander Kristoff was the first to fall, taking down around other riders too. Thomas was quickly back up and away but Froome needed to chase hard to get back to the peloton.

44 PRIME TIME monday (all times are kuwait local) 07:00 wta mallorca open/tennis... bein sports 12hd 09:15 venezuela vs england/soccer... bein sports 9hd 10:45 psg vs vardar skopje/handball... bein sports 7hd 11:30 easter vs shafikov/boxing... bein sports 13hd 12:00 usa vs ghana/soccer... bein sports 6hd 13:00 tour de france/cycling... bein sports 7hd 14:00 georgia vs portugal/soccer... bein sports 6hd 19:00 germany vs netherlands/soccer... bein sports 6hd 44 Sports Latest sports scores at Portugal sink Mexico to finish third Portugal s players pose as they celebrate their side s 2-1 win, at the end of the Confederations Cup, third place soccer match between Portugal and Mexico, at the Moscow Spartak Stadium on July 2. (AP) MOSCOW, July 2, (AFP): Adrien Silva scored an extra-time penalty as Portugal recovered from a goal down to beat Mexico 2-1 in Sunday s third-place playoff at the Confederations Cup in Moscow. Luis Neto bundled into his own net to hand Mexico a 54th-minute lead, but Pepe stabbed home a stoppage-time equaliser to force an extra 30 minutes at Spartak Stadium. Silva then struck his first internation- Pepe, Silva the heroes sult, we needed to show our best in the third-place game. Luckily we did everything right. European champions Portugal were without captain Cristiano Ronaldo after the Real Madrid star was released from the squad to return home to meet his newborn twins. Portugal and Mexico drew 2-2 in the opening game of the group stage, when Hector Moreno salvaged a last-gasp point for the Gold Cup winners, but were left fighting for a consolation prize in the Russian capital. Portugal should have gone in front in the drizzling rain on 17 minutes when Andre Silva was upended by 38-yearold Rafael Marquez, with the video assistant referee stepping in to award the spot-kick. But Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa flung himself superbly to his right to tip Andre Silva s low spot-kick round the post. Rui Patricio produced a sharp stop to deny Javier Hernandez, Mexico s alltime leading scorer, from close range on the half hour, but the Portugal keeper was beaten shortly after the break. Hernandez s cross from the byline floated beyond Carlos Vela and Patricio, with Zenit St Petersburg centreback Neto unwittingly turning the ball home. SOCCER al goal after a handball inside the box on 104 minutes, while both sides finished with 10 men as Nelson Semedo was dismissed for Portugal before Raul Jimenez saw red for Mexico. It was a really tough battle but we played very good in attack, we managed to create plenty of chances and I think it s a deserved win for us, said centre-back Pepe. Of course we wanted to play in the final, to clash for the Confederations Cup. But after we failed to get that re- Portugal s Pepe (right), and Mexico s Javier Hernandez vie for the ball during the Confederations Cup, third place soccer match between Portugal and Mexico, at the Moscow Spartak Stadium on July 2. (AP) Tommy wins French Open SAINT-QUENTIN-EN- YVELINES, France, July 2, (AFP): Englishman Tommy Fleetwood fired a bogeyfree final round of 66 to win the French Open at Le Golf National by one shot on Sunday. The 26-year-old finished on 12 under par for the tournament after his five-under GOLF closing effort, edging out American Peter Uihlein, whose charge came too late. It was a third European Tour title for Fleetwood, who finished fourth at the US Open last month. He will head to the British Open, which starts on July 20 in his hometown of Southport, expecting to significantly improve his record of three straight missed cuts. Fleetwood also took the lead in the European Tour s Race to Dubai from Masters champion Sergio Garcia, and on current form looks a good bet to qualify for Thomas Bjorn s European Ryder Cup team to take on the Americans at the same course to the southwest of Paris next year. THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT Published by: Arab Times Publishing House Editor-in-Chief AHMED AL JARALLAH Editorial Office: Airport Road, Shuwaikh P.O. Box 2270, Safat, Kuwait Telephone: & Fax: arabtimes@arabtimesonline.com Advertising: Tel: Ext: 175 Fax: advt@arabtimesonline.com Annual Subscriptions: Individuals KD 45/- Companies and Official Departments KD 75 Airmail charges extra for overseas Tel: Fax: